Street Cafe’s mission has been to feed and love Victoria’s poor and homeless, and this April we celebrated our first birthday! With continued support from Lambrick Park Church and the Mustard Seed, our team of volunteers is consistently serving 100-150 people per month. Street Cafe is a restaurant-style dinner for the needy and homeless in Victoria that happens every second Friday. Each week, cooks from our community prepare two entrees, one of our musicians plays for our guests, and our team acts as waiters and waitresses to serve a meal and specialty coffee drinks, and then many of our guests enjoy a movie after dinner in the sanctuary.
This ministry evolved out of an initial desire to take action on the social justice issues, and it took shape around the goal of creating a ministry unlike any other in the city. The format of Street Cafe focuses on creating an environment in which dignity is restored, relationships can be fostered, and openness and conversation is encouraged. Our motive is not expressly evangelistic; we set out to find a need and meet it, to create a place that is less institutional and more centered on encouraging and blessing each individual that comes through our doors. The overwhelmingly positive response we consistently receive from the people we serve has encouraged us to continue to pursue and improve this ministry.
It has been truly inspiring to see the relationships that have formed between our volunteers and the regulars, as well as the conversations that we have had with passers-by and the help we have been able to give our guests (e.g. food-to-go, blankets, finding a shelter for the night, etc.) We have experienced Victoria’s homeless community to be one filled with friendly faces, hilarious stories, incredible experience and inspiration. While many stories are filled with tragedy and troubles, we have found Street Cafe to be a really positive and uplifting place in which many of those can be at least momentarily put aside. Your continued prayers are a blessing to us: please pray for the homeless community, the ministries throughout the city that reach out to them, and the volunteers who work with them; for Street Cafe, pray for continued strength for our team, continued impact on the community, and God’s hand in all that we do.
Wednesday, 10 June, 2009
Street Cafe Report
Wednesday, 1 April, 2009
Daniel Bromley - Spring 2009
Greetings my brothers and sisters around the world!
The snow is melting and spring is coming. The dark days of winter are being replaced with beautiful beams of light!! It's such a blessing.
The Salvation Army
I last wrote you before The Ambassadors headed out on outreach week. We had a wonderful time in Jönköping with the believers there. Personally, it was such an encouragement for me to spend time with Swedish Christians. I have spent 3 years here... but I have met so few members of God's extended family. It's sad, but this country is so opposed to God and Christianity (or any faith/religion at all).
In contrast to my experiences in Bosnia and Russia, it was so neat to spend a whole week witnessing a church's life from inside the building. We ate, slept, and lived in the building for 6 days. In that time, we were able to observe as people came and went, volunteering their time in different programs, meetings, etc.
I have noticed a trend on all of my outreach/mission trips: I go to receive. I wonder if you have experienced this yourself, that we come out of these experiences feeling like we have been given to more than we gave. We left so encouraged, enriched and filled up. Praise God for that time there.
"Hello Santa Claus!"
Although it's not quite the north pole, in a weeks time I will be heading north to Hemavan/Tärnaby. On the attached picture you can see that it's just south of the Arctic Circle. Since coming to Sweden two years ago, I have experienced a growing passion for the outdoors and God's creation. I'm so excited to invest this spring break in getting to know God's character more through his handiwork. I'm also really excited for a break from leading... as I will be considered 'just another one of the students' on this Discovery trip. The guys (who I am normally in charge of) are rather excited about this... who knows what they have planned for me... hopefully only "Lapland Love"... Holsby style! i.e. snow balls to the face, really heavy rocks in your already heavy backpack!!! That kind of stuff! I'm sure the guys reading this can relate!
There is a Season, Turn, Turn, Turn
On Wednesday this week, we will complete the winter term. Please pray for the students who are leaving and heading back in to their home environments. Please pray that they will be encouraged by how God has changed them these past 6 months. Please pray that they will be courageous to share how God has worked in their hearts.
And God bless you all. Gud välsigne dig. I hope you are well... and please don't hesitate to write. Let me know what you are doing for spring break.
With much joy,
Daniel
P.S. In case you have forgotten who I am, I have attached a picture of my current self!!!
Sue Priestley - April 2009
March/April 2009
In my last letter I let you know I had a bad cold, my back was bothering me and was just heading out for another trip and was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Well, that trip ended up being a very special time. More and more the arts are being recognized as a significant part of ministry – music, dance, visual arts and much more. I was able to be part of some strategy meetings, working out a structure that can serve and help OM as we minister in different countries around the world. Imagine being able to send a team of artists into a country for a short term ministry opportunity – as they set up an art show in the town, sketching, etc?
At the end of last year I was looking at 2009 with a lot of anxiety as there seemed to be travel almost every month. How was I ever going to cope? Well, since then, I made some changes and it has eased up a wee bit. I have 3 less trips planned and that makes me very thankful.
I have an assistant! Oh my goodness, it seems too good to be true, but Heidi from Germany is working with me now. She is based in Germany (amazing to be able to work together from a distance, using email and skype). She has been a great blessing, bringing her good experience, her gifts in administration and her concern for people and her willingness to help me.
Another blessing has been the visitors who have come to stay since mid December: Maylene from Trinidad, Heather from Australia (via Glasgow) came for Christmas and most recently, my niece Olivia (14) was with me for a week. What a treat to see this part of England through the eyes of a young teenager. This time was a great highlight for me.
Everywhere I go, people are talking about the financial challenges in our high tech, fast paced world of Europe and North America. But I cannot get away from feeling so blessed and privileged at all I have and all I can do. When I look at areas of the world without any retirement savings, social services, medical care, even without access to clean water, I am so challenged to make sure that I am a good steward of all that I do have. Being a good steward looks different for all of us, doesn’t it?
Big things happen and opportunities abound!
- Our new ship, MV LogosHope finally sailed into ministry in mid February. What a joy to see and hear the stories as the ship is visiting ports in Europe and then heading to the Caribbean. So many have given time and finance and much prayer to see this ship launched. We are all thrilled it has finally happened.
- A Women’s Gym in Jordan (I LOVE this story – sorry it is long)
Operation Mercy (a partner organisation) is working in a Bedouin village. During the last two years one of our co-workers has been running a project to promote good health in women. The project aims to show the women how to reduce the risk of being exposed to diabetes and how to avoid high blood pressure which is quite common in Jordan. Another part of the project is the importance of the gym. Our co-worker writes:
“I really appreciate the relationships that I have been able to form with several women thanks to the gym. It is a simple gym with 4 training apparatus and a few dumbbells. These help the village women to get in good shape and encourage them to develop a healthy lifestyle. I spend a couple of mornings a week giving instructions on how to use the equipment and advising about food and nutrition. This time is also an important part of their lives as they get to know each other. They like to stay behind after the work out to talk and to share their thoughts about life. Even though the main purpose for coming to the gym is the physical training I also talk with them about our worth as women. Many have low self esteem and so they try really hard to improve their looks but seem to forget the importance of taking care of their inner life.”
Most of the women who have come are younger women of marriageable age (from 17 years and up) who would like to lose weight for the coming wedding or some women between the ages of 25-30 who have had 3-4 children would like to be slimmer in order to stay attractive to their husbands. This hopefully reduces the risk for him to want to take a second wife. One day when our co-worker came through the door she saw that the room was occupied by a group of older Bedouin women around 70 and older. After finishing their class in the room next door, where they had been learning to read and write, someone proposed that they should take a look at the gym and they were inspired to try something new! They had no change of clothes so it looked quite funny to see them walking relatively quickly on the running machine in their long dresses and veils. It is satisfying to see that the gym can be of use in many different ways!
Do you know any teachers who are thinking about missions? Maybe they need you to give them a challenge!! God is still calling people into missions, and He certainly has still given us a task to do.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
In Him,
Sue
Susan Priestley
Wednesday, 11 February, 2009
Daniel Bromley | Capernwray Sweden - February Update
Dearest Diverse Dwellers around the world,
It seems a little late to be wishing you all a Happy New Year, eh?! Nevertheless, I hope this email finds you well. It's a grey Saturday here in rural Holsby. The snow is melting but spirits are high. Last night we had our annual Women's Appreciation Dinner (Valentine's Day Banquet). The men on campus organized a lovely meal, complete with accapella, lip sinking and lots of 'shmoozing!' The girls were locked in their dorm for the whole afternoon while the guys set up for the evening. We eagerly await what the ladies might do in return.
Feel free to check out the pictures on www.holsby.org
Well, we are half way in to the winter semester here. There is much to update you on... (scroll down below the pictures and click 'Read More' for the rest!)
Outreach Week (Feb. 23 - Mar. 1)
We are trying something new out this year. We are capping off the 6 month fall/winter semesters with an all-school outreach week. In order to put in to practice what we have learned, various teams from Holsby will be reaching out to different communities around Sweden. We will also have two teams going to Ireland and Germany. I will be leading a team of four other internationals to the Salvation Army Church in Jonköping, Sweden (pronounced yon - shugh - ping!!!). All of the teams will be doing a variety of activities. Our team will be actively involved in the church's ministries: Scout Groups, Cell Groups, Youth Groups, as well as a homeless lunch, T.V. interview and church service. We will be very busy and I ask that you would pray for our school during this preparation time. Please also pray for the week itself. May it be an amazing time for everyone!
Artic Circle... almost! (Spring Break, Mar. 21 - Apr. 2)
Red is not really a colour for snow but it is for excitement! During spring break, I will be joining our Discovery Team of Students (check out the website for additional info: www.holsby.org) for their annual telemark skiing trip to Northern Sweden. We will spend almost two weeks in the snowy Lappland wilderness just south of the Artic Circle... battling the elements with only one pair of underwear!!!
A student asked me last school year, "Daniel, where would you like to travel to?" I replied, "I would really like to go to Russia, and... north. I just want to get out of inhabited land and see God's creation." Well there you have it folks!!! Classic Ephesians 3:20 syndrome again! God is providing fantastic adventures! Please pray that God would provide life long lessons on this trip.
What about you? (now - future)
What you are doing right now? What you are doing for the summer? What you are doing next September?
There are many opportunities available for you to get involved in Holsby or another Torchbearer School around the world. Please check out our home website (www.holsby.org) for opportunities available for YOU! We have many openings including maintenance, kitchen, hospitality, adventure team, and of course bible school. Please don't discount your self... you too can have amazing cross-cultural and international adventures!
Thanks for reading and for caring.
I have attached a few photos from my Christmas Vacation around Europe. A Liverpool Match; getting busted by a brit; a road sign in Cambridge, England and my effort to stop the spread of communism at the Berlin Wall.
With joy,
Daniel Bromley
Men's RA
Fackelbärarnas Bibelskola
Brunnsvägen 31 57015
Holsbybrunn,
Sweden tel: 46 (0) 38350670
fax:46 (0) 38350865
email: daniel@holsby.org
email: danielbromley@gmail.com
Antignani Update | Winter 2009
The following is an edited version of the Antignani Family's latest update letter:
Things are looking up. The last three months have further confirmed what had had always hoped would follow the 'difficult times'. We just didn't expect it so soon. Manuela (25 years old), the daughter of Lucio and Mina, recently gave her life to the Lord. She is so eager to move on and study the Word of God and constantly wants to be with the rest of us "believers." This really seems to be a true conversion! Then, Nino, the custodian of the community home for abandoned adolescence, has surprisingly done the same, and his eagerness seems to be similar. This has been very encouraging for our church. Nino was always very negative towards us, and now it seems the Lord has broke through His hard spirit.
There is another pleasant surprise that has been a real blessing: another spiritually mature family in the area has begun to fellowship with us. For the last 15 years they have been travelling 1.5 hours to the province of Naples to fellowship, as the city of Salerno had been seen as 'off limits' for serious believers.
For now they attend only Wednesday evening, as they are moving ahead prudently. This family could be that 'extra help' we have been looking for over the years. They travel afar for fellowship because anybody that would have liked to witness their faith to others in the city of Salerno, were bombarded by the stories of all the negative testimonies and scandals that Salerno has been noted for in the evangelical realm over 40 years. Like we mentioned in the past, this new work we are doing is to fight the good fight, and regain a God fearing testimony for the city of Salerno.
We are slowly doing this, but with what the situation is in Salerno, often these carnal sectarian attitudes make moving on very tough. Nevertheless, we trust that the Lord has a plan for Salerno and we are seeing things happen. Joe's conviction and main objective is to keep the church solid in teaching and preaching, so as to avoid repeating what happened in the past. We believe that a solid God-fearing church, united in the Spirit, is the best evangelistic realty that exists. This is something we sometimes miss in Italy. While we put all of our importance on evangelistic campaigns, we often neglect to render the church a powerful "worthy" witness to the world.
"Ora Felice" has been a real joy as we see the kids becoming more committed to the Lord and each other. This has been encouraging for the kid's parents as well, as they bare witness to this. The kids push on the same at school, regardless of the discrimination they receive. "Ora Felice" prepares the kids to be zealous and not be ashamed of the Gospel: that in the end, through all the hardship, they actually become well-respected because they held to their position without fear or shame. It is a well known fact in Italy, that who ever has strong, unwavering convictions is often admired. Children from other religions, and sometimes even from other evangelical realities who are unstable in their beliefs are the ones who are the most common targets for bullies. Recently, we had a brother and sister from another evangelical reality bring their children to "Ora Felice" and were amazing that their daughter was convinced of the urgency to bring others to hear the Word, and brought a friend from school they very next time the group got together.
Please pray for us, the church, and for Salerno.
Praise items:
- The Lord's goodness in revealing His will
- The way the church is responding to the difficulties it has encountered, and still encounters.
- For those who have been near with encouragement and advice.
- Thanks to the Lord that we were able to move to another apartment closer to the church building, which is also walking distance to the schools.
- The steadfastness of Loredana with all she had to do, and has to do, with the move and ministry.
- For Joshua and Celeste's most gracious entry into their new school. Thanks to the Lord they have adapted well.
- How the Lord is blessing "Ora Felice" and other ministries within the church.
- For those in Canada that came along side of us through the difficulties with sweet, loving, understanding spirits. This helped us not make irrational bad decisions at the time.
- Praise the Lord that working together the Lord gave us strength to push on, Thanks again!
Prayer requests:
- Please pray for Manuela as she struggles to deal with her boy-friend Paolo who she has been with for ten years. Since her conversion he has become very hostile towards the Gospel, that the Lord may have mercy on him and change his heart.
- For Nino's walk with the Lord, and that the seed sown in his heart, the Lord brings fruit unto eternal life.
- There seems to be a door open recently for the Gospel into Lucio and Mina's family. Manuela and Serena are both moving on in the Lord, and Manuela is evangelising all her cousins, uncles and aunts. One auntie(Loredana), saw the video testimony of a religious man converted to Christ and has asked for a copy to see it again at home with her family. Please pray for this entire family as the seed sown will bring on its fruit in Christ.
- Pray for strength and perseverance in serving Him in the city of Salerno.
- That the Lord renders fertile the hearts of the people of Salerno.
Sue Priestly | New Years Update
Dear Lambrick Park Church,
Happy New Year! I have been thinking of you folks for so long and just never seem to get letters or emails written. But this past week I have so enjoyed just being at home and finally have some energy for writing. I have been out running errands, having a haircut, shopping, and the rest of the time I loved being at home, cleaning, puttering, reading, Bible study and listening to music. It has been so nice. This evening, I have made a cup of tea and am sitting in the living room with my laptop on my lap!
We have been having such lovely sunny days, cold and crisp. I was expecting a lot more rain this winter and so far it has been okay – and everyone else is complaining about the cold but I love the temperatures – only about -2o to -5o C! There has been no snow at all, but the mornings are lovely and frosty. I quite like this and don’t find it hard after Ontario winters. I have all the right clothes for the temperature. And then I hear about all the snow you folks have been having and it is hard to imagine. Amazing. I don’t miss driving in the snow.
How about you folks? I am sure it was busy with church things and family things at Christmas. You are probably – hopefully – enjoying some quieter days.
I have had a lovely Christmas season with my friend Heather who is Australian, but working at the West and Central Asia office in Glasgow. We had Christmas Eve here at my place with a few friends in to enjoy some fellowship, a movie and goodies. I don’t have a tv, but Heather brought her laptop (mine doesn’t work for dvd’s) and I borrowed the projector from the office and we watched It’s a Wonderful Life on the wall! On Christmas Day we went to Peter & Bernice Nicoll’s (he is my boss) for dinner and enjoyed being with their family – they are South African. Heather was here for about 5 days and was an easy guest….just made herself right at home and brought a lot of her own Christmas baking and so with all I had made, we were set. We had to keep inviting people over to help us eat it all.
On Boxing Day a friend took us for a walk along Hadrian’s Wall. It is such beautiful countryside and we loved it. We walked only about 3 miles, but it was VERY hilly as we followed along where the Romans built this wall in 122 AD. I can hardly imagine something so old still standing. When I think that the early church was spreading the gospel, and the believers were facing a lot of persecution, it is hard to imagine this all happening at the same time.
I now have a real bedside table in my room and in the guest room and not just cardboard boxes any more. Heather took me to Ikea in Newcastle one day and we bought a few more bits and pieces for my place. It is nicer and nicer all the time as boxes are replaced with real furniture. Val needs to come back to enjoy it. She was a real trooper living with me and settling in with my boxes as end tables, etc. She was a great blessing to OM all the time she was in Europe – they loved her in Belgium, they love her down in West Wickham on George Verwer’s team, and they loved her here in Carlisle. I am still enjoying the blessing of all the meals she left in my freezer. She just cooked up a storm and I am getting the benefit. I was gone a fair bit of the time and she was living here on her own, but we enjoyed lots of good chats and time together in between my travels. And I am really appreciating some of the research and writing that she did for me and she was also a big help in some policy/practices that needed to be revised for our communications department.
My job description is getting clearer, but I am also very aware that it is far too much for me to do. It is just some of the travel that really makes it difficult. Since OM is facing some financial challenges in the coming year, I decided that would give me a good reason to look at some of the travel I am expected to do and see if I can cut back. Aside from the fact that I find the travel tiring, it is also expensive and can help if we find another way to have some of our meetings. So far I have managed to cut out 2 trips which means that I will stay put in Carlisle for March, April and May.
For our international personnel meetings we are going to have several conference calls. It will be a bit more difficult to address some of the issues that are needed to be looked at – but it does not hurt us to take a year out and not have all the 12 area personnel officers flying to Belgium for us to meet. Normally we do this meeting once a year and I’m responsible to set the agenda and chair the days we have together. It is worth trying to just do it by phone for one year and it saves a lot of money, as well as saves me from the stress of travel even though Belgium is not so far away.
In March, my sister Sandra and Sandy are coming with Olivia, their youngest. Olivia is due for her holiday with me and they didn’t feel good about sending her on the plane herself. So, they are going to leave her with me and go to Ireland for 5 days for a little anniversary holiday and Olivia and I will hang out, she is 14. Then they will come back and Sandy and Olivia will return to Canada and Sandra will stay with me for an extra week. I am VERY excited about that part.
I still have some interesting trips this year. In February the International Leaders Meeting is in Brazil, so I will be heading there (I have to attend because I am on the International Executive) and in July I will be in Malaysia. After the Malaysia visit, I am thinking to travel back through Victoria on my way to England. I want to plan a visit to my family before the end of the year.
I still have to find a way to work out priorities for me. There is always more to do than there is time. I have been trying to hear what God is saying because there is enough time for the things He wants me to do….so I need to learn what those things are and concentrate on them and not try to do everything. This seems to be a lifelong lesson for me. I come back to it time and again. Peter Nicoll has been a great boss. He is one of the few leaders/bosses who has given me real feedback for the work I am doing. I have learned a lot from him and appreciate his input and support for the things I am doing.
I have really been burdened to make sure I connect with people other than the OM folks and so have tried to pay much more attention to people around me and it is quite amazing all the interesting people I have been meeting. There is a woman who takes the same bus as me every day and we get off at the same place – her office is very close to the OM office. So, we have got talking and Kathleen loves to read and belongs to a book club and invited me to go. It is connected through a bookstore who provide a selection of books each month and we choose the book we will read for the next month. There are about 7 in the group, including me. They are a teacher, a nurse, a couple who are retired from teaching and a civil servant, a secretary and me! For a little Christmas party, we met at the home of one of the women and everyone had to bring 2 books that they like for ‘show and tell’ and 1 book that we liked and had wrapped without a card. The wrapped book was put in a big bag and we all took one at the end of the evening so we have all had a new book to read (I gave A Thousand Splendid Suns by Hosseini). The ‘show and tell’ bit was the most fun. People had a really interesting mix of books and we were all busy writing down titles and authors and out of all those books we picked the one to read for the next month of our book club. Amazingly enough it is a book about a Scottish minister who loses his faith and in an accident when he is lost in the woods, he meets the devil. I was surprised they picked the book (it was the favorite of one of the men in the group), but look forward to the discussion to find out where people are at spiritually – in their thoughts about God. I am half way through the book and am just so sad about the story – it is a typical story of someone who finds himself just going through the motions and saying the right things, but no real belief or knowledge of God. And what he thinks he knows of God is based on a terrible father image. Anyhow, it is an interesting group and I am glad for the opportunity to meet them all.
I have settled on going to an Anglican Church – it is a 5 minute walk from where I live which makes life easier. I go to a mid week Bible study which meets right across the street from where I live. I was amazed to find someone from the church so close. It is so handy on a Wednesday night to just cross the road and not even bother with a coat! The vicar is about my age and is VERY nice. His strength is in evangelism and he is always meeting and talking to people and looking for ways to do outreach. He does it himself, all the time and a love for the lost just oozes out of him. His preaching is not so inspiring, but I am not looking to him to provide all my spiritual food, so it is fine. I have met many nice folks at the church and though they are mostly an older congregation, they have been very welcoming to me and all that I hear about the reserve of the Cumbrian people seems a lie as these folks have been so very kind and open.
My back has been bothering me so much lately that I have finally made an appointment to see a doctor and start to look into what to do. If I sit too long or stand too long or walk too long or lay too long, then I start to get terribly painful spasms, especially when I try to go up stairs. This is a different pain than what I had before (I had a ruptured disc about 5 years ago) but it is in the same part of my back – the lower part. I am just not sure what to do about it…so I am feeling quite proud of myself that I finally have made an appointment to see a doctor. I am a big procrastinator when it comes to visiting doctors. It is 3 weeks away and he probably cannot do much, but I need to talk to someone about it.
Let me see, what else can I tell you about? I have been doing a great Bible Study in Revelation. I’m really enjoying it, but it sure is an overwhelming study. All last year, I read through a chronological Bible and really found it an eye-opener. I also enjoyed that it was the New Living Translation – what a good experience.
I have rattled on enough, but this is a start to catch you up on some of my news. I think of Lambrick often. Thank you for all your prayers. I am sorry not to be quicker about sending requests. But let me mention right now that for my next trip I need some prayer. I will be gone next week (12 – 17 Jan) in Germany for our international entry conference which is for people joining OM for a year or more. I am there mainly to do some training with the various personnel staff from various OM fields around the world. So, I am doing some one on one training with the woman responsible for all the new people coming to work in the Arabian Peninsula. She is needing to learn some new things as she is new in the role. I will also be leading a couple of seminars for OM staff to help them understand some personnel issues that need to be addressed by everyone. I was asked to speak to the little kids one day – there are families joining and they try to make a good programme for the little ones so that it is more than just ‘babysitting’, but they are already learning and preparing for being in missions with their families. I will be doing a little talk about Morocco and demonstrating some interesting things for them. I find little kids the most scary group to speak to, but if you get it right, it sure is rewarding and it is fun to find some little things that will really stick in their hearts and minds. I will be busy with formal and informal meetings with individuals. I always enjoy this, but also find it a lot of work…and tiring! No surprises there!
Thank you, for all your prayers.
God bless,
Sue
Thursday, 4 December, 2008
Daniel Bromley - Christmas Prayer Request
Christmas Greetings to you from snowy Sweden!
CFHI - Living Generously so that Others may Live
Poverty. Crisis.
These are difficult concepts to define.
Today many North Americans are confronting some anxiety regarding the sustainability of their financial futures, yet almost half of the world’s population is living on less than $2 a day.
We may be shopping a little more conservatively this Christmas but billions of people are praying their future includes another meal.
You and I face an incredible challenge that holds unbelievable potential – eradicating poverty in the midst of financial instability.
Nearly impossible situations for the most vulnerable people in the world are simply getting worse.
Your support of Food for the Hungry has delivered hope to countless children, families, and communities who would otherwise risk being swallowed up in a flood of despair.
But with so many communities still facing unstable incomes, crippling food shortages and uncertain futures, your increased help is critical.
Despite some current fears regarding our economy, I feel it would be irresponsible of me not to ask you to inventory your blessings, and then consider your part in erasing the financial disparity affecting our global neighbours. Right now there are families who desperately need a chance for any future at all.
Your sacrifice will sustain families. Your compassion will change communities.
This North American predicament must not divert us from our commitment to end the pangs of poverty consuming so much of the world's population.
Now is not the time to turn away from our neighbor’s need! Please consider a sacrificial gift to secure a future of hope for the most vulnerable among us.
I know you will give what you can, and I thank you in advance.
Ben
Ben Hoogendoorn
CEO/President
Val Johnson's Life
I can hardly believe that I have only a couple more weeks here before I head back to Canada. I have had an incredible variety of experiences and consider myself truly blessed to have had these last 3 months with OM. I have been challenged in terms of my personal life and my vision for the world, have met and gotten to know wonderful people, and have been able to see some OM ministries unfolding around me - its been great!
As planned, my first 6 weeks were in South East London, specifically the town of West Wickham in George Verwer's office. Vera, his PA (Personal Assistant, the UK term for what we would probably call Executive Assistant) was in the US during that time assisting her family in caring for her aging mom. It was quite amazing because when I spent 2 weeks in that office last March I had no idea it was in preparation for the 6 weeks in September/October. I lived in Vera's home as I had done last March and was able to reconnect with the South East London OM Team so it felt very comfortable. With the exception of one day in Brighton, I spent every Saturday and Sunday in London sightseeing, popping in and out of museums and galleries (generally free in the UK), enjoying festivals, etc. I attended services at All Souls Church in London - an absolutely fabulous church with a strong legacy of excellent teaching as a result of John Stott's many years there.
I then took Eurostar (a fabulous experience) over to Belgium and spent 2 weeks at OM's Conference Centre / Guest House at Zaventem literally a stone's throw from the Brussels Airport. I spent the time there cleaning and helping out as required, but my main task was painting and redecorating/refurnishing one of the apartments. It was a nice change to do physical work, because I could then rationalize the high caloric intake of the fabulous Belgian chocolates. Again the team there was absolutely welcoming, hospitable and really a lot of fun. I'm attaching a picture of me painting the enormously high ceiling - I'm sure at least 12 feet high. OM has owned the ZavCentre for about 40 years and originally it was the garage and base from which all the vehicles which were used in the various European ministries and Bible smuggling to Eastern Europe originated. They are now the Belgium headquarters and host OM and other smaller conferences. They are in the
midst of enlarging their offices and are looking for workteams. While I was there they were making a video to promote the project. You'll find the video at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fwODq66MWps and if you look closely, right in the middle, you'll find me having a cup of tea in the little apartment which was my home at the ZavCentre.
I had a friend join me for a few weeks and we toured Belgium and had 5 days in Paris before returning to the UK. After a few days back in London I came up to Sue and the International Coordinating Team here in Carlisle. This is the "heart" of OM operations and it's really nice to be here and meet the different people as well as get a better insight into how broad OM really is and how they function. This team is amazingly hospitable and I've had more invitations out to dinner than I have at any other place or ever have at home.
I'm covering Reception in the office here and doing a range of other projects. I think it took them a few days to figure out how to use me, but they've definitely got it figured out now. I'm currently doing projects on HR for Sue and quite a bit of work with the Communications folk. I've got plenty to do and probably will continue to work on some of the projects from home when I return. Since arriving here I went to Edinburgh for a weekend, but the weather has been unseasonably cold and other than minor exploration of Carlisle (which aside from the Cathedral and Castle doesn't take too long) I haven't been out and about too much.
So all is well, its been a great time. One of the really neat things about OM is that there are such a range of activities and fields in which to work. Sue and I are already talking about "next time" so we'll have to see what God has in store for me.
I continue to covet your prayers - for me but also for OM. Sue continues to travel really a lot and was away the first week I was here and is now in the USA. She left with a really bad cold and her back has been giving her problems, so please remember her in prayer as well.
Thanks to you and Lambrick for the support. I look forward to reconnecting in January.
Val
Monday, 1 December, 2008
CFHI - All I want for Christmas is a Goat
A Goat Named Joy
Gloria Khaitsa’s was so little when her mother died that she doesn’t even remember her. Sadly, Gloria’s father is known in their village to be a drunkard who leaves home early in the morning and returns late in the night. Although Gloria’s father remarried soon after her mother’s death, parental care ceased to be a priority in their home.
Gloria continued to go to Makhai primary, the nearby school, but did not think remaining in school was important. Her sadness and lack of purpose caught the attention of Food for the Hungry workers who decided to give her a goat.
“I had almost lost hope in my future after losing my mother,” Gloria shyly explained. “But thanks be to God for our Food for the Hungry partners. When they gave me this she-goat, I thought I was dreaming. I immediately wanted to give her a name.” Gloria decided to name her goat Mwikhoyo which means Joy. Gloria’s goat immediately gave her responsibility and purpose. “Ever since I received this gift of mine, I have cared for it by feeding it before and after school.”
Eyes twinkling, Gloria continued. “I also prayed for God to bless it with at least two young ones. And guess what!! Mwikhoyo produced twins and here they are!” She pointed to the young goats and went on. “This has not only made me happy because of the milk it produces and the new young goats, but it has also improved my relationship with my father and stepmother.”
Gloria’s parents plan to buy a calf with the income generated from these three goats and strongly believe that this cow will help facilitate Gloria’s educational and health needs in the nearby future.
Sue Priestly News - Nov/Dec 08
November/December 2008
You know you are tired when……I turned on the oven to cook my meatloaf, only to realize about 20 minutes later, that I had put the meatloaf in the wrong oven – into the grill instead of the oven. And there I was, complaining about the oven not working properly…but it was me! There is a lot to still get used to in my new life in Carlisle.
The past few months have been a flurry of visitors (Jackie & Karen, Shelly, Emily, Graham & Frieda, Rachel, Meg and more)! And recently, Val arrived from Victoria to come and volunteer on the team – she is staying for a month. Yeah, Val! We are from the same church in Victoria and so I am extra delighted to have her join us.
Late October, I attended a Forum in Germany, together with key trainers, personnel staff, recruiters and carers who are serving around the world – discussing what we should be doing together, how we can help one another and see more people mobilized into world missions and thriving once they get there. Just one major issue is how to do a better job helping families and how to see more professional people fitting into ministries that will use their skills specifically for kingdom purposes.
Last week I attended a Europe Short Term Forum, together with about 25 OM leaders from around Europe. What a great bunch they are. I helped a bit with training and threw in my ‘two bits worth’ in much of the discussion, but it was particularly a blessing that we did not just talk about how to organize a short term, or the problems of hosting a short term outreach – we went out and ‘did’ some ministry. From Friday evening to Sunday evening, we were divided into 3 teams, working with different churches here in the UK, to support them in the ways they needed. I was on a team that went to a small town in Wales. It was a packed weekend with youth ministry, seniors meeting, door to door, art in the streets, handing out leaflets about the church, leading/speaking in Sunday services. I sure was tired when I got back to Carlisle – but it was a very rich time and we saw God working in the lives of people, answering prayer and encouraging the churches. It was great to be ‘doing’ what we seem to spend so much time talking about and preparing for!!
I still spend a lot of time linking people together….by phone and email and skype. Every time I return to the office from my travels, I take days to go through emails and respond. My personal emails always seem to be at the end of the pile!
A new church family:
I have been really blessed to find a church where I have been warmly welcomed and where I hope I can find a way to be a blessing to them as well. St John’s is an Anglican Church and the home group that meets on Wednesday is right across the street from where I live. The church is a 5 minute walk from my place, so the location is ideal. Thanks for praying.
How can you pray?
• At the moment of writing this letter, I have a bad cold. Also, my back has been bothering me quite a bit in the past couple of months. Many of you will remember when I was laid up for several weeks a few years ago. This is not nearly as bad, but it is a concern. Another reminder, that I need ‘balance’ in my world! I realize that I must not take good health for granted.
• I have an Australian friend coming from Glasgow to be with me over Christmas and we are going to hang out together, staying close to home. Please pray for us – I want to have people over to visit and want to be a blessing this season.
One last thing:
Christmas is so often a very, very busy time of year. In the midst of all the activities, may you have special times to stop and remember Immanuel, God With Us!!! Wow. And may you look forward to His return with great anticipation, being ready for that day.
I can never say it enough, but I am SO very thankful for all of you.
In Him,
Sue
Susan Priestley
Clayton Dougan Christmas Update
Dear Praying Friends,
Eight classes at the Capernwray Bible School teaching God’s word to some 150 students is truly being on the cutting edge. This was followed by teaching series in four different churches including six weeks with our own Saanichton Bible Fellowship (SBF). Between those series Clayton preached on single Sundays in several other churches. Throughout there has been a sense of being in the right place at the right time. We know of one lady who committed her life to Christ. The SBF venture was meant to focus on evangelism but because this church is in a transition time, God took the ministry in a slightly different direction; ministry more to the membership than the community.
Clayton has had a very encouraging visit to the Cardiologist. The recovery process seems to be on schedule in the sense of vital signs being as they should and some of the prescribed drugs no longer necessary. Although beginning to feel much better Clayton still has to take lots of rest. The whole recovery process is going to take some time. There is simply no choice in the matter. Life has to be lived at a very much reduced pace for for the foreseeable future. Isobel is very tired having had to shoulder so much for weeks now. We are both feeling very grateful to the Lord for His goodness and for the love and encouragement of so many of the Lord's precious saints. We have had many cards and e-mails and several meals handed in. We can only say thank you and assure you that you are greatly loved and appreciated. Our neighbours here in Tudor Avenue have been amazing.
We had a wonderful time back in the summer when both Phil and Tim together with their families were staying with us. It was a lively time to say the least (nine grandchildren now) but we would not have missed it for anything. The above photograph was taken during that time. In the picture Tim and Tracey’s two are Law, just to the left of Phil and Emily on her mother’s lap right in the front of the picture. All the other children are Phil and Pam’s from Riley (14) to James (1). Phil is greatly enjoying the legal profession and Tim is as busy as ever as a consultant with IBM.
May we invite you to continue in prayer. This year has been an interesting journey. Times with God have been rich beyond words. Your prayerful and practical support means more than you will ever know. Pray for the Lord to clearly direct our lives and ministry from now on.
May your Christmas and New Year enjoy the blessing of the Lord which alone, “makes rich and adds no sorrow to it” (Provs. 10:22 NASB).
Clayton and Isobel.
Evangelism International,
2750, Tudor Avenue,
Victoria, B.C., V8N 1L5, Canada.
e-mail: claytondougan@shaw.ca
Wednesday, 19 November, 2008
Antignani Update | November 2008
In the last six months we have been experiencing the Lord’s healing in us and others within the church. This has caused the believers to look deep into themselves and seeing that we did not give up when we were suffering. This all seemed negative and devastating, and now we see this as God’s plan to teach all of us His faithfulness through this all. We had to give it ALL to the Lord as the pain was great, and we could not handle it as a family. All, though, was necessary as we will explain further on.
We are planning women’s meetings, men’s meetings, conferences on matrimony and evangelism campaigns in the near future, with the help of the video audio equipment purchased though Granville Chapel’s generous gift. This was also a very necessary practical message of collaboration received very well by the church, so they feel the fellowship of Granville Chapel near them. We do too! At the heart of the crisis of the church are the crisis within the marriages, which pours over into the church, as the church has often become the victim and battleground for these problems. We sensed this years ago but we were helpless, as we were not let in to help because there was a great distrust that they inherited. This was very frustrating for us, to see the problems and not be permitted to help. Where we were let in to help with one couple, they have become the most active element in church and were part of the solution when the crisis hit the church as they were able to spiritually discern the situation, and act on it. Now there is much greater openness as marital problems are being shared and willingly brought into our prayer meetings Wednesday evening, and we are permitted to help if possible. We truly feel like a family, but this took time, which is not uncommon for Italy, due to the baggage they bring with them from their social-cultural background. Some, seemingly, very negative things happened which caused the church to confront things in a serious manner. Now, and only now we are able to truly build onto a solid foundation, something not possible before as the foundations were not sturdy. These unsturdy foundations needed to be dismantled and gently rebuilt, and in the past there was some resistance to this. I don’t wish this type of missionary work on anybody, and believe me we were warned by mature missionaries that we should prepare ourselves for many many difficulties, because of the condition and background of this small group, and that we would be stretched beyond what we would ever expect.
We were just invited to Avellino last Sunday evening, where we spent the first period of our ministry, to a Baptism of one of Joe’s ex English students. Her husband Pietro, also an ex student of Joe’s, refrained from being baptised as he has some issues. Our hearts rejoiced for Assunta, but were grieved for Pietro. We saw that Pietro was deeply touched by the baptism and we are sure he will be baptised soon. Joe’s pain is in that we saw Pietro growing like a weed when we were discipling him in Avellino, and now he is not in good shape. In the meantime Pietro just received his doctorate in maecro-economy where the preparation for this could have added to his difficulties in his walk with the Lord. We shared in the past that his research thesis was translated by Joe was voted number one in Italy, by a panel, where there were two Nobel winners. His thesis was also printed in “the Economist”. He won a fully paid scholarship for the duration of his studies. Pietro is one of youngest professors to ever teach in the University of Salerno, where we prayed for years that a testimony for Christ would be established. He promised to visit Joe to talk about some things that are bothering him. Please pray for him, and Joe.
Personal Growth:
Today we see that all these struggles were necessary as the church was encouraged as they saw us go through this, in the Lord’s sustaining grace. Joshua and Loredana took it all very hard. Joshua manifested nervous ticks for the whole year during the struggles. I see today that my dear wife, who is doing much better, and Joshua, who’s ticks have disappeared, through their turmoil, are sometimes now giving me lessons on how to trust the Lord. It has been a difficult year and only by continuing faithfully brought the church into a new fresh relationship with us as a family. We are no longer seen as missionaries that don’t need help. They now know that we are a brother and sister in Christ that need their help also. This is a sign of good personal growth of the church members.
Loredana and Joe fall back on a truth from the Word that teaches us that Jesus with all His persecution, trials and tribulations He endured, could have changed things to make it just go away, but chose not to, because there was a greater plan to be revealed through His faithfulness to the end. This is true for us too. 1Peter 5:10. Philippians 3:10-12.
Disappointments are many, but one of biggest is while we were in Canada sharing with brothers and sisters in Christ the possibility of Antonio becoming a future leader, and praying and speaking only well of him, he was doing just the opposite back in Italy, doing everything possible to discredit us. The Lord protected us. Joe was also very disappointed with himself for not discerning this danger sooner to avoid much suffering for all. Can we, or should we even think we can change the unfathomable ways of the Lord, for our good? Today we see it was truly for the good of the church. Something we will never truly understand. One of Joe’s professors of the Bible school in Rome once said that, “ the Lord straightens our crooked paths”, always for His glory.
Praise items:
For those who graciously support our ministry in many ways.
For the Lord’s perfect love manifested in the trials.
The growth and rebirth of the church, as we were growing in numbers, but the church was dying.
For the Lord’s pruning, painful but necessary.
For the first love of God and His Word, returning for many.
The Lord’s protection on our family
For the Joy the Lord continues to give us to serve him.
The Lord’s sovereign grace in, and over, all of our church’s situation.
“Ora felice” with the kids started very well this September.
For Rino and Carmela’s joyful integration into the church with their three kids.
Prayer items:
For wisdom and strength
For Pietro and his walk with the Lord
For the church’s full recovery.
Sister Carmela’s pregnancy.
For “Ora felice” as a ministry and for the kids that participate.
For many opportunities to share the Gospel.
That the hearts of the people of Salerno become fertile soil.
For Loredana and Joshua, and also Celeste.
That our emotions don’t get in the way when the Lord does
His work in the church. Not easy!
That the believers continually go to the Word of God to discern things.
In Christ’s precious name,
Joe, Loredana, Joshua, and Celeste Antignani
Melanson Update | November 2008
This is a letter of celebration; let me explain.
When we arrived here in 1992 we had very clear ideas on how we could serve in the city. Little did we know that our lives would be turned inside out. Our desires and good intentions were not enough for us to pursue this journey. As difficult as this initial stage was, the process that followed was crucial in preparing us for the long haul in ministry. Equally important to us was the faithfulness shown by our friends and “team” who cared so much for us and literally prayed us through this hard period, encouraging us to remain focused when we were completely overwhelmed. We soon realized that we were not alone on this adventure. This faithfulness has helped us through many ups and downs of ministry and continues to bring focus.
“Who can tell the future?” If there is one thing that stands out since we came to Montreal, it’s that I would never have guessed or sometimes even chosen what was to come. I always imagined that things would be different somehow, but after seeing so many street ministers come and go, all I knew was that I wanted to hang on no matter what. In the end, it was this stubbornness that blinded me to the big picture. So, when things came crashing down around me, I would have never imagined something so confusing and so overwhelming would have happened to me. To survive, I went into a retreat mode and somehow numbed my feelings. This numbing slowly filtered its way through all the areas of my life. I guess if I had intentionally wanted to lose everything that would have been a good starting point. I had heard and read of similar situations where all had been lost. But that story would not be rewritten this time. Once again the faithfulness that had carried us through many challenges would not permit such a thing to happen. Good words and encouragement guided me through the confusion. God reveals himself in such beautiful ways.
Today, the process continues and the idea of feeling empty and exhausted has disappeared. It has been replaced with a renewed strength and I look to the future with excitement. I still have a family and friends who love me and on top of that I have something to share with the community.
I have an amazing family. Janice is now working for BCAM (Breast Cancer Action Montreal). It was a surprise for all of us when she decided to leave Dix Mille Village in the spring. Her contribution and passion have had a huge impact on the fair trade movement here. She continues to develop and use her administration and leadership skills in the not for profit world. Everything seems so natural for her. I sit in awe at her creativity and ability to deal with all the new challenges. Alli completed her first year in the fine arts program at Concordia University. She is becoming a great artist and an incredible young woman. Like her Mom, she is able to handle the busyness of a very full schedule of work, studies and a social life. She is presently traveling in Europe exploring its great cities and museums. Joe has begun his second year of college in classical voice training. He was happy to wrap up his summer restaurant job and get back into the fall school session. My Genevieve is a beautiful young woman now; she is 13 going on 21 and has finished her first year of high school. She spent a month at Grammas’ house in B.C. this summer, enjoying fun lake activities and helping out babysitting cousins. Sam is a quiet, gentle, thoughtful boy of 11, who was chosen to be the school’s orchestra percussionist and also likes to play hockey in the back alley. The past year has not been an easy one for Sam, but the summer trip to B.C. has been good for him. We are thrilled to see him so positive and coming out of his shell.
Ron’s 50th birthday Party!
As for me, my focus remains on the street, working on various projects dealing with poverty issues and staying in touch with some of my street friends who come to the St. James Drop in center. My role with YFC is becoming more pastoral and mentoring as I move from the front line as I listen to the struggles of the young workers and share my experiences. YFC National has added to their mandate, the development of a compassionate ministries focus. I will be a part of the task force with a few other YFC workers from different areas across the country to assist the many chapters as they try to find ways to respond to this new challenge. I am encouraged to see this development after the past 8 years of feeling unique in my perspective. I am excited to be a part of this new opportunity and see how God is shaping my future involvement both with the YFC team here in Montreal, but also across the country. I look forward to see how these new ministries will unfold.
It is not clear how this new chapter will read, but “this fifty year old” has a desire to celebrate the beauty of love and friendship as he continues to walk down this path as a work in progress. I have a better understanding of the words I used to quote from an old time missionary, who said that her attitude had been deeply transformed when she realized that she was the “work.
Ron
VargasNews | November 2008
Dear Lambrick Park Church:
Rainy season has arrived in Bolivia. Mornings are cloudy and almost foggy, the sun breaks through for a portion of the day and frequently dark clouds bring rain the afternoons. It has been late this year and the farmers are concerned because when the rains are either early or delayed it often predicts a difficult season for them. Food prices climb each week so if there isn’t a good agricultural year it will be even more difficult for everyone.
Political news for our country is on a cheerier note because the new constitution was approved by congress and will be put to vote by the year end. Our city was crawling with 100,000 peaceful marchers who came from surrounding provinces to support the passing of the constitution. One day I went to the town center and it was very moving to see so many in their ethnic dress from the various regions. Bolivia is such a rich and diverse country but has suffered and continues to suffer very oppressive social conditions. Please continue to pray for significant changes towards justice.
Last weekend Carlos and I were leading a Family Camp for the Llojeta church and two other church plants. We were introducing “retreat material” to most of them for the first time.
The setting was very appropriate for majestic walks while reflecting on Scripture; the weather cooperated incredibly; a Sunday morning walk to the bottom of the ravine to baptize four in the Palca River was amazing; and we both returned very encouraged by how God was working in and through the whole experience.
Carlos will be traveling to Cochabamba in a couple of weeks to do an art retreat with others artists from both Cochabamba and La Paz. This will be a new and first experience as well. The goal is to be able to see some art work coming forth from these times together that would eventually be an art exposition. We are encouraged by the opportunities to host retreats; each one is a unique learning experience and nothing works better than commitment dates on the calendar to make us knuckle down and prepare more written material! “Llama Drama” was the last story I wrote and I had a lot of fun researching and comparing llama characteristics to church life! They are known for spitting so I’ll let your imaginations run for a while as you think about that one!! I’m open to any comments.
Please receive our love and thanks with this letter; we are so blessed by your faithful support and prayers.
Carlos & Shirley Vargas & family
Wednesday, 12 November, 2008
Options Pregnancy Center
This is our thanksgiving newsletter. We at Options Pregnancy Centre are
standing in awe of a Holy God who continues to express His love to us on a daily
basis. So we come to you with this issue, humble and grateful for all the efforts
of those who have helped us through this season of change.
I would like to take this opportunity to list those who came forward to help in a
practical way:
Greg Abbott, Brenda Ferguson, Brian Niles, David Billingham (the Commercial
Real Estate search), Jenny Seargeant, Doug Sadler (Paint and Consult), Lynn
Timmerman, Cathy and John Darling, Patricia Cuthbert, Arnie Toews, Ben
Timmerman, Jessye Timmerman, Eric Gulbrandsen, Glad Tidings Church, Bill
Bailey, David Steingard, and Bob Foster.
Thanks to those who prayed so diligently for us Ð the kneeling army.
Also, thank you to the staff, board members, and volunteers who have
embraced this new adventure.
We have sensed the Lord right up to the eleventh hour. I can remember asking
the question, ÒWhere are we going to go?Ó at the June board meeting. I
appreciate that it is the Lord who pulls us through this exercise of faith. It is I,
who resists exercise of any kind, that found regardless of my anxious thoughts
(which I confessed on a regular basis) I had to learn to Trust in God in a way that
strengthened my Faith Muscles. I know he strengthened our ÒFaith MusclesÓ. He
is a good God who knows what we need, when we need it, and provides it in
such a way that only He can be Glorified for the Great things He has Done. So
with the witness of many, we declare our greatest thanks to our ÒJehovah JirahÓ
our provider. To Him be Glory forever and ever through
Options Pregnancy Centre.
Gratefully yours
Stephanie Timmerman
Clayton Dougan Update
Thank you for your email and prayers ..... after a few hiccups Clayton was allowed home on Sunday
Thank you for your email and prayers ..... after a few hiccups Clayton was allowed home on Sunday ... he had two bad bouts of atrial fibrillation..... Clayton and the bed shaking for two hours .... this was very scary for him but with doubling the medication it settled the heart down and he was allowed to come home ,,, he is still having trouble with his throat caused by the breathing tube also the pain in his shoulder is very debilitating.... this we have learned is caused by the rib spreader which is used to keep the rib cage open for the 4 hour surgery ....... He is having trouble getting in and out of bed and a chair so we have rented for a month an electric recliner chair ... this is making life easier for Clayton ..... fortunately his chest is healing up well also his leg ... our next door neighbour is a retired GP, today he is taking out the staples in his leg so that will be another hurdle over .... Wed the 12th we go see our own GP for a check up (he has been marvelous through all of this) and the 21st we go to the Cardiologist and then in January we see the heart surgeon ... this is going to be a long slow process but with the Lord's help we will win ...... thank you again for your love and prayers ..... no more news till Christmas!!!
love Isobel
Tuesday, 4 November, 2008
Daniel Bromley | Capernwray Sweden - Nov Update
Swedish greetings and meatballs to you! Bible school is nearly two months old now, and I wanted to update you on life in the tiny, yet 'happenin' village of Holsbybrunn, Sweden.
Once again, this international metropolis is home to approximately 100 staff, students, and children from 10 different countries around the world. 28 of those people are the "Men of Ekhaga." Ekhaga, meaning acorn, is the guys' dormitory. It houses 23 students, 2 maintenance men, 2 outreach interns, and 1 RA/Resident Assistant (That's me!!!). It has been a blessing living with these dudes.... these brothers from other mothers! God has really given me a love for every one of them. I really want to see them all change and become men of God.
Dorm Life
On the last Wednesday of every month, all the "acorns" get together for Dorm Life meeting. I have the honour of planning these meetings, and using them as a tool for community growth. It is a time to raise issues, praise them for the good things I have noticed and hear from our lives. As my momma always said, "Men learn how to be Men in the presence of Men!" This last Wed., we had our second meeting of the year - an awesome time of fellowship. I was so encouraged when, after the first meeting of the year, guys were already asking me, "Hey Dan, what are we going to do for the next dorm life?" It is really a joy to serve people who are so excited, thankful and positive.
I have included a picture of the Men of Ekhaga!!! Where's Dan?
Swedish Winter
The beginning of November marked the start of winter! Everyone got out the boots and winter jackets as the first snow fall hit. Everyone is hoping for a ridiculously wild winter! Located at 57°24'N and 15°3'E, Holsbybrunn will be seeing less and less sun these days. The dark days of winter are here. Please pray for this community as these tend to be emotionally dark days as well.
Hello Goodbye!!!
One gets very used to saying hi and bye in a place like this. Thousands of people have set foot in this small Viking Village - some for a day, and others for many years. This school year has become a year of change. Three of Holsby's foundation families will be uprooted like swedish birch trees in a scandinavian wind storm!!! (A truly fantastic thing to see if you come here!) The Principal, Head of Maintenance, Outreach Coordinator and their families will be moving on to new things. It's so neat to see how people trust God in a time like this. These are three key positions at the school and everyone sees God's hand in it. He is in control! Please pray for provision to fill these positions, and wisdom for the right people to be chosen.
Julkonsert/Christmas Concert
Can Christmas Carols be heard on the radio where you are from? Well, it's definitely that time of the year here. On Dec. 6, we will be having our 30+ annual christmas concert. We have begun practicing and I am directing the all school choir! What a neat challenge, eh? I hope that these practices won't be a chore for the students, but a chance to develop a passion for music and a confidence in their own skin. Please pray for patience, trust in God and for wisdom in how to teach the music. May Christ's birth be glorified and His life spoken to many unbelieving Swedes.
Hejdå Sverige. Guten Tag Deutschland. Bonjour France.
One of the great blessings about being in Europe is that you can travel to so many different places with such ease. This weekend is the first of three "Travel Weekends." Tomorrow I will be journeying to South-East Germany to visit a friend for the weekend. "For the weekend??!?!?!?!?!!?" Yes, it seems crazy... but in Europe, there are these extremely cheap airlines. Like $45 dollars round trip! I am very excited to travel and I hope to see a German soccer game, visit a WWII concentration camp, and munch on a few french croissants. So many blessings!
And so I wish you many blessings too. The ones that can only be credited to God. May you grow in love for Him, by discovering how deep, how wide, and how vast His love is for you.
Hejdå and tack for reading!!!
Daniel Bromley
P.S. Check out our new website and donate a book to our new library project: www.holsby.org and www.holsby.com
Tuesday, 28 October, 2008
Antignani Update | October 2008
In the last six months we have been experiencing the Lord’s healing in both our family, and within the church. May believers here were inspired that we did not give up when we were suffering..
Many believers here were inspired that we did not give up when we were suffering.. We can now see this as God’s plan to teach all of us His faithfulness through all the devastating times. We were forced to give it ALL to the Lord, but the pain was great, and we could not handle it alone as a family.
At the heart of the crisis of the church is the struggle of individual marriages. The church has become an absolute battleground for these problems. This was sensed years ago but we were helpless, as we were not let in to help due to inherited distrust. This was very frustrating for us, to see these problems, and not be permitted to help. One couple ‘let us in’ to help, and they have become the most active element in church. They were a part of the solution when the crisis truly arose, and were able to spiritually discern the situation and act upon it. Now there is a much greater openness as marital problems are being shared and willingly brought into our prayer meetings Wednesday evening, and we are permitted to help if possible. We truly feel like a family, but this took time, which is not uncommon for Italy, due to the baggage they bring with them from their social-cultural background. Now, we are able to truly build on top of a solid foundation, something that was not possible before as the foundations were like sand. These unsteady foundations needed to be dismantled and gently rebuilt, and in the past there was some resistance to this. I don’t wish this type of missionary work on anybody. We were stretched beyond what we were prepared for.
We were just invited to Avellino last Sunday evening, for a Baptism of one of Joe’s former English students. Her husband Pietro, also a former student of Joe’s, refrained from being baptised as he has some issues. Our hearts rejoiced for Assunta, but were grieved for Pietro. We saw that Pietro was deeply touched by the baptism and we are sure he will be baptised soon. Joe’s pain is in that we saw Pietro growing like a weed when we were discipling him in Avellino, and now he is not in good shape. In the meantime Pietro is thriving. He is one of youngest professors to ever teach in the University of Salerno, where we prayed for years that a testimony for Christ would be established. He promised to visit Joe to talk about some things that are bothering him. Please pray for him, and Joe.
Personal Growth:
Today we see that all these struggles were necessary as the church was encouraged as they saw us go through this through the Lord’s sustaining grace. Joshua and Loredana took it all very hard. Joshua manifested nervous ticks for the whole year during the struggles. I see today that my dear wife, is doing much better, and Joshua’s ticks have disappeared. Through their turmoil, I have been given lessons on how to trust the Lord. It has been a difficult year and only by continuing faithfully has the church been brought into a fresh new relationship with us as a family. We are no longer seen as missionaries that don’t need help. They now know that we are a brother and sister in Christ that also need their help.
Loredana and Joe fall back on a truth from the Word that teaches us that Jesus, with all His persecution, trials and tribulations, could have changed things to make it just go away. However, chose not to, because there was a greater plan to be revealed through His faithfulness. This is true for us too. (1 Peter 5:10, Philippians 3:10-12)
Disappointments are many, but one of biggest is while we were in Canada sharing with brothers and sisters in Christ. We were overjoyed in the possibility of Antonio becoming a future leader, praying and speaking only highly of him. However, back in Italy, he was doing just the opposite – trying to discredit us in all he said and did. The Lord protected us. Joe was very disappointed with himself for not discerning this danger sooner. Can we, or should we even think we can change the unfathomable ways of the Lord, for our good? Today we see it was truly for the good of the church. Something we will never truly understand. One of Joe’s professors of the Bible school in Rome once said that, “ the Lord straightens our crooked paths”, always for His glory.
Praise items:
For those who graciously support our ministry in many ways.
For the Lord’s perfect love manifested in the trials.
The growth and rebirth of the church, as we were growing in numbers, but the church was dying.
For the Lord’s pruning, painful but necessary.
For the first love of God and His Word, returning for many.
The Lord’s protection on our family
For the Joy the Lord continues to give us to serve him.
The Lord’s sovereign grace in, and over, all of our church’s situation.
“Ora felice” with the kids started very well this September.
For Rino and Carmela’s joyful integration into the church with their three kids.
Prayer items:
For wisdom and strength
For Pietro and his walk with the Lord
For the church’s full recovery.
Sister Carmela’s pregnancy.
For “Ora felice” as a ministry and for the kids that participate.
For many opportunities to share the Gospel.
That the hearts of the people of Salerno become fertile soil.
For Loredana and Joshua, and also Celeste.
That our emotions don’t get in the way when the Lord does
His work in the church. Not easy!
That the believers continually go to the Word of God to discern things.
In Christ’s precious name,
Joe, Loredana, Joshua, and Celeste Antignani
Thursday, 9 October, 2008
Clayton Dougan Update | October 6, 2008
Dear Praying Friends,
We can now let you know that the date for Clayton's triple bypass surgery has been set for October 27th.
We are grateful the wait is not too long. We have to arrive at the hospital at 5.30 am on the 27th and the four hour operation is scheduled for around 7.50 am (that's 2.50 pm in UK you change your clocks back a week before we do). We are so grateful for your prayer support. If you know someone who knows us but who is not on e-mail, please pass this information along. Snail mail is expensive.
Following the operation, we will be in touch again to let you know how it went.
God bless you wonderfully. Thank you for praying. We keep rejoicing in Him who IS our Life and Peace.
Yours gratefully,
Clayton and Isobel
The Following is an older update from September 22 that we thought could provide helpful background information.
Dear Praying Friends,
Well, we have had an interview with Clayton's heart surgeon and we were very impressed with his patience and thoroughness in explaining everything. There is no doubt the operation is to be a triple bypass. The surgeon's name is Dr. Ofiesh so you can be praying for him too.
The operation will take place in four to six weeks which, for this part of the world is a comparatively short waiting time. Clayton will have to maintain his sedentary life style during that period but he is planning on keeping the basic disciplines of life going. Although he becomes tired very easily, he will be able to do some study each day. As mentioned in our last missive, God's word is proving to be so alive and deeply satisfying. Please pray that we will be open to that "Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Ephs. 1:17 NASB).
This is not an easy time for Isobel although she is coping very well. The board of our ministry are being very supportive and one of the wives is going to be with Isobel on the day of the operation. We have decided not to send out another update until we are sure of the date.
God bless you dear friends. We are so grateful for your prayerful support. Thank you to so many who have sent cards or e-mails. We have been blessed. It is not really practical to keep sending "snail mail" letters to friends who are not on e-mail. We will do one of those nearer Christmas. We would appreciate it, if you know of such people, that you pass on this information.
Yours in Him who is still our peace,
Clayton and Isobel.
The Weeks' in Ecuador - October 08
Dear Family and Friends,
Many times we get so busy that we tell you about things after the fact. Today we would like to take the time to tell you of several things that are coming up that we would be blessed if you would pray with us about.
First of all we would like to thank you for praying about the work team that came from Lambrick Park Church. They experienced several problems on the way to the worksite, like air travel problems, a bus tire blowout, and the bus getting stuck in mud.... but eventually we arrived and it was a great blessing to the community. They learned things, we learned things, and we worked together in unity, brothers and sisters from across cultures!
The team arrived back in Victoria safely, and since then, we continue to have contact with the community. Two families have asked Shelley to be the Godmother for their daughters on the occasion of thier 15th (coming of age) birthdays. This event will probably happen in December. Also, one of the elders of the community was able to spend the night at our house in Pifo while he was awaiting a meeting with the radio frequency authority in Quito. The good news is that they were granted the first stage of paperwork towards getting granted a broadcast frequency. The second stage is that they had 15 days to get an announcement in the newspaper, and then had to allow 15 days for objections to be registered. If there were no objections then they would be granted the long awaited frequency license! They are now within the second 15 day period so it is looking hopeful.
Upcoming events:
1) On Sunday the 28th of September, the people of Ecuador are to vote on whether or not to accept the new constitution as written by the new constitutional assembly. The evangelical community is calling for fasting and prayer before this event. Please pray with us about this - the results of this vote will have a huge impact in this country.
2) Brent has been asked by the mission if he would be willing to take on a leadership role. He has been asked to be the manager of Projects and Studio Operations for Engineering in the Latin America Region. This will include supervising others, mentoring, project planning and administration. It will mean that he won't do that much technical work himself, but rather supervise and help others (missionaries, Ecuadorians and others) doing the work.
3) The tallest shortwave antennas in Pifo are scheduled to come down by Dec. 31st. There are other antennas to continue some broadcasting after that time. At the same time, the Pifo property has been put on the market for sale and we are considering how to move essential operations to Quito. We have been given notice that we can stay in our Pifo house until Dec. 31st for sure, but after that we must be prepared to move out with one month's notice on the occasion that the property sells. We are thinking that it might be good for us to move into Quito over the school Christmas Break if we could find an appropriate housing situation.
Thank you for praying with us about these things,
Brent, Shelley and boys
Tuesday, 16 September, 2008
Vargas Update - September 2008
Vargas' in Bolivia!
Webster’s dictionary says the word transition means, “a change from one state or place to another.” I felt last month I wanted to include something more specific to that definition, such as, “a state of stupor that comes with a change from one place to another.” Thankfully our “stupor” only lasted a week or so and now with the house reorganized, we are feeling settled and excited about ministry opportunities.
Our welcome back has included many friends dropping by and it is encouraging to see how God has and continues to work in such diverse ways in their lives. Their visits also confirm the need for a place where people can occasionally get away from pressures and problems to be alone in prayer with God. We have done two road trips looking at possible properties for a retreat center but nothing has really impressed us so far. We were very interested in a place that is for sale and is fairly close to our boys’ school. As we looked to God to guide us in this decision, I experienced a rather strange night of altitude problems again. For us it was a confirmation to not go ahead investing in anything that doesn’t include a significant drop in altitude. Please continue to pray for us to be lead to the place God has for the retreat center.
Friends, homework and school projects are keeping Lucas and Jeremy busy. The expectations are greater here than public school in Canada so there has been some groaning and readjustments. Lucas in particular has a heavy load and feels overwhelmed at times and would value your prayers. We frequently skype with Alex and give thanks for the numerous ways people have helped him during these first months of living away from his family. If you have been part of this, please know that we are truly grateful for your loving support.
We have Rachael Robertson and Aimee Lampard living with us. They are from Victoria (Oaklands Chapel) and are here for a 10-month short-term mission. At present they are enrolled in Spanish lessons three days a week and have also committed to some volunteer work at Highlands, the school our boys attend. Word has spread quickly about the “two Canadian volunteers” so there is no shortage of invitations or opportunities for ministry. They are also processing their visas and that is always a lengthy and frustrating procedure. In August some illegalities were exposed and consequently one office is not issuing their part of the process. Although the problem didn’t correspond to us, the restriction has applied to all mission and NGO agencies. We value prayer that this will be resolved and not cause extra delays.
Carlos’ parents continue to struggle with health issues. Another trip to Cochabamba is planned for the September 27th weekend because a nephew is having his 15th birthday that is celebrated as a “coming of age” milestone. We look forward to seeing the family again on that occasion.
We thank you for your many prayers for health and readjustment during this time. God has answered your pleas and we are eager day-by-day to see what God is doing and marveled by His gracious invitation to be part of it. Please continue to pray for Bolivia, the eastern part of the country is going through serious conflicts as they challenge the government on autonomy decisions. Wise and quick decisions are needed as well as a willingness to reconcile differences.
Richest blessings,
Carlos & Shirley Vargas
Schultz - Bolivia Bulletin September 2008
Jurgen & Wendy Schultz - Bolivia Bulletin
This update is available in PRINT at the church (on the Engagement bulletin board).
A Rocha News | August 2008
A Rocha News August 2008
August webflash:
A Rocha Canada
The A Rocha Field Study Centre in Surrey, BC has a new wetland, affectionately dubbed, "Lake Luis", after the Brazilian intern, Luis Roque, who accomplished much of the hands-on work of the project.
Thanks to funding from the Vancouver Foundation and Environment Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund, A Rocha’s science team including Luis, Glen Carlson, Science Director and a host of volunteers transformed the very soggy southeast corner of the A Rocha Field Study Centre into a 4,000 m² wetland. The project aimed to partially offset habitat loss due to the development (to the tune of 600 new houses) of the Douglas Neighbourhood just to the south of the Field Study Centre. In addition to excavating the pond, chickadee and swallow bird boxes were installed and a variety of native plant species were planted, including Cottonwoods, Grand Firs, Vine Maples and Ocean Spray to name a few. As for the habitat value of this new marsh, it seems a bird might be the best judge; thus, we were pleased to find a female Killdeer had chosen the site to bring up two young!
News from A Rocha International
Working together
The theme of the A Rocha International Review for 2007-2008 is our partnerships with other conservation organizations, universities and colleges, relief and development agencies, governments and private landowners. Read about how we are protecting the Dakatcha Woodland with NatureKenya; studying large mammals in Ghana with the University of California, Berkeley; campaigning to minimize climate change with Tearfund; protecting Asian Elephants with Karnataka State Forest, and restoring wetlands in France with private landowners.
The website looks different!
You may have noticed changes to www.arocha.org – that’s because we’ve changed our content management system to a much more powerful and flexible base. You can enjoy new features: for example, you can now e-mail a page to a friend, use the search box from every page and print off a page more easily. You can also look forward to some exciting improvements.
New team members wanted
If you would like to work with A Rocha, please check out our vacancies in South Africa, Lebanon, Portugal and the UK.
This month the news is brief (many teams are on holiday) but it is good!
Victory in court for A Rocha Portugal
You may know that A Rocha Portugal has been campaigning to protect Quinta da Rocha, the headland on which Cruzinha, their field study centre, is located. Part of the headland is a Natura 2000 site, vitally important for rare plants as well as resident and migratory waders and ducks of many species. The main landowner has illegally destroyed some of the more wildlife-rich areas, so A Rocha has begun a long and hard legal process which continues – with recent encouraging results.
On 24 July A Rocha Portugal received a letter from the court of law in Loulé, announcing that they have won the injunction process (filed almost a year ago) to stop the destruction of the protected habitats on the Quinta. The judge decided that all A Rocha’s requests were legitimate and instructed the owner to stop any kind of work in the protected areas. If he ignores this, he will face severe criminal charges for disobeying the court’s order. This is a small, but very significant victory, which will help in the main action (filed in June) for the restoration of all the destroyed habitats.
It was also encouraging that the court praised the work which A Rocha Portugal has done for the protection of the environment.
Tiago writes, “We are very grateful for the lawyer, Joaquim Rogério, who has worked alongside Marcial, Will and the rest of the team. We continue to pray for the next stage in the legal process and to work with faith and expectancy. We invite you to pray with us for the protection of the team and the Quinta, and for a successful outcome in the next stage. We hope to set legal precedents which will not just restore this very special part of the Algarve, but also save protected areas throughout Portugal and other EU countries”.
Do you want more e-news?
Many of the teams regularly (or irregularly!) write brief e-news reports, or produce e-mail newsletters – if you take a special interest in their work, they will be glad to send them to you – you just need to email them. The following teams produce reports in English: canada@arocha.org india@arocha.org kenya@arocha.org lebanon@arocha.org portugal@arocha.org south.africa@arocha.org uk@arocha.org usa@arocha.org and Czech (2-3 times a year) via keith.morris@arocha.org
