Help me with my United Methodist understanding as what started in our interest to help plant a church seems to have gotten complicated.
My church started supporting a student pastor and new church development of a Thailand United Methodist congregation among the Akha people a couple of years ago. Our primary contact was through Mike & Sherri Morrissey, General Board of Global Ministries missionaries in Thailand & United Methodist elders in the Kentucky conference. After a meeting with them late summer 2009 I encouraged our international mission team in support of the effort & by November we were in partnership. We were to be in financial and prayer support for 5 years, starting at $300 a month, and eventually weening down to $100, and then concluding the support with expectation the church would stand on it's own feet. Further, we would send a mission team during that time period to assist the congregation in their move toward financial and ministry independence. It was an exciting model that we embraced.
During an email exchange with the Morrisseys in early April 2010 the mission couple responded to my request for details of the work and to begin planning for a team for our church to visit. Item #4 in that email states "Finally, as of June 1, 2010, Sherri and I will complete our contracts with GBGM and will begin our ministry in Thailand serving under the newly formed Thailand Methodist Mission (TMM). As TMM missionaries, we will be working in partnership with GBGM to provide credentialing training to UM Pastors in Thailand (Course of Study, Advance Course of Study, and Local Pastors School) as well initiating the Pioneering Pastors Project, which will train and resource pastors to plant churches in sub-districts which are unreached."
Of course, since we had funding and were involved and anticipating "next steps" I checked this sudden change of plans with GBGM. I've found my contacts at GBGM very helpful in trying to understand what was happening half way around the world. From their perspective the Morrisseys were leaving GBGM and none of their previous work would "transfer" elsewhere. In the time since then that has proven to be the case as the Morrisseys ministry efforts have shifted.
"The board is neither a part nor aware of a plan to subsume our work in a 'Thailand Methodist Church.' Thailand is part of the United Methodist Southeast Asia Mission, which relates to Global Ministries under Par. 590 of the 2008 Book of Discipline. The Southeast Asia Mission also includes Laos and Vietnam... Other missionaries will be assigned by the board to continue the church development work in which the Morrissey's were engaged."
Get the picture?
In September 2010 my congregation and I hosted the new Thailand GBGM missionaries for a day. Maybe you read the article on this missionary couple as GBGM introduced them in June. They have an incredible story, and are adding to that with their mission service at this stage in their lives.
KY UMC Mission OfferingVangs They have now been in Thailand since late fall 2010.
But the issue just won't go away and I was surprised today to find an annual conference seeking funds for the Morrisseys!
Enter the Kentucky UMC and their mission offering to be received at annual conference. Recall that the Morrisseys are elders in full connection in that conference. And note that they are serving in the Thailand Methodist Mission which has no standing through any UMC entity other than the fact that 2 ordained elders are serving there. See Thailand Methodist Mission regarding what they show of their work. The Morrisseys will receive half of the KY UMC mission offering with a goal set at $120,000! The contrast could not be sharper though as the other group set to share the offering is church planting in the Venezuela United Methodist Church.
I can only hope that Bishop Davis and the KY UMC leadership relied on the fact they were working with elders from that conference and did not know the "rest of the story" about the TMM and the UMC work in Thailand.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
I Just Want to Do Things for Jesus
Our church enjoyed an exciting start to the Trinity Outreach Celebration on Wednesday night, and we're eagerly anticipating the workday Saturday & worship on Sunday. Soon our emphasis on mission will give way to many more opportunities for service. Enjoy this devotion and consider how you will serve in mission during the next year.
Read Isaiah 55: 8-9
Since 1827 the mission of the Mississippi United Methodist Choctaw Mission has been to provide a caring ministry devoted to serving Christ and improving the conditions of life for all persons, especially the "least among us."
Children make up more than half of the over 9,600 people in the Mississippi Choctaw communities. Alcoholism, domestic violence, addictions, a 50% high school dropout rate and teen pregnancy are constant threats to the everyday life of many Choctaw families. For 183 years the people called Methodist have been in ministry with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. See Choctaw Methodists to learn more about our larger Methodist family. Trinity on the Hill and the ASU Wesley Foundation will have a team in the Philadelphia MS area April 2-9 if you wish to learn about the need, opportunity, and witness first hand.
Many mission teams volunteer for projects and become instruments of God loving people closer to Christ. Teams have great experiences and lots of folks are helped but sometimes God shares more than we expect.
Willie Mae is a Choctaw Indian living in Mississippi on a modest income. Her family home was considered too dilapidated for repair by tribal housing. Her crisis was no extra money for renting a space for herself and the grandchildren she is rearing.
Willie Mae started praying to God. In a few days she was contacted about a team of out of town mission volunteers working on her home. In a few weeks, a Volunteer in Mission team of energetic teenagers and experienced builders swarmed the house and revived the home. As the repairs progressed, Willie Mae trusted the team with facts of her housing situation and that the team was truly rescuing her family from a dire situation. A later VIM team finished painting the home a bright “John Deere” yellow. Willie Mae chose the color because she wanted a happy home.
"I had no idea that this might happen when I started praying. I was so devastated, but now I just want to do things for Jesus. I tell my kids to do the same. God does the unexpected, Praise God.”
We serve a God who does the unexpected. We don't know all that's going on, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to direct our lives, we become God's holy instrument for expressing unexpected grace and love.
Prayer Request
Pray for the upcoming mission team, for Methodist mission with Choctaw and other Native Americans, and for our needs to be useful to Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, help me yield to the callings of your Holy Spirit, that I might become your means of unexpected grace and love for all your children.
Read Isaiah 55: 8-9
Since 1827 the mission of the Mississippi United Methodist Choctaw Mission has been to provide a caring ministry devoted to serving Christ and improving the conditions of life for all persons, especially the "least among us."
Children make up more than half of the over 9,600 people in the Mississippi Choctaw communities. Alcoholism, domestic violence, addictions, a 50% high school dropout rate and teen pregnancy are constant threats to the everyday life of many Choctaw families. For 183 years the people called Methodist have been in ministry with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. See Choctaw Methodists to learn more about our larger Methodist family. Trinity on the Hill and the ASU Wesley Foundation will have a team in the Philadelphia MS area April 2-9 if you wish to learn about the need, opportunity, and witness first hand.
Many mission teams volunteer for projects and become instruments of God loving people closer to Christ. Teams have great experiences and lots of folks are helped but sometimes God shares more than we expect.
Willie Mae is a Choctaw Indian living in Mississippi on a modest income. Her family home was considered too dilapidated for repair by tribal housing. Her crisis was no extra money for renting a space for herself and the grandchildren she is rearing.
Willie Mae started praying to God. In a few days she was contacted about a team of out of town mission volunteers working on her home. In a few weeks, a Volunteer in Mission team of energetic teenagers and experienced builders swarmed the house and revived the home. As the repairs progressed, Willie Mae trusted the team with facts of her housing situation and that the team was truly rescuing her family from a dire situation. A later VIM team finished painting the home a bright “John Deere” yellow. Willie Mae chose the color because she wanted a happy home.
"I had no idea that this might happen when I started praying. I was so devastated, but now I just want to do things for Jesus. I tell my kids to do the same. God does the unexpected, Praise God.”
We serve a God who does the unexpected. We don't know all that's going on, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to direct our lives, we become God's holy instrument for expressing unexpected grace and love.
Prayer Request
Pray for the upcoming mission team, for Methodist mission with Choctaw and other Native Americans, and for our needs to be useful to Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, help me yield to the callings of your Holy Spirit, that I might become your means of unexpected grace and love for all your children.
Monday, January 31, 2011
“Created for Good Works”
"Created for Good Works" is the theme for the Trinity Outreach Celebration 2011.
Consider the theme passage found in Ephesians 2:8-10.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Wednesday, February 2
Mission Celebration Worship 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center.
Rev. Nate Ledbetter preaching with our children's choirs singing. Special mission prayer by Dr. Esaho Kipuke.
Togo Mission Update: Mission & Trip
Featuring Esaho Kipuke
Wednesday, February 2, 7:30-8:30 PM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
Saturday, February 5 - Day of Service Local mission projects for all ages and stages. View the list of available work sites below & look for the sign-up sheets in the Gathering Area and online at the church website.
Gather- 8:00-8:30 a.m. Coffee and work assignments in Wesley Hall
Depart for work sites - 8:30-8:45 a.m. Break into groups and leave for various work sites. Serve - 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Serve Christ and the community
Day of Service Projects
Augusta Canal Cleanup
Augusta Rescue Mission Team
Augusta Urban Ministries - bed frame building.
Augusta Urban Ministries - disassembling bikes
Blythe United Methodist Church- cleaning up cemetery
ConKerr Cancer Project - sew pillowcases
Golden Harvest Food Bank
GoodWill - sort book donations.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta - painting
Lydia Project - clean up
Photographer/Videographer
Neighborhood Cleanup
UMCOR Kits - assemble health items
Visitation Teams
Welcome/Information Team
Sunday, February 6
Sunday School- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Special speakers and mission opportunities presented in each class. Get involved on a local, national or international level.
Mission classes include:
Local Outreach Update
Featuring Shirley Darracott & Ann Arnette, Trinity Local Outreach Chairpersons
And Including Local Outreach Leaders
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Wesley Hall Dining Room
National Outreach Update
Featuring Tim Smail, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson,& Eric Long, Roofing Ministry Leader
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Damren Class
International Outreach Update
Featuring Dr. Vince Brawley, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson, & Marla Day-Fitzwater, Executive Director of American Caribbean Experience (ACE) Jamaica
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Open Door Class
Mission Challenge Worship- 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Featuring New Creation and Love Unlimited Youth Choirs. Dr. Ron Eaker preaching. Special mission testimony by Brennan Meagher. Trinity Outreach Celebration concludes with our pledges of funding and participation in local, national, and international mission.
For more information check out the church website at www.trinityonthehill.net or contact the church office.
Consider the theme passage found in Ephesians 2:8-10.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Wednesday, February 2
Mission Celebration Worship 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center.
Rev. Nate Ledbetter preaching with our children's choirs singing. Special mission prayer by Dr. Esaho Kipuke.
Togo Mission Update: Mission & Trip
Featuring Esaho Kipuke
Wednesday, February 2, 7:30-8:30 PM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
Saturday, February 5 - Day of Service Local mission projects for all ages and stages. View the list of available work sites below & look for the sign-up sheets in the Gathering Area and online at the church website.
Gather- 8:00-8:30 a.m. Coffee and work assignments in Wesley Hall
Depart for work sites - 8:30-8:45 a.m. Break into groups and leave for various work sites. Serve - 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Serve Christ and the community
Day of Service Projects
Augusta Canal Cleanup
Augusta Rescue Mission Team
Augusta Urban Ministries - bed frame building.
Augusta Urban Ministries - disassembling bikes
Blythe United Methodist Church- cleaning up cemetery
ConKerr Cancer Project - sew pillowcases
Golden Harvest Food Bank
GoodWill - sort book donations.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta - painting
Lydia Project - clean up
Photographer/Videographer
Neighborhood Cleanup
UMCOR Kits - assemble health items
Visitation Teams
Welcome/Information Team
Sunday, February 6
Sunday School- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Special speakers and mission opportunities presented in each class. Get involved on a local, national or international level.
Mission classes include:
Local Outreach Update
Featuring Shirley Darracott & Ann Arnette, Trinity Local Outreach Chairpersons
And Including Local Outreach Leaders
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Wesley Hall Dining Room
National Outreach Update
Featuring Tim Smail, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson,& Eric Long, Roofing Ministry Leader
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Damren Class
International Outreach Update
Featuring Dr. Vince Brawley, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson, & Marla Day-Fitzwater, Executive Director of American Caribbean Experience (ACE) Jamaica
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Open Door Class
Mission Challenge Worship- 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Featuring New Creation and Love Unlimited Youth Choirs. Dr. Ron Eaker preaching. Special mission testimony by Brennan Meagher. Trinity Outreach Celebration concludes with our pledges of funding and participation in local, national, and international mission.
For more information check out the church website at www.trinityonthehill.net or contact the church office.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Time for Trinity Outreach Celebration
Created for Good Works
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2: 8-10
Sunday, Jan 30, Noon – Interested in Togo Medical Team June 21-30. Meet Dr. Esaho Kipuke and Dr. Vince Brawley to learn about the ministry and the needs.
Wednesday, February 2, Worship-6:30-7:30 PM- “God’s Call to Believe”
Singing- Children’s Choirs
Mission Moment & Prayer: Dr. Esaho Kipuke
Message: Rev. Nate Ledbetter
7:30-8:30 PM, Wesley Hall Dining Room—Togo Mission Update with Esaho Kipuke
Saturday, February 5—Day of Service will include projects for children, youth, and adults with options in assembly, feeding, clean up, visitation, construction, and with many of our local mission partners.
Sunday, February 6- “God’s Call to Good Works” in worship at 8:30 & 11:00 AM
LU & New Creation Singing
Mission Testimony: Brennan Meagher
Message: Dr. Ron Eaker
The service will conclude with our commitments in mission by our prayers, funding, and participation in the next year of outreach.
Sunday School- 9:45-10:45
Classes for local, national, and international mission will be offered.
Prayer Request
Pray for Trinity Outreach Celebration 2011 February 2-6.
Pray for all of the musicians and speakers.
Pray for all of our mission partners.
Pray for our participation and witness in the community during the week, and especially on the Saturday of Service.
Pray for all who will hear a call to mission and for all who are called to take the next step of faith in Christ in mission.
Pray that everyone involved in worship will make decisions for participation and funding in mission in response to the Holy Spirits urging and conviction.
Trinity Outreach Celebration
February 2-6, 2011
The Trinity Outreach Celebration is held each year to celebrate the giving and service of the church during the previous year in mission and to hear the challenges and opportunities of the coming year in outreach. During TOC 2011 you will hear inspiring messages, uplifting music, mission updates and reports and receive information on ways you may become more active in outreach in 2011.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2: 8-10
Sunday, Jan 30, Noon – Interested in Togo Medical Team June 21-30. Meet Dr. Esaho Kipuke and Dr. Vince Brawley to learn about the ministry and the needs.
Wednesday, February 2, Worship-6:30-7:30 PM- “God’s Call to Believe”
Singing- Children’s Choirs
Mission Moment & Prayer: Dr. Esaho Kipuke
Message: Rev. Nate Ledbetter
7:30-8:30 PM, Wesley Hall Dining Room—Togo Mission Update with Esaho Kipuke
Saturday, February 5—Day of Service will include projects for children, youth, and adults with options in assembly, feeding, clean up, visitation, construction, and with many of our local mission partners.
Sunday, February 6- “God’s Call to Good Works” in worship at 8:30 & 11:00 AM
LU & New Creation Singing
Mission Testimony: Brennan Meagher
Message: Dr. Ron Eaker
The service will conclude with our commitments in mission by our prayers, funding, and participation in the next year of outreach.
Sunday School- 9:45-10:45
Classes for local, national, and international mission will be offered.
Prayer Request
Pray for Trinity Outreach Celebration 2011 February 2-6.
Pray for all of the musicians and speakers.
Pray for all of our mission partners.
Pray for our participation and witness in the community during the week, and especially on the Saturday of Service.
Pray for all who will hear a call to mission and for all who are called to take the next step of faith in Christ in mission.
Pray that everyone involved in worship will make decisions for participation and funding in mission in response to the Holy Spirits urging and conviction.
Trinity Outreach Celebration
February 2-6, 2011
The Trinity Outreach Celebration is held each year to celebrate the giving and service of the church during the previous year in mission and to hear the challenges and opportunities of the coming year in outreach. During TOC 2011 you will hear inspiring messages, uplifting music, mission updates and reports and receive information on ways you may become more active in outreach in 2011.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Rest in the Lord
We continue to share devotions from various Trinity mission partners and church members as we prepare for our annual mission celebration.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28
Every child, youth or family who comes through the doors of the United Methodist Children’s Home is carrying a burden. Every child has suffered abuse, every family is experiencing hard times. We are a safe haven for them and, through the help of United Methodist church members and through Christ, we able to give them rest. Sometimes, this rest is in a very real form – a warm bed, good meal, safe home – and sometimes rest comes in less tangible ways, such as experiencing God’s forgiveness and knowing that God’s love is always with them.
It isn’t just our clients who carry burdens. Our staff, volunteers, people who donate, church members who I speak to, and really every one of us is weary and burdened. We all have an opportunity every day to show God’s graciousness to other people, and we all can turn to God, lay down our own burdens and rest in His love.
Alina Crews, Assistant Director of Public Relations & Development
The United Methodist Children’s Home
Prayer Request
(beginning of Psalm 23 re-written by a young woman at the Children’s Home)
“Right now I am going through a rough, rough time.
And sometimes I think He isn’t there.
But those times I think God isn’t there, that’s when He is the most powerful.”
Peaceful Lord, thank you for being with us and for giving us rest from our burdens. Help us to show your love and mercy to others.
Amen.
Pray for the diverse ministries of the UMCH and of our Augusta office which is led by Trinity member Thurman Norville.
UM Children's Home Mission and Ministry Update
The United Methodist Children’s Home is a connectional ministry partner of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church – we are YOUR ministry. Our mission is to provide redemptive, healing services that bring meaningful change to the lives of children and families. Grounded by scripture and the tradition of the church, we seek to bring the wholeness of God’s love to persons through Christ. We fulfill this mission at our five locations throughout north Georgia, including our office in Augusta.
The United Methodist Children’s Home has been serving children and families in crisis since opening in 1871. Originally founded as an orphanage, the Home has expanded services over the years to meet the changing needs of families in north Georgia.
The Augusta office of the Children’s Home works to make every home a safe haven for children by keeping families together and healthy. Through individual and family counseling, parenting skills classes and emergency financial assistance, the Augusta office helps many families get through crises and become healthy homes for their children.
There are more families who need emergency financial assistance than we have ever seen before. In 2009 the Augusta office provided financial assistance to 191 families and touched the lives of 435 children. Already this year, in just the first 10 months of 2010, we have served 29 more families and 47 more children than in all of 2009, and seen an 11% increase in the number of calls versus the same time period of 2009!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28
Every child, youth or family who comes through the doors of the United Methodist Children’s Home is carrying a burden. Every child has suffered abuse, every family is experiencing hard times. We are a safe haven for them and, through the help of United Methodist church members and through Christ, we able to give them rest. Sometimes, this rest is in a very real form – a warm bed, good meal, safe home – and sometimes rest comes in less tangible ways, such as experiencing God’s forgiveness and knowing that God’s love is always with them.
It isn’t just our clients who carry burdens. Our staff, volunteers, people who donate, church members who I speak to, and really every one of us is weary and burdened. We all have an opportunity every day to show God’s graciousness to other people, and we all can turn to God, lay down our own burdens and rest in His love.
Alina Crews, Assistant Director of Public Relations & Development
The United Methodist Children’s Home
Prayer Request
(beginning of Psalm 23 re-written by a young woman at the Children’s Home)
“Right now I am going through a rough, rough time.
And sometimes I think He isn’t there.
But those times I think God isn’t there, that’s when He is the most powerful.”
Peaceful Lord, thank you for being with us and for giving us rest from our burdens. Help us to show your love and mercy to others.
Amen.
Pray for the diverse ministries of the UMCH and of our Augusta office which is led by Trinity member Thurman Norville.
UM Children's Home Mission and Ministry Update
The United Methodist Children’s Home is a connectional ministry partner of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church – we are YOUR ministry. Our mission is to provide redemptive, healing services that bring meaningful change to the lives of children and families. Grounded by scripture and the tradition of the church, we seek to bring the wholeness of God’s love to persons through Christ. We fulfill this mission at our five locations throughout north Georgia, including our office in Augusta.
The United Methodist Children’s Home has been serving children and families in crisis since opening in 1871. Originally founded as an orphanage, the Home has expanded services over the years to meet the changing needs of families in north Georgia.
The Augusta office of the Children’s Home works to make every home a safe haven for children by keeping families together and healthy. Through individual and family counseling, parenting skills classes and emergency financial assistance, the Augusta office helps many families get through crises and become healthy homes for their children.
There are more families who need emergency financial assistance than we have ever seen before. In 2009 the Augusta office provided financial assistance to 191 families and touched the lives of 435 children. Already this year, in just the first 10 months of 2010, we have served 29 more families and 47 more children than in all of 2009, and seen an 11% increase in the number of calls versus the same time period of 2009!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sharing the Gospel in a Challenging Yet Open Country
Read Acts 1:1-11
Here's an update from our missionaries in Togo in west Africa. Dr. Esaho Kipuke, and his wife Beatrice, have been working in the nation for a number of years. They have an exciting ministry, and he's a dynamic speaker who is back in the states for the next few weeks sharing news of their work in their sponsor churches. Of course, there's always room for more friends who will prayer, participate, and fund the mission. We've found that the impact upon the lives and churches of mission team participants in northern Togo the last 5 years has been profound and transformative. Read their some of their story below and consider joining this adventure for God in the remote villages of the Kara, Togo region.
“We have seen God’s hand in every area of our ministries. With our limited resources, we have been able to reach out to children orphans and elderly persons, run our training center teaching girls sewing, cooking and other courses to help girls become self-sufficient. We continue to run our nursery where babies of our students are taken in care while their mothers are focusing with their studies. With the help of our van, our outreach and evangelization programs are now well knows in the area due to our showing the “Jesus” movie in very small villages.
We are anticipating the graduation of the first girls trained at our Training Center in Pya by June 2011. Girls have been doing very well especially in sewing and cooking programs. Women from neighboring villages have been attending our women’s programs at our Training Center. They have been focusing on literacy training, evangelism to others, Bible study and especially the dyeing of fabric for making clothes, sewing and cooking programs. Women have developed small groups for Bible study, visitation and the reaching out to others by home and hospital visitations.
In our personal lives, we see God in action as we are redefining “normal.” This has been a big part of our transition from the US:
* Leaving dear family and friends behind for another years,
* Living in a developing country instead of a developed country,
* Sweating it out in a “non-air conditioned” society in the hot weather,
* Persevering in the “Land of Power Cuts, Water Cuts and Bottled Gas Shortages” rather than taking those luxuries for granted… These are the bigger things.
When it seems too much, we find solace in remembering that we serve a God who doesn’t change: “... the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). And even though life can seem out of our control, thankfully, we serve a God who is in control: “What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me” (Job 23:14).
Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke
Kipuke Ministry in Togo, west Africa
Prayer Request
Pray for open hearts on our part to trust God in this huge change.
Pray that our ears will continue to understand the national languages that we hear and that we’ll be able to communicate the Gospel accordingly.
Pray with us to be even more intentional about being lights for Jesus as we encounter and interact with our unbelieving friends.
Pray that we would have courage to speak truth boldly but with humility into people’s lives.
Pray for all our donors, their families and businesses. Pray for our financial support as we seek more church partners.
Pray for the good health and the safety of our four children and our two grand-daughters left in the US
Also, pray for a mission team from Trinity on the Hill UMC that will go to Togo in June 21-30, 2011 with Dr. Vince Brawley.
Here's an update from our missionaries in Togo in west Africa. Dr. Esaho Kipuke, and his wife Beatrice, have been working in the nation for a number of years. They have an exciting ministry, and he's a dynamic speaker who is back in the states for the next few weeks sharing news of their work in their sponsor churches. Of course, there's always room for more friends who will prayer, participate, and fund the mission. We've found that the impact upon the lives and churches of mission team participants in northern Togo the last 5 years has been profound and transformative. Read their some of their story below and consider joining this adventure for God in the remote villages of the Kara, Togo region.
“We have seen God’s hand in every area of our ministries. With our limited resources, we have been able to reach out to children orphans and elderly persons, run our training center teaching girls sewing, cooking and other courses to help girls become self-sufficient. We continue to run our nursery where babies of our students are taken in care while their mothers are focusing with their studies. With the help of our van, our outreach and evangelization programs are now well knows in the area due to our showing the “Jesus” movie in very small villages.
We are anticipating the graduation of the first girls trained at our Training Center in Pya by June 2011. Girls have been doing very well especially in sewing and cooking programs. Women from neighboring villages have been attending our women’s programs at our Training Center. They have been focusing on literacy training, evangelism to others, Bible study and especially the dyeing of fabric for making clothes, sewing and cooking programs. Women have developed small groups for Bible study, visitation and the reaching out to others by home and hospital visitations.
In our personal lives, we see God in action as we are redefining “normal.” This has been a big part of our transition from the US:
* Leaving dear family and friends behind for another years,
* Living in a developing country instead of a developed country,
* Sweating it out in a “non-air conditioned” society in the hot weather,
* Persevering in the “Land of Power Cuts, Water Cuts and Bottled Gas Shortages” rather than taking those luxuries for granted… These are the bigger things.
When it seems too much, we find solace in remembering that we serve a God who doesn’t change: “... the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). And even though life can seem out of our control, thankfully, we serve a God who is in control: “What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me” (Job 23:14).
Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke
Kipuke Ministry in Togo, west Africa
Prayer Request
Pray for open hearts on our part to trust God in this huge change.
Pray that our ears will continue to understand the national languages that we hear and that we’ll be able to communicate the Gospel accordingly.
Pray with us to be even more intentional about being lights for Jesus as we encounter and interact with our unbelieving friends.
Pray that we would have courage to speak truth boldly but with humility into people’s lives.
Pray for all our donors, their families and businesses. Pray for our financial support as we seek more church partners.
Pray for the good health and the safety of our four children and our two grand-daughters left in the US
Also, pray for a mission team from Trinity on the Hill UMC that will go to Togo in June 21-30, 2011 with Dr. Vince Brawley.
TOC Mission Update Groups
Trinity Outreach Celebration 2011 is the annual mission celebration at Trinity on the Hill UMC. A favorite element of it always involves mission updates and training groups. Find below the offerings during the next week:
Togo Mission Update: Sunday School
Featuring Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke
Sunday, January 30, 9:45-10:45 AM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
+ + + + +
Togo Mission Trip Informational Meeting
Sunday, January 30, Noon- 1:00 PM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
+ + + + +
Togo Mission Update: Mission & Trip
Featuring Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke
Wednesday, February 2, 7:30-8:30 PM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
+ + + + +
Local Outreach Update
Featuring Shirley Darracott & Ann Arnette, Trinity Local Outreach Chairpersons
And Including Local Outreach Leaders
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Wesley Hall Dining Room
+ + + + +
National Outreach Update
Featuring Tim Smail, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson, & Eric Long, Roofing Ministry Leader
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Damren Class
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International Outreach Update
Featuring Dr. Vince Brawley, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson, & Marla Day-Fitzwater, Executive Director of American Caribbean Experience (ACE) Jamaica
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Open Door Class
Togo Mission Update: Sunday School
Featuring Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke
Sunday, January 30, 9:45-10:45 AM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
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Togo Mission Trip Informational Meeting
Sunday, January 30, Noon- 1:00 PM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
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Togo Mission Update: Mission & Trip
Featuring Esaho & Beatrice Kipuke
Wednesday, February 2, 7:30-8:30 PM
Wesley Hall, Dining Room
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Local Outreach Update
Featuring Shirley Darracott & Ann Arnette, Trinity Local Outreach Chairpersons
And Including Local Outreach Leaders
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Wesley Hall Dining Room
+ + + + +
National Outreach Update
Featuring Tim Smail, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson, & Eric Long, Roofing Ministry Leader
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Damren Class
+ + + + +
International Outreach Update
Featuring Dr. Vince Brawley, Trinity International Outreach Chairperson, & Marla Day-Fitzwater, Executive Director of American Caribbean Experience (ACE) Jamaica
Sunday, February 6, 9:45-10:45 AM, Open Door Class
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Community Work Day
An important part of our annual mission celebration at my church includes a Saturday morning workday. You can imagine that it can be a little bit of a challenge to get folk to give up a morning, but it is a VERY rewarding experience as children, teenagers, and adults pitch in to make a difference in our local community. We try to offer a variety of projects so that a person of any skill or interest level can get a taste of community mission work. I need captains for different groups who can coordinate with me and your team, as well as a good number of participants who can work Saturday, February 5, from 9AM-12Noon. We'll gather at the church between 8-8:30 that morning for some hot coffee, a devotion & song, building teams, and then a send off. Of course, if you live closer to the worksite you can go straight to the location for the 9AM start for work. We can work easily 150-200 people that day with the current project list. See below basic information and then go to the link for more details and to sign up. Sign up online or on the work clipboard near the Worship Center on Sunday morning.
GoodWill Book Sorting- book sorting
Golden Harvest Food Bank- sorting food
ConKerr Cancer Pillowcase Project- sewing
Photographer/Videographer- capture stories and images
Welcome/Information Team- give directions and help with administration
Augusta Rescue Mission- sort clothing
Interfaith Hospitality Network- painting
Blythe UMC Cemetery Cleanup
Augusta Urban Ministries Bike Project- disassemble old donated bikes
Augusta Urban Ministries Bed Frame Building Project- help put 100 donated twin mattresses to work
Augusta Canal Cleanup- clean up a section of the canal, weather permitting
Lydia Project House Cleanup- volunteer maid service
Neighborhood Cleanup near TOTH-
Visitation Teams-- visit in a local nursing home
UMCOR Kit Assembly- put health kits together
Online Signup
GoodWill Book Sorting- book sorting
Golden Harvest Food Bank- sorting food
ConKerr Cancer Pillowcase Project- sewing
Photographer/Videographer- capture stories and images
Welcome/Information Team- give directions and help with administration
Augusta Rescue Mission- sort clothing
Interfaith Hospitality Network- painting
Blythe UMC Cemetery Cleanup
Augusta Urban Ministries Bike Project- disassemble old donated bikes
Augusta Urban Ministries Bed Frame Building Project- help put 100 donated twin mattresses to work
Augusta Canal Cleanup- clean up a section of the canal, weather permitting
Lydia Project House Cleanup- volunteer maid service
Neighborhood Cleanup near TOTH-
Visitation Teams-- visit in a local nursing home
UMCOR Kit Assembly- put health kits together
Online Signup
Not Alone in the World
Read Micah 6:8
Find below part of a letter written from a recipient of our compassion funding at Christmas in Project Immanuel. Our attempt was to identify friends of members of the congregation who might have great needs, but who were suffering in isolation. Attached to the note expressing the mom’s gratitude was a handwritten note from her son. The child wrote: “Thank you so much for the gifts… They made my mama so happy she cried. It was very nice of you.”
The boy’s mother wrote:
“ I am not sure that I can find the words to express how grateful I am for the Christmas gifts. I never expected to ever receive such a wonderful gift in my life. It came at a time when I was feeling pretty low and alone. Being an only child, I feel lost and alone since my parent’s passed, especially during this season. And, being a single mother doesn’t leave much time for social interaction with friends.
I don’t know if you are aware, but, 2010 has been a rough year for me, with major changes. God has brought me through tough days and continues to be there to hold my hand.
I had prayed that He would show me how I was going to make it through Christmas and get clothes and surprises for my son; not to mention being able to buy food. Not only did your gifts help me buy food, clothes, necessities and some presents, it made me feel that I am not so alone in this world; that, there are people who care about us. I can never thank you enough for that.
Prayer Request
Pray that we will be aware of those in our circle of relationships, friendships, and acquaintances who may feel lost… alone… hopeless… praying for help. Pray that God may God use you to be an answer to someone’s prayer.
Find below part of a letter written from a recipient of our compassion funding at Christmas in Project Immanuel. Our attempt was to identify friends of members of the congregation who might have great needs, but who were suffering in isolation. Attached to the note expressing the mom’s gratitude was a handwritten note from her son. The child wrote: “Thank you so much for the gifts… They made my mama so happy she cried. It was very nice of you.”
The boy’s mother wrote:
“ I am not sure that I can find the words to express how grateful I am for the Christmas gifts. I never expected to ever receive such a wonderful gift in my life. It came at a time when I was feeling pretty low and alone. Being an only child, I feel lost and alone since my parent’s passed, especially during this season. And, being a single mother doesn’t leave much time for social interaction with friends.
I don’t know if you are aware, but, 2010 has been a rough year for me, with major changes. God has brought me through tough days and continues to be there to hold my hand.
I had prayed that He would show me how I was going to make it through Christmas and get clothes and surprises for my son; not to mention being able to buy food. Not only did your gifts help me buy food, clothes, necessities and some presents, it made me feel that I am not so alone in this world; that, there are people who care about us. I can never thank you enough for that.
Prayer Request
Pray that we will be aware of those in our circle of relationships, friendships, and acquaintances who may feel lost… alone… hopeless… praying for help. Pray that God may God use you to be an answer to someone’s prayer.
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