Positive Response to Missionary Retreat

     Ten days ago, all of our CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries missionary staff met at Pokagon State Park in NE Indiana for a Missionary Retreat. Joining them was a national field director family from Bangladesh (the Dewans), plus several members of the CCM Commission and their spouses. A total of 53 persons, including MK's (missionary kids), gathered for spiritual refreshment, worship, fellowship, and recreation. This was the first time that some of them had ever met! The event sponsored and led by the CCM Commission was two years in the making. The schedule began on Thursday, July 18 and concluded by 1pm on Saturday, the 20th.
     CCM Associate Director Ben Tobias managed the retreat with the help of Administrative Assistant Pam Lopez. A veteran missionary from the Brethren in Christ, Eleanor Poe, served as guest facilitator challenging the group to set spiritual goals and maintain accountability with others. Based on the responses, the greatest benefit from the Retreat was the interaction the missionaries had with one another.
     The following are some pics from the event.

Guest facilitator Eleanor Poe leads one of the sessions.

Table discussions on timely topics.

Front Table: Caleb, Christina, & Calina Acosta

Back Left Table:  Phil & Kris Wallace, Kendall & Donna Highes, and Andy & Theresa Snyder

Back Right Table: Donna Binkley, Ken & Betty McIntyre, Steve & Shirley Mossburg

Washing Feet

Michael Wheeler

Mike Poe

Gordon Avey

John Thumma

 

Taylor Helms and Jim Brinson led the group in inspiring worship during the Retreat

Prayer was a powerful encouragement during the schedule!

Michael & Marcia Wheeler join with Ben Tobias in praying for Mike & Natinha Poe and Uttam, Liza, Arron, & Ellin Dewan

Conversations during a break

Martha Yerger & Annie Avey

Gordon Avey & George Yerger

New Beginnings for the Sarver Family

     Over the past few months back in the States, it has been incredible to see how the questions we had about what would happen while we are here and what should come next have been being answered. We have been blessed through our time of rest and feel more than ready to jump back into full-time ministry again. As we have watched, waited, and prayed about how God is writing the story of our family, we have seen how all things do, in fact, work together for our good and how perfect His timing can be if we are faithful and patient.
 
     That being said, as we write this letter to you, we find it bittersweet that this will probably be the last one for a while. After much prayer and consideration, we have decided that it will be best for our family to go on leave of absence from our service as missionaries in Thailand and instead continue our life in ministry Stateside. Our intention upon returning home was not to settle in or find a new job. Rather, it was to take the time we were given to really reflect on our time in Thailand and use what we have learned in order to move forward in life and in ministry. Throughout this time of Sabbatical, we have decided that there are some changes that must be made before we can return to the field (different field partners, returning with a team, etc.), and we realize that these things will need more than our scheduled year of home assignment to fulfill.
   
     As evidence yet again of God’s perfect timing, not long after returning home, Brook was presented with the opportunity to apply for an opening pastoral position at our home church, Olive Branch Church of God in Roann, IN. After going through a 2 month candidacy, Brook has accepted the role of Worship and Media Arts Pastor and will begin working as of May 6. This means that his primary responsibilities will be leading musical worship on Sundays and at midweek meetings, as well as designing and coordinating all video, media, and tech for the church. He is eager to use his gifts and abilities in these areas to help Olive Branch continue in their mission of developing authentic followers of Jesus Christ.
 
     We are excited to see how God will use our experiences in Thailand to help us minister more effectively here in Indiana, as well as how he will allow us to remain connected with the work in Southeast Asia. Even though we will be staying Stateside in the coming years, we do not, however, believe that our calling to serve the Thai people is over. We firmly believe that God will keep us involved with Thailand whether it be through prayer, short-term trips, or even returning ourselves at some point farther down the road.

     Our journey together with you began when we first spoke, about our vision of moving to Thailand, in your churches in the Spring of 2007. Since then, we have had the opportunity to meet with an incredible number of gracious, generous, and kind people who decided that it would be a good idea to join us in pursuing God’s calling to work among the people of Southeast Asia. You, reading this letter, are one of those people, and we are ever so thankful for you.
 
     It has been humbling to be the receivers of such generous financial support. You have sustained our family by hosting us in your homes when we have traveled, by providing the funds we needed in order to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, seek out medical care when we needed it, rebuild lives after the massive flood, supply materials for reaching out to our communities, enable local lay leaders in following their pursuit of preaching the Gospel, and so much more. We could not have done any of this without you.
 
     You have also ministered to us by being faithful in lifting up our family in prayer. Thank you for joining us in bringing both our praises and prayer needs before the Lord. You have encouraged us and built us up at times when you didn’t even know we needed it. For that, we are thankful.
 
     We look forward to what it is that God has for us in the coming years, and we hope that we can still maintain our connection with you. After all, you have become a sort of extended family to us, and that is not a bond so easily broken! Again, we thank you from the depths of our hearts, and we pray that God will bless each one of you for your sacrifice and commitment to enabling us to go out and serve.

Points for Prayer:
✤ Praise God for His perfect timing and provision.
✤ Praise God for the rest and refreshment that we needed in these past few months.
✤ Praise God for the opportunity to share daily life with family and friends once again.
✤ Praise God for Hailey’s continued adjustment to life in the States.
✤ Pray for leaders to step up within the Khlong Luang and Rapeepat churches in our absence.
✤ Pray for Brook as he transitions back into a pastoral role here in the States.
✤ Pray for clarity, guidance, and peace as we continue to reflect on our ministry in Thailand and
plan for a new season of life back in our home country.

Keep in Touch:
     Throughout the past several years, we have enjoyed meeting and getting to know each of you. Even though we may not be returning to the field as active missionaries in the near future, we would still love to keep up our relationship with you as we continue to minister Stateside, and as we seek out ways to still be involved in God’s story in Thailand.
     Please feel free to email us at any time with further questions about our ministry in Thailand, to let us know if you are nearby and would like to meet, or even just to say hello. We would love to hear from you!
 
Sara - saraj.sarver@gmail.com
Brook - brook.sarver@gmail.com

India Trip Highlights

     In February, Great Lakes Director Earl Mills and CCM Director Don Dennison visited India after being in Bangladesh with a team from Mt.Carmel Church of God (see Feb. 15 blog). Earl and Don walked across the border from Bangladesh to India at Hili in the Dinajpur District on Saturday, May 2. They were the first Americans to be processed at that Bangladesh checkpoint using a new computerized system! India Field Director Samir Singha met them and took them to the city of Malda (in the Malda District of West Bengal, India). Malda district has at least 4 million people, and the Malda urban area is roughly 325,000 in population.

The Bhawar congregation worships outdoors.

The harmonium accompanies singing.

     













     

Earl preaches to the Udaypur congregation.

     While in that area, they worshipped with 8 churches from Sunday morning to Tuesday night and met with field evangelists who are leading an effective ministry among tribal peoples. On a few occasions (as pictured below), Don and Earl's messages were translated first into Bengali, then Santali. (That process was difficult but necessary in those contexts.) One of the challenges the evangelists face is a growing religious opposition from tribal parties who want their people to retain their animist backgrounds rather than become followers of Christ. These workers need our prayers!


    



     On Tuesday night, Feb. 5th, Samir, Earl and Don took the overnight train from Malda to Kolkata (about an 8-hour trip) and went to Uluberia where our Churches of God Mission is based. From there, they visited 3 (newer) churches in the Midnapur and Hoogli districts. One of the Bengali churches baptized 27 new believers last year. Another church planted just last May already has 49 baptized believers!

 

Samir, Madhumita & Charusheela Singha

  







 

Cultural dance by Child Development Center

                                                            While at Uluberia, Earl and Don also visited the historic Uluberia Town Mission School--founded by pioneer missionary Clara Landes; the Uluberia Mission House School (started by the Singhas); and the Child Development Center (in partnership with Compassion East India). Retired missionaries Solomon & Betty Biswas continue to do well and were preparing to visit Kolkata for an upcoming Keswick meeting and then a week of holiday.

     Appreciation is expressed to all who contributed to the 2012 "Share the Blessing" Christmas offering designated for India Churches & Evangelism (CC2720). Monies are still coming in for the project. Last year, 216 baptisms were reported among our churches there.

     Additional designated categories for India include:  CC 2722 India Field Director Support; CC 2723 Mission Compound Maintenance; and CC 2827 Mission Schools.

 

A New Feetwashing Experience

     I've participated in feetwashing services most of my life and led more than a few of them while pastoring in four congregations over 28 years. In addition to the annual Maundy Thursday observance (note: the word "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "mandate" or "commandment), feetwashing services were also held at special times during the year, including annual denominational meetings. John 13 was always read as a reminder of Jesus' example. The "oughtness" of His words in verse 14 are taken literally as something we actually do as a reminder of the servant attitude we should have as followers of Jesus.  

     Years ago when I did my M.A. at Olivet Nazarene University, I selected the topic "The  History and Practice of Feetwashing" for my research thesis. While this practice may seem odd to many people, several Christian groups still practice feetwashing as a religious rite or ordinance of their church, mostly on Maundy Thursday. There's nothing like kneeling in front of a fellow believer and washing their feet to remind us of the proper attitude we should always have towards others. I recall how an older neighboring pastor in southern Illinois preceded all church business meetings with feetwashing. He said it improved the spirit of the meetings! In an ego-driven world, the virtue of humility needs demonstrations as well as verbal reminders.

     I write these words from Brazil where the 14th annual conference of our Igreja Biblical Boas Novas (Good News Bible Churches) concluded a few days ago in Campinas in the State of Sao Paulo. Feetwashing is typically a part of the weekend experience. Over the years, I've had the privilege of participating in several of those services and especially blessed by those who were doing it for the very first time. Tears flowed freely as separate circles of men and women followed the example of Jesus in washing the feet of modern-day disciples. For participants, it's been one of the highlights each year.

      Following my morning presentation on missions, the Campo Grande worship space was prepared for feetwashing with two circles of chairs. It is typical for men and women to be separated for this practice. There were approximately 25 men and 12 women present. One  basin and a towel were placed in the center of each circle. Following some explanation by Pastor Samuel from the John 13 passage, we commenced the ordinance in typical fashion—around the circle where we were seated. Then I noticed that in the adjacent women's circle, some of them had gone to other women (besides the person next to them) to wash their feet. When the men completed the circle, Pastor Jimenez announced that we could wash the feet of anyone else in the group as an act of our appreciation for them. In turn, a couple of the men washed their pastor’s feet. Some men washed missionary Gordon Avey’s feet in recognition for his years of servant leadership and blessing to their church.

     Then something else began to happen. At least two men went to the women’s circle and washed their wife’s feet. Then Claudia Jimenez, the pastor's wife at Campo Grande, came over to our circle and washed Gordon Avey’s feet alongside men who were contining to wash the feet of their Christian brothers. Then Alexandria (one of the Campo Grande leaders) came to our circle and washed (in turn) the feet of (her) Pastor Jimenez, Gordon, me, and then her husband….and wiped our feet with her long hair…and kissed our feet. Many of us sat their weeping... as the story of Luke 7:36-50 (you gotta read it!) took on new meaning with Alexandria's visible demonstration. I had never before experienced such a heartwarming and awe-inspiring feetwashing service.

     Religious practices--even those done only once a year--can easily become routine. We do them the same way each time with little variation. I thank God for allowing me to experience different cultures where more freedom is permitted than is found typically in my home culture. We in the USA need to learn from other cultures! I thank God for my Brazilian brethren who provided an unforgettable image that will forever accompany my feetwashing experiences.

Norris Baby Arrives!!

Many of you know that Kara Norris--the former Administrative Assistant for CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries--and her husband, Dr. Charles Norris, have been anticipating the arrival of their first child. 

We rejoice in announcing that Benjamin Daniel Norris entered into the world on Friday, March 1 in Toledo. He is a healthy baby weighing in at 6 lbs, 10 oz. and 20.5 inches long.

Kara writes: "We are beyond blessed and give all praise to the Giver of All Good Things! Thank you for all of your faithful support."

Congratulations to Chuck & Kara for the blessing of God's favor. Your lives will never be the same! 

 

 

Bangladesh Trip Highlights

An 8-person team from Ohio recently visited some of our ministries in Bangladesh. The trip was initiated by the the Mt.Carmel Church of God which has given over $7,000 the last three years to drill tube wells and provide slab latrines for communities where churches are located. The team included (L to R): CCM Director Don Dennison, GLC Director Earl Mills, Larry Fennig, Tyra Roberts, Mike & Lori Hayes, and Pastor Mark & Tammy Wakeland.  

Bangladesh now reports 165 churches (7 new ones in 2012) with a total membership of 7,394. Last year they celebrated 177 baptisms. We rejoice in what God is doing among Bengali and tribal people groups in the northwest districts of the country! Continue to pray that the fame of God's name will continue to spread to other villages. Here are just a few pictures from our visit.

The girls hostel at Khanjanpur always give visitors a special welcome! There are 150 girls and 60 boys in their respective hostels at Khanjanpur.

Members and friends at Farangachi Church in front of their new recently dedicated church building. 

 Their previous building was of mud construction (below). What an improvement!

Here's Don cutting the ribbon to officially open the new Bairachand Church building. This is in the Ghoraghat area. This congregation has 59 members.

The expansion of the Churches of God Mission into seven districts has resulted in opening area offices outside of the Bogra and Khanjanpur centers. Here (right) the team met with the field evangelists in the Fulbari area site where they tend to 40 churches...with only one of them having a building! Today there are area offices in Ghoraghat, Fulbari, and Setabganj (Thakurgaon). 
 





Team members are welcomed by the Bishnawpur Church with 47 members. They have no building.

The church in Bangladesh cannot be confined to a bulding. The church is...where the people are! Filled with joy from their new-found faith, they take the message of Jesus to the next village.


As God provides, would you prayerfully consider helping to fund these ministries which are making a world of difference in Bangladesh?

CC 2702 Education & Schools
CC 2709 Churches & Evangelism
CC 2710 Medical Ministries
CC 2701 Field Director's Support

Contributions should be sent to CGGC, Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839
Or...you can give through our website at http://secure.cggc.org/bangladesh

God Loves the City!

In 2013, CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries is focusing on “the city” as one of the remaining frontiers for world evangelization. Today more than 50% of the world’s 7+ billion people live in urban areas. Many Christians have abandoned the city while others simply avoid the city. But God’s closing challenge to Jonah should open our eyes and soften our hearts:  “Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (Jonah 4:11).

          

CGGC churches are encouraged throughout the year to:

• become more informed about major cities of the world and specifically cities in countries where the CGGC has a witness
• pray for the people and ministries in cities, including needs in your own community (no matter how large or small it may be)
• use the “Seek God for the City” 40-day Lenten prayer guide designed for use between February 13 – March 24, 2013. It is filled with scriptural prayers of hope to guide participants in praying. A complimentary copy of this prayer guide has already been mailed to every CGGC church. Additional copies can be ordered from www.waymakers.org. Spanish and children’s versions are also available, as well as an “app” for smartphones and tablets.
• join with other churches in your community for a “Love Your City” weekend “kindness explosion” any time during 2013. Go to www.loveyourcity.com for ideas on how to organize and promote this community event.
• organize “prayer walks” in your community. Go to www.newchurches.com/mediafiles/PrayerWalkManual.pdf for specifics on how to conduct a “prayer walk”
• get outside your “comfort zone” by visiting an unfamiliar major city for the purpose of seeing the challenges and hearing God’s voice on behalf of the people who live there. Consider doing a prayer walk in that city!
• plan a missions event in your church which provides information about and prayer for cities. Use CGGC “Seek God for the City” placemats for your missions dinner. Order placemats from the CGGC office (pam@cggc.org). Your church will be billed $5 per 25 mats plus shipping
• learn to love the city because God loves the city, and He is at work there!