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Thanks!
-Disciple Nations Alliance Global Secretariat Staff

In Venezuela, a team of local Christian churches has collaborated to bring reconciliation between the two dominant gangs in Las Delicias-Carapita, a barrio in Caracas (the capital city) with very high levels of violence and delinquency.

About 90 believers from seven churches were supported by the national police in a day-long outreach that included the following activities:

This outreach was organized by Pastores Amigos, a fellowship of pastors devoted to bringing God’s healing to Antimano–a district in Caracas–through practical acts of love and outreaches like this one. Pastor Virgilio (from the church Nueva Jerusalem) and Pastor Lugo (from the church Vida Nueva), with support from local police, led the mediation between the two gangs.

“As a result of that, there has not been more shooting, killing or gang fighting in the following weeks!” says Xiomara Suarez, who works for Harvest, an affiliate organization of the DNA global movement. “God is doing something, and Pastors in Unity (our association created in Caracas) is working on bringing unity among pastors in the whole country.”

Pastores Amigos (in Antimano) is an expression of this unity: Since April 2013, members of Pastores Amigos have worked together to conduct one or two outreaches each month in Antimano, each time involving 6-10 churches.

“Is it amazing to see the impact of the evangelical church in the community when churches work together to serve the people! We praise God for the wonderful result of this outreach and ask you to continue praying for Pastores Amigos and the united work of the evangelical church in Antimano!” says Xiomara.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up … A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12b

“We decided to name this project after you as a way to honor your influence over our ministry since 1993 … and your dedication to the kingdom of God,” Mauricio said to Darrow. Darrow will attend the school’s inauguration on October 11.

To start, the school will attend to about 100 students from ages 10 to 17.

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“We are working for a new reality in the lives of these children and the manifestation of the kingdom of God in their lives,” says Mauricio Cunha, the founder of this school and of the Center of Integrated Assistance and Development (CADI), a Christian ministry with eight bases throughout Brazil serving in the areas of education, health, arts, sports, technology and advocacy. In 2012, he left his job as World Vision‘s national program director for Brazil to return to CADI.

Teachings from DNA co-founders Darrow Miller and Bob Moffitt provided the foundation for the establishment of CADI in 1994. “Darrow’s teachings [first heard by Mauricio in 1993] were crucial for the definition of the vision and purpose of my ministry,” he says.

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“I had the desire to serve the poor communities of Brazil as I could not stand to see poverty in this country with such a strong church doing almost nothing about it. Darrow helped to establish in me a strong, Biblical foundation for this call. It was the first time that I had heard about the importance of a worldview, and specifically, a Christian worldview. I knew that I wanted to be this kind of missionary: a missionary that not only saves souls for Heaven, but a missionary that changes lives on earth. That’s when I decided to come back to Brazil and start a ministry in a poor community outside of my city.

The whole teaching on Christian Worldview and comprehension of Christianity as a total system of life and thought was very important for my life. Specific teachings such as the Biblical theology for vocation, the perspective of woman in the Kingdom, “Occupy Till I come,” “Reviving the Reformation,” and others, were also fundamental.

I learned that we should apply Biblical truth in the different areas of society at the community level. I learned that it’s much deeper than just using external needs as a platform for proclaiming salvation. It’s about practically asking, “What does it mean to be a Christian and demonstrate God’s love in the field of education or politics or the arts?” These teachings provide us with answers to these questions and the Biblical and theoretical foundation behind them.

“I am surprised and honored by this news,” says Darrow. “My heart’s desire is that those who hear the DNA messages and respond will take them and run with them. Mauricio was one of the first to hear Bob and me speak together. We mentored him in the early years, and it is a delight to see what God has done through Mauricio’s life and ministry. I am honored to call Mauricio a friend and to co-laborer with him in this new endeavor.”

You may contact Mauricio at mauricio.cunha@cadi.org.br

For centuries, artists have used their talents to critique culture and force discussion. Today, in Japan, local Christians are seizing an opportunity to engage in contemporary conversations on nuclear energy and the environment from a perspective grounded in biblical truth.

“The issues relating to nuclear energy and the environment are becoming very sensitive; they are causing much division among Christian circles. We believe these issues can be communicated more clearly by art than by words,” says Shun Jinnai, co-founder of Friends with the Voiceless International (FVI), the DNA local network in Japan.

These issues have gained popularity since March 2011, when Japan suffered multiple disasters, including the decimation of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate. Two and a half years later, the once-thriving city still is only a shadow of what it used to be.

Since the disasters, Shun and his colleagues at FVI have organized four Fukushima Future Forums which gather and mobilize Christians who wish to see the complete redemption of their city and country.

The first Fukushima Future Forum in July 2011 had 32 participants.

“We, who have prayed that His Kingdom may come (Mt. 6:10), believe that the Kingdom of God will be fulfilled in Fukushima and this prefecture will become a model of His Kingdom … We firmly believe that at that time, Fukushima prefecture will live up to the meaning of its name (‘Fuku’ means both good news and blessing, and ‘Shima’ means land), and God’s glory will be revealed.” -Excerpt from the Declaration of the Fukushima Future Forum (click here to read the full declaration)

In May 2013, FVI held its fourth Fukushima Future Forum which was focused on the simple yet radical and powerful Kikiya ministry: a strategy that employs active listening in this society where the rate of suicide is higher than in any other developed nation.

Kikiya leaders and practitioners from all over Japan gathered to encourage one another and renew their vision for this ministry that now exists in more than 20 Japanese regions. Click the photo to learn more!

Recognizing the power of art to influence culture, Shun and others have planned for the next Fukushima Future Forum to focus on a new Art Workshop Project.

During phase one of the Art Workshop Project, this November, about a dozen passionate, kingdom-minded local artists will visit the abandoned areas near Fukushima’s nuclear power plants. Then, the artists and facilitators like Shun will spend time discussing biblical worldview and the environment, building upon the ideas from previous Fukushima Future Forums. In the ensuing months, these artists will create–with canvases, paint, clay, and whatever media they choose–works of art that speak loudly to these issues.

The theme of the Art Workshop Project is “We are born for such a time as this–let us remember Fukushima.”

This Art Workshop Project was inspired by the Reflection Art Gallery and Studios in New Delhi, India. There, artist residencies and workshops for the marginalized “hold a mirror to society” and force dialogue on some traditionally taboo topics.

“Gudiya (Toy): Men see women as objects to touch, hold and possess.” By Manoj Kumar, 2008, fabric paint on canvas.

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“Please pray that the image of the kingdom manifested in Fukushima will be shared and will inspire even nonbelievers so that His will be done in Fukushima and in all of Japan.

“Please pray that God will call all who are chosen to express the love of God for Fukushima and expand the message. ” -Shun
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You may contact Shun Jinnai at shun@karashi.net.

God is doing astounding, community-transforming work through these people whose mission is to apply Biblical Truth to brokenness in all areas of life.

Story: The Drunken Pastor

History with the DNA

From the founder: “Reconciled World (RW) leaders are great fans of the DNA teachings. Formerly part of Food for the Hungry, almost all the partners and program leaders of RW would point to studying the DNA ideas as a turning point in their ministry. As an organization, our focus is the application of these ideas.”

More than 140 people from 16 nations, including a few from Spain and the US, converged upon Panama City September 10-13. The largest delegation–about 50 people–came from Peru, with Colombians composing the second-largest group. The crowd was filled with many very influential leaders like Pastor Hector Pardo from Colombia.

Those who came to the Regional Forum for Latin America either were invited by a friend, had read Discipling Nations or If Jesus Were Mayor, or knew about the DNA from seeds planted in the region over the years through Vision Conferences and other seminars.

“There was a lot of energy from the group and a sense that the prayer and seeding over the years is coming to fruition. Many people said this was a kairos moment for the Americas,” said DNA co-founder Darrow Miller.

What was the agenda for the conference?

The morning sessions were spent sharing about the DNA: vision, mission, operating principles, core truths and other central DNA messages. In the afternoons, delegates split into groups by country to pray and strategize together. Every evening, DNA practitioners like those from AMO or the Nehemiah Center shared about God’s work through their ministries. Meals were spent in a buzz of fellowship with old friends and meeting new friends.

What new things did people learn?

With so many high-level church leaders in attendance, the topic of servant leadership was very prominent. Long-time DNA leaders stressed the alliance’s identity as a movement–not an institution–and how that structure demands continual, humble servanthood of one another and the Lord, all for the advancement of God’s kingdom. (“We seek neither power nor glory” is operating principle #1 of the DNA.)

Yarley Niño, a member of DNA’s Global Leadership Team, the contact person for the DNA in Puerto Rico and the woman who spearheaded this forum, repeatedly stressed that with this movement, there is no power nor salary–only work.

What now?

Several volunteers stepped forward to form new Local Networks of the DNA in their home countries. Specifically, Peru, Colombia, Chile and Mexico had strong delegations of believers who expressed their desires to advance God’s kingdom by spreading DNA teachings within their own circles of influence.

These groups each were prayed over by the rest of the forum’s delegates, and we ask you to join us in praying for their attentiveness and obedience to God’s instruction as they move forward and organize.

This is how the DNA “virus” spreads–by grabbing onto the hearts and minds of hosts who takes the teachings and “infect” others with it. Read about how this happened in Africa here and here.

Also, many delegates discussed hosting a follow-up Vision Conference and Training-of-Trainers session for forum delegates to attend with key young leaders they know. If you will, please also pray for this effort as well!

In Southeast Asia, God is transforming individuals, families and whole communities through local believers applying biblical truth to their everyday lives. The results are stunning and long-lasting; this truly is transformation that only God could do. Here is one such report from our friends at Reconciled World, who closely worked with 30 churches in a certain rural area and returned to the region two years later to see the results.

While we have always believed that what God has started in these areas will continue, we didn’t have experience of what would happen. We were amazed to discover how much the areas have changed. Today, more than 95 percent of houses are made of concrete, whereas when we started, 95 percent were made of mud.

The community has made incredible strides in education. Only a few years ago, no one here continued school past grade nine. But during our visit, a pastor showed us a list of all the students from the area now attending university. Fifteen students (10 from the churches we worked with)  were granted scholarships by the government–a prize typically awarded to students in urban areas where there are better teachers. This is an astonishing accomplishment!

The groups were continuing to build roads opening up even more farm area. One pastor was acting as a buyer for most people in the area ensuring that everyone got fair prices. The communities were now investing in machinery to process their crops, further increasing their income.

Perhaps most startling was the news that six families now have cars! Cars are extremely expensive in this country. This is an incredible step up in a place where, only seven years ago, bicycles were considered a luxury. Families are using their vehicles to meet the community’s needs like transporting sick or injured people to the hospital.

God never ceases to amaze us with his ability to transform hearts and minds. May he receive all the glory for this wonderful work!

To learn more Reconciled World’s ideas, approach and programs, visit www.reconciledworld.org. Read more of their stories of transformation here!

September 10-13, more than 100 Christian leaders from Latin America and Spain will gather in Panama City to build relationships, renew their visions for their work and lives, and potentially form several new DNA local networks across the Spanish-speaking world.

Yarley Nino

Plans for this DNA Regional Forum for Latin America grew out of personal conversations and the stirring of the Holy Spirit at the DNA Global Forum in Brazil last March.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Yarley Niño, the contact person for the DNA local network in Puerto Rico.

Yarley also serves on the DNA’s Global Leadership Team and has directed Puerto Rico’s YWAM (Youth with a Mission) base since its inception in 1984.

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Please join us this week and next in praising the Lord for this opportunity and asking him to:

• Speak to the hearts and minds of those attending, stirring up new passion for the advancement of his kingdom
• Facilitate healthy, collaborative conversations among attendees, forming new relationships and strengthening existing ones
• Pave the way for safe journeys for everyone before and after the Forum

Our ultimate prayer is that God would receive all the glory for any good things that take place at this event or in DNA networks around the world.

You can learn more about this event here or by e-mailing info@disciplenations.org.

Nurturing the Nations currently is available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Romanian, and God is using it to heal broken relationships and hearts all over the world. (Click here to read a powerful story from Spain.)

Presently, DNA friends in England and Brazil are working hard to translate this book into Portuguese. We will announce the book here as soon as it’s finished, so stay tuned!

Please e-mail info@disciplenations.org with any questions.

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Please, consider joining us this Sept 24-26 in Guadalajara, México. Rev. José Luis Montecillos Chipres, author and historian, and Darrow Miller of Disciple Nations Alliance will be our main speakers. This is sure to be an important and very enjoyable time for the friends of Proyecto Amistad and other ministries to create new relationships, learn, and work together for transformative Christian education in México. Click here for updated information and full schedule. Translation will be available at all conference activities.For information, you can call or e-mail the “Conference Location” or contact Chris at: U.S. Cell: (830) 719-5812, or proyectoamistad@gmail.com.