Christmas

Without Christmas, there would be no missions! Because of Christmas, we have the supreme example of the obedience we should show as we follow Christ’s command to make disciples of all people groups. Let me invite you to take a few minutes and mediate on Philippians 2:5-12 (taken from The Message):

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.

Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.

What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.

Kingdom Partner Websites

I have added links at the left for our Kingdom Partners, the Griffiths and the Leveringtons (which is still under construction).

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Go to the the International Day of Prayer website and learn how to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. The second Sunday of November has been set aside as a day for all of us to remember those who do not have the religious freedoms we take for granted here in America. Be sure to go to the PRAYER REQUESTS link for specific prayers for strategic nations.

The Observation Deck

One of the benefits I enjoyed while attending Moody Bible Institute was living just north of downtown Chicago. I was a short walk or subway ride from many wonderful places. I could window shop on Michigan Avenue, enjoy the lake and Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park, see the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo, or experience a ballgame at Wrigley Field. But my favorite thing to do was to go up to the observation deck of the John Hancock Center.

When you live downtown in a big city like Chicago, you live and move in man-made canyons. With the limited view, it is harder to see the bigger picture of your surroundings. In that urban jungle, the only places you could truly rise above to get a clear perspective was by going to the top of either the Sears Tower or the Hancock Center. Although the Sears Tower is taller, the Hancock had a spectacular view of both the lake and some of the most beautiful parts of Chicago. Even when it was cloudy or overcast, I still marveled at the view.

I suspect we usually live our busy lives in our own version of “downtown man-made canyons.” We focus on the next project we need to finish for work, the next activity our kid needs to attend, the laundry that needs to be done, or the vacation that seems to not come soon enough. Rarely do we rise above the hectic pace and the legitimate needs in our daily lives to see things from God’s perspective. But only then do we truly see things as they really are.

I want to invite you to join me on the observation deck of life to see God’s grand plan for all of history. It will require some time and even some money. But the view is breathtaking—and quite possibly even life changing. You will see the beauty of what God has been doing throughout human history and the role that God would have you play in making it a reality. In fact, I would suggest that every decision you make will most likely be faulty until you see the world from God’s perspective.

Next January we will host Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. For more information on this incredible 15 week course, go to Perspectives.org or pick up a flyer from the Kingdom Partners table in the lobby at New Covenant.

The Family that Blogs Together...

The McCollum's have become a family of bloggers! You not only can keep up with the family at their website, you now can read a blog by Connor and Ariel. The links are also permanently posted on the right if you need to find them again.

Enjoy!

Tammany is Home

After a long and hard day of travel, Tammany safely arrived in Cedar Rapids -- 10 minutes early! Be sure to make her feel welcome when you see her at church on Sunday.

Tammany Is in the Air!

According to the American Airlines website, Flight 3579 took off at 3:51 PM. The estimated arrival time in Cedar Rapids is 5:45 PM. (Personal experience says she could be 15 minutes earlier or 30 minutes later than that time!)

See you at the airport to welcome Tammany!

Tammany Block Return Info

Tammany Block, who has been one of our Kingdom Partners serving with Operation Mobilization on the Logos II, returns to Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, September 19.

For those of you who wish to meet her at the airport you have two options. Pastor Mark Forstrom will be taking a shuttle bus of friends from New Covenant down to the Eastern Iowa Airport. The bus will leave at 5:15 PM and return before 7:00 PM.

Or you can come join us at the Eastern Iowa Airport. Tammany is scheduled to arrive at 5:55 PM on American Airlines Flight# 3579 from Dallas.

Muslim Prayer Focus

It is easy to fall into stereotypes about what it means to be a Muslim. Some people ignore them while others demonize them as all being terrorists. As Christians, we are called to love both our neighbor and our enemy, so whatever your view of Islam, our response should be the same. We should love them into the Kingdom.

How will we reach the Muslim world for Christ? Is it even possible? There is no easy answer to the first question, but I do know one element that is essential: Prayer. The Bible is clear that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Those who don’t know Christ have been blinded by our true enemy, Satan, and so we must depend on the power of God to remove that veil (2 Corinthians 4:3-6).

Reaching Muslims for Christ is most assuredly possible. It is happening all over the world. And in every story I hear, prayer is what truly made the difference. So let me invite you to make a difference by joining with me in praying from September 13 to October 12 for Muslims around the world.

For the next 3 Sundays, you can pick up a copy of the 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus from the Kingdom Partners mission table in the lobby at New Covenant (a kid’s version is also available). This prayer guide coincides with the Muslim month of Ramadan. Here is a short explanation from the introduction in the prayer guide: “The goal of this prayer guide (while far from being comprehensive in its portrayal of Islam) is to inspire and guide each reader as s/he pleads for Muslims before the throne of the Almighty. We encourage you to seek further information and to gain a greater understanding of the Islamic world and God’s activities among Muslims, as well as firsthand knowledge by developing friendships with Muslims.”

If you do not attend New Covenant, or if you prefer to use an online prayer guide, the website www.30daysfire.net has videos, photos, and music from the various countries, cities, and people groups cited in the prayer guide. You can order your own copy of the guide by going to http://www.30daysprayer.com/muslim/2007/default.htm.

Team Reports

If you are in the Cedar Rapids area, make plans to come and hear what God has done through the Czech Business English Camp Team and the Emergency Landing Team. The reports will be shared on Sunday, September 9, at 12:30 PM in the Activity Center at New Covenant. A pizza lunch will be provided ($2/person).

Missions Is About...

Finish this sentence: “Missions is about…”. What would you say is at the heart of missions?

Some might answer, “Missions is about the missionary. Our goal is to pray for and support those who are serving all over the world.” That is understandable. Without a missionary who goes, there would be no missions.

I suspect that many would say, “Missions is about the unreached, those who do not know Christ. The purpose of mission work is to make disciples of all the people groups.” That, too, is a worthy goal. Jesus commanded us to do this very thing.

There are a few who would say, “Missions is about the glory of God. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. The purpose of missions is to see God glorified as people from every tongue, tribe, and nation worship before the throne.” I am one of those few. While missions requires missionaries who go to make disciples of all people groups, the primary focus of missions is not on the missionary or the people group. The focus is first and last upon God and his glory (see Psalm 67:3-4; Isaiah 56:6-7; John 17:1-5; Romans 15:15-17; Revelation 7:9-12).

Does this really make a difference? Is it really crucial that God’s glory be at the core of mission work? As I study the Bible, I have come to the conclusion that it makes a world of difference. Focusing on the glory of God provides the fuel and the foundation for mission work. When we make the missionary our primary focus, we can easily miss the bigger picture of what God is doing by becoming attached to a person rather than to the goal to make disciples. When we make “the lost” our primary focus, we tend to operate out of guilt and obligation. But when we make God and His glory our primary focus, we value his servants who serve as missionaries and we share his love and compassion for those who have never heard.

One day missions will be no more, but giving God glory is something we can and will joyfully do throughout eternity. Missions is the means—it is not the end.

Emergency Landing Has Landed!

Emergency Landing is safely home! Of course, the return trip had its own challenges. They barely made their connection in Chicago, so their luggage did not arrive. But their families and friends are just happy they are back.

Check back in a week or two for a few more pictures and stories about the trip.

Emergency Landing -- No News Is...

As the saying goes, no news is good news! I have not heard of any delays or difficulties with the team's return, and their British Airways flight# 299 is on schedule. So I expect Emergency Landing to arrive at the Eastern Iowa Airport on American Airlines flight# 4005 shortly after 10 PM tonight. If I hear anything different, I will post an update here.

Emergency Landing Week 2 Update

We have just returned from Southern Kyrgyzstan where we played 4 concerts. The first was outdoors and the other 3 were indoors.

So far the people have been quite open and friendly. We had an altar call in Jalalabad and 15-20 people came forward. That was a pretty awesome moment! While in Osh we climbed Solomon Mountain - the Muslims believe that God will hear their prayers when they pray on this mountain. Legend has it that this mountain was part of King Solomon's Kingdom.

We have our final concert tomorrow in a prison. It's hard to believe our time here is almost over. We have learned so much about being dependent on God and of His constant faithfulness. We look forward to sharing with you all when we return.

Emergency Landing Team

Emergency Landing Scheduled Return

I will post any updates I receive in the next few days, including any changes to the return plans for Emergency Landing. So check back often!

Emergency Landing is currently scheduled to return on Thursday, July 26 at 10:05 PM on American Airlines Flight# 4005. Be sure to check the American website or call to make sure the flight is on time before heading down to the airport! :-)

Emergency Landing Update

We have arrived safely in Kyrgyzstan, although a day late due to the flight cancellation. But praise the Lord that we were still able to play our first concert! We've been unable to connect to the internet or call before now so it looks like contact may be rare.

We had our first concert last night in Naryn. It went very well -- good turn out and receptive crowd. Tomorrow we head to the southwest and do four concerts over the next 5 days. Please continue to pray for the people who come to our concerts so that the work that God has already started will continue. God has already done some amazing things in the just the first few days of our journey so we are excited to see what the next week holds.

Thanks!

Angie and Jess for the team

Emergency Landing Rerouted

Every team I train, I try to emphasize the importance of flexibility. Emergency Landing has been a textbook case for why!

When the team arrived in Chicago, they learned their British Airways flight to London had been canceled. On a Saturday night, that is not a great time to find alternative routes. And when you are flying into a place that is not a huge vacation or business destination, there are not a lot of flight options to choose from.

The team spent the night in Chicago and then began the task of researching their options. God opened up an alternative route through Turkey. The last I heard, they were getting on the plane and should now arrive in Bishkek at 3:15 AM on Tuesday. Their instruments and bags are supposed to go with them, and their first gig is Tuesday night. So keep praying! :-)

Emergency Landing Has Taken Off

Emergency Landing is on their way. It took a little work to get all of their instruments checked through, but God provided a way at a fairly nominal cost. Here are a few pictures of their departure.

Checking in at the airport

Repacking the drums

The entire team checked in and ready to go!

Emergency Landing Details

Here is an email from Angie concerning the Emergency Landing team:

We are preparing to depart in just a few hours. Our flight leaves at 4:55 this afternoon and we will arrive in Kyrgyzstan on Monday morning at 5:15 am. Kyrgyzstan is eleven hours ahead of us. Please pray for safe travel, that all of our luggage and instruments get there with us, and for God to use us greatly. Your prayer support is critical these next 12 days. Thank you for being willing to partner with us in this way.

Here is our itinerary that we know so far:

16 - we'll go to Narin after airport (6-7 hours to drive)
17 - concert in Narin
18 - way back to Tokmok (rest time) in hotel and apartment
19 - start to Maylusuu (ab. 10 hours or more),night in hospitality apartment
20 - concert in Maylusuu, night in hospitality apartment
21 - start to Zalalabad (1-2 hours), hotel
21 - concert in Zalalabad
22 - start to Osh (1-2 hours), hotel
22 - concert in Osh
23 - second concert in Osh.
24 - way back to Tokmok (12-13 hours)
25 - Belovodsk prison
26 - Departing day. We return to Cedar Rapids at 10:00 pm.

We’re not sure how often or how good our internet connection will be over there so Sharon Pagel has agreed to forward any e-mails or messages on to you. [If appropriate, they will be posted on this blog as well.] We look forward to what God has planned for us and can’t wait to share His love to a people who need Him.

God bless,

Angie (for the team)

Emergency Landing Departure

Emergency Landing is scheduled to depart from the Eastern Iowa Airport on American Airlines Flight# 4295 at 5:05 PM on Saturday, July 14. If you want to see them off, the best time to come by the airport is between 3:30 and 4:30 PM.

Be sure to pray for them as they use music as a way to be ambassadors for Christ. I will post any updates I receive here on this blog.

Are Short Term Teams Worth It?

Do short term mission teams really make a difference? Is it really worth spending thousands of dollars to send someone to another country for a few weeks or months?

Perhaps you have asked these or similar questions about short term missions—and they are good questions to ask. I have wrestled with these issues as well. New Covenant spends a substantial amount of time and money in preparing and sending out short term missionaries. But just because we have seen results does not mean this is the best way to do missions. We live in a microwave culture that tends to think we can accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Is a short term team actually effective?

The question that needs to be answered is this: What is our mission? Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28 is clear: we are to make disciples of all people groups. That command is the foundation for everything we do at New Covenant, both locally and globally. So the mission of every short term team is to make disciples—to see individuals move a step closer in their understanding of and obedience to Christ.

Let me be clear: We do not send short term teams for the purpose of discipling the individuals on those teams. That would be using others to meet our own needs and agenda (and a very expensive discipleship process!). The focus of every short term team is always on the mission site and their needs. Discipleship of the team members may well occur, but it is not why we send them.

So can we actually do cross-cultural discipleship in a short amount of time? Absolutely! Effective discipleship can happen if we are partnering with a local church or ministry. In fact, some missionaries have told me that our coming allows them to accomplish in one week what would normally take them six months or a year. I believe there is even a biblical foundation for this model. I will share more about that in a future blog.

Czech Team Pictures

The Czech Business English Camp team have posted pictures from the camp and their time in the Czech Republic on Flickr!. They hope to have some of the students also post their pictures on this website. Here is the link to the pictures: http://www.flickr.com/groups/englishcamp/

Here are a few pictures from Prague and the camp.

Leaving Teethmarks in the Czech Republic

Over the next few weeks I will be posting pictures and stories from our Czech Business Camp team. You can read the first one by clicking on this link and reading Erin's blog: http://fromthebirdnest.blogspot.com/2007/07/leaving-teeth-marks-in-czech-republic.html

Senior High Mexico Trip

The senior high team is currently down in Mexico building houses for Casas por Cristo. You can track their location by using one of the two websites: http://www.db0anf.de/app/aprs/stations/mobile-kc0cd-9 http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KC0CD-9

They arrive back here on Sunday, July 8, and will give an update at 6:30 PM in the worship center here at New Covenant. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Czech Team Safely Home

Even their return trip was not without adventure, but the team (except for Tom who is in Europe on a business trip) safely arrived home in Cedar Rapids this evening. I have already heard brief updates about the trip and can't wait to hear more. Here are a few pictures from their arrival. Enjoy!

Flight Delayed

The Czech team's flight has been delayed. The current estimated arrival time of 6:35 PM has changed to 8:15 and then to 7:00 PM -- so your guess is as good as mine for when they arrive!

You can look up the current status at www.aa.com for flight #4353 from Chicago (ORD) to Cedar Rapids (CID -- also called the Eastern Iowa Airport) to get the latest update on when to meet the team at the airport.

Czech Team in London

Hi,

Found a wi-fi hotspot with my Mac, so I thought I'd drop a quick email. We've made it safely to London. We are tired, but doing well.

We are supposed to leave at 11:40 am London time and arrive in Chicago at 2:10 pm Central time. Then hopefully Chicago won't be normal and we'll actually get out on time (which is 5:35) and be in Cedar Rapids at 6:35 pm.

That's it for now. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

-Erin

Czech Team Returns

The Czech Business Camp team is scheduled to return at 6:35 PM on American flight #4353 at the Eastern Iowa Airport.

Satuday Czech Business Camp Update

The picture at the left is of our partner church in Trinec. The team will be attending services there on Sunday. The picture below is of Prague at sunset.


Here is part of an update from Erin:

Close of camp went very very well. Today during debriefing we went
through each student and made comments about what we saw happen in their lives during the week. There were several that at the beginning of the week were declared atheists, but by the end they were really participating in the English Reading Time Studies, and some even coming to the Optional Bible Study. We definitely saw a lot of growth in people. Relationships among not only us and the campers were excellent (the many tearful good-byes revealed that), but among the campers themselves. It really was a wonderful camp. Now Bronek and Lora and Cindy get the fun of following up! :o)

I preach in the morning, so if you get this before 2:00 am your time [on Sunday], say a prayer for me. :o) Or maybe you should pray for Bronek since he has to translate me. There is a reason they put me with the highest level of English speakers, you know! :o)

We are catching the train at 6:00 am our time to head back to Prague on Monday. Pray that everything goes smoothly.

While this has been an awesome week, I am looking forward to seeing the staff again and especially seeing my family again. Give everyone my regards, as well as from the whole team.

On behalf of the 2007 English Camp team,
-E

Praying for bin Laden

Christianity Today has a very challenging interview with Brother Andrew posted on their website. I encourage you to take time to read "Have You Prayed for bin Laden Today?"

(Click on the title above or go to this link: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/juneweb-only/125-52.0.html)

Friday Czech Business Camp Update

Here is a short update from Paul:

THANK YOU for praying. I believe God has answered.

Today's Bible study on what it means to be a Christian was well done and well-attended with good participation.

We have seen some very good things the last couple of days. Students are open about where they are at spiritually, and are asking good questions provided heaven-sent opportunities to share the truth and love of Christ. My last two morning sessions have gone 30 to 45 minutes overtime (with everyone staying) and today a student wanted to continue the discussion at lunch (which we were late for). Others are reporting similar experiences either in class or in discussions outside of class.

Tonight is the banquet and end of camp. May the Christian students leave encouraged to grow in their faith, and may the others be encouraged to seek the Lord who gave them this week in His presence.

God bless!

Paul

These are pictures of last year's "banquet." The participants do not eat a meal. Instead it is a celebration time where the students eat a dessert and receive their certificate for attending the Business English Camp.

Thursday Czech Business Camp Update

Here is a short update from Erin:

The team is doing very well. We are all still getting along with each other and the campers. Lots of laughter has been heard, even in classes.

(Ron just walked in - I said "what update would you like me to send to James?" and he said "We are alive and well!")

I twisted my ankle on Tuesday, badly enough that I couldn't do Lysa Hora on Wednesday. It is still hurting a bit today but the swelling went down and it is quite a bit better.

We've had some great conversations with people, both encouraging to the believers and deep with the pre-Christians among us. The returning campers have asked about all of you who have been here before and wish more of you were here. I can tell after being here how important the relationships are - I didn't quite realize that before I came.

Many of those who are not followers of Christ yet have had great questions. My conversation/English Reading Time (Bible Study) group is a pretty low level English group, but today it could not have been any clearer who Christ is and who he claimed he was. The great part is that the students were giving the answers, not me.

So that is a bit of an update. Tomorrow is the last day with the banquet in the evening. It appears that quite a few are not sticking around for the banquet, so pray for good closure with the campers.

Then pray for rest for the team. While everyone is doing really really well, a good night's rest will be very welcomed!

Thanks for asking, James. We appreciate your prayers.

Tuesday Czech Business Camp Update

I received a short update from Paul:

"Camp is going very well. God has been evident as in the past and we see very good things happening."

He asked for prayer for the next optional Bible study on Wednesday at 3 PM (8 AM Cedar Rapids time). They spent time today looking at how the Bible contrasts the holiness of God with the sinfulness of man. The next study will explain how Christ is the answer to that conflict. Pray that the students will return (it is an optional study) and that the message would be clear. Pray too that the students would see the person of Christ demonstrated in the lives of the Czech and American believers who are attending the camp.

Monday Czech Business Camp Update

I received a short email from Erin. He said the camp is off to a good start. All of the missing luggage trickled in over the weekend. Erin's suitcase was the last one to arrive and he thinks everyone is glad to see him finally shave and wear a different shirt! Here is how he closed his email:

"And thank you for praying for us. We need it! While we are all doing well in our tasks and relationship building, several of us have already had very late nights (do to work, not playing games) so we need any rest we get to be deep and complete."

So keep praying!

Here is a link to info about the conference center and the organization who owns it: http://www.josiahventure.com/about/index.php?aboutID=15

Business English Camp Has Begun

The team has safely arrived in Malenovice and have already begun testing students to determine their placement in an English class.


Prayer requests:

• I have been told that a few pieces of luggage had not arrived yet as of Saturday. Pray for them to be found and delivered.
• Pray for the team as they form or renew relationships with the students.
• Pray for the team as they begin the first full day of camp on Monday. They will be teaching English, English Bible Reading class, Conversation Class, and leading two business seminars and an optional Bible study.
  

McCollum's Have Arrived

Here is a short email from Mike McCollum:

We are safe in Zagreb. We just slept through our first night in our new house. We are blessed by a nice house with good landlords. We look forward to sending more updates soon.

McCollum Departure

Thanks to the help of Jim & Sandy McCollum (Mike's parents) and Danette Brooks, with assistance from Dave & Ruth Stavlund and Tom Pietz and a very patient United Airlines agent, Mike and Brenda and the kids were able to make it to the Cedar Rapids Airport, check in their 27 pieces of luggage, and begin their journey to Croatia (by way of Denver and Chicago!).

Unloading the luggage

It is finally all checked in!

A final good-bye at the airport security checkpoint

Be sure to check their website for updates and for more pictures of the rental house God provided in Croatia by going to http://mccollum.sendcroatia.org/ .

Their new rental house which God provided just a few days ago!

Czech Team Departs

The Czech Business English Camp Team checking in at the Cedar Rapids airport

An extra package that didn't meet the TSA regulations! :-)

The team (except Tom who is already in Europe)

A short devotional

A listening audience

Czech Business English Camp 2007

Czech Business English Camp Team 2007 (from left to right):
Paul & Cathryn Rustebakke, Ron Rohrssen, Erin Bird, Tom Lloyd, Luke & Deborah Ryon

Here are details provided by Paul Rustebakke, a member of the team:

Camp Schedule

• June 13^th Fly out of the Eastern Iowa Airport at 1:30 PM
• June 14th Arrive in Prague before noon, tour city and prepare for travel to Třinec
• June 15th Travel to Třinec via train
• June 16th Prepare camp for students arrival on June 17
• June 17th Morning - Students arrive and assessments begin. Evening - Opening of camp.
• June 18^th to 22^nd Camp Schedule

7:00 Team Meeting/Prayer
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 English Class
11:30 English Reading Time (Bible Study)
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Free time/Bible Studies
4:30 Business Workshops
6:00 Dinner
6:45 Conversation Class
7:30 Evening Events
9:00 Game/Fellowship time

• June 23^rd Finish Camp, Team Debrief
• June 24^th Church service in Třinec, Prepare for Travel to Prague
• June 25^th Travel to Prague
• June 26^th Fly to Cedar Rapids (estimated arrival time is 6:30 PM)

Prayer Requests

Except the LORD build the house, They labor in vain that build it. (Psalm 127:1)

• That God would do in us (the team members) whatever He must to make us effective witnesses of His love and power to save
• That we would maintain focus on and trust in the Lord Jesus both for our needs and the fruit of the ministry
• That our visibility would decrease so that Jesus may receive all the glory for His presence and work
• That the spirit of team unity would be strong, and that the students would know we are Christians by our love and service
• For health, safety, and protection from the discouragement and derailment the enemy will try to bring
• That no weapon formed against us would prosper, but that all things would work together for good
• For camp logistics and that students would be placed in classes most beneficial to them
• That the students would be drawn to the person of Christ present in Spirit in the earthen vessels, Czech and American, representing the body of Christ at the camp
• For Bronek and Lora (Czech missionaries) as they recruit students and make arrangements for camp in Malenovice
• For the camp staff, our van driver, and the other service people we meet—that God would bless them for their service to us
• That the week we are there would never end but stay alive in the hearts of each student
• That God would be honored