IN THIS ISSUE: Longest Serving Missionary Resigns p. 3 Reaching Latinos Next Door p ACTS Team Haiti p. 12

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1 IN THIS ISSUE: Longest Serving Missionary Resigns p. 3 Reaching Latinos Next Door p ACTS Team Haiti p. 12

Where is Our Treasure? Travis Helm, Assistant CCM Director As believers, the Holy Spirit indwells us and encourages us on our journey to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus.

We get a solid glimpse of the heart of Jesus as we read through the Gospels. We watch Him pour out His life consistently in selfless ministry.

There are thousands of people wanting fed and storms to calm; all the while He was teaching the disciples who were doing life with Him.

2 Where is Our Treasure? Travis Helm, Assistant CCM Director As believers, the Holy Spirit indwells us and encourages us on our journey to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. In order for us to be like Him, we need to have the passions of His heart. That can only happen as we get to know Him and truly follow him. We get a solid glimpse of the heart of Jesus as we read through the Gospels. We watch Him pour out His life consistently in selfless ministry. The crowds press in upon Him to be healed and, even some, to raise loved ones from the dead. There are thousands of people wanting fed and storms to calm; all the while He was teaching the disciples who were doing life with Him. Jesus did not shy away from the outcasts of society, and He was constantly dealing with the accusations of the religious leaders. We often see Jesus trying to steal away time to spend in prayer with His Father seeking His will and His strength for the day. Matthew 9 tells us that Jesus poured out His life teaching and preaching and healing. When Jesus sees the multitudes of people who are cast down and weary without hope, the scripture says He was moved with compassion for them. His heart is torn apart, because they are lost. This compassion from the depths of the core of His heart moved Him to engage in their lives with everything He had. Time, resources, love, encouragement, understanding, mercy the list goes on. I believe this is what missions is all about and what Jesus left for us to continue when he concluded his time on earth commanding us to go and make disciples of all nations. As individuals and a corporate church body, some key questions need to be asked: Where is our treasure? What has captured the affections of our heart? Taking inventory of where we spend our time and money as well as the health of our prayer life gives us some real indicators of where our treasure is. The harvest truly is ripe and now is the time to store up lasting treasures. ))) Front cover: : ACTS team member Hannah Schnorr enjoying a pose with Haitian students. 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

Longest Serving Missionary Resigns In May, Special Assignment Missionary Donna Binkley submitted her resignation letter to the CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission.

Victor Binkley Medical Center). In her letter to the CCM Commission, Donna sighted her inability to commit enough time to Haiti to remain a missionary employee.

3 Longest Serving Missionary Resigns In May, Special Assignment Missionary Donna Binkley submitted her resignation letter to the CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission. The resignation becomes effective December 31, For nearly 35 years, she has been a medical missionary and surgical nurse serving our Pierre Payen Clinic & Hospital (now known as the Dr. Victor Binkley Medical Center). In her letter to the CCM Commission, Donna sighted her inability to commit enough time to Haiti to remain a missionary employee. However she still desires to network with others on behalf of the medical work, pursue mammography and cancer treatment for the hospital, and make occasional trips. Donna wrote: I am proud to have served God through the Churches of God, General Conference over the years since I finished college. Working with and getting to know [the CCM staff] along with the current and past CCM Commission members and others in the CGGC office has been a huge privilege and blessing for me as it was also to Vic. Thanks so much! Former CCM Director Don Dennison responded: Through the years, Donna has been a courageous witness to God s love by serving the medical and spiritual needs of the Haitian people. Her stewardship of life has been such a positive influence on Haitian residents and USA guests. Thank you, Donna, for a job well done! ))) British Missionary at Rest Through the years, CGGC missions has greatly benefited from relationships with other missions organizations. Seconded missionaries are often the means through which the work is advanced. Mary White was an English Baptist missionary nurse who served in Pakistan with her organization She then came to our Churches of God World Missions in the late 1960 s and served at the Bogra Christian Hospital in East Pakistan through the mid-1970 s. During that time, she was Nursing Superintendent at the Hospital and eventually was succeeded by a 3

Bengali nurse. Born in 1922, Mary had lived through WW II in her homeland but soon witnessed extreme danger and God s protection through the War of Liberation resulting in the birth of Bangladesh.

God blessed them with nearly 40 years of marriage. Mary (White) Thornton passed from this life on June 6, 2015 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer s.

4 Bengali nurse. Born in 1922, Mary had lived through WW II in her homeland but soon witnessed extreme danger and God s protection through the War of Liberation resulting in the birth of Bangladesh. While serving on the field, Mary met Pastor Lester Thornton who was visiting from the States. They corresponded and were united in marriage in 1975 after having met only once. God blessed them with nearly 40 years of marriage. Mary (White) Thornton passed from this life on June 6, 2015 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer s. She was laid to rest in Ellwood City, PA on June 6. We remember with gratitude her life of service to the church as a missionary nurse and beloved pastor s wife. ))) 2015 Prayer Focus PRAY FOR BRAZIL Praise God for the growth of the Good News Bible Church (as the CGGC is known there)! Pray for ongoing growth and leadership development. Intercede for the rampant violence from gangs and criminal activity, and safety for our brothers and sisters. Pray for strategic evangelism opportunities during the 2016 Summer Olympics, when the nations will gather in Rio de Janeiro. SPAIN Praise God for the recent internship of Sarah Molgaard in Madrid, Spain! Pray for lasting fruit of her ministry at the Mountainview Church and the family for whom she worked. Spain is a country that has deep regional divisions and several secession movements. Pray for peace and unity and, above all, that Spaniards will seek the Prince of Peace. As in much of Western Europe, church affiliation is shrinking while the numbers of non-religious Spaniards are growing. Pray for a spiritual breakthrough! ))) 4

5 Reaching Latinos Next Door by Caleb & Christina Acosta, CGGC Latino Ministry Directors According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates (as of July 1, 2013), there are roughly 54 million Latinos living in the United States. Representing approximately 17% of the U.S. total population, people of Hispanic origin are the nation s largest ethnic or race minority. By 2060, the Hispanic population is estimated to reach over 128 million, which will make it 31% of the U.S. population. Among Hispanic subgroups, Mexicans rank as the largest (64%). followed by Puerto Ricans (9.4%); Salvadorans (3.8%); Cubans (3.7%); Dominicans (3.1%); Guatemalans (2.3%); and the remaining 13.7% are people of other Hispanic or Latino origins. A majority of Latino adults (55%) claim to be Roman Catholic (down from 67% in 2010); 16% are evangelical Protestants, and 5% are mainline Protestants. More than 35 million Latinos speak Spanish at home. About 38% say Spanish is their dominant language, compared with 25% who are English-dominant, and 36% who are bilingual. It is projected that the Latino population here in the States will more than double within the next few years. Latino multiplication within the USA is inevitable. In His sovereignty, God has provided this mission field here in our own backyard. Here are some things you may not typically know about Latinos: ¾ Preserving their Spanish language is very important so it remains their dominate language at home. They are willing to learn English but prefer to be bilingual. ¾ Worship services are unlimited without any prepared bulletin (except for special occasions). They focus on making the most of the experience, however long that takes. ¾ Worship music is loud with all types of instruments being used for worship. ¾ Many members of the congregation will fully participate in worship and share in the leadership; it is definitely not just the Pastor leading. ¾ Spanish-speaking ministry really is considered a 24/7 lifestyle, not just a Sunday morning service. Pastoral couples will often equally share in 5

leadership, and the entire family (including children) will be involved in all aspects of ministry. ¾ Cultural values and morals are preserved even here in the States.

Earlier this year Latino Ministries celebrated with five Pastors ordained by the Eastern Regional Conference as more Latino churches are being established here in the USA.

6 leadership, and the entire family (including children) will be involved in all aspects of ministry. ¾ Cultural values and morals are preserved even here in the States. There is a sense of pride and patriotism to the country of origin (they or their ancestors), even though they now live in the USA. They seek to uphold patriotism to both countries. Earlier this year Latino Ministries celebrated with five Pastors ordained by the Eastern Regional Conference as more Latino churches are being established here in the USA. Latino ministries are growing here at home and in other countries. There is a larger Latino/Hispanic network happening on both the Eastern and Western coasts of the United States as well as in Venezuela, Dominican Republic and now, more recently, in Mexico. These diverse cultures of people groups are being connected through our Latino network. Here in the USA, there are many Anglo- American Churches of God currently in Spanishspeaking communities. The harvest is ripe! We sometimes get asked the question: If I am the pastor of an Anglo-English speaking church in a community with a growing Spanish-speaking population, how do I help my congregation better understand who they are, what their needs are, and how we can best reach out to them? It begins with identifying the needs of your specific community, because the needs can vary from place to place. Then we can determine how we can best connect with them. As Directors of Latino Ministries, we offer services that can help you transition in this 6

direction. We welcome the invitation to meet with Anglo and Spanish-speaking churches to present how God is at work among the Latino populations.

We will provide valuable information to help you decide on a future course of action.

7 direction. We welcome the invitation to meet with Anglo and Spanish-speaking churches to present how God is at work among the Latino populations. We can share some of our own experiences and testimonies from the field. We will analyze the community and make recommendations so churches can determine their next step in the process. We will provide valuable information to help you decide on a future course of action. If you have a Spanish-speaking congregation already meeting at your local church facility, we are willing to explore possible affiliation or church planting. In addition, since we understand the Spanish language and culture, we can help determine if the beliefs and practices of that church are compatible with the Churches of God, General Conference. We are praying for leaders willing to work in this ministry and to church plant so that others come to Christ Jesus. You can help make this happen through outreach into the Spanish-speaking communities by providing such services as GED classes, English-speaking classes, Immigration and Naturalization classes, and so much more. Over the past 10 years, we have been part of church planting for five congregations in Pennsylvania and many more abroad. We have seen and learned many things in the process. We have experienced much of the good (and not so good) that accompanies this type of ministry. We can provide valuable insight to help your church in making a smoother transition to more effective ministry. For more information you can us at LatinoMinistries@live.com. ))) [References used:

The Journey: Our 2015 Haiti ACTS Team by Jay Baldridge During the past two years, I was blessed with the opportunity to be on two Haiti ACTS teams, and both of these trips were the most influential

During my first trip in 2014, this was very evident as soon as our team exited the airport. I saw a man who was missing an arm but kept asking to carry our bags.

8 The Journey: Our 2015 Haiti ACTS Team by Jay Baldridge During the past two years, I was blessed with the opportunity to be on two Haiti ACTS teams, and both of these trips were the most influential and greatest life experiences that I have ever had. One can prepare for the culture shock that is about to take place, but nothing is as true or as real as the actual experience. During my first trip in 2014, this was very evident as soon as our team exited the airport. I saw a man who was missing an arm but kept asking to carry our bags. Even when I look back on this now, I do not know entirely what to think because, in that moment and with others that occurred during the rest of that trip, there are no words that can describe what I saw or how I felt. This journey took me out of my comfort zone right away. I had to get use to the change in scenery. I am from a small town and have seen different cities but seeing the unfinished homes, the everyday struggle Haitians go through, and the pain in a child s eyes from not eating for a few days was heartwrenching. Throughout the week, the team hiked a mountain for hours to pray for a church. We took food and water to the farmers in the Artibonite Valley. We prayed for those staying at the prayer house, and we were able to see the worship service performed by a great group called Innovation. The best memory of the first trip was donating the hot wheels and supplies to one of the schools. The teacher cried while holding the supplies. When I sat on the floor to open up the hot wheels for the kids, they all climbed on top of me to play. Like many people, I have been through a fair share of struggles and trials in my life. All of my pain, grief, and anxieties seem minimal compared to what I saw in Haiti. But I had to go there to learn that life lesson. The experience gave me peace and clarity that God was trying to show me for a long time. I finally understood the direction God wanted me to go and changed what I was studying in college. I did not think I was going to be able to go on another missions trip, but how perfectly everything worked out so I knew I was being called to go back. Jeff Baptiste (right) was a young man with a smile that could brighten anyone s day. He was loved by many and had the personality that any person would long to have. When he suddenly died this year, his loss echoed throughout the community. The power of prayer was very evident in that time as we went around praying for all of the families affected by this loss. After the prayers and the donated food, the families and friends of Jeff responded by showing great faith; one woman even danced only a day after being very sick. The 12

rest of this year s ACTS team schedule consisted of many soccer games on the compound, visiting the hospital, playing with the kids at an orphanage, painting rooms at the compound, and playing some

It is crazy looking back on these trips and how I was expecting to make an impact on the people there; it turns out that place had the impact on me! These trips changed my life.

This year s second trip reassured the clarity God had given me from the first trip; this time when I left Haiti, I had the feeling that I was going to be alright.

9 rest of this year s ACTS team schedule consisted of many soccer games on the compound, visiting the hospital, playing with the kids at an orphanage, painting rooms at the compound, and playing some basketball games. We also put together a field day where I was able to teach some of the kids in the community how to play basketball. It is crazy looking back on these trips and how I was expecting to make an impact on the people there; it turns out that place had the impact on me! These trips changed my life. I m at a loss for words to truly explain that impact. This year s second trip reassured the clarity God had given me from the first trip; this time when I left Haiti, I had the feeling that I was going to be alright. So if God is trying to take you on a journey, whether if it is somewhere near your home or in a foreign place, I suggest you let Him lead you because it could change your life in amazing ways. ))) Moffitts in Transition Affiliate missionaries Steve & Melinda Moffitt who serve with Africa Inland Mission are returning to the USA after many years in Kenya. This summer, AIM communicated the following: Steve & Melinda Moffitt have served AIM faithfully and with distinction for over 20 years. Their decision to return to the US for family reasons was not made lightly and was done in consultation and agreement with AIM leadership on both sides of the ocean. AIM appreciates all of you who have faithfully prayed for and invested in the Moffitt s. At this point, they will go Inactive with AIM (but still stay connected to us as they are family!) as of September 1, Please continue to uphold them in prayer as they follow God s leading for this next chapter of their lives. The Moffitts are members of Ridgeway Church of God, Mansfield, OH. The affiliate status recognizes missionaries who are members of the Churches of God serving with other faith missions organizations. The CCM Commission presently recognizes 20 missionary units. ))) 13

Do A.C.T.S. in 2016! ACTS teams are multi-generational short-term missions teams designed to Advance Christ Through Service in other cultures, such as Brazil (pictured above).

The 2016 dates, places, prices, and leaders are: May 28-June 4 Haiti $1,195 Ryan & Karla Myers May 29-June 7 Sweden $1,695 Jim & Kasie Brinson June 7-15 Brazil $2,495 Mike & Natinha Poe June 16-27

10 Do A.C.T.S. in 2016! ACTS teams are multi-generational short-term missions teams designed to Advance Christ Through Service in other cultures, such as Brazil (pictured above). You can learn more about upcoming opportunities at cggc.org/ministries/transformational-ministries/actsteams/. The 2016 dates, places, prices, and leaders are: May 28-June 4 Haiti $1,195 Ryan & Karla Myers May 29-June 7 Sweden $1,695 Jim & Kasie Brinson June 7-15 Brazil $2,495 Mike & Natinha Poe June Kenya $2,900 Nancy & John Boyer June Southwest $1,095 Kendall & Donna Hughes July 8-16 Fallbrook,CA $1,150 Ben Tobias, Becca Shrom July 9-16 Boston, MA $ 695 Don Dennison, Angie Lavey TBA Pittsburgh,PA $ TBA TBA July 29-August 8 Mexico $ 1,695 Caleb & Christina Acosta For more information, Angie at resources@cggc.org. With Appreciation CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries wishes to acknowledge recent Missions Tribute gifts: In Memory of: Lois Habecker Don Peter (3) Don Peter Don Peter (3) Bob Roby Dave Speelman Paul Tatum (3) For: Lois Habecker Technical School Haiti Gordon & Annie Avey Support Haiti Medical Ministries Doug & Anna-Karin Molgaard Support Bangladesh Medical Ministries Bangladesh Medical Ministries Haiti Project Help Partnering Fund 14

M i s s i o n s M i n u t e s Here are the current email addresses for the CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries staff: ccm@cggc.org Ben Tobias, CCM Director travis@cggc.

Charles Yost officially retired from U.S. Army Reserves on July 1. His most recent assignment was at Dover, DE.

This summer we mourned with others in our CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries family over the deaths of those who have had significant influence in our work.

11 M i s s i o n s M i n u t e s Here are the current addresses for the CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries staff: ccm@cggc.org Ben Tobias, CCM Director travis@cggc.org Travis Helm, Assistant CCM Director becca@cggc.org Becca Shrom, Administrative Assistant missions@cggc.org Don Dennison, Church & Mission Consultant Chaplain Lt. Col. Charles Yost officially retired from U.S. Army Reserves on July 1. His most recent assignment was at Dover, DE. Charlie served as a member of the CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission while he was pastoring in the States. This summer we mourned with others in our CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries family over the deaths of those who have had significant influence in our work. These include: ¾ Jerry Ramsey, former missionary pastor to Hooghan Nizhoni Church passed away June 16. Jerry and his wife, Arveta, from Columbia City, IN provided servant leadership among the Navajo people ¾ Kristina Wallace, wife of CCM Commission member Phil Wallace and sister to former CCM Commission member (and ACTS Team leader) Kendall Hughes, passed away unexpectedly on July 15. Kristina has been a leader in the Leadwood First Church of God in Missouri. ¾ Pastor Paul Tatum of Shippensburg, PA also passed away on July 15 after a lengthy battle with cancer. From , Paul served as a member of our CGGC Cross-Cultural Ministries Commission and accompanied CCM Director Don Dennison on trips to India, Bangladesh, and Brazil. More recently, his daughter Caroline served a missionary internship with Project Help in Haiti. ))) 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.

353660 Global Tools for missions education How can we place within a child s heart and life the

This 13-week course about missions will help kids (ages 8-11) understand missions, provide kids with

witnesses for Jesus. Activity sheets are reproducible so you only need one book!

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 Findlay, OH Permit No Global Tools for missions education How can we place within a child s heart and life the essential foundations upon which he or she can build a loving, thriving relationship with the Lord? This 13-week course about missions will help kids (ages 8-11) understand missions, provide kids with examples of missions in the Bible as well as modern world missions, and then guide kids to become daily witnesses for Jesus. Activity sheets are reproducible so you only need one book! Order your copy from CGGC Publications for only $14.99 plus shipping. publications@cggc.org or call

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