Spotlight on - Church of the Palms
Transcription
Spotlight on - Church of the Palms
Spotlight on Missions 2014 Welcome to the Spotlight on Mission booklet for 2014. It is wonderful that you are taking the time to look through this valuable resource to learn more about our mission partners, community ministries, connections to Presbyterian mission, and ways that several internal ministries at Church of the Palms reach our neighbors with the good news of Jesus Christ. As you read through the following pages, you will see that we have organized this booklet in three sections: local; international; and Presbyterian-affiliated to mirror our church’s website. One of the most amazing things about this congregation is the heart we have to be used by God to be a blessing to others in Sarasota, around our region, and across the globe. You can see it everywhere you look at COP: in the Back-toBasics Tutoring ministry; in the way we serve clients through our Food Pantry; in the Christ-centered chapel message the children in our Early Childhood Center hear each week; in the mission teams we send each year to serve alongside mission partners in Honduras and Nicaragua; and in the regular visits we have here on campus with mission partners from across town and around the world. We want you to know that the purpose of this booklet is not only to inform you about how God is changing peoples’ lives through our mission partners and community ministries, it is also intended as an invitation. You are invited to be personally involved in serving in one or more of these ministries. You can be involved by praying regularly for a mission partner or by volunteering your time. As you read the pages that follow, please think and pray about how the Lord might be leading you to respond to this invitation to be an equipped disciple of Jesus who blesses others in the Savior’s name. Finally, I would like to extend a word of thanks to Dr. Martha E. Church who has spent literally hours and hours over the past year gathering the stories that follow and writing them down in her own informative and inspiring way. This booklet would not have happened without her faithful efforts, week in and week out. Truly we are blessed that Martha has felt called by God to use her considerable talents as our Mission Partner Communications Coordinator. My thanks, as well, to Elder Phil Goodell, who moderates our Mission Committee and the rest of the good folks on that team who dedicate themselves to keeping our mission partnerships as a top priority at Church of the Palms. Blessings in Christ, Bruce Hedgepeth, Executive Pastor 2 Dr. Martha E. Church Table of Contents Local Missions Back to Basics Tutoring Program . . . . . . . . . . 7 3rd Annual Day of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Brothers and Sisters Doing The Right Thing . . . . . . 10 The Food Pantry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Crop Hunger Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 FISH Sarasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Equipping Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 First Impressions Ministry of Hospitality . . . . . . . 16 Habitat for Humanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Job Resources Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Loving Stitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Newtown Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Palms Men Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Rev. William Cruz (Good Samaritan Mission) . . . . . 23 Good Samaritan Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Resurrection House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 International Missions 4D Ministries and Hank Paulson . . . . . . . . . . 28 10 Missionaries Serving Overseas . . . . . . . . . 29 Agape Flights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Eric Yearwood (Campus Crusade for Christ) . . . . . . 31 The JESUS Film Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Day Jesus Miraculously Stopped a Suicide Bomber . . 34 Wycliffe in Nigeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Honduras Eye & Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Christians In Iraq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Honduras Good Samaritan Fund . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mission Miqueas 6:8 Orphanage . . . . . . . . . . 41 3 Alejandra Tejada Rivera . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Vida Joven/Young Life Nicaragua . . . . . . . . . . 44 Update on Iraq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Wycliffe Bible Translation . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Winklers - Their Amazing Year . . . . . . . . . 50 Darcie Drymon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Jeanine Giuffrida (YWAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Presbyterian Missions Drs. Leslie and Cynthia Morgan . . . . . . . . . . 55 Two Overseas Pastors of the PC/USA . . . . . . . . 56 Missionary - Student Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Kirkuk Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center . . . . . . . . 60 Mision Peniel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Beth-El Farmworker Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . 62 4 Mini Missions 2014 Expo How We Reach People For Christ T he Missions Committee invited all of us to participate in the 2014 Mini-Mission Expo. The 2014 theme was “How We Reach People for Christ.” Two important events were scheduled to give COP members several opportunities to meet and then to hear from local and international missionaries whom we support in our prayers and by our annual donations. The first event began with dinner in the Campus Center on Wednesday evening, January 29, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Mission Guest Speaker Rev. Bill Cruz, leader of the Good Samaritan Mission in eastern Hillsborough County, spoke to us in the Campus Center from 6:00 p.m.– 6:30 p.m. The second and larger event took place in the Campus Center on Saturday, February 1 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Mission Team Members promised the brunch (10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.) would be “featuring many breakfast-lunch items that COP members will find to be delicious!” It was free and there was a free-will offering to cover costs. Anything over and above the total cost was given to the missionaries. Missionaries and their Mission Partner Advocates sat at different tables so that COP members were able to meet and chat with some of them. At least eight to ten local and international missionaries spoke(or showed a video) for ten minutes, with time for questions after the last presentation. The missionaries lingered for another half an hour – with the hope that many COP members would also want to linger and ask more questions! 5 Local Missions 6 Back to Basics Local Mission Tutoring Program B ack to Basics Tutoring began in January of 1992, as a Church of the Palms Mission, providing supplemental academic assistance to students. Since the beginning, the program has grown from serving 12 students from two schools, to 230+ students throughout the school year from over 30 schools in Sarasota and surrounding counties. This ministry runs from September - April, on most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sessions are one-on-one for one hour in the Campus Center. Hours on Tuesday are from 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Students are referred to Back to Basics Tutoring by classroom teachers, school principals, school counselors, students, friends, and various agencies. Students in grade one through college attend one of the scheduled thirteen one-hour sessions. We have eight on Tuesdays and five on Thursdays. During a school year, over 5000 hours of one-on-one tutoring will be provided. Many volunteers not only dedicate a portion of their time, but also have the expertise to provide tutoring in reading, writing, spelling, Spanish, French, English, history, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, biology, trigonometry, chemistry, and physics. Each tutor gives his/her undivided attention to the students, helping with school work, listening to and encouraging them, and showing that they care. Several volunteers contribute significantly to the efficient management of these students and some 100 or so volunteers each day. These volunteers do a multitude of duties. They check in on the students and tutors and make certain each student stays matched to his or her tutor; serve snacks; answer the telephone; assist students and tutors in finding learning material; monitor student behavior at the entrance; operate the computers; and organize student folders! Please consider stepping forward to help these students by giving an hour a week (or more!) to assist them with their studies and self-confidence. Feel free to contact our Tutoring Director Judy Armitage to sign up: 924-1323 or [email protected]. 7 Local Mission 3rd Annual Day of Hope “An opportunity to share God’s love for all of us and our love for others.” O n Saturday, August 9, 2014, Church of the Palms sponsored (along with Hope Kids Community) its third annual Day of Hope. They hosted an all-day (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) event to assist 250 students and their families or guardians. Such numbers meant that Church of the Palms embarked upon an enormous undertaking, with its vision being “to serve the children in our community who are the financial neediest with some…living in cars, shelters, the street…and many in great need with the basic needs to begin the first day of school on an even playing ground.” Volunteers escorted each child throughout the day. The “Back to School” basics included the following: • Medical Exam • Eye Exam • Dental check up, flossing, and cleaning instructions • Haircut • Back to school photos and family portrait • $50 Gift card from Bealls for new clothes/uniforms • $25 Gift card from Payless for new shoes • New backpack filled with needed school supplies • Care bag filled with personal care items Day of Hope also involved the community by having: • A Fire Department to provide information on fire safety at home and at school • A Sheriff/Police Department to provide child safety photo (ID) and finger printing Throughout the day, Day of Hope at Church of the Palms served all the children and their families or guardians: • Breakfast, followed by a mid-morning snack • Lunch, followed by an afternoon snack It is important to note that the children arriving for the Day of Hope had been preselected and referred for this service and special event by the local elementary school guidance counselors or suggested by various not for profit agencies 8 that support and/or provide resources to these neediest of children and families. The children received a voucher that allowed each to receive each service. Our HOPEful outcome • An opportunity to share God’s love for all of us and our love for others. • Each child and parent/guardian left with a better sense of self worth and image…ready to start the first day of school on equal playing ground with their peers. Better self worth and image creates better attitude, attendance, and grades! How Each Of Us Can Help Day of Hope needs certain school supplies and will welcome donations of: • Travel size hand sanitizers • 12 count colored pencils • Colored markers • Glue sticks • 2 pocket - 3 pronged folders • Composition Notebooks and Notebook paper • Scissors • New sneakers and new socks for boys and girls who are in elementary school • AND - more volunteers are needed! What began in 2009 as one stay-at-home mom’s passion has blossomed into Hope Kids Community along with eight churches (Church of the Palms included) and has reach over 2000 children in Manatee and Sarasota Counties this year through Day of Hope. For more information, please contact Lynne Truschel at (941) 650-9029 or [email protected]. 9 Local Mission “Brothers and Sisters Doing the Right Thing” Newtown Program for children & teens The photo shows Alice Jones on the far right receiving a grant from the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office for her summer program. “ Thank you Church of the Palms!” Dee Webber writes that our church, through our mission program, helps support “Brothers and Sisters Doing the Right Thing.” Throughout the school year this organization runs a Homework and Tutoring Program at the Robert Taylor Center on Route 41. During the summer, it runs a special three part Education, Recreation and Service for the community program for teens. Throughout the year, Director Alice Jones talks to many people and after hearing her, many say “bring your teens to our programs this summer and we will include them in our activities.” This year the directors at the Sarasota Crew Rowing on Spanish Point offered full two-week scholarships to each of the Brothers and Sisters’ teens. There was a total of 100 young teens involved in the rowing programs. During the first two days, Alice’s teens kept mostly to themselves. They were the only African-Americans and perhaps felt shy and fearful. The third day after dropping off the teens, Alice proceeded to All Faiths Food Bank to pick up morning treats. Pallets of fresh, warm muffins had just arrived. The staff begged her to take more than she needed - lots more! Then Alice had an idea. She took everything offered back to the Sarasota Crew Rowing, gathered her teens around her and instructed each to go and invite other teens and counselors to come to their area to share the muffins. “What a ruckus!” Alice told Dee. Everyone was laughing and enjoying the treats and FINALLY talking to one another. They shared where they came from, how they liked camp, etc. From then on the week was laughter and enjoyment together. Small things - just warm muffins, but picture this story and think how the world could be changed if we could only each reach out in a small way. Mission Partner Advocate Dee Webber relates this story with tears in her eyes as she writes it for all of us as a Spotlight for the Church Bulletin. Dee states “Thank you Church of the Palms for helping support this tremendously needed Newtown mission program and thanks to All Faiths Food Bank for pushing warm muffins on her friend, Alice, that Wednesday morning.” Alice and Dee need more volunteers to assist with the Homework and Tutoring program. For details regarding volunteering, contact Dee Webber at [email protected] or 379-3500. 10 The Food Pantry Local Mission Church of the Palms T he Food Pantry is a mission supported by our congregation in partnership with the United Way to provide food to people in need from the Sarasota area. In 2013, the Food Pantry distributed 12,528 bags of food to those in need, an average of about 250 bags a week. This benefitted 20,794 people; 7,780 of whom were children. While the numbers of people and families seeking food assistance has declined from the recession years, the need is still great in our community. The food we distribute comes from several sources: we purchase most basic items at discounted rates from the All Faiths’ Food Bank and Save-A-Lot. Weekly, through their “Doughnation” program, we receive donated bread and pastry products from Panera Bread. All Faiths supports us with free weekly produce. Church members, friends and occasionally other organizations bring non-perishable items for distribution in our food pantry. Collection areas are located in the Sanctuary Narthex, the Campus Center and the church office lobby. How you can help: Funds for this ministry are generated through donations from the congregation. Over 120 Church of the Palms volunteers work year round to make this program possible. Every week, Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., teams of volunteers work at the Distribution Center distributing the bags of non-perishable groceries, supplemented by fresh produce, breads, baked goods and some baby items. Other teams gather each morning to package the food into grocery bags for distribution during the day. The 2013 Mission Matters Booklet observes: “Giving out groceries, a smile and a prayer.” For more information, contact Kathy Robinett, Food Service Coordinator at krobinett@ churchofthepalms.org or call 942-1323. 11 Local Mission Crop Hunger Walk E nding Hunger One Step at a Time was the goal of the annual Crop Walk held on Sunday, March 2, 2014. The Church of the Palms is one of about twenty local congregations that banded together in this effort to alleviate hunger around the world. The Crop Walk is the primary fund raising effort of Church World Service with 35 denominations cooperating in the U.S. with international disaster recovery and long term solutions for hungry people. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised in Sarasota go to our local All Faiths Food Bank. The Church of the Palms raised over $9,000 during the last two years, with young and old alike gathering support and “talking the talk.” Last year’s one mile and five mile walks began at St. James United Methodist Church - north of 17th Street on Honore Avenue. This is a major community service project of our new confirmands and their mentors. For more information, contact Bill Watrous at [email protected] or call 374-0062. 12 Local Mission FISH of Sarasota Icthus, Inc. I cthus, Inc., more commonly known as FISH of Sarasota, or FISH, is a charitable organization whose volunteer drivers have been providing free transportation to medical appointments since 1973. FISH of Sarasota was organized with financial assistance from our Mission Committee and other churches. Several members of the Church of the Palms have been and/or are currently involved with FISH. The mission is to provide voluntary transportation for residents who have no other means of transportation, specifically those who: have minimal financial resources; may have physical disabilities that prohibit them from driving, walking the distance to a bus stop or climbing the bus stairs; and/or have lost family, friends or other contacts who might otherwise drive them. FISH believes its volunteers are serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, and are living out Jesus’s second commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Each driver donates his/her time and their vehicle (including gas). Collectively, they drive approximately 25,000 miles each year. Although the rides are provided free of charge, FISH relies on monetary contributions to cover fixed administrative expenses, including a telephone/answering service, insurance, etc. The greatest ongoing need is for additional drivers. Each driver may choose to drive on a particular morning/afternoon of the week or may choose to be floater (willing to drive any day, if available). There is also an urgent need for a volunteer telephone scheduler this summer (work from home on Tuesdays to arrange Thursday rides). For more information, please feel free to contact Mission Partner Advocate Dell McAbee: [email protected]; home: (941) 371-5528; or work (941) 953-5838 (Answering Service serves FISH and other clients). 13 Local Mission Equipping Ministry What is “EQUIPPING”? Equipping is training and preparing Jesus’ followers to know Him through Scripture and to follow Him in the power of the Holy Spirit. C hurch of the Palms welcomes each individual attending one of its Sunday services by stating in its Welcome to Worship: Our mission and deep commitment is “Equipping Disciples for the Service of Christ.” Our Pastors, staff, and Session invite you to share not only in our worship, but also in the exciting opportunities that Church of the Palms offers to learn, serve, and grow in your faith. Who is to be Equipped? All of us! There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. - Ephesians 4:11-13 Therefore, “Equipping disciples for the service of Christ” means: We connect people to Jesus Christ and one another, create opportunities for the Holy Spirit to transform us into Christ-centered, Bible-based, Spirit-led followers, and impact lives in our community and the world for Christ as God has gifted us. Equipping Ministry Director Carolyn Wilson and her Team Leaders continue to introduce new ideas to help everyone, from long-time members to those making their first visits. They find roles that are a good fit for each one of us. As Director, Carolyn knows some of us are Seekers (Exploring Christ); Believers (Growing in Christ); Disciple (Close to Christ); and Disciples Maker (Aligned with Christ). 14 Who is to be EQUIPPED? All of us! Opportunities for Involvement PALMS University Classes Palms Life Small Groups Palms Men Presbyterian Women Leadership Development First Impressions Ministry New Members PALMS Essentials & S.H.A.P.E. Discipleship Coaching Library & RightNow Media Carolyn Wilson may be reached at [email protected], (941) 924-1323. 15 Local Mission First Impressions Ministry of Hospitality “ The roots of a mission of hospitality lie in the New Testament, where Jesus urges his followers to welcome strangers,” (Matthew 25:35) - quoted in a book by Dr. Dana L. Robert, Truman Collins Professor of World Christianity and History of Mission at Boston University. The decision to join a large and well-known church such as Church of the Palms requires couples, families, and individuals to give considerable thought about what they are seeking and what needs to be explored in the process. The Sunday selected for a visit brings with it anticipation, excitement, perhaps a few hesitations about what members might be like. They wonder which prayers may be offered, what music might be provided. They’ll wonder how memorable the sermon will be, and there’s probably some concern about where to park. COP’s Senior Pastor Steve McConnell writes in the “Welcome” section of the COP website “New Here?” - “We would like to welcome you to Church of the Palms’ website. We are happy to share with you the good news of good things that are taking place in and through our ministry here at Church of the Palms. Whether it is feeding the hungry throughout each week, tutoring children throughout the school year, building houses, supporting a child care center and a counseling center, or simply growing in our knowledge of Jesus, Church of the Palms is eager to be of service. We want to help you become more equipped as a disciple to serve in Christ’s mission in the world. On this website you will find many opportunities to connect with us and grow in your love of God. Don’t hesitate to contact us and ask your questions. We will do all we can to make sure you find your place in the great family and mission of God!” Pastor Steve provides some information that one might want to know before he or she arrives. He describes the parking, and explains the yellow umbrellas. People will be able to locate the two traditional services and the modern worship service. He describes where to find brochures and publications, and the location of the Welcome Center. He mentions the roles of ushers and greeters. He concludes with information about Sanctuary Worship at Church of the Palms - “complete with inspirational music, prayer, and sermon. And, he describes The Garden - A Modern Worship Service in the Campus Center.” Pastor Steve’s website welcome to visitors indicates what he sensed - that the entire congregation had the genuine capability to improve “welcoming” in a variety of ways. On September 13, 2014, over 100 COP ushers, greeters, yellow umbrella holders, COP pastors, staff, interested others, and group leaders linked to the two traditional services and to the Garden Worship Service, gathered to 16 discuss how to make first impressions for all visitors. We can be so welcoming, full of grace and caring, so friendly, and so helpful that a family, a couple, or a single individual would conclude very quickly: here is the church where we feel truly welcome. We are eager to explore how we might become involved in its mission of “Equipping Disciples for the Service of Christ.” These connections are of critical importance. No visitor should ever feel he or she is “on his/ her own” - once welcomed to Church of the Palms. The First Impressions Ministry of Hospitality Conference gathered numerous and highly valuable suggestions from the group who also sensed there were still a number of ways to improve how we welcome our visitors. We can help each individual become involved in one way or another in the life and service at Church of the Palms. In fact - some members have already mentioned that this particular ministry may possibly be COP’s most important ministry. It should be put to work because it focuses on bringing the entire congregation together in all that we do to learn, serve, and grow in our own faith. There is an important link between the First Impressions Ministry of Hospitality and the Equipping Ministry directed by Carolyn Wilson, which connects with newer members and assists them as they consider serving among the wide variety of categories. There are duties both large and small and choices that also work for affiliate members who come for part of each year. The “Equipping Ministry Organization Chart” has four categories, one of which is First Impressions Ministries. Listed below are the following: First Impressions Leadership Team whose team leaders are: Sanctuary Ushers - John Mercier and Glynn Armitage; Sanctuary Greeters - Marcia Baarson; Sanctuary Welcome Center; Yellow Umbrella Greeters - Linda Lehman; Courtyard Welcome Center - Sue Stolberg; Garden Greeters and Ushers - Jeanie Blazey; Parking Ministry Team; Guest Connections - Bev Bassett; and Courtyard Connectors - Pam Williams; and Sanctuary Coordinator during all services, and as such, is directly responsible for the Sanctuary ushers and greeters - Yoko Spivey. “Servant Connections - Opportunities to Serve” (with a subtitle of “Ministering with our Gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure”) is in booklet form and on COP’s website - listed under SERVE. (Revised 2014-01) The numerous ideas generated on September 13, 2014 during the first First Impressions Ministry of Hospitality Conference are now recorded for discussion and action. In summary - all of us appreciated hearing from Carolyn Wilson, Laurie Haas, and our Senior Pastor Steve McConnell. We had the pleasure of listening to the memorable Keynote Address “Choose Grace” by Megan Mooney - Garden Worship Leader. “One must never underestimate the importance of a cup of tea in the evangelization of the World.” (A statement by one of Dr. Robert’s mission workers.) Anyone interested in learning more about how they might participate in this wonderful ministry may contact Carolyn Wilson, [email protected] or any of the First Impressions team leaders. 17 Local Mission Habitat for Humanity “To partner with God and community to provide decent, affordable housing for people in need so they may build better lives for their families.” C hurch of the Palms joined with Habitat for Humanity International in 2002. The Mission Statement of Habitat-Sarasota proclaims its “desire to partner with God and community to provide decent, affordable housing for people in need so they may build better lives for their families.” In order that a deserving client can keep up with payments, they provide a loan that helps cover land and cost of materials. The loan is interest free, with no attendant fees, making the monthly payment affordable. Habitat volunteers remind us that the cost of land has risen greatly. And to make things even more difficult, cessation of federal programs means that contributions must increase in order to continue the financing of new land and providing low cost housing. Habitat-Sarasota relies on volunteers to provide about 90 percent of the labor in constructing or rehabbing a home. Currently it has plans to build up to six new homes in 2014, thanks to funds recovered from banks for improper mortgage foreclosures. Cele Cooper (Bell Choir) and Tom Webber take a break from construction of a new Habitat home on 21st street to invite others to share in the experience of being a light to the world in neighborhoods where Habitat is building homes. If you would like to become involved as a donor and/or a volunteer, please feel free to be in touch with Mission Partner Advocate Tom Webber at [email protected]. 18 Local Mission Jobs Resources Ministry A free service, offering to “walk alongside” those who are seeking employment in the Sarasota area. T he Job Resources Ministry at Church of the Palms is a free service, offering to “walk alongside” those who are seeking employment in the Sarasota area. Seeking employment alone is intimidating, lonely, exhausting and sometimes depressing. This ministry provides practical, emotional and spiritual support for job seekers. The Job Resources Ministry is conducted in cooperation with community resources such as Goodwill Industries, Suncoast Workforce, CareerEdge and other local agencies and Church of the Palms resources such as church volunteers (guides/coaches). Since unemployment is the root cause of many other needs, it is our primary focus. The guide/coach will aid the job seeker in accessing the appropriate local agency for assistance in all areas as needed as well as being a friend, good listener, encourager, and spiritual guide. There are no fees or charges for this service. This ministry is in need of men and women volunteer guides. (Please see below if this kind of volunteer service is of interest to some of those reading this spotlight.) Male clients are assigned to male guides and female clients are assigned to female guides. All guides are provided training before being assigned a client. Individual privacy is most important in all the efforts undertaken in this ministry. Please feel free to contact Marty Guice to learn more about this important ministry, [email protected] or call 358-9300. 19 Local Mission Loving Stitches A project of Presbyterian Women A lberta Adams reports that Loving Stitches is a wonderful group of women who knit, crochet, sew, or quilt for local charities. They meet on the fourth Friday of each month - year round - in the Chapel Reception room, starting at 9:45 a.m. The group furnishes all fabrics and yarn. The members may knit or crochet one of the group’s patterns or one of their own. While some of the women never attend a meeting, others like to get together each month. Those who don’t attend a gathering usually give their completed projects to Alberta on Sunday. The members try to add new projects as they see fit. This past year (2014) their new project was chemo hats for cancer patients. In addition, they also created the following items for: • Healthy Start: baby hats, socks, sweaters, blankets, receiving blankets and quilts • Veterans Hospital: knitted / quilted lap robes, single quilts and afghans • Resurrection House / Salvation Army: hats for homeless • Local Police: teddy bears to have in their cars for use when they go on a call • Sheriff Offices: teddy bears where a small child is involved • Easter Seals House: two of the women made adult bibs, seating pads and pillow cases Loving Stitches created some items for the PW Christmas Bazaar gathering that took place November. They also had quilts and teddy bears for the Chris and Christie Winkler baby shower held on Saturday, June 21 in the Campus Center. They also teach knitting and crocheting. While they are supported by Presbyterian Women, they welcome donations of yarn and fabric. Spotlights in the future will focus on other Presbyterian Women projects. If any woman is interested in working on Loving Stitches projects, please feel free to be in touch with Alberta Adams at [email protected] or call 924-8464. 20 Local Mission Newtown Youth Dee Webber aims to make the opportunities most of our children take for granted also available to our area’s most needy youngsters. I n November 2013 Dee Webber hosted some members of the Forest Service and the famous “Smokey the Bear” for her first grade students, who were thrilled by this special visit! Dee aims to make the opportunities most of our children take for granted also available to our area’s most needy youngsters. She mentioned recently that over 1,000 Christmas stockings are to be sent to Newtown and Ft. Myers youngsters. Church of the Palms became involved with the children of Newtown in 1998. Our Newtown Youth Mission Partner works with various organizations throughout the Newtown Community, such as the Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Booker Middle School, Brothers and Sisters Doing the Right Thing, Inc., City of Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota Department of Parks, and North County Library. It also partners with various area churches, many of which declare that the work being done by the Church of the Palms Mission Program in the Newtown area is not only a desperately needed helping hand to that community but also an excellent example of how to involve its own members in His work. “Mission Matters” mentions the need for more volunteers and explains we can help raise test scores and assist the children most in need, saying “Serve Him by Serving them.” Funding field trips for summer programs would add to the richness of what unfolds each summer. Mission Partner Advocate Dee Webber guides this important effort and knows exactly where each of us would be a “great fit”. Please feel free to be in touch with Dee at [email protected] or call Dee at 379-3500. 21 Local Mission Palms Men Ministry P alms Men is the Ministry for men at Church of the Palms. Their mission is to help men be disciples for serving Christ. During the year, Palms Men hosts several events to support men in their spiritual development and provide fellowship with other men. In the fall, Palms Men invites friends and families to a fun night at the baseball park. During the year, Palms Men also hosts several breakfast events in the Campus Center. These feature speakers, fellowship and great food. They also help men connect with small groups and give other support opportunities. In the spring, Palms Men hosts a Men’s Retreat for deeper spiritual growth and learning. Importantly, Palms Men wants to serve and encourage men in their everyday lives, their faith and mobilize them to serve in their communities. It’s helpful if men join the S.H.A.P.E. class, which helps them identify their gifts, abilities and passions. The combination will help a man decide in which mission he can align his gifts, passions and experience best. These may include Habitat for Humanity, the Food Pantry, Mission trips, teaching Sunday School, Tutoring or leading a small group or Bible study. On March 8, 2014, the Men’s 2014 Spring Retreat took place from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Dayspring Conference Center in Parrish with its cost being $30 (including breakfast and lunch). A discount was available for first time participants in Palms Men who had joined Church of the Palms in the past year. Palms Men welcomed and encouraged all men to attend. The retreat included great food, fellowship, personal time to relax and reflect, and discussions and teachings to foster each one’s spiritual growth. Senior Pastor, Steve McConnell, focused on equipping men in their faith journey. During the retreat, the men referenced the Personal Spiritual Growth Plans that they had shared at the Men’s Breakfast in January. For more information, contact Andrew McFall, 773-0971 or email [email protected]. 22 Local Mission Rev. William Cruz Good Samaritan Mission and Missionary “Through knowledge, we inspire the community to find physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.” T he Rev. William Cruz was the Guest Speaker on Wednesday evening, January 29, for the 2014 Church of the Palms Mini-Mission Expo. He addressed the Expo’s Theme of “How We Reach People For Christ.” His wife Theresa, who assists him in his missionary leadership role at Good Samaritan Mission located in Wimauma in eastern Hillsborough County, joined other local and international missionaries in giving brief presentations addressing this same theme after the Missionary Brunch in the COP Campus Center on February 1. Many of you may already know that Dr. Douglas Perry was a founding member of this mission to a largely Hispanic migrant community. In the 2013 issue of Mission Matters, Rev. Cruz reports that the “mission goals are not only to feed and clothe people, but also to teach them how they can help themselves.” Church of the Palms contributes financially through: the Mission Budget; the congregation; Children and Youth Organizations; and the Presbyterian Women who contribute diapers, school supplies, shoes, food, clothing and household goods. The most recent Good Samaritan Mission statement makes it clear that “through knowledge, we inspire the community to find physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.” In answering the question about how the Mission works to help people know God, the Good Samaritan Missionaries design their programs “either to evangelize or help attendees become disciples. Chapel services include the plan of salvation; the Bible class includes this plus discipleship issues; Men’s and Women’s groups as well as Marriage/Family/ Parenting groups also deal with faith issues.” If you would like to have more information about this Mission, please feel free to contact Mission Partner Advocate Wayne Kindt at 342-6494, [email protected]. 23 Local Mission Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast Strengthening individuals and families through professional Christian counseling services. Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast was established in 1999 by Church of the Palms to provide an interdenominational faith based counseling ministry to individuals and families of our community as a way to cope with the stresses of living in this broken world. The counselors are active in a variety of local congregations and respect and value the particular faith traditions of their clients. Church of the Palms has provided space on its campus for Samaritan since its founding fifteen years ago. Moreover, Church of the Palms generously provides Samaritan’s client assistance fund with $20,000 annually from the Mission Committee’s budget. Samaritan is most grateful for this long standing and supportive relationship. The 15th Anniversary Statement issued in September offers these observations, beginning with Executive Director, Rev. Rick Howell’s, excitement that God was calling him and his family to serve Samaritan with its vision of people being helped, often at the deepest point of their despair, to find healing, reconciliation, and hope. During these years, Samaritan has been blessed with faithful, wonderfully gifted team members. One pastor told Rick he loved his congregation and would not entrust them to counselors without complete confidence in their therapeutic ability and spiritual maturity. Rick knows his clinical staff has earned this confidence. Samaritan’s counselors are committed to utilizing faith as a tool for therapy and have training and experience in how this is best accomplished. Through cultivation and sound stewardship of resources, he and his colleagues are able to say “yes,” even for clients unable to afford the full fee. Over these fifteen years, Samaritan has benefitted from a wonderful and growing group of devoted and talented board members and volunteers, who have committed time and energy to accomplish its mission. Rick adds - through the passion of the people God has called to partner with Samaritan, his team has made a qualitative and longstanding difference in the lives of many who were hurting. 24 Samaritan is called by God to provide outpatient mental health counseling from a perspective guided by our Judeo-Christian heritage. Consistent with Jesus’ approach with people, Samaritan meets clients where they are and respects their wishes regarding the degree to which they desire their faith used as a therapeutic resource. Research continues to demonstrate the efficacy of including a person’s faith into the counseling process. Even so, many mental health providers have been resistant to include spirituality into the process for a variety of reasons. These include historic beliefs about the role of faith in dysfunctional mental health and lack of training on how integration is most helpful. Through an innovative initiative with the Psychiatry Department of the University of South Florida Morsani School of Medicine, Samaritan is providing spiritual integration training to third and fourth year psychiatry residents, less than 30 percent of whom claim to be people of faith themselves. During the most recent class, one of the residents shared that she had heard the lectures last year and while dubious had committed to include spirituality with her patients to see if it had any effect. “I have been amazed at how many of my patients have responded so positively and indeed their spirituality is a wonderful source of resiliency for them.” Rick is excited about how this effort will shape the field of psychiatry in the future. Let us celebrate how God has blessed the partnership between Samaritan and Church of the Palms. So what difference does the support of Samaritan by Church of the Palms make in our community? About a month ago one of Samaritan’s counselors was at a local church event, when a woman walked up to the counselor and introduced herself. With tears rolling down her cheeks she said, “I used to go to Samaritan. There was a time in my life I didn’t think I could go on and was seriously considering ending my life. By God’s grace one of my friends who was very concerned about me mentioned Samaritan and encouraged me to reach out...and I did. I am here today as a testament to their good work. I am glad for you that you are a part of such a life changing ministry.” It turns out that it had been over 8 years since this woman had been served by Samaritan and she still feels this passionate about how they instilled hope and transformed her life. For more information contact Rev. Rick Howell, Executive Director, at (941) 926-2959. 25 Local Mission The Resurrection House A faith-based resource center committed to the alleviation of the suffering of the homeless by offering physical, emotional and spiritual help, and by serving as a bridge from despair to dignity. I n 1989, six downtown churches joined together to found a daytime resource for the homeless of Sarasota County. At the present time, Resurrection House is the only faith-based daytime resource center for our homeless population. Its Mission Statement reminds us that a day center for the homeless is dedicated to restoring their dignity, productivity and self-sufficiency to the best of its ability. “Mission Matters” mentions that Resurrection House provides some basic services as giant steps toward progress for those in desperate circumstances, such as showers, laundry, counseling. Other services include securing an I.D., job searching and housing assistance, in-house medical clinic, clothing, mail service, bus passes, haircuts, use of a phone and more! Presently, more than 225 men and women receive help each day. Supported by private donations, Resurrection House receives no government funding. Donations The Resurrection House welcomes donations of clothing (jeans and underwear sizes 30-34), socks, towels, wash cloths, sneakers (any size men and women), reading glasses and more. Please drop off donations in sacks or containers marked RH in the Administration Building. All donations are greatly appreciated. For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact Mission Partner Advocate Len Higley at [email protected]. 26 International Missions 27 International Mission 4D Ministries & Hank Paulson “It’s not our activities, but God’s amazing work in the lives of young and old that we are so thankful for and most excited about.” 4D Ministries is a new missionary organization serving countries in Eastern Europe, which Hank and Mona Paulson (recipients of Church of the Palms support for several years) founded in 2012. In an early fall 2013 report to the Missions Committee, Hank described some of the summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools being run in various East European countries. These camps and schools resulted in hundreds of kids “making a first time commitment to follow Christ or dedicating their lives to follow him more closely.” Hank continues his report by observing: “It’s not our activities, but God’s amazing work in the lives of young and old that we are so thankful for and most excited about. It’s God’s work, but he used our staff, pastors and also you (members of the Church of the Palms) to be an important part. Thank you (COP) so much for letting Him use you!” In addition, Hank and Mona are building strong local relationships with several church groups – with the goal being to establish new programs that “will equip Church and lay leaders to teach and coach in personal Biblical stewardship within their congregations. This new area of spiritual teaching is fundamental to helping the indigenous Church be Biblical, self-sustaining, and missional for years to come.” Please feel free to ask for more information about the countries involved by contacting the Mission Advocate for 4D Ministries, Rev. Phil Bliss, at 941-748-2126 or [email protected]. 28 10 International Mission Missionaries Serving Overseas This Spotlight is intended to share information about four men and six women who as Servants of the Lord are serving in several places where we must not reveal their exact locations and in one case not even the last name. Given their dedication and many accomplishments, it is important that we as members of the congregation remember each one of these missionaries in our thoughts, prayers, and in our giving. COP Mission Partner Advocates stay in touch on a regular basis and all of these missionaries have various ways to keep in touch with us. This way we may help members of the congregation get to know them and learn how to be in touch with their respective Mission Partner Advocates. The first list provides as much information as is appropriate and lets you know who is their Mission Partner Advocate(s). Rev. Christine Goodman Callison and Rev. Gregory Callison Wider Middle East (PCUSA) Mission Partner Advocates: Reyn and Doris Kamphuis [email protected]; 360-8474 Dimitrie & Maria Todorov New Hope - Bulgaria Mission Partner Advocate: Rev. Phil Bliss [email protected]; 748-2126 Drs. Les & Cynthia Morgan Bangladesh: Christian Mission and Hospital Mission Partner Advocate: Mrs. Maxine Perry [email protected] 349-3282; 342-6494 Jeanine Guiffrida YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Derby, England Mission Partner Advocate: Ray Angle Retired Clerk of the Session [email protected] 351-1103 Pam (no photo) Mediterranean Region Student Ministry Mission Partner Advocate: Wayne Kindt [email protected] 342-6494 Hank & Mona Paulson 4D Ministries - Eastern Europe Mission Partner Advocate: Rev. Phil Bliss [email protected]; 748-2126 29 International Mission Agape Flights Serving Christ by Serving His Missionaries T he most recent “Flightline” from Agape Flights reports: “God’s transformational love is a matter of the heart, from the inside out. At first glance, Agape’s most visible transformation this summer might be the outside of the hanger building. In an effort to care for the ministry home that God has provided, the outside of Agape’s hanger received a much-needed facelift. The leaky downspouts were repaired, the rusty building was primed and painted, the torn awnings replaced, the overgrown bushes and trees trimmed and the parking lot sealed. The funds used to complete the work were raised last March during the ‘Pie in the Sky’ pie auction, and earmarked for the purpose of building repairs.” Among the eight visitors from COP, several bid successfully and took home pies! “The outside of the building has been transformed to more closely mirror the excellence of God’s work, but where Christ’s transformational work truly matters is at the heart, the ‘inside’ of the mission work, to ‘Serve Christ by Serving His Missionaries’ in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.” “God’s transformation is a continual process. Last year, Agape celebrated the successful completion of the safety audit and adoption of values driven governance principles. Agape met another of it ‘heart related’ strategic goals just a few weeks ago when we gained accreditation by the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA). We have taken the ECFA accreditation process seriously to demonstrate further our commitment to our core values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Shared Purpose. These values continue to remind and inspire the Agape staff and board to stand accountable, reflect our mission, purpose and beliefs in all that we do.” For more information, contact Mission Partner Advocate for Agape Flights, John Mercier, [email protected], (941) 586-5726. 30 International Mission Eric Yearwood Campus Crusade for Christ E ric Yearwood sent an incredibly interesting video that was shared during the 2014 Mini-Mission Expo Saturday Brunch. It focused on his newest assignment for Campus Crusade which began last fall when he assumed the leadership of a Campus Crusade Team. The team was dedicated to reaching artists in New York City with the gospel. It trained them to use their artistic gifts to reach others for Christ. We learned how excited he is about this assignment because he is particularly well suited for this task, given the fact that he earned a master’s degree from The School of the famed Art Institute of Chicago before joining the Campus Crusade over nine years ago. He is spending his time this year to mentor the younger staff on the team. He provides them with theological and evangelistic training. In addition, he is meeting with and encouraging Christian artists to become disciples. He also is building relationships with non-believing artists and sharing the gospel in an arts community “defined by brokenness, excess, and darkness.” It is his hope to do for the arts what “Tim Tebow has done in professional sports: ‘to make Jesus the topic of conversation around the water cooler’, except these conversations will happen around an easel, a stage, or a TV camera.” Eric observes that he and his team are trusting God to do amazing things through this ministry in New York City, and he is excited to see what God has in store for him and his colleagues. When Eric joined Campus Crusade for Christ full time, he was introduced to COP’s Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study Group. He deeply appreciates their prayers and financial support along with similar prayers and support from the COP’s Missions Committee. Before his newest assignment, Eric has served in the Middle East and on several college campuses in the US. Finally he hopes to raise $2,000 for some special evangelistic tutoring with Dr. Ted Roberts of the Pure Desire Ministries. For more information, please feel free to contact Bill Watrous, [email protected] or call 374-0062. 31 International Mission The JESUS Film Project “The Gift of Christ at Christmas.” A ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ C hurch of the Palms is honored to have welcomed to its worship services (on December 15, 2013) a well known Servant of the Lord - Gabriel de Guia. He is the Development Representative for the JESUS Film Project at the Campus Crusade for Christ. Campus Crusade for Christ is located near the Wycliffe Bible Translation U.S.A. headquarters in Orlando, Florida. With the approval of the Session, the JESUS Film Project was dedicated as “The Gift of Christ at Christmas.” In the part of 2013, Gabriel stated that Church of the Palms had taken an unprecedented step to support a “word for word” effort by Wycliffe translators to give an “unreached people group” their first opportunity ever to meet Jesus and to hear him speak their own language through the JESUS Film. We are proud to announce that Church of the Palms has contributed enough to support a second translation effort. That translation will reach 135,000 men, women, and children, with the first effort serving 100,000 individuals. This second dramatic step prompted the Session’s decision to focus its celebration on an amazing partnership that will keep on growing. To date more than 200 million people have indicated a desire to follow Jesus after viewing the film. The congregation knows its financial support for the second language reserved for Church of the Palms will eventually help reach over 235,000 people. These are individuals who currently have no portion of the Bible available in either of the two languages we support. As the year comes to an end, we all now know that Church of the Palms will be helping the Word of God reach these two groups in their own languages for the first time in history. For that, we thank the dedicated partnership we are seeing in action today for the JESUS Film Project. 32 JESUS is a two-hour film based on the Gospel according to Luke, telling the story of Jesus Christ. Since the JESUS Film Project’s debut in 1979, the film has been translated into over 1,160 languages and has been shown in over 230 countries with an incredible response. To date more than 200 million people have indicated a desire to follow Jesus after viewing the film. Yet, there are still 865 documented language groups that do not have a translation of the Gospel - leaving much more work to be done. Please note that DVDs of the JESUS Film are here for you to keep and to share. Contact Info Gabriel de Guia Reyn & Doris Kamphuis [email protected] [email protected] Erick & Elizabeth Schenkel: The JESUS Film Project A Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, 100 Lake Heart Drive, Dept. 3100, Orlando, FL 32832-02100 (407) 826-2300 33 International Mission The day JESUS miraculously stopped a r e b m o B e d i c i Su Campus Crusade for Christ On August 19, 2014, the president of Campus Crusade for Christ sent a letter to donors about the day Jesus miraculously stopped a suicide bomber. This is what Steve Douglas wrote: A “Jesus” film team had taken a courageous step, going into a village in a dangerous, mountainous area. They brought a DVD of “Jesus.” The team gathered about 250 people into a community hall and closed the window for secrecy. It was crowded and tight and the screen was relatively small, but everyone stayed and watched the entire “Jesus” film. The film, perhaps the most biblically faithful film on the life of Christ, is part of the Jesus Film Project, a ministry of CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ International). “ I heard that you were going to show a blasphemous film. I went to my leaders and they agreed you should die. I strapped on this bomb and came to kill you all.” When it came time for the team to give an invitation to receive Christ, a man sitting on the floor stood. He opened his shirt so all could see. Strapped to his chest were explosives - a suicide vest. Panic set in. “Wait….wait! Don’t leave. I’m not going to blow myself up. I need to tell you what just happened.” It took several minutes to convince the people to stay, and at last they did. “I heard that you were going to show a blasphemous film. I went to my leaders and they agreed you should die. I strapped on this bomb and came to kill you all. When the film started I reached for the detonator and tried to push the button. But as I watched the film, Jesus turned and pointed right at me. He called my name and said, ‘Don’t do that…. Follow Me.’ 34 “Over and over I tried. Every time I reached for the button He pointed to me and said, ‘Don’t do that…Follow Me.” My hand froze every time. I couldn’t move my thumb. I gave up and just stayed to watch. Now I believe. I want Jesus to be my Savior. Can you help me know more about Him?” The team leader said, “Yes, of course, but first you must take off that vest!” The would-be suicide bomber went out from the building, far away, and took it off, disarming the explosives. He returned and the team prayed for him - but that is not all. “ Every time I reached for the button He pointed to me and said, ‘Don’t do that…Follow Me.’” Remember that this is an extremely dangerous area, one intensely hostile to Christianity. Anyone leaving his/her traditions can expect to be killed. The Word of God contained in “Jesus” had just spoken to the people. Learning the truth of the gospel for the first time was a powerful experience. The people were amazed by this man’s testimony. He was a radical who would stop at nothing. They knew they had just seen a miracle. When the film leader asked who wanted to receive Christ and pray, everyone did. The next day, the team held a service where 250 new believers were baptized in their new faith, including the man with the suicide vest. If I told you where this happened, you would be astonished. How powerful is our God! How loving that He claimed a would-be suicide bomber as His own along with everyone in that room whom the man had come to destroy. This account comes directly from ministry leaders of high character and eyewitness teams. They are just as amazed as we are - and they work in these areas! May God alone receive all the glory, honor, and praise “…that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever” (Joshua 4:24, NASB). Since 1979, more than 200 million men, women and children worldwide have indicated decisions to follow Jesus after viewing the “Jesus” film. How can any single film reach so many people and touch so many lives? It’s the power of the Word of God in their heart language. Based on he Gospel of Luke, the “Jesus” film has now been translated into more than 1,200 languages, with new languages being added every month. This allows God’s Word to speak to people in more than 200 countries in languages they know and understand. By God’s grace, it’s yielding a spiritual harvest of unprecedented results. Mission Partner Advocates Reyn and Doris Kamphuis may be contacted at 360-8474, [email protected]. 35 International Mission Wycliffe in Nigeria Church of the Palms as a Prayer Anchor Church C hurch of the Palms is partnering with Wycliffe Bible Translators as the Prayer Anchor Church for Nigeria. That means that each one of us is to pray regularly for the translation work in Nigeria. This is very important at this difficult time in Nigeria. UNESCO reports that 5.5 million girls are not in schools of any sort in Nigeria and those who are not at all safe. There are over 500 different people groups in Nigeria and 231 of those language groups have no scripture available in their “heart” language. That number will soon drop to 229 when the work is completed for the two language groups currently being supported by COP members for 235,000 men, women, and children. This still means that at least seven million people do not have access to God’s Word in their “heart” language. You and I can help by praying regularly that God will continue to clear the way for missionaries such as Wycliffe Bible Translators. They translate their verbal “heart” language into a written language and then translate the scripture into each of these 229 remaining language groups in Nigeria. Because Church of the Palms has been supporting two missionaries in Nigeria, we feel this Spotlight on Missions should share with the congregation the special prayer request received this past week from Wycliffe in Orlando: “There were two bomb explosions in downtown Jos, Nigeria. At this point Wycliffe does not know the numbers killed or injured but it seems there may be many. To the best of Wycliffe’s knowledge all staff and their families are safe. Please pray for the Wycliffe staff based in Jos that they will make wise decisions in response to this situation. Please pray also for the country of Nigeria, which is facing trouble on many fronts at the moment.” And, all of us should continue praying for our beloved Servants of God who have spent considerable time in Nigeria. Please feel free to contact Mission Partner Advocates Reyn and Doris Kamphuis at [email protected], 360-8474. 36 International Mission Honduras Eye & Dental Clinic Centro Cristiano de Servicios Humanitarios de Honduras (CCSHH) T he Honduras Eye and Dental Clinic is dedicated to caring for the Eyes and Dental needs of the poor and was founded by the late Dr. Douglas Perry, a member of COP, in collaboration with Rev. Daniel and Ruth Castro, Directors of Sociedad Medica Cristina, and Willie Hunter, General Director of Medical Ministry International. Known as Centro Cristiano de Servicios Humanitarios de Honduras (CCSHH), it opened in 1997. Its mission statement indicates the center’s commitment to addressing the medical, surgical, dental, and spiritual needs of the Honduras poor and to improving their quality of life. In CCSHH’s Annual Mission Partner Review, staff members note that “in their waiting room, they have a Pastor read scripture, preach and interact with the patients” and that they “begin each day with a devotional for the employees of the clinic.” Church of the Palms has played a major role in helping establish the clinic and continues to provide both financial and spiritual support. Moreover, a mission team from the COP assisted in a major renovation of the eye clinic in 2009. In 2010, a grant was given by the Church of the Palms Foundation to help renovate the surgical area of the clinic. The clinic seeks volunteer ophthalmologists, dentists and other medical personnel to work with the Honduran staff as they share God’s love. COP members who do not have medical backgrounds are invited to come and work with the Hondurans as well to share God’s blessings. Since 1997, the Eye Clinic’s exam count: 170,000; total surgeries: 12,000. When asked during its 2013 review about their greatest need in 2014, the CCSHH mentioned their need to purchase a bus to transport clinic staff and patients to and from remote areas. During her recent visit to the Clinic, Mrs. Maxine Perry learned of another urgent need: a portable autorefractor to examine patients when staff travels long distances to care for folks who cannot afford to come to the Clinic. For additional information on CCSHH and how you can contribute, please contact Mission Partner Advocate Maxine Perry at [email protected] or call 349-3282. 37 International Mission Current status of Christians in Iraq as of August 2014 C hristians throughout the Middle East are in great danger at the present time. Wars in Iraq, Syria and Gaza have threatened the very lives of Christians throughout the region and many have been killed. A violent fanatical terrorist group known as the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS), (also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or simply the Islamic State (IS)) is threatening death to anyone who does not believe and accept their brutal interpretation of sharia law. This has happened in Syria and now in a major portion of northwestern Iraq and is threatening Kurdistan. As you are aware, things change by the hour in Iraq nowadays. The Islamic State (IS) is advancing northward towards Kurdistan and threatening anyone who does not believe sharia law as they narrowly interpret it. Thus they are killing not only Christians, but other minority religions groups such as Yazidis, Shiite Muslims, and moderate Sunni Muslims. The Islamic State has captured oil fields and refineries, the Mosul dam, numerous cities, and highways. They are very mobile and can move their artillery extremely fast, making them difficult to predict. Mass exodus and displacement of Christians and other minorities has occurred totaling over 500,000 people in the past several days. The Islamic State has trapped over 40,000 Yazidis on Mt. Sinjar, where they face starvation and dehydration, or genocide if they descend the mountain. The US Air Force began providing airdrops of food and water, and by 8/14/2014, the US Air Force had sufficient help from the Kurdish Regional Government troops (known as the Peshmerga) to give these refugees a chance to flee the mountain. Rev. Haitham (who is the Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Kirkuk, Iraq that we support through our Mission Team), his wife and parents, and several other Kirkuk Church families were urged to leave Kirkuk and sought refuge in Erbil. This was a precautionary measure because of the bombing of two Shiite Mosques in Kirkuk (something that has not happened for a very, very long time.) Things in Erbil were not easy either. Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan which already has over 1,300,000 residents, and Dohuk, another major city in Kurdistan, have absorbed hundreds of thousands of refugees over the past month, and they are stretched beyond capacity. Church grounds are filled to overflowing and families are filling the streets. Their needs are huge. Air attacks on the Islamic State army have caused ISIS to retreat slightly on the approach to Erbil, thereby permitting the Kirkuk Pastor and his family to return to Kirkuk, hoping and praying that they can protect the church there. Christians have already been forced to walk from the city of Mosul - leaving everything behind including their homes, belongings, cars, money, and bank accounts; even 38 their wedding rings were confiscated by the Islamic State. Their choices: stay and be killed or flee. Now they are homeless and have absolutely nothing. The pictures you see were sent by the pastor to show Christian refugees huddled in a church in Erbil. Their needs are multiplying each day with more and more refugees arriving hourly, including Christians and Yazidis who were recently rescued from Mt. Sinjar. The pastor has issued an appeal to the world to be aware of this situation and to react immediately. The Islamic State is threatening mass genocide on large areas occupied by Christians and other religious minorities. He urges everyone who reads this appeal to “shout a distress call to all humanitarian organizations worldwide to see and know what is happening in Iraq. This appeal reaches out to the Pope and religious groups everywhere to feel and share the pain and persecution of the Christians and others. More than a half million people have been crowded into Kurdistan within a few weeks, stretching resources beyond limits. Fear of the future abounds, with people not knowing if they will live or die, or if they can ever return to their homes. Families have been disrupted. He says that Christians there lift their hearts and their prayers to the Lord along with their fears and their tears. He asks us to support them first with our prayers and then with any other support we can offer. He urges prayer to our God to protect the Christians, and to change the hearts of their persecutors. Prayers for the Christians and the Kurdish Leadership and for all churches who are hosting refugees are much needed right now, along with continued prayers for deliverance from this time of trial - for heart courage and faithful witness and persevering energy in the midst of this onslaught - for continued hope in our Lord who is the bright morning star that shines the brightest when the night is at its darkest.” With rising violence in Iraq that has targeted Christians and other religious minorities, the Presbyterian Church is working through our mission partners to provide relief to those who have been affected. Contributions can be made online: http://www.presbyterianmissions.org/ donate/E052049, or you may make a check payable to PC/USA ECO Fund # 052049. Write “Iraqi Displaced Christian Relief” on the Memo Line and mail to: PC/USA Individual Remittance Processing P.O Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 Attn: ECO Fund #052049 - Displaced Christian Relief The author of this spotlight is Charlie Haeussner, a member of the Mission Committee who lives in the Pittsburgh area half of the year and in Sarasota, Florida the other half. He may be reached at [email protected]. 39 International Mission In recent years, the VBS team has presented a Sunday afternoon program for the Good Samaritan Families. It includes sharing the Gospel, music, a craft project and a healthy snack. This year we also presented the children with school supplies and a pair of sunglasses. Honduras Good Samaritan Fund T he Honduras Good Samaritan Fund was established to assist individuals and organizations in Honduras who have needs, which do not fall within the guidelines of the budget for the Honduras Eye and Dental Clinic. The Fund’s mission statement declares its commitment “to help the poor and disadvantaged in the El Progreso area by improving their lives, and most of all witnessing the love of Christ based on two Biblical passages - John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us” and Luke 10:25-37: “...the Parable of the Good Samaritan.” The Fund stated last fall in its Annual Mission Partner Review that “bringing Christ to those in need by being a vessel of his love and mercy, our main objective is to share the hope of Salvation with every child and adult we serve in the program. We do this by meeting them where they are in life, assisting with basic needs such as food, clothing, education, medical help, and most of all, sharing the love of Jesus with them.” Good Samaritan started a new venture in 2013 in which it will try to match future expenses in two ways: (1) with donations from individuals; (2) revenues from the sales of finished products through a women’s micro-business, with products such as fresh juice and a cleaning solution for homes. Lorena Rivera, wife of the Clinic’s Executive Director, is directing this project. Last spring in “Mission Matters,” the Fund mentioned that it had been funding “transportation, food and lodging for clinic patients who cannot afford travel to the Clinic for surgery, along with any pre-surgery care they may need.” The Fund also continues to help Good Samaritan families with the purchase of school supplies so they can attend school. Moreover, the Fund also assists these families and Clinic employees and their families with personal and medical emergencies. Finally, the Fund supplies important needs of a nursing home just outside of El Progreso. For more information and how you can participate, please contact Mission Partner Advocate Maxine Perry at [email protected] or call 349-3282. 40 International Mission Mission Miqueas 6:8 Orphanage “To raise children who have been abandoned, neglected or abused with love, care, education, encouragement and Christian values...” M elody and Jacob Cherian have partnered with God to become the parents of 39 children whose ages range from a few months to fourteen, and as Mrs. Maxine Perry reported last October in Honduras Happenings, this effort “is truly a witness to discipleship in action. They both radiate God’s love as they care for these little ones as parents care for their children and God cares for us. It has been a blessing for Church of the Palms to partner with this couple.” COP’s main support this year has just taken place during February when a COP Mission construction team spent time at the orphanage during the first week. Using tools and supplies they had brought with them, the Team focused on building partitions and helped with other physical improvements. The second team focused on sharing a Vacation Bible School. The vision of Miqueas (Micah) 6:8 is “to raise children who have been abandoned, neglected or abused with love, care, education, encouragement and Christian values so that they will have the ability to lead the future generations of Honduras.” Melody and Jacob believe that “Honduras’ development revolves around children and their communities. Therefore, they have planned activities to promote the Christian, holistic development of children to be future leaders of their communities.” “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8 (NIV) Phil Goodell, COP Elder and Chairman of the Missions Committee, recently observed that the Orphanage’s name is connected with the verse in Micah 6:8 (NIV) “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Phil adds, “a great statement of Christian values.” For more information, please feel free to contact Mission Partner Advocate and the 2014 COP Leader of the Honduras Construction Team during the first week of February – Dale Vollrath at [email protected], 586-1143. 41 International Mission Honduras Mission Speech on 7/27/14 Alejandra Tejada Rivera Hands of God/Las Manos de Dios G ood morning! My name is Alejandra Tejada Rivera. I want to share with you about the Hands of God in Honduras. I was born and raised in Honduras. I live with my father and mother and my younger sister, Maria Jose. After two years of study in the Intense English Program at the University of Pittsburgh, I am looking forward to college this fall at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia. For many years, you have been blessed to receive updates from members of your church, as people came back to Sarasota from Honduras. And over the years, you have sent over 60 people to my country to teach Bible School, work on construction, help with two orphanages, a nutrition center - and of course - grow and support the eye clinic The [Honduras Good Samaritan] program has helped some of these women form a microbusiness where they sell soaps, cleaners, lotion and juices at the weekend market. The money they earn helps them provide for their families. It also gives the women a sense of confidence and purpose in their lives. and the Honduras Good Samaritan Fund. I grew up seeing many people from your church active in Honduras. So today, I want to tell you about your mission efforts in Honduras seen through the eyes of a Honduran. I have seen the Hands of God in Honduras. 42 For many years my family has been involved with the type of missions Church of the Palms supports in Honduras. My father is the Executive Director of the eye clinic in El Progreso. Church of the Palms has had a relationship with this clinic since it was founded 18 years ago by Doug and Maxine Perry. Because of your foresight and support, the eye clinic has performed over twelve thousand surgeries, given care to over two hundred thousand patients and employs 31 Hondurans in a safe and professional office setting. Because of your foresight and support, the eye clinic has performed over twelve thousand surgeries, given care to over two hundred thousand patients and employs 31 Hondurans in a safe and professional office setting. My mother is the Director of the Honduras Good Samaritan Fund, which helps families obtain the food and supplies necessary to sustain the lives of the women and children of very poor families. More importantly, this program has helped some of these women form a micro-business where they sell soaps, cleaners, lotion and juices at the weekend market. The money they earn helps them provide for their families. It also gives the women a sense of confidence and purpose in their lives. Another important aspect of the Honduras Good Samaritan Fund is the support it gives for a home for senior citizens. This is the area I am going to focus on today. For many years, Church of the Palms has provided the Sunday meal for senior citizens who live at the refuge. We call it the Asilo. Without this support from Church of the Palms, many of these older adults would not eat dinner Sunday night. Additionally, in recent years members of your church have provided clothing and bedding and have helped with the cleaning and repair of this facility. This past Valentine’s Day, I was fortunate enough to participate with a group of people from Church of the Palms as we planned and carried out a celebration for the residents of the Asilo. This occasion brought joy to the hearts of the residents. Just as important, this was an uplifting experience for the members of Church of the Palms who participated. Honduras is different from the United States in many ways. We usually care for our elderly population in the homes of family members. So a facility like the Asilo is not as common in Honduras as a retirement home might be here - especially in Sarasota. The fact that Church of the Palms is offering help to people living in the Asilo is a blessing. Witnessing the joy on the faces of the residents and seeing the happiness of the people from Church of the Palms visiting with them was to see the Hands of God in Honduras. God has blessed all of us in so many ways. God has blessed my life. I have seen the need of people and my education is designed to allow me to help others. So how about you? Are you ready to be the Hands of God and help someone else? Consider it! Thank you! 43 International Mission “Vida Joven” Young Life Nicaragua Host Ministry for COP’s Mission Team Visit to Nicaragua, July 26 - August 2, 2014 V ida Joven Nicaragua began in 1988 when Jim and Sarah Hornsby began building friendships with Nicaraguan youth in order to introduce them to a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ. Since its beginning, it has grown to include more than 42 clubs in ten different cities: Matagalpa, Esteli, Jinotega, Managua, Leon, San Dionisio, San Ramon, Chinandega, Granada, and Masaya. The ministry includes approximately 51 paid leaders and over 250 volunteer leaders. In a typical Young Life fashion, these leaders befriend youth in their cities and invite them to a weekly club meeting. After developing a relationship with these youth, they invite them to a New Kids’ Camp and later to a Followup Camp. It is in these settings that the youth begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. Vida Joven Nicaragua invites and encourages American churches and groups to participate in this ministry. These work teams are invited to come year round but they usually come in February or March and throughout the summer in June, July, and August. Historically, their work has been at the camp to prepare the facility for the New Kids’ Camps and to help with the coffee production there. A new direction is for these teams to work in cities alongside of the Nicaraguan leaders developing relationships with youth. This “contact work” is often done through sports venues or building projects. Currently Vida Joven has partnerships in Granada, Leon, Esteli and Managua. The Vida Joven Camp, often referred to as La Finca, is located in the most mountainous region of Nicaragua near the town of Jinotega. This 154-acre haven serves as a weekend retreat center for outreach camps, discipleship and leadership training seminars. The high altitude (4500 feet) of this area makes the camp an ideal place for growing coffee. The proceeds from selling this gourmet coffee (available at the COP) provide the funding for one Nicaraguan youth to go to camp for a day. For more information, visit www.beyondbeanscoffee.com. What Your Work Team Can Be: • Your team can be ambassadors for Christ from your church or Young Life area to the young Christians of Vida Joven in Nicaragua. • Your team can be a channel of resources from your friends and family who have resources to enable this ministry to continue to grow and reach those who have very limited resources. 44 • Your team can help motivate and encourage Nicaraguan brothers and sisters through your sacrificial hard work. Your physical work and material resources help us complete needed projects more rapidly than we would without your help. • Your team can be ambassadors for Christ to your own church and community by communicating what you have seen and heard in Nicaragua. • Your team members can bring encouragement and respect to each other as you return from Nicaragua, having developed deep connections through your common experience. Pastor Bruce Hedgepeth led this COP team of twelve who left for Nicaragua on July 26 and returned on August 2, 2014. Their week was demanding, physically and emotionally. Vida Joven felt a real responsibility to make the experience one of educating, sharing, and reflecting as they communicated and worked together. As a Christian organization, Vida Joven expects a commitment from each participant to use his or her visit to Nicaragua to build understanding between the two countries. The experience does not end when the plane takes off for home nor when it lands in the US. This is just the beginning. Participants commit to cooperate with the group and abide by group decisions. They will take responsibility for tasks when needed. They will make a commitment to share their experiences when they return home. They also commit to serve and work in partnership with Nicaraguans with a willingness to submit to basic lifestyle changes in accordance with Nicaragua culture. Examples are cold showers, latrines, frequent water and electric power outages, different foods, constant noise, dust and dirt, etc. Team members also agreed to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking when with the Nicaraguans; the participants are to be a moral example. The Mission Team arrived in a city, had a homestay, experienced living in and working at the camp, had one day of touring, and then returned to a city for the flight back to the US. Feel free to contact Pastor Bruce Hedgepeth at [email protected], 924-1323. 45 International Mission Update on Iraq Even though the news media is no longer reporting on it, the crisis of the Iraqi refugees continues. Since August more than a million Iraqis have been forced by ISIS to flee their homes or risk losing their lives. They had to leave their homes without money, belongings, or vehicles, wearing only summer clothing on their backs. Now that colder weather is moving into northern Iraq, they need warmer clothing: coats, blankets, and heaters. Many of the People say he is crazy to stay there, and say that “You take the Jesus thing too seriously.” He replies, “Christ took me pretty seriously when he died for me on the cross!” refugees are trapped in Iraq without money to buy anything, and without an opportunity to earn. Unemployment in Iraq had been about 40% since the 46 wars, but now it is 90% in certain areas because of the influx of hundreds of thousands of displaced refugees within the country’s borders. Food, gasoline, and other supplies are running low, and as the need increases, so does the price. Some of the wealthier Christians left Iraq before ISIS took over seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Syria, and Turkey. Those who can afford it are escaping to Europe, North America, and Australia. Many of the refugees who have been internally displaced within Iraq have been granted help by local Christian churches such as the Kirkuk Presbyterian Church, but there are hundreds of thousands just living on the city streets or in the mountain wilderness. Pastor Haitham Jazrawi of the Kirkuk Presbyterian Church is a leading As a living example native born Christian pastor who has of Christian care, the been serving our Lord Jesus Christ, his congregation, and the refugees for many Kirkuk Presbyterian years in Kirkuk. He strongly believes that Church congregation it is absolutely essential that Christians is caring for 62 stay in the Middle East calling them the ‘salt of the earth’ and the ‘light of the Christian refugees world’ (Matthew 5:13-14). He says, “Who in their church and will be salt and light to our Muslim brothers and sisters?” As a living expects more refugees example of Christian care, the Kirkuk in the future. Presbyterian Church congregation is caring for 62 Christian refugees in their church and expects more refugees in the future. They have converted their Sunday school classrooms to family living quarters, provided food, clothing, blankets, mattresses, refrigeration, stoves, and portable toilets. The congregation has extended its mission outside the church compound by giving similar supplies to those living on the streets and in the hillsides and mountains nearby. The church has taken the refugees outside the church property for picnics and games, and provided Christian education along with concerts and plays in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Haitham does not expect to be thanked for the work his church is doing as it is an example of “letting your light shine forth before others so that they may give glory to our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5: 16). City schools are not open for classes this fall because they are housing refugees, but the Kirkuk Church Kindergarten has been able to open because 47 Update on Iraq it is a private school, now providing pre-school Christian based education to almost 400 children in this war torn country. Their Primary School is ready to open, but because of the war on ISIS the Baghdad government has not been able to issue the needed permits. Pastor Haitham and his church are helping to guide other Christian congregations to set up refugee camps within their churches. The refugees are attending church and prayer services regularly, and many Chaldean (Catholic) and Orthodox Christians are receiving an evangelical education by reading and discussing the Bible. While many church members have fled from Kirkuk, the refugees are keeping the pews full and experiencing the love of God. Pastor Haitham knows that this is the mission that God has chosen for him to serve in Iraq. He and his wife are dedicated to staying and continuing to serve Iraq. He is a modern day living example of the Apostle Paul in preaching and serving in spite of life-threatening danger and political instability. People say he is crazy to stay there, and say that “You take the Jesus thing too seriously.” He replies, “Christ took me pretty seriously when he died for me on the cross!” Pastor Haitham and the Kirkuk Presbyterian Church have been able to do many of these wonderful things because of the continuing generosity of Christians here in the USA, including Church of the Palms. We have donated to that church and school since Pastor Haitham visited here in 2009 through our Mission Committee and individually through the PC/USA Extra Commitment Fund #053049 (The Iraq Partnership Network). Donations from the Presbyterian Women’s Christmas Bazaar held on November 8 also benefitted the Displaced Iraqi Christian Refugees. Contributions can be made online: http://www.presbyterianmissions.org/donate/E052049, or you may make a check payable to PC/USA ECO Fund # 052049. Write “Iraqi Displaced Christian Relief” on the Memo Line and mail to: PC/USA Individual Remittance Processing P.O Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 Attn: ECO Fund #052049 - Displaced Christian Relief 48 This update was prepared by COP members Charles and Carol Haeussner. International Mission Wycliffe Affiliate Wycliffe Bible Translation T he mission of Wycliffe Bible Translation is to get the Bible translated into the mother tongue of every language community in the world. There are nearly 7000 living languages and about 1950 have no Scriptures at all. Currently, some 90 countries are being served. The U.S. Headquarters is located in Orlando, Florida.The Church of the Palms arranges bus trips every few months to give members a sense of what Wycliffe does. Church of the Palms has supported Wycliffe over the last seven years – including direct support and by keeping in close contact with Dale and Carol Hoskins (who are being featured today); Darcie Drymon and the Chris Winkler family. Dale Hoskins has worked for the Seed Company, a partner within Wycliffe, as a Bible translation consultant with a particular focus on Old Testament translations in Nigeria. Carol Hoskins works for Wycliffe USA in recruitment ministries. They have three teenage sons – Carl, Joel, and Eric. Joel entered Calvin College earlier this fall; Eric is finishing high school this year. The Hoskins seek your prayers as they consider Carl’s transition to independent living. Dale has worked with 24 of the 231 remaining language groups in Nigeria. When Wycliffe formed the Seed Company in order to focus on accelerating translating by equipping nationals in their own languages, Dale joined in the training. He actively encouraged translators to excel in their work, approving their translation drafts for publication, and mentoring nationals to follow him by becoming translator consultants. Dale now serves as a Seed Company translation consultant in Nigeria while pursuing doctoral studies in Bible translation. The Hoskins Family (from left to right): Carl, Carol, Joel, Eric and Dale. For more information on how you can help, please email Reyn and Doris Kamphuis, [email protected] or Dale Hoskins, [email protected]. 49 International Mission Wycliffe Affiliate The Winklers Their Amazing Year M issionary Partners Chris and Christie Winkler welcomed their third child Josiah on February 4, 2014. Knowing that the Winkler family would be visiting Church of the Palms in late June, members of the Missions Committee hosted a Baby Shower on campus. Chris, Christie, Judah, Jovell, and Josiah and Committee members along with our Senior Pastor Steve enjoyed being with them and thanking Chris and Christie for their years of service in Nigeria. The most important change for the Winklers this year was leaving Nigeria to prepare for Chris’ new responsibility connected to Wycliffe USA in Orlando, Florida. His calling was - Vice President for Advancement, which began during the fall of 2014. His Advancement Team handles all aspects of fundraising for projects related to Wycliffe Bible Translation. Therefore, Chris has the great privilege of leading a team that is having a very direct impact on language communities not only in Africa but all over the world. Chris observed that he and Christie always knew that God could choose to relocate them from serving overseas at any point, and he also mentioned “when God calls us to leave a place and people we love, we must obey. His voice in the decisionmaking process has been evident - and though it has been clear that He has been leading us to this new assignment and location, it’s also been made clear that our call to support Bible translation largely through his (Chris’) administrative gifts has remained the same.” For the Winkler “prayer partners, they covet your intercession as they now walk this new path that God has laid out before them;” for their financial partners, Chris states “your investment remains critical for supporting Bible Translation.” His salary remains the same now that their furlough has ended and Chris has assumed his duties in Orlando; and they have had the joy of welcoming Josiah nearly a year ago in 2014. Finally Chris and Christie “want all of you to know how much your prayers mean to them.” 50 The Mission Partner Advocates for the Winklers are Reyn and Doris Kamphuis. They may be reached at [email protected], 360-8474. International Mission Wycliffe Affiliate Darcie Drymon Field Solutions Champion / Seed Company D arcie Drymon reported in early November “there have been so many things happening in the last days and months, including a trip to Nigeria. For 5 weeks which began on November 9, I have had the privilege of serving alongside about 30 national translators and translation consultants in Jos, Nigeria. There is a need for me to help facilitate workshops that teach them to utilize many of the new features of the translation software. Please pray that my explanations will be clear, resulting in improvement in the pace and quality of translations. There are over 500 languages in Nigeria and more than 60 projects that are currently in progress toward completion. I will not have consistent internet service while there but will try to send a few brief updates to provide you with more specific requests for prayer. “For those of you who might be worrying, Nigeria is Ebola free. In the Northeast region there is unrest from the Boko Haram group, but I will reside in the middle of the country on the Bible Translation Center’s secured campus, which is not near the area of unrest. There is an experienced, knowledgeable, international team constantly evaluating the situation in the region. If you have concerns, please ‘shoot’ me an email; I would always love to talk with you about the area, the work, or anything else! “ICC - Thanks for your prayers to finish well our summer Intercultural Communications Course (ICC). Another 38 participants have developed their cross-cultural skills, but more importantly both staff and participants have grown spiritually. We are all more aware of our need to dig deeper in God’s Word and build our faith in Jesus who will bring to completion His purposes for the nations. “Your Phone - God’s Glory: A Hands-on Guide to Using your Mobile for Ministry - It is wonderful to be able to share the birth of an exciting new hands-on guide meant to enable Christians anywhere to pull their phone out of their pocket and start using it for the glory of God. A group of us from the Mobile Ministry Forum wrote a parable for short-term mission’s teams. In this guide, you will follow the journey of Sara and Jose as they learn from their friend Ravi how to get ready for their upcoming mission trip and join them as they realize how the mobile device they already own is a powerful evangelism tool they can take overseas. “Thanks so much for joining me in my ministry to reach the Bible-less. If you have any prayer requests that I can bring to our Father on your behalf, I would be honored to pray with and for you. The Word of God is alive and powerful!” Mission Partner Advocates - Reyn and Doris Kamphuis: [email protected], 360-8474 and Darcie Drymon: [email protected]. 51 International Mission Jeanine Giuffrida Youth With A Mission (YWAM) “ Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God.” Jeanine reports that this quote is from William Carey, one of the fathers of our modern missionary movement and is one of our mottos for this year’s Discipleship Training School. She adds “We desire this out of a heart to love Jesus without limit, to expect Him to reveal himself in Truth by His Word and experientially, and to see His “Your prayers kingdom come through our lives as we allow ourselves to be to Him do and say what He desires through us. are powerful Jeanine states: “it’s hard to believe I have started my and effective!” second year serving with YWAM here in England. As I (James 5:16) have come to realize over the past year, WYAM life runs at a rather frenzied, and shall we say, lively pace. With a few short, but wonderful weeks of rest and ‘recoup’ spent back in the States over the summer - connecting with so many lovely friends and family, I now find myself back in the full swing of a new year. I praise God for my incredible DTS (Discipleship Training School) staff team from last year. Looking to this year, we’ve had some changes as one of our staff’s commitment here in Derby was at an end, but we’ve added to our team an inspiring, enthusiastic staff member from Cambridge who has been a joy to get to know and work alongside. 52 The DTS staff and students share testimony of their encounters in the streets and parks of Bristol. Normanton, the area of Derby where the YWAM House is located. “God has been stretching me as I’ve had more consistent opportunities to lead our YWAM base worship times together and bring relevant teaching on worship and prayer. I also enjoy leading our morning devotions (we call them ‘energizers’) with the DTS staff and students. I am heading up the administrative running of the school as DTS school leader and I try to keep up with all that this entails. At times it’s an ever present challenge to cram in everything that needs doing!” On the outreach front: “I am thrilled to be working again with our Roma youth in the city. I missed their bright, smiling faces over the past couple months as I needed to take that time to step back and prepare for the DTS and get our staff trained and ready. Our heart in continuing with this ministry is to be role models and instill positive self worth and value and share the love of Jesus practically and in word as we do activities, etc., on a weekly basis. “Another one I’m very excited about is working as a one-on-one mentor at a school in a very deprived area with girls who come from very troubled backgrounds. I will be receiving training for this and I am looking to start within the next month or so. The aim is to empower these young girls to know they are loved, cherished and full of worth. This is a new ministry that schools are welcoming with open arms. Please pray for more people willing to mentor and for these girls’ lives to be radically changed for good.” Derby, England. Prayer Requests • “Please pray for our students to encounter God in a meaningful and life-changing way and that their transition to living in community together and in a ‘foreign’ country would be smooth and quick.” • “Please pray for for my time management skills to be more effective and for the energy and vision and wisdom to lead well and do all that God has placed in my heart this year.” Mission Partner Advocate: Ray Angle, [email protected], (941) 351-1103; Jeanine Giuffrida’s email is: [email protected]. 53 PRESBYTERIAN Missions 54 Bangladesh Presbyterian Missions Drs. Leslie & Cynthia Morgan S ince 1989, Drs. Les and Cindy Morgan have been serving as Missionaries of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Bangladesh, home of the fourth largest Muslim population in the world. In 1992 they helped the PC (USA) establish a formal partnership with the Church of Bangladesh (CoB), a denomination of over 20,000 members in 103 congregations and since then have nurtured and helped carry out the church’s health ministries. Christians make up less than one half of 1% of the population of Bangladesh. They advise and train workers for the health programs of CoB, including health programs in five regions of the country, two hospitals, and two nursing schools. They also regularly advise the Christian Mission Hospital (CMH) in Rajshahi in both hospital management and patient care. CMH is an 80bed facility and has a Nursing Institute offering a three-year, government-certified training program for 75 students. Besides advising on patient care at the bedside at CMH, Les and Cindy care for patients in small community clinics in various CoB program areas. Directly caring for patients gives the Morgans firsthand knowledge of the health issues faced by the people the church is called to serve. An important part of the Morgans’ work is to nurture the spiritual capacity of the CoB to carry out its health ministries in the name of Christ. At St. Andrew’s Theological College in Dhaka, Les teaches a weekly class on the Healing Ministry of the Church. The class explores the physical, psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of health. It helps prepare future church leaders to engage in these issues with sound theological understanding. Cindy teaches a class on Spiritual Formation. She leads quarterly spiritual retreats for the students, and on occasion helps lead retreats for the CoB clergy. The Morgans also lead retreats for the health workers of the CoB to strengthen their capacity as servants of Christ. “Although living in Bangladesh is definitely a challenge, opportunities for service abound. Here we are blessed to be able to live out our passion - to embody the loving presence of Christ for those who suffer.” The Morgans have raised three children in Bangladesh. Their oldest, Laura, is expecting her first child in November; and their youngest, Stewart, will be getting married in August. They lost their middle child, Everett, to bone cancer in 2008. Contact their Mission Partner Advocate Maxine Perry at [email protected], 349-3282. Les and Cindy may be reached at www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/ morgan-leslie-and-cynthia/. 55 Presbyterian Missions Northern Iraq/Kurdistan Two Overseas Pastors of the PC/USA T he Mission Committee hosted a potluck dinner for the two Missionaries in the Campus Center - beginning with dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by a program from about 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - “Meeting the Missionaries” - featuring their messages for us; then an update on the Iraqi Displaced Christian Relief situation, followed by - questions and answers. One missionary was a pastor in the USA for ten years. The two missionaries have ministered together in Berlin, Germany from 1996-2010, when at the Invitation of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Iraq, they came to the northern area in Iraq known as Kurdistan not only to witness Christ among the Kurdish population, but also to stand alongside the many internally Displaced Persons (IPDS) or refugees. The 2013 Mission Matters stated - “Because of war, terrorism, and violence, many Christians, especially indigenous Iraqi Presbyterians, are fleeing from elsewhere in Iraq for the safety of the Kurdish region.” Now - as of this summer and especially in August, Kurdistan and Northern Iraq have become battle zones - with ISIS “committing mass atrocities with astonishing ferocity.” (Time Magazine, August 25th) Over 500,000 refugees have already fled in midAugust into Erbil and other cities in Kurdistan. The Missionaries serve in the northwest autonomous province of Kurdistan. They witnessed in October 2013 the ordination of a dear friend - as the first Kurdish woman in the world to be ordained as a Christian pastor! They also enjoy attending the annual conference in Northwestern Pennsylvania and a year ago, their supervisor from the Iraqi Presbyterian Church (Kirkuk Presbyterian Church founded in 1930 by the missionary parents of Carol Haeussner) was able to be with them and their like-minded Presbyterians at one of their favorite places on earth, the week-long New Wilmington Mission Conference (NWMC) on the campus of Westminster College (Pastor Steve’s undergraduate Alma Mater). 56 They mention in their Advent 2013 prayer letter: “Joy of joys, the NWMC Board of Directors chose their ministry for sending the prayerfully and carefully selected Summer Service Team (SST) of 8 young adults to serve along with them next summer. What a great honor for us!” The Summer Service Team of 8 and their 2 Chaperones (Fuller Seminary grads) worked with the Missionaries from June 3-July 15, 2014, and they arrived back home in time to speak and answer questions during the Conference - again on the campus of Westminster College. The Missionaries were the honored guests and spoke to the nearly 2,000 at the meetings. (More than 800 registrants from 31 states and 19 countries; more than 1,000 locals) COP Mission Committee members Charlie and Carol Haeussner have attended three of these meetings and to their regret, they missed hearing the Missionaries but learned a great deal from the student speakers. The 5 young women and 3 young men selected for volunteer service arrived in Kurdistan during the same time frame that ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) invaded Iraq occupying much of the territory from the northwest towards Baghdad. While there, they worked with the Missionaries on such projects as - setting up two English Summer Camps for Kurdish youth. They also worked in a nearby refugee camp that houses over 65,000 Kurdish refugees who had fled the violence in Syria, and helped set up a children’s Reading Room at the Camp - with over 800 books that they had brought with them. The students reported that they felt fairly safe earlier this summer because the Kurdish Regional Army or Peshmerga was protecting the border with the ISIS occupied portion of Iraq. The Peshmerga also was protecting the oil rich city of Kirkuk. During this same time, ISIS expelled all the remaining Christians from Mosul - the second largest city in Iraq and home to Christians for over 2000 years. In 2003 there were 60,000 Christians in Mosul with 35 churches and monasteries. The students were able to interact with four elderly refugee sisters who had fled their home in Mosul in June amidst gunfire, rockets, and bodies in the streets. The four women told the students the horror of fleeing with only the clothing on their backs and what it feels like - now that they are refugees with little hope for anything better in the future. Feel free to contact Mission Partner Advocates Reyn and Doris Kamphuis at 360-8474 or [email protected] 57 Presbyterian Missions Mediterranean Region Missionary - Student Ministry O ur PC/USA missionary serves on a leadership team of a local church and Pioneering Student Ministry. The focus of this missionary’s ministry is to support and mentor people with leadership responsibilities. The missionary also assists the youth ministry and co-leads the prayer mobilization ministry. The other half of our missionary’s time is devoted to working with a team to pioneer a student ministry by encouraging and discipleship training students. Together with the students, they reach out to non-believing students. The goal of this ministry is to create a vibrant, evangelical, indigenously led student movement. The latest news from our missionary reports on the International Culture Exchange, which took place last summer. Students from England, America, and the Eastern Mediterranean area are participating. There were times for recreation, practicing English, sharing cultures, and this year they also had some interactive sessions. During the first week, these students worked in small groups to create a collage of world problems. They also created a word poster about social problems in their countries, and drew/painted a picture depicting the most common problems that arise in families. The second week provided opportunities to discuss and do activities related to how they wanted to make change in their communities and in their relationships. Due to safety concerns, the exact location where our missionary serves is not given, but our PC/USA missionary greatly appreciates your prayers of encouragement and safety. And also for the power of God to continue in the region and city that this missionary serves. Mission Partner Advocate, Wayne Kindt, may be contacted at 342-6494 or [email protected]. 58 Presbyterian Missions Kirkuk Presbyterian Church Kindergarten & Primary School T he Kirkuk Presbyterian Church and its Good News Kindergarten have recently completed the purchase of a building which they are renovating and developing into a Presbyterian Church Primary School. The pastor of the Kirkuk Presbyterian Church keeps in contact with the Church of the Palms through its Mission Partner Advocates Charles and Carol Haeussner. He has sent them the photos you see here of the Good News Kindergarten and the renovated building, which will be used for the primary school. The Kirkuk Church wants us to know how much they appreciate our prayers and our gifts for the new school development. The Good News Kindergarten, which was started in 2004, now has an enrollment of 360 students. Over 95% of these students come from non-Christian families. Because the parents of these kindergarten students have seen the positive influence that the Christian kindergarten is having on their children, they are asking the Kirkuk Presbyterian Church to develop a primary school for grades 1 through 6. Then their children may continue their education in a Christian School. The local government has given permission to the Kirkuk Church to open the primary school, but they are asking that the school add 4 more classrooms and a kitchen before opening it. The school also hopes to add a classroom for special needs children, and they will need a bus to drive these children to and from school. Additional funds are needed for these projects. It is our hope and prayer that the good work for Christ in the Good News Kindergarten will be able to continue in the primary school planned to open in the fall of 2014. Charlie and Carol Haeussner may be contacted at [email protected]. 59 Presbyterian Missions Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center T he mission of the Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center is to be a place apart to build up the body of Christ in love. To that end, Cedarkirk offers meaningful programs, unique retreat opportunities, and a continued commitment to being a place apart. Cedarkirk is operated jointly by the Presbyteries of Tampa Bay and Peace River, with a location on the Alafia River, some 30 some miles southwest of Tampa and in 170 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and uplands. Its year-round camp and conference center are dedicated to providing a place for individuals and groups to have the opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth in a natural environment. The entire setting is a place free of distractions, where conversation around the dinner table, canoe trips on the river, and walks in the woods revive and feed your spirit. Through out the year, Cedarkirk provides programs for children of all ages a summer camp for 1,000 children and youth Confirmation Retreats. There are also Senior Adult Retreats, a Spring Bash, the Mission Encounter, the Shepherds’ Sabbath for church professionals, Family Retreats, the Christmas International House and much more. The summer camp program has become a tremendous instrument of evangelism. At Cedarkirk, all campers learn the importance of Christian community, what it means to be claimed and called by God, and that our triune God loves them and is active in their lives. In Cedarkirk’s Challenge to Change mission program, participants answer God’s call to love their neighbor in concrete ways. Cedarkirk continues to have an eye towards the future and will always be a special place apart where groups can come on retreat for study, for fellowship, for worship, and for the opportunity to encounter God in new ways. Because a Church of the Palms Middle School and/or the 3rd-5th graders take part in a program at Cedarkirk each summer, we think members of the congregation should be aware of our direct connection to the Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center. Listed below is the name of our Director of Student Ministries and how to reach him. 60 For more information, please feel free to contact Cedarkirk’s Director Rev. John Reiter via email at [email protected] or 813-685-4224; Mission Partner Advocate Wayne Kindt: [email protected], 342-6494; and Jeff McCauley, COP Director of Student Ministries: [email protected], 924-1323 ext 207. Presbyterian Missions Mision Peniel O n October 1, 2013, the Peace River Presbytery assumed full responsibility for Mision Peniel – as it is known to local farm workers - and welcomed to its staff the Rev. Miguel Estrada as Presbytery Evangelist for Immokalee (90 some miles south of Sarasota). Before this important appointment, Pastor Estrada had been viewed by many of the workers as their “pastor” because he leads several weekly worship services and Bible Studies, has a popular radio show on the CIM radio station, provides pastoral care and has a “ministry of presence” with the farm community. Executive Pastor, Dr. Bruce Hedgepeth, is COP’s representative in the planning for this important new effort, which involves a sizable number of Peace River Presbytery congregations. Given COP’s previous support of this mission – known to us as Mission Peniel - and this new and very promising arrangement, we expect to continue to provide some support for Pastor Estrada’s efforts, which will Improve in significant ways the lives of these migrant farm workers and their families. Pastor Bruce stands ready to discuss COP’s role with members of the congregation. He may be reached at [email protected], 924-1323. 61 Presbyterian Missions Beth-El Farmworker Ministry (Wimauma) Rev. Dave Moore B eth-El helps farm workers achieve selfsufficiency by providing opportunities to worship, offering extensive educational programs and many other services to help basic needs. The worshipping congregation numbers about 160 throughout the year and has Women’s, Men’s and Youth group activities. Each Tuesday evening a prayer service is held. On October 1, 2013, Mission Peniel in Immokalee made a smooth transition between Beth-El and Peace River, as the Presbytery assumed full responsibility for this Ministry. Beth-El launched this outreach in 2006. In the fall of 2008, the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry began their second outreach Ministry in Arcadia. Each week outreach is provided on Thursdays in partnership with FPC (First Presbyterian Church), Arcadia and a Sunday afternoon worship at the same location. In late summer of 2010 they started their third extension Ministry in Ft. Meade, in partnership with FPC and Ft. Meade. They travel there each Thursday to provide food and clothing to community members. As this Spotlight was being prepared for the church service bulletin on December 28, we received very sad news about another break-in, which is now shared with all of you with the hope that some of you may be able to help Beth-EL. “One year, to the very same day (12/17), another break-in occurred and an attempt made to steal our van. Last year the van was stolen and totaled, this year just one window in our large box truck was broken. Our insurance is $500 deductible on the van ….it will be towed to a repair facility today for estimate and repair. “Inside the mission, five flat screen TV’s were taken along with the mounts on most. Two laptops were stolen, one from the sanctuary that is used to project to the screen for worship. Also Rev. Chuquimia’s was taken from his office. Classroom doors were kicked in to gain access. “Our deductible for property is $2500. In adding up the value of items stolen it comes to $2499, so we will not be filing a claim with Church Mutual. 62 “Our video captured three young Hispanic males inside the building and in the van. They entered about 11:30pm Tuesday night. A deputy, a detective, and the Hillsborough County Crime Unit were here for most of the morning yesterday. The ‘CSI:Wimauma’ team took many items of evidence, dusted for prints, and will do DNA testing on evidence taken by them. “We will provide the video to the sheriff and hopefully through their investigation, they will be able to arrest those involved. We provided them a description, based on the video, of an individual who lives next to the individual who was arrested for the van theft last year. They live within a mile of Beth-El. “This is a recap of what we know to date. As always keep Beth-El in your prayers.” “Advent blessings to all” from Rev. Dave Moore, Executive Director, Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc. P.O. Box 860, Mimauma, FL 33598 (813) 633-1548. He is aware that this Spotlight, which had already been prepared, was brought up to date and will still appear on Sunday, December 28, 2014 so that everyone at COP will be aware of this latest and very sad news. Donations are welcomed right now to help with getting all items repaired or replaced. Donations are always welcomed for clothing and canned goods, rice, and pinto beans. God Bless all of you and thanks for your financial support. For more information, please feel free to contact Rev. Dave Moore, Executive Director, by phone as listed above or by email [email protected] and Mission Partner Advocate Wayne Kindt, 342-6494 or [email protected]. 63 Church of the Pa ms a community of faith . . . a way of life 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 • Ph (941) 924-1323 Fax (941) 923-9594 • www.churchofthepalms.org