International Messengers Good News Fall 2011 How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News. Romans 10:15 Darwin Anderson INSIDE Lessons on Courage...... 2 Northern Reflections...... 3 Can He? Ministry in Odessa...... 3 Thoughts from the Train...... 4 Could He? Simply Following Him ...... 5 Developing an Elder’s Heart . . . 6 Staff Care & Barnabas Int’l. . . . . 6 Would He? Oh My Money!...... 7 his Cathedrals hit song from the someone rises from the dead.” Both Living Your Faith ...... 8 mid-80’s brings back memories of these accounts seem to paint an Fifteen Years & Counting. . . . . 9 T of a light heart and joyful accurate picture of how hard it is for Seeking People...... 10 worship. But the title also reveals us to trust the loving heart of God French Without Borders. . . . . 11 some deeper questions of our hearts and believe His promises to us. If He Life and Ministry in Egypt . . . . 12 that regularly need to be brought back would only …, then I would be faithful. A Heart to Serve...... 13 to the plumbline of God’s truth. Our No we wouldn’t! Changed Lives...... 14 hearts are hard to convince as we don’t MUM is the Word...... 15 believe easily in any authority other The Hubble telescope has given us a 2012 Camp Schedule...... 16 than self. It must be in our DNA to continually clearer understanding of Am I Like Moses...... 17 doubt God’s character and goodness the astounding universe God has put Global Compassion Network. . . . 18 no matter how He proves Himself and us in, and yet we doubt and question Opportunity is Knocking. . . . 19 blesses. His power, His existence, and His No Presentation of the Gospel?. . . 20 majesty. Having a name like Darwin Czesc! Jak sie masz? ...... 21 In the early 90’s Darlis and I were at the has given me plenty of exposure to the God is Big, Isn’t He? ...... 21 end of a Czech university English camp long lasting effects of Charles Darwin’s Want God to Bless You? . . . . . 22 and a student asked the American evolutionary theory. This theory took team, “Why doesn’t God send Jesus hold of the scientific community at a Blowing the Whistle ...... 23 back to our generation to do miracles time when there was no access to the The Blessing of Discipleship . . . 24 so we can believe?” One of our team tools of microbiology that we have That We May Be Worthy. . . . 25 members soberly answered, “Because now. Has our incredible technology Just Past the 3rd Billboard. . . . 26 the last time He sent Him we nailed to see the inner workings of the cell The Truth Project...... 26 Him to a Cross and He only needed to turned the science community whole- 2011 Staff Conference...... 27 do that one time.” This reminds me, heartedly towards intelligent design Invest in People...... 28 too, of Jesus’ account of Lazarus and and belief in God’s creative hand? Hugs from God ...... 29 the rich man from Luke 16. The rich Nope. The battle may rage more Are You a Dog or a Cat? . . . . 30 man, suffering in Hades, requested intensely now than ever. Our hearts are Journey of Faith...... 31 that Abraham send Lazarus back from not easily swayed away from needing Stateside for a Time...... 32 the dead to his five brothers so they to be “in charge” or “in control” of our Is it Real or is it Virtual?. . . . . 33 could believe. Abraham replied, “If own destiny, even as miserable as that Biblical Education ...... 34 they won’t listen to Moses and the leaves us. Reaching Refugees ...... 35 prophets, they won’t listen even if An Instrument in God’s Hands. . . 36 continued on page 2 Ministry in Radom Poland . . . . 37 Brent Howland Can He?...continued from page 1 It is not surprising then, that we are reading debates and challenges within Lessons on the believing community as to how a loving God could send humans to an eternity in Hell. That’s really not so far Courage away from our own questions of how a truly good God could allow us and our loved ones to endure such suffering. ’ve been inspired this year by lost, even though I know that I simply Can He? Could He? Would He? What some great stories of courage that don’t have the wisdom or ability or would this God allow in my life to make me want to live for Christ character to make those things turn accomplish His purposes? What will I I have to suffer to enter His Kingdom? and expel the fears and insecurities out the way I hope they will. Biblical that hold me back. The biblical story phrases like, “My grace is sufficient Why me? If He allows this, what will these remaining years bring? of Jonathan and his armor bearer for you for My power is made perfect in 1 Samuel 14 has challenged me in weakness,” and “with God all It’s time that we go back to Jesus’ to surrender myself to whatever things are possible,” help me face instructions on how to pray. “Thy outcomes God has for me. I need to the situations with a Christ-focused Kingdom come, Thy will be done, take new steps of faith in Christ and confidence. on earth as it is in Heaven.” Can we let God control the results of those discipline our minds and will to give faith steps in whatever ways He sees I’ve also learned that acts of God the room in our own daily lives to fit. The dramatic courage of IM staff courage are often more mundane be God, by working out His sovereign who see this chaotic time in Egypt as than the things I read in missionary and loving will for us and the lost around a window of opportunity for ministry biographies. In my context, courage us? He doesn’t need our permission rather than a time to retreat, and means humbly working to resolve a but, as part of living by faith to please of those who view economic crises conflict instead of holding on to my Him, it is right for us to pray, “You GO as a tool to bring people to Christ prideful “I was wronged!” mentality. AHEAD, loving LORD. You do what challenge me to re-examine where It means being open about my You need to do to accomplish Your my trust is. When my trust is in Jesus personal struggles and trusting that purposes. I trust Your heart. Thank and my sense of security comes spiritual victory comes from telling the you for who You are. Get it done!” from God, then I’m set free from the truth instead of through appearing to things that hold me back — I can act have it all together. Courage means Let’s keep our hearts and minds with courage because I know that His picking up the phone even when I trained in faithfulness to this incredible wisdom and His ways are best. should have called weeks ago. God. He spoke our universe — which currently is thought to measure 15 As an athlete and a coach, my Lastly, I’ve learned from several billion light years in radius — into courage was based on a competitive IM missionaries that courage also existence from NOTHING! Then drive that I had and on a lot of things means praying when things seem even more miraculously, He created that I could control, like practice, hopeless. In the last year, we’ve seen us in His image to walk with Him and hard work, conditioning, etc. But I’m God resurrect dead relationships and planned from the start to send His starting to see that I’m completely revive burned-out spirits and even beloved Son to die in our place while we were rebelling against Him. What bankrupt when it comes to an ability give us opportunities for sharing the an awe-inspiring, unfathomable, to make my ministry go well. It’s hard Gospel in places where the doors compassionate God Who would to admit that. It feels backwards to seemed very firmly shut. So why and could do such things. He was me to let go of self-reliance and not have courage? If God can do all and continues to be “in charge” to to admit my neediness. This has those things that seem impossible bring about the completion of His been a step of courage for me — to me, then why fear, why hesitate, Kingdom work in this present age. You to continue to take steps forward why hold back from serving Him in a Can God! I know You Could, God. in preaching, in ministering to radical way?  And if You Would, I will love You missionaries, in reaching out to the and trust You.  2 Alex & Beth Oehler Northern Reflections e live in Northern Can- We are challenged daily by these ada, a region legendary questions, Alex in post-residential Wfor adventure, giant land- school language revitalization and scapes and wild animals. Our region Beth as regional nutritionist. We have is also legendary for inter-cultural seen our respect for others grow in conflict. Huge heartache has proportion to our understanding of human beings . This will demand time resulted through the colonial-style resi- their values. We continue to seek the and much patient prayer, but the dential schooling of aboriginal children best ways to live out the calling of Christ Savior, as the Risen One, will open the which forced disassociation with family, in this setting. doors .” heart language and nomadic lifestyle. Some believe that 2011 is post-colonial. Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt wrote in First generation Quakers at Balby, York, However, when we look into our own “The Hidden Christ”, a collection of wrote in the late 17th century, “We do hearts, we see the ability to view self letters written to his mentee/son-in-law, not want you to copy or imitate us . We as superior is still alive-and-well. What a missionary in China, between 1898 - want to be like a ship that has crossed would a non-colonial version of inter- 1914, “Today’s missionaries to China the ocean, leaving a wake of foam, cultural interaction look like? Would it make the grave mistake of acting which soon fades away . We want you make a difference if we... like professors instructing students, to follow the Spirit, which we have while at the same time churches ...rethought our role as learner vs. sought to follow, but which must be and Christian societies carry on like teacher? sought anew in every generation .” industrialists, measuring everything in ...responded to needs defined by the terms of ‘success .’ We must do things community? We pray that God will use our lives differently and meet everyone on as He desires around the circumpolar ...wer e more dependent on that the same level, without criticism . Our north and anywhere He chooses. We community? task is to radiate divine love, teach would love to hear from you!  ...viewed the field as home? by example, and respect all as fellow Sasha Litvak Ministry in Odessa, Ukraine

ello dear brothers and sisters! It is a joy for me to share what God has been doing recently Hat Light Christian Fellowship Church here in Odessa, Ukraine. We have been doing Evangelistic English Camps for youth for several years — they have been a great tool to reach young people for Christ. Countless people have heard the Good News of God’s love for them and of Christ’s sacrifice for them. This summer, God brought six into His family and into our/His church through the youth English camps.

God is good and He is working in a mighty way in our days. It is awesome to see how He is reaching out to the lost world by using His people.

continued on page 4

3 Anna Hunsucker Odessa...continued from page 3

Recently, we had a chance Thoughts from to go to the sea to have a baptism for these six women. It was a huge celebration for the Train our church as we got to hear Ukrainians and am exposed to more them confess to both the and more of this life, I’m becoming visible and invisible world more aware of the fact that I’m from about their faith in our Savior he train click clacks down the another “world” and sometimes, Jesus Christ. I believe it was a line, carrying me across the what seems like another lifetime. joyous celebration in heaven T country in not necessarily the too. Please pray with us — like most efficient way, but certainly in Recently I re-watched “Fiddler on the Jesus prayed for his disciples one of the most thought-provoking. Roof,” for the first time in about fifteen — that we would take good Here, rocking back and forth, years. Set in the early 1900’s in Ukraine care of those whom He has listening to the steady sounds of during the reign of the Tzar, the story entrusted to us. the wheels on the rails, I have time tells of a Ukrainian Jewish family. I was a plenty. There is time to gaze stunned to realize that the depiction We are planning two of village life one hundred years ago out the window at all that rolls by: Evangelistic English Camps the fertility of spring displayed in differs very little from what I see today. for this summer. Please brilliant purples, yellows and greens; Many people cook the same way, pray with us that God would the former collective farms and bathe the same way, wash clothes the provide enough short-term factories, most now abandoned; the same way, survive the same way, etc. missionaries and for the fruitful industrial ugliness of city planning; the dark, rich soil that lies largely My reverie is broken and my land ministry of this camp and unused. The train stops in the frozen in time fades from view, that God would be praised middle of nowhere. Someone gets replaced by the concrete ugliness through it. We will also be off, disappears into the woods and of apartments on the edge of a doing a winter discipleship we roll on. Vast, open spaces are town. I’m reminded of the scarred camp in January. The camp outside my window with occasional and terrible history of this country: a will be about making prayer paths intersecting them, leading fascinating but dark past of foreign a more practical and regular to unseen people in an unseen invaders and very little freedom. part of our lives. Please pray place. Fields of grechka covered in Having survived the atrocities of with us for this very precious tiny, yellow flowers sparkle in the Stalin, in particular, this country is ministry too, that God would sunshine as far as the eye can see. now struggling to find its footing in a provide the people and world that charged ahead in so many preparations necessary. We roll through village after village areas while it remained mired in the and I, a foreigner living in this oppression of Communism. With Thank you very much for your foreign country, ponder again lives the infighting of the government prayers and that you are part lived so differently from my own. and bankruptcy everywhere, I have of this ministry in Odessa Jutted dirt roads, a cow, chickens, no grand visions for Ukraine. But Ukraine.  geese, a couple of pigs, goats. I’m certain of one thing: just as they Row after row of potatoes, some have for over one thousand years, If you participated in a short-term almost up to the train tracks – an this land and this people will go on; extremely important food staple with a need for hope and a need for trip in 2011 with IM and haven’t in subsistence living. Life is simple the One who can give them hope. had an opportunity to complete here. In American terms the large As the fields meld one into the other your camp evaluation form, please majority of these people would be and the villages disappear from take a moment and fill out the in extreme poverty. But I no longer sight, I listen to the sound of the online form now available at: know what I think in weighing this in train carrying me across this strange, www .im-usa .org/index .php/resources/eval my mind. As I meet more and more beautiful land.  4 Kristi Kindler Simply Following Him

uly 4, 2002 - my first encounter and choose to follow Christ. I have J with IM. I remember it clearly… shared joy and sorrow with the Hungarian believers. I have related I was frustrated that day. I was my testimony to countless young certain God was leading me to people and witnessed some of organize a team from my is big enough to change church to be part of an the world even through overseas missions trip, someone like me. yet EVERYTHING I tried to plan fell through. As When I look back through a last resort, I pulled an the years, it’s amazing to old missions magazine me how one small step from my files and started of seeking God’s will has flipping pages. My eyes led me on an incredible landed on an ad for journey of serving Him. International Messengers. That’s the lesson He Unexplainably, I was continues to teach me – drawn to it. This missions to simply follow Him in organization seemed this moment, one step at to focus on ministry in a time. Eastern Europe – the area of the world that had captured them making their own decisions to The lifelong adventure of trusting my heart years before. Could God trust Jesus. I have heard God speak God starts with a single step of be leading me to serve with IM? I to my heart, reassuring me that obedience. Will you take that sent a short e-mail asking for more He’s always in control and that He step?  information.

A few months later my church committed to sending our first team to Hungary (with me as the leader) to serve at an English-softball camp. I felt inadequate, incapable, and uncertain. The week before departure day was filled with trials – poison ivy, an eye injury, floods, power outages, cellulitis, and more! Yet God in His faithfulness took me to Hungary the summer of 2003… and I have returned every year since then!

I have seen that one English-softball camp expand; now there are two camps in two different towns. I have watched kids grow up, get married, 5 Darwin Anderson Developing an Elder’s Heart in Your Church Leadership

ow do you put into a man’s heart God. Gone are the days that developing Would you give us the opportunity to the understanding of humility and a biblical elder’s maturity could happen be a part of discipling your current and H love as evangelistic necessities? from exceptional pulpit ministry or study future church leadership? There are new How do you open a man’s eyes to the truth of the Word. The competing influences definitions and the shocking contrasts that his salvation, local church, health, of the world and the flesh are just too of a Kingdom-centered lifestyle that job, resources, marriage, children are all effectively marketed to us. To deepen can only be caught in steps of faith on gifts from God that are to be invested for the flock for ministry, its leaders must mission with the Lord of the harvest. A His purposes? How do you give a man themselves be convinced that growth short-term missionary who has walked the willingness to value obedience more comes through doing the will of God, with Jesus for 30 years said, “This week than comfort, relationship with God more sharing their faith, discipling others, of prayer, serving the lost, and pursuing than reputation, faith more than safety, serving the hurting, and taking the them for the sake of the Gospel has prayer more than sweat, and the Gospel Gospel to other countries. And these are been the most significant week of my more than life? This is the heart of an the green pastures that will compete well life.” Another said, “I think I have a new elder and the necessary heart for making with all the temptations and distractions paradigm for my life. I’m thinking in new disciples in this culture. that the world has to offer. ways about the church, the purpose of my life and job, and the Gospel. I don’t quite Change and the corresponding need to We believe proactively involving current know what to do with it.” Send us your adapt seem to be the norm for nearly and future leadership in front-line cross- church’s leaders and see if the time of everyone in this generation. But there cultural ministry is one of just a few training, going, and trusting God outside are parts of life, especially relating to remaining effective means to build a their normal existence won’t bring them forming the heart of a man to follow hard heart of eldership for the local body. A home with a new found love for Jesus and after Christ, that never change. Jesus’ church’s ability to make disciples of the living for the King’s purposes. Despite the methods for making disciples seem more Lord Jesus looks to be directly tied to this rapid culture change we’re seeing, Jesus’ relevant now than ever. He took His men ability to develop leaders who are solid method of making true followers surely into ministry as He taught them truth. He in the Word and committed to worship hasn’t changed through the ages.  went outside the Temple walls to model outside the church walls. a life centered around the Kingdom of Staff Care & Barnabas International

nternational Messengers is for their refreshment and renewal, an organization of nearly 90 people committed to finding ways to serve arranging debriefing meetings who serve over 150 mission agencies I and care for our missionary staff. when needed, and looking for ways around the globe. Their purpose is to to bring joy and strength to them. help organizations like International “What is staff care?” you say? As We’re thankful that God has brought Messengers to better care for their we attempt to serve our staff in several people recently to help us missionaries. Their staff minister every way possible, we desire to on a part-time basis to care for our from a pastoral perspective as they bring encouragement, enrichment, staff. However, our staff numbers and “come alongside” and listen, debrief, education, feedback, comfort, and locations have expanded way beyond strategize, exhort, and encourage. relationship to them. Our leadership our European beginnings which has We’re learning from them, and are team spends considerable time made it more difficult to care for our very thankful for this partnership. We visiting our staff, corresponding staff as much as we’d like. count it a privilege to have their help regularly through phone calls, Skype, as we seek to care for our staff. Check or e-mail, praying regularly for them, We’re thankful for a new relationship out www barnabas. .org if you’d like conducting annual staff conferences with Barnabas International which is more information.  6 Bronislav Lipus Oh my money! When is the best time to invest?

hese days, that’s the most Over the last few months the Dear brothers and sisters, dear important question for people Lord has blessed our investment friends, now is definitely the T who have money and are activities, and our home Bible best time to enter the Kingdom’s worried about losing it. When and study group has grown from 5 market, run by the King of Kings, where should I invest my money? people to 16 people. Our “clients” Jesus Christ our Savior. Our desire How much interest will I gain? My are business people, doctors and to invest more is growing as we name is Bronislav Lipus, and together teachers. Wow! We just don’t are sure that our investments will with my wife Lora and children we understand why they keep coming, bring eternal reward in the form have been conducting evangelistic and we know of a few more who of more saved souls, more mature English camps for business people would like to join this fall. We meet Christians, more seekers who find in the Czech Republic for more than every Friday and have a wonderful what they need, more growth in our ten years. Our campers are mostly time studying and discussing the personal walk of faith, more joy and business people, working adults and “big eternal insurance policy” called peace, and more of His presence in students. We can say that over the the Bible. This summer we finished a our daily life. The Kingdom’s market years of our ministry among these course entitled Christianity Explored is definitely a growth market, so why people we have developed many based on the Gospel of Mark. This shouldn’t we invest more of our lives relationships with those belonging course contains two DVDs which in it? It’s not the market itself, it’s to “the prosperous segment” of supplement each lesson with a short the omnipresent market force, the our community. We have learned a motivational story about Jesus and Holy Spirit, who gives growth if we lot about investing in securities — His mission on Earth. I am writing submit our lives to Him. Your nearest Sorry, I meant to say “Security” — this article to share with you how investment point may be right next the spiritual eternal security people much God blesses us all through door, or somewhere abroad at an can find in Christ Jesus. Our desire this home Bible Study. We can see Evangelistic English Camp. One is not to invest money in some kind how the Holy Spirit is working in the more thing! We think the heading of mutual funds but invest quality lives of the people and in our lives of this article should be changed to time in people’s lives by sharing the as well. “Oh my Lord! Now is the time for Gospel with them. me to invest”. 

“My life has literally changed through “God allowed me to strengthen old friendships, forge the mission trips with International new ones, and share through those relationship what He Messengers. I have realized that God has done and continues to do in my life. He gave me one uses so many lessons learned in my daily of the two opportunities I had prayed for; to challenge a struggles when I go. I don’t always feel long-time friend/camper about his continued “rejection” of ready, but it is God that uses these weak the Gospel. I was able to share clearly God’s love for him, vessels to pour out His love and make and the love God has given me for him. He is pleasantly known the Gospel. I always come back surprised that his hardness and rejection has not driven me overwhelmed at how God moves in these away from our friendship or my care for him and desire that camps. It has given my life purpose in he would put his trust in Christ.” Dan - Hungary God and great joy!” Greg - Poland

7 Laura Stein Living Your Faith

uring our first year friends there who were shocked to know and love people who wouldn’t of missionary work in find out he was a preacher. They ordinarily see His light and love: D Slovakia, an acquaintance didn’t know preachers could be children with disabilities, abandoned asked me, “So, what do you do bikers. When they invited Bevan to children, young people searching all day, just walk up to people the strip-tease show he declined, for their way, and those battered and start talking with them about giving him an opportunity to by the ways of the world. So, while God?” demonstrate his convictions in a way we don’t see a line of people at our that earned their trust and respect. door waiting to hear the good news, I explained that being on the They asked him to stay with their we use every opportunity to go out “mission field” doesn’t mean bikes and guard their things. to them. everyone is standing in line waiting to hear about God. Just as back Missionary life is living with a “They (the righteous) shall be full of home, relationships and trust with deliberate intention of winning sap and very green, to declare that people have to be built. We do others to Christ, by showing your the Lord is upright; He is my rock, this by interacting in the workplace, faith through your lifestyle. We and there is no unrighteousness in with our neighbors, and with those believe God chose us to be planted Him.” Psalm 92:15  in our community. The difference here in Slovakia, where we could is that here we have to create our “workplace” - something valid we “For a long time can give to the society in which we I have loved horses. live. We have done this by creating I am happy I have the Father’s Heart organization, allowing us to serve children in state- the opportunity to run children’s homes. In recent years learn to ride and we added the motorcycle ministry spend time with the and the Father’s Heart ranch. horses. Through these last two avenues, we have enjoyed new relationships with When I am with the people we wouldn’t have otherwise horses I have a lot of come into contact with. joy and satisfaction. I also learn patience Now this is “where the rubber meets and responsibility at the road.” Our new friends observe the ranch. our actions and want to know about our beliefs — they notice For me horses are we don’t work on Sundays, that we respect each other in the way we the most beautiful communicate, that we are honest in animals on the earth. financial matters, etc. For example, Laura, thank you once when Bevan went to a secular very much, Ivanka” motorcycle event, he made some

8 Bevan Stein Fifteen Years & Counting

he Father’s Heart in Slovakia it is infeasible for them to come to works with churches of all us. We can draw large crowds of T denominations to reach the kids as well as adults to listen to lost for Christ through creative our testimonies, watch our drama forms of relational evangelism which skits, and compete with us in break- say and not as I do.” minister to the whole person, body, dancing. The grand finale is a ride mind and soul. We provide programs on one of our bikes and pictures for World evangelism begins at home in state orphanages, summer camps, their album to brag to their friends. with your family and your friends. weekend discipleship training, In just a few summer weekends we It continues to your neighbors and open-air evangelistic campaigns, minister to over 2,000 orphan kids. strangers and includes even your equine assisted ministry and even enemies! He is no foreign missionary motorcycle evangelism, as means of We don’t think it is enough that who is not first a soul-winner at reaching the lost with the Gospel. people should only have the home, because no matter where you gospel preached to them in their are, there you should be a witness. This summer we held six week-long own language so they can make a Missionaries are just those who have camps at our small acreage ranch. decision. It is not even enough that left their “nets” and “tax-collecting” Nearly 100% of those who come to they should believe and be saved. and followed Jesus to the ends of these camps are unchurched. They This is only the beginning. Until we the earth. have some exposure to Christianity teach them to obey all that Jesus has through the culture but have never commanded us, including making Our organization, The Father’s Heart, made a decision for Christ. The kids disciples also themselves, we as reflected in its name, seeks to come because of the horses and the cannot say that we have succeeded. share the love of God through Jesus fun, but they are touched by our Jesus didn’t command us to just Christ with those who might never spiritual instruction and personal go preach. He didn’t say just make otherwise have the opportunity to attention. Some of our camps focus converts. He said to make disciples. know that God’s heart is broken for especially on disabled children who You can’t do this unless you commit the broken, compassionate towards especially benefit from the horse your whole life to minister to their the downtrodden, and resistant riding experience. whole life. It’s costly. It requires total to the proud. Until all become commitment. It’s relational. It’s time- disciples and the great commission Our greatest opportunity to reach consuming. And it takes living out is completed, we invite your prayers the most people comes through the your faith before them, which means and partnership.  motorcycles. We can travel to where you have to be radically saved first the kids are all over Slovakia when yourself. You can’t just say, “Do as I

“It is pretty frightening to try to go “From my missions week I realized God’s power and how important it is in for a week and affect people’s to trust in Him. I saw what faith can do and watched as God won over lives for eternity. I felt like the Holy people’s hearts. I marveled when someone asked me a question about Spirit was able to use me. I was God. Also when empty hearts not singing in the back of the room the able to make friends with one girl in first day, turned into dancing, laughter, singing and filled with joy the particular who desperately needed last day. I saw God’s beautiful love and mercy all over again, drowning a friend. I hope that I will be able others and myself. I saw how I haven’t been spending time with God to continue to show Christ’s love and how important that is. I also realized how God puts things on my to her (we are already Facebook heart and that He does speak to me. I just have been too deaf to hear friends).” Anna - Poland Him. I saw the power of prayer. It was a good week.” Joanna (age 14) - Poland

9 Andreea Luncan Seeking People

two expressed her soul’s yearning while Calin and Laura and Oana and Vali wrapping up her painfully honest story are two couples I met while teaching which brought to my mind the Samaritan English with DeClar. They are functional, woman at the well. By the time Andreea respectable people who are doing S. came to camp, we’d all been praying their best to raise their kids well so on’t know if I made any for her to find what, or rather, Who there’s no obvious misery and tragedy sense but I had to say she was looking for. However, this in their lives…except the fact they’re “D it,” Octavia whispered, vulnerable woman held her shield high on a beeline to hell unless the Seeker her face awash with emotion and for the first couple of days and wouldn’t finds them. These four camp enthusiasts joy. “More sense than let people help with the are among the 25 people yearning to most,” I thought, while kids or get closer to her be found, who want to be enrolled in I smiled at her with soul. Then, on the third DeClar’s weekly Bible study groups. shiny eyes, too full Bible reading lesson, she of emotion myself to was so overwhelmed that It’s honoring and humbling to be part respond out loud. What she just stood and left the of God’s glorious seeking and finding Octavia said was the g r o u p . adventure, not just in answer to our prayers, N a n c y , Marieta good times but in hard hopes, and dreams for her Bible times, too. Will you seek the camp. “I’ve been r e a d i n g His heart to see if you can searching for God for Octavia t e a c h e r, be part of His ministry one year but couldn’t s o u g h t here by praying, giving, find my way to Him, so God sent you her out and in the or coming? We are so from so far and brought me to camp course of one tear-filled thankful you are our to show me that Jesus is the way.” conversation, Andreea partners in a journey too prayed to receive Jesus. exciting and too difficult The very last to join our group, Octavia to venture on alone.  signed up for camp at 10:00 p.m. Marieta came to camp the night before it started when her at the invitation of a sister asked Octavia to be her infant’s Christian couple from our babysitter for the week. Unknown church. She has an alcoholic husband to us, the Lord was working to give and a beloved foster child she yearns to Octavia herself an eternal hope and a make her own. Crippled by the fear of never-ending future of joy. Though we losing her daughter to the system and call Octavia and other open-hearted her husband to disease, this precious people like her “seekers,” her story woman fights a never-able-to-win strongly shows that the Lord is seeking battle for control. The testimonies and people, He is the One Scriptures she heard at who is calling them to Andreea S. camp gave her hope and Calin & Laura Himself and helping them an eternal perspective find the Way. and though she hasn’t made a commitment yet, “I don’t just come for she called right after camp English and fun. I’m waiting to let us know, “From now for a revelation” Andreea on, I’m going to come to told me back in June when church regularly to learn she signed up for her first- more about God’s plan ever English camp. That for me.” is how this single mom of Oana & Vali

10 Ben & Jeanne Beckner Français Sans Frontières’ Outreach French Camps Bearing Fruit in Albania ermes came to our first out- fellow students, not only in the context persevere in this ministry of teaching, reach French camp in Albania of the French language classroom, but training in short term missions, and HSummer 2010: from the human also in his clear, unafraid, and bold wit- seeking to save those who are still lost. standpoint, a most unlikely candidate ness in the local youth group. Hermes to receive the Gospel. Poor, unkempt, is a top student in his last year of high Français Sans Frontières (FSF) is an pale, timid, soft spoken, but with sur- school, preparing himself, as the Lord indigenous French nonprofit which Ben prisingly good French language skills, leads, to become a doctor in his im- and Jeanne founded in 2006 following he absorbed not only the language poverished and needy country. He, and several fruitful French outreach events classes, but also others like him, in Russia and Ukraine. Since then FSF the Christian testi- are what make our — which seeks to envision, equip and mony that went on outreach French mobilize French churches for cross- behind the scenes. camps worth all cultural and world mission — has the time, effort, sponsored over 20 short-term missions At the end of the preparation, and initiatives, training and sending over week-long lan- expense. 200 French believers on missions to guage program Russia and Ukraine; Croatia, Bosnia, offered by our in- As we go to teach Albania and Macedonia in the Balkans; digenous French French in the Lebanon and North Africa. FSF o r g a n i z a t i o n , “backwater coun- also helped launch another French “French without Hermes with Jeanne tries” of the former nonprofit which specializes in using Borders,” and after European eastern humanitarian missions as a bridge to we had already left the country, we dis- bloc countries, as well as to parts of cross-cultural evangelism as well as covered that Hermes had given his life north Africa, the Lord builds the bridg- discipleship training and mobilization to Christ and was beginning to attend es between the Christian French teach- for French believers. FSF is preparing the local evangelical church in his city. ers and the students. The love of the to launch an online cross-cultural Fast forward to this July: what a radical students for French language, litera- missions training course in 2012.  transformation we see in this one life! ture, art and music, is transposed into What a joy to greet Hermes as a broth- conversations about ba- er in the faith and to see him lead his sic existential questions dealing with the meaning of life and death, God, and eternity. The result is curiosity, an awakened spirit, a desire to search, and finally a life-changing encounter with Christ. Hermes is just one ex- ample of several over the past years, and we long to see many more join FSF Summer team to Albania the family of God as we French camp in Ukraine

11 Ben & Burgi Oehler Life and Ministry in Egypt After the Revolution hat makes life so unique in this unusual for a person raised in a Western means so much here. When you finally part of the world? And why is it culture. When you look a little deeper invite a person to your home, or you are W so unique right now? Maybe you see that the society is very religious invited to a private place it means that it’s the burning sun and the sticky yellow here. The month of August, for example, you will not fight with those who invited dust that covers everything within a few is the month of Ramadan, and a majority you, there will never be war between you. hours? Or is it the unusual view of very of people fast until the sun goes down. In a society full of hatred this means a lot. tall buildings on a narrow street that is This includes not drinking anything, packed with people, honking cars, and which causes several people to become It is not easy to preach out of the Word donkeys pulling heavy loads? You can quite aggressive during the day. It gets when you don’t know the language yet, look at the situation with different eyes. better when they can indulge in delicious and our translator has only a limited food after sunset. The celebration goes knowledge of English. It will take some There are lots of interesting things that on until four in the morning when the time until we will be able to speak fluent catch your eyes, like ovens with a huge sun comes up, and eating is prohibited Arabic. We pray that this day will come burning flame right in front of a bakery. A again. soon...Burgi has started private lessons. man puts flat dough into the blazing fire, From other experiences we know how to and out comes a highly puffed up bread We also find people who believe in God start learning a completely new language. that looks like an air pillow. It is very dry, like we do, who love Jesus Christ as their If you help us pray for heavenly success, and you crack it into pieces which you Savior. These are mostly “Coptic” people. God will grant this to us! dip into a green veggie sauce or you eat Of course, it with a tasty tahina mix. not all are dis- Ben teaches ciples of Je- English to Your attention might also be drawn to sus, but some young adults men sitting on plastic chairs in front of really are, to build a a vendor’s place or a coffee shop, and and we have bridge for fur- you get the impression that the street met quite a ther discipling. belongs to males only. You will also see few of those, There are women wrapped young people in clothing in the who come to summer heat, but our house of- they hardly ever ten, and we sit in front of a have close re- shop together and have started lationships already. These young people with the men, real friendships. also help us in a lot of practical things. and you would The need for spiri- Since the society is pretty male-oriented surely not find tual instruction, for it is not as difficult to reach men as it them sitting in a encouragement in can be in other countries. Ben uses the street cafe. They a rather discrimi- chance to sit with neighbors, house own- carry their shop- nating context is ers, shop owners and other men in front ping loads home, leading one child or immense. And despite all hopes, it got of the houses to build relationships. That more behind them, talking on the mobile worse after the January 25th revolution. seems rather effective. It is not quite so phone which is stuck in between the ear easy to get acquainted with the women. and the tightly wrapped veil. We invite people to prayer meetings You wait until you are invited to a home, in our house on Sundays. This usually or you yourself have to invite a lady for These are all things you see on the surface begins with a big meal, to be more of a society, things that might be very culturally sensitive. Eating together continued on page 13 12 Simona Nelson A Heart to Serve

am but a servant of God and He them in many ways. “The Lord surely has given me a heart to is my shepherd I shall not want, Iserve here at River of Life (ROL). he comforts me in the stillness of WEDDINGS I have known Doug and Roberta darkness.” Moore for some time and they are truly God’s instruments here at ROL. As I helped with the children more AMADEUSZ SHADED I came here last summer and I had and more the mothers became no idea what I was getting myself better acquainted with me and into. I started to understand why I were willing to share some of their was needed at ROL slowly, just like stories of their lives. Some stories v a child taking his or her first steps. that I heard made me cry. The Lord MONIKA GAWARECKA I gradually got to know the children intervened in their lives so that they married on 8-6-10 by doing activities with them outside can know Him better while they — or walking with them in the village. are cared for in a Christian home. As I started to know the children With God’s mercy I hope that some better the mothers then were also mothers will get to know Him with BENCE JÓFÖLDI appreciative that I took care of the their full heart and not half-heartedly. children so they wouldn’t get hurt. The Lord wants us all to love Him v Most of these children have a lot of with a tender heart. I am blessed to ABBY OPSAL emotional problems. I know I can’t be part of the staff of ROL. He has married on 6-4-11 meet all their needs, but the Lord given me a love for this ministry that has shown me that I can comfort I never could have imagined.  — ZHENYA BOZHATARNIK Egypt...continued from page 12 a meal. So that takes a little longer until For February 2012 we are planning a first you build a friendship, but it works fine discipleship camp for young believers. v too. Burgi has started a regular women’s For the summer we are preparing a first LIDIA EVGRAFOVA meeting. We are confident that it’ll soon English youth camp at the Mediterranean grow into something very precious. Sea not far from Alexandria. Of course, married on 6-18-11 we are still learning how to do things without leading anyone into danger. — It seems that most young people are open to hear more about a practical life BRAD CARLSON with God. The revolution opened doors that were kept closed and were fiercely controlled for more than forty years. We v believe that this is a God-given chance AMY WILLIAMS for two completely different cultures to come together in order to do something married on 9-17-11 awesome for the Lord. 

13 Gene Fox Changed Lives: From Resistance to Openness

of fistfights with her 20-something relationship with her eldest could im- daughter. prove. As the week’s end approached, ’ve spent four summers ministering she asked the workshop leaders and with short-term teams at IM’s Prior to camp, a local believer named Anna to pray with her! In fact, she Evangelical English Language Anna befriended Marzena. She had prayed, too: “God I need your help, I please help me.” Camps. Each year the campers arrive once asked permission to pray for her. with varying degrees of spiritual Marzena replied, “NO, I don’t want it. interest and understanding. Some I don’t need it.” When Anna invited Marzena arrived resistant to God and come resistant to anything “religious.” her to attend camp, she accepted but His word, but her heart softened. She Most pay close attention to what with reservations. Her resistance to left camp with hope, thankful that they hear and see at the camp. Their “religion” was evident in the questions there is another way to do life. She’s curiosity is obvious — we see it in their she asked during Bible reading time: still uncomfortable with some of the eyes and hear it in their questions. things the Bible says is true, but she’s • “The Bible doesn’t really say Jesus is open to considering it. She returned In most cases, religious upbringing the only way to God, does it?” home with lots to think about and has taught our campers that God • “Surely God wouldn’t forgive some- strong bonds with Anna and other and the Bible are too complicated for one who has been exceedingly evil local believers who attended the them. They’re all his life but camp. Her new friends remain there taught to asks forgive- and will encourage her in her spiritual leave relation- ness just be- journey. ship with God fore he dies, and reading would He?” Life change happens at camp. of the Bible to Sometimes people place their saving the religious Marzena at- faith in Christ while at camp. Other professionals. tended par- times, campers take spiritual baby Imagine their enting work- steps beginning when their resistance surprise when, turns to a willingness to consider what through read- they’ve heard and ing the Bible seen. We praise God at camp, they for both responses! discover that they can understand it And we trust that themselves! They’re even more sur- God will continue prised to learn what it actually says – the good work He’s that God loves them personally, wants begun in Marzena’s to communicate with them personally, life. and desires a personal response from them. Would you join us next summer? The Marzena* attended camp with her need is real. Without young daughter this year. She’s a shops at camp because she recognizes English-speaking modern-day Samaritan woman, that mistakes were made while par- believers going short-term, these having had numerous men in her life. enting her first child. Throughout the camps don’t happen and lives remain Many still cause problems for her. week, she became determined to “do unchanged.  “It’s complicated,” she says. Her life things differently” with her younger * Name and minor details have been changed for privacy. is further complicated by her history daughter. She also found hope that her

14 John Pipes MUM is the Word

obilizing Uganda for group accountability meetings, we Missions (MUM) expresses hope to achieve purity and freedom Mthe new vision and focus God from impure thoughts and actions. has given me for ministry in Uganda. It replaces “Uganda Project,” which The Joyful Learning Center is a they will be sent to locations within I used to identify our ministry and to central location for churches in and outside of Uganda. Currently, establish accountability for the past the Busanna area to meet. We applications are being given out; eight years. have made material available for we will start the review process in discipleship, pastoral training, and October. The purpose of MUM is To glorify personal spiritual growth. The Center God by coming alongside the local is used for community outreach We have three of us who comprise church in Uganda to renew, train, through a library, women’s Bible the initial staff of MUM, Pastor and mobilize believers for active study, sewing ministry, orphan care Moses, Pastor James, and myself. involvement in reaching the world partnerships with local churches, The primary ministry focus for Pastor for Christ. Mobilizing Uganda for and health education and treatment Moses is leading the Purity ministry. Mission consists of three ministries partnerships with available medical Pastor James is the primary leader that strive to fulfill this purpose staff (nationals and “short-termers”). of the day-to-day ministries at the statement. Some area youth ministries also use resource center. I head up the mission the location for youth meetings. training and discipleship ministries. The first is the African Coalition of Deb Brandon is not in Uganda Purity/Uganda (ACPU), which strives The third ministry of MUM is the River year-round, but her contributions to mobilize and equip men for a life Nile Missionary Training Center during the past three summers (and of sexual purity by challenging them (RNMTC). Starting in January 2012, counting...) have produced the to make a commitment to become six or more missionary interns will foundation of the women’s ministry in pure through exposing them to the be arriving at the Joyful Learning the Busanna area churches. She has problems of impurity and to the Center. They will be embarking on invested her time in training women cost of living impure in God’s sight. a ten month missionary training from area churches who will become Through Scripture, prayer, and small program. The training will consist key leaders to head up the women’s of three months ministry within MUM. of classroom work, and Please pray for us, and ask the partial ministry Lord how you can come alongside e x p e r i e n c e . to partner with us in “Mobilizing After the three Uganda for Missions.”  month training,

MUM Staff: Mary & Pastor James, John, Pastor Moses & Betty Men’s Small Group 

Women’s Language and Bible Study Group 

15 2012 CAMP SCHEDULE DISCIPLESHIP CAMPS LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES Odessa, Ukraine* Litvak/Winkler January 1 - 12 Karpacz, Poland* Dabrowski June 28 - July 10 Jinja, Uganda Pipes Early June**

EVANGELISTIC LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES ENGLISH LANGUAGE Radom, Poland Snyder/Hageman January 5 - 23 CAMPS (EELC) (H S. . outreach/day camp) Southern Sudan Pipes Mid or End of March** Mohacs, Hungary Dan 2nd Half of July** Czchow, Poland* Hybel July** Kherson, Ukraine* Litvak/Winkler July 14 - 24 Kherson, Ukraine* Litvak/Winkler July 23 - August 3 Odessa, Ukraine* Naydenov/Huffman Late July**

FAMILY EVANGELISTIC LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES ENGLISH LANGUAGE Jastrzebia Gora, Poland Jachym July 4 - 16 CAMPS Mazury Lakes, Poland Shaded July 11 - 23 Wegierska Gorka, Poland Snyder/Hageman July 12 - 24 Glucholazy, Poland Genesis Church-Poznan July 18 - 30 Karpacz, Poland Dabrowski July 18 -31 Poland Pscoala July 19 - 30 Cluj, Romania Luncan/Vitelar July 12 - 23 Slovakia Thiessen/Berger July or August** Odessa, Ukraine Naydenov/Huffman Early August**

TEENS or TYPE LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES KIDS CAMPS Winter Youth Camp Wisla, Poland Dabrowski February** Father’s Heart Ranch Kids’ Camp Kosice, Slovakia Stein June 27 - July 9 (or July 6) approx .

SPECIALTY TYPE LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES CAMPS OR Faming Workshops Bircii, Romania Nicolae/Roberts Mid to Late February** MINISTRIES Women’s Conference Bucharest/ Bircii, Romania Clark March 8 - 16 EELC/Softball Zirc & Ujfeherto, Day Camp* Hungary Petrik Summer 2012**

*Youth Camp **Specific dates yet to be determined 16 2012 CAMP SCHEDULE SPECIALTY TYPE LOCATION HOST TRIP DATES CAMPS OR Human Trafficking Krakow, Warsaw, and MINISTRIES Awareness Campaign Wroclaw, Poland Jaje June** Evangelistic Soccer Odessa, Ukraine Torres June 24 - July 5 approx . EELC/Softball Zirc & Ujfeherto, Medical Jinja, Uganda Pipes Mid July** Construction Kosice, Slovakia Stein July or August (flexible) Construction/Labor Nicolae/ VBS Ministry Bircii, Romania Roberts August 10 - 25 approx . *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

Nicole Beger Am I Like Moses?

s I read through the third and I have asked one of them to fourth chapters of Exodus do something. Oh how we A today I was struck by a few serve a patient and loving thoughts. We see Moses is visited Lord. by God in the form of a burning bush; not your everyday occurrence. I know as I write this there And yet as Moses speaks with God is something the Lord has we see him object to what the Lord asked of me and I keep would have him do four different saying, “But Lord.” I say, “But Lord times. Each time Moses says “But we are already sent, we have gone made from his staff, and Moses did Lord,” God patiently teaches him, out into the nations, leaving family it! What!? I have never liked snakes gives him direction and lovingly and home.” My heart screams out, of any kind. I cannot imagine seeing provides a solution. I admit that I “But Lord I am already doing all that snake, and reaching out to have said, “But Lord” quite a few that I can, I am tired.” I could tell grab its tail. Doesn’t something like times lately. What might you be you the many “buts” I have told the that seem counterintuitive? Yet the saying, “But Lord” about? Lord, although they are probably Lord commanded it ...and Moses the same ones you use as well. Yet obeyed. In Exodus 4:13 we see Moses is He has been patient and kind, much without excuse. He has no more more so than any earthly parent may I often ask my children to listen and “buts” to offer up and simply asks, be. And now I find myself saying, obey, I think I need to take a little “Oh, my Lord please send someone “Oh, my Lord please send someone of my own advice. What about you? else.” Not until this time do we see else.” Aren’t we all a lot like Moses? What is the Lord telling you to do the Lord angered. I am a mother today? Might we see you on our of two little people and trust me, Conversely I was also struck by side of the ocean next summer? Is on some days my anger may be the faith of Moses when the Lord overseas missions the serpent from kindled long before the fourth time instructed him to catch the serpent which you run? 

17 Terry & Debby Baxter Global Compassion Network or the past few years we have utilize larger 48’ structures for churches, sensed God leading us into a community centers, clinics, and schools. Ftransition in our lives. God has As interest spread across the Midwest, broken our hearts for the orphans, it became clear that we needed to form widows, victims from major natural a global compassion network with a disasters, and Third World pastors more humanitarian purpose statement who have little or no access to formal to bring together mission groups, civic Bible training. The needs are great organizations, humanitarian groups, BIRTHS and the task is huge. Our work in and Third World governments to tackle ESTHER NADZIEJA India, Vietnam, Peru, Haiti, and limited these issues. We also needed to seek involvement in following up natural both private and corporate funding for born on 11-12-10 disasters here in the Untied States has these projects and some of that would to Adrian & Elizabeth Biskup pressed us beyond measure and added take us outside of a strictly evangelical new direction to our vision. The need camp. AVA MARIE for food for starving people and shelter born on 1-26-11 for the homeless has driven us to our Initially we sought to form this under to Nathan & Cassie Simpson knees seeking a strong humanitarian International Messengers, but it soon emphasis in our approach to ministry. became evident that it required a (Granddaughter of separate entity with a more humanitarian Charlie & Lori Stevens) Early this year, I was invited to a meeting mission statement. One board member at Sukup Manufacturing in Sheffield, wisely commented, “It is like trying to ELIJAH Iowa. Sukup is a leading manufacturer force a square peg into a round hole.” born on 6-21-11 of grain handling supplies such as dryers We are so thankful to Darwin and Darlis to Sasha & Lena Litvak and grain bins. The meeting turned Anderson, the International Messengers out to be very providential. They were Board, and so many other people who working toward a goal of turning an 18’ have prayed and encouraged us in this BETTY VIRGINIA grain bin into a compassionate dwelling unfolding endeavor. born on 4-17-11 for emergency shelters that could to Ben & Mary Stoner become long-term compassionate After 16 wonderful years with dwellings to follow up disasters like the International Messengers, we will be FILIP SEBASTIAN earthquake in Haiti. The initial meeting stepping down at the end of 2011 to resulted in a long-term relationship form a new humanitarian and disaster born on 4-28-11 with Sukup manufacturing. We are relief organization called “Global to Claudiu & Jenn Soare now working together to help them Compassion Network.” We will be refine these units and prepare for a actively promoting International NATALIA major humanitarian endeavor in warm Messengers short-term evangelistic born on 4-14-11 climates around the world. camps, missionary training, and career to Cristi & Delia Zah mission opportunities in the future and As the project continued to develop, a continue teaching at the Training Center vision was born to build entire “Villages in Libby, MT. IM will always be our family BERGEN LEIF of Hope” with this building system. Each and we will be networking closely in the born on 10-4-11 village will include numerous housing future. God bless you all and we invite to Alex & Beth Oehler units with the 18’ structure and also you to keep us in your prayers. 

18 Doug & Roberta Moore “Opportunity” is knocking!

ave you ever considered that them medically, but giving them our lives are an “opportunity” encouragement and hope spiritually H that God has given us? by praying with them and sharing God’s truth. Everyone in Romania Our specific, limited time period, our saw the need for this ministry. But brief season of life on this earth, was we could neither get the funding nor question is not whether or not this given to us so that we can respond the people to run it, even though work is God’s will. His Word tells us of to God in a proactive and well there was much interest in it. Another His promises for widows and orphans, thought out way — in faith, love, and missed opportunity. and His love and compassion for obedience to His Word, joining Him the hurting and needy. This ministry in His work in this world. I regret those times in my life when I originated in the heart of God and didn’t respond in obedience to God’s He has clearly been in this work from We use the idiom, “a short window clear leading. But I have no regrets the beginning, and is still working, of opportunity” because of its brief at all for the times I did respond in still drawing needy, hurting women nature. There have been times obedience to those opportunities and children into the Home. The in our ministry when we missed God opened up for me, to join Him question is not whether or not God is “opportunities” to join the Lord in in His work. still working…but whether or not we His work. will take the “opportunity” He has Just recently we received three new given us and join Him in His work! We had an opportunity to collaborate moms into our Care Home in Romania. with a school Two are pregnant and In Revelation 3:20-23 Jesus says to system near our The question one has a newborn the church of Laodicea, “Behold, village in Romania baby. Two of the I stand at the door and knock. If to teach the is not whether moms were raised in anyone hears My voice and opens Bible in grades an orphanage. One the door, I will come to him and dine k i n d e r g a r t e n or not God is has some physical with him, and he with Me. To him through high working...but handicaps and needs who overcomes I will grant to sit with school. We were help caring for her Me on My throne, as I also overcame already stretched whether or not baby, while the other is and sat down with My Father on so thin and were mentally challenged. His throne. He who has an ear, let in need of so we will take the The third woman him hear what the Spirit says to the much help that is an immigrant to churches.” we couldn’t do it. opportunity He Romania who came Now, the contact has given us and from another country We only have this lifetime, this we had in the to work as a nanny brief season, this gift of time that administration is join Him in His for a man who works God has given us, to respond to no longer there in a high government the “opportunity” He has given us and the laws have work! position who drugged to align ourselves, our desires, our changed regarding and raped her while beliefs, our priorities, our time, and teaching the Bible in the school, she was in his home, and she became our resources, with Jesus’ and to join and our “window of opportunity” is pregnant. We now have 8 moms and Him in His work in this world. closed. 12 children” plus 2 more babies who will be born by the end of this year Jesus is knocking, how are you Another missed opportunity living in the Care Home. responding?  happened a few years ago. We saw a Doug and Roberta Moore, International need for a medical van to go out into We are short staffed and facing Messengers missionaries, are the founders the villages and minister to people financial cutbacks that threaten the and overseers of River of Life ministries and who were hurting, not only helping very existence of the ministry. But the Care Home in Cornesti, Romania.

19 Ed Kleiman No Presentation of the Gospel?

become! How precious is the blood we had never really known Him that cleanses from all sin! If God is until then. Certainly, we never knew ast year I returned from a leading you through this stage of from experience that there was so Christmas Eve service shaken Christian experience, beloved, do not much that was human, tender, and L to my core–Why? There was be alarmed; it is to build up His dear compassionate in His heart until no presentation of the Gospel! The Son upon the wreck and ruin of your sorrow touched our own. We had no birth of Christ was talked about–but own merit, strength, and sufficiency. concept what a fount of sympathy no presentation of the Gospel–even He will have us love His Son with a was there. though there were clearly many love like His own, a love of divine, nonbelievers in attendance. How supreme, inexpressible affection; and I only give utterance to the experience could this be? And how can it be that this can only be felt in the region of of many a timid believer, many an I also pass up opportunities to share our own nothingness! afflicted Christian, when I say that, the Good News? Have I lost my first looking back upon all the way the love? In circumstances of spiritual relapse, Lord our God has led us, we can thank how precious does Christ become, Him for the swelling surge, can bless I found myself in need of soul- as the Restorer of His saints, as Him for the wintry blast, can praise searching, confessing, and fleeing the Shepherd that goes in quest Him for the falling blow that veiled the once again into the loving arms of of His stray sheep, and brings it sky, draped the landscape, and smote the One who is always faithful: my back to the fold with rejoicing! How the idol, since that was the suitable beloved Lord Jesus – even after unspeakably dear is the Savior to occasion of making the Savior better dishonoring Him in all the ways I do. the wandering-yet-restored heart! known to you, and of endearing Him Especially after dishonoring Him in all Our backslidings are perpetual and unutterably to your heart! the ways I do. I returned to Octavius aggravated, our affections fickle, our Winslow’s book, The Precious Things faith fluctuating, our love declining, Finally, from Charles Spurgeon on of God. Men like Winslow understood our zeal diminishing, our walk often 1 Peter 2:7, “Unto you therefore that spiritual problems need spiritual feeble and unsteady; but Jesus who believe He is precious:” Every solutions. God, who created the soul, does not withdraw His eye from His Christian here is either a missionary or and who died to redeem the soul, own work in the soul, and never for an imposter. You either try to spread best knows how to treat the soul. I a moment loses sight of His straying abroad the kingdom of Christ – or else desperately needed “heart-work,” sheep. Ah, there are few aspects you do not love Him at all. It cannot and Winslow, like the Puritans before of the work of Jesus more precious be that there is a high appreciation of him, proved to be a physician of the in the experience of the saints of Jesus and a totally silent tongue. The soul. He wrote: God than His divine and gracious man who says, “I believe in Jesus,” but restorings. “He restoreth my soul” is does not think enough of Jesus, ever There are peculiar circumstances in a declaration of David that finds its to tell another about Him by mouth, the believer’s experience when Christ response in every believer. Precious, or pen, or tract - is an imposter. becomes especially precious to the then, is that Savior who breaks soul. For example, in the deeper the heart, checks its waywardness, So as we face a desperate and dying plowings of the heart’s hidden restores its wanderings, heals its world, may we say with the Apostle sinfulness, when the Holy Spirit backslidings, rekindles its love. Paul; “I am not ashamed of the gospel, reveals more of the inborn corruption for it is the power of God for salvation of our nature, and gives a more In the hour of adversity, of trial, of to everyone who believes” (Romans spiritual perception of sin’s exceeding sorrow, oh, how precious is Christ 1:15). Because we know; “Unto you sinfulness, oh, how precious does in the experience of the believer! therefore who believe He is precious” the finished work of Christ then It would seem, beloved, as though (1 Peter 2:7). www .praybold .org 

20 Julie Hybel Czes´c´! Jak sie˛ masz?

here are many differences can help through listening, advising, between Polish and American finding another who can help, offering T cultures. One of the most to serve in some way, giving…the list obvious can be found when you greet goes on and on. And above all, we can a Polish woman with “Czesc, jak sie commit to pray. masz?“ (Hi, how are you?) In America we answer “Fine, and you?” However, As we open ourselves up and become spending time speaking words of hope in Poland the answer will often be long more available to people, we will notice to a woman dealing with depression. and include many details of health that those huge mistakes we’ve made I’ve been there, I understand, and problems, hurts and complaints about in our past and those dark and horrible with God equipping me, I am able to the government. Which answer is times of pain we’ve experienced in our help. God is turning some of the most better? Well, it depends on how much lives will actually be used for good. God difficult times in my life into something time you have. will bring people into our path who are I’m very thankful for. experiencing similar problems. We will Have you ever truly thought about be able to comfort people because If you have experienced any pain in those words we so often ask — how we’ve been there, we understand, your life, there is a guarantee that are you? If a majority of people were to we’ve been comforted by the Master God has already surrounded you with answer in the Polish way, we would find Comforter. And it is He who promises people who need your help. There is that we are completely surrounded by to give us everything we need to help nothing that can compare to watching hurting people. A not-so-surprising others. God set a person free, bring hope to but maybe uncomfortable fact is that a person who has lost hope, and use God has completely equipped us as Recently here in Krakow, I’ve begun you to spread His love to the people believers to help them. Yes, you and counseling a girl with bulimia, helping around you. It’s not easy and takes a I are able to help almost any person a Brazilian girl who is extremely sacrifice of our time and full attention, with any problem. It doesn’t mean that homesick, advising a friend who is but part of our calling includes asking we can solve every problem, but we experiencing marital problems, and people “How are you?”  Paula Roberts God is Big, Isn’t He?

t was like all those prayers were family’s gate was reserved for close joining a dance. Those prayers had relatives and friends. Istarted more than two years ago. Working in the small village of Bircii, What else could we do? We needed encouragement, and a land purchase Romania, Heather, Pavel, Ron and I a neutral place from which to minister. was made. sensed God was asking us to take a leap. There were no buildings to rent, no Up to this point, our work had mainly public parks. Kids had the option of Then the opportunity to buy an adjacent focused on teaching English, running a playing in the streets or standing in front piece of land appeared. (God is big, isn’t computer lab, and focusing on the youth of the market. Oh, yes, they could also He?) This piece had lots of trees. It was group from church. We had plenty to do, hang by the bars. the perfect spot for boys on adventure but ministry space was limited. We also and little girl giggles. But, how could we battled cultural and physical restrictions. We didn’t really want to buy land and manage the cost? We prayed. So did The area we worked from was small and develop a ministry center, but God some of you. Another land purchase was situated behind Heather and Pavel‘s kept pressing. So, we prayed. Some of made. fence. Culturally, walking through any you prayed, too. You sent money and continued on page 24 21 Virginia Edwards Want God to Bless You Real “GOOD”? ROL is a haven for them where they accepted Jesus as their Lord and receive much more than just the Savior. Another mom comes from necessities of life. In addition to food, a background where there were no f you want to be blessed clothing, and shelter, they receive sanitary facilities and her young son beyond anything you’ve ever medical care, assistance in obtaining had never used a toilet. They came to Idreamed, come to River of Life birth certificates, identification cards the Care Home frightened, withdrawn Care Home. River of Life (ROL) for them and their children, help and silent. However, children are in Cornesti, Romania, is currently obtaining other legal documents, adaptable and a few months later home to 8 moms and their 12 psychological help to deal with they are outspoken and they have children, who range in age from their emotional problems, training learned to play with the other children 3 months to 17 years (there are also in the care of their children, and — they smile and get into mischief two babies yet to the opportunity to like children everywhere. be born). You will Most learn a trade. Most need a willing importantly, they learn We have made many friends spirit and the importantly, about the love of God among the moms, the children desire to be used they learn through the Care and the workers. We have met a of God. Home ministry. number of the villagers and learned about the love about the Romanian culture. Stan and I first One mom who came I would encourage you to pray about came to ROL four of God through to the Care Home four signing up for a short-term mission trip years ago for a years ago with two to ROL and to pray that the Lord will monthlong visit and the Care Home children and expecting speak to your heart about returning have been drawn ministry. another, has overcome for a longer period of time. Flexibility back again and many of the issues is a must and a sense of humor again for longer that burdened her helps. We have learned that there is periods of time. and this fall will begin definitely a place for folks who have We are both in our 70s and have no learning a trade. Her children, who raised their own children and would “special qualifications” to offer, but were” of school age, didn’t know their like to contribute to the lives of needy the Lord has seen fit to use us to numbers, letters, colors or their full children and women.  minister to the moms and children at name when they came to the home. the Care Home. While these children work The women come to the Care Home to catch up in because they are expecting a child their education, and some come with other children the difference in as well. The women and children them is truly the have all suffered some degree of work of God. abuse. They have been homeless, They are happy, hungry and without the necessities of outgoing, well- life, and without a means to support behaved girls themselves and their children. None and a joy to be has a home or family who will take around. Above care of them. all, they have 22 Kris & Danielle Jaje Blowing the Whistle on Modern Day Slavery I am not for sale. You are not for sale. No one should be for sale. These words seem like obvious education and training courses with take up the cause of the fatherless, truths to most of us. But in the world the anti-human trafficking organiza- and plead the case of the widow today there are 27 million people who tion Not For Sale. It was there (Isaiah 1:17). We are seeking have been bought and sold (accord- that we were inspired to cre- Christians who believe that all ing to various official sources). They’ve ate an awareness campaign humans are created in the been sold by family, by friends, by for the European Soccer image of God, who be- criminals and gangs. They are held by Cup 2012, which is be- lieve that no one should force, fraud, or coercion, some in phys- ing held in Ukraine and be forced into sexual ex- ical chains and others in mental chains. Poland in June. It is com- ploitation, who desire to The exploitation of these men, wom- mon for the sexual exploi- learn more about human en, and children knows no bounds. tation of women to increase trafficking, and who want From east to west, in the poorest when large sporting events to bring awareness and ac- and richest of na- such as this tion to their communities when tions, slaves are in are happening, they return home. our communities and through our as domestic work- campaign we If you are interested in joining us this ers, as women in want to offer you June in Poland as part of our cam- brothels, as la- the opportunity paign, or if you’re simply interested in borers, and even to come along- learning more about this issue and how in our supermar- side our work in you can help end modern day slavery, kets and malls Poland to help please contact us at krisanddanielle@ as the harvesters bring awareness about gmail.com or the International Mes- and makers of some of the products this issue, pray for those being held in sengers office for more details. we buy. When we look at the situation, slavery, and see God move as He sets it can seem overwhelming because we captives free. You have the opportunity to be don’t know how to help or where to a trumpet sounder, a whistleblower, start. Our dream is to have one or two a modern day abolitionist - part of the teams, filled with men and wom- generation who stands up and says, This past summer, we had the oppor- en who want to learn to do right, “NO ONE should be for sale!”  tunity to attend an excellent series of seek justice, defend the oppressed,

We are in need of vans for our missionaries to use while they are home on furlough . Often their schedules require 7-10,000 miles as they travel to see family, friends and churches . Our missionaries are extremely grateful when we can help by providing them with a family-worthy, dependable van . If you know of someone or an organization that is interested in donating a van, would you let them know of our need? Any questions about van donations should be directed by e-mail to [email protected] or call 800-243-6763. 23 Kim Huffman God is Big...continued from page 21 This past spring, the days warmed and more answers to prayer swirled. As we The Blessing cleared land and tore down a building, youth and young adults seemed to magically appear. They worked long and of Discipleship they worked hard.

Tim and Jim, from the States, burst into Bircii for two weeks in July. They brought lessed to be a blessing! This is who simply means I’m available and ready sweat power, big funding from their teeny we are. God has chosen us and to serve her by talking about personal church, and more prayer. We watched Badopted us! He forgives us and things and my walk with God. and worked as a pavilion took shape. loves us! Why does He do all this for us? So we can be comfortable? So we can Sasha comes to my home every week. Two weeks later, another team came. have an “easy” life? No, we are incredibly Over a cup of tea, we talk about how Ed, Irene, Jan and Bradley added more blessed so we can be a blessing. her week is going with her classes and muscle power, and their prayer teams her mom, her friends and her enemies. worked from the States contacting the What does it look like to be a blessing? We talk about what we’ve read in the Highest Power. We finished the first half of There are thousands of ways, but here is Bible and what we are learning. We talk the fence, smoothed out uneven ground, one example. All around me in Odessa, about our joys and celebrate them. We and built a storage unit. Crafts, which Ukraine, are young women, believers, talk about our failures and how to handle were worked on in Iowa for months in who have no one to teach them what it them. We talk about how to serve other advance, were finalized and we meshed means to live for Christ. One such young people in love. We find truth in God’s details together for the Bible Club. lady is “Sasha.” (Not her real name.) Word to give hope and encouragement She is the first in her family to become and direction for the coming week. We Then finally, our VBS-type Bible Club a believer. She attends church and hears pray for each other. began. We didn’t know what to expect, sermons each but we prayed. Some of you prayed, too. week, and though Sasha and I met that inspires her, for several years. The kids poured in. The first day we had she doesn’t know During those years 44 children, and by Friday 72 children how to really apply she has forgiven her filled the benches. We fed them with what she hears. enemies, she loves bread, jam and tea. Then we gave them So Sasha watches her unbelieving eternal food woven together with crafts, other believers in mom in practical games and love. church to see how ways, she lives by they live, hoping to faith and not by In the midst of the younger kids, our find answers. Since feelings, she trusts youth group shone. These youth, whom many of her fellow her loving Father, Heather and Pavel have worked with for believers don’t knowing He allows 4-1/2 years, jumped in. Some were up know what it means suffering to deepen front, and some were in the back, but all to live for Christ, she ends up more her faith. She actively serves in her seemed to sparkle with Christ. confused. They are looking for answers church. She is living for Christ! too! When club wasn’t going, the ministry This is discipleship. It is not easy. It requires land continued to hop. In one corner She needs someone to commit to spend faith, commitment, transparency, time adult men played soccer. In the other, time with her each week, someone to give and energy. But it is more than worth it! young girls threw Frisbees. On the right, her personal attention, someone to teach In fact, I’ve found as I’ve discipled Sasha the youth group played volleyball, and her biblical truth, and someone to show to “be a blessing,” I’m the one who has through the trees came the sound of her how to live it. What Sasha needs is been blessed! those giggles. discipleship. I began spending time with Sasha and became her “spiritual parent” “Go therefore and make disciples of all We like the look of this prayer dance. You or mentor. It doesn’t mean I have the gift nations. . .” Matthew 28:19  would, too. Keep praying.  of teaching or the gift of knowledge. It 24 Stenia Shaded That We May Be Worthy Representatives of Our Lord

ometimes when we travel as former President Jimmy Carter! we find surprises. On our Moner said, “If I were President, I S last trip to the States, we would do the same.” had an interesting situation. Some Syria, but anxious to return to the of you know that our son, Luke, is I was impressed. President Carter ministry there, although 93 years a pilot, and we have flight benefits knew who he was and who he old. allowing us to fly standby for less represented. He was eager in money. Often we are able to fly reaching out to others. In a similar We thank God for the heritage of first-class on international flights. way, we as Christians have an identity our families, most of whom are We see this as God’s gift for us – He in Christ. We need to remember active in reaching others for Christ continues to bless us through our this so our actions can have great (Moner’s family especially reaching children. influence. It has motivated us to out to Arabs). But we identify with keep this in mind as we meet people the Apostle Paul’s attitude about On our last trip from Amsterdam wherever we go, that we may be his former confidence in the flesh to Atlanta, we were sitting in first- worthy representatives of our Lord. before he met Christ. He had much class waiting for departure when of which to be proud, but he now a smiling older American man On May 23, I was invited to show considered them rubbish. His stopped to greet us as well as all the my paintings at a “Faith and passion was to know Christ and other passengers in first-class. I said Art” exhibition at the National make Him known, pressing toward to Moner, “We need to learn from Presbyterian Church in Washington, the goal for which Christ called him. him.” Moner asked if I knew who he D.C. It reminded me that it was not Those who are born into a Muslim was. I didn’t. Moner recognized him about me and art, but an opportunity family are automatically Muslims, to represent Christ. but this is not true of Christians. To I like to explain the become a true Christian, we must spiritual meaning of make that personal decision. John my art to people who 1:12-13 says “To all who received see the paintings. him, to those who believed in his Criticism used to easily name, he gave the right to become intimidate me, but children of God – children born not now because of my of natural descent, nor of human confidence in who I am decision or a husband’s will, but in Him, the criticism born of God.” of others does not discourage me. I am privileged to be a child of the King of Kings. I will keep this in mind The next week we as I prepare for a “Faith and Art” visited Moner’s par- conference in Warsaw October 15. ents and other fam- While I am there, I hope to gather ily members in Dallas artists who want to use their gift for and Colorado. Moner’s God’s glory. By the grace of God we Threefold Cord parents are in Dallas are His representatives. Pray that we during the turmoil in will be found faithful. 

25 Karla Thiessen Just Past the 3rd Billboard . .

working with the Roma community here complain. In fact, she seemed thankful to in Kosice, Slovakia, her determination be on her own with the children. gave me the desire to get to know her. hen I met Maria she had I helped her a few times by taking five children, and was often Her husband was in jail at the time, and shoes, clothes, a loaf of bread, blankets, W crossing the same railroad she was renting one room. It was heated and even shoeboxes filled with gifts at track I was when walking her son home by wood put in the bottom of a small one- Christmastime. But then I stopped seeing from school. I never saw her drunk, or burner iron cook stove. She left the door her. I figured she’d moved, and just kept smoking, and she seemed to be very open which filled the room with smoke. praying I’d see her again. consistent about getting her oldest son Each child was dirty, and they all shared to school. After all the years we’ve been one couch for sleeping, but she didn’t continued on page 29 Tom Clark The Truth Project: Changing Lives in Romania

was first introduced to “The in Romania. Owners commonly do this hard times God cannot only provide a Truth Project” (TTP) by one of to employees. They make the employee new job, but even two new jobs. Iour supporters while on home wait until a project is completed and he assignment four years ago. The Truth is paid before he pays his employees. David was working as a salesman of Project is a 13-lesson DVD series Dan hadn’t been paid for two months children’s clothes. Within a month of produced by Focus on the Family and was frustrated. He shared this just watching lesson 11 he was awarded teaching biblical worldview. It began as we were going to watch lesson 11 of employee of the month at his company. to have an immediate impact on my TTP. Lesson 11 is on labor and that we He was asked to begin training as a life. I began to evaluate situations, were “created to create.” This helped manager trainee. While he has had relationships and things in my life by Dan in his job search. He began to a setback in that pursuit (due to a first asking myself the question, “What look for a job that would enable him to managerial change in his department) is true?” and, “What does God’s Word use the talents and skills that God had he is still laboring at working as God say?” given him. We were praying for him would want him to and trusting in Him as a group. In less than two weeks he for the future. Our group continues to This past year I had the opportunity to had seven interviews and was offered pray for him and encourage him. show The Truth Project (TTP) to a small a new job. And then within the first group of English-speaking Romanians two months of that new job, one of the For the past year I have been in charge here in Bucharest, Romania. Two of the companies he had applied to called of this translation project. Currently we young men in the study (in their late and wanted to hire him. This was an have nine of the lessons translated and 20’s) have been struggling with their even better opportunity for him to six of the lessons subtitled. I hope to work situations. use his creative skills. He is enjoying have the project completed sometime the challenges of this new job and is early next year. Dan is a software engineer. He had a learning a lot. He is attempting to be job but was not getting paid or only the employee that God is calling him to For more information contact me at getting half pay. That is not uncommon be. We praise God that even in these [email protected].  26 Darlis Anderson 2011 Staff Conference

ur annual International messages that ministered to our hearts! Messengers Staff Conference Many folks came to care for our staff O was held in the Hotel Javorny, by providing wonderful music/worship tucked up on a hillside by Drienica, times in a variety of styles, great Slovakia, on April 1-3, 2011. This hotel children and teen ministry programs, is in a mountain recreation area called nutritional advice, homeschooling and Shaded share during the Sunday men’s Drienica-Lysa, in the Čergov Mountains, international schooling advice, haircuts meeting about his perspective on the but the snow was already gone and (where they could give their wishes to ongoing uprising in North Africa and the ski resorts were quiet. There was their stylist in English – what a treat!), the Middle East. Moner’s rich heritage nothing quiet around or in the hotel, one-on-one counseling sessions, and in Syria and his Arabic language skills however, because it was filled with information on serving orphans and gave them a whole new look at the cry our annual IM celebration! We had a vulnerable people. Brian Thompson, for bread and freedom from this region record attendance of 173 this year at director for Europe of The God’s Story of the world. He also gave them some our conference - 128 adults, 17 teens, Project and an instructor with Simply thoughts on prophecy and how it may 28 children, and a dog! At any one the Story, was our special guest and be being fulfilled before their eyes. time there were sweet conversations, gave two presentations on how to big hugs, intense prayer times, treats evangelize and disciple by accurate, Our very special thanks go to our and good coffee, rich times of singing engaging storytelling. This method IM staff in Slovakia, Brad and Karla worship songs together, and solid works great in a culture where people Thiessen, their boys, and co-workers teaching times in God’s Word. We are either illiterate or preferred oral Annette Berger Anna Klemm, for all had more ministry partner guests join learners. His demonstrations were the hard work, long hours, sacrifice of us this year than usual, and it was a intriguing and there was considerable family time, and stress that they took pleasure to get to know them, care for interest because many of our staff on to host the conference in such a them, and serve them. God’s hand of deal with this demographic in their well-organized, gracious way. We blessing and protection was obvious ministries. know it’s a huge job and we’re so and we thank Him! thankful! We praise Him for all He Saturday morning’s women’s meeting, did through our time together, for the We were challenged by Ed Kleiman’s “Be Better, Not Bitter”, was a great rest, healing, relationship restoration, love and passion for Scripture and mixture of conversation, laughter, ministry refocus, and encouragement prayer. His messages were entitled learning, and prayer. Darlis had sur- that happened during those 72 hours. Devote Yourselves to Prayer!, Suffering veyed the concerns of the women for Thank you, God!  for God’s Glory and our Good, and this time and together with Deborah Doing God’s Work, God’s Way – Sharp, they put Pray! He also led a Concert of Prayer together a panel Saturday evening which was a quality that addressed time together. Steve Smith, pastor various ques- of the Albert City, Iowa, Evangelical tions about dis- Free Church, also shared powerfully couragement, from the Scriptures and his life. His spiritual depres- messages were entitled “Practicing sion, lack of the Presence of God at all Times,” contentment, “Sharing the Gospel Come Hail or and practical High Water,” and “Teach us to Pray.” methods to He also led us in a communion service deal with those on Sunday morning which was a great issues. The men time of reflection. Thanks, men, for all were captivated your work in putting together these hearing Moner

27 Heather Nicolae Invest in People

the most effective ministry would be ping-pong with my husband Pavel. to a few who would “yield a crop a We do a lot of English tutoring in our hundred times more than was sown” ministry and this has provided many (Luke 8:8). He concentrated on the opportunities to get to know youth s I drive through the shoe- twelve disciples. as well as some of their parents. string villages of southern A Romania my heart aches for In the past few years Jesus has given Another way of investing in the the multitudes of lost people. There me a passion to invest in those that youth is through working with are few evangelical churches in this He has put around me and to share them. Pavel hires the boys to work area of the country and most people the gospel with them. It is very time- alongside him in farming and other who call themselves Orthodox truly consuming and every day I must projects. Many conversations about believe that they are fine for eternity make choices about priorities in my life, values and spiritual issues take if they cross themselves when they life. My house is no longer as clean place during a 12-hour workday and pass by a church and have icons in as it used to be and I am OK with they learn a work ethic too. their home. that now. The garden and yard don’t look as great they used to and I am Reaching the lost is not a hopeless Let’s be honest. There are very few of OK with that now. But my kids are task. Together with our Lord it is us who are called to be evangelists happier and are doing better in victory one-by-one. God is working to the masses. We see the numbers school and like having “fun mom” in the hearts of people around us of lost people in our world and feel much more often than “serious and He is waiting for each one of overwhelmed and quite frankly mom.” Adolescents and teenagers us to be courageous enough to believe the lie that we can’t do are in our home all the time. Kids intentionally invest in people and anything about it. Unfortunately, and youth stop by for help with their share our relationship with Christ. the sad reality is that the majority of homework, when they need first aid, Whatever is our sphere of influence people on this planet will die without when they are hungry but don’t have there is a need for the love of Christ knowing Christ. However, we have the courage to say it, and even just to reach out and make disciples for to look at what Jesus did. He knew to talk or play a game of chess or the Kingdom. 

28 Billboard...continued from page 26

Finally, this fall, I was waiting for my son “Go to...(a development) and drive along Please pray for us as we share Jesus with in the store near our home, and I saw the main road until the third billboard on Maria, and others. We’re thankful for the her from afar. She was pushing a baby the left. At that point, go into the bushes opportunity to live here in Slovakia, and carriage and had three kids in tow. They and you’ll see our place.” work among the Roma, most of whom came right up to where I was, and then are very needy. We know if Maria knew she noticed me. I greeted her and she She shared it was better for them there, Jesus her life would be hopeful. Our Life seemed very happy to see me again. I as no one bothered them. I asked if Art Project distributes food, clothing, and asked where they’re living, and told her they’d lived through the winter there yet, wood, and is teaching sewing at a home I’d like to come visit her. She explained and she said yes, but this year would be for battered women, and woodworking they’d built a shack near the edge of the harder to get wood, as she has a small for men who want to be employable.  forest when her husband had been out baby again. of jail and then told me how to get there: Naomi Hale Hugs from God

od is evident everywhere, I would pray about such an opportunity and it brings me great joy to — if God had the laser surgery in mind G be consciously aware of His for me, it would work out. I hung up the presence. There are unique moments or phone and not even 15 minutes had situations though, that are so obviously passed before the receptionist called orchestrated by God, that it feels almost back. Her first words were, “Wow! Prayer as if He is reaching out with a real hug. really works! Someone just called to evening before the surgery with friends cancel and you now have an appointment whom we hadn’t seen in over 18 years. I I experienced one of those times this for next week.” shared with them how excited I was about past summer while my family and I were the way God had arranged everything so on a summer home assignment. To tell After consulting with the doctor the wonderfully for me to be able to have the story well though, I have to back up following week, he was very hopeful that eye surgery the next day. about 11 years...at that time I had laser an “enhancement” surgery on my bad surgery to correct my eyesight and I had eye could indeed fix it, but there was The next morning, as I was preparing to been pleased with the results up until a problem. He was all booked up and go to the clinic, we got an unexpected about one year ago, when one of my eyes didn’t know of any openings in the near phone call from our friend we had visited started to deteriorate. It was something I future. He said, “The best time for you the previous night. He said that God had could live with, but I certainly missed the to have this surgery would be tomorrow! laid on their hearts the desire to bless us freedom of sight without limits. Because you still need to have time to in some way and they wanted to send a come in for a post-op,” although we both check to cover the whole procedure! So, While back in the States this summer we knew that would be impossible because I went in for the surgery and now I can were planning about a one-month stay of his schedule. see better out of my previous bad eye in the city where I had originally had the than I can out of the one I thought was laser surgery done. I called the office But with God all things are possible! I so good. and the kind receptionist assured me walked to the reception desk from the that I could come in for an appointment doctor’s office and she looked up at me The whole experience left me with the with the doctor, but the next available and said, “How would you like to come feeling of being hugged by God — He date would be the following month. My in for surgery tomorrow? We just had a so perfectly worked this out in my life just heart sank, as I knew we wouldn’t be in cancellation!” I was stunned and amazed, because — I didn’t really need it — but the area that long and I told her as much. what an incredible God we serve! He gave it to me anyway. Just like we She responded that occasionally people as parents love to surprise our children cancel their appointments, and if that Another issue regarding the surgery was with gifts they don’t have to have, but were to happen, she would give me a call. the cost. An expense like that certainly certainly want. What a joy it is to serve I felt an unusual peace and told her that wasn’t in our budget. We spent the such a loving, heavenly Father!  29 Mark Huffman Are You a Dog or a Cat?

About 9,950 (58.7%) of the nations Woof, woof? Or Meow, meow? are reached with the Gospel. About What is YOUR theology? Really? 6,889 (41.3%) of them are NOT ave you heard the difference reached. This is about 41% of the Jesus said, “Go therefore and make between dog theology and population of the world (about disciples of all nations…” Matthew H cat theology? A dog says: 2.8 billion people) with no viable 28:19 (ESV) “You pet me, you feed me, you Gospel witness! In 2,000 years we shelter me, you love have only reached about 59% of We need your help! If you would me. You must be the world with the Gospel. Coca- like more information or would God.” A cat says: Cola and McDonalds have probably like to help the Seaside Missionary “You pet me, done better. Training Center in Odessa, Ukraine, you feed me, please write to Mark Huffman, you shelter The American church spends more [email protected].  me, you love than 95% of its money on itself me. I must be and less than 5% goes to missions. God.” Judging by their behavior, what is the church’s theology? Cat theology, What is YOUR I must be God! t h e o l o g y ? None of us I don’t have statistics on would pray this clearly: “You pet the churches where I live, me, you feed me, you shelter me, but things are probably you love me, I must be God.” But even more cat-like here in when we look at our behavior, we Ukraine. can see into our hearts and what our theology really is. Am I the focus or What are we doing about it? is God the focus? I am afraid many This is what International of us and our churches have cat Messenger’s Seaside Mis- theology. sionary Training Center (SMTC) is all about. We This is very true of the church in are helping the Eastern Ukraine where I live. There are many European church send mis- churches in Ukraine that have been sionaries. SMTC is a small, blessed by God, yet their focus is simple institute in Odessa, themselves. I know this is true of the Ukraine, that is training church in America too. and preparing missionar- ies from all around East- How has the church been acting? Let’s ern Europe. Since 2003 look at some interesting numbers. we have trained over 40 According to JoshuaProject.net, missionaries and church there are about 16,696 different leaders and we have people groups or nations. (Don’t helped the Eastern Euro- confuse nations, people groups pean church send over 20 or ethnic groups, with countries.) full-time missionaries.

30 AMAZING Jan McKinnon BLESSINGS Journey of God’s providences in the midst of Faith Bella’s cancer .

• God helped our children n the Bible, Hebrews 11 is called the We have seen several amazing find the cancer, even chapter of faith. It talks about the blessings along the way. The main one before the doctor found godly men and women who walked is that Bella is faring well; she has no the tumor. I before us and describes their journey emotional pain that is usually attached • Most children are of faith. They didn’t always understand to a cancer diagnosis. It was her parents diagnosed with stage where God wanted them to go but and grandparents who cried when she four cancer. Bella is only trusted Him, by faith. Hebrews 11:13 lost her hair and when little bruises in stage three, not four. and 39 both say, in their lifetime they showed up all over her legs and arms. didn’t “receive the promise,” yet by We are the ones who cry when she • It is an aggressive cancer faith trusted God. sees little children but must walk away and God so graciously so she doesn’t catch something. We had her diagnosed As I walk on my faith journey it isn’t are trusting God will heal her. plus her first oundr of always clear what the journey will treatment within a week! look like and I find there is fear of the What will the end look like? Is this • We were able to start unknown! Why do I always want to feel purposeful suffering? On this journey our journey from Poland settled and safe? Can I have an eternal with Bella, God has used people to here in just a little perspective no matter to make His comfort over a week. God sent what journey Jesus known to me. They have people to fulfill all of our chooses for me? walked before me on responsibilities. this cancer journey and Another question I have really understand the • Many precious believers had to ask about my pain. They have listened. sent money to pay faith journey is what will They have prayed. They completely for us to get it cost? Today, I am in have sent God’s Word in here. Hawaii! One would think e-mails or notes to keep • Our children’s friends in that is a great place to be, my perspective directed Hawaii have put us up and in some ways it is very upward because the in their homes. What a nice here. But the reason “horizontal” realities do testimony to the body of we’re here is because our not seem bearable. Christ! precious 18-month-old granddaughter, Isabella Hebrews 12 goes on to • We had not even seen Pollard, has cancer. talk about that cloud of little Bella since she Cancer is such an ugly word! We are in witnesses and running the race. That is was born, now we have the middle of this battle and I wonder, the challenge in my life and I would like the extreme privilege “Do I have the stuff that God has taught to challenge you also to live by faith. to spend time with her. me in my past to trust Him through this On my faith journey I have learned so What a precious gift! and come out the other end stronger, much about my precious, wonderful, • Many people have more dependent and victorious? Will merciful, Savior. In the end I want to be I be a testimony of Jesus? How can able to tell my faith journey in a way encouraged us daily with I encourage my precious children, that gives hope, rooted in the reality of emails and notes. Isabella’s parents, to know God is in God’s presence and love.  control and will carry them also?”

31 Terry Mayberry Stateside “I learned the joy of telling someone about my Lord Jesus and the importance of for a Time opening their heart to him. I persisted and kept asking the questions and listening here comes a time in most American So what is your part in helping your mis- and then leading them in missionaries’ lives of service when sionaries when they are stateside; how prayer to accept His gift of they have to return to the States can you help them continue their ser- T salvation. “ for a time. God’s work takes place all vice even when they are off the “field?” over the world, even in Martha - Poland America. So I believe Keep them in your the key is to look to prayers. They need God for ministry, not your prayers to get to our own desire to them through the var- be in one country ious trials of “home or another. God is assignment.” working all around us “It is still hard to put and if we are open Continue the finan- to His leading He will cial support you have into words what I took use us wherever we given. It is often more away from Romania. I happen to be. Ministry at the Pregnancy expensive to be in the feel as though I gained Care Center States than at their for- a whole new family. My We have been in the eign ministry and bills States since March of 2010 and God will keep coming in regardless of where life is forever changed. I has seen to all of our needs and has they are. came home with more of opened doors for ministry here in Libby, a servant’s heart...it just Montana. He has given us just as many Encourage them. They may feel out of opportunities to serve here as we had place and have a longing to be back in feels right and good when when we were serving with the River the work they have been doing overseas my thoughts are on others of Life in Romania. God has directed and it can be discouraging for them to be instead of myself. My us in serving as children’s workers and stateside. Let them know they are appre- small group leaders ciated and that you struggle will be blocking at a church here. I value the work they out the trappings and (Terry) have had the are doing whether it temptations we have here privilege of delivering is in a foreign land or the Sunday message in the States. in the US because they can to the elderly at the quickly distract me from care center and we It is a privilege for where my thoughts should continue to serve as us as missionaries to be, which is on those who the host couple at serve wherever God the Mountainside puts us and it is a don’t know Him and who Missionary Training blessing to partner don’t have hope.” Center. We also with those of you who Ministry in Romania volunteer at the see the value and sig- Julie - Romania Pregnancy Care Center in Libby as nificance of the work He does though all Director and as a Bible study leader. God of us as a team.  has certainly blessed us with ministry work here and it keeps us very busy.

32 Laura Rechkemmer Is it Real or is it Virtual?

et me start by saying, “It’s virtual (existing in essence or effect real.” A definition of virtual: though not in actuality). I think we L Existing in essence or effect forget that some of what we see though not in actual fact. A definition on TV and on the internet is reality. love of Christ. We have a front row of real: Being or occurring in fact, People die in war-ravaged countries, seat to this because of internet and true, and actual; not imaginary. there are millions of orphans, TV. and disasters happen. People on In today’s society, the majority of the news, in videos, and on the I have concluded that it is all virtual; it information we receive is through internet are not actors in sitcoms must only exist in essence, but not in the computer. We get information or characters in books. A lot of fact. If it were real and not imaginary about politics, world and national information is absorbed and treated our response would be different. news, disasters, wars, and other as virtual information. The computer Wouldn’t it? If people were suffer- situations. We get news about family is turned off, therefore the situation ing, living in desperation, searching and friends through Facebook and is turned off. for help, and dying of thirst for the e-mail…and even information about love of Christ wouldn’t we do some- people we haven’t heard from in This boy is real. He exists and so does thing? Wouldn’t we pour out all of years. his situation. I experienced seeing our resources of time, money, and his reality. Andre is twelve and living talent to help just one person move Whenever we want to know in Ukraine without parents. He lives out of this state of desperation? So something, we type the topic into in an institution and his caretakers it must just be virtual; it must only Google and within minutes we are are abusive. He is smaller than most exist in essence, but not in fact. experts. The point is that information kids, so they abuse him. In this real doesn’t come from people who are photo, there are several bruises on Back to my original statement, “It’s physically present and we don’t his face. In just a few years he will real” — the question is what will your experience things ourselves, but we leave the orphanage. He won’t have response be to those in need?  experience it through the computer. a home, food, or anyone to care for him. This is real! We have gone from people experiencing real things in real I have pondered time to people experiencing things why we watch virtually. People hunt and people the world and play Duck Hunt. People go to the people struggle. bowling alley and people bowl at People are in home with the Wii. People go to war desperate situ- where death is real and people play ations, disasters war video games and no one dies. occur, wars rav- age nations, As we have entered this virtual there are mil- world, I believe there has been a lions of orphans disconnect and the line between who roam, sex virtual and reality has been blurred. trafficking is hap- What we experience through video pening, and all games, computers, and TV shows is are thirsty for the 33 David Beger Biblical Education Wherever You Are

ften people in ministry Master of Divinity program. This Polish Interest feel that there are no is for non-accredited personal We are in the process of translating O available options to further learning only, but this gives us a new this first year of seminary into Polish. education or gain wanted training. option of higher biblical education This is a daunting and expensive task. Many people I have talked with at an affordable cost. For now, the If you are interested in becoming want more biblical education, but curriculum is only in English, but we part of this project, please contact see little opportunity to do so while began translating it into Polish this me: [email protected] serving overseas. This should not summer. be! For each person the need is Sign Up Now slightly different. Sometimes the Understanding the Pitfalls If you are interested in furthering missionary’s duties have changed Distance learning definitely has your biblical education without and the person suddenly feels less its good points, but be aware leaving your ministry, sign up today! than adequate to deal with the of the pitfalls as well. This is not If our distance learning curriculum is new responsibilities. Sometimes it a discipleship program. People not a good fit for you, we may have is simply someone who wants the engaged in this form of biblical something else that is.  biblical education without the high learning should also be costs of seminary. We often connect active in a church and people with options that fit their putting into practice what specific needs and help them to they learn. This distance obtain those options. learning curriculum is only one of many tools One Tool to Help available to meet a We recently implemented a tool specific need. And if to help those interested in a even one person wants higher level of biblical education. training, we should have Currently, we have a video-driven the tools to put into their distance learning curriculum which hands. is equivalent to the first year of a

“From the beginning with IM and camps, I have grown “God has shown me the importance in my desire and need to share the Good News. It has of honesty, kindness and hospitality led to my involvement and leadership of the Evangelism through this experience that I should Committee in our church. It was a stimulus for begin- use in all my encounters with others. ning the Alpha Course in the church - a program similar He has taught me how my behavior and to camps in that it provides a forum for talking about actions affect others’ perception of all God and Christ that is low key, easy for sharing, and Christians and Jesus.” good for developing relationships.” Connor (age 16) - Czech Republic Pat - Poland

34 Karla Thiessen Reaching Refugees through Friendship

heir baby killed, the jailed When we started to have requests to young couple awaited teach Slovak to foreigners we hired T probable death. God’s plan teachers and had courses in Slovak had them released. Knowing the accredited. The couple above was studying English with Brad because enemy could return, family money in Word Art’s first class of refugees he’s a native speaker. We never, in our helped smuggle them out of the learning Slovak. wildest dreams, imagined that the country. The truck driver told former communist Czechoslovakia them to get out on a dark country This year we have a new group of would afford us this opportunity to road. Thinking they were finally in refugees from Somalia, Afghanistan, reach the world. Thankfully speaking Germany, they walked to the police Chechnya, Cuba, and Iran, all places truth, we see real needs. Each station in the nearest village to difficult to get to with the Gospel. refugee has a horrendous story, claim asylum. No one there spoke We get to hear each student’s story and each one is here without their German. They were in Slovakia, but and pray for them. Many are Muslims friends or family. weren’t sure even where that was. we feel God’s planted in Košice so Without passports, it took months we can share with them about Jesus. Please pray God will touch lives for the authorities to listen to their Some spend time with us outside of and draw people to Himself as we story and decide it was believable. class. This year four of the men took share about Jesus, who knows their the woodworking course offered names and stories. We’re thankful This couple, now our friends, have through our non-profit organization, God’s not called us to do this work had two children born in Košice. I Life Art. Friendship evangelism alone. Please consider partnering teach English to their son in grade takes time. with us by praying for this work. If two. Asked where he’s from, he you would like to know more about answers either Slovakia or The This year we’ve also had Libyan Life Art or Word Art, please contact Congo. His family speaks three students at Word Art. They’re IM at [email protected].  languages fluently. They walk or take the bus.

They often wish God had planted them somewhere French is spoken. But after applying for asylum, no move is allowed within Europe. So, they’re learning Slovak. The Slovak government has helped with that.

That’s where Word Art comes in. Our language school outreach opened in 1991. My husband teaches English. Slovaks who won’t visit church will take English lessons. The English courses are accredited by the Slovak Ministry of Education.

35 Monika Shaded An Instrument in the Hands of God “…But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us...” II Corinthians 4:7

wanted to share a testimony of For me it was an incredible experience that I do not like. Because what I did what God did recently during – that we can be an instrument in the gave me joy, I thought that it was Ithe art exhibit of my paintings in hands of God and He can use us far from living a godly Christian life. Pila, Poland. I was able to tell the to be a blessing to others, but also I discovered that God desires us to invited guests (mostly unbelievers) touch ourselves. God is not seeking be joyful and use the things that He about my creations and where the perfect people, but those who are gave us. When we are in His will, He name for the art exhibit came from. obedient to His will and attentive to will use these gifts for His purposes. I read a passage from Job 36:16, His voice. I would like to encourage everyone: “He is wooing you from the standing in that place will not jaws of distress to a spacious feel burdensome, but there is place free from restriction, joy in knowing God and being to the comfort of your table in His great plan. laden with choice food.” The reaction of the people truly I learned that God can use art surprised me. After the initial to speak to someone. I saw opening, I talked with a few that the company of paintings people about God, who He and music (during the art is to them. They told me how exhibit there was a piano in important God is to them, and the background) creates an they appreciated what I had atmosphere in which you can said. On the way back to Poznan we talk about deeper subjects. This shared the gospel with Marlena, a Also an important discovery for me creates an atmosphere to talk about woman my friend and I met at my art was that God desires to use us in the God. Artists, I encourage you to exhibit. We saw that she is a seeker – gifts and talents that He gave us. He have art exhibits and speak out! she had many questions and wanted wants to touch other people through to learn more about God. I called her them. For a long time I had wrong Thank God for the privilege that and we will be meeting together to thinking, that if I want to follow God, I I could work together with Him and study the Bible. need to reject painting and do things I give Him glory for this work! 

“God has really blessed me with another opportunity to serve with His church in Odessa. Not only did I get to share God’s awesome good news with many who have never heard it, but I also learned some important things about ministry. I learned that if ministry is about giving myself for others on behalf of Christ, I must continually refresh and renew myself in Christ and His Word. I did not do this in Odessa and subsequently burned out my spirit. I must take care of my physical needs to ensure I can give my best for God. I did not get enough rest during this time of ministry, so by the end I was barely awake enough to function, let alone minister. These lessons will no doubt be useful as the Lord continues to use me.” Eric - Ukraine

36 Bob Hageman Ministry in Radom, Poland

reetings from Radom, We invite you to join us this coming Poland. We welcomed year by serving on a ministry team. GRyan Eberhart back to our IM Ministry Team in January after The Homeless Street and Recovery he had finished training at IM’s Ministry continues to grow. How We continue to pray for a Recovery Mountainside Missionary Training many homeless there might really Team from the States to minister with Center. We have greatly enjoyed be is overwhelming. God continues us in the year 2012, on the streets working with him. His enthusiasm to reveal the need for serving and also at the Sunday and Tuesday for ministry is very this segment of night meetings. The Recovery Team encouraging for us. society, especially that came last year had a huge after attending a impact on this ministry and was also Other encourage- funeral and seeing a great encouragement to us. ments for this year hopelessness on our were three people street friends’ faces. We take this opportunity to thank from the camp minis- so many of you for your continued try and two men from While doing the Daily support - prayer, encouragement, the homeless ministry Street Ministry two financial, items for the street who publicly declared years ago, we were ministry, and so many “little things” their faith in Jesus by convicted of the need that add so much.  being baptized. to add first-aid help to the food, water, The Radom, Poland Team: Our camp ministry and friendship that this year included a Winter Youth we gave them and it has become a Workshop in February, a Mini- very important part of our ministry. English Workshop in July and our Our hearts are broken when we IM Summer Family Camp in August. see some of the wounds - not only the physical wounds, but also the Our year-round ministries are wounds that can only be healed by Saturday English Reading/Bible knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Studies, Sunday Night Homeless It is these times that continue to Street Ministry, Tuesday Night reinforce why we are here and what Recovery Meeting for the Homeless God has called us to do, to share Bob & Vera Hageman, and Addicted, and our Daily Street the love of Jesus. Bernatka & Steve Snyder, Ministry. and Ryan Eberhart

“Working with IM in Romania allowed “God really blessed me during this trip. I came into the me to meet some wonderful people of a trip not too happy about being there but left full of joy. land that has been foreign to me. Using The people there were wonderful and so easy to minis- Scripture as curriculum to teach English ter to. I made many new friends. It was super cool to is a great method for sharing the Gospel. see the people grow in Christ and to see seeds planted, I am very evangelistic at heart and the grow, and a few even blossomed. I would recommend work of this ministry truly resonated in going on a trip like this. It was life changing.” my soul. I look forward to doing this Rachel (age 16) - Poland again.” Larry - Romania

37 Donation Information “This was a life-changing f you would like the opportunity to give to our ministry, or if you have experience for us. We would like been blessed by the ministries of International Messengers and would like to encourage couples, families and to participate in helping us to minister to others, you can use any of these I teens to have a great experience options: Donation by check or EFT to IM is the most beneficial as 100% of your donation is received by us and there are no extra processing fees taken from by participating in a short-term your donation. Checks can be made payable to International Messengers and mission trip. It will stretch your mailed to us at PO Box 618, Clear Lake, IA 50428. Using EFT your donation is faith and provide blessings you automatically deducted from your bank account each month at no charge to you. To set up Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), contact our office. can’t experience any other way. ‘I tell you, open your eyes and If you would like to make donations online using a credit card, you can donate look at the fields! They are ripe through JustGive or Network For Good. Both of these organizations are non- for harvest. John 4:35b’” profit and all receipting is processed through them. Please note that these organizations keep a portion of the donation to cover the fees associated with Ed & Irene - Romania processing credit cards, therefore IM does not receive 100% of your donation. To donate online go to www.im-usa.org and click on the Donate button.  2011 Short-Term Ministries Report 2 Basketball/English Day Camps 3 Men’s Ministries 3 Discipleship Camps 1 Professional English Camp 4 Encouragement Trips (Business) 2 English Day Camps 1 Soccer Camp 3 English Language Camps 2 Softball/English Camps 11 Family English Camps 1 Teachers’ Workshop 1 Horse Camp for Disabled Children 2 VBS/AWANA Ministries 1 H.S. Senior Tutoring 2 Village and Care Home Ministries 1 IM Staff Conference 1 Women’s Conference 1 1 God accomplished much through the willingness and International Med Students Retreat Women’s Quilting Retreat 8 1 heart of our staff and short-termers in 2011. We sent Internships Women’s Sewing Ministry 1 2 a total of 253 short-term workers and conducted 56 Marriage Quest Youth with HIV/AIDS Camps 1 outreaches, as follows in the list at right: Medical Ministry Trip The average age of our short-termers in 2011 was 39.3 years old, and 68% of our short-termers were alumni. Our oldest short-termer was 78 and our youngest was 1-year old. We sent 10 pastors. We give God all the glory for another blessed year!

There are 124 adults (61 North American, 63 nationals) serving with International Messengers in Canada, China, Career Ministry Summary Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Nepal, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Uganda, and Ukraine in the various ministries listed below. There are 69 adults (19 full-time, 14 part-time, 18 regional representatives, 18 board members, plus many volunteers!) working with IM in North America to assist them in whatever ways they can. v Adult evangelism through Bible study and discipleship v Ministry to the homeless/addicts International Messengers v Children/orphanage ministry v Missionary Training Centers P.O. Box 618 • Clear Lake, IA 50428 641-357-6700 • 800-243-6763 v v Church renewal ministry Outreach to businessmen [email protected] v Cooking class outreach v Planting and pastoring churches v Evangelism through English teaching v Post-orphanage outreach v Jail ministry v Roma ministry through adult education v Marriage and parenting outreach v Therapy using dogs and horses International Messengers Canada Society 151-32500 South Fraser Way, Suite #512 v Medical ministry v Translation of discipleship material Abbotsford, BC V2T 4W1 Canada v Men’s accountability ministry v University student outreach 604-755-8285 phone • 604-755-8286 fax v Ministry to children with AIDS v Women and children at risk ministry [email protected] v Ministry to the Elderly v Youth Ministry Discipling the local church through training and sending – Calling the local church to Ministry as a Way of Life

38 # Please cut along the dotted lines and mail to IM at the address below. c I/we would like more information about IM’s ministries planned in 2012. c Please send me an application for short-term / long-term (circle one) involvement. PO Box 618 Please specify: ______Clear Lake, IA 50428-0618 c I am an alumnus and would like to return to the following camp in 2012: In Canada 151-32500 South Fraser Way Suite #512 ______Abbotsford, BC V2T 4W1 Please send me the necessary paperwork. CANADA c Please contact us about a construction team our church would like to send to Libby/Clear Lake. c Please send me more information about IM’s automatic donation program. c I would like to financially support ______$_____ per month / quarter / year c I am interested in receiving my receipts by e-mail. c Please contact us about a vehicle we might have ready to donate to the mission. c Please do not send me this annual International Messengers newsletter (continue to send individual missionary prayer letters). c Please remove me from all newsletter and prayer letter lists. Comments: ______Name:______Member # ______Phone: (____)______(appears to the right of your name in address block ) Address:______City:______State______Zip:______E-mail:______

CONSTRUCTION TEAMS NEEDED International Messengers Home Office in Clear Lake Iowa has a need for spring, summer or fall construction teams to paint the building and to pour some concrete for the entrance to the office. We are looking for two teams of 6-10 men and women to raise $500 each to come to Clear Lake to help with this project. We’ll take good care of the teams and build some discipling and encouragement into their work. This would be a great first step into the world of missions and a great help to us also. Call 800-243-6763

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.