Spring is in the Air

What a lovely time of year! The trees have that lovely new green, there are buds and flowers everywhere and there is a sweetness in the air you would love to bottle! Even after a less rigorous winter than normal, spring is marvelous; a time of hope and joy.
 
Here in Brazil that hope is in the air too, even though our days are cooling down instead of heating up. Autumn is when the refreshing rains come after a long hot summer and everything sprouts anew. Our children in the Miriam Home are bursting with energy and expectations too. Today we have ten children in the home and all of them have dreams. God is making many of those dreams come true!

Cleberson, the baby of our family, is content in this safe little world, but we believe God is opening an even better door for him. During the National Youth Congress held in Campo Mourao the end of February, a couple from an AFLC church Curitiba came to visit the Home and met Cleber.  A bound formed almost immediately and the couple are now working with the juvenile authorities here to receive a temporary guardianship, the first step in adoption! 

On the other end of the spectrum is Caroline. She has been with us less than a month, and it is wonderful to see the changes that have come about in this young ladies life. Caroline is 15 years old, when she arrived she kept to herself, avoided being where the other children where—she reminded me of a wounded animal, trying to protect herself. Caroline’s mother wanted a boy. From the time she was a baby, that is how Caroline was raised—dressed as a boy, educated as a boy (she only learned to use the toilet sitting down here in the Miriam Home). When Caroline went to school she picked on and laughed at by the other children and when she was at home she mistreated by her mother. When she arrived here she expected to be the outsider and it took some days for her to understand that she wasn’t going to be called names, hit, excluded and ridiculed. To begin with she didn’t know how to deal with that, and she still covers her mouth to hide a smile when she is complimented. Today one of the house moms brought her a pair of earrings; she couldn’t believe they were really hers. Yesterday she asked me to take her picture - this frightened child is starting to bloom!

Diane has been with us quite a while, and it is likely that she will be going home this week. Before she leaves she has a lot of preparations she needs to make, but the biggest the plans are for her baptism! She has found new life in Jesus Christ and wants to be baptized before she goes home to her father and step-mother, but even before that she has asked for me, Odete and Altair (her god-parents) to go an explain baptism to her parents. She wants them to understand the commitment she has made to the Lord, because she wants to see them at peace with the Lord too! 
Yes, Spring is a wonderful time of year!

To read more of Jonni’s newsletter, go here!

A Bouquet of Grace

The following Missions Devotional for May was written by Craig Wentzel:

One of the most encouraging moments I remember was at Galilee Family Camp a few years ago. It happened that our wedding anniversary fell during that week and on our anniversary, during the evening service, Lyle Mattson, the assistant dean, called Barb & I forward. He then presented us with an arrangement of flowers that our daughter, Abby, had sent to the camp. It was very encouraging to have that occasion remembered in the midst of a busy week!

Flowers cheer us up! People often give flowers at sad or difficult times like death or illness or farewells in order to make the hurting person feel better.

I came across an interesting story in 2 Chronicles 28, that I hadn’t noticed before that I think we could describe as God giving a SPIRITUAL “bouquet” to His people…a “bouquet” of GRACE instead of flowers!

I noticed 3 things about God giving this spiritual “bouquet”:

1) First, God’s people were going through a very difficult time!

It was a time of God’s judgment for their king’s, and THEIR, sins. King Ahaz didn’t follow the spiritual heritage of his father, King David, but rather copied the wicked ways of the northern kings who had rejected the true God for idols (v.1-2a). He had made gods of his own to worship (v.2b) and burned incense (offered prayers) (v.3a), and sacrificed his sons (v.3b), to false gods and every other god that came along (v.4). Together, he and his people had forsaken the God of their fathers (v.6b). They were very unfaithful to the Lord (v.19).

It was also a time of great loss. Because of God’s judgment, they had lost many people as captives and casualties of war (v.5); important leaders (v.7) [the country’s next leader, the ruler of the King’s house, & the 2^nd in command to the king); their families (v.8a); and a great deal of their wealth (v.8b).

It was a time of hopelessness in that their families had been taken away as captives to face an endless slavery.

Are YOU facing some difficult situation today?

2) Secondly, God sent a “bouquet” of grace to them!

These “flowers” of grace were delivered to their situation, at their lowest point, as their wives and children were brought into their enemies’ capital city (v.8). God’s “delivery boy” was Oded, His spokesman (v.9a). The individual “flowers” of grace were: God’s Word to their situation (v.9-11); salvation from permanent slavery (v.12-14); satisfaction of their physical needs of food, drink and clothing (v.15a); the anointing of oil (v.15b); and guidance and restoration to their homes and families (v.15c).

God also sends a “bouquet” of grace OUR way if we watch for it! He sends His Word (written or spoken) to OUR affliction as He says in Ps. 119:92:

“If your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.”

Jesus is a “Flower” of salvation to us in being our escape from permanent slavery in hell forever! John 10:9 promises:

“ ‘I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.’”

The Lord will meet our physical needs. Phil. 4:17 promises us:

“My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

He will give us spiritual refreshment through the Holy Spirit. Jn. 14:27 says:

“’Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; bit as the world gives do I give to you…”

He will guide us to satisfaction and fulfillment. Ps. 36:8 says:

“They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.”

Have YOU gotten any “flowers” of grace from the Lord lately?

3) Thirdly, we have a choice of how to respond to God’s “flowers” of grace!

King Ahaz rejected God’s “flowers” of grace in his trouble. He chose another deliverer, the kings of Assyria, to run to (v.16-21). He got farther and farther from God after that (v.22-25)! He ended up destroying the utensils of God’s house and closing it’s doors! He closed himself off from the Lord! Trouble can either drive us TO God or AWAY from God. Ahaz did not accept God’s “bouquet” of grace. What will YOU do with God’s kindnesses towards YOU today?...

Preparation

It seems as though preparation is the theme of our lives right now. I (Andy) suppose that with any kind of preparation there are mixed feelings. One the one hand, preparation often brings with it a certain level of stress because there is so much work to do. Yet, on the other side, preparation leads to a certain goal which at least in our case is exciting. We are thankful that the Lord of the Universe is with us each day granting us grace and strength in the midst of our preparation. So what are we preparing for? Glad you asked!

Moving: We have been blessed this past year being able to live in another missionary family’s apartment (they were on furlough). This has greatly eased our transition. But the time has come to move to our own apartment. This has not been without difficulty as some owners will not rent to families with kids, and others not wanting to help us with our legal needs that our new visas will require. Yet God has provided. We will be moving this week to a place just around the corner from where we live now. Please pray that this move would be a joy for us, and not a burden. We are looking forward to making a place our own.

Visa: We are also preparing to begin the long process of obtaining new visas that will enable us to live here. Ukraine changed their laws this past year making it far more complicated. We will be traveling to Poland at the end of this month to receive a temporary D-visa. Upon returning to Odessa, we will need to get officially registered. This is a difficult and bureaucratic process, yet we are thankful that we know other missionaries who have gone through the process (and survived), and can glean from them.

Camps: We are looking forward to hosting two weeks of EEMN’s language camps in the beginning of July. Planning is being done on both sides of the ocean for this work. We look forward to welcoming the EEMN team as they seek to share the gospel to many children. There are certainly many other camps that the Youth Center is preparing for this summer. Please pray for the camp leaders and students.

International Bible School: Last but not least, plans are continually being made for the opening of the International Bible School. Many exciting things have been happening over the course of the past month. We are more confident now than we were a month ago that this school will begin in the fall. There have been many presentations in Ukraine and Russia to congregations, Bishops, and other key leaders. Doors are opening and it seems as though people sense the need for this project. We are still praying that the Lord would continue to call and confirm those whom He desires to attend. We have great news in this regard. From the Odessa congregation alone, we have a few students who are very serious about beginning this fall. Pastor Gross knows of perhaps 3-5 from Russia who also have expressed interest. This is very exciting and we continue to trust in the Lord for his provision.

For more about setting our eyes on the eternal goal, read the entire newsletter here.

Youngest AFLC Missionary Julia Hope Jore

Nate and Rhoda Jore have announced the birth of Julia Hope.  She was born on Thursday, April 19.  Check out the pictures by clicking here.

Thanks for all who have been praying for the Jores during this time.

Love Poured Out–April Newsletter from Jonni

Carnival is over; for most Brazilians that means 11 and a 1/2 months to the next big party, but for us the celebration has just begun. We have entered the Lenten season and are setting our eyes on the love of God poured out for us. During this precious time of year we are able to consider the depths of our own needs and the amazing provision of God’s grace and mercy. 

Last month you met eight young people, residents of the Miriam Home. Since then six others have arrived, of which only one is still here. The Miriam Home is sort of like Minnesotan weather - always changing! Having a part in the lives of the children that pass through this home is a constant reminder of our dependence on the grace and mercy of the living God. Let me give you an example: three girls who spent just two days here last month.
 
Even though Campo Mourao is a relatively small city by Brazilian standards, there is a high crime rate, with many deaths (both homicides and suicides) of very young people involved with drugs and gangs. Two weeks ago two young girls were killed and three others ran for their lives. The three survivors (13, 15 and 17 years old) were brought to the Miriam Home, accompanied by a police escort. The gang the girls were involved with had already made known their intentions towards the witnesses and the juvenile authorities scrambled to find a safe place for them outside of Campo Mourao. While the authorities looked for alternatives we tried to comfort and minister to these frightened young women. As amazing as it might sound, one of our biggest challenges was just keeping the girls here. Knowing that there were people looking for them, to do them harm, the girls still did everything they could to sneak away. The desire to smoke, be with their boyfriends and do what they wanted was stronger than their fear. They couldn’t see that the risk they ran was the consequence of the lives they were leading; they didn’t have any understanding of the value of their precious young lives. 

With the help of the police escorts (who stayed with us the whole time the girls did—48 hours, we were able to keep the girls safe until they could be moved. And more than a physically safe place to be, the girls heard words of hope and life.  Please pray that the seeds planted in those 48 short hours will be watered, grow and bear fruit. Please pray the Rubi, Taina and Camila will find real life in Jesus Christ. During these days, more than any others I am so aware of how far the Father goes to reach His lost little ones!

Editor’s note:  Jonni has so much more to share.  Please click here to read her entire newsletter.

 

Mission Devotional

"And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, 'Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' And He said to him, 'What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?' And he answered, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.'  And He said to him, 'You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.' But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?'" Luke 10: 25-29

So-Pastor Palmer informed me in mid February, that March was my month to prepare a devotional for the WMC. This notice has been on my mind since that time. What could I share that would enlighten and encourage a group of men whom, when they speak-I take notes? I decided to turn to my weekly source of greatest inspiration and greatest frustration. 

As I think you all know, I teach a class of 2nd graders ( 4 boys) every Sunday morning. Last week, we were on the 5th Commandment: "You shall not kill." The lesson was great on Cain and Abel and of course, in the lesson Cain kills Abel in the heat of bitterness and anger. I didn't share with you that all 4 boys in this class have brothers. What amazed me-and probably shouldn't have-was that the general feeling among the boys was that killing your brother maybe is a necessary, and even welcome event at times. In this world of video games, death is only temporary relief-until the next game-and I think that thought process of temporary relief controls these young minds. I felt at the end of the class that I had miserably failed portraying the reaction of Cain as a sin. All week long, I reflected on that failure with the question-how could I have presented the Commandment differently-how does one impart to these young souls the gravity of this commandment? 

As I contemplated, my mind wandered to Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan where a Jew is robbed, beaten and left to die. Jesus tells of the priest and the Levite who when they saw him, both passed by on the other side of the road. The thought then occurred to me: what if this wounded, dying man had been a physical brother to the priest or Levite-would they have still passed by on the other side? We, of course, hope not. Yet, just a year or so ago, not far from us, a man shot and killed his brother over a land dispute. The parable was given in answer to a lawyer's question: "but wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, 'Who is my neighbor?'" Why was this lawyer seeking to justify himself? Who had he passed by and left behind that was wounded?  My guess is that it was someone who was close to him-probably a brother. 

The problem with Cain's actions toward Abel is that it's not only difficult for 2nd graders to grasp as sin, it is a challenge for us 'mature' adults.  We can justify hate in the event of an offense. The Law as summarized so well by the lawyer in Luke 10:27 is absolutely impossible-I, just like the lawyer, cannot love the Lord, nor my neighbor (brother) as it is written. The Law, as simple as it sounds, frustrates and condemns me.  Yet, at the end of the parable, Jesus tells the lawyer, "Go and do the same." We now see that frustration is not limited to those teaching 2nd graders, it is universal-but we also see again the great joy of Easter-if this Jesus can defeat death, His Spirit can bring forgiveness and love through me-even to the point of loving my brother!! Amen and amen!!

Editor’s note:  This devotional was written by Lyle Mattson.

Spring Greetings from Jonathan and Tamba

“From the rising of the Sun to the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised”.

Often as I travel across this great land of the United States of America, I find myself singing, America the Beautiful, which first verse states, “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on Thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.” This really is a blessed country, a gift of God’s grace, but the thing that will truly keep a country great is brotherhood which can only come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I thank God for all of you who in brotherly love have invited us into your homes, have fed us, have prayed for us and have encouraged us with your words and your financial support. You have helped us to plant churches in other lands and bless people such as Grace. Grace, a beautiful young girl starting down the road to delinquency came to know Christ as her personal Savior, and in the enthusiasm of her new found faith, led her sisters, mother and estranged father to the Lord. Today she is married to one of our pastors that she met in Bible School and is helping him in one of the toughest neighborhoods of her city. Grace is one example of the blessings we see of God’s love as we share the Gospel with others. Thank you for helping make this possible.

This last month we did another one of those long treks around the country re-acquainting ourselves with churches, friends and family. I saw my oldest brother David who I had not seen in over eight years and his son who I had not seen since he was twelve years old and now is married with three kids. Michelle enjoyed seeing her cousins - something that happens only every 3-4 years. She even saw some she had never met before.

In our absence from the field the work has been going on with many challenges similar to all ministries, yet God continues to bring victory. This last month, they had our largest camp of the year, with teens from all the areas of ministry in Brazil, and 35 gave their lives to Jesus. God is Great!

Plans & Prayer Requests 

In April we will be sharing at 3 WMF Rallies and several churches. Pray for us as we travel to these different places: for safety and to be a blessing to all.

Pray that all our needed support comes in for our salary and travel expenses.

We plan to go back to Brazil in the later part of May. April and Thomas need to go back for official reasons: April, to renew her visa, Thomas, to register for the army (it is mandatory there). Then both of them will return to the US to continue their studies.

Once again, thank you for your much needed & appreciated prayers and financial support. If you want to see how you can be of greater help, contact “aflc.org” for ministry in Brazil, projects and prayer requests.

Kvale Connection-March 2012

Intercession and Missions
Jesus, who unwaveringly intercedes for us, so graciously took the time to teach us how to pray. Paul also wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NASB). Likewise, it is the excess burdens which we need to share or confess with one another to make it known how to pray and bear. When these truths are realized in the translated Scripture and trusted as we actually do it, it is unbelievably freeing! May all peoples know it!
 
This is during prayer time with Pastor Rolf and the rest of the students in groups interceding. What a blessing to also share about Bible translation at the Bible School in Plymouth, MN during their 2012 missions week.

Our partner, DOOR International, shares this fun, heartwarming photo.  This is a deaf boy from Tanzania - thrilled with his new DVD Bible in his language, sign language. February 2012.  A Deaf person usually thinks not in terms of words, sentences, or abstractions, but rather in the context of visual, spatial, and concrete thought patterns.  Please continue to specifically pray that the Lord may send out more joyful workers into the harvest field as they respond in their hearts to the needs of sign language translation work for the deaf in every nation.

Please click here to read the rest of the Kvale’s newsletter.

Japan–World Relief

Below is a message from our relief partners at World Relief.

Dear Friend, One year ago a 9.0 earthquake shook much of Japan, triggering a tsunami that engulfed many towns and cities along its eastern shoreline. Over 15,000 lost their lives. In the weeks and months that have followed, the piles of debris and destruction are slowly being removed from sight. However, the invisible yet real pain of grief and loss will continue to weigh heavy on the thousands who lost loved ones and watched their homes and possessions washed away in an instant. Amidst this pain, we know that God has called the Church to stand with the suffering. Many of you answered this call. With your support, World Relief was been able to partner with passionate local organizations and churches to reach the most vulnerable and adversely affected people in remote villages of Japan.  On their behalf and with a humbled heart, we thank you for standing with us. We ask for your continued prayer for the Japanese Church, which is a small percentage of the overall population. Many pastors, now more than ever, feel the great burden to reach out to their churches and neighbors to council them as they grieve. World Relief will continue to support these pastors in this important mission with grief-counseling trainings to better equip them to aid the emotional recovery of so many in their communities. We know that Christ’s peace brings complete healing and whole restoration to broken lives.   This past year, with your financial and prayerful support, you have joined the Church and touched the lives of so many in Japan. From our Japanese church partners, local pastors and congregations, thank you. Blessings to you! World Relief

Del and Karen Palmer Traveling to Brazil

AFLC World Missions director Del Palmer and his wife Karen will be traveling in Brazil for the next two weeks. 

They will be discussing future goal and plans for the work in Brazil with the national church.  Pastor Palmer will also be teaching at our seminary there as well as doing a risk assessment for missionary Jonni Sliver. 

Please pray for the Palmers as they travel and minister in Brazil.

Bible Training Ministry in Ukraine and Beyond

The countdown begins! This month marks six months until the first class of students- Lord willing- begins the one-year Bible School program.  Momentum is building as preparations continue. The potential is so exciting! Yet, the
obstacles are certainly present. 

We are reminded that this is the LORD's work. It is only by HIS power and strength that it will come to pass. Yes, there is much yet to be done! But the greatest work is prayer. Would you please join us in praying specifically for the Bible School in the months to come? You can count on one hand our top five prayer requests. Here they are!

Check out what each finger means and how to pray specifically for the Coyles by reading the rest of their newsletter here.

Darwin Jacksons

The Darwin Jacksons are on a leave of absence from mission work with World Mission Prayer League.  Therefore, they will be on a leave of absence as AFLC Missionaries On Loan as well. 

We will not be accepting support for the Jacksons while they are leave.  Please be in prayer for them during this time.

Ambassador Institute: Kamuli Update

We praise the Lord that on February 4^th a new Ambassador Institute class was begun in Kamuli (see previous post on the Jore’s blog “Pray for Kamuli” for the background). Four churches joined together to invite Godfrey to come and train their members. Thirty-five students have been faithfully coming, which makes this the largest AI class we have seen so far. Godfrey reports that they are very interested in understanding the Bible and growing in their faith. Godfrey himself is very excited when he thinks of the impact that this will have in his home area. Thank you so much for your prayers.

I want to share a story that parallels what is going on in Kamuli. As you know, our vision for the Ambassador Institute is that the training be self-sufficient, that is, that it does not rely on outside funding for its continuation. That means that each of the teachers are teaching out of a sense of calling from God, and they are looking to him to provide for their needs. For most of them, the commitment entails about 1 full day a week away from their usual work, as well as transporting themselves to and from the training.

In Godfrey's case, the cost to travel to Kamuli and back is 10,000 Ugandan Shillings (about $5). Assuming a salary of 200,000 / month, (about $100, which is average for this area) and traveling to Kamuli 4 times in a month, that means one fifth of his salary would be spent on transportation to carry the training to Kamuli. Could you spend a fifth of your pay check to go and teach people the Word of God?

Well, we serve an awesome God. At the exact time that Godfrey was preparing to go to Kamuli to train, trusting God to meet his needs, God provided in a miraculous way. Godfrey got a contract from a hotel in Jinja to deliver 280 chickens to their kitchen one day a week. After buying the chickens from the chicken projects and selling them, Godfrey was getting a 2,000 shilling profit on each bird! Do the math! Instead of blessing Godfrey with the needed 10,000/week for transportation, he blessed him with 560,000!

Now there are many people who would become unfaithful when entrusted with such money, but Godfrey sees it as a provision from God to enable him to carry the Gospel to others. I am thrilled to see the floodgates of heaven opened and His blessing being poured out on His servant who trusted Him and yielded himself to His service. It also thrills me that the supply came in a way that is self-sustaining.

Check out the Jore’s blog here.

Brandon Marschner–Missionary Candidate

The World Mission Committee has approved Brandon Marschner as a missionary candidate.  Brandon, from Dickinson, ND has felt a call to world missions for a number of years.  He graduated from AFLBS and Northwestern Collage and is now enrolled in AFLTS. 

Please pray for Brandon as he completes his educations in preparation to serve on the mission field.

Did You Know Cassie Nash is Married?

Our short term assistant Cassie Nash who works at an orphanage in Haiti was married and is now Cassie Jean Louis.  She and Almando Jean Louis were engaged last October and were married in Haiti on February 11. 

You can read all about it in her blog.

Date Set for Pillmans’ Departure

The World Missions Committee has announced that the Pillmans can depart to following the AFLC Annual Conference in Thief River Falls, MN.

Please pray for the Pillmans as they have a number of things to accomplish before their departure.  Also pray for Patricia as she has been hoarse for a number of months.  She will be seeing a specialist in the next few days.

Traveling in Mexico

Missionary Todd Schierkolk and World Mission Director Del Palmer are traveling in Mexico.  They will be visiting pastors and people in churches.  Todd needs to renew his visa at this time.

Please pray for them as they travel.

The Next New Thing

Almost everything new is exciting—and sometimes scary. That is most certainly true for the children of the Miriam Home! Today we have nine young people and only one of them was with us when school ended for the year, that means eight children are facing a lot of new situations.

Nearly all of the children in the Miriam Home today are 10 years old or over. All of them come from situations where they had to take care of themselves; now they have what probably seems like so many “aunties”. To begin with that is pretty hard all by itself - it feels less like being cared for and more like being bossed around, by everyone! The rules that keep the Miriam Home from falling apart feel very restrictive during the first few weeks. But the loving hearts of our house moms are quickly winning over the children.

The next new factor in the kids lives is a new school year! Soon classes will begin again and, believe it or not, the children are looking forward to it! Many are going to new schools and all in new grades and though summer vacation is fun for a while it is nice to get back to the rhythm of classes, sports and "normal" life.

The biggest “new” in the lives of all the children is the simple unknown. Every child arrives not knowing how long they will stay with us; most have no idea where they will go when they leave. This isn’t an easy “new” to deal with, even as adults. Imagine for a child be they 5, 10 or 17years old! One of the goals of the Miriam Home is to make this stressful time as easy as possible in the lives of the children. Your prayers make a huge difference! The precious gifts so many of you have sent, have eternal impact! We recently received a boxes of mini-quilts. We are in the middle of summer right now and no one needs help staying warm but the children, even the oldest, love these mini quilts! They hold them when they watch a DVD at night, or a TV program, and they feel loved. Sheets and used tennis shoes, Tootsie Rolls and stickers have all been amazing ways for kids to feel hugs from thousands of miles away! Bless you and thank you!

Editor’s note:  To read more about the new school year starting and meet some of the new children you can read Jonni’s entire newsletter here.

AFLC Jubilee–50 Years Slideshow

AFLC Jubilee 50 Years from Karen Floan on Vimeo.

This is the 50th anniversary of the AFLC. Watch the slideshow of all that God has done. Click on the arrows to make it full screen.

Happy New Year from Ukraine

The holiday season here was nice and long as both East and West calendars were celebrated, which means that we were able to celebrate Christmas twice. In many ways, this whole country shuts down during these days. During that time, we had the joy of hosting Monica’s parents for 10 days.

We are finding a new rhythm to life and ministry here in Ukraine, including some new opportunities. Among them is Moriah's new adventure, which begins today, in a Ukrainian elementary school. God has opened the door for her to to attend the only Christian school here in Odessa. Isaiah will also be spending a few mornings a week at a local preschool-type program at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. We are thankful for these provisions as they are comfortable places for our kids to learn language and interact with Ukrainian children. We ask for your prayers, especially for Moriah. She is really excited about this, yet nervous as well. She has been memorizing Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Experiencing new culture, language, and situations has been a wonderful opportunity for us to help our children trust in God’s strength, grace, and power in the midst of fear.

January has also been an important month for Bible School planning. We will be presenting our formal Bible School presentation to church leadership very soon. This planning has taken much time as there are so many issues to discuss. Please pray that there would be unity and fruitful conversation for our group and church leadership as we focus on this very important ministry. These next few months will also present numerous strategic opportunities to share this school with very important people. For example, in a few weeks, all the bishops serving Lutheran synods from across the former Soviet Union will be gathering in Odessa for a conference. We will be presenting the Bible School vision, as well as facilities, to them. We pray that they would be interested in this work and bring this vision back to their home churches.

Editor’s note:  To learn more about the Coyle’s Russian Language study, Youth Center Ministry and how you can pray for them, click here.

January Update from Paul and Becky Abel

There really is no greater joy than to know that our children are walking in the truth and serving God.  This is our prayer for all our spiritual children as well.  We rejoice exceedingly for the blessed privilege of having the whole family together for a couple of weeks to welcome in a new year and celebrate our great heritage as a family.  We each serve God in different capacities and in different places but we find strength and encouragement through our times together.

The past three months have been loaded with activities.  In both the Bateias and Mighty Fortress churches we formed an adult choir and a children's choir.  We practiced separately and then joined together for the Christmas programs in both churches.  I like trying to make Christmas special for others and always emphasize that our greatest desire is to honor and praise God for his great Gift to us - Jesus!

Editor’s Note:  For more information on the Abel Family Christmas, Bible Camp, Children’s Camps, please read the rest of the newsletter here.

A Visit from Kevin and Pam Olson

We loved having Kevin and Pam with us for 10 days this month. What a blast of encouragement they brought with them!

While they were here, a special event was held in Butagaya with all 8 Ambassador Institute classes in attendance. Kevin and Nate both shared with the students (about 80 in attendance, along with many family members), and each of the classes shared a drama and/or a song. At the end of the day, we shared a meal together. What a fun day it was.

Pam taught a Bible class for kids on two separate mornings at a nearby apartment building. Both times there were about 60 kids that showed up, many of them Muslims. Pam was able to share the message of Christ with the kids in a very clear way, and at the end of the 1st class 10 kids prayed to receive Him as their Savior. We are praising God for these new believers! Please pray for them with us that they would be able to grow in their young faith, and remain strong in their commitment to following Christ. A few of them come from Muslim families.

Kevin and Nate took 8 of the Ambassador Institute teachers, along with Hans and Micah, on a 3-day trip to Sipi Falls, a beautiful area up on a mountain a few hours from our home. They enjoyed times of relaxing together (playing Dutch Blitz, eating good food, hiking up waterfalls), as well as times of teaching and prayer. We are grateful for the commitment of these men to teach the Word of God in their villages. Please pray for them - that they would grow in their love for Christ and they would stay strong in their desire to bring glory to Him alone.

Kevin and Pam not only blessed all of those they met with and taught, but they blessed our family in a great way. All of the time they spent playing and laughing with our kids was a sweet gift. And all of the time they spent encouraging our hearts as they asked us questions and listened and shared their wisdom while washing dishes or eating a meal together or sitting by candlelight... thank you, Kevin and Pam. We love you dearly.

Editor’s Note:  You can view a slideshow of their visit on the Jore’s blog here.

January Mission Devotional

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not”  (Is. 53:3)

Respect, Obedience, and Honor – words that seem to be lacking in our lives and those around us.  Jesus Christ, our creator, who gave us life, and loved us so much that He suffered the most horrific death so we could have eternal life with Him deserves them.  It should pain us greatly when there is sin in our lives, yet quite often it is made light of and excuses are made.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” (Phil 2:5-8)

He bore it all, He understands, and He gave His life through humbling Himself and becoming man.  He lived among us as a perfect example on how to live.

While reading through more of Isaiah 53 we see how Christ was treated even though He did no wrong.  He was despised and treated badly, yet He still loved us and continued with His Father’s plan to save us from our sin and iniquities.   “For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Is 53:12) Jesus knew that He would have to suffer and die yet He still went through with it.

When times come to stand up and suffer for our Lord, do we go through with it or chose the easy way out?  There may be rejection, but if we are right in the Lord and leave it with Him we shouldn’t worry.  Let’s stand up for what is right even if it means a little uneasiness and discomfort.  It may even cause us physical pain or death.  What better cause is there than to die for our Lord and Savior and join Him in heaven!

Let us not forget the love Jesus has for us and the importance is He desires all to be saved and come to Him.   Jesus – the perfect example.

Respectively,

scott f. erickson

Pray for Kamuli

This past Christmas Godfrey was among the many Ugandans who head back to their home village to celebrate with their extended families. When the pastor of Godfrey's home church in Kamuli heard that he was coming, he asked him to preach on Christmas morning.

In his youth, Godfrey had been a member of a notorious gang who had robbed and even killed many people from his village and the surrounding area. In fact, the transformation that has taken place in Godfrey's life all happened after he left the village. Many in the congregation were surprised to hear that Godfrey was the visitor who was going to preach that morning. He shared his testimony with them of how God had brought him out of the life he once lived to a new life of walking with Christ. He likened himself to Zacchaues who had been a wicked man but had been transformed after his encounter with Jesus. He went on to preach for 4 hours, sharing several of the Bible stories he had learned in our Ambassador Institute training. Following his message, he asked if anyone wanted to receive the gift of salvation and leave their lives of sin. Two young men responded to the invitation!

Following the Christmas service, the pastors in the area requested Godfrey to come back again the following week to preach for the final night of a 4-day Crusade they were holding to bring in the New Year. Godfrey did not preach as long this time. He focused his message on the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. He warned the people that those who do not repent of their wicked behavior and turn to Christ will hear those same words, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt 25:41). Following his preaching, people were invited to come forward to receive salvation. 150 people responded and the next day they were baptized. Praise His Name!

Godfrey testified that many of those who were saved were delivered from demons. He told us the story of one of them. “Frederick” had been ordained by his clan members to keep the clan witchcraft at his home. He had been repeatedly disturbed by the demons and wanted to be free. He converted to Islam after being promised that he would be freed from his demons if he did, but the demons stayed. After Frederick got saved, Godfrey and others went to his home to burn the witchcraft. When the clan members discovered why they had come, they pleaded with them not to burn it. “If you burn it, the demons will attack our children,” they said. Godfrey told them that the one who had been keeping the witchcraft wanted to be free from it. He asked whether anyone else was willing to keep the witchcraft at their home. They all declined and in the end, they burned it and the man was delivered. Praise Jesus for those in Kamuli who have been delivered from darkness to light.

The story is not over. After hearing Godfrey's preaching, the church leaders and members asked him how he knew the Bible so well and how he learned to teach that way. He told them about the Ambassador Institute training that he is taking. After much dialogue,Godfrey was invited to come and train the believers of his home area. The Spirit of God is at work in this area (about 45 miles north of Jinja). Please join us in prayer for the new believers and for the new class that will begin there in the near future.

A New Baby…A New Year

Dear Family and Friends,

How excited we are to welcome in year 201 2, and we anticipate that this year will be as exciting, blessed, and stretching as 2011 was! We hope you enjoyed celebrating the gift of our Savior this season along with spending time with family and friends.  We certainly appreciated the opportunity to slow down and reflect on God’s goodness to us, demonstrated in so many tangible ways.

As Patricia’s due date neared, we took some time off for some much needed rest and preparation at home in December. On December 19, we welcomed into the world our precious, healthy baby boy, Nathanael Paul. The labor was difficult, lasting close to two days and nights, but God gave Patricia (and everyone else!) endurance and strength for the entire labor.  What joy we felt when we could finally hold our baby and gaze into his chubby face!  We find ourselves blessed indeed to be given the charge of such a special bundle, and we look forward to the lessons we will learn along the way as we begin to train Nathanael in the ways of the Lord.

To read the rest of the Pillman’s newsletter and find out how you can pray for them, please click here.

Infinitely More

What are you expecting this year? What are you hoping for? For many of us, the answer to those two questions would not be the same! The chaos in the world around us leads our minds to expect the worst; our hearts hope for better things. This internal tug of war isn’t new; Jesus actually promised it—”In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” It is because of God’s grace we are able to look to 2012 with excitement, knowing that God is faithful to do infinitely more than we can ask or think!

Last month I asked prayer for two special and precious young people in the Miriam Home, Maria and Josivaldo. Here is the next chapter in their stories.

You already know that Maria has had several opportunities to join new families, but real bonds never developed. Well, just a week before Christmas Maria received a wonderful gift; a home. Recently Maria had made friends with Jacira and had actually visited her home several times; just day trips, little get-aways. Then, less than a month ago, Jacira asked Maria if she wanted to join their family. For the first time, Maria said yes, and before Christmas all the documents were filed with the Juvenile Courts and Maria had her own room, brothers and sisters, mom and dad, even grandparents. One important element for Maria was that her new family understand her concern for her father. Before the holidays they went with her to visit him and bring him Christmas presents. Maria’s dreams are coming true, but adjusting to being part of a new family is challenging. Please pray that Maria will see herself more and more as a “daughter” and not a “visitor” in the family.

Editor’s note:  To hear the next chapter of Josivaldo’s story, click here to read Jonni’s entire newsletter.

Happy New Year from the Jores

Thank you for all of the Christmas cards and greetings. We loved getting them!

We are all feeling fully refreshed after these past few weeks of extended family time. We were able to get away with another missionary family to the coast of Kenya for a week-long holiday the week before Christmas. The house we stayed in was on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each day we'd run down our stone staircase, open up the wooden door at the bottom and be met by the warm, salty ocean air. The kids collected bags of shells and coral, and enjoyed seeing so many new things - starfish, jellyfish, puffer fish, and crabs (they were delicious). The beauty around us was incredible. Our God is an amazing Creator.

We are eagerly anticipating what the year of 2012 will bring. A baby, for one! Our little one is due the end of April, and we are hopeful that we can acquire the necessary paperwork (birth certificate, special pass and passport) in time to fly back to the U.S. the end of May for our 6-month furlough. Would you pray with us that that will happen? Paperwork can be a nightmare here in Uganda.

The first half of December Nate spent wrapping up each of the Bible classes, giving out final exams, meeting with individual students and grading. Most of the students were able to finish off the term strong and are ready for the next term, beginning next week. There are currently about 80 students in 8 different classes. Nate is teaching one of the classes with the help of our interns, Hans and Micah, and is mentoring 8 Ugandan teachers who teach the other 7 classes. It is a 2-year program and most of the classes are beginning their 2nd year. It is a great commitment for these men and women, many of whom are farmers or day laborers, each of them working hard to make ends meet. For them to take a 1/2 day off of work each week to attend classes speaks strongly of their desire to learn and grow. We are so grateful for your prayers for these students, as they study the Word of God each week and take it home to their families and communities. Please continue to pray for them - that they would grow in their love for the Lord and in their understanding of His Word.

Elijah and Jude will also be starting up school again next week. I (Rhoda) spent the day yesterday planning out their last term before we head back to the U.S. I always love having a fresh start with them, changing things up a bit and beginning new books. I was reminded yesterday as I was praying for wisdom and creativity, feeling overwhelmed at all of the different subjects I'd like to teach them, what my ultimate goals are - first, to provide an environment where they can grow in their love for the Lord, for each other and for those around them and second, to instill in them a love for learning. I'd also be thrilled if their love for writing grows, if they learn to persevere and work hard at something that is difficult, if they finish up their Math books, if they wouldn't get so silly and hyper when we do projects, if they... Would you pray for them with me, keeping my goals in mind, as well as for me, that I would be completely dependent on the Lord each day?

Hannah and Jeremiah, little sidekicks, are learning to play so well together, which is a great answer to prayer. They can now play with each other for longer stints before the screaming breaks out, and aren't so inclined to get into mischief while I'm teaching. A huge reason for that is that we have a lot of entertainment in our backyard these days - 5 adorable little puppies, an annoyingly loud little pig (Hannah's much-desired Christmas gift) and a tree house, built by Micah for the kids for Christmas.

We feel really blessed to have such a strong support base. Your prayers, emails, letters, packages and gifts are an incredible source of encouragement to us. Thank you! It is a privilege to be partners with you in this journey of sharing Christ to the world around us.

Editor’s note:  You can view the Jore’s blog here.

Border Crossings

Editor’s note:  This is an excerpt from the Schierkolk’s newsletter.  To read the entire document please click here.

“‘. . . and they shall call His name Immanuel’ which means, God with us.”
                    -Gospel of Matthew 1:28

Advent and Christmas bring some paradoxical feelings for us.   On one hand, we are really enjoying being with our daughter Rachel, seeing snow, being with family, experiencing the joy of the many events of the Christmas season, and touching base with friends.  We enjoyed the Christmas concert at the Bible School (AFLBS) so much we went twice!
 
On the other hand, this is the first Christmas that the kids in the clubs in Jerez won’t have us “with” them and we won’t be having a Christmas party where they’ll be getting a present and they won’t get to watch the traditional showing of “Red Boots for Christmas” in Spanish.  No tamales made by Adri (who passed away in May) enjoyed with all of the people from the church in Jerez.  No watching the serious excitement of a young person in church lighting the Advent candle.  So we feel a significant paradox (or as we often say in our family, “pair of ducks”).  But God is “with” us and He is “with” them…

Todd, Barb, Rachel, Megan and Kirstie Schierkolk

A New Life This Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a time to celebrate God's gift of His only begotten Son to the world. This year, we are also celebrating God's gift of a son for our family! We are so thankful for His good and perfect gifts. May your celebrations this Christmas season always be focused on Jesus!

Because of Him,

Justo, Patricia and Nathanael

pillmanfamily@gmail.com

Kvale Connection: Christmas Edition

Editor’s note:  Please access the PDF copy of the entire newsletter here where you can read their prayer requests and praises.

Imagine knowing about Christ and desiring to live according to His word without having the word of God in your own language to clarify God’s precepts.   

John 15, verses 4-8, reveal to us things that are missed in our understanding without God’s word for us to study and know Christ more personally.  Bible-less people are deceived by the enemy to believe that “God must not speak my language”, “He does not care about me”, or “This God, He is not with me.” But when Scripture is heard for the first time, they are moved to tears to find out that God cared about them from the beginning of time, that He does know their language and is making a way for them to have the word themselves, or that He has always known the exact places where they were born and where they live today. 

…and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live (Acts 17:26b, NIV).

We pray God’s word may truly be for everyone!

Christmas Lights

We knew this single mother of three who was struggling to make ends meet. One night before Christmas, she was walking with her little boy  looking at some houses that were decorated with Christmas lights for the Holiday. Wonder filled the little boy’s eyes as he contemplated the sight, then he  turned to his mother and said, “I know why Santa never comes to our house on Christmas, we don’t put any lights up so he can find us”.  How often we are like that little boy, especially at Christmas. We want God to see our good works (as little lights) and bless us (the naughty and nice syndrome) instead of being lights to dispense His goodness to others. Daniel 12:3 reminds us, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”  Let us pray that this Christmas we would be a light that shows God’s goodness and glory to mankind.             

Wow! Another year is coming to an end. What a year! It seems to me like two years in one. The first half being in Brazil with what seemed like a million things to do before leaving for the US. Then the other half here spending much time on the road, but really enjoy visiting with so many experienced (not to say “old”) friends and enjoying the Bible Camps, Conferences, Conventions, and Rallies along with all the churches and pastors we have visited. Now we will slow down from the road a bit to spend some time with family over the Christmas Holidays. We will have Mom and Dad, April, Thomas and Jed (our nephew) with us in Wisconsin at the Mission home for some 14 days.  The little house will be jam packed with people and activity, but it will be fun. After that Mom and Dad will head south, all the way to Brazil, the kids will return to AFLBS and we will hit the road again. We are really looking forward to all the great things God is going to do in 2012 if Jesus doesn’t come back first.

Things on the home front (Brazil) are going well. Though there are always many challenges, our church seems to be encouraged and moving forward. The Seminary and Miriam Infant home are finishing a good year. We praise the Lord for His goodness!

Jonathan, Tamba, April, Tom & Michelle Abel

To access the PDF form of this greeting, go here.

Where is Home This Christmas?

“There are many homes up there where my father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly.”   John 14:2-3

Jesus left His Home in glory at Christmas to dwell among us.

This was the greatest gift (of salvation) ever given to all the world. Millions are still waiting to hear the good news, yet there are many who’ve heard the gospel and are still rejecting that great gift of salvation. Wouldn’t it be wonderful at this time of the year to lovingly admonish your unsaved loved ones to come home to Jesus this Christmas.

Read the rest of Connely Dyrud’s Christmas greeting here.

Opening and Closing

Editor’s Note:  Here is a teaser from Jonni’s December newsletter.  Enjoy the full document here.

The  end of the year is always so special. Christmas, New Years, family time and parties - all of it speaks of hope and joy! One year ending, another brand new, ready to begin!

But it doesn’t always work that way. When you see many years come and go and little seems to change it is easy for hope to fade. We have two young people in the Miriam Home in an unusual situation. Most of the children we receive are here for a short time, normally for two to six months; until their families can take them home or until they enter a whole new family. For some of the children the “normal” doesn’t happen.

Josivaldo came to the Miriam Home when he was just 2 years old; today he is 17 years old and the only real home he has ever had is right here. Josivaldo has family, his mother lives right here in Belo Horizonte. Sadly, her son was never high on her list of priorities. Josivaldo tried living with her a few times, but his mom always had a new man in her life and conflicts would arise between the boy and the boyfriend. At the point of conflict Josivaldo’s mom always chose the boyfriend over her son. Josivaldo would come back to the Miriam Home, where at least he knew he was wanted.

Today Josivaldo is on the edge of a big step! In January he turns 18 years old and is a powerful young man. He has a heart for missions (actually, he would like to be a missionary in Africa). He is working at a local grocery store, he is learning to make (and keep - the harder part!) a budget. God has great plans for Josivaldo!

December World Missions Devotion

Editor’s note:  The following devotion was written by Craig Wentzel.

Sometimes, it feels like our lives are “boats” afloat on the “ocean” of life.  A boat can be really unsteady and, as a passenger, you feel like you’re not in control.  This can be true of us as the busyness of the Christmas season threatens to “engulf” us, or there are “tsunamis” of major problems or troubles looming over us about to “crush” us, or there are “huge waves” of feelings like discouragement, or fear, or indecision      “crashing” over us.

This fall, I was in such a “storm” as my wife was facing her last days of struggling with cancer.  The account of Jesus stilling the storm in Luke 8:22-25 was helpful in my situation…

Now it came to pass on one of those days, that he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples; and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake: and they launched forth.  But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.  And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, We perish. And he awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.  And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And being afraid they marveled, saying one to another, Who then is this, that he commandeth even the winds and the water, and they obey him?

I learned 3 lessons from this story:

1) I’ve learned that the “boat” of our lives may easily be “rocked” by the “storms” of life.  Even the “friends” of Jesus who are following His lead will run into “storms” in life.  Such a “storm” can take control of our lives to some extent and make the decisions FOR us!  We can find health, financial, or other problems, or even other people, can make decisions for us.

2) I’ve learned that we have no control over the “boat” of our lives. The disciples found that they couldn’t keep the waves out of their boat.  They were about to be “swamped” and sunk.  Sometimes, WE may feel like the “storms” of life are “sinking” us and we are being overwhelmed with troubles and feelings.  And they couldn’t go in the right direction!  When the “storms” of life overtake us, we can’t go in the direction we planned on going.  I’ve learned that when you lose your spouse, your life takes a different direction and looks differently to you than you ever planned!  When the disciples lost control of their boat, they ran to Jesus and when we lose control of our lives in a “storm”, it is a good time to go running to Jesus in prayer!

3) I’ve learned that Jesus is in control of ALL things.  Jesus is in control of “storms” or events of our lives (Lk. 8:25b)!  He will make them turn out for OUR good (Rom. 8:28).  And He will bring an end to them at the RIGHT time (Ps. 31:14-15a).  Jesus is also in control of the “boat” of my life!  Another time when the disciples were in a storm and Jesus came to them is recorded in Jn. 6:21.  Jesus brought them safely to where He wanted them to go and He will bring ME safely to where He wants me to go!

When we feel like things are “out of control” for us, we can always go to Jesus who is in control of all things!

Schierkolk’s Mexico Video

Check out the Schierkolk’s current video of their work in Mexico.  The Schierkolks are home on furlough at this time.  Pray for their timely return to Mexico.

Empty Shoes to be filled in April…

Editor’s note:  Visit the Jore’s blog here!

Redemption Needed…

Yesterday, I (Andy) returned from another weekend of teaching Bible seminars in two different cities. It was an interesting weekend as two polar opposite realities were on display. What a joy it was in one congregation to teach a group of 25 young adults who desired to learn and grow in the Lord. God is working in this group. Unfortunately, at the next location, the spiritual pendulum swung. I have heard, read, and in some ways experienced the catastrophic effects upon spiritual life caused by 70 years of atheism.

However, yesterday opened my eyes and I saw this devastation afresh. To be honest, it was completely discouraging to witness a congregation not interested in Jesus and spiritual things. Seventy years of atheism on demonstration. Yet as polarizing as this trip was, I believe it illustrates the situation here in Ukraine well. There is light. God is bringing people to repentance and faith. People are growing in the Lord. Yet at the same time, so many are distracted and hardened to God’s Word. Despite how difficult and deep these problems are, the answer for Ukraine is quite simple. Ukraine needs Jesus. They need the profound message of the cross, for it is only the penetrating Word of the Gospel that can break through hardened hearts and bring forgiveness and salvation.

Editors note:  To read the rest of this newsletter, receive an invitation and know how to pray for the Coyles,  please click here.