Tomorrow is the beginning of Ramadan, the 30 days of daytime fast/nighttime feasting observed throughout the Muslim world. It is a season of prayer, where people ask Allah to give them dreams and visions. While we were in Indonesia, we met missionaries working in Java who had fascinating stories to tell about Ramadan. Their work was with the Christian people of Java, but almost every year these missionaries were found by muslim background people who had visions of Jesus during Ramadan! Amazing to see God at work even when there is no interaction with Jesus' people.
Today at church I was so moved to hear the stories of our missionary working in arab-speaking nations. He and his wife had so many extraordinary things to say, some of them quite provocative. They answered many questions from the good-sized crowd, and the interaction was very cool. One of the things they talked about was the growing practice among Christians to pray for our Muslim "cousins" while they are observing Ramadan. Our missionary mentioned this website, and the booklet they produce, as a possible guide for how to pray throughout Ramadan.
I think that even all we do is remember to pray that while they are praying for visions, that those visions would be of Jesus, love and peace. Look at the website, and think about how you can be praying for our "cousins", won't you? I will join you!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Upcoming Missionary Visitors @ BelPres!
Here's a list of missionaries coming to BelPres in the next weeks. Summer always brings a lot of our overseas folks home, so it's a good time to hear first hand what's going on in the world.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Summer News from the Adams
Here are some excerpts from long-time BelPres missions partners, Mike & Brigit Adams, with Far East Broadcasting Co.. I only included a bit of the letter, and there's quite a bit more family news. If you would like to receive their e-mailings, or a copy of the full letter, let me know and I can put you in touch with them.
-Nan
Summer 2011 News from Mike & Brigit Adams
"It's been a very busy few months for us, with lots of coming goings.
Colleen returned from her travels at the beginning of June. You may remember that she was in the Phillippines working at a YWAM hostel for abused girls, but had been hospitalized with dengue fever. She spent 5 days in hospital although she was feeling much better at that stage, having repeated blood tests (17 in all) until the results showed the necessary improvement. While in hospital she was accompanied by another of the YWAM staff who was her designated 'carer' and who arranged paying for and collecting her prescriptions from the pharmacy, which the hospital staff then adminstered. She then had 2 more weeks at the Nehemiah House, some of which she pent being the 'carer' for other girls who contracted dengue fever! At the Nehemiah House she was a 'house-mother' to the girls, which involved looking after them, doing schoolwork with them, playing games, and generally helping them to learn to trust again--she says it was the best part of her travels. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her at the time.
Mike is now in Yogykarta, Indonesia, on the slopes of Mount Merapi, which you may remember erupted last year and caused much disruption as people were moved away from the mountain. The Disaster Response Radio training involves participants taking part in a class, then being trained to teach the course, and finally demonstrating their proficiency by runing a course for new participants, including running the 3 day practical field trial under realistic conditions at a previous disaster area. It is this last phase of training that Mike is supervising this time.
In April, with barely enough time to recover from jet-lag after his trip to India, he went to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the annual International FEBC Conference wher eFEBC leaders representing 21 different countries met together to discuss strategy and ministry planning, and to learn about and be encouraged by what is happening in other areas of ministry.
One outcome of the conference was the agreement that the team Mike works with, the International Office (IO) is going to be restructured, bringing all the international teams under one management, leading to a a more efficient use of resources and personnel. In July we (both of us) are attending an IO conference and retreat in Singapore where the practical details of this restructuring and change of leadership of the IO will be addressed. Please pray for us as we discuss the new working structures.
Saipan: As most of you know when we joined FEBC 25 years ago we went to work on Saipan, from where FEBC has been broadcasting for over 30 years. But as technology has been changing, with a variety of new methods and strategies being employed to reach new listener (podcasts, use of MP# players, Internet broadcasts, IBMD--Internet Broadcasting via Mobile Device, etc) and a decline in 'traditional' listenership in the major language groups, the FEBC board decided after much prayer and consideration that it was time to cease broadcasts from Saipan. As part of the strategic planning, all three transmitters will be shipped to FEBC-Philippines to increase FEBC's broadcast capabilities from there. So it was with mixed emotions that on April 30th broadcasts ceased from Saipan, the island we called home for 13 years and where our children were born. To mark this occasion, the FEBC team on Saipan held a special Thanksgiving Service to give thanks to God for the ministry He enabled, and honour the contribution of all those who have served and contributed to the ministry on Saipan. We would love to have been there to say goodbye but perhaps it is easier to remember it as it was. Give thanks for the safety of all those involved in the dismantling--particularly when the 4 towers came down at the end of May.
Thank you again to all of you for your prayers, financial support and notes which have sustained us through a very hectic few months.
Brigit & Mike
-Nan
Summer 2011 News from Mike & Brigit Adams
"It's been a very busy few months for us, with lots of coming goings.
Colleen returned from her travels at the beginning of June. You may remember that she was in the Phillippines working at a YWAM hostel for abused girls, but had been hospitalized with dengue fever. She spent 5 days in hospital although she was feeling much better at that stage, having repeated blood tests (17 in all) until the results showed the necessary improvement. While in hospital she was accompanied by another of the YWAM staff who was her designated 'carer' and who arranged paying for and collecting her prescriptions from the pharmacy, which the hospital staff then adminstered. She then had 2 more weeks at the Nehemiah House, some of which she pent being the 'carer' for other girls who contracted dengue fever! At the Nehemiah House she was a 'house-mother' to the girls, which involved looking after them, doing schoolwork with them, playing games, and generally helping them to learn to trust again--she says it was the best part of her travels. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her at the time.
Mike is now in Yogykarta, Indonesia, on the slopes of Mount Merapi, which you may remember erupted last year and caused much disruption as people were moved away from the mountain. The Disaster Response Radio training involves participants taking part in a class, then being trained to teach the course, and finally demonstrating their proficiency by runing a course for new participants, including running the 3 day practical field trial under realistic conditions at a previous disaster area. It is this last phase of training that Mike is supervising this time.
In April, with barely enough time to recover from jet-lag after his trip to India, he went to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the annual International FEBC Conference wher eFEBC leaders representing 21 different countries met together to discuss strategy and ministry planning, and to learn about and be encouraged by what is happening in other areas of ministry.
One outcome of the conference was the agreement that the team Mike works with, the International Office (IO) is going to be restructured, bringing all the international teams under one management, leading to a a more efficient use of resources and personnel. In July we (both of us) are attending an IO conference and retreat in Singapore where the practical details of this restructuring and change of leadership of the IO will be addressed. Please pray for us as we discuss the new working structures.
Saipan: As most of you know when we joined FEBC 25 years ago we went to work on Saipan, from where FEBC has been broadcasting for over 30 years. But as technology has been changing, with a variety of new methods and strategies being employed to reach new listener (podcasts, use of MP# players, Internet broadcasts, IBMD--Internet Broadcasting via Mobile Device, etc) and a decline in 'traditional' listenership in the major language groups, the FEBC board decided after much prayer and consideration that it was time to cease broadcasts from Saipan. As part of the strategic planning, all three transmitters will be shipped to FEBC-Philippines to increase FEBC's broadcast capabilities from there. So it was with mixed emotions that on April 30th broadcasts ceased from Saipan, the island we called home for 13 years and where our children were born. To mark this occasion, the FEBC team on Saipan held a special Thanksgiving Service to give thanks to God for the ministry He enabled, and honour the contribution of all those who have served and contributed to the ministry on Saipan. We would love to have been there to say goodbye but perhaps it is easier to remember it as it was. Give thanks for the safety of all those involved in the dismantling--particularly when the 4 towers came down at the end of May.
Thank you again to all of you for your prayers, financial support and notes which have sustained us through a very hectic few months.
Brigit & Mike
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
South Sudan and Union Gospel Mission Update
Suffering was not just a consequence
of Jesus' obedience and mission.
It was the central strategy of
his mission. --John Piper
I had the privilege yesterday to sit in on a meeting of SIM Sudan missionaries and several area pastors/church representatives. What an amazing thing God is doing through the people of SIM in Sudan, and thier commitment to wise change in this one small corner of the world.
South Sudan is a new nation, but it's people have been suffering for many, many years. Now that the joyful celebrations have quieted down, good works can be expanded in this deeply hurting place. The SIM folks are coordinating and spearheading numerous projecs aimed at Education & Leadership Development. SIM will soon be opening a secondary school in Yabus. I really like the way SIM comes alongside indigenous people groups to build something that not only helps, but helps in a way that suits the culture. Sustainable development, yes!
SIM has also started and run various medical missions including a Leprosy clinic, a Toddler Health Village which has, in two years, served (saved the lives of) more than 750 starving and sick kids.
And now, in a land with the the highest maternal childbirth death rates, they are opening a clinic specializing in maternal medicine. I was move to tears at the pictures shown, and reminded of just how much we in the West have to give. I was impressed and encouraged by the work being done, and plans going forward for new works in the name of Jesus. Good going, SIM!
I was involved in another conversation recently about how Christians are, well, a drain on the intellectual & emotional capacity of humanity. Following that conversation with this meeting, seeing the earnestness with which Christians pursue the aims of Jesus--as laid out in his word--I am amazed at people's willingness to believe what they will, with so much evidence to the contrary. Sigh.
*UNION GOSPEL MISSION FIRE UPDATE*
For those interested in helping out after the UGM apartment fire, click here.
of Jesus' obedience and mission.
It was the central strategy of
his mission. --John Piper
I had the privilege yesterday to sit in on a meeting of SIM Sudan missionaries and several area pastors/church representatives. What an amazing thing God is doing through the people of SIM in Sudan, and thier commitment to wise change in this one small corner of the world.
South Sudan is a new nation, but it's people have been suffering for many, many years. Now that the joyful celebrations have quieted down, good works can be expanded in this deeply hurting place. The SIM folks are coordinating and spearheading numerous projecs aimed at Education & Leadership Development. SIM will soon be opening a secondary school in Yabus. I really like the way SIM comes alongside indigenous people groups to build something that not only helps, but helps in a way that suits the culture. Sustainable development, yes!
SIM has also started and run various medical missions including a Leprosy clinic, a Toddler Health Village which has, in two years, served (saved the lives of) more than 750 starving and sick kids.
And now, in a land with the the highest maternal childbirth death rates, they are opening a clinic specializing in maternal medicine. I was move to tears at the pictures shown, and reminded of just how much we in the West have to give. I was impressed and encouraged by the work being done, and plans going forward for new works in the name of Jesus. Good going, SIM!
I was involved in another conversation recently about how Christians are, well, a drain on the intellectual & emotional capacity of humanity. Following that conversation with this meeting, seeing the earnestness with which Christians pursue the aims of Jesus--as laid out in his word--I am amazed at people's willingness to believe what they will, with so much evidence to the contrary. Sigh.
*UNION GOSPEL MISSION FIRE UPDATE*
For those interested in helping out after the UGM apartment fire, click here.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
MAF in the Horn of Africa
You know, we've been out of MAF for three years this month (I know! Doesn't seem that long!) but I am still so excited about the work they are able to do. Here's an article from VOA I spotted, all about MAF's efforts to help end the tragic suffering in the Horn of Africa. I love how MAF is able to move planes and people around in such a way as to be able to help in emergency situations like this.
We need to pray for the people of Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia as they face the starvation of so many children, adults, and animals. Pray for those providing aid, that they would be allowed access to those most desperate for help, and that enough aid would come fast enough. Pray for the emotional state of the people hit by the famine, and those helping them.
We need to pray for the people of Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia as they face the starvation of so many children, adults, and animals. Pray for those providing aid, that they would be allowed access to those most desperate for help, and that enough aid would come fast enough. Pray for the emotional state of the people hit by the famine, and those helping them.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Are You Called?
Good stuff from my friend Daniel Curran: The Nature of Vocation & Calling. I know some of us struggle with where God would have us, and what calling looks like, so I thought I'd share this thoughtful essay. Dan is with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) at Berkeley, and he has been sincerely seeking God's call on his life for more than 20 years. Good guy, good stuff.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Union Gospel Mission Fire
Horrible fire today at the Union Gospel Mission's Lighthouse apartment complex. Please pray for this amazing organization as they deal with the aftermath of this tragedy. More on the fire here.
Human Trafficking in Seattle
Did anyone else notice this article in the Seattle Times yesterday? I think it's remarkable for a couple of reasons. First, were you aware that Seattle has a problem with underage prostitution, and that most of the business seems to be run online?
Then, as I read the article, I was impressed that this just doesn't seem like that big of a deal to many people. The article had a tone of weary indifference that really bothered me, in light of the subject.
My question then, is, how are we, as a church already involved in the struggle to end human trafficking overseas, going to respond to this evil at our doorstep? Does anyone know of anyone doing something about this--outside of the injunctions against the Weekly?
Then, as I read the article, I was impressed that this just doesn't seem like that big of a deal to many people. The article had a tone of weary indifference that really bothered me, in light of the subject.
My question then, is, how are we, as a church already involved in the struggle to end human trafficking overseas, going to respond to this evil at our doorstep? Does anyone know of anyone doing something about this--outside of the injunctions against the Weekly?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Youth Missions, GO!
Check out BelPres Youth Missions! Right now our High Schoolers have teams arriving in Sierra Leone and Costa Rica, and they will be blogging as they can throughout the trip. I don't know if you've ever followed a missions blog, but they can be a lot of fun. Right now the 2011 links are empty, but keep checking throughout the week. I am interested to see where God takes them this week! You can also look at the 2010 Costa Rica blog, which is pretty cool, too.
If you are a parent of a Jr.Hi student, it's also the place to find out more about the upcoming Jr.Hi mission trip.
Go kids in missions! Yay!
If you are a parent of a Jr.Hi student, it's also the place to find out more about the upcoming Jr.Hi mission trip.
Go kids in missions! Yay!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Persecuted Christians
Americans are so blessed to be able to study the bible and follow Jesus (or whatever religion) with freedom. This is not true in many parts of the world, however. Check out this link from opendoorusa.org for a list of persecuted Christians around the world.
It's hard to imagine how it must be living in the situations described in the list. Here in America, I deal with a lot of personal apathy toward Jesus, a considerable amount of anti-Christian animosity (yes I am aware that the crusades were not all sunshine!) and some outright anti-church hostility (yes, I know that politicians of both colors promote bad things in the name of the church--they don't represent me, either) but no one has ever put me in a work camp, bombed my church, or told me that my holy book is banned.
I encourage us all to take on the burden of prayer for our brothers and sisters in these oppressive situations. All things are possible through Christ, so lets bring these family members before the Lord, knowing that he is able.
It's hard to imagine how it must be living in the situations described in the list. Here in America, I deal with a lot of personal apathy toward Jesus, a considerable amount of anti-Christian animosity (yes I am aware that the crusades were not all sunshine!) and some outright anti-church hostility (yes, I know that politicians of both colors promote bad things in the name of the church--they don't represent me, either) but no one has ever put me in a work camp, bombed my church, or told me that my holy book is banned.
I encourage us all to take on the burden of prayer for our brothers and sisters in these oppressive situations. All things are possible through Christ, so lets bring these family members before the Lord, knowing that he is able.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Jubilee Service Day!
Have you signed up for Jubilee Service Day yet? August 13 is rapidly approaching, and this very fun, encouraging day takes a lot of planning, so sign up as soon as you can! Sign up here, and get ready to be blessed by the experience.
So many people are blessed by the work we do on this day, but a lot of the blessing comes right back to those who serve. It comes back in the joy of making things new and getting things ready for school, or coming alongside someone who is struggling to keep up their home.
There is childcare for kids under 10, and any kid over 10 has the chance to participate in the larger service work of the church in a new and powerful way. My eldest really enjoys Jubilee Service Day, and his dad and I really like how it gets him outside of his narrow, self-oriented world. Even if it's only for a day.
Find the time to get your family involved in Jubilee Service Day. And let me know if you regret it afterwards--I've never met anyone who did!
So many people are blessed by the work we do on this day, but a lot of the blessing comes right back to those who serve. It comes back in the joy of making things new and getting things ready for school, or coming alongside someone who is struggling to keep up their home.
There is childcare for kids under 10, and any kid over 10 has the chance to participate in the larger service work of the church in a new and powerful way. My eldest really enjoys Jubilee Service Day, and his dad and I really like how it gets him outside of his narrow, self-oriented world. Even if it's only for a day.
Find the time to get your family involved in Jubilee Service Day. And let me know if you regret it afterwards--I've never met anyone who did!
Monday, July 11, 2011
South Sudan!
Such fun news out of South Sudan today! It's the birth of a new nation! I am rejoicing with our brothers and sisters in Sout Sudan as they begin this new chapter of freedom, and I will continue to pray that they will grow in peace as a nation.
MAF, the organization Ted and I served with, began African operations in Sudan long ago, but had to move accross the border several years ago due to persecution. They, and other Christian aid organizations, are beginning plans to move back to Sudan, under the flag of this new nation. Hooray for good news!
MAF, the organization Ted and I served with, began African operations in Sudan long ago, but had to move accross the border several years ago due to persecution. They, and other Christian aid organizations, are beginning plans to move back to Sudan, under the flag of this new nation. Hooray for good news!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Japan Needs Teams
Peter Thomson posted this article today, about the continuing recovery work being done in post-tsunami North Japan. Peter and Wendy are going to be visiting BelPres in August, and I am thinking it would be really good to have a conversation around how BelPres can be helping in the recovery effort. Wouldn't it be cool to send a team or two (or ten!) to assist in the massive cleanup? What a good way to show the love of Jesus to this pain-filled place. I am praying that God would put this same subject on the hearts of others in our body, and that He would guide our steps. Pray with me?