A Christmas Memory

I found this post on the MAF blog to be meaningful.  I hope you enjoy it too.

AGM Thinking

I bought a bunch of chickens!  What a cool thing to get in your stocking at Christmas, right?  Honestly, I wish there were more farm animals in the AGM this year, as I know my youngsters like to get those.  But, have you looked through the catalog?  I love to go through and see all the things that our church is involved with, and the huge variety of items available.  It's even online here, though, I have to admit that the online version is no where near as pretty.  :-)

Do take a few minutes to browse through the creative choices for giving.  The team that puts the catalogue together did a super job of putting together some fun packages, plus, they have it all sorted by price, or place, or type of ministry supported!  It's cool, man, real cool. 

I'm off to roll out some Spekulaasjes (Dutch gingerbread cookies) now.   God rest you, merry gentleones!

Jubilee Reach Christmas Outreach

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Dear Friends, As we head into this Christmas season with the news dominated by state budget cuts, worldwide economic uncertainty, and civil unrest, I wanted to share with you one of the many stories of hope that we are seeing through Club Jubilee presence in the Bellevue Middle Schools through Jubilee REACH. Help us to SPREAD THE WORD by forwarding this onto friends and family. (click here to play video) In the midst of soccer practice at Tillicum, a Title-One Bellevue middle school, Coach Jeff heard his phone ring. Accustomed to ignoring his phone during practice, there was something that compelled him to answer this “Unknown Caller”. An anxious woman’s voice, speaking in broken English asked, “Have you seen my son? Is Luis at practice?” A worried, hard working mother did not know where her son was. Desperate that her son was getting into deeper trouble and fearing he had joined a gang, mom went on to express how hard it had become to handle Luis. He would not come home some nights. He was failing in school. Jeff, reassuring her, responded, “I am pleased to tell you, Luis is standing beside me right now. He has been at practice every day. He is one of my best players.” In relief, and almost disbelief, mom said, “It’s a miracle!” Then she pleaded, “Can you please mentor my son? He needs a coach like you in his life.” Already building in relationship with Luis, Coach Jeff agreed to keep walking alongside Luis, instilling good values, character, responsibility and respect. That’s what sports can do. Before Club Jubilee Sports, Luis hung out at the park next door which has a dark reputation for drug dealing and gang activity. Now Luis has purpose, a goal, and someone who cares about him. To play soccer, he has dedicated himself to his classwork, his team and his family. His attendance is perfect, he is home every evening and his grades have improved from failing to beyond a C average…in little over a month! Oh…and mom? The next day she inquired about the organization that cared for her son. Together, she and her husband are now engaged in the caring community of Jubilee REACH, attend ESL and will be enrolled in our next Parent Computer Class. So much more…redeeming sports, redeeming lives, families and futures, like Luis’. It’s a life transformed by a caring coach or mentor. Club Jubilee Sports is reaching the heart of a kid which opens doors to the parents so we can walk alongside and care for a family. We build relationships, earn trust and hear the deeper, unseen needs of those struggling on the margins. We step in the gap. Luis and his family have peace, purpose and hope…a better life for their whole family. In the past year over 1,000 Jubilee REACH volunteers served as glowing lights in our community. Your financial support has been essential in sustaining us as the ‘salt and light’ Jesus spoke of for hundreds of children and families in need. Your faithful financial support has been stewarded and the impact multiplied, enabling us to expand our REACH more deeply into our community and high needs schools through collaborative cooperation and partnerships bringing together churches, businesses, government, schools and other organizations. As we continuing to love, listen and learn, we’re discovering that the needs are more pronounced, especially at this time of year. During this Christmas season of giving, we’re inviting you to ‘let your light shine’ by making a financial gift to Jubilee REACH, lifting up families like Luis’. As we serve families through our Community Center, Thrift Store, and reach out to over 4,000 kids in the Bellevue School District Middle Schools, Jubilee REACH continues to model unconditional love and hospitality. Some come with urgent immediate needs; others are families on the verge of homelessness. Often families need medical or dental care, desire to learn English, or need a Caring PEER to walk alongside them through crisis. Help us sustain Jubilee REACH as a light that “cannot be hidden.” We appreciate your continued prayers and faithful service. “You are the light of the world.” You are the story of transformed lives transforming other’s lives…daily. Thank you for your generosity! With gratitude and appreciation, R. Brent Christie Executive Director P.S. You may contribute on our secure website, www.jubileereach.org, or send to our address, 14200 SE 13th Pl, Bellevue, WA 98007.

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News from our Russia Ministries

Children’s Hospice – Fr. Alexander Tkachenko

Thanks to the engagement of a new employee in September - Olga S. – there have been some changes in the work of the Children’s Hospice social and psychological care service. Previously, Olga headed a children's center of the Ethnographic Museum, where she created and implemented many innovative programs. Now she uses her valuable experience at Children’s Hospice and arranges so-called “thematic weeks”, which are beloved by our patients. As a result, in September a “Week of water” took place in the Hospice, which included a lot of various and fun activities.

St. John of Kronstadt –

Dr. Sergei Medvedev

In October the heating season in Koltushi began at last, and we are able to have classes in the Cultural Center with heat! All classes from the last academic year have started their activities. Two lectures on Bible History for adults have also been presented. We finished the repair of the heating system at last, but till now have not finished the repair of electric system. My volunteers appear and disappear, appear and disappear etc.

The most interesting event was a bus trip along the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland (where Peterhof is located). We visited an old historic fort with its super guns which had a big role in the time of the blockade of Leningrad. The coast at this place is very steep and rugged, and this was interesting for us too.

In early October we took a group of our adult parishioners to the Pskov-Pecherski Monastery for an overnight visit.  We attended a worship service and toured the Cathedral.  This is a very interesting place with long caves of the XV century. The monks used them as their cemetery.

St. Andrew’s Biblical Institute – Dr. Alexei Bodrov

Teachers at St. Andrew's are trying to promote the revival of the ancient Orthodox tradition of deep Bible study. Working in close co-operation with the leading foreign Christian publishers and Bible Society in Russia, whose revival had been actively supported by Fr. Alexander Men', the College faculty members have access to modern literature on Biblical studies. This special attention to Biblical studies distinguishes St. Andrew's from other Orthodox teaching institutions.  They sponsored several Conferences this year and the next will be in early November in Lviv, Ukraine on Academic Theology in a Post-Secular Age.

Hosanna Community – Bishop Seraphim

In Semkhoz ,the village outside Moscow where Fr Alexander Men, the leader of Christian renewal in Russia and the one who inspired our work, lived and died, we have continued to develop our retreat center step by step--modernizing the dining and kitchen areas previously and this year beginning what we will continue in 2012 the development of the large basement into a lounge area to complement the second floor meeting hall with an area for relaxed conversations, snacks, a television etc. The center is used not only for our own retreats but for those of Christian friends like Scripture Union, Jean Vanier's Faith and Life and so on. We also continue to have special retreats for children, couples, etc

Narnia Center – Alexey Markevich

This fall after Narnia staff visited,  the leader of a charitable Christian organization in Vladivostok wrote to Narnia, “We were able to distribute 158 books with the help of benefactors. The number of books was enough so each orphanage was able to have many different books.  I gave the books to children who said they love to read and who promised to exchange the books with friends and try to read everything that they have received.  Thank you so much for making it possible for the children to have such wonderful books.”

AGM Catalog. It's here, & it's ONLINE!

AGM Catalog is here!  Here's your Cyber Monday solution, get it from the Alternative Gift Market!  Everyone cool is getting a Llama or a chicken this Christmas.  Or maybe a backpack full of school supplies?  So many choices, all of them good.  And something for every budget!

Eastside Academy 10th Anniversary Video

Have you seen the Eastside Academy 10th Anniversary Video?  It really encapsulates the ministry and impact of EA.  I am so thankful for Toni Esparza, the teachers and staff, and all the fabulous mentors who volunteer their time to be in relationship with these recovering kids.  And I am so glad to be part of a church that helps visions like this one be realized and thrive.

AGM comes out tomorrow! And Habitat needs us!

Are you ready to get your Christmas shopping done in one place?  The AGM--Alternative Gifts Market--catalog comes out tomorrow!  I'm so excited!! 

And in other news: Habitat for Humanity is having 9-12 volunteers through NCCC Americorps come for 9 weeks. The volunteers need a place to sleep, shower, and a place to prepare meals or an opportunity to share meals with a host family. If you are interested in finding out more or helping out with this, please contact Jahna Smith at community@habitatekc.org

Operation Christmas Child is GO!!

When we were living in Papua, Indonesia, I had the opportunity to hand out Christmas Child boxes to a group of children who were living in a make-shift home for street kids. Watching those boys open these shoeboxes, for most of them the very first gifts they had ever received, was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. So many of the boys sat quietly, very carefully handling every little pencil and pair of socks, turning them over and over in their hands, just so amazed that someone in America cared enough about them to give them such treasures.

     For my boys, this event was made more powerful because, our last year in America, we had participated in a Christmas Child drive through our friend's church. It was so cool to see the light dawn in my son's eyes as they realized just how much these little shoeboxes--of what to us are everyday items--mean to the children who receive them.

     If you have kids, or if you don’t, or if you want to share the love of Jesus in an important way this Christmas, won’t you get a shoebox and fill it this year?  You won’t regret it.  Collection ends Nov. 21.  The closest drop-off point to BelPres is Pilgrim Lutheran, on 104th & 11th, but there are churches in Woodinville, Ballard, Greenwood, and Tukwilla that are still collecting, as well.  Find out more locations, and how to fill a box, at Operation Christmas Child.

Southern Sudan--PLEASE READ

Dear friends,
Many of you are aware of the atrocities being committed by the al-Bashir regime in Sudan, and the way they are bleeding over into South Sudan, but for those not in the know, I wanted to share some links with you.  Many thanks to Lindy Henry for compiling the Metzger/Boyette links. 

Ryan Boyette is on the ground in Nuba: Interview with Ryan Boyette on Patheos
And for a more recent update: An Update from Greg Metzger
For more on Ryan Boyette: Feature on Patheos.com
For more background on the events at the Sudan/South Sudan border, see this article on MSNBC.

Lets be in prayer about this situation, and lets let people know about it!
Nan

Wycliffe Word Day of Prayer

Hey folks, did you know that 11/11/11, besides being a cool date to write down, is Wycliffe's World Day of Prayer?  I wanted to share this cool link to Wycliffe's resources for this special day.  Pass it on!

While you're at the site, check out all the other cool things Wycliffe Bible Translators is doing these days.  Amazing work done by good people seeking to serve Jesus. 

Dean Wagner is Famous!

Thomson Times latest update has a great pic of a shovel-wielding Dean Wagner, smiling away several feet below the high-water mark on a tsunami affected house.  Great to see!

FPCB IS HOSTING THE MEN OF CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS!

FPCB will be hosting the men from CFH during the month of December in the upper campus. We need your help providing dinner or lunch for these men. You can sign up in the beginning of November. For more information, contact the missions department at eford@belpres.org.

AGM is Coming

I know it's a little early to start thinking about Christmas shopping, but I don't think it's too early to start talking about our theology of Christmas.  How would God have us celebrate Jesus' birthday?  One way that I know blesses both the giver and the reciever--and someone else outside of our cosy, tree-trimmed exchanges--is the Alternative Gifts Market.  So many fun things will be in it this year!  Keep your eyes open, and you might find just the right something for your special someones!

30 Days of Gratitude

I think there are other organizations that are doing this, but of course, MAF.org's 30 Days of Gratitude is the one I'm going to mention, right?  Neat idea, they give you a suggestion for meditating on gratitude every day for the month of November.  Pretty cool, right? 

From the Ninos Con Valor Newsletter!

Darla Capetillo, one member of the recent go-team to Bolivia, sent me this fun picture essay about our team's time with Ninos Con Valor.  So cool!  Now, if I could figure out how to put a tilde over my "n." 

First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue Vision Team A small vision team from First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, Washington arrived the day of our anniversary celebration! The team came down to get to know the different programs and ministries of Niños con Valor, in addition to building partnerships and possibly investing in the foundation. The kids really enjoyed the time spent with the visitors, and appreciated the fun activities. The team took time to beautify the garden and make comfortable cushions with the kids of Pedacito de Cielo, and paint the girls' study room and help the girls plant seeds and flowers at Corazón del Pastor. We thank the team for all their hard work and look forward to a future visit and building a lasting partnership!       Above Left: Gretchen helping a group from PDC make cushions for watching TV. Above Right: Dennis playing with Cedro outside. Too cute!       Above Left: Ken and Miguel working in the garden together. Miguel really enjoyed planting the seeds and digging in the dirt. Above Right: Darla giving Marcos his new teddy bear.       Above Left: Bob and Mateo with his new bear: Mateo seems pretty protective... Above Right: Gretchen helping Kattia plant some seeds.       Above Left: Dennis and Gretchen with little Alarico. Above Right: The team receiving the banner the children made for their church in Bellevue, Washington.       Above Left: Rich hanging out with Miguel and Lucas. Above Right: Ken and Bemabe having a great time!       Above Left: Bob receiving his shirt from Alandra at Corazón del Pastor. Above Right: Evelyn presenting Rich with his handprint shirt.       Above Left: Darla and Zamora sharing a wonderful moment. Above Right: Darla presenting Tia Evelyn from PdC with books the team donated to the kids.

How Not to Hate America After a Mission Trip

This article from Reject Apathy explains so well how many missionaries feel the first time they come back to the states from overseas.  Very worthwhile reading for anyone who's ever thought about missions. 

My favorite line:  Every country uniquely needs God’s grace, but the good news is that He faithfully pours it out on those who seek them, no matter the place or time.

God's Kingdom

The Deeper Impact meeting with Richard Stearns was very exciting!  First we heard from Chitra Hanstead, our new Deeper Impact coordinator at BelPres, and she's just super.  I am so excited that we have a woman after God's own heart leading up the Deeper Impact program.  Truly!

Then Richard Stearns spoke.  What really shook me up about his talk was his idea that we all live in the "Magic Kingdom"  complete with rides like restaurants, promotions, theater, and travel.  The Magic Kingdom is the place of the "bucket list," where we have the time and the energy to think about what might fulfill us before we die.

The rest of the world, though, lives in the "Tragic Kingdom".  This is the place where 2.2 Billion people don't have clean water, and thousands of children die each day of preventable causes. 

He didn't say this to make us feel bad, but to remind us that what we are called to do is bring God's Kingdom here on earth--not just to ourselves and our children, but to the world.  Really powerful stuff. 

If you haven't read The Hole in Our Gospel, I highly recommend it!

An Evening with Richard Sterns!

Deeper Impact presents an Evening with Richard Stearns, president of World Vision and author of The Hole in Our Gospel. This event is a Fall Kick-Off event for current Deeper Impact volunteers and those interested in becoming part of Deeper Impact. The Event, entitled "Fill in the Hole", will be held on October 23, from 4-6PM in UC303 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. Dinner will be provided.

New video from ONE.org

I love Bono. Have I never mentioned that before? I love Bono, and yet another reason to love Bono is ONE.org, the supercool non-profit he started. Here's their latest video, on the real "F" word/obscenity.
Did I mention that I love Bono?

Heifer International

While you're surfing, take a few and look at the blog over at Heifer International's site. Such an important ministry to thousands in developing countries, and such a good model for the rest of us.

In other news, the Van Zwol's are in the throes of moving, which is the only explanation I have for missing so many blog days. I am especially sorry that I didn't give a shout out to the Amazing Mission Fair last Sunday. What a wonderful opportunity to connect with various ministries locally and around the globe with whom BelPres is in partnership! I hope you all went, and I hope that you learned something new. My 12 year old now has a magnet with the name of a Bellevue Police officer on it--along with a promise to pray for that officer. Very cool!

I love seeing how much God is doing through BelPres, and am really looking forward to where he leads us missionally in 2011/12. Go God!

Is Japan Calling You?

Tomorrow is deadline day for the upcoming Japan Impact Team trip to Ishinomaki, Japan. God wants to use you. Is this where? Email rleatherberry@belpres.org to find out more!

Back To School

I've been talking with my boys a lot the last few days about how to "be Jesus" to their classmates. Being kind and respectful, yes, but also being an advocate for those who get left out or picked on.

Last year one of my boys had the sad opportunity to walk with a classmate through the death of a parent. I was proud of how my guy stood by his friend, listened to his silliness (I guess when you're 9 being super-silly is a grief response?), and did a good job of being there for the friend. Just before school started this year, we found out that the friend was switching schools because of all the taunting he got after his father's passing. Wow. He called to say goodbye to Piers, and said that some kids going into third and fourth grade were saying some horrible things to him, and that he thought it would be better to go somewhere where no one knew he didn't have a dad. Wow.

I plan to have a conversation with the principal. Maybe she's aware of the situation (the bullying--I know she knew about the death) but I really feel that we as a school need to do some talking about how to deal with a situation like this.

This morning yet another friend posted a status that included the line "Be kind. Everyone is fighting a battle." This is so true, and so very much what we are called to do. May God give us all the grace to "be Jesus" to the people we come into contact with each day.

Japan Tsunami Clean-Up Video

Great, moving video of the work Peter Thomson is doing in Tsunami-devastated Ishinomaki, Japan. It's a little more than 9 minutes, but entirely worth watching.

This is the area where our Impact Team will be working part of the time in the upcoming late October trip. If you are interested, contact Rich Leatherberry. Decision date is September 9, so pray about it quick! :-)

Missions Fair is Coming!!

Have you seen this? I love Missions Fair Day! Not only do I get to see people from local missions I care about, but every year I end up meeting someone new, learning about some new, cool thing God's people are doing in the world. Put it on your calendar and get ready to have fun and be encouraged!

Also, this is a great day to plan on bringing the kids down from the upper campus for a walk through. It's a fun, interesting event, kids welcome, and a great way to introduce your kids to where their offering quarters go. Bring it on!

Going to Japan?

Hey! Is God calling you to help the recovery effort in tsunami affected areas of Japan? Here's your chance!

Tomorrow night, yes, August 30th, 6PM in RM S-223, a group of us will be meeting to discuss what a Japan Impact team would look like. If you are interested in this exciting trip, and might be able to get some time off at the end of October (YES! October!!) then pray about it and be at the meeting.

Peter and Wendi Thomson will be there, and we're all excited to see just which missional people God brings! Will we see you there?

Challenges and Inspirations to Faith

I've been thinking all day about our visit with Jean McAllister after church yesterday. What an amazing, transparent, love-filled Jesus person she is! Jean shared about how Rwanda both challenges and inspires her faith. Challenges include just navigating a culture so different from her own--though I have to say it sounds like God has used her mightily in spite of this cultural divide--and dealing with church leaders who may have been complicit in the genocide 17 years ago.
But, then, she also talked about how Rwandan Christians, with all the baggage the genocide still visits on them, the poverty and difficult living situation, how they inspire her by holding their faith so dear.
I found myself reflecting on my own circumstances, and feeling committed to spend more time looking for inspiration all around me.
I also find myself wanting to remember Jean, and Rwanda, in prayer. She is in such a unique situation, and God continues to grow her and use her there, but she needs us all to back her up in prayer. Specifically, pray that she would not feel lonely.

Also, did you see the cool article about Rwanda Partners in the Costco Connection magazine today? My September issue arrived today, and I was so excited to see Greg and Tracy Stone pictured, along with a well-written article about the baskets! The only drawback is that the Rwanda Partners basket roadshow will only be coming to the Seattle Costco in our area. However, if you're interested in supporting Rwanda Partners through purchasing a basket, let me know, and I'll connect you!

Come Visit With Jean!

Jean McAllister will be talking about her life in Rwanda this Sunday! Come to room RM S-141 for what is sure to be a good visit, and enjoy a light lunch. 12:15PM is the time.

Jean is a BelPres member who has been serving in Rwanda for the last several years. Her stories are amazing, and her spirit is contageous! Join us?

If you are a missions regular, would you consider bringing a side-dish to go along with the sandwiches? Thanks!

Come hear Jean McAllister!

Missionary Kid Video

Seems like most of the missionaries I know have posted this video in the last week. And a lot of them are not bluegrass fans.

I hope this challenges some parents to let go of at least one excuse for not follwing a call! :-)

Get Connected!

Did you know that Get Connected at BelPres has an online tool for helping you figure out where you might be best matched to serve? Well, it does! Take this brief inventory and see where BelPres is serving and how your skills might match up!

Jean McAllister here

Did you know Jean McAllister is here from Rwanda? She's here through the first week in September, so keep an eye out for her. Lets let her know how much she means to us!

Jubilee Thinking

I hope some of you got to go and hear Peter and Wendy Thomson speak at BelPres yesterday. It was so fascinating to hear them talk about being incarnational Christians in the setting of disaster-recovering Japan. One of the coolest things they shared about was the way that they try to include, in every delivery/clean-up trip North, a BBQ party for the neighborhood. The Japanese gov't is doing what it can for the people, but this mostly means rice balls and bread. So when Peter and his church groups show up to grill huge quantities of chicken and hot dogs, the addition of protein is most welcome. They also shared that somewhere between 200-400 people show up, but they have had just the right amount of food every time. Peter said, "I just said, Jesus, if you're going to bring this many people, you're going to have too feed them! We'll cook it, but you bring it!" And He does. Every time. God is so good!

More than this, though, what a lot of us liked is that Peter and Wendy view what they are doing in North Japan--outside of the mission work (church planting & leadership development) we sent them there to do--they view the relief work as an extention of our own Jubilee Service work! Peter shared that he was inspired by the way our congregation just gets out there and loves on people in the name of Jesus, without expecting anything in return. With Jubilee Service Day happening just the day before, it was a sweet dovetail, helping us think about just how connected we are through works of service in Jesus' name. And my kids had a great time with the Thomson's kids, too!

Speaking of Jubilee Service Day, how did it go for you? My eldest and I helped out at Ardmore Elementary for the morning portion of the day, and we really enjoyed meeting and assisting one of the Kindergarten teachers there. I felt so special to be the person who stapled the alphabet up above the whiteboard! G organized books, moved tables and chairs, and did a lot of go-fer work. We both felt good about what we did, and felt it was over too soon. I look forward to the day all three of the boys are old enough to help out, so we can all stay the day!

We were all BelPres folk in the Kindergarten rooms at Ardmore, but I know more than 20 churches were involved. Who did you fellowship with?

Japan Missionaries Here!

We are so excited to have Peter and Wendi Thomson and family, missionaries in Japan, sharing with us in all services this Sun, Aug. 14. Following the 11AM services, there will be a light lunch with them in S.141. All are invited to come and enjoy this time of sharing about the work God is doing in Japan.

I recommend lunch with the Thomsons to any family wishing to get their kids introduced to missions. Peter and Wendi are very accessible to kids, have young kids of their own, and are doing fascinating things with Tsunami relief. It would be a great introduction to what God is doing in the world through BelPres.

Hooray for missionary visits!

Global Leadership Summit

I spent Thursday and Friday at the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, hearing the most extraordinary set of lectures/speakers I have ever had the pleasure to hear. If you are ever invited to attend, GO. Do not hesitate. Take two days off work to improve your walk and your work.

I wanted to talk about the GLS here in relation to mission. One of the speakers was Mama Maggie Gabron, a Coptic Christian. Mama Maggie is sometimes called "the Mother Teresa of Cairo" and with good reason. She has begun a ministry, called Stephen's Children, to help the poorest of the poor children living in the slums and garbage dumps of Cairo and it's neighboring cities. She has opened schools that now see more than 12,000 students in Kindergarten and elementary school, and is continually expanding this ministry.

What is most amazing about Mama Maggie, from a Western perspective, is that she is the youngest daughter of a respected Cairo doctor. She grew up in private school, travelling to Europe every year to keep herself in the latest fashions. Educated in Europe, she returned to Cairo to be a professor at the American University there. This is a woman who had it all. Everything. And she gave it up to become everything to the children of Cairo. It's such a remarkable story!

This morning, as I was helping one of Ardmore Elementary's Kindergarten teachers get ready for a new school year (Jubilee Service Day, yay!), I kept thinking of Mama Maggie and her kindergarteners. Children rescued from a life of filth, darkness, and oppression, because this one woman heard God call her, and obeyed. So extraordinary. So encouraging. So challenging.

Jubilee Service!

Jubilee Service Day is tomorrow! Are you going to be there? How was it for you, if it's tomorrow already?

I will be at Ardmore Elementary with my eldest, see you there!

Direct Impact of Deeper Impact

Many of you will remember the amazing sermon series Dr. Dudley did last spring entitled "Deeper Impact". Several hundred of our congregation made a commitment to have a deeper impact in their neighborhood, community, or world, and now there are a couple of really cool things going on. Now, a little more than a year later, we are beginning to see some tangible results.

One thing Deeper Impact developed is a Mobile Medical Clinic. This rolling clinic has made regular visits to Jubilee REACH, and is about to begin serving the KidREACH and Eastside Academy communities! Thanks so much to the Healthcare Resource Team for all the great volunteer work!

A newer development is a new partnership with Union Gospel Mission's Open Door Legal Services (ODLS). Under attorney David Mace, there have been 3 clinics so far with Jubilee REACH clients, and one focusing on EA and KidREACH clients. Many thanks to the Deeper Impact Legal Team for all you are doing for those in need!

God is doing a big thing among those who came forward after Deeper Impact

Trouble & Jubilee Day

Sorry for the long absence again. I was having some trouble with getting gmail to let me log in and stay that way. Honestly, I don't know what I did to fix it, but, here I am again!

Don't forget that Jubilee Service Day is this coming Saturday! And, if you're not registered for that, there's still a big need for helpers at Spiritridge school, the following weekend. Look here for details!

Looking for Someone to Support?

At last week's SIM South Sudan meeting, I was priviledged to meet Bob & Karen Ihrig, of Burlington, WA. Bob is a pastor and a building contractor, and Karen is a nurse. With this unique set of skills, they are seeking to serve with SIM in South Sudan. They plan on being there two years, to help build the new SIM school, minister to the churches there, and, for Karen, work with the young mothers in the "Maternity Clinic" to manage care for undernourished children.

I was impressed by their energy and excitement to pursue this call of God on their lives. If you're looking for someone cool to support, short term, look for Bob & Karen Ihrig at www.sim.org/giveusa.

Ramadan

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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!

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!

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?

VBS!

Today at VBS the topic was "Give Happily." The highlight of VBS, for me, would have to be the conversation we, um, "actors" had with the 3rd/4th grade classes after our skit. The question was, "What are some ways that we can give happily to help others?" It was so cool to hear their answers.

In the K/1st session we got responses like "I could give them my house!" (Um, yeah, let me know how your Mom & Dad respond to that suggestion!)

The older kids, though, especially the 3rd/4th graders, clearly had some experience with giving; "I knit hats for cancer patients." "I grew my hair out long and cut it to give to Locks of Love." "We could go help at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving again." Seriously! None of these answers were given by my kids, so I don't think I'm patting myself on the back to say I think it's so cool that these are the children of our church! That missional message is reaching down into the growing generations, and that, my friends, makes Jesus happy.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go think about how my kids can learn to serve. :-)

VBS and Jubilee Service Day

Oops, I missed a few days blogging. I have a good excuse, though; I've been preparing to do VBS drama again. Today I get to be "Ms. Festival of Weeks" in a, um, beauty pageant? Heheh, it's a fun gig, and equally fun to see how many of the kids have brought neighbors and school chums in for the fun. Pray that many kids would be drawn to the love and hope presented this week.

Did you take the chance to sign up for Jubilee Service Day yet? On August 13, our church will join with several other Eastside churches to spruce up 9 Bellevue Schools ahead of the new school year, as well as refurbishing several area homes. It's our chance to share the love of Jesus with our neighbors here in Bellevue. It's also a great way to introduce older kids to Christian service. We have a great time with our oldest, cleaning chairs and tidying up a school he will never attend. It was really neat to see him shift, that first Service Day, from "Why aren't we cleaning MY school!?" to loving that the kids at Cherry Crest Elementary would never know that a fifth grader from Rose Hill Elementary had cleaned their seat for them. Good, good stuff. I encourage you to enroll with your 10-years-old or older kids. You will see God at work in our Eastside Christian community, and in your own kids. Good stuff! Did I say that?

Register Here.

NTM & the Moi People

Tomorrow, our friends Rich & Karen Brown, missionaries with New Tribes Mission, are coming for a visit, along with their three daughters. We are so excited to see them! They are here just to hang out and visit with us as they move between church speaking engagements, but I just had to share these cool videos Rich has made with the new Moi believers.

The Moi people are stone-age tribespeople living in the mountains of West Papua, Indonesia. They have lived somewhat shut off from the world for centuries, living in extremely dark and difficult situations. Rich and Karen have lived among the Moi for several years now, and have been involved in bringing a large number to Christ, along with helping them develop a written language, improving their infant mortality rate, and helping reduce the astounding amount of intertribal violence. The work they do is extraordinary, to put it mildly, and we are so priviledged to count them as friends.

The Auto Angels Car Show is tomorrow, and I have three boys who are very excited to take Dad to see Mater and all the other cool cars. Rain or shine, it's always a good time at the Auto Angels Car Show!

Oh, and the burgers are great, too!
See you there!

Rwanda 2011!

It's time to start thinking about going to Rwanda this fall! Are you being called to visit this amazing place where BelPres has been so deeply involved these past years? The team is going to be visiting and working with The Center for Champions and other missions supported by FPCB.

I know a few people who have gone on these trips, and every one of them had no regrets. In fact, most people feel that it was one of the most positive life-changing things they have ever done. If you've been looking for a chance to step out of your comfort zone and meet Jesus on the faces of his people in a new way, this may be it!

Check out the details here. Edit: I found out that this is only accessible with a Microsoft Live ID. If you are interested in more details, please contact Julie St. Peter. Leave me a message and I will forward her information to you. Thanks!

One Dress Protest

One Dress Protest is a blog following the life of a 26 year old woman who, for various reasons, has chosen to wear one dress, the same dress, every day for this year.

I have been thinking a lot about fasting lately, and how it can allow God to move not just in our personal spiritual journey, but how much God moves through those who are dedicating themselves to fasting. Then, today, I saw my sister recommend this blog to her daughter, who is also 26. I am encouraged and challenged by Kristy Powell (that's the 26 year old woman wearing the same dress for 365 days) and her passion for change. On her "Why" tag she goes into some detail about this being a "clothing fast". What an amazing way to let God move through you for the year. She began in January, and now that I know about it, I will be watching to see how the year progresses.

Fascinating stuff!
Nan

Missions Fair Coordinator?

BelPres is looking for a new Missions Fair Coordinator. If you've ever attended church on Missions Fair Sunday, you will realize the importance of this position. Is it you? If you are interested, please check here.