Book review: Movements That Change the World

     "What is Christianity? At its heart, Christianity is a missionary movement founded by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Like many such movements, it changed the world. Unlike most movements, which have their historical moment and then fade away, Christianity is actively, continually changing the world for the better" (back cover)
     That being said..author Steve Addison describes how God has used movements within Christianity to affect renewal and expansion of the church. Movements That Change the World: Five Keys to Spreading the Gospel was one of those "easy reads" that I didn't want to put down. It pulled me in! Maybe that's why the book is endorsed by the likes of Bob Roberts, Neil Cole, Ed Stetzer, Alan Hirsch, Bob Logan, David Garrison, and Ralph Moore. This guy from "down under" (Australia) is at the top of his game. He understands mission and what should matter to the church.
     So what are the 5 keys? Glad you asked:

• White-hot faith:  men and women who encounter the living God and surrender in loving obedience to His call
• Commitment to a cause: people whose lives are aligned with their beliefs
• Contagious relationships: the faith spreads through preexisting networks of relationships
• Rapid mobilization: "non-professional" converts immediately begin sharing their faith and making disciples
• Adaptive Methods: all forms and strategies must fit the context to serve the needs of those whom one seeks to reach

     This resource is ideal for ministry leaders, including local church boards. The structure is simple:  introduction, five chapters, and conclusion; followed by a nine-session "study guide" to help leaders process the information as well as other recommendations. Addison takes the reader beyond theory into very specific examples from history as well as modern-day context.
     I highly recommend Movements That Change the World! Order your copy from Kris at publications@cggc.org for $13.99, plus shipping.

New Affiliate Missionaries Approved

The "affiliate missionary" status recognizes members of the Churches of God who are serving with other faith missions organizations. At present, 23 affiliate missionary units have been approved by CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries. The full list can be found on our website at affiliate list. 

This week, our CCM Commission approved 2 new affiliates! They are Tim & Bim Arthun of the Caring Community Church of God in Hummelstown, PA (Eastern). The Arthuns recently became missionaries with Water Project for Haiti [waterprojectforhaiti] which is based in Vernon, British Columbia and has been recognized as a partner with Project Help. Their "specialty" is manufacturing bio-sand water filters for use in Haitian homes. The organization is leasing space at the back of our Borel compound. Tim & Bim will live in one of the missionary residences and assist Project Help ministries whenever possible.

The other new affiliate is Julie Snyder who is serving with Immanuel Mission [www.immanuelmission.org] with offices in Sweetwater, AZ.  Julie teaches 2nd grade at Immanuel Mission School located at Teec Nos Pos, AZ on the Navajo Reservation. Julie is a graduate of Liberty University and a member of the Chambersburg First Church of God (Eastern).




We welcome Julie, Tim & Bim to our affiliate staff!!




CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries exercises no administrative control over affiliates. The "affiliate" status is simply a way to recognize "our own" who are serving with other organization in the common task of making more and better disciples. We encourage CGGC churches to pray for these missionaries, invite them to your church to share their story, and to support them financially as the Lord may guide you. We're all in this together!!

WHAT ARE YOU READING??

I grew up loving books. While in grade school, I frequented the local library to check out American history texts and read every volume in the "Hardy Boys" series. I'm not much of a novel reader today.

E-books have now become popular. While on vacation, I just finished my first one on a Kindle app on my Blackberry. My wife, Phyllis, loves her Nook. But I prefer "real" books. I want to hold them, highlight them, write in them. (I make note of illustrations that can later be used in speaking and writing.)

Years ago I learned that "leaders are readers!" So what are YOU reading?? My choice of books usually focuses on themes of missions, leadership, church growth & outreach, and spiritual formation. I often have several books going at once--at home, in the office, in the car (while I'm waiting, not driving). My travel schedule often allows me to read 2-3 books on a trip while waiting in airports, on flights, relaxing at night, etc. These days I invest much more time in reading than in watching TV. How about you?

Churches should provide their pastors with book allowances as a way of encouraging personal and professional growth for more effective ministry. Does your church make that benefit available??

Here's a list of books I've read thus far in 2012. Some are old...some are new.

• Orthodoxy (G.K. Chesterton)
• The power of a whisper: Hearing God, having the guts to respond (Bill Hybels)
•  Practicing greatness: 7 disciplines of extraordinary spiritual leaders (Reggie McNeal)
•  Introducing the missional church: What it is, why it matters, how to become one (Alan   Roxburgh & M. Scott Boren)
• The art of mentoring: Embracing the great generational transition (Darlene Zschech)
• Untamed: Reactivating a missional form of discipleship (Alan & Debra Hirsch)
• Churchmorph: How megatrends are reshaping Christian communities (Eddie Gibbs)
• Choosing to preach: A comprehensive introduction to sermon options and structures (Kenton Anderson)
• Rumors of God: Experience the kind of faith you’ve only heard about (Whitehead & Tyson)
• All that Jesus Asks: How his questions can teach and transform us (Stan Guthrie)
• America: The last best hope, v.2-From a world at war to the triumph of freedom (William J. Bennett)
• The irresistible church: 12 traits of a church heaven applauds (Wayne Cordeiro)
• The gospel commission: Recovering God’s strategy for making disciples (Michael Horton)
• Paul the missionary: Realities, Strategies, and Methods (Eckhard Schnabel)
• Maximize: How to develop extravagant givers in your church (Nelson Searcy)
• Radical together: Unleashing the people of God for the purpose of God (David Platt)

All of these books can be ordered from Kris at CGGC Publications. Email her at publications@cggc.org
 
So...what are YOU reading???
 
 
 

A Graduate's Unusual Request

As Lindsey Keck was preparing to graduate from Port Clinton High School this year, she made an unusual request. She asked that family and friends not give her personal gifts; instead she asked they donate school supplies! Most graduates don't want more school supplies. So why this request?

In April 2011, Lindsey had been one of eighteen persons on a work team at our Project Help facilities in Borel. The group was from the St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, OH where Lindsey's father, Dan Keck, is one of the pastors. Dan is a graduate of Winebrenner Theological Seminary and took an independent study course in Haiti with CCM Director Don Dennison in 2005. When members of the St.John congregation expressed interest in sending a missions team somewhere, Dan inquired about Haiti through the CGGC office, because he had a great experience on his previous trip. The St.John team was able to work on projects at Borel as well as visit Lutheran ministries closer to the capital of Port-au-Prince. But Lindsey never forgot the Haitian children she encountered last year.

This Tuesday, July 3, Lindsey and her mother, Chris, brought to our office the school supplies she received as her graduation gift. There were backpacks, pencils, erasers, glue, scissors, paper, rulers, rubber bands, sharpeners, crayons, chalk, personal chalkpads, folders, and more. 202 pounds of supplies!!! These will certainly be a blessing to our school children in Haiti.

Lindsey is headed for NYU this fall to major in their Global Liberal Studies Program. We think God has something special in mind for her in the future. His love and generosity has already been evident through this young life.

Thanks, Lindsey! And thanks to Dan and Chris for your inspiration to youth who are already making a difference!

Haiti Hospital Renamed and Rededicated

Sunday afternoon (June 3) was the rededication ceremony for our Pierre Payen, Haiti medical facility--now renamed the Victor Binkley Hospital. Today is the official grand opening after seven months of planning and hard work between Project Help and our partner OSAPO. 

Donna Binkley, widow of Dr. Vic Binkley, is shown cutting the ribbon as people wait to tour the renovated facility.

Last year, Project Help entered into an agreement with OSAPO (Organizasyon Sante Popile) to provide the administrative and medical management of our Pierre Payen healthcare center. This was the result of lengthy conversations over many months. The goal was to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the medical ministry on behalf of the Churches of God in the USA and Haiti. The Victor Binkley Hospital will remain the property of the Churches of God/Project Help with OSAPO providing the  day-to-day management expertise.

OSAPO is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 with mobile clinics near Montrious that resulted in the establishment of a "first class" health care center in Rousseau (above Montrious).The organization has connections with German-based donors who have generously invested in the development of the Rousseau project, which has been widely recognized for the quality of its care.

Two of OSAPO's staff leaders--Dr. Jean-Gardy Marius and Dr. Sterman Touissant--were mentored by Dr. Binkley at Pierre Payen during their formative medical training. Their desire is to honor his life by continuing to improve the medical ministry which he founded. Dr. Touissant was also a product of our Pierre Payen Church of God.

We give thanks for OSAPO and the relationship which has already produced positive benefits on behalf of the Haitian people.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. SIRCAR !

We are pleased to announce that Subhro Sircar successfully completed his oral defense on April 18th and has earned his Ph.D in New Testament from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. 

Dr. Sircar will return to India in August and rejoin the teaching staff at Serampore College (founded by William Carey) on the north side of Calcutta, West Bengal. Through the years, he has been a close adviser and friend to Samir Singha, our Churches of God Mission field director in Uluberia. He and his family attended our IMPACT convention in Findlay in 2007, and that year's special IMPACT offering was designated for his tuition expenses. Further assistance has periodically been provided through CC 2817 Ethnic Scholarships which was designed to further ministry leadership training.

Dr. Sircar is appreciative of the encouragement and support provided by the CGGC. He states, "The journey on this road was not smooth. Yet we, as family, have an occasion to rejoice in this accomplishment. We have experienced God's steadfast love and grace and answers to many of our prayers. We lived by faith one day at a time. Your prayers played a great role in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and encouragements and support along the way."

His wife, Susanna, will complete her M.Div in Biblical Counseling at SBTS in December. Daughter Gracia has been accepted at Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Son Jonathan enters high school next year and has been accepted at Oneida Baptist Institute with full scholarship. Please pray for the family as they continue to make sacrifices in their preparation for more effective service for Him.

 

Recognizing PA Latino Leaders

 On Tuesday, the Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God recognized several Latino leaders with new ministerial credentials. 

Pastors Caleb & Christina Acosta of Lancaster, PA received Life Ordination. The Acostas pastor the Sanidad Divina Church in Columbia, PA and serve as Latino Ministries Directors for the CGGC. They are spearheading the multiplication of Latino churches in the USA as well as Venezuela, Dominican Republic and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Pastors Julian & Elizabeth Sanchez received Annual Licenses. They pastor the Iglesia de Dios Unidos en Christo which worships at 2150 New Holland Pike in Lancaster, PA.

Pastors Ricardo & Jeanette Perez received Annual Licenses. They pastor the Betesda Casa de Misericordia which worships at the First Church of God facility in Middletown, PA.

Pastors Jose & Ana Aquino received Annual Licenses.  They pastor the Iglesia Evangelica Nueva Vida which worships at 251 N. 9th Street in Reading, PA.

Pastor Octavio Canela also received an Annual License. He has begun a new Latino church plant which worships at the West Poplar Street Church of God in York, PA. 











We congratulate these Latino leaders for this achievement and for their commitment to glorify God through faithful service.

Shipping Small Items to Haiti

Through the Rays of Hope ministry in Grand Rapids, MI, the Churches of God now has an easier shipping method for sending smaller items to Haiti. The process is simple:

·   Purchase a 5-gallon bucket (about $4) with lid from Lowes, Menards, or Home Depot

·    Fill the pail with items (suggested list below)

·   Complete an Avery-like shipping label and stick it on each pail

·   Transport the pails to Rays of Hope in Grand Rapids

·   Pay just $10 to Rays of Hope for each pail.

Rays of Hope ships by sea container directly to their warehouse in Port-au-Prince. They take care of all international paperwork, customs declaration, and other particulars associated with shipping. Our Project Help staff then picks up the pails at no extra cost.

            Go to http://raysofhopeforhaiti.com for shipping information under the tab “Get Involved.”

            On Labels:  write “Ship to   Project Help-Haiti                                                                                                                             Agent Steve Mossburg 509-3-805-3491                                                           Edgard Miliace 509-3-720-3912                                             

            Suggested items to be packed (and listed separately on the “manifest packing slip” found on the website) include: school supplies; backpacks; medical supplies; hygiene kits; baby, children, or adult clothes; tools; towels and linens; etc.

            Rays of Hope ministry also welcomes volunteers to assist at their warehouse. Contact information is found on their website.

Kapaku Authors Children's Book

We all say to each other, "I love you," but the Martin family has their own tradition to tell each other how they really feel! Their response, "I love you more," is sure to excite everyone and remind us just what family is about.This powerful expression will become habit in your own house after you read David Kapaku's I Love you; I Love You More. The book is ideal for children ages 5-8, but all ages will enjoy it with parents and grandparents.

David Kapaku is an ordained minister with the Churches of God, General Conference in Findlay, OH. He and wife, Kenda, live in the Honokohau Valley, Maui. 

I Love You; I Love You More can be purchased from CGGC Publications for $8.99 plus shipping. Contact Kris at publications@cggc.org to place your order. For those wanting the book in digital format, it is available from the publisher for $7.99. Go to http://www.tatepublishing for that information.

 

FREE Book for Missions Teams

The book How to Operate an Effective Missions Leadership Team in Your Church by David Mays is a helpful resource for local church missions committees. Not so long ago, CGGC Publications offered it for sale. It is now available as a FREE PDF file. Go to http://www.davidmays.org/teambook.pdf to download your copy. 

Making a Difference in Bangladesh

Our Churches of God Mission in Bangladesh includes 158 churches, 18 schools, and two medical facilities. The Khanjanpur Medical Health Services is in a strategic location providing Christ's loving care to tribal peoples who are economically disadvantaged. Dr. John Costa is our chief eye surgeon there who demonstrates a servant spirit in all he does and provides a great example to the staff as well as patients. Here are some examples of the work:

  


Patients often travel to the hospital by bus...coming as far away as 120 miles.

 This lady in the middle was divorced verbally when she was discovered to be blind after the wedding. She was poor and returned to her father's house to live for over a year. A nurse (left side of photo) and a paramedic (right side of photo) found her in an eye camp and brought her to Khanjanpur for an eye operation. She got her full sight again, and the medical staff convinced her husband to accept her back again as his wife. She is now enjoying a wonderful life.

This lady was so poor she could not afford the cost of an eye operation. She sold her last possession--her bed--and came to the eye hospital where Dr. Costa operated on her without cost. She is now enjoying her eyesight again.

This husband and wife were found 105 miles away at an eye camp. Both were suffering from glaucoma. She was able to see, but he was not. They were brought to Khanjanpur where Dr. Costa operated on them.

Dr. John Costa is pictured here with a boy who was blind and stopped going to school. The boy was brought to Khanjanpur where Dr. John operated without charge. He is now back home and has returned to school.


We give thanks for dedicated staff persons such as Dr. Costa who are making a difference for the poor people of Bangladesh.



If you would like to assist Bangladesh Medical Ministries in giving sight to the blind, please send your contributions to CGGC, Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839. Be sure to designated your gift for CC2710 Bangladesh Medical Ministries. Or you may go to http://secure.cggc.org/AVP/Catalog/?a=p&cid=36&pid=120 to make an online contribution. Thanks so much!!

New Administrative Assistant begins March 5

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that our CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Assistant, Kara Norris, will be leaving us later this month. She and husband, Chuck, entered the adoption process some months ago. They are preparing for the arrival of a newborn. It may happen as early as March 24. The exact timing is unknown, but they have to be prepared to accept a child at any moment after that. 

We rejoice with them as they prepare to enter this new phase in their family experience. She is committed to being a full-time mother. However, we regret losing her. She has brought creative energy and expertise to the Administrative Assistant role that has blessed us beyond expectation. But knowing that we needed to adequately prepare for her eventual departure, she encouraged us to begin the process of finding her replacement. 

That person is Pam Lopez who will begin next Monday, March 5, and have three-weeks overlap with Kara before Kara's departure. Pam will work 30 hours per week (as did Kara) and normally have Thursdays off. Her new email address will be pam@cggc.org. 

Please pray for Kara and Chuck as they await the arrival of their child; and pray for Pam as she joins our missions department and office staff. Our desire is to serve effectively for the advancement of God's kingdom and glory.

Miles to Mozambique

She’s been on three ACTS teams to the Southwest; spent spring break in Northern Ireland with a college outreach team; taught one summer in Zambia; led a college team to Bolivia; and been in Haiti twice. Now Christina is preparing to serve one year in Mozambique. How did that come about?

            The CGGC partnered with New Life Church in Stockholm to plant a church in Gothenburg, Sweden. These New Life Churches sent Hasse & Sonia Persson as church planting missionaries to Maputo, Mozambique. A request came to the CGGC (through Jim & Kasie Brinson who served with the Perssons in Gothenburg) for someone to assist the Perssons with their children’s education. Knowing her background and love for Africa, CCM staff contacted Christina about the opportunity and put her in contact with the Brinsons and Perssons. Everyone involved sensed God’s timing through this connection.

            As a result, the CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission approved Christina on January 30^th for a one-year missionary internship beginning in mid-August 2012. She will live in a small apartment attached to the Persson’s home, assist in teaching their four children (ages 4-12), help with household responsibilities as needed, and serve in the local church and community as opportunities are available. Maputo is the capital city with 1.65 million people.

            A member of Bare Memorial Church (ERC) in Roaring Spring, PA, Christina grew up in the Churches of God. She is a 2010 graduate of Messiah College, has completed the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course, and is currently an intern in the World Christian Discipleship program through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Prior to her departure to Africa, she will complete cross-cultural orientation at MissionPrep in Toronto, Canada in July.

            Christina is seeking prayer and financial partners for her internship in Mozambique. You may email her at ChristinaRay.PA@gmail.com for more information. Support should be sent payable to:  CGGC, Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839 and designated for CC2809.006 Missionary Internship – Miles.

            Pray for Mozambique. It is one of the world’s poorest countries. After 30 years of war, it has enjoyed peace and religious freedom since the mid-1990’s. The Christian faith has tripled in the last 25 years.

Solar-powered Water in Haiti

In the USA, fresh drinking water is abundant. We think nothing of turning on the tap or stopping at a water fountain in public places to get a drink of water. We trust the source. Not so in many places around the world. The cholera outbreak in Haiti during the last year has caused many Haitians to doubt the safety of their water supply. This is especially true in the Artibonite Valley where cholera cases have been more prevalent.

Pumping water from deep wells usually requires Haiti electric--which often isn't reliable--or diesel-powered generators--which are costly to operate. Now, thanks to special donations, solar panels have been installed at the back of our Borel compound to provide safe drinking water for the community. This is such a blessing to the people! They trust this water source! It is just another example of how the Churches of God is serving the needs of Haiti through our Project Help ministry.

Thanks to all who support the Project Help Partnering Fund (CC 2718). God is making a difference through ministries like this.