Okay, I am not normally one to rave about the Post Office, BUT they have finally come out with a winning product. I am going home for Christmas and when I saw all the gifts piled up, I realized there was no way they were going to fit into my one suitcase and carryon. American Airlines charges $25 each way for an extra bag, so it would cost me $50 and a bad back to lug all that stuff home and back.
But the Post Office now has flat-rate priority mail. The rate depends on the size of the box, not the weight or destination. You pick up a pre-printed box (there are various sizes) at the post office and take it home. After you pack it, you can either print out your postage online and schedule a pickup, or take it to the post office yourself. You can ship all you cram up into it to anywhere in the US or APO/FPO addresses.
I shipped two boxes home for under $25. The large box was HEAVY. I’m sure both Fed Ex and UPS would have charged much more. I didn't get insurance or tracking, but hey, I'm willing to take a little risk for this big of a discount. If this catches on, the PO may give a little challenge to their competition. This is a great deal, so check it out!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
18,587 -- Lessons Learned from NaNoWriMo (continued)
When I look back to my college years (when I first trusted in Jesus as my Savior and began a personal relationship with Him), I saw more mature believers and thought that it would be impossible to ever have that kind of faith. But I learned some lessons over the years about THAT as well:
1. Although people sometimes look perfect on the outside, we cannot see their inner struggles. That is one of the reasons honesty is so important, not to discourage others, but so they won’t have an unrealistic idea of living a perfect life while still inhabiting a sinful body. Even those ‘perfect people’ in church are struggling with some issues. As you read Paul’s letters you find that at the end he, the apostle to the Gentiles, called himself the chief of all sinners. As God reveals more to us as we walk with him, we come to a deeper realization of just how depraved we really are on our own, and then love Jesus even more deeply for what he did for us on the cross by paying for our sins.
2. We must depend moment by moment on the control and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we trust in God to direct our paths, we can live a life pleasing to God, but in His strength, not our own. As soon as we take back control, we screw up.
3. Read the Bible and pray every day. So often it is easy to get distracted and neglect this. But even if only five minutes, do this daily. The Bible is God’s love letter and instruction manual to us. When I was in the Navy, I eagerly awaited mail call hoping for letters from home, which I then read avidly. I wanted to hear how they were doing, how the kids were growing, etc. And I wrote to them. Often we shared deeply personal thoughts in these letters. You have to spend time with someone to get to know them. To get to know God you need to read his letter (the Bible) and talk to him (prayer).
4. Encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24 says, “. . . let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” We will grow in our faith much faster when we give each other encouraging words and teach the truths of the Bible. And even when we fail, our faithful friends can help show us where we err and get us back on the right path. We are also to bear one another’s burdens. By whatever name (small groups, Bible studies, Community groups, etc), find a group of believers you can trust to keep confidences and take care of one another – physically, emotionally and spiritually. That is the true church – not a building.
5. Don’t get discouraged. Only Jesus lived a perfect life. We are NOT him. But as you mature in your faith and God works in your life, you will be able to look back and see REAL progress. In my B.C. (Before Christ) days, I was NOT a nice person. I could hold a grudge for days, was sarcastic and demeaning to people, and was very selfish and manipulative. If you don’t believe me, ask my sister! God has done a mighty work in my life and has changed me drastically. Although I will always have these sinful tendencies of the flesh, God really has transformed my personality. Romans 12: 2 says: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Let God change you from the inside out.
Obviously this list is not exhaustive, but just a few short reminders.
1. Although people sometimes look perfect on the outside, we cannot see their inner struggles. That is one of the reasons honesty is so important, not to discourage others, but so they won’t have an unrealistic idea of living a perfect life while still inhabiting a sinful body. Even those ‘perfect people’ in church are struggling with some issues. As you read Paul’s letters you find that at the end he, the apostle to the Gentiles, called himself the chief of all sinners. As God reveals more to us as we walk with him, we come to a deeper realization of just how depraved we really are on our own, and then love Jesus even more deeply for what he did for us on the cross by paying for our sins.
2. We must depend moment by moment on the control and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we trust in God to direct our paths, we can live a life pleasing to God, but in His strength, not our own. As soon as we take back control, we screw up.
3. Read the Bible and pray every day. So often it is easy to get distracted and neglect this. But even if only five minutes, do this daily. The Bible is God’s love letter and instruction manual to us. When I was in the Navy, I eagerly awaited mail call hoping for letters from home, which I then read avidly. I wanted to hear how they were doing, how the kids were growing, etc. And I wrote to them. Often we shared deeply personal thoughts in these letters. You have to spend time with someone to get to know them. To get to know God you need to read his letter (the Bible) and talk to him (prayer).
4. Encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24 says, “. . . let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” We will grow in our faith much faster when we give each other encouraging words and teach the truths of the Bible. And even when we fail, our faithful friends can help show us where we err and get us back on the right path. We are also to bear one another’s burdens. By whatever name (small groups, Bible studies, Community groups, etc), find a group of believers you can trust to keep confidences and take care of one another – physically, emotionally and spiritually. That is the true church – not a building.
5. Don’t get discouraged. Only Jesus lived a perfect life. We are NOT him. But as you mature in your faith and God works in your life, you will be able to look back and see REAL progress. In my B.C. (Before Christ) days, I was NOT a nice person. I could hold a grudge for days, was sarcastic and demeaning to people, and was very selfish and manipulative. If you don’t believe me, ask my sister! God has done a mighty work in my life and has changed me drastically. Although I will always have these sinful tendencies of the flesh, God really has transformed my personality. Romans 12: 2 says: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Let God change you from the inside out.
Obviously this list is not exhaustive, but just a few short reminders.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
18,587
Well, November is now gone. And National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is over. For the first time, I tried to write a novel. This project was more difficult than I expected and I learned some lessons.
1. Plan before you start. I didn’t learn about this annual November writing challenge until late, so I didn’t have much time to prepare. For next year, I need to do much more research and at least outline the basic plot before November.
2. Write some every day. The goal was to write at least 50,000 words (the length of a short novel) during this month, or about 1,667 words each day. So of course I got distracted, didn’t stick to the schedule and rapidly fell disastrously behind. About mid-month I learned that the best time for me to write was after my quiet time but before starting my regular work day. And by breaking up the goal into small achievable pieces, I was not overwhelmed by the overall goal. By sticking to this plan, I actually saw myself make some progress.
3. Encourage one another. We had a group from church who challenged each other to do this project. Our group only met a couple of times. We tried to encourage each other, but I noticed we basically groaned about how little we had completed. So now we are discussing how we can help each other from December through October to finish what we started and prepare for the next NaNoWriMo.
4. Don’t get too discouraged if you fall short. I only wrote 18,587 words, which is far short of my goal, but much more than I would have had if I didn’t start. And I learned some valuable lessons, so all was not lost.
As I read this advice, I realize that these basics can be applied to just about any project. See my next blog about this topic.
1. Plan before you start. I didn’t learn about this annual November writing challenge until late, so I didn’t have much time to prepare. For next year, I need to do much more research and at least outline the basic plot before November.
2. Write some every day. The goal was to write at least 50,000 words (the length of a short novel) during this month, or about 1,667 words each day. So of course I got distracted, didn’t stick to the schedule and rapidly fell disastrously behind. About mid-month I learned that the best time for me to write was after my quiet time but before starting my regular work day. And by breaking up the goal into small achievable pieces, I was not overwhelmed by the overall goal. By sticking to this plan, I actually saw myself make some progress.
3. Encourage one another. We had a group from church who challenged each other to do this project. Our group only met a couple of times. We tried to encourage each other, but I noticed we basically groaned about how little we had completed. So now we are discussing how we can help each other from December through October to finish what we started and prepare for the next NaNoWriMo.
4. Don’t get too discouraged if you fall short. I only wrote 18,587 words, which is far short of my goal, but much more than I would have had if I didn’t start. And I learned some valuable lessons, so all was not lost.
As I read this advice, I realize that these basics can be applied to just about any project. See my next blog about this topic.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
God Blessed My Socks Off!
This past weekend, November 20 and 21, I attended the Women of Faith conference in Ft. Lauderdale. As always, I had a great time with the ladies of Living Hope church (Miami), leaving spiritually refreshed and blessed.
One of the speakers on Friday talked about taking advantage of opportunities as they arise. God used this advice to do something I had not anticipated.
I bought a book in which Luci Swindoll was one of the contributors, so I went to the book signing early Saturday morning. When I arrived there was only one other person in the line in front of me, so I quickly got to the table where Luci signed the books. I felt a little uncomfortable and embarrassed, because I had a nagging push to bring up a topic that had been bugging me for several years. When she finished signing, there was NO ONE in line. So I thought, “Okay, God, You obviously want me to talk to her about this.”
Now I don’t remember the exact words of our conversation but this is the gist of it. Somewhat reluctantly I said, “I have something to apologize for.”
“Oh,” she replied.
So I explained that a year earlier (actually I think it was at least several years earlier) I had seen her talking to someone at a table on the concourse. I waited until the lady left and then came up, told her that I was a DTS (Dallas Theological Seminary) grad, and that I had mentioned to her brother Chuck Swindoll (who was either President or Chancellor of DTS at that time) that she had been telling stories about him at Women of Faith. He said “I bet you she didn’t tell you about the time she taught me to smoke!” No, she hadn’t, so when I saw her I wanted to tell her about it. When I left the table I continued down the concourse and noticed that just beyond the table was a long line of ladies holding books. I realized in horror that I had just butted in line in front of all those waiting ladies. I felt mortified – after all, I was a DTS grad, and that was so impolite, even if I didn’t realize there was a line at the time. I had been bothered by this incident ever since, so I wanted to apologize.
Luci said she didn’t remember the incident but accepted my apology anyway. And just then more people arrived in line, so I excused myself and left.
What amazed me was how I felt afterward -- It was like a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders. God had arranged the timing and opportunity. I felt such joy and blessing. This opportunity would have been missed if I had not obeyed God’s nudge (however reluctantly).
[LUCI – If you ever read this, you have my permission to use it.]
One of the speakers on Friday talked about taking advantage of opportunities as they arise. God used this advice to do something I had not anticipated.
I bought a book in which Luci Swindoll was one of the contributors, so I went to the book signing early Saturday morning. When I arrived there was only one other person in the line in front of me, so I quickly got to the table where Luci signed the books. I felt a little uncomfortable and embarrassed, because I had a nagging push to bring up a topic that had been bugging me for several years. When she finished signing, there was NO ONE in line. So I thought, “Okay, God, You obviously want me to talk to her about this.”
Now I don’t remember the exact words of our conversation but this is the gist of it. Somewhat reluctantly I said, “I have something to apologize for.”
“Oh,” she replied.
So I explained that a year earlier (actually I think it was at least several years earlier) I had seen her talking to someone at a table on the concourse. I waited until the lady left and then came up, told her that I was a DTS (Dallas Theological Seminary) grad, and that I had mentioned to her brother Chuck Swindoll (who was either President or Chancellor of DTS at that time) that she had been telling stories about him at Women of Faith. He said “I bet you she didn’t tell you about the time she taught me to smoke!” No, she hadn’t, so when I saw her I wanted to tell her about it. When I left the table I continued down the concourse and noticed that just beyond the table was a long line of ladies holding books. I realized in horror that I had just butted in line in front of all those waiting ladies. I felt mortified – after all, I was a DTS grad, and that was so impolite, even if I didn’t realize there was a line at the time. I had been bothered by this incident ever since, so I wanted to apologize.
Luci said she didn’t remember the incident but accepted my apology anyway. And just then more people arrived in line, so I excused myself and left.
What amazed me was how I felt afterward -- It was like a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders. God had arranged the timing and opportunity. I felt such joy and blessing. This opportunity would have been missed if I had not obeyed God’s nudge (however reluctantly).
[LUCI – If you ever read this, you have my permission to use it.]
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Miles and Milestones
In mid-October I drove to Mesquite, TX, to participate in the annual Missions Conference at Lake Ridge Bible Church (where I attended while going to Dallas Theological Seminary). Even though I was in the area for 10 days this trip, the time was still too short.
The first milestone occurred just before I left Florida – I answered my 3,000th initial inquiry from evangelistic websites hosted by Campus Crusade for Christ. Out of those, over 1000 people have written back at least once!
The second milestone was my 57th birthday on October 16. I arrived in Mesquite that afternoon and settled in at the home of my friend Nancy Wood. After dinner we headed over to Jim and Jane Reynolds’ house for a time of sharing with their Home Team about my missions experiences – and they surprised me with goodies and a huge birthday cookie! Yes, I did eat it all, though it took me most of the week to do it.
The Ladies’ Brunch on Saturday morning had a good crowd. The next morning I greeted my old Sunday school class, the Ambassadors. The Missions Banquet that evening had food from many different countries, and entertainment too!
During the week I was able to keep up with my email in the mornings thanks to Nancy’s high speed internet, and visited friends in the afternoons and evenings. The last Sunday I spoke to the Ambassadors class about some of the things God has been doing in our ministry (I’ll send an end-of-the-year update in the next newsletter).
The last milestone happened shortly after my return to Florida. I received an unexpected package in the mail -- containing a plaque marking my first 10 years with Campus Crusade for Christ. This award caught me by surprise – Time flies when you are having fun serving the Lord! Thank you so much for your prayers and support through the years.
The first milestone occurred just before I left Florida – I answered my 3,000th initial inquiry from evangelistic websites hosted by Campus Crusade for Christ. Out of those, over 1000 people have written back at least once!
The second milestone was my 57th birthday on October 16. I arrived in Mesquite that afternoon and settled in at the home of my friend Nancy Wood. After dinner we headed over to Jim and Jane Reynolds’ house for a time of sharing with their Home Team about my missions experiences – and they surprised me with goodies and a huge birthday cookie! Yes, I did eat it all, though it took me most of the week to do it.
The Ladies’ Brunch on Saturday morning had a good crowd. The next morning I greeted my old Sunday school class, the Ambassadors. The Missions Banquet that evening had food from many different countries, and entertainment too! During the week I was able to keep up with my email in the mornings thanks to Nancy’s high speed internet, and visited friends in the afternoons and evenings. The last Sunday I spoke to the Ambassadors class about some of the things God has been doing in our ministry (I’ll send an end-of-the-year update in the next newsletter).
The last milestone happened shortly after my return to Florida. I received an unexpected package in the mail -- containing a plaque marking my first 10 years with Campus Crusade for Christ. This award caught me by surprise – Time flies when you are having fun serving the Lord! Thank you so much for your prayers and support through the years.
NaNoWriMo update and Veterans Day
Sorry to say I have not been very diligent. I am over 6,000 words but got bogged down in some research and other activities. Hopefully I can catch up . . . .
Today is Veterans Day and I was tempted to go to the parade here in Homestead, until I saw the downpour out my window at 10:30 this morning. Those poor vets! It will literally rain on their parade.
This day is a precious one, set aside in honor of all those who have served our country, past and present. So far the earliest veteran I know of in my family is Curtis J. Baxter who served in the 169th Pennsylvania in the Civil War. World Vital Records had a free search, and although they didn't have the records for my father who served in the Navy in WW II and Korea, they did have the enlistment entry for my Uncle Larry James who served as an Army medic in WW II. My brother-in-law Ralph Funkhouser served in the Navy during the Viet Nam era. And of course I am proud of my Cold War service as a Navy JAG.
On the side of the file cabinet in front of my computer are prayer cards for family of church members who are currently serving. I especially think of Ken Halander from Elim Ev. Free Church in Puyallup, WA, (where my sister attends) who is doing another tour in Iraq.
This past weekend there was a great Air Show at Homestead Air Reserve Base. The Thunderbirds flew both days. One of their mechanics is Nathan Kearns, son of my good friend Steve Kearns. The weather was windy but otherwise nice, so the event was well-attended.
And of course, we must remember those wounded and killed last week at Ft. Hood.
Please read Psalm 91 and pray God's protection for all our troops around the world.
Today is Veterans Day and I was tempted to go to the parade here in Homestead, until I saw the downpour out my window at 10:30 this morning. Those poor vets! It will literally rain on their parade.
This day is a precious one, set aside in honor of all those who have served our country, past and present. So far the earliest veteran I know of in my family is Curtis J. Baxter who served in the 169th Pennsylvania in the Civil War. World Vital Records had a free search, and although they didn't have the records for my father who served in the Navy in WW II and Korea, they did have the enlistment entry for my Uncle Larry James who served as an Army medic in WW II. My brother-in-law Ralph Funkhouser served in the Navy during the Viet Nam era. And of course I am proud of my Cold War service as a Navy JAG.
On the side of the file cabinet in front of my computer are prayer cards for family of church members who are currently serving. I especially think of Ken Halander from Elim Ev. Free Church in Puyallup, WA, (where my sister attends) who is doing another tour in Iraq.
This past weekend there was a great Air Show at Homestead Air Reserve Base. The Thunderbirds flew both days. One of their mechanics is Nathan Kearns, son of my good friend Steve Kearns. The weather was windy but otherwise nice, so the event was well-attended.
And of course, we must remember those wounded and killed last week at Ft. Hood.
Please read Psalm 91 and pray God's protection for all our troops around the world.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Welcome to http://www.nanowrimo.org/ Okay, what is THAT??!!!!
Glad you asked!
I have wanted to write a novel for years and never got around to putting anything on paper. One of my friends at church challenged me to join her in National Novel Writing Month in November. Slowly a group starting forming at church and we met for our first session on Sunday. I wrote over 1,600 words. I know that is not much, but it is a big improvement over zero! The goal is to write 50,000 words this month. That won't be a complete adult novel, but it is a start.
It is fun to hear the different ideas for novels and encourage one another. And surprisingly we actually got work done.
Glad you asked!
I have wanted to write a novel for years and never got around to putting anything on paper. One of my friends at church challenged me to join her in National Novel Writing Month in November. Slowly a group starting forming at church and we met for our first session on Sunday. I wrote over 1,600 words. I know that is not much, but it is a big improvement over zero! The goal is to write 50,000 words this month. That won't be a complete adult novel, but it is a start.
It is fun to hear the different ideas for novels and encourage one another. And surprisingly we actually got work done.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Celebrating Another Year!
Ok, I’m a little weird. Most people hate getting another year older. But in my family, every year past 55 is a great milestone. Why such a strange benchmark? Our mother died of cancer when she was 55 years old.
So when I turned 57 this month, I was so pleased with this gift from God – another year to do His work. I try not to take this blessing lightly. God puts us all here for a purpose. He has given me the spiritual gift of teaching, and I know He expects me to use it for His glory. What a great privilege and a reason for special celebration!
So when I turned 57 this month, I was so pleased with this gift from God – another year to do His work. I try not to take this blessing lightly. God puts us all here for a purpose. He has given me the spiritual gift of teaching, and I know He expects me to use it for His glory. What a great privilege and a reason for special celebration!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Newsletter September 2009
Bill Glass Weekend of Champions
We sat on the concrete floor on opposite sides of the steel door to her solitary confinement cell at Miami Women’s Detention Center. She was an older lady whose face was twisted in distress as I began talking about how much God loved her. At first she stared at the ground and was unresponsive. But as she listened to the Bible verses, she made eye contact and talked more. Finally, when she prayed to ask Jesus into her life, her face relaxed so that she looked years younger. The sparkle in her eyes showed that she now had hope.
This encounter was a great way to finish an exhausting weekend doing prison ministry with Bill Glass Champions for Life. The ‘teammates’ (participants in the outreach) had orientation on Thursday night where they learned how to share the gospel with inmates and were divided into teams to reach the many jails and correctional facilities in southern Florida. Tanya Crevier, one of the platform speakers, demonstrated the basketball handling skills she would use to gain the interest of the prisoners.
Friday morning I drove to the Homestead Correctional Institution for women in long-term confinement. It is rainy season in Florida now, but God took care of the problem. The early morning showers cleared up as our team went through security. The weather was hot and sunny as we gathered with the inmates on the baseball field surrounded by barbed wire. A singer on our team got their attention, then Sandy Fatow spoke about her life with drugs and losers before Jesus changed her life. When we got in small groups to share Bible verses about how to trust in Jesus, all the ladies in my group had done so at previous Bill Glass events, so we discussed how they could be sure of their salvation and live in a manner pleasing to God.
When we went to lunch, it started raining again, but cleared up when we went out to the field that afternoon --- then started raining when we left! We drove up to Wayside Baptist Church in south Miami where all the teams met for dinner and shared about how we had seen God work in the lives of the inmates that day.
Saturday morning I went up to the Miami Women’s Detention Center for short-term detainees. The tall, ugly, concrete building had no outdoor facilities, so we sub-divided up into groups to reach all the floors. Three of us went to the lockdown floor which had the psych ward and the solitary confinement cells for disciplinary problems. Two of the ladies I spoke to under these conditions made decisions to trust in Jesus! (Including the one above) So I went home, tired but happy.
Matthew 25:36b "I was in prison and you came to visit me."
We sat on the concrete floor on opposite sides of the steel door to her solitary confinement cell at Miami Women’s Detention Center. She was an older lady whose face was twisted in distress as I began talking about how much God loved her. At first she stared at the ground and was unresponsive. But as she listened to the Bible verses, she made eye contact and talked more. Finally, when she prayed to ask Jesus into her life, her face relaxed so that she looked years younger. The sparkle in her eyes showed that she now had hope.
This encounter was a great way to finish an exhausting weekend doing prison ministry with Bill Glass Champions for Life. The ‘teammates’ (participants in the outreach) had orientation on Thursday night where they learned how to share the gospel with inmates and were divided into teams to reach the many jails and correctional facilities in southern Florida. Tanya Crevier, one of the platform speakers, demonstrated the basketball handling skills she would use to gain the interest of the prisoners.
Friday morning I drove to the Homestead Correctional Institution for women in long-term confinement. It is rainy season in Florida now, but God took care of the problem. The early morning showers cleared up as our team went through security. The weather was hot and sunny as we gathered with the inmates on the baseball field surrounded by barbed wire. A singer on our team got their attention, then Sandy Fatow spoke about her life with drugs and losers before Jesus changed her life. When we got in small groups to share Bible verses about how to trust in Jesus, all the ladies in my group had done so at previous Bill Glass events, so we discussed how they could be sure of their salvation and live in a manner pleasing to God.
When we went to lunch, it started raining again, but cleared up when we went out to the field that afternoon --- then started raining when we left! We drove up to Wayside Baptist Church in south Miami where all the teams met for dinner and shared about how we had seen God work in the lives of the inmates that day.
Saturday morning I went up to the Miami Women’s Detention Center for short-term detainees. The tall, ugly, concrete building had no outdoor facilities, so we sub-divided up into groups to reach all the floors. Three of us went to the lockdown floor which had the psych ward and the solitary confinement cells for disciplinary problems. Two of the ladies I spoke to under these conditions made decisions to trust in Jesus! (Including the one above) So I went home, tired but happy.
Matthew 25:36b "I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Newsletter August 2009
U.S. Staff Conference July 2009
How did Jesus minister?
Matthew 11:4 - 5. Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."
As Dr. Tim Keller pointed out in his plenary sessions, Jesus did not just talk about the spiritual Kingdom of God, but rather took a more holistic approach – He took care of practical needs as well, so that word and deed were meshed together. In a world filled with so much violence, poverty, disease and injustice, we must dispense relief along with the gospel.
This approach reminded me of the old adage: "People don’t care what you know until they know that you care." During the week and half of the U.S. Staff Conference, we certainly had ample opportunities to see how ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ are using a variety of strategies to reach the world by providing for physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.
Here are some highlights –
GAiN (Global Aid Network – a humanitarian arm of Campus Crusade) focuses on Nutritional Food Programs, Clean Water Initiatives, Critical Care and Community Care needs in over 35 countries, having distributed greater than $125 million worth of aid and mobilized more than 12,000 short-term mission participants. For example, GAiN is working with our national staff in Zimbabwe where over 10% of the nation are orphans, primarily due to the AIDS crisis. In two days during the conference, the children of our staff packaged 175,000 meal pouches to help out.
Here’s Life Inner City works in America’s most economically distressed communities to give hope through the gospel, demonstrated in practical ways such as Boxes of Love, Homeless Care Kits, Prison Ministry, training and neighborhood development. A media-based Bible study on God’s heart for the poor trains partner churches in evangelism and discipleship ( see www.compassionbycommand.com).
Military Ministry assists chaplains and commanders with caring for the spiritual well-being of troops and their families. Since 9/11 MilMin has distributed over 2 million Rapid Deployment Kits (includes camo-cover pocket NT and other materials) and developed a variety of resources for our warriors and their families
Of course, evangelism was not neglected! In a super-seminar entitled "Connecting with the Lost," Dr. Larry Crabbe, Tim Muehlhoff and Doug Pollock discussed good listening and the use of questions. A more relational approach allows one to build trust and lay the foundation to answer in-depth questions. Especially in this post-modern age where many question the existence of God and/or do not have any background of Bible knowledge, we need to start where people are, and build from there. Other seminars shared new tools, techniques and resources.
There is so much more to share, but not enough room.
How did Jesus minister?
Matthew 11:4 - 5. Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."
As Dr. Tim Keller pointed out in his plenary sessions, Jesus did not just talk about the spiritual Kingdom of God, but rather took a more holistic approach – He took care of practical needs as well, so that word and deed were meshed together. In a world filled with so much violence, poverty, disease and injustice, we must dispense relief along with the gospel.
This approach reminded me of the old adage: "People don’t care what you know until they know that you care." During the week and half of the U.S. Staff Conference, we certainly had ample opportunities to see how ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ are using a variety of strategies to reach the world by providing for physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.
Here are some highlights –
GAiN (Global Aid Network – a humanitarian arm of Campus Crusade) focuses on Nutritional Food Programs, Clean Water Initiatives, Critical Care and Community Care needs in over 35 countries, having distributed greater than $125 million worth of aid and mobilized more than 12,000 short-term mission participants. For example, GAiN is working with our national staff in Zimbabwe where over 10% of the nation are orphans, primarily due to the AIDS crisis. In two days during the conference, the children of our staff packaged 175,000 meal pouches to help out.
Here’s Life Inner City works in America’s most economically distressed communities to give hope through the gospel, demonstrated in practical ways such as Boxes of Love, Homeless Care Kits, Prison Ministry, training and neighborhood development. A media-based Bible study on God’s heart for the poor trains partner churches in evangelism and discipleship ( see www.compassionbycommand.com).
Military Ministry assists chaplains and commanders with caring for the spiritual well-being of troops and their families. Since 9/11 MilMin has distributed over 2 million Rapid Deployment Kits (includes camo-cover pocket NT and other materials) and developed a variety of resources for our warriors and their families
Of course, evangelism was not neglected! In a super-seminar entitled "Connecting with the Lost," Dr. Larry Crabbe, Tim Muehlhoff and Doug Pollock discussed good listening and the use of questions. A more relational approach allows one to build trust and lay the foundation to answer in-depth questions. Especially in this post-modern age where many question the existence of God and/or do not have any background of Bible knowledge, we need to start where people are, and build from there. Other seminars shared new tools, techniques and resources.
There is so much more to share, but not enough room.
Newsletter June 2009
A Rash for a Reason?
The rash started on my upper lip on Wednesday and by Friday was spreading to my nose, cheeks and chin. I had no idea what was causing this, so that afternoon I went to the Clinic. They gave me a prescription for some hydrocortisone cream and said they would refer me to a dermatologist.
While I was waiting in line at the pharmacy, I talked with a tall guy who was a Vietnam War vet. Conversation turned to spiritual things and he was quite hostile to Christianity. He had been raised in the church but was disillusioned by all the violence he had seen, and became a self-described "Agnostic bordering on Atheist.‟
He then just gushed with questions – Why do people suffer? How can a good God allow evil? . . . and so many more. But he had never gotten any good answers, and came to believe there weren't any. As I began to explain the biblical view of such things, he seemed surprised and started to settle down.
After we picked up our prescriptions, the conversation moved outside to the parking lot. He believed that Jesus had not died on the cross, but only swooned, then was rescued from the tomb by his disciples. I gave him a quick rundown on the historical evidence for Jesus‟ death and resurrection, but when I asked if he would be willing to read a good book that would give him more details, he said he wasn‟t interested in any explanations from Christians.
So I told him about Lee Strobel, the former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, an atheist who wanted to find the true answers, and became a believer. That got his attention. Finally he let me give him a copy of "The Four Spiritual Laws" booklet and he wanted the names of Strobel‟s books The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith.
Two Scriptures came to mind – Esther 4:14 ". . . Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" And 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, „My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.‟ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
So, was this a divine appointment? You be the judge.
The rash started on my upper lip on Wednesday and by Friday was spreading to my nose, cheeks and chin. I had no idea what was causing this, so that afternoon I went to the Clinic. They gave me a prescription for some hydrocortisone cream and said they would refer me to a dermatologist.
While I was waiting in line at the pharmacy, I talked with a tall guy who was a Vietnam War vet. Conversation turned to spiritual things and he was quite hostile to Christianity. He had been raised in the church but was disillusioned by all the violence he had seen, and became a self-described "Agnostic bordering on Atheist.‟
He then just gushed with questions – Why do people suffer? How can a good God allow evil? . . . and so many more. But he had never gotten any good answers, and came to believe there weren't any. As I began to explain the biblical view of such things, he seemed surprised and started to settle down.
After we picked up our prescriptions, the conversation moved outside to the parking lot. He believed that Jesus had not died on the cross, but only swooned, then was rescued from the tomb by his disciples. I gave him a quick rundown on the historical evidence for Jesus‟ death and resurrection, but when I asked if he would be willing to read a good book that would give him more details, he said he wasn‟t interested in any explanations from Christians.
So I told him about Lee Strobel, the former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, an atheist who wanted to find the true answers, and became a believer. That got his attention. Finally he let me give him a copy of "The Four Spiritual Laws" booklet and he wanted the names of Strobel‟s books The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith.
Two Scriptures came to mind – Esther 4:14 ". . . Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" And 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, „My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.‟ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
So, was this a divine appointment? You be the judge.
Newsletter May 2009
Day of Prayer
Recently Campus Crusade for Christ held its semi-annual Day of Prayer. Part of our Miami Metro team (Dean and Jan Beal, and Eric and Chris Schlottman) met at my place to pray for Campus Crusade ministries and the world in general. The praises and prayer requests I downloaded from the internet were voluminous. Here are some highlights of praise to give you a sample of what is happening with ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ around the world:
Australia – many international students are coming to Christ through Campus Ministry
Singapore – over the past six years Agape International Training has trained and sent out 170 missionaries who are working faithfully in the field
Korea – 604 staff and students in 33 teams went to nine countries for short-term winter missions. They shared the gospel with 2,490 people of whom 1,080 indicated they received Jesus as their Savior.
India – 880 churches were established in the northern State of Haryana in 2008. West India now has 60 teams of church planters.
Francophone Africa – More than 150 young people at an evangelization rally in Burkina Faso went out on bicycles to declare the gospel in 60 villages, resulting in 2 new churches planted. In Guinea, twenty denominations took part in an evangelization campaign using the film “Fiftieth Year of Jesus.”
Zimbabwe, Africa – Global Aid Network (GAiN– a ministry of Campus Crusade) opened the doors for sharing the gospel by providing more than 5 million meals and 500 high-capacity water filters to help curb hunger and a cholera epidemic
France – use of the new Magdalena film (a version of the Jesus film for women) yielded positive results. Women leaders of the Baptist and Independent Church Federations have publicized the film in their magazine.
Switzerland – over 2,500 youth attended the Praise Camp and committed to making a difference for God in their country.
Argentina – 230 students attended the annual 8-day Training Camp to build their vision and equip them for on-campus movements.
Ecuador – Over the past two years, doors have opened to allow working with army leadership and families. This outreach was recently highlighted in Worldwide Challenge magazine.
JESUS film – more than 1,050 translations are now completed.
EveryStudent.com online outreach – now in 27 languages; 5.78 million visits with 102,299 decisions last year.
Bridges International (Campus Ministry Outreach to international students in the USA) – over 1,100 students from 47 nations attended the “Vision 08” winter conference, with 102 coming to faith in Christ during the conference and others since then.
Here’s Life Inner City – several hundred college students participated in 7 inner-city projects during spring break. They worked with children, distributed food and blankets to the homeless, and shared their faith wherever they went.
Military Ministry – has shipped 2 million Rapid Deployment Kits containing Bibles and other materials to our troops since 9/11.
Christian Embassy – United Nations – exposed over 200 diplomats to the gospel at the Christmas outreach dinner. Many requested a Bible, a Jesus DVD or a book related to knowing God.
Of course, so much more is going on and the needs are great. If you would like to pray for the many outreaches of Campus Crusade, go to -- http://www.globalprayermovement.org/ Each month focuses on a different ministry of Campus Crusade or a part of the world. The focus for May is Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. You can also explore the archive of past newsletters.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
Recently Campus Crusade for Christ held its semi-annual Day of Prayer. Part of our Miami Metro team (Dean and Jan Beal, and Eric and Chris Schlottman) met at my place to pray for Campus Crusade ministries and the world in general. The praises and prayer requests I downloaded from the internet were voluminous. Here are some highlights of praise to give you a sample of what is happening with ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ around the world:
Australia – many international students are coming to Christ through Campus Ministry
Singapore – over the past six years Agape International Training has trained and sent out 170 missionaries who are working faithfully in the field
Korea – 604 staff and students in 33 teams went to nine countries for short-term winter missions. They shared the gospel with 2,490 people of whom 1,080 indicated they received Jesus as their Savior.
India – 880 churches were established in the northern State of Haryana in 2008. West India now has 60 teams of church planters.
Francophone Africa – More than 150 young people at an evangelization rally in Burkina Faso went out on bicycles to declare the gospel in 60 villages, resulting in 2 new churches planted. In Guinea, twenty denominations took part in an evangelization campaign using the film “Fiftieth Year of Jesus.”
Zimbabwe, Africa – Global Aid Network (GAiN– a ministry of Campus Crusade) opened the doors for sharing the gospel by providing more than 5 million meals and 500 high-capacity water filters to help curb hunger and a cholera epidemic
France – use of the new Magdalena film (a version of the Jesus film for women) yielded positive results. Women leaders of the Baptist and Independent Church Federations have publicized the film in their magazine.
Switzerland – over 2,500 youth attended the Praise Camp and committed to making a difference for God in their country.
Argentina – 230 students attended the annual 8-day Training Camp to build their vision and equip them for on-campus movements.
Ecuador – Over the past two years, doors have opened to allow working with army leadership and families. This outreach was recently highlighted in Worldwide Challenge magazine.
JESUS film – more than 1,050 translations are now completed.
EveryStudent.com online outreach – now in 27 languages; 5.78 million visits with 102,299 decisions last year.
Bridges International (Campus Ministry Outreach to international students in the USA) – over 1,100 students from 47 nations attended the “Vision 08” winter conference, with 102 coming to faith in Christ during the conference and others since then.
Here’s Life Inner City – several hundred college students participated in 7 inner-city projects during spring break. They worked with children, distributed food and blankets to the homeless, and shared their faith wherever they went.
Military Ministry – has shipped 2 million Rapid Deployment Kits containing Bibles and other materials to our troops since 9/11.
Christian Embassy – United Nations – exposed over 200 diplomats to the gospel at the Christmas outreach dinner. Many requested a Bible, a Jesus DVD or a book related to knowing God.
Of course, so much more is going on and the needs are great. If you would like to pray for the many outreaches of Campus Crusade, go to -- http://www.globalprayermovement.org/ Each month focuses on a different ministry of Campus Crusade or a part of the world. The focus for May is Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. You can also explore the archive of past newsletters.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
Newsletter April 2009
This past month has been busy. On the weekend of March 20-21, I drove up to Orlando for an outreach in the county jail with Bill Glass Champions for Life. Although some areas were closed for security reasons, our large group of volunteers was able to meet with most of the inmates.
Jack "Murph the Surf" Murphy trains volunteers how to share with inmates.
Ministry continues on the evangelistic websites of Global Media Outreach. This past month I have received inquiries from many places, including India, Nigeria and several closed access countries. Last month GMO shared the Good News, individually, with over 3,691,738 people -- 584,654 indicated a desire to follow Jesus Christ, either first-time or rededications!
On the evening of April 6 I drove up to Coral Gables. Fellow staff member Dean Beal is teaching a class in "How We Got Our Bible" for the students in Campus Crusade CRU at University of Miami. I taught the session on Archaeology and the Bible. The class was very interested and, because of the huge amount of material, wanted copies of my lecture notes.
Resurrection Day was great! My Homestead church put on a special celebration on Saturday, hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and kid’s party followed by a special evening service. Many of us placed door hangers around the neighborhood and invited others in the community to come. About 140 people attended the Saturday service and the Sunday morning services were crowded. Our church plant is growing – we saw new faces, several asked Jesus into their lives and there were 5 rededications.
Campus Crusade for Christ will have its Day of Prayer on Tuesday, April 28. Please let me know if you have any special requests. Many are suffering in these hard economic times. Two people on my ministry partnership financial team recently lost their jobs. Please pray for each other. We know that our God is great and we can trust in Him through all things!
Philippians 4:19 NIV -- And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Jack "Murph the Surf" Murphy trains volunteers how to share with inmates.
Ministry continues on the evangelistic websites of Global Media Outreach. This past month I have received inquiries from many places, including India, Nigeria and several closed access countries. Last month GMO shared the Good News, individually, with over 3,691,738 people -- 584,654 indicated a desire to follow Jesus Christ, either first-time or rededications!
On the evening of April 6 I drove up to Coral Gables. Fellow staff member Dean Beal is teaching a class in "How We Got Our Bible" for the students in Campus Crusade CRU at University of Miami. I taught the session on Archaeology and the Bible. The class was very interested and, because of the huge amount of material, wanted copies of my lecture notes.
Resurrection Day was great! My Homestead church put on a special celebration on Saturday, hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and kid’s party followed by a special evening service. Many of us placed door hangers around the neighborhood and invited others in the community to come. About 140 people attended the Saturday service and the Sunday morning services were crowded. Our church plant is growing – we saw new faces, several asked Jesus into their lives and there were 5 rededications.
Campus Crusade for Christ will have its Day of Prayer on Tuesday, April 28. Please let me know if you have any special requests. Many are suffering in these hard economic times. Two people on my ministry partnership financial team recently lost their jobs. Please pray for each other. We know that our God is great and we can trust in Him through all things!
Philippians 4:19 NIV -- And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Newsletter March 2009
A Tale of Two Cities
Once again my sister Marilyn and I went on an International School Project (ISP) trip to Guatemala, from February 11 through March 1, 2009. ISP is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ that trains teachers how to use a values and morals curriculum based on the Bible and THE STORY OF JESUS FOR CHILDREN video.
CHIQUIMULA -- The site of our first training session was a town in the hot, dry, southern coastal area. About 360 primary and secondary teachers, student interpreters and administrators attended. For me the highlight of this conference was the strong interest in our curriculum, “Foundations of Christian Ethics.”
My interpreter taught English in three different schools and wanted the curriculum in English to use in his classes. I also offered him a bi-lingual Bible – he was thrilled because he had been looking for one.
One teacher had developed her own curriculum on honesty, loyalty, responsibility, etc. But before this conference her school would not allow her to use Bible verses. Now she has
permission and plans to use both her own lessons WITH Bible verses and the ISP curriculum. She is thrilled!
Three instructors in my group worked in a secondary school that trains over 250 future primary teachers. They loved their secondary curriculum but also wanted a copy of the primary materials so that they could train their students how to use them when they graduate. How exciting to see the movement multiply so quickly!
Another teacher named Orlando said repeatedly that he was so thankful that we came to teach about morals and values because that was the only way to change the lives of their children and then their country.
COBÁN – Located in a high mountain pine forest, this chilly and rainy city presented some different challenges. Saturday we drove up a bumpy, single-track road to a nearby village to show the latest version of the JESUS film called “Magdalena.” The pastor introduced the film in both Spanish and a Mayan language as the people gathered on the hillside under the stars, and afterwards we passed out versions of the “Four Spiritual Laws” booklet in the local dialect.
Monday had an interesting start -- “As a FIRST for an ISP conference, one of the Regional Education officials who opened our conference, also happens to be a Mayan priest. He gave a prayer and a poem to some unknown sun god in his opening comments today. It was totally unplanned, unannounced, and completely caught all of us off guard. However, the Regional Director himself [spoke] next to welcome the teachers and ISP, and he stated in his opening comments that "values must have a foundation and that foundation needs to be Christian.” [reported by conference MC Linda Dunshee]. I could sense a battle developing. Attendance was light the first day, but as word spread, more people came each day until the main auditorium was packed.
This week was hard for me. I was sick on Sunday, and then my new group was difficult too. Three of the men were very quiet and seemed ‘closed’ on the first day. But as the week progressed, they slowly warmed up. Two new ladies came the second day, but they jumped right in.
On the third day we make Bibles available for those who want them. Immediately one of these guys took leadership, asked how many wanted the Bible, then he went and got the Bibles for the whole group!
On the final day, my entire small group said they would use the curriculum. Of course, that does not end the challenge. Guatemalan Campus Crusade staff will do follow-up in both regions.
“This has changed my life and I will never be the same man again.” Rigoberto, small
group interpreter.
Once again my sister Marilyn and I went on an International School Project (ISP) trip to Guatemala, from February 11 through March 1, 2009. ISP is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ that trains teachers how to use a values and morals curriculum based on the Bible and THE STORY OF JESUS FOR CHILDREN video.
CHIQUIMULA -- The site of our first training session was a town in the hot, dry, southern coastal area. About 360 primary and secondary teachers, student interpreters and administrators attended. For me the highlight of this conference was the strong interest in our curriculum, “Foundations of Christian Ethics.”
My interpreter taught English in three different schools and wanted the curriculum in English to use in his classes. I also offered him a bi-lingual Bible – he was thrilled because he had been looking for one.
One teacher had developed her own curriculum on honesty, loyalty, responsibility, etc. But before this conference her school would not allow her to use Bible verses. Now she has
permission and plans to use both her own lessons WITH Bible verses and the ISP curriculum. She is thrilled!
Three instructors in my group worked in a secondary school that trains over 250 future primary teachers. They loved their secondary curriculum but also wanted a copy of the primary materials so that they could train their students how to use them when they graduate. How exciting to see the movement multiply so quickly!
Another teacher named Orlando said repeatedly that he was so thankful that we came to teach about morals and values because that was the only way to change the lives of their children and then their country.
COBÁN – Located in a high mountain pine forest, this chilly and rainy city presented some different challenges. Saturday we drove up a bumpy, single-track road to a nearby village to show the latest version of the JESUS film called “Magdalena.” The pastor introduced the film in both Spanish and a Mayan language as the people gathered on the hillside under the stars, and afterwards we passed out versions of the “Four Spiritual Laws” booklet in the local dialect.
Monday had an interesting start -- “As a FIRST for an ISP conference, one of the Regional Education officials who opened our conference, also happens to be a Mayan priest. He gave a prayer and a poem to some unknown sun god in his opening comments today. It was totally unplanned, unannounced, and completely caught all of us off guard. However, the Regional Director himself [spoke] next to welcome the teachers and ISP, and he stated in his opening comments that "values must have a foundation and that foundation needs to be Christian.” [reported by conference MC Linda Dunshee]. I could sense a battle developing. Attendance was light the first day, but as word spread, more people came each day until the main auditorium was packed.
This week was hard for me. I was sick on Sunday, and then my new group was difficult too. Three of the men were very quiet and seemed ‘closed’ on the first day. But as the week progressed, they slowly warmed up. Two new ladies came the second day, but they jumped right in.
On the third day we make Bibles available for those who want them. Immediately one of these guys took leadership, asked how many wanted the Bible, then he went and got the Bibles for the whole group!
On the final day, my entire small group said they would use the curriculum. Of course, that does not end the challenge. Guatemalan Campus Crusade staff will do follow-up in both regions.
“This has changed my life and I will never be the same man again.” Rigoberto, small
group interpreter.
Newsletter February 2009
February 3, 2009
Once again my sister Marilyn and I are going on an International School Project (ISP) trip to Guatemala, from February 11 through March 1. ISP is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ that trains teachers how to use a values and morals curriculum based on the Bible and “The Story of Jesus for Children” video.
Here is an excerpt from a recent ISP newsletter –
“The beautiful mountainous country of Guatemala has a population of 12 million people who must daily confront severe societal problems. A 1996 peace agreement ended 36 years of guerrilla warfare, but a culture of violence remains. The long-term affects of the internal war have been devastating for the entire country.
“One way of influencing Guatemalan society is through its teachers who invest most of their time with the future hope of the country: the children. Through providing teachers with relevant tools and training, they are becoming a transforming entity in Guatemalan society.”
“. . . More than 5,000 teachers have been trained in how to use the Foundations of Christian Ethics curriculum, reaching 240,000 elementary and secondary students thus far. . . . As one teacher stated, “[These conferences are] important because we must teach our children to be ethical while they are young and there is still time to show them.”
When the teachers return to the classrooms, they can show the JESUS film to their students as part of the curriculum and help them learn how life principles from the Bible may be used in their everyday lives.
On this trip, we will continue this outreach by going to two new cities – Chiquimula and Cobán.
You are invited to join us in this ministry by praying for the teachers and our team. We need some mighty prayer warriors to prepare their hearts.
God bless you all!
Once again my sister Marilyn and I are going on an International School Project (ISP) trip to Guatemala, from February 11 through March 1. ISP is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ that trains teachers how to use a values and morals curriculum based on the Bible and “The Story of Jesus for Children” video.
Here is an excerpt from a recent ISP newsletter –
“The beautiful mountainous country of Guatemala has a population of 12 million people who must daily confront severe societal problems. A 1996 peace agreement ended 36 years of guerrilla warfare, but a culture of violence remains. The long-term affects of the internal war have been devastating for the entire country.
“One way of influencing Guatemalan society is through its teachers who invest most of their time with the future hope of the country: the children. Through providing teachers with relevant tools and training, they are becoming a transforming entity in Guatemalan society.”
“. . . More than 5,000 teachers have been trained in how to use the Foundations of Christian Ethics curriculum, reaching 240,000 elementary and secondary students thus far. . . . As one teacher stated, “[These conferences are] important because we must teach our children to be ethical while they are young and there is still time to show them.”
When the teachers return to the classrooms, they can show the JESUS film to their students as part of the curriculum and help them learn how life principles from the Bible may be used in their everyday lives.
On this trip, we will continue this outreach by going to two new cities – Chiquimula and Cobán.
You are invited to join us in this ministry by praying for the teachers and our team. We need some mighty prayer warriors to prepare their hearts.
God bless you all!
Newsletter November 2008
Weekend of Champions
Prison Ministry in Miami, FL
On October 24 and 25 Dr. Marlene Groomes (the faculty sponsor for our Campus Crusade for Christ outreach at Miami-Dade College) and I participated in a Bill Glass Weekend of Champions (WOC) Prison Outreach in Miami. This time we went with a group to two institutions that never had a WOC before (other groups went to correctional units that had participated previously). We still don’t have the statistics for the whole event, but here is a summary of what Marlene and I did.
Friday morning, October 24, I picked up Flo and went to Marlene’s home. Flo knew I was picking up a rider, but didn’t know whom. Flo was greatly surprised to learn that I was picking up Marlene: they went to the same church! We went to a detention unit near downtown for men and women, called Turner - Guilford – Knight Corrections Center.
On arrival we went through processing and divided up among the various units on the 4 floors. There were 7 ladies on our team, and I was the only one who had participated in a WOC before. The other ladies were a bit frightened. That feeling quickly disappeared. Through the efforts of a good chaplain, our unit already had a mini-revival going – 16 of the 52 ladies on the unit were in a Bible study. Now more were going to join.
In the morning, I spoke with 5 inmates and all 5 made decisions for Christ. During our discussions, one inmate, “Grace” said she knew she was going to hell. She said she had prayed to receive Christ when young but then got involved with drugs and other stuff; she didn’t think God would forgive her now. As she heard that God really loved her and would forgive her if she returned to him, you could see the lights in her eyes come on. She finally had hope and gladly rededicated her life to Christ. Our group then read Bible verses and discussed how to have assurance of salvation and live the Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the afternoon, another lady, “Mercy”, was obviously mentally distressed. She was fidgeting, wringing her hands, her face looked crooked, distracted, and in distress. At first she even had trouble talking. But I carefully went through our pamphlet and we discussed what it meant. Then she prayed to ask Jesus to come into her life. Then I started to explain how the Holy Spirit could help in her life. After a while I noticed that her face had evened out, became calm, focused, and she was talking normally. She seemed totally transformed. Later I spoke with Marlene and she had noticed the difference from across the room! You could really SEE God working in her life! Due to logistical problems, we only had one speaker come into our unit, but that gave us more time to chat and answer questions.
Statistics at Turner-Guilford-Knight Corrections Center – about 1400 prisoners (men and women); 374 indicated decisions.
Saturday, October 25, our group went to the Women’s Detention Center in downtown Miami. Again we divided up the teammates according to floors and units.
For our group, about 80 women crammed into small lunch room. Everyone had to shout to be heard, so I ended up a little hoarse. The experience this day was very different. While we were waiting for a speaker, one of the inmates got up and sang gospel songs. Then we had 4 different speakers! It was really too much as we didn’t have much time to discuss our materials with the ladies. In my group of inmates, all 7 prayed to receive Christ, but I ran out of time to get their names.
Statistics at the Women’s Detention Center – about 350-400 women prisoners; 74 decisions.
Praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity and the souls added to His Kingdom during this weekend!
Prison Ministry in Miami, FL
On October 24 and 25 Dr. Marlene Groomes (the faculty sponsor for our Campus Crusade for Christ outreach at Miami-Dade College) and I participated in a Bill Glass Weekend of Champions (WOC) Prison Outreach in Miami. This time we went with a group to two institutions that never had a WOC before (other groups went to correctional units that had participated previously). We still don’t have the statistics for the whole event, but here is a summary of what Marlene and I did.
Friday morning, October 24, I picked up Flo and went to Marlene’s home. Flo knew I was picking up a rider, but didn’t know whom. Flo was greatly surprised to learn that I was picking up Marlene: they went to the same church! We went to a detention unit near downtown for men and women, called Turner - Guilford – Knight Corrections Center.
On arrival we went through processing and divided up among the various units on the 4 floors. There were 7 ladies on our team, and I was the only one who had participated in a WOC before. The other ladies were a bit frightened. That feeling quickly disappeared. Through the efforts of a good chaplain, our unit already had a mini-revival going – 16 of the 52 ladies on the unit were in a Bible study. Now more were going to join.
In the morning, I spoke with 5 inmates and all 5 made decisions for Christ. During our discussions, one inmate, “Grace” said she knew she was going to hell. She said she had prayed to receive Christ when young but then got involved with drugs and other stuff; she didn’t think God would forgive her now. As she heard that God really loved her and would forgive her if she returned to him, you could see the lights in her eyes come on. She finally had hope and gladly rededicated her life to Christ. Our group then read Bible verses and discussed how to have assurance of salvation and live the Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the afternoon, another lady, “Mercy”, was obviously mentally distressed. She was fidgeting, wringing her hands, her face looked crooked, distracted, and in distress. At first she even had trouble talking. But I carefully went through our pamphlet and we discussed what it meant. Then she prayed to ask Jesus to come into her life. Then I started to explain how the Holy Spirit could help in her life. After a while I noticed that her face had evened out, became calm, focused, and she was talking normally. She seemed totally transformed. Later I spoke with Marlene and she had noticed the difference from across the room! You could really SEE God working in her life! Due to logistical problems, we only had one speaker come into our unit, but that gave us more time to chat and answer questions.
Statistics at Turner-Guilford-Knight Corrections Center – about 1400 prisoners (men and women); 374 indicated decisions.
Saturday, October 25, our group went to the Women’s Detention Center in downtown Miami. Again we divided up the teammates according to floors and units.
For our group, about 80 women crammed into small lunch room. Everyone had to shout to be heard, so I ended up a little hoarse. The experience this day was very different. While we were waiting for a speaker, one of the inmates got up and sang gospel songs. Then we had 4 different speakers! It was really too much as we didn’t have much time to discuss our materials with the ladies. In my group of inmates, all 7 prayed to receive Christ, but I ran out of time to get their names.
Statistics at the Women’s Detention Center – about 350-400 women prisoners; 74 decisions.
Praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity and the souls added to His Kingdom during this weekend!
Newsletter October 2008
Global Media Outreach -- Reaching the World for Christ Through the Internet
Did you know that –
There are more than 1 billion internet users, and the number is growing daily.
As many as 12 million people per day search the web for answers about spiritual issues.
This spiritual hunger can be met through internet evangelism.
People in 191 countries have access to the web. More than 50% of these countries ban
Christian missionaries, especially Americans. Many people cannot be reached by
regular missionaries, yet they search the web daily.
Every 3 seconds someone views one of the evangelistic websites of Campus Crusade for
Christ, at a cost of only 33 cents each.
Every 25-30 seconds someone makes a decision for Christ on our sites. On October 22,
GMO had the largest day ever – 10,300 decisions!
The Jesus 2020 strategy (developed by Global Media Outreach, a subdivision of Campus
Crusade for Christ) plans to meet this spiritual hunger through a three-step process:
1. Lead millions of internet users to find forgiveness and hope in Jesus through evangelistic
websites (now over 70) in the top 11 internet languages (including Arabic and Chinese)
that cover 92% of web users.
2. Build their faith through personal discipleship carried out by online missionary
volunteers and resource materials at sites like: http://www.looktojesus.com/
3. Connect them to local Christian communities everywhere.
Thank you for your prayers and support as I volunteer in this ministry in addition to my
work with college students and The Orlando Institute. Out of curiosity, I kept track of my own
stats for September. I received and answered emails in the following categories:
New believers (1st time decisions for Christ): 27
Recommitted their lives to Christ: 28
Want to grow in their faith: 1
Want to investigate the claims of Christ more: 2
Want to learn how to share their faith: 2
Return responses (ongoing conversations): 15
Total answered: 75
From the following countries – USA, Ethiopia, England, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria,
India, Poland, Jamaica, Scotland, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Pakistan, Ghana,
Tanzania, Norway, Namibia, Somalia, Canada, Iran, Kenya, Lesotho.
With anticipated increases in inquiries, we need more volunteers. Among the benefits for
online missionaries are more confidence sharing your faith in face-to-face situations, increased
vision for world missions, and the satisfaction of knowing you can help to fulfill the Great
Commission worldwide. If you are interested, go to: GMOJoinUs.com
You’ll be glad you did!
Did you know that –
There are more than 1 billion internet users, and the number is growing daily.
As many as 12 million people per day search the web for answers about spiritual issues.
This spiritual hunger can be met through internet evangelism.
People in 191 countries have access to the web. More than 50% of these countries ban
Christian missionaries, especially Americans. Many people cannot be reached by
regular missionaries, yet they search the web daily.
Every 3 seconds someone views one of the evangelistic websites of Campus Crusade for
Christ, at a cost of only 33 cents each.
Every 25-30 seconds someone makes a decision for Christ on our sites. On October 22,
GMO had the largest day ever – 10,300 decisions!
The Jesus 2020 strategy (developed by Global Media Outreach, a subdivision of Campus
Crusade for Christ) plans to meet this spiritual hunger through a three-step process:
1. Lead millions of internet users to find forgiveness and hope in Jesus through evangelistic
websites (now over 70) in the top 11 internet languages (including Arabic and Chinese)
that cover 92% of web users.
2. Build their faith through personal discipleship carried out by online missionary
volunteers and resource materials at sites like: http://www.looktojesus.com/
3. Connect them to local Christian communities everywhere.
Thank you for your prayers and support as I volunteer in this ministry in addition to my
work with college students and The Orlando Institute. Out of curiosity, I kept track of my own
stats for September. I received and answered emails in the following categories:
New believers (1st time decisions for Christ): 27
Recommitted their lives to Christ: 28
Want to grow in their faith: 1
Want to investigate the claims of Christ more: 2
Want to learn how to share their faith: 2
Return responses (ongoing conversations): 15
Total answered: 75
From the following countries – USA, Ethiopia, England, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria,
India, Poland, Jamaica, Scotland, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Pakistan, Ghana,
Tanzania, Norway, Namibia, Somalia, Canada, Iran, Kenya, Lesotho.
With anticipated increases in inquiries, we need more volunteers. Among the benefits for
online missionaries are more confidence sharing your faith in face-to-face situations, increased
vision for world missions, and the satisfaction of knowing you can help to fulfill the Great
Commission worldwide. If you are interested, go to: GMOJoinUs.com
You’ll be glad you did!
Newsletter September 2008
You would think that almost 3 months in the Pacific Northwest would be plenty of time to meet with everyone I needed to see during my summer furlough. NOT!!! But I did get to most, including four of my supporting churches. The summer ended with a campout in the Cascade Mountains with Elim Evangelical Free Church. See photos on the second page – fishing, swimming, kid’s crafts, youth group, potluck . . . .What fun!
When I arrived back in Florida, I finished setting up my home office. Talk about a nightmare! I spent way too much time with tech support but most of the problems are now fixed. On the good side, I have been able to keep up with reading my email and answering inquiries forwarded to me from evangelistic websites of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Soon after I returned to Florida, the Miami Metro Campus Team met with student leadership to get started with the new school year. I met with Dr. Marlene Groomes at Miami Dade College (MDC) –Homestead campus to plan out what we want to do with the students for the year. During October’s Hispanic Heritage month we will host an informational table about our CRU student group and opportunities for Bible studies and one-on-one discipleship. We will look for opportunities to share the Gospel during this time and hope to identify students who have potential to become leaders in CRU.
In mid-September I drove up to Orlando to meet with Dr. Steve Clinton and the team from Campus Crusade’s “The Orlando Institute.” He clarified the vision of building the online portion of the training program. My first project is to help produce a databank for our students of resources on the worldwide web on topics such as evangelism, discipleship, theology, defending our faith, biblical archaeology, Old Testament, New Testament, etc.
Please pray for the following:
Ø Outreaches at the MDC – Homestead Campus during Hispanic Heritage Month
Ø Hurricane and flood relief for the Caribbean and Gulf Coast states.
Ø Wisdom in the upcoming elections and the economic crisis.
Ø My need for more financial partners. New support raised during furlough was not as much as I hoped, but I am confident that God will provide. When I watch the news about people suffering after the hurricanes and families losing their homes from foreclosures, I really appreciate how fortunate I am. The Lord is faithful.
When I arrived back in Florida, I finished setting up my home office. Talk about a nightmare! I spent way too much time with tech support but most of the problems are now fixed. On the good side, I have been able to keep up with reading my email and answering inquiries forwarded to me from evangelistic websites of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Soon after I returned to Florida, the Miami Metro Campus Team met with student leadership to get started with the new school year. I met with Dr. Marlene Groomes at Miami Dade College (MDC) –Homestead campus to plan out what we want to do with the students for the year. During October’s Hispanic Heritage month we will host an informational table about our CRU student group and opportunities for Bible studies and one-on-one discipleship. We will look for opportunities to share the Gospel during this time and hope to identify students who have potential to become leaders in CRU.
In mid-September I drove up to Orlando to meet with Dr. Steve Clinton and the team from Campus Crusade’s “The Orlando Institute.” He clarified the vision of building the online portion of the training program. My first project is to help produce a databank for our students of resources on the worldwide web on topics such as evangelism, discipleship, theology, defending our faith, biblical archaeology, Old Testament, New Testament, etc.
Please pray for the following:
Ø Outreaches at the MDC – Homestead Campus during Hispanic Heritage Month
Ø Hurricane and flood relief for the Caribbean and Gulf Coast states.
Ø Wisdom in the upcoming elections and the economic crisis.
Ø My need for more financial partners. New support raised during furlough was not as much as I hoped, but I am confident that God will provide. When I watch the news about people suffering after the hurricanes and families losing their homes from foreclosures, I really appreciate how fortunate I am. The Lord is faithful.
Okay, guys, don’t drool on the newsletter! It’s summer and time to have some fun, so I helped out at a nifty outreach by a Christian Car Club.
My sister and brother-in-law, Ralph and Marilyn Funkhouser, belong to the Solid Rock Cruisers. Every year the group sponsors a car show to raise funds for various Christian charities and to reach out to the community. I was impressed by the way they combined their hobby (passion?) with outreach.
The weather was clear, with blue sky and temperatures in the 90s. The Child Evangelism Fellowship booth right next to a kids’ water park had a booming business telling the Good News about Jesus to the youngsters. Over 200 classic and collector cars were parked in the shade under the tall trees (more comfortable for the old folks).
The Club raised over $3200 for various Christian charities including a homeless shelter for single moms and their kids, a youth mission team to Mexico, and helping kids affected by the war in Uganda.
Many participants commented on how much they enjoyed the Christian band OUTREACH that played much of the day. Several car owners are interesting in joining the Club.
My sister and brother-in-law, Ralph and Marilyn Funkhouser, belong to the Solid Rock Cruisers. Every year the group sponsors a car show to raise funds for various Christian charities and to reach out to the community. I was impressed by the way they combined their hobby (passion?) with outreach.
The weather was clear, with blue sky and temperatures in the 90s. The Child Evangelism Fellowship booth right next to a kids’ water park had a booming business telling the Good News about Jesus to the youngsters. Over 200 classic and collector cars were parked in the shade under the tall trees (more comfortable for the old folks).
The Club raised over $3200 for various Christian charities including a homeless shelter for single moms and their kids, a youth mission team to Mexico, and helping kids affected by the war in Uganda.
Many participants commented on how much they enjoyed the Christian band OUTREACH that played much of the day. Several car owners are interesting in joining the Club.
Newsletter May 2008
Do you know why I get so pumped up about online evangelism and discipleship? Here are a few comments sent through Global Media Outreach (GMO), just as I received them (totally unedited):
I have been born and raised a mong a muslim family, in 1990 I have received jesus, I waited more than 10 yers to get my bible. I am the only Beleiver in my area. My family has isolated me and I suffer so much to be by myself with my believ. Please pray for me to be able to be with true Chrsitian ones to learn more about my Heavenly father. I never prayed with others in person, I never had any course in Christianity. I am so hungery to learn more about my lord --- from a 48 yr old male in the Middle East
i have just recommited my life to God. i want you to biuld me up spiritualy cos i realy want to grow........... from Joel in Nigeria
i really honorably thank you by giving me this information I've never seen like the growth i loved it -- from Jesús in California
These remarks are encouraging. Recently I have felt especially blessed by God. He is using me in so many areas. Please pray for the following:
Global Media Outreach – That many more people around the world would come to trust in Jesus and grow in their faith through this dynamic online ministry.
Miami Dade College – Homestead -- Our campus ministry (CRU) will start again Fall semester. Please pray that we can reach more students and that God would give us the wisdom to select a few FAT students (faithful, available, teachable) for discipleship training.
UNILID – That God would continue to give me opportunities to teach in Latin America. Campus Crusade staff in Ecuador are considering taking the Apologetics course.
International School Project (ISP) – That I would be able to return to Guatemala in February 2009, hopefully with both old and new volunteers, so that we can reach more teachers and children through the “Foundations of Christian Ethics” curriculum.
My Homestead church – We recently moved to a new campus at a Middle School. Many new people are coming to Christ and we are having some growing pains. We desperately need more volunteers. Every week we must set up and then tear down everything and store them in trucks.
The Orlando Institute (TOI) -- My transfer to the Faculty of this Campus Crusade leadership training school is almost complete. There are so many good opportunities that sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Please pray that God will show me what He wants me to do and give me the strength to do it.
Ministry Partnership Development– Before I can get deeply involved with my new Faculty position, I need to raise more financial support, including additional expenses for my new TOI ministry. I will be in Washington State from May 23 through August 19.
o Please pray that God would direct me to new partners who desire to join our team “to build spiritual movements everywhere so that everyone will know someone who truly follows Jesus.”
o My specific schedule is not determined yet, although I do already have some times committed. Meetings with individuals and couples are easier to arrange but partner churches often have limited dates available.
o Pray for safe travel and good health.
May God continue to bless you all richly,
I have been born and raised a mong a muslim family, in 1990 I have received jesus, I waited more than 10 yers to get my bible. I am the only Beleiver in my area. My family has isolated me and I suffer so much to be by myself with my believ. Please pray for me to be able to be with true Chrsitian ones to learn more about my Heavenly father. I never prayed with others in person, I never had any course in Christianity. I am so hungery to learn more about my lord --- from a 48 yr old male in the Middle East
i have just recommited my life to God. i want you to biuld me up spiritualy cos i realy want to grow........... from Joel in Nigeria
i really honorably thank you by giving me this information I've never seen like the growth i loved it -- from Jesús in California
These remarks are encouraging. Recently I have felt especially blessed by God. He is using me in so many areas. Please pray for the following:
Global Media Outreach – That many more people around the world would come to trust in Jesus and grow in their faith through this dynamic online ministry.
Miami Dade College – Homestead -- Our campus ministry (CRU) will start again Fall semester. Please pray that we can reach more students and that God would give us the wisdom to select a few FAT students (faithful, available, teachable) for discipleship training.
UNILID – That God would continue to give me opportunities to teach in Latin America. Campus Crusade staff in Ecuador are considering taking the Apologetics course.
International School Project (ISP) – That I would be able to return to Guatemala in February 2009, hopefully with both old and new volunteers, so that we can reach more teachers and children through the “Foundations of Christian Ethics” curriculum.
My Homestead church – We recently moved to a new campus at a Middle School. Many new people are coming to Christ and we are having some growing pains. We desperately need more volunteers. Every week we must set up and then tear down everything and store them in trucks.
The Orlando Institute (TOI) -- My transfer to the Faculty of this Campus Crusade leadership training school is almost complete. There are so many good opportunities that sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Please pray that God will show me what He wants me to do and give me the strength to do it.
Ministry Partnership Development– Before I can get deeply involved with my new Faculty position, I need to raise more financial support, including additional expenses for my new TOI ministry. I will be in Washington State from May 23 through August 19.
o Please pray that God would direct me to new partners who desire to join our team “to build spiritual movements everywhere so that everyone will know someone who truly follows Jesus.”
o My specific schedule is not determined yet, although I do already have some times committed. Meetings with individuals and couples are easier to arrange but partner churches often have limited dates available.
o Pray for safe travel and good health.
May God continue to bless you all richly,
Newsletter April 2008
Expansion Plans
After much prayer and discussion, our UNILID team has decided to close down our Miami
office. There have not been sufficient opportunities to justify four full-time people and the expense of the office. So what will change? – a lot . . . and not much.
First and most important --- We are NOT leaving Campus Crusade for Christ! But we have
prayerfully considered how God would have us best use our time and resources, as well as our individual spiritual gifts, and all agree that it is time to change.
Our mission statement remains the same – to build spiritual movements everywhere so that
everyone will know someone who truly follows Jesus. To help accomplish this goal, each of us is
expanding our vision in different ways.
Dean and Jan Beal will continue with the Masters in Christian leadership program and do more
mentoring in Latin America. Eric Schlottman will work cooperatively with another distance education university based in Miami - Universidad FLET (Facultad Latinoamericana de Estudios Teológicos).
I will continue to do online evangelism and discipleship with Global Media Outreach, and to
work with students at Miami-Dade College – Homestead. But in addition I am transferring from UNILID to be a faculty member at The Orlando Institute (TOI), which is another educational ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.
This new challenge is exciting. TOI has a worldwide ministry of distance education, including a
large program in East Asia. I will be working on various projects and teaching as opportunities arise. In future newsletters you will learn more details. To check out their website, go to – www.toi.edu
The Miami team will meet together regularly for prayer and encouragement, but each of us will
work out of home offices (at least for the near future I will remain in Homestead). Obviously there is avlot of work to do to close down the UNILID office and transition to new ways of serving God, making it even more important to rely on the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit. Please keep us in your prayers.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. . . .” Jeremiah 29:11
After much prayer and discussion, our UNILID team has decided to close down our Miami
office. There have not been sufficient opportunities to justify four full-time people and the expense of the office. So what will change? – a lot . . . and not much.
First and most important --- We are NOT leaving Campus Crusade for Christ! But we have
prayerfully considered how God would have us best use our time and resources, as well as our individual spiritual gifts, and all agree that it is time to change.
Our mission statement remains the same – to build spiritual movements everywhere so that
everyone will know someone who truly follows Jesus. To help accomplish this goal, each of us is
expanding our vision in different ways.
Dean and Jan Beal will continue with the Masters in Christian leadership program and do more
mentoring in Latin America. Eric Schlottman will work cooperatively with another distance education university based in Miami - Universidad FLET (Facultad Latinoamericana de Estudios Teológicos).
I will continue to do online evangelism and discipleship with Global Media Outreach, and to
work with students at Miami-Dade College – Homestead. But in addition I am transferring from UNILID to be a faculty member at The Orlando Institute (TOI), which is another educational ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.
This new challenge is exciting. TOI has a worldwide ministry of distance education, including a
large program in East Asia. I will be working on various projects and teaching as opportunities arise. In future newsletters you will learn more details. To check out their website, go to – www.toi.edu
The Miami team will meet together regularly for prayer and encouragement, but each of us will
work out of home offices (at least for the near future I will remain in Homestead). Obviously there is avlot of work to do to close down the UNILID office and transition to new ways of serving God, making it even more important to rely on the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit. Please keep us in your prayers.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. . . .” Jeremiah 29:11
February 2008 newsletter
March 7, 2008
Lost luggage, weather-delayed flights, repeated illness, a teachers’ strike, power failures --- these were a few of the obstacles our team faced on the International School Project (ISP) trip to Guatemala.
I found it hard to complain when our team included two people with multiple sclerosis (one in a wheelchair). If they could manage, so could I! With so many challenges, we expected God to make great things happen, and HE DID!! I’ll let the team members and teachers tell the stories in their own words ---
FLORES, Peten: 420 Teachers
[On Tuesday ] the teachers arrived bright & early, eager to begin the day's activities. First up was the film "The Story of Jesus for Children”. . . . Even though the DVD suddenly went on 'pause' during the scene where the tomb of Jesus is found empty, the glitch was corrected and the film continued to the end after the teachers took their morning break. – Linda Dunshee, Assistant Trip Director
A village leader in the group related the story of being swindled out of a lot of money and was very upset and bitter toward the person who had done this to him. As he watched the JESUS film on Tuesday morning and saw what Jesus did, he realized he needed to forgive this man. -- Jon Deans, Admin Track
I had never seen people applaud when we announced they would get the Bible. -- Pat Mills, Primary Track
Right after we got the Bibles, one man said, “Is Jesus the way to God?” I had the Bible in my hand and was able to show him in the Bible what it says. – Deb Hogue, Primary Track
Many thanks for this conference. I’ve been part of many training seminars, but this conference has strengthened my personal values and increased my knowledge. It has given me what other conferences have not; it has filled my spirit, because all of you have filled us with love. And I trust we can continue to have your help. – comment from a supervisor in the Administration Track received by Haroldo Arreaga, ISP Guatemalan staff
We come to meetings that are no help to us; but this has given us a tool that we can take to our schools and use. -- Comment received by small group leader Ken Brown. Secondary Track
This was my 15th convocation, and I have never seen the involvement or participation by the administrators that I saw here . . . 100% said they will find a way to use the curriculum. [They] were so enthusiastic. – Bob Dunshee, Administration Track
GUATEMALA CITY: 488 Teachers
Our departure and [9 hour] journey back to Guatemala City on Saturday was certainly an ‘event’ the team will soon not forget! [The substitute bus had no air con nor rear shock absorbers.] But as team member Jon Deans said half-way back, “Now I feel like a REAL missionary!” -- Linda Dunshee, Assistant Trip Director
“Amazing!” “Can you believe this crowd?” “Can we find more chairs?” These are just a few of the comments heard from our team members as teachers in Guatemala City streamed into the opening session of our convocation here. We had anticipated as many as 400 teachers attending, but when the number continued to grow, and we ran out of chairs in the main auditorium, we were all just thrilled at what the Lord was doing here. – Linda Dunshee, Assistant Trip Director
After the teachers watched the Jesus Film, we offered to show the film in their schools if they wanted. 107 schools are ready to watch the film!!! -- Haroldo Arreaga, ISP Guatelamalan staff
I don’t remember another conference when so many people were sick; but at the same time I’ve never seen so much enthusiasm by team members or teachers; thank you for coming; thank you for including me as a speaker; I felt at home. – Haroldo Arreaga, ISP Guatemalan staff
Your presence here as been like rain that has come in a drought. Maybe you didn’t realize what was happening with us during these days; but through your love and friendship you have supported us a lot during these days. You were here for the teachers and for us too. You shared your love and friendship and lives with us and we love you and you are special to us. We will be praying for you. You can help us by coming back here. José Ajsivinac, ISP Guatemalan staff
When the Bibles were given out in our track, one woman in my group immediately took one and simply held on to it, just staring at it. I learned that she just recently started attending a Bible study group and did not have her own Bible, nor the money to purchase one. Now she has a Bible of her very own! – Dianne Van der Putten, Elementary Track
Today there was a demonstration of teachers and we prayed that in would not impact the conference. Few of the teachers [who had registered for our conference] desired to go and participate in the strike. They sacrificed by coming in taxis to get to the conference today. What speaks so loudly is the love you [ISP team members] show to the teachers. It causes them to come every day. -- Martita Arreaga, ISP Guatemalan Staff
There is a man in my group from the state education office. He said that the Prodigal Son story presented in the track had really spoken to him. He turned to the small group and said, “If there’s anyone in this group that I have offended, I want to apologize and ask your forgiveness.” -- Dave Hills, Administration Track
Know for sure that the seeds that you have sown this week in my heart will continue to give fruit for the rest of my life -- Irma, one of the teachers in my small group
Lost luggage, weather-delayed flights, repeated illness, a teachers’ strike, power failures --- these were a few of the obstacles our team faced on the International School Project (ISP) trip to Guatemala.
I found it hard to complain when our team included two people with multiple sclerosis (one in a wheelchair). If they could manage, so could I! With so many challenges, we expected God to make great things happen, and HE DID!! I’ll let the team members and teachers tell the stories in their own words ---
FLORES, Peten: 420 Teachers
[On Tuesday ] the teachers arrived bright & early, eager to begin the day's activities. First up was the film "The Story of Jesus for Children”. . . . Even though the DVD suddenly went on 'pause' during the scene where the tomb of Jesus is found empty, the glitch was corrected and the film continued to the end after the teachers took their morning break. – Linda Dunshee, Assistant Trip Director
A village leader in the group related the story of being swindled out of a lot of money and was very upset and bitter toward the person who had done this to him. As he watched the JESUS film on Tuesday morning and saw what Jesus did, he realized he needed to forgive this man. -- Jon Deans, Admin Track
I had never seen people applaud when we announced they would get the Bible. -- Pat Mills, Primary Track
Right after we got the Bibles, one man said, “Is Jesus the way to God?” I had the Bible in my hand and was able to show him in the Bible what it says. – Deb Hogue, Primary Track
Many thanks for this conference. I’ve been part of many training seminars, but this conference has strengthened my personal values and increased my knowledge. It has given me what other conferences have not; it has filled my spirit, because all of you have filled us with love. And I trust we can continue to have your help. – comment from a supervisor in the Administration Track received by Haroldo Arreaga, ISP Guatemalan staff
We come to meetings that are no help to us; but this has given us a tool that we can take to our schools and use. -- Comment received by small group leader Ken Brown. Secondary Track
This was my 15th convocation, and I have never seen the involvement or participation by the administrators that I saw here . . . 100% said they will find a way to use the curriculum. [They] were so enthusiastic. – Bob Dunshee, Administration Track
GUATEMALA CITY: 488 Teachers
Our departure and [9 hour] journey back to Guatemala City on Saturday was certainly an ‘event’ the team will soon not forget! [The substitute bus had no air con nor rear shock absorbers.] But as team member Jon Deans said half-way back, “Now I feel like a REAL missionary!” -- Linda Dunshee, Assistant Trip Director
“Amazing!” “Can you believe this crowd?” “Can we find more chairs?” These are just a few of the comments heard from our team members as teachers in Guatemala City streamed into the opening session of our convocation here. We had anticipated as many as 400 teachers attending, but when the number continued to grow, and we ran out of chairs in the main auditorium, we were all just thrilled at what the Lord was doing here. – Linda Dunshee, Assistant Trip Director
After the teachers watched the Jesus Film, we offered to show the film in their schools if they wanted. 107 schools are ready to watch the film!!! -- Haroldo Arreaga, ISP Guatelamalan staff
I don’t remember another conference when so many people were sick; but at the same time I’ve never seen so much enthusiasm by team members or teachers; thank you for coming; thank you for including me as a speaker; I felt at home. – Haroldo Arreaga, ISP Guatemalan staff
Your presence here as been like rain that has come in a drought. Maybe you didn’t realize what was happening with us during these days; but through your love and friendship you have supported us a lot during these days. You were here for the teachers and for us too. You shared your love and friendship and lives with us and we love you and you are special to us. We will be praying for you. You can help us by coming back here. José Ajsivinac, ISP Guatemalan staff
When the Bibles were given out in our track, one woman in my group immediately took one and simply held on to it, just staring at it. I learned that she just recently started attending a Bible study group and did not have her own Bible, nor the money to purchase one. Now she has a Bible of her very own! – Dianne Van der Putten, Elementary Track
Today there was a demonstration of teachers and we prayed that in would not impact the conference. Few of the teachers [who had registered for our conference] desired to go and participate in the strike. They sacrificed by coming in taxis to get to the conference today. What speaks so loudly is the love you [ISP team members] show to the teachers. It causes them to come every day. -- Martita Arreaga, ISP Guatemalan Staff
There is a man in my group from the state education office. He said that the Prodigal Son story presented in the track had really spoken to him. He turned to the small group and said, “If there’s anyone in this group that I have offended, I want to apologize and ask your forgiveness.” -- Dave Hills, Administration Track
Know for sure that the seeds that you have sown this week in my heart will continue to give fruit for the rest of my life -- Irma, one of the teachers in my small group
Newsletter January 2008
January 2008
You would think that being home for six weeks would be long enough to enjoy vacation, visit family and friends, and do my needed Ministry Partnership Development ------ NOT!
The main topic of conversation when I first arrived on December 12 was the recent disastrous flooding in Lewis County, Washington (where my family lives), and in other parts of the State. My brother Jim had water in his garage but was otherwise okay. Some church members and other friends were badly affected.
My niece Samantha had learned how to do flood cleanup on a short-term mission trip after Hurricane Katrina, so she trained kids from her youth group on how to help. They have cancelled their scheduled Spring Break mission trip to Louisiana so they can help out more locally. I was pleased to see how her experiences on youth missions were multiplied -- Samantha really used what she learned, set a good example, and passed on her knowledge to others. If you want to see more photos and videos of the devastation, go to: http://www.chrononline.com/ and http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/MapsData/Aerial/SlideShow_ChehalisFlood.htm
During Christmas vacation I saw most of the family, played with the kids, etc. The great-nephews and nieces have certainly grown a lot. Those little ones really get into everything! Garrett and Maleah got into the pop frig.
My brother Jim is recovering nicely from knee surgery. His wife Marie had a stroke on January 2 that mainly affected her memory and cognitive function. She has made good progress so far, but still has a ways to go. Please keep them both in your prayers.
Some snow and hard freezes made it difficult to get around at times, although the conditions did not interfere too much with my visits. I saw many friends and supporters. My apologies to those I did not see – you are on the list for the next time!
I was also able to visit three churches. In two, I shared about my mission during the church service, as well as doing ‘counsel time’ at their AWANA children’s groups. The kids learned that once you invite Jesus into your life, He never leaves. But sometimes we disobey and do things our own way (sin). Then we need to admit to God that we are wrong (confess) and give control of our lives back to the Holy Spirit so that He can help us do the things we should.
Please pray for my sister Marilyn, my co-worker Jan Beal, and me as we go on a Campus Crusade “International School Project” trip to Guatemala from February 13 to March 2. Conferences in Guatemala City and Flores will train teachers in how to use the “Foundations of Christian Ethics” curriculum in their classrooms using the Jesus film and biblical principles.
My plan (always subject to change) is to return to the Pacific Northwest in late Spring/early Summer to continue the visits and work on ‘Ministry Partnership Development.’ Incoming support has decreased over the past 5 years while expenses have increased. I appreciate your faithful prayers and gifts, and ask for your continued help. As you pray, ask yourself, “If I were going to be a missionary, whom would I ask to help me financially?” Then let me know so I can arrange to meet with them. They can also share in this partnership to reach the world for Christ!
You would think that being home for six weeks would be long enough to enjoy vacation, visit family and friends, and do my needed Ministry Partnership Development ------ NOT!
The main topic of conversation when I first arrived on December 12 was the recent disastrous flooding in Lewis County, Washington (where my family lives), and in other parts of the State. My brother Jim had water in his garage but was otherwise okay. Some church members and other friends were badly affected.
My niece Samantha had learned how to do flood cleanup on a short-term mission trip after Hurricane Katrina, so she trained kids from her youth group on how to help. They have cancelled their scheduled Spring Break mission trip to Louisiana so they can help out more locally. I was pleased to see how her experiences on youth missions were multiplied -- Samantha really used what she learned, set a good example, and passed on her knowledge to others. If you want to see more photos and videos of the devastation, go to: http://www.chrononline.com/ and http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/MapsData/Aerial/SlideShow_ChehalisFlood.htm
During Christmas vacation I saw most of the family, played with the kids, etc. The great-nephews and nieces have certainly grown a lot. Those little ones really get into everything! Garrett and Maleah got into the pop frig.
My brother Jim is recovering nicely from knee surgery. His wife Marie had a stroke on January 2 that mainly affected her memory and cognitive function. She has made good progress so far, but still has a ways to go. Please keep them both in your prayers.
Some snow and hard freezes made it difficult to get around at times, although the conditions did not interfere too much with my visits. I saw many friends and supporters. My apologies to those I did not see – you are on the list for the next time!
I was also able to visit three churches. In two, I shared about my mission during the church service, as well as doing ‘counsel time’ at their AWANA children’s groups. The kids learned that once you invite Jesus into your life, He never leaves. But sometimes we disobey and do things our own way (sin). Then we need to admit to God that we are wrong (confess) and give control of our lives back to the Holy Spirit so that He can help us do the things we should.
Please pray for my sister Marilyn, my co-worker Jan Beal, and me as we go on a Campus Crusade “International School Project” trip to Guatemala from February 13 to March 2. Conferences in Guatemala City and Flores will train teachers in how to use the “Foundations of Christian Ethics” curriculum in their classrooms using the Jesus film and biblical principles.
My plan (always subject to change) is to return to the Pacific Northwest in late Spring/early Summer to continue the visits and work on ‘Ministry Partnership Development.’ Incoming support has decreased over the past 5 years while expenses have increased. I appreciate your faithful prayers and gifts, and ask for your continued help. As you pray, ask yourself, “If I were going to be a missionary, whom would I ask to help me financially?” Then let me know so I can arrange to meet with them. They can also share in this partnership to reach the world for Christ!
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