Give Thanks

How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” (Romans 10:14-15 NET Bible)

There are many things for which we can give thanks this Thanksgiving. Perhaps the most important is for those who shared the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection with me and who today do so with others. So to all you true Kingdom Partners out there, both here in Cedar Rapids and around the world, thanks for proclaiming the good news!

Team Africa Friday (Nov17) Update

Dear All,

I am just dropping in to say all is well - Our team reunited yesterday at Nakuru National Park for our time of reflecting on our time in Africa before we return.

We have enjoyed seeing the African environment - big sky, sunsets, acacia trees, lions, flamingos, zebras, all sorts of 'deer' antelope family, giraffes and the lush vegetation along with the mushy roads that cause us to spin and sway as we traverse some of the paths in the park.

This afternoon we spent 2 1/2 hours sharing thoughts and feelings of our experiences with the various people we met with while here. A very rich time as we begin to process our experience.

If any on you are interested in more details about this trip, may I suggest that you schedule a coffee/Coke time with any team member of your choice. It is important for the team to have people ask about one story they would like to share or a favorite 'picture' they have in their mind from their experience. This first answer will be 1-2 minutes, if you are interested in more then ask questions. Their experiences are as varied as the weather in Iowa!! God has done some amazing things and it is to Him we give the glory.

We will be leaving tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 18) for Nairobi late morning, travel 3-4 hours on, needless to say, bumpy roads, have lunch then do some shopping, dinner and arrive at the airport by 8 p.m. for an 11 p.m. flight. This will begin our airplane journey back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

If you are in Cedar Rapids on Dec. 10 we will be sharing at New Covenant beginning at 12:30 p.m. (pizza lunch) along with the team that is returning from Mexico. We would love to see you there!

Thank you for your faithfulness in praying. The Lord has kept us all in pretty good health, safe travel, and a heart that continues to be open to more of Him.

One of the members said that our 'mission trip' is not over until we see Christ face to face. May we all be faithful in our mission trip here on earth to give Christ the credit for all!

As the Lord permits we will see some of you at the airport in Cedar Rapids on Sunday around 4:30 p.m. [See the post below for complete info on their flight into Cedar Rapids.]

Blessings to each of you!

Pat for the team

Men's Mission to Mexico Update

I just received a call this afternoon from Bob Sevier. The Mexico team had a great time -- and they also got the house built! Everyone is well and they are back in El Paso. They return home Friday with lots of stories to tell. Thanks for your prayers.

Mission Teams Reports & Return

For those of you in the Cedar Rapids area who have been following our teams in Africa and/or Mexico, here are some dates and times to note on your calendar:

Team Reports:

On Sunday, December 10 at 12:30 PM, we will have a pizza lunch ($2/person) in the Activity Center at New Covenant. Team Africa and the Men's Mission to Mexico will each give a report about their trips. No reservations are needed.

Men's Mission to Mexico Return:

Friday, November 17 at 5:45 PM at the Eastern Iowa Airport
(American FL# 3579 from Dallas / Fort Worth)

Team Africa Return:

Sunday, November 19 at 4:19 PM at the Eastern Iowa Airport
(Northwest FL# 2956 from Detroit)

God's Blessing

May God bless us! Then all the ends of the earth will give him the honor he deserves. (Psalm 67:7 NET)

There is no question that our nation has been blessed. We generally enjoy financial prosperity, religious freedom, and physical health. The issue is not whether we have been blessed. The issue is what are we going to do with that blessing?

From the beginning, God has given blessing for a specific purpose. As you look at Genesis, God blesses the animals and mankind with the goal that they would be fruitful and multiply and fill all of the earth (Genesis 1:22, 28). God blesses Abram (later called Abraham) with the purpose of bringing blessing to all of the families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3). In case you miss the implication, Psalm 67 spells it out in black and white: God blesses us in order that all of the earth would praise His name.

God wants us to enjoy the fruit of our blessing, the prosperity that comes from our hard work (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26). But that enjoyment only comes from knowing God and therefore knowing His plan. The Great Commission was not a new plan! It was God’s intention from the beginning to reach every ethnic group (see Revelation 7:9). When we join in that plan, we have the joy of participating in the greatest adventure available in this life!

So what are you doing with your blessing? How are you investing it in something that has value for eternity (Luke 16:9)? Let me get personal: This starts with your regular giving of your time, money, and talents at your church and to other worthy ministries. It continues with your prayer for and encouragement of those who are doing the work of the ministry (both here and overseas). It is only truly done when you are one day in heaven.

You have been blessed. Now what will you do? Choose wisely. Your decisions will have an impact for eternity!

Team Africa (Uganda) Tuesday (Nov 14) Update

Hey All from Jinga, Uganda!

Jan and I made the trip to Uganda this past Saturday (Nov. 11) and began meeting the women that night and then began training Sunday a.m. through evening and then finished today at lunch time.

It was a glorious time as each woman attending was hand picked and personally invited. Each woman who attended serves as a leader in the church or in Hesed Ministry. The group was a mixed group from various churches and ministries - the first one of its kind. Harriet, our point person was anxious to hear how the women would respond. She was very pleased with each woman who came as they responded positively and got to know other women in different situations. ANSWER to PRAYER!

Jan and I were able to connect and communicate well with each woman attending - PRAISE!!

Thank you all for your prayers and your encouragement!

We are now able to view some of the crafts that are being made here. We will be returning to Entebbe tomorrow for our flight to Nairobi and then a 3 hour drive to meet the rest of the team in Nakuru. We have been praying for the rest of the team regularly. We haven't been able to be in contact so we are anxious to meet together again!!

We are at an Internet cafe so I cannot down load any photos -- we have lots :}}

All is well as far as I know :}}

We are all enjoying the food -- PRAISE!!

Now that our 'official' ministry is finished pray for our debriefing time as we share personal experiences, thoughts and feelings prior to coming home. This is important to really get a grasp on what the Lord has been showing, teaching and doing in and through us.

Lots of experiences, feelings and miracles have been experienced!

Blessings to each of you!

Pat and Jan

Team Africa (Kenya) Monday (Nov 13) Update

We arrived safely at Kipkaren on Saturday. After a very warm welcome from the children, students, and staff we were given a tour of the site. It's amazing what God is doing here, we have lots to share! Everyone on the team is doing well. Today we begin a painting project as well as continue with our teaching, singing, and loving the children. Our visit to the village church yesterday was wonderful and Eric did a great job giving the message. We will join Pat and Jan on Thursday in Nakuru. Thank you all for your prayer support, we feel it daily.

Teri for the team

Team Africa Friday Update

Here are some comments from the team this time :}}

Oh, the stories to tell of God's provision and grace, of the Kenyan women and their joy in worship and prayer, the children who have very little except a whole lot of God's love channeled through the ELI staff and "parents" of these orphans and so they are the most joyful (and well-behavied) children I have ever seen!! THANK YOU for your prayers - I think of you all praying often throughout the day - you are undergirding this team and how I praise God for each of you.

Peace, love and joy to you all,

Jan
.................................................

Pretty much there is all good news...there are many spiritual battles I'm fighting in my mind, but that's a good sign because if it was no threat, I would have no struggles (so that's why it's a good thing) and the second thing is that I have joy down in my heart, deep deep down in my heart. J.O.Y. down in my heart deep deep down in my heart. Jesus put it there and nothing can destroy it, 'stroy it, 'stroy it YEAH! So that's why I have to sing (just one song in my heart). It's all so encouraging.

OLIVIA
.................................................

Everything is going great and we are having the best time. The country is beautiful and the people are so loving and welcoming. You can see and feel God's love in their hearts. The children will be hard to leave behind.

Vicky
.................................................

I love being with these children!!! Those who know me know that I LOVE hugs and this is the place for hugs. The smiles, love and joy are contagious! It is awesome seeing God at work.

Connie
.................................................

We have been very busy today and this email has already taken a whole day for all of us to write! Since we started it, there have been so many more God things witnessed I don't know where to start. Thank you for praying for us.

ERIC
.................................................

It's been such a great three days! The time with the children has been awsome. To see how much they have grown both physically and spiritually since last year has been a delight, and their hugs and laughter are the highlight of my day.

Well, the day has been full - it is time to turn out the lights. Tomorrow - Nov. 11 - Jan and Pat will be travelling to Uganda; Terri, Connie, Eric, Olivia,Vicky and Anne will be traveling about 1 hour by car to another village - Kipkaren.

There are several 'unknowns' to us so pray for openness and flexibility. Also pray that we [Pat & Jan] will have favor once again through the airports and visa process from Kenya (Eldoret --> Nairobi) to Entebbe, Uganda and then a 2-3 hour drive to Jinja.

I am not sure if you will have another email from us until we reach State side as Internet access may be quite limited since there is NO electricity in Kipkaren and am not certain about Uganda. Again - we as a team are so very thankful for your partnership and being a 'team' member.

Blessings to all,

Pat

Team Africa Thursday Update

Dear All -

Thank you for your prayers for our 6 hour journey on the very bumpy and rough roads to Eldoret from Nairobi. I will have to say that there were some parts of "new road" that were much like our highways.

We have settled in quite well.

Our children's ministry and work projects are seeing progress -- the scraping was finished yesterday and today we are painting. Also the children are getting use to us and have welcomed us with literally open arms as they gave us hugs.

The women's conference is seeing women growing in their understanding of how God views them and how he has intended to have them believe who they are. As some of the Kenyan women have said - there have been some breakthroughs.

For all of these things are are grateful to the Lord for His Spirit who is at work. We are honored and privileged to be His vessels.

Praise:

1. Still generally in good health - Connie and Terri are dealing with periodic headaches
2. Food is good :}
3. Getting sufficient sleep.
4. Realizing that there is a spiritual battle between flesh and Spirit

Pray

1. Continued health
2. Finish strong at Ilula before Jan and Pat go to Uganda and the rest of team (Terri, Eric, Connie, Olivia, Anne and Vicky) to to another village called Kipkaren
3. We would be able to finish the projects we have begun - painting, and hanging of curtains in the children's rooms.

We are so very grateful and thank God for you as you pray by faith and encourage us! Blessings to all.

Pat & the Africa Team

Team Africa Tuesday Update

Dear all,

We have arrived safely here in Nairobi.

Praises:

1. No extra fees for luggage from CR
2. Great connections - easy and relaxing as one can be when travelling
3. Provision of GOOD airplane food ;]]
4. Good night sleep. We got to bed before midnight; many woke up between 3 and 4 a.m. and then snoozed until it was time to arise.
5. Everyone is in good health

Today -

1. In a few minutes we are leaving for cross country ride to Eldorett -- 6 hours.
2. All of us ladies have our skirts on as we have packed our slacks until we depart on the 17th.
3. I has been raining - Kenyan roads have large ruts- potholes and so we have been proactive with motion sickness medication.

Last night as we gathered as a team we couldn't help but pray for you - our undergirders of the faith - for your encouragement and support. It is with great praise that I write this on behalf of the team.

Continue prayer for-

1. Safe travels
2. Health
3. Special God moments - to see his reality in and through us
4. Greater dependence and trust as we prepare for our ministry opportunities today for tomorrow (Nov. 8)
5. Spirit led ministry
6. Each of us would have a special connection with 1-2 kenyans - to know their story, their heart.
7. All of us would be learners - seek first to understand.

We are excited and many are still saying - 'let's go!'

Blessings to each of you!!

Pat on behalf of the team: Anne, Eric, Jan, Connie, Olivia, Vicky and Terri!

Team Africa Packing Party

Last Monday night, Team Africa had fun packing the supplies they need for their ministry in Kenya and Uganda. They will be taking 9 "action packers" along with their own luggage, so pray everything safely arrives!

They will be at the Eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids) Airport at 11 AM this coming Sunday, November 5, to begin their journey. They will fly to Minneapolis/St. Paul, then Amsterdam, and will finally arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, at 8:20 PM on Monday, November 6.

Their primary time for ministry will be Wednesday, November 8, through Wednesday, November 15. Terri, Eric, Connie, Olivia, Vicky, and Anne will be involved in children's ministry at ELI in Eldoret, Kenya, as well as with a work project. Pat and Jan will be involved with a women's conference in Eldoret, then will travel to Uganda for a women's training conference. The team will reunite for a debriefing at Nakuru National Park on Friday, November 17.

They will begin their return journey on Saturday, November 18, and are scheduled to arrive back here in Cedar Rapids at 4:20 PM on Sunday, November 19.

I will post any updates about the team as I get them, so check this blog in the coming days.

Here are some final prayer requests from the team as they prepare to leave:

• Final details in leaving - work and family as well as team preparations
• Health and Safety for all
• Favor at the airport, no problems with customs
• Unity and Spirit-led ministry as a team
• Appropriate sleep on the flight as well as making all of our connections.
• Open to any God-encounters on our way to Africa

The Persecuted Church

Have you ever met someone whose personal story is so overwhelming, you leave stunned and transformed? I am sure if I had ever met the Apostle Paul, that would have been the case. To hear him tell how Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus would have been incredible. To listen to his stories of perseverance in the face of persecution would have been inspiring.

I met such a person while I was a student at Moody Bible Institute. At that time I was part of a group who met regularly to pray for believers behind the Iron Curtain. Someone invited Richard Wurmbrand to come and speak. He was a pastor in Romania when the communists took over the country. He was imprisoned and tortured multiple times for his faith in Christ. I left that meeting with a new respect for those who do not enjoy the religious freedoms we have here in America.

Sunday, November 12, is the International Day of Prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. Make no mistake, persecution still happens today. While the Iron Curtain may have fallen, there is still a need for us to remember those who suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Let me encourage you to learn more about what is happening around the world. Pray for the governmental leaders, that they would allow us to practice our faith in peace. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted that they would be empowered to show the love of Christ to their persecutors. Pray for our government, that they would effectively challenge oppressive regimes to allow religious freedom.

For more information, check out these websites:

There is an International Day of Prayer website with links to a number of organizations who support persecuted believers around the world.

Missions Network News has regular stories about those who are persecuted for their faith, as does the website Christian Persecution Information.

Voice of the Martyrs has stories about those persecuted for their faith; information on how to write to those in prison; information on the International Day of Prayer; and a short biography of Richard Wurmbrand. They also have a blog with stories about the persecution of believers around the world.

Open Doors USA has a free packet of materials you can request that will help you know how to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Prayer Guides

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:1-4 NET)

For the last month my wife and I have appreciated using a 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus guide. It gave helpful information concerning those of the Muslim faith around the world. We are a few days behind but will finish it soon.

Because New Covenant is hosting Perspectives on the World Christian Movement this coming January, I was checking out the Perspectives website at www.perspectives.org . While there, I noticed something new or that I had previously missed. They have links to a number of prayer guides that will help me pray more intelligently for people around the world. I look forward to using these resources once we are done with the 30 Days guide.

It is right and appropriate to pray for our own needs as well as the needs of friends, family, and co-workers. But as Paul urges in 1 Timothy 2, we should also pray for the world around us. These prayer guides may help you as they have me obey this command.

http://www.perspectives.org/menuprayer.html

Pray for Our Teams

November will be a busy month. We are sending out two teams, one which will travel to Kenya and Uganda, and the other to Mexico. I will post updates on these teams as they become available, so check this blog while they are gone.

Please remember to pray for these teams. Here are a few requests:

Team Africa -- Kenya & Uganda (November 5- 19, 2007)

• Pray for us that our preparation for children’s ministry, work projects and adult training would be done in a timely fashion and with flexibility.
• Our team would be an encouragement.
• Unity on the New Covenant Team and with ELI and Hesed staff would be evident.
• For good health and physical stamina.

Men's Mission to Mexico -- Juarez, Mexico (November 11-18, 2007)

• To raise the full support needed for this trip ($1,800 per person).
• Safety on the work site.
• To be an impact for Christ on the Mexicans with whom they come in contact, including the family for whom they are building a home.

A New Beginning

Changes are coming! Check back soon for new posts and new updates about Kingdom Partnerships at New Covenant!

The Power of the Resurrection

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21 NIV)

The resurrection is the greatest event in human history. As we celebrate the fact that Jesus conquered sin and death, it is appropriate that we also look at his words following his resurrection. Jesus said that in the same way he was sent by the Father, he is sending us out into the world. These words give us the hope, purpose, and power we need to accomplish the enormous task of preaching the Gospel to all of creation.

Jesus was sent with a very clear purpose: To reveal the Father’s glory—his character and nature—so that we could become the children of God (John 1:10-18). We have the same mission. We do not have to “convert” people. Instead, we have the simple privilege of revealing God to others (see 2 Corinthians 3:7-18).

We also have the same power. Paul makes this clear when he reminds us that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that is at work today transforming peoples lives and building his church (Ephesians 1:19-23).

Because we have the same purpose and power, we can offer the same hope: Peace. Peace with God. Peace with others. Peace with ourselves. Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has abolished the law and its commandments (Ephesians 2:14-18). That does not mean it is ok to sin. Instead, it means that through Jesus we can now be reconciled with God. Everyone, regardless of their actions, their race, or their age, can have equal access to the Father.

So as you celebrate Easter, remember that it is more than a time to remember Jesus’ resurrection. Easter is our empowerment to go and offer the same peace to every single person in the world.

Power from on High

He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49 NIV)

Have you ever heard this commission preached on in church? I would suspect it has been very rare. Yet it is still relevant for us today.

The Gospel is not something new. Instead, Jesus says “This is what is written.” We are part of a message that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve may not have known all of the details, but God’s plan has never wavered. He has never had to make adjustments because of unforeseen circumstances. Instead, he has faithfully implemented his plan and he will do so in the future.

Our main role is to be “witnesses” of what God has done. You do not have to be a theologian. You do not have to answer every question. You simply are asked to share what you have seen God do in your own life and in the lives of those around you.

The Gospel can only be shared when we “have been clothed with power from on high.” From the start this has been about God, not about us. We can never talk someone into repentance. We can never forgive their sins. These are both acts of an Almighty God. Our privilege is to simply be the conduit to bring the message of hope to those who have no hope.

God is at work. Our commission is not to make something happen. It is simply to join in the work he is already doing. The only way you will truly experience the fullness of God’s power is to obey his command to preach in his name to all nations.

Until Everyone Has Heard

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15 NIV)

When you read the commission in Mark there is no question what Jesus is telling us to do. We are to “preach the good news.” What is that news? It is clear from the context that the good news is that Jesus rose from the dead. He is alive. His death on the cross fully paid the penalty for sins and he has conquered death itself.

It is not enough to just share the news with our friends and family. Jesus instructs us to share it with “all creation.” That has enormous implications. Our job is not done until the good news has been told to people from every language and ethnic group. It requires us to be proactive in taking the message to people who have never heard.

What we call “Missions” here at New Covenant is our obedient response to Jesus’ command. It is our intentional strategy to see that all of creation hears the good news of Jesus Christ. Your participation in this is not an optional activity. God calls every one of us to do our part. Just as you can be a part of prayer, care, and share here in Cedar Rapids, you can do the same for missions work around the world. Take time to get to know one of our missionary families. Pray regularly for them. Show your care through an email, letter, or phone call. Financially support their ministry by giving each week to our general fund (which pays the support for our missionaries) and giving to the short term teams. Finally, prayerfully consider going on a short term trip or going as a long term missionary.

Our commission is not yet done. Your participation is still needed. Please contact me if you would like more ideas concerning how you can make a difference.

Go and Make Disciples

Last week I challenged you to look for the “commissions” that Jesus gave us. Did you find all of them? There are 5 “commissions” for us as believers. You can find one in each Gospel and one in the book of Acts.

Matthew 28:19-20 is the first “commission” we find. It tells us to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” As a kid, the emphasis was on the “go.” But in the original Greek, the text more accurately says, “As you are going, make disciples.” The reality is making disciples is not just something for missionaries. It is something we are all to do wherever we are at. None of us are off the hook.

So how are you doing? Let me encourage you to look for natural opportunities. Making disciples is not meant to be a classroom experience. It takes place as you rub shoulders with others each and every day. It happens when you meet regularly to pray, when you have teachable moments with another Christian, or when you model a godly life.

Let me also encourage you to think a little outside the box. For some of you God may have something new and different in mind for the “second half” of your lives. We are offering the Ignite Halftime Conference this weekend for this very purpose. It is one way you can explore how God can use your experience and passions to build His kingdom. This does not mean you have to become a “full-time missionary.” There are a number of ways you can serve the kingdom by just carving out a portion of your week. Our Ignite team would be glad to explore some options with you. Contact me for more information.

The Great Commission ???

I will warn you, this is a trick question! Ready? Here it is: What is the “Great Commission”?

If you have attended a church for a while, you may know it is something about “going and making disciples” and it is found at the end of Matthew. If you have been in a “missions minded” church all of your life, you may have immediately quoted Matthew 28:19-20. Technically you would be correct. This passage has often been labeled “The Great Commission.” But I want to suggest to you that the label is wrong!

Here is my point: The Bible does not have a “Great Commission.” Instead, there are five different “commissions” that Christ gives to believers. To label Matthew 28 as the “great” commission runs the risk of making the other 4 commands less important.

Here is your assignment: See if you can find the five commissioning statements Jesus gives. Take time to study them. In coming weeks I will write about each of them and how each one gives us valuable instructions of what we are commanded to do as a church. Together they help us understand what really makes up the “Great Commission.”

Czech Kids Camp Report

Ron Rohrssen, a member of the recent Czech Kids Camp Team, had this to share about his week at the camp:

Going to the Czech Republic to help with a kid’s camp was a natural extension of my work with kids in our Wednesday night Awana program. Since this was my first trip, I approached it with very few expectations. I prayed that God would use me for His purposes and that he would allow me to see how He was using me. In addition, I prayed daily for protection for the team, my family, and the teams’ families.

I believe that my prayers were answered in very obvious ways on this trip. Just weeks before the trip I was diagnosed with arthritis in my spine as the cause for much of my recent back pains. God completely removed my back pain during the trip! This allowed me to be completely mobile and play with the kids in every activity. Whether I was wrestling six kids into a snow bank, playing basketball, or being a pack mule for the team bags, I seldom gave the possibility of back pain a thought.

God also matched me with some boys who were going through similar experiences that I had faced with my family. One example is a boy named Adas (Adam). He was just beginning to learn about Christ because of his Grandmother’s insistence that he attend the camp. His Dad had forbidden the family from attending church or speaking of Christianity in the home.

My father’s reasons for keeping our family out of church were not the same as Adas’ father. But I was able to connect with him through this and other experiences. I prayed over each of the boys in my group individually throughout the week and had personal discussions with each of them about my testimony. Later in the week Adas told the group that he had “prayed the prayer to ask Christ to be with him.” Only Christ knows if Adas’ prayer was from the heart or a response to peer pressure. But I believe, at the very least, that Adam’s heart has been touched and seeds have been planted.

Here are a few pictures of Ron and his crew:

Our Focus

On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. (Galatians 2:7-9, NIV)

Paul understood the importance of having a clear focus for his ministry. His focus was to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles—which would include most of us here at New Covenant!

I am convinced this focus was hard at times for Paul. He had a passion for his fellow Jews, a passion so deep he was willing to give up his own salvation if it meant his people could be saved (Romans 9:3). As you read the book of Acts you find Paul preaching first in the Synagogue to the Jews before going into the market place to the Gentiles. But as you follow his story, it is clear that Paul knew his purpose. You find him making key decisions in order to minister specifically to Gentiles. Paul believed it was correct to target a particular group of people for his own personal ministry.

I believe that God can also lead a church to focus on a particular people group or type of ministry in its strategy to bring the Gospel to people in other cultures. This in no way excuses us from sharing the Gospel with anyone who needs to hear. But it is impossible for one church to share this message with everyone. Every year our Missions Committee has to make difficult choices about how to use the funds God provides through your faithful giving.

Please pray for the Missions Committee to have wisdom in discerning God’s unique focus for New Covenant Bible Church. We want to be obedient to God’s purpose for us as a church.

Camp Is Over

The camp is officially done. I am sure the team is ready for a rest after a very long week! They had a good time at the church and debriefing at Lida & Jarek's house. Here is what Bronek wrote to me:

"The camp was very positive and very successful. We appreciate all the ministry that your team did. I can say that it was the best AWANA camp we have ever had, both our AWANA team, the kids and even the kids´ parents were very excited and I am sure they will remeber this week for very long time."

Here are more pictures. I will post another set later when I get some from the team themselves.


Czech Kids Awana Camp 2006!


JoDee (on left) and Laura (on right) with their students


Emily playing Boggle with students


Bronek (on left) and Pastor Mick teaching the students


Extreme makeover, Czech style!


An alien made a guest appearance at the camp!!

Thursday's Pictures from the Camp

The camp is almost done! I will post any other pictures I receive, so check back here often.

Continue to pray for the team. JoDee is feeling better but still has a bad cough. Pray for the team as they share with the kids on Friday that Jesus is the King of Kings! And pray for their safe return!



2006 Czech Kids Awana "Snow" Camp!



JoDee


Games


More games!


Do you trust me?


Do you trust them??


What is Mick up to? Will Cindy and the group let him by?