EMBRACING THE CAUSE OF CHRIST AROUND THE WORLD

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES AUTUMN 2013 N LOCATION EMBRACING THE CAUSE OF CHRIST AROUND THE WORLD The Flores family, who once benefitted from the multiple ministries of the House of Hope, now manages the residence and helps coordinate those services to others in need. The House of Hope Reaches Bolivian Families with the Good News hy is that hungry-looking boy from rural Quechua Whanging out here at a Burger King in the city of Cochabamba when he should be safely home with his family? That question, asked on a cold winter evening in 2005 by the late Iris Morales, an International Ministries (IM) missionary, became the spark for a ministry that now brings the warm love of Christ to families, churches and communities in central Bolivia. Iris and her husband, Mario, began their IM ministry in 1999 at the Baptist Seminary of Cochabamba. Mario says, In 2005 our faith in Christ was leading us to go beyond teaching theology. We were being called to respond to the problems caused by poverty that we could only see from the balcony of the seminary classroom. Iris and Mario discovered that 65% of rural Bolivian children up to 12 years of age suffered from anemia, and 80,000 were dying annually of illnesses that could be prevented by a daily nutritious meal. They also learned that 70% of rural women did not read or write, which was leading to the exploitation of these women and their children in cities like Cochabamba. In response, Iris and Mario began a ministry to provide meals at the First Baptist Church of Cochabamba and three other small Baptist churches. Soon the program spread to numerous rural congregations. Also in 2005 the couple established the House of Hope. The name was aptly chosen the ministry addressed hopelessness not only with a feeding program, but also through Bible-based literacy classes for women in poverty and training for Bolivian Baptist leaders. (continued on page 5, column 2)

2 The harvest season reminds me that after their harvest time, the ancient Hebrews used to thank God by singing: The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him. (Psalm 67:6-7) But this prompts a question: Why would a bountiful harvest for the Hebrew nation motivate other nations to revere the Hebrews God? The answer, I think, is right there in the Psalm itself: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. (Psalm 67:1-2) In many ways, including the harvest, God was gracious to the Hebrew people. But God didn t want the Hebrews to simply keep those blessings to themselves. The purpose of blessing was far more profound. Having blessed them, God had equipped the Hebrews to in turn bless the nations around them. That would not happen automatically. The Hebrews would have to act with care, sensitivity and intentionality if they were to bless the surrounding nations. They d be reaching out to people whose ethnicity, religion and way of life were very different from their own. All were Gentiles. Some were their bitter enemies. Yet the Hebrews very origin as a nation embodied this purpose when God promised Abram and Sarai: I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (Genesis 12:2, 3b) Through acts of grace and gifts of blessing, God also equips us to bless others. Can you think of ways you re doing that? This issue of International Ministries ON LOCATION features current and newly endorsed mission personnel that have chosen to embrace the cause of God s work to bless all the families of the earth. Like us, they have been blessed by God. As you and I support them in their work through IM, the Holy Spirit makes us co-workers with Jesus through whom God brings blessing to the ends of the earth. 2 Blessed to Embrace by Reid Trulson, Executive Director IM Embraces All Who Embrace the Cause What if God is calling you to share the good news of Christ through American Baptist International Ministries (IM), but you are not a Baptist? This question was answered as early as the 1840s, when IM began appointing missionaries from a variety of denominations, like Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, etc. Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Kathleen Rice, members of the Presbyterian Church of America, were recently endorsed for mission service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (See page 3.) They join more than 65 people from other denominations, who over a century and a-half have served with IM. U.S. citizens or green-card holders who wish to embrace the cause of Christ through IM, regardless of denominational background, are invited to contact Jim Bell ( Jim.Bell@abc-usa.org), IM s Director of Recruitment. Abraham and Maria Friesen, Mennonite Brethren missionaries, were appointed by IM to serve in India, N LOCATION INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES AUTUMN 2013, VOL. 5, NO. 4 Reid S. Trulson, executive director Catherine Nold, communications director James G. Layton, senior writer/editorial manager Laura J. Dalton, contributing writer Devon Nassif, senior designer Jill Mussel, project manager To subscribe to this newsletter, send your name & address to: On Location International Ministries P.O. Box 851 Valley Forge, PA Photo: Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies, Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

3 Three Former Volunteers Become IM Missionaries in Africa Tim and Kathy Rice traveled by canoe with Tata Babylon (top) in May 2013 to observe the village industries that lead to improved health. MINISTRY FOCUS: Health & Healing After making four trips, beginning in 2006, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as volunteers, Timothy D. Rice, M.D. and Kathleen H. Rice, R.N. have been endorsed as International Ministries (IM) medical missionaries. The Rices will serve with an IM partner, the Baptist Community of the Congo, at the Vanga Evangelical Hospital. Dr. Tim, a faculty member at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, will train doctors in internal medicine and pediatrics, and Kathy will assist with nursing and the training of nurses. Vanga is a 350-bed teaching hospital that serves thousands in the DRC. It oversees a network of rural health clinics for people who otherwise would have little or no access to healthcare. This ministry grew out of the dream of American Baptist missionary Dr. W. H. Leslie, who established the Vanga station around It was strengthened in the latter part of the century by Dr. Daniel and Miriam Fountain s 35-year ministry. Building on this legacy, Dr. Tim says, We feel called to continue the important work of providing medical training for Christ-centered, wholeperson care in a resource-limited environment. Kathy adds, We will also be hosting visiting medi- cal teaching teams, giving God the opportunity to open their eyes to medical mission even as they teach. The Rices see their ministry of training to provide care for the body, mind and spirit as a response to Isaiah 58:10-11 (ESV) If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong. Kathy Charland feels called to serve in Africa as a result of her 2007 volunteer pastoral ministry work in Zambia. MINISTRY FOCUS: Opening the Mind, Empowering the Heart An Associate Minister from the Progressive Community Baptist Church in Springfield, Massachusetts has been endorsed for missionary service through International Ministries (IM). Kathryn M. Charland will partner with the Baptist Community of the Congo (CBCO). She will work at the Mitendi Center in Kinshasa, which provides training in job and life skills to women at risk. IM missionary Jill Lowery, who has served at the Center since its doors opened in 1999, will be Kathy s mentor. She says, The CBCO women and I are very excited to work with Kathy in ministry. Presently, Kathy not only serves her church but is also a teacher at a private Christian school and the registrar and an instructor for the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts School of Ministry, which provides courses for lay leaders. The Executive Minister, the Rev. Dr. Anthony G. Pappas, says: Her colleagues have long known that Kathy s heart was in serving the Lord, and we are thrilled that such a significant opportunity is opening up. Our prayers and blessings go with her! A major factor that led Kathy to embrace the cause of mission was her 2007 volunteer work with IM missionaries Charles and Sarah West in Zambia. She observes: I was struck by the vast disparity between those who live comfortably and those who do not, and I wondered how best to assist people like those I met there. I sense God calling me to serve internationally, and I look forward to sharing life and building relationships with the Congolese. I also anticipate helping people grow in their discipleship, and I hope to contribute toward poverty relief efforts. ON LOCATION AUTUMN

4 Photo: J. Nathan Corbitt, BuildaBridge And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV) Mario s training videos, like one that demonstrates creating a hydroponic garden, are available worldwide on YouTube and Google (e.g., IM Missionaries Use 21st Century Technology to Dramatically Expand Training Mario Morales Serves Beyond Bolivia Virtual education incorporates computer technology and the Internet to bring lessons to students, no matter where they live. Mario Morales has been using this powerful tool as part of his ministry with the House of Hope. When he cannot teach one of his 26 classes in person, he uses Skype. Skype allows the participants to both see and hear each other by linking a computer s phone and video capacities. Technology-based training for church leaders (what Mario calls human-dignity discipleship ) is also being applied to the courses he teaches through the Baptist Seminary of Cochabamba, Bolivia, and in his new role with IM. In July 2013, Mario was named IM Regional Missionary serving in Iberoamerica and the Caribbean. (Iberoamerica refers to more than 20 countries in the Americas, including Bolivia, that were once colonies of Spain or Portugal.) Mario again uses current computer technology and the Internet as he replicates what has been done at the House of Hope. This model shares the good news of Christ both with words and through multifaceted programs to focus on identifying, equipping and empowering Jesus-like compassionate leadership that artfully ministers to victims of destitution, suffering and oppression. Mario is deeply engaged in ministries that help empower people, giving them the tools they need to be independent. He teaches how to build cob earth homes that use passive solar energy, grow nutritional soybeans, develop hydroponic gardens, practice preventive medicine and fight anemia through the use of gravity-fed water filters. Mario says, These projects, taught in person or through technology, allow the Holy Spirit to re-spark creativity in the lives of those facing poverty so they are not bound by the lack of opportunity and hope but are truly free through Jesus Christ and able to be fully human. Claudia Morales, who married Mario in 2012, also uses 21st century technology as she leads e-bible studies with House of Hope leaders. 4

5 The House of Hope Reaches Bolivian Families with the Good News (continued from page 1) JD ( front row, far right) celebrates with a School of Leaders group after training them to use their handheld tablet computers. Thinking Inside the Box Benefits Pastors in Bolivia How can a Bolivian pastor earn a seminary education when it is impossible to attend a seminary? The answer is the Seminary in the Box! IM missionaries John D. (JD) and Rhonda Reed began their ministry in Bolivia in the summer of Soon JD introduced modern computer technology. He travels to Baptist churches up to three hours from his home in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, carrying with him his Seminary in a Box, which contains everything needed to offer courses for the Escuela de Líderes (School of Leaders). Rhonda (right) uses her training as a nurse to support medical teams that minister in Santa Cruz, at the House of Hope in Cochabamba, or in rural clinics. In the Box are seven-inch tablet computers, study guide notebooks, training materials and other items, including updates from the Bolivian Baptist Union or the Eastern Association of Churches. Seminarylevel courses are delivered digitally so that pastors can access each lesson on their computers. A pastor can participate only if leaders from the church also attend. The resulting small group becomes the vehicle for discussion. The completion of each module is followed by a group project, calling for students to apply what they have learned. The House of Hope welcomed U.S volunteers who helped construct church buildings and schools and install solar electrical systems (photo below) in rural churches so evening women s literacy classes could be offered. Visiting volunteers have also collaborated with Bolivian Baptists to provide vacation Bible schools, training for church leaders and medical-dental clinics. In each of these programs people have been hearing the good news of Jesus, resulting in dozens of adults and hundreds of children deciding to follow Christ. Throughout their ministry Iris and Mario shared leadership with those they served. So when Iris became critically ill with cancer in 2007, local House of Hope leaders chose to increase their work of managing the expanding ministries. Mario explains another turning point, On July 28, 2010, when Iris went to be with the Lord, many women felt inspired by her life of service to Christ. Among them was Carmen Teofila Flores Choque. Carmen had been a single mother, but in 2009 Iris participated in her wedding, and now Carmen has a Christ-centered family. In her second year of studying psychology at an area university, Carmen also has a vibrant ministry as the new director of the House of Hope! (See photo on page 1.) A recent volunteer group leader describes the House of Hope model, saying: It is excellent. The multi-purpose residence serves as training facility, demonstration site and worship center. And the Flores family manages the guest house so that it rivals the finest hotels. In its eighth year the House of Hope continues to bring hope to families and equip future leaders. Its ministries in the greater Cochabamba area are enabling people to discover God s will for their lives. It is bringing new life in Christ s name to a growing segment of Bolivian society. JD maintains contact with each group on a regular basis to mentor and evaluate progress as well as administer the required tests. When students complete a one-year course, they receive a certificate. Three courses are offered: Bible and Theology, Leadership and Pastoral Studies. More than 50 students are currently enrolled in this novel program that is being enthusiastically received. For more information, go to: and click on People. 5

6 Sharon Buttry Increases Her Global Ministry After nearly nine years of ministering as a trusted and skilled volunteer alongside her husband, IM Global Consultant Dan Buttry, the Rev. Sharon A. Buttry and International Ministries (IM) have taken an important, additional step. Sharon has been endorsed to serve internationally with Dan as a Global Consultant for Community Transformation. Sharon s dedication for this expanded ministry through IM has been evident in the Detroit, Michigan area, where she has served for 17 years. She observes: I have seen the power of the gospel transform people physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Detroit has many social indicators that look more like the developing world than a typical U.S. city, so I have learned to cultivate hope in impossible and hostile situations. The work with IM is very similar as I team up with Dan in facilitating, teaching and encouraging indigenous leaders in their conflict situations. We take life-threatening conflict and trauma, hold it up to the light of the gospel, and expect Christ to bring transformation. Wanting to continue her work in Michigan, Sharon s part-time status with IM will permit the Buttrys to annually conduct a two- to three-month ministry at the request of IM global partner organizations. The couple will be based at a university or Bible school within the partners countries, teaching both in an academic setting and also at regional workshops as they prepare the next generation of biblical peacemakers. Such training, provided through the Kenya Peace, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation Initiative, contributed significantly to the outcome of peaceful elections in Sharon, who is a licensed master s level social worker, will also provide spiritual support to those needing to recover from trauma. She says: My childhood made me sensitive to trauma as I watched my family destroyed by anger, abuse and shame. God brought faithful people in my life who helped transform entrenched, negative patterns into the power to heal others. I celebrate the opportunity to teach the brokenhearted to refuse to accept a self-limiting victim mindset, and instead, become victorious in the love and power of Christ. This past September in Kenya, Sharon Buttry and her husband, Dan (far left), taught conflict transformation to trainers from seven African countries and the U.S. Kissed by a Leaf by Sharon A. Buttry When I was a child, I lived in an abusive home. The resulting sadness and fear made me want to escape. I often rode my bike to get out of the house and explore nature. I just wanted to be alone, to find peace. When I was nine years old on one autumn day, I was sitting on a log in a peaceful woodland, and a leaf fell down and kissed me on the nose. I knew it was God. And a warmth and delight filled me. What joy to be noticed and loved by a kind heavenly Father! Experiencing such love has empowered me for a variety of ministries. From 1996 to 2005, I was the director of Friendship House in Hamtramck, Michigan, a neighborhood center of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. Today, three-quarters of my time is devoted to Acts 29 Fellowship, another Hamtramck endeavor, which continues the ministries seen in the 28 chapters of the book of Acts. And now my new, quarter-time role with IM will allow me to join more fully in the global ministry of my husband, Dan, in the area of community transformation. Each of these opportunities for service has reinforced the truth I learned decades ago when I was kissed by a leaf, Love is made perfect in us... (1 John 4:17, GNB) 7

7 N LOCATION INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES VOL. 5, NO. 4 AUTUMN 2013 American Baptist Churches USA P.O. Box 851 Valley Forge, PA A goat for a village in India $55 Rice to feed five refugee children in Thailand $50 Purchase a gift for someone in need. 18 gift ideas enclosed priced from $ th Anniversary Celebration! 2014 GREEN LAKE, WISCONSIN Drs. David and Laura Parajón Miss Jaci Madegwa Rev. Dr. Imo Aier Rev. Mario Morales Archbp. Malkhaz Songulashvili Mrs. Jill Lowery Rev. Hopeton Scott PREVIOUS WMC PARTICIPANTS Is God calling you to global, local or pastoral ministry? Explore your call during the: CALL RETREAT July 19 21, 2014 a time for discerning your call and getting useful answers HEARtheCALL Come and meet all of your IM missionaries and more than 100 global Christian leaders. Greet newly endorsed missionaries preparing for their ministries. WORLD MISSION CONFERENCE July 21 26, 2014 a time of worship, learning, fellowship and commitment WORLD MISSION CONFERENCE 2014 Rise to the Challenge Register online for either or both & receive a discount Go to and click on the link World Mission Conference I403.PUB.11/13