McCollum Update

A few days ago Mike & Brenda McCollum sent out an update to their supporters. With the blessing and full support of the field staff and home office of SEND, the McCollum's will leave Croatia and return to the States at the end of February. They will spend time getting counsel and meeting with SEND to determine their next step. Their desire is to continue with SEND in some capacity at another location or in the home office.

Please pray for the family as they make this difficult transition.

You can read their update here.

Christianity Is NOT Just Another Religion

Let me start with clearly stating that many other religions show love and compassion. Many other religions have and are currently feeding the hungry, healing the sick, providing homes to those in need, and doing things that make a difference. Christianity is not exclusive in that regard.

While that is true, I am convinced that Christianity is uniquely different. Where other religions put people in bondage, true Christians know freedom and are much more relaxed. Where aid can temporary help someones condition, true Christianity offers a heart transformation that offers wisdom and comfort in any and every situation. (A "true Christian" is one who is a follower of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is alive and real and personal. The individual believes in a person, not just a system, and experiences a relationship, not just a religion. You are not born into it, and it does not come from following a set of rules. I am talking about evangelical Christianity.)

Christianity is demonized by some here in America. They see it as holding people back, as intolerant and too exclusive. There have recently been books suggesting the world would be better off without Christianity. I suggest the opposite is true. Christianity is the one thing that has civilized us. A true belief in the God of the Bible is the most important factor that has allowed Western Civilization to make the moral, scientific, and political advances we hold dear.

For those who question that concept, consider a recent column on Times Online entitled "As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God: Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem-the crushing passivity of the people's mindset" by Matthew Parris. Here is how it begins:

Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it's Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity working there. Pump Aid helps rural communities to install a simple pump, letting people keep their village wells sealed and clean. I went to see this work.

It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.

Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.

Here is a link to the full article: "As an atheist..."

The Word Made Flesh

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? (Romans 10:14 NET)

I do not know what I did before email. I love it. As an aspiring writer, it provides me a daily outlet to unleash my creativity. Even writing a simple note can give me a feeling of great satisfaction. But over the ten years or so that I have been able to email, I have made an important discovery. Email is not a good replacement for conversations. It has its place and is a very useful tool, but it can only go so far. Sometimes you absolutely positively must say it face-to-face.

The same truth applies to our relationship with God. I find it interesting that even though we have the Bible – God’s Word in written form – it alone is generally not enough. God chooses to still use human messengers. In fact, that is how He designed us. We were made for relationships.

So it should not surprise us that Jesus is referred to as the Word become flesh. And even though we cannot experience Him directly 2,000 or so years later, we do experience Him through His body, the church. The Gospel was never intended to only be handed out as a tract or broadcast over the TV. While God has at times used those methods, they almost always are just a tool that supplements what someone hears and sees in a flesh and blood believer that he or she knows.

Every Kingdom Partner we support is really an extension of that first Christmas. Jesus said, “Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21 NET). Obeying His command to make disciples of every people group usually requires that someone personally go to the people group. So as you celebrate Christmas, I hope it is more than just a fun time opening gifts with your family. Take time to personally share with others your relationship with God, and support and encourage our Kingdom Partners who are doing the same thing around the world.

Kingdom Partner Holidays

I remember spending Thanksgiving in Berlin, Germany back in 1998. I was returning from a mission trip in Russia and arranged to stay for a few days with Patrick. I had met him while he lived in Texas as an international student. He and some of his friends who had also lived in the States as international students wanted to continue the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving. But even though they were native Germans, could speak the language and knew well the stores in this modern country, they still had a really rough time finding some of the elements that make up a traditional Turkey dinner. I can only imagine what it is like for foreigner living in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.

Now think about Kingdom partners you know. Many of them live far from family in another country with a different culture. Imagine spending Thanksgiving or Christmas without relatives or the familiar traditions you have enjoyed since you were a child. While these missionaries gladly make this sacrifice, it still can be hard during the holidays.

You can make a difference by simply sending a Christmas card this year. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to contain a letter (though a brief personal note would be greatly appreciated). Sending a card lets them know they have not been forgotten and it gives them a tangible piece of our Christmas tradition. You don’t have to send one to every Kingdom Partner you know (though you can if you want!). Choose one or two that you know – or want to know – and drop them a card in the mail today.

WWJD

WWJD. Remember when the latest fad was wearing clothes or jewelry that had the initials for the phrase “What would Jesus do?” The intent was good, but it got old quickly. Worse yet, it often was answered with shallow thinking. (For example: A “loving” Jesus would never… [fill in the blank with whatever cause you want to defend].)

The reality is Jesus rarely did what we might predict or expect. When Jesus learned that Lazarus was dying, what did He do? Go heal him? Send a sympathy scroll? No, He stayed away from His close friend until he died. Yes, Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead, but who would have responded to WWJD with that as an option?

Consider Christmas. WWJD? Sure, it is easy now to say Jesus would be born to a humble family in an obscure small town in an occupied country. But who would have guessed it? And to be born as a baby in the first place? Inconceivable.

Most important of all, consider Easter. The idea that Jesus would suffer and die for us? Simply ludicrous. We may shake our heads in wonder that the disciples didn’t get it when He predicted His death and resurrection, but I seriously doubt we would have done much better. In fact, many still don’t get it. It truly is something we would not have offered as an answer to WWJD.

While Jesus’ character was consistent (He always displayed love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.), His actions were led not by a simplistic view of showing an act of kindness, but by a vision for what would be the greatest possible act of kindness. When he threw the money changers out of the Temple or took on the hypocritical religious leaders, it was an act of love and kindness done with gentleness and patience.

So as we “make disciples of every people group,” let’s make sure we are training them to be followers of the real Jesus, not the weak caricature so often portrayed.

The Stark Reality in Myanmar (Burma)

I came across a chilling article that details the horrible conditions that exist in Myanmar (Burma). Take time to read this article and pray for the people in this oppressed country.

Here is the article: Throwing Away the Key in Burma.

New Feature -- Unreached People Group of the Day

In case you did not notice, I have added a new feature to my blog. On the right, you will find information about an unreached people group. A new one will be highlighted each day. May this serve as a reminder that our mandate is to make disciples of every people group. Take time today to pray for the unreached people group listed at the right.

(Thanks, Deborah, for suggesting this addition to the blog!)

Van Zoest Family

Amazing. In less than a year, God helped Dan and Lisa Van Zoest raise up their support and they are already down in Nicaragua working with the Nicaragua Christian Academy.

Dan & Lisa are our newest Kingdom Partners. To learn more about them, their family, and their ministry, you can check out their website. And for frequent updates, including details about their first few weeks in Nicaragua, check out their blog.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Sunday, November 9, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Please take time to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer for their trust in Jesus Christ. For a list of agencies who can give you more information on the persecuted church, to go the International Day of Prayer website. For some ideas of how to pray, Campus Crusade has some good suggestions on their website.

Safe Arrivals

For those who are wondering, Amy Mich made it safely to Paris and Beth Larsen has safely arrived in Brno.

Amy has already updated her blog. Beth will update her blog soon.

The Flood Is Coming

I vividly remember June 10, 2008. It was the day before I left for the Czech Business Camp. At our staff meeting, Kim shared with us a private meeting he had attended where they were predicting the Cedar River would crest above flood level and flood our city. They talked about the urgent need to help those in the 100 year flood plain.

At that time, the prediction was a crest of maybe 24 feet, not the over 30 feet we actually experienced. We could not have imagined the devastation and loss of property that would occur. But we did believe a flood would happen. A number of Serve the City churches including New Covenant mobilized volunteers to help those in danger. They originally went to help people move belongings to a higher level, and later mobilized to get word out about the need to evacuate.

I know that we did not act alone, and I don’t write this to brag or give credit to ourselves. My point is simply this: We were told something would be true, we believed, and we took action on that information.

The Bible clearly teaches that those who do not put their trust in Christ will not have eternal life (John 3:18). It clearly says that people cannot believe unless someone goes and shares the good news with them (Romans 10:14-15). Jesus specifically told us to pray for workers who would go to those who need to hear (Matthew 9:37-38). So why is so little being done to reach and make disciples of every people group (Matthew 28:19-20)?

Perhaps you do not believe the flood is really coming. Yes, you might agree in theory, but you haven’t really driven down by the river and seen how high it has risen. It doesn’t seem real or urgent to you. I challenge you to take the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class here at New Covenant next January and learn more about the state of the world around us.

Perhaps you don’t know where to start. Consider praying regularly for Myanmar (formerly know as Burma), or join us Monday night, September 15, at 6:45 PM in Room 135 to pray for the Muslim world.

The flood is coming. What are you going to do about it?

(Picture courtesy of Austin Spooner.)

30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus

From the intro to this year's prayer guide:

The 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus coincides yearly with Ramadan (a holy month of fasting in Islam). This prayer movement calls upon Christians to make a concerted but respectful effort during this time to learn about, pray for and reach out to Muslim neighbors--across the street and around the world.

It is not our intention with this prayer focus to disparage Islam or Muslim sentiments in any way. We recognize that humans and the Muslim world are far too complex to simply or easily condense or explain with a mere booklet. At the same time, as Christians, we long for all the world's people to have an opportunity to understand the grace of God incarnated in Jesus Christ. To this end we inform ourselves, pray for, and support respectful opportunities to make that grace also know among Muslims.

To particpate in this prayer focus, go online to www.30daysfire.net. It will provide stories, information, and daily prayer requests during the month of Ramadan.

Franglais

Amy Mich, another new Kingdom Partner, will be departing next week for France to serve with Young Life. You can read her blog to get updates.

Moravian Living

One of our new Kingdom Partners, Beth Larsen, left Wednesday for the Czech Republic. Pray for her transition into her new ministry with Greater Europe Mission in Brno.

For updates on Beth, be sure to visit her blog.

Missionary Care Conference

Imagine that it was your job to support, encourage, and nourish a missionary family who lived halfway around the world. What would you do? Where would you start? What is the best way to offer quality, meaningful care from a distance?

New Covenant currently supports 22 Kingdom Partners – missionaries serving in countries all over the world. One of our core values is to support and care for our missionary families. To accomplish this goal will take more than just the Missions Committee. We need your help to care for our missionaries.

On Saturday, September 20, we will host a Missionary Care Conference. It will go from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM and be led by Dave Shepherd of Ministry Essentials International. Founded in 1996, Ministry Essentials exists to spiritually nourish Christian leaders by drawing them into a deeper experience of Christ. Here is how Dave describes his seminar:

“What is missions really about? When we send someone to the ‘mission field’ what are we hoping to accomplish? And while we each may have differing opinions and conclusions from scripture to answer the previous questions, there are a few more things we’ve not considered. In this seminar we hope to raise an awareness of mission realities beyond what you may already know. We also hope to better understand what we are really after when sending missionaries overseas. And finally, we will discuss some practical ways to encourage, nourish and support those we send.”

Session topics will include:

• Missionary Attrition Issues missionaries face (in what areas do they struggle?)
• Lines of responsibility
• What we are really after in missions
• What is already available
• Practical ways to help

Anyone with an interest in learning how to better care for a missionary is welcome to join us. To register, contact Jen Olsen at 319-395-0021 or send me an email.

Going Home

We had a great day today with our partner church in Trinec (Church of the Brethren in Trinec - Lyzbice). All I can say is "Wow!" They have done an incredible job on the facility they purchased around 3 years ago. They have taken an old, run down former communist era preschool building and turned it into an amazing center for ministry. I will post pictures later when I get home.

The main worship area has been transformed. It can seat around 80 or 90. They have put in a small stage up front, a sound room in the back, and even put up a copy of the Botts print from our church.

Downstairs they are creating a youth area where they can have a Friday night celebration club meeting. On the main floor they have leased out one wing to a local doctor (general practioner) and the other is used for the Christian Kindergarden (ages 3-5). The Kindergarden is absolutely beautiful, a wonderful place for kids to come.

Upstairs they have an office for their new Pastor, Slavoj, and two small classrooms where Bronek and Lorisa can teach English. There is additional room where they hope to one day build a flat (apartment) for the pastor and more room for another small conference room.

The vision of the church is to reach out to their community. By offering a Christian school, a doctor's office, and English classes, they make the church facility a place where their neighbors will feel welcome and at home. The neighbors are very glad the church purchased the facility rather than it being turned into a pub or other general business.

This August the church will hold their first English Day Camp. It is aimed at the children in the many flats (apartments) that surround the church. International Messengers is sending four Americans and the church will also provide some staff.

The church is also involved with other area churches in holding a citywide festival in September. This outreach event will be particularly aimed at young people and will include music, drama, and other events.

It is so good to see what God is doing through our partner church. Please remember to pray for them as they seek to do "prayer, care, and share" in their own community.

We leave at 6:15 AM tomorrow to take the 7:28 train to Prague. And we will leave very early on Tuesday to fly back to the States. I am sure this is the last time I will get a chance to post until Wednesday, so until then, thanks so much for your prayers.

The Final Day

The last two days have been a blur. But they have been very good.

Thursday we showed the short film Most (Czech for "Bridge"). It was a very powerful time. We had over half of the students attend, and the discussions about it were long and good. It is a powerful parable of the sacrifice God made to provide our salvation.

Today we concluded the camp with our Banquet, a time when we eat ice cream, watch skits by the English conversation classes, and give out their certificates and their presents from our team. Unfortunately, we experienced our fist real problem of the week: we were short 15 certificates. How embarassing! We will have to mail them as soon as we get back to the States.

We will spend time tomorrow cleaning up, debriefing, and visiting a local open air museum. We will also do a little shopping.

On Sunday we will attend services at our partner church in Trinec. I will preach, Paul will bring greetings, Pam will give the children's message, and Cathryn will give a testimony. After that, we will have coffee with the church and then have lunch. In the afternoon we will spend time with the elders of the church. If time allows, we may also stop by in nearby Cesky Tesin to see a Christian concert that is a part of a three day city celebration.

On Monday we will leave by train for Prague, and early on Tuesday morning we (except for Kent and Shannon) will begin our trip home by plane. We are scheduled to arrive at 2 PM in Cedar Rapids. Of course, with airplanes, everything is subject to change.

If I have time, I will post some pictures and stories about the week on Saturday. Otherwise, I will do so after I return to Cedar Rapids.

Thanks so much for your prayers. I have many stories to tell! This was a profitable year again and it was a real privilege to serve the students here at Malenovice.

Lysa Hora

We had great weather today for the hike up to Lysa Hora. Many on the team participated in this five hour hike. It was a great time with the students.

This evening we did something new (at least for me). We put up lyrics to Christian songs (such as "In Christ Alone") , played the song, and explained the words. It was well attended for being an optional event after a very long day.

The next two days close out the official part of the camp. Continue to pray for strength and endurance. Pray for us to be servants to those who are here.

Thanks for the Prayers

Paul said his presentation for a local company's board of directors went well. He had a lot of good questions. They will most likely get the book Good to Great now and read it. Thanks for your prayers. It was a very profitable experience.

My optional Bible study also went well overall. I think I stumped my translator a few times! But hopefully the message was clear.

Relationships are clearly beginning to form. So keep lifting us up and remembering our work here in the Czech Republic. We are continuing to pray for all of you and the recovery effort following the flooding.

Flexibility

There has been a change in plans. It is overcast and raining, so our hike up to Lysa Hora is postponed till Wednesday or Thursday. Paul's presentation will still happen, so we are adjusting the business workshops to compensate. Pray, too, for me as I now will be offering the optional Bible study, "Who are we and why are we here?," today instead of tomorrow as originally planned.

Monday Update

We are just finishing our first full day of camp. We have roughly 49 students (a few less than recent years) making the classes a little smaller -- which is not necessarily a bad thing!

Things have been going smoothly (though not too smoothly -- former teammates will understand what I mean!). As many as half of the students have been here before, which has allowed us to jump right back into some relationships we began in prior years. We already have had many great conversations with the students and the classes all seem to be going well.

Please pray for strength. Jet lag still is hindering a few of us, and spending time with the students hinders getting enough sleep! Pray too for boldness and the right words to say at just the right time.

Finally, pray for Paul. He has been offered a unique opportunity to give a workshop at a local company. One of the owners attended the camp twice before and has become a Christian. He wants Paul to do his "Good to Great" presentation to his board of directors to help them grasp the idea of servant leadership. While most of the students are climbing Lysa Hora tomorrow afternoon, he will be making his presentation.

That is all for now. I will try to post on Wednesday and perhaps even include some pictures.

The Week Ahead

We just finished a great day planning for the week ahead. Here is what we have planned (subject to change, of course!):

Sunday -- Students arrive, are tested, and we have our first meeting with all of the students. Oh, and don't forget the mandatory watching of the Czech vs. Turkey football (that's soccer for you Americans) match.

Monday to Friday

• 7:00 AM -- Team Meeting
• 8:00 AM -- Breakfast
• 9:00 AM -- English Grammar Class
• 11:30 AM -- English Bible Reading Class
• 12:30 PM -- Lunch
• 3:00 PM -- Optional Bible Studies (except Tuesday)
• 4:30 PM -- Business Workshops -- two offered simultaneously (except Tuesday)
• 6:00 PM -- Dinner
• 7:00 PM -- Conversation Class
• 8:00 PM -- Evening Activites

On Tuesday afternoon, many will hike to Lysa Hora, the top of the highest mountain in this region.

Friday evening will be our closing award ceremony and skits by the Conversation Classes.

Saturday morning the students leave to go home. We will spend the afternoon visiting a local outdoor "open air" museum of Czech buildings from over 100 years ago (similar to Usher's Ferry in Cedar Rapids -- if it still exists after the flooding!).

Sunday we will attend church in Trinec. We will give a testimony, the children's message, and I will give the sermon. We will then spend time with the church members and in the afternoon with the new pastor and the elders.

Monday we leave by train for Prague.

Early Tuesday morning we begin our flights back to Cedar Rapids, with our arrival currently scheduled for 2 PM.

Thanks for your prayers! I will post again most likely on Monday.

Safe in Czech Republic

Our Czech Business Camp Team made it safely to Malenovice. We are excited to be here and are looking forward to meeting the students on Sunday and getting things started.

However, our hearts and prayers are with those back in Cedar Rapids. We have seen online the extensive flooding and know that in various ways our families have been impacted. Please remember our families as they deal with things in our absence.

I will be posting updates throughout the week, so check back for more stories about this year's Business Camp.

Strategic Prayer Focus: Myanmar

Late last year, one of our Kingdom Partners requested we consider joining a special prayer initiative. The suggested country? Myanmar. Little did I dream that it would be front page news when we were ready to launch this strategic prayer focus.

Myanmar, which used to be called Burma, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. Located on the Indian Ocean, it is surrounded by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. It is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, and has been under a strict military rule since 1962. It has a population of 55 million.

One of our desires at New Covenant is to see the Bible become available in every major language. But with much of the remaining translation work being needed in areas of the world that are considered hard to reach, mission agencies have to be especially cautious in their communications and often cannot mention a specific language community (people group). Our prayer focus on Myanmar is a strategic response to this challenge and allows us to recruit committed prayer partners who will stand in the “sensitivity gap” for this nation.

Why did we choose Myanmar? In addition to being specifically asked, New Covenant has seven kingdom partners in Asia, so there is a great deal of overlap with our current efforts. Some labor in restricted countries and their work is sensitive so we often cannot post or publish requests like we can for our other Kingdom Partners. A focus on Myanmar will help us safely inform you about the type of work some of our Kingdom Partners are doing and give you specific requests that would not harm the particular work of our Kingdom Partners.

Please join us in praying for the country of Myanmar on a regular basis. Beginning in June, you will find prayer requests in the bulletin and Missions E-Newsletter, and I will write about the work in Myanmar in this blog.