Correspondence from SPC Missionaries
Read and see how God is working around the world through our missionaries.
Bob and Maria Hill – Greater Europe Mission - Serving in Greece
We finally received the permit from the Greek Ministry of Education to function as a college. There are some conditions we still have to meet, but this is a great hurdle in the two-year roller-coaster ride we have had. One of the conditions we still have to meet is raising the rest of the bond/guarantee. Of the 500,000 (euro) needed, we have seen about 320,000 (euro) come in already, so this leaves a balance of about $200,000 (U.S. dollars) to go. Our bank has provided a bond for the difference so as to get the permit for now, but the bank fees are costly. Note that this amount is not a FEE, but a GUARANTEE, and the money belongs to the Greek Bible College and stays in the bank drawing interest which we can use for student scholarships or other needs of the college.
Myrto Theoharous completed her studies at the Greek Bible Institute in 2006 and was one of our first graduates to be awarded a B.A. in our four-year program. She went on to Wheaton Graduate School for her Master’s degree, and to Cambridge University, where she has completed her Ph.D in Biblical languages. She has just returned to Greece and begun teaching Greek and Hebrew at the Greek Bible College. Others with a vision for teaching are soon to follow. It’s such a joy to see the fruit of the labors of the Greek Bible Institute over the years and God’s blessings. Thank you for your partnership making this possible.
Kathy Fouts – One Mission Society - International Headquarters
2010 has been a year of change, or more accurately, updating within OMS. As you recall, in January the name changed from OMS International to One Mission Society. In July, after six and a half long months, the renovation of the World Headquarters building was completed (well almost). Additional work spaces were provided, and the over 40-year-old-building has been brought up to current state codes. So what better time to also update communication on the work of member care. Therefore, the office of Member Care has renamed Missionary and Family Life.
One thing our team is doing is to help people take preventive steps toward avoiding burnout in their ministry. What this means for the individual is managing the dynamic tension between carrying one’s own load and carrying another’s burdens.
Facilitators International - Bruce Richardson
As we enjoy another Holiday season we are truly blessed to bring you an update on what the Lord has done through Facilitators International this past year. We concluded our sixth fiscal year on September 30, 2010 and while donations were about the same as the previous year, we increased our gifts for student scholarships by 16%. Only God can more with less!
In 2010 we had a visit to the US from Presidents of two schools we support. Dr. Imad Shehadeh, President of the Jordon Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) in Amman, Jordan was here in August and brought us some exciting news of what the Lord is doing in the middle east as he trains missionaries and Pastors at JETS.
Dr. Sasha Tsutserov, President of the Moscow Christian Seminary was here in October where he spoke to several churches and encouraged us to continue helping him train Pastors and missionaries from Russia and the former Soviet Union countries. What an incredible story Sasha shared as he converted from a former KGB agent with the communist part of Russia to now leading the seminary.
Campus Crusade for Christ, International – April 2009
It’s hard to believe that our busiest season is close to winding down. It has been a very fruitful year. Thanks to two large outreaches, one at Christmas with Marabel Morgan and one in January with Wayne and Fonda Huizenga, the women’s study has grown. One hundred five came on April 7.
Toni Lee and Hope Reis, Associate Staff, are not meeting with some of the cream that has risen this season.
Another piece of good news, we have a couple who have applied for CCC Staff and are wanting to help us. Hopefully, they will be on board for next season.
Please pray: (1) for the Lord to direct us (Psalm 32:8) as we ask different ones to speak for us next year (2) for my right ear problem to be relieved by the new medicine. Thank you for investing in things that will last.
P.S. July 21-30 I will be in Ft. Collins, CO for CCC Staff Training. Dr. Tim Keller from Redeemer in N.Y.C. will be one of our speakers. If you could come for even a day, I promise you will never be the same. We have a delegation coming from Palm Beach. Please give me a call if you might be able to come.
With appreciation for you,
Sue Berlemann
Campus Crusade for Christ, International
Campus Life – Southport High School, Middle School
High School Study Takes on a New Kind of Leadership
Each Monday I have the privilege of meeting up with some old Campus Life kids that are now at Southport High School. A couple of students are High School volunteers for Campus Life Middle, but most of them come to enjoy fellowship and dive into the Word.
Since the beginning of the year, we have tried to make the study an invitation of open arms to other High School students who would like to come. Last week we filled the Epple basement with 10 high school guys!
Since the beginning of the year, our goal was not to have a normal Bible study. It was to live out what we have been learning. It has been an opportunity to practice what we learn. The goal of the study is to come alongside each other as encouragement. “We aren’t alone in this world. We are followers of Jesus and we can make a difference.”
They have the desire to make a difference, too! We have done numerous service projects in Southport, encouraging the community!
Hey you! We don’t want to stop serving so if you have a small project and need some help or know of anyone who needs some help, let me know! Click here to contact me by e-mail (need e-mail address)
The 6th Grade Has Cometh!!!
Three weeks ago we invited the Southport 6th Grade Academy to Campus Life. Over thirty accepted the invitation and boosted the energy level up a notch!
They sure know how to keep the energy level up. One student, Alex, has taken on the role of announcer for the boy’s dodgeball games (which is nice for me because I can work on my dodgeball ministry skills).
Alex stands on stage, microphone in hand, instruction the players which game they are playing, telling guys when they are out, and making kids know how long they have held onto the dodgeball. “Throw the ball you sissies! You can’t hold on to it that long!” Alex is probably the smallest kid out there but he makes up for it in encouragement!
Overall, we are hoping to get the 6th grade excited to jump into Campus Life next year as 7th graders. It’s also a plus to have an opportunity to introduce them to Jesus!
Adam Pedersen
Campus Life, a ministry of Youth for Christ
OMS International/Men for Missions International – Spring 2009
Mark and I traveled to Asia January 15 - February 4, 2009. The first purpose in going was to work with the Asia missionary kids while their parents attended a retreat, which was held at a hotel resort in Vietnam. The second purpose was for Mark to interview key leaders in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea for a video project. So our first stop was in Taiwan where we spend four days. It was great seeing the missionaries and friends that Michelle had worked with when she ministered there. We made a brief stop in Hong Kong to interview seven people who work with the seminary or the church. We then took a little time to see some of the sights.
We flew with the Hong Kong missionaries to Vietnam, where we met up with the rest of the Asia missionaries attending the retreat. The area where we stayed was beautiful and warm. It was located along the South China Sea in an area that was built by Russian influence in the mid-seventies and even feels the effects to this day. The missionary kids were an incredible blessing to work with. They ranged from age 5 to 17. At times, Michelle took the younger kids to do crafts, watch videos and play outside, while Mark worked with the older kids to produce a short video about life as a missionary kid (M.K.). The rest of the time, we worked with all of the kids together. It seemed somewhat chaotic; however, they enjoyed being together, so there was a lot of conversation going on at the same time.
After the retreat, Michelle flew home and Mark went on to South Korea for our days in order to interview more people.
We were in Asia when some fairly significant world events occurred such as the World Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland, and the inauguration of the President of the United States. In every country we visited, someone talked about either the President, the economy, or both. During a small-group discussion in South Korea, the topic of the economy came up and a general consensus of the Koreans attending was, “We will just wait and see what the new U.S. President is going to do.” This, of course, went to a discussion on where we place our hope. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can’t place our hope on an economic system, a governmental system, or a health condition. Our hope comes from knowing the God of the universe. This was a great opportunity to come alongside some brothers and sisters in Christ to help them understand what it means to be an ambassador of hope for the nations.
On the home front, we are both still mentoring and discipling young men and women. The Lord has led Michelle to start a small group for young married women in our church. She had her first meeting last month. They will continue to meet on a monthly basis.
We are privileged to be a part of an organization where God is moving around the world and bringing people unto Himself.
Mark & Michelle Dinnage
OMS International/Men for Missions International
Youth With a Mission (YWAM)
Dear SPC:
We wanted to write and tell you how thankful we are you’ve decided to continue giving to missions. Usually, missions giving is the first thing to go, and we know that the Lord will bless your church because you are giving out to the world. Thank you for your faithfulness!
God Bless,
Matt & Aimee Krol
Youth With a Mission (YWAM)
