GoodInternational NewsMessengers Fall 2012 How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News. Romans 10:15 INSIDE Darwin Anderson Risk Management...... 2 It is God’s Ministry...... 3 God’s Hand in Egypt...... 3 Messy Stalls Chosen Vessels ...... 5 For the Sake of My Grandchildren. . . . 6 Appeal for a Verdict!...... 7 Three Life Passions ...... 7 A World of Parenting...... 8 Where there are no oxen, the confidence, personal ownership Father’s Heart Ministries...... 8 Seeing God at Work...... 9 manger is clean, but abundant of ministry/success, insecurity, The Most Unforgettable Haircut . . . . 10 crops come by the strength of the haunting soul damage from the past, Mobilizing Uganda ...... 11 ox. Proverbs 14:4 the internet, regrets, comparison, Life’s Not Fair...... 12 discouragement, wrong lessons Abundant crops require messy Mopping as Discipleship ...... 12 learned from ministry experiences, stalls to care for and manage. Having Hope in Jesus Christ...... 13 and on and on. We would be more Jesus promised His disciples that Vision for Poland...... 14 critical if we didn’t see these same they would enter the Kingdom Discipling Women...... 15 through many tribulations. Read, influences and needs for grace in Colors of Life...... 16 mess. We seem to live out this truth our own lives. And we also realize I am Wasting My Life...... 17 almost daily as we receive reports that we aren’t even living outside Counting Blessings...... 18 reminding us that our staff family our home culture or in places with Where No American Can Go. . . . . 19 is in a war for souls and there is precious little light like so many of Invasion of the Coneheads...... 19 a whole bunch of mess involved. our staff. So we attempt to err on Bring the Books...... 20 They attempt to advance God’s the side of grace. Serving the Servants...... 21 Kingdom right in the middle of an How about you? Are there some Euro 2012...... 21 active rebellion against Him and risks you should be taking with your The Call to Faithfulness...... 22 occasionally they fall into being a time, finances, talents, and passions Like Homing Pigeons ...... 23 part of that rebellion, too. We all to advance God’s Kingdom? Does You’re Taking My Grandkids Where?. . . 24 do. More mess. the fear of failure keep you out of A Verse to Conquer...... 25 There are countless factors the harvest? The stark realization of How to REALLY Help...... 26 which contribute to the mess our own mess drives transparency, Life as a Missionary Kid...... 26 and give us a lot to pray about: confession, pleading, and for sure, Sent to the Worng Place...... 27 marriages under attack, little role mercy towards others. Indian VIllage...... 28 modeling from homes of origin, Would you remember your Fighting the Battle...... 29 Satan’s constant accusations, missionaries, as well as us and The Most Important Change . . . . . 30 A Year of Contrasts...... 31 distracted local churches, the shock our staff with these messy stalls in When Fear Grips You ...... 31 of aging, loneliness, the tempting mind? We highly value your sincere God’s Intervention...... 32 need for human affirmation, the prayers. • What is the Worth ...... 33 fear of man, a teetering world Softball Camp ...... 33 Darwin & Darlis Anderson live in economy, corruption, becoming Back to Basics ...... 34 Clear Lake, Iowa. Darwin serves as Demus for a while, the desire for Local Impact ...... 35 financial security, busyness without President of IM and Darlis is the Strengthen a Church ...... 36 depth of walk, relational pride, self- Recruiting Director. Dark Night of the Soul ...... 37 Brent Howland “I’ve found as I’ve grown Risk older and had a few hardships, I’m able to relate better to people who are Management suffering. It has taught me to press into God.” “By speaking of my faith, I A bomb explodes in a Coptic even the State Department could found myself studying and church…Nepal’s work force is shut have convinced him not to go. clarifying my thoughts and down by political protesters…two So as we enter the realm of “risk Americans are kidnapped in the management” as a mission, we need beliefs. It fills my cup to Middle East…and the US State to be sure that we aren’t putting serve.” PL – Romania Department warns of a “credible our concerns about security above threat” against female missionaries. God’s Call and His mission. We need Missionary kidnappings around the to listen closely to His Spirit and to globe now account for almost half be careful not to assume that we “Each time I go on a of all reported kidnap cases—a hear God more clearly than those mission trip, God shows me 100 percent increase over the who are in dangerous situations for something new about the last five years. One of my big jobs Christ’s sake. people, myself, and most this year has been to enter the All of this requires wisdom that importantly, Himself. He world of crisis management. I’ve goes way beyond what we have. It always has plans for me, been getting training, assembling seems that when we’re looking for and although I usually don’t an emergency response team, concrete answers, God uses our know what those are until making communication plans, and desperation to teach us to trust monitoring some of the “danger Him instead of simply giving us the I get there, I am always zones” that our staff live in. I’ve information we need. blessed by listening to what been praying a lot more too. On a personal level, I want to be He has for me to do and The obvious goal is to keep our wise enough to see danger coming doing it.” NW – Uganda staff safe and to abide by Proverbs from afar and I want to trust God 27:12, which says, “A prudent enough to carry me through any person foresees danger and real or perceived danger according takes precautions. The simpleton to His perfect wisdom instead of my “The greatest benefit goes blindly on and suffers the own. Although God hasn’t put me this year was to see the consequences.” We want to do in places of great physical danger, everything we can to see the danger the lessons still apply. I need to let areas in my life that I am before it hits and take appropriate Him define risk and safety for me. impoverished...to trust in the precautions for the sake of our staff For me this means doing ministry Lord for every aspect of my and their families and ministries. way beyond what I’m comfortable life and also the importance The difficulty is that God seems with and beyond what I know I can of tight community with to override missionary-preservation “succeed” at. God is using my work fellow believers. These were efforts at times. In 197 A.D. Tertullian with “risk management” to give me wrote that, “The blood of the a fresh understanding of both faith lessons I learned from the martyrs is the seed of the church” and mission. people in Uganda. They and that truism remains today. Even • might be poor materially the Apostle Paul continued on to Brent and Tammy Howland live but they are rich in trust and Jerusalem despite “credible threats” in Mason City, Iowa with their two community!” KD – Uganda and countless warnings about the boys. Brent is the Vice President of dangers awaiting him there. Not International Messengers.
2 Abby Jóföldi It is God’s Ministry! This summer Bence and I had the partly due to non-refundable airline privilege of hosting the first English tickets. Then, we really saw that Softball camp in Vác. Truth be told, ministry belongs to the Lord. A we didn’t originally even want to be different local church pitched in and involved in camps this year, but in provided housing for the Americans, January many things happened to found a place for English classes show us that God had other plans: and found a restaurant where lunch came to camp. Many of the children 1) there was a team of softball players could be ordered. People who had weren’t from any church and none of ready to come, and a baseball field surplus bedding offered to let us the local helpers knew them! We’d that they could use, 2) the dates the use it so that the Americans would prayed for the maximum number of American team could come were have beds to sleep on! Bence had students that we could bless, and the only ones workable here, and tried to find a van for weeks, but God brought the children! 3) we received backing from a local most rental centers didn’t have any It was always God’s ministry and church. That local church was crucial left. God led Bence to a place that His plan. What a privilege for us in running the camp, as we were in had one at a reasonable price the that He “prepared [good works] in the US for most of the summer. We night before camp started! This is advance for us to do” (Ephesians prayed and started planning the just a sample of how God provided 2:10b). Plus, we really enjoyed the camp. when our plans failed. camp! Four weeks to camp…we were Due to uncertainties, advertising • asked to cancel the camp by the didn’t go as we had wished, but God Bence and Abby Jóföldi live and local church that was sponsoring it! brought a couple who did great last serve in Vác, Hungary. However, it was too late to cancel minute advertising and 25 children Ben & Burgi Oehler God’s Hand In Egypt
How can we share about them to do. As you view them, you what God is doing in this country can feel God’s energy sweeping of permanent restlessness—one through your spirit, mind, and body, with so much political and social and you’re able to do so much turmoil? It is a land of dangerous more with that heavenly breeze roads, absolutely crazy traffic, and than without. completely different from us. But garbage. It’s not a place anyone The first year and a half after now we see that our ministry is would choose to live, unless you the Egyptian revolution we were shifting in a different direction and sense that God sends you there taken into God’s school of getting God is broadening our field of and helps you see things through to know the inner life and strife of ministry. His eyes. Only then does your an Arabic clan that has become We could start a group for view change as you start seeing the main field of our ministry. We Southern Sudanese refugees who the pearls of the Lord—people understand more now how people had to leave their country because who are searching for truth and are think and act, because of this most of war, and the destruction of their committed to giving their lives for intensive time of sharing our lives continued on page 4 what their Lord and Master desires with people who think and feel 3 God’s Hand ...continued from page 3 We could also start a small group those refugees are traumatized, and for female students; mainly from very hopeless. Nobody knows how homes. Some of them came years the international Friday morning long they will have to live outside ago, some more recently. Many fellowship we attend regularly. their country. The refugee camp is women came with their children, These young women yearn to help in the desert, and life in the desert leaving their husbands back in other women includes perma- South Sudan where they are still in Africa. Some nent dust, sand fighting for the security of their are from Egypt, storms, heat, and land. These women have many and one is from often not enough children; five, seven, and more. Uganda and drinking water. They receive no governmental wants to work in The young man support, which forces them to work Namibia in the who served there to feed their children. We were future. Others will would love to go asked by a Sudanese pastor to follow– we are back, and start a help his church by offering English sure this is only youth work there. lessons, or anything else we could the beginning. We are working on One of the young ladies from do for them. After some time of various topics that help them to get the women’s group went back to prayer we understood that the Lord free from the traditional teaching Jordan, where she had worked with is moving in our lives, and that we of a society that has been strongly refugees before. She was the one should do this. Twice per week they influenced by Islam, and which who introduced us to the idea of get their English lesson, and there puts the woman into very narrow helping refugees in Jordan. Now, limits of what they are she will stay there to get some and aren’t allowed to specific training in how to work with do. Many women live refugees. We praise the Lord that a very hopeless life, He gives us the chance to take care without any further of those He has on His heart who perspective. live in permanent trouble, and who Long-term inten- need help and guidance. sive one-to-one disci- • pling seems to be the answer for most young locals. That’s what we is also time for prayer and sharing. have been doing from the begin- “It was a fantastic Mostly women come to these ning and we’re already able to see experience to be taken the first little fruit among young meetings, and they love it. They out of my comfort zone, have such interesting personalities. Egyptian men and women. and to be given a brilliant They all dress nicely when they God opened another door for opportunity to witness come, and we see that for them one of our former IM interns. He this is like a social hub where they was able to go to Jordan to help to young students in can meet people, learn something, refugees from Syria. This required another country. The and where prayer becomes a much strength from God, since experience sharpens ones permanent part of the sessions. faith, knowledge, and God has healed two of them; one enables one to get a better from migraines, and one child from perspective on life (not a chronic ear infection. In the latter being caught up in the case it was a combination of prayer, frenzy of materialistic life and the help that a doctor offered. circumstances).” All the other doctors they went to SR – Ukraine couldn’t help them for over half a year.
4 Jeanne Beckner Chosen Vessels
What a lot can happen in our Albanian friend, Hermes, who just one short year! This year has came to France to begin his medical brought new and different ministry studies. He did not receive his opportunities to the Beckner student visa until two days before carry on the faith to his homeland household, and we look forward to he was to present his entrance for another generation! “How seeing what the Lord has in store paperwork at the university, so we then can they call on the one for the months to come. For several did not know what would happen. they have not believed in? And years, Ben has had the desire But, the Lord saw fit to provide him how can they believe in the one to develop a means of teaching with a visa, and also with the funds of whom they have not heard? missions history and theology which necessary to come to France and live, And how can they hear without would be specifically adapted to for at least this year, and hopefully someone preaching to them? believers in the French context (a for the coming seven to thirteen And how can they preach unless bit like what the Perspectives course years it will take for him to become they are sent?...Faith comes from in the US does). This year his dream a doctor and then a pediatrician. hearing the message, and the came to fruition with the successful Hermes’ desire is to return and serve message is heard through the writing and presenting of on an as a doctor in his own very needy word of Christ.” (Romans 10:14- online missions course in French. country. Since we saw him last year 15, 17) As Oswald Chambers He had three “classes” of between during our summer trip to Albania, says: “It is the work that God does ten and twelve adults and young he has grown incredibly in his faith through us that counts, not what people go through the course, and assurance. He has been highly we do for Him.” It is our privilege with very positive feedback. The involved with a large youth group to be His chosen vessels! program will continue this fall, and in his hometown which has worked • in the winter Ben will be teaching all summer in a church planting Ben and Jeanne Beckner live part two of the online course. The project and with children in another in Lyon, France and run French goal of these courses is, of course, area. And he has taken a series of language camps in Europe and not only to inform, but also to incite discipleship courses to learn more Asia. believers to participate in missions about his faith and about the Bible. themselves, either here in France His family, though formerly Muslim or abroad. Many of the ones who and converted to the Orthodox have been part of the teams doing church, have not followed him in French language outreach camps his evangelical with “French Without Borders” in faith, but are not Ukraine, Russia, and the Balkans, hostile, and are took the on-line course, and very supportive of benefitted greatly from the training. what he plans to In addition to the online course do. development and writing, over the We are re- past year Ben was also asked to minded of what teach several missiology courses at could have been various Bible schools and at his alma had there not been mater, Vaux Seminary, near Paris. an FSF outreach The Lord delights in delighting the in Albania two hearts of His servants! summers ago— A wonderful answer to prayer there would be no just recently has been the arrival of Hermes here to
5 Bethany Noriega For the Sake of My Grandchildren
As my two-year old lay her head ministry to help shape them for a suddenly had faces. Many of the on her pillow tonight, we prayed lifetime of service. When I found out people in the street that gawk at together for an unborn baby who about the Pregnancy Care Center my sweet baby Briel would not have may not live through the rest of the (PCC), I knew I would be signing up considered her a human being only week. As I watched her little hands to serve there. six months and nine days ago. fold and raise over her left eye (a My first day at the PCC started Today, I entered the front line position she has always assumed by reading an e-mail warning and realized the magnitude of the when she prays), I ached for that about a group called “The Crisis ugly battle that silently rages around baby who may not live to learn to Project” who are dedicated to us as we find ourselves preoccupied pray. My heart broke as I heard my entering Christian pro-life centers with pleasures that have no eternal two-year old speak back to Jesus the as “undercover investigators” to value. Our fellow Americans are phrases she faithfully repeated after “expose the lies that we are seeking dying on a daily basis, and it’s not me. Her sweet voice and tender lips to promote.” Reading the e-mail only in a war overseas. They are plead in unison with me for the life I understood with little effort the being slaughtered by the millions of an innocent baby whose natural implications of our position. We on a daily basis in a war on our soil protector and defender is the very are in a brutal spiritual war against and in our backyards. one who is thinking of ending it, a kingdom whose agenda is to There is a powerful movie out “Jesus, protect the baby of the destroy our very existence. that must sweep the nation. I am woman who called the clinic wanting The day ended by listening to a asking you to take 33 minutes to an abortion today.” message on the answering machine watch it and pass it on. Simply go I have felt burdened for nine years of a desperate young woman who to www.180movie.com and click the to volunteer at a pregnancy care was asking whether we are an play button. Be warned: it will be center, but have only recently been abortion clinic. As I heard her voice, difficult to go on living as before. given the opportunity. My husband the war suddenly had a story of • was finally granted a visa that an individual who is caught in the Nelton and Bethany Noriega, along allowed us to come to Mountainside clutches of a darkness that lures with their children Kyliana and Briel, Ministry Training Center before her further into a life of misery and are currently attending the Training heading back to Iquitos, Peru. As captivity. Center in Libby, Montana and will part of the curriculum, students As I put my precious baby girls return to their home and ministry in are encouraged to engage in local into bed that night, the victims Iquitos, Peru in January.
“I was constantly reminded that I was to be a humble servant to everyone on the team and to the campers - a vessel to be used by God for His purpose. I had to check any pride at the door and it was eye opening to me over and over again when I was called to do this on the trip. I found myself desiring to be a servant more effectively than the day before during camp even though at times it was the last thing my human, prideful self wanted to do.” TG – Slovakia
6 Tom Otremba Three Life Damaris Otremba Passions Appeal for Over the years I have been growing believe that the best environment for in my understanding and apprecia- that to happen is by forming small, tion of God’s eternal purposes. I dis- neighborhood Gospel communities a Verdict! covered that Jesus had three main that are part of a larger regional net- passions that governed his life. As work of support. In this kind of a set- “Appeal for a Verdict!” Those his follower, I have been embracing ting, there is a greater potential for words were stuck in my mind when those passions as my own. So, what being the church, versus just going to I was coming back from Thailand. I are these things that have become so church. We are called to incarnate the was there for a month-long training precious to me? message as people of God. on evangelism. During that month First, the Gospel of grace. I used to Third, the mission of advancing those were the words that struck me think that the Gospel was just a ticket the Gospel around us. That has been the most and kept me from being to heaven. Then came the demands of my passion from my teen years. at ease. They may bother you, too. a moral Christian life. How wrong! The However, I was mainly preaching it as You may ask, “What does it mean to Gospel is a beautiful story of setting a personal ticket to heaven followed appeal for a verdict?” It simply means to ask a person if he has trusted Jesus people free from sin; its punishment, by a set of legalistic to-dos. Now I Christ to be his Lord and Savior or its power and eventually its presence. see it both as God’s rescue operation, to appeal to him or her to make a The richness of the truth of my death, and as God’s call to enter a totally decision. It sounds so simple, but burial and resurrection together with new reality of God’s gracious rule it is probably the most fearful thing Christ became the anchor for my soul. of the Kingdom represented by His for most of us to actually ask! We I have become part of a grand story Community. have so many excuses why we are of redemption, whose author is the It is my hope and dream that we not doing it. The most common one Heavenly Father, hero is His Son and see the movement of God’s Gospel is that we still have time to ask that director is the Holy Spirit. What a thrill! communities on mission become question. That was my excuse, too. Second, the community incarnat- tangible in the country of Poland and One true story really shook me to ing the Gospel in its midst–the church. beyond! • the core. In October 1871, D.L. Moody I used to think that the church was ba- was preaching to a great crowd in sically about organizing events. How Tom Otremba, his wife Damaris, and Chicago. And that evening he said, tiring! The church is a life of a com- their children live in Cieszyn, Poland, “I hope you have taken the message munity of intentional disciples who where they serve as church planters. to heart. Go home and think about re-organize their entire lives around E-mail: [email protected] it. Come back next Sunday night. the priorities of the Kingdom of God. I I will give you an opportunity to make a public expression of your faith in Unfortunately, I too have I was in thinking I would have more Jesus Christ then.” But that night, examples of not appealing for a time! We really do not know how after Moody had released the crowd, verdict with two workers that were much time God is giving us with a Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over the working on our house. One of them particular person, because we don’t lantern that started the Chicago fire, died with an aggressive cancer that know when it is his time to die. We which destroyed a fourth of Chicago. killed him too quickly, and the other should not wait for a better time Many people in Dwight L. Moody’s died in a car accident. I thought I would because it may never come. Listen audience perished. Moody said, have more time to invite them with to the Holy Spirit and seize the “I will never again delay in making their wives and to slowly, eventually moment, and with God’s boldness, an appeal for a verdict.” appeal for a verdict. How naive “Appeal for a Verdict!” • 7 Bevan & Laura Stein Father’s Heart Ministries
“It’s knowing people like this of three that I chose to spend three Nicole Beger that gives me hope that life is worth weeks with later in the summer at a living,” remarked Rudo, an 18-year- work camp. We slept in a shipping A World of old from one children’s home who container without running water, has been to nine Father’s Heart shower, or toilet, and yet we worked camps over the years. He was talking like bees until we dropped from Parenting about Christi Price, one of our short- exhaustion. They not only never term team members at our first complained, but were also glad to This summer at our family camp camp this summer who has been to do it because they feel so good we had an array of classes offered as break out sessions, one of which Slovakia seven times to help with spending time with us in prayer was marriage and parenting. To camps or other ministry. Obviously, and conversation. What Rudo said be honest we were not sure how Christi has a great heart, like all our reminds me of something A.W. this would work out, if anyone short-termers and volunteer staff, to Tozer once said, “Hope is different would sign up and if they did, share her faith and hope in Christ than wishing for something. We would there be a sharing of hearts with others like Rudo. He is from one wish upon a fallen star, but hope is or pure silence? I can say we were children’s home that is very special certain and based in reality” all pleasantly surprised that not to us because of the tight bonds we “Now hope does not disappoint, only were there students, but it have developed there. Two of our because the love of God has been turned out to be a wonderful time adopted children come from this poured out in our hearts by the of heartfelt searching of the Word home also. Holy Spirit who was given to us.” for truth and guidance on how to Rudo is one of many thousands Romans 5:5 manage marriage and parenthood of children who live in one of several • in this chaotic time in our world. hundred children’s homes around Bevan and Laura Stein have lived Recently, I spoke at a MOPS Slovakia. Their personal stories in Slovakia for 16 years and are the (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting are very heartbreaking and sad, founders and leaders of the Father’s and discovered then as I discovered this summer in Poland, that moms and it gives us great joy when we Heart which includes children’s around the world struggle just as I know we have touched their lives clubs, equine assisted ministry, and do! Sure, we may be teaching our in a meaningful way. He was one motorcycle evangelism. children in a different language and with some different cultural bends, but each of us fear for our children, serve a God who never fails us, our Or maybe you can share what their health, and future. In every husbands, or our children! didn’t work? Pray with me as I culture there is a sense of loneliness Worldwide there is a common balance being a wife, mother, and and despair, wondering if we are bond of motherhood that needs this new endeavor to reach other doing all we can do or should do for to be tapped into. In the States moms. our kids. Each of us struggles with we have things like MOPS or small • guilt over failing our husbands, kids group Bible studies. I am praying Nicole Beger, her husband David or friends. “Oh I forgot to get back about how to bring that same and their children live in Borne to that project my husband needed type of safe community to share Sulinowo, Poland. Their desire is to done.” Or, “Oh I never read Johnnie fears, ideas, and Christ with other equip believers for leadership and that book I promised I would.” moms to Poland. Have any of you to have a healthy balance between Hey moms, we are not alone! We tried something and it worked? family and ministry.
8 Gene Fox Seeing God at Work: An Exciting Place to Be
Nothing excites me more than “I soon wished those classes and go sightseeing instead. But, seeing God work in people’s lives. were six hours long,” she said. when the Bible reading time came, And so, for the fifth consecutive When camp ended, she began he showed up. year, my wife and I led a team to attending the Bible-teaching church “Bogdan, what are you doing minister at an Evangelistic Family where IM staff minister. here?” we asked. “ We thought you Camp in Poland. This summer we Danuta attended the camp again were planning to be away.” watched in awe as God worked His in 2011, bringing her teenage son “I changed my mind,” said wonders in Bogdan and Danuta. with her. This year she returned with Bogdan. “I belong here.” This was Danuta’s third camp. her son, her young adult daughter, On the last day, he said, “Now I She first attended in 2010 simply and her husband Bogdan. know who this higher power is. His because she wanted to see the Bogdan shared his “story” on name is Jesus.” The joy of the Lord tourist town where the camp was camp’s first day during conversation was already growing in his life. And held, “I figured I could endure the time. He had been an abusive Danuta’s smile, as she sat next to Bible reading time if it meant seeing alcoholic for 30 years – most of their him, was growing too. Karpacz.” married life. He stopped drinking six • Danuta’s thoughts about the years ago, with the help of AA and Gene and Grace Fox have been the Bible reading time changed within his “higher-power.” The only thing Directors of IM Canada since 2007. the first couple of days. As she he knew about this “higher power” They live in Abbotsford, British read the Word, she realized that was that it helped him overcome his Columbia. she could understand it. She loved addiction, and he was grateful. discovering truths about God – The fifth day of camp was truths she’d never been taught in Bogdan’s birthday. He and his family her church. planned to skip the regular program Kim Soper Introducing New Children’s Materials
In 2012 we introduced new Bible Our goal was to provide our staff We were also able to upgrade lessons, activities, and crafts for and short-term team members with and revise the adult beginner packet children. We also developed a new children’s materials that were fun, found in the team suitcase. We have English Manual for teaching English visually attractive to children, and started to make it more user and to children. Besides the usual topics easily taught. visually friendly. of colors, numbers, and shapes, We have plans for developing • there are also lessons on baseball, additional materials for 2013 also, so Kim Soper is a Regional Repre- transportation, birthdays, using be on the lookout for new products sentative for IM and lives with her verbs, and adjectives to express and ideas! husband Loren in Ogallala, NE. ideas, and more. 9 Jill Clark The Most Unforgettable Haircut Of My Life
“Do you read the Bible?” I did According To The Bible” by Kay baptized and joined the church it not expect this question at a hair Arthur. For the first time Andreea was something that God alone did. salon. Our son Raymond had asked came face to face with what the When she met an American Christian if we could go to a new hair salon for Bible had to say about sex. We man two years ago online (through our haircuts. Andreea, the manager, began praying that God would give the TRUTH project), it was her first pulled up a chair and was shocked her a Christian husband. relationship with a Christian man. when I answered “Yes, I read the Refreshing with her “un- An unforgettable haircut, Bible.” This was to be the most churched” background, Andreea an unforgettable encounter, an unforgettable haircut of my life. That was full of great questions that unforgettable goodbye. August is how our friendship began in 2006. challenged me. Eventually, Andreea 29, 2012, Andreea left for America I was the first person Andreea ever found another job and we didn’t see where she will live and marry her met who read the Bible. one another often. Christian fiancé—an answer to She had recently begun reading Several years ago as we our seven years of prayers for a the Bible, but her Egyptian Muslim watched Focus On The Family’s Christian husband for Andreea. I boyfriend (then in prison) was not “Truth Project” together, Andreea am excited about the unforgettable interested in the Bible. Eventually, was powerfully impacted. With fresh encounters God has for Andreea’s their relationship ended after interest Andreea and I again met to life in America . Andreea read talk and pray. I will never forget my haircut the book Though we had often discussed that day and being asked “Do you “Sexuality the value of Christian friends in our read the Bible?” I thank God for the lives, I had stopped inviting Andreea joy of meeting Andreea, and am to join us for church. I knew it was looking for God’s next unforgettable God at work in her life when she encounter. began showing up for church • Sunday after Sunday. For the Jill and Tom Clark live in Bucharest, first time Andreea was a part Romania where they use a variety of of a church and enjoyed it. outreach methods including Bible Andreea now had other studies, conferences, and “The Christian friends in her Truth Project” to connect with and life. When she was teach both believers and unbelivers.
“My faith is stronger. I have “I had more opportunities to minister to others at this again tasted and seen that God camp than any of the previous five camps I’ve been a part is good and trustworthy. My of. The more open I am about my struggles and challenges commitment to being a light in life and how God meets me in them, the more He seems here where I live is stronger.” to allow me to serve others in their struggles.” SA – Romania BH – Romania
10 Moses Odongo Mobilizing Uganda for Missions: African Coalition for Purity
The mission statement for and prayer, they asked whether we their families, and God. And we help Mobilizing Uganda for Missions would consider taking their pastors prepare the single men as they start (MUM) is: To renew, train, and through the purity training. The first a life with a wife. I could already mobilize the Ugandan church to group of pastors are from an area write a book from the testimonies reach the world for Christ. in the eastern part of Uganda. After that we have heard. But none are Renewing is an excellent word we have taken them through the better than those from the wives of to describe the African Coalition material, we will start with the next the men going through the purity for Purity (ACFP). For the past twenty-five pastors. By this time next discipleship. We hear stories of how year and half, we have been husbands are returning to their challenging and disciplining men wives, learning to love them to be sexually pure in the sight as Christ loves the church, and of Christ. how they have stopped making God has opened a number of sexual remarks about certain ministry opportunities through- women. The list continues. out Uganda. I would like to thank you In addition to the Kampala all for your continual prayers and Jinja areas, we are also that the Lord will give us the conducting purity discipleship wisdom and strength we need groups in Lira and Gulu. Gulu when preparing for the African and Lira were the main areas for Coalition for Purity. Reaching war with the rebels for the past men and equipping them for twelve years. Both groups have over year our prayer is that we will have a life of sexual purity requires the twenty men in small groups. taken all one hundred pastors from loving guiding hand of the Almighty One of the most surprising doors this area through the material. From to touch hearts and bring forth that has opened for us is with the there, we will continue on to the next lasting change. Episcopal denomination. One of the district. • bishops met fellow missionary, John With all the groups, we start Moses and Betty Odongo and their children live in Kampala, Uganda Pipes, at a wedding. After a brief hearing of changes in the lives of and desire to call pastors and lay discussion about the ministry of MUM these men. We encourage them to leaders back to Biblical standards and ACFP he invited John to meet turn away from the behavior that for following Jesus in their marriages with his leaders. After discussion has caused so much pain for them, and ministries.
“In sharing the Gospel daily with my reading group, I “I benefitted the most from being received it anew each time. In using my gifts and skills involved in camp again especially as needed each day, I contributed to the whole work a family camp. Having contact not Christ was doing through us at the camp. By asking God just with young teens but the whole constantly for help to do what I was called to do, I learned family was a great privilege and joy. to distinguish the voice of the Holy Spirit more clearly and I really felt the Lord’s blessing during to see Him at work more vividly.” DS – Poland the week.” DH – Poland
11 Julie Hybel Life’s Not Fair
Every once in awhile I hear my strength to forgive and move on. In six-year-old daughter say, “That’s doing so, my peace and joy have Kim Huffman not fair.” I usually respond with the been restored. Had I chosen the question, “Who told you that life route of bitterness, who knows what Mopping as would be fair?” I didn’t. The fact state of mind I’d be in right now, but is that nobody had to tell her that for sure I’d be useless in ministry. Discipleship? things should be fair; her Creator God commanded us to forgive built this sense of for many reasons, one I was forty-seven before an justice into her. One God of which is because “older” woman invited me to spend day everything WILL it’s good for us. We time with her regularly, to talk and be fair, but since that commanded need to be people pray. Why did it take so long? has been temporarily us to forgive who are difficult to Maybe so that it would push me to postponed, we need offend and who are BE that older woman! to accept the things for many willing to forgive, all At Living Hope Church we are we cannot change. this knowing that a committed to discipleship. Here in Namely, that in this reasons, one day is coming when Odessa, discipleship takes many world we will have of which is everything will be fair forms: stirring up bath salts at a girls’ trouble (John 16:33). (there’s a light at the craft, baking brownies, sunning at And this shouldn’t because it’s end of the tunnel!). the sea, listening to struggles with cause us fear or Until then, we have parents, stringing beads on a wire, worry; rather it should good the opportunity to live playing Pictionary at English Club, challenge us to for us. against human logic, discussing a Bible lesson. These prepare our attitudes to live victoriously in events are reasons to get together, in advance, before trouble hits. the same circumstances that would but intentional conversation is The thing that makes believers normally defeat people, and in doing always the real purpose! different is not that we don’t so to” bring glory to our Magnificent One of the best conversations face the same circumstances as God. The world is watching us. Let’s I’ve had with a younger woman everyone else, it’s that in those cause those watching to flock to our was during our monthly cleaning same circumstances we live and Giver of Abundant Life! at church. While mopping the floor, respond differently. Most of us have • we discussed how to handle fear of heard the saying “God never wastes Julie, her husband Przemek, and the future. Significant changes were a hurt.” I don’t actually know who daughter Roksana live in Krakow, about to happen in her life and as we first came up with this saying, but Poland. Julie works with women mopped and talked she verbalized it has definitely proven true in my through cooking classes, one-on- her deepest fear, “Can I trust God life. Recently, I’ve been wronged one meetings, and a praying wives with my future? Will He really do and treated unfairly by a Christian group. They also host a summer what is good for me?” Scripture business partner. At a time when English camp and use Bible studies itself answers those questions with everything in me cried out “It’s throughout the year to reach a big YES! I simply pointed her not fair!” I was reminded of my students with the Gospel. to the right place in God’s Word. own words, and God gave me the continued on page 13 12 Simona Nelson Having Hope in Jesus Christ
“This hope we have as an anchor of good and bad times. The month the soul, both sure and steadfast, of August was the hardest time for WEDDINGS and which enters the Presence us, but His hope has kept shining AULO WING behind the veil.” Hebrews 6:19 in our hearts, and has blossomed in every one of us, and has given This Scripture has been an anchor us a tremendous love that none of SARAH HOOBYAR to me this summer. I’ve seen God us have experienced before. We go married on 1-9-12 steadfastly working in my life and through many trials on this earth but — in the mothers and children here at if we keep His enduring hope in our MITCHELL ANDRINGA River of Life (ROL), as well. We have hearts we know that it will help us been going through so many things survive. Over all, His hope has kept emotionally to the point where we us alive in Him. KRISTEN MOSS* knew that only God could resolve married on 5-4-12 our problems. So often I have felt “And everyone who has this hope — the Spirit of God in me whenever I in Him purifies himself, just as He is felt afraid. I’ve seen that His hope pure.” 1 John 3:3 MATTHEW SCHWARCK encouraged me to steadfastly work • in His name. Simona Nelson graduated from IM’s BRITTNEY DEFEVER Each day I am with the children MMT training center and served (daughter of Dan & Chris Defever) and there are many times when I her internship at the River of Life married on 5-12-12 get tired. But it’s at those times of Care Home in Cornesti, Romania. — exhaustion that I feel God’s strength After some time back in the US, she empowering me to continue returned to Romania in the Spring of ANDREW THIESSEN (son of Brad & Karla Thiessen) teaching or playing with them. I 2012 to continue serving the moms have seen God working in many and children at ROL. of us here at ROL through the ALZBETA LUPTAKKOVA married on 6-30-12 — Mopping ...continued from page 12 MARK NAGEL Looking back, it was a big be reverent in the way they live… turning point in her faith! What then they can train the younger if I hadn’t been intentional with women to love their husbands LISA SMITS* our conversation? What if I and children...” Titus 2:3-4 • married on 7-28-12 hadn’t been that older woman — willing to speak truth to her Kim and Mark Huffman and JOHN PIPES and to help her move closer to their son Nate, live in Odessa, maturity in Christ? Ukraine. Their desire is to What if you won’t be that prepare the next generation of CHRISTINE ACHAN woman to those around you? leaders for the church in Eastern married on 9-20-12 “Teach the older women to Europe and beyond. *former IM staff
13 Pastor Tomasz Krazek Vision for Poland teaching of the Word of God, and hear life-transforming teaching and people are not being trained to particpate in Christ-exalting worship read, study, and teach the Bible. and fellowship. The Gospel message of Jesus Christ By God’s grace we were able to is often watered down. As a result, organize our first conference, start the Church is weak; people don’t translating some resources and start know what God has to say about training some young leaders. basic areas of life. More and more Please pray that God would often carnal means are used to raise many more leaders. Pray draw people to churches. The result that we would be faithful servants is that carnal tools create carnal of the Lord. Pray for churches to followers. Pragmatism, humanism, be planted. Pray that God would and emotional mysticism flood the provide all needed resources for church from every corner. our training, translations, and We, as a church believe that conferences. Please be praying for Poland needs godly leaders who the transformation of Poland. will care about truth, take a stand If you have a desire to partner in When Paul wrote his last letter, he for the Word of God, be trained for this initiative by praying, giving, or reminded his spiritual son, Timothy, ministry, and train others. serving, or if you would like to know that he must continue in the Word In reaction to the above, we are more about what we are doing, please and that he must preach the Word beginning to launch a church-based contact us at: [email protected] (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5). He was to initiative—Faithful 2 the Word. It • continue in the Word because it was is designed to serve three main Tomek and Iwona Krazek live in Borne God-breathed, and it was useful for purposes. One is to train leaders for Sulinowo, Poland. Their ministry gaining wisdom and equipping him ministry in local churches. Second is focus is on Pastoring, preaching, for every good work. Then, he was to translate and publish theologically teaching, and training future leaders to preach the Word because the sound resources in Polish. The for church planting ministry. times were coming when “People third purpose is to organize annual will not put up with sound doctrine. conferences where believers can Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will “I feel like a battery, “I came away just as turn their ears away from the truth before the trip my convinced that we need to and turn aside to myths.” Thus, the battery was dead; be reaching people around us only remedy for people not being but the mission trip willing to listen and follow God was at home and sharing Christ to teach and preach the Word of and serving the LORD with those in the “uttermost God. recharged me for my parts.” I was struck again by I think that we here in everyday life. I have a the intensity of the battle for Poland live in such times as were mentioned in Paul’s writings. There greater understanding souls. Indeed, we are truly is an enormous spiritual confusion of Poland and the dependent upon the Lord’s in Poland nowadays, even among Christians overseas.” work in people’s hearts.” believers. People in the Church are willing to believe any doctrine LP – Poland SS – Hungary and swallow any philosophy that comes their way. There is a lack of
14 Jan McKinnon Discipling Women
Discipleship has been the key Next in the discipleship process is how one deter- challenge in my life this last year. mines where this lady is in her relationship with Christ. I have been pondering questions Typically there are three types of ladies in my life: about discipleship like: What is the 1. Ladies that I am not even sure are believers or have never talked about their most effective process? Is there a faith. process? Is there a plan 2. Ladies that attend Bible study and church but have not talked that works better for Who would personally about their relationship with Jesus. different people or are there key ingredients God want 3. Ladies that have shared their testimony of faith and want to that should work for grow more in love with and be obedient to Jesus. everyone? How does you to Below is a spiritual journey diagnostic tool that my husband one start the process? uses in his evangelism seminar. I have tweaked it and believe Is it mutual or is there a it will help ladies to say which level they are presently on, and leader and a follower? invest your hopefully challenge them to go to the next level. Does coaching fit into I have been challenged this Fall to talk with the ladies in the process? time and my life and to be bolder in asking them where they are in their We are all called to spiritual journey, and if they would like to go to the next level. discipleship (Matthew life I will be seeking God’s wisdom in how to encourage growth on 28:19-20)! My heart is their level. to disciple women and into? I’m still working through the best material but I believe we encourage them on are so blessed in today’s world to have so many resources to their faith journey. accomplish the different levels. But please remember whatever the material or It has always been difficult to format you choose, one has to be God dependent, pointing her to Jesus for all know where to start in the discipleship of ”life issues. Also, discipleship is spending time living life together and loving process with the different ladies. each other. I believe prayer is the first thing one I hope the levels help you and please contact me at does to start the process. Who would [email protected] with your stories, suggestions, or questions. The God want you to invest your time discipleship journey is fluid and fun! • and life into? Think about the natural Jan and her husband Kent live in Poznan, Poland. Jan’s area of ministry focus relationships you have, ask God to includes teaching Bible studies, speaking at women’s’ events, discipling make it clear to you, and then be women, and loving their neighbors. intentional.
Making an impact Deep intimacy with God, mentoring others, actively sharing your faith Spiritual with others, ministering according to spiritual gifts and service needs Growing in relationship with God Struggle with changing value system, participating in a small group, Journey serving in local church, discover not all believers are growing Actively following Christ Learning God’s Word, entered into a mentoring relationship with another Christian, Diagnostic beginning to understand spiritual blessings in Christ, share Christ naturally with others Trusts in Christ Has made a decision to turn their life and will over to Jesus, believes Jesus is God and trusts Him as payment for sin Aware of the Gospel Has come to realize that he/she is powerless to achieve God’s favor and forgiveness, understands the reality of hell because of sin, turns from trusting self for life’s answers Looks positively at the Bible Taking positive steps to find answers, intellectually believes in God, understands the difference between a religion and a relationship with God Aware Christians are different than culture Open to spirituality, realizes there is more to life than what they have experienced, questioning their own spiritual belief system Going own way Negative view of Christianity and religion, believe all religions are the same Avoids the truth – Bible Aware of Bible but not interested, OK for you but not for me
15 2013 SHORT-TERM MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES EVANGELISTIC LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES ENGLISH LANGUAGE Czchow, Poland* Hybel Late June/Early July** CAMPS (EELC) Antonovka, Ukraine* Litvak/Winkler July 12 – 23 Antonovka, Ukraine* Litvak/Winkler July 21 – August 2 Odessa, Ukraine* Naydenov/Huffman July 18 – 31 Near Poznan, Poland Shaded July or August** FAMILY EVANGELISTIC LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES ENGLISH LANGUAGE Katy Rybackie, Poland Jachym July 3 – 15 CAMPS Near Bucharest, Romania Clark July 4 – 16 Odessa, Ukraine Naydenov/Huffman July 4 – 17 Mazury Lakes, Poland Shaded July 10 – 22 Cluj, Romania Luncan/Vitelar July 11 – 24 Karpacz, Poland Dabrowski July 17 – 30 Kiczyce, Poland Pscoala July 18 – 29 Poznan, Poland Genesis Church End of July** Slovakia Thiessen/Berger July or August** KIDS TYPE LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES CAMPS OR Women’s Conference Bucharest/ Bircii, Romania Clark April 16 – 26 SPECIALTY Evangelistic Soccer Odessa Torres End of June/Early July** Youth Camp(s)* Cornesti, Romania (River of Life) Moore End of June/End of July** MINISTRIES Kids English Day Camp Kaposvar, Hungary Gorman July** Father’s Heart Ranch Kids’ Camp Near Turciansky Michal, Slovakia Stein July or August** Kids Overnight English Camp Erdokertes, Hungary Jóföldi July or August** EELC/Softball Day Camp* Zirc & Ujfeherto, Hungary Petrik July or August** Construction/Labor Nicolae/ August 2 – 18 or VBS Ministry Bircii, Romania Roberts August 9 – 20 (approx.)** Manual Labor/ Work Projects Near Turciansky Michal, Slovakia Stein Dates are flexible Construction (three teams) Cornesti, Romania (River of Life) Moore Summer, flexible dates General help at River of Life Cornesti, Romania Moore Ongoing, anytime *Youth Camp For the most up-to-date camp schedule visit our **Specific dates yet to be determined website: www.im-usa.org/index.php/camps-schedule Colors of Life Stenia Shaded Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. Exodus 4:2 (NIV)
It was around seven years ago Recently, God gave me a new whether I could that Moner and I had our first tool for sharing His Gospel. In come and share chance to share the Gospel during April, through the grace of God, I the Gospel with an opening of my art exhibit. My was able to publish my book titled her students and art became a tool for us to share “Colors of Life.” One of the first with teachers. I was invited to be a the Good News, and we have people to purchase the book was guest speaker, as a part of a theme, continued this practice ever since. a high school teacher. She asked “People with Passion.” It gave
continued on page 17 16 Paula Roberts I Am Wasting My Life
“I am wasting my life.” blonde hair made them stand out that this world has failed us, but “I will never learn the language.” from the dark-eyed beauties of Bircii. rather they alert us to the fact that “P-a-ooo-l-a., what are you we were designed for another “I need to take more initiative.” doing?” More kids bunch up behind world. Peace in this world is found “I am a rotten missionary.” them and I figure, why not? only when we live with the coming In my mind, the “war” games “I go to Heather’s for Sunday world in view.” Paul David Tripp begin again. By now, you’d think School. You come too.“ My broken (Romans 8:18-27) • I would recognize the signs and Romanian stinks, but God has be on my knees before the first slipped me a brief gift of tongues. Paula and Ron Roberts live and work shot, but no. Instead, I throw on They scamper to ask their Mom and in Bircii, a small village in Romania. the scarf I need for church and soon five kids are traipsing behind Working mostly with youth, they walk out our door. Yesterday, I had us, ready to give Sunday School a offer help with English, a computer mentioned to God that I could use try. God’s Spirit is working, and He lab, and youth group. some encouragement but was I hands me the gift of being P-a-ooo- anticipating it? No, not me. l-a the Pied Piper. The sound of kids interrupts my Thank you God. Even in the internal battle. Ron’s belly chuckle midst of my “no,” you say “yes” to starts as they call out my name. my prayers. Bang, bang, bang, war “P-a-ooo-l-a.” The Romanian games, be gone. pronunciation of every letter makes “...in our eternity amnesia, we me smile, as two of my favorite feel as if somehow, someway, life village girls come running to their is passing us by. Those unfilled gate. I met them at our recent week longings, which none of us escape, of Kid’s Club, and their blue eyes and do not so much announce to us
Colors ...continued from page 16 me a chance to tell my testimony me to share the Gospel in places and share the Gospel by using my that would otherwise be hard for me paintings. The venue was a beautiful to reach. amber palace where 200 high Someone once shared with me school students, ages 17 through 18 a paraphrase from Mother Teresa: attended. It even became a major “You are a paint brush in God’s event, with television, radio, and hand.” This great comparison is other media present. easy for me to identify with. A brush What made this event even by itself cannot paint anything; more special for me personally, was however, if the Creator has it in that my daughter-in-law Monika was His hand, it could be used to make there with me. We were both able beautiful things. My prayer is that I to impact the lives of young people would focus not only on what is in who came. my hand, but also on being in the This is another example of how hand of the Lord. Our Savior is not Stenia and Moner Shaded live in the Lord can use what is in my hand limited in ways to use us for His Warsaw, Poland. They are involved to spread His Word, just like with service. If we are willing to bring in church planting, evangelism and Moses and his staff. My desire is that glory to Christ, we are ready to be a discipleship. Stenia uses her art as a through this book, God would allow brush in His hand. • way to share the Gospel. 17 Cristi Zah Counting Blessings
It’s time again to write the article the rest in God’s Almighty hands. BIRTHS for the IM newsletter. Usually when Let us remember this advice from LUKE GORDON I do this, I realize it is time to count Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child In born on 11-5-11 my blessings and to share those the way he should go; and when to Seth & Meribeth Anderson blessings that I find with others so he is old he will not depart from it.” (Grandson of Darwin & Darlis Anderson) we could all be strengthened in Another blessing and our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. miracle for me in my position as BRIEL NELL Looking back at my life’s administative director this year born on 3-10-12 blessings, I think the biggest at the River of Life has been the to Nelton & Bethany Noriega blessing out of many is the ability ability to retire an outstanding LANCE ANDREW & to serve others and invest in their debt of $65,000—money that JONATHAN JEFFREY lives so they can see God’s love was donated over and above our born on 3-24-12 through our humble service. As regular expenses. I would like to to Drew & Amy Sharp you know, in the beginning, when take the chance in this article to (Grandsons of Steve & Deborah Sharp) it started, the River of Life ministry thank all the people that were was all about helping moms and involved in partnering with God JAMES their little children. But, now these either by prayer or by donating to born on 4-21-12 children are growing, so they make this miracle possible. to James & Mary Olwenyi need the opportunity of a good, Our family had the wonderful solid, Christian education. We blessing to have another baby; a NATHANAEL ABIEL cannot just be content with their boy named Nathanael Abiel born born on 7-4-12 physical development because on July 4th. This increases our to Cristi & Delia Zah that would be missing the point family to five. We thank the Lord LEVI HOWARD of our ministry—these children for His provision and help with born on 8-15-12 need above everything else, to the risky pregnancy! Also, we to Jeff & Sara Penning start to grow in Christ. Of course, would like to thank all of you we cannot do the work of the Holy for praying for us and for being ADAM Spirit. The work of the Spirit in our inquisitive of what is happening born on 8-15-12 lives starts when we begin to have at River of Life in Romania. May to Peter & Judit Petrik faith in God and His Word, but this God bless you all! • faith comes through hearing of the KARLA Word, and this is precisely what we Cristi, Delia, and their family live born on 9-3-12 are doing. in Cornesti, Romania. Cristi is to Arkadiy & Anneke Naydenov the administrator and a Christian We are exposing the children of MATTHEW our ministry to hearing the Word by counselor at the River of Life Care Home. He also Pastors at a small born on 9-20-12 attending a Christian school rather church. to Zhenya & Lidiya Bozhatarnik than a public school, and we leave
18 David Price-Williams Invasion of the Coneheads
Mark Huffman The classic brain drain of a skit that there is a missionary around— and movie was pretty silly in most like you’re some kind of God police. people’s mind. The story of the We are now the Coneheads. We are Going Where cone-head shaped aliens coming to the aliens just trying to fit in. earth trying to fit in also brings back As a conehead, I now live in the No American memories of the TV show “Third land of the normal hoping to connect Rock From the Sun.” We all laughed with someone. So is it good for us to Can Go! as we watched the weird aliens try try to fit in? Yes, it is. However, it is not to blend in with society. Sometimes good to compromise who we are. God is raising up His church to I feel like a conehead. Dine with the sinners go to places that North Americans Sometimes I feel like and lost—Jesus did. cannot go. One of our seven students no matter how hard I Don’t be afraid when at IM’s Seaside Missionary Training We are the Center is a good example. try I will never be one you lose the home Dima is from Russia. North of the “in” crowd. aliens just folk—Jesus’ town American missionaries have not been Have you ever felt this tried to stone him. allowed in Russia for many years. way? Your friends might Russia has worked hard for over 100 After deciding trying to just stop calling or years to limit God’s Truth, and it has that we were going to act too busy. taken its toll on the Russian people the mission field and fit in. We became a and the Russian Church. sharing that news with third-culture family For example, Dima plans to others, we were first the day we said we return to Russia after his training greeted as heroes. Slaps on the back were going into missions. It is not here in Odessa, to pastor a small and “Atta boys” came flying in. But, because” of countries or customs. It church in the rural Moscow region. then we began to feel the drawback is because of the perception of both Why is that significant? The rural immediately. We were no longer in sides. In the country where we are Moscow region has incredibly few the long-range plan of others as it going, we will always be Americans, believers. Iran and Iraq have more felt as though people were saying, and in the country where we are from, believers per capita than this place “So what’s the use of creating a we will be the missionaries. We are where Dima plans to work! We relationship with them, since they in-between others, but so happy know of very few if ANY full-time are leaving soon.” The decision to to be in the will of God wherever pastors in the rural Moscow region. go made us aliens among our own that may be. It will be because of Will Dima be one of the few? We people. God’s will and plan, not ours. We hope and pray that we can send As we began freeing ourselves all laughed at the Coneheads as we him there to bring the freedom from the baggage of the American saw a little of them in our own lives. of the Gospel to many that are life and dream, we would see fathers But maybe, just maybe, others will being held captive by a Godless practically cover up their children’s identify us as followers of Christ. country. Will you pray for Dima? Will ears. It’s as if they were saying, • you help support Dima? If you would “Don’t talk to my kids. You will try to David and Teniece have three like more information about Dima tell them to risk everything for the children and completed their or Russia, please contact the co- director of IM’s Seaside Missionary cross. Don’t tempt my babies.” Your training at MMT in January 2012. Training Center, Mark Huffman at lifelong friends no longer invite you They hope to have enough support [email protected] to the BBQ. They now feel that they raised to leave for Odessa, Ukraine have to change their behavior now in January 2013. 19 Ed Kleiman Bring the Books!
2012 was a record year in distributing Christian literature In 2 Timothy 4:13, the Apostle Paul says, “When you and other materials to individuals, churches, pastors, and come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also missionaries. the books, and above all the parchments.” Once, on the drive from International Messengers Charles Spurgeon explains the significance of these Training Center in Libby, MT to the airport in Spokane, WA, words: I suddenly felt severe chest pains. The woman driving with We do not know what the books were about, me was concerned about my chest pain; but she was more and we can only form some guess as to what the concerned about getting good Christian resources, “Just parchments were. Paul had a few books which were make sure you make it home,” she said, “and send me left, perhaps wrapped up in the cloak, and Timothy those materials you talked about as soon as you get there.” was to be careful to bring them. Even an apostle must I share her concern. Why is distributing solid Christian read. He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has material such a vital part of my ministry? been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he When C.S. Lewis was asked whether he would possess wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants any of his beloved books in Heaven, he replied, “Only books! He had had a wider experience than most those I gave away on earth”—but there is still a deeper men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught reason. Namely, the great need of good, solid, Bible-based, up into the third heaven, and had heard things which Gospel-centered materials. Wherever I go, whether in the it was unlawful for a man to utter, yet he wants books! United States or overseas, I find a famine of such resources. He had written the major part of the New Testament, Let me relate one testimonial recently passed on to me and yet he wants books! The apostle says to Timothy from a friend at International Messengers: and so he says to every preacher, “Give yourself unto I was in Bucharest Romania, traveling with you for reading.” He who will not use the thoughts of other the first time in April 2005. I remember that you were men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. really into books and giving them away free. I figured Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our we had nothing in common because my philosophy people. You need to read. Renounce as much as you was, “Why read a book if there’s a movie to watch?” will all light literature, but study as much as possible But you gave me that book by John Piper, “Don’t sound theological works, especially the Puritans, and Waste Your Life,” and so I thought, “be polite, try expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that reading a few pages,” and before I knew it, I couldn’t the very best way for you to be spending your leisure, put it down. I can count on both hands the number of is to be either reading or praying. You may get much books I’ve read in my life. But God used instruction from books which afterwards this book to speak directly to me. He you may use as a true weapon in your told me it was time to go to the Ukraine, Lord and Master’s service. Paul cries, something he’d put on my heart a few “Bring the books” — join in the cry! years before. This book provided the Finally, if anyone would like materials, final confirmation! Soon thereafter I was please send a note to [email protected]. on a plane to the Ukraine, with some Include 1) your area of need or interest, more books you gave me. Even today and 2) your address. Be assured—I will in my morning quiet time I am going bring (send) the books (and other kinds of through one of your gifts to me titled, material)! www.praybold.org “Magnificent Prayer.” Thanks Ed. • Still, my best example and motivation Ed Kleiman lives in St. Louis, Missouri. for distributing good materials comes from He speaks and serves throughout the US Books being taken at a the Bible. and overseas. Romanian Men’s Conference
20 Anna Hunsucker Serving the Servants: Taking Missionaries Off the Pedestal
“Here I come to save the day, to “Super-Christiandom” is that Super-Christian on the way!!” we don’t allow them human Whether we come from North Growing up, I pictured mission- weaknesses, such as loneliness, America, Africa, Europe, or any aries as “Super Christians,” off homesickness, marital problems, other continent, we come to the saving the heathens in faraway depression, personality conflicts, mission field dragging the baggage lands. As I grew up, joined IM and exhaustion, etc. And when they do of our lives in tow. We are there moved overseas, I realized that a fall, we judge them, and judge them because we believe in God’s huge percentage of the American harshly. command to go into the world and church also viewed missionaries this Another problem that comes make disciples of all nations. But way. Since I knew that I certainly along with Christian Superstardom just as the “normal” Christian needs wasn’t a “Super-Christian” I began is that we forget to serve the grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, and to wonder where the idea had servants. We forget that missionaries encouragement, so too does the come from. I think the disconnect need to be served while they are missionary. Let’s take missionaries lies in the fact that most people are serving others. They need to be off the pedestal and allow them to not willing to even entertain the encouraged through spoken and be broken children of God, striving thought of leaving home, family, written prayers, accountability, to grow in their walk with Him. Let’s friends, and comforts to move to a consistent communication via snail help meet their needs, where they foreign country and culture, where mail/Skype/chat, visiting them in are, at any given moment. Let’s they speak a foreign language. their ministry location, remembering remember to serve the servants. • It sounds so difficult—and such them on birthdays, anniversaries, wonderful things are being done and holidays, meeting financial and Anna Hunsucker is serving in a staff for the Kingdom—that somewhere emotional needs, remembering the care role and is based out of North along the way the people willing to needs they have during home visits, Carolina. She plans on making go were elevated to the status of asking them good questions about several trips overseas to spend time “Super-Christians.” what their needs are, sending them serving alongside of IM staff and The problem with elevating care packages, and allowing them to being in a support role here in the people from a place of “normality” be open and transparent with you. United States. Filemon Shaded Soccer Tournament Euro 2012! For the first time in We organized viewing parties history, the EuroCup for eight of the games, adding was hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Fifty-one countries a grill to make it complete. Our primary focus was on participated and only twelve qualified, including both making new friendships. We invited fans to a family host nations. Countless amounts of money were spent English camp and witnessed to them in many small on preparation and advertising. So, how could we take ways. Our prayer is that God’s glory will shine among advantage of all this hard work and use it to build God’s Poles more than the lights of stadiums. kingdom? It was a great opportunity to have an outreach! continued on page 22 21 Barb Gorman The Call to Faithfulness This month I finished the first and knowing that He is able to do grandmother of a young man that quarter of my tenth year in Kaposvar, more than we can ask or even think attends class. I have always wanted Hungary. As I was contemplating (Ephesians 3:20). The Lord revealed to pray with those who visit the how faithful the Lord has been over to me that I needed to take my prisoners and hospital patients, and the years, I heard a song that came eyes off the circumstances and at last I know enough Hungarian so I on iTunes called “Faithful One.” place them on Him. As I refocused can do this now! The lyrics say our faithful One will I received His peace. Once I made God continues to open doors be faithful to the end. As I listened the decision to trust the Lord for new people, and I continue to I wondered will I strive to remain completely, He took care of those meet English speakers as well. I still faithful until the end to the One things that I was fretting about. have many Hungarian friends, and I who suffered, died, and rose again My financial situation improved know when I need more help, God for me? first—what a blessing for God to will meet those needs as well. Last year at this time I was feeling touch the hearts of people to share I have a faithful God who has the discouraged about ministry and financially in this ministry! Then, I best plan for me. I am so humbled thought perhaps God was closing received word that a team of five that He should bless me so much. the door for me to serve here. I was were coming for a week to help Even when I want to quit and go struggling with not seeing more serve in the various ministries. After home, He deals with me in patience results in ministry, difficulties in the that I got word that International and in love. I had one of the best jail ministry, the language, the loss Messengers had a team of eight that years ever! I Thessalonians 5:24 of supporters, and the loss of friends would be coming in July to serve at says, “Faithful is He that calls you, and helpers who moved away. our English/Bible day camp! They who will also do it.” There had been no teams here to did a fantastic job with the children, • help serve for over three years, and and the fellowship together was Barb Gorman serves in Kaposvar, I just could not imagine how I could wonderful. Hungary. Her greatest hope in continue alone. The jail situation has really ministry is for those students who I prayed much and searched the improved also, with doubled have heard the truth of God’s Word Bible, hoping that the Lord would attendance and more men wanting for years to place their trust in Jesus make it clear to me that it was time Bibles. Many of them even wanted Christ as their Savior and to then be to move on. But, the verses were Bibles for others. This week I discipled. always about waiting, trusting, even got to visit and pray with a
Euro 2012 ...continued from page 21 I praise God for the new contacts we made, I realize that in ministry, running the race is not always especially among our neighbors. In some cases, this was simple, especially when it comes to choosing a way of the first time we were able to get to know them better. reaching unbelievers. It is very calming when I remind It was so great to see prayers “kick in,” while the goals myself that as long as I race towards Jesus I never lose. were being scored on the field. Even though the Polish He fills in the blank spots and touches the hearts that soccer team was losing, we felt that we were winning are lost. new friendships. It was great and exciting to have our • neighbors come back and visit for coffee. Now, we see a Filemon Shaded lives in Warsaw, Poland and works new Bible study group being started with our neighbors. with youth, discipling them one-on-one and leading “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, small groups. but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 22 Virginia Edwards Like Homing Pigeons
Since 2007 Stan and I have been As the years pass, Stan and I coming to Romania to the River of don’t know how many more times we Life Care Home (ROL) for a part of will be able to make this annual visit, each year. We’re like a couple of but when we aren’t here we miss it. homing pigeons that have to return There is deep joy and satisfaction in If you can’t physically spend time occasionally. There is just something being able to serve these moms and at ROL, perhaps the Lord would lead about this place that calls us back. their children. you to support it through prayer or With few exceptions, the women The Care Home needs couples by donation, or maybe you could come to the Care Home because to serve here for several months at act as a liaison person with your they have nowhere to live, they and a time or even longer. The women church, keeping your home church their children have been abused, who come to serve spend time up-to-date on the needs and events and they have no alternative. They playing games with the children, here. Please pray about how or if are desperate for a way to survive. overseeing the playground, perhaps God would have you answer His call They are pregnant, needing medical helping with snack times, sewing, to serve the “least of these” here at and dental care, and help in finding and visiting with the moms. The men the River of Life Care Home. a new life. Aside from the basic help with chores on the grounds and • food, clothing, and shelter, they building—stacking firewood, fixing Stan and Virginia Edwards live in receive instruction in caring for their things in need of repair and giving Mesa, Arizona and look forward to children, counseling with emotional the little boys some manly attention. the opportunities they have to go to problems, schooling for both the Visits from the States and Canada ROL to serve the moms, kids, and moms and children, and medical are a tremendous encouragement staff there. intervention. It is a joy to see the to the staff. change in these moms and kids from year to year as they learn about Jesus and His promise of eternal life Ministry opportunity with through Him. One such woman, we can call her Maria, came to ROL after River of Life being rejected by her parents when she became pregnant. Her baby Needed: A married couple, willing to was born at ROL, where she also commit one to two years as house parents accepted the Lord, and learned in Cornesti, Romania (the same village as the a marketable skill. One day a nice River of Life Care Home) and to partner with young man came to the door HELP the ROL ministry team. As house parents, and said he had seen Maria in the the responsibility would be to disciple village and wanted to marry her. one mom and her children in the process NEEDED of transitioning into life beyond the Care After a suitable time, they married, Home. established a Christian home, had two additional children and This is a great ministry opportunity for continue the building of their home a couple who love discipling, parenting, as finances allow. Maria continues who love gardening and also doing light to have close contact with ROL, and maintenance work at the Care Home. her children frequently come here to If interested, please contact us at play with the kids who are like sisters [email protected] and brothers. There are many such success stories. 23 Jeff O’Connell You’re Taking MY Grandkids WHERE!? We were sitting in the international of the needs in this world. Maybe it airport with carry-ons, coloring books was from playing with kids who live in John Pipes and baggies of Craisins, waiting orphanages or daily watching people to board a flight. We knew deep- dig through the dumpster in front of our down that Grandpa and Grandma apartment building. Or perhaps from Mobilizing understood, but feared they might say the realization that though cultures in their hearts, “Why MY grandkids?!” may be different, people are basically Uganda for It’s hard for loved ones when the same—all in need of a Savior. a family moves overseas. It’s also Now, three years after returning difficult for the parents of the kids who from Slovakia, we are honored to serve Missions make the decision to go, knowing all as assistant directors at International This past June, Riverside the cultural change and transition will Messengers’ Mountainside Ministry Missionary Internship Ministry affect their children as well. This is Training Center (MMT) in Libby, (RMIM) graduated its first class of how Andrea and I felt when we said Montana. We believe this will be our interns. And since then they all goodbye, for the first of many times, home for a long time, but again we have been serving in a number of in the Atlanta Airport in August 2005. “uprooted” our guys to come here. ministries. For three months, Jackson We knew it would not only be tough God understands, and He continues and Amon walked the streets of for us, but also for our two sons. What faithfully loving our boys. One of Jinja talking with students about “trumped” those feelings was the the ways was by giving us a home Christ. Through their efforts, three gut-level peace that God had given in the same neighborhood as our weekly Bible studies started and us as a family. Yes, as a family. Though eldest son’s friend from school. Then, a number of students have given we sometimes asked ourselves “What we realized our youngest needed a their lives to Christ. Jackson also are we doing, dragging our kids friend, so we began praying. Guess spent a month in Sudan. He plans into this?!” But over and over again, who started staying with his grandma on returning to Sudan in November during our four years in Slovakia, we after school in our neighborhood? for an extended stay. Amon also were reminded that our heavenly You’re right, our youngest son’s best went to Tanzania for a month. He will Father wants the best for our “guys” buddy! It is so sweet how our heavenly be staying in Jinja to lead a youth even more than we do! Father delights in giving good gifts to group under the leadership of MUM. We experienced deep joy and His children. Betty spent the summer furthering peace when we entrusted our sons’ At the end of the day, serving in her ministry abilities by learning to lives to God. It was something a Slovakia and moving to Montana has lead “Firm Foundation” classes. veteran missionary once told us, had a lasting impact on our boys—an referring to his own kids that stuck overwhelmingly positive impact! It’s with us. He said, “I would never hard for us to imagine a better life! exchange the comforts of America And as far as “taking the grandkids” is for the opportunities my kids had concerned, the grandparents can now living alongside people—natives see God’s signature all over it. and missionaries—who loved Jesus • sacrificially.” Jeff and Andrea O’Connell live in For us, it was worth it to see our Libby, Montana and serve as the boys, even at a young age, having a asistant directors of MMT. They have real depth of compassion for others two boys, Will and Jonathan. and a more developed understanding continued on page 25 24 Sarah Wing A Verse to Conquer
Little Kiamer’s bright brown another time, but I was determined eyes stared intently at me as she this little one had the stamina to struggled to recall the last finish. The third time, out of section of her memory the corner of my eye, I saw verse. As she chewed her face crumpling, and part, since she had mastered it and on her lip and gazed at Elisa hugging her, so hop straight to the end. the floor in a desperate I called out, “Kiamer! Through sniffles and hiccups, attempt to rack her You are so close! I out came each and every correct brain, one or two just KNOW you can word. My heart was soaring... I correct words slipped do it! Come here and have never been so proud of this out uncertainly, and I let’s finish your verse.” girl! I exuberantly hugged her and nodded vigorously in Tears streaming down shouted, “You did it!!” Her tear- encouragement. The last her beautiful face, she stained eyes lit up, and her grin part of the verse was just obediently tiptoed over to reappeared. out of her memory’s reach, so I me. Words were whispered, and In a way this reflects the enlisted an older girl, Elisa, to help I told her she could skip the first struggles I’ve tackled since her, and quietly reassured Kiamer moving to Peru. The difficulty of that I was positive she could recite forming deep relationships and the verse after a tad more work. maneuvering in a new culture can Slipping back to me shyly lead me to crumple into tears of after Elisa’s dedicated assistance, frustration, as Kiamer did. But, her a small smile appeared as she example reminds me that crossing whizzed through the first part of the finish line requires lifting up my the verse. Arriving again at the face towards Christ, swallowing stoplight in her memory, her face tears, and pressing on. • fell, and only one or two new words were produced. After a minute or Sarah and Aulo Wing live and serve in so of wriggling and fidgeting, I Iquitos, Peru, where Sarah works with sent her back to Elisa once more. children and they are involved with This process repeated itself yet church planting.
Mobilizing Uganda ...continued from page 24 Besides starting women’s studies she is conducting to help conduct an Evangelistic English Camp. If you are conferences with the wives of the men that are coming interested please contact me at [email protected], or the to the men’s purity discipleship meetings. home office at [email protected]. We labored the entire summer trying to obtain a visa I am so thankful for all the prayers and financial for Fred to go to Egypt, but every avenue we turned support that enable our work here in Uganda. It is to the road was closed. As always God knows the right certainly a team effort. Knowing and trusting place for His servants. After some months serving with that our Team Leader Jesus Christ has everything Pastor Moses in the local church in Kampala Fred is now under control no matter what we may face gives in his home village area of east Uganda ministering to us the confidence to never give up. the people there. • Our current class started in October with five interns. John and Christine Pipes live in Jinja, Uganda, where The classroom studies will finish before Christmas. We will they serve with the local church to renew, train, and be ending with a short-term mission trip into Southern mobilize believers for active involvement in reaching the Sudan. We are praying for a team from the US to join us world for Christ. 25 Karla Thiessen How to REALLY Help –Wisdom Needed Megan Price-Williams A boy approaches–he’s prob- my mind that says, “give to those ably about 13. For this story I’ll call that ask” but I see them becoming Life as a him “Shawni.” I know he’s a profi- even more self-righteous in what cient pickpocket, a schemer, and they see as their “right” to other Missionary Kid regularly lies to anyone that will peoples’ money or stuff or time... listen to him. I see him around town This is hard. “We’re going to be missionaries.” often... on Main street, in back In my frustration I’m finally With those five words, my life was alleys, and even weekly in front of coming to realize that God wants changed forever. I was 10½ Then, our church building, both before me to show love to those around and I was completely thrilled, and and after the service. But he doesn’t me, and do what I can to help them. yet devastated. On one hand, I was going to be able to get an experience want to come in. He’s rarely inter- This is often harder than just giving most kids never had the chance to ested in hearing anything anyone them money or things. It means have. On the other hand, I was going has to say to him, but brutally rude taking the time, and praying for to have to leave everything I held to the point of yelling at times to opportunities. And I’m to follow this so dear. So began a whirlwind of those who don’t give him money. calling while lifting up Christ and activity. My life turned inside-out and I admit I have a hard time loving His love, leaving the rest to Him. I upside-down. I was just beginning to him. see no other hope for mankind and understand what it meant to follow After I met him again this past those around me each day in such Christ completely and was excited week I was thinking about what devastating poverty, although at for the chance to share it with others. Jesus said: “The poor will always be times it still feels overwhelming. For nearly two years, we waited with us.” He also said, “If someone Please pray for us and others for the opportunity to launch into asks for your tunic, you should give around the globe who deal with the mission field. I proudly told all them your cloak too.” But one time those in poverty, and please my friends that I was going to be a Jesus mentioned “not throwing our especially pray for the growing missionary kid, but felt sadness as I pearls after swine...” population of the poor Romani thought about the day I would depart We know the Bible says we need (gypsies of Eastern Slovakia). Pray from them to go who knows where. to take care of our own families that God will grant us extraordinary I was extremely crushed when the first, before anyone else. His word wisdom and an outflowing of day came for us to leave for Libby, Montana. I said goodbye to all my also tells us that those that don’t Christ’s love as we deal with each friends, exchanging hard hugs and work, shouldn’t eat, which makes person and situation. Thank you. • backwards glances. The days flew me think that God doesn’t want us by as we spent those five months to raise beggars, but wants each Brad and Karla Thiessen have four at Mountainside Ministry Training of us to do our part in working, if sons and have lived in Kosice, Center (MMT). I made some really possible, to provide for ourselves Slovakia, since 1991. Their work close friends and was sad to leave and our families. So then, knowing includes Word Art (language school), there, as well. Ever since those five all this, how are we to respond to Life Art (a ministry to teach life skills words were announced, my feelings beggars that daily come at us with to the Roma), discipleship and have been in constant turmoil. All I an attitude that says, “what is mine mentoring, summer family camp, knew was that we were pursuing God is mine, and what is yours is also and other outreach opportunities. and He would always come through. mine?” Always I have that verse in When we made the decision that we continued on page 29 26 Daniel & Andreea Luncan Sent to the Wrong Place
The parents were worried and started a Bible study with some camp planned for, the ones we wouldn’t have frustrated, the children were getting participants who also became good reached on our own. They are the right into trouble with all the things they friends. Then, later in the Spring as people from the “wrong” place, God’s were not supposed to touch, strewn we were planning our next family beloved who He decided to reach by all over the hotel and playground; the camp (at a different facility) the first to sending us. Every one of “our Resita facility staff was in defensive mode sign up was the owner of the Resita people” has discovered the story of with “no” as their default answer to hotel and two other families she had Jesus’ love and grace and has come our every question. It was clear that invited. Over the next five years, closer to embracing Him. Some have we had come to the wrong place, about 35 people from that area have already found salvation. Marcel and the wrong people, and that possibly been part of different outreach events Olimpia came to the Marriage Quest we’d had the wrong vision all along. with DeClar—family camps, Marriage two years ago, and later said that it Despite prayers and planning, first and Quests, conversation clubs and Bible saved their troubled marriage. During second impressions of the place, the the family camp last summer Teo and Resita facility was absolutely the wrong Gabi—a Resita couple—accepted one and our envisioned joyful days Christ. They are the first couple sent of ministering to couples and families by God to a dark and difficult place were rapidly turning into long, stressful for all the right reasons, for all the right hours of putting out fires, all of which people. left us exhausted and discouraged. • Dani and Andreea live in Timisoara, Our dream of having a heaven-like Romania with their two children. Their atmosphere at our first family camp main ministry focus is with families and was quickly blowing up in smoke that professionals through camps, English hot summer in 2007. Most probably clubs, and Bible studies. this would be not just our first but also our last family camp. Our only Family Camp 2012 - greetings from a comfort was that somehow, with the place of grace encouragement of a great team and by God’s truly amazing grace, we could studies. To get to Timisoara, where develop good relationships with both we are, these people need to drive for the hotel owners and the campers. two hours on not-so-good roads and We weren’t sure of this in the then make the trip back, usually late at heat of the moment, but proof came night, but apparently they think it worth over the following months, when we the effort. They are the ones we never Teo, Gabi, and their family
“The Lord taught me to not be so shy and to start loving people from the time I meet them. I will be comfortable with them in the end so why not just start that way even though I don’t feel that way. I grew to love everyone I got to know. If we lived near each other I think we would be good friends. God helped me grow spiritually during Family English Camp. I could see the open sore from a long ago sin heal and disappear. Wow, that was a freeing experience!” KD – Slovakia
27 Janna Forseth Indian Village – Unexpected Benefits
Sometimes just one comment in year was near ninety people (sixty and responsibility, as well as learning passing can trigger a ripple effect that teenagers and young adults). how to serve. This is character training carries further than we ever imagined. The Indian Village began in that will produce better adults! At In July of 2006, one such comment set hopes of providing something for the same time, they are watching in motion the process of bringing the the children in the small village the church people and our American Indian Village from aspiration community to do during the team and see that being a Christian to reality. A lone makeshift summer because many of is more than just going to church on teepee standing at our the families cannot afford Sunday morning. There is no way of English camp was a little vacation. So we bring telling the overall impact the Indian seed planted through the “vacation” to them. Village is having, but I am certain it an idea and cultivated It has become a very is far more than we know. All Praise with planning, important event in the to God for His abundant and faithful preparation and a lives of those children! blessings. great deal of help. It’s also become • God has grown it into an awaited annual Janna is from Wisconsin and trained an event that has not event for both at MMT in 1998. She now lives and only affected all those participants and volun- serves in Kielce, Poland. involved, but it has teers! God has blessed also affected an entire us abundantly in this community, its outlying endeavor. We watch Him areas and has made an provide when it seems impact on our small church impossible. We see His in Kielce, as well as being The first teepee hand and His guidance. He an inspiration to other is most definitely working in larger congregations. the lives of people involved. It’s been quite a metamorphosis The effect on the young volunteers from that first little teepee to the is more than we realize! Much is village of fourteen teepees. We expected of them and they come began with sixty children in 2007 and through! They learn and develop had 292 in 2012! Our staff total this leadership skills, communication skills,
28 Loring Morris Fighting the Battle “It is better to be deceived a thousand times than to live a life of suspicion.” – Spurgeon
Almost four years ago we packed It’s a weary process. When we In the end, we answer to Jesus. everything that would fit in eleven put up walls to protect ourselves and Will we say, “I was going to tell suitcases and moved to a slum in walk around with bitter suspicion, people about the Gospel, but they the heart of Kampala, Uganda. Our we aren’t spreading the Gospel. stole from me and lied to me; so I house was a disappointment at first, Our message is hindered by the decided they weren’t worthy of the and due to a low compound wall negative attitude which insecurity message?” For now we live in one and a sleepy night guard, we were brings. We’re called to be available of the worst districts in Kampala that robbed twice. A few years later even in hard situations, and need is known for its thieves, thugs, and some men clipped the lock on our to look to Jesus to fight the battle prostitutes. But with a lot of grace gate and tried to break in, but ran against suspicion and bitterness. and the beauty of God’s salvation, away after realizing we were home. Who knows whether the mom maybe one day it will be known for Recently, my husband’s motor- saying she lost the equivalent of its love of Jesus. And we get to be cycle was stolen from in front of the $100 and has been chased away by a part of that with open vulnerable church we planted two years ago. her husband with a machete is telling hearts that belong to God. That is He was inside for just minutes, and the truth? Who can tell whether all the security we need. thieves broke the lock and took off. the iPod that disappeared from • Last week one of our young men was Dan’s office was taken by someone Dan, Loring, and their children on his way home and was robbed by who worships with us? Who knows moved from Kalispell, Montana to four guys. The same week three of whether the young men watching live and work in Kampala, Uganda. our young men were walking back us lock our gate are planning to rob They serve in a church plant called from community group and were us? We’re called to be here, to serve “Sojourn Church” in Wabigalo, chased by a group of men seeking and love like Jesus- even when we Kampala, Uganda. to steal their clothing. are taken advantage of, robbed, Living overseas brings a host of and slandered. insecurities, and being robbed is one of them. It’s a personal attack Life as a Missionary Kid ...continued from page 26 on security and can result in anger and helplessness. We’ve had a hard would serve the Lord in Odessa, Ukraine, I was probably about twelve. Two time trusting motives and actions of years had passed since our family committed to being missionaries. Being a many people since we moved here. missionary kid has some awesome attributes, though! If I weren’t a missionary A couple years ago a pastor kid, I would never have gone to Libby and met some of my (now) closest friend of ours came to visit us. friends. I wouldn’t have been able to admire God’s creation in the mountains After watching us interact in our at Glacier National Park. I wouldn’t have been able to see Mt. Rushmore. I neighborhood and listening to wouldn’t have been able to see the St. Louis Gateway Arch. The list goes Dan preach, he pulled Dan aside on and on. I constantly thank God that I have had so many adventures and one night. He told us that we were discoveries along this journey. And this is only the beginning! God has even becoming bitter and jaded, and more planned! I have grown in my relationship with God over the past 2½ offered these words of wisdom: “It’s years. God made every one of us with a purpose: to make an impact and not their ability to take advantage change the world. So all I can say to the world is, “Come at me, bro!” • of you; it’s more about your Megan is the oldest daughter of David and Teniece Price-Williams and will be availability.” These simple words going with her family to serve in Odessa, Ukraine. really opened our eyes.
29 Dan Defever The Most Important Change
Next March marks our tenth We felt God’s call to Kwidzyn, the Baptist Church in Poland. After anniversary in Europe. During these Poland. Kwidzyn has 40,000 people, he helped me with my phone, he years, we’ve noticed tremendous and we knew of five families wanting said, “I’m interested in meeting with change, especially in Poland. When to grow in their walk with the Lord the church.” He gave me his phone most people think about Eastern who had no church to go to. Chris number, as I tried to keep my jaw off Europe, they picture a majority and I just arrived in Kwidzyn and the floor. who live below the poverty line, are getting to know these families. The greatest need of anyone especially when compared to Recently, I went to a telephone is to have a relationship with God American income. Many now notice store to add money to our phones. through His Son, Jesus Christ. an obvious change in Poland, as The conversation quickly turned People who don’t have Jesus in people have more money to spend. to English, as the clerk previously their lives will be empty, no matter Standards of living appear higher studied in London. As we were what they have. It has been my for most, as compared to ten years talking, he mentioned several times prayer that as Poland becomes ago. that he wasn’t happy with his life wealthier, people would realize their Living in Poland allows us to there. I began to pray that God emptiness and seek after Jesus. Will notice these changes. There was a would give me words that would you make that your prayer, also? time when we would send a message point to Him. The clerk asked why • to people, offering a ride to the next we chose to live there, so I shared Dan and Chris Defever recently large town. Often, people went with that we chose to move here to assist moved from Borne Sulinowo, Poland us, even if when we were leaving in starting a church. I told him that to Kwidzyn, Poland. They will be wasn’t convenient for them. Now, we plan to get together to read the working with some Polish families to time has become more important, Bible, and that we work alongside start a church. and spending money on the bus ticket is easier than it used to be. The car population continues to grow, Seaside Missionary Training Center Class of 2012 malls are sprouting up everywhere, and it comes as no surprise to hear that there’s a Starbucks in one of the larger cities. Most of us would argue that this is a change for the better. I admit that I enjoy visiting Starbucks occasionally. Unfortunately, the real change that needs to be taking place is the spreading of the Gospel, Back Row, Left to Right: and planting churches with healthy Victor – Rural Ukrainian pastor and church planter leadership. People need Jesus Vasiliy – Russian evangelist desiring to serve among the many forgotten men and women in Russian nursing homes Christ at the center of their lives, or Dima – Russian pastor and church planter they simply are living “better” lives Misha – Works with Ukrainian alcoholics and drug addicts on their journey to hell. This picture Zhenya – Works with Ukrainian alcoholics and drug addicts again was very clear a year ago as Front Row Center, Left to Right: my wife and I traveled throughout Yulia – Has a heart to be a missionary in Central America Poland, assessing our next ministry Anastasia (Nastya) – Has her heart and eyes on serving as a missionary in Japan location. 30 Carol Schlorff When Fear Grips You
Bob Hageman The fear had become my “In the person of Jesus Christ, constant companion. I felt as if it God has already conquered. He was crouching at my door, ready has given us his victory to hold… A Year of to devour me at any moment. Oh, For our part we need not struggle I prayed about it. And it helped… to occupy ground that is already some. But, the fear always came ours (in Christ we are ‘more than Contrasts back, and I was starting to wonder conquerors’—Rom 8:37)… Thus Joy & Sadness: During this past whether it would ever go away. today we do not fight ‘for’ victory, year, five of our street friends died. How had I gotten into such a state? but ‘from’ victory…” This saddens us and we wonder if, It started when some stressful So I decided to take a different in their final moments, they asked situations caused breathing approach and I prayed for the fear Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. difficulties. I would have to take to go away in Jesus’ Name, claiming It has been a great joy watching deep breaths, but much of the time the victory In Christ. After all, Jesus several people asking and learning I couldn’t breathe-in fully. I had said that He has given us His about who Jesus is, with a few experienced this before, so I figured peace—it’s an accomplished fact. making the ultimate decision to it was only stress-related. Eventually, After praying I went to sleep. When accept His saving grace. the original stressors went away, but I woke up the fear was gone! For Sickness & Health: We both my breathing problem remained. the first time in months, I was free. struggled for several months I started worrying about that, Each time the fear tried to return I during the winter and early spring and matters only got worse. This claimed the victory God has already with a flu-like bug that seemed to culminated in a frightful event where given, and the fear would scatter! hang on forever! Bob struggles I felt as though I couldn’t breathe. It has now been over nine with depression, and the lack of Where was God in all of this? months, and I have been free from sunshine affects him greatly. He Is this what our victory in Christ is fear ever since. My attitude has only had two or three bouts that supposed to look like? I wondered. changed. Not only about fear, but were difficult to get through. Vera One evening when the fear was about all the blessings and victories constantly struggles with an immune especially strong, I prayed something that we know we have in Christ. system disease that affects body like “Lord, please remove this fear God has already given them to temperatures, lung functioning, and from me.” My roommate looked at us; therefore, why ask for them? causes extreme fatigue at times. We me and said, “Carol, you’re praying Instead, we must claim them and have seen God’s grace and mercy in wrong. You should tell the fear to stand in them. Isn’t this what faith is both of our health struggles, which ultimately allows us to continue go in Jesus’ Name.” I went back to all about? • living in Poland. my room thinking about her words, Answered Prayers for Healing: and picked up a book I was reading Carol Schlorff became a full-time One Sunday night at the Street at the time, “Sit, Walk, Stand” by missionary with IM in 1990. She Ministry, Ania came up to us, Watchman Nee. It’s a commentary lives in Krakow, Poland and works showing her left arm that had two on Ephesians, and I happened to be alongside the Second Baptist very deep cuts. We insisted she in the sixth chapter, the one about Church using English, Bible studies, must go to the hospital, which she spiritual warfare. And here are some cooking classes, and other outreach absolutely refused. As we began of the words that I read: opportunities to build relationships and share the Gospel. continued on page 32 31 Contrasts ...continued from page 31
bandaging, we started praying for a miracle. In less than two weeks, we could see God had completely healed her arm! We are praying that this incident and miracle would lead to Ania accepting Jesus’ saving grace. Faith and Doubt: Approximately a year ago we found a building that could be used for a halfway house—the “Friendship House.” We felt that God was asking us to Terry Mayberry step out in faith to buy this building. Throughout this process, we had many doubts and discouragements. God’s Intervention As each deadline approached and the money was still not raised we “Have you been privileged to planned for us hoping it would considered stopping the process. witness God’s intervention in your mean returning to Romania, but we But, we felt the Holy Spirit urging us life or the life of a loved one?” That have come to understand that He to go forward. We knew that God was the question at the end of one has put us here for His purposes. could make it possible. of my devotion readings. That is why we can say yes; we have God put this project on the Heather* is a beautiful, healthy witnessed God’s intervention in our hearts of several people who baby girl. But she almost wasn’t lives and others. We know that we worked tirelessly to get the funds born. Her mother Cory* already are in God’s will being here just as together. He also laid the giving of the funds on the hearts of a great had an appointment to get an we were in His will when we were many people, many of whom gave abortion when she came to the in Romania. God shows His love for sacrificially. Pregnancy Care Center (PCC). She us by placing us where we are most Looking back on this process we was confused about her options. needed. can see how God orchestrated the She said she would think about Have you been privileged to events and put everything in place, her decision and come in again in witness God’s intervention in your touching people’s hearts at just the a week. After a week we began to life or the life of a loved one? Jesus right time. think the worst, but we had prayed, said in John 10:27: “My sheep We feel honored and humbled so we waited to see what God would listen to my voice; I know them, to be involved in this part of His do. The following week a volunteer and they follow me.” If you follow plan for Radom. called Cory to see how she was Him, you will be able to say “I have We have learned a lot through doing, and she had changed her been privileged to witness God’s this process and know that God is mind about getting an abortion! intervention in my life.” still teaching us valuable lessons. A relationship grew between Truthfully, we do not always want to Cory and the volunteer, and she is *Names have been changed to protect learn these things, but we know that now the mother of a beautiful baby the confidentiality of our clients. God’s way is best and we pray that girl. To paraphrase Ed Kleiman, “You • we will continue to be open to His leading in our life and be obedient can’t save a soul unless you save Terry and Sue Mayberry live at the to do His ministry. a life.” That is what the Pregnancy Training Center in Libby, Montana. • Care Center is all about, saving In addition to the work they do at Bob and Vera live and serve in lives of the unborn and being used the PCC, they also help at MMT and Radom, Poland, reaching out to the by God to change the lives of the serve in their church. homeless and addicted showing clients who visit us. Christ’s love and sharing the Gospel. For a while we were waiting for God to show us what He had 32 Doug Moore What is the worth of one human soul?
Roberta and I came to know the magnificent. Imagine a life face to through His Son, Jesus Christ. He Lord two years before we met. As face with Jesus; a life without sin or loves you and died for your sins and we each believed in Him, He made sickness, anger, pain, or even tears! wants you to receive Him and be it clear to us that we were to give The soul that is lost will lose born into the family of God! up all and follow Him. We knew God everything forever! For those of you What is a human soul worth? had put us together to be part of His who personally know Christ, ask Him THE VERY BLOOD OF JESUS! work, and understood that this work to bring people to you that need to • is saving souls! hear about Jesus and then ask that Doug and his wife, Roberta, have He led us to Romania, where we He gives you the right words. Use been missionaries with International started River of Life Ministries. God every opportunity to share your faith Messengers in Romania since 1998. gave us a great Romanian staff and with others. They are the founders and overseers many willing, helpful people from all For those reading this who don’t of the River of Life Care Home for over the world to pray for, fund, and understand what I am talking about, destitute women and children in help in the many ways that we reach ask God to reveal Himself to you Cornesti, Romania. the hurting and the lost. This morning in Romans 12:1&2, we read, “Therefore I exhort you, SOFTBALL CAMP! brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” God tells us to present ourselves Peter Petrik fully and completely to God. We haven’t made a big sacrifice to be This year we organized the sixth of years we realized how essential is here, because this work completes Evangelistic English Softball Camp to build and maintain relationships His plan for our lives, and we’re in Zirc, Hungary. This is the biggest with parents; they can send or even blessed every day that we serve outreach in our area, and the bring their children to the church number of campers has grown year with themselves (we have a whole Him. Nothing can compare with by year. We expected to have about visiting family of five like that!) or seeing many souls turn from the sixty campers this year, but actually they can say a distinct no, when darkness of Satan to the wonderful ended up with more than eighty! their kids would want to come... light of Jesus Christ! It is a tremendous joy for us It was great to serve our many We cannot comprehend with that besides the campers we could new and veteran campers alongside our earthly eyes what eternal life reach some of the parents and also our experienced staff. These in Christ really means. God’s Word the staff of the dormitory where the tells us that eternal life will be camp took place. In the last couple continued on page 34 33 Tom Clark Softball ...continued from page 33 wonderful teachers stay in touch with the campers between the two Back to Basics: camps, as well. Thank you so much, guys! We are eager to see huge English Camp 101 changes in the lives of the campers, but we still have to wait and do our part in this. We must appreciate Since coming on staff with IM I believed that God was showing every single step forward we can in the Fall of 2003 Jill and I have me through these situations that see in their lives. organized over a dozen Mens, He wanted Jill and I to co-sponsor We have some help in these efforts: Womens, and Marriage Conferences an English Family Camp with the some of the translators regularly in Romania, but we have never Romanian church we attend in come to Zirc and spend some time hosted an English camp. That is Bucharest. The only problem was with the campers. We organize about to change, Lord willing. that I had never attended an English English Camp meetings together In the summer of 2011 Jill and family camp. God had the answer every month. I were invited to help teach English for that as well, as this past summer Please pray for at a camp run by another missionary (2012) we attended the camp that • the increase and harvest from the organization in Romania. Through our colleagues from Timisoara, camp-ministry that experience—and the difficulties Romania, organized. • the workers in this field associated with it—God taught me As I sit here and write this I’m • the campers who have already two very important lessons. The first getting excited to see how God accepted Christ—for their lesson was that God is not finished will use this English Family Camp to spiritual growth using English camps to expose change the lives of people who at- • the seeds that were sown in the people to His Gospel. The camp tend the Romanian Church and how hearts of the people during the we attended encouraged us not to He will change the people they will camp. use our Bibles or to speak Christian be inviting to come to camp. • terms. They were afraid this would By God’s grace and for His Glory, Peter and Judit Petrik have six be offensive to those attending. I we will be hosting a Camp in July of children and live in Zirc, Hungary left with a sense of loss because 2013! where they are deeply involved in the we had been kept from sharing the • life of their church. They utilize the Softball English Camp as an outreach most important news we could with Tom and Jill Clark live in Bucharest, and then try to follow up with campers those who attended. Romania where they use a variety of through a monthly English Club. The second lesson was that outreach methods including Bible there is no need to reinvent how to studies, conferences, and “The Truth do English camps, because the basic Project” to connect with and teach plan that IM started using in 1985 both believers and unbelievers. “I always thought of will still work today. For the camp missionaries as going mentioned above we had to come up with our own lessons. This quickly solely to evangelize; all turned into one person standing at they did was share the the front of the room explaining Gospel. They absolutely English grammar and then writing do that! But it’s in the examples of it on a white board. That’s what the students expected context of relationships so that’s what we gave them. I came and living life with the away frustrated because I knew people you’re trying to that there was so much more reach.” BT – Poland that we could accomplish if we had done things differently.
34 Steve Sharp Local Impact – A Heart to Help Can being in a community for just a few months really have an impact?
Students at IM’s Mountainside to focus on building the kind of used the MMT students to share Ministry Training Center (MMT) relationships that allow them to their heart about serving full-time in Libby, Montana, have done speak into the kids’ lives. One year and what some of this equipment everything from fill pulpits to the church was short on leadership, would mean to them. It helped the participate in what we so lovingly and the students stepped in to fill kids internalize what it meant to re- call our “Highway Beautification the gap. ceive support for their work. Program” (roadside trash pickup). Worship is another area that can Although the time here is short, One local pastor says that just the be difficult to staff in a small church. one MMT student really made the excitement the students brought “The MMT students brought most of her time and had a signifi- was a great benefit to his church. The abilities and experience that not cant impact on the lives of several students demonstrated a willingness only helped on Sunday mornings, young women. They knew she cared to get involved with ongoing but in the team meetings as well. about them for who they were—that programs, and even suggested Their passion and enthusiasm really she loved them because of Christ. ideas for new ones. One student challenged us to excellence. Before So, can you make an impact in had a burden to reach out to truck their arrival we had recognized a short time? According to local drivers and to show them Christ’s a need to drive toward a higher pastors, YES! love as they were passing through expectation, but they brought ideas • Libby. He helped organize a lunch and enthusiasm that helped us focus Steve and Deborah joined IM full- served in the church parking lot, in that direction. They demonstrated time in 2004. They live in Libby, which worked great since the church such a willingness and contagious Montana and are the directors of is on Libby’s main thoroughfare. positive attitude. Our experience is MMT where they are responsible Everyone driving by could stop that they are eager to either serve for program development, facility in for a free barbeque lunch and in their area of gifting or step in to management, recruiting and thought provoking conversation. help wherever needed.” mentoring. The impact of this went beyond One youth pastor says his just the event, as folks in the church denomination has a program that were galvanized to think beyond challenges the what they have always done and youth to raise reach out in new ways. money for equip- If you’ve ever been involved in ment for their mis- children’s ministry in a small church sionaries. But, the you know how hard it can be to staff money just goes the various programs. One local into a general church reports that almost every fund; they don’t MMT class has provided volunteers meet the mission- for their AWANA ministry. They have aries or really get relieved the permanent workers so to see where their they can spend more quality time contribution went. with the kids. This allows them The youth pastor
35 David Beger Strengthen a Church... with a Family Camp
Make disciples! As many of you know that is the churches. This ensures that the camps are fulfilling the actual command of the Great Commission of Matthew needs of the long-term ministry teams. We, the long- 28:16-20, although it is not so clear in the English termers, cannot host events of such magnitude without translation. But, how does one make disciples according the help of IM and people like you. to that text? By going, baptizing, and teaching. Short- Short-term ministries, such as family camps, sports term ministries, such as an International Messengers camps, and day camps, have proven to be very useful English camp, basketball camp, ski camp, conference, tools. There are many benefits to becoming a part of an or any of the other events we have hosted, actually help IM short-term team, but let me mention only four that the full-time missionaries in the disciple making process. you might not have thought about. How can teaching English or music be disciple making? 1) The events create an “excuse” for the nonbelievers In July 2012, the Borne church hosted a family camp to be at the same event as believers. Nonbelievers in which we implemented English workshops, marriage/ do not always have a good reason to spend time parenting workshops, music workshops, and even some with us. Help us give them a good reason. self-defense workshops. Two women called asking whether they would be allowed to come to the camp for 2) They create an “ice breaker” between the English classes, because they were not part of our nonbelievers and believers. Nonbelievers do not church. This family camp was the door through which trust the believers. Help them get to know us. one of the women walked in, met Jesus and gave her 3) The Americans and Nationals have the opportunity life to Him. This is only one such story. to work together. International Messengers short-term ministries come alongside the long-term missionaries and local 4) There is a strengthening of the N. American church as they have the opportunity to work in another country. Consider using short-term trips to help train and mature your church leadership. There are, of course, many other reasons for you to become part of an International Messengers short-term ministry. Why not join a team so that you can add to the list of good reasons to serve abroad? • David, Nicole, and their children live in Borne Sulinowo, Poland. David preaches and teaches in Borne as well as other Polish Churches. His desire is to make sound theological training available to leaders and others interested in academic seminary education.
36 Kent McKinnon Dark Night of the Soul
Pain, fear, anxiety, and physical health are all potential things that come into our lives that cause us to pause, cry out to God, and sometimes even doubt where God is and why he isn’t helping us. My friend is going through a difficult time in his life. I wanted to encourage him to go to God with his fears and pain and go to his friends and be transparent to share about his doubts and struggles with God and his fears about the future. I hope that if any of you are in a place referred to as the “dark night of the soul,” this letter will be an encouragement to you. Hi Special Friend, We have been regularly praying for you and your health. I am a little worried for you because there are times of spiritual discouragement that often hit when we are physically sick. I know that my body reacted to an antibiotic shot with a mental/emotional anxiety attack. It was a living hell! The antibiotic had really messed up my mind and caused great doubts about God’s goodness and care for me. I cried out to God for help but it felt like God stayed back in the shadows. God was close enough that I knew He was there but not up close and experientially personal. The early church called this “The Dark Night of the Soul.” It is a terrible place and a terrible experience. The attacks were the worst In the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep. I would go sit in my rocking chair and read my Bible and talk with God. It turned out to be a really rich warm experience with God. I hope that you will never feel as desperate with your illness as I did. Don’t let Satan lie to you and say that God doesn’t care and won’t help you. But when you do have doubts please don’t move away from God but PLEASE GO TO GOD. He waits for you with outstretched arms to hold you close and comfort you and support you. If you would like to talk about the “Dark Night” of your soul I would be honored to talk with you. If you would like to share any doubts about God due to this situation in your life there will be no judgment on my part (I had many doubts during those times of my life). I love you and am praying for you. Kent
Kent and Jan live in Poznan, Poland. Kent teaches in the UK four times a year with International Youth Workers, preaches at PIC (Poznan International Church), and is very active in sharing Christ with others.
37 Donation Information If you would like the opportunity to give to our ministry, or if you have been blessed by the ministries of International Messengers and would like to participate in helping us to minister to others, you can use any of these options: Donation HOMEGOING by check or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to IM is the most beneficial as 100% Ianus (Nony) Olaru of your donation is received by us and 1/26/1960 – 4/9/2012 there are no extra processing fees taken from your donation. Checks can be made Nony worked at the River of payable to International Messengers and Life Care Home in Romania, doing mailed to us at PO Box 618, Clear Lake, construction and maintenance, IA 50428. Using EFT your donation is from 1999–2012. automatically deducted from your bank After a two-and-a-half year account each month at no charge to you. battle with cancer, Nony went To set up EFT, contact our office. home to be with the Lord on April If you would like to make donations 9, 2012. His family wishes to online using a credit card, you can express their gratitude and deep donate through JustGive or Network For appreciation for the outpouring of Good. Both of these organizations are love, support, and prayers during non-profit and all receipting is processed this time. through them. Please note that these organizations keep a portion of the donation to cover the fees associated If you participated in a short-term trip in 2012 with IM and haven’t with processing credit cards, therefore IM had an opportunity to complete your camp evaluation form, does not receive 100% of your donation. please take a moment and fill out the online form now available at: To donate online go to www.im-usa.org www.im-usa.org/index.php/resources/eval and click on the Donate button. • 2012 Short-Term Ministries Report 2 Discipleship Camps 1 Men’s Ministries 3 Encouragement Trips 1 Soccer Camp 3 English Day Camps 1 Softball English Day Camp 4 English Language Camps 1 Teachers’ Workshop 10 Family English Camps 1 VBS Ministry 1 Horse Camp for Disabled 1 Village & Care Home Children Ministries 1 IM Staff Conference 1 Women’s Conference God accomplished much through the willingness and 1 Kids Camp 1 Women’s Sewing Ministry heart of our staff and short-termers in 2012. We sent a total of 316 short-term workers and conducted 42 5 Internships 2 Youth with HIV/AIDS Camps outreaches, as follows at right. 2 Marriage Conferences The average age of our short-termers in 2012 was 41 years old, and 49% of our short-termers were alumni. Our oldest short-termer was 83 and our youngest was 5-years old. We give God all the glory for another blessed year!
38 Please cut along the dotted lines and mail to IM at the address below.
I/we would like more information about IM’s ministries planned in 2013. Please send an application for short-term / long-term (circle one) involvement. PO Box 618 I am an alumnus and would like to return to the following camp in 2013: Clear Lake, IA 50428-0618 In Canada ______151-32500 South Fraser Way Suite #512 Please send more information about IM’s automatic donation program. Abbotsford, BC V2T 4W1 CANADA I would like to financially support ______$_____ per month / quarter / year I am interested in receiving my receipts by e-mail. Please contact us about a vehicle we might have ready to donate to the mission. Please do not send this annual International Messengers newsletter (continue to send individual missionary prayer letters). Please remove me from all newsletter and prayer letter lists.
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“My faith has grown. I have a better understanding of God’s mission and where I fit into that. Im excited about being a part of God’s mission! I feel compelled to tell people about Jesus not because it’s a “have- to-do,” but because that is the hope we all search for. It’s become a lot easier and comfortable in talking about and directing people to speaking about Jesus in everyday conversations. It has shifted my world and I’m so grateful for that.” FP – Ukraine
39 ______Ph: 641-357-6700 • Fax: 641-357-6791 ______PO Box 618 • Clear Lake, IA 50428-0618
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
International Messengers is looking for opportunities to serve you! If any of the opportunities below is something your church would be interested in, please call the IM office at 800-243-6763 or e-mail [email protected].
Darwin Anderson, Darlis Anderson: President: Women’s Ministry/Banquet Speaker Missions Conferences Missions Concerts Ed Kleiman, Elder Retreats Messengers of Hope: Men’s Retreats Prayer Conferences Evangelistic Marriage Quests Men’s Conferences Pulpit Fill God’s Work – God’s Way Conference: Mission Committee Vision deals with prayer, Gods’ Word, and Encouragement and reaching the lost Teaching on the Importance Brent Howland, of the Church Vice President: Missions Conferences Pulpit Fill Missions Conferences Other: Men’s Meetings Connecting Missionaries with your Mission Committee Vision Church when they are home and Encouragement on furlough.