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ISIK ABLA Middle East - Embracing God Ministries
Born in Turkey, Isik was raised and abused in a Muslim home, only to escape into even deadlier abuse from a man she married. She earned a bachelor’s degree in literature, followed by an advanced business degree. Her education enabled her to work in high-ranking executive positions for some of the largest corporations in Turkey and travel extensively throughout Europe. In 1996, she fled for her life from her violent husband and arrived in America.
After years of struggle to start her career all over again in a foreign country and failing in many areas of her personal life, Isik went into intense depression. She had a personal encounter with God on the day she was planning her suicide. That day, she received the supernatural healing and redemption of Jesus Christ. In 2009, Isik began hosting a satellite TV program called, “Light for the Heart” on the Kanal Hayat Turkish-language channel. After receiving a tremendous response, two years later she added a live, call-in program that is simulcast on the Turkish and Farsi channels throughout the Middle East and Europe. Today, Isik’s programs are broadcast in 150 countries on five continents in five languages - Turkish, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and English- reaching more than 373 million households. She hosts radio programs in Turkish and English reaching nearly five million households.
On Facebook alone, Isik has more than five million followers. In 2016, she focused on social media engagement hosting weekly Facebook Live videos called Dream Church. She was awarded the National Religious Broadcaster’s International Impact award for demonstrating a strong personal commitment to proclaiming Christ through electronic media, working with integrity and faithfulness to influence a culture for Christ.Her message of hope, love and redemption, found only in a loving God, resonates and continues to reach the Muslim world for Christ. As a Muslim background believer, she is uniquely positioned, knowing the culture, language and social norms, to authentically and relationally share the good news of Jesus Christ to Muslims.
PRAY• For Isik and her television program that many will come to Christ as a result of her ministry.• For her social media efforts that they may reach into the Muslim and create new connections.• For good health and safety for Isik.• For a new plan to translate her TV programs into the Indonesian language due to the great demand and
interest from Indonesian seekers. As the largest Muslim-populated country in the world, the opportunity to share the gospel is unprecedented.
CONNECThttps://isikabla.com
(Creative Access Partners begin on page 22)
People Guide
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SYBIL BALOYIMozambique - Hlauleka Mumpswa
By 2008, Sybil had already established over 100 Kids Clubs in Chokwe, Mozambique with over 1,000 children being exposed to God’s word. Sybil also had a dream of building a preschool that would serve a student body of one-half paying children and one-half orphaned and/or vulnerable children. Being acutely aware of the many abandoned children in Chokwe, Sybil had already personally taken three girls into her own home. She said she believed the children in Mozambique were “diamonds in the dust.” She shared her dream of a preschool with Lucinda McCay who was in Chokwe on a CSPC short term mission trip. Lucinda brought Sybil’s dream back to the Global Mission Group and a new effort to help Sybil began. The name of Sybil’s ministry – Hlauleka Mumpswa – means “Be ye holy young person” (Leviticus 19:2).Sybil’s original dream expanded in 2012 when the local government not only gave permission, but greatly encouraged, the opening of a primary private Christian school on the same property. Not only is the school providing empowerment through education, but it has also become a safe and thriving place for orphans and vulnerable children.
PRAY• For Sybil and her family that they may enjoy good health.• For the funds to start the new two-story school building. They are ready to take a step of faith towards this
goal.• For registration to go well for an English class that will start next year so that more students can begin
studying all their subjects in English.
CONNECTBox 2005, Nelspruit 1200, Chokwe, Mozambique / [email protected]
RON & AMY BARBER Philippines - International Graduate School of Leadership
After more than 20 years of church planting in Japan, God has led Ron and Amy to a new challenge of equipping the next generation of church planters. Their current ministry at International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) in the Philippines prepares students for ministry in cross-cultural contexts throughout Asia. These students primarily come from countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Ron teaches church planting, cultural anthropology, and contextualization. Amy teaches women in ministry and uses her website to share ideas and resources for Sunday school teachers, churches, and families (www.amysfreeideas.com).
PRAY• For students that Ron is teaching who are from countries where Christians are in the minority and face
persecution.• That Ron would be effective in equipping the students for effective cross-cultural ministry.• That God would guide Amy as she prepares resources and publishes them on her website.• That Ron and Amy would model a good husband-wife relationship to the many married students on campus
as part of their preparation for cross-cultural ministry together.
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CONNECTc/o International Graduate School of Leadership 12 Daisy Street, Sauyo Road, Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines / [email protected]: Ron (5/27), Amy (1/1) / Anniversary: July 3
PAUL & KARAN DAVIS France - TEAM
Paul and Karan have been working with TEAM in France since 1978 in church-planting ministries. They have planted churches in the southern suburbs of Paris, northwestern suburbs of Lyon, and more recently, in the Alps region around Albertville. In 2010, they moved to the city of Pontcharra, strategically located at the junction of the valleys, major highways, and railways that link the cities of Albertville, Chambery, and Grenoble. At that time there was no gospel witness for the 80,000+ people living in the greater Pontcharra area. Since 2010, Paul and Karan have started a new church in conjunction with a French church and the Christian Conference Center near Grenoble. They also want to develop a leadership-training program for future workers in conjunction with France Mission – a French denomination of churches that partners with TEAM.
Along with this church-planting ministry, Paul serves on the TEAM France Ministry Area Leadership Team (MALT), the board of France Mission, and the board of the language school in Albertville.
PRAY• For the Lord’s continued blessing on the church in Pontcharra and for their intern, Michael, and his family.• For the church’s impact in sharing the gospel in Pontcharra.• For French believers living in the area to catch the vision of starting a network of churches around
Pontcharra.• For the development of a leadership training center for new workers in France.
CONNECT104 Rue De La Scie 38530 Pontcharra, France / [email protected]: Paul (5/13), Karan (1/16) / Anniversary: June 12
MARK & ANNEMARIE DYE Kenya - United World Mission
Mark and Annemarie began serving in Africa in 1994 and focused on development and church planting among the Turkana, a primitive people group in northwestern Kenya. In 2003, they relocated to Nairobi where they still work today, partnering with various denominations in East Africa to train pastors, lay leaders, and missionaries. Their most recent role includes that of East Africa Regional Leaders for UWM, overseeing ministry in five countries. They have three sons.
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PRAY• For the UWM folks in Congo who had to evacuate recently. Pray that peace will be restored there soon; pray
the “evacuees” can find rest during the time away from colleagues and dear friends.• For a new couple who arrived this spring to serve with UWM in Uganda, that they may adapt quickly their
new home and culture.• For the people of Kenya who have struggled through 2 elections since last August. This has caused a lot
of disruption to normal life. Pray the opposition party will accept the ruling of the courts and that life will return to normal rhythms soon.
• That the Dyes will walk in the grace and strength of Christ daily.
CONNECTP.O. Box 1011-00625 Nairobi, Kenya / [email protected]: Mark (12/28), Annemarie (4/21) / Anniversary: November 29
MICHAEL & KIM ESSENBURG Japan - Christian Reformed World Missions
Michael and Kim want more and more Japanese to know Jesus. Since 1987, they have been serving in Japan through the ministry of Christian education. Currently, they serve at Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI), where Michael works as head of the school and Kim teaches English 10 and English 11, plus supports curriculum development. OCSI is located in southern Japan and has about 400 students from missionary, Christian, and non-Christian homes.
PRAY• For God to use a parent Bible study at OCSI to help parents understand Biblical parenting.• For provision of a middle school math/science and bus driver for the school.• That the OCSI staff would effectively equip students to walk with God and impact the world for Him.• That Michael and Kim would provide effective leadership for organizational improvement, including
curriculum development.• That many non-Christian Japanese, including those who attend OCSI, would come to know Jesus.
CONNECT1835 Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0301 Japan / [email protected] Birthdays: Michael (11/26), Kim (4/7) / Anniversary: August 10
BILL & GRACE HARDING USA - SIM USA
Bill is currently Director of Public Affairs for SIM USA. God is using Bill’s gifts and rich experience in Ethiopia as a conference speaker to challenge and reaffirm the priority of world mission. His ministry focuses on mobilizing students, laymen, and churches to be part of God’s heartbeat for the nations. The international component to Bill and Grace’s mission is a ministry to encourage missionaries on the various fields through seminars on spiritual
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formation and soul care. Bill annually has the privilege to preach to thousands of Ethiopians in Ethiopia at national church leadership conferences in the Amharic language.
In February 2013, the Harding Bible School was dedicated in Yirgachefe, Ethiopia, and continues to train Ethiopian workers for the harvest fields. This Amharic Bible school is named after Bill’s family who has been involved in Ethiopian missions for over 60 years. In 1954, Bill's father and his family made the decision that God was leading them to serve as missionaries in Ethiopia.
PRAY• For a successful start for new missionaries with SIM that are going to some of the least reached populations
of the world. • For the Harding Bible School and the preparation of students for effective life and ministry in Ethiopia and
beyond.• For their son, Drew, and his family in Stellenbosch, South Africa as they explore possibilities and
opportunities to establish a coffee lodge in Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia.• For Grace as she has many opportunities to share the gospel with women in Bible studies and to inspire
healthy living around the world.
CONNECT7412 Mockingbird Lane, Waxhaw, NC 28173 / [email protected]: Bill (5/22), Grace (3/31) / Anniversary: June 21
BRUCE & LAURA HARRIS Japan - SEND International
Based in Japan, Bruce and Laura have recently moved to the Tachikawa area in western Tokyo to work in church ministry. They are working in cooperation with their Japanese home church, Tachikawa Eki Mae Church. They look forward to working together with young missionaries for the coming harvest of souls and growth of disciples.
PRAY• For the Harrises who have just returned to Japan for another four-year assignment.• For the Harrises to be able to build good relationships with their new neighbors in the western part of Tokyo
known as Asakawa. They praise God for providing this new home!• For the completion of an "Engage Kanto 5/30 Church Plant" (EKCP 5/30) plan/model with SEND and
cooperating churches.• For the development of their mission's church planting initiative in the greater Tokyo area. This involves
building a team, working alongside Japanese churches and building a prayer base of believers on both sides of the ocean as well as raising necessary financial support.
• For SEND International Japan as plans proceed toward new church plants in the least-reached areas of Tokyo and its surrounding communities. Their goal is five new church plants by 2030.
• For growth in grace and wisdom for their children. Lydia is on staff at EI School of Biblical Training. David and Libby are on staff at Black Forest Academy in Germany. Timothy married Sarah Beth Lown from CSPC in July 2017 and continues on staff at EI School of Biblical Training.
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CONNECT386-17 Kamida, Hino-shi, Tokyo,191-0014 / [email protected]: Bruce (11/2), Laura (6/24) / Anniversary: August 12
STEVE & ELOISE HOKE USA - Church Resource Ministries
Concentrating on mission leader development, Steve works globally and serves as Director of Team Development within CRM (formerly Church Resource Ministries). He coaches CRM team leaders to be truly effective in leading their teams wherever they serve around the globe. For the last 15 years, Steve has spent most of his time helping other agencies address the tragic gap in the stewardship of God’s people in cross-cultural service.
Eloise continues to do after-school tutoring with children in their school district; disciples and mentors new believers; and helps facilitate a weekly women’s Bible study group.
PRAY• For the dozens of gifted and passionate men and women that CRM needs to lead mission teams to catalyze
and launch disciple making movements in difficult places of the world.• For Church Resource Ministries as they recruit young men and women to catalyze Disciplemaking
Movements (DMM) in the difficult places of the world (the Middle East, North and West Africa, and Southeast Asia). Pray for 50 new leaders or more in 2018, and equip the CRM staff with vision and faith to steward them into the right roles of cross-cultural leadership.
CONNECT1912 Cottonwood Point Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524-3892 / [email protected], [email protected] / Birthdays: Steve (12/31), Eloise (10/14) / Anniversary: August 19
DARLENE JOHNSON Japan - MTW
Darlene is from Knoxville and is a member of CSPC. She has been part of MTW's church-planting team in Nagoya, Japan, since 2000. She teaches conversational English and evangelistic Bible studies and is involved in choral and instrumental (oboe) music ministry.
PRAY• For a new church planting subteam that Darlene is now serving with. The
subteam is with two couples and they are making plans to start a church plant in Eastern Nagoya. • For Darlene as she plans to move near the new church.• For Darlene’s relationship with the Lord to be growing.• For wisdom as she meets with Japanese women and teaches from the Bible.• For an openness to the gospel for Darlene’s friend Tomoko and for a good place for her family to live.
CONNECTBerudo Miru D201 Iwasaki Dai 3-529 Nisshin Shi, 470-0135 Japan / [email protected] / Birthday: April 2
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GIOTIS & NOPIE KANTARTZIS Greece - First Greek Evangelical Church, Athens
Pastor of the First Greek Evangelical Church, a historic Presbyterian church in the center of Athens, Giotis Kantartzis leads a church planting movement called “Polis” (or, “city” in Ancient Greek). He studied sociology at the University of Athens and theology (Mdiv, MSTH and PhD) at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Boston University, and the University of Thessaloniki. He and his wife Nopie have been married nearly 30 years and are parents of three sons: George, Theophilos, and Jason.
Giotis’ church is largely responsible for a significant amount of outreach to the thousands of refugees who have landed in Greece. He spearheaded the Houses of Hope project in which several apartments were purchased and converted into refugee housing (with up to two families per apartment). Approximately 25-30 families have experienced the comfort and safety of this temporary housing. In addition, Giotis oversees a few church plants in Athens with whom Cedar Springs also partners. Together, these churches have opened community centers where refugees can enjoy spiritual, emotional, physical, and educational support.
PRAY• For concerns about a new building for the Integration House in Exarcheia. There are stumbling blocks with
the Greek government. Please pray for open doors.• For the new church planting initiatives. First Church is planting in an area called “Neos Kosmos” and is
hoping to launch in September of 2018. Exarcheia is planting in the centre of the city. Exarcheia also gives oversight to a “multi-cultural” church that they hope will be soon planted in Athens. Glyfada is also formulating a vision for planting their first daughter church in an area called “Pagrati.” Please pray for wisdom and opportunities in regard to these church plants.
• For a new generation of church planters to be raised up.
TIM & BARBIE Niger - SIM
Bible translators Tim and Barbie moved to Niger 20 years ago to translate the Bible into the Makori language. They are currently working in Paul’s Epistles. Their main goal is to see a Makori church effectively using its own Bible translation. Barbie is also a guest house manager and Maradi Regional Director, having responsibility for a couple dozen missionaries in the area. This year, Tim and the team will focus on the book of Romans.
PRAY• For Tim as he has been proofreading a draft of these epistles: Philippians, I and II Timothy, Titus, Philemon,
and I and II Thessalonians. Continue to pray for accuracy and attentiveness to potential problems/errors. • For "Barnabas," a Makori pastor who is taking the existing texts out to the Makori language area to test them
with people who have not heard them before in Makori. • That the Makori people would be freed from darkness, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and be
transformed.• For Barbie, as she researches and promotes the Arabic-script version of the translation.
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• For Makori Christians reaching out to their own people: for wisdom, courage, integrity, and sensitivity.• For solutions to the security issues that prevent Tim and Barbie from living in the Makori area and that
hamper the work of the Makori believers themselves.
CONNECTSIM B.P. 10065 Niamey, Niger / [email protected]: Hannah (3/25/99) / Birthdays: Tim (9/28), Barbie (12/13) / Anniversary: June 8
BOBBY & TERESA LADAGE Europe - United World Mission/ Redeemer City to City
For more than 20 years, Bobby and Teresa have been involved in facilitating local church planters – first in Russia, then in Kazakhstan, and now in Eastern and Central Europe. Even though their locations have changed over the years, their vision to see countries saturated with churches has not. While ministering in Kazakhstan, Bobby and Teresa were invited to become partners with Redeemer City to City (the church planting arm of Redeemer Church in NYC). Bobby and Teresa are casting vision, equipping, and coaching/mentoring church planters and their wives in order to see gospel-centered churches reach the major cities of Eastern and Central Europe.
PRAY• For two men who have been preparing to start a training center in
Warsaw, Poland. Pray for other men and women from Poland who will eventually be trained to start new churches. Cedar Springs gave the funds for this project.
• For an upcoming move for one year to another country in October to fulfill an agreement between Germany and the U.S. government. Pray for wisdom to know the right country to move to.
• For the church planters in these cities: Moscow, Warsaw, Kraków, Helsinki, and Stockholm.• For Bobby to have wisdom in helping the City to City European Leadership board.• For them to engage with the younger generation and encourage them to get involved by praying and giving.• For Bobby and Teresa to continue to listen to God while pursuing their personal vision, “to intimately know
him and to passionately make him known.”• That believers will be alert to the schemes of the devil and daily put on the armor of God.
[email protected] / Birthdays: Bobby (9/8), Teresa (3/14) / Anniversary: June 13
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JOHN & KATHY LESONDAK Slovakia - MTW
In 1980, God called John and Kathy to serve in the Seychelles Islands. Initially, they taught Bible studies, ceramics, and helped plant a church. Over the next 30 years, they raised six children while serving in countries including Kenya, the Czech Republic, and, since 1997, Slovakia. John and Kathy live in the city of Košice, teaching pottery and quilting classes, leading Bible studies, and overseeing a preschool among the poor. In addition, John’s team is participating in a church-planting movement throughout Slovakia.
PRAY• For an opportunity to purchase a house that can be used for the Roma community Church in Vitkovce.
Getting this house would allow the community to have a place of their own for the first time.• For John and Kathy as they adjust to their recent return to Slovakia from home assignment.• That their health would endure and for discipline and self-control.• For new national partners, Tomas Henzel and Juraj Sabol, who are working with the church planting task
force for the denomination, called “PLANt.SK.” • That they would have the grace and wisdom to help their national partners to develop and implement their
plans for a Slovak-led church planting movement.
CONNECTHurbanova 25, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia / John: [email protected]; Kathy: [email protected]: John (5/12), Kathy (6/5) / Anniversary: May 19
NEIL & LOUISE MACMILLANScotland - Cornerstone Church, Edinburgh
Neil is married to Louise and they have four children. Together they have planted three churches in Scotland, the latest of which is Cornerstone, Edinburgh. Neil is also Director of Church Planting for the Free Church of Scotland which is an evangelical Presbyterian denomination. Neil and Louise both love live music, good food, movies, books, and being by the ocean. Their life ambition is to see hundreds of new, healthy, gospel centred churches planted in the deeply secular nation of Scotland. www.cornerstone-edinburgh.com
PRAY• For those who are new to Cornerstone who are exploring the Christian faith and for the “Christianity
Explored," that God would use it to bring people to a new and living faith in Jesus.• For Morningside – the neighborhood where they believe they are called to make Jesus famous and loved.
Pray that they would be a great blessing to their city as they learn what it looks like to love their neighbors in the day to day of life.
• That Cornerstone Church grows and matures in all the ways needed to be ready to plant another church in the next two years. They are part of a developing church planting movement for the city – pray for wisdom and energy for Neil as he recruits and trains a new generation of church planters for Edinburgh and Scotland
• For a major refurbishment project on the Old Schoolhouse, the building that God gave them. Pray that they do this with great excellence
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• For the Latin American immigrants who are part of Cornerstone – pray that the church will provide them with a true sense of being home.
• For God to allow them to build a church overflowing with joy and beauty
JOSH & JENNY MANLEY United Arab Emirates - RAK Church Plant
The Manleys are living in the UAE working with the Ras Al Khaimah Church Plant. In 2013, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, His Royal Highness Sheik Saud Bin Saqr al Qasimi, granted land on which an evangelical church building can be built. Remarkably, this church building is only the seventh evangelical church to be built on the entire Arabian Peninsula. Josh and Jenny moved to Ras al Khaimah in order to plant this church. The church is completed now and was dedicated in May 2017. CSPC was a partner in the building of the church.
RAK is located in the heart of the Middle East. It is positioned about 45 minutes north of Dubai and lies just 60 miles to the south of Iran on the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia is located immediately to its west, separated only by the Persian Gulf. Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location in the basic center of the eastern hemisphere means that a total of 2 billion people can be reached by a four-hour plane ride from this emirate.
PRAY• That the new church will not grow weary in loving each other well inside their walls and sharing the good
news faithfully outside the walls.• For the many people attending the English for Non-Native Speakers classes on Friday mornings.• For church members who are regularly traveling to Iraq ministering to refugees there.• For the Manleys and their children as they build relationships and share the gospel.
CONNECTRAK Evangelical Church, 344 Highway 7 North, Oxford, MS 38655 / [email protected]: Reeves, Caroline, Miriam, and Harper Faith
HEATH & ANGELA MANY Kenya - World Gospel Mission
The Manys are serving as medical missionaries in their respective fields (surgery and obstetrics/gynecology) at Tenwek Hospital, a Christian mission hospital in rural Kenya. Tenwek Hospital has been providing high quality medical care to rural Africa for decades and has evolved into a referral center with several residency programs for African physicians. In addition to providing care to the underserved and impoverished, they are
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teaching and discipling African Christian physicians through the PAACS residency program. The goal of PAACS (Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons) is to produce well-trained, mature Christian surgeons who are dedicated to caring for the “least of these” in their homes. They have been in Knoxville since last summer so that Heath could participate in a one-year fellowship at University of Tennessee in Surgical Critical Care.
PRAY• For Heath who has taken on the role of program director for the PAACS Surgery Residency Program at
Tenwek. He is excited and honored to be able to play an integral role in the training program. • For the staff of the hospital as they rebuild after a fire destroyed one of the buildings in February.• For the soon-to-be graduates of PAACS as they look for jobs and adjust to being on their own, that they will
take away from their training a strong knowledge of Christ and an ability to be missional with their lives.• For the unrest in Kenya during this difficult time following the election.• That God will lead Kenyan physicians to Tenwek who share a vision of showing the love of Christ through
providing quality care to the poor and needy, while training up the next generation of national doctors.• For hospital administration and leaders, as they face challenging dilemmas in maintaining the ability to
provide quality care to the poorest in their area.
CONNECTP.O. Box 39 Bomet 20400 KENYA / [email protected]: Rees (8/27/04), Mary Taylor (11/20/07) / Birthdays: Heath (10/20), Angela (2/18) / Anniversary: September 9
TOM & JUANITA MATTHEWS Kenya / Tanzania - Wycliffe
Tom serves as a translation consultant to Bible translation teams from multiple people groups in Tanzania and Kenya. Some of the groups are minimally reached for Christ and some are dominated by Islam. Tom is also Chair of the Entity Committee of the Uganda-Tanzania Branch of SIL International. Juanita teaches middle school math and Bible at West Nairobi School (WNS), which is owned by the Network of International Christian Schools.
PRAY• For wisdom for Tom as he serves the Mbugwe, Bende and Pimbwe translation teams in Tanzania, checking
drafts of Luke with the Mbugwe in February and Bende/Pimbwe in January.• For the Rendille NT translation team’s work that has been slowed by their typesetter’s computer and
software and the outbreak of malaria among the Rendille. • For the health and safety of Tom and the translation teams that he serves, including their families among
days of political unrest in Kenya.• For God-glorifying relationships between Tom and the translation teams and within the translation teams
themselves, that God will bring effective staff to WNS who glorify God in their ministry. This year, the middle school team is expanding to five teachers.
• That God will grant favor to SIL and WNS with the Kenyan government.
CONNECTP.O. Box 1333, Karen-00502 Nairobi, Kenya / [email protected]; [email protected] Birthdays: Tom (8/23), Juanita (7/3) / Anniversary: August 14
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JIM & BARBARA MCNAMEEWestern Europe - Young Life
After first careers in teaching/coaching and pregnancy care work, Jim and Barbara moved to Spain in 2004 to start Young Life. Presently, they are working for the YL Western Europe staff developing new areas in Spain, including the Basque Country and Cordoba. They are also responsible for training in the region. Another responsibility is coaching national staff in the region, using their training by the Navigators in Life and Ministry coaching.
PRAY• For Jim and Barbara and their family as they grieve the loss of Barbara's mother in early 2018. • For 4-8 Spanish teens to attend the YL camp in Nashville this summer.• For Jim's knee to have continued healing and less pain with all the walking in Europe.• For development of Andorra and Luxembourg, and the future work in Italy.
CONNECTYoung Life Western Europe, 106 Glendale Garden Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 / Jim: [email protected], Barbara: [email protected]: Jim (7/15), Barbara (4/3)
PETE & RUTH MITCHELL France - MTW
Pete and Ruth are church planters in Toulouse, France, working with Mission to the World (MTW) and in collaboration with the French Reformed Evangelical Church. Pete’s role is that of team leader and co-pastor of the congregation on the east side of Toulouse. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, they are seeking to revitalize that church so that it will help in the development of a new evangelical church plant in the western suburbs of Toulouse. Pete and Ruth are already residing in the target area where there are no Protestant churches, working to develop a relational network and prepare the launch team for the new church plant in Tournefeuille. The church has been meeting in a new building since early July.
As the team leader for MTW South France, Pete seeks to give vision and pastoral care to the larger team. Their team is currently composed of three career missionary families and two couples appointed for three years. Their primary goals include: prayer, personal evangelism, evangelism training, discipleship and nurture of believers, leadership development, and networking with various Christian denominations.
PRAY• For the Mitchells who are on home assignment until July 2018.• For wisdom on whether to take advantage of an opportunity to expand the worship space for the church in
west Toulouse.• That the Mitchells will have safety, stamina, and joy in their travels while in the U.S.
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• For their team in Toulouse as they continue to consolidate the core group at the church plant. A young French seminary student, Olivier, is helping the team. Pray for him as MTW missionaries help him develop pastoral skills to go along with his strong gift of evangelism.
• For refugee neighbors that are now living upstairs above their church. Jacki (missionary) volunteered to help them learn French. Michèle (French church member) is helping her. Pray for a need for the two refugee children to get enrolled in school.
CONNECT8 impasse Charles Montesquieu, 31270 Cugnaux, France / [email protected] Birthdays: Pete (6/17), Ruth (4/24) / Anniversary: June 8
LUCKY & SONNET MNISI Mozambique - Igreja Reformada
A missionary pastor in Mozambique for 20 years, Lucky and his wife Sonnet are the parents of three children. He pastors a small church in Chokwe and supervises congregations in Mucatine and Tchake. Sonnet helps with the youth at church and teaches at women’s conferences. She’s a huge help to Lucky when he visits church members in their homes and works on translation projects.
PRAY• For their church family to grow in faith and continue to reach out to others in the community.• For the church in Tchake, that the believers will thrive and grow in spite of difficulties.• For their sons in their schoolwork.• For wisdom and God’s guidance as they help the church, so that they can fulfill God’s purposes.• For their daughter, Malindi, that God will draw her to Himself and that she will chose to follow Him
wholeheartedly.
CONNECTBirthdays: Lucky (7/21), Sonnet (7/7) / Anniversary: November 15
BRIAN & JOANNE PARKS Middle East - Covenant Hope Church, Dubai
Brian and Joanne both grew up in Memphis and became Christians in their teenage years. After a decade of student ministry in Kentucky with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, they moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with their four daughters to pioneer student ministry in that Muslim country. Fifteen years later, there's a thriving campus work on over 20 campuses reaching hundreds of students with the gospel. The student ministry also sparked church planting and reform efforts there. In 2010, Brian became a founding elder of Redeemer Church of Dubai and in April 2017, the Parks planted Covenant Hope Church of Dubai. Brian currently serves as the senior pastor.
PRAY• For people attending their church who are not yet Christians. May their eyes, ears, and hearts be open to the
gospel.
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• For the elders of Covenant Hope to have wisdom in counseling people and helping them grow in Christ.• For the members, coming from 17 different countries, to love one another well across their differences.• For churches who have had to change locations and meeting times due to new government restrictions on
churches.• For Christians in their city to reach out to Muslim and Hindu neighbors with the gospel.
PAUL & DORI PITTMAN Costa Rica - United World Mission
Paul and Dori currently serve as regional leaders for United World Mission’s Central America and Caribbean region. Paul is also project coordinator of UWM’s Cuba Partnership Projects. In these roles, Paul coordinates the partnership development between two of UWM’s Cuba partnerships and North American churches who share a vision to reach Cuba for Christ. This involves leading short term mission teams to Cuba periodically throughout the year as well as a partnership between North American churches and Cuba. Paul’s job is to keep the partnership on track to realize its goals of equipping the various visions for saturating Cuba with healthy, indigenous New Testament churches which are transformational in their communities.
As Regional Leaders, Paul and Dori assist in supervising, mentoring, and helping UWM’s missionary teams in Central America, develop and maintain strategic ministry plans in their respective fields, and provide member care to each family. Paul, Dori, Sam, and Sarah are currently based in Costa Rica for easy access to travel to the UWM fields in Central America and the Caribbean.
PRAY• For Paul and Dori as Regional Leaders, as they strive to provide administrative oversight, strategic planning
support, mentoring, coaching, accountability and high-touch care to each of our 51 missionaries, 25 MK's and 10 retirees serving throughout Central America, the Caribbean and Cuba.
• For the Pittman family as they enter a season of change preparing for Sam and Sarah to move to the U.S. for college and for Paul and Dori to live there for a year on homestay. They will be arriving in Lake City, Florida in May 2018.
• For Yu and Kati, Cubans who are preparing to go to West Africa as missionaries. Pray for the paperwork that will enable them to obtain visas to enter the West African country and for permission to leave Cuba.
CONNECT2018 home assignment: 170 SE Inspiration Court, Lake City, FL 32025 / Vonage: 954-653-8221/ US Cell: 954-651-2260 Apartado 2350-870, San Francisco de Dos Rios, San Jose Costa Rica, Central America / [email protected] Birthdays: Paul (12/28), Dori (5/3) / Anniversary: March 9
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JOE & CINDY PLATILLERO Spain - Torchbearers
The Platilleros’ goal is to proclaim the transforming presence of Jesus Christ through Biblical teaching and practical training to all who come through their doors. Their main ministry is through the Torchbearer Center where they have camps, conferences, and a small Bible School during the winter. They are focusing on the local church and the church throughout Europe. Local church groups come and use their facilities, and churches from all over Europe bring groups and hold small conferences there.
PRAY• For Joe and the whole Platillero family as they grieve the
death of Joe’s mother, Nona.• For the salvation of extended family in Spain that Paul has been able to share with recently, especially one
family member who is near the end of his life.• For Spanish youth to truly seek Christ with their lives which feels impossible in this aggressively secular
society.• For those that attended the summer 2018 children’s camps and conference group that God’s purpose would
come to fruition in their lives.
CONNECTChalet Rio Vida Camino de Marco 22; 03560, Campello Alicante, Spain / [email protected]: Miriam (3/28/01), Isabel (6/12/03), Jonathan Paul (4/22/05), Joanna (4/23/07), Susanna (1/5/12), Keziah (10/28/14)Birthdays: Joe (9/21), Cindy (8/23) / Anniversary: December 16
TEZAR & TATIANA PUTRAIndonesia - Covenant City Church, Jakarta
Teaching pastor at Covenant City Church, Tezar is an ordained minister under the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and is a pastor within the Redeemer City to City Church Planting Network. He and his wife, Tatiana, both attended Reformed Theological Seminary to receive their post-graduate education. Tezar received a Master of Divinity degree and, Tatiana, a Master of Counseling degree. This followed four years on staff with Campus Outreach, a college ministry. They have one daughter and their second child is on the way.
PRAY• For good health and community relationships for Tezar, Tatiana and their family.• For the growth of Covenant City Church in Jakarta and for all of the people who will be coming to it in the
coming days.
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CARLOS & SANDY RIOS México - TEAM
Carlos and Sandy are establishing a church plant, Rivers of Grace Community Bible Church, in Guadalajara, Mexico in conjunction with the Bible Churches of Guadalajara. January of 2017 marked the third-year anniversary of Sunday worship celebrations. As a church family, they continue reaching out to bring the Good News of salvation to new people through a variety of events, but the soil of Guadalajara is hard with the idolatry of Catholicism syncretized with indigenous religious beliefs. The socioeconomic group they are reaching in this huge metropolis of 6 million people is full of broken and hurting individuals and families. They are discipling the believers in evangelism and mission, helping them to grow strong in the Lord and the Word.
Beyond the church plant, Carlos and Sandy’s ministries include counseling, encouraging, and bringing greater unity and vision for church planting and missions to the pastors and their wives of the Bible Churches of Guadalajara.
PRAY• For Miguel and Oscar, two students at La Roca Bible Institute, that they may get the maximum benefit from
their studies and continue to grow and that the Lord may use them effectively in their ministries at the church on the weekends.
• For Sandy’s weekly studies with Bibi and Suzy that they may grow in the Lord and in their commitment to God and that they will make wise decisions and lead their families in His ways.
• For church member Edgar who will be leaving for Cuautotola to work with an indigenous tribe on a short-term mission trip in March.
• Salvation for Jaime, Raquel and Umberto and new contacts from VBS follow-up.• For a neighbor that Carlos is studying with a neighbor. Pray for his salvation.
CONNECTJosé Fernández Rojas #3365, Int. 12, Jardines de La Paz, Guadalajara, Jalisco CP 44860 México / [email protected]: Carlos (6/11), Sandy (9/29) / Anniversary: July 20
CHRIS & DONNA ROBERTS Germany - Young Life
Serving in Germany with Young Life, Chris and his family live in Müllheim, near where the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and France meet. Donna serves as a school nurse at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany, where their two children attend. Chris is an area developer with YL, leading an initiative to introduce service-oriented YL clubs into German schools. He also helps lead a YL service club at a German school in Lörrach. Altogether, the Roberts have served with YL in Europe for more than 13 years.
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PRAY• For safe travels for Chris as he travels to Bulgaria in April for an international schools service project.• For teens to come to Young Life to hear about Jesus.• For adult volunteer leaders.• For new job responsibilities for Chris and especially pray for the club in Lörrach. Lörrach is a laboratory of
sorts for developing service clubs, a new way to do Young Life. • For Chris, Donna and their family.
CONNECTBadstrasse 36, 79379 Müllheim, Germany / Chris: [email protected], Donna: [email protected] / Home Phone: 011-49-763-1931-7282Children: Mac (11/21/00), Madalena (3/7/03) Birthdays: Donna (2/12), Chris (4/4) / Anniversary: June 18
MOSTAFA & MONA SHARKAWY United Kingdom - Pioneers
The Sharkawys' main area of work is serving among Arab Muslims in the U.K. Their goals are to see Arabic churches arise from Muslim background believers, to see new generations of leaders from Muslim believers, and to teach and prepare them for future ministry. They work to accomplish these goals by reaching Arab Muslims wherever they can in the U.K., through evangelism inside immigration removal centers, leading conferences, meetings, and hospitality.
PRAY• For the growing ministry inside the Immigration Removal Centre as more refugees arrive in the United
Kingdom.• For two summer outreach events, each lasting ten days in Cardiff, Wales and the other in Central London
during July and August. • For the follow-up ministry that Mona is doing with the Syrian refugee women in England.• For Mostafa as he works on his Master of Theology. Also for healing for a recurring problem with Mostafa’s
eye.• For their sons, Fady and Rafek, as they make important decision regarding their careers.
CONNECT12 Wordsworth Way West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 9HT, United Kingdom / [email protected] Birthdays: Mostafa (1/6), Mona (1/7)
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MANUEL & ANNABELLA VALVERDE Guatemala - BILD International
Manuel and Annabella are involved in church planting and leadership training in Guatemala. Dr. Valverde began the Francisco Lacueva Theological Seminary (STFL) in 2012. They now have several men and women who are in the fourth year of studies and four of them are starting three new churches. The two main emphases of STFL are: Bible Exposition and Pastoral Application of the Biblical Truth. Their goal is to provide training to faithful men who are already in ministry and to establish and help local churches become self-sustainable, self-governing, and self-reproducing. Annabella works with administrative matters at STFL. Manuel continues teaching a Bible study on a local TV program. This provides unique opportunities to influence the Christian community in Guatemala (and other countries) with the Word. He also has teaching responsibilities at the Central American Theological Seminary.
PRAY• For a new couple attending their church who is seeking healing for their marriage.• For a mission project that Iglesia Bíblica de Guatemala (the Valverde's church) is supporting in a backwoods
area in Quiché, Guatemala. There is no electricity nor running water in most of the 85 villages of this part of the country. Julio Estrada, a widower who is in his mid-sixties, is a pastor who has worked in the rural areas of Guatemala. His desire is to plant new churches there in Lancetillo, La Parroquia, and Quiché. Pray for the project and for Julio.
CONNECT11 AVE. A, 8-02, Zona 8, MIXCO (San Cristóbal) Guatemala / [email protected] Birthdays: Manuel (7/26), Annabella (10/24) / Anniversary: December 19
VITALY & OKSANA VOINOV Russia - Institute for Bible Translation (IBT)
Vitaly has been working with the Institute for Bible Translation (IBT) in Russia/CIS (www.ibtrussia.org) since 1998, first as an exegete in the Tuvan and Gagauz translation projects, and since late 2013 as IBT’s director. IBT has been serving the non-Slavic peoples of the former Soviet Union for four decades by translating the Holy Scriptures – Bibles, New Testaments, individual Bible books, and illustrated children’s Bibles – so that everyone would have access to the Word of God in their mother tongue. IBT has so far produced printed Scripture materials in 80 languages, and is now getting more involved in Bible translation “beyond print,” including audio recordings and video translations for the deaf.
Vitaly finds this job to be stretching him in ways he has never before been stretched. Only God’s grace and strength keep him going most of the time, but he is grateful to the Lord for the
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privilege of participating in Bible translation work. Oksana is a full-time homemaker who is kept very busy at all times by the Voinovs’ six children and her husband.
PRAY• That Bible translation work would not be harmed by the continued deterioration of the Russian political
climate.• For the Caucasus region of Russia. This is one of the last “strongholds” where there are still many small
ethnic groups that have no Scripture in their language, but the fear of Muslim extremists prevents such projects from getting started.
• Pray that distribution of four new full Bibles – Tatar (supported by CSPC), Crimean Tatar, Turkmen, Uzbek – would not be hampered by government interference. Praise God that these were printed in 2016 and early 2017.
• For the successful audio recording of the Old Testament in the Tuvan, Chechen, and Tatar languages.• For the church that the Voinovs attend in Moscow. It has many difficulties, both physical and spiritual. Pray
for God’s Spirit to revive this congregation.• That Oksana would have sufficient strength to continue her very active life as a mother of many children
who are going to different schools.
CONNECTRUSSIA, 105554 Moscow, ul. Pervomaiskaya 74, Apt. 77, Voinova Oksana / [email protected] Children: Nathaniel (2/14/01), Elijah (1/9/03), Luke (6/11/05), Josiah Lyle (1/11/07), Abigail (12/17/2010), Amelia (8/6/2012)Birthdays: Vitaly (9/17), Oksana (2/6) / Anniversary: September 4
ANDY & BEV WARRENEthiopia - MTW/SIM
Andy and Bev serve with an MTW team that is involved in HIV/AIDS work and church planting through the Ethiopia Aids Care and Treatment (ACT) Project. The project targets slum communities in Addis Ababa which contain the neediest people in the community and large percentages of women with small children. In recent years, the project has served more than 500 AIDS-affected families, reaching more than 1,200 people.
When the ACT project started more than a decade ago, one of their goals was to plant churches. Now a church in Suki has been established. ACT has been working full scale in the Suki community with many families registered as members of the project. They receive medical care, nutritional support, and help with housing. The children attend school and HIV+ children receive extra support and care. The team is dreaming of starting work in other slum communities and about planting churches in a ring around Addis Ababa. A second community, Hannah Mariam, has been selected and they have started building relationships with community leaders by having short-term medical clinics.
Work continues in Lideta and Bole, where they have been ministering for many years. Most families there have graduated from the program, but some still need care and support. The team is excited about a new centralized office that will allow all of the team to work together and will also serve as a center for income-generating activities (IGA). Eventually, these will produce products that can be purchased online to benefit program participants who are creating them.
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PRAY• For the team as they think, pray, and plan together about launching new works.• For a new agreement for the ACTS project with the government that will allow more flexibility and save
money.• For a new family sponsorship program, Family to Family. It is a way for a family in the U.S. to connect with
one of their project families. • That they will know how to continue to care for the people they already work with.• For wisdom as they explore expanding into new communities and focusing on church planting.• For peace in Ethiopia.
CONNECTc/o SIM, P.O. Box 127 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia / [email protected]: Andy (2/4), Beverly (5/26) / Anniversary: September 2
KENTON & ADRIANA WOOD Mexico - MTW
Kenton and his late wife Karen arrived in Guadalajara many years ago with the dream of planting a large mother church of 1,000 members in 10 years. Their dream was that this church would then provide the leadership for the planting of 20 other churches around the city. In the last 20 years, the main church has grown to six services on Sunday, including one in English. This church also has two daughter churches and a ministry among the Purépecha Indians in the nearby state of Michoacan.
The reproducing church planting effort that Kenton began is called Mission Guadalajara. Now Lady and Armando Cueva are working as part this effort in Tlajomulcho, located in the southwestern part of greater Guadalajara, Mexico.
PRAY • For guidance and provision as the church continues to develop new property.• That God will open doors to the unreached Purépecha Indians.• For the church planting work of the Cuevas in Tlajomulcho.
CONNECT5802 Bob Bullock Hwy, Building C, 1033-3, Laredo, TX 78041 / [email protected] / Birthday: February 27
ERIC & BETH YODIS Ukraine - WorldVenture
Eric and Beth have been facilitating church planting in Ukraine since 1995. Before fleeing the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014, 26 churches had been planted as a direct result of their ministry. In 2015, the Yodises were invited back to Ukraine to help the largest evangelical organization “work through a concept of church planting in modern circumstances.” Currently, the Yodises are based in Kiev and are helping cast church planting vision, provide
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organizational structure, enhance training, and set up the tools necessary to promote evangelism and church planting.
PRAY• For the officials in Lugansk to repent and follow Christ. There is a new law that requires that all churches
register under the auspices of the illegally formed LNR government. • For a revival throughout the Lugansk and the entirety of the war zone.• For the new church planter networks starting up in both Kiev and Odessa.• For the continued church planter training that they recently "beefed up."• For the ability to stay focused in a multi-faceted ministry.
[email protected] / Birthdays: Eric (10/8), Beth (8/8) / Anniversary: May 16
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E Creative Access - SIL/ Wycliffe Bible Translators
E serves as a translation consultant to Bible translation teams from various people groups in Asia. Teams are usually made up of three to four mother-tongue speakers of a particular language. Her role is to help teams understand the meaning of the Biblical text, check the accuracy of their translations, give final approval for publication, train translators with regard to translation skills both as individual teams and in wider-context workshops, and be an overall encourager to the teams. She is also a mentor to one of the Indian translation consultants. At times, she has also been involved in checking scripts for the Jesus Film.
PRAY• For E to have wisdom from God in rightly understanding the Biblical text. It is a sometimes overwhelming
responsibility to make decisions regarding how to most faithfully render the original text. The translators and consultants all need constant enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. At the same time, she considers it a great joy and privilege to be working in the Scriptures.
• For perseverance for the translation teams - this job takes time to complete! • For good relationships among individual team members and between E and the teams she leads.• For church leaders and individual believers in Asia to have a heart for Bible study and engaging with
Scripture. This is a great need. Praise God also for the part that non-print media in all forms can play in this regard. Pray that they will all be flesh-and-blood examples of building one’s life on the Word of God.
• For God to continue bringing about spiritual and numerical growth among local believers.
H & L Creative Access - OMF International
H and L have been serving in Asia by providing strategic leadership for colleagues serving as professionals in several major urban centers. Their role involved encouraging and coaching these coworkers in their ministries, as well as networking with others to make sure they have the resources and training that they need for their respective ministries.
H and L are taking on new roles in their ministry in 2018. H has been asked to be a coordinator for their agency’s efforts to facilitate the development of local mission movements within one country in Asia, particularly for reaching the peoples of East Asia. L will be working to connect Asian citizens who have become Christians while studying abroad with local churches in their own countries upon their return.
PRAY• For wisdom and guidance as they transition to their new roles.• For their children who are in the U.S. pursuing doctoral studies at universities.• For H and L as they continue working on improving their language skills for Asian people they serve.
CREATIVE ACCESS PARTNERS
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CONNECTH: [email protected], L: [email protected] / Birthdays: Harvey (2/24), Linda (2/16) / Anniversary: January 3
HUGO & JACKIE Creative Access - Arab World Media
Hugo and Jackie are from South Africa and have two children, Marlena and John. Hugo has been working with this media ministry since August 2003 and has also been providing oversight to the PALM ministry (Preparing Arab-World Leaders for Ministry) for the last few years.
Arab World Media’s mission is to engage young people in the Arab world through websites and social media to facilitate church planting movements in partnership with local churches. Through different types of media, they engage seekers through personal interaction so as to encourage them on their spiritual journeys. Part of their mission involves discipling new believers through an online mentoring discipleship program. They facilitate church planting movements by encouraging new believers to reach their own social networks and by linking new believers with indigenous groups.
PRAY• For the regional leaders that Hugo works with as they move through periods of transition.• For church planting efforts in the Sudan and the challenges the leaders are facing. • For safety and security for Hugo & Jackie and their family.• For more workers to support the church planting effort in Egypt.
JEFF & ELLEN Creative Access - Mekong Ministries
Jeff and Ellen work among unreached people groups in two restricted access countries of Southeast Asia, catalyzing church planting movements, since late 2004. They have seen over 1,300 conversions and baptisms primarily in two different people groups, but three other unreached groups have also responded and now have over 100 believers among them.
An interesting factor in this ministry is that the first two people groups are illiterate, so Jeff and Ellen have used Biblical storytelling to evangelize, disciple, and plant the church. The idea of 2 Timothy 2:2 is foundational, with a focus on exponential multiplication of disciples making disciples and churches planting churches. Their team, Mekong Ministries, has six Thai national coworkers who have been trained in cross-cultural ministry. They go to nearby nations of Near Culture target groups to begin reproducing churches. There are six other Americans working with Mekong Ministries, in addition to Jeff and Ellen. Prayer is a key element in their work and they use short
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term prayer teams in a strategic way to further the church planting efforts. They would love for your small group or Sunday school class to come out on a prayer journey.
PRAY• For the creation of upcoming 2018 Master Plans for their Mekong Ministries teams that they hear clearly the
Lord’s direction and that He will bring in many hundreds and thousands to the family of God.• For the TL church plants in Laos that need your earnest prayer support for continual evangelistic efforts,
encouragement, growth, and joy and strength in standing against governmental and registered church pressure.
• For the Lord to richly bless Mekong Ministries (MM) FM radio work with ever-increasing numbers of TL listeners.
• For the China TL team and a TL brother who has started six groups. The team has the opportunity to provide help and mentoring for him and his ministry. Pray for God’s help in training people to evangelize and share testimonies and faithfully press on in the face of setbacks.
CONNECT1143 Andalusian Way, Knoxville, TN 37922-7639 / [email protected], [email protected]: Jeff (12/20), Ellen (10/12) / Anniversary: September 14
J & C Creative Access - EPC World Outreach
J is working with a church planting team in Asia continuing to develop an entry platform for the church planters using sustainable mariculture (ocean fish farming) among completely unreached Muslim people groups in coastal regions. The team is working with both expatriate and national church planters, providing them with credible access and daily interaction with the Muslim peoples among whom there is currently no church. They are now working in three locations.
When the project was launched, there were three key, initial objectives. The first was to find ways to develop meaningful relationships with unengaged communities on the thousands of islands in the region. The second was to provide the means for national church planters to have consistent funding for work in these communities. Finally, the project needed to become financially self-sustaining. Even though the project was started on a small scale, they have found wide open doors into these communities that have long been considered ‘closed’ and difficult to reach. The final goal is for the project to become financially independent. The first harvest has begun with a contract with buyers in the region. This is a big step towards financial independence.
PRAY• That the first harvest will be successful and begin the process of developing sustainable financial
independence.• That the fingerlings would continue to grow and be protected from poachers and disease.• For open hearts and minds among the people they are working with.• For E, a local church planter, who is joining their team full time.• For opportunities and boldness to share the gospel with local villagers and leaders.• For safety for team members as there is now a lot of ocean travel.• For ongoing health and growth of stock.
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J & F Creative Access - EPC World Outreach
J and F live and work in one of the poorest and most heavily populated states in their country. They are seeking to make a difference in this state in both physical and spiritual realms. They do this by mobilizing, equipping, and networking strategic partners to advance their vision. They helped to launch a micro-finance business that created self-sustaining means of support for churches and church plants, as well as provided funds for the installation of hand pumps to provide clean water to needy areas of the state. This business had to be closed, but they are seeking new funding for launching new “business” initiatives. The mission hasn’t changed…just the vehicle(s) for accomplishing the mission will be different.
Their main objectives are to: (1) develop and deepen partnerships for church planting and theological education, (2) establish viable economic bases for locals in ministry, (3) practically bless poor communities to demonstrate and draw people to the love, power, and truth of Jesus, (4) explore, model, and multiply children’s ministry, and (5) facilitate relational Muslim ministry and partnerships.
PRAY• For J and F in their roles as Regional Leaders.• For direction and funding for launching new “business” initiatives.• That God will help all of those involved in church planting in this area to be effective. • Pray for the many groups of people there who are still unengaged with the gospel.
K & L Creative Access - WorldVenture
K and L are spearheading the pioneering of a new mission field for their agency in an Asian province. Cultural tourism is the platform they have opened, allowing them to live and operate in this restricted area. Their goal, together with a team of local brothers and sisters and other WorldVenture workers, is to catalyze disciple-making movements among seven of the 10 unreached people groups that exist in this province. In other words, they would like to see rapidly multiplying movements of disciples, churches, and leaders begin among the unreached people groups.
PRAY• That K and L can be catalysts to see disciple-making movements begin among the seven unreached people
groups in their province. Pray that God would break through the spiritual darkness to reach people who are just now hearing the gospel.
• For all of the cross-cultural workers of this region that they will be encouraged and strengthened in their outreach and witness.
• For their family, including their kids, as they adjust to the empty nest phase and continue to shepherd them from a distance.
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LEWIS & ELSBETH Creative Access - MTW/CLC
On the mission field since 1990, Lewis and Elsbeth have served in Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and, for the last seven years, in China. Currently, they’re preparing to work at a Christian high school in Seoul, South Korea, where they will teach and reach mostly students who have fled from North Korea or whose parents are defectors.
PRAY• That God would continue to use His Word to change lives, both in East Asia, in the U.S. and around the
world.• For an easy transition to Seoul after their recent move as they begin a new work reaching high school
students who have defected from a closed country.• For the well-being of their children in the U.S.
CONNECT111 Oriel Ave., Nashville, TN 37210 / [email protected]: Lewis (7/9), Elsbeth (5/22) / Anniversary: December 16
MIKE & STEPHANIE Lebanon - EPC World Outreach
In Beirut, Lebanon at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS), Mike teaches in the theology department and Stephanie is an ESL teacher, as well as the child protection liaison for the ABTS campus. In their roles, they work with young Arab believers who will be serving the church in diverse places across the 22 countries of the Arab world. They also have the opportunity to interact with refugees from Syria and Iraq, as well as serve and mentor Lebanese church leaders.
PRAY• For the Kuhns as they plan their departure from their current mission field and the new roles they can fill in
the U.S.• For Mike who is teaching two classes on the interaction of Muslims and Christians in this region. Please pray
for the Spirit's anointing on these teaching opportunities.• For Stephanie who wants to organize the development of a child protection training video for the ABTS
campus. Pray that she will know who to approach for help.• For a publisher for a new book on Hagar that Mike has just completed.
CONNECTMike: [email protected], Stephanie: [email protected]: Mike (7/29), Stephanie (2/14) / Anniversary: December 17
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LEWIS & ELSBETH Creative Access - MTW/CLC
On the mission field since 1990, Lewis and Elsbeth have served in Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and, for the last seven years, in China. Currently, they’re preparing to work at a Christian high school in Seoul, South Korea, where they will teach and reach mostly students who have fled from North Korea or whose parents are defectors.
PRAY• That God would continue to use His Word to change lives, both in East Asia, in the U.S. and around the
world.• For an easy transition to Seoul after their recent move as they begin a new work reaching high school
students who have defected from a closed country.• For the well-being of their children in the U.S.
CONNECT111 Oriel Ave., Nashville, TN 37210 / [email protected]: Lewis (7/9), Elsbeth (5/22) / Anniversary: December 16
MIKE & STEPHANIE Lebanon - EPC World Outreach
In Beirut, Lebanon at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS), Mike teaches in the theology department and Stephanie is an ESL teacher, as well as the child protection liaison for the ABTS campus. In their roles, they work with young Arab believers who will be serving the church in diverse places across the 22 countries of the Arab world. They also have the opportunity to interact with refugees from Syria and Iraq, as well as serve and mentor Lebanese church leaders.
PRAY• For the Kuhns as they plan their departure from their current mission field and the new roles they can fill in
the U.S.• For Mike who is teaching two classes on the interaction of Muslims and Christians in this region. Please pray
for the Spirit's anointing on these teaching opportunities.• For Stephanie who wants to organize the development of a child protection training video for the ABTS
campus. Pray that she will know who to approach for help.• For a publisher for a new book on Hagar that Mike has just completed.
CONNECTMike: [email protected], Stephanie: [email protected]: Mike (7/29), Stephanie (2/14) / Anniversary: December 17
MCreative Access
M is living in a Creative Access country where multiple unreached people groups live. She and her team focus on equipping nationals in making disciples of an unreached people group. There are hundreds of villages without any church, so M and her team are mobilizing believers to start churches in these areas that will multiply for the glory of God.
PRAY• For M, her husband G, and their son.• For their team as they consider how to better find and equip a team of local people who have the same
heart and vision, and are considering platforms that would be helpful in this matter.• For God to provide opportunities to share the gospel with the TL people by helping them with their social
issues.• For the Holy Spirit to fill, unite, empower, and guide M and G and their teammates.• That the people’s hearts will be convicted, open and seeking the Lord; that entire families and communities
will turn to him.• For God’s help in raising up local leaders with the vision of initiating a movement of rapidly reproducing
churches.
PHIL Creative Access - Christar
In Eurasia for nearly 15 years, Phil’s focus is the Tatar people, a largely Muslim people group. Phil and other believers launched a local organization that provides Tatar language instruction to help equip believers to bring the light of the Good News to the least reached in their own language. The organization has also offered sign language instruction for those burdened for the deaf. In addition, Phil is involved in outreach using the national language of the country where he serves.
PRAY• For a new project that offers a school year of language instruction with the aim of helping equip His servants
for ministry amongst Tatars. They are trying to increase the number of students and now offer an online option.
• For two men who often visit with Phil that they will understand what the gospel means to them as Phil shares stories from the Bible.
• For God to send students who will stay at the task of language learning until they can minister in Tatar and see Tatars trust Christ, grow in Christ, and further the good news of Christ amongst their own people.
• For more “men of peace” who will be instrumental in channeling the gospel into their spheres of influence.• For further development of his organization’s recent initiative to offer instruction by extension.• For continued open doors and safety given the present tenuous political situation in that part of the world.
CONNECTBirthday: August 23
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T & L Creative Access - SEED Company
T works with Seed Company (an affiliate organization of Wycliffe Bible Translators) whose vision is to see lives transformed by God’s Word because it has been translated into the language that speaks best to the recipient’s heart. In a recent count, almost 1,700 languages, worldwide, are still waiting for a Scripture translation project to begin for them. Many of these currently have not one word of the Bible in their language. To address this need, T works in partnership with in-country translation organizations, mother tongue translators, local churches, and language communities to design and manage translation projects that will produce heart language Scriptures. The Wycliffe Alliance/Seed Co. goal is to see this need become zero by 2025. In T’s region, about 70+ languages are still waiting. T is watching over 13 projects, representing 36 languages. But much more remains to be done.
PRAY• For T’s travels into and out of restricted countries that he may always appear “uninteresting” to immigration
officials.• For D, a team leader and consultant whose health has hindered his work and travel that God would grant
him health and energy for the work in front of him.• That time with colleagues would help them see what the Lord is doing and where they should join Him.• For L while T is away so often.• For T and L and their family.• For SEED Company and their partners.• That all of the translation teams will be protected from anti-Christian groups in the areas where they are
working.
THE PROFESSORSCreative Access
Jill teams up with a colleague and they serve, as “The Professors,” to create curriculum materials and provide teacher training, along with advising and helping others establish ESL ministries. The Professors also work on “secret” projects with national Christians who teach weekly Bible studies.
PRAY• For safety and security.• For good health and stamina.• For all of those using the materials The Professors create, that their ministries might be fruitful.
ANNOOR SANATORIUM STAFFCreative Access
We support a family that is serving at a sanatorium for chest diseases, focusing on bringing holistic healing for body and soul to the semi-nomadic people of the area, by providing high quality healthcare for them. Our supported worker serves in the Mobile Dental Clinic that was donated to the Annoor Sanatorium to further the outreach and care to the Bedouin people in remote areas. This clinic is housed in a 25-foot straight truck with two dental operatories, each with x-ray capability, a compressor, and vacuum suction. The clinic is a great
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resource to meet the needs of the poor in places where it is hard or impossible to receive any kind of dental care. This is another way Annoor is demonstrating the love of God to those who are in need. When not on the road, the clinic operates adjacent to the hospital serving the needs of patients.
PRAY• For socialization and school needs of the children of the workers.• For more in-patients to come to the clinic in the coming months for healing of all sorts.• For safety in their city and region and an end to war.• For established relationships to bring forth fruit and already fruitful relationships to grow and move
outward.• For more people to come and serve especially in medicine, nursing, and administration.• For a new couple to come and work in a pioneering ministry in a distant desert village connected with them.• For improvement in understanding and speaking Arabic for the staff.
CSPC is increasingly involved with partner organizations and projects around the world, some of whom are in very sensitive locations. The following additional people are partners with us:
Margaret, AsiaNisin & Joanna, NAME
Harun & Rachid, EuropeJeff & Irene, Asia
Ken, Asia Mack, NAME
Raju, AsiaTom, Asia
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HOME MISSION ORGANIZATIONS
• A Hand Up for Women • Arabic Church, Knoxville• Athletes in Action • Becoming Like Christ (BLC)• Bethany Christian Services • Bridges International• Bridge Refugee Services • Child Evangelism Fellowship • Choices Resource Center • Christian Leadership
Concepts (CLC) • Church of the Redeemer -
church plant in Maryville• Collegiate Abbey • Compassion Coalition • Core Leadership• Cru• CSPC Adoption Ministry• CSPC Special Needs Ministry• Echo Resources• Egleston Project - church
plant in Boston, MA• ESL at Cedar Springs • Fellowship of Christian
Athletes chapters in Greater Knoxville, East Tennessee, UT & Kentucky
• FISH• FOCUS Group Prison Ministry • Free Medical Clinic of America • Global Golf • Habitat for Humanity • Hope Center• Hope House, Knoxville• Hope Resource Center • InterVarsity Christian
Fellowship (Graduate/Faculty Ministries at University of Tennessee)
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Undergrad Ministries - Knoxville and Nashville)
• Joni and Friends • Kentucky Mountain Mission
and Youth Haven Bible Camp• Knoxville Internationals
Network (KIN)• Knox Area Rescue
Ministries (KARM) • Knoxville Christian Arts
Ministry (KnoxCAM)• Knoxville Inner City Kids
Outreach (KICKO)
• Knoxville Leadership Foundation (KLF)
• Lonsdale Elementary School • Love Kitchen • Mission of Hope• Navigators International
Ministry at University of Tennessee & Collegiate Navigators at UT Knoxville
• Philadelphians Prison Ministry
• Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)
• Safe Families for Children • Samaritan Ministry • The Cross - Greek
Christian Ministry at the University of Tennessee
• The Restoration House • Thrive Lonsdale• Volunteer Ministry Center• Wears Valley Ranch • YOKE• Young Life - Anderson,
Blount, Loudon, and Knox Counties in Tennessee, and Birmingham, Alabama
Click here to find our more about these organizations online.
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INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
ORGANIZATIONS Click to find out moreAl Massira almassira.org
All Nations Deutschland to-all-nations.de/en/europa/deutschland
Arab Baptist Theological Seminary www.abtslebanon.org
Bible Society of Egypt www.darelketab.org
City to City (Redeemer) www.redeemercitytocity.com
Cru (France/Algeria) www.agapefrance.org
Development Associates International www.daintl.org
FOCUS
Garbage City Alliance
Gateways to Life gateways2life.org
Global Media Outreach www.globalmediaoutreach.com
Gospel Wave Media
Heart for Lebanon www.heartforlebanon.org
Homes of Love homesoflove.org
Kasar el Dobara Evangelical Church (KDEC) www.kdec.net
Keymedia www.keymedia.org
Mekong Ministries mekongministries.com
Mozaik Church Planting Network
NAMS Network www.namsnetwork.com
PALM www.awm-pioneers.org/palm
Reformed Bible Seminary Myanmar
Thornston Educational Fund
Volta a Biblia www.teledata.mz/voltaabiblia
World Mission Centre www.worldmissioncentre.com
World Gospel Mission www.wgm.org
World Horizons www.worldhorizons.org
Wycliffe Associates (India, Kenya, Nepal) www.wycliffeassociates.org
Wycliffe Bible Translators (China) www.wycliffe.org
Young Life (Africa, Europe) www.westerneurope.younglife.org
www.africa.younglife.org
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AAbla, Isik 1
BBaloyi, Sybil 2Barber, Ron and Amy 2
DDavis, Paul and Karan 3Dye, Mark and Annemarie 3
EEssenburg, Michael and Kim 4
HHarding, Bill and Grace 4Harris, Bruce and Laura 5Hoke, Steve and Eloise 6
JJohnson, Darlene 6
KKantartzis, Giotis and Nopie 7Tim and Barbie 7
LLaDage, Bobby and Teresa 8Lesondak, John and Kathy 9
MMacMillan, Neil and Louise 9Manley, Josh and Jenny 10Many, Heath and Angela 10Matthews, Tom and Juanita 11McNamee, Jim and Barbara 12Mitchell, Pete and Ruth 12Mnisi, Lucky and Sonnet 13
PParks, Brian and Joanne 13Pittman, Paul and Dori 14Platillero, Joe and Cindy 15Putra, Tezar and Tatiana 15
RRios, Carlos and Sandy 16 Roberts, Chris and Donna 16
SSharkawy, Mostafa and Mona 17
VValverde, Manuel and Annabella 18Voinov, Vitaly and Oksana 18
WWarren, Andy and Bev 19Wood, Kenton and Adriana 20
YYodis, Eric and Beth 20
Creative Access PartnersE 22Harvey and Linda 22Hugo and Jackie 23Jeff and Ellen 23J and C 24J and F 25K and L 25Lewis and Elsbeth 26Mike and Stephanie 26M 27Phil 27T and L 28The Professors 28Annoor Sanitorium Staff 28Sensitive Location Partners 29
INDEX OF PEOPLE
