Association of Free Lutheran Congregations

Transcription

1 Association of Free Lutheran Congregations World Missions Director - Rev. Del Palmer 3110 E Medicine Lake Blvd Minneapolis, MN Phone: or worldmis@aflc.org Departments of World Missions Ambassador Institute ambassador@aflc.org Journey Missions Department Head - Mr. Jon Nelson jon.nelson@aflc.org For the latest news and prayer requests please see: Website: Find us on Facebook AFLC World Missions World Missions Committee Members Rev. Craig Johnson, Chairman Mr. Scott Erickson, Vice Chairman Rev. Kent Sperry, Secretary Rev. David Nelson Mr. Paul Handsaker Mr. Glen Espe Dr. Lyle Mattson 01/2019 vs1

2 The goal of this program is to come along side our international missionaries and ministries to distribute solid biblical and theological education to the fields of AFLC World Missions. Ambassador Institute has classes operating in the countries of India and Uganda,. They use an oral technique which emphasizes using the Bible as it is written to teach the curriculum. The curriculum is complete in six languages and available online. See website: ambassador-institute Mr. Jon Nelson currently serves as the Department Head of Journey Missions. His responsibilities involves leading trips and overseeing the Short Term Assistant program. The department arranges mission trips every year to foreign fields supported by AFLC World Missions. These trips are very flexible as to the length and destination of the visit depend on the specific goal of each trip. Jon's wife Heidi is involved with training these teams in addition to traveling with them. The Short Term Assistant program (STA) is a ministry which sends individuals to various AFLC ministries around the world to serve alongside long-term missionaries for a set length of time. See Website: jon.nelson@aflc.org Jonathan Abel Caixa Postal Maringa, PR Brazil tjabel@terra.com.br Matthew Abel Caixa Postal Campo Largo, PR Brazil mafuabel@gmail.com Paul Abel Caixa Postal Campo Largo, PR Brazil paulabelfamily@gmail.com Website: paulabelfamily.org Micah Berger PO Box 304 Jinja, Uganda Africa hacim1@hotmail.com Nathan Jore PO Box 304 Jinja, Uganda Africa nrjore@gmail.com Website: thejorefamily.wordpress.com John Lee Caixa Postal Campo Largo, PR Brazil jelee89@gmail.com Brent Raan PO Box 824 Jinja, Uganda Africa brentraan@gmail.com Michael Rokenbrodt PO Box 304 Jinja, Uganda Africa rekenbrm@csp.edu Todd Schierkolk Apartado Postal 439 Jerez, Zacatecas Mexico aguadevida5@gmail.com Jonni Sliver Caixa Postal Campo Mourao, PR Brazil sassi.jonni@gmail.com Ben Jore (Contact unfoldingword ) pastorbenjore@gmail.com Steve Kvale (Contact Wycliffe for info ) 1539 County Road 5 Balaton, MN steven_kvale@wycliffe.org TranslateTheWord.org Andrew Olson (Contact LBT for info ) C/O Lutheran Bible Translators PO Box 789 Concordia, MO emptypipe@gmail.com Josh Wagner (Contact LBT for info ) C/O Lutheran Bible Translators PO Box 789 Concordia, MO Josh-Ruthie.Wagner@LBT.org facebook.com/groups/wagnerupdates Miriam Home Brazil Packages can be sent by U.S. Mail to: Miriam Home Caixa Postal Campo Mourao, PR Brazil (please note: UPS will not deliver to PO Boxes) AFLC Missionaries Furlough Mailing Address 3110 E Medicine Lake Blvd Plymouth, MN Mission Home Osceola, WI th Ave Osceola, WI Phone:

3 Brazil Goal ALLIB (AFLC of Brazil) National Leadership Conference Primavera Church Building SETELL Replace Chapel Roof Re-wiring/Air-conditioning Chapel Books for Seminary Library Parking Lot MIRIAM HOME Follow Them Home Emergency Medical Fund ARCA New Roof Driveways/Pavers/entrance & shed ONGOING PROJECTS (As received) ARCA Ministry ARCA Social Projects ARCA-Bible Camp Scholarships Seminary Student Scholarships Student Work Fund As Received As Received As Received As Received As Received Mexico Goal Principios Church Building Christmas Gift Boxes Help Me Hear God s Voice Bibles Help Me Learn (School Supplies) $3,000 $15,000 Missionary Support $7,000 $3,000 $1,000 $3,000 $3,000 $1,000 $525 $475 $60,000 $ 500 $500 $ 300 $5,700 Our missionaries are provided for financially by a program called Personal Support. Each missionary has a group of people committed to pray for them and give to their work on a regular basis. Each month, they faithfully support their missionary partners by sending funds to the World Missions office. People give as God enables them, all sized of amounts are received. The key is that contributors give regularly. Without consistent gifts, our missionaries could not live on the field and share the Gospel. Please note: Overfunded World Missions ministries may have excess funds used in ministries where needs exist. $12,000 $6,000 India Repair of School Roof Received Remaining AFLC World Missions supports nine full-time missionary families; one seasonal missionary and have four missionary families on loan to other mission groups. World Missions also supports national work in Brazil, Mexico, Uganda, and Asia. $3,200 Received Remaining $30, $300 $29, $200

4 Pastor Paul and Becky Abel serve AFLC World Missions in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil. Since 1985, the Paul Abel s have established four churches. In 1992 they established the ARCA, a Brazil retreat center, the Abel s renovated an old farm facility to host camps and retreats. They still call the ACRA home today. The efforts of Paul and Becky s ministry has been focused on church planting and the ARCA. They have worked tirelessly serving the people and churches, mentoring many. The family has been known for their welcoming hearts and lovingly opening their home to various guests over the years. The Abel s focus on training and building leaders in the local churches. Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. II Corinthians 2:14 Paul Abel Family For camps and retreats at the ARCA For faithful commitment of church members and for their emotional and spiritual stability For their children and their families; Joanna (Silvo); Christina (Daniel); Andew (Alexi) and Matthew (Ednay) For Paul as he supervises the missionary work in Curitiba and reaches out to other Free Lutheran Congregations through special weekend courses God s continued provision for the work in Brazil For safety and health Paul: (Oct 18) Becky: (Oct 6) With much prayer and consultation with the Brazilian Field Conference, the World Missions Committee decided to step out and fulfill a long time dream of the AFLC. At the 1977 Annual Conference a resolution was passed to have a tri-nation vision for South America. That vision was to have Free Lutheran Congregations in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Therefore, the World Missions Committee resolved to expand our work with the AFLC of Brazil to include Paraguay by sending Matthew and Ednay Abel there to plant congregations. The country of India is a land of great spiritual darkness. AFLC mission work in India is a light shining in that dark place. Your gifts shine the light of Jesus through: Pastoral Training - Ambassador Institute assists the Indian church to train their Pastors. Churches - The believers find it easy to start congregations, you have helped them build simple buildings for worship. Additional buildings are still needed. Compassion Ministries - The area we work in is very poor. Many doors have been opened to share Jesus by helping people with the needs of life through food, medical assistance, the children s home and flood relief. Our missionaries working in Africa teach the word of God; developing leaders and ministering to the people. Self-sufficient Churches - The desire is that the Church in Uganda does not become dependent on funds from the United States. Our Missionaries plan to train the pastors to start churches without outside funding. Pastoral Training - Ambassador Institute is working to train the pastors who will train other pastors to do the same. Then the cycle repeats, each pastor training other pastors.

5 The purpose of AFLC World Missions is, by the grace of God, to make disciples of all nations through teaching and evangelism. As individuals and congregations give to the World Mission budget they carry out this lofty work in various nations around the world. These funds make it possible to do the work in Brazil, Mexico, India and Uganda. We in the office would like to thank you for funding the work in these countries. Without it none of the following would be possible. The AFLC has been working in Brazil over fifty years. You have been making disciples through the following: Schools - Our Bible School and Seminary have been teaching people to be disciples and disciple makers. Churches - Numerous churches have been planted where pastors and members reach out to their friends and neighbors. ARCA and Bible Camps - Many people have been saved and encouraged to walk with the Lord. Compassion Ministries - The lives of children and young people have been turned around and changed forever as they ve met Jesus in the Miriam Home. Our discipleship work in Mexico is divided into two separate entities. The Central Mexican Lutheran Church - In 1979 we began working with this small church body. Today you are training people in Mexico to be leaders in their church and understand how to make disciples through the CMLC. Churches started by our Missionaries - Our missionaries have planted churches in central Mexico. The missionaries have found great success in training children in kids clubs and then reaching the whole family through the contact with the children. Pastor Jonathan and Tamba began serving in Brazil with AFLC World Missions in They both grew up in Brazil, speak Portuguese, and have the necessary visas to live there. Although the Abel s have ministered in a number of ways over the years, they are presently working in the city of Maringa. Jonathan is pastoring a church there. Maringa is about an hour drive from our seminary and Bible School in Campo Mourao, where Jonathan also teaches on a regular basis. The church in Maringa previously met in the Abel s home, but in recent years the group was able to purchase a piece of property and build a new church on the site. Jonathan and Tamba are joined by their youngest child Michelle. For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. II Corinthians 5:14-15 Jonathan Abel Family Wisdom as they expand the work in Maringa Wisdom for them in working with the national people and leadership Health and safety as they work and travel For their children: April (Elijah) Neumann, Thomas and Michelle Jonathan: (March 11) Tamba:(Jan 11) Michelle :(July 18, 2002)

6 Jonni Sliver began serving with AFLC World Missions in Jonni has been a longtime member of Emmaus Lutheran Church (AFLC) in Bloomington, MN. She is a graduate of Bethany Fellowship School of Missions and served in many places around the world including previously in Brazil from Jonni began serving at the Miriam Home and our Bible School and Seminary in Campo Mourao, Brazil as of April With a passion for children, she pours her heart into the kids of the Miriam Home, loving them, and caring for their needs. Also, Jonni travels to the AFLC Brazil churches promoting the Miriam Home and Bible School. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 For the partnerships of the staff and students in Campo Mourao and the effectiveness of their leadership For clear and creative communication and relationships between the AFLC family in Campo Mourao and in the U.S. for mutual support and encouragement For safety and health Birthday: Jonni: (July 20) Pray for Jonni Sliver Ben Jore Family Ben and Adela are serving with unfoldingword providing oversight and leadership to technology projects. Ben: (March 25);Adela: (Aug. 19) Stefan: (May 9, 11); Sabina: (Oct 1, 13) Mara (Nov. 4, 15); Luisa(June 1, 18) Prayer Concerns: That Bible-less people groups hear the Gospel. Steve Kvale Family Steve and Glenda are currently with Wycliffe USA in the Information Technology department. Steve: (June 1) Glenda: (Nov. 30) Lenaya: (Sept. 18, 98) Prayer Concerns: That Bible-less people groups hear the Gospel. Josh Wagner Family Josh and Ruthie (Lee) Wagner are currently serving with Lutheran Bible Translators. (LBT) They are serving in Sierra Leone. Josh: (Dec 24) Ruth: (Aug. 06) Elijah: (June 21, 12);Isaiah (July 9, 14); Josiah (Dec 21, 15); Elizabeth: (Oct 09, 2017) Prayer Concerns: m as they work on translation projects to bring the gospel to people of Sierra Leone. Andrew Olson Family Andrew and Alexis Olson are currently serving with Lutheran Bible Translators. (LBT) Andrew: (Nov. 28) Alexis: (Jan. 22) Mariah: (August 08, 16) Selah: (March 18, 18) Prayer Concerns: m as they work on translation projects to bring the gospel to people of Africa.

7 The Short Term Assistant program is intended to provide practical and logistical help to missionaries on the mission field. The STA program is also intended to deepen mission awareness, interest and commitment in the assistant. The program can also be a tool for the assistant to confirm a call to prepare for foreign missions. The assistance that the STA provides on the field can take many forms, from manual labor to help with missionary s children. The term Short Term Assistant describes any person who travels to the mission field to work as a volunteer for a short length of time. Emily Olson (2019) emilyjoyolson@gmail.com Kirstie Schierkolk (2019) kgozo98@gmail.com Seth Skogerboe (2019) sjkogerboe@usfamily.net Lucas and Katie Pillman ( ) 1pillman@gmail.com The World Missions Committee had a longtime goal of sending John and Hannah to India to help with our pastoral training there. Realizing that it was not possible to send a missionary to India at this time a second country near India was researched, were the AFLC has well established and reliable contacts. After much discussion, thought and prayer, the conclusion was that it was not God s will for the Lees to be deployed to this country at this time. Realizing that John and Hannah have received a call by AFLC World Missions and still feel called to Missions, the World Missions Committee began investigating other options. Through prayer, consultation with the Lees, and an invitation by the Brazilian Field Conference to serve in Brazil the World Missions Committee decided to deploy the Lees to Brazil. The Lee s moved to Brazil in the summer of They are learning the language and are familiarizing themselves with the culture in Brazil. They are being mentored and trained by our missionaries in Brazil. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 John Lee Family For wisdom and grace as we settle in to a new culture and help in learning a new language. To be able to build relationships with the people we will be working with. Health and safety. John: (July 23) Hannah: (Feb 19) Bethany: (April 10, 2016) Eliza: (May 18, 2017) Ayda: (Aug 28, 2018)

8 Matthew and Ednay Abel have been serving in Brazil doing discipleship ministry. They were commissioned as AFLC missionaries in Matthew recently completed his seminary degree through distance learning and Ednay trained in physical therapy. Matthew and Ednay have served in various capacities in their first term. They have gone wherever sent with servant spirits and whole hearted enthusiasm. The World Missions Committee desired to have a long-term goal for the Abels ministry. After much prayer and consultation with the Brazilian Field Conference, the World Missions Committee decided to step out and fulfill a long time dream of the AFLC. At the 1977 Annual Conference a resolution was passed to have a tri-nation vision for South America. That vision was to have Free Lutheran Congregations in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Therefore, the World Missions Committee resolved to expand our work with the AFLC of Brazil to include Paraguay by sending Matthew and Ednay Abel there to plant congregations. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4: 5-6 Matthew Abel Family For safety and health For their marriage and new baby For vision and wisdom as they look to this new challenge in Paraguay. Guidance and health and safety Matthew: (Sept 29) Ednay: (Sept 30) Zoey: (July 9, 2018) Michael Rokenbrodt has accepted a call to be an AFLC Missionary. He was commissioned at the AFLC Annual Conference in June of Michael will be serving as a seasonal missionary, meaning he will be on the AFLC mission field for only part of each year. From January to May. Michael will be teaching pastors and church leaders with our other Ugandan missionaries. During the remaining part of the year, he will be employed at Luther Island Bible Camp and doing deputation. He has worked at this camp annually for 12 years and wishes to continue his involvement in their ministry. Michael is a member of Zion Free Lutheran Church in Wadena, MN. Michael spent six years teaching English and theology full time while continuing camp ministry in the summers. Michael began his work in Uganda as a Short Term Assistant in He worked alongside Micah Berger in northern Uganda and with the Ambassador Institute curriculum. It is Michael s goal to resume what they had been accomplishing together during his time as an STA, except now as an AFLC Missionary. His gifts in writing, speaking, and drama are qualities that will amplify the efforts of AFLC Missions in Uganda. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I send me! Isaiah 6:8 Michael Rokenbrodt For provision of continued prayer and financial support For language learning For safety and health Michael: (August 9)

9 Micah Berger began his ministry in Uganda in 2011 as a Short-Term Missionary under Nathan Jore. Micah was commissioned as a full-time Missionary in 2014 and began serving in Uganda. Micah s wife Famke is from the Netherlands and has been ministering to the children in Uganda for several years. Famke has an adopted Ugandan daughter, Naomi, who is eight years old. Micah and Famke established their training base in Karenga, located in the north-eastern corner of Uganda. His ministry focuses on Bible teaching and disciple making through the Ambassador Institute of Uganda. Along side the Ambassador Institute Leadership team, Micah brings the truth of God s World throughout Uganda. Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, Just as it was with you II Thessalonians 3:1 Micah Berger Family For God s hand of guidance upon the expansion of the Ambassador Institute in Uganda For provision of continued prayer and financial support For language learning For safety and health Pastor Todd and Barb Schierkolk began serving in Mexico in They started exciting ministries with kids and families, finding that to be one of the most successful ways to reach people. Alongside their congregation, Todd and Barb minister in the community. They have a special heart for the youth and look to mentor and train them to become active members of the congregation. The Schierkolk s are now empty nesters as their daughters are now living in the U.S. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold... Job 19:25-27a For spiritual growth of youth and their families For God s wisdom and open doors regarding the purchase and construction of a church building For their children: Rachel (Ben) Davis, Megan (Josh) Hedstrom, and Kirstie For health and safety Todd Schierkolk Family Micah: (April 14) Famke: (May 16) Naomi: (Oct. 16, 2010) Todd: (May 25) Barb: (Feb. 15)

10 Brent and Emily Raan have been called as full time missionaries to Uganda. The Raan s first year will be spent helping Ambassador Institute and reaching out to the Ugandan nationals and the Indian population. Brent and Emily will also be praying over a strategic location to carry out the mission that they are called to. The Raaan s are being sent with the vision of planting free and living Lutheran congregations. Brent and Emily have settled into their new mission and home as of September 2017, and have two daughters: Amaleh and Sarala. Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new ting; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in desert Isaiah 43:18-19 Brent Raan Family For guidance and open doors concerning the upcoming stages of their ministry For wisdom in all they do For their children For health and safety Brent: (March 13) Emily: (June 21) Amaleh: (July 30, 2014) Sarala: (Dec. 20, 2016) Isaiah: (Nov. 12, 2018) Pastor Nate and Rhoda Jore and their children: Elijah, Judah, Hannah, Jeremiah, Julia, and Evie Mae, are missionaries to Uganda. This family began their work there in They have been able to study the language and culture and build close relationships with the Ugandan people. In addition to ministering to the people, they specifically work with the training of pastors and leaders of the churches. Nate is involved with the Ambassador Institute team but is looking towards starting Free and Living congregations in the country of Uganda. In that day you will say: Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things: let this be know to all the world Isaiah 12:4-5 Nathan Jore Family Wisdom in training and raising their children For protection against attacks from the evil one For each of their personal, daily walks with the Lord For the relationship with the soccer boys and the Bible study with them. For the continued work of the AFLC in Uganda Vision for making disciples in the village. For good health and safety Nate: (Aug 1); Rhoda: (Sept 29) Elijah: (July 9, 2004); Judah: (Nov 26, 2005); Hannah: (April 24, 2008) Jeremiah: (June 29, 2010); Julia: (April 19, 2012) ; Evie Mae (Sept. 21, 2016)