February 2002 News Archive

February 22, 2002

Guelph, Ontario. Pastor Brian Magnus writes: "This is shaping up to be a giant year for the Parkwood Gardens church in Guelph. The theme for the year is 'Building to Code,' because we're trying to both double our church space and double our congregation. A groundbreaking service for our building expansion is planned for May 5, and we hope to be using our newly-doubled facilities for expanded ministry by September.

"The congregation is growing, too. Twenty-seven new adult members were recently received into membership, and ten more were baptized. Two men's outreach events were planned around the Super Bowl and Daytona 500. The games were shown live via satellite and projected onto a 12-x-12-foot screen, along with all the chili and snacks you could eat. For the Daytona 500, there was 60 feet of four-lane slot car track set up at the back of the room and a giant Hot Wheels track as well. Nascar Playstation games were also going, so there was always something to do besides watching the race. Unsaved friends were invited and relationships established."

The stated vision of Parkwood Gardens is, "To be a growing, healthy church family, providing a creative, caring and contemporary environment in which to equip and enable people to win our world for Christ." We exist "To Impact People for Christ."

Columbus, Ohio. Edith B. Lust passed away Thursday, February 21. She is the mother of Rev. Robert Lust, pastor of First UB in Columbus. Her viewing is Sunday, February 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio. Funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, February 25, at the Funeral home at 10:00.

February 19, 2002

Somewhere in West Africa. Gary Dilley, Director of Global Ministries, left for Sierra Leone on Saturday, February 16. He flew out of Chicago with former UB missionary Dr. Ron Baker and Ron's son, Jeff. One flight was delayed because of mechanical problems. Then, upon reaching Ghana, more problems arose. Gary sent this email on Monday, February 18: "We are in Accra, waiting for a possible flight to Sierra Leone tonight. Ghana Airways is in trouble, and may be near bankruptcy. The plane from New York had been impounded for lack of payment. If we get a plane (which is a big if), we are leaving from Accra at 9:00 tonight (Accra time)."

UPDATE (3:12 p.m. Wednesday): Word was received that Rev. Dilley and the Bakers arrived in Freetown at 3:00 a.m. this morning.

Macau. Byrdena Shuneman left on Tuesday for Macau, where she will serve as a volunteer until the middle of June. This is her second stint as a volunteer in Macau. She also served there last year.

Jana Hoobler reports that they are advertising for the new English Language Term this week. Classes will begin on February 26th. "Pray that God will bring in students who are open to the gospel," she writes.

Fountain Hills, Ariz. Gordon and Judy Rahn serve stateside with Paraclete, a mission to the Muslim world. On February 15, Gordon wrote, "Judy and I are traveling to Portland, Oregon, tomorrow (Friday, February 16) for the Sunday wedding of our youngest son, Nathan, and his bride to be, Terra. We will be meeting Terra for the first time tomorrow. Nathan completes his electronics training with the Marine Corps soon and transfers to a unit at Camp Pendleton in March. He expects a two-week leave between assignments to get moved and settled.

"Judy is now settled into her new job at a skilled nursing center here in Fountain Hills. She traded in a 12-mile commute each way for a one-mile commute and fewer patients to care for."

Holly Hill, Fla. The CrossWorks Ministries has become an official ministry of Daytona UB as of December 17. The church board approved the mission and ministry model for The CrossWorks Ministries. They are now a 501c3 organization operating within the Daytona church. The CrossWorks offers web-based church management tools, internet filtering, and education on Internet technology for ministry.

February 18, 2002

St. Petersburg, Russia. Deb Siegel, a partial-support Wycliffe missionary (with husband John) in Russia, writes: "The real diehard Super Bowl fans are over here in St. Petersburg. Every year, a goodly number of the American high-schoolers, their parents, and (only occasionally) their teachers make the trek to a benevolent restaurant in town to watch the Super Bowl live: 2:00--6:30 a.m. our time here in Russia This year the game was exciting enough to provide the extra adrenalin to come to school afterwards, but they still did a bit of snoozing during John's Bible class."

Port Elgin, Ontario. Bob Cotie, pastor of Shiloh UB, writes about a new outreach the church started. "We have been praying for just over a year now that God would show us how to touch our community and lead others to Christ. In September, we renovated space in a downtown mall and started holding `Spaghetti Nights' every Monday night. We offer a great meal of spaghetti, salad, rolls and dessert, and ask just a $1 donation. We are now averaging about 110 people every week and are building good contacts with many regulars."

Bob also writes of a new church being started in Port Elgin. "In November, we started holding Saturday evening services in the same space. These services are of an informal nature, with cafe tables, conversational, question-answer type teaching, lots of testimony, and worship. We had 25 out this past Saturday. The church plant is called Living Hope Christian Centre, and God has been bringing us much encouragement and confirmation.

"We hosted a community Christmas dinner at Living Hope and ended up serving 285 people. Much of the ministry we have felt called to allows us to make contacts, build relationships, establish a good reputation with the community, and quietly present the love of Jesus through puppetry, banners, and inviting people to other events like Bible study, etc. We are also hoping to start a youth drop-in centre in the same mall and see a Christian bookstore established there as well. It's been exciting to see church people come alive as God leads, provides, equips, confirms, and so richly blesses those who give as well as those who receive."

Ayr, Ontario. Roseville UB is trying something new, says Pastor Randy Magnus. "For three months, beginning February 3, we are trying a new format for Sunday mornings. Through Healthy Church and Natural Church Development seminars, the church recognized a need to facilitate a higher level of connectedness in the congregation to foster loving relationships. Since potluck dinners and coffee after church only reaches a percentage of the congregation, we chose to create a connecting time during the worship service. Worship now begins at 10:30 instead of 11:00. After some praise and worship songs, testimonies, dramas or such, everyone takes a twelve-minute break to fellowship with one another. Coffee and juice are provided in the vestibule. Sunday school has been moved to coincide with worship and alleviate some strain on overworked volunteers who were doing double duty with children. So far our trial is going well. The less formal feel to the morning also seems more visitor friendly."

Hillsdale, Mich. The Hillsdale UB church is constructing an office in the church for Doug Bowman, the Intervarsity Director of Hillsdale College. Doug teaches a Christian Life group for the local collegians at the church on Sunday morning. Three years ago, no collegians attended Hillsdale's services. So far this school year, over 10 percent of the students at Hillsdale College (slightly larger than Huntington College) have visited the church, and many have become regular attenders.

On Sunday, January 27, Pastor Les Smith delivered his annual state-of-the-church address in which he challenged the congregation to envision 100 conversions for Christ each year. Last year, there were 100 conversions and baptisms combined, as the congregation grew one-third and added a third service. Bishop Paul Hirschy asked to briefly address the congregation in all three services. The Bishop expressed appreciation for the example the congregation is setting for others within the denomination and rejoiced in the 150 conversions of the last three years.

Willshire, Ohio. The Zion and Willshire UB churches are joining to present a "Couples Conference" via a live satellite downlink on April 19-20. The conference will be held in Branson, Mo., and will be broadcast via satellite to cooperating sites around the country. The conference will include such speakers as Gary Smalley, James and Shirley Dobson, Dr. Tony Evans, and several other speakers who are prominent in couples ministries. The churches are excited about providing this ministry outreach to the church families, those in neighboring churches and the community. For information or registrations, people may contact either of the churches at 419-495-2074.

Bishop Emeritus George Weaver died Friday afternoon, February 15, 2002. He had suffered a heart attack on February 6, and endured other heart-related problems over the years. He served as bishop from 1969-1977, and went on to serve as President of Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Findlay, Ohio. He was born in Pixley, Calif., and pastored the Otterbein UB church in Waynesboro, Pa., when he was elected bishop.

Bishop Weaver was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, who died January 29, 2001, of cancer.

The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 20, at the White Oak Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is located at 3675 Blue Rock Road. Church phone: 513-385-0425.

The viewing will be held Tuesday night, 6-8 p.m., at the Paul Young Funeral Home in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. Address: 7345 Hamilton Ave. Phone: 513-521-9303. Mt. Healthy is a suburb on the north side of Cincinnati, but inside the beltway.

Viewing will also be held 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, prior to the funeral service.

February 14, 2002

India. Our couple in India sent a report about a fire at Narsapur Christian Hospital on February 6. "In the mission hospital, we have three surgical operating rooms. On February 6 at 12:30 noon, a C-section was going on in one operating room, and the neonate was taken out. At that time the air conditioner short-circuited and ignited the plastic and insulation, producing black smoke. The fire continued in spite of switching off the electricity. All the other operating rooms had smoke, which found its way in under the doors. The patient with the open abdomen was moved right away to the recovery room, where the surgery was completed. Very promptly fire engines came and put off the flames. The patient and the newborn are well.

"We thank the Lord that all the staff, including a patient waiting for surgery, are all safe. There was no false ceiling in the operating room, which could have caused a lot of damage. The oxygen, anesthetic gas and cooking gas cylinders were spared. This could have caused a major explosion and a lot of damage.

"Some of the equipment like, split air conditioners, operating room light, Boyles apparatus, tubes, etc., were damaged. Some of the operating room staff had the presence of mind and broke the glass window for the escape of the black smoke. Within hours we got the third operating room ready for emergency surgeries. We hope to resume the other two operating rooms in a week or two.

"The patient, a Hindu lady who was under spinal anesthesia while undergoing surgery, could see the fire accident. She said, with great gratitude, "I was never left alone, and all the staff risked their lives to save me and my child."

"I am thankful that the newspaper reporters did not write this for publicity, which could have caused some problems for me as superintendent. I shudder to think what could have happened if there were burns and damage to life from the fire."

New Albany, Ohio. A number of interesting things have happened at Franklin UB since the year began.

On New Year's Eve, 12 high schoolers participated in an overnight lock-in. At 3:00 a.m. they went to a local White Castle and had a White Castle eating contest (49 cent hamburger, a.ka. "ratburger/bellybomber/slider"). Pastor Mike Brown out-ate them all with 12 in 10 minutes. His record is 22 in 15 minutes. He boasts that his overall record in challenges is now 4-1. The only youth to ever beat him ate 18, Mike ate 17 but the youth member threw-up out in the parking lot afterwards.
On February 3, ten youth attended a Super Bowl party.
On February 16-17, HC professor Luke Fetters led a seminar on pastoral care for the Care Ministry program of Franklin. Over the past 12 years, Care Ministry has mailed over 1100 cards of encouragement and made over 500 visits. On Sunday, February 17, Rev. Fetters brought a Huntington College and UB Missions update, and also delivered the morning message, challenging the congregation to greater missions involvement.
On April 11-22, Pastor Mike will lead a team to the Philippines for a five-day evangelistic crusade in the northern area of Luzon. The team will join-up with their hosts in Manila who will be translators and make all the local arrangements. It is also hoped that, through Campus Crusade Philippines or Athletes in Action, exhibition basketball games will be arranged for witnessing opportunities.

Columbus, Ohio. First UB is having a special day of music on April 7. The Huntington College Worship Team will perform in the morning serve at 11 a.m. Then, at 6:30, harpist Eduard Klassen will give a concert. Klassen, an internationally-known concert harpist from Canada, presented a program at last summer's UB Women's Convention in Huntington, Ind. The church welcomes visitors to attend these performances.

Fort Wayne, Ind. Kathy Bruce of Emmanuel UB in Fort Wayne writes: "Our church small group, called 'Walk by Faith,' tured its annual Christmas party into a ministry event. They invited two families from Emmanuel who have dedicated themselves to foster parenting to take a Sunday and give us their kids. We paid for the parents to enjoy a lunch out, by themselves, and then we fed their kids, all 18 of them, between the two families. Then we made Christmas gifts with the kids to give as gifts to family members or friends, including 'Krackers' to enjoy at their Christmas dinner. We played games, baked cookies, and had a great afternoon together. Then the refreshed parents arrived and we had all the crafts and added gift certificates to grocery stores and gas stations in a basket gift to them. It was a great way to encourage these foster parents who said the lunch out alone was such a treat to them."

Hong Kong. Peter K. K. Lee, Superintendet of Hong Kong, sent the following note upon learning of the death of Leona Reahm, widow of former Overseas Bishop Duane Reahm. "It is so sad to learn that Mrs. Leona Reahm passed away. We in Hong Kong Conference would like to express our deep sympathy to Bishop Reahm's family. Bishop Reahm and Mrs. Leona Reahm had visited Hong Kong, gave us a lot of encouragement. We believe that God will remember their loyalty in ministry and bless their generation."

Pima, Ariz. Ronnie Gonzales, pastor of Open Bible Fellowship, writes: "On February 4-6, we had a group from California come to do school assemblies and a Wednesday night outreach. We were able to go into our high school and junior high school and do another assembly for four private schools combined. On Wednesday night there were approximately 300 in attendance with nearly 50 youth responding to the altar call. The group is called 'Master's Commission.' We will be starting up our own group in Safford this coming September."

Holly Hill, Fla. Matt McKeown, youth minister, writes: "We here at the UB church in Holly Hill are involved in a project that is certainly bigger than we are. We are doing an original musical for Easter. It's a Broadway-type production with an original orchestral score, original vocal numbers, and an original script. It focuses on the affect Jesus had on the lives of those around him. The script was written by Deronda Meyer, the music was written by me, and it's being directed by Clark Adams and Debbie McCain. CDs of the soundtrack and videos of the play will be available.

"If anyone's interested in starting next year's Easter preparations early and you'd like to perform this play, the script, sheet music, and musical tracks can be made available. Or people can just get the video and/or soundtrack for their own enjoyment and encouragement. You can contact the church at 386-677-6940.

Mid-Atlantic Conference. Chris Mullet, a church planter in Clarksburg, W. Va., writes: "The Mid-Atlantic Conference has adopted a new strategy for church multiplication under Superintendent Anthony Blair's leadership. Part of that strategy was to create several Church Multiplication Initiatives throughout the conference. I've been made director of the West Virginia Church Multiplication Initiative."

February 13, 2002

Byron Center, Mich. A group of nine men and women from Banner of Christ UB spent October 23-31 in Guatemala City. They helped build a much needed medical facility there.

Betty McGinnis, a familiar name to many UB missionaries around the world, passed away December 1. She had faithfully corresponded with numerous UB missionaries for many, many years. She was a long time member of the Banner of Christ church.

Camden, Mich. New Hope UB is looking for a part-time (20-25 hours per week) senior pastor. The position doesn't include benefits, but does include a parsonage. The starting date: as soon as possible. Contact: Ted Huffman, Personnel Relations Commission Chairman, 3271 West Burt Road, Camden, MI 49232. Phone: 517-368-5466

Grandville, Mich. Steve Eastman will conclude his ministry at Maple Hill UB on February 28. Steve is working with the new pastor, Howard Matthews, until the end of February. The Eastmans will continue to reside in the Grand Rapids area, but and will not be pastoring at this time. Howard Matthews came to Michigan Conference from a successful Methodist church plant in the Detroit area.

Clarksburg, W. Va. Living Water Church celebrated the one year anniversary of its first morning worship service with a banquet. Pastor Chris Mullet writes, "Though the snow kept about 25 people away and Dave Kisamore (UB minister on leave) and family were kept away by Caleb's (age 4) broken big toe, we still managed an attendance of 59. It was good to reflect on what God has done in the lives of people over the past year. He has truly blessed us as we've grown in Him, grown toward each other, and grown in number.

"However, our focus was more toward the future. Our theme for 2002, 'Making More and Better Disciples,' was introduced to the congregation. An emphasis on outreach and evangelism was introduced to make 'More' disciples, while a new model for small groups and education was introduced to make 'Better' disciples.

"Our church averaged 62 in worship during 2001, and so far in 2002 we're running 50% ahead of last year (66 versus 43 last January and 81 versus 55 last February). We hope to become a full-member congregation at Mid-Atlantic Annual Conference in May."

Pasadena, Calif. Partial-support missionary Dave Datema has accepted a new position with the US Center for World Mission. During his first two years with the organization, he was the Greater Los Angeles Regional Representative in the Mobilication Division. But on August 1, 2001, he began serving as Personal Assistant to Dr. Ralph Winter, the founder of the Center. In this role he helps Dr. Winter with his many projects and ideas.

His first assignment in this capacity is to be the Program Director for INSIGHT. INSIGHT stands for the INtensive Study of Integrated Global History and Theology. It is a distance-based study program for college freshmen, giving them a solid mission worldview as a framework for their further studies. The pilot version of INSIGHT is being offered now, with six students on campus, in order to refine it for its future use.

Dr. Winter has also asked Dave to help facilitate the Center's planning process. This means that he helps guide the leadership toward a common articulation of vision, mission, etc. Finally, Dave plays a role on campus as a meeting planner. Each Thursday night mobilizers and missionaries meet for "Frontier Fellowship" to share their experiences and stories. Dave schedules the speakers and organizes the set-up crews. Dave also plans "Missiology," a bi-semi-monthly lecture format meeting in which mission leaders, practitioners, and scholars speak on missions strategies and trends.

Outside of work, Dave is on the Missions Education and Training Team at the church he attends. He is also a member of the Global Ministries Leadership Team for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. This involves chairing a subcommittee on Local Church Mobilization.

Cathie spends most of her time at home caring for children Cuyler (8) and Callie (3). Due to premature birth, Cuyler has multiple handicaps and requires special care. Aside from that, Cathie spent their first two years with the US Center filling curriculum orders for the University 3-4 hours per week. As of October, Cathie accepted a temporary position working 10-15 hours per week in the Registrar's office. This will go through February, 2002. While Cathie is at the office, Dave is able to be home with the children.

Van Wert, Ohio. Robert Edinger sent this item from First UB in Van Wert. "Through the financial generosity of the parishioners, complimented with professional and volunteer physical labor, we have promoted and completed the structuring of a handicapped accessible restroom within the projected one-year period. This project also included the renovation of abandoned stairwells into much needed storage space.

"Using monies derived from homemade caramel sales as a funding base, we are currently seeking a youth pastor who is living within driving distance of Van Wert. Interested persons should contact Pastor McCune at the church: 419-232-2020."

Dayton, Iowa. McGuire Bend UB presented a Christmas program called "Home for the Holidays" on December 1. Young and old alike sat around the fireplace on rockers, dressed in pajamas and wrapped in quilts, sang songs, and did readings about Christmas in other countries.

Carson City, Mich. Roger Burk has been assigned to the Mt. Hope UB church near Carson City. He will be taking over from Pastor Larry Clark, who is retiring. A pastor is being sought to replace Rev. Burk at Mt. Morris UB church in Mt. Morris, Mich.

Fort Wayne, Ind. Daniel Friend was hired as an intern in Worship and Music at Emmanuel Community Church effective January 3.

February 11, 2002

Death of Leona Reahm. Leona Reahm, the widow of former bishop Duane Reahm, passed away at 12:07 Sunday afternoon, February 10. The funeral will be held at 3:30 on Wednesday, February 13, at the Cowan and Sons Funeral Home in Van Wert, Ohio. The funeral home is located at 616 South Washington in Van Wert.

Viewing will be from 1:30 - 3:30 just before the service on Wednesday. The family has emphasized that they prefer that, instead of flowers, any memorials take the form of gifts to the building fund of College Park UB church in Huntington, Ind. (1945 College Avenue, Huntington, Ind. 46750).

Duane Reahm served as Director of Missions 1961-1969, Bishop of the East District 1969-1973, and then Bishop of the Overseas District 1973-1981. He retired in 1981, and passed away a few years later.

Cincinnati, Ohio. Bishop Emeritus George Weaver suffered a heart attack on Wednesday, February 6. He received a heart catheterization on Thursday. According to doctors, only one artery is open, and it is partially blocked. He is not doing well, according to reports.

Bishop Weaver is at the Mercy Franciscan Western Hills hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Telephone: 513-389-5602. George Weaver served as bishop from 1969 to 1977.

Byron Center, Mich. A group of nine men and women from Banner of Christ UB spent October 23-31 in Guatemala City. They helped build a much needed medical facility there.

STUMP 2002. The 2002 Summer Teen United Missions Program is in need of teen males for this summer's missions project in Jamaica. The team is still being selected. If you know of teens who might be interested in joining STUMP this year, please contact: STUMP, 302 Lake St., Huntington, IN 46750. Toll-free: 1-888-622-3019.

California Conference. Sam Quinn, superintendent of California Conference, reports on several Hispanic churches.

Ricardo Rivera is starting a new church in Sacramento.
Daniel Castillo and his group are moving into the church at Lakewood to share the facility with the Open Arms UB anglo congregation. Sam reports, "Rev Castillo has a group of about 60 members and is wanting to become a part of our conference to help us in our ministry to the Hispanic communities."
The Hispanic church in Simi Valley is growing fast and is already in need of a larger facility.
The Hispanic church at Burbank is also growing fast and outgrowing its building.
Eduardo Ruano in San Fernando is returning to the California Conference with his church.

Waynesboro, Pa. Rev. Mike Newman, pastor of the Otterbein UB church in Waynesboro, sent this tip for UB churches looking for a place to host a church website: "Last fall, I was exposed to a business called E-Zekiel. Basically, it is a Christian business that helps churches get on the web in an easy and affordable way. It is very easy and very cost effective.

"At the end of 2001, the company hosting our site went under (part of the dotcom crash) and we were forced to consider moving our site. We decided to give this a shot and it has been very nice. It is easy to use (for the most part) and allows for people to do the website without Microsoft Frontpage or other computer geek programs. People can get online for as low as $20 per month. They have different levels for different needs.

"The website for the business is www.e-zekiel.com. People can also get a feel for it by looking at our site (www.otterbeinchurch.org). We are still in the process of getting a few things updated, but so far I am please with our progress."

Michigan Conference. Michigan Conference has a new website at: www.michiganub.com

Among UB People

Rev. Bill Miller, California Conference secretary and former pastor of Victory Celebration Center in Burbank, Calif., underwent triple bypass surgery on Friday, February 1.
James Mack was hired as part-time youth pastor at Ebenezer UB (Greencastle, Pa.).
Rick Everswick is now Associate Pastor for Spiritual Development at Otterbein UB (Waynesboro, Pa.). He began serving in that position in January.
Homer Knox is no longer the director of Rhodes Grove Camp in Chambersburg, Pa.
Whitey Evers, a lay leader in California Conference and former General Conference delegate, is doing well in recovering from double bypass surgery.
Daniel Friend was hired as an intern in Worship and Music at Emmanuel Community Church effective January 3.

Macau. Jana Hoobler sent these news items from Macau. She is director of the Macau mission.

Melissa Hull came to the States in early January for her grandfather's funeral. An uncle passed away before Christmas. Melissa returned to Macau on January 20. Since Jennifer Blandin left on furlough just before Christmas, Jana found herself as the only member of the missionary team still in Macau.
Pat Boyd, a six-week volunteer, arrived in Macau on Sunday, January 6. She stayed by herself in Melissa's apartment while Melissa was in the States. She proved to be a big help during her stay. She has now returned to McDowell Mission in West Virginia, where she serves as a ministry assistant.
Jana writes, "We have already exceeded our goal of raising $10,000 (US) toward Living Word's move to a better location. We are still encouraging people to give, as there is still a need for funds for this project.
Jennifer Blandin arrived safely in the States in time to surprise her father and brothers for Christmas. "Jen and I love living and working together, so I'm missing her lots! She's taking some Masters courses and will be starting deputation soon."
"Our Friday morning Bible study continues to grow both in number and in spiritual depth. Praise the Lord for this group of women who come together each week to study the Bible. Please especially pray for Kathy, Suki, Grace, Dezung, and Veronica, that they would come to accept Christ as their personal Savior."
"Living Word Church's remodeling at its new location is nearly completed. Pray that the Education Department will approve our facilities for tutoring classes and ELP classes. Also pray that much-needed funds will continue to come in. Pastor Connie Sung is swamped with many details concerning the remodeling and registration processes."
"Pray for Zoey and Rachel, two ELP students. I started meeting with them last week for Bible study. Due to their work schedule, they aren't able to attend any of our regularly scheduled studies or worship services. Zoey is a Christian, but Rachel is not."
"The Christmas breakfast for our morning Bible study was kind of a disappointment. A few of the ladies got mixed up on the date, so they came a day late, and I wasn't even home when they came! I am thankful, though, that they've all been back to our Friday Bible Study. That group is growing."
Living Word did an outreach even at the hospital, and it went well. A Children's Fellowship Christmas party was also very successful, with close to 30 children attending. Says Jana, "I couldn't believe how well-behaved they were! It's miraculous when they're very well-behaved!"
"The Christmas worship service at Living Word also went well. I was especially touched when our pastor told me that the mother of two boys who attend faithfully told her that she'd planned to take them to China that day to see their father. However, both boys cried and said, 'We HAVE to go to church today. We're singing in the choir, and we're going to be in the Bible competition!' So...the mother (who's not a Christian) agreed to wait until the next day to go to China, even though she knew her husband would probably get angry. She came along to church with her boys."
"Christmas caroling at Living Word Church was a fun (and rather comical) event. We walked along in pairs singing Christmas carols, and when people got tired of singing, one of the church members just turned on a cassette player he was carrying with a tape of George Beverly Shea booming out Christmas carols! Then we'd stop and hand out gifts to those who walked by. It was good to see church members and children from the church reaching out to the neighborhood together.
"On Christmas evening, my Sunday Bible study group came over for a simple Christmas dinner. I'd prepared little stockings for them, and they said they were the first Christmas gifts they'd ever received. I was able to share the gospel with them using the story of the candy cane."
"Pray for our church members during Chinese New Year. This is one of the biggest times of the year for idolatry to be practiced, as people seek a blessing for the new year from the Chinese 'gods.' Pray that our church members will hold steady in their faith and be a good testimony to their families during the holiday."