Missio CrossWay

BEATTY BULLETIN: Spring 2014, Diosd, Hungary

2014-05-18T18:20:00.000-05:00

The Gospel and Eastern Orthodoxy

Apart from the Muslim areas of Eastern Europe and Russia, we also train workers in the Eastern Orthodox areas like Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. Part of this training includes understanding the world view, and presuppositions of Eastern Orthodox followers in these geographical areas. This understanding was recently accomplished by a one month course culminating in a one week modular training here in Hungary. In this course, we better understood how an Orthodox follower may believe it’s more idolatrous to claim to know God than to venerate (very close to worship!) icons. This course will help our national full-time workers in Orthodox areas to communicate effectively the gospel, and to disciple deeply those who come to faith. Journeying Together Towards Christ – Women’s Retreat

Evan and Tosha are learning about the journey of a Christian. Particularly one named “Christian” from John Bunyan’s classic, “Pilgrim’s Progress.” The theme of journeying towards Christ was also the highlight of a recent Women’s retreat that I, Yulia, was asked to organize. After weeks of planning and praying 45 ladies representing 13 countries came together in a town of Visegrad to share with each other about our journeys. One of those women, a non-believer named Luca, sat next to me and heard testimony after testimony of Christ faithfulness through pain, sorrow, and even death. One of testimonies she heard was by my friend Ann. 2 months ago Ann lost their 15 year old son in a tragic accident. Although she grieves it is not as those who “have no hope” (1 Thess.4:13). “Don’t waste your sorrows, let God accomplish His purposes in you as you journey through valleys” was her message. At the end of our time together Luca asked for a Hungarian translation of the Scriptures. She shared where she needs to grow writing this: Finding God. Please Pray that Luca joins our journey towards Christ! The Gospel and Easter in our neighborhood

How do we reach out to our Hungarian neighbors who don’t speak English? An Easter Egg hunt became the occasion and every Hungarian family we invited event responded positively and… came. Six families with thirteen kids ran around our yard looking for hidden eggs. Many had Easter related objects inside along with something sweet J. With these objects we were about to share THE wonderful story! …the story of Christ’s resurrection. We hope that as our Hungarian gets better, this neighborhood event will help build closer relationships. And then this would lead to more opportunities to lead our neighbors to Christ. What’s Next: June: Yulia’s mother’s visit. June-July: Speak out – evangelistic camp for Hungarian students with our nephew who’s coming from PA, USA. July: Coaching new generation of missionaries going to Eastern Europe. August: training Albanians in the Old Testament and how it helps them reach Muslims.

Grateful for Your Partnership with Us! David & Yulia, Tosha & Evan Beatty

Romans in Romania

2014-02-03T06:42:00.001-06:00

Dear Missions-minded CrossWay friends, Thank you for your prayers and support! For the next ten days (February 1-10) David is spending in Bucharest, Romania interacting and teaching a group of about 30 Romanian missionaries from the book of Romans! Our prayer for him is that His passion for the Word of God would be evident and that his students would be transformed according to the renewing of their minds (Rom 12:1-2. We pray that God would add to their boldness as they continue to proclaim the good news of God's salvation from the guild and power of sin to every Romanian. We also pray that their love for each other would increase as they reflect on Romans 13-15. Would you join us in our prayers for Romanians this week! We also would like to ask for your prayer for God's grace to carry us (Yulia, Tosha and Evan) while we await David's return. The boys are getting sick and curious house issues continue to pop up - nothing that we can't handle but we just need God's strength to persevere through the issues without breaking the fellowship with Him. If you would like to learn more about Romania go to this link: http://www.operationworld.org/country/roma/owtext.html with love, The Beattys

We covet your prayers!

2014-01-13T14:41:00.000-06:00

David is in Slovakia this week interacting with our co-workers there about the biblical foundations of this whole idea of missions! Pray for him to have significant discussion times in class, build good relationships, provide encouragement for the local missionaries, refresh their vision for ministry by grounding them deeper in the Word of God. To learn about Slovakia click

Beatty Team

2013-10-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

Dear ones of Crossway, it is such a privilege to partner with you in the work on building Eastern Europeans up to become Christ-like Leaders who would count the cost and raise up other among their countrymen thus creating the new Christian legacy for their land! David and I just wanted to introduce you to our team on the ground - the other four couple we closely work with, plan, pray, live lives with, play:) You know our faces on the left of the picture, then left to right are Ryan and Jen Noltereike with their three boys - who are our boys absolute favorite people in the whole world, then Danny and Becky Loe with their daughter Suzanna. They lived and ministered in Japan before joining our team 7 years ago, then Gary and Kim Rickard with their two little ones. Gary worked with Czech nationals before coming to Hungary and marrying Kim,and finally our new director and his family: Kevin and Rahela Conway.

Thank you for your love, prayers and support, David and Yulia (Tosha and Evan) Beatty

BEATTY BULLETIN: summer trip to Albania

2013-10-10T03:32:00.000-05:00

Raise Up Leaders Who Raise Up Others Especially in the Muslim Areas of Eastern Europe and Russia A SPECIAL REQUEST FOR ALBANIA BRINGS A SPECIAL ANSWER Bringing the Good News to Unreached Muslim Students in Albania

Two Albanian college students, Erjon and Adriano, listened attentively as I shared how Christ had changed my life. It had been awhile since since communicated this in Albanian, yet these new found friends understood the good news. I asked Erjon, “What do you think?” He responded, “Amazing… I have never heard anything like this before.” His friend Adriano, both from a Muslim background, also responded positively. This conversation came at the end of a week - long Evangelistic English Camp. Erjon and Adriano were part of a close knit group of college students all studying Physics. This group seemed aloof and not opened to the gospel early on and so became the focus of much prayer. As the camp progressed, walls began to fall and the first girl of this group, named Vivian

, gave her LIFE to Christ.

Another student , named Mirsad, not a part from the Physics group came across as a real “go getter,” one who naturally motivates others to action. On the occasion of the 100 year anniversary of the founding of Albania as a nation, Mirsad motivated several friends to commemorate this event by standing out in the winter rain for not just one hour, but for 24 hours! Crazy I know, but a real leader. Out of a desire for our boys Tosha and Evan to understand what Mommy and Dad do, I introduced Tosha and Evan to Mirsad

. We wanted Tosha and Evan to understand how we pray and talk to others about Jesus, how others can follow better Jesus, and how others can minister better for Jesus. Tosha especially took a liking to Mirsad, and he more than reciprocated! Early on during the camp, I had several quality conversations with Mirsad about the Lord. He had some good questions, but made it clear that he was a Muslim. He could not turn his back on the faith of his family. Again, we prayed for Mirsad, now called “Shoku Miri” (Friend Mirsad) by Tosha and Evan. The conversations continued, and when Tosha lost a special “treasure” (actually a small crab claw), Mirsad spent an hour combing the beach for a replacement. He found one, much to Tosha’s delight! He and Tosha were now bosom buddies. Now, on the last day of the camp and at the “fare well” meeting, I gave Mirsad his first Bible. On the first blank page, I wrote to Mirsad “A true/honorable man stands up for what is true. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,”” (John 14:6a) During the meeting, Mirsad stood up and shared from his heart before about thirty Muslim and Christian students, “As you know, I am a Muslim, but today I feel I have become part Christian.” Please join Tosha, Evan, Yulia, and I as we pray for “Shoku Miri,”… as we pray that he will become a “whole” Christian standing for what is true no matter what his Islamic background, or Muslim family may believe otherwise!

Busy Busy Busy

2012-12-19T14:51:00.005-06:00

We had another wonderful time talking with the Salviano's this month. They have been so busy and exhausted that our time with them was cut short. (We can all relate to that.)

The entire month of November and early December was extremely busy for Nelson and his ministry. Unfortunately, two weeks before the conference that he has been preparing so hard for, was canceled because of lack of finances. That didn't get him down though. Nelson arranged a few meetings with the Pastors and God quickly opened doors for more ministry, especially for the ESCALE ministry. He was able to give many sermons over the course of the month to different churches and groups of people. God again proves his faithfulness and mercy to those who love Him!

The Salviano's send their love and their prayers, and would like to wish everyone at CWCC Bristol a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Please pray for:

Nelson is sending an ESCALE teacher from GV for a ministry in Resplendor, but he will have to provide everything including the material to teach.

André is injured (stretched leg muscle) and is under 20 sessions of physiotherapy, he will return playing football in the second half of January 2013.

Camila is out on holiday in a school excursion.

Márcia is working very hard at the hospital going to meetings after meetings as the year closes.

Nelson has a few ministry commitments before Christmas.

Spending Christmas and New Years with their families

Please pray for safe journeys, joyful gatherings around Christmas and New Year's Eve, profitable closing year's meetings and relaxing holidays.

God Bless

Beatty Christmas 2012

2012-12-19T03:45:00.001-06:00

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BEATTY Bulletin. Thanksgiving 2012

2012-12-19T03:40:00.001-06:00

WE THANK OUR GOD EVERY TIME WE REMEMBER YOU…" (PHIL.1:3)

Thanksgiving for Raised Up Albanian Leaders Going to Other Muslim Nations

On August 2012, the first ever cross-cultural ministry training was held for nationals from Eastern Europe, and Russia going as mis-sionaries to other countries. Of the fourteen trainees, ten were Albanians going to three dif-ferent Muslim nations/areas. Over the years we have asked you to pray directly for some of them pictured (Azgan, Mira, Alma, Sedat, Fiqe, and Bela), and indirectly for all of them through the Biblical and Theological Training we provide in Albania. We have much to thank God, as now these ten Albanian friends serve as missionaries in foreign countries.

***

Thanksgiving for God for Opportunities to Serve

",..preparing God’s people for works of service that the body of Christ may be built up." (Eph.4:12)

One of those trainings you prayed for took place this summer in Muslim Albania, and was completed just before Islamic protests against the West swept the Muslim world. The training focused on the Gospel of John, and how Jesus presented himself to those who did not think he was the Messiah, nor the Son of God. The latter point is of particular impor-tance to reaching Muslims who think Jesus was only a prophet!

Bela and David

    One of Albanian trainees, Bela, gave this encouraging comment about a training assignment based on the Gospel of John. This assignment involved a study of the biblical word "faith." What learned, "was life changing… and would have a tremendous impact on her ministry!"
(She said it in Albanian, not in English)

Concerning Bela’s ministry, you may have noticed her in the cross-cultural
ministry training photo above. She is now serving among Muslims in the Republic of Macedonia. In that area of almost one million Albanian Muslims, there is not a single known believer... Yet!!... Let alone a local Albanian church!

***

Thanksgiving for God’s Faithfulness in Answering Our Prayers
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayers" (1 Peter 3:12)

1.Thank God for protection while David traveled through Albania, and briefly Turkey dur-ing the recent period of Islamic protests and unrest.

2. Pray for David’s preparation to teach and train full-time servants of the gospel from Ukraine, Slovakia and Slovenia taking place in January-February.
3. Pray for Yulia as she leads in Russian a study of the book of Ephesians for key women from Ukraine, Moldova, and Russia.

4. Pray that these wives of key Christian leaders would experience spiritual refreshment and deep-ening knowledge of God through this Bible study.

5. Pray for the salvation of Yulia’s mother,
Valentina, who visited us in October. She read our Russian Bible Encyclopedia from cover to cover while staying with us.

Thanking Our Lord for You This Thanksgiving!
David, Yulia, (Tosha & Evan) Beatty

HUNGARY ADDRESS
2049 Diosd Duna utca 60B Hungary

E-MAIL
beattydavidj @hotmail.com yuliamk@yahoo.com

Reunited and it feels so good

2012-11-09T13:15:00.001-06:00

Greetings from the Salvianos,

This years bridge group had the privilege of skyping with the Salvianos. It was such a treat to see Nelson and Marcia and talk to them for a short while. They send their love to Crossway Bristol and Crossway Milwaukee.

Even though Brazilians don't celebrate Thanksgiving like us, they are very thankful for what God is doing in and through them in Brazil. In the border of Bolivia, there are many churches there that are in need of ministers. Nelson and Pastor Geraldo are meeting with their daughter churches in hopes to raise up more ministers through a year long training course that they will become full time ministers. Also, November 27th through the 29th they are holding a conference for pastors in a big town for the whole region! They are expecting 80 leaders to come. Nelson and two other pastors will preach on "New Testament Exposition." Marcia is also holding a training conference but for the nurses at the hospital where she works. Even though the majority of the training will be about nursing and other care, she would also like to talk about God and His Word there!! Praise the Lord!!

We can be praying for them along these lines.

Both conferences for Nelson and Marcia
Safety while traveling (lots of curves and rough terrain)
Camila (daughter) she is taking tests for school both for high schools ability to know where their students levels are, as well as testing for college (like our ACT tests)
Andre (son) pray that he will be able to get off his asthma medication

God bless

1st term at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa!

2012-10-30T14:34:00.001-05:00

puppets at Elementary Chapel

writing "Eternity" around campus during Learning Comes Alive Week

The school year has begun at Bingham Academy and we’ve finished the first term. Some highlights in the first term-

- Chris Budda- speaker from Young Life spoke at Middle School and High School Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW)

- Middle School and High School Overnight and Service Trips

- Learning Comes Alive Week- Elementary

- Elementary Bible Club studied The Armor of God

It’s been a busy first term filled with fun activities for the kids. In SEW the students were challenged to take a step for Jesus, by striving towards leadership opportunities. The Middle School and High School students served in and around Addis worked with the less fortunate and showed God’s love. They were filled spiritually and grew in unity as a class while camping.

Learning Comes Alive Week was a fun time for Elementary students which entailed having a sports day, arts, and hobby day. I had the fun of assisting with a couple of activities.

As pictured above there is a student writing Eternity in chalk on campus. The significance of this derives from Australia as Arthur Stace “graffiti’s” the sidewalks by writing the word Eternity to remind and to share the message of Jesus Christ.

Elementary Bible Club has been a chance to interact with the kids, sing songs, teach a bible lesson, and learn a verse. Another lady and I have just started the club this year and it reminds me of when I attended a Good News Club. In this club it’s my job to lead the music, which has been a fun experience!

Chapel- Pictured on the left is a scene from Elementary Chapel. This semester the students are learning about road signs and how they apply to our lives.

Thank you for your continued support for my ministry here in Ethiopia. Your prayers and financial gifts are much appreciated to further the work of the Kingdom!

In His Service,

Jolene

Training trip to Tirana, Albania. August 2012

2012-08-31T06:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Crossway Family,
It's been so refreshing being with you and being blessed by your hospitality and sacrificial serving to our family!

Here are couple of pictures of the week long training from the gospel of John that David did in Albania:

“It was life changing!” said Bela, an Albanian full-time worker serving in one of the most unreached areas of the Balkans. She said this about a word study assignment from a training based on the Gospel of John.

The training included most of Bela’s team who are all seeking to reach Muslim Albanian college students living in Macedonia. There is not one Albanian church among them. There is not even a single believer in the million Albanians living in Macedonia. Pray that Bela and her team would see fruit in this needy area of the Balkans!

Blessings,
David and Yulia Beattys

July 2012 with the Caampued's

2012-07-18T16:53:00.000-05:00

The Caampued's are well and, as always, we thank God for blessing us with the gift of family in the Philippines!

Paul will be traveling to Cebu to meet with the pastors there for a week-long seminar. With him he brings the translated materials, which have been worked on for months, and, for the first time will be tested in the field that week. Paul spoke of the emotions that accompany the reading of God’s word in one’s own language for the first time and it is with much anticipation and joy that he will be able to share this with the other pastors.

Economic times being what they are, budget cuts are being felt in many areas, and the PTC Ministry is no exception. There has been a partial loss of funding from the PTC’s primary source of income for this year and, by July of 2013, there will be no funding available for the PTC. This is not a surprise as the primary source of funding has lost much of its income and they are concentrating their support in Africa. Paul shared with us that there will be cutbacks in the amount of teams being sent out for training seminars, as well as the amount of seminars, but that it is also good there are trained pastors in many of the areas that will be impacted by the funding cuts. Paul spoke of ways to implement different means of income generating on a local level, which does include more development at the farm. CrossWay's elders are aware of this situation and will be in discussion regarding the funding of the PTC.

As Arcy continues the study group with the pastor’s wives (The Excellent Wife, a Biblical Perspective), the pastors themselves have the companion book, The Exemplary Husband, a Biblical Perspective. Pray that God would use this time of study, for both the pastors and their wives, to show Himself in their marriages.

Marichu continues to work at the orphanage. They have planted vegetables and are raising goats to offset budget cuts in their area as well.

Paul III has started to teach economics one day a week at a local Christian college, where he also is benefiting from being able to encourage students their faith.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

· Pray that God’s work will continue in Cebu, and that, with the newly translated materials, there would be a better understanding and knowledge of God, as well as an increased desire to share God’s word.

· Pray for safety in travel for Paul.

· Pray, as the Lord desires to continue the training of pastors, that He will provide the means to sustain the PTC ministry and that God would continue to enable the pastors to effectively preach the gospel.

· Pray for Pastor Arman Aspa’s wife, Arlene, as she struggles with “change of life” issues.

· Pray for Ulysses, pastor & PTC member, who is preparing for advanced theological training in London and that his application will be approved for further study as part of the PTC training in 2013.

Brazil 2012 Mission Video

2012-07-08T12:47:00.000-05:00

For those who missed this past Sunday morning's service, we showed the following video summarizing our recent mission trip to Brazil. We are grateful to God for Nelson Salviano, his family, his ministry in Brazil, and our partnership in the Gospel.

Thanks to Emily Allen of CrossWay Milwaukee who created the video.

Brazil Team Traveling Home

2012-06-19T12:46:00.001-05:00

Please pray for the Brazil Team as they travel home. They left Belo Horizonte, Brazil at 1:40 a.m. on Tuesday morning, arrive in Panama City at 6:00 a.m., depart Panama City at 6:30 p.m. and arrive at O'Hare International Airport at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Please pray for safe travel, health, and fellowship.

David and Sam Vecchitto are staying two extra-days to spend time alone with the Salviano family, building the relationship, caring for Nelson, and encouraging and counseling Nelson on ministry. The Vecchitto's take the same flights back to America early Wednesday morning arriving on Friday morning. Please pray for their remaining time in Brazil and the travels home.

The team looks forward with great anticipation to share all that God is doing in Brazil this Sunday evening. We look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday morning and sharing with you on Sunday evening.

2012-06-17T15:57:00.000-05:00

Travel and Reflection

Today we packed our bags, said good-bye to our new friends from Itaobim & Itinga, and loaded the bus for the trip to Governador Valadares. We made lifelong friends in those cities, and we will never forget how they changed our lives. Pastor Bras was there in the morning as well, and as he said good-bye he was visibly moved by the work we had put into the people of his church. However, it was the people of the church that did the biggest work in us. Our team left Itaobim & Itinga forever changed and with a true love for the people and country of Brazil.

We travel five hours by bus to Governador Valadares. On the bus many caught up on much needed sleep, while other played games, or had wonderful discussions about how God had worked in their life over the trip so far. We arrived at a much anticipated restaurant..Espeto Churrascaria..loosy translated "lots of different meat on sticks served to you as fast as you can eat it". The team enjoyed a large salad bar, fresh meat of all kinds, and even our own vegetarian, Emily, ate a chicken heart from off the stick. Lastly we enjoyed BBQ pineapple with cinnamon, and then waddled out to the bus for the hotel.

Across for the hotel is a park where we sat and reflected on the first part of our trip. Over the past three days our team was split into four smaller teams: two evangelism teams that worked in Itaobim, and two construction teams that went to Itinga. Each team leader shared the highlights of what they accomplished and then each team member shared as well. Over the course of almost two hours many tears were shed and stories told that opened our eyes to God's master plan in this trip that went way beyond our planning and dreams. Mark G. shared how Pastor Bras opened up to both construction teams one day about his apprehensions and fears on having another American team come to Brazil and work with his church. Many years ago Pastor Bras said he decided he would never work with another group of Americans because of a bad experience he had years ago. However, our team was used to rebuild his trust and hope, and allow him to overcome his bitterness he had been caring for many years. Our team was very moved when we considered how God used us to heal Pastor Bras's heart. Mary M. shared how a member of the church asked her a question that really made her think. The member asked why Marena was chosen to have her roof replaced when so many other people in the church had needs as well. Mary shared through tears how it wasn't until the bus ride home that God gave her the answer: How were we chosen for salvation when so many others still have need of the Gospel? It was a perfect picture of God's grace in our life, and those whom we were serving. David V. closed our time by reminding us that our trip and work is not done, and that we need to finish well.

Later in the evening the ladies went to a ladies retreat at Pastor Geraldo's church, and Lauren A. shared her testimony and Alisha M. shared a message to everyone. The men supported Pastor Nelson S. in cheering for his hometown soccer team at a local restaurant. His team, Cruceiro, won 1-0.

It was great day that allowed for some much needed rest, prayer, team building, and reflection on what God had done in each of our lives.

Working Together

2012-06-16T17:01:00.001-05:00

Friday was our last day on the field in Itaobim and Itinga. Working together with the Brazilian churches has been one of the main themes during our trip. It has truly been a team effort as two churches from the United States worked with many churches in Brazil. Together, two teams worked together by evangelizing in Itaobim and two teams worked together by repairing a widow's home and turning part of a daycare into a bakery in Itinga. Friday morning and afternoon, the two teams in Itaobim continued to visit schools. They teamed up with a performing arts group from Governador Valadares to share the message of Jesus Christ. They performed a few skits with the message that if you put your joy in things of this world, your joy can be stolen. But, if you put your joy in Jesus, that is something that can never be taken away. The performing arts group helped David V. and Nelson S. tell the message of "2 ways to live."

Later in the afternoon, the teams in Itaobim visited a futbol pitch (soccer field) and Sam V., Serah W. and Steve M. spoke to the boys about playing to God's glory. One member from the community volunteers his time to organize this soccer club. His goal is to help boys from ages 9-16 stay off the streets. Many of the boys come from broken homes. We gave the coach two large boxes of futbol supplies to give to the boys who are most in need. We gave one player, Michael, a pair of futbol cleats as he had no shoes to play in. He was trilled! He ended up scoring two goals that night and after each goal, he said to Nelson S., "It's the shoes! It's the shoes!"

The two teams in Itinga, together with members from the Brazilian churches and local workers, made great progress on the construction projects. The roof is 95% complete on the widow's home and the wall for the bakery on the daycare building is nearing finished. The local workers that they were working with will make the finishing touches on the projects.

Friday evening, the teams from Itaobim and Itinga were all together for a marriage retreat at one of the churches in Itaobim. It was good to be together and share the ways God had been at work in the teams this past week. We got to say goodbye to the people we worked with. We are so grateful for all our translators, drivers and the people who we worked along side to share the love of Christ. It was a blessing to work with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Brazil. We were all touched and encouraged by their labor and love for Jesus.

On Saturday morning, the team will depart from Itaobim to Governador Valadares. Saturday evening, there is a women's event where Alisha M. will be giving a talk and Lauren A. will be sharing her testimony. Please pray for continued strength, rest, safe travels and a strong finish to this trip. There is more work to be done. Thank you for sending us here! God is at work! We are looking forward to being together as one large group for the rest of our time serving here.

By Lauren Arnold for the Brazil Team,

What can I say but WOW!

2012-06-15T05:51:00.000-05:00

What can I say but WOW! It is amazing what God is doing in Itinga and Itaobim.

In Itinga things started out a little slower than expected with the construction projects. The first day went well in that we accomplished more than we had set out to do, we had only planned to evaluate our two projects and and acquire all the supplies needed to get started. Before we were even at the second project we started tearing off the old roof to the home of Melina. She is very happy to see the changes we are making to her home. Our second day on the job however was very different. If any one has ever tried to do a project with limited tools and stubborn materials you might have an idea of what I'm talking about.

The guys quickly ran out to get new hammers and drill bits so we could get the framing of the roof done, We had big ambitions of getting the entire roof done today when yesterday our Brazilian counter parts said we would be able to get it done. No worries how ever, because Gods timing is always perfect. This will give us another day to work along side of our new friends.

The project at the daycare is coming along very nicely. We have managed to install most of the brick walls we needed to convert an open air area that was attached to the daycare facility into a bakery shop. This project also started a little slower than expected, but once we got our rhythm going walls were going up fast.

Because of certain character traits that have been noticed by our Brazilian Brothers in Christ, they have given certain members of our crew nick names. If the names are not mentioned before the mission trip is over be sure to ask the construction crew workers if they were honored with a name and ask how it was they got it.

For the team, by Josh Costello

First Day in the Field(cont.)

2012-06-13T21:24:00.001-05:00

Our first day in the community of Itaobim was very humbling. The Brazilians are extremely hospitable and genuinely happy people. We were welcomed everywhere we went.

The team split up into four groups: two evangelized in different parts of Itaobim and two worked on construction projects in Itinga. In Itaobim, the groups went door to door meeting and praying with families while inviting them to the local evening church service. We greeted everyone we saw with a cheerful "Bom Dia!" Both groups passed out leaflets to the community members that shared a short message on Jesus' love. We were joined along the way by various members of the local church who helped us pass out the leaflets. Many Brazilian families invited us into their homes and offered us cafe (coffee) and snacks although they had very little to spare. In addition to door to door evangelizing, both groups visited schools in Itaobim. Emily A. and Serah W. gave their testimonies and Steve M. and David V. preached to the children.

The other two groups did construction in Itinga. They started various projects today that will be finished to the best of the teams' ability before we leave. The first team's project was refurbishing a widow's house. The second team's project was to turn a part of a daycare into a bakery to support their missions to care for the kids in the area. Thom S., leader of one of the construction teams, said, "It was very good to see the Milwaukee and Bristol teams come together and bond. Today the team members were relentless in their labor, they worked hard and did it with great joy. It was exciting to see them not only complete some tough jobs like ripping off a clay roof and knocking down block walls, they also took many opportunities to connect with locals by building relationships with them. Personally I was impressed with my brothers and sisters today, they were steadfast and compassionate in all that they did."

This evening there were three church services held at local churches. Two were in Itaobim and the other one was in Itinga. David V. and Josh G. preached in Itaobim and Mark G. preached in Itinga. After the sermons we distributed gifts to the children. They were over-joyed.

Today was a very eye opening and humbling day. Tomorrow one group will be going to an elderly home, another will be going to another school to talk to the children about Jesus, and the construction groups will be continuing their projects. Tchau!

To be continued...

Serah Washington & Emily Allen

First Day in the Field

2012-06-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

Nelson Salviano describes the work that his team did this morning.

-Emily Allen & Serah Washington
More to come...

CrossWay Team Arrives in Brazil

2012-06-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks to God's kindness, our mission partner Nelson Salviano, and CrossWay Community Church in Wisconsin, we have arrived here safetly in Brazil! 16 of the CrossWay team from both Milwaukee and Bristol departed early Monday morning June 11th. We left US soil from Chicago's O'Hare airport, had a brief stop in Panama City before finally arriving in Belo Horizonte after mid-night Tuesday morning. We were met there by Nelson Salviano and enjoyed a sweet renewal of old friendships and a beginning of new ones. Nelson arranged for our team to immediately be bused to our destination of Itaobim, some 12 hours away, where we would be spending the next several days. We briefly stopped mid-way in the city of Governador Valadares to meet Pastor Geraaldo and freshen up at his the church he pastors. We are so thankful for CrossWay extending the love of Christ by sending our team here to Brazil. We are eager to particapate along side God's purposes for Brazilian church.

Mark Gunderson for the Team,

Mbandis - June Prayer Requests

2012-06-10T20:24:00.000-05:00

Thank you for praying for Paul and Rodah!

News:

The boys were home for a visit last weekend and are now back to school. Kevin and Irene will be home next week.
Paul was involved in Denominational District Meetings last week.
The recent Reconciliation Conference was a success and Paul’s message was well-received—praise God!
Scott’s leadership has appointed a new acting DVC / Administrator. He is a Kenya national who is a recent graduate from Trinity International University – his home church is within 20 minutes of Scott. He is married with a family. Praise God for His provision here.
Paul expects to teach 2 classes next semester – one lower level and one masters level class, and to supervise one student’s thesis project. He will spend at least one day a week at Scott, more if needed.
Rodah has completed the first chapter of her thesis on work/life balance. There has been a change in her supervisor and she is waiting to review the chapter with her new supervisor until after the school’s graduation ceremonies later this month.

Prayer Requests:

Paul’s leave from Scott started this month. Pray for the leadership there as they seek God’s wisdom for leadership of the work there.
Pray for the transition process will be a long one of handing over administrative details / responsibilities to the new administrator.
After his summer leave, Paul plans to put focused energy into development of the proposed African Leadership Development seminar / conference ministry. There is a group of local Pastors / leaders who are excited about this ministry and will be involved in its development. The new ministry will be an effort for the purpose of continuing education and training for Pastors and elders in the churches of Kenya and surrounding nations. There is a great need – many church leaders have little or no formal training. Paul is looking forward to more opportunities for personal ministry and teaching.
Rodah is starting a new neighborhood Bible Study for an inter-denominational group of 9-10 women who live near her – meeting once per month. Pray for this group to be fruitful.
A new pastor is now serving at Paul’s home church – Pastor Kalii. He is a young Bible School Graduate. Paul will mentor him and Paul expects to preach once a month there at Masawa.
Praise God for the recently completed plaster work at the Masawa Church. Work will proceed next on the floor and the exterior. Pray for God to provide funds and workers to finish this project well.
Pray for reliable transportation – Paul’s car needs much work.
Pray for Raphael’s health (Raphael is the Scott student CrossWay supports)– he was hospitalized recently for low grade malaria, but was at church today and doing much better.

Team Heads to Brazil

2012-06-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

CrossWay Bristol and CrossWay Milwaukee are together sending a team to serve Nelson Salviano, our joint mission partner, in Brazil. The team is traveling through Panama City onto Belo Horizonte, Nelson's hometown.

We arrive in Brazil just after midnight and board a charter bus around 2:00 a.m. and head for Governador Valadares where we will see some old friends from our last visit. After a time of fellowship we will board the bus again and head to Itaobim, our primary destination.

We will do ministry in two towns known as Itaobim and Itinga, which Nelson describes as "the town of the widows whose husbands are alive." Needless to say we will be ministering God's grace to many grandmothers and single moms with many children. We will be doing a combination of equipping pastors, sharing the gospel, encouraging believers, and acts of mercy and compassion to those in need. Part of our mercy ministries will include repairing some poverty laden homes.

Please pray for the following as we head out:

For the encouragement and strengthening of our mission partner, Nelson Salviano and his family and leadership team for long-term ministry.
Safe travels, good connections, joy, and strength as we travel.
Fellowship and faith as we continue to grow as a team, serve one another, and prepare for all that God has in store.
Love for God and love for our neighbors, both on our team and the friends we will meet in Brazil.
Especially for a powerful experience of God and His grace for all who are going and everyone we serve.

Thank you CrossWay, friends and family for sending us. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

David V. on behalf of the Team.

Gospel Coalition Conference in Geneva, Switzerland

2012-06-06T13:16:00.001-05:00

The Angers' Bridge Group received the following Email from Dominique and Laura Angers regarding the recent Gospel Coalition Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dear Bridge Group,

Thank you so very much for praying for the Gospel Coalition seminar that took place 10 days ago! It was an amazing time and we really sensed that God was answering prayers! It was incredible to be part of an audience of 700 French and Swiss (and others such as Tunisian) pastors, elders, and theology students, all listening intently to the Gospel-centered biblical expositions given by D.A. Carson, John Piper and Henri Blocher. From all the comments we heard during and after the conference, the talks were very challenging and greatly appreciated.

Dominique spoke at a workshop on biblical meditation which was widely attended and well-appreciated as well.

You can pray that God would continue the work in people's hearts and would lead as far as the next steps in helping churches be more Gospel-Centered. May God grant a new revival in the French church in response to the prayers of his people!

Also, we'd ask you to pray for God's direction for me (Laura) in my ministry role in the church next year (whether to disciple some young mothers in a smaller group or continue the mom's group I'm part of, and whether or not to disciple one or two high school girls).

MERCI BEAUCOUP for your prayers!

In Him,
Laura and Dominique

On another note, Dominique has published a book in Europe titled La Meditation Biblique a l'ere Numerique (Biblical Meditation in the Digital Age) and it is available on Amazon as an E-Book.

Youth Camp at Farm in the Philippines

2012-06-05T10:42:00.001-05:00

CrossWay,

I hope all is well with you.

In May 1-4, there was a Youth Camp held at the Farm with about 40 youth leaders from 4 churches. Arman, Jeff, and myself did the teaching and preaching of God's Word. The theme is about godly character. Arlene and Arcy supervised the delegates in preparing their meals. Joseph and Ben led the practical work like planting of vegetables, learning to tie knots, and making bone fires.

In May 9-11, there was a seminar on Foundational Skills in Bible Exposition in Minahan Christian Church in Nakar, Quezon. Bobby and Bong led the teaching. There was a 1 day seminar on "Being a Good Minister" held at the PTC Center in May 14 where I did the teaching with 50 pastors from different churches in Antipolo attended the seminar.

We visited Arcy's hometown on May 18 to 21 to visit her parents and relatives and the same time attending the 10th anniversary of the church in there place. I was the preacher at the anniversary worship service.

In Kay Tome, Binangonan, Rizal, 3 seminars were held simultaneously at the Door of Faith Church. Foundational Skills on Bible Exposition, Mastering the Basics of Doing Exposition, and a Facilitators training were conducted from May 22-24. Four members of the PTC Team Benjie, Rudy, Rey and Anastacio led the training.

Blessings in abundance.

Paul

Mbandi May Prayer Requests

2012-05-16T09:56:00.001-05:00

Praises

Praise God for the excellent results of the rummage sale, with proceeds going toward the tuition of Raphael, the student CrossWay sponsors at Scott.
Plaster work is in progress at the local church in Masaw'a. Conduit for future electrical wiring has been installed.
Rodah is taking a one month leave from work to work on her thesis – pray for rest and progress on her writing.
Rainy season has arrived!
Graduation at Scott went well! US Ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration spoke at the graduation. His parents were missionaries with AIM and he was named after the founder of that mission work – Peter Cameron Scott.

Prayer Requests

Rainy season is a mixed blessing. There have been floods in Kenya and over 50 have died.
Continue to pray for the children and their schooling. Josh has completed 2 trimesters, and just began his third. Pray for safety for Josh, who is commuting 1 ½ – 2 hours through areas that are not always safe. Also safety for Irene and Kevin as they travel back to school.
Scott Summer School is in session. Pray for classes and the safe travel of student interns.
Pray for a Pastor’s Conference May 28 – June 1. Theme: “Peace and Reconciliation”. Paul is the main speaker. Pray that God will use the pastors to go back to their people with a message that will help reduce tribal tensions sparked by difficult politics in Kenya (elections will be taking place later this year or early 2013).
Pray for funding and continued construction for the church in Masaw'a.
Pray that their cars will stay in good repair as they travel on the bad roads there.
Pray for financial provision for the students at Scott and for the Mbandis.