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Community DevelopmentThat Develops a Community of Believers

SpearheadAUTUMN 2014GLO MINISTRIES AUSTR ALIA

Contact SportAccording to the Oxford Dictionary a “contact sport”

is “a sport in which the participants necessarily come into bodily contact with one another.” In this sense, Missions can also be considered a “contact sport”. In order for people to be reached and churches to be planted it is absolutely necessary that “believers” come into bodily contact with the “unreached”.

This was true of Jesus, and so should be true of the church. As Eugene Peterson paraphrases it, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14). As the gospels testify, whenever Jesus “moved into a neighbourhood” He would come into “bodily contact” with those He was trying to reach through simple, visible and tangible expressions of genuine ‘concern’.

The primary purpose of this edition of Spearhead is to outline the many and varied ways some of the national workers and expatriate missionaries who are partnering together with GLO Ministries are “moving into unreached neighbourhoods” and coming into “bodily contact” with people through simple, visible and tangible expressions of genuine ‘concern’. As you read about the various “mercy ministries” it is our hope that God will move you to have some “contact” of your own,

whether it be through prayer or practical support. After all, as the saying goes, “no contact - no impact”.

In His Mission together,

Andrew Cowell

CONTENTSAUTUMN 2014

MISSIONS IS A

COVERThe villiage students in Central Asia get involved in constructing a new library—pg 10

Editorial

Missions is a Contact Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Blessings Out of Haiyan Devastation

Philippines Relief Aid Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Developing a Community of Believers

GLO Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Introducing Central Asia

A Central Asian Community Development Project . . . . . 10

New Workers

Col & Libby Krueger and Kev & Sam Downes . . . . . . . . . 13

Pakistan & Gateway School

Wilson & Lisa's Community Development Project . . . . . . 14

A Master Class on Mercy Ministry

Inspiration to Pray, Give and Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Caring for Internally Displaced People

North Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo . . . . . . . . . 18

Scrap for Food

The Myanmar Hostel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Comings & Gloings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Dates for your Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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DevastationPhilippines Relief Aid Report

Blessings Out ofHaiyan

On November 8th, 2013 the most powerful tropical

cyclone on record struck the Philippine islands of Samar and Leyte. The cyclone resulted in at least 6,268 casualities and caused widespread devastation to homes, commercial properties and food production. Governments and Relief Agencies from around the world responded within days to bring much needed drinking water, food and temporary shelter.

Overseas AidIn the aftermath of cyclone Haiyan there has also been a wonderful response from the Lord's people and Brethren churches around the world. It is estimated that at least $700,000 has been given as Relief Aid from USA, Canada, NZ, Japan, Norway and UK, including $188,000 from Australia. Most of the international aid and world news has been focused on Tacloban, the capital of Leyte and the area that suffered the most casualities. Much of the aid

from Brethren donors, however, has been allocated to relief work and rebuilding damaged property in areas where Brethren workers are serving.

In January representatives from AMT and GLO viewed the destruction from the typhoon, concentrating on the Brethren mission fields affected. In consul-

tation with Dave Harvey, who represents CMML in Manila, it was agreed that monies from Australia be administered by GLO and the funds from all the other countries be handled by CMML.

Money from Australia has been mainly allocated to Guiuan, Libas / Cambalong and islands off Catbalogan. It is the intention of this report that donors have confidence that 100% of monies donated are being used

Rebuilding the Guiuan Church Building

Guiuan GFC after the Typhoon

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for helping Filipinos who have suffered loss as well as to assist with the rebuilding of ministry facilities that were destroyed or damaged. The relief aid has been used of God to turn the hearts of many Filipinos to Himself and given opportunities to share the good news of salvation in Christ, resulting in new believers.

Aid Relief and Rebuilding strengthens relationships in GuiuanThe majority of the relief monies has been distributed or allocated to Guiuan where GLO workers Paul and Gerrah Kulikovsky have been working. Guiuan is the region where the typhoon first hit land, flattening the whole area. This was a demoralising blow as they have been building the work over many years - evangelising, training nationals, and building facilities etc. Every building was either flattened or sustained major damage, including Paul and Gerrah's home.

Paul and Gerrah have been overwhelmed by the support that has been given to them during this traumatic time. In spite of the

trauma, Paul has been busy co-ordinating the rebuilding of the ministry facilities, organising relief aid to church members and locals, while trying to get his own home back in working order. Relief aid work is not easy, especially while trying to maintain and rebuild ministries. As well as food parcels, water filters etc, Paul has provided a plan and material for 45 families to rebuild themselves a dwelling. A team of five responsible team members has been given the responsibility to oversee the ongoing distribution of aid. As a result of the typhoon and aid given, many new contacts have been made and earlier contacts have been renewed.

Aid Relief leads to new believers in Libas & CambalongWillie Vallespin writes - "The rebuilding works in Libas and in Cambalong went smoothly. We have made a lot of progress as you can see in the pictures. The financial gift not only helps the completion of the rebuilding works but also saves souls. The rebuilding work connects us to the community and most specifically to the construction workers. We initiated Bible studies with the workers and

Rebuilding work in Guiuan

The workers' cottage in Guiuan being rebuilt

Rebuilding of the Church in Libas

Jeffrey House during ongoing repair

Jeffrey house in Libas after the cyclone

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and other relief assistance, doors have now been opened for ongoing evangelism. Groups of people have been coming by boat to attend church services as well as staying longer to attend Bible studies that have been especially arranged for them. Those who have been attending church are currently

their families. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are able to harvest more souls for God’s kingdom. At present we have a lot of Bible studies almost every night. We divided the group into seekers, for baptism and discipleship for members. More families under the seekers Bible Study groups are accepting the saving grace of God. They know more about Christ and are accepting Him as their Lord and Saviour."

Aid Relief creates connections with islands off CatbaloganCatbalogan itself was sheltered from the Typhoon but the houses and economy of the poor communities on the islands offshore were badly affected. The Catbalogan team have been praying for help to form relationships with the folk on the islands who are mainly unreached with the gospel. While some relationships have been forming through fishermen using the GLO waterfront property as a landing for their boats, the typhoon relief monies has given the opportunity to provide much appreciated help. By providing rice, nipa (grass roofing), nails, plywood sheeting

Many Filipinos are being touched by the love of Christ,

expressed through relief aid

David & Joy Scott

Help is given for repairs

Rebuilding the Church in Cambalong

The little Church in Cambalong was blown away

arranging to have Bible studies in their own barangays (villages).

Many of the Filipinos living on the islands of Samar and Leyte have been shaken by Typhoon Haiyan. However, in the aftermath of the Typhoon many Filipinos are being touched by the love of Christ that has been expressed through relief aid sent from Christians and churches throughout the world. As the rebuilding work continues let's pray that God would be glorified as He works in and through the Filipino believers to channel temporal and eternal blessings to the needy around them.

By David Scott

Food distribution in Tacloban

Sharing food and the gospel - Catbalogan Islands

Grass for roofing for the Islands around Catbalogan

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COMMITTED TO

THAT RESULTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A Community DevelopmentCommunity of Believers

6

GLO is Committed to Community DevelopmentLikewise GLO Ministries is committed to “’Community Development’ that will (God willing) result in the ‘development of a community of believers’.” Whilst there are often misgivings in evangelical circles regarding ‘social concern’ there are a two fundamental reasons why GLO Ministries believes that it is important for the believing community to be committed to “Community Development”.

Biblical Reasons The personal example of Jesus Himself, the application of parables such as the Good Samaritan, plus Jesus’ clear teaching in passages such as Matthew 25:31-46 clearly extol the importance of doing good works to those in need who cross our path.

As in the teachings of Christ, so also in the teachings and example of the Apostles, concern for the poor receives a prominent place. For example in 1 John 3:17 the apostle John insightfully asks, “if anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

The clear result of the teaching of Christ and His apostles, as well as their personal examples, compels us to be involved in ‘Community Development’,

This sentiment is precisely what motivated Julie and Noela to assist needy children in the Democratic

Republic of Congo. See the article for more details - p18

I can remember the day vividly. I was invited to be a key note speaker at a Christian Conference in a Muslim State. As I waited in the hotel car park I bumped into a fellow expatriate. I was caught by surprise to see another foreigner so naturally I introduced myself. After exchanging greetings I quickly inquired as to what he was doing in the country. To which he replied, “I do community development”. I immediately followed up by asking what type of Community Development was he involved in. To which he responded, “I do any type of ‘Community Development’ that will result in the ‘development of a community of believers’.”

Missional Reasons In addition to ‘biblical’ reasons there are also ‘missional’ reasons for being committed to ‘Community Development’. As countries like Australia become more and more “post Christian” there are greater numbers of people in our communities who have little, if any, direct ‘positive’ exposure to Christianity. The direct result of this is that at times it is difficult to find sufficient spiritual “common ground” from which to share the gospel.

This situation is only exacerbated in countries that, due to historical, political and religious reasons, are highly ‘resistant’ to both the ‘message of the gospel’ and the ‘messengers of the gospel’. In ‘closed countries’ such as this it is often a challenge for the believing community to have a significant ‘impact’ because their avenues of ‘contact’ are limited or almost non-existent.

In such settings simple, visible and tangible expressions of genuine practical concern in the form of community development projects can provide opportunities for the development of healthy relationships from which the “good news” can be freely shared.

For simple examples of this principle at work please refer to the articles on the Philippines, Central

Asia and Pakistan.Phillipines - p3, Central Asia - p10, Pakistan - p14.

GLO is also Committed to the Develop-ment of a Community of Believers Whilst GLO Ministries is committed to ‘Community Development’ it is our ultimate hope that these community development

Andrew Cowell

77

projects will result in the ‘development of a community of believers’. The desire that the ‘development of a community of believers’ would come out of all our ‘community development’ initiatives is founded upon two foundational premises.

Biblical Reasons Whilst an aspect of ‘social concern’ cannot be removed from the ministry of the Lord it is evident that Christ’s concerns went further than “physical”, “material” and “social” matters. If you study the miracles and teachings of Jesus closely you can’t help but come to the conclusion that His ultimate concern was “eternal” and “spiritual”.

For instance whilst on two occasions Jesus fed thousands of people, He did not continue with providing them with an ongoing

miraculous supply of food. Instead He used the one off “physical” provision to teach an enduring “spiritual” principle. In fact when the crowd pursued Jesus hankering for more food Jesus said to them “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you” (John 6:26-27). Immediately after that Jesus gave the crowd a personal invitation. He said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

I am not suggesting that “soup kitchens” and the like are invalid expressions of God’s love. What I am saying is that Jesus clearly

Baptisms in the Philippines

School supplies for children in Pakistan

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expressed that the “physical” benefit of temporal food was secondary to the “spiritual” benefit of the people coming to Jesus, the eternal “bread of life”. It is evident then that the Lord’s ultimate priorities were spiritual, and so too should ours be.

Missional Reasons In the words of Charles Ryrie, Jesus “Himself declared that He came ‘to seek and to save that which was lost’ (Luke 19:10). He also came to serve, to teach, to set an example, to show God’s love, but above all, He came, as His primary purpose, to save.”

Christ’s mission, however, does not come to its ultimate end with the salvation of men and women. The ultimate goal of Christ’s mission is the formation of a body of people who will find their ultimate gladness in the greatness of God. That is why Jesus not only declared that He came to “seek and to save the lost” but also repeatedly stated that He came to “glorify His Father” (Jn. 17:1,4; cf. Jn. 13:31; 14:13). Ultimately Jesus saw an intimate connection between “glorifying the Father” and “saving the lost”. David describes

that connection eloquently when he declares, ‘May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”’

In view of that, GLO Ministries is not satisfied with ‘Community Development’ alone. In fact we are not ultimately satisfied until there is the ‘development of a community of believers’ who are satisfied with Christ ‘alone’.

Ultimately it is not enough that unreached communities experience the physical and material blessings that flow from the love of God. The love of Christ compels us (2 Cor. 5:14) to invite them to enjoy the spiritual and eternal pleasure of knowing God, who “is love” (1 Jn. 4:8). In so doing they will “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps. 34:8). Then they will become channels of God’s love gladly declaring to all around them in word and deed that “God is Great” to the glory of God. Which definitively is the ultimate goal of Missions and why GLO is committed to ‘community development’ that results in the ‘development of a community of believers’.

By Andrew Cowell

A well for the hostel in Myanmar

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TitleTitle

SubtitleAn Interview with Paul from Central Asia

We’ve known Paul for some years now. We know that he is from Central Asia, that he is a Christian and that he risks his life taking the gospel to his fellow countrymen. He and his younger friend “David” trained at GLO Smithton for a year and they are an important part of the GLO family. We recently took the opportunity to ask Paul a few questions.

WHAT'S-HIS-NAMEWe'd like to Introduce

Spearhead: It’s unusual in Australia to meet someone from Central Asia. Well, yes. I am born and bred in Central Asia. So is David. As you know, my country has a long history of warlords and tribal conflict. Most of our tribe live in Central Asia and we make up about ten percent of the total population. A lot of our tribesmen have been well educated and now hold a number of important jobs.

Spearhead: Did you become a Christian here or back in Central Asia?In Central Asia. Most of our tribe are Shi-ite Muslims. Mind you, in my village we have quite a number of mosques but not many go there for Friday prayers. Shi-

ite Muslims in my country don’t regularly attend a mosque.

It was while I was working in the Capital City that I heard about Jesus. Shortly afterward I came in contact with Dr Howard Harper, a Brethren missionary from New Zealand. He has passed away now, about two years ago, but for fifty years he worked quietly in Central Asia, establishing eye clinics as a Christian mercy ministry. He was an ophthalmologist. Anyway, our paths crossed, he took me under his wing and established me as a Christian.

What I earned in my work enabled me to sponsor young men from our village to come to the Capital City to further their education. I paid for their food, clothing and accommodation, as well as their course fees. I think

I helped about a dozen men that way. This not only helped these young men to better themselves but a number accepted Christ. We used to meet as secret disciples. Still do, actually, when we’re together.

Spearhead: How did you come to live in Australia?Dr Harper told us about GLO. He was a GLO associate. He originally wanted six of us to come to Australia to train but we were advised it would be safer for just two to come. So I came, with David. The course helped us a lot. Believers here seemed to take David and me into their hearts. They have been so loving.

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TitleTitle

Subtitle

Two days before boarding a plane to return home to Central Asia we were advised that there had been renewed persecution against our tribe, with 100 being killed that week and that it was dangerous to return. We were granted asylum in Australia and fearful of our lives, we went underground in Sydney with even our GLO friends not knowing where we were.

After a while we were able to get some night shift process work with minimum exposure to the public and after five years we were granted Australian citizenship and passports.”

Spearhead: I guess that gives you a certain amount of diplomatic protection. Is it enough?No. We have to exercise extreme caution. When David and I returned to Central Asia in 2012 for the first time, we were both nervous about our safety. It was only after staying a month in the Capital City that I had enough confidence to plan a visit to my

home village to distribute school books for the students there. Before leaving the city I didn’t shower or wash for two weeks, grew stubble and started to again wear the type of clothing used in my home village. The route was dangerous, Taliban territory. On the way to the village our minibus was stopped twice by the Taliban.

David stayed in the Capital City. He had put money into the project, too. But his father is the mullah of the village, that is, the leader of the mosque there. He now knows that his son, David, is a Christian and he would be expected to disown him if he went home, maybe even have him executed.

Spearhead: So security is extremely important.Yes.

Spearhead: Is that why you are careful to not disclose too many details?Yes.

Spearhead: What can you safely tell us about what you have done recently in Central Asia and, if you can, what you intend doing?Well, I mentioned an earlier trip that David and I did in order to distribute school material. We did this at ten schools. When I left the area I said we would do what we could to help our

Distributing books to the children

My heart was pounding as they

went through my luggage.

They made a thorough search of all the passengers’ belongings. My heart was pounding as they went through my luggage. Unfortunately for one of the passengers, the Taliban found a phone card in his luggage. They didn’t know what it was so they shot him dead on the spot.

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Titlevillage build a library for their school. To be honest, I was bit frightened that I wouldn’t be able to fulfil that proposal.

For quite a while David and I saved what we could of our wages and sent the money back home to buy school readers and exercise books. No one in Australia knew we were doing this, not even GLO. A large shipment was sent from China. My father, who was not a believer, co-ordinated the arrival and distribution of the material. He did this with my brother who is a Christian now.

However, when we came back to Australia, Christian friends here heard of the situation and how the attitude of my fellow villagers toward me as a Christian has changed. Christians gave generously toward the library. So the next year I was able to go back and complete the project.

We are planning to make a similar trip soon. I pray that we will have enough money by then to supervise the building of four classrooms.

We have a vision of reaching young people from our home district with the Good News about the Lord Jesus Christ. About 25 people in our village are Christians already. We want to bring selected people to the Capital City, help them with their education, and form new Christians into small house churches. The location for meeting will have to be constantly changed, again for security reasons. Also, we want to start an

English course in the Capital City as a base for planting a church there among our tribe people.

Spearhead: What can we here in Australia do to help advance the Lord’s work in Central Asia, Paul?Please pray and give money if you can. Fellowship gifts can be sent through the GLO office, Sydney.

Spearhead: Thank you, Paul.

Village students getting involved

The library partially finished

12

Col and Libby KruegerCol has been appointed Principal of the GLO College of Ministries, Tasmania Training Centre. One of eight children from a non-Christian family, Col became a Christian as a teenager then trained as a Manual Arts teacher. While teaching in Emerald he met his wife Libby (Elizabeth) Orr who worked as a nurse and midwife. They now have four children and nine grandchildren.

From 1991-2012 Col was Principal of Mueller College, a Christian college which has grown to some 1350 students. Col and Libby have been involved in Youth leadership, Boys and Girls Rallies, KYB and camps and short term missions. Col has been an elder and bible teacher at Grovely Christian Community Church for many years and has recently been doing voluntary pastoral work fulltime.

Please pray for Col and Libby as they adjust to life at GLO and expecially for Col as he leads the work at the Training Centre.

All Grandparents!New Workers

Kev and Sam DownesKev and Sandra (known as Sam) have been appointed as House Parents at GLO College of Ministries, Tasmania Training Centre. They have been married for 30 years and have five grown children (four daughters

and a son) and four grandchildren, with another one due in 2014. Kev and Sam both come from non-Christian homes and became Christians late in life.

Kev was originally in the RAAF as an Aircraft Instrument Fitter and then as a Flight Engineer, and later became a school teacher and has most recently worked as a truck driver and traffic controller. Sam has worked in Information Technology for most of her working life; before children in large industry and after children as a lecturer at university.

About five years ago, they moved to Albany, 400 kms south of Perth, and Sam worked for Alzheimer’s WA as a researcher and administration officer. Whilst they first met in a Uniting Church, they have spent most of their Christian lives and grown spiritually in Brethren Assemblies; Bedford Gospel Chapel, and more recently, Albany Christian Assembly.

If you would like to support a worker or a project, please use the method below which is most convenient:

Workers / Project Name: ____________________________ A one off gift of $_________ OR A monthly gift of $ _________

Name (Donor): ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________Phone: ___________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Payment Method: Cheque / Money Order Direct Deposit to "GLO Ministries Limited" Credit Card - please circle: Payable to "GLO Ministries Limited" BSB: 083 088 ACC: 534 845 753 Master Card / Visa Card / Bank Card

Card Details: Name on Card: _________________________________________________________________________________

Card Number: ________ ________ ________ ________ Expiry Date: _____________ Signature: __________________________

Please return to: GLO Ministries, PO BOX 171, RIVERSTONE, NSW, 2765. P: 02 9838 1595 F: 02 9627 3342 E: gloadmin@gloministries.org.au

As GLO is a ‘Faith Mission’ where workers are not paid salaries, these new workers are depending on the Lord for their support. Please pray for them and consider how you may support them in their work for the Lord. By Keith Cruickshank

Col & Libby Krueger

Kevin & Sandra Downes

Keith Cruickshank

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In December 2012, shortly after arriving in Pakistan, Wilson and

I were invited to visit a poor area on the outskirts of Karachi with a local Pastor and some Christian youth. It was our first experience and visit to this particular location. We soon saw the great need for the Gospel in this particular village. People were worshiping a number of idols and had never even heard the name of Jesus. That challenged us to go back into the area and tell them about the good news of Jesus Christ. We prayed about it and

asked God to lead us and direct us on how we could build a bridge into the community so that we can share God’s love with them.

No SchoolAfter some investigation, we found that there was no school in the village and the children of the village were working on the farms with their parents. So after more prayer we felt the great need to start a school so that we can reach out to this Bhel community. This is one of the unreached people groups in Pakistan.

The initial steps we took to start the school was to receive permission for the school from the head of the village. After having a few meetings with him we were able to persuade him that the education of the next generation has the potential to transform their community. Our next problem was to find willing teachers in the area and by God’s grace we found two young Christian ladies who are willing to teach in the school. It took us four months of hard work and many

Bringing hope to Gateway Community School

Through Community Development Pakistanis

Students at Gateway Community School

Wilson & Lisa

Masih and family

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TitleTitle

Subtitle

meetings with the head of the village and the staff.

To further encourage some of the Christian youth we are working with back in Karachi, and to give them real ministry experience, we brought eighteen of the youth along to assist in the opening of the school. Books, school bags and stationary were then purchased and we got the youth together to pack all the learning materials for the children.

At present, we have forty five students, two teachers and a Principal. The school operates five days a week from 8am till 1pm. The students are learning Mathematics, English and Urdu.

The major impact that the school has given to the children of the community is hope and discipline. Our prayer is that by

the story of the birth of Jesus. This was a perfect opportunity for us to share Christ with them. It has been a life changing experience for us, and we hope for the children and parents also.

Our future plans for Gateway Community School are to build proper class rooms, increase the staff and student size and to start Sunday school classes.

The Purpose of Gateway Community School is to reach out to the unreached and give a better life and a brighter future to the under privileged community, and share the love of Jesus Christ. Your prayers and support are much appreciated as we continue to move towards the next stage of Gateway Community School.

By Wilson & Lisa Masih

People were worshiping a

number of idols and had never even

heard the name of Jesus.

Recently, at Christmas, we were able to have a Christmas program where our youth presented to them

understanding these subjects the children will have greater opportunities in life beyond their present circumstances. Together with an understanding of a living God, they may become great men and women for God in Pakistan.

Christmas Program at Gateway Community School Two teachers at the School

Children receiving Christmas gifts Student at school 15

Hello. My name is Paul, though people still call me Saul from time to time. I'm writing from a cell in Rome, not far from Caesar's palace. Caesar Nero summons me sometimes to debate issues of interest to him, but I always try to turn the conversation toward the Good News about Jesus. "The Good News is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes." That would be true of Nero even, should he believe! The Good News has been a passion with me even since Jesus took hold of me as I was making my murderous way from Jerusalem to Damascus. That was thirty years ago but the thrill and awe of that encounter has shaped my life ever since.

through the matter again. In brief, they agreed with Barnabas and me and, as I told the believers in Galatia, they "encouraged us to keep on preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do."

I've always tried to help those who are in need. In fact, over twenty years ago I was involved in helping the poor believers in Jerusalem who were suffering because of the famine. It took nearly two years to make it happen. The believers in Macedonia, even though they were as poor as church mice, knew that when they gave money they should firstly give

themselves heart-and-soul to the Lord. "Their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do." They were a real example to everyone , showing what true generosity looks like.

Actually, when I wrote to the church in Ephesus I passed on what the Holy Spirit wanted the believers to know. That is, that "we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This has governed the way I personally have related to others. I have wanted to do as much good as I can, as often as I can, in as many ways as I can, to whomever I can. I have found that

I know that my life will be cut short soon. I call it the time

of my "departure." Anyway, I've been thinking a lot about my life and, you know, something else has burned into me ever since I became a member of those people the world calls The Way. Want to know what that is? It's the importance of caring for others, making life easier for them by enthusiastically doing good works. I've written to a lot of churches about the importance of this many times. Let me tell you why.

About 17 years ago we were in a quandary. We'd seen many people coming to Christ, including hoards of Gentiles. That was a problem for those who had been brought up in strict Jewish ways. Some said that to be really saved, Gentile men had to be circumcised. That was a problem for would-be converts from paganism, as you can imagine. Anyway, the problem was still biting at our heels some time later so Barnabas and I (with Titus) went to Jerusalem to confer privately with prominent men in the church there, to talk

A Master Class onMercyMinistries

16

no one, even an unsaved person, is impervious to a kind deed done to them. A generous spirit, expressed in generous acts, has been an important part of my message. As I said to King Agrippa, "First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.' Good deeds, that is.

Looking back, I realise that this has been a regular theme in all my letters to Christians. Good works. Good works. Good works. Our Lord Jesus taught us about the importance of altruistic living. Remember what he said on the mountain? "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." And, believe me, while we're not perfect we have tried to bring glory to God by sharing generously with others. I remember hearing Peter talk

about a believer named Tabitha. She lived in Joppa, on the Israeli seaboard. She may still live there as far as I know. According to Peter, Tabitha, also called Dorcas, was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. She did this by making coats and other clothes for them. Love, expressed in doing good for the poor and other needy people, has

been a feature of our faith right from the beginning. It has not only helped those who needed help but it has opened many doors for the Good News. We've found there's wisdom in the saying, "If you're going to give a person a tract, wrap it in a sandwich."

You know what? I have actually seen whole communities move

toward the Good News because of the kind generosity they have received from Christians. Even if they haven't always accepted our message that doesn't matter. Just giving in Jesus name, even something as small as a cup of cold water, pleases the Lord. That means everyone can please him. We all can.

Sorry. Must away. Caesar Nero wants to talk with me. I wonder what he wants....”

By Brian Goodwin

Brian & Gwenda Goodwin

"If you're going to give a person a tract, wrap it in a

sandwich."

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TitleTitle

SubtitleCOMMUNAUTE EMMANUEL 39 (CE-39), with whom we partner, is

the registered name for Christian Brethren churches in North East Democratic Republic of Congo.

Our first recording trip to NE DRC (then Zaire) was in 1986 when a recording base with national leadership was established at Nyankunde. Recordings were not only produced for evangelism but also for teaching believers many of whom were without regular Bible teaching and mostly illiterate. Lack of security and general instability was evident throughout the area even at that time with tribal fighting and rebel activity.

In 2002 when Nyankunde was attacked more than 2000 people were killed and it was estimated that more than 50,000 people died throughout the Ituri Forest area at that time as a result of the tribal fighting. The survivors from Nyankunde walked 85 kms south west for ten days through savannah and tropical rain forest to safety at the African Inland Mission station in Oicha. Over the next weeks, thousands more from nearby villages joined them.

The internally displaced people (IDP’s) lost their homes, possessions and gardens and were without any means of livelihood. Of particular concern were the children who had witnessed unspeakable atrocities as many watched families murdered before escaping. Education is an essential contributor to changing the mindset of the next generation and to prevent younger children being taken and trained as child soldiers. So with finances from Australian Christians, land was purchased at Manzali near Oicha to provide gardens for the IDP’s especially from Nyankunde.

Today on this property is a very basic Church building and the Manzali School which is registered under CE-39 and serving the local community. All of the 420 children attending school have been affected by the ongoing war, but over 200 displaced and orphaned are the most disadvantaged. These children are sponsored annually by caring Australians who pray regularly for their child. $100 covers school fees and supplies (exercise books, pens/pencils, chalk boards, chalk and so on) government exam fees, uniforms, sandals, incidentals and gifts twice yearly for the child and family with whom they live. Recently, a high school has been built and students no longer meet under the trees or in the church building for their lessons. However, the very basic primary school now needs replacing with a permanent building. Students and teachers receive regular Bible teaching

Caring ForIDP's in NORTH EASTERN DR CONGO

Children still not in school

Noela Elvery and Julie Loudon with workers Acira & Berocan Thuambe

18

of our prayers not only for their protection but for freedom from fear as nightly raids continue. We are thankful for such a Godly couple who co-ordinate this project, Acira and Berocan Thuambe. They need your prayers.

Note: All the projects above have been funded by Australians who have entrusted finance designated for the Nyankunde DRC Project, through the AMT office, Brisbane. For further information on the Manzali or Pygmy Projects, Noela and Julie can be contacted on: Noela: elveryn@optusnet.com.au Julie: jlloudon@mail2me.com.au or Phone: 02 9546 4111.

By Noela Elvery & Julie Loudon

and children are encouraged to attend the Church activities.

A Medical Dispensary has also been built with community help and now a staff of six serves the wider community. School children, Pygmies who squat on the outskirts of the property and others who are disadvantaged,

receive free medical help. Many lives have been saved and those who cannot afford to pay are never turned away. While patients wait to see the Nurses they can listen to Bible recordings in their own languages. Plans are in place to add two or three more rooms to include a much needed maternity ward. It is envisaged that not only will lives be saved

but the additional patients using the maternity facility will help meet the goal of becoming self sustaining. Currently, most medical supplies and salaries of dispensary staff are paid with gifts from Australia.

Twelve years on many children have graduated from Primary through High School and five graduates are currently being sponsored at University. One male student, a bright Christian, will graduate from Nursing in September and plans to work in the Manzali Dispensary.

With the ongoing rebel activity and abduction of young girls, teachers and families from this area, those involved in leadership are very much in need

Children witnessed families murdered

before escaping

The dispensary

Students at Manzali School.

The Manzali gardens

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GLO Myanmar

Community development might be a catchphrase for the many who desire to make a difference to both local and distant communities. For the church, community development is a responsibility that fulfils the command of the Lord Jesus to care for the poor and needy, this can be done in a variety of ways.

One way is found in the experience of Bob. Myanmar is the second largest country in

Southeast Asia with a population around 60 million. Prior to 2010 the country had been under a military

dictatorship and the World Health Organisation ranked Myanmar as having the worst health care of any country in the world. In 2011 a civil government took control, although the military continue to have enormous influence. This made way for the removal of economic sanctions and opened the way to much needed change. For Myanmar the imprint of a very repressive military regime remained, it is a country that is poor, with little infrastructure for health and education. It is into this context that Bob, a farmer, came from Australia.

Bob had previously been asked to visit a GLO ‘partnered’ hostel / orphanage caring for 80 children in Myanmar, but had chosen not to go. He’ll tell you, my excuse was “It’s not my thing” he sadly now adds “I missed some years of blessing.” The invitations didn’t stop and so hearing that GLO and their partners had raised support to buy farmland with the purpose of supporting the children, he felt he could bring his expertise as a farmer to aid in developing the property. He was able to help, guiding in the use of the land and the materials supplied so the farm began to take shape. However Bob recognised the dry seasons of Myanmar made it difficult for farming and so hindered their ability to provide the needed support for the orphanage. Now the new political freedoms in Myanmar and the accompanying economic boom resulted in increasing food prices and further pressure on the orphanage.

Bob had a great time with the children at the orphanage and he was somewhat speechless, moved by their kindness and in particular by their need. Bob came home with a desire to

Scrap for Food

Farm Produce

Meal time at the hostel

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make a difference, a desire to help this community of children, first and foremost, to help them live and also to hear the wonderful gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But how could he do this? I think that is a question we all, often ask ourselves “How can I help?” But so often, we feel unable to do anything. Bob ultimately came up with the idea of collecting scrap steel donations and giving all of the proceeds to the orphanage. Bob would say the Lord has been good, various organisations and individuals having heard of the need gave freely, and these donors were involved in community development. This Ministry, ‘Scrap for Food’ has been running now for 3 years and the orphanage is now overflowing with around 150 children. Community development can occur in many ways, what ideas, what groups, could you support and encourage?

If would like more information about the hostel / orphanage ministry in Myanmar, or would like us to assist you with working out “how you can help”, please contact GLO Ministries.

By Allan Driver Bob collecting Scrap metal

Kot & Dimsan

Bob with the Myanmar children

Nu Nu with the children

Allan Driver 21

VISITING THE GLO WORKERSIn May/June some of the National Committee Members - John Quilliam and David Scott, will be visiting the workers in Myanmar, Nepal and Mongolia.Geoff Weatherley is going to Indonesia late April to visit the workers there.Pray for safety as well as wisdom as they spend time with the workers and help with the future planning of the ministries.

OUR LOVING BROTHERDon Donsworth went to be with the Lord on 18 March after being in hospital very ill for over 2 months. Don was a man who truly lived for His Lord – a wonderful example to so many people. He was known to so many as a true man of prayer and a man of God.The Thanksgiving service was well attended on the 22nd March at Allawah Community Church and God’s name was truly glorified.Don was involved with GLO from the very start – 1965 by having GLO prayer suppers in their home. He was Co-Director and Chairman for many years. We thank God for his wonderful testimony.Pray for Joan and the family at this sad time.There will be more information in the next Spearhead.

MISSION TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINESIn early January, David Scott, Bruce Jenyns, Brendan Scott, Brian Adams and others visited the Philippines to encourage the workers, inspect the damage from the typhoon and with some being involved in a work party in repairs that needed to be done.We thank God for those who are willing to offer their time and help in re-establishing the ministry.

GLO SMITHTON STUDENTSWe welcome the ten students who are studying down at Smithton, Tasmania for nine months of study.They come from Australia, Myanmar, Sth Korea and China.Pray for them that they will grow in the Lord and become skilled in serving the Lord.Back row, L-R: Joseph Elliss, Lal Sang Lian (Ezekiel), Andrew Dunn, Phillip Nicholls . Front Row, L-R: Jo Yoosin (Gideon), Vanessa Ollington, Lauren Southwell, Kim Yu Gyeong (Ariel), John Riecken, Wen Suyan (absent)

WELCOMEWe welcome the seven students who are presently learning English at the GLO Centre, Riverstone, NSW. They all come from Sth Korea.Pray for them as they grasp hold of the English language.Back row, L-R: ChanJoo Kim (Benjamin), John Aldridge, YoungJae Park (Tim), TaeJoong Kim (Ted) . Front row, L-R: Lorelle Moase, CheolJoong Kim (James), JaeBin Lee (Gavin), EunSeon Choi (Grace), JiHye Kim (Ginie)

COMINGS & GLOINGS

22

FAREWELL

MINISTRY TRIPS

WELCOME

CorrespondenceGLO Ministries, PO Box 171

RIVERSTONE, NSW, 2765P: 02 9838 1595F: 02 9627 3342

E: gloadmin@gloministries.org.au

Spearhead Magazine Australia Volume 48 Issue 1 Autumn Published since 1965

Spearhead is published quarterly by GLO Ministries to report on training programs and Ministries involvement in Australia and Overseas. GLO Ministries serves within the Christian Brethren Assemblies and sees itself in partnership with Assemblies, missionary service organisations, missionaries, and national workers in overseas countries.

Editorial Team: David Scott, Christine Bell & Andrew Cowell Graphics: 1984 Design Studio Dispatch: Stephenie Chin Printing: Spearhead is printed by Industrial Printing as a ministry to Assemblies. Distribution: 4100 copies are distributed to Christian Brethren Assemblies, and free of charge. Change of Address: Please inform us if you move.

Want the latest information from the field? AMT produces a weekly Global Prayer Matters email bulletin with prayer requests straight from the field. Simply contact AMT at info@amt.asn.au for more details.Have you got AMT’s new look Serving Together magazine? It’s a great way to keep up with what’s happening in mission.

Contact AMT for more info.PO Box 565, Mt Gravatt QLD 4122P: 07 3219 1800 | F: 07 3216 8399E: info@amt.asn.au | H: www.amt.asn.au

AMT partners with churches to educate, motivate and facilitate Christians for global mission.

WELCOME Event Date LocationPrayer Supper Monday 14 April Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Day of Prayer Saturday 17th May Riverstone Community Church, NSW

Prayer Supper Monday 16 June Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Mission Course commencement Monday 16 June Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Prayer Supper Monday 21 July Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Prayer Supper Monday 11 August Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Prayer Supper Monday 8 September Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Prayer Supper Monday 13 October Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Smithton Graduation Saturday 25th October Circular Head, TAS

Explo Day Saturday 1st November Riverstone Community Church, NSW

Family & Friends Saturday 1st - Tuesday 4th November Wollongong Surf leisure Resort, NSW

National Worker Training 5th - 7th November Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Prayer Supper Christmas Party Monday 8 December Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Riverstone Office Closes 20th Dec 2014 - 7th Jan 2015 Riverstone Training Centre, NSW

Dates to Remember - 2014

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GLO College of Ministries, Smithton Tasmania, in Partnership with Emmaus Bible School now offers;

Cert IV in Christian Ministry & Theology

A Life Changing

EXPERIENCE

GLO MINISTRIESServing & Training All Over the World

Become equipped with Bible knowledge, practical ministry skills, preparation for Bible teaching, evangelism, Children’s, Youth & Adult programs in a local church or missions.

Total Fees: $7,490 + Mission trip (costs may change for 2015) Includes Training, Accommodation and Food (Youth Allowance or Austudy for approved Aussie students. For more info go to: humanservices.gov.au) Mission Trip: Australia - $2,000 / Overseas - $2,800 (costs may change for 2015) Dates: 4th February - 24th October 2015

Enjoy community living: Single or family style accommodation.

Staff: Col Krueger (Principal), Kev & Sam Downes (House Parents), Hannah Goodall (Training Supervisor), Rosie Moore (Secretary), and Visiting lecturers.

More information: GLO College of Ministries P: (03) 6452 1061 E: Smithton@gloministries.org.au W: www.gloministries.org.au