Short Term Missions Assistants

Jim & Cindy Lilly will be making a short term trip to Ecuador in February, their first step as AFLC Missionaries. They have had a heart for missions for many years and planned to do part time ministry when Jim retired. The Lillys’ future plan is to be AFLC missionaries on loan to World Missions Prayer League working in Ecuador.

 

Cassie Nash has been accepted to work with an orphanage in Haiti. Her vision is to develop transitional homes for the young people leaving the orphanage and moving toward adult life. She is hoping to join the ministry in mid-February.

Hans Taner will be assisting Nate Jore in Uganda on a short term basis in the interim between AFLBS and more schooling. Hans’ heart desire is to follow God’s leading every step. Today he is praying for God to raise up a second man who will be able to partner with him in this endeavor.

Andrew Abel is serving in Brazil developing a promotional DVD for the various ministries being done in the country. This may develop into ongoing short term assignments to produce similar DVDs for each of our fields. Andrew will graduate from Northwestern College spring of 2011.

Jacob O’Flanagon is on short term assignment in Brazil. He arrived in December and will be serving on the Bible School campus in Campo Mourao until March. He is using his practical skills and servant heart to support the school with maintenance and ground keeping.

 

 

Nathan Olson, back from Brazil, is continuing his short term service.  He is developing material for the Ambassador Institute and fulfilling some final college requirements. Nathan’s next step will be to enter AFLTS this fall.

 

 

Jon Nelson has returned from short term service in Brazil and is at home in Kalispell MT. Jon is praying over several possibilities for future ministry including full time youth work and AFLTS.

 

 

Justo Pillman has taken a year or two off from mission service as he prepares for and marries Patricia Ballman (the wedding is planned for March, 19, 2011). They are seeking God’s direction; as they are pursuing a call to AFLC Missions but the field they will serve is still uncertain at this time.

Andy and Monica Coyle

The Coyles have accepted a missionary call and to be AFLC Missionaries on loan to Eastern European Missions Network. They will be teaching at the Bible School in Odesa, Ukraine

Ambassador Institute

Pastor Kevin Olson and Glenn Mork participated the first graduation of Uganda’s Ambassador Institute Class in Uganda. Led by Nate Jore, the students have now completed the certificate level and will be passing on what they have learned.

This year the Ambassador Institute will be providing supplemental pastoral training for AFLC pastors in India. Pastors Kevin Olson, Jim Rassmussen, Al Pinno will be among the teachers; bringing pastoral tools and encouragement to church leaders.

Jonathan and Tamba Abel

Jonathan will be the main speaker for the AFLBS World Missions Conference, Jan. 23-25, 27.  He will also share at AFLBS chapel services on Jan. 25th and 27th.

Jonathan and Tamba will also begin a year long furlough in the spring of 2011.

Paul and Becky Abel

Paul and Becky came home for an eight month furlough in 2010. They had a very full schedule, visiting many churches and returned to Brazil on December 27th.

Remember them in your prayers as they have very busy schedules in the days ahead.

Uganda

The AFLC and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Uganda have decided to work separately. The decision was made so that each can pursue their varying goals.

Seminary Missions Class

The Association Free Lutheran Seminary held classes on AFLC missions Jan 10-14.  The classes focused on the history and ministries of AFLC World Missions. The classes were taught by Del Palmer, Connely Dyrud, Kevin Olson, Jonni Sliver and others.

Tomasz & Miriam Chmiel

Tomasz & Miriam recently resigned from Eastern European Missions Network. That means they are no longer missionaries on loan with the AFLC. They are currently working with a new ministry called Josiah Venture and support can be sent to:

Josiah Venture

Acct # 82041

P.O. Box 4317

Wheaton Il, 60189

New Ambassador Institute Inquiry

The latest Ambassador Institute Inquiry is out.  It is formatted to be easily read and inserted into your church bulletin.

Click here to read.

Jacob O’Flanagan

I wanted to send off another update to every body and wish you all a happy new year. Thinking back a little bit it amazes me all the things that God has brought me through just in this last year alone.

I started off the year at Bible School finishing up my classes for MTI.

Then in February I went on my MTI internship to KAKN radio station in Naknek Alaska where I was able to work with Brian Davidson and Jeff Swanson. After I got back from Alaska I started talking with Del Palmer about going to Brazil and getting things started for that. I spent my summer working at Camp Phillips Scout Reservation, a Boy Scout camp about 20 minutes from my house. And in the fall I worked in a warehouse helping store the potato harvest, while finishing preparations to go to Brazil. And now, I have been in Brazil for about two months and God has been faithfully answering the prayers for energy, connections and language.

Thank you all for your prayers,

Happy 2011,

Jacob

Jonni Sliver–January Update

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Pr 16:9  Praise the Lord, He knows the beginning from the end and I can trust His end! Therefore if my plan and His direction take divergent paths - I will follow His lead!

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” Pr. 21:1 If God directs kings and potentates, I can trust Him to lead . . .

Click here to read entire newsletter.

Greetings from Schierkolks

“And you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Mt. 1:21

Feliz navidad from Mexico! May this Christmas be one of hope and peace for you because of Jesus. This past year held a number of rather eventful things for us, and we’re very grateful to God for seeing us through them all.

To read entire greeting click here.

Connely Dyrud’s Christmas Greeting

AFLC Missionary Connely Dyrud Pastor Connely and Carolyn Dyrud began serving  the Lord as missionaries in Brazil in 1969.  Carolyn went home to be with the Lord on September 24th, 2005.  Throughout the years they labored side by side at the Free Lutheran Bible School and Seminary at Campo Mourao, Parana, Brazil. Connely now serves Christ as a missionary at large, recruiting and training up a new generation of missionaries by teaching at the Ministry Training Institute of AFLBS. He travels throughout the United States promoting the cause of Missions. You are here to share with us! Thank you so much for being co-laborers with me and the AFLC mission this year. Your prayers and gifts mean so much. They are very important for sharing Christ’s love. May the Lord bless you now and forever more. A Blessed Christmas and New Year to you and your family. Pastor Connely Dyrud 8938 Oakview Lane N Maple Grove, MN 55369 connely.dyrud@aflc.org  PDF of Connely's Greeting

Why was HE born here? ".....But when the time had fully come God sent His son......" Galatians 4:4-6 Why was Jesus born here? The exact time, place and person to whom Christ was to be born to was prophesied in the Old Testament. His mission on earth was also prophesied and accomplished. Redemption is a gift given to us so that we might live with Him eternally. That is way HE was born here, and we were born here too. Why was I born here? Why was I born to such unloving parents? Questions I’ve heard from people both in the USA and around the world. It is painful to hear people suffer at this time of year with these issues that have not been resolved. In Acts 17:26-27 we read that God “determined” our “time” and “exact place” for us to live on earth. This is God’s will so that “men would seek him and perhaps reach out to him, He is not far from each of us.” Isn’t that a wonderful promise to know for you and me? Why are you here? Many people have asked me that question at this time of the year with all this snow and cold, and then continue to say, “I’ll bet you wish you were back in Brazil where it’s nice all the time.” True! There are only two seasons there; NICE and NICER! I believe God has called me here, to this cold, to share the love of missions every day and to everyone I come in contact with today. This last year I’ve continued teaching in the MTI, Bible School and travel to the AFLC Churches, Bible Camps sharing the call to missions both home and abroad. I’ll return to the AFLC Brazil mission to teach there for the month of March 2011. Thanks for praying for me!

Update on Jacob O’flanagan

I'm back from the doctor. I have an eye patch and some pills. What happened to my eye in technical terms is that I got a corneal abrasion.

Thank you for all of your prayers.

Jacob

Nathan Olson–Christmas Greeting

Nathan Olson is a Short Term Missions Assistant. 

Many Christians in our world are full of complaints, grief and discomforts. The thought of rejoicing seems unlikely or impossible looking at the circumstances that surround them. May the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the remembrance of the salvation that he brings for our lives bring a joy that is non-circumstantial and that goes beyond the daily grind of our lives. May our joy continue to be in Him!

Click here to read entire greeting.

Pray for Jacob O’Flanagan

Yesterday I was raking and accidentally poked my eye in a pine tree, and today it is feeling much worse.

I am going to the hospital for it now. Please pray for me.

Jacob is a Short Term Missions Assistant working in Brazil.

The Privilege of Sharing

Working Together Our missionary work is the result of many people working together.  As we look forward to returning to Brazil the end of December to begin our eighth missionary term we are again looking for people who are willing to commit to being a part of our team.  You can do this by reading our letters, praying for us and helping financially. We want to thank those of you who have faithfully contributed to our regular support over the years.  As we have persevered for over 25 years so have many of you – we are long-term missionaries together! We would also like to take this opportunity to let you know of some of the projects approved by the World Missions Committee that might be of interest to you as you consider donating money to missions. Donations Gifts can be sent to AFLC World Missions 3110 E. Medicine Lake Blvd.  Minneapolis, MN 55441.  Please include a note with your gift explaining how you want your gift designated.  You will receive a tax-deductible receipt from the Missions Office. If you prefer online giving, visit http://www.aflcworldmissions.org/wm/  and look at the left side of the page for a dropdown list to make your donation. “They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.  And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”   II Cor. 8:3-5 Personal Support Our salary and ministry funds are supplied by gifts designated to personal support.  This is the fund that keeps us on the field sharing the Gospel with the Brazilian people. National Leadership Conference Funds are allotted for offering a Leadership Conference for our Brazilian pastors and lay leaders once a year.  Money helps provide for the conference as well as for transportation needs for those who live far away.  Our pastors are poorly paid and this is one way we can bless them and encourage them in the ministry. ARCA Bible Camp Scholarships Each year children and teens are blessed with the opportunity to go to Bible Camp because supporters donate money for this project. Many youths meet Christ at camp and others make important life and ministry decisions because of their time in this place. $50 helps subsidize one camper. ARCA Bible Camp This fund helps with capital improvements at the camp. We are still in need of funds to complete the re-surfacing of the gymnasium floor which was our project for 2010. In 2011 there is a need for new bunk beds and mattresses   ARCA Social Outreach As urgent social needs arise, this fund enables us to help people who are unable to meet basic needs – food, shelter, medicine, lab exams, rehabilitation and counseling, etc.   Seminary Scholarships Money to this fund helps provide scholarships for students in Bible School and seminary as well as to provide educational opportunities for our national pastors. Student Work Fund This money goes to the Bible School and Seminary to provide work opportunities for on-campus students to offset the cost of their studies. Thank you so much for your partnership in this ministry!

This message was sent from Paul and Becky Abel through the AFLC World Missions email newsletters.  To get the Abel’s or other missionaries email newsletters directly click here.

Schierkolks’ Update

“God has ordained to dislodge and
defeat Satan by the prayers of His
people.” -Wesley Duewel

Kirstie felt nervous on her first day as a teacher in the Kid’s Clubs. She’s a big 7th grader now but the class she has on Tuesdays can be a handful.  Thankfully, Samuel volunteered to be her helper.  Even so, day one of the Club was a tough day.
Actually, it was for all of us.

Click here to read newsletter.

Jore’s Christmas Greeting

December 2010 Merry Christmas O Come let us adore Him! This was the theme of the Christmas program we hosted in our home recently with 8 other missionary families. Hannah, our little angel, belted, "Glory to God in the Highest!" right on cue. Jude, our smiley shepherd, had been counting the days until he could sing his solo in "Go tell it on the mountain". And Elijah, our serious wise man, shushed his fellow wise men as they prepared to go on stage... "You guys, this isn't practice anymore. This is the real thing!" It was a joyful evening of celebration and worship together as we recounted the story of Christ's arrival on earth as a baby.  Elijah Wesley Our oldest is already 6 1/2 and sprouting up past all of his buddies. I just told him today that I'm going to have to take him to the market soon for new clothes as he's growing out of his whole wardrobe. Elijah is a deep thinker and is always throwing questions at us, "How could God never have been born?" "How can heaven last forever?" "How do you make plastic?" "Who invented the piano?" He began piano lessons a few months ago, and although he isn't so sure he loves it, we often hear him plunking away and figuring out how to play some of his favorite songs. He enjoys reading "The Boxcar Children" and doing science experiments and art projects. He can't get enough of fishing with Dad in the Nile River, just a mile from our home, or playing soccer. He and Jude have become gardening-lovers, like Dad, and have their own tomato, bean and corn plants that they faithfully take care of. Elijah is our official egg-checker (we have 11 layers) and he takes this job very seriously. Our prayer for Elijah is that he will grow to be a humble man of prayer and a bold testifier and follower of Jesus. Judah Benjamin Jude is our passionate 5-year-old. You never need to guess how he feels about something. His love language is no doubt "physical touch". If we ever need to help him get out of a foul mood, a little snuggling and kissing will do the trick every time. He is an avid book-lover, and is quite excited about the fact that he can now read 3-letter words all by himself. He and Elijah joined a gymnastics class a few months ago, and he loves it so much that he can't stop giggling whenever it's his turn up on the trampoline or on the mat. Like Daddy, he loves bird-watching. If you ever catch sight of our little blondie flying out the front door and racing to the yard, peering up at the sky, it's probably because he has heard the familiar bird-call of the "Turaco" (his favorite bird) and he is eager to catch a glimpse. Our prayer for Jude is that his driving passion in life will be to follow Jesus and serve others. Hannah Ellen "Hannah, how old are you?" "Four," is the reply every time. Our 2 1/2 year old is eager to be a big girl and to be a part of everything her big brothers do, including school time. This is the reason why she no longer includes naps in her daily schedule. The afternoon is when the boys typically sit down to work on their math, writing and reading. She was not at all okay with missing out on all that fun. She now hurries through a 30-minute quiet time in her room and then races out to join the fun, taking up residence at the end of the table, coloring away or seriously sorting beans. Hannah also enjoys pretending that she is Jeremiah's 2nd mother. She is thrilled to no longer be the lowest on the totem pole in our family and has already begun bossing around her infant brother. I'm sure he has many years of this to look forward to. We are praying that Hannah will grow to know how deeply loved she is by her Creator, and that she will find her worth and identity in Him alone. Jeremiah Daniel On June 29th we received an amazing and precious gift. Jeremiah Daniel was born in Kampala, the capital city, after a long and intense labor. We laughed and cried and praised God for this new life that He has entrusted to us. He was joyfully embraced into our little family, and he could not be loved more fiercely by his proud siblings. He is a jolly and roly-poly little man who is content to hang out on a quilt on the floor or in Mom's baby-carrier, watching and giggling at all of the activity around him. One quote by Jude that we'll never forget, said when Jeremiah was a few months old: "I love Jeremiah the best in our family, but I think he likes milk more than me."  Our prayer for Jeremiah is that he will boldly follow Jesus all of his days, and that he will continue to be a joy-giver to all of  those that he meets. We are soon to celebrate our 8th anniversary of marriage, and we have just passed our 4-year mark here in Uganda. We feel abundantly blessed to be married to each other, to be the parents of 4 healthy, happy, rambunctious little kids, to be living and serving here in Uganda, but most of all, to be the recipients of God's forgiveness and amazing love. Our prayer for our home is that it will be a place of peace and grace, not only for our family, but for all who enter. If you're ever in East Africa, let us know. We'd love to have you! With love, Nate & Rhoda    Elijah, Judah, Hannah and Jeremiah

This message was sent from Nate and Rhoda Jore through the AFLC World Missions email newsletters.  To get the Jore’s or other missionaries email newsletters directly click here.

Jacob O’Flanagan–Brazil

Jacob O’Flanagan is an AFLC Short Term Missions Assistant working in Brazil

It's been a little while since my last update but things have been going well here in southern Brazil. The past few weeks I have mainly been working with the grounds keeping at the Seminary and Bible school campus here in Campo Mourao.  So far I have been doing everything from raking, to working in the garden, to cleaning the walks around campus. Edival, who is the guy that I am working with here at school has been happy with the work I have been doing and I have had energy to do the work set out before me.

I've been back to Maringa to have Thanksgiving Dinner with the Abel Family which was delicious. I found out yesterday that I will be spending the holidays in Curitiba, the capital city of this state. So I am looking forward to and preparing for that.

We have had a couple of camps here over the past couple weeks which help the school out financially, and the buildings aren't being used for much else anyway since it's summer here and school is out.

I have been able to learn a little more and more Portuguese every day and am able to exist in a completely Portuguese speaking environment.  Last but certainly not least I have been able to make good connections with the people here even with the language difference.

Thank God for all of these things, and I ask for continued prayer in all of these areas.

Thank you all,

Jacob

Andrew Abel–Short Term Missions Assistant

As I approach my final semester at Northwestern I am faced with the task of a senior project. For a couple of years now I have thought about the idea of filming a promotional/informational DVD for the AFLC work in Brazil and possibly other mission fields later. As a way to unite this vision with my senior project I am . . .

Click here to read entire newsletter.

Christmas–Paul & Becky Abel

Go Tell it on the Mountain that Jesus Christ is Born!

From the mountains to the plains, through the forests and even to the desert, our furlough travels across the U.S. have been a mountaintop experience. . .

Click here to read the entire newsletter.

All I Want for Christmas–Jonni Sliver

As I have visited with many of you I have heard several of you say “You are going to love rocking the Babies”; and you are right! I have been practicing my cuddle so that I am ready for Pamela, Altieres and Thivaldy, three of the babies in the Miriam Infant Home. But there are others who are part of the Miriam family who are needing to feel special expressions of God’s love, even if it isn’t found in a rocking chair!

Deisy is a bright and sunny young lady, and at . . .

To read entire newsletter click here.

Darwin Jackson–Update

"Prayer, with thanksgiving, is the means God has appointed for our obtaining freedom from all anxiety, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding." R.A.Torrey.

We received a little baby girl last week. Little Melina was16 days old last Monday we she came to us. We're not sure yet how long we will have her. She suffers drug withdraws and failure to thrive.

Mary Ann was in charge of about one hundred volunteers serving over five hundred people a Thanksgiving meal last Saturday. By the grace of God and though your prayers everything went really well.

Cesar's adoption is being held up because CPS cannot get an original copy of his birth certificate. Now, after how many months, they say we have to go to Tucson and get it ourselves.

Our Sunday school in Mascareñas is doing very well, much more consistent now. We normally have 16 to 18 kids. Last Sunday about half of them were suffering from colds. One little guy, Manuel, was in tears trying to continue working on the prodigal son story. We stopped, had everyone lay hands on their neighbor and we prayed for one another.

Laura's adoption in Indiana didn't work out, she is now back here in Arizona. She has been over to visit a couple of times. Twice now she has called us to come get her because she was locked out of the home she's living at. It is possible she'll be coming back to live with us again soon.
There continue to be murders everyday in Nogales, Sonora. I talked with a lady who has moved from Nogales, Son. to Nogales, AZ. who says that the cartel are buying up a lot of homes in the more wealthy areas of Nogales causing a lot of people to leave and buy homes on this side of the border. Her husband is a lawyer, and is scarred to take cases over there for fear of them.

We continue to visit in the neighborhoods, the Lord opening doors every time for opportunities to share the Gospel. We shared Jesus with Jesus on Sunday. He said by his good behavior he'd get into heaven. He was on his way out, but he gave me five minutes to convince him his way wouldn't work and that he needed Jesus Christ in order to make it. I went over by two minutes, but I believe he was convinced.

God bless you all this Thanksgiving, and for your "prayer, with thanksgiving." May "the peace of God which passeth all understanding," fill you all, your fellow workers,

Darwin, Mary Ann, Gracie, Cesar.... and Melina.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Read more at our blog spot at: http://jacksonsfellowworkers.blogspot.com

Steve Kvales’ Newsletter

Seeming repetitious in what we have to say, I pinch myself and remember that until there are no more languages out there
waiting for God’s Word written in their heart language, we will press on with the urgency to bring God’s Word to the
Bibleless.  Lest we get lost in our daily routines, we turn to the wonders of God’s Word that refreshes us as water that
quenches the thirst. Like you, we have
personal struggles we deal with on an
ongoing basis that we need to continually
bring to the feet of Jesus. And as we trust God that it is in Him
that we live and move and have our being, He continues to anoint us to do
what He calls us to do even as the enemy tries to discourage us. The enemy distracts us to worry while the light of God’s truth renews our mind
to trust and obey. There is no greater peace experienced than that
which inhabits our hearts while we remain in the center of God’s
will. In obedience, God graciously promises complete joy (John 15:11),
peace (John 14:27), life (Matthew 16:25) and rest (Matthew 11:28-29). Please pray with us for open hands around the world waiting to hold God’s Word as you see the beautiful children in the photo above privileged to do. Pray that seeds come to fruition and more people answer the call to tend the task of bringing God’s Word to the nations.

To read the entire newsletter click here.

Jonni Sliver’s November Newsletter

People You Need to Know

It always amazes me that God allows us to partner with Him; that He would chose to make His will done on earth through the acts of His children. It both takes my breath away and blesses me! I have had many opportunities to see men and women in action walking out the Love of God, and I have seen the fruit of their
obedience.

I would like to introduce you to three such servants
who lead the Miriam Home ministry. They, on a daily
basis, lay their hearts before the Lord to serve the
children in His name. Your prayers for them are vital! They are not relying in their power, might or wisdom but on God’s and they need to be held up and blessed every day!

 

Click here to open the newsletter and read about these people.

The Good Samaritan

This week in the Butagaya class I was teaching on the Good Samaritan.  The moral of the story is simple: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”  As we were discussing the Good Samaritan, across the road a family was preparing for the funeral of their 16-year-old son.  He had been beaten to death the previous day for attempting to steal a machine for squeezing the juice from sugar cane (valued around $90).  Mob “justice” is a part of life here.

This week we saw a real-life example of one who loved his neighbor as himself.  Henry (not his real name), one of the students from Butagaya, had a friend whose wife was having complications 5 months into her pregnancy.  She was having labor pain (possibly miscarrying) for three days.  They had gone to the Main Hospital in Jinja which had refused to help them because they did not have enough money to pay.  Instead they referred them to a hospital in Kampala.  (Government hospitals are supposed to treat people for free, but don’t.)  Henry had gone and visited them in the Jinja Hospital and then went with them to Kampala.  He offered to care for their 1 ½ year old son while they sought to get the help they needed in Kampala.  As things turned out, the mom and baby both died and the grieving husband was faced with the task of transporting the body back for burial.  Henry managed to help him find a place for burial and helped with the expenses as well. He is continuing to look after his friend's son until he is in a place and position to care for him again. Henry has sacrificed his time, energy and finances this week as he has so beautifully loved his neighbor as himself.

Thank you for your prayers for our family. Please pray too for the widowed husband. He is an unbeliever and we are praying that he would come to know Christ as he is seeing selfless and sacrificial love modeled to him through Henry. 

We appreciate you all so much!

Nate and Rhoda Jore

Update from Nate Olson & Jon Nelson

We have a lot to rejoice in looking back on this last year and all that the Lord has brought us through. In February we had come to the end of a six month waiting period for receiving our visa to come to Brazil. The Lord miraculously provided this visa for us February 11th, and by the 18th both of us finally started off on our mission for Brazil. This time of waiting turned out to be a major blessing in our life, and we have since seen how the Lord used this to bring everything into action in his perfect timing.

During the eight months that we were able to stay in Brazil, we were able to learn a lot and see the hand of the Lord move in a lot of situations. We were also able to be active in working in three different local congregations with youth and children’s ministry, leading in worship, preaching, and assisting in camp ministries. We also had the chance to work in the revision and construction of a training material for the church body in Brazil for the instruction and education of Free Lutheran doctrine for the churches here.

During this last month of October, we have really had a great month to finish in. We were able to have Nathan’s dad come down and spend two weeks with us here in Brazil, traveling and promoting the Ambassador Institute to the churches here. In that time, we were able to visit the churches in Londrina, Maringá, Curitiba, Campo Mourão, and Foz Igauçu to spend time ministering with them and talking with the pastors. We also attended and had the Manual Evangelico presented at the AILLB Annual Conference here in Brazil and the Manual was preliminarily approved by the board. We look forward to the Lord continuing to use that which we have worked on and labored with even past the time that we will be spending here.

The ministry in Brazil is very strong in many areas. The members of the churches are very open about their faith and it was refreshing for us to see this after coming from a culture that is not nearly as open about what they believe. The people here have a strong desire to make the church body here grow to its full potential. This is very evident with the active involvement that the people have in their local congregations. The desire to be involved in Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Studies, Camp Ministries, and Evangelism all are a reflection of this. Though the ministry here still needs missionaries, with the leaders of today and looking to the leaders that we see tomorrow, we feel that the ministry here will do nothing but grow stronger as long as Christ is kept at the center and they are continually looking to Him and His Word.

We look to the book of Nehemiah, as the Israelites had finished building the broken wall of Jerusalem in fifty-two days. In Nehemiah 6:16, it is said of the Israelites that “they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of [their] God.” For the both of us, as we come to the end of our time here in Brazil, we truly have the same perception of the ministry here. Without the help and power of the Lord God Almighty, we would not have been able to accomplish that which we have done. We praise God for His work, His faithfulness, and for His provision for us during this time. May the Lord also continue to show you His faithfulness as He has shown it to us. We want to thank you for your prayers and support during our time here, knowing that this would not have been possible without the prayer partners we have in you

Our next needed prayer request would be for our 39 day trip home leaving November 1. For blog updates during our trip, please continue to follow us at www.preachandteachbrazil.wordpress.com where we will be posting updates along the journey. There, you may also find our itinerary of the trip which will be posted.

Only Jesus,

Jon Nelson and Nathan Olson

Nathan Olson–STA Newsletter

Continuing the Work

From February-November, 2010, I worked as an assistant for AFLC
World Missions in Brazil. While
there, I saw the need for support of the church leaders around the world. My goal is to equip those in need of biblically sound material and provide them with the resources that they need to become missionaries to their own people. The cost to support this
mission project is $15,000.

To read Nathan Olson’s complete newsletter click here.

Paul Abels’ Newsletter

We are enjoying our fall travels through the Midwest. What beautiful weather we have had! That certainly parallels the warm reception we have had in all the churches we have visited. Thanks to all who have graciously welcomed us and listened to our story - the story of God's amazing work in the hearts and lives of the Brazilian people with whom we have had the privilege of working. Our travels will continue for two more months before we head back for Brazil and another term of missionary service. We both are a year older now and are feeling a bit of the stress of this "gypsy" lifestyle. Thanks for remembering us in prayer. God has kept us happy and healthy!

Click here to read the entire newsletter.

Jore’s Update

Members of the new Jinja class which began on September 23rd

Dear Friends,
While visiting the sick in Jinja Hopsital, Tracy (the woman in blue above) shared with several patients the story of Cain and Abel that she had just studied in our new Jinja Bible class.  Those listening asked, "But why do all the stories in the Bible talk about sin?  Why didn't God make sin end with Adam and Eve instead of passing it on to their children?"  One of those listening was a man who was near death from AIDS.  He said, "I am here today because of my great sin.  I have slept with many women and have murdered many of them by infecting them with HIV and now I am reaping the consequences of what I have done."  The man was hopeless and fully expecting to receive the fires of hell as his deserved punishment for how he had lived his life.  He asked Tracy why God created this world when He knew that we would become sinners, deserving hell.  Tracy gladly shared with him the sweet message of the grace of God.  "Jesus took the sins of the world on himself as he died on the cross; including your sins.  You can be forgiven of your sins and receive eternal life."  The man replied with excitement and relief, "I have been waiting to hear this good news," and he prayed, confessing his sins and receiving the gift of salvation that had been offered him.

Tracy is part of a new class that we started on September 23^rd here in Jinja.  It is different than the first three classes in a number of ways.  This is the first class that we have started in town.  The first three classes have all been in village locations and attended by the local Basoga people.  The new class is conducted in English because it is the common language among the students.  (There are over 40 languages spoken in Uganda) There are eight languages represented among the students whose hometowns cover nearly every region of Uganda.  Jinja has many residents from other districts because there are more opportunities for employment and education here than in most villages.  So far there are 14 students attending the Jinja class.

When Jesus was choosing his disciples, he did not choose the learned Pharisees, but instead chose the common fishermen who were ‘ordinary, unschooled’ men.  In many ways, the Jinja class is also comprised of the ‘fishermen’ of Jinja.  Most of them are common workers and ‘ordinary, unschooled’ men.  It will be interesting to see how God uses this class to further his Kingdom. Please pray for the students with us, that they may grow in their understanding of the Truth, and that they will be bold in sharing their faith with others.

Meanwhile, as the class in Jinja is just beginning their 1^st term (starting with the story of Creation), the Butagaya class is soon completing the 2-year Ambassador Institute program.  What will come next for those completing the training?  Reproduction has been at the core of our goals for the training program.  We are praying that among those who graduate, there will be several who feel led to begin training others in the teaching that they have received.  The Kagoma class was the first example of this as Fred (one of the Butagaya students) is now using the Ambassador Institute training there.  Fred has recently started taking another of the Butagaya students along with him to help him teach in Kagoma as he hopes to begin training in yet another location next year.  Three other students have told me that they are also planning to begin training in other locations.  Multiplication always starts slowly, but we are excited to see the beginning of it!

On the home-front, Rhoda and the kids are enjoying spending their days learning together.  Elijah especially enjoys Math and Science, while Jude loves Art and Music.  Elijah recently started piano lessons, and Jude is eager to start on the drum.  They both recently joined a gymnastics class, taught by a British woman who is here doing aid work, where they can get all of the flips and jumps out of their system each week, instead of on our couches.  Jeremiah is growing chubbier and jollier by the minute!  He sure is fun to have around.  Hannah takes her job as “big sister” quite seriously.  She would be quite happy if we gave her more one-on-one time with him, but since finding her sitting on him on a few different occasions, we keep a close eye on her.  She hasn’t caught on yet to the fact that she can’t rough house with him like she does with her big brothers!

We try to keep our blog regularly updated with pictures, so keep checking back for recent shots, even if you haven’t heard from us in awhile. You can find us at:

www.jorenews.blogspot.com

Thank you, friends, for standing with us and praying for us. We are so grateful for your support. We are always encouraged by your messages, so please keep them coming!

Serving Him together with you,
Nate, Rhoda, Elijah, Judah, Hannah and Jeremiah Jore
nrjore@gmail.com

St. Paul’s School–AFLC India

Sushma has come from a poor Christian family.  She has completed 10th grade at St. Paul's Lutheran School, AFLC – India. 

Sushma says that when she looks back to her school days, it was by God's grace and the prayers of pastor Alvin Pinno President of AFLC Canada and founder of EECC, she could complete her studies in school and started 11th grade (Intermediate School 1st year).

When she received very good results in 10th grade she came back to the school and conveyed her thanks to each and everyone who helped her.

Our school is very proud of our kids like this who are eligible to go to higher studies in college.  So far 38 students were promoted to higher studies from school.  Praise the Lord.