Completing the task

Completing the Task
Table of Contents
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From the Editor
Letter from the Editor
From the Desk of Pastor Daryl Largis
The Chapel at Lockport
Serving with Kingdom Come for more than six years
now, one might think that I would be used to the
stories that are sent in from our ministry partners
for On Mission and our other Kingdom Come
publications. In fact, I’ve served several decades
in ministry, in many capacities and locations from
my small hometown church, to Washington, DC,
to the garbage dumps in Cairo, Egypt, before
coming to The Chapel. So what continues to break
the heart of this seasoned professional? Read
through this edition of On Mission and discover
God’s grace anew evidenced in the lives of so
many men, women, and especially children.
Open Doors for Steamtown Church
and more from our Church Planters
GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP:
An Exclusive Roundtable Interview
and more from our International Partners
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Sierra Leone Alliance
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Tactical Prayer Map
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Key Interview: EduNations/Rick Kennedy
How can hearts not be moved when you hear of
a former prison inmate receiving training, making
a new life and finding Jesus as his Savior; or the
developmentally challenged who spend endless
days inside an institution having the opportunity to
enjoy horseback riding in the great outdoors; or the
restoration of a three-year-old girl whose innocence
had been violently stolen from her. Broken lives
are being touched by the transforming gospel of
Jesus Christ, experiencing His grace and mercy.
Chapel Ministries Completing the Task
Resources and Stewardship
CHRIST TOGETHER:
Completing the Task in the USA
I hope I never lose this wonder of God’s grace in
my life or the lives of others, and pray the same for
you as well. You see, God’s grace is so amazing.
It wraps around the entire globe, is available at
all times, to all peoples everywhere; it changes
the face of nations, brings entire communities
together to help one another, and yet is gentle
enough to reach into and heal the heart of one
broken person, changing one life for His glory.
A special interview with Tim Hawks
and more from our National Partners
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Renovation University
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Key Interview: Vision New York/Jim Hines
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XCEL Leadership Center
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We see God’s grace demonstrated through our
Kingdom Come ministry partners in so many ways
as they work toward completing the task Jesus gave
His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. “Then Jesus
came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven
and on earth has been given to me. Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
As you read through the pages of On Mission
this year, I hope you will see how our partners
are serving to complete the task Jesus gave us.
Please remember, your faithfulness in supporting
Kingdom Come is crucial to making these stories
and others possible! Whether in prayer or financially,
you are standing alongside them in Buffalo,
Niagara Falls, New York City, Los Angeles, Haiti,
the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Sierra Leone,
Asia, and in the uttermost parts of the earth.
We are excited about being a part of completing the
task and invite you to continue on this journey with
us! We hope you are encouraged to live out your
faith boldly by what you read between the covers
of this magazine. And that in some way, you will be
moved towards completing the task of ensuring every
man, woman, and child has repeated opportunities
to see, hear and respond to the transforming gospel
of Jesus Christ at home and around the globe.
For the sake of the gospel,
and more from our Regional Partners
Featuring Kids with Cameras: Through Our Eyes
Contest Winner
More Local Partners
Ministry Partner Directory
Editor: Amy Tartick
Graphic Designer: Becky Patterson
Amy Tartick, Editor
Published: September 2013
©2013 The Chapel
500 CrossPoint Parkway
Getzville, New York 14068
716.631.2636 | thechapel.com
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From the Desk of Pastor Daryl Largis
A Kingdom come update
Dear Chapel Family,
Many of you have been involved in Kingdom Come over
the past few years, and for that I am very thankful. God has
used your prayers and your gifts to expand His Kingdom,
and enable literally thousands of people to come into
contact with the gospel, through people with whom we
are partnering around the globe. For those of you who are
new to Kingdom Come, it is simply the primary, although
not exclusive, means for The Chapel to fulfill its mission
in the world. This is undertaken through direct activity
and through partnering with like-minded individuals and
ministries to ensure in a particular context every man,
woman and child has repeated opportunities to hear, to
see, and to experience the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We ask those at The Chapel to participate in Kingdom
Come by faith, meaning that by faith we engage with
God’s Mission and ask Him to supply the resources for us
to accomplish what He has asked us to do. In other words,
this is a corporate as well as an individual effort, and one
that can be summed up by saying that if God gives it to
us, we are to give it to Kingdom Come, but if He doesn’t,
He doesn’t. For those involved in Kingdom Come, each
year individuals and families prayerfully inquire upon God
as to what they believe He is going to give them in the
upcoming year to resource His Mission. Then by faith they
begin to act accordingly and as God gives, they give to
Kingdom Come over and above their normal giving to
The Chapel. We ask that those who are participating in
Kingdom Come let us know what they believe by faith God
is going to supply them in the upcoming year. This enables
us to plan and pray. Collectively we then by faith make
commitments and plans for that year.
This has been our story for the past several years and God
has proven Himself faithful. We as a ministry, have been
instrumental in the establishing of seven new expressions
of the Church in WNY in that timeframe, that today are
collectively discipling more than 2,000 people. In turn, they
are demonstrating and declaring the gospel all over WNY.
In addition, there are two new churches in the queue that
we will be involved in over the next year, noting that there
are approximately five additional expressions, and perhaps
more, on the horizon over the next three years. Kingdom
Come enables us to breathe life and affirmation into these
churches as they are birthed, for WNY is in need of many
more churches to accomplish the mission into which God
has invited us.
I only mention a portion of the activity related to Kingdom
Come, given the contents of this publication offer you a
much broader appreciation of the activity we are helping
to facilitate through Kingdom Come. It is also worth noting
that over the past several years, The Chapel, through
Kingdom Come, has given away approximately 20% of its
total income. Last year in fact, it was closer to 25%. This is
living open-handedly and something we wish to continue
to do in the future; but at the end of the day, we can only
do so as God works in and through His people.
In recent years, I have heard that people really appreciate
Kingdom Come Weekend and the On Mission magazine,
but they wish to stay connected during the year to what
is going on. Well, we listened and now have a webpage
completely dedicated to Kingdom Come where you
can get the latest information, prayer requests as well
as sign up to receive automatic email updates when
new information is posted regarding activities related to
Kingdom Come. In addition, I have a blog on the webpage
that will touch on a number of facets regarding our
engagement in the mission locally, nationally and globally.
Please visit us online at thechapel.com/kingdomcome.
My hope for you and me is that by faith, we demonstrate
a level of generosity thereby proving our faith in the
upcoming year that enables The Chapel to significantly
expand its role and influence in the global mission of God,
which includes WNY as well as places like India and Sierra
Leone.
1 Peter 1:7 tells us, “These have come so that the proven
genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold,
which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in
praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Every blessing,
Daryl Largis
Co-Pastor for Mission Advancement
The chapel
at
lockport
by Jonathan Drake
It seems like the biblical authors gravitated towards
agricultural terminology. Genesis begins in a garden,
and at the conclusion of Revelation, we see another
one. Paul said, “You reap what you sow.” James told
us to, “humbly accept the Word planted in you, which
can save you.” And Jesus (who used metaphors with
skill and precision) explained to His disciples,
“I am the Vine and my Father is the Gardener.”
While these images and word pictures help us understand
biblical truth (and make for great preaching), many
of us are far removed from the agrarian culture in
which Jesus lived. Whereas the disciples may have
been looking at a fig tree as Jesus spoke, we are more
likely to be reading these verses in a Starbucks. The
cultural context is sometimes hard for us to cross.
So when The Chapel at Lockport planted a Community
Garden right in the heart of the City of Lockport, these
agrarian terms were more than just a biblical metaphor;
they were a reality. Here in front of me was a visual
representation of what we were doing for the sake
of the gospel in Lockport. When the seeds went into
the ground, there didn’t seem to be much happening.
In fact, the first few weeks were pretty discouraging.
I was worried that we had wasted our time, because
I didn’t see any life above ground. But I didn’t know
what was happening beneath the soil and within a
short time, a little sapling sprouted up here and there.
After a matter of weeks, vegetables were harvested.
And it was in this way that God taught me to trust Him
with His local church (after all, it’s His church, not mine).
Occasionally, life in ministry can be discouraging. Sunday
after Sunday, the seeds of the gospel are planted and
sometimes it seems like very little (if any) life exists. But
that’s only because we can’t see what God is doing under
the surface of the soil. Life begins deep down before
any of us see it, and it shoots up when you least expect
it. He’s been at work all along, and He only asks us to be
faithful in planting the seeds – those seeds of reaching
every man, woman, and child with repeated opportunities
to see and hear the gospel. Like Paul said, “I planted,
Apollos watered, but it was God who made it grow.”
The Community Garden at Washburn and Elmwood has
had a tremendous impact on the City of Lockport. Sure,
there is a beautifying element to things; the awesome
colors of a vegetable garden set against the backdrop
of a rough part of town are a welcome addition. There
is also an economic element to this garden: through
our FirstFruits Program, we are taking the first 10% of
the garden’s yield and blessing people in need who
live in the community surrounding the garden.
But through all of this, we have seen gospel activity in ways
we never would have imagined. Many people have come
to The Chapel at Lockport for the very first time because
of the Community Garden. Several have given their lives
to Christ in the weeks since Planting Day. Beyond this, the
people of The Chapel at Lockport have been empowered
to demonstrate the gospel in a tangible way–and have
had opportunities to proclaim the gospel as well.
These events bring us back to the imagery of Scripture
and the words of Jesus, “The harvest is plentiful but the
workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). I now see these words in
a whole new light; without the workers, there can truly be
no harvest. And I’m grateful to be working for the harvest
with the men and women of The Chapel at Lockport.
Together for the mission,
Jonathan Drake
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Missio Church
open doors for steamtown church
By Brian Neis
For its first five years, Steamtown Church, has been
faithfully sharing the good news of Jesus in Scranton,
PA. All glory goes to God who has given us many
opportunities and much success as we’ve told masses
of people about our hope in Jesus Christ. Amazingly,
God allowed us to see many souls saved in a far less
than idyllic “home.” We rented a downtown motel
ballroom which hosted our Sunday gatherings for many
years. Despite this, we believe the success we’ve had
in reaching people with the gospel is due to the strong
emphasis we’ve placed on equipping the people of
Steamtown Church to share their grace stories with
friends, family members, and neighbors, rather than
simply encouraging them to “round up” their circles
of influence and haul them to a church service.
With growth, an increasing tension came into our
ministry due to the current gathering space and its
rundown condition. With more than 150 attendees,
we were close to 95% capacity. Our children’s ministry
was sharing an open, 500 square foot room for
ages 0 – 12. Our rent was unrealistically high, and
continuing to increase despite the fact that we were
allowed access to the space for merely four hours on
a Sunday morning. As ceilings began to cave from
above (literally) and the walls were pressured from
within, we knew God was telling us it was time to
look for a better home for Steamtown Church.
We decided in December 2012 to formally start the
process of searching for a permanent facility at the
beginning of January 2013. But God had different plans.
Before we even began the search, we were informed
that the former St. John’s the Evangelist Cathedral was
recently put on the market by the Diocese of Scranton.
This majestic, 10,000 square foot building had been
closed for over three years, but its reputation as being
one of the most beautiful structures in the city had
preceded it. Although it appeared to be an extreme
longshot, we decided to look into it. The minute we
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looked was the minute we knew it was the place God
wanted as the home of Steamtown Church. Like many
miraculous stories of faith, we saw God open doors
over the next few months that only He could open.
He allowed us to purchase the building at a price that
can only be described as pennies, compared to the
worth of the building. And because of His grace, and
the diligent work of so many in our congregation, we
held our first Sunday gathering there on June 2, 2013.
Steamtown Church has never been and never will be
about a facility. Our emphasis on the Church being
the hands and feet of Jesus in our community will
continue to stay at the heart of who we are. We do
see, however, that this building will act as a powerful
tool in enabling us to reach every man, woman, and
child with the gospel of Jesus. We see the potential
for so many life-changing conversions as newcomers,
who would not have considered attending in our
previous facility, attend and hear the gospel. As we
hear the doors opening throughout the entire week
with the Steamtown Church family using it to minister,
we hear hearts softening to the gospel. As we dream
of building a beautiful space for children and students
on the lower floor, we dream of the young lives that
will be changed by the grace of Jesus. As we embrace
the history of the building, we embrace the older
generation who called it their church home for years.
Yes, it is only a tool, but for these reasons we believe it
can be an effective tool for the purpose of the gospel.
Thank you so much to The Chapel for the countless ways
you’ve supported our ministry before this endeavor
and through it. God has used you to make our dream
of reaching every man, woman, and child with the
gospel a reality. We continually praise God for sending
you all to us! And for all this we can only say, “to the
only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all
time and now and forever. Amen” (Jude 1:25 ESV).
By Jim Murphy
Missio Church was planted in 2008 with a desire to see
God glorified through the full equipping of Christ’s
people in living a faithful life of worship and through
playing our part in bringing the gospel to every man,
woman, and child in our area, nation, and world. This
year God has opened up new and exciting opportunities
for our ministry to live into this vision. In September,
Missio officially planted its first congregation, Renovation
Church, in the Liverpool/Clay area just north of Syracuse.
Led by a team of leaders and a core group of Christ
followers who live in this area, Renovation Church has
been planted into this geography for the purpose
of seeing the more than 80,000 people who live in
these northern suburbs reached with the gospel. As it
continues to develop and reach out, Missio will leverage
its resources toward this congregation so it can be a
strong and healthy representation of the gospel.
We have also begun two more church-planting
endeavors, one in the neighborhoods surrounding
Syracuse University and the other in a rural community
near the Rome-Utica area. Both of these new initiatives
are in their infancy, but each is seeing the development
of a core group that is committed to the full
evangelization of their respective communities. Over the
next twelve months, we will equip these core groups to
develop a prayer strategy for their place, to meaningfully
serve the people who live there, and to intentionally
share the gospel with their neighbors and others. Our
hope is that through these efforts people will embrace
Christ and a new congregation will be established.
God is moving in many ways and through many
people at Missio Church. We deeply appreciate
your prayers and your partnership with us in
seeing God glorified in Syracuse, New York.
NorthGate Church
By Jon Hasselbeck
Jesus continues to build His Church throughout the
world and here at NorthGate in an amazing way! Last
year we took a step of faith in going to two services
as we had outgrown our building. On a typical Sunday
during the school year our first service is about 70%
full and our second service is now nearly 100% full.
As we grow, we are prayerfully considering adding
an addition to our building on Harris Hill Road next
year, which is 12 minutes from the university.
This year we have partnered with International Students,
Inc., Intervarsity, and Campus Ambassadors with a
vision to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to every
student, faculty, and staff member at the University at
Buffalo. One of our many events this year was a hot
dog giveaway in the fall, where we not only passed
out nearly a thousand hotdogs but also interacted
with students, sharing the love of Christ in front of
the student union. Other highlights were our annual
Christmas party, and trips to provide hurricane relief
to Long Island and New Orleans. Each event offered
an opportunity for us to engage students and gave
students the opportunity to share the gospel with
their peers. We have found the most effective way
to reach students is to train, equip, and disciple
students to reach their peers. We will be partnering
with International Students this fall in developing
student-led Bible studies. These will be directed toward
nonbelievers to help them understand the truth of the
Scriptures. As we reach out to unbelievers and share
the gospel we continue to see lives changed. This year
we baptized more than 20 people who declared Jesus
Christ as their Lord and Savior. We continue to be in
awe of what God is doing in building His Church!
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CHURCH PLANTINGS
Renovation Church:
Making God’s House a Home
Restoration
Church
By Dan Trippie
By Michelle Stockton
Let us not become weary in doing good, for
at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
We missed Eric at the Café for four months.
Four months that will change his life forever.
Mobilizing 51% of our folks week after week takes
a concerted effort. Structures, systems, common
language, catchy slogans, cool t-shirts and a bunch
of hoorah is all part of our culture. When so much
responsibility is shared, ministry can advance if a
solid crew is giving 100% of their time, talent and
treasure. Or, it can completely fall flat if they don’t
turn up on Sunday, eh-hem, also known as Game
Day… when babies are waiting, coffee needs brewing,
and sound needs to be turned on. I think our team
is used to having volunteers go off the grid every so
often now, but at first it took some of us by surprise.
When we have a team member off the radar, we
look for them, we call, we email, we write, we talk
with their networks, their family. We pray, then we
wait. We continue to work toward accomplishing the
Mission. And sometimes, the grace of God brings
them back to us and we hear an incredible grace
story that makes all the waiting worthwhile. If you
mobilize people, volunteers or teams, we hope this
story will encourage you to continue advancing the
Mission to reach every man, woman and child, while
creating a space and a place they can call Home.
“Dear Pastor Brek, I’m writing this letter to say a
special thanks to you, Joshua, Michelle and the
entire Renovation family. My name is Eric and I’ve
been coming here for about three years now. It all
started when a late friend of mine invited me to
come check out what he described as an awesome
place. Having been raised in the church and also
being a pastor’s kid, I resisted, figuring that I had
heard enough sermons to last me a lifetime. At the
time, I was in an intense battle with the enemy with
drugs and alcohol, and he was winning. Although
I was raised in church, it did not absolve me from
relentless attacks. I finally decided to come pay a
visit and see for myself what all the fuss was about
and wow, was he on the mark. I had not had such a
warm feeling of belonging to something in such a
long time. I didn’t believe it existed anymore. Over
the next year I still battled with addictions and would
come to visit regularly whenever I felt guilt or shame
and just wanted to feel better. In late March 2012
after attending the 10:30am service and realizing
that God still loved me despite all I had done to
destroy myself, I said enough was enough. Three
days later I checked myself into rehab and I’ve been
set free ever since. Although the past 16 months
haven’t been easy, it’s been well worth it. I’m getting
baptized on Sunday and that’s the topping on the
cake. So please stay encouraged and keep up the
good work. With God, your ministry is changing lives.
I’m a witness; it changed mine.” Sincerely, Eric J.
And we have seen and testify that the Father has
sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
1 John 4:14
Restoration Church is working to complete the task of
world evangelization in three circles of accountability.
The first circle is in the personal relationships God
has given to each individual in our congregation.
In 2013, more than 125 people participated in “My
Circle” training, each seeking to grow in intentional
evangelism by sharing their grace story. As a result,
six immediate friends and family members came to
faith and were baptized in the first half of this year.
The second circle of accountability is in local
church planting efforts. Restoration Church, in joint
partnership with The Chapel, has launched a church
planting residency program. This program is presently
active in launching a new church plant in the Veteran’s
Park community of Depew. Additionally, through
greater body partnership with H.I.S. Bridgebuilders
(hisbridgebuilders.org) we are working to provide
mentorship and job placement for young adults
trapped in poverty in our city’s east side.
Finally, through our partnerships with Mission of
Hope we are working to see every man, woman,
and child in Haiti have opportunity to experience
the gospel of grace. The people of Restoration were
able to ensure that 30 children will receive Christian
education in the village of Bercy through our child
sponsorship program. As we mark the celebration of
five years partnering with The Chapel, we are excited
to see how God is deepening the opportunities
for further ministry in partnership together.
theWell
By Darrick Castronova
theWELL began as an idea, a vision, a desire to
be obedient to God and His call. It has become
a daily fulfillment of that dream. As we open our
hearts, homes, and the doors of the building
God provides us to gather in, we experience
Him revealing His love through His Son Jesus!
their discovery of Jesus and a relationship with Him
has caused them to establish a place of belonging,
express a new found faith, and experience a
journey of truth that they have never known. This
has led to the transformation of individuals and
families for the furtherance of the kingdom!
In 1 John 4:19 (NKJV) Scripture tells us, “We love
Him because He first loved us.” Our greatest call is to
allow God to use us in whatever ways He chooses, to
reveal His love to others! We believe, based on the
aforementioned verse, and are witnessing that once
people truly come to know and understand personally
the love of our Lord, they not only return to Him but
also love Him and love those He has put in their lives!
“...walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given
Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for
a sweet-smelling aroma” Ephesians 5:2 NKJV
Our Discovery group meets for four weeks to
give anyone interested a better understanding of
“who” theWELL is and how we got started. We
also have men and women sharing regularly that
We continue to be humbled by His choice to use
us to reveal His heart. We count it a privilege
and consider it our utmost responsibility!
All praise be to God, who is using the people
of theWELL to spread a beautiful scent of
His outrageous love to the communities of
Western New York and the world beyond!
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Singing Waters
Christian Center
Village Church
By Jeremy Hazelton
To our friends at The Chapel, thank you so much for
your continued support of Village Church! October
2013 will mark two years of having our doors open
in the Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo.
We are so grateful for the prayers and financial
investments that have made our church a reality. God
has blessed us in ways we cannot imagine, and we are
humbled to be a part of what He is doing in Buffalo.
We continue to meet weekly at Nardin Academy
for worship gatherings, and several Local Villages
(small groups) are meeting throughout the city in
homes and cafés. We have had the opportunity to
engage with several of our fellow Elmwood Villagers,
and have seen many of them become a part of our
church. You might see some of us around town on
a Saturday volunteering with the Elmwood Village
Association painting benches and cleaning up trash,
as we are trying to leave this place better than we
found it. You might also see some Village Church
Generation
Church
By Noelle McLaughlin
The mission of Generation Church is to make the
name of Jesus famous in North Tonawanda and
beyond. The opportunities God has given us to do
this have been overwhelming. In just one short year
of existence, Generation Church has sent a missionary
By Enrique Dominguez
folks coaching soccer on the west side or working
with refugees from all over the world. You might
see us at the lake having a baptism service, where
people publicly declare that they belong to Jesus.
Or you might see us setting aside a special time to
package meals for the hungry. In fact, last December
we packaged over 30,000 meals to be used in
supporting a school lunch program in Ecuador. This
fall you can find us hosting a shoe-cutting party to
provide closed-toed shoes for children, and job
training and employment for widows in Uganda.
We are also in the early stages of considering
how we can multiply our efforts here in the City
of Buffalo, as we consider what multiplying our
church could look like. We are truly grateful to be
united in the mission of ensuring that every man,
woman, and child has multiple opportunities to
hear, see, and respond to the gospel of Jesus.
to Haiti, partnered with Sole Hope to combat foot
diseases in children in Africa, and raised money for a
local crisis pregnancy center. We launched a disaster
relief ministry that sent a team to Long Island to work
with Samaritan’s Purse after Hurricane Sandy, and
partnered with Convoy of Hope to raise money after
the tornados hit Moore, Oklahoma. Here in North
Tonawanda, our weekly Kids Rock summer events have
drawn dozens of neighborhood children and their
families. Our church is full of stories of transformation
in the community and people’s lives. As God continues
to use our ministry, we look forward to a new campus
being planted in our network in the next 18 months
and more opportunities to spread the gospel.
Our vision to impact every man, woman and child
with the gospel started with the church building
becoming a “community center” for the public. We
host weekday “Prime-Timers” for senior citizens,
ICES public school student tutoring, Sheriff’s Youth
Athletic League, weekly AA meetings and CHOICES
youth anti-drug programming. Weekends we host
Springville
Crossing
By Keith Clark
This year’s story is built upon the last two years. To
catch you up, two years ago God allowed Springville
Crossing to minister to a drug-addicted barber who
had his business next to our worship space. This led
him to go to Teen Challenge to break the chains of
ABWE/Czech
Republic
By Steven Wendel
In March we opened the “Tree of Life” ministry
center. While previously we faced many logistical
and facility limitations, we now only lack manpower!
Igreja Batista
Esperança
By Nate Logan
We recently celebrated the marriage of Paulo
and Raquel, a newly-saved couple from our
church. They had been living together for
seven years when they accepted an invitation
to our church from a family member.
high school and young adults, providing a game
room, “movie room,” and outdoor patio. Our
mission is to reach others in many environments
including the workplace, during recreational activities,
through volunteering and by participating in local
community events. We moved our Sunday service
to Thursdays to better serve and reach our weekend
workers. Our “gathering” includes a potluck and
interactive dialogue as part of the teaching time.
For those able to serve on Sundays, we are planning
the launch of a Sunday morning children’s outreach
to impact “latchkey” kids. Other plans include
community work and cleanup projects, volunteering
with other civic clubs and other non-profits.
addiction while we repurposed his space to create a
Youth Center for our community. Last year, this
previously-addicted barber came back from Teen
Challenge and plugged into our ministry where he
is a member, and a volunteer within our Children &
Youth Ministries, openly sharing his testimony. Well,
it gets even better. This year we will be launching a
Christian Addiction Recovery program. We see this
need as several recovering addicts come in contact
with us as individuals and as a church. And guess
what? This redeemed barber will be the leader of
this ministry. Sharing Christ and God’s plan with one
life will likely now impact many! God is awesome!
Through English ministries, outreach events, and
our first annual camp, we have been able to clearly
present the gospel in a relevant and thorough
way to more than 40 individuals! Two adults have
since come to Christ, and a handful of people
have expressed an interest to get to know more
about Jesus. God is consistently opening doors
for ministry and leading us to those whom He is
drawing. In our context, serving in the most atheistic
nation in the world today, this is tremendous!
Raquel was suffering from severe depression, and
Paulo was very skeptical about church. However, after
several months of attending, they wanted to learn
more and joined a small group study of the gospel.
Led by two of our Brazilian ministry partners, this study
provided the opportunity for Paulo and Raquel to
trust Christ as their Savior and to grow in their faith.
Changed by the gospel, they decided to get
married and share with their friends and family
what Christ had done in their lives. Our colleague
Jon gave a wonderful gospel message at the
wedding ceremony, and Cherith and I have had
the privilege of doing their marriage counseling.
There has been a visible transformation in their lives!
The Global Fellowship Roundtable
on Completing The Task
“The mission of the Global
Fellowship is to cooperate
with the Holy Spirit to
create national movements
of the gospel that saturate
entire geographies across
the globe with the reality of
Jesus Christ so that every
man, woman, and child has
repeated opportunities to
hear, experience and respond
to His incredible redemptive
message.” In essence, Global
Fellowship is about completing
the task that Jesus gave to His
disciples in Matthew 28:16-20.
In light of the vast scope this
task entails, Global Fellowship
isn’t sending conventional
missionaries into a strange
culture where it can take
years to become effective.
Instead, they are resourcing
indigenous pastors, leaders
and churches to join hands
with the Holy Spirit and each
other to reach their entire
nation with the gospel. Indeed,
training the Church to be
the Church God intended.
What does that look like? Glad
you asked. Please join us for a
roundtable conversation with
Dwight Smith, Founder of
Global Fellowship, Jerry Gillis,
Lead Pastor at The Chapel,
and Daryl Largis, Co-Pastor
for Mission Advancement, on
where GF is at and where it’s
headed in the days to come.
An Exclusive Roundtable Interview with Jerry Gillis,
Dwight Smith, and Daryl Largis
By Amy Tartick
On Mission: We saw Global Fellowship launched
in November 2011. Since then there has been
significant growth in the ministry in some very
strategic locations. I understand this has caused all
of you to do some rather intensive and extensive
world-wide travel to where we could best describe
it as “the uttermost parts of the earth.” Perhaps the
biggest question on people’s minds is, why? You
all have comfortable homes, families, along with
fulfilling, yet demanding, ministry roles in the US—
why add more to your plate on a global scale?
Jerry Gillis: God’s mission is both local and universal,
so we need to be active in joining Him on that mission
in both domains. As a people at The Chapel, we have
been given much. As an individual, I have been given
much in regard to friends, church family, opportunities,
and more than enough resources compared to the
rest of the globe. So, in light of that, Jesus’s words “to
whom much is given, much is required” seem to apply
to my life, and the life of The Chapel, with laser focus.
Dwight Smith: We travel extensively for at least
two reasons. First, this is the center of life for a
follower of Jesus. Jesus Himself understood the
importance of this obedience. He says in John
17:4, “I glorified You [Father] on earth, having
accomplished the work that You gave Me to do.”
And He says about us, “As You [Father] sent Me into
the world, so I have sent them into the world” (John
17:18). God, the creator and sustainer of the world
and human history, has a plan. That plan, to bring
many back into relationship with Him, is transmitted
through us, the followers of His Son, Jesus.
Second, some of us are called to be obedient to
this purpose, in places around the world. These are
places where the Spirit of God has prepared the
hearts of the Church to be obedient, and in most
cases, building receptivity to the gospel in the hearts
of the people of the nation. God has given us gifts
and experience to envision, assist and encourage the
Church in these nations to seize the opportunity and
harvest to the full potential the Spirit has prepared.
Daryl Largis: God’s ordained activity around the globe
includes that which He is doing in Western New York,
as well as that which He is doing in the far reaches of
humanity elsewhere. With Jesus Christ at the center of
this activity, God has invited us to join a “body” that
Scripture says is universal, meaning there is but one
body and that this body is “joined and held together
by every supporting ligament...as each part does its
work” (Eph. 4:16b). We are part of this body and as
such we have a role to play. This may include a focus
on that which is near or that which is far. This is for the
head of the body, that being Christ, to determine. As
such, we must be in tune with what Jesus has asked us
to do and be obedient to the call regardless of location
or even vocation. Each has a role none more important
than the other for each is a part of God’s plan.
On Mission: What is different about
Global Fellowship from other church
networking organizations?
Dwight Smith: Several things are different. One,
we only work with the existing national Church.
We believe that whatever God is going to do
in a place, He is going to primarily do through
all of the Jesus followers of that place.
Two, we come focused upon the whole nation, from
the very beginning. How is God going to use His
Church in that nation to deliver the gospel to every
man, woman and child in a specific timeframe?
Three, we are experienced at doing this from
other nations that are in the middle of such
harvest; Ukraine, Cuba and India for example.
Four, we are committed to seeing thousands come
to Christ and organized into new churches. But, we
are equally concerned with the kinds of churches
that are planted. So we lead with a biblical valuesbased envisioning and training. Jesus “followership”
(discipleship) is seeded into the life of a new follower
both in the gospel presentation that is made and the
pathways that are created for the new follower to walk
13
in, more adequately ensuring that they learn to hear
the words of God on a daily basis and walk in them.
Daryl Largis: The Global Fellowship is not
denominationally driven espousing a certain
ecclesiology or even prescriptive methodology on
church per se’. The basis of the Global Fellowship is
to work in and through the Church, not a particular
kind of church. For God’s sovereign activity over
the past hundreds of years, through the sacrifice of
many, has produced a national church in most nations
around the world. It is this indigenous church that we
seek to work with given they are the ones God has
raised up to reach that nation. Our role is to equip,
empower and encourage them to complete the task
of evangelization for that entire nation based upon
biblical principles and a missiological framework.
On Mission: India, Thailand, Haiti, Argentina, and
China are just a few of the places Global Fellowship
has visited. Could you tell us why and how places
are chosen for Global Fellowship to engage?
Dwight Smith: We are looking at three things at
least. One, is there receptivity to the gospel in the
people of the nation. Two, are there many local
churches willing to take their responsibility and be
obedient to God for their nation. Three, can we
locate enough leaders willing to lead in this effort.
Daryl Largis: In addition to the criteria mentioned
by Dr. Smith, we need to always be cognizant of
the fact that this is a Holy Spirit derived activity.
Is the Spirit leading us to this nation and has He
uniquely positioned His people in that place to
embark on a journey to reach the entire nation?
This is the question we prayerfully ponder in our
hearts when assessing engagement in a particular
country. In doing so, we also get a sense for the
trajectory of the gospel in that particular nation as
we subjectively determine the future potential based
upon history, today and likely tomorrow noting God
can do anything He desires. Lastly, we do assess the
Church’s ability to saturate a given geography with
the gospel. Has it developed models in that culture
and in that context that are reproducible, sustainable
and effective in not only proclaiming the gospel
but also demonstrating it and allowing those that
respond to be effectively discipled in it? We have
found it necessary to develop and deploy these
criterion given our resources and time are limited.
On Mission: What does Global Fellowship
offer domestic and international partners?
14
Dwight Smith: Domestic partner churches are offered
the opportunity to walk this global path with us.
Through this, experiencing the onsite joy of seeing
the Spirit of God at work and bringing a few of their
people along. International partners primarily connect
to each other and derive mutual encouragement,
reciprocal learning and sharing of assets.
Daryl Largis: The Global Fellowship provides a way
and means for local churches regardless of their
capacity and capability to join God in what He is
doing globally. For some this may mean investing
resources on a limited basis as they can and for others
it may mean they strategically become involved
noting their involvement is a direct expression of
their understanding of what God has called them to
be and do. At the end of the day, Global Fellowship
is a relationally-based group of Christ-followers
who have a heart to see entire nations reached with
the gospel by the mobilization of His Church.
On Mission: We have often heard the term
“telescoping” in relation to Global Fellowship.
Please explain what this term means.
Jerry Gillis: Telescoping is a simple concept.
When you look through a telescope, things that are
far away come near. So, when we work toward a
mission of saturating our WNY geography with the
gospel so that every man, woman, and child has
a repeated opportunity to hear, see, and respond
to the gospel, we also have a responsibility to
work toward that same end in other places around
the globe. We just take what we do in our near
geography and apply that to a distant one.
On Mission: Where does Global Fellowship currently
have an established presence and where might
we see emerging activity in the near future?
Daryl Largis: There are several emerging nations in
which Global Fellowship has an opportunity to get
involved. Each of these are, and will continue to be,
evaluated and vetted appropriately. One of the biggest
challenges facing the Global Fellowship is a lack of
resources to fully support a new endeavor while not
siphoning off resources from existing commitments.
This remains a delicate balance. Even so, it is a prayer
request as we look forward to 2014 and beyond noting
the needs of the nations in which we are currently
engaged. Places like Africa, Central America and the
Caribbean fall into this bucket of could happen.
On Mission: Is there a domestic (US-based)
component of Global Fellowship?
Jerry Gillis: Christ Together, a United States
network of over 1,000 churches, is the American
arm of the Global Fellowship. The intent and
purpose of this national network is the same as that
of the overall Global Fellowship, but is simply the
American expression. Some of the methodologies
in the United States might be different, as are
some of the societal and cultural influences, but
the heartbeat and DNA are still the same.
Daryl Largis: Prior to Christ Together, there was
an alliance of churches that The Chapel helped
to facilitate called The Renovation Network. This
network had the same heart and mind as the Global
Fellowship. It became clear some time ago that the
Renovation Network in and of itself, needed to expand
significantly to achieve its goal within the context
of the American landscape. After much prayer and
discussion, it joined forces with another like-minded
and like-hearted network to form Christ Together.
On Mission: What do you believe the Church
will look like in 2020 and where will be the
greatest saturation of Christ-followers?
Dwight Smith: The greatest saturation of Jesus
followers by 2020 will be in Asia. China and India are
the two largest nations on the earth. Both already
have large Christian populations. The India Church
especially continues to grow at an amazing rate. Both
are active in sending missionaries and attempting to
influence the gospel in the nations around them.
On Mission: Moving forward, what are ways The
Chapel family can come alongside Global Fellowship?
Dwight Smith: Continue to pray.
Daryl Largis: Obviously prayer is needed for it is
something each and every Christ-follower should
do as it relates to the spread of the gospel. Jesus
Himself prayed in such ways. Second, members of
The Chapel can become more informed as to not
only what is happening in the world but also what
is happening in the places where we are engaged
such as India. Third, people of The Chapel can give
of their time and resources to Kingdom Come which
in turn helps to support the Global Fellowship.
Dwight Smith: Telescoping is a word to
describe the potential foreign involvement
of a domestic church in partnership with an
international partner who is attempting to fully
evangelize their city, county, or nation.
Daryl Largis: Telescoping is a concept that requires
intentionality, focus and commitment. It means
that a church through prayerful consideration has
determined that it is to work with and through the
church in a distant land to accomplish the very same
thing in both locations—to ensure that every man,
woman and child has repeated opportunities to hear,
to see and to experience the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, telescoping implies longer term versus
shorter term. It therefore carries with it a connotation
that the engagement is until the task is completed be
that for a village, a city, a state or the entire nation.
15
international partners
HBI Global Partners
By Suganya (one of HBI’s
Orphanage Children)
It’s been a year and a half since my grandma
went to be with the Lord. It’s because of her
I was raised in the HBI Children’s Orphanage
from the age of three, after the death of my
parents. During my grandma’s funeral service, I
happened to meet my relatives and my friends
living in a slum and some on the streets. Friends
who played with me are now in the streets.
I am really so blessed by God that He chose
me from the street and enabled me to enjoy
the blessings of life through the ministries of
HBI. Growing up at HBI’s orphanage, gave
me the opportunity to know Jesus as my
personal Savior. I know HBI is committed
to give every boy, girl, man, and woman an
opportunity to hear, understand and respond
to the gospel, and to be discipled to Christ.
This purpose has been instilled in me too.
Since then, there is a deep passion burning
within me to reach the children of my locality
and have them know the Lord and be discipled
to Him. Praise God, when I shared my passion
with the leaders of HBI, they immediately gave
me a great opportunity to reach out to children
through the Vacation Bible School. That is
an answer to my prayer! Praise the Lord!
It was an awesome experience! We had more
than 60 children attend the Vacation Bible
School. My friends and I, with the help of
HBI leaders, designed the curriculum, taught
songs, Bible stories, and memory verses. God
enabled me to stand before my relatives as a
testimony of God’s grace and love. I shared my
testimony with the children and their parents so
that they too will become followers of Christ.
They have invited us to come back regularly to
share more about the Lord Jesus Christ. I am
so thankful to the ministries of HBI for shaping
me to be a transformational leader. I want to
serve as a missionary teacher to minister to
children who are marginalized and at risk.
16
international partners
Mission of Hope,
Haiti
By Brad Johnson
Mission of Hope, Haiti is an organization following
Jesus Christ that exists to bring life transformation
to every man, woman, and child in Haiti. This year,
through the help of partners like The Chapel, our
Church Advancement team has expanded to include
33 Village Champions, who live and serve in villages
around Haiti. These are young Haitian men and
women who want to see the Great Commission
completed in their own villages and are being trained
in how to take practical ownership for every man,
woman, and child in those villages. These Village
Champions are the avenue for connecting the
resources provided by partners like The Chapel to
the local churches in Haiti, in tangible expressions
of the gospel that the Haitians in the villages can
see, hear, and experience in practical ways. These
Champions help Mission of Hope and our partners
become the hands and feet of Jesus each day, as
they help us find and meet specific community needs
in nutrition, education, medical, and local village
business development, which then enable them to
address the greater spiritual needs of their community.
These young leaders are a vital part of Mission of
Hope’s Indigenous Mobilization strategy and are
being trained and mentored in spiritual development
and servant leadership. This past summer, they were
active in planning the projects and village activities
for the teams that came to Haiti in partnership
with Mission of Hope. Our desire is to continue to
expand the team of Village Champions until every
village in Haiti has at least one Champion who not
only owns the lostness of that village, but also is
actively working towards completing the Great
Commission, by reaching every man, woman, and
child in that village. That is the way that an entire
nation will be transformed for the Kingdom!
Patch Our Planet
Presidir.net
By Steve Gillis
By Alex Belmar
Last year, I had the privilege of speaking to
a local church in Florida. Micah and Sheila
Smith were among those in attendance that
night. After hearing about the orphan crisis,
especially the challenge of older orphans, they
determined that they wanted their family to be
part of the solution to this crisis. Soon after, they
started the process of adoption for an older
child from Uganda. Her name is Brenda and
she officially became part of the Smith family
back in April. More and more faith families like
the Smiths are helping to propel the church to
take the lead in orphan care and are displaying
a clear picture of the gospel by their actions.
We believe this is how we can end the orphan
crisis: one church, one family, and one child at a
time. Think about the impact of the Every Child
ministry in Western New York. You don’t have to
look too far in your own church and community to
see families caring for foster children and global
orphans. You are making a difference. We’ve been
privileged to work alongside of the amazing team
at The Chapel for the benefit of every child.
This year, Patch Our Planet has been working with
the North American Mission Board and has just
launched a brand new website to equip church
leaders to effectively care for orphans locally
and globally. It is our hope that by broadening
our scope of ministry in this way, we would play
a larger part in one day seeing every church in
every community caring for every orphan.
We are forever grateful for the support and
example of The Chapel as we broaden our
efforts to reach the more than 153 million
orphaned children for the sake of the gospel.
Let’s complete the task!
We are equipping the leadership in the local church
through the Renovation Principles to mobilize every
believer to a missional life, making the gospel
accessible to every man, woman, and child within their
circle of responsibility.
This year we have had the opportunity to envision what
God is doing in different parts of Argentina. We have
presented the ministry and shared how the application
of the Renovation Principles can transform the
congregational life and influence the community. Many
pastors and leaders have been exposed to the vision of
mobilizing and multiplying their impact.
The Refuge is one of the churches we have been
assisting. They have built their missional map and are
striving to apply the principles. In March 2013, they
began with ten cell groups within their geographical
area. The groups are permitting them to share the
gospel in different neighborhoods with the vision to
reach the city. In late July, we met with the leaders.
It was marvelous to hear them share how reading
the Bible in the homes was impacting their lives and
producing growth as disciples.
We have challenged this same church, The Refuge,
in Rafaela to pray and assist a group of leaders in
Cordoba (a city of 1.5 million people, four hours away).
The phase we are entering is the saturation of church
planting. Both groups are encouraged at the potential
of being strategic partners.
We would need more words to explain how God
has connected parts to unify this vision in two of the
three most influential states in Argentina. We also see
God’s hand opening doors for the ministry in Uruguay,
Honduras and El Salvador.
Thank you for your practical demonstration of love
and your strategic partnership that is instrumental in
accomplishing our task.
17
international partners
Saturation
Church Planting
International
By Chad Smith
SCPI’s vision is to see a saturation church planting
movement in nations around the world where
the primary impetus is birthed with ordinary
Christians participating in their piece of the
Missio Dei. To see that as a reality, we have
made a concentrated effort encouraging leaders
to empower their people into their priesthood,
believing that when ordinary Christians are living
in vibrancy of relationship with their heavenly
Father, He will orchestrate their lives to cooperate
with the divine opportunities around them.
In a remote district of Maharashtra, India, one
such leader took up this call. For the better part
of two years, he went through the SCP principles
with the leadership of the church. They started to
reorganize their focus from gathering people to
decentralizing the congregation into the mission
of God for their community. As a first order, they
spent a year building up the immediate leaders
and house group facilitators. They began to
see their members become energized for the
lost people around them. In the last two years
the church, which had been one congregation
of about 60 members, has grown laterally by
planting 11 new expressions of faith comprising
200 believers, all of whom have come to faith
in the last year through relationships with
ordinary Christians. The vision of leadership
is to see the people embrace the mission of
seeing every man, woman, and child reached in
the five villages of their district, approximately
160,000 people. This will take at least 16,000
expressions of faith distributed around the area.
By December 2013, they are prepared and
believing to see 30 new expressions organized.
We are always amazed and thankful to have
been privileged to play a part in the lives of
leaders like these who God is using to fulfill
His commission around the world. Thank
you for your prayers and support for leaders
like these who represent SCP in India.
international partners
Score International
By Jeff Hackett
Many people ask, “Why do we need to go to other
countries to do missions? We have a lot of people right
here that need help also.” That is a great question.
We do have many people here who need Christ. The
problem often is that the Church here is not reaching
out to people within their communities close to home.
That changes after a person has gone on a short-term
mission trip. Here is an example from one of my recent
teams. We were a group of 17 people going to a small
“sugarcane village” in the Dominican Republic to bring
them food and share the gospel. After spending time
in the village building relationships through talking
and playing with the children, I shared the gospel
of Jesus with the people of this village. Afterwards,
a young lady and a young man came up to me and
said that they believed that Jesus loved them and
died for them. Now they wanted to give their lives
to Jesus and live for Him! On the bus back to our
complex, the group shared with each other that they
could do this in their own town. That is what I pray
will happen within the hearts of people, that they
join God in what He is doing right where they live.
World Hope
International
By: Gayle Campbell
When three-year-old Zainab began to complain of
abdominal discomfort, her mother took her to a nearby
medical clinic in Freetown, Sierra Leone. There, the
doctor announced the seemingly impossible—Zainab
had contracted a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD),
and had tearing along her reproductive organs that
indicated she had been raped. The perpetrator was
ABWE-GAP
By JTT
In 2007, ABWE-GAP missionaries, partnering with
national missionaries in a restricted access country,
began working with a campus ministry in a coastal
town where three college campuses are located.
Since then, the local student ministry worker “BN,”
has organized small groups that minister to more than
90 students. Each year, the campus ministry provides
discipleship training for believers and leadership
Eagles’ Wings
By Hannah McKenley
Eagles’ Wings is an international ministry dedicated to
uniting churches, training young adults, and outreach
around the world. Under the direction of Bishop
Robert Stearns, the Eagles’ Wings headquarters
are located in Clarence, New York. There are many
avenues in which Eagles’ Wings brings the hope
of Christ to people around the world, and one
unknown, and Zainab’s childhood and innocence had
been stripped from her.
The doctor referred the case to World Hope
International (WHI). Zainab was admitted into WHI’s
Trafficking in Persons Recovery Center, a holistic
aftercare facility answering Christ’s call to, “…defend
the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9 NIV).
Now on her second month in the center, WHI staff
members have worked tirelessly to help Zainab heal
physically and psychologically, while showering
her with constant love and care—helping her to
understand what a precious child of God she is.
training to develop small group leaders. In addition,
this ministry worker leads evangelism training to
equip students to appropriately engage friends and
classmates on the campus and share truth to build
an understanding of who God is, what sin is, and
set the context for the life of Christ. Please pray for
“BN” as he and his wife counsel, teach and train
campus ministry workers and organize events for
outreach, social engagement and spiritual growth and
development. All of this activity takes place under
the watchful eye of a repressive government that is
especially aggressive about suppressing Christianity on
college campuses.
highlighted today is our “Feed the Poor in Israel”
campaign. With approximately 1.8 million Israelis
living below the poverty line, we are actively feeding
the hungry in the name and love of Jesus in a region
desperately needing God’s ultimate peace plan. In
the past three years, Eagles’ Wings has dedicated two
feeding centers in Jerusalem and Tiberias that provide
meals and assistance to families, elderly Holocaust
survivors, and those who have recently immigrated to
Israel in order to escape persecution. These restaurantstyle centers are dedicated to serving both Jewish and
Arab citizens with dignity and the love of God.
international partners
Transformation
Mongolia
By Axel Fischer
Every man, woman and child of Mongolia shall be
saved and transformed for the Kingdom of God! To
fulfill this vision, we set a goal to plant 100 churches by
the year 2020! Now, our ten churches are getting ready
for multiplication!
School Teachers in God’s Ministry: We started a new
church in Ulaanbaatar, because two members of our
church, who are teachers in a district school, could
open the door for our sport and scout ministry. Many
youth were reached with the gospel. We then sent one
Word of Life
Bolivia
By Juan Jose Lella
There are some places in Bolivia where it is very
difficult to take the gospel; places where the only
access is by a small airplane–like the jungle.
On one of our trips to the jungle, an indigenous
boy, Tito, received Christ. Years passed and he was
in a terrible accident and was burned over most of
his body. He and his family were transported to our
of our pastors from the center church in that area to
start a home church together with these teachers.
Enchbold, Tonga, and Uzkho accepted Christ as Savior
as teenagers in a countryside church in the east of
Mongolia in Sukhbatar Province. They served with
passion in the church and sport ministries. After they
finished school, they moved to the capital Ulaanbaatar
and studied at the university. They were closely
engaged and active in supporting our center church,
and studied eagerly. They had great job opportunities
here in the capital with the national soccer team, but
now as they finished university, they felt that God
called them back to the countryside. They want to
become sport and health teachers in the villages
where usually no one wants to work, but they want to
go there to serve the youth, start a church, and build
His Kingdom.
city where, by God’s grace, their lives were saved. In
recovery, they decided to give their lives to the study
and service of the Lord. Today, they are in their second
year of study at our Evangelism and Discipleship
Center. During their most recent return to their own
village, they visited many villages and shared the
gospel with the people there! In April, Tito’s brother
and wife also started studying in our Center. They all
plan to return to their village and take the gospel to
places where our team alone could never reach.
We also thank God that from January to June 2013,
there were 13,267 people who attended Word of
Life Bolivia evangelistic activities and of these, 1,292
received Christ as Savior!
“The unique task of missions is to establish
a viable growing church movement among
every tribe, tongue, people and nation on the
earth. Until we are sure there is a strong church
movement within every one of the people
groups, our task is not finished.” –Ralph Winter
Sierra Leone Alliance
EduNations
An interview with Rick Kennedy
The Sierra Leone Alliance was
organized in the spring of 2009
when leaders from EduNations,
Global Outreach Mission, Houghton
College, Jericho Road Ministries
and The Chapel discovered they
shared a common heartfelt desire
to offer the gospel of Jesus Christ in
Sierra Leone. Shortly thereafter, Let
Them LOL came on board bringing
a passion to provide clean water in
villages. When LTLOL learned of a
great need for a children’s home,
Hope’s Rising Children’s Home was
envisioned, built, and now provides
a Christ-centered, loving home for
23 orphaned and impoverished
children. The gospel continues to
be lived out through each of these
ministries in the form of providing
clean water, sanitation, education,
health care, micro-finance projects,
church planting, and more.
The Chapel supports the ongoing
work of each member of the Sierra
Leone Alliance through financial and
other means in an effort to facilitate a
nationwide redemptive move of God.
Through your support of Kingdom
Come, you are an integral part of
this growing and effective ministry.
And, as these ministries share how
God is using them to complete the
task in Sierra Leone, their hearts say,
“Tenki” (thank you) to our Chapel
family. Together, we are offering the
gospel of Jesus Christ in ways that
can be seen and heard by every
man, woman and child, so that many
might respond to this life-giving
message and come to know Him.
22
On Mission: What is the mission and
purpose of EduNations in Sierra Leone?
Rick Kennedy: The functional purpose of
EduNations is to build, staff, supply and operate
free schools in remote areas of Sierra Leone, West
Africa. The schools are intended to equip the
people of Sierra Leone to rebuild and reclaim their
nation after its destruction by civil war, and to be
a tangible demonstration of the love of Jesus for
people living in the poorest nation on the planet.
The missional purpose is to ignite hope and to point
the people of Sierra Leone to the one true Hope.
OM: How is this being fleshed out in a way
that ensures every man, woman and child has
repeated opportunities to see, hear, and respond
to the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ?
RK: EduNations has constructed and operates eight
schools serving more than 2,000 students who
otherwise have absolutely no access to school. The
schools are free and open to all children living in the
communities in which they are located. The schools
are staffed by teachers who are among the most
qualified in the nation. EduNations pays its teachers’
salaries that make them the highest paid people
in their villages. The compensation is intended
to demonstrate to the community the enormous
value of education, and to equip the teachers to
live generous lives. The schools are committed to
excellence: 100% of EduNaitons’ students pass
the national primary competence examination
(the national average is less than 40%). The
curriculum is Christ-centered and Scripture-based.
OM: How has being a member of the Sierra
Leone Alliance made a difference in what
EduNations is doing in Sierra Leone?
RK: The Sierra Leone Alliance has helped to
advance the work of EduNations in concrete
ways. For example, the Alliance, together with
Let Them LOL, has supplied clean water wells
for every EduNations’ school. Those schools
have made it possible for children (primarily
girls) who would not have been able to come to
school because all of their time was consumed
fetching water, to come to school and provide
clean water for their families. Other members
of the Alliance have helped EduNations with
agricultural and economic sustainability projects,
faculty development programs, and public health
initiatives. The Alliance allows EduNations to
more effectively meet the needs of the people
of Sierra Leone—mind, body, and spirit.
OM: What is on the horizon for EduNations this year?
RK: EduNations will build two new schools this year
in villages which have never had schools. Faculty
will be recruited, trained and put in place at each
school, raising the total number of EduNations’
teachers to more than 125. EduNations will also
engage in a significant church planning initiative
in each of the communities in which it has schools.
The church planning will be done in partnership
with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).
The Chapel has embraced Sierra Leone by sending
people, resources and prayers, and by encouraging
and caring for those of us directly engaged in
the work. In short, The Chapel has acted exactly
like Christ’s bride—stretching out her arms and
pulling as many Sierra Leonean children to her
as she can. EduNations is extraordinarily grateful
for the church’s faithfulness and generosity. May
God continue to richly bless this congregation.
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Sierra Leone Alliance
Sierra Leone Alliance
Houghton College
Jericho Road Ministries
By Mark Hijleh
By Heather Quinn, FNP-BC
In January of 2013, Houghton College art professor
Jillian Sokso and art department staff person
Renee Roberts joined a skills training team in
partnership with Women of Hope International
to travel to Sierra Leone for three weeks. There
they spent time with women in Sierra Leone that
have benefited from the work of Women of Hope
International, teaching them to identify, harvest and
prepare plant fibers for papermaking application.
Women of Hope equips and disciples women with
disabilities to become life-long followers of Christ
who facilitate holistic transformation in their families
and communities, partnering with local women to
help them establish economic independence by
teaching them marketable skills like soap crafting,
beading, weaving and art making. Prof. Sokso and
Ms. Roberts taught workshops on papermaking. The
Sierra Leonean women involved were already making
cards, journals and drawings to be sold in the tourist
trade and as exports to the US, but the papermaking
workshops enabled them to eliminate much cost of
raw materials, as the paper fibers can be harvested
from public and private lands with permission. This
is an example of Houghton College’s interest in and
commitment to serving God’s Kingdom through
developmental ministry in Christ’s name in Sierra
Leone as a partner in the Sierra Leone Alliance.
Jericho Road Ministries is establishing a commitment
to overseas missions through the Global Health
Outreach Initiative. We believe that all people are
created in the image of God and as such, have a
basic right to be healthy and whole. For the past 16
years, we have worked in Buffalo, New York, among
the most poor and vulnerable in an effort to show
the compassion of Jesus, advocate for justice in our
health care system, and see various communities
transformed physically, emotionally, socially and
spiritually. Through our work with refugees from more
than 30 countries, we have a passion to extend our
work abroad. The first place is Sierra Leone, Africa.
Sierra Leone (SL) has a great need for primary medical
care. This country ranks close to last in most health
care indicators as measured by the World Health
Organization. Men, women, and children die every
day from preventable and curable diseases and
conditions including: malaria, tuberculosis, high
blood pressure, measles, diarrhea, heart disease,
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and diabetes. The life expectancy in SL is only 40
years old as compared to nearly 80 years in the US.
Jericho Road believes that this mission of bringing
medical care to SL will bring hope where there is
little, healing where there is sickness, and peace
where there is unrest. This mission is about more
than providing much needed and life-saving medical
care, it’s also about empowering communities to
make healthy changes, educating individuals on
disease prevention, and seeing lives transformed
with the good news of the gospel. Matthew 9:35
(NIV) says, “Jesus went through all the towns and
villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming
the good news of the kingdom and healing every
disease and sickness.” Jesus would often care for
the physical needs of people and then address the
spiritual needs. We plan on emulating Jesus and His
model of caring for people’s medical and spiritual
needs as we proceed with our ministry project.
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Sierra Leone Alliance
Sierra Leone Alliance
Let Them LOL
One Month to Make a Difference
By Kate Vacanti
By Mike Hopkins
Let them LOL exists because many people in the
world today are experiencing unjust suffering
and lack the most basic resources. We empower
communities through sustainable community
development. Let them LOL focuses on providing
clean water and helping impoverished children. As
followers of Jesus, our leadership team is compelled
by His great love to serve others, giving them
an opportunity to see the gospel in action. We
are amazed time and again how He has used His
people to be a part of His restoring of all things.
One such example is a young orphan named Justin.
When our team first met Justin, he was around four
years old, and a street child. Justin has febrile seizures
and his village thought he was cursed, so he was an
outcast. We believe he had one such seizure while
sleeping near a fire as he has lost his toes on one
foot and has a lot of scarring. When we first brought
him to the home, Justin barely spoke a word. After a
year of being in a safe home environment, receiving
three meals a day, education and the love of a family,
Justin is thriving. He now speaks in full sentences and
keeps the house filled with his boisterous energy. We
thank God for the precious, wonderful opportunity to
be His hands and heart to children like Justin and the
communities we are able to touch in Sierra Leone.
Global Outreach Mission
By Brian Albrecht, President, Global Outreach Mission
On one of my earliest trips to Sierra Leone
something happened that will forever stay in
my memory. We were on a trail that opened to
a large field where children were playing. The
national pastor explained that no one was caring
for the orphaned children in his community. As
we drew closer, the children surrounded us.
Our short-term medical team determined that 70%
of these children suffered from scabies and other
water-related diseases. Our drilling equipment
was brought to the site and a water well was
gifted to the community. There was a significant
improvement—within one year, the number of
sick children at that site was less than 20%!
Women in impoverished countries spend
an estimated 40 billion hours annually
walking many miles to collect water.
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A billion human beings suffer in this cycle of poverty.
Thousands of children under five die weekly due to
unsafe water. Much of the global disease burden
can be prevented by improving the water supply.
Something must be done… and by God’s grace
we are having a major impact in Sierra Leone. Our
goal was to dig 100 clean water wells. To date, with
the aid of partners, we have completed 88 wells.
In these villages, women line up waiting to
scoop their daily water from a muddy hole.
Goats and other animals drink from that water;
squalor exists everywhere. Your heart would
break as mine does every time I see it.
People like you make it possible for us to bring clean
water to precious people living in poverty. I thank God
for this opportunity to share the gospel so people will
not be spiritually thirsty as well. I thank God for the
people who have come to Christ and churches that
have been started as a result of Global’s water drilling.
Sierra Leone is one of the most impoverished countries
in the world. With poor nutrition, contaminated water,
and very little access to health care, the average life
expectancy is 47 years old. More than one quarter
of all children die before their fifth birthday. When
days’ work is available, the pay is just over $1.80. We
were blessed to connect with LOL’s Hope’s Rising
Children’s Home and staff. While there, we were
coaching staff, teaching and praying with the children,
worshipping with them all, and most importantly,
hugging and telling them how important they are to
God. We also connected with the local community
through churches, and schools. We reached other
communities by servicing water wells and sharing
the love of God in the message of Christ. We also
negotiated a land donation from a large village.
We were able to share the gospel of Christ and
see many come to faith in a Muslim community.
This month-long ministry trip included our entire
family, Mike, Kristen, Will (16), Jack (14), Luke
(12), and Mikey (10). We travelled with Jason and
Jessica Pappas from The Chapel at CrossPoint.
Every Child
Caring for the
Defenseless Within
Our Reach
By John Camardo
Chapel Ministries
Completing the Task
A Changed Heart
An April Haiti Team
Opportunity
By John DeLuca
Ministry trips are for missionaries, right? So, what
was I doing riding this hot, noisy bus to the Mission
of Hope compound in Titanyen, Haiti… I am not
a missionary… and who was I trying to kid?
Months before at The Chapel, there was a call to join
in a ministry trip to Haiti. I had always supported such
trips with money and prayers but this opportunity would
allow me to really participate on mission… so I was all
in. Weeks of preparation and fund raising culminated
in my first trip to Haiti and my first ministry trip. The
long and the short of this unforgettable moment with
God and His children is the tangible reward of helping
the local Haitians with my physical labor, the personal
reward of building strong relationships with my team
members and the spiritual reward of growing closer
God, becoming a stronger and more humble Christian.
I remain, to this very day, frozen in awe at the dedication
and spiritual commitment of the staff at Mission of
Hope. Poverty and illness prevail among the poor in
Haiti, yet the staff members at Mission of Hope live and
serve to make small but incremental improvements in
the lives of thousands of Haitians every day. Certainly,
the labor spent helping the Haitians in the Village of
Leveque build housing for displaced Haitians left an
indelible mark on my soul. However, walking the Village
of Leveque and speaking with these lovely people on
their front porches about their lives and how Christ
serves to sustain them was the one “God Thing” that is
burnt most deeply into my heart. I remain completely
humbled by their strong faith and trust in God.
Going into this ministry trip I had hoped that I would
leave with a greater understanding of the position
of the Church in Haiti and the role of missionaries
that serve them. The Lord had a different agenda for
me. What I left with is a changed heart. A heart more
open to trusting and believing in God—trusting and
believing that His Son, Jesus, truly saved our souls
by His death and resurrection, and that He loves
and guards each and every one of His children. Even
though the people there had nothing materially
speaking, they have the richness of a deep belief
that Jesus loves them and will provide for them.
This was my “take-away” from my ministry trip to
Haiti. And yes, I feel I “took away” way more from
my trip to Haiti than I most likely “left behind.”
to provide respite care (overnight care for children
already in the foster care system) in order to better
assess what their family was able to do to care for
children who were entering the foster care system.
After more than six months of providing respite care for
a number of other foster families, they were called with
an opportunity to have a more permanent placement
of foster children. The foster care system makes every
effort to keep siblings together, so they were presented
with a unique opportunity. A large sibling group was
being placed and the county was unable to find a home
that could take them all. The hope was to place all of
the children with Every Child families as it would allow
for the children to maintain a connection through the
church – a huge win compared to separating them
between three or four homes with no connection!
Ultimately, the Vaillancourt family took in three of the
children (one of which has special needs) while the
other children from the sibling group were placed
with another Every Child family. Because of this
connection, these children are in a safe, loving home
environment where not only are their needs being
met but also they are given the opportunity to heal,
grow and develop in a faith-saturated environment.
We are thankful that the Vaillancourt family was
willing to respond to what God called them to do,
and they are just one example of families in the
Church of Buffalo who are responding to the need!
The Vaillancourt family has been an incredible example
of ‘caring for the defenseless’ in our community as foster
parents partnered through the Every Child ministry.
Phil and Kim (along with their children, Ryan and
Hailey) had felt a prompting on their hearts to consider
fostering even before the Every Child ministry had
been launched in 2012. They were certified through
our partner, Gateway-Longview, and had decided
Although not everyone will be able to bring a child
into their home, we are all called to do something to
care for the defenseless (James 1:27). The Every Child
ministry is all about making it as easy as possible for
the Church to respond to this calling… get involved!
For more information on Every Child, log
on to every-child.com/getinvolved.
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MOVI Moments
in Haiti
By Kristen George
In the summer of 2013, 11 leaders and 32 high
school students spent an incredible week in Bercy,
Haiti to join Mission of Hope, Haiti. The trip allowed
participants to share and see faith in a very authentic
way. The week included painting, tilling, skits, songs,
soccer games, worshiping together, and more than
a few tarantulas. Throughout the week, the group
saw how several months of training had paid off as
students shared the gospel, prayed with Haitians,
and formed friendships with people who often feel
forgotten. During “village time,” students went out in
small groups with a translator and talked to Haitians
while helping them with laundry, sharing the gospel
through Evangecubes (a seven-picture cube depicting
the gospel message), and offering prayers for farmers
who had not seen adequate rain in a long time.
All week God was speaking to and through the
students, and the spiritual growth that each person
experienced was different. One thing that was
incredible to see was the impact that Mission of Hope,
Haiti is having in several communities. All of this was
started by two couples who were obedient to God’s
call to abandon their comfortable American lives and
follow Him. As we heard the story of how Mission of
Hope started, I found myself asking two questions:
If God called me somewhere to serve in a life-long
ministry far from familiar comforts, would I go? And, if
He did, would my current busy lifestyle and lackluster
devotional time even allow me to hear that call? After
seeing how the obedience of just a few has multiplied
into a thriving ministry that is changing a nation, I
came home with a realigned set of priorities, and a
renewed excitement to spend time with Him regularly.
Although this trip impacted each participant in varying
ways, one of the most pivotal moments from the trip
came as several students stood together down the
street after an encounter with a voodoo priest and
his family. The students wept for the man’s family,
for his lack of faith, for his sick daughter, and for a
hardened heart that was not ready to accept the
gospel. However, as leaders, we took a few minutes
to remind students that this situation is not just
happening in Haiti, but at home, in their families,
schools and neighborhoods. There are people all
around us who need to know Jesus and His love, and
every part of this experience prepared and empowered
students to share their faith with others, no matter
where they are. Our hope is that these students will
continue to be burdened by the physical and spiritual
needs of others, and that they will continue to be
courageous to act in service to God and His people.
William Carey ‘The Father of Modern Missions’
on his secret: “I can plod. I can persevere in
any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.”
resources & stewardship
Why Give to Kingdom Come?
By Daryl Largis, Co-Pastor for Mission Advancement
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the
glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything
in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the
kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and
honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In
your hands are strength and power to exalt and give
strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
acknowledges the fact that God owns everything and
we are merely stewards of that which He has given us.
For you see, God has always been concerned with how
we view, handle and manage our money. It was true in
the times of King David and it was true nearly 100 years
ago as articulated by author David McConaughy in
Money, the Acid Test:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be
trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very
little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have
not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who
will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been
trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give
you property of your own?” Luke 16:10-12
This is King David’s prayer of praise after the overwhelming generosity demonstrated by the people of
Israel to fund the building of the temple. He goes on
to say in verse 14, “But who am I, and who are my
people, that we should be able to give as generously
as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given
you only what comes from your hand.” David had a
keen sense of who owned everything. He echoed this
understanding in Psalms as well, as he wrote under the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “The earth is the LORD’S,
and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Psalm 24:1
Money, most common of temporal things, involves
uncommon and eternal consequences. Even though
it may be done quite unconsciously, money molds
people—in the process of getting it, of saving it, of
using it, of giving it, of accounting for it. Depending
upon how it is handled, it proves a blessing or a curse
to its possessor; either the person becomes master
of the money, or the money becomes master of the
person. Our Lord takes money, the thing that, essential
though it is to our common life, sometimes seems so
sordid, and he makes it a touchstone to test the lives
of people and an instrument for molding them into the
likeness of himself.
So, there are ramifications in the present as it relates
to what we do with God’s money and there are eternal
ones as well. It is wise for us to understand that how we
handle money has eternal consequences.
So it is clear that King David understood ownership—
more precisely, who owned everything. As king he
alone could, if anyone could, lay claim to owning
something, but he did not. This concept of ownership
is vital for us today to fully understand. If we miss who
owns it all, we will never understand true generosity,
nor will we understand the generous nature of God.
God does own it all, but yet He allows us to be
stewards of His creation. In fact, He expects us to be
good stewards of His creation which includes not only
nature but also everything in it, including money and
other resources.
So, as it relates to money some have the courage
to ask, “God, what do you want me to do with
my money?” I certainly applaud the effort but the
perspective of ownership in this approach is not as it
should be. The question we should muster the courage
to ask and answer on a continual basis is, “God,
what do you want me to do with your money?” This
is a much better question to ask and answer given it
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So, there is a purpose to why God is so aware of
how we manage our resources, our time and our
money. How and what we do proves our allegiances.
Our decisions and motivations prove beyond doubt
our faith and in what or in whom we place our trust.
Money in and of itself is neutral but it proves to be a
very effective test every time we think about it, make
decisions with it, spend it or give it. How we use it
determines the good or bad done with it. In a sense,
our hearts, our passions and our desires determine the
outcome as it relates to our money. Essentially it comes
down to the question of can we be trusted. Can God
trust us with money? For if we can be found trustworthy
with money whether a little or a lot, according to
Scripture God will give us additional things of more
value which is ultimately for His glory, His purposes and
our benefit. Most understand that God has a purpose
in and for our lives, but fewer comprehend that money
proves very effective in shaping us more and more into
who He desires us to be.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break
in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and
where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:19-20
We are commanded by Jesus to invest in heaven. How
do we do that? Well, one of the most effective ways
is to invest our resources, our time, and our money in
the things consistent with the purposes of God in this
world today which flow from His heart. He is on mission
to reconcile all of creation back to Himself through
Christ, and as Christ-followers we should be investing
in activity that is supportive of this mission. We should
give not from compulsion or even obligation but from
a grateful heart. We don’t have to give because we
get to give. The position of our hearts is the key given
there is a simple relationship between our heart and
our money. Where we sacrificially spend our money is
where our hearts will be, our loyalties will lay and our
allegiances will form. Jesus, the Son of God, knew this
and stated, “For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
We as Americans have much when compared to the
rest of the world. We may have less than our immediate
neighbor but for the most part we are considered not
only well-to-do but also rich in the eyes of the majority
of the people living on this planet. As such, I believe
much is expected from us as it relates to how we
financially support the work of God in this world. We
should be the most generous because we have been
given the most.
So, as you consider your finances and your ability to
give. Please ask God, “What would you like for me
to do with your money?” Have the courage then to
answer that question and begin to take steps, even
small ones, that over time will enable you and your
family to live life abundantly through generosity as you
and I, and hopefully all of God’s people, resource His
mission in this world. I close this article by saying that
giving to Kingdom Come, while not the only way to
express our commitment to what God is doing in this
world, is a great way to demonstrate it. Kingdom Come
continues to be a powerful force that God is using on
behalf of The Chapel to further His mission here in
Western New York, in this nation and in this world. We,
as people who call The Chapel home, have a unique
opportunity to declare in our lives the true ownership
of our wealth by being generous. May God speak and
work in unique ways in your life and mine as we answer
the question, “God, what would You have me do with
Your money?” while reflecting upon the following
passages of Scripture:
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another
withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous
man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself
be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25
“Command those who are rich in this present world not
to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which
is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who
richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good
deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this
way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take
hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
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Christ Together
Completing the Task in the United States of America
Great things are happening through the Christ Together network of churches. One of our nation’s
hotspots is in the Greater Austin, Texas area. ON MISSION was delighted to sit down and chat (via
email) with Tim Hawks, Lead Pastor of Hill Country Bible Church and Christ Together Directional
Team Member, about what is happening there. Please pull up a chair and join us at the table.
plant 25 churches in the Greater Austin area.
OM: How did Christ Together begin, and what
drew you to become a key member of their
Directional Team?
Tim Hawks
On Mission: Please share with us a little bit about
your own grace story and how God brought you
into ministry at Hill Country Bible Church.
Tim Hawks: I was raised in a Christian home in the
Midwest and came to faith as a child. In college, I
tried to run from my heritage and faith by raising
intellectual arguments about the truth of the Bible.
Studying philosophy and other religions became an
excuse for me to run from God. However, the more
I tried to disprove the Bible, the more compelling
evidence I found to prove its reliability. After a time, I
was convinced and convicted that God’s Word is true
and the person of Jesus is real. I then surrendered
my life to get the message of the gospel to as many
people as possible. After college, I went to seminary,
where I met my wife. Upon graduation, we planted
a church in Ruston, Louisiana, and watched it grow
from infancy to a vibrant congregation. God called
us to leave Ruston and go back to Texas, where I
became the pastor of a small, recently planted church.
That was twenty-four years ago. God has blessed
us with four grown children. He has been faithful to
allow us to partner with the people of Hill Country
Bible Church to experience a thriving ministry and
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Tim: The Spirit of God is moving in key cities
throughout the U.S. Pastor Jerry Gillis and I were
introduced to each other several years ago and
immediately became friends. We have the same
vision for saturating our cities with the gospel by
mobilizing believers for kingdom work. Though our
partnership didn’t initially materialize, we blessed
and encouraged each other to pursue our calling
and learn from one another. Later, Pastor Jerry met
Scott Chapman, pastor of The Chapel in Chicago.
Pastor Scott was also sensing the leading of the
Spirit to purse the same calling. Pastor Jerry invited
me to join them, and the three of us—along with
many other pastors—formed Christ Together.
OM: I understand there has been quite a bit of
activity in the Austin area with Christ Together. How
is this influencing/shaping your context relationally
with other local churches and in reaching every
man, woman and child in the greater Austin
area with repeated opportunities to hear, see
and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Tim: Four years ago, a group of 10 pastors came
together to pray over our city. We repented of
our isolation and committed to work together
to reach every man, woman and child in Greater
Austin with the gospel in our lifetime. Since
that time, we have gathered over 300 churches
that are working together toward this goal.
This fall, we are hosting a Spiritual Awareness
campaign called Explore God. It includes an
advertising campaign throughout the city challenging
people to “explore God.” There is also a website
that encourages exploration: exploregod.com.
The campaign includes training for people in
how to have non-threating spiritual conversation.
Our goal is that we will have 400,000 of these
conversations during the campaign to make
talking about God “normal” for both believers
and non-believers. The campaign culminates with
a seven-week sermon series around the seven big
questions people have about faith, accompanied
by discussion groups that allow believers to invite
friends, family members and co-workers to have
conversations about God. Currently, 310 churches
are participating in Explore God. The churches and
leaders of our city are part of the Christ Together
Network. We are inspired by the work of Christ
Together in other cities. We share encouragement,
prayer, resources and celebrations with the larger
network. We were blessed to host the last regional
conference in Austin. The Church of Greater
Austin is elated to be part of this larger network.
OM: Ryan Kozey, Christ Together Delivery Team
Leader, recently shared with me how excited he was
about a study he conducted with the Association of
Hill Country Churches in Austin on spiritual formation
and missional behavior. Has this study helped
you? Were there any surprises in the findings?
Tim: Recently, we were blessed to have Ryan Kozey
come to Austin and administer the study developed
by The Chapel at CrossPoint to the churches in our
Association. The pastors of our Association gathered
together for Ryan to present the findings. As you
might guess, we were all a bit nervous about what
we might find. Each of the churches had different
strengths and weaknesses. We were able to glean
best practices from each other that we didn’t even
know we had prior to the survey. We discovered
that we often think our churches are being effective
because people are coming to faith in Jesus.
However, we also learned that many, if not most, of
our congregations are not personally connecting with
their unsaved friends and sharing the good news
of the gospel. The survey served to pinpoint areas
of discipleship and vision that we were lacking. The
graciousness of The Chapel to share resources and
people has proven to be invaluable to us in Austin.
Tim: God is moving in our nation. As more and
more people are claiming “no-religion” in national
surveys, pastors are hearing the call of God to join
together to re-evangelize the 314 million Americans
in our lifetime. I believe the greatest potential
for Christ Together is to identify key pastors in
the 102 U.S. cities of over 500,000 and envision
those pastors to lead networks within their own
city. We are promoting a centralized vision with a
decentralized network. As we develop this network,
people will be informed, receive training, and
have accountability to go hard after reaching their
area, knowing that others are doing the same. A
great God deserves a great effort for the gospel.
OM: How can The Chapel family in Western
New York best pray for Christ Together?
Tim: Pray for the advancement of the gospel, so
that every man, woman and child in the United
States would have an opportunity to see, hear
and respond to the gospel in our lifetime.
Pray for the leaders. We need protection for our
marriages, our families, our churches and our health
from the attacks of Satan. We need unity, wisdom
and energy to run hard after this vision together. We
need to walk constantly in step with the Holy Spirit.
Pray that God would raise up a team of
visionary pastors and churches in the 102 U.S.
cities with a population of over 500,000.
Finally, pray for the needed financial
resources for the Christ Together website
and the tools we are developing.
Thank you for joining us at the table. Please
remember to pray for the churches and leaders
of Christ Together as we continue to advance
the gospel and re-evangelize this nation so
that every man, woman and child has repeated
opportunities to hear, see and respond to
the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ.
OM: Moving from Austin to a national scope,
where do you see the greatest potential for
growth with Christ Together in the US?
37
national partners
Cru
By Michael Ramos
There is an old proverbial rhyme.
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the Kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
Three words, the Nail, the Message, and the Kingdom
stand out to us. As Nails, Amy and I are missionaries
serving as a Human Resource Representative and
Global Crisis Director, supporting our Cru staff
here in the U.S. and overseas. We support through
biblical training and personal development. We
support them in risk assessment and planning. We
support them by watching for ministry “burn-out”
and finding ways to keep them healthy in the field.
We support them by communicating the vision and
goals of our leadership. Our roles support our Cru
staff who are passionately leading people to the truth
of the message of the gospel in countries hostile to
the gospel and guiding them into the Kingdom.
FCA Hockey
By Rick Randazzo
FCA Hockey is impacting coaches and athletes across
the United States and around the world. Over the past
year, we have conducted hockey clinics and camps
in 15 different states as well as in Turkey. Working
with players of all ages, we work to share Jesus in the
rinks, schools and locker rooms, meeting coaches
and players right where they are at. This past year,
we passed out more than 1,750 FCA Hockey New
Testament Bibles, had more than 2,000 youth and
adult players attend camps and clinics, and ministered
to over 150 hockey coaches around the country.
Additionally, the Randazzo family completed nine
more states on their 50 State, 50 City tour of the
US, bringing the total number of states visited to 18
in the past 24 months. The ministry team has also
traveled to Erzurum, Turkey three times over the past
12 months to share Jesus with the Turkish people.
SEND International
By Kent Wilson
SEND International’s mission is to mobilize God’s
people and engage the unreached in order to
establish reproducing churches. SEND focuses
its ministries on the unreached—people who
don’t have access to the gospel or a church. Our
goal is establishing healthy, local churches that
send its own people out to reach others.
SEND affirms the Marketplace Development Enterprises
(MDE) as an essential biblical strategy to mobilize
God’s people to engage unreached peoples in order to
establish reproducing churches. SEND seeks to advance
the expansion of existing MDEs and the formation
of new MDEs, from Business as Mission tent-making
development activities in legitimate enterprises, led
by professionals sharing the gospel and exemplifying
the Christian life in the marketplace. We’re recruiting
for these opportunities, working with candidates
that have expressed a desire to serve the Lord in this
capacity including others wishing to evangelize and
plant churches in the unreached people groups.
“The Apostle Paul did not gather
congregations, he planted churches.”
–Roland Allen
Joe Vacanti
Reno U Alumnus
I had the privilege of being a part of the Renovation
University journey from 2011-12. Over these two
years the instructors spent time developing my
leadership competencies, and gave me practical
and helpful information that I use in leading teams
and ministry today. The books I read were very
challenging and I loved the group discussion. The
spiritual exercises we participated in I have taken
and used in our student ministry at The Chapel on
student retreats. I forged some great new friendships
over the past two years with a band of brothers who
are joining with me in completing the task to declare
and demonstrate the gospel to all our circles of
friendship and ministry domain the Lord has given.
Reno U equipped me with new skills, knowledge
and experiences that I look forward to passing on to
others. The greatest value personally was that Reno U
helped us in self-discovery of our strengths, gifts, and
our need for personal worship, health, and spiritual
formation, so we could more effectively lead others.
This process continues to shape me to become a
better husband, father, follower and worshiper of
Christ. It has helped advance my personal service as
a student pastor at The Chapel, worship leader, and
my involvement with Let Them LOL. I’m thankful and
grateful for the part Reno University played in my life.
We ended Reno U with a ceremony where we each
committed to each other a resolve to exemplify a
disciplined life, to fight the good fight of faith, and
pursue that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely,
and excellent. In the background to this commitment
“The Dark Knight Rises” soundtrack played as to say,
“Have we given everything,” “not everything, not yet.”
Jon Cook
Renovation University
Too often media headlines indicate that ministry
leaders today face unprecedented challenges
from failing marriages, personal moral lapses,
loneliness, exhaustion, frustration in leading others,
unrealistic expectations, lack of resources, inability
to execute and an incomplete understanding of
themselves. These challenges, if not addressed
properly, have the potential to corrupt character,
ruin careers and adversely impact entire ministries.
In March 2011, Global Fellowship, Renovation
Institute, and Christ Together (formerly the
Renovation Network) set in motion a unique,
intentional, and intense learning environment
to help change the odds for successful Christian
leadership—Renovation University (Reno U) was
born. Reno U is designed to strategically
40
equip ministry leaders today so that they will stay
strong for tomorrow. The pilot program was comprised
of a select group of local and regional pastors who
successfully completed their two-year journey in
December 2012. They are continuing to see the
fruits of Reno U training in their lives and ministries.
The new crew began Reno U in March 2013, and
again includes a mix of local and regional pastors
and leaders, who are dedicated to live, lead and
serve well, consistent with the purposes of God.
To give you a better snapshot of Reno U, Joe
Vacanti (alumnus) and Jon Cook (newcomer),
share their thoughts on being a part of this
specialized learning environment.
Reno U Participant
For years now, I have been keenly aware of how
valuable it is to receive and seek out wisdom and
insight from those who have served in ministry longer
than I, and who can, to some degree, shed light on
the path that’s ahead of me. Certain individuals have
significantly shaped who I am and how I approach
ministry because they took time to invest in me and
impart the wisdom that they have attained through
their journey. So, when I was approached about
participating in the Reno U program, I eagerly signed
on. Reno U’s stated goal is “to equip and empower
the next generation of ministry leadership to live,
lead, and serve well, consistent with the purposes
and designs of God.” How could I not be excited
for this kind of intentional investment into my life?
For the past several months, Reno U has been
challenging my thought processes and allowing
me to work out my viewpoints amongst a group of
incredible guys who are co-laborers in ministry, many
who come to the group with different backgrounds,
different viewpoints, and some who serve in some very
different contexts. These discussions have certainly
stretched my understanding of what it means to lead
in ministry, and have placed an increased challenge
on my heart to evaluate how I am living out the
gospel in my own context. Having access to a guy
like Dwight Smith, who has decades of wisdom and
experience in ministry, and who has been all over
the world watching and caring for the Church as it
grows and expands, is a rare opportunity. Having
the chance to sit in such a focused group under
the wise teachings of Jerry Gillis, Daryl Largis, and
Deone Drake, and not just to be lectured at, but to
be stretched and challenged to fully understand who
I am, what God has called me to do, and what it looks
like when I’m allowing God to do these things through
me; this process has already impacted me greatly.
As I continue through the journey with Reno U, I
am excited to see how God will continue to use it
as a tool to shape and mold me, and I’m excited to
see how I, and all of the men who walk through this
process, will step out of the other side more equipped
and able to accomplish the mission set before us.
41
Regional partners
New York City:
Reaching Every Man, Woman and Child—A God-Sized Task
New York City is the quintessential melting pot of
every man, woman and child with an unprecedented
diversity of people groups, ethnicities, cultures, and
faith communities. Laying the groundwork, setting
down roots, and establishing trustworthy relationships
to introduce and implement Renovation principles
with like-minded pastors and churches, is no small
task by any measure. However, God is faithful and
He opens doors as none other is able. Vision New
York is walking through these doors as opportunities
are provided. So grab a cup of coffee and join us for
a bite of the Big Apple as we chat with Jim Hines,
founder and director of Vision New York, about what
God is accomplishing through this key ministry.
On Mission: Where do you see God at work
the most through Vision New York?
Jim Hines: God’s activity is clearly evident in the
relational aspect of Vision New York. One of the
most important things I do is connecting with leaders
throughout the city to hear about what God is doing in
their ministries, to hear about how they are developing
personally, to unpack Renovation principles with them,
and to seek strategic ways to partner with them in
prayer. Many of the leaders in this city are young and
it has been a blessing to be able to come along side
of them as a friend and partner in the gospel. God
has been gracious to open doors that have allowed
me to build friendships and relationships over time
that are leading to a level of credibility that does not
come easy in this place. In order to have influence
with men in the city, you must be willing to invest in
them long term and be patient as God does His work.
OM: What are the most significant changes
you have seen in your circle of influence since
launching Vision New York in 2010?
JH: As Vision New York has developed over the past
few years, I have been learning that there are clear
seasons of activity and rhythms associated with the
city. Unlike anyplace I have lived before, the time
demands of the city put tremendous pressures on
ministry leaders at various times throughout the
year. During these seasons it is difficult to find time
to effectively connect face to face. Since these
personal connections are critical to what we do,
this reality has caused me to be more strategic in
electronic, phone and social media communication
in an effort to maintain relationships so there is not
a loss of momentum when the seasons slow down
and face-to-face connections are possible again.
OM: How is Renovation training currently
influencing leaders and communities in NYC?
JH: Last year we finished our first full Renovation
Session with a group of leaders on Long Island. In
partnership with those leaders, we are looking to
start a second session in the early part of 2014 as we
pray that God provides another group of men to walk
through it together. We are also currently seeking
a core group of men in Manhattan and Queens to
start a Reno session in each of those boroughs. In
addition to the formal trainings, there is a good deal
of Renovation envisioning that takes place as we
meet one on one with men around the Metro area.
Life
Transforming
Ministries
The Rock
Community
Church
By Dolph Paterno
By Dave Brunelle
As a group of pastors in Downingtown and
West Chester, we are working to equip the
saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12,
NKJV) by producing a video training series.
This series will be viewed by small groups
comprised of church members from multiple
congregations who live in the same geographic
area. They will use the training as a way to
build relationships with each other, and to pray
and discuss how they may be more effective
at reaching their neighbors together.
In Coatesville, the pastors are focusing on
united prayer events for anyone in the town
to come together to pray for the city. In
Phoenixville, the pastors are planning a citywide event in order to re-establish the Church’s
presence in that town. All of these things are
being done so that every man, woman, and
child has repeated opportunities to hear, see,
and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Through a Kingdom-minded partnership between
Greater Cleveland Youth for Christ and The Rock
Community Church, Michael and Melissa Peters are
reaching High School students and at risk youth
in Garfield Heights, Ohio, a first ring suburb of
Cleveland. Through partnering with area churches,
discussion groups, outreach events, weekly
meetings, and one-on-one mentoring, they are
part of a team of people dedicated to bringing
the gospel to every man, woman, and child in
our city. In an effort to truly make disciples of
young people, they also lead a high commitment
discipleship study in their home. Bringing students
many with very difficult home lives into their home
and ministering to them as a family has touched
many young people with a healthy family life and
connected them to an extended spiritual family.
Through the lives of one young person at a time,
Michael and Melissa are completing the task.
OM: Jim, any final thoughts?
JH: We at Vision New York are so thankful for
the friendship and partnership of The Chapel as
we pursue the common vision of presenting the
gospel to every man, woman and child in the
New York Metro Area. Our regional population
is estimated to be 23-25 million people and that
population has amazing ethnic, religious and socioeconomic diversity. This is a God-sized task and
we are blessed to be walking this road with you!
43
Kids With
Cameras
Through Our Eyes
To better introduce this new initiative through the
XCEL Leadership Center, On Mission offered a contest
to this group of budding young photojournalists.
The entries were outstanding and proved difficult to
choose just one as a winner. On Mission is pleased to
announce this year’s first place winner: Brett Gomez
(age 9). In his own words and through the lens of his
camera, here is a view of Brett’s world.
There have been lots of good changes in my life
this year. I joined XCELr8 Afterschool in January.
I began Kids With Cameras in February.
XCEL Leadership Center
I was excited about this new adventure of meeting
every Friday for six months. We learned each part of
the camera and how to use them. We kept journals
to record what we learned. It was awesome when we
finally got our cameras and started taking pictures!
Guest photographers visited us, other times we
went on field trips to take pictures. Being with
new friends, going to new places, and learning
to tell stories with my pictures was great!
I really love nature and I find beauty in the things
that God made for us in the world. When I focused
on those things through the camera lens, they
(God’s creations) became even more amazing.
Colorful flowers, drops of water on leaves or an
old tree with twisted branches became something
more, to me. Taking pictures became a way for me
to communicate to others how happy I feel about
the amazing things that God gives all of us.
Kids With Cameras gave me a chance to show I can
be mature. I was responsible for an expensive camera.
I learned how to work as a team with the other kids.
I even learned how to plan and organize a big event.
But the best thing was learning how to tell the story
of God that is in my heart through the pictures I take.
Kids with Cameras
By Toni Benjamin
At the XCEL Leadership Center, we are guided
by a simple fact: As long as you are going
anywhere, deciding anything, influencing anyone:
you are LEADING. We are committed to the
mission of creating a community of leaders who
are being educated, equipped and empowered
towards leading their own lives well and with
purpose. We’ve spent another year cultivating
and developing a community of inspired leaders
who are transforming their lives in five key areas:
spiritual, academic, social, physical and financial.
This past year alone, over 65 volunteers and
mentors have partners with us to cultivate
personal leadership in over 275 student and family
partners that have connected to XCEL Leadership
Center. What a joy it has been to help dozens
of new families take their next steps in their
personal journey towards faith in Christ Jesus.
We are also pleased to introduce Kids With
Cameras: Through Our Eyes, a new initiative of the
XCEL Leadership Center. Students from all over
Erie and Niagara County met with professional
photographers and journalism mentors to learn
the concepts and components of photography and
journalism. Students age 8 to 17 were challenged
to find their voice in telling a story through pictures.
The students were most surprised by the value
and influence of their individual viewpoint.
Left page, First place
photo by Brett Gomez,
age 9; Above, more
photos by Brett Gomez
We’re excited that a county-wide program, born
out of our faith-based community center, will
take part in one of the largest art festivals in
WNY. The students will have an opportunity to
boldly share their faith and how they see their
part in the world: through their own eyes.
Second Place:
Adacelis ‘Ada’ Mendez
Third Place:
Ny’ Asha Cowart
local partners
Buffalo City
Mission
By Kyle Patterson
“When I came to the doors of Cornerstone
Manor–I just let everything go. I rededicated
my life to Christ and that was the best
thing that I could have ever done. I knew
it was God that directed me here.”
–Tyrese, Buffalo City Mission client
Since 1917, The Buffalo City Mission has been
a non-profit organization for homeless and atrisk men, women, and children in Western New
York. Last year we provided 173,000 meals and
83,000 beds to those in need. Besides food and
shelter, the Mission provides long-term recovery
programs, biblical counseling, work and life-skills
training, education, and health care services.
Every client who steps through our doors hears
how Jesus Christ can and will change their
life, if they let Him. Last year alone, more than
150 people accepted Christ as Lord. Through
attending daily chapel services, working with
supportive case management and qualified
chaplains, our clients are repeatedly hearing
and seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When clients meet Christ and commit to serving
Him as their Lord, their lives are never the same.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new 2Corinthians 5:17KJV.
Lonnie, another client said, “I am
thankful to God for allowing me another
chance to get my life right.”
Upon graduating our programs, our clients are
working on completing their education and
finding a career job that supports permanent
housing and puts poverty in the rear view mirror.
46
local partners
Isaiah 61 Project
By Jim Haid
From the outset, the Isaiah 61 Project has been
all about reclaiming a city (Niagara Falls, USA)
one home, one family, one person at a time.
Recently I had the opportunity, the privilege,
to sit down with one of our students, whom I
shall call “Luke” and hear more of his story.
Luke was born and raised in Niagara Falls, mostly
by his grandparents. At age 12, he was baptized at
a local Baptist church. By his mid-twenties, he had
walked away from the Lord and began walking a
much more Satan-directed path. By his late twenties
he found himself in prison, where he remained
for the next 13 years. While in prison, he had the
opportunity to reflect on his life, what he had done,
and his relationship with the God he loved as a
youth. While incarcerated, he involved himself in
Collins Christian Ministries where, on one particular
weekend, he rededicated himself to the Lord.
Upon release in 2011, Luke found himself isolated
from family, friends, neighbors, and the community.
Because of his history, he was unable to find
employment. His parole officer told him about the
Isaiah 61 Project—he quickly enrolled. He felt that
God was speaking to him through his parole officer
about a new lease on life and a deeper walk with the
Lord. Luke states that he was “looking for something
like this for a while. I thank God for the opportunity. It
is putting something back in my life… MEANING.”
Now that Luke has completed the job training
program, he plans to go on to become a licensed
electrician. And with regard to his walk with God, not
only is he attending church but he has also requested
to participate in a discipleship program at Destination
Life Fellowship, one of our church partners.
SonRays
Ministries
Broadway Hope
By Scott Steger
By Cheri Henry
Birthfather came from a strong religious
background, knowing that abortion was the
wrong choice to make when faced with an
unplanned pregnancy. His very strong opinions
shook birthmother emotionally. When they
first came to SonRays Ministries for help, she
was a very frightened young woman. They
each met separately with a SonRays staff
member and felt comfortable talking freely
about their personal thoughts and plans.
Birthmother was willing to consider adoption,
but really wanted to parent her daughter.
Birthfather felt very strongly that adoption was the
best option for them. Through SonRays support,
he was able to work through his feelings of anger
and fear, knowing they were caused by his fear
of his parents finding out about the pregnancy,
and the thought that their pregnancy would
be too much for his parents to bear, because
his sister was also pregnant and unmarried.
As the time to make a decision closed in, we
gave them free Christian childbirth classes,
but they did not come back for more help.
We recently received this letter, and news that
Birthmother is now able to be a stay-at-home mom
and enroll in online college classes, from them:
This is a very delayed letter and thank you. I can’t
even begin to put into words how thankful we
are for all of your love and support. The past year
and a half have gone by way too quick. The last
time I was in contact with you was when I was in
labor…. Everything about my birthing experience
was amazing. Our daughter is 16 months old
now and she is the biggest joy. Birthfather and
I are doing wonderful. He proposed to me and
we are getting married… We are very excited
and blessed with everything God has given
us. Our love for each other grows more and
more every day, and I couldn’t be happier.
Before Broadway Hope opened in 2009, we thought
that if God used all our efforts for the salvation of one
soul, then it would be all worthwhile. Now, four years
and many decisions for Christ later, we hope and pray
that the task of demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ
in this natural environment will continue until Christ’s
return.
Leading up to this task have been and will continue
to be countless smaller tasks that God works through.
One specific task that God is enabling us to complete,
that has been not only a huge physical project, but also
a spiritual one, is the engineering and construction of
a 106’ rope bridge. In the process, God has planted
seeds and opened hearts, continuing to reveal His
love to many who have not yet embraced Him.
It has been and will be amazing to see God working
and preparing hearts for the coming of His kingdom.
47
local partners
Buffalo Christian
Center
By Jim Swearingen
The Buffalo Christian Center (BCC) is a 65,000 sq.
ft. youth center focused on the Great Commission.
Our focused ministries on youth (Teen MOPS and
Merge youth nights) shared the gospel with more
than 300 inner city youth. Over 300 more youth
heard the gospel through our Bills Night Out event
Campus
Ambassadors
By Paul Decker
local partners
with Athletes in Action. We also started up smaller
discipleship groups with youth and a summer
Job Training and Career Exploration program.
I believe the biggest need in our inner city
communities is indigenous leadership. Erica
Hernandez King, came to the BCC to volunteer.
She was inexperienced and fearful of sharing
the gospel or speaking to a large group. This
past year saw her overcome these fears, and she
is now sharing her grace story, teaching large
groups, designing and leading a small group
Bible study and heading up (with her husband) the
summer job training program. A true leader!
CA is a “baptizing” ministry. We encourage
our students to demonstrate their faith and
commitment to follow Jesus. This past year,
several of our students were baptized at NorthGate
Community Church, The Chapel, or Camp Pinnacle.
It is with particular excitement we enter into the
2013-2014 academic year, as our leadership
team is the strongest ever and has a homegrown
feel. In Campus Ambassadors (CA), we take the
privilege of “making disciples” seriously.
CA is a “teaching” ministry. Every person on our
leadership team is being mentored in a small
group setting or in a one-on-one discipleship
relationship. This way, they fully catch our vision
to see the Great Commission fulfilled.
A is a “going” ministry. We go to and exist on
C
the campus of the University at Buffalo. Several
on our leadership team are followers of Jesus who
were first introduced to Him on this campus.
We are excited because these students are determined
to make a difference for Jesus on the UB campus!
Christian Central
Academy
By Denise Jentz
The senior class at Christian Central Academy (CCA)
traveled to the Dominican Republic for their annual
ministry trip. The students go with expectations
of changing the lives of the Dominican people
by sharing the love of Christ, ministering to their
physical needs, and assisting with small building
City Vision
By KJ Swearingen
One way City Vision strengthens the Church is by
developing urban home churches, which reach out to
the lost and serve in the community. Home churches
focus on evangelism to the unchurched, community
life, and leadership development through personal,
relational discipleship. Rod and Meghan McCallum
Cross Training
Football
By Mike Masters
Cross Training Football’s Character Playbook, “PATH
TO VICTORY,” touched many campuses across
Western New York. Because of relationships built
throughout the school year, 80 athletes attended
CTF‘s Impact summer camp, 18 young men received
Christ, and more than 40 athletes stood to recommit
Destination Life
Fellowship
By Mark Perkins
projects. The students prepare for this trip daily
during school and come back realizing that they are
the ones who are greatly impacted on very personal
levels. While staying at the SCORE complex, the
class found themselves forming unique bonds with
one another and developing a stronger confidence
in God. As the students ministered to the poor and
to the orphans of the villages, they discovered a
deeper faith in Jesus. This trip to the Dominican
Republic is one way that CCA continually provides
opportunities for our students to live out our mission
statement: Where all may “grow in wisdom, in stature,
and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52 NIV).
The Williams family came to the Destination Life
Fellowship Compassion Ministry over a year ago
in need for their family of five. We connected on a
personal level and they felt comfortable returning.
Over the past year while we have continued to meet
Good News Jail &
Prison Ministry
By Chaplain Alex True
“There are seven things God hates! Did you know
that Chaplain? I read that in the Bible you gave me.”
helped start Antioch Home Church, a ministry of City
Vision. They had tried previously to start a small group
in their home but without vision and experience,
the McCallum’s group quickly faded away. Today,
the McCallum’s have become home church leaders,
hosting meetings, teaching, discipling, and sharing
the love of Christ with the lost. Rod recalls, “We
were eager to be discipled in Christ and to learn the
fundamentals of ‘doing’ home church. We had no
idea how fulfilling and wonderful it would be to see
others come to Christ and to ‘be’ the Body of Christ
in the home church context until we experienced it.”
their lives to Christ. The Heart of a Champion Radio
program on WDCX completed its first year opening
new doors this fall. After one radio interview, we
were able to pray with a coach to receive Christ.
Five years ago this individual would not listen to
our character talks, and now he proclaims to every
coach in his school district that CTF has made him
a better husband, dad, teacher and coach. CTF
University began this year. Seventeen athletes received
discipleship in Christ and football skills. Nine of those
athletes prayed to invite Christ into their hearts. This
year’s playbook is “ANSWER THE CALL”. Thank you
for helping us advance the Kingdom!
physical needs, more importantly we have been
meeting spiritual needs. Gary and Mary have told us
that since coming to Destination Life Fellowship things
have greatly improved in their marriage and with the
family. In April 2013, Gary Jr. gave his life to Christ and
we had the opportunity to baptize him and his mother.
It is wonderful to see how God is working in the
Williams family and how He has used us to show
them His love and good news of redemption and
restoration.
That’s what an inmate said recently. Tears filled his
eyes as he continued, “There are seven things God
hates, and you know what? My name is not on that
list. For years I thought I wasn’t good enough for
God, that God wanted nothing to do with me. Now
I know better.” That is the kind of impact that God
makes through Good News Jail & Prison Ministry
each and every day. Your prayers and partnership are
vital and very much appreciated. God bless you and
thank you for your support.
49
local partners
Heritage Christian
Services
By Marisa Geitner
Each year, Heritage Christian Services sends
volunteers to Guatemala so individuals with
disabilities who live in institutions can attend a
week-long retreat. This is often the only opportunity
these individuals have to experience a holiday.
One of the highlights of this year’s trip was a field
trip to a park at the foot of a volcano. The counselors
International
Students, Inc.
By Don Manta
Praise God, He never gives up! We recently had a
visit from our first international friend in Buffalo (fall
2003)—Long from Vietnam. After spending countless
hours in our home, and in Bible study, Long left Buffalo
seven years ago to become a professor in Arkansas
(still an unbeliever). We continued to pray for Long
InterVarsity
Christian
Fellowship
By Bahati Thambikeni
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is on the UB
campus with a vision to see lives transformed
through a relationship with Jesus Christ, world
changers developed, and our campus renewed.
local partners
arranged team games for everyone. We had a picnic
lunch followed by horseback riding available to all
who wanted to mount up. This was accomplished
with the assistance of the counselors who seemed
to have boundless energy. If the riders were able to
balance themselves, they rode solo, with the caretaker
leading the horse. Those who needed more support
had a counselor ride with them. Blankets were spread
on the ground and many campers got out of their
wheelchairs and rested on the blankets in the sun
or shade. It was a relaxing afternoon for everyone.
We are truly grateful for the support
of Kingdom Come. Thank you!
Lockport Care Net
Pregnancy Center
By Cindra Enzinna
In our broken world, life is as fragile as a baby’s breath.
We know that every unborn baby is a unique being
from the time of conception and is a miracle created
Lockport Cares
By Toby Mansfield
and his wife, Van. Don visited the couple five years
ago and prayed with them, “God, reveal yourself to
them.” God did just that. Van explained that through
a difficult delivery of their first child (almost a year
ago), she turned to God asking for help and healing
for their new baby. God answered powerfully, and now
Van believes in God and Long has “a heart to believe
God.” A powerful example of why we should never
give up praying for people to come to faith in Christ.
We will begin a weekly Bible study via Skype with this
precious couple to help them understand who this
God is who loves them so much.
UNBOUND was an event done as part of our
New Student Outreach (NSO), which is one of
the ways we share the gospel. We centered our
NSO on the theme of human trafficking. It was a
great opportunity to raise awareness and to share
with people God’s desire for justice. The meeting
included a presentation by iOppose, dramatic
videos, and a closing message from Adam Jeske,
who tied human trafficking to the need of salvation
through Jesus. More than 70 people attended,
many commented on their changed perspective on
the issue and several people committed their lives
to Christ, or were interested in learning more. We
raised money for the cause and had a follow-up
action week. All in all God touched many hearts!
Lockport CARES Community Action Emergency
Shelter is working to break the cycle of homelessness.
God’s plan was for us to purchase 188 Genesee Street,
through donations by churches like The Chapel, for
a new transitional house. The house was condemned
when we acquired it and we didn’t have the manpower
Niagara Gospel
Rescue Mission
By Shaun Smith
Our ministry was initially called by the Lord
in 2006 to re-establish a true gospel rescue
mission in Niagara Falls, an often overlooked
and struggling city within Western New York.
Our dual purpose is to both minister the gospel of
Jesus Christ to all who are led to our doorsteps, and
by God. Every day thousands of women are faced with
a choice, believing abortion is their only solution. They
feel unloved and alone, facing the hardest choice they
will ever face. We lovingly listen, tenderly tell the truth
and point them toward the love of Jesus Christ. He
has called each of us at the Center to work with Him
to witness and share His love to the people He sends
to us. They know that they are not alone–they have
support from the body of Christ. At every session we
have the opportunity to pray with them and share the
gospel, presenting the assurance of hope and a future.
necessary to completely recreate the house. God
then sent Lockport Habitat for Humanity to become
our partner. HFH was able to rewire, re-plumb, and
reshape the rooms by March. Paint donations were
sent next. Jesus then sent us a former guest of
Lockport CARES that scraped the entire outside of
the two-story house and REACH painted the outside.
The Grand Opening and Church Service Blessing will
be Oct 6, 2013. In April 2013, Norman Kahler passed
away. God called a great man home that day. To honor
him and his family, the transitional house was named
The Kahler House.
to be an outreach resource for the church, fulfilling
God’s call to minister and care for the “least of these.”
This ministry is where Christians have directly engaged
the poor at a personal level—just as Jesus did!
We faithfully preach the gospel to hurting men,
women and children daily at mealtimes, 365 days a
year. We offer open biblical discipleship, designed for
both transient meal and emergency shelter guests,
and our men’s “New Life in Christ” program.
We are ever grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for your
partnership with us through Kingdom Come. Praise
God!
51
local partners
Peace of the City
Ministries
By Diann Takens-Cerbone
Recently, Peace of the City gathered teens from
around our weary city and mastered Shakespeare
for our fifth season. The true work of building a play
begins in firing up the lights in their souls as the
rehearsal process is a journey of the teen actors’ life
“thus far.”
Saving Grace
Ministries, Inc.
By Alyssa Gross
Since 2001, Saving Grace Ministries, Inc. has
provided a smooth transition to community life
for men and women recently released from a
correctional facility by providing a highly-structured
program based on Christian principles.
Saving Grace Ministries has experienced the hand
of God in our ministry in amazing ways in 2013.
Set Free
By Al & Deb Warner
“So there was great joy in that city.”
Joshua 6:16 and Acts 8:8 (NIV)
Since 1997, Set Free has been building bridges for the
churches of WNY to come together across racial and
denominational lines to transform our region with the
gospel. The Chapel partnered with local churches and
ministries, such as Set Free, to take unity to a whole
new level with Good Friday Together (GFT).
52
local partners
Through The Tempest, our teens and staff, and
hopefully the audience, will explore the bedrock
experience of mercy and it’s bright, beautiful child,
forgiveness. Learning to forgive is crucial for all,
especially the betrayed and marginalized children of
our society. The only young people that we’ve seen
truly recover from traumatic youth experiences are
those who can grapple with loss, forgiveness, and
rehabilitation though the hope and grace of Jesus.
In other words, young people who open their hearts
to God. Yes! God can and does use Shakespeare
some 400 years later to encounter Christ and His
transformational goodness and undeniable love.
Urban Christian
Ministries
By Francis Law
Our robust, on-the-streets ministry has enabled us
to speak and spread the Word to well over 1,500
individuals this summer through programs such as
Block Club Basketball (BCB), Kick It To The Curb (street
vacation Bible school), Resident Summer Camp, A
Grill & A Prayer Events, and Community Days. We
are blessed that this has resulted in 20 young people
accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
through BCB alone–lives that will now be touched by
God. We have been able to determine that streets
where we witness subsequently have a lower rate of
police calls, thereby achieving our goal of violence
prevention as well. In addition, we have created
greater awareness of our calling within the city through
collaboration with other gospel-based lay ministries
to be more effective at the Great Commission. We are
out there on the streets making a difference for God
and our community.
Through the support of a network of donors, we
were able to purchase a neighborhood food market
that was previously selling liquor and tobacco
products in the area where we operate. We will
be renovating the store and reopening it as a deli,
serving sandwiches and a signature line of baked
goods. The deli will offer an opportunity for the men
and women we serve to participate in employment
training, gaining valuable work experience necessary
to become contributing members of our community.
We praise God for an amazing year of ministry, and we
look forward to seeing what 2014 holds!
GFT gathered thousands of believers in the First
Niagara Center to lift high one name–Jesus Christ!
Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, city, suburbs, male,
female, young, old–we looked like the Body of Christ.
One of the key Christian leaders whom we disciple
remarked, “I am filled with courage to lead more
boldly for Christ in City Hall after seeing the thousands
of Christians who are behind me!”
Thank you, Chapel family, for looking beyond your
church to bless what God is doing in our region. It is
time for the Church of WNY to arise and shine!
He (Jesus) said to them,
“Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to all
creation.” Mark 16:15
MINISTRY PARTNER DIRECTORY
ABWE Partners
PO Box 8585
Harrisburg, PA 17105
717.774.7000
MINISTRY PARTNER DIRECTORY
John and Bev
Nate and Cherith Logan
ABWE: GAP
Contact the Kingdom Come
office at The Chapel
ABWE Brazil
Igreja Batista Esperanca
(Hope Baptist Church)
ibepoa.com
Steven & Cari Wendel
ABWE Czech Republic
wendel.abwe.org
BroadwayBroadway
Hope Hope
Compassion
Compassion
International
International
Good News
Good
JailNews
& Prison
Jail Ministry
& Prison Ministry
6101 Broadway,
6101 Broadway,
Lancaster,Lancaster,
NY 14086NY 14086
Scott Steger:
Scott716.684.5129
Steger: 716.684.5129
broadwayhope.org
broadwayhope.org
Colorado Colorado
Springs, CO
Springs,
80997CO 80997
800.336.7676
800.336.7676
compassion.com
compassion.com
Niagara County
NiagaraJail
County Jail
5526 Niagara
5526Street
Niagara
Ext.,
Street
PO Box
Ext.,496
PO Box 496
Lockport,Lockport,
NY 14095NY 14095
Chaplain Alex
Chaplain
True:Alex
716.438.3316
True: 716.438.3316
goodnewsjail.org
goodnewsjail.org
Buffalo Christian
Buffalo Christian
Center Center
Cross Training
CrossFootball
Training Football
512 Pearl 512
Street,
Pearl
Buffalo,
Street,NY
Buffalo,
14202NY 14202
Jim Swearingen:
Jim Swearingen:
716.856.7495
716.856.7495
thebcc.org
thebcc.org
P.O. Box 156
P.O. Box 156
Bowmansville
Bowmansville
NY 14086NY 14086
Mike Masters:
Mike 716.432.5152
Masters: 716.432.5152
crosstrainingfootball.com
crosstrainingfootball.com
Buffalo City
Buffalo
Mission
City Mission
Destination
Life Fellowship
Life Fellowship
100 E. Tupper
100 E.
Street,
Tupper
Buffalo,
Street,NY
Buffalo,
14203NY 14203 Destination
1609 22nd
1609
St. 22nd St.
Stuart L. Harper:
Stuart L.716.854.8181
Harper: 716.854.8181
Niagara Falls,
Niagara
NY 14305
Falls, NY 14305
buffalocitymission.org
buffalocitymission.org
Mark Perkins:
Mark585.356.2105
Perkins: 585.356.2105
Campus Ambassadors
Campus Ambassadors
UniversityUniversity
at Buffaloat Buffalo
Paul Decker
Paul
716.912.7339
Decker 716.912.7339
Eagles Wings
Eagles Wings
PO Box 450
PO Box 450
Clarence, Clarence,
NY 14031NY 14031
facebook.com/groups/18062870534352343523
facebook.com/groups/18062870534352343523
Cru
Cru
100 Lake 100
HartLake
DriveHart Drive
Orlando, FL
Orlando,
32832 FL 32832
Michael and
Michael
Amy and
Ramos:
Amy Ramos:
407.251.9490
407.251.9490
cru.org cru.org
Christ Together
Christ Together
Robert Stearns:
Robert716.759.1058
Stearns: 716.759.1058
eagleswings.to
eagleswings.to
EduNations
EduNations
PO Box 233
PO Box 233
Ingomar, PA
Ingomar,
15127PA 15127
Dean Weaver
Dean Weaver
edunations.org
edunations.org
1200 American
1200 American
Way, Libertyville,
Way, Libertyville,
IL 60048 IL 60048
Fellowship
Fellowship
of Christian
of Christian
Ryan Kozey:
Ryan
716.631.2636
Kozey: 716.631.2636
Athletes
Ice
Athletes
Hockey
Ice
Hockey
christtogether.com
christtogether.com
293 Ransom
293Oaks
Ransom
Drive
Oaks Drive
East Amherst,
East Amherst,
NY 14051NY 14051
Christian Christian
Central Academy
Central Academy
Rick Randazzo:
Rick Randazzo:
443.404.1747
443.404.1747
39 Academy
39 Academy
Street, Williamsville,
Street, Williamsville,
NY 14221NY 14221
fcahockey.org
fcahockey.org
Nurline A.Nurline
Lawrence:
A. Lawrence:
716.634.4821
716.634.4821
christianca.com
christianca.com
Generation
Generation
Church Church
1001 East1001
Robinson
East Robinson
Road
Road
Christian Christian
Counseling
Counseling
MinistriesMinistries
North Tonawanda,
North Tonawanda,
NY 14120NY 14120
of WNY, Inc.
of WNY, Inc.
Chad Rieselman:
Chad Rieselman:
716.243.9504
716.243.9504
9070 Main9070
Street,
Main
Clarence,
Street, Clarence,
NY 14031NY 14031 ntgeneration.org
ntgeneration.org
Dr. Timothy
Dr.P.Timothy
Chambers:
P. Chambers:
716.632.3200
716.632.3200
ccmwny.org
ccmwny.org
Global Fellowship
Global Fellowship
500 CrossPoint
500 CrossPoint
Parkway Parkway
Circle “C”Circle
Ranch“C” Ranch
Getzville, Getzville,
NY 14068NY 14068
10451 Ashcraft
10451Road,
Ashcraft
Delevan,
Road, NY
Delevan,
14042NY 14042
Dwight Smith:
Dwight
716.631.2636
Smith: 716.631.2636
Wes Aarum,
WesSr.:
Aarum,
716.492.3687
Sr.: 716.492.3687
gfmission.com
gfmission.com
circlecranch.org
circlecranch.org
City VisionCity Vision
512 Pearl 512
St., Pearl
Buffalo,
St.,NY
Buffalo,
14202NY 14202
Jim Swearingen:
Jim Swearingen:
614.580.1769
614.580.1769
city-vision.org
city-vision.org
Global Outreach
Global Outreach
Mission Mission
1670 Hopkins
1670Road
Hopkins Road
Getzville, Getzville,
NY 14068NY 14068
Brian Albrecht:
Brian Albrecht:
716.688.5048
716.688.5048
missiongo.org
missiongo.org
HBI GlobalHBI
Partners
Global Partners
PO Box 584,
PO Forest,
Box 584,
VAForest,
24551VA 24551
Bobby Gupta:
Bobby
336.595.3891
Gupta: 336.595.3891
hbiglobalpartners.org
hbiglobalpartners.org
Heritage Christian
Heritage Christian
Services Services
3790 Commerce
3790 Commerce
Ct., Suite Ct.,
800 Suite 800
North Tonawanda,
North Tonawanda,
NY 14120NY 14120
Marisa Geitner:
Marisa716.743.2020
Geitner: 716.743.2020
heritagechristianservices.org
heritagechristianservices.org
HoughtonHoughton
College College
One Willard
One
Avenue
Willard Avenue
Houghton,
Houghton,
NY 14744NY 14744
Mark Hijleh:
Mark
800.777.2556
Hijleh: 800.777.2556
houghton.edu
houghton.edu
International
International
Students Students
Inc.
Inc.
520 Lee Entrance
520 Lee Entrance
Suite 108-B
Suite
The108-B
Commons
The Commons
Amherst, Amherst,
NY 14228NY 14228
Don Manta
Don Manta
isibuffalo.com
isibuffalo.com
InterVarsity
InterVarsity
Christian Christian
Fellowship
Fellowship
100 Willow
100
Ridge
Willow
Drive
Ridge Drive
Amherst, Amherst,
NY 14228NY 14228
Nate Schutt
Nate Schutt
intervarsity.org
intervarsity.org
Isaiah 61 Isaiah
Project61 Project
PO Box 255,
PO Niagara
Box 255,Falls,
Niagara
NY 14305
Falls, NY 14305
Jim Haid: Jim
716.870.9557
Haid: 716.870.9557
isaiah61niagarafalls.org
isaiah61niagarafalls.org
Jericho Road
Jericho
Ministries
Road Ministries
/
/
Jericho Road
Jericho
Family
Road
Practice
Family Practice
184 Barton184
Street
Barton Street
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo,
14213NY 14213
Heather Quinn:
Heather
716.881.6181
Quinn: 716.881.6181
jrfp.org/jericho-road-global-outreach
jrfp.org/jericho-road-global-outreach
Kingdom Kingdom
Bound Ministries,
Bound Ministries,
Inc.
Inc.
8550 Sheridan
8550 Dr.
Sheridan Dr.
Williamsville,
Williamsville,
NY 14221NY 14221
Donna Russo:
Donna
716.633.1117
Russo: 716.633.1117
kingdombound.org
kingdombound.org
La Voix deLal’Evangile
Voix de l’Evangile
(The Voice(The
of the
Voice
Gospel)
of the Gospel)
Bill & Anne
BillAldin
& Anne Aldin
Contact: Global
Contact:
Outreach
Global Outreach
Mission Mission
missiongo.org
missiongo.org
Let Them Let
LOLThem LOL
PO Box 265
PO Box 265
Clarence, Clarence,
NY 14031NY 14031
Joe & Kate
Joe
Vacanti
& Kate Vacanti
letthemlol.com
letthemlol.com
Life Transforming
Life Transforming
MinistriesMinistries
8 Holleran8 Drive
Holleran Drive
Downingtown,
Downingtown,
PA 19335PA 19335
Dolph Paterno:
Dolph 484.467.3505
Paterno: 484.467.3505
quietrevolution.org
quietrevolution.org
Lockport Lockport
CareNet Pregnancy
CareNet Pregnancy
Center Center
229 East Avenue
229 East Avenue
Lockport,Lockport,
NY 14094NY 14094
Cindra Enzinna:
Cindra716.434.0251
Enzinna: 716.434.0251
lockportcarenet.com
lockportcarenet.com
Lockport Lockport
CARES CARES
Emergency
Emergency
HomelessHomeless
Shelter Shelter
192 Genesee
192 Street
Genesee Street
Lockport,Lockport,
NY 14150NY 14150
Marty Nagy:
Marty
716.438.2273
Nagy: 716.438.2273
lockportcares.org
lockportcares.org
Missio Church
Missio Church
620 West 620
Genesee
West St.
Genesee St.
Syracuse, Syracuse,
NY 13204NY 13204
Jim Murphy:
Jim315.299.4101
Murphy: 315.299.4101
missionchurch.org
missionchurch.org
Mission ofMission
Hope, Haiti
of Hope, Haiti
P.O. Box 60004
P.O. Box 60004
Fort Myers,
Fort
FLMyers,
33906 FL 33906
Annette Boorman:
Annette Boorman:
239.791.8125
239.791.8125
mohhaiti.org
mohhaiti.org
Niagara Gospel
NiagaraRescue
GospelMission
RescueInc.
Mission Inc.
Presidir.net
Presidir.net
The Rock The
Community
Rock Community
Church Church
c/o Worldc/o
in Need
World in Need
1420 Celebration
1420 Celebration
Blvd. Suite
Blvd.
200 Suite 200
Celebration,
Celebration,
FL 34747 FL 34747
AlejandroAlejandro
Belmar: [email protected]
Belmar: [email protected]
presidir.net
presidir.net
9403 Garfield
9403Blvd.
Garfield Blvd.
Garfield Heights,
GarfieldOH
Heights,
44125OH 44125
Dave Brunelle:
Dave 216.429.2636
Brunelle: 216.429.2636
therockcleveland.org
therockcleveland.org
Renovation
Renovation
Church Church
781 Maple
781
Road
Maple Road
Williamsville,
Williamsville,
NY 14221NY 14221
Darrick Castronova:
Darrick Castronova:
716.404.9355
716.404.9355
theWELLbuffalo.com
theWELLbuffalo.com
567 Hertel567
Avenue
Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo,
14207NY 14207
Brek Cockrell:
Brek 716.819.4100
Cockrell: 716.819.4100
therenovationchurch.com
therenovationchurch.com
Restoration
Restoration
Church Church
504 Frankhauser
504 Frankhauser
Rd.
Rd.
Amherst, Amherst,
NY 14221NY 14221
Dan Trippie:
Dan716.541.0794
Trippie: 716.541.0794
restorationbuffalo.com
restorationbuffalo.com
Saving Grace
Saving
Ministries,
Grace Ministries,
Inc.
Inc.
2025 Bailey
2025
Ave.,
Bailey
Buffalo,
Ave.,NY
Buffalo,
14211NY 14211
Alyssa Gross:
Alyssa
716.893.1840
Gross: 716.893.1840
sgmworld.org
sgmworld.org
SCORE International
SCORE International
SEND International
SEND International
PO Box 513,
PO Farmington,
Box 513, Farmington,
MI 48332 MI 48332
Kent & Joan
Kent
Wilson:
& Joan800.SEND.808
Wilson: 800.SEND.808
send.org send.org
Set Free, Set
Inc.Free, Inc.
PO Box 245,
PO Buffalo,
Box 245,NY
Buffalo,
14215NY 14215
Al & Deb Al
Warner:
& Deb716.553.0009
Warner: 716.553.0009
setfreeleaders.com
setfreeleaders.com
Singing Waters
SingingChristian
Waters Christian
Center Center
346 Catalina
346Avenue
Catalina Avenue
Avalon, CA
Avalon,
90704CA 90704
Enrique Dominguez:
Enrique Dominguez:
310.510.0073
310.510.0073
singingwaterscc.org
singingwaterscc.org
NorthGateNorthGate
Community
Community
Church Church
SonRays Ministries,
SonRays Ministries,
Inc.
Inc.
PO Box 673,
PO Tonawanda,
Box 673, Tonawanda,
NY 14150NY 14150
5225 Harris
5225
HillHarris
Road Hill Road
Alice Murchie:
Alice 716.695.9494
Murchie: 716.695.9494
Williamsville,
Williamsville,
NY 14221NY 14221
sonraysministries.org
Jon & Yolande
Jon &Hasselbeck:
Yolande Hasselbeck:
716.773.4337
716.773.4337sonraysministries.org
northgatebuffalo.com
northgatebuffalo.com
Springville
Springville
Crossing Church
Crossing Church
PO Box 841,
PO Placida,
Box 841,FL
Placida,
33946 FL 33946
Steve Gillis:
Steve
infoGillis:
@patchourplanet.org
[email protected]
patchourplanet.org
patchourplanet.org
11 West Main
11 West
Street
Main Street
Springville,
Springville,
NY 14141NY 14141
Keith Clark:
Keith
716.560.4704
Clark: 716.560.4704
springvillecrossing.org
springvillecrossing.org
Peace of the
Peace
Cityof the City
Steamtown
Steamtown
Church Church
PO Box 750,
PO Buffalo,
Box 750,NY
Buffalo,
14213NY 14213
Diane Takens-Cerbone:
Diane Takens-Cerbone:
716.828.8683
716.828.8683
peaceofthecity.org
peaceofthecity.org
Transformation
Transformation
Mongolia Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar,
Ulaanbaatar,
MongoliaMongolia
Axel Fischer:
[email protected]
Fischer: [email protected]
Transformation.mn
Transformation.mn
True Praise
True
andPraise
Worship
and (Food
Worship
Pantry)
(Food Pantry)
559 Humboldt
559 Humboldt
Parkway Parkway
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo,
14208NY 14208
Urban Christian
Urban Christian
MinistriesMinistries
967 Jefferson
967 Jefferson
Avenue Avenue
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo,
14204NY 14204
AlexanderAlexander
Wright: 716.882.9472
Wright: 716.882.9472
urbanchristianministries.org
urbanchristianministries.org
PO Box 9994
PO Box 9994
Chattanooga,
Chattanooga,
TN 37412TN 37412
Village Church
Jeff Hackett:
Jeff [email protected]
Hackett: [email protected] Church
312 Bryant
312
Street
Bryant Street
scoreinternational.org
scoreinternational.org
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo,
14222NY 14222
Jeremy Hazelton:
Jeremy Hazelton:
716.551.0677
716.551.0677
SaturationSaturation
Church Planting
Church Planting
villagechurchbflo.com
villagechurchbflo.com
Chad Smith:
Chad
spci.org
Smith: spci.org
1023 Ferry
1023
Avenue
Ferry Avenue
Niagara Falls,
Niagara
NY 14301
Falls, NY 14301
Shaun Smith:
Shaun
716.282.0432
Smith: 716.282.0432
niagaramissions.com
niagaramissions.com
Patch OurPatch
PlanetOur Planet
theWELL theWELL
1511 Pittston
1511Ave.
Pittston Ave.
Scranton, Scranton,
PA 18505PA 18505
Dennis D’Augostine:
Dennis D’Augostine:
570.290.7250
570.290.7250
steamtownchurch.com
steamtownchurch.com
Vision New
Vision
YorkNew York
10 River Road,
10 River
6P Road, 6P
New York,New
NY 10044
York, NY 10044
Jim Hines:Jim
[email protected]
Hines: [email protected]
visionnewyork.org
visionnewyork.org
Word of Life
Word
Bolivia
of Life Bolivia
Palabra de
Palabra
Vida de Vida
C.C. 4038,C.C.
Cochabamba,
4038, Cochabamba,
Bolivia Bolivia
Juan & Noemí
Juan &
Lella:
Noemí Lella:
[email protected]
[email protected]
World Hope
World
International
Hope International
1330 Braddock
1330 Braddock
Place, Suite
Place,
301 Suite 301
Alexandria,
Alexandria,
VA 22314VA 22314
Tom Armiger:
Tom 703.923.9414
Armiger: 703.923.9414
worldhope.org
worldhope.org
XCEL Leadership
XCEL Leadership
Center Center
567 Hertel567
Avenue
Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo,
14207NY 14207
Toni Benjamin:
Toni Benjamin:
716.819.4100
716.819.4100
xcelleadershipcenter.com
xcelleadershipcenter.com
500 CrossPoint Pkwy. | Getzville, NY 14068
716.631.2636 | thechapel.com