Friday, August 14, 2009
Clay Hilton- Canada church plant update
2500 miles away from home Tracy, Phil, Kevin, Kent, Michael, Stephanie, and Alana came up from Knoxville and helped us conduct two backyard Bible clubs, plant over 100 evangelistic seeds, volunteer over 100 hours at a community festival, pass out pizza in a park right before an outdoor church service, watched our 4 kids, fixed stuff around our house, and even did our laundry. Thank you Sevier Heights Baptist Church for helping us reach Fort Mac for Christ.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Robert and Mary Jo Foster
Family, Friends & Supporters,
Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:37-38)
Greetings from São Paulo!Our most recent Workshop saw just over 400 people trained to present the Gospel. Thank you for continuing to pray for these Workshops!!This afternoon and tomorrow we will have some important meetings as we continue to develop a new infrastructure for EE-Brazil. Three new staff members will be installed into their positions and a fourth will be assuming a new responsibility. There will be a transition from a part-time to a full-time national coordinator. This implies a new staff member, and the person selected is very excited to accept the position and to see what the Lord is doing in his life, as are those of us putting together the new Team. Please pray for these important meetings, as they are crucial for our continued growth.Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!!
Blessings,
Robert & Mary Jo
EE-Brazil
Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:37-38)
Greetings from São Paulo!Our most recent Workshop saw just over 400 people trained to present the Gospel. Thank you for continuing to pray for these Workshops!!This afternoon and tomorrow we will have some important meetings as we continue to develop a new infrastructure for EE-Brazil. Three new staff members will be installed into their positions and a fourth will be assuming a new responsibility. There will be a transition from a part-time to a full-time national coordinator. This implies a new staff member, and the person selected is very excited to accept the position and to see what the Lord is doing in his life, as are those of us putting together the new Team. Please pray for these important meetings, as they are crucial for our continued growth.Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!!
Blessings,
Robert & Mary Jo
EE-Brazil
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Career Solutions Update
Dear Friends,
Here’s a quick news update. I just love to share good news, particularly when it glorifies God for what He as done. God has answered our prayers concerning our CareerSolutions radio program. And He has done it in a most compelling way.
Just last month when I was informed about KVTT being sold to KERA and that all programming would need to find another home, my first response was to ask God if He was using this closed door to tell me he wanted me off the radio altogether. I refrained from rushing out and contacting other radio stations for several weeks, waiting for God to disclose His intentions first.
I prayed, “If YOU want me to devote my efforts to expanding our workshops while stepping out of radio, I am perfectly happy to do so. Please show me by closing all doors to radio.”
Within a few more weeks I was contacted by one station and then another. And my assistant, Glen, contacted a few others just to see if they had any interest. Within the next 2-3 weeks I was offered a spot for CareerSolutions radio on 4 different stations here in the DFW area (three were FM stations and one was a new AM station; three were Christian stations and one was secular). But that isn’t all the good news. Three of the stations offered us 5 days per week, Monday thru Friday.
After much prayer, I selected KDKR, 91.3 fm – we will be on the air beginning August 10 at 3pm each weekday. Praise the Lord! You may also podcast our shows by registering on our web site. You may also listen on the internet at www.kdkr.org as we’ll be streaming live each weekday. We will also still be broadcasting from our current station thru August, so for a short while, six days per week. And I sense the Lord is not yet done with us on this!
God opens and closes doors as He desires each of us to move closer to Him. And prayer works miracles. Thank you for your prayer support for our ministry. You are the BEST!
David Rawles
Founder & President
CAREERSOLUTIONS
Here’s a quick news update. I just love to share good news, particularly when it glorifies God for what He as done. God has answered our prayers concerning our CareerSolutions radio program. And He has done it in a most compelling way.
Just last month when I was informed about KVTT being sold to KERA and that all programming would need to find another home, my first response was to ask God if He was using this closed door to tell me he wanted me off the radio altogether. I refrained from rushing out and contacting other radio stations for several weeks, waiting for God to disclose His intentions first.
I prayed, “If YOU want me to devote my efforts to expanding our workshops while stepping out of radio, I am perfectly happy to do so. Please show me by closing all doors to radio.”
Within a few more weeks I was contacted by one station and then another. And my assistant, Glen, contacted a few others just to see if they had any interest. Within the next 2-3 weeks I was offered a spot for CareerSolutions radio on 4 different stations here in the DFW area (three were FM stations and one was a new AM station; three were Christian stations and one was secular). But that isn’t all the good news. Three of the stations offered us 5 days per week, Monday thru Friday.
After much prayer, I selected KDKR, 91.3 fm – we will be on the air beginning August 10 at 3pm each weekday. Praise the Lord! You may also podcast our shows by registering on our web site. You may also listen on the internet at www.kdkr.org as we’ll be streaming live each weekday. We will also still be broadcasting from our current station thru August, so for a short while, six days per week. And I sense the Lord is not yet done with us on this!
God opens and closes doors as He desires each of us to move closer to Him. And prayer works miracles. Thank you for your prayer support for our ministry. You are the BEST!
David Rawles
Founder & President
CAREERSOLUTIONS
Friday, June 5, 2009
Robert and Mary Jo Foster Update
Family, Friends and Supporters,Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!God is using your prayers and financial gifts to sustain our ministry in this struggling economy, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for your faithfulness in prayer and our financial support!! Without question, the realities of today's economy are affecting us all, making 2009 one of the most challenging years ever. Know that the Fosters are grateful and are praying for you, even as you pray for us!!Robert's recent time in Brazil was busy and fruitful, and the follow-up since his return has been intense. We had asked you to pray about the following and were pleased to see the results that the Lord provided as a result of your prayers:
On May 2nd, we will be training some new Workshop leaders on sight at a Workshop in Sao Paulo. We were able to train 3 new Workshop leaders that will help us "gear-up" for the increased demand for this new training.
On May 3rd, we will be at the Brooklyn Baptist Church in Sao Paulo to recognize 25 years of exemplary EE training and ministry. This was a special time of recognition. The Lord blessed the worship service, and we believe that the church is committed to many more years of EE training, as a result.
On May 9th, I will be leading a Workshop at a Baptist church in the city of Rio de Janeiro. This Workshop was well-attended with 148 present, bringing to more than 2,100 the number of people trianed in our new Workshop since November 2008.
On May 10th, we will be in a couple of different churches in Rio to promote evangelism training. These visits, which included the participation of two of our VPs from the US as featured, guest speakers, were good opportunities and should help to grow and strengthen the ministry in the large city of Rio de Janeiro.
And, in between these events we'll be working on projects and making contacts. Along with the visiting VPs and members of our National Council, we discussed in detail and began to plan for two projects that require the addition of new staff in Brazil. This is far-reaching planning for the future growth of our training throughout Brazil.
During all of this time, please pray for Mary Jo, too...safety and no mechanical problems with cars, appliances, etc. Mary Jo was safe and did not have any additional mechanical problems while Robert was in Brazil. (Note: the air conditioner on our car had quit cooling before I even wrote the request, and in part, prompted the request.)So, THANK YOU for the prayer support...and please don't let-up! Please pray for us as we determine who to invite to be members of our EE-Brazil Team, as well as for their responses to our invitations. Pray, too, for a major denomination that is considering our Workshop training as a part of their 2010 year of evangelism emphasis.
Blessings,
Robert & Mary Jo
EE-Brazil
On May 2nd, we will be training some new Workshop leaders on sight at a Workshop in Sao Paulo. We were able to train 3 new Workshop leaders that will help us "gear-up" for the increased demand for this new training.
On May 3rd, we will be at the Brooklyn Baptist Church in Sao Paulo to recognize 25 years of exemplary EE training and ministry. This was a special time of recognition. The Lord blessed the worship service, and we believe that the church is committed to many more years of EE training, as a result.
On May 9th, I will be leading a Workshop at a Baptist church in the city of Rio de Janeiro. This Workshop was well-attended with 148 present, bringing to more than 2,100 the number of people trianed in our new Workshop since November 2008.
On May 10th, we will be in a couple of different churches in Rio to promote evangelism training. These visits, which included the participation of two of our VPs from the US as featured, guest speakers, were good opportunities and should help to grow and strengthen the ministry in the large city of Rio de Janeiro.
And, in between these events we'll be working on projects and making contacts. Along with the visiting VPs and members of our National Council, we discussed in detail and began to plan for two projects that require the addition of new staff in Brazil. This is far-reaching planning for the future growth of our training throughout Brazil.
During all of this time, please pray for Mary Jo, too...safety and no mechanical problems with cars, appliances, etc. Mary Jo was safe and did not have any additional mechanical problems while Robert was in Brazil. (Note: the air conditioner on our car had quit cooling before I even wrote the request, and in part, prompted the request.)So, THANK YOU for the prayer support...and please don't let-up! Please pray for us as we determine who to invite to be members of our EE-Brazil Team, as well as for their responses to our invitations. Pray, too, for a major denomination that is considering our Workshop training as a part of their 2010 year of evangelism emphasis.
Blessings,
Robert & Mary Jo
EE-Brazil
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Mid Cities Pregnancy Center Update
After much time and years of prayer, we opened the doors to the beautiful Mid Cities Pregnancy Center, Irving office, March 26. In addition, we had a successful Open House for pastors, Irving ISD staff, physicians, and other city leaders May 22nd.
Since opening, we have performed 31 pregnancy tests, with 23 of them being positive. Of those 23 positive tests, 17 of those clients represented were abortion-vulnerable. After counseling, 19 of the 23 chose to carry and parent, with 2 undecided as to whether to parent or place for adoption. The remaining 2 are unknown as to their decision. Follow-up is continuing.
The gospel was presented 23 times and 3 clients accepted the gift of eternal life. Two clients rededicated their lives to Christ. Many others made significant decisions regarding the direction of their lives.
Heartfelt appreciation is expressed to all those who gave to the Miracle Offering, helping to birth and equip MCPC, Irving! Your sacrificial gifts, prayers, and partnership mean so much to us! Thank you!
Since opening, we have performed 31 pregnancy tests, with 23 of them being positive. Of those 23 positive tests, 17 of those clients represented were abortion-vulnerable. After counseling, 19 of the 23 chose to carry and parent, with 2 undecided as to whether to parent or place for adoption. The remaining 2 are unknown as to their decision. Follow-up is continuing.
The gospel was presented 23 times and 3 clients accepted the gift of eternal life. Two clients rededicated their lives to Christ. Many others made significant decisions regarding the direction of their lives.
Heartfelt appreciation is expressed to all those who gave to the Miracle Offering, helping to birth and equip MCPC, Irving! Your sacrificial gifts, prayers, and partnership mean so much to us! Thank you!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Friendship Evangelism: Canada church plant update
I believe that Jesus is God. Raja Abid believes that Jesus is one of God's prophets. However, Raja Abid and I are friends. He loves to hang out at our house, eat my lamb chops, talk about the ladies, and read the Bible with me. He is far away, in my opinion from making a decision for Christ, but I feel the Lord leading me to be his friend and share Christ with him through that friendship. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would touch my new friend. Please also pray that the many Urdu speaking people in Fort McMurray could see a church planted here for them.
Justin is another new believer in Christ, and he is not out of the woods yet as far as his struggles due to living his life without Jesus for so many years. However, he is growing in his faith. We meet at least three times a week for Bible study and prayer. He is a great guy and has many friends and family that he wants to see come to Christ.
This last week Justin's mom, who has not asked Jesus to rule her life, commented to me that something has changed in Justin. She said with tears in her eyes "This last week, he actually carried on a conversation with me for the first time in a year. He even asked about me. Something is different about him." I was able to share with her the difference that Jesus makes in someone's life and she was open to finding out more about Justin's new Lord and Saviour.Please double your efforts in praying for Justin and his family and friends. My desire is for him to grow in his faith and see many of those in his life yield their life to Christ.Thank you for partnering with us to reach Justin for Christ.
-Clay Hilton
Justin is another new believer in Christ, and he is not out of the woods yet as far as his struggles due to living his life without Jesus for so many years. However, he is growing in his faith. We meet at least three times a week for Bible study and prayer. He is a great guy and has many friends and family that he wants to see come to Christ.
This last week Justin's mom, who has not asked Jesus to rule her life, commented to me that something has changed in Justin. She said with tears in her eyes "This last week, he actually carried on a conversation with me for the first time in a year. He even asked about me. Something is different about him." I was able to share with her the difference that Jesus makes in someone's life and she was open to finding out more about Justin's new Lord and Saviour.Please double your efforts in praying for Justin and his family and friends. My desire is for him to grow in his faith and see many of those in his life yield their life to Christ.Thank you for partnering with us to reach Justin for Christ.
-Clay Hilton
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hays Community Church Update
God continues to do awesome things. We are seeing Him continue to bring unchurched people to us who do not have a relationship with Him. We are thrilled to help these folks on their journey with Jesus. In May God has allowed to baptize three more people. One of those was our son. That was truly a special day. The other two that we were able to baptize were Richard & Kathy. You might recall that Richard & Kathy are Heather’s parents, & Heather is the first gal who came to know the Lord in our church. She professed Christ over a year ago. It was an incredible privilege to watch her parents come to know Jesus & to watch them declare their allegiance to Him through baptism. Praise the Lord!!!
Prayer Requests:
As always, we are so thankful for your prayers. Please continue to pray that our family would abide in Christ & His love & that we would reflect that love to those in our church & to those a part of our community. Pray protection over our family & church. God is enabling us to fight the forces of darkness when they come after our marriage. Praise His name for this! Pray that those in our church who have yet to profess Christ would have their eyes enlightened. We are doing an outreach for kids in June. Pray God would draw unchurched families to bring their kids to this & that it would draw the families to Christ & our church. Finally, we are hoping to start a fourth house church in the fall. Pray that God would raise up the right leader to lead this next house church. To God be the glory for what He has done and will do!!!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank you so much for being partners with us in the advancement of the gospel!!!
Prayer Requests:
As always, we are so thankful for your prayers. Please continue to pray that our family would abide in Christ & His love & that we would reflect that love to those in our church & to those a part of our community. Pray protection over our family & church. God is enabling us to fight the forces of darkness when they come after our marriage. Praise His name for this! Pray that those in our church who have yet to profess Christ would have their eyes enlightened. We are doing an outreach for kids in June. Pray God would draw unchurched families to bring their kids to this & that it would draw the families to Christ & our church. Finally, we are hoping to start a fourth house church in the fall. Pray that God would raise up the right leader to lead this next house church. To God be the glory for what He has done and will do!!!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank you so much for being partners with us in the advancement of the gospel!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Hays Community Church Update
Our church family is now made up of about 70 people. That is 2 ½ times what it was this time one year ago. The best part about this is that 65% of our church is made up of pre-believers and new believers, and 85% of our church is made up of folks who had no church home prior to HCC. Like we shared over a year ago, the Lord is allowing us to reach the without hope (Ezekiel 37) and build His church little by little (Deuteronomy 7). Praise the Name of the Lord Most High!!! Over Easter we had two Egg Hunts for the community. Including our church volunteers, we had about 150 people total at both hunts. To the right are some of the pics from these hunts. It was a great way to reach out and serve the community. The last two weeks, we have averaged over 60 at all three house churches, and again, the best part of all this is that God is allowing us to reach the unchurched and those cut off from Christ. God is doing so much inside of us. He is teaching our entire family what it means to receive the love of Christ and then share that sacrificial love with others with no strings attached.
Prayer Requests:
We appreciate your prayers over this past month. Our Easter Egg Hunt Outreach, and our Easter Celebration Service went great. As you read earlier, God is continuing to draw more folks to Himself and is using HCC to do so. Please continue to pray this way, and we ask that you would continue to pray for the many in our church that have yet to commit their lives to Christ.
We also thank you for your prayers for Caroline’s health. She has not had any sickness since our last letter. Praise the Lord!!! We always ask you to pray this, but we continue to ask. Please pray we would abide in Jesus (John 15). Only when we abide in Him will fruit come. We want fruit to come in ourselves, our marriage, our family and our church. This comes when we are connected to the Vine. We ask that you would again pray protection (Psalm 91) for our family. We especially feel our marriage is under attack. Most importantly, just praise the Lord for the things He is doing in and through us.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
We are so thankful for your faithful prayers and your faithfulness in giving. Like we told you guys at the dinner at the beginning of this month, you are our partners in the advancement of Christ’s gospel, and we are so appreciative. We thank the Lord for you.
Prayer Requests:
We appreciate your prayers over this past month. Our Easter Egg Hunt Outreach, and our Easter Celebration Service went great. As you read earlier, God is continuing to draw more folks to Himself and is using HCC to do so. Please continue to pray this way, and we ask that you would continue to pray for the many in our church that have yet to commit their lives to Christ.
We also thank you for your prayers for Caroline’s health. She has not had any sickness since our last letter. Praise the Lord!!! We always ask you to pray this, but we continue to ask. Please pray we would abide in Jesus (John 15). Only when we abide in Him will fruit come. We want fruit to come in ourselves, our marriage, our family and our church. This comes when we are connected to the Vine. We ask that you would again pray protection (Psalm 91) for our family. We especially feel our marriage is under attack. Most importantly, just praise the Lord for the things He is doing in and through us.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
We are so thankful for your faithful prayers and your faithfulness in giving. Like we told you guys at the dinner at the beginning of this month, you are our partners in the advancement of Christ’s gospel, and we are so appreciative. We thank the Lord for you.
Robert and Mary Jo Foster Update
Family, Friends & Supporters,
Mary Jo and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers in recent months! My health has improved significantly following the two surgeries. My doctor told me earlier this month that he'd see me in October. I am feeling much better and resuming most physical activity, just in time for spring and summer yard work.It has nevertheless been a busy couple of months since my second surgery both here and in Brazil. I have continued to work on ministry projects.
A new worldwide project for implementation field workers (IFWs) is being developed, and EE-Brazil plans to participate. Too, there is a new plan for developing Kids' EE, using IFWs and partnering with another ministry.In Brazil, five The Gospel In Your Hand Workshops have been held this year. Just this past Saturday more than 400 people were trained in a Workshop held in the interior city of Volta Redonda in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Several more Workshops are scheduled, in addition to 4 training clinics.
In a couple of days, I will be leaving for Sao Paulo. Many things have been planned for while I am there...perhaps too many things, but I am sure it will all work out. We will be counting on your prayers! Please pray specifically for the following requests:
Mary Jo and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers in recent months! My health has improved significantly following the two surgeries. My doctor told me earlier this month that he'd see me in October. I am feeling much better and resuming most physical activity, just in time for spring and summer yard work.It has nevertheless been a busy couple of months since my second surgery both here and in Brazil. I have continued to work on ministry projects.
A new worldwide project for implementation field workers (IFWs) is being developed, and EE-Brazil plans to participate. Too, there is a new plan for developing Kids' EE, using IFWs and partnering with another ministry.In Brazil, five The Gospel In Your Hand Workshops have been held this year. Just this past Saturday more than 400 people were trained in a Workshop held in the interior city of Volta Redonda in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Several more Workshops are scheduled, in addition to 4 training clinics.
In a couple of days, I will be leaving for Sao Paulo. Many things have been planned for while I am there...perhaps too many things, but I am sure it will all work out. We will be counting on your prayers! Please pray specifically for the following requests:
- On May 2nd, we will be training some Workshop leaders on site in a workshop in Sao Paulo.
- On May 3rd, we will be at the Brooklyn Baptist Church in Sao Paulo to recognize 25 years of exemplary EE training and ministry.
- On May 9th, I will be leading a Workshop at a Baptist church in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
- On May 10th, we will be in a couple of different churches in Rio to promote evangelism training.
- And, in between these events we'll be working on projects and making contacts.
During all of this time, please pray for Mary Jo, too...safety and no mechanical problems with cars, appliances, etc.Thank you for your faithfulness in praying and financially supporting our family and ministry! Feel free to share prayer requests with us, as we'd consider it a privilege to pray for your specific needs, as well!
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
-Hebrews 10:23
Blessings,
Robert & Mary Jo
EE-Brazil
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Hays Community Church Update
Here are some testimonies of Josh Proctor's church plant in Kyle, TX, Hays Community Church.
http://www.edenroad.com/cgi-bin/kingdomtools/ktpublic.rb?utility=Page&ministry_id=1&page_title=1234377151
The video can be found at the bottom of the page.
The church's website is:
http://www.hayscommunitychurch.org/
http://www.edenroad.com/cgi-bin/kingdomtools/ktpublic.rb?utility=Page&ministry_id=1&page_title=1234377151
The video can be found at the bottom of the page.
The church's website is:
http://www.hayscommunitychurch.org/
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
We're Trashy!: Canada church plant update
With four kids and feeding half of Fort McMurray, we accumulate allot of trash.
Normally this is a stinky problem, on Monday it proved to be an effective ministry tool when I was dumping our trash at the city landfill.I had a divine appointment with a heavy hauler driver/guitar player named Mike at the dump.
I met Mike around Christmas when I was at the local mall wrapping gifts for a fundraiser at my daughters' school. Mike hated wrapping gifts and let me wrap all 32 gifts that he had bought. I am slow at wrapping gifts, and really not that good at it. So around gift number 14 Mike started asking me questions about why I came to Fort McMurray. He was blown over by the fact that I was the only person that he had met that did not come to the Fort to try to make more money. We really connected and laughed a great deal from gift number 14 to 32.
Since then Mike and I have been working on building a relationship. I have seen Mike play guitar and sing with his band and had a few other conversations with him, but something spiritual happened the other day at the dump.
Mike just had a baby with his girlfriend nine days ago, and now realizes that he needs to change some things in his life. He asked if I would give him some advice on how to be a family man. I said that I would be glad to help him become the man that God wants him to be. It was then that we went over to his truck and prayed for his girlfriend and new baby girl at the dump.
Please pray that Mike will continue to seek out God's plan for his life and that I will get a chance to see Mike and his girlfriend, Colleen come to faith in Christ.
Normally this is a stinky problem, on Monday it proved to be an effective ministry tool when I was dumping our trash at the city landfill.I had a divine appointment with a heavy hauler driver/guitar player named Mike at the dump.
I met Mike around Christmas when I was at the local mall wrapping gifts for a fundraiser at my daughters' school. Mike hated wrapping gifts and let me wrap all 32 gifts that he had bought. I am slow at wrapping gifts, and really not that good at it. So around gift number 14 Mike started asking me questions about why I came to Fort McMurray. He was blown over by the fact that I was the only person that he had met that did not come to the Fort to try to make more money. We really connected and laughed a great deal from gift number 14 to 32.
Since then Mike and I have been working on building a relationship. I have seen Mike play guitar and sing with his band and had a few other conversations with him, but something spiritual happened the other day at the dump.
Mike just had a baby with his girlfriend nine days ago, and now realizes that he needs to change some things in his life. He asked if I would give him some advice on how to be a family man. I said that I would be glad to help him become the man that God wants him to be. It was then that we went over to his truck and prayed for his girlfriend and new baby girl at the dump.
Please pray that Mike will continue to seek out God's plan for his life and that I will get a chance to see Mike and his girlfriend, Colleen come to faith in Christ.
Justin Comes To Christ!: Canada church plant update
At 11:43PM (Mountain Time) on March 22nd Justin Somers gave his life to Christ while on the phone with me.
I met Justin when I came up a month before moving to Fort McMurray while a part of a mission team from Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville. Justin was drunk/high when Mike Newman and I met him last July and offered him some free coffee. He took the coffee and got to hear that Christ died for him and had a plan for his life. He didn't say much that day, but enjoyed the coffee.
I met him the next day while we were painting over graffiti at a city park. Graffiti that he now admits to having a hand at creating. I reiterated the Good News that I shared with him the day before and told him that I would be praying for him. I then left Fort McMurray to get ready to move up from Texas. The day after I arrived in Texas he called me and left a message, with no phone number to call him back.
I hoped and prayed that I would run into him after moving here, but after a few months of living here could not locate him. I saw him a month ago while serving him food at the soup kitchen. I again shared with him God's plan for his life. He listened but did not respond. After hurting a friend deeply one night, he called me on the phone and asked me if I knew of a way that he could deal with his anger and change his life. It was then that I shared with him again the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This time he responded to Christ.
Please double your efforts in praying for Justin. My desire is for him to grow in his faith and win many of his friends to Christ.Thank you for partnering with us to reach Justin for Christ.
I met Justin when I came up a month before moving to Fort McMurray while a part of a mission team from Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville. Justin was drunk/high when Mike Newman and I met him last July and offered him some free coffee. He took the coffee and got to hear that Christ died for him and had a plan for his life. He didn't say much that day, but enjoyed the coffee.
I met him the next day while we were painting over graffiti at a city park. Graffiti that he now admits to having a hand at creating. I reiterated the Good News that I shared with him the day before and told him that I would be praying for him. I then left Fort McMurray to get ready to move up from Texas. The day after I arrived in Texas he called me and left a message, with no phone number to call him back.
I hoped and prayed that I would run into him after moving here, but after a few months of living here could not locate him. I saw him a month ago while serving him food at the soup kitchen. I again shared with him God's plan for his life. He listened but did not respond. After hurting a friend deeply one night, he called me on the phone and asked me if I knew of a way that he could deal with his anger and change his life. It was then that I shared with him again the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This time he responded to Christ.
Please double your efforts in praying for Justin. My desire is for him to grow in his faith and win many of his friends to Christ.Thank you for partnering with us to reach Justin for Christ.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Off The Clock: Canada church plant update
I like lunch time when I am teaching at the college.
Sure, I am always a big fan of lunch, but I love it when I am able to let my hair down, so to speak, and be off the clock to answer spiritual questions for my students.
I do not hide at all my reason for coming to Fort McMurray when I am instructing at Keyano College. However, my boss would not appreciate nor tolerate me sharing the plan of salvation in the workshops that I teach. But lunchtime is my time, and I always have someone to share my lunchtime with. Many students lag behind in the classroom and ask me to help them out with some spiritual concept or idea or simply want me to share some insight with them on life, discouragement, love, parenting, or marriage.
Dale, a big, hairy, grown man who drives the biggest truck in the world for a living is one of these guys that lagged behind last week during lunch. Dale was crying about his loveless marriage and his many years of drunkenness. I got to share God's plan with Dale and he said that he would truly think about what I said.
Please pray that Dale does more than think about Christ's love and forgiveness. Also please pray for more "off the clock" lunchtime conversations.
The Everyday, Every Tuesday, Every Other Saturday Routine
Routines can be bad, but they can also be very good. We think that our routine for daily prayer with another believer here in Fort Mac is good.
We think our weekly Bible Study on Tuesday is a good routine.
We also know that our bi-monthly get together to play games, eat, share/evangelize, and build relationships with the Kavanaugh, Williams, and Paquette families that is also a good routine.
I need you to please pray specifically for each of these routines. In regards to our everyday routine of praying with another believer here in Fort Mac, please pray that our prayer partners, Mike and Kristin Frazier, will continue to sense God's call to partner with us to see Fort Mac won for Christ.
As for our weekly Bible Study, please pray that Roland, Ernie, and Dorothy would come to faith in Christ. Also pray that more people would want to belong to our Tuesday night group.
Our every other Saturday routine of having people over to eat, play games, and talk about life, love, God, faith, parenting, and relationships needs to be covered in prayer so that the enemy will not win the souls of those sharing a meal and life with us.
Sure, I am always a big fan of lunch, but I love it when I am able to let my hair down, so to speak, and be off the clock to answer spiritual questions for my students.
I do not hide at all my reason for coming to Fort McMurray when I am instructing at Keyano College. However, my boss would not appreciate nor tolerate me sharing the plan of salvation in the workshops that I teach. But lunchtime is my time, and I always have someone to share my lunchtime with. Many students lag behind in the classroom and ask me to help them out with some spiritual concept or idea or simply want me to share some insight with them on life, discouragement, love, parenting, or marriage.
Dale, a big, hairy, grown man who drives the biggest truck in the world for a living is one of these guys that lagged behind last week during lunch. Dale was crying about his loveless marriage and his many years of drunkenness. I got to share God's plan with Dale and he said that he would truly think about what I said.
Please pray that Dale does more than think about Christ's love and forgiveness. Also please pray for more "off the clock" lunchtime conversations.
The Everyday, Every Tuesday, Every Other Saturday Routine
Routines can be bad, but they can also be very good. We think that our routine for daily prayer with another believer here in Fort Mac is good.
We think our weekly Bible Study on Tuesday is a good routine.
We also know that our bi-monthly get together to play games, eat, share/evangelize, and build relationships with the Kavanaugh, Williams, and Paquette families that is also a good routine.
I need you to please pray specifically for each of these routines. In regards to our everyday routine of praying with another believer here in Fort Mac, please pray that our prayer partners, Mike and Kristin Frazier, will continue to sense God's call to partner with us to see Fort Mac won for Christ.
As for our weekly Bible Study, please pray that Roland, Ernie, and Dorothy would come to faith in Christ. Also pray that more people would want to belong to our Tuesday night group.
Our every other Saturday routine of having people over to eat, play games, and talk about life, love, God, faith, parenting, and relationships needs to be covered in prayer so that the enemy will not win the souls of those sharing a meal and life with us.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Hays Community Church Update:
In January we encountered some tough waters. We had four families leave our church for various reasons. All of this happened after we launched the 2nd house church. However, God has brought more folks to our church. We are now 17 families (53 people). 2/3 go to one house church and 1/3 goes to the other. This photo is a pic of about 65% of our church at a recent picnic. We have had some miraculous things happen the past 3 weeks. One couple in their fifties trusted Christ. It looks like they will be baptized soon along with a couple others. That would make 15 baptisms since HCC started. Praise the Lord! Also, we saw God rescue another marriage. On Sunday, March 1st, the husband packed his bags and left, and by Thursday, March 5th, he was back at home. Again, praise the Lord!
Prayer Requests:
We went back and read the letter we sent out in March of 2008. At that time we had 5 families (24 people). We again just praise God for His faithfulness. As you pray for us, we again ask you to praise Him for His faithfulness on our behalf. Please pray for our Easter Outreach on April 11th and pray for our Easter Sunday time on April 12th. Pray the Lord would draw new folks to us so that they would praise His name (Psalm 67). We still have many folks who come who have not trusted Christ yet. Pray God’s kindness would draw them to repentance. Like we said, please pray for Caroline’s health, and we ask you to pray for our entire family (Psalm 91). Finally, we ask you to pray that we would stay connected to Jesus (John 15).
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
We feel like we always run out of words to show appreciation to you guys, but there are not enough words. There will never be enough words. Our hearts overflow with gratitude towards you. You truly are our partners in the advancement of His gospel.
We went back and read the letter we sent out in March of 2008. At that time we had 5 families (24 people). We again just praise God for His faithfulness. As you pray for us, we again ask you to praise Him for His faithfulness on our behalf. Please pray for our Easter Outreach on April 11th and pray for our Easter Sunday time on April 12th. Pray the Lord would draw new folks to us so that they would praise His name (Psalm 67). We still have many folks who come who have not trusted Christ yet. Pray God’s kindness would draw them to repentance. Like we said, please pray for Caroline’s health, and we ask you to pray for our entire family (Psalm 91). Finally, we ask you to pray that we would stay connected to Jesus (John 15).
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
We feel like we always run out of words to show appreciation to you guys, but there are not enough words. There will never be enough words. Our hearts overflow with gratitude towards you. You truly are our partners in the advancement of His gospel.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Robert and Mary Jo Foster Update
Family, Friends & Supporters,
Have you seen the Nationwide Insurance television commercial that says: "Life comes at you fast!" Well, it is true! On February 1st, I had to go to the emergency room in severe pain and the next day I had another surgery, made necessary by a lone artery that began bleeding in the region where I had surgery on December 30th. The artery had to be cauterized. The next day I went home.
So, my recuperation from surgery has continued with what I hope will prove to be only a minor setback. I appreciate your prayers and any help** that you can provide with the mounting medical expenses.
Exciting things are happening in Rio! At the end of 2008, I received a very encouraging report from a lay evangelist who is the leader of EE training at his local church. He also is an EE volunteer representative in the large, beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. Below is the English translation of that report. Rejoice with us as you read of how the EE ministry is resulting in New testament multiplication in his local church and beyond.
Another year is coming to an end, and the Lord gave us so many victories! I am sure that, if you look back retrospectively at your life in 2008, you will remember tremendous blessings from God, right? However, it is possible that your year was not as good as you expected: intense battles, unexpected losses, unpleasant surprises... But, if you are reading this email now, it is because the Lord has supported you up to this point. I am certain that, if this was a year of testing in your life, it is because God wants to give you greater responsibilities. In order to present ourselves to God as workers approved, we have to experience testing! There is no other way! At the end of this year, even if you don't feel like you have many reasons to be happy, celebrate God for the harvest that will come because if you go out weeping, carrying your bag of seed, you will come home singing, carrying your bundles of grain! (see Psalm 126:6)
For those of us in EVANGELISM EXPLOSION at New Life Christian Church in Vista Alegre (Rio de Janeiro), reasons to celebrate are not in short supply! Just this year in our local church training:
• We trained 32 members of our church to share the Gospel, contributing to their spiritual and personal growth.
• We held 2 EE leadership training clinics, one for child evangelism/children's leaders and the other for adult evangelism/pastors, as well as 2 informational seminars about EE.
As a result of these opportunities, we had the privilege of cooperating in the spiritual growth of approximately 50 pastors and leaders from 22 churches and 10 evangelical denominations. It was truly a “festa” (celebrative party) for the kingdom of God!
• However, the most important aspect of all of these activities is that adding up the results of all of on-the-job training visits of 2008, about 380 people were evangelized! In other words, 380 people heard the message of the cross shared in a respectful, but at the same time, a confronting way, leading them to make a decision to repent of their sins and receive Christ as their only sufficient Lord and Savior.
• It is important, too, to emphasize that of these 380 people that heard the message of the cross in a logical and comprehensive way, less than 10% demonstrated a negative attitude! And we can affirm that without a doubt hundreds of people this year will celebrate Christmas with a different perspective because Christians who were trained and equipped obeyed the Great Commission and did their part in the salvation of the lost!
To everyone who now reads this email, and especially those who participated in our training, those of us in EE at New Life Christian Church of Vista Alegre (Rio de Janeiro) desire for you that the year 2009 is full of the Lord’s blessings! Take advantage of this time of the year to share with your friends and relatives the only present that can transform their lives, the PRESENT OF ETERNAL LIFE! And, those of you who were trained to be a trainer of soul winners don’t allow the battles and difficulties of this life make you give up in moving forward in the purposes of God in your life. Train the believers in your local church and do your part so that next year and in subsequent years we can celebrate not just hundreds, but thousands and thousands of lost people reached by the message of the cross!
Together for a Changed World,
Evangelist João Luís Amaral
ICNV – Vista Alegre
Now, that is encouraging! Thank you for being a part of this multiplying ministry through your prayers and financial support!!
Blessings,
Robert & Mary Jo
EE-Brazil
Have you seen the Nationwide Insurance television commercial that says: "Life comes at you fast!" Well, it is true! On February 1st, I had to go to the emergency room in severe pain and the next day I had another surgery, made necessary by a lone artery that began bleeding in the region where I had surgery on December 30th. The artery had to be cauterized. The next day I went home.
So, my recuperation from surgery has continued with what I hope will prove to be only a minor setback. I appreciate your prayers and any help** that you can provide with the mounting medical expenses.
Exciting things are happening in Rio! At the end of 2008, I received a very encouraging report from a lay evangelist who is the leader of EE training at his local church. He also is an EE volunteer representative in the large, beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. Below is the English translation of that report. Rejoice with us as you read of how the EE ministry is resulting in New testament multiplication in his local church and beyond.
Another year is coming to an end, and the Lord gave us so many victories! I am sure that, if you look back retrospectively at your life in 2008, you will remember tremendous blessings from God, right? However, it is possible that your year was not as good as you expected: intense battles, unexpected losses, unpleasant surprises... But, if you are reading this email now, it is because the Lord has supported you up to this point. I am certain that, if this was a year of testing in your life, it is because God wants to give you greater responsibilities. In order to present ourselves to God as workers approved, we have to experience testing! There is no other way! At the end of this year, even if you don't feel like you have many reasons to be happy, celebrate God for the harvest that will come because if you go out weeping, carrying your bag of seed, you will come home singing, carrying your bundles of grain! (see Psalm 126:6)
For those of us in EVANGELISM EXPLOSION at New Life Christian Church in Vista Alegre (Rio de Janeiro), reasons to celebrate are not in short supply! Just this year in our local church training:
• We trained 32 members of our church to share the Gospel, contributing to their spiritual and personal growth.
• We held 2 EE leadership training clinics, one for child evangelism/children's leaders and the other for adult evangelism/pastors, as well as 2 informational seminars about EE.
As a result of these opportunities, we had the privilege of cooperating in the spiritual growth of approximately 50 pastors and leaders from 22 churches and 10 evangelical denominations. It was truly a “festa” (celebrative party) for the kingdom of God!
• However, the most important aspect of all of these activities is that adding up the results of all of on-the-job training visits of 2008, about 380 people were evangelized! In other words, 380 people heard the message of the cross shared in a respectful, but at the same time, a confronting way, leading them to make a decision to repent of their sins and receive Christ as their only sufficient Lord and Savior.
• It is important, too, to emphasize that of these 380 people that heard the message of the cross in a logical and comprehensive way, less than 10% demonstrated a negative attitude! And we can affirm that without a doubt hundreds of people this year will celebrate Christmas with a different perspective because Christians who were trained and equipped obeyed the Great Commission and did their part in the salvation of the lost!
To everyone who now reads this email, and especially those who participated in our training, those of us in EE at New Life Christian Church of Vista Alegre (Rio de Janeiro) desire for you that the year 2009 is full of the Lord’s blessings! Take advantage of this time of the year to share with your friends and relatives the only present that can transform their lives, the PRESENT OF ETERNAL LIFE! And, those of you who were trained to be a trainer of soul winners don’t allow the battles and difficulties of this life make you give up in moving forward in the purposes of God in your life. Train the believers in your local church and do your part so that next year and in subsequent years we can celebrate not just hundreds, but thousands and thousands of lost people reached by the message of the cross!
Together for a Changed World,
Evangelist João Luís Amaral
ICNV – Vista Alegre
Now, that is encouraging! Thank you for being a part of this multiplying ministry through your prayers and financial support!!
Blessings,
Robert & Mary Jo
EE-Brazil
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The German and I
I met Roland, my new German friend, when I came up here this Summer before moving to Fort McMurray with a mission team from Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville.
Roland has come to the last three Tuesday night Bible Studies and has tons of questions about God, the Bible, Christ followers, eternity, evil, and purpose. We hang out regularly and he says that he is glad that he met me and asks each week if he can come back to Bible study the following week.
Roland has been in Canada for 20 years and speaks and reads English fluently, however he was so excited to read the Bible in his heart language.
Please pray for Roland to come to Christ soon.
-Clay Hilton
Roland has come to the last three Tuesday night Bible Studies and has tons of questions about God, the Bible, Christ followers, eternity, evil, and purpose. We hang out regularly and he says that he is glad that he met me and asks each week if he can come back to Bible study the following week.
Roland has been in Canada for 20 years and speaks and reads English fluently, however he was so excited to read the Bible in his heart language.
Please pray for Roland to come to Christ soon.
-Clay Hilton
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Guitarist friend very excited to have new fan
I met Mike when I was volunteering for my daughters' school over Christmas break. I went down to the mall here for Christmas and wrapped Christmas gifts for school donations.
Mike hates to wrap gifts, so he was happy to have me wrap his gifts.
He had 22 gifts for me to wrap, so I spent a good 45 minutes wrapping them. During that 45 minutes a few days before Christmas, I was able to share Christ with Mike. Mike said that he would think about what I said and get back in touch with me in 2009.
He did last week. Mike emailed me and invited me to hear him play at a local Newfoundlander's pub.
Mike and I talked a good bit during the breaks during his 4 hour classic rock and Newfie rock set.
He emailed the next day to thank me for coming. Please pray that Mike and I will continue to connect and that he would respond to Christ.
-Clay Hilton
Mike hates to wrap gifts, so he was happy to have me wrap his gifts.
He had 22 gifts for me to wrap, so I spent a good 45 minutes wrapping them. During that 45 minutes a few days before Christmas, I was able to share Christ with Mike. Mike said that he would think about what I said and get back in touch with me in 2009.
He did last week. Mike emailed me and invited me to hear him play at a local Newfoundlander's pub.
Mike and I talked a good bit during the breaks during his 4 hour classic rock and Newfie rock set.
He emailed the next day to thank me for coming. Please pray that Mike and I will continue to connect and that he would respond to Christ.
-Clay Hilton
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Diaper run at -20 Degress
Cinnamon was working all night and had our car. I was at home with all four kids for the night while Cinnamon was working 7PM to 7AM. Baby Clay had a stinky, and I was out of diapers.
It was then that I realized that we would have to make the 1 mile trek to Sobey's Grocery in
-20F on foot.
I put baby Clay in his carrier and put Anna on my shoulders. Had Grace and Ivy start walking and we went on our way to fetch the diapers.
They did not enjoy the cold. Grace is old enough now to realize that Daddy is an idiot sometimes. She, however, was sweet and didn't say what she felt.
We made it to the Sobey's and the kids were freezing. We bought the diapers and a snack and I decided to call a cab for our return trip. Grace smiled.
Ali was the cab driver. I had seen Ali before but could not remember where. Ali takes us home and I tell him about why we are in Fort Mac.
He is friendly, but quiet as I talk. He then sees where we live and perks up. He said, "You live here?" "Your the man who lives here?" "I know you, you helped me. I was cold on my first morning here, and you helped me. You scraped my windows when I didn't have a scrapper."
It was then that I realized that I had scraped this man's windows one day as I left my house walking to the bus stop. I stopped and scraped his windows with my newly bought scraper and then walked off. Ali said "We know you. We don't know your name. But we know where you live and we have heard how nice you are. We like you." By we, Ali was referring to the large population of African Muslim cab drivers in Fort McMurray.
Please pray that I would continue to shine the light of Christ in small, impactful, ways. Please pray that Ali and his friends would experience freedom and hope in Yahweh and that the Father would send workers for the African Muslim cab driver field.
It was then that I realized that we would have to make the 1 mile trek to Sobey's Grocery in
-20F on foot.
I put baby Clay in his carrier and put Anna on my shoulders. Had Grace and Ivy start walking and we went on our way to fetch the diapers.
They did not enjoy the cold. Grace is old enough now to realize that Daddy is an idiot sometimes. She, however, was sweet and didn't say what she felt.
We made it to the Sobey's and the kids were freezing. We bought the diapers and a snack and I decided to call a cab for our return trip. Grace smiled.
Ali was the cab driver. I had seen Ali before but could not remember where. Ali takes us home and I tell him about why we are in Fort Mac.
He is friendly, but quiet as I talk. He then sees where we live and perks up. He said, "You live here?" "Your the man who lives here?" "I know you, you helped me. I was cold on my first morning here, and you helped me. You scraped my windows when I didn't have a scrapper."
It was then that I realized that I had scraped this man's windows one day as I left my house walking to the bus stop. I stopped and scraped his windows with my newly bought scraper and then walked off. Ali said "We know you. We don't know your name. But we know where you live and we have heard how nice you are. We like you." By we, Ali was referring to the large population of African Muslim cab drivers in Fort McMurray.
Please pray that I would continue to shine the light of Christ in small, impactful, ways. Please pray that Ali and his friends would experience freedom and hope in Yahweh and that the Father would send workers for the African Muslim cab driver field.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Supper Time
19 People over for supper, stay 6 hours, connect with us and each other.
Laughs all around, food for an army, connecting with each other, talking about kids, life, love, God, and making plans to meet again.
A month or so ago we had a family with three kids over that I met on the mymcmurray.com website. Brad and Katy came over again last Saturday and really connected with everyone else.
The Kavanaugh's, who we had come over last week individually, came over as well. They had a good time and really enjoyed talking with everyone else.
Nick, the former youth minister (who has been ministering with us for a few months), came over with his cousin and really did a good job of connecting with everyone.
The Frazier's, a couple that have been ministering with us for a few months, also came over and helped connect people.
All 6 of our family, and the 19 other people from 4 other families connected really well. They stayed about 6 hours and left saying things like "Wow, it is so good to have friends again, we haven't made any friends in Fort Mac until now." Cinnamon and I and the kids had connected with everyone individually, but this was the first time that everyone else got to connect with each other.
Please pray that these people will continue to form up relationships with each other as we share Christ's gift of eternal life and abundant living with them.
Laughs all around, food for an army, connecting with each other, talking about kids, life, love, God, and making plans to meet again.
A month or so ago we had a family with three kids over that I met on the mymcmurray.com website. Brad and Katy came over again last Saturday and really connected with everyone else.
The Kavanaugh's, who we had come over last week individually, came over as well. They had a good time and really enjoyed talking with everyone else.
Nick, the former youth minister (who has been ministering with us for a few months), came over with his cousin and really did a good job of connecting with everyone.
The Frazier's, a couple that have been ministering with us for a few months, also came over and helped connect people.
All 6 of our family, and the 19 other people from 4 other families connected really well. They stayed about 6 hours and left saying things like "Wow, it is so good to have friends again, we haven't made any friends in Fort Mac until now." Cinnamon and I and the kids had connected with everyone individually, but this was the first time that everyone else got to connect with each other.
Please pray that these people will continue to form up relationships with each other as we share Christ's gift of eternal life and abundant living with them.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Small Things, Big Difference
The warmth of a Christmas café ministers to the Chairman of the bank, encourages him
as he shares about Christ with our guests.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~
I was recently asked for more detail about what I do and as I was writing the response, I thought it would be a good thing to share with you as well.
As Executive Assistant for Krysha it comes to me to help take care of a lot of the behind the scene details of the ministry. My job description likens my ministry to that of Barnabas, whose ministry "more often than not was to encourage those who were around him. He did not draw attention to himself. But it is quite possible that if Barnabas was not around the ministries of such great men of faith as Apostle Paul or Gospel writer Mark would not be the same." Many of the things I do in ministry may appear like very simple tasks, but without someone doing the multitude of small, simple tasks- the ministry would not be as effective.
For example, we recently held a Christmas Cafe. Eighty people came to hear and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas- the good news that entered this world with the birth of Jesus Christ!
For many, this was the first time they celebrated Christmas or even considered for a moment the significance of it. We worked for close to a month in preparing for this Café. I worked to secure the space for the café, worked with our volunteer leaders to make sure we were getting invitations out, and made sure that all the little details were ready by the time the Cafe came around. Our leadership team works together to plan any event we have, as well as to divide up responsibilities among the all the leaders, but as it is my job to "oversee the operations and communications of the movement," I work to continually fill in the cracks and keep the ball rolling.
At the Christmas Cafe, we were to have three people from the ministry to share about Christmas and Christ, one of them was Sergei Alekseivich Brovkin. Sergei Alekseivich is Chairman of the Board of Mercedes Benz Bank in Russia and DeputyChairman of Gelnic-M Investment Company and is actively involved in one of our small group Bible studies. Needless to say amidst the economic crisis, this is a man who spent a lot of time in his office these last few months. He juggles many responsibilities and it amazes me that despite it all this, he still finds the time to come to one of our small group Bible Studies.
That particular night though after getting stuck in traffic and then getting lost trying to find the Christian Center in the cold, he arrived for the Cafe a bit late and worn out. Despite having such a hard day and time getting there, he told us that once he arrived - his mood immediately lifted as he found himself surrounded by the warm glow of Christmas lights, the enveloping sound of Christmas worship and the open embrace of fellowship. When we thanked him for taking the time to come and share he kept saying: “You have no idea how much you ministered to me that night.” There is a myriad of details that had to be taken care of in order for Sergei Alekseivich to be ministered to and then in turn minister to others as he spoke to the group. It was my joy to ensure that all of those details behind the scenes are taken care of to help make this happen.
Among the large group in attendance was Vanya. Vanya is a young man who does not know Christ, but who attends one of our small group Bible studies regularly. He is studying to be an architect and like many students in Russia already finds himself working in the market place, earning invaluable experience in his profession that will ensure him getting a better job once he graduates in a year. I was excited to not only see Vanya there, but to see he had invited a friend from the university! It was a great opportunity for this young man and his friend to hear the Gospel! Vanya's friend really enjoyed the evening and I am praying that she will begin coming to small group with Vanya to learn more about Christ.
The Krysha ministry consists of two full-time staff who work to challenge and equip volunteers in our ministry to share the Gospel with everyone in their sphere of influence. For Sergei Alekseivich, that would directly include 300 people working in Russia's top banking and investment circles and indirectly heads of major businesses and government leaders- people I would never have the opportunity to develop a relationship and share the Gospel with. For Vanya, his sphere of influence reaches into his university classrooms and social circle of friends- and even with Vanya not knowing Christ himself, he has already shown how he can share the positive influence of Christ by bringing his friend to the Christmas Cafe. So while renting venues for our ministry events, working with our volunteer leaders, baking and decorating 12 dozen Christmas cookies, and making sure all the coffee pots are full and the tea kettles hot may not sound like the most exciting aspect of ministry to many- it is an essential part and one for which God has gifted me wonderfully! Even more importantly, without those little details our events like the Christmas Café would not have the same depth and warmth that breaks the barriers for many who hear the Gospel for the first time.
I hope this gives you a small glimpse of what it is I do. Please feel free to ask me any questions.
Serving Christ,
Angela
as he shares about Christ with our guests.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~
I was recently asked for more detail about what I do and as I was writing the response, I thought it would be a good thing to share with you as well.
As Executive Assistant for Krysha it comes to me to help take care of a lot of the behind the scene details of the ministry. My job description likens my ministry to that of Barnabas, whose ministry "more often than not was to encourage those who were around him. He did not draw attention to himself. But it is quite possible that if Barnabas was not around the ministries of such great men of faith as Apostle Paul or Gospel writer Mark would not be the same." Many of the things I do in ministry may appear like very simple tasks, but without someone doing the multitude of small, simple tasks- the ministry would not be as effective.
For example, we recently held a Christmas Cafe. Eighty people came to hear and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas- the good news that entered this world with the birth of Jesus Christ!
For many, this was the first time they celebrated Christmas or even considered for a moment the significance of it. We worked for close to a month in preparing for this Café. I worked to secure the space for the café, worked with our volunteer leaders to make sure we were getting invitations out, and made sure that all the little details were ready by the time the Cafe came around. Our leadership team works together to plan any event we have, as well as to divide up responsibilities among the all the leaders, but as it is my job to "oversee the operations and communications of the movement," I work to continually fill in the cracks and keep the ball rolling.
At the Christmas Cafe, we were to have three people from the ministry to share about Christmas and Christ, one of them was Sergei Alekseivich Brovkin. Sergei Alekseivich is Chairman of the Board of Mercedes Benz Bank in Russia and DeputyChairman of Gelnic-M Investment Company and is actively involved in one of our small group Bible studies. Needless to say amidst the economic crisis, this is a man who spent a lot of time in his office these last few months. He juggles many responsibilities and it amazes me that despite it all this, he still finds the time to come to one of our small group Bible Studies.
That particular night though after getting stuck in traffic and then getting lost trying to find the Christian Center in the cold, he arrived for the Cafe a bit late and worn out. Despite having such a hard day and time getting there, he told us that once he arrived - his mood immediately lifted as he found himself surrounded by the warm glow of Christmas lights, the enveloping sound of Christmas worship and the open embrace of fellowship. When we thanked him for taking the time to come and share he kept saying: “You have no idea how much you ministered to me that night.” There is a myriad of details that had to be taken care of in order for Sergei Alekseivich to be ministered to and then in turn minister to others as he spoke to the group. It was my joy to ensure that all of those details behind the scenes are taken care of to help make this happen.
Among the large group in attendance was Vanya. Vanya is a young man who does not know Christ, but who attends one of our small group Bible studies regularly. He is studying to be an architect and like many students in Russia already finds himself working in the market place, earning invaluable experience in his profession that will ensure him getting a better job once he graduates in a year. I was excited to not only see Vanya there, but to see he had invited a friend from the university! It was a great opportunity for this young man and his friend to hear the Gospel! Vanya's friend really enjoyed the evening and I am praying that she will begin coming to small group with Vanya to learn more about Christ.
The Krysha ministry consists of two full-time staff who work to challenge and equip volunteers in our ministry to share the Gospel with everyone in their sphere of influence. For Sergei Alekseivich, that would directly include 300 people working in Russia's top banking and investment circles and indirectly heads of major businesses and government leaders- people I would never have the opportunity to develop a relationship and share the Gospel with. For Vanya, his sphere of influence reaches into his university classrooms and social circle of friends- and even with Vanya not knowing Christ himself, he has already shown how he can share the positive influence of Christ by bringing his friend to the Christmas Cafe. So while renting venues for our ministry events, working with our volunteer leaders, baking and decorating 12 dozen Christmas cookies, and making sure all the coffee pots are full and the tea kettles hot may not sound like the most exciting aspect of ministry to many- it is an essential part and one for which God has gifted me wonderfully! Even more importantly, without those little details our events like the Christmas Café would not have the same depth and warmth that breaks the barriers for many who hear the Gospel for the first time.
I hope this gives you a small glimpse of what it is I do. Please feel free to ask me any questions.
Serving Christ,
Angela
Monday, January 12, 2009
Froze our buns off, pray for God's guidance!
We just got through with a bad idea for the winter up here: giving away free hot dogs in -35F weather.
The buns actually froze before I could give them to people. Believe it or not people do not want to stop and eat a frozen hot dog served up by a big bald headed Texan with two of his elementary aged girls yelling "Daddy. I'm cold. Dadddddy I'm sooo cooold. I'm uh..uh..uh (sounds of weeping) cooold." So we are back to the drawing board on ideas to connect with new people during the winter months. Please pray for God's guidance. The Spirit truly wants to see many come to Him. Please pray that we would discern His strategy for reaching this fast growing city.
Prayer List
We have connected with so many people these last five months. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would draw these ones we have connected with and that they will bow their heart to our Saviour soon.
The buns actually froze before I could give them to people. Believe it or not people do not want to stop and eat a frozen hot dog served up by a big bald headed Texan with two of his elementary aged girls yelling "Daddy. I'm cold. Dadddddy I'm sooo cooold. I'm uh..uh..uh (sounds of weeping) cooold." So we are back to the drawing board on ideas to connect with new people during the winter months. Please pray for God's guidance. The Spirit truly wants to see many come to Him. Please pray that we would discern His strategy for reaching this fast growing city.
Prayer List
We have connected with so many people these last five months. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would draw these ones we have connected with and that they will bow their heart to our Saviour soon.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hays Community Church Update:
We have had some really cool things happen this past month. HCC now has 16 families (52 people), and for the month of December we averaged 39 in attendance on Sundays. On one of those Sundays we had 59 people, and they were all in one house. It was crazy, but it was crazy good. The last Sunday of December we were able to baptize 3. We hope you enjoy the pics of the baptism. It was a great night of celebration. As we look back on 2008 we just rejoice in the Lord and praise His Name. 70% of the people who make up our church had no church home before HCC, and 60% have had virtually no church background. We have had 11 this past year publicly declare their allegiance to Christ by being baptized. We are very excited as we start the new year. Where there was no life, the Holy Spirit has breathed life. On January 11th, we will go from one house church to two. We ask that you pray for this transition, and we ask that you pray that God would continue to bring folks to us who are without hope so they may find the true Hope which is Jesus Christ.
Prayer Requests:
We are so excited about all that God is doing here in Kyle. As you pray for us, we ask you to praise the Lord for His faithfulness to our family and to HCC. Like we mentioned in the letter, please be in prayer for our transition to two house churches on Sunday, January 11th. The forces of darkness have already been at work to come against us as we multiply, but we take heart because we know that God is more powerful than our enemy. Like always, we ask you to pray that we would abide in Jesus. We cannot do anything without Him. Thanks so much for praying.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Galatians 6:9 has really been on our heart recently. It says:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
We thank you for your faithfulness in giving to our church plant and in praying for us. Through God’s strength and your support, we have not given up, and God is allowing us to reap a harvest. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Prayer Requests:
We are so excited about all that God is doing here in Kyle. As you pray for us, we ask you to praise the Lord for His faithfulness to our family and to HCC. Like we mentioned in the letter, please be in prayer for our transition to two house churches on Sunday, January 11th. The forces of darkness have already been at work to come against us as we multiply, but we take heart because we know that God is more powerful than our enemy. Like always, we ask you to pray that we would abide in Jesus. We cannot do anything without Him. Thanks so much for praying.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Galatians 6:9 has really been on our heart recently. It says:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
We thank you for your faithfulness in giving to our church plant and in praying for us. Through God’s strength and your support, we have not given up, and God is allowing us to reap a harvest. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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