WorldVenture Ministry Updates

Partner Based Children's Club

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This July, 50 excited Russian village children attended this year's summer club held at the Children's Center in Gorodishi.

The team from Whittier Hills Church financed the project and served alongside the Russian leadership team from a Baptist Church in Orehovo Zuevo, Russia.

Paul helped to coordinate the American team's ministry with the Russian team. The gospel was clearly presented at the club. Responses have come from the children slowly to the message.

The testimony of the good work with the children at the Children's Center is gaining credibility in the little town of Gorodishi.

Partnership to Train 1,300 Pastors

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

On September 7, Mark Schaff, WorldVenture missionary in Southern Africa, signed a partnership agreement between Walk Thru the Bible and the largest Evangelical denomination in Zambia.

For the next three years, the training team Mark developed for Walk Thru Southern Africa will equip the 1300+ pastors with teaching, training and tools to increase the impact of the local church.

Walk Through the Bible defines a high impact church as one where lost people find Christ, believers mature in faith and significant needs of the community are met. Please pray for the pastor training which will begin in November and continue for several years.

Retreat at Kivu

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Missionaries from central and eastern Africa gathered on the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda. This annual gathering has been going for 60 years. This is always a time of mutual encouragement and spiritual refreshing. This year's speaker was Dr. Jim Copeland, director of recruiting at WorldVenture.

Public Recognition

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, the Evangelical School of Theology (EST) held an official inauguration of the school, having recently been given accreditation from the government.

Government leaders, religious leaders, and journalists attended alongside students and faculty. "Now we are recognized as part of the academic world, doors are open fr contact with people we didn't have access to before," writes Christie Murphy.

Austria TCK Reunion

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

First ever Austrian Third Culture Kid (TCK) Reunion hosted in Denver, Colorado , earlier this month. This reunion, hopefully one of many others, brought back together the children of WorldVenture missionaries on the Austrian field, some who had not seen each other in over 10 years.

"... We were unsure what to expect. But from the second we walked in the door, it was like coming home," writes Katrina Custer.

During the time, these TCKs were able to laugh, catch up, and deeply connect through their common history and experience.

As Margie Suydam put it, "They are the only ones on EARTH who understand exactly why I am what I am, why I think the way I think and why I fear what I fear."

The phrase "Third Culture Kid" does a good job describing the in-between culture most missionary children experience as a result of growing up apart from the United States. They come from America, they visit and speak of America where grandparents and cousins live, but they grow up and learn in another culture. The result in their heart is a third culture, not fully American and not fully the other culture they grew up in. Responses to this third culture are as varied as people are, positive and negative.

A reunion like this makes steps in helping these young adults appreciate the unique experience they have been given and to see others like themselves thinking and feeling the same things.

Who doesn't long for the feeling of home and to be surrounded by those who understand you?

No Time to Preach

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Consider the power of the translated Scriptures.

Charley recently wrote: "We also heard a Senegalese Christian, who is translating the Bible, testify how his co-translator received Christ. Quickly then that man's family received Christ and then how 68 people in the village received Christ. These men didn't even have time to preach. Villagers just read the book of Mark translated into their mother tongue and converted."

Decisions at the Hospital

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

"This is why I am here and part of this vital outreach for Christ in northern Côte d'Ivoire," writes Robin Hampton.

There were 116 decisions for Christ made at Baptist Hospital and six at the Torogo Dispensary in 2006!

"Praise the Lord," declares Robin.

Featured Academic Work

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The April 2007 issue of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research featured within the Noteworthy column (pp. 90-91) the academic work of WorldVenture worker Roger Hedlund.

The column states:

To address what he calls the “critical lack of scholarly work recording the historical presence and cultural contributions of Christianity in the region,” chief editor Roger E. Hedlund has been completing the Dictionary of South Asian Christianity. A one-volume ecumenical reference work, the forthcoming publication (see www.dharmadeepika.org /dictionary/ dictionhome.html) will include contributions from Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Pentecostal, and indigenous independent writers and editors. In November 2006 Hedlund’s colleague and successor, Paul Joshua Bhakiaraj, was installed as director of the Mylapore Institute for Indigenous Studies, Chennai, India, which sponsors the dictionary and publishes Dharma Deepika: A South Asian Journal of Missiological Research.

WorldVenture applauds Roger's work and years of faithfulness to creating this mission resource.

In response to this feature article Roger adds only a strong thanks to his team. He writes, "... the completion of the manuscript has been a team effort ... My appreciation and thanks to Jessica Richard, Jesudas Athyal and Joshua Kalapati. Without the extra toil and expert intervention of these three the manuscript would never have been completed."

You can visit the Dictionary of South Asian Christianity online at www.dharmadeepika.org/dictionary/dictionhome.html

It is possible for subscribers to access this and other issues of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research online at www.omsc.org/onlinehelp.html

Reaching Into Closed Homes

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Radio Sinai, broadcasting from Korhogo (one hour away), is opening doors for the gospel all over the region.

We know of an occult practitioner who has his radio tuned there all day, although he has never allowed Christian neighbors to witness to him; we hear that villagers are scraping together money to buy radios just so they can listen to a station that broadcasts in languages they understand.

Our recording of Genesis 1 - 15 in Nyarafolo, with commentary, is having a real impact.

Lost Translation of the Bible

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

About 50 years ago some national believers in North Africa completed a translation of the New Testament into a local dialect of Arabic. To our knowledge there has only been one limited printing of this translation in 1967.

It is unknown how many copies of the original printing are still in the hands of the local believers, but many younger believers and most all of the non-national workers are un-aware of its existence.

One of our WorldVenture team members has one of the few remaining copies. In order to make this translation more widely available we have scanned all the pages and are in the process of posting them online.

We are scanning because the original manuscript was handwritten.

The first two books of the New Testament are now online. You can check it out at … http://www.hayatefoudla.org/Derija%20Injil/Marc/Marc01.htm

Since starting this project we have run into multiple distractions and complications. Will you pray that this project will make it through to completion?

Project Jericho

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Project Jericho took place in the village of Njoiin (in-jo-een) This annual event is a cooperative effort of many evangelicals over a three-day period in a rural area. Thousands of people gathered to receive medical and dental attention, hear musical groups, testimonies and preaching. There are special events for children as well.

This year there were around 140 people who indicated their desire to follow Christ with many cutting off their occult charms and burning them in front of everyone.

Njoiin is the village of Marie Madeleine Nging. With tears of joy, she told us of how her father and other relatives turned to Christ. Please pray for the follow-up program in this area as these new believers are established in their faith.

One of our International Institute of Dakar students coordinated the prayer efforts for this event.

A Great Dream, On Hold

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Often in our ministry updates we cover successes or accomplishments, but on this occasion we believe it valuable to relate the story of a dream far from completion. This update came from Glenn Kendall, Africa director, concerning the dream of a girl's school in Ivory Coast.

He writes:

Have you ever had a dream/a goal so big that you could not envision its inception, much less its completion? Have you ever waited for years to see it germinate? Have you ever thought it could never ever happen? Have you pursued the dream?

Today, we were with one of our folks who has had a big dream; has dreamed this dream for years; has planned and thought and prepared ... and waited.

The dream is to build a school for young women; a school where they could gain academic skills, learn hand-working skills, gain computer skills, be taught to read in their own language as well as French, the language in which most schooling is done, be prepared to be wives and mothers knowing good nutrition and health, receive knowledge of the Bible, and become young women who have a love of their traditions and language and land.

This school would be a safe place where girls would not have to bribe to receive grades; a safe place from being preyed upon by teachers for sexual favors in trade for grades.

This school is still a dream. War has come to Ivory Coast and funding is difficult to impossible to procure when a country is at war. No one wants to invest in a country at war with the inherent instability.

But girls are still growing older one year at time, war or no war.

The churches in northern Ivory Coast have donated land for the school. The churches have banded together to form committees to plan the construction, the curriculum, to oversee the work. In December the first stage was completed; the wall is built around the property; an important first stage in most construction projects in Ivory Coast.

Today, the ground is bare, the walls stand without gates, the goats wander through the openings. There is no more money for the buildings or schoolroom equipment.

But the dream still exists in the hearts and minds of our colleague and many others in northern Ivory Coast. Those living in the neighborhood of the school talk with pride about the school that is coming to their area.

Parents hope, girls wait. Our colleague continues to believe that God will provide the necessary money. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-3

Fairy tales end with " ... and they all lived happily ever after ...". We do not know the end of the school dream. The last verses of Hebrews 11 are "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."

We wait to see what God has planned.

Nursing Hall of Fame

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Seattle Pacific University School of Health and Sciences named Calista Yates to their Hall of Fame.

The award recognizes outstanding nursing alumni who are engaging the culture and making a difference in the world. The award honors an alumnus who has made an impact by demonstrating leadership, competence, character and, most of all, being a grace-filled nurse. Calista recently completed her third mid-term trip with WorldVenture in Indonesia at Bethesda Mission Hospital.

Renewal Conference Review

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

"Ironically, I went into the conference less burned-out than in past years, and yet came out of it more renewed than ever before." Suzanne Johnson, Central Connection Office. (Quoted from)

Suzanne expresses the general sentiment of this year's Renewal Conference. With extended times of prayer, training seminars, and bitter cold Colorado weather combined with ever flowing coffee in the lounge, our missionaries were able to socialize, pray with each other, and laugh as God refreshed spirits.

One agreed on highlight of the Conferences was the three morning messages delivered by WorldVenture board member, Mark Hanke. He spoke on the pain and discouragement every minister faces. His words came as ointment for burdened hearts. Below is a podcast of his three messages.

Accreditation by Polish Government

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We have officially received accreditation by the Polish Ministry of Education.

As a quarter-miler on the Sheldon High School track team, my teammates and I shared a healthy respect for "the bear." "The bear will get you if you don't watch out." The bear always waits at the last curve, ready to jump on the back of unwary athletes just as they begin the final sprint to the finish line.

You have to be fast to outrun the bear. We are happy to report that EST (formerly the Biblical Theological Seminary) has outrun the bear! The final hurdle was cleared when the Minister signed the papers and our name was added to the list of accredited institutions.

Thanks for your prayers!

Political Situation in Guinea

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Guinea is in a critical political state right now.

January 10, 14 unions joined together to strike across Guinea. The first several days of the strike passed without much violence, but this week the demonstrators and security forces increased their aggressive behaviors (rock throwing and tire burning by one side and tear gas and rubber bullets mixed with live rounds by the other) and a few people have been killed and many imprisoned.

This strike is significant because the unions have demanded that President Conte step down from office and thus far he has refused. The unions have stopped working in the bauxite mines (this is where 30 percent of the world's bauxite (aluminum) comes from and this export is the mainstay of the economy).

Please pray that people would act with wisdom and that there would be minimal violence and that whatever political action is taken would truly help the common people of Guinea.

Village Rice Project

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Recent natural disasters around the world are televised into our homes with such increasing regularity that I sometimes get a picture in my mind of the world coming apart at the seams like an old, well-worn pair of jeans.

First, the knees rip away, and later the whole back end just tears apart. Earthquakes, Tsunamis, typhoons are wearing down our world.

We see so much devastation; people homes and their very lives are lost. It’s overwhelming. I think to myself, “What can I do, how can I help, so far away? Will my money even get to the people I want to help or will it end up in some corrupted official’s hand?"

Good questions and ones we ought to ask ourselves every time we think about giving toward any relief effort.

This summer, in August, yet again the devastation of hurricane (called typhoons n Asia) in an area of South China was the worst storm in years. It caused a staggering amount of damage to the rice crops of the villages in the area. This relief project is something that is rare for China. One Hong Kong church has had an ongoing relationship with this area for a period of time now. They travel into this area to train and build relationships with the local church there.

This summer, in the aftermath of the hurricane, the village agent of the government approached the pastor of this Hong Kong church and asked them for assistance!

Christians are often viewed by the Chinese government as untrustworthy.

This request made to the Christians from a government official is a small blip in the recent onslaught of relief effort needs for assistance, but does it represent a door opening toward a long awaited partnership?

A Day In the Life of WorldVenture

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hosted by Hans Finzel, watch this video taking you on a global journey through a day in the life of WorldVenture.

5 Minuti Video Award Winner

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Winner of the 2006 Best Film Award at 168 Hour Film Project, 5 Minuti.

This short subject film was created in 7 days as part of the 168project.com competition. Assigned a theme and the verse Hebrews 11:6 from the Bible, a team of volunteers from 10 nations joined American Producer/Director Deborah E. Brown and Italian Screenwriter/Director Sergio Mascheroni to create this emotional 11 minute film staring Barbara Sanua and Maurizio Desinan.

5 Minuti tells the story of a suicidal woman, about to jump from a bridge over the canals of Milano Italia, when a man proporting to be Jesus Christ asks her to give him 5 minutes to "just chat". Is he who he says he is? Why is he so calm and she so doubtful. Watch the video below to find out.

Deborah Brown is an outstanding example of the innovative and diverse ways WorldVenture seeks to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Journey to Bolivia Video

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Dan and Daryl Collins, missionaries to Bolivia, compiled a video tour of the support discovery process and the move from America to Bolivia as new missionaries.

This 8 minute video gives the grass roots view of what a new missionary faces.

WorldVenture seeks to place more missionaries in more fields. We call this Venture 2010, for more information, click here.

Intelligent Design

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Written in the Material de Apoio blog, Jim Choury, having a B.S. in math and physics, discusses the issues of Chance and Intelligent Design. He asks the leading question: Logic and Mathematics. What have these disciplines to do with evidence of God’s existence?

Complete with exercises to work through, you can read this four part address by following the links below:

Chance and Intelligent Design 1 : http://materialdeapoio.blogspot.com/2006/09/chance-or-design-intelligent.html
Chance and Intelligent Design 2 : http://materialdeapoio.blogspot.com/2006/09/chance-and-intelligent-design-part-2.html
Chance and Intelligent Design 3 : http://materialdeapoio.blogspot.com/2006/10/chance-and-intelligent-design-3.html
Chance and Intelligent Design 4 : http://materialdeapoio.blogspot.com/2006/11/chance-and-intelligent-design-part-4.html

A Modern-Day Macedonian Call

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Jesus told his followers they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. They would be his witness ... to the ends of the earth.

The growing church in the developing world is taking this responsibility seriously. Though our area of Europe is only 1 percent evangelical, several churches are expanding their vision through a condensed world missions course, similar to Perspectives. They understand the call to areas that still do not have access to the gospel.

Since the beginning of the year, our church has presented three such courses under our leadership. More than 60 people are now considering their responsibility to go, give, pray and mobilize others. A dozen believers have been trained and are eager to facilitate future courses. Intercession groups are praying for God’s strategy for our church.

Training in Eastern Europe

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Multiple events in the month of November report success with Christian training among the countries of Albania, Romania, Macedonia and Switzerland.

LeAnn Custer reports, "Taste the Chocolate Side of Life was a resounding success with about 80 women in attendance. Everything from the decorations to the program to the buffet was well received and several invited guests told their friends to be sure and ask them when we have another women's evening. A few spiritual conversations took place in the course of the fellowship time as hearts were opened to think about God's role in one's search for contentment."

In Albania, Dougg Custer presented material to seven Albanian's preparing for cross-cultural ministry.

"Our colleague reported that they have continued working on the interpersonal skill and team material that was presented," writes LeAnn, "in order to make it part of their everyday lives."

In Macedonia, LeAnn taught the basics of how to do a financial report through an interpreter. A new experience for her, but one she enjoyed.

MATS Provides Transportation

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

God provided for a West African missionary reliable transportation for her medical ministry.

WorldVenture missionary, Brenda Allen, received a Toyota Hi-Lux pick-up truck from the MATS International ministry. MATS International is a ministry whose mission is to glorify God by providing affordable and reliable transportation to servants in Christian ministry.

Brenda says, "I trust that I will be using it for many years as I do health teaching in rural villages and evangelism among the Maninka people. It is our hope that one day there will be churches among this least reached people group of over 4000 people."

There are many other ministries needing reliable transportation among the WorldVenture missionaries. Visit our projects and ministries section for opportunities to help missionaries in similar situations.

110 Decisions in Campaign

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

There were 110 decisions for Christ in an evangelism campaign. 71 of these converts are now in discipleship groups.

This church has just completed an addition that will be able to accommodate the additional people. Pray for the church as it ministers to the community.

Platform 6 - Video

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Colleague of WorldVenture missionary, Ione Smith, has posted a creative short video on YouTube about the life of a man on a platform.

WorldVenture seeks to promote inventive avenues of bringing the gospel to the nations.

Quoted from YouTube:

This movie, with its locked camera style, is basically the reproduction of a dream one of us had early one morning in 2006.

It has been said that "Life is a stage." In this story, a railway platform becomes the stage for every significant event in a man's life. However, the purpose of being on the railway platform is lost to the main character, until it is too late! The tragedy is that if he had only known it, he could have been ready in time... as could we!

Toxic Dumping in Abidjan

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Corruption in Cote d'Ivoire permits the dumping of toxic waste in populated areas of Abidjan. WorldVenture missionaries deal with the fall out.

The question remains: how can such an amount of toxic waste dumping have gone on under the noses of the port authorities who know that the importation of such products is strictly forbidden, not to mention its dumping in a populated area such as Abidjan?

To date there are eight individuals who have died and over 50,000 inhabitants have been treated for exposure to toxic fumes and contaminated waste water.

At this point the international cleanup crews are busy trying to contain the toxic waste and prepare it for export back to Europe from whence it came.

BBC reports on current clean up effort »

No one who has spent any amount of time in Côte d'Ivoire is really surprised by the unfortunate events of last month. According to the International Crisis Group, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the world’s leaders in corruption. If corruption is your thing, Côte d’Ivoire is the place!

The events of last month almost sound humorous, although the results have been anything but that. Because of corruption seen at every quarter today there are civil workers who find themselves behind bars just now because of their role in the toxic waste scandal who are “honestly wondering” just exactly what they have done wrong. It is sad.

On a more personal note, we are praising God that the wife of our church association president, Kadija Katiénéfoua, survived the toxic waste. I received a call one afternoon from Timothée, her husband, asking that we pray for her as she had just collapsed due to the heavy concentration of fumes in their home, situated several meters from one of the dump sites in Abobo-Banco, one of the popular quarters of Abidjan.

Please, pray with us for the people of Cote d'Ivoire.

Children of Hope in the News

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Covered by a Bay Area newspaper, InsideBayArea.com, Catharine Coon spoke to the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church in Fremont California about Children of Hope.

Catharine Coon is founder and director of the Children of Hope relief project. Due to war and instability in Uganda, family units have come to a desperate place. Her project focuses on child-headed households where both parents have either died or abandoned the children.

"Donations also help pay for at-home basics such as mattresses, blankets, cooking utensils and towels. An empty plastic water bottle is considered a 'prize possession' in Uganda because it gives the children a way to always carry water with them," reports staff writer Lea Blevins, catching a portion of Catharine's talk.

To view the entire interview follow this link »

Effective Hospital Growth

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Hospital health care activities continue to generate enough funds for daily operations.

Though there is not enough money yet to invest in other needed improvements, we praise god for His mercy and faithfulness. Two years ago, our hospital went for many months with only 15-20 inpatients. Now weconsistently have 50-60 patients each day.

God has sent us an evangelist for one year who is sponsored by a partnering church in Jakarta. She is a great addition to the evangelism team and has encouraged everyone greatly.

Each month, 10-20 patients are making first-time decisions for Christ.

New Life Micro Enterprises

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

New Life Micro Enterprises has just been approved for opening a store in the church. It will sell motorcycle parts, school supplies, hand-made jewelry, fine chocolates, and other items.

Business as Missions is one of the many new movements in mission strategy on fields around the world.

The idea behind this is to provide employment for many people in their congregation.

Values Formation in Public School

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

An opportunity arises to teach "Values Formation" to 800 students in a public high school in the Philippines.

Leslie Sinay, a Youth Intern, has been desiring to do outreach at the Tipolo National High School, which is the closest high school to our church and is part of our strategy for developing our youth ministry.

This invitation will include conducting two-hour spiritual instruction in all 16 classrooms using the book of Hope, a Bible distribution with the Gideon's, and a film showing.

Please, pray for this opportunity.

Lay Leaders Graduate in North Brazil

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

After an intensive training week at the extension seminary, 13 students graduated and 26 new students began taking classes. They join the 44 who are currently enrolled in the extension program.

With the relocation of WorldVenture teacher, Ken Davis, the school is down one teacher. Ken plans to fly back for several training sessions.

Please pray for God's provision of another teacher.

Hitting the Gas in Church Planting

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

"Unless the Lord Builds the House" was the song that closed the church planting meeting in Schwechat, Poland. In that sentiment the church plant is moving forward.

Flip charts of the church vision will be given to everyone, which will set the core values of the plant. Everyone will have the opportunity to respond and refine the vision. Then the group will begin to work on structure and strategy based on these documents.

"For the past month I've been on the brakes," Paul Jorgensen says. "Now I get to be the motor, as it will be time to get moving and get some strategy in place."

Church planting calls for more than the heart of one man, it calls on the heart of the group. Without the group, the vision is orphaned.

Paul writes: "Our Schwechat home Bible study is now co-led by myself and an engineer from the local refinery. Last night he was leaving our planning meeting, he grabbed my hand and said, 'I've grown more in the last two months than in the eight years before this.'"

Church Growth in Taiwan

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The Penney's church in Wu Fung, Taiwan, celebrated its five-year anniversary. Looking back they recognize God's hand in the conversion of more than 50 people and 10 baptisms.

With the primary cultural inertia advocating animism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, such a distinct growth is an incredible reason to praise the Lord.

On the five-year anniversary, there were 40 in attendance. Many were college students from the Asia University.

Advancement in Leadership Training in Senegal

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Much new advancement has recently been made in church leadership training in Senegal.

Institut de Theologie Evangelique du Senegal (ITES), which means, "Evangelical Theology Institute of Senegal", was formerly known as Institut Evangelique de Dakar (IED). It is Senegal's premier church leadership training school.

WorldVenture is one of the school's co-founders.

The director was able to purchase the land in Thies, a city 45 miles from Dakar, at an excellent price for a future site for the school.

This property is reasonably large — larger than we could have afforded in Dakar — and is perfectly situated near major highways so as to be a hub for providing training for pastors in the interior as well as a center to coordinate training in the two major urban centers, Thies and Dakar.

For the first time in its history, ITES owns land on which to develop permanent facilities!

Now we're praying for God to provide funds for construction. See this project »

Construction modifications are nearing completion at the Beacon of Hope, which is UWM's conference compound on the outskirts of Dakar. ITES recently partnered with UWM, so as to have temporary facilities.

The UWM-ITES partnership will provide us with classroom space, an office, and a good-sized library room for at least the next two years — hopefully time enough in which to develop the property in Thies.

In addition to these advancements, we have had a very warm reception by the Overseas Council International (OCI), an organization which partners with theological institutions in developing countries to provide badly needed funding for developing their training programs.

This could mean aid through tuition sponsorship, construction grants, professorial training funds, etc.

They have told us to expect approval of our OCI membership within about a year. Normally, this requires two years, sometimes more.

Pray that this may be one way God uses to provide ITES with needed funding to train more desperately needed Christian leaders for French-speaking West Africa.

ITES has been approved by Bangui Evangelical School of Theology (BEST) — the only fully accredited, French-language seminary in Africa.

This resulted from the help of Dr Abel Ndierareou, president of BEST.

This is the first time ITES has had accreditation, and it will be valid until such time as we can secure independent accreditation from the Senegalese government. As part of this accreditation assistance, BEST has also offered to send up to two of their own professors per year to teach courses for ITES.

Meningitis Vaccinations

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The city of Korhogo had at least 20 confirmed cases of meningitis while we were there.

Pastor Keo Kognon, the director of Bethel Bible Institute scheduled a medical team to come on campus, and our family was able to subsidize the vaccinations of about 80 people — including our students, their children, some local pastors and their children, and some children of close friends.

Boy did it feel good to be able to help! We also sponsored a banquet the last night we were there — pork and rice.

It was a good time of fellowship, although several students did not come due to funerals for relatives.

Once more we were reminded that life is hard and can be short in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking to Wycliffe

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Scott was invited to speak at the Europe- Area Conference of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

I (Scott) did one plenary presentation on the development of new missions movements in Central and Eastern Europe. Then spent a full day with the country directors of Wycliffe organizations from Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Russia and the Eastern Europe coordinator.

We were able to discuss specific issues that they are facing, such as developing and sustaining a missions movement, mobilization and recruiting, and church relations. It was encouraging to see what God is doing through Wycliffe in these different countries.

It was also a fascinating cross-cultural experience.

Wycliffe is a huge organization (actually, family of organizations) with a long history. Consequently, they’ve developed their own culture, language and symbol system, and social systems.

I told them my goal was to be able to speak fluent “Wycliffese” by the end of the week, and I was at least halfway successful!

Thanks for praying for this event. It went well.

Successful Ministry Training

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

“Praise God for 23 students who just finished their first training event with Spiritual Renewal of the Donbass (a.k.a. Project 250),” the Yodises write.

A month ago they had no applications for the event. They required at least 15 participants to have enough to justify starting a new class.

Praise God that the training event was successful and highly praised by the students.

Praise God, also, for a couple more people who have joined the support team of the special project Project 250, which helps fund these training events and other church planting needs in the area.

Dispelling The Da Vinci Code

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Dan Brown's book has provided remarkable opportunities for evangelism.

We are thankful for some remarkable opportunities for evangelism in the past several months due to Dan Brown’s best selling novel, The Da Vinci Code, which claims that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and produced a long line of physical descendants (some who still live today). Randy’s three-hour seminar dispelling this latest attack upon Christ and the Bible has drawn a total of 450 students at two universities and 650 at churches throughout Manila during December and January. We rejoice that nearly 100 have indicated personal decisions for Christ. Before The Da Vinci Code movie is released on May 19 at least 5 more seminars are planned in Manila and other cities. We request that you pray with us that they will embrace Jesus as their personal Savior.

Accreditation Granted to ETS

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This summer there was another step forward for Evangelical School of Theology (EST) in Wroclaw, Poland when the National Accrediting Committee in Poland approved the accreditation application submitted by EST.

The Head of the Department of Science and Higher Education issued a permit allowing EST to launch an accredited program.

There are still details to work out before the school officially launches its programs as an accredited institution but we are trusting God to finish what was begun over two/three years ago.

Please, pray for wisdom and diligence for the leadership.

The EST website in English can be found at: www.est.edu.pl

Typhoon Mylenyo, Philippines

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Maximum winds gusting up to 120 kilometers per hour, Typhoon Mylenyo was the first typhoon to hit Metro Manila since Typhoon Rosing in 1995. Heavy rains are blamed for several deaths.

Vickie Whitehead, WorldVenture Missionary in the Philippines, reports: Typhoon Milenyo damaged many trees in my neighborhood and caused flooding both here and near the Faith Academy.

Electricity is still down in some areas. We were fortunate to only be out of power for 36 hours.

Bryan gathered a variety of tropical wood from fallen trees for the shop. The neighbors appreciated him clearing out their extra wood. God does work things together in numerous ways.

Prayer is needed for many people who suffered much worse than around our area. The provinces got hit much worse and several hundred lives were lost.

Virtural Missions Conference

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Jason recently attended the Peachtree Community Church’s missions conference in Villa Rica, Georgia from his sofa in the Ukraine via the internet.

At the early hour of 3 a.m., equipped with a webcam-equipped laptop, Jason was interviewed about his ministry and life in the Ukraine. The interview was projected live in the conference hall during the missions conference.

Then he manned a booth, also virtually. The church set up a webcam-equipped computer at the Ukraine booth, and as church members circulated they could stop and talk to Jason about his work in the Ukraine.

He says, “As I sat there, or rather here in the Ukraine, I could overhear conversations at other tables and watch friends wander through the various mission displays. It was amazing to be at the conference without really being at the conference.”

Jesus Uses Anti-Retrovirals in Lawley 2

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

We see God working physically and spiritually in the Lawley 2 settlement ministry.

The ladies Kathy disciples have been hard at work seeing the patients we are ministering to.

In the last two months, we have been working with 39 adult patients and 6 children who are affected by AIDS. Of these, 13 have been started on anti-retroviral (ARV) drug treatment and have seen miraculous results.

One woman, only two months into her ARV regime saw her CD4 count, a measurement of a person’s immunity level, rise from a very low count of 212 to an almost normal range of 644.

These numbers basically mean she went from being bedridden, unable to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, to being able to return to work and feed her family.

The anti-retrovirals are definitely helping but the real healer is Jesus Christ.

She knows this; she knows him. Both spiritually and physically, she’s now rejoicing at the renewed life Jesus Christ has given her.

Lebanon Personnel Return

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

WorldVenture has received word from our personnel in Lebanon that they were able to return to Lebanon, arriving in early September as originally planned.

They are currently back in full action in the ministries of leadership development and compassion through the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary and Tahaddi Compassion Ministries.

Pray for them as they take their part in the human and material rebuilding of Lebanon.

The Bible on AIDs

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Kathy Shaaf traveled to Manhica, Mozambique for an opportunity to teach a biblical course, God's Answer to Aids, to a group of pastors and caregivers.

This opportunity stemmed from another trip a month earlier when Kathy first visited with 3 pastors who were starting compassion ministries within the province of Manhica on behalf of the Baptist Association.

These pastors spent two days talking with Kathy about her experiences as both a nurse and leader of a compassionate ministry. From this, the pastors invited Kathy to return to teach from the Bible concerning AIDs.

Jim and Corrine Thorp, WorldVenture missionaries to Mozambique, were helpful in arranging this training event and hosting Kathy during her visit. They also rushed a translation of the student workbook materials.

The rural population of Mozambique is predominantly illiterate in Portuguese, the trade language of Mozambique, so the workbooks were filled with pictures and visual aids to help communicate the lesson.

It was quite an experience to work within the context of three languages.

Lanting's Advancement

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:47:06 GMT

Mark’s position at Faith Academy has grown.

Along with teaching five classes a day, he is now the English Department Head and the chairman of the school’s ESL Committee. Both of these positions allow him a significant role in assisting the school to navigate a season of great transition.

Summer Ministry Review

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Summer ministry review from Michael and Debbie Bannon.

“We again found summer to be our busiest time for youth ministry,” write the Bannons.

The last week of June and the first week of July, they held two weeks of English camp. One hundred and seventy young people attended, coming from various parts of Lithuania.

“God did a mighty work at this camp with close to 70 teens making a first-time decision or recommitting their lives to Christ,” the Bannons report.

Then in the middle of July, at their church in Vilnius, they conducted a week of follow-up discipleship. Twenty-five youths from the camp attended.

In the last week of July, they ran a week of vacation Bible school at an orphanage.

Students from the English camp came on as staff for the vacation Bible school. This provided an strategic opportunity to both minister at the orphanage and conduct follow-up discipleship with the students from the English camp.

“At the orphanage, it was especially amazing to see the young people, whose numbers grew daily, excited about God’s truth; It was overwhelming to see them understanding it, to see them sharing it, to hear them praying out loud with enthusiasm and joy, talking to their Lord.”

Study Room Opened in Mali

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Often the conversation moves to God and religion and everyone in the room stops their studying to listen or participate.

Tom and Lisa Seward have rented a “boutique” at the train station about a block from their house for use as a study room. This provides a place to study where it is quieter than the students courtyards and there is also electricity.

Students come to get some English tutoring and practice speaking. Often the conversation moves to God and religion and everyone in the room stops their studying to listen or participate.

As we walked through the neighborhood, even between the house and the church, we ran into students who come to the study room and do not come to church yet. It has proved to be a good place to create redemptive relationships.

Most days it is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Freddie, the youth worker from church, spends loads of time there. The students “join” the study room and can come whenever they want.

Jesus Can Use Potholders

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Arizona women donate potholders as a gift to women in Mali.

“My mom and some friends from three or four churches in Arizona gave me 800 potholders,” Laura Requadt writes.

Using this donation, she turned around and made a bridge building gift out of the potholders.

Laura and Pastor Mamadou visited the courtyards of all 35-50 children from the After-School Bible Club. They used the potholders to say thank you to the mothers for letting their children come to club.

“I gave 54 potholders to mothers of the After-School Bible Club kids when I went to meet them in their courtyards, and the rest were given to women in all 10 sections of Fourou. Not every woman got one, but they were supposed to be distributed starting with the youngest married women and going up until they ran out.”

Only a handful of those mothers are Christians, so this made a good impression on them.

From that Laura and the Pastor went to the chief of each section of Fourou asking if they could have a neighborhood women's rally. Permission was granted. On the appointed days several women spoke, including the head of the Women of Fourou, the local women’s group.

The pastor’s wife spoke as well, giving her powerful testimony.

Just a simple potholder — or 800 — enabled a whole town full of women to hear the gospel and they are reminded of the message each time they reach for a hot pot.

Unfortunately, one mother was confident that her son never came to the Bible club. Laura and Pastor insisted that he came and was learning a lot. Sadly the boy has never returned. Who knew he was sneaking to club each day? Please pray for this young boy and his mother.

Deaf Evangelism Videos

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

New Japanese sign language videos relating sections of Genesis are available for online streaming.

These six videos contribute greatly to evangelism of the deaf in Japan. The themes of the videos are as follows:

Genesis 1:24 - 28 (God's Creation)
Genesis 3:16 - 19 (God's Judgement)
Genesis 5:1-11 (Adam's Genealogy)
Genesis 6:17 (Noah and the Flood)
Genesis 14:1-7 (War of the Kings)
Genesis 15:1-5 (God's Promise)

http://www.j-dem.net/dvd/souseiki/1souseiki.html

4 Nurses Touch Lives in Indonesia

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

I have watched four young ladies, who came here from a variety of locations and situations in the United States and Mexico, make friends, serve people, laugh and cry.

Wow what an amazing almost two months it has been!

I have watched four young nurses learn to like new foods and play the Indonesian form of volleyball pretty well. I have seen them laugh until they started falling off their chairs, learn to suture in the operating room, and give shots in the villages. They have helped deliver babies and connect lovingly with patients.

One particular young girl comes to mind, these four nurses prayed with her and her family as she and they realized that her attempt to commit suicide was going to be successful and that she would die soon.

At another time, I saw them comfort a mom who just delivered her baby too early in the pregnancy. The baby was too small and too young to live. So together they held the mom and the baby and they cried.

We also threw one of the biggest parties I have ever had at my house — 50 nursing students. It was a huge goodbye party for the ladies and also a celebration of the students finishing the school year.

So much has happened through these ladies. I want to thank God for the work of this short-term team!

50% Student Body Makes Honor Role

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Forgive us for bragging on our MK school, but ... At Dakar Academy's year-end awards assembly, it was pointed out that over 50% of the entire student body made the Honor Roll. This is even more startling when you realize that while it is a K-12 school, only grades 7-12 are eligible for the honor roll.

Praise the Lord for such a quality school for our children to attend here in Africa!

15 Prayed For, 15 Respond

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Praise God for the short-term team from Bend, Oregon, that spent about 10 days working in Lago da Pedra, Brazil.

The team was great and had a great attitude despite being placed in some very difficult situations. Praise God also for the results.

We had prayed for 15 decisions or commitments and the last Sunday the pastor announced that there were six adults and nine young people who had made public decisions. There were also a number of children who made decisions but there was no list made of the names or addresses of these children.

Please pray that the church would find people to help follow up on these decisions.

Handicapped Camp Summer 2006

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Transformation Church Handicapped Camp. "Our goal is to see the youth and their families become Christians, grow in their faith."

Taken from a weblog report by Mark McDonnel:

What a wonderful time we had in Voronkiv, a small town about 45 minutes outside of Kiev. All told, we had about 35 people at the camp.

A pastor, with Western support, has built a church and a small campground. There our church had its annual camp for those with disabilities and for their families.

The camp theme was how we as Christians are aliens and strangers on this earth, yet at the same time, one family in Christ.

One young lady suffered at the hands of family and from those on the street because of the way her disability made her look. But she said that the church family at Transformation Church has loved her and she is now a Christian.

We will continue to have weekly services especially for the handicapped every Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to our regular Sunday morning service, but most prefer to come to a little more relaxed service later in the day.

Our goal is to see these youth and their families become Christians, grow in their faith, and of course, help all we can with needs such as medicine, food, clothing, transportation and medical treatment.

New Opportunities in Poland

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The Hackers report on two exciting opportunities opening in Poland.

“The first regards the founding of a national church planting forum, under the patronage of the Polish Evangelical Alliance. Randy is on the steering committee for this forum.

“The second involves a radio program, which Randy now hosts, targeting students and young adults, in English and Polish, using contemporary Christian music, and focusing on Christ. This program can be heard every Monday night.”

C.S. Lewis - Belgium Youth Camp

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, at youth camp the gospel was taught using the movie The Chronicles of Narnia.

“The camp was held in a restored farmhouse near the German border,” the Winstons write. “Several new kids showed up.”

In addition to this camp, 35 kids signed up for the annual four-day study camp to prepare for exams. Several of these were new to the program.

“A couple of ‘old timers’ came to lend a hand in the kitchen (kids who had let the Junior Varsity group after outgrowing the program),” the Winstons pointed out. “Great to reconnect with them!”

Ted and Sergio, a local minister, split speaking duties.

Influence in Rwanda - Charted

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This survey illustrates the often hard to assess, yet exponential impact of pastoral training.

The following are the results of a statistical survey taken this summer by 50 pastors. These pastors participate in the Mission pour la Nouvelle Creature’s Pastoral Training School (MNC PTS).

9654	Membership within churches of the MNC PTS students.
35	Church plants or branches begun since January by churches of MNC PTS students.
555	Baptisms since January in churches of MNC PTS students.
576	Church leaders currently being discipled by MNC PTS students.
4090	Believers in small groups within churches of MNC PTS students.

Please, pray for this important work in Rwanda.

Lebanon Update - July 31

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

During the past several weeks, the hostilities in Lebanon and Israel have impacted the lives of many, including WorldVenture personnel in the region.

WorldVenture received confirmation today that our personnel in Lebanon have been evacuated from Beirut and they have reconnected with family in France while attending to previously schedule ministry commitments. WorldVenture personnel hope to return to Beirut in early September as originally planned.

Please continue to pray for peaceful resolutions to this current conflict and for all those impacted by it, particularly for the on-going humanitarian and spiritual needs.

Through the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, WorldVenture’s team in Lebanon is helping to train a new generation of Arabic-speaking Christian leaders. Education in the areas of Western culture and theology is taking place at two other institutions in the city. Additional ministries include medical outreach, the discipling of students from several Arabic-speaking nations in the region, and Bible study, evangelism and discipleship at a Lebanese women’s prison.

WILL Trip Raises Funds for Children

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Soweto, at 12 years old, is the head of a family of four.

His parents died of AIDS, and his grandmother, who stepped in to help, soon abandoned the children. For a year and a half, Soweto has been struggling to care for his younger siblings. His brothers, ages 9 and 6, help him tend their 4-year-old sister who is paralyzed from the waist down.

All three boys should be in school. However, at least one is always home with their little sister. A concerned villager gave them the small hut they live in, but there are no mattresses – they sleep on the dirt floor – and no blankets. Other than what they have on, they have no clothes. They scramble for food, often eating things other people wouldn’t even touch.

Children like this are the recipients of the $2,600 our W.I.L.L. Trip team has raised preparing for Uganda.

Christian FM Radio Station

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Baptist churches found a radio station in Côte d’Ivoire.

The national association of Baptist churches with which we work in Côte d’Ivoire has started a Christian radio station which broadcasts in the Senoufo, French, and Dioula languages. We even heard some black gospel music in English! This station is spreading the gospel 24/7. What an encouragement!

Unrest in Lebanon

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Conflict and ministry in the Middle East

News reports from the region indicate a continuation of the conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. WorldVenture personnel in Beirut have been in daily communication with their regional director. Understandably, the daily routines of life are restricted, however, WorldVenture personnel are in a non-targeted area of the city. In an e-mail today, July 17, the WorldVenture personnel expressed their gratitude for all the concern for their safety, and that they had a decent night's sleep for the first time in the past few days. Also, because of prior ministry obligations outisde Lebanon, they have put themselves on a waiting list for evacuation. However, given the number of foreigners in Lebanon, it may be several days before any relocation outside of Lebanon occurs.

Please continue to pray for a peaceful resolution to this current conflict, and for those who feel its impact.

Through the Arab Baptist Seminary in Beirut, WorldVenture's team in Lebanon is helping to train a new generation of Arabic-speaking Christian leaders. Education in the areas of Western culture and theology is taking place at two other institutions in the city. Additional ministries include medical outreach, the discipling of students from several Arabic-speaking nations in the region, and Bible study, evangelism and discipleship at a Lebanese women's prison.

Day Camp For Kids

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Upcoming six week day camp for neighborhood children in Taiwan.

For six weeks beginning in July, our church will be hosting about 30 young kids for an all-day "camp."

We are hoping to have a significant impact on the children of the neighborhood through Gospel stories, songs, activities, and event he daily lunchtime.

Please pray for good contacts, and enough workers to help out.

Movie: 5-Minuti

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Deborah Brown, mid-term worker with WorldVenture in Italy, traveled to Hollywood to attend the 168 Hour Film Festival.

168 aims to illuminated the Word of God through short film. Deborah, who ministers to Italians through film, television, and news media, accepted four awards given to her short film production, "5 Minutes."

Howard Kazanjian, producer of "Star Wars, Return of the Jedi" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" for George Lucas, presented the final categories at the festival.

"5 Minutes" won for Best Screenplay, Best integration of Scripture, Best International Film and Best Film.

You can check out an 11-minute version of the film at http://www.sabaothfilms.com.

Anita's Journey

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Anita grew up in a mountainous village in Peru. She and her nine brothers and sisters were very hard workers

Anita grew up in a mountainous village in Peru. She and her nine brothers and sisters were very hard workers. Their father in a simple way was able to communicate to them his love for Jesus. Even though the village had their own ethnic religion, their family never adopted it. She said her father made a little room off the side of their house and used it for a place of worship. She remembers only one other villager attending with her family.

It would take over 12 hours by bus to get down the mountain and arrive in Lima. Often their father had to work in the city in order to provide for his family. During one of these periods when her father was absent, the rebels came and tried to capture and gain control of the area. She remembers her mother ordering all the children to sleep away from the windows and the door while she herself lay down behind the door. That way she knew if any rebels would try to attack, she could better protect her children. What the children saw and heard during those months of unrest has not been forgotten. Anita was only 8 years old when she left the village and went to work in the city.

The girls from the mountains were stronger and were known to work harder than the girls from the city. The life in the city was so difficult. She talks of the suffering and the difficulty of trying to grow up in this way. However, she fondly remembers the simple teaching of her father. Her older sister, Maria, was able to come to Italy and then helped Anita and her husband enter the country.

I wish you could have been with me when she read Psalms 139 for the first time. Her eyes filled with tears as she realized that through all her sufferings the Lord had been there. She is so eager to spend time in the Word and to meet together.

Who would ever have thought a mountain gal from Peru would be having Bible studies with a Canadian farm gal in Ostia Italy?

That is only orchestrated by our loving God! Pray for Anita. She desperately wants her husband, Walter, to love Jesus.

Blessings of the Children's Bible

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Virgie, 12, has been attending New Life Community Church's Sunday school for three years. During the past six months,

Photo above: Christine Ralston (left) and Bebing Pakingking (right) award Bibles to Larry, Samme, Clyde and Virgie.

Virgie, 12, has been attending New Life Community Church's Sunday school for three years. During the past six months, her Sunday school class was challenged to read a portion of the Bible each night. Their reward a Bible. A small notebook was given to each class member to record their faithfulness. At times Virgie missed her nightly reading due to her family having only one Bible, belonging to her older sister, Cathy. Cathy often took her Bible with her to read on jeepneys, while eating lunch, and between college classes. Frustrated at not meeting her goal, Virgie begged her sister to leave the Bible at home some of the time. Finally, the day came when names were read of those who "earned" a personal Bible. Three boys and one girl received Bibles--Larry, Samme, Clyde and yes, Virgie.

Virgie, 12, has been attending New Life Community Church's Sunday school for three years. During the past six months, her Sunday school class was challenged to read a portion of the Bible each night. Their reward a Bible. A small notebook was given to each class member to record their faithfulness. At times Virgie missed her nightly reading due to her family having only one Bible, belonging to her older sister, Cathy. Cathy often took her Bible with her to read on jeepneys, while eating lunch, and between college classes. Frustrated at not meeting her goal, Virgie begged her sister to leave the Bible at home some of the time. Finally, the day came when names were read of those who "earned" a personal Bible. Three boys and one girl

We continue to distribute children's Bibles in the city and out to nearby islands praying that their parents will read them also.