Mission Monitor
Transkript
Mission Monitor
Mission Monitor Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church Heart for the Nations March 2014 by Donna Middendorf As I write this, the 24th Annual World Missions Conference Faith Promise Sunday has been delayed due to the 4th coldest winter in St. Louis history. The threat of yet another ice and snow storm caused us to reschedule Faith Promise Sunday and the lunch following. It was a wise decision, as worship services were cancelled early Sunday, March 2. On Monday, March 3, a water pipe broke in the community parlor flooding that room with over a foot of water that overflowed down the hall, and into the school below, cancelling school and church activities through Tuesday. So, we WAIT to see what God will do with Faith Promise pledges this year! We gladly wait. While waiting I thought about how hard it is to wait, our new Pastor and his family waited over a month for their discharge papers from the military and then moved their family to St. Louis arriving 2 hours before the mission banquet. Even though the family slept that night on air mattresses, they were glad to be here! The Bible is full of examples of those who waited for God’s promises; Moses, Abraham and many more. So lets look out the rear window at this amazing conference as we wait to see what God will do with Faith Promise this year! Friday night at the World Missions Banquet, Dr. Paul Kooistra began with a powerful message, “God is on the Move!” He reminded us that the last words Jesus gave to his disciples and to us was a directive, “You shall be my witnesses....Missions,” Dr. Kooistra said, “is not our idea, it’s God’s idea. Missions is not ‘our work’, it’s God’s work through the power of the Holy Spirit.” We rejoiced together to see Coby, Pamela, Lake and Liam McGinty’s shining, albeit tired, faces via Skype from South Africa. We saw Chris’ small group guys standing behind the McGinty family quietly holding signs of encouragement for Chris. Chris later said that the mission conference was just what he needed to encourage and energize him for the mission ahead. Unknown to us that night, Chris would complete 100% of his support and leave for South Africa in 6 days!! What an amazing joy to ‘send off’ one of our own from the mission conference. Only God could have planned that! In Dr. Kooistra’s devotional entitled, “Faith Promise” (This excellent 7 day devotional on Faith Promise is available at various locations in the church for anyone who would like one) he says, “Faith Promise gives the opportunity to stop and take careful account of how God has been there for us. His promises have been 100% faithful. We often live by looking only out the ‘front windshield’ of our lives. We see dangers and threats, we fear uncertainties around the next curve. God, our Father, encourages us to spend more time looking out the ‘rear view mirror.’ When God bleses the people of Israel with the Ten Commandments, He begins not with the rules, but with a reveiw of His blessings. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.’ Throughout Scripture He reminds His people of His faithfulness to their fathers. Therefore, they can be confident of His care and provision in the present.” Sunday morning, Dr. Kooistra continued with his messsage, “The Heart of God”. He encouraged us to see the pattern in Jesus’ own ministry to people, ministering to them in their total need, we see Jesus’ compassion and exhortation that the harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. Dr. Kooistra said there is an urgency to the business of missions that we should take seriously. This conference should remind us that God has caused us to be a part of this glorious task. God has been faithful to Twin Oaks! On March 9, we will install our new pastor, Rev. Dr. Russ St. John. We praise God for His faithfulness to Faith Promise that has allowed us to continue the support of our missionaries and to send out eight Twin Oaks members missionaries! Sunday night, Dr. Kooistra concluded with “The Power of Prayer”, reminding us of the effectiveness and importance of praying earnestly for the lost, our missionaries, their ministries and their relationships. The number one reason missionaries leave the field is conflict on their teams. Spiritual warfare, temptations, discouragement are real battles they face. We need not only to SEND, but to PRAY for our missionaries. We commissioned Les and Helen Prouty for their ministry with Haiti Orphan Project. Pastor Russ, Pastor Stuart and Charlie Troxell gathered around Chris Barker and prayed for him as we sent him out from us to South Africa to serve in our place. Now we wait......with expectation, with thanksgiving, with confidence in God’s promises and faithfulness for us. AMEN Faith Promise 2014/2015 Goal $355,000 2014 Twin Oaks World Missions Conference Heart for the Nations 2 Photos: © Middendorf Photography, 2014 HEADLINE Global MissionsHERE Headlines all that’s going to be here News from from our Twin Oaks supported missionaries CHRIS BARKER -MTW: Cape Town, South Africa Chris Barker returned from MTW field training in Belgium February 8. He said that the training was encouraging to him as he looked at the challenges facing missionaries in crosscultural settings. He was reminded to find his identity in Christ and rest in Him as he dealt with difficulties. While Chris was in Belgium, his grandfather, John Barker, died. While Chris’ family and friends gathered in St. Louis for the memorial service at Twin Oaks, he was in Belgium. Chris returned just in time for the World Missions Conference in need of 7% of his monthly support in order to leave for South Africa. In God’s providence and provision, Chris received his final support, and Sunday, February 23 at the PM service at Twin Oaks, Pastors Stuart and St. John, Chris’ elder, Charlie Troxell and the Twin Oaks congregation had the joy of praying for Chris and sending him out to South Africa for his second term of ministry with The Message Church. Only God could orchestrate such a perfectly glorious moment! Four days later, Charlie, along with Bob and Donna Middendorf, and Chris’ parents waved goodbye to Chris at the Amtrack Station downtown St. Louis as Chris began his 55 hours of travel back to South Africa. COMMISSIONED - Les & Helen Prouty, Haiti Orphan Project Sunday, February 23 in the PM worship service Les & Helen Prouty were commissioned by Twin Oaks as our newest supported missionaries for their work with Haiti Orphan Project. Dr. St. John lead the commissioning service, RE Terry Jones gave the charge, Dr. Stuart asked Les & Helen a series of commitment questions, Charlie Troxell prayed, while the rest of the Session members and World Mission Committee gathered around them to lay hands on them and pray. It is a joy to partner with them in their ministry. RAINBOW NATIONS TOUR II - Coby & Pamela McGinty - MTW, South Africa The McGinty family just completed their second Rainbow Nations Tour, with daughter, Calla, joining them for the second half. Pamela says they could write a novel, but gave a few of the highlights of their travel through South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Botswana visiting 15 students, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends in their latest newsletter. The most unusual food they ate was fried termites, a Venda delicacy, but many ‘insides’ and various feet also made the menus. Mangoes eaten fresh from the tree were a favorite. The family also was able to experience Victoria Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, a wedding of two students, a coffee farm, and 9 border crossings across 5 nations. Pamela says that what they learned on this trip has impacted the way they disciple and counsel students. They learned a deeper understanding of their contexts and how they struggle with other tribal beliefs. Already 3 students reported to them that they had deep conversations about faith with family members they previoulsly did not have the boldness to speak to. 3 Global Missions Headlines News from from our Twin Oaks supported missionaries LA VID MISSION CHURCH - Dan & Becky Young - MTW, Northern Mexico Dan Young reported with joy that La Vid Mission Church in a unanimous vote by the South Texas Presbytery was made a particular church. Pastor Carlos Cano led the meeting. A commission of pastors and elders will meet later this spring with candidates to be elders and deacons and examine them for readiness and later the church will vote in their new leaders. The church plans to celebrate with a special service celebrating their 10th anniversary and being received as a church in the PCA. SUSAN NEWKIRK - MTW, Cape Town, South Africa Susan shares that despite all the preparation and planning for Bible Clubs in Westlake, Township ministry, she was reminded again that she is not in control. One word sums up the best advice to follow, Susan writes in her latest newsletter, “Adapt!” With a shortage of volunteers, last minute changes to schedules and a hostof other hurdles small and large, she has had to learn to adapt. Some changes were made to avoid competing with other extra-curricular activities, only to find out that some others could not participate due to an extended school day to work on literacy. But Susan and her team of volunteers are not discouraged, they know that God is in charge and desires for the gospel to reach each child. Pray for Susan and her team as they minister to these needy children. The short term team led by Brian Roby hopes to serve Susan while they are in Cape Town this summer while serving at the Student Y outreach with the McGintys. THANK YOU TWIN OAKS! Thank you Twin Oaks. To host an annual mission conference such as the one we have just completed at Twin Oaks for the past 24 years takes many, many faithful people willing to give sacrificially of their time and talents. On behalf of the World Missions Committee, we would like to express to each of you our sincerest “thanks” for your response to our many calls for volunteers. You have blessed us and the missionaries who came by demonstrating your Heart for the Nations in this way! UPCOMING EVENTS Missions Talent Show and Auction has been set for Sunday, April 6 at 6:00 PM. If you have an item you would be willing to donate for the auction, such as a vacation home, sports or symphony tickets, baked goods, cakes, pies, bread, babysitting and more, contact Merlin in the office. Mark your calendars for this fun family friendly evening to benefit those serving on short term teams this year. Contact Merlin Pierro [email protected] for more information or to donate an item. Randy Mayfield will be in concert at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, Friday April 4th at 7:30 PM. Randy Mayfield, the missions and outreach pastor at Central Presbyterian Church and guest soloist at our Missions Banquet, will be performing at the Sheldon. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Central Presbyterians Micah Project in Honduras. Tickets can be purchased from Central Presbterian Church or online from Metrotix.com. 4 HEADLINE Global MissionsHERE Headlines all that’s going be heremissionaries News from from our Twin Oaksto supported Short Term Mission Trips 2014 Informational Meeting for adults interested in participating on a short term mission team - March 16, at 4pm. An informational meeting for adults (over 18) who desire to know more about how to participate with a short term mission team this year is set for Sunday, March 16 at 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Commitment dates for mission teams has been extended to March 23 (Russia June 1). (This meeting is for Adult teams; South Asia, Cape Town and Russia. Note: Youth teams to Costa Rica and Lagniappe should contact Scott Kerens for information on those meetings). South Asia, June 26-July 8-Team Leader: Jan Watson This team of 4-5 will conduct a teacher training and workshop at the Bhogpur Children’s Home. Twin Oaks Missionaries Phil & Amina will be served by this team. Estimated cost $3000. Commitment Date: March 23 Youth Short-Term Mission Trip to Costa Rica, June 28-July 5- Team Leader: Scott Kerens This youth team will come alongside the Costa Rican reformed churches by helping them facilitate their second youth camp. Twin Oaks missionaries Scott & Kathy Craig will be served by the team. Cape Town, South Africa, July 24- August 5- Team Leaders: Brian Roby & Merlin Pierro The team will be serving alongside the UCT Student Y Ministry. Twin Oaks missionaries Coby & Pamela McGinty, Chris Barker, and Susan Newkirk will be served by the team. Estimated cost $3000. Commitment Date: March 23 Youth Short-Term Mission Trip to Bay St. Louis, MS, July 27-Aug 2 - Team Leader: Scott Kerens this team will assist Lagniappe PCA church Plant and Pastor Carey Hammett. the team will serve the church in word and deed by assisting with several projects. Contact Scott for more information. Moscow Russia, November 22-29 Team Leader: Merlin Pierro This team will serve with Twin Oaks member missionaries J.G. and Jenny Porwoll. The team will participate in an English camp with Russian high school students. Estimated cost $2000. Commitment Date: June 1 Short Term Team Cross Cultural Training - Saturday, May 3 - 9:00-11:30 AM Reception Hall A short term team cross cultural training for all those participating on a short term team (Youth and Adult) will be held Saturday, May 3 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. in the Reception Hall. Training will conclude at 11:30 with lunch and opportunity to meet with your mission team for prayer. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. 5 HEADLINE Around theHERE Oaks all that’s going to be here SPORTS OUTREACH GROUP - (Brad & Patty Wos) Sunday Night Futbol to Internationals in St. Louis (5 a side soccer - Futsal) meets at Twin Oaks Church Gym each Sunday night from 5:00-8:00 PM. Over 16 nations and 9 soccer teams are represented playing on this Futsal league. A majority of these High School players travel from the city to represent their team and country. Every Sunday Brad or an elder leads a devotional to start the evening off. Brad disciples coaches through “Life on Life” discipleship materials to teach the concept of disciple making through the medium of sports. The hope is that these coaches will disciple others and use the medium of sports to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations here in St. Louis. For more information how you can be a part of this ministry, contact Brad Wos. The Prize Video translated into Bosnian The Prize, a story of how six football heros have followed the ball to the ultimate prize - and new life in Christ, has been translated into Bosnian. With the help of six Bosnian men doing the voice over, and Kerry Brown, this video will be a great tool to reach Bosnians with the gospel. Enisa Dedic, a Covenant Seminary Student from Sarajevo, Bosnia, helped to translate a Gospel Soccer ball into Bosnian. Brad says these gospel tools will be used to reach Bosnians in St. Louis and at the World Cup Soccer beginning June 12. For more information on the video, go to theprize.com. 6 march Prayer Calendar 9 10 Faith Promise Sunday Pray that the Holy Spirit will direct the hearts and minds of the congregation in regards to what each will do, by faith, in pledging their prayer and financial support for World Missions for this next fiscal year. 11 Chris Barker South Africa 12 Hatem & Lisa Sensitive Country World Missions Committee Pray for the World Mission Committee as they meet tonight, asking that the Holy Spirit would guide them in all their deliberations and decisions. Pray for God’s provision for the Faith Promise Pledge Goal and Project. 13 Dan & Becky Young USA/Mexico Border Praise! • Chris received his visa and the support needed to return to Cape Town! Prayer • For Chris as he settles into his new ministry at the Message Church in Cape Town. • That in all things Christ will be glorified. Praise! • For the many projects that have been completed! Prayer • For Sam and Jumana’s VISA to come through quickly and for their adjustment. • For another couple who interested in joining the team • Planning and preperation for Home Ministry Assignment in the Fall. Praise! • La Vid in Lardeo was granted their petition to become a particular church. • For Becky’s art classes and the process of starting an art and faith initiative. Prayer • For La Vid to successfully complete leadership training, to grow in number, and to prepare for particularization this summer. • For growth in the church plants. 14 15 16 Andres & Ruth Garza Northern Mexico Scott & Kathy Craig Costa Rica Coby & Pamela McGinty South Africa Prayer • For the trip to Indianapolis to have a presentation of the ministry to 10 churches. • For the San Pedro Church, that it will keep growing and be a blessing to many • for the Garza’s daughter Priscila, who is studying in Spain this semester • For the CPI in durango, the border and La Paz. Praise! • For the success of the first work team of 2014. • For the first movement wide conference. Over 100 were in attendance from four churches! Prayer • For the hosting of a short term team from March 22-29. Pray that they will work together well and will be a light to those they serve. Praise! • For the completion of their second Rainbow Nations Tour, with daughter, Calla, joining them for the second half. They traveled through South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Botswana visiting students and their families. 17 18 19 ISLP PARTNERSHIP MEETING Pray members of the World Missions commitee as they travel to Atlanta for the India/Sri Lanka Partnership Meetings. Pray that in all things, Christ’s will be done. Pete & Dagi Smuts South Africa Praise! • For a safe and refreshing holiday Prayer • For the Lord’s blessing on the 2014 academic year. • That the Lord would guide the new principal, Daniel Simango, as he leads the college. • That Pete and Dagi will have a safe and fruitful visit to the states from Jan April 2014. The Freedom School Timothy Baker Praise! • The Freedom School will be accredited this June, raising the standard for students and parents! Prayer • For the addition of partners to scholarship students. Please pray that God will continue to call His people to partner with the school. • For the ongoing school year. 7 March prayer Calendar 20 Terry & Francine Clarke Australia 21 Lian & Clara Sensitive Country Praise! • For new and continuing students. • For gifts to the Library fund. Prayer • For wisdom and guidance as Gap Year Program is developed • For more workers to be called to this ministry. Praise! • there are over 820 students at Covenant School and ministries are going well. Prayer • For wisdom from God as the Presbytery makes several important decisions. • For added support for the orpahn support fund. • For Lian & Clara and their family 23 24 Susan Newkirk South Africa Brad & Patty Wos Sports Outreach Group Praise! • For growth of the Boys Soccer Ministry and enthusiasm of the boys who attend. Prayer • For wisdom, flexibility in creativity in planning Bible Clubs • For more volunteers for the Girl’s Bible Club and for Susan as she encourages and trains the volunteers already serving. Praise! • For the way the Lord is at work in the Bosnian, Nepali, and African communities with Gospel centered Sport. Prayer • For the many opportunities to share the gospel through sport. • For the opportunitie to start Cricket leagues to serve South Asian families. 26 27 John & Cathy Rug Chile Praise! • For ministry partners who helped with the CEMIPRE project account. Prayer • For the Chile field meeting and upcoming Presbytery meeting in April. • That God would direct the future of the Grace and Peace Church Plant. 29 Ted & Ann Powers Mission to North America Praise! • For the MNA Church Planter Readiness Seminar and for those who attended and feel called to the ministry. Prayer • For the Covenant Seminary Students who will take part in the MNA Summer Church Planting Internships. • For Ted as he recruits church planters for the strategic locations identified to plant a PCA church. 8 South Africa Praise! • For the new and returning students studying at the Bible Institute this year. Prayer • For the BI’s new principal, Dr. Daniel Simango, as he assusmes his duties. • As the Bible teaching ministry begins at Ukhanyo Primary in Masiphumelele, please pray for God’s guidance for this 14th year of Bible teaching there. 25 Solomon and Ruby Kendagor International Students Inc. Prayer • For saftey during travel to and from Kenya and while in the country. • That God would supply financial support needed. • for key contacts who are working out plans to help reach other elected leaders with greater potential to influence the government. 28 USA Missions Committee Pray for the USA Mission Committee as they meet tonight, asking that the Holy Spirit would guide them in all their deliberations and decisions. 30 22 Bruce & Barbara Wannemacher J.G. & Jenny Porwoll Russia Praise! • The outreach at Sochi Winter Olympics went well! Prayer • The English Camp outreach this week in Moscow and St. Petersburg - pray for organization and planning for the camp, for clear communication of the gospel, and that Christ would draw many to himself. Rick & Trish Mathes Mission Gate Praise! • for local churches embracing the needs of men and women in the program. • For the purchase of a a ranch for women’s ministry. Prayer • For the Covenant Seminary student that Twin Oaks is sponsoring to minister to the men at Fort Good Shepherd Rance 31 The Gideons James Mitas Prayer • For wisdom in planning several major distributions in the St. Louis region this spring. • For God to call additional men and women to do the work of this ministry. • For one or two additional men to conduct worship services at the Clayton Justice Center. Supported Missionaries International Staff of Twin Oaks 32 Missionary Units in 17 Countries 2 Missions Agencies Agencies Gideons International Third Millennium (3rd Mill) Chile Craig & Stacy Pohl, MTW John & Cathy Rug, MTW Workers in Sensitive Ministries: Khen & Rith Phil & Amina Cartee & Colleen Lian & Clara Paul Billy & Shirley Gerry & Julie Marie Hatem & Lisa Sardar & Anila James & Debbie Costa Rica Scott & Kathy Craig, MTW Africa/Asia Karl & Debbie Dortzbach, MTW Australia Terry & Francine Clarke, MTW Global Youth & Families Eric & Rebecca Larsen, MTW Haiti Orphan Project Les & Helen Prouty Hungary Rob & Tunde Futo, PMI Malawi Stephen & Marion Spencer, ABC Brazil Luciano & Luciene Pires, PMI = Mexico Andres & Ruth Garza, MTW Jarett & Mary Carole Hall, MTW Josue & Martha Mayo, MTW Dan & Becky Young, MTW Jaime & Natalia Jimenez, MTW Peru Keith & Ruth Powlison, MTW Larry & Sandy Rockwell, MTW Russia JG & Jenny Porwoll, Student Venture & Cru South Africa Chris Barker, MTW Coby & Pamela McGinty, MTW Susan Newkirk, MTW Pete & Dagi Smuts, MTW Bruce & Barbara Wannemacher, MTW USA Ministries Supported by Twin Oaks 22 Agencies Bethany Christian Services Issues That Matter STL Spring Hills Presbyterian Church Churches for Life, Inc. Missouri Presbytery Sunshine Ministries Circle of Concern Mission Gate Thrive St. Louis Covenant College Mission to North America The Freedom School Covenant Theolological Seminary PCA Stated Clerk/Administration Twin Oaks Christian School-scholarships Engage St. Louis Pregnancy Care Center Westminster Christian Academy Gideons International Reformed University Ministries International Students, Inc Sports Outreach Group USA Ministries are supported through 10% of the tithe from General Fund. 9 Faith Promise $339,842 March 31 $311,520 - Feb. 28 $283,200 - Jan. 31 $254,880 - Dec. 31 $226,560 - Nov. 30 $198,240 - Oct. 31 $169,920 - Sept. 30 $141,600 - Aug. 31 $113,280 - July 31 $84,960 - June 30 $56,640 - May 31 $28,320 - April 30 10 As of February 23, 2014 Current Total: $309,853 Praise the Lord!! Heart for the Nations The Mission Committee with our Missionaries Thank you to everyone who helped make the 24th Annual Twin Oaks World Missions Conference a big success! The World Missions Committee Donna Middendorf: Director of Missions Darren DeGroot: Committee Chairman Merlin Pierro: Administrative Assistant John Myers Cheryl Nichols Charlie Troxell Jan Watson Gwen Pollex, prospective member The USA Missions Commmittee Donna Middendorf: Director of Missions Merlin Pierro: Administrative Assistant Kerry Brown Darren DeGroot Shawn Hawkins Doug Loveall Dee Miller Jeff Sheibe Tim Smith Do you have a heart for missions? Are you interested in serving on one of our Committees? Contact Donna at [email protected] for more information. 11 Twin Oaks World Missions Conference February 21-25 & March 9, 2014 Photos: © Middendorf Photography, 2013 12