IN THIS ISSUE: A Journey of Partnerships in Sweden p. 3 The Importance of an Eggplant! p. 6 Haiti Scholarships p. 13

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1 IN THIS ISSUE: A Journey of Partnerships in Sweden p. 3 The Importance of an Eggplant! p. 6 Haiti Scholarships p. 13

One Body In Christ Travis Helm, CCM Assistant Director Romans 12:5 says so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another (NASV).

2 One Body In Christ Travis Helm, CCM Assistant Director Romans 12:5 says so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another (NASV). As global Christians, some of us are goers, some are senders, some are prayer warriors, and some of us are mobilizers. While having different roles, we remain united as one body in fulfilling the mission of making more and better disciples. The CGGC triennial conference July in Chambersburg, PA provides an opportunity to visit with some CGGC missionaries who are goers. Missions leaders representing Bangladesh, Latino Ministries, USA Southwest, and Haiti are expected to attend and report on what is happening in their fields. This is an ideal time for senders, prayer warriors, and mobilizers to fellowship with and encourage our missionaries. Further on in Romans 12, Paul exhorts us to Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality (vss. 10, 12b-13). For prayer warriors, this summer presents a perfect opportunity to come and learn fresh petitions from the mission field to take to the Lord. This also will be a time to hear stories of praise for answered prayers. Mobilizers can digest new stories to share with their circles of influence as they ignite and invite others to be involved in what God is doing in other parts of the world. Senders may be able to discern which new outreach ministries and field staff they can support with finances. Just as important, we all can show each other hospitality and brotherly love as we fellowship together. Though separated by miles and oceans, all of us individual members are linked to one another. We need each other to function as one body with Christ as the Head. This is a time when we can rejoice in hope together, help each other through tribulation, and even weep with those who weep. I invite you to take some time to visit with your brothers and sisters from the various CCM fields this July. You will be encouraged! ))) Front cover: : Once surrounded by open fields, the New Life Gothenburg (Sweden) facility today has a thousand new residences next door. The Missionary Signal (ISSN ) Rachel Foreman, Editor Published bimonthly by the Commission on Cross-Cultural Ministries, 700 E. Melrose Ave., P.O. Box 926, Findlay, OH Send all subscription requests to: THE MISSIONARY SIGNAL, 700 E. Melrose Ave., P.O. Box 926, Findlay, OH Second Class Postage Paid at Findlay, Ohio and Additional Entry Offices, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Missionary Signal, P.O. Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839

Some examples include The College of Christian Theology Bangladesh, The Alliance for Saturation Church Planting (Eastern Europe), Mission India, YPA (Indonesia), OMF (Thailand), Water Project for

3 A Journey of Partnerships in Sweden by Don Dennison Ministry partnerships are not new to us. Over the years, CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries has worked together with other organizations to further mutual goals in kingdom work. Some examples include The College of Christian Theology Bangladesh, The Alliance for Saturation Church Planting (Eastern Europe), Mission India, YPA (Indonesia), OMF (Thailand), Water Project for Haiti, and OSAPO (Haiti). Sweden has been another country where partnerships have been valuable. Despite its rich Christian history, Sweden today is considered the most secular nation in Western Europe. The current generation views God and the church as irrelevant to life. Only 2% of its 9½ million residents attend worship on a regular basis. Doug & Anna-Karin Molgaard (right) had served as affiliate missionaries in Gothenburg, Sweden prior to Following a two year pastorate in Barkeyville, PA, they returned to Sweden in 2005 as our CCM missionaries. After considering some options, we decided to partner with New Life Church in Stockholm ( a growing multicultural church in the evangelical Interact denomination ( A church building from a closed Swedish Mission Covenant church in the historic Bellevue/Kvibergsvägen neighborhood became available. The Molgaards were given permission to use the facility to begin developing a core group for an international church. A children s ministry (Faith Factory) was also launched to reach children (ages 9-14) in the area. The building was large enough to have at least three apartments in it (which provided rental income), but some original non-christian tenants created problems for the new ministry. Eventually they were all replaced by Christians participating in the church. During this time, more CGGC persons began to invest time and labor in the Gothenburg ministry. The Kevin & Kelly King family (left) from the Hopewell Church (Ohio) came to serve several months at the end of Two work teams (in 2006 and 2008) representing multiple States helped with remodeling and 3

decoration projects at the Bellevue facility. Kara Shifler (right) from the Middletown 1 st Church (Pennsylvania) arrived in the Fall of 2008 for a ninemonth missionary internship.

Five persons from the Stockholm congregation relocated to Gothenburg to become a part of the new church plant in early 2008.

The New Life Gothenburg facility was officially dedicated on October 19, 2008.

4 decoration projects at the Bellevue facility. Kara Shifler (right) from the Middletown 1 st Church (Pennsylvania) arrived in the Fall of 2008 for a ninemonth missionary internship. During this time, the New Life Stockholm leadership invested over $150,000 to upgrade the facility. Five persons from the Stockholm congregation relocated to Gothenburg to become a part of the new church plant in early Pastor John van Dinther consistently brought a team from New Life Stockholm once a month to encourage the new ministry and help develop leadership. The New Life Gothenburg facility was officially dedicated on October 19, In early 2010, the Jim & Kasie Brinson family (below left) arrived from the Tulip Church (Indiana) and assisted in the ministry for just over a year. By August 2010, a local leadership team was in place to provide primary direction for the ministry. With the congregation becoming more established, the Molgaards left New Life in early 2010 and focused their energies on a different model of church planting. With the approval of CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries, they began partnering with Christian Associates International ( christianassociates.org) which was also attempting to plant churches in the Gothenburg area. By working with other missionaries, a new multicultural missional community named H2O (Swedish meaning Hope, Respect, and Care) was developed in the Angered suburb. This ministry eventually was accepted as a new church in the Interact (EFK) denomination. In 2014, the Molgaards (right) once again turned their attention to a new initiative to reach postmodern Swedes in Gothenburg city. This Logos ministry seeks to build trust through a network of relationships so that the message of Jesus can impact persons who have shown no interest in the church. The Christian Associates network helps to feed the vision and to provide accountability for this new endeavor by the Molgaards. Meanwhile, the New Life Gothenburg church struggled at times. A new pastor served for a 4

while, and then the local elders provided leadership for an extended period. Nearly a year ago, an experienced Interact pastor, Maritha Vilhelmsson (right), came to serve the church.

A typical Sunday worship has 70-90 persons representing 25 different nationalities. Worship is conducted in English and Swedish with translation into Russian for some in attendance.

The church supports denominational missions and has begun to talk about planting another church. Planting is a part of the New Life DNA.

5 while, and then the local elders provided leadership for an extended period. Nearly a year ago, an experienced Interact pastor, Maritha Vilhelmsson (right), came to serve the church. Since then, the ministry has not only stabilized but grown and matured. Today the New Life Gothenburg church seeks to be a relevant Swedish church with a strong international profile. A typical Sunday worship has persons representing 25 different nationalities. Worship is conducted in English and Swedish with translation into Russian for some in attendance. Cell groups meet during the week to provide supportive relationships, process the previous Sunday s sermon, and initiate service projects. The church supports denominational missions and has begun to talk about planting another church. Planting is a part of the New Life DNA. Gothenburg was the first of five new churches planted by New Life Stockholm with more on the horizon. Partnering with them in the Gothenburg project has opened doors of opportunity for missionary service, internships, work teams, ACTS teams, teaching, and vision tours. The CGGC has been extremely blessed by the relationship. ))) 5

The Importance of an Eggplant! by Amy Hosler Some people ask me, How do you know that you are supposed to go to Haiti? You are packing up your three children, selling your house, and moving to Haiti.

As we speak in different churches, I tell the story of how I knew and, as I look back, it was just me being me, and God showing us the only way He could.

6 The Importance of an Eggplant! by Amy Hosler Some people ask me, How do you know that you are supposed to go to Haiti? You are packing up your three children, selling your house, and moving to Haiti. This is not just for a month or two but for two years, and you are thinking even longer. As we speak in different churches, I tell the story of how I knew and, as I look back, it was just me being me, and God showing us the only way He could. To give you some background, we were accepted as missionary candidates in the Spring of 2015 to serve with Project Help Haiti. Stephen would be the Chief Financial Officer, and I would hold the family together and find lots of opportunities to serve in a new land because that is my heart. So in the fall of 2015 our family of five Stephen, Amy, Charity (9), Daniel (6), and Joseph (4) went to Haiti for two months to see if it would be a good fit for our family. I can say that everyone was pretty worried about how Amy would do in a land where she cannot speak the language while her husband can, and she needs to homeschool 6 three strong-willed children. Of course God knew all this. Our lives in Haiti were pretty simple. Each morning there was breakfast and then school till lunch, and then we would hang out and play with the kids and adults on the compound until dinner. Then there was dinner, showers, dishes, play games (if time) and bedtime; all repeated the next day. On one of those ordinary days, a package had arrived from my mother for my youngest son s birthday. She had put everything I asked for in the box including sidewalk chalk. It is so fun, and everyone can do it. All of the kids (ours and their Haitian friends) were coloring pictures, and I was going around asking them what they were drawing. Many of the people who hang out on the compound can speak some English and, by this time, I had a few weeks of Creole lessons under my belt. I asked one of the boys what he had drawn and Wiseguere said, I can t tell you in English. I said, That is fine. Just tell me in Creole and I will look it up. So he said it, and I tried to look it

up. I was sure that he had drawn some sort of bug; it was blue with antennas (I thought). I looked up every word in the Creole English dictionary for bug and he said, No. And then he disappeared.

7 up. I was sure that he had drawn some sort of bug; it was blue with antennas (I thought). I looked up every word in the Creole English dictionary for bug and he said, No. And then he disappeared. I thought, Oh no, I will never know what he drew on the ground. He returned a couple minutes later with a young lady who attends the professional school on the Borel compound. She was studying English. So he said, Please tell her in English what I drew. She said, I don t know that word in English. I thought, Oh no. We have already worked on this for 15 minutes, and now she is here to help and she does not know the word either. Then she said, It is a vegetable, and added, I see you have dictionaries here. I will look it up so you can know. It was an eggplant. (Sorry, no purple chalk in the box.) She then taught me how to say eggplant in Creole. She looked at me and said, You will do well in Haiti. You want to learn to speak our language. You spent a long time learning what this boy had drawn. I never had seen that young lady on the compound before or after this meeting. Yet I believe that God wanted me to hear those words. Because I am a kid person, it was important to me to know what Wiseguere drew. It was important because he drew it. Yes, I knew it would rain or someone would wash clothes and it could be gone tomorrow, but right then, because it was important to him, it was important to me. God said to me, You will learn. Someday you will even have more than three sentences in Creole, because you love people and you want to speak to them in their language. Within a couple of weeks I was back home trying to make sure everyone was on time for school, clothes were washed, and children were fed. Our family then began the support-raising 11 process. This looks a little different for each family. For us it means getting into the car each Saturday morning and driving to Pennsylvania or another state to speak in a church Sunday morning and sometimes Sunday night and then driving five to seven hours back home to return to work on Monday by 2 pm. It has been an amazing time of getting to see many different people who are playing a role in allowing us to return to Haiti full-time. I have been so thankful to see how God has raised up over 20 churches and 40 individuals to support our ministry in Haiti. I know that is just some of the amount of money that we need to raise. I also know that God has all of the money and will give us what we need when we need it. We would like to be in Haiti this fall and so, if God has given you some of the money that we need, please send it to CGGC, Box 926, Findlay, OH and designate it for Hoslers support (CC 2744). God has already taken care of so many details in our journey such as our house sold, one car sold, a teacher for children recruited, and support being raised. I know that God has all the other little details worked out also. If you know someone who is looking to buy a minivan, let us know! )))

8 Top 25 Churches in Per Capita Giving Below is the alphabetical list of the top 25 CGGC churches in per capita giving to CCM ministries in It s important to remember that the average size of these churches was 62, and the average per capita annual giving was $168. Church size does not matter when it comes to faithfulness. $14 per month per person goes a long way! Thank you to all who give! Alice (MRC) Cherry Grove (ERC) Doubling Gap (ERC) Duncannon (ERC) Eagle (GLC) Eberly s Mill (ERC) Fairview Bethel (ERC) Fort Scott 1 st (WRC) Germantown (ERC) Henrietta (ERC) Henton (MRC) High View (ERC) Hopewell (GLC) 2016 Prayer Focus: Sing to the Lord a NEW SONG July Prayer Focus: Healthcare Thank and praise God for the heritage of Church-inspired hospitals and Christian pioneers in medicine and healthcare! For centuries, God has brought healing and health to millions through the healing hands of His people. PRAY for Christians at every level of the health-care industry to feel encouraged in their work, and to take seriously their calling to be the hands of Jesus in healing. PRAY for the health-care ministries at Pierre Payen in Haiti and Bogra and Khanjanpur in Bangladesh. Pray for the witness of Jesus love to be evident, and that the many thousands who receive care for their body will also receive care for their soul. August Prayer Focus: Education Praise God for the Christian teachers in schools around the world, both in Christian schools and secular ones, and for the great blessings they give to their pupils. PRAY for the communication of a robust Christian worldview to the younger generations, and pray against the work of the enemy that seeks to sow seeds of atheism and hopelessness. PRAY for the Christian education and ministry training in all CCM fields, so that more leaders are raised up and ministry expand. ))) 12 Kimberly (ARC) Lancaster 1 st (ERC) Leadwood 1 st (WRC) McMechen 1 st (ARC) Melrose (MRC) Newberrytown (ERC) Valley View (ERC) Willis Chapel (MRC) Winebrenner Memorial (MRC) Wooster 1 st (GLC) York West Poplar St. (ERC) Zanesville (MRC)

Haiti Scholarships Make a Difference For most of its 50 year history in Haiti, Project Help has provided health care to many thousands of Haitians through the medical facilities at Pierre Payen.

In recent years a new emphasis has emerged to train Haitians who seek employment opportunities as nurses and physical therapists.

9 Haiti Scholarships Make a Difference For most of its 50 year history in Haiti, Project Help has provided health care to many thousands of Haitians through the medical facilities at Pierre Payen. Haitian as well as international doctors and staff have diligently used their skills to promote healing and save lives. In recent years a new emphasis has emerged to train Haitians who seek employment opportunities as nurses and physical therapists. In October 2015, the Physical Therapy school began at the Lois Habecker Technical School facility in Frecyneau (just south of St. Marc). Several times a year, guest faculty travel to Haiti to provide specialized teaching to qualified Haitian students who upon graduation will receive government certified diplomas. This is especially important to young people from more remote mountain communities where our churches minister. Good jobs are few and far between in such areas, and the pastors have expressed a desire for young adults to receive training that will be a blessing to them as well as to their home communities. As a result, Project Help is asking CGGC partners to consider funding a scholarship program for qualified students in both the Nursing and Physical Therapy schools. CCM and Project Help-Haiti would like to thank everyone who has already donated. Your gift will assist these students in pursuing careers in healthcare and will bless their home communities and churches. Please designate your gift for CC 2726 Nursing or PT scholarship and make it payable to CGGC, P.O. Box 926, Findlay, OH ))) 13

New Missionary Candidates for Pierre Payen The CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission recently approved Stephen & Ubah Carlton as missionary candidates to serve with Project Help as Pierre Payen

Ubah is Somalian and was raised as a Muslim but came to faith in Christ as a teenager. The Carltons have served in Taiwan and Ethiopia before coming to work at an orphanage in Montrious, Haiti.

Contributions can be sent to CGGC, Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839 and designated for CC 2737 Stephen & Ubah Carlton Support. ))) We ve Moved!

10 New Missionary Candidates for Pierre Payen The CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission recently approved Stephen & Ubah Carlton as missionary candidates to serve with Project Help as Pierre Payen Guesthouse managers in Haiti. Stephen is originally from Oregon and served in Haiti for a year following the 2010 earthquake. He then moved to Africa where he met his future bride, Ubah, in Ethiopia. Ubah is Somalian and was raised as a Muslim but came to faith in Christ as a teenager. The Carltons have served in Taiwan and Ethiopia before coming to work at an orphanage in Montrious, Haiti. They have two adopted daughters: Tarik (15) and Saba (5) as well as their son Jacob (1). The Carltons are seeking prayer and financial partners for their upcoming assignment at Pierre Payen. Contributions can be sent to CGGC, Box 926, Findlay, OH and designated for CC 2737 Stephen & Ubah Carlton Support. ))) We ve Moved! The Nuevo Comienzo Church in York, PA is now worshipping at 109 E 8th Ave, York, PA. Pastor Daniel & Paola Sanchez lead this ministry. Appreciation goes out to the Eastern Region Conference for a financial grant which makes this relocation possible. After 13 years of meeting in the Columbia Church of God site on 7 th Street, the Sanidad Divina Church in Columbia, PA moved to a new location May 1. The new site is just off Columbia Ave. (Rt. 462) on the east side of Columbia. The address is 793 Leffler Court, just behind Columbia Tire Outlet and beside GT Auto Parts. Their mailing address remains the same: Sanidad Divina, PO Box 366, Columbia, PA ))) 14

ANNOUNCING... Owen Hall of Celina, OH passed from this life on April 18, 2016 at the age of 86. For six years (2003-09), Owen served as a member of our CGGC Cross- Cultural Ministries Commission.

As the missions program continued to grow, Owen was a strong advocate of expanding the CCM staff to preserve the gains and effectively manage the growth.

The McKnights are members of Urban Light Community Church in Muncie, IN and are headed to the Democratic Republic of Congo serving with Crossworld based in Kansas City, MO (www.crossworld.org).

The CCM Commission has announced that Rikkz & Andrea Premnath will not be returning to India at this time. The Premnaths recently completed a 5-month missionary internship in West Bengal, India.

11 ANNOUNCING... Owen Hall of Celina, OH passed from this life on April 18, 2016 at the age of 86. For six years ( ), Owen served as a member of our CGGC Cross- Cultural Ministries Commission. His wise counsel from vast business experience benefited the ministry in many ways. As the missions program continued to grow, Owen was a strong advocate of expanding the CCM staff to preserve the gains and effectively manage the growth. We are grateful for his foresight and servant leadership. The CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission recently approved Wesley & Mindy McKnight as our newest affiliate missionaries. The McKnights are members of Urban Light Community Church in Muncie, IN and are headed to the Democratic Republic of Congo serving with Crossworld based in Kansas City, MO ( For a complete list of affiliate missionaries, go to cross-cultural-home-page/affiliate-missionaries. The CCM Commission has announced that Rikkz & Andrea Premnath will not be returning to India at this time. The Premnaths recently completed a 5-month missionary internship in West Bengal, India. Pray for Andrea in dealing with ongoing health issues as well as the Lord s direction for this couple who seek to serve Him. Affiliate missionary Gary Hornbaker recently resigned his position at Camp Joy-El (Greencastle, PA) after many years serving on leadership staff. We rejoice with Gary who is now on the pastoral staff of Shippensburg First Church of God. As a result, the Hornbakers have been removed from the list of affiliate missionaries. ))) 15

COMMISSION ON CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRIES Churches of God, General Conference 700 E. Melrose Ave., P.O. Box 926 Findlay, OH 45839 Phone (419) 424-1961 Fax (419) 424-3433 www.cggc.

353660 Global Tools for missions education As radical terror groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Horam invade our cable news channels, an even greater story is unfolding across the Muslim world

David Garrison, you ll learn about the Qur an, the five pillars of Islam, about competing forces within the Muslim world, and learn about ordinary Muslim men and women from West Africa to Indonesia.

12 COMMISSION ON CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRIES Churches of God, General Conference 700 E. Melrose Ave., P.O. Box 926 Findlay, OH Phone (419) Fax (419) Periodical Rate Postage Paid at Minster, OH Permit No Global Tools for missions education As radical terror groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Horam invade our cable news channels, an even greater story is unfolding across the Muslim world today. In a new video featuring mission researcher and author Dr. David Garrison, you ll learn about the Qur an, the five pillars of Islam, about competing forces within the Muslim world, and learn about ordinary Muslim men and women from West Africa to Indonesia. You ll also learn how God is at work drawing unprecedented numbers of Muslims to new life in Jesus Christ. God is at work...in the House of Islam! This new DVD is now available for loan from our CGGC Media Access Collection for only $5 (to cover shipping and handling). The full version is 56 minutes but also includes shorter versions of 32 and 17 minutes. It features either English or Spanish language subtitles. To reserve a copy for your church, Angie at resources@cggc. org or call her at , x133.

IN THIS ISSUE: Brazil Conference Leaders Meet p. 3 An Update from the Dillingers p. 5 God at Work in India p. 6

IN THIS ISSUE: Brazil Conference Leaders Meet p. 3 An Update from the Dillingers p. 5 God at Work in India p. 6 It s About Family Ben Tobias, CCM Director Feet-washing is one of those beautiful practices