International Ministries Core Values

Transcription

1 International Ministries Core Values FAITH We believe mission springs from God s initiative, is guided by God s Spirit and is accomplished through God s power. We desire to be grounded in and faithful to Scripture in our understanding and practice of mission. We endeavor to follow the example of Jesus, who embodied God s love by identifying with those he served. We continually call upon and listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in prayer. We strive to live out our faith in all we do. SERVICE We believe Jesus met human need with a holistic salvation, one that touched all aspects of life. We witness to Jesus Christ in ways that include verbal proclamation of the gospel, response to human need and care for creation. We cultivate integrity, stewardship, honesty, transparency and accountability in all aspects of our work. We encourage flexible and creative responses to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we seek to be of service to God, God s people and the world. COMMUNITY We believe God calls humanity into relationships of love and support in community. We care for all people with whom we work, both those who are served and those who offer their lives in service. We engage in mission in ways that respect the giftedness of all our partners and the diversity that God creates and in which God delights. We are committed to partnership and cooperation with a wide range of agencies, both within and beyond the American Baptist movement, to fulfill God s call and our mission. We strive to build relationships of mutual giving and receiving. We commit ourselves to these core values, repenting when we fall short and seeking the power of the Spirit to more fully embody them in the future. i

2 Guide to Global Servants Ideas for using this book Print Bulletin Inserts Each global servant s two-page spread is available online as a bulletin insert. Go to the global servant s profile page on click on Guide to Global Servants Bulletin Insert and print copies for your church bulletin. Create a Display Use copies of the global servants pages to make bulletin boards or posters. Add journals, articles and pictures from Give Sermon or Study Use a global servant s Scripture verse as the basis for a sermon or a Bible study. Encourage people to use it for their personal devotions for a week. Follow a Ministry Go to click on People and then choose a global servant. Click JOIN THE NETWORK to receive an update when this global servant posts a new journal. Or use the information form in the back of this book to request information about a global servant. Pray Use the prayer requests in a worship service, prayer meeting or Sunday school class, or feature them in your church s newsletter. Celebrate birthdays We ve provided the birthdays for the global servants and their kids. Have your church or small group members sign a card and send it to a global servant on his or her birthday. Celebrate with a cake during coffee hour. Or send a package with small items to celebrate the occasion. Contact a Global Servant Start writing to a global servant monthly or quarterly! Invite a Sunday school class, small group, youth group, women s circle or shut-in to write regularly. Ask a global servant to put your church on his or her mailing list for journals and newsletters. Send a Facebook friend request to the global servant using his or her address. Set up a video call to chat face-to-face. Volunteer Does a global servant need volunteers to come work alongside him or her? Organize a group to visit and do some painting or construction, coordinate a Vacation Bible School program or assist with a health clinic. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer, no matter what your skill level! To get involved, contact us at volunteers@internationaministries.org. Global Mission Resources Looking for resources for your mission promotion and events? International Ministries has a variety of materials in several convenient formats: On Location This quarterly print newsletter features stories about how God is working through IM, including mission stories and world events in which IM staff and volunteers have played a part. To order, call , or read it online at Free. Item # varies. On Location: Special Edition Featuring the Annual Report, this expanded edition of our newsletter summarizes the previous year s finances and provides a comprehensive overview of what God is doing in the world through IM. Published every spring. To order, call , or read it online at www. internationalministries.org/on_locations. Free. Item # varies. On Line Get a monthly summary of IM news and global servants journals delivered to your ! To subscribe, catherine.nold@internationalministries.org. Check out IM s website for the latest global servant journals, photos and videos; keep up-to-date on IM news, mission projects, special events, volunteer and vocational opportunities and more! Mission Projects Learn about the many important mission projects being carried out by IM global workers and partners around the world, and find out how you can give to each one directly. Visit Facebook Connect with International Ministries American Baptist on Facebook to follow the latest news, photos and events. Visit Facebook.com/InternationalMinistries. YouTube On visit the channel American Baptist International Ministries to find videos about IM global workers, events and so much more! ii Guide to Global Servants iii

3 Where in the World Global Servants At a Glance, by Country Global Servants Mini-Map Poster Keep track of which global servants are where with this full-color 8.5" x 14" map, including portrait photos. To order, call , ext Free. Quick Facts This one-page reference provides information on IM s global presence and Focus Impact Areas and on the different ways you can get involved. To order, call , ext Free. Available in English and Spanish. World Mission Offering Sample Packet This educational resource for churches includes videos, flyers, posters, bulletin inserts, worship ideas and other materials designed to raise awareness about what God is doing through IM. To order, call Free. Available in Spanish and English. Item # varies. Global Mission Study Guide Learn more about global mission with your church or small group with this collection of sermon outlines, devotions, activities and more. To order, call Free. Item # varies. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT White Cross Student Tuition Expense Program (STEP) Mission Service Projects contact Chris Marziale at , extension 2207, or chris.marziale@internationalministries.org. AFRICA Marilyn Raatz Democratic Republic of the Congo Glen & Rita Chapman Jill & Mike Lowery Katherine & Wayne Niles Ed & Miriam Noyes Kathy & Tim Rice Katrina & Kyle Williams Ghana Rovaughna Richardson South Africa Anita & Rick Gutierrez Cheryl Jones South Sudan Ann & Bill Clemmer Togo Awenam Anifrani & Holale Azondjagni Zambia Kathy Charland ASIA Japan Mainland Gordon & Lee Ann Hwang Shigemi Tomita Philippines Jonathan & Thelma Nambu Thailand Duane Binkley Kim Brown Aphiwan & Scott Coats Annie & Jeff Dieselberg Chuck & Ruth Fox Lea Lindero Becky Mann Jeni Pedzinski Kit Ripley Karen Smith Debby & Kyle Witmer Regional Missionaries Ann & Bruce Borquist EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST Bulgaria Terry & Tom Myers Czech Republic Nora & Pieter Kalkman Hungary Carmella Jones endorsed Carrie & Kurt Smalley Larry & Rebecca Stanton Lebanon Dan & Sarah Chetti iv Guide to Global Servants v

4 United Kingdom Hermelinda & Jorge Damasceno IBEROAMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN Bolivia JD & Rhonda Reed Brazil Corenne & Phil Smith Chile Barb & Dwight Bolick Costa Rica Sue Hegarty Ruth Mooney Dominican Republic Madeline Flores-López Peter & Sarah McCurdy Ketley & Vital Pierre Haiti Nancy & Stephen James Kihomi Ngwemi & Nzunga Mabudiga Honduras Dagoberto & Dilia Zelaya Mexico Mercy Gonzalez-Barnes Deliris Carrión-Joseph Patti & Tim Long Debbie & Keith Myers Nicaragua Carlos Bonilla & Mayra Giovanetti David & Laura Parajón Panama Ingrid Roldán-Román Regional Missionaries Mylinda Baits David & Joyce Reed Ray Schillenger GLOBAL CONSULTANTS Lauran Bethell Dan Buttry Sharon Buttry Kristy Engel Mike Mann Stan Slade Janine White Walt White DEVELOPMENT WORKERS Melanie Baggao Dwayne & Janet Doyle Laura & Rich Freeman Katie & Taku Longkumer Joel Hoefle & Trish Magal Lori & Matt Mann Debra Mulneix Carole Sydnor Emerson & Ivy Wu Where in the Word The global servants each provided a verse of Scripture that illustrates some aspect of their call or ministry. Here s a list of all those verses in one convenient location. Use these verses to guide your prayers. Study the verses in your personal devotions, or use them as the basis for Sunday school lessons, mission events or sermons. OLD TESTAMENT GENESIS 12:1... Awenam Anifrani & Holale Azondjagni EXODUS 20:12... Anita & Rick Gutierrez LEVITICUS 19: Nora & Pieter Kalkman DEUTERONOMY 10:19...Duane Binkley JOSHUA 1:9... Lea Lindero PSALMS 5:3...Terry & Tom Myers 21:6... Kim Brown 72:4...Kathy & Tim Rice 139:14... Nancy & Steve James 149: Lauran Bethell PROVERBS 1:7... Glen & Rita Chapman 3:5...Dan & Sarah Chetti 3: Debby & Kyle Witmer 22:6...Corenne & Philip Smith Dagoberto & Dilia Zelaya ECCLESIASTES 12:13... Shigemi Tomita ISAIAH 30:15a... David & Joyce Reed 40:31... Patti & Tim Long 41:10... Carole Sydnor 43: Mercy Gonzalez-Barnes 52:7... Katie & Taku Longkumer 54:2... Debbie & Keith Myers Ingrid Roldán-Román 61:3-4...Barbara & Dwight Bolick 65:20... David & Laura Parajón JEREMIAH 29:11...Rovaughna Richardson MICAH 6:8...Jonathan & Thelma Nambu HABAKKUK 2:14... Emerson & Ivy Wu NEW TESTAMENT MATTHEW 13: Dwayne & Janet Doyle 14:16...Ed & Miriam Noyes 16:24...Becky & Larry Stanton 18:5... Lori & Matt Mann vi Guide to Global Servants vii

5 19:26...Annie & Jeff Dieselberg 21:22...Madeline Flores-López 28: Kihomi Ngwemi & Nzunga Mabudiga LUKE 14:28... Kit Ripley JOHN 1: Joel Hoefle & Trish Magal 10:10...Melanie Baggao ROMANS 1:16...Deliris Carrión-Joseph 12:2...Sue Hegarty 12:12... Becky & Mike Mann 14:19...Marilyn Raatz 15:20...Laura & Rich Freeman 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6... Carlos Bonilla & Mayra Giovanetti 12:7... Cheryl Jones 12:27... Kathy Charland 15:58...Hermelinda & Jorge Damasceno 2 CORINTHIANS 5:19...Ruth Mooney 6:3...Jeanine & Walt White 12:9...Jill & Mike Lowery GALATIANS 5:22a...Jeni Pedzinski EPHESIANS 4: Ketly & Vital Pierre 4: Ann & Bruce Borquist PHILIPPIANS 1:3-4, 6... Ray Schellinger 2:13... Katherine & Wayne Niles 3: Karen Smith Peter & Sarah McCurdy Carrie & Kurt Smalley 3: Dan Buttry 4:6-7...Ann & Bill Clemmer COLOSSIANS 3:12... Katrina & Kyle Williams 3:17... Chuck & Ruth Fox 1 THESSALONIANS 5: Aphiwan & Scott Coats 1 TIMOTHY 2:1... Debbie Mulneix 2 TIMOTHY 2:2...Sharon Buttry Stan Slade 4:2b... Gordon & Lee Ann Hwang HEBREWS 10:24... Kristy Engel 1 PETER 3:15... Carmella Jones JUDE J.D. & Rhonda Reed REVELATION 7:17... Mylinda Baits Focused Impact Areas Inviting People to Be Disciples of Jesus Evangelism IM shares the gospel of Jesus Christ in respectful and creative ways. Discipleship IM nurtures both individuals and communities as they grow in their knowledge of and commitment to Christ. Theological Education IM trains church leaders in both formal and nontraditional settings. continued on next page viii Guide to Global Servants ix

6 Focused Impact Areas continued Proclaiming God s Reign of Justice, Peace and Abundant Life Immigrants & Refugees IM serves Immigrants & Refugees, building upon the celebrated immigrant and refugee ministries of American Baptist congregations, regions, national organizations and partners in order to develop similar ministries on a global level. Peace & Justice IM works with the Body of Christ around the world to embody God s love in situations of discord, suffering and conflict. Abolition of Trafficking in Persons & Global Slavery IM provides exemplary services to survivors of trafficking in persons and all forms of modern-day slavery. Education IM promotes the liberating power of education through ministries that range from basic literacy to graduate study. Economic Development IM transforms lives in the name of Jesus Christ by empowering people and communities through economic development. Health & Wellness IM engages in curative, preventive and educational ministries around the world that promote holistic Health & Wellness. Equipping the Body of Christ to Engage in God s Mission Promotion of Mission From Everywhere to Everyone 1 IM assists the efforts of churches and partners around the world as they engage in cross-cultural ministry and send their own missionaries. Short Term Mission Engagement IM promotes and provides opportunities for individuals, churches, American Baptist regions and educational institutions to engage in life-changing crosscultural ministry experiences. Youth & Young Adults IM inspires youth and young adults to grow as disciples of Jesus. Training & Capacity Building IM contributes to the strength and vitality of partners around the world and in the U.S. and Puerto Rico helping to develop increased capacity to do their ministries. 1 IM is grateful to friend, colleague and theologian Samuel Escobar for coining this phrase. See his book The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone ( 2003, InterVarsity Press). x Guide to Global Servants xi

7 Birthday List of Global Servants January 1 Pieter Kalkman 5 Ingrid Roldán-Román 8 Melanie Baggao 10 Kyle Witmer 11 Ann Borquist 26 Carmella Jones February 16 Aphiwan Coats 17 Nancy James 27 Becky Mann 29 Barb Bolick March 1 Emerson Wu 2 Annie Dieselberg 3 David Parajón 4 Taku Longkumer 5 Marilyn Raatz 7 Duane Binkley 17 Karen Smith 18 Tim Long 19 Kristy Engel Rick Gutierrez 20 Mayra Giovanetti April 6 Becky Stanton 8 Sue Hegarty 9 Matt Mann 11 Steve James 14 Shigemi Tomita 15 Chuck Fox 24 Corenne Smith 27 Laura Parajón 28 Thelma Nambu 29 Joyce Reed Dan Chetti May 5 Tom Myers 7 Nora Kalkman Ed Noyes 10 Jill Lowery 12 Nzunga Mabudiga 18 Laura Freeman 20 Hermelinda Damasceno 21 Lee Ann Hwang 26 Wayne Niles 28 Kyle Williams June 1 Kurt Smalley 4 Trish Magal 8 Philip Smith 9 Dilia Zelaya 14 Sarah McCurdy 15 Vital Pierre 18 Jeff Dieselberg 20 Katherine Niles 24 Anita Gutierrez 26 Rita Chapman 27 Peter McCurdy July 8 Tim Rice 11 Madeline Flores-López 16 Katie Longkumer 19 Katrina Williams 21 Gordon Hwang Larry Stanton 25 Ruth Mooney 30 Carlos Bonilla August 4 Debra Mulneix 6 Keith Myers 9 Mike Mann 14 Sharon Buttry 19 Kathy Rice 21 Deliris Carrión-Joseph 22 Scott Coats 30 Jorge Damasceno 31 Walt White September 1 Ketly Pierre Rhonda Reed 4 Carrie Smalley 5 Cheryl Jones Holale Azondjagni 7 Carole Sydnor 9 Janet Doyle Debby Witmer 11 Bruce Borquist Miriam Noyes 18 Lauran Bethell 23 Mercy Gonzalez-Barnes 25 Dwight Bolick Terry Myers 26 Dan Buttry 28 Mylinda Baits 29 Dwayne Doyle October 3 Debbie Myers 8 Patti Long 12 Jonathan Nambu 13 Kihomi Ngwemi 24 Dagoberto Zelaya 29 Glen Chapman November 2 Jeni Pedzinski Awenam Anifrani 3 Kim Brown 11 Kit Ripley 16 Stan Slade 17 Lea Lindero 24 Ruth Fox Joel Hoefle December 2 Ann Clemmer Ray Schellinger 10 Ivy Wu 15 Bill Clemmer 17 Sarah Chetti Rovaughna Richardson 20 Mike Lowery 21 JD Reed Rich Freeman 25 David Reed 30 Lori Mann Current as of January xii Guide to Global Servants xiii

8 Mission Partnership Networks Touching hearts, changing lives through your personal relationship with a global worker Notes If you find a global servant whose ministry tugs at your heart, you may choose to learn more and become personally involved in his or her ministry. You may want to receive updates; give of your financial resources, your time or your talents; or even consider the possibility of visiting the ministry to provide personal assistance. There are many ways for you to be involved in the Lord s work through International Ministries. We invite you to learn more from our staff and global personnel, explore the opportunities and discover how God is calling you to serve. To request more information, go to and click on People, then select a global worker or couple. Or you may complete the information card on the last page of this book, fold and tape it closed and return it to us. We will get back to you with further information. xiv Guide to Global Servants xv

9 Awenam Anifrani & Holale Azondjagni Togo Holale and Awenam will serve the cause of kingdom advancement in Togo, West Africa, by working with the Baptist Convention of Togo and local congregations to develop social ministries and programs serving persons with HIV/AIDS, street children and orphans vulnerable to human trafficking, girls exploited in prostitution, patients in hospitals and those incarcerated in prisons. Through the Togo Baptist Biblical Institute and the convention s 15 associations, they will reinforce and strengthen the training of pastors and church leaders for vital and vibrant ministry. TOGO South Atlantic Ocean Location: Togo, West Africa Language used in ministry: French AFRICA Birthdays: Awenam-Nov 2; Holale-Sept 5 awenam.anifrani@internationalministries.org; holale.azondjagni@internationalministries.org Webpage: www. teams/681-azondjagni Impact Areas: Evangelism, Discipleship and Theological Education The Lord had said to Abram, Go from your country, your people and your father s household to the land I will show you. GENESIS 12:1 The road from the pew to mission field is Indian not straight. There can be doubts Ocean in decision-making; anxiety in building a network of supporters, bumps in finding balance between one s life and things such as deputations, fundraising, trainings, meetings, etc.; confusion when facing challenges and detours; and spiritual warfare that can make it challenging to keep to the schedule. Our road so far has been nothing compared to Abraham and Sarah s journey with God, but like theirs it has been winding and not always certain, with unexpected twists and turns. After the lengthy initial discernment process, we were appointed to serve in France. But two months after a wonderful vision trip to France, we learned that the needs in France had changed and that we would not be serving there after all. This news was difficult for us to hear, because we had devoted ourselves to preparing for this ministry. After this turn of events, IM staff began to prayerfully consider where we should serve, and the option that stood out was Togo, in Sub-Saharan Africa, where IM had recently become partners with the Baptist Convention of Togo. Because we were both born and raised in Togo before becoming naturalized U.S. citizens, this is a setting in which we are uniquely prepared to be effective. I cannot imagine how many times Abraham and Sarah got lost or became uncertain as they traveled to unknown lands. But I do know that by faith they trusted and obeyed the one who called them, and that they PLEASE PRAY Thanking God for our informative vision trip. That our tasks as missionaries be God s tasks. That God will help us to stretch forward spiritually and financially. Rev. Holale and Awenam sharing with children at North Shore Baptist Church in Chicago stretched forward till they reached the final destination to become a blessing to all of us today. Detour is part our faith journey, as it is also part of our call to serve God. As we experience this detour and prayerfully raise support to serve in Togo, we can only hope to faithfully stretch forward into service for God. HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED Join their Mission Partnership Network Share information about their ministry with others Go on a mission work team to their country Give to their ministry individually or through your church Send s and birthday and Christmas cards Pray for their ministry To learn how to join their network or to give to their ministry visit today! You ll also find the latest stories, journals, videos and prayer needs. Awenam Anifrani & Holale Azondjagni Togo A

10 Melanie Baggao Lebanon In partnership with the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development, Melanie will begin her service in the Arab world by studying at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, where she will learn the Lebanese language and culture and build relationships in preparation for future ministry in Arabic-speaking cultures. She will also participate in ministries of compassion as our Lebanese partners respond to pressing needs in their communities. Mediterranean Sea Beirut ISRAEL LEBANON Mansourieh-Metn Location: Beirut, Lebanon Language used in ministry: Arabic Birthday: Jan 8 SYRIA The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. JOHN 10:10 melanie.baggao@internationalministries.org Webpage: baggao Impact Areas: Evangelism and Immigrants & Refugees Confession: Sometimes I get weary in doing good. (Galatians 6:9) For the past few years, a couple times a month I spend time with my Iraqi refugee friends: Malak (a 13-yearold girl), Zaharra (her mom) and Zubbaidah (her grandmother). For a while, however, I struggled with our visits. This was especially hard when I was teaching, because I would work late before heading over to help Malak with homework for a few more hours. Selfishly, I would think about how it would be nice to have more time to myself. As I was about to head home after one particular visit, it was clear God had other plans. Before you leave, Melanie, let me show you some of my drawings, Malak said. She pulled out a children s Bible that her Christian Melanie and her Iraqi refugee friends aunt had given to her and showed me pictures of creation and of Abraham about to sacrifice his son. This, she said as she pointed to the boy, is why Muslims celebrate the holiday Eid today. Allah provided another sacrifice. Every year we are supposed to kill another animal to remind us. I shared with Malak that, for followers of Jesus, Easter is like our Eid. We believe that God gave us his Son as our sacrifice PLEASE PRAY For God s presence in the life transition between California and Beirut. For God to continue to go before me in the lives of the Muslim women he places in my life now and in the future. Pray that I will be more in tune with his Spirit as he leads and guides me in these friendships. For the millions of Syrian refugees that are fleeing to countries like Lebanon. For the Lebanese Christians as they continue to meet the needs of many in their communities in the name of Jesus. for our sins, so we don t have to sacrifice animals to give us pure hearts. This exchange was a very small part of our conversation, but I am grateful that God gave me the chance to share with Malak. Sometimes I doubt that I have what it takes to share the gospel with others. But the truth is that the gospel is not about me. Praise God!! I may lack many things, but God uses his people every day to share his love broken and imperfect as we may be. HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED Join her Mission Partnership Network Share information about her ministry with others Go on a mission work team to her country Give to her ministry individually or through your church Send s and birthday and Christmas cards Pray for her ministry To learn how to join her network or to give to her ministry visit today! You ll also find the latest stories, journals, videos and prayer needs. Melanie Baggao Lebanon B

11 Mylinda Baits Iberoamerica and the Caribbean Mylinda Baits is a pastoral artist, activist and advocate. Her focus is on preventing all forms of exploitation, especially human trafficking; bringing healing to trauma survivors; and strengthening the witness of God s people in the Iberoamerica- Caribbean region. Mylinda partners with IM colleagues, church leaders and social change organizations to address exploitation and trafficking of women and children. She creates safe spaces where those who work in rescue and aftercare can continue their training and be nurtured and renewed. Mylinda also works directly with those who have experienced or are at risk for exploitation and trafficking, promoting expressive art as a form of trauma care. Location: Iberoamerica and the Caribbean Language used in ministry: Spanish Birthdays: Mylinda-Sept 28; Micah-Aug 8 mylinda.baits@internationalministries.org Webpage: 45-baits Impact Areas: Discipleship, Peace & Justice, Abolition of Trafficking in Persons & Global Slavery and Training & Capacity Building Spouse: Gary Adult child: Jamie Child: Micah For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. REVELATION 7:17 I walked into the room and the energy was palpable. The circle of chairs filled with consejeras (counselors), the smiles, the statures of strength and the warm welcome all filled me with deep appreciation for what God had accomplished in such a short time. It was October 2015, and I was back at AMOS (A Ministry of Sharing) in Nicaragua to follow up on a First Aid Arts: Healing Arts training program that we had held earlier that same year. I wasn t sure how successfully our three-day intensive training on using the expressive arts in trauma recovery could be replicated by the health promoters in their own contexts. The unfamiliar group-building rituals, like expressing how they were feeling using a colored scarf or giving and receiving the amor (love), were a stretch for many when we first introduced them during our April trainings. Stepping outside of our comfort zones, trying new strategies and risking embarrassment pulled and prodded us to new levels of confidence and community. As each counselor shared how the different arts-based activities were being used with teenagers, pregnant mothers and long-term diabetes support groups, I listened with deep gratitude and pride for the creative partnership in healing and whole- PLEASE PRAY For wisdom, strength and commitment to maintain balance and healthy habits of self and relational care during my busy travel seasons. For sustained energy and creativity for partners in ministry in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Bolivia and Chile as we collaborate to provide educational and empowerment opportunities for underserved women and children in each locale. For the continued growth of creative communities of support, collaboration and mutual care among our women colleagues both in International Ministries and among international partners throughout Latin America. Urban health promoters from AMOS in Nicaragua stretching to form a human sculpture that represents strength, solidarity and support for each other through their common connection with Christ ness that we shared. Eager to learn new ways to expand their skills, they asked if I could share other arts-based practices for healing. Unlike the tentative and timid response in our first workshop, this time they jumped quickly into the group sculpture movement activity with focus, freedom and trust. Stretching forward into new territory helped them grow and changed their world for good. HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED Join her Mission Partnership Network Share information about her ministry with others Go on a mission work team to her country Give to her ministry individually or through your church Send s and birthday and Christmas cards Pray for her ministry To learn how to join her network or to give to her ministry visit today! You ll also find the latest stories, journals, videos and prayer needs. Mylinda Baits Iberoamerica and the Caribbean B

12 Mercy González-Barnes Mexico After 13 years of teaching, mentoring and walking alongside men and women in Mexicali, Mercy is now responding to these same concerns in the wider Latin American context. Mercy will also be part of a team that will be walking alongside the ministry of Cuban Baptists. I am responding to this new call with excitement, says Mercy. I am being stretched as I discover the diverse needs of our Latin American partners. This is also an exciting time of change in Cuba, and in that spirit I ask for your continued support of this ministry. Mexicali Tijuana BAJA NORTH North Pacific Ocean UNITED STATES Gulf of California BAJA SOUTH Location: Mexicali, Mexico Baja North Language used in ministry: Spanish MEXICO La Paz Birthdays: Mercy-Sept 23; Richard-May 20; Joshua-May 17 mercy.gonzalez-barnes@internationalministries.org Webpage: 46-barnes Impact Area: Theological Education Spouse: Rick Adult child: Aida Children: Richard and Joshua Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. ISAIAH 43:18-19 Rumors were circulating. We had heard that the detention center where my husband worked as a chaplain would be closing. Now we actually had a date of closure and I had so many questions. Would we have to move? What about my ministry in Mexicali? How would this affect our family? All of these questions were stretching my faith and that of my family. I felt anxious and angry, and I wanted to find a solution. As I shared my plans with José, my area director, he simply looked at me calmly and said, Tranquila. Calm down. After he repeated this three times, I breathed in slowly and listened to his words. A new direction was opening for me and for my family. Would I consider being part of a team of missionaries that would relate to Cuba? During the following year I prayed, spoke with trusted advisors and visited PLEASE PRAY For my family, as we transition to new ministries, a new home and a new school for Josh, and as we seek God s guidance in finding a new job for Rick and the timing of a move. For God s guidance as I embark on the new thing that God is doing. For the project of online theological education that is in the works, specifically the need for scholarships and funding to support the project. For me and the other missionaries working on the International Ministries Cuba team, that we may develop a good relationship with the conventions and that we be open to see and participate in what God is already doing on the island. Staff, missionaries and students at the Seminario Bautista Dios con Nosotros 2015 graduation Cuba. This past May, I was finally appointed as a regional missionary in Iberoamerica. My husband, Rick, is working at another detention center, but we know that more changes are on the way. We have been stretched and continue to be stretched in many ways. HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED Join her Mission Partnership Network Share information about her ministry with others Go on a mission work team to her country Give to her ministry individually or through your church Send s and birthday and Christmas cards Pray for her ministry To learn how to join her network or to give to her ministry visit today! You ll also find the latest stories, journals, videos and prayer needs. Mercy González-Barnes Mexico B

13 Lauran Bethell Global Lauran is a global consultant on human trafficking. Her main goal is to initiate and encourage new grassroots projects addressing the exploitation and abuse of women and children, many of whom are victims of trafficking. While based in The Netherlands, she travels extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, teaching, training and consulting. Location: Global Language used in ministry: English Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. PSALM 149:3-4 Birthday: Sept 18 lauran.bethell@internationalministries.org Webpage: bethell Impact Area: Abolition of Trafficking in Persons & Global Slavery tively discouraged me that I chose to please them. The consequence was that, when times changed, I felt clumsy and awkward joining my friends who were enjoying themselves on the dance floor. And then I was invited to Africa, where dance permeates all of life. I hated being just an observer in the meetings where I was speaking as women fully worshiped God with their entire beings. They were dancing in praise and prayer to God. It was a life-changing moment when I took a deep breath, made a big stretch and stepped into the crowd. I couldn t speak the language of this country but I could communicate by simply looking into the eyes of Dancing in praise and worship in Africa, at the Baptist World Alliance Women s Leadership Conference one woman at a time, and do my best to copy her movement. They didn t make fun of me. Rather, their eyes encouraged me, and I could tell they were delighted that I was looking to them for help. I put aside my fear of looking silly and gave my body permission to move in praise to God and in fellowship with these beautiful women. I had never worshiped so PLEASE PRAY For safety on the many journeys I make. For wisdom in knowing how to encourage and develop new ministries for victims of human trafficking For health and strength and sleep as I travel. I grew up in a time and place where Baptists didn t dance. My parents didn t forbid it, but they so effeccompletely mind, soul and body as the Psalms express. The ministry that God has given me often requires that I let go of self-consciousness, look into Jesus eyes and follow his lead in the most beautiful, grace-full dance, risking it all. Thank you for your partnership! HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED Join her Mission Partnership Network Share information about her ministry with others Go on a mission work team to her country Give to her ministry individually or through your church Send s and birthday and Christmas cards Pray for her ministry To learn how to join her network or to give to her ministry visit today! You ll also find the latest stories, journals, videos and prayer needs. Lauran Bethell Global B

14 Barbara & Dwight Bolick Chile Barbara and Dwight serve with the National Baptist Convention of Chile in ministries of economic and leadership development. Their primary focus is with Mapuche churches in southern Chile. The Mapuche are the indigenous people of Chile and Argentina. The Bolicks work with Mapuche churches and communities through various programs to equip Mapuche leaders to serve their communities through economic development fully integrated with a proclamation of the gospel grounded in their culture and context. Barbara and Dwight also serve in equipping Pacific Ocean PERU CHILE Temuco BOLIVIA Santiago AR leaders among the Convention s other churches. Barbara helps churches develop ministries to women and children and Dwight focuses on stewardship, helping churches grasp their potential to create and sustain Christ-like ministries in their communities. Location: Temuco, Chile Languages used in ministry: Spanish and Mapudungun Birthdays: Barbara-Feb 29; Dwight-Sept 25; Jack-May 31; Will-Oct 21 barbara.bolick@internationalministries.org; dwight.bolick@internationalministries.org Webpage: 49-bolick Impact Areas: Discipleship, Education, Economic Development and Training & Capacity Building Children: Jack and Will They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. ISAIAH 61:3-4 Tomi Strock knows sheep, and she knows business. But most importantly, Tomi knows Jesus. That is why, when Barb visited her church in Douglas, Wyoming, last year, Tomi Richard Lord 2013 caught a vision for the Mapuche yarn project and has followed through with an amazing initiative. Tomi raises Rambouillet sheep, a breed that produces a premium grade of wool. When she heard of the difficulty our women were having getting their hands on high-quality wool to spin, she said to me, If I could only get my wool into your women s hands. Tomi offered to tithe her wool harvest to our yarn project if we could get the wool into the country. That plan has been hindered by strict import requirements, but in faith we are stretching forward to reach that goal. Tomi is an indomitable Wyoming rancher, and when she has a vision she doesn t give up. So when she sold this year s wool she tithed the proceeds to finance the purchase of the best wool now available in Chile. PLEASE PRAY That our sons, Jack (16) and William (11), will grow in wisdom and stature, and discover God s dreams for them as they make plans for future studies. For the Mapuche women s yarn project, that the Wyoming-Chile wool partnership might open up new opportunities for increased, steady income. For the Girls Club ministries, that Barbara s curriculum will open new opportunities to reach and change many more girls lives. For the beekeeping training project, that Dwight can help more people find a sustainable livelihood in beekeeping. That doors will open for us to help people find dignity and vocations in Jesus Christ and the good news of the kingdom of God. Tomi and her son on their ranch Then Tomi said that God had laid something more on her heart. She sold some ewes and, with a tithe from that, wanted to buy six months of the women s yarn up front to sell it in U.S. markets. Tomi is not a wealthy woman, but she follows Jesus when he gives her a vision that reaches beyond her comfort zone. She gives herself first to God, and then to stimulating economic growth for God s servants in this case the Mapuche church women in Chile, who also love their neighbors. HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED Join their Mission Partnership Network Share information about their ministry with others Go on a mission work team to their country Give to their ministry individually or through your church Send s and birthday and Christmas cards Pray for their ministry To learn how to join their network or to give to their ministry visit today! You ll also find the latest stories, journals, videos and prayer needs. Barbara & Dwight Bolick Chile B

15 Carlos Bonilla & Mayra Giovanetti Nicaragua Carlos and Mayra work through the Baptist Theological Seminary in Nicaragua and in partnership with the Baptist Convention of Nicaragua. They bring pastoral training to church leaders through informal theological education programs based in Convention churches. They also serve as writers of curriculum materials for the Seminary. Webpage: 50-bonilla-giovanetti Impact Areas: Evangelism and Theological Education Children: Alberto, Carolina and Daniela diligently reads and studies God s Word to grow in her relationship with Jesus Christ. She still sits next to the computer, but not to see better now it s because she doesn t want to skip a beat! She then translates what she learns to the younger children and even shares the Word at women s gatherings. During her baptism in October 2015, Hazel was the only one who shared a testimony. She is preparing for further service through the church s ministries to help transform the lives of others as hers was also transformed by Jesus Christ. Hazel teaching the younger children during Sunday school Photo by Karito HONDURAS Pacific Ocean Managua NICARAGUA COSTA RICA Location: Managua, Nicaragua Language used in ministry: Spanish Bluefields I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6 Birthdays: Carlos-July 30; Mayra-March 20; Alberto-Aug 3; Carolina-Sept 11; Daniela-June 19 C We walk expecting God to surprise us. In San Marcos, God surprised us with a sensitive, inquisitive, and committed young lady. Hazel was born in Costa Rica to Nicaraguan parents. They moved back to Nicaragua to the Jehová Yiré Baptist Church neighborhood. Hazel came to Jesus Christ during our first VBS in 2013 and soon was a regular in the services. Her father followed. Before long, Hazel was helping lead worship, teaching younger kids in Sunday school, and regularly attending our Bible studies. She d sit in the first row, next to the computer. We realized that this avid student had to sit so close to see the screen. When Hazel was given eyeglasses, her whole outlook grew brighter. Now, Hazel sees with new eyes as she PLEASE PRAY For young servants like Hazel who are coming to Christ, being discipled and growing in their faith as they stretch forward in service opportunities in their congregations. That we will be able to complete the Bible study materials, including audiovisual aids, to enhance the nontraditional methodology available to all audiences and to each facilitator that is sharing it in Nicaragua. For the Seminary and Convention leadership as they move these ministries to their diamond anniversary in 2016 and Pacific Coast centennial anniversary in 2017, respectively. For us as we prepare for our U.S./P.R. Assignment during Alberto s senior year and Carolina s freshman year in college. It will be different to be on the road with only Daniela in tow. That we will reach and maintain 100% of committed ongoing support. If this is Hazel at age 14, how much more will God continue to change her as she stretches forward in the years to come? Some plant, others water but God gives the increase. HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED Join their Mission Partnership Network Share information about their ministry with others Go on a mission work team to their country Give to their ministry individually or through your church Send s and birthday and Christmas cards Pray for their ministry To learn how to join their network or to give to their ministry visit today! You ll also find the latest stories, journals, videos and prayer needs. Carlos Bonilla & Mayra Giovanetti Nicaragua B