Foursquare Missions

Thailand August 2010 Update by Andy and Christina Opie

2010-08-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

We are preparing to return to Thailand after our furlough, a great time of connecting and refreshing with all of you on our ministry team. We are so grateful for a great group of churches, family and friends that partner with us to make transformational changes in the lives of people in Thailand. We are able to serve without distraction, because each of you joins with us to see the vision of God fulfilled in Thailand. Even though we left for Thailand three years ago, it was almost six years ago when God connected our hearts with the Thai people.

In the late fall of 2004, we were scouting Bangkok, Thailand as a potential place to serve overseas and see God’s call to mission accomplished in our life. We wanted to know what the city would be like, the food, the transportation and meet the people we would serve with. We enjoyed the food, city and bustle of life; acknowledged the heat we needed to become accustomed to; and learned to navigate the transportation. We even took a water taxi, which should be called a water boat the way people jam into the narrow and long wooden boat that motors up and down the rivers and canals. In Thailand, as with many other cultures, there is always “room for one more”, so we would squeeze to the side and squish to allow another passenger. The Thais riding with us always look on with curiosity when we ride the boat as the foreigners rarely take this working class form of transportation.

Toward the end of our brief visit, we took the boat across town to visit the center where Our Home Chapel meets and the English School holds classes. We wanted to meet Kelly and Angie Hilderbrand, the senior missionaries and founder of the Foursquare church in Bangkok, and see the ministry center. Andy had ridden the boat several times, but in no way was he used to getting in and out of the low level boat. The step down from the dock to the boat changes depending on the location of the pier. Sometimes the step is shallow and other times the step is steep; uniformity does not describe the way things are built in Bangkok. Each time, Andy grabbed tight to the rope that ran along the tarp roof of the boat. And looked to step into the boat cautiously not to step on other passengers. Then he could find his way to a seat. To increase the difficulty of getting onto the boat, or maybe it is to speed things along for efficiency; the boats never fully stop at the dock. They just keep floating through as everyone jumps in and out.

When we were getting off near Our Home Center, Tina and her father grabbed Andy’s arms to hoist him easily out of the boat and onto the dock. They were pulling him up while all the Thai people looked on with eyes wide open. They wondered how this would work and wished they could help in some way, but since we didn’t speak Thai they couldn’t help us. They kept watching with their eyes fixed on the scene of Andy being pulled onto the dock by two people not familiar with the moving boat. As the boat slowly floated through the stop, they pulled him up and onto the dock not realizing they now were right next to one of the posts on the pier. Andy came up smack into that post, head on.

At that moment, all the bystanders gasped. Their hearts went out to the foreigner with a bump on his head reminding him of the trip that morning. Andy made believe he was okay, shook his head, and walked it off. They went on to see the ministry center. However, something in that process settled in Andy’s heart. He could have easily said this country would be too hard to live in. He could have allowed this to be an easy excuse to go home and never come back. Instead, he resolved to learn from this mistake and not allow a knock on the head to stop him. When he remembers that incident, all he remembers now is how the Thai people wished to help so much. They cared for a perfect stranger. Our hearts inseparably connected with the Thai people in that moment.
Thank you again for being a part of our ministry team to see the Thai nation changed one life at a time.

Indonesia Youth Revival 2010 by Dr. Jerry Stott

2010-07-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Over the past two weeks we have been holding youth revival meetings in a few different locations in Indonesia. The place I just left in Sulawesi was incredible! It seems that the Holy Spirit is moving in a greater way than I've ever experienced before. This last week seemed to be like something you would only read about in the Book of Acts. During this time, thousands responded to the Lord over the week of meetings that were held in a very remote area. From my estimation, there were somewhere around 3000 that came to be filled with the Holy Spirit, during two different altar calls. Just before I caught my flight back to Jakarta, we held a baptismal service right by the Crusades location. In two hours time we had already baptized over 400 people, before I had to leave to catch my flight. They estimated that by the weekend it would be over a thousand baptized.

Global Leadership Training Network

2010-07-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Foursquare Missions International celebrated its first Global Leadership Training Network in Atlanta this year for three days during the 2010 Foursquare Connection. The GLTN is a leadership development program for top national leaders and board members of national Foursquare Churches around the world. The Network’s initiative is to engage current and future national leaders in training and consultation encounters designed to assist them in providing culturally relevant leadership to their national movements. The goal is for that leadership to allow for long range Kingdom expansion through the Foursquare church, while at the same time providing some networking and mentoring in top leadership focus.

GLTN in Atlanta had more than 42 leaders present and 27 countries were represented. It was a powerful time of sharing and learning as one global community. We are grateful for the support and please pray for us as we get ready to have a GLTN in Israel this coming Fall 2010.

The Heart of Africa by Dan Lucero

2010-06-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

There is not another swarth of geography where I minister where I see more potential and more challenges (the Sudan - Darfur region blends into Central Africa!) for growth and change. The area of Central Africa is Huge - nestled in the heart of the Continent and comprised principally of The two Congos - Brazzaville and Kinshasa (the ex Belgium Congo which is alone the size of all Western Europe!), Chad (at the northern end) The Central African Republic, Gabon and Cameroon. With in these nations there are numerous peoples and tribes still to reach! to serve ! to help!

From the north to south of this area ethic division and conflict, war, poverty, civil instability, areas of un-matched beauty and natural wealth, as well as radical religious manifestations reign.

So what to do when the only airline that flies between Bangui (capital of The Central Africa Republic) and N'Djamena (capital of Chad) disappears overnight? I had set up very very key and strategic meetings to try to work through major problems in both places... The Chadian National Airline did have only one plane! so kinda a precarious adventure and plan from the get go... ultimately you improvise - and the 1700 Km trip I had to plan at the last second on the ground allowed me to travel overland where after many nights in the open (and only 6 blown tires!) I felt to intimately touch in some small way and be touched by this place where millions of often forgotten people live ... The over-land trip was longer b/c we had to avoid rebel areas as well as cross a few borders (which takes hours and hours). Long-story short the results were I believe significant - as I could help process some major hurdles/issues with indigenous and missionary people that were blocking the advancement of works in both these two countries and connect with Cameroon....

Please, please pray for Chad - it is a young pioneer work that we have in the capital of N'Djamena - vast potential and needs - tremendous help/potential in a key orphanage there... Chad also strategically borders and gateways into a vast area of great need! I didn't take many pics... it just wasn't that kind of trip... and people don't like cameras here... but still, here are a few:

Pastor Michael Jackson by Paul Greer

2010-06-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks later I was preaching in the middle of the 9-mile settlement. Pastor Michael Jackson (that’s right, he’s not dead, he’s pastoring a Foursquare church in a settlement in PNG) has recently taken over this church and he has doubled the church attendance in 6 weeks!! Praise the Lord. 11 people got saved that morning as I preached God’s word on the importance of how God rewards us for what we do in secret (Matthew 6). God is moving in that church. Foursquare owns a good size piece of land right in the middle of that very populated settlement so there is potential for lots of good things at that church. Please pray for the 9 mile church and their new Pastor Michael Jackson.

We are now weeks away from our first trip back to the USA in almost 2 and a half years. We want to sincerely thank every one of you that have partnered with us in prayer and in financial support. God has used you to provide for all of our spiritual and physical needs, as well as funding for fruitful ministry in Papua New Guinea. Thank you for your continued partnership as we visit our churches, friends and family. We love you all and we are looking forward to seeing all of you in the coming months.

Provision by Ami Spencer

2010-05-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night when I got home from church I had a sweet surprise wanting on my doorstep…. 3 boxes with over 200 kids yoplait yogurts. (Thanks Brennan and Mariajose!) We brought half of them with us on Friday to the kids in the terminal and treated them to a snack after we did homework. I know their resources are limited and water isn’t super accessible, but watching them stick there dirty little fingers in the yogurt to scoop it out, we quickly realized there was a need for a new lesson theme. So on Sunday when we went to visit them again we came prepared to teach them all about GERMS!

We printed some gross looking germ coloring pages off the internet, grabbed the rest of the yogurts out of the fridge and dug out the the box of hotel soaps I had from mission teams in the past. Willy did us the favor of acting out a story of a mischievous little boy who spent his morning running around the streets, playing soldiers with his buddies, playing catch with a stray dog, building castles in the sand and a few other little-boy type adventures. When his mom called him home for snack Willy was certain his hands were clean because he couldn’t SEE any dirt on his hands, but when the kids pulled out there “magnifying glasses” and looked at Willy’s hands we could see that they were covered with germs and bacteria that would end up in his tummy if he ate his snack without washing his hands. The kids all agreed it would be much, much easier for Willy to wash his hands than to have to deal with going to the doctor and taking medicine to get them out of his stomach.

After the kids learned a little about germs and how easy it is to protect ourselves against them by not putting dirty things in our mouths and washing our hands they each got to color their nasty germs. When they were finished we gave them each a bar of soap and told them to take their pictures to put by the sink or pila or bucket of water they had to remind them to wash their hands before they eat. When they came back and showed us their sparkely clean hands they were rewarded with yogurt and a spoon to fill their bellies with something good. One little boy even washed his face with the soap and water, and I almost didn’t recognize him when he came back!

It’s a sweet thing to see the way that God provides for this ministry and his kids. This isn’t the first time either. Twice now there has been a gentleman who occasionally goes to the terminal to buy supplies, he’s not even from the city, he comes from some town a ways away. Both times that he has seen us there he has come up to us and told us he’d like to buy a snack for the kids and asks how many are there with us. A few minutes later he’s back with a bag of around 20 little packs of cookies and juice, and coke and crackers for us. He doesn’t even know us, but God has used him to bless us and the kids!

News of Hope

2010-05-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today I had the great opportunity to travel around to different sites with Pastor Roseinel Michel, associate pastor of the national church, under Pastor Guy Tomas. We are in the process of helping Foursquare families, affected by the earthquake, get into the best temporary shelter situation possible, while the rebuilding process continues. We visited four tent camp sites, ranging from 50 families living together, to one with several thousand families. Each family had a different story of how they were effected by the earthquake and what happened to their home. We visited one block of homes in the region, just outside Petion-ville, (Click on the map for a picture of the site and zoom in to see close) Rachael’s home site. Driving in one of the areas most devastated by the earthquake, I couldn’t believe what I saw. The hillside came crashing down, and houses crumbled and fell into others. After climbing over 8-10 destroyed homes, we were finally able to reach sister Rachael’s home. We are providing her with a temporary shelter for the 8 family members in her home.

After leaving her home with Pastor Roseinel, he said to me, “Chad…you’re a cool guy.” I thanked him and asked what he meant. He answered,’ you don’t get excited or irritated like others, brother.” You see we had worked for about 3 hours to find these homes. We drove or walked down countless dead end roads and roads overloaded with debris. We worked through major language barriers. When he said that, I immediately remembered the events of the day and looked for a time when I may have sounded short- tempered, but realized that the peace of the Lord was on both of us. Through that we were able to do a lot of impacting work. Without that peace, I would have missed out on the opportunity to reach 4 different families with the compassionate hand of Jesus. Through that we were able to provide 4 tents, open the door for water filtration, food,and continued ministry. We were also able to share the Gospel with 6 other neighbors just sitting outside near us.

In a country filled with chaos and confusion, and lost,hopeless people, some of the most needed resources for survival, like food, water and shelter were given through the peace of God. Many people heard the news of Hope and of a Savior who cares about them. And they were touched by the peace He gives in a real and tangible way….

Thanks for being part of what God is doing in Haiti!!!

Blessings

Chad Isenhart

Steve Rosier's Testimony

2010-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to relay a little bit of my life and the story of an important man in my life: When I was 17 my father died of a massive heart attack. I had a strong desire as a young man to both serve the Lord and to fly airplanes. One of the assisting Pastors in my church took me under his wing as much for our mutual love of flying as for our mutual love for the Word and the Spirit of God. He became like a father to me and he treated me like a son.

I soon received my instrument and commercial licenses for flying and began to fly my Pastor friend to evangelistic services in our small denomination. We traveled mostly in the Northwest and also along the whole West Coast. We would take a musician or two and hold weekend or week-long evangelistic meetings. I remember soaking in the Word as I heard my friend preach and of course cherished the times we had together just to live life and listen to his words of wisdom for my young life.

At the age of 19 years while attending Oregon State U. I was given the privilege to begin serving in our Church in pulpit ministry. My friend became my mentor and like Elisha, I craved a “double portion” of his spirit and wisdom. I am still craving that.

As time moved on I fell in love and my friend officiated our wedding on June 12, 1976. At this time he was 50 years old, and I was 21. He gave me great advice as a young married man and helped me to realize the responsibilities that I had as a young husband. We continued to fly together and I gave my friend flying lessons as he gave me life lessons on our travel to services.

After college my family and I moved to the East Coast and so our contact was not as often, but I always cherished our times together whenever we came home to visit. It seemed that every time I would feel the presence of the Lord when I was in his company.

Recently I made contact with my friend and we concluded that we needed to get together. He and his wife had dinner with my wife (Cheri) and I this evening and the blessing of being together once again became very evident to me.

My friend asked me about my trip to Haiti and after I shared for a while, he began to relate a trip that he made to Brazil with Dr. Hamilton. He mentioned a wonderful young man named Jon that was his interpreter at some of the meetings he attended. As we swapped stories of mission trips I told him that I met Jonathan Hall in Haiti just a couple of weeks ago. Cliff immediately said, “That was my interpreter’s name!”

So a large world became small this evening when a long time friend of mine, Cliff Friesen, met many years ago an enthusiastic young man of God that I met just 2 weeks ago.

Cliff related a time he had to speak there in Brazil at a youth meeting. They asked him to give one sentence they could live by. He told them to: “abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Romans 12:10 KJV. God is good, isn’t he?

Steve Rosier, Foursquare Missions International

New Life in Quebec

2010-04-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone...Eric & Katie Smith here! It’s been a while since we last wrote of our adventures with Dan and Lauren Fontaine here in Quebec and since then we got married in August of 2009...! What Dan & Lauren have been bringing to our lives has been amazing. For starters, we have learned the importance of tithing. When we first began our journey together as a group, we were reluctant to give our money away;but it wasn’t our money that we were reluctant to give away but rather to allow God to take control of our lives, including our finances. Giving that ten percent away every month has been the best decision we have ever made! The changes God has done with the money has been more than I have ever thought possible. We were able to help so many people here. We can tell you that giving money away to people here is not easy to do, not because we don’t want to give it away but because people here hesitate to accept it. The feeling that people get when they receive a gift(especially monetary) is that they now have to do something for us and feel guilty for receiving the gift. The history of this place has really condemned the spirit of acceptance as well as giving.

We believe we have been breaking down some of those walls here. Looking back at ourselves before we started tithing has been a real eye opener. The changes God has done with just giving away money has been unexplainable. I encourage everyone to start tithing because God’s promises are true. I have been accepted to Bishop’s University in the fall to obtain my BBA.
I am excited and nervous as I begin my four year journey at BU but I am very glad that I have my wife, Katie and Dan & Lauren to help me through the difficulties that I may face. We cannot get through this life alone. This has been another foundational aspect to living The Life that we have learned on our journey here with the Fontaines. Lately we have been concentrating on the Gospel of John and learning about the life of Christ and his purpose here on
Earth and what the early church really was. It really gives me encouragement knowing that the early believers in Christ are just like me. It has really strengthened my faith in what I believe. We love you all thank you for all your support and your prayers.

- Daniel & Lauren Fontaine

Watch "Awakening Cambodia" Thursday, April 22 @ 9:30PM ET

2010-04-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This is a special announcement to let you know that we are going to be on National TV in the US next week, Thursday, April 22 at 9:30PM Eastern Time and then on Friday at 1:30AM ET. We'll be on DirecTV, channel 378 and SkyAngel, channel 126. It will also stream online at http://www.thestreamtv1.com/ We invite you to watch "Awakening Cambodia", a 30 minute documentary on the ministry here and share this event with your friends and family. We'd like to show you what God has done through you. Without you, what has been accomplished here would not have been possible. Thank you. Special thanks to Rob & Joyce Marcarelli who produced and edited the documentary. Many of you will recognize Rob Marcarelli as the Director of The Omega Code movie a few years ago. We look forward to seeing many of you at the Foursquare Convention in Atlanta. Please stop by the "Foursquare Orphans" booth and say, "Hello". Blessings! Ted (Pa Thom) Olbrich
Sou (Mak Thom) Olbrich

And the Cambodian Team

Foursquare in the South Pacific Grows

2010-04-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

Over the last seven years the South Pacific has been experiencing unimaginable growth. I sometimes believe that it might be part of our end times prophecies, being that one of Jesus last words to the apostles were that “you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the uttermost parts of the earth" Acts 1:8. The South Pacific is literally that “ uttermost” place. When you look at our Foursquare history, after 75 years we had only touched few of the South Pacific nations. However, in the last seven years, we saw New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Indonesia, with their 11,000 churches (now well over 14,000) and now, as of just last week, a new addition to the family. A dear Fijian brother named Netani Gucake has been working very diligently and has done tremendous work to help bring about the explosion of churches that we’ve had in the Fiji Islands. Pastor Netani has family connections and friends all over the Pacific Islands. One of those connections, with his family, as with many Fijians are the people of Tonga. Through this connection Pastor Netani went over, met with his friends, family and a group of Christians that he knew there to launch the First Foursquare work in that nation. This is great news, because this is one of those countries we had targeted when Julie and I first came to the South Pacific. When I first starting working for FMI we had a poster that listed Tonga as a South Pacific Foursquare nation. This was not true. Actually, Wayne Cordeiro had some sort of relationship with the former King of Tonga, but we never had planted a Foursquare church there. Anyway, last week we broke through and now have officially registered Foursquare in Talefekau, Tonga. There were 300 in attendance for the opening. We also have some of the same open doors to reach into Samoa, Wallace Islands, Fortuna, Tahiti and opportunities for many of the smaller islands within all of the nations of the South Pacific.

,Dr. Jerry Scott South Pacific

Countryside Ireland and Jesus

2010-04-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Last month I visited a small, non-denominational church in a village in West Cork. I volunteered to bring some books, CDs, and other items from the Haven so that, at their conference, this church could have a few resources available to them that they wouldn’t be able to get otherwise. It only took me about 40 minutes to drive to the village, however, in the mindset of an Irish person it might as well have taken me 3 hours! The church was so blessed that I would make the journey to bring resources to their small congregation. When traveling in rural Ireland you will drive in and out of small villages where the only presence of a church is an old, empty, stone building that has either been locked up for years or has been turned into a museum. It is hard to know how many people in these areas would have a relationship with Christ or even a solid understanding of who He is. Those who do have a relationship with Christ are small in numbers and scattered. Retreats, Conferences, or general fellowship opportunities with other Christians are few and far between. Unless you live in Dublin or Cork City there are limited resources to help personal and spiritual growth. Churches outside of these two cities are one of the two established churches; (Catholic or Anglican) if there does happen to be other denominations present, the churches are small. I am continually reminded of how often I have taken for granted how accessible Christ is to us as Americans. With a plethora of churches to choose from and access to Christian resources and materials in all different mediums such as books, radio, and television at our fingertips; isolation from Christianity is hard to understand.

-Beth Delaney

Updates from Krisnee

2010-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Loved ones,

My “Salone” name is Bendu – a Mende word that means “born here” – which I earned while beating peppers with the ladies in the outdoor “kitchen” in Kamakwie last year. For some reason Krisnee is difficult for Sierra Leoneans to hear or pronounce, so most of the people in Juba know me as Auntie Bendu. There is a young girl who lives right by the Juba church whose name is also Bendu. She was afraid of my white skin when I first started going to Juba, but she has warmed up to me and now greets me with a hug and has even slept in my arms as I’ve held her a couple times. I could tell lots of stories about the darling Conteh family (who keeps inviting me to eat rice with them – even though they didn’t have enough money to take one of their sick daughters to the doctor recently) but thought I’d just let you enjoy the picture of the three middle daughters – Mabintsy, Gama, and Wendy. A couple Wednesdays ago Sister Katta told the kids to invite their parents to church, and we all clapped for Tania whose mother came with her the following Sunday. Nearly 40 adults and up to 60 children regularly attend this newly planted church, and Kathy witnessed the baptism of 13 new converts in this community earlier this month.

Thanks to generous donations from friends in America, the church building is progressing and is a comfortable place to meet. Please pray that the church in Juba will grow healthy and strong and that the members will know Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit in their personal lives. It’s common to hear the phrase “Open your mouth and go to the Lord in prayer” in our church, so I was surprised last week to hear Mrs. Naomi command, “Open your mouth and pray a silent prayer.” It made me laugh. Prayer is loud and active in Sierra Leone. People pace, clap, shout, and sing during prayer times at our church. (Let’s not even talk about the tambourine!) It took some time to get used to this new prayer style and not be distracted by it. At the end of a service, Pastor Peter often leads us to pray for ourselves and our families rather than just praying for those things himself. I appreciate that the responsibility to pray is shared and not just placed on the pastor. On the other hand, because the prayer leader always directs how we should pray, I’m not sure how much of the congregation knows how to be led by the Holy Spirit as they pray. Please pray that God would continue to teach us all to pray as we make that a priority in our lives. At the beginning of March, I spent two days visiting our Foursquare churches and schools in Kamakwie and the surrounding villages. Kathy and I are returning there next week to attend the Sierra Leone version of field day – called Sports Day – at the school in Kagbaray village. We are also hosting two days of training for our Foursquare pastors, leaders, and church members in the Kamakwie area. In addition, I am hoping to teach the Easter story while I’m in Kagbaray. Please pray that Kathy and I will have wisdom and discernment as we teach and that God will accomplish His work in the children and adults in the communities where the Gospel is preached. Mrs. Weekes and Violet teach our Sunday school at the Freetown church. Mrs. Weekes shared with me a few months ago her vision to start a group for children to learn and fellowship together on Sunday evenings. After some encouragement and a couple meetings, Mrs. Weekes started this new program on Sunday, which will meet for one hour the third Sunday of every month. Many of the 33 kids who attended our first meeting are from the neighborhood and do not regularly attend our church, so I’m excited to see this outreach grow and impact our church neighborhood. I know several people whose ministries focus on children in Sierra Leone. Children here are hungry for encouragement, love, and a nurturing touch. One family I know fills up their compound with over 100 impoverished kids every Saturday morning for coloring, play time, food, a movie, and a Bible lesson. Please pray that God will impact the future of Sierra Leone as He transforms the hearts and minds of the children with His love, truth, and salvation. I am so thankful for each of you – for the way you love and encourage me, for your prayers, for the way you know me well. Please continue praying for my health and safety and that God would use me to accomplish His purpose in Sierra Leone. With love, Krisnee krisneep@yahoo.com www.uptosomethingbig.blogspot.com

For His Glory, Krisnee Pipatanangkura

Church Multiplication Dialogue in Indonesia

2010-03-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

I just want to echo the words of Xavier, Festus and Rod - how enriched my life has been being with you for the days the Lord gave us - I also add my deepest thanks to the wonderful and Godly welcome the Foursquare "family" in Indonesia extended us all - THANK-YOU Pastors Mandy, Wakarri, Siwi and your team! And Raul and the moderators.... and well just everyone!!

I pray as we all are returning to our many responsibilities that we will continue to build on what God began amongst us!

I send some of the photos I have hoping that you too will send photos you have taken...

The Lord bless you until we see again!

Yours in Christ,

Daniel 'Dan" Lucero

Updates from Trinidad/Guyana

2010-03-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Conclusion of last month’s crusade off our balcony reaped another saved soul and two lives rededicated to Jesus. Praise the Lord!This brings us to 15 people saved in the last 3 months, three rededicating their lives and six baptized in the Holy Spirit with signs following. What a blessing to be part of this. Currently we are awaiting our visas to be renewed and the Foursquare church registration to come about. There is a lot of red tape to go through and a particular way to do it. It is definitely a patience builder. Please keep praying for these areas as well as us. This process is hindering our ability to get in and be obedient to the Lord’s calling.

While we are awaiting government approval, Pastor Marchan and I are planning to reach out to a new area in Siparia region. It is one hour south of where we are located now and in the mountain region. It is another area underserved by any churches here. It would be considered a stronghold of Hinduism. It is our belief that this area is ripe for the Gospel at this point in time and ready for harvest. We have new converts that have contacts in this area so we will be well received. Lord willing, we will begin crusades in late April and Early May. Each crusade is labor intensive and costs about $100US to perform. It is worth it all should some to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and better yet a church established in this area. Please be praying for this outreach effort to save souls and the opportunity for a church to be planted. We are still in the process of registration so any building projects are on hold but we are gearing up for both outreach and build teams coming to Trinidad later on in the year once the registration has been completed. If your team would like to be a part of the new Foursquare Churches in Central or Southern Trinidad let me know? We will let you know what we are looking for here and get you what you need to know to be an effective witness to the Trini people.

In your quiet time remember the core church team in Enterprise. With little resources and a lot of hard work they are faithfully working on clearing and securing the donated property for a future new church. Several newly baptized Trinis are volunteering and being strengthened in the faith as they serve. This is welcome progress for their spiritual growth. Please keep praying for them to be strong in the face of severe cultural drawing to the contrary. Bynoe-Trace outreach is remaining strong. Some of the criminal element that has been saved recently now are struggling.
However the Lord is showing them through trials and tribulations that He will not be taken for granted. It is a continual process in this area that people will go forward a few steps, fall back a little, then regain their footing again. Keep praying for their development and the Bynoe-Trace work. The Lord is moving strongly in this area particularly setting people free from addictions and fear.
Celebrating Christ’s Resurrection in the lives of Trinis Where we are at in the process We have been in Trinidad for three months and our visas have expired. We are renewing them now and reaching out to a new area in the Southern part of Trinidad. Thank you for your continued support in prayer and finances. It has allowed a Thanksgiving dinner, a crusade to happen and made a deep impact in the lives of many people here. Janae’s Monthly Message Janae misses her grandparents, her friends, cousins and her sissy very much. She is in the last part of the school year and with the travel involved on the mission field finds it very hard to have quality study time and then play time. It is easy to
become fearful of the the unknown and that which is unfamiliar. Keep praying for adjustment and wisdom.
Upcoming Events to Pray about
•Pray for visas, permits and registrations. This is a critical area now.
•Pray for the new area of Sipiria.
•Pray for transition flexibility from the US to Trinidad/Guyana.
•Be in prayer over the donated church property and the potential to build
•Pray for protection. There have been murders on this street as well as a
Dengue fever outbreak.
•Pray for wisdom for the next steps. We don’t want to miss anything the Lord
has us to do here.
•Pray that the right teams will come at the right time to help the move here

Missionary Transitions to the Melanesian Island

2010-03-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family
Nothing could be me more incredible to me than to transition towards serving the Melanesian Island peoples of the Pacific after spending so much time in Africa! For me it has been a joy over the last two years to be able to learn, adapt, find in-roads / bridges of understanding and to build confidence with these people so as to initiate something that will primarily and ultimately be left to leaders and believers here who will serve their nation!

Working with a denominational leader of another group pf Churches from France, we do think we are well on the road to accomplishing all of the above.. In fact we have formerly started the processes of establishing a mentoring/ training curriculum / school that is "becoming theirs" - we have seen great "buy-in"! This of course has taken process and sensitivity, lots of questions and a lot of learning...

I would never have known how important it was for me to have spent my most important "growing up years" wandering the mountains of back-woods Appalachia in Virginia. People from "hollars" - my only "true home and earth" - are pretty no-nonsense, and are led by a pretty common-sense approach to life. They don't take to "out-siders" too quickly but once you do get their respect it lasts a lifetime... It is a real testament to my mother - a nurse, who helped many a person during our years in the "hollars of Virginia" that she instilled in me the virtue of "service to my fellow-man". She would drag me along with her as she built in-roads into the lives of so many people in the Shenandoah Valley. Thank-you mom!! And not having in-door plumbing most of the time never bothered us, and was a real part of "God's School" of life for me!!

Everything I learned in the Appalachias has been applied a thousand times over in other places of the world, but never so uniquely as in New Caledonia.... like in the Appalachias everyone knows everyone... and with a net-work of relations and mini-Churches already in place all over the island - we've criss-crossed it and preached often day and night during our time here.. We've of course stirred some things up, but also we've begun to build deep trust with many important people - people who want to move the church and their people into new levels... the inter-denominational spirit I and my colleagues from France are approaching this in is a great testimony....

This last trip - we met and prayed for one of the 5 "Chiefs" of all the "tribes" of New Caledonia... truly a break through as "Traditions/Customs" are so important to honor here in order to get deeper into the people's lives and hearts....

I'll let a few pictures speak "the thousand words" Please pray that we would continue to have provision to travel so far to serve these people as ultimately the goal is to from here serve all the French-speaking Islanders of the Pacific.... We know God's work, Done in God's way, will never lack God's Supply!! Thank-you for you Faithfulness to Foursquare Missions International!

Love again, Dan

Leaders Conference in France

2010-03-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

FRANCE: Hello again dear loved ones! We finished a 3-day gathering of the leaders of our French Churches... In no way can pictures fully tell the story…. Ralph Moore from Hawaii (Hope Chapel) was our invited speaker – such a wholesome, challenging, edifying seminary. He encouraged us to «reproduce » spiritually… at all levels. : Personally, and as leaders and as churches…

It is hard to describe how far we have come these last years in France – a little bit of patience, love and perseverance can go a long way in Europe! We were over 90 leaders from almost 20 churches that are forming the growing “net” of our Foursquare work now in France. We also had a handful of visitors from Poland, Luxembourg, England – so about 100 people came. The depth of exchanges, worship and the release of prophetic “gifts” from the Holy Spirit were all deeply refreshing …

We have four churches now in the Paris region and my highlight in France is being able to minister with Martine! The Sunday before last we spoke at a church led by an African Couple – Pastors Gaby and Adrianna - and this last Sunday at the host Church of our Pastor’s Gathering – Pastors Andre and Michelle – they did such a marvelous job hosting us. But on Monday, after such a “high” I received news of a catastrophic situation in one of our newer churches… so there is little time for rest! Please please pray for France – for unity amongst leaders and that God would intervene where we can’t! Also pray we would MULTIPLY!

FAMILY: It is hard to say how good Martine is doing… truly I am a blessed man as are her children! We seem to be managing, juggling and seeing the children prosper amidst a pretty busy life! Please, please pray for Melissa as she is under a lot of pressure as she finishes her final exams for her International Baccalaureate (High School diploma) AND then University!! My hat is off to her as she has grown into quite a mature 18 year old.

Universities: Melissa has already been accepted into her first choice: Parson’s (The New) School of Design in New York City (she’s happy) BUT also a scholarship program she became a finalist in has opened “the possibility” of attending one of the Ivy League Schools…We visited a number of these schools during her Winter break three weeks ago (a day after I got back from Caledonia - so the world is a 24 hr place!) – she loves Boston where I was blessed to have spoken in two Churches the Sunday I was there (one met at Harvard). In fact we all love Boston for some reason! Most importantly she is really praying, knowing God will guide (and as Dad always says “provide” for her!! gulp!!!) Please pray for her – this is a big season and responses come at the beginning of April… her older brother Jeremiah is finishing his third year at William and Mary in Virginia. So next year two of the children will be out of the house… and than Julia (17) is just one year behind her… WOW!

NEXT DAYS: I’ll let you in on a secret… I am actually writing this in a plane (just passed over Malaysia) on my way to Indonesia to participate in a Global Dialogue with other leaders from around the world – the theme “Multiplication” – AMEN! For me it is significant that some key leaders I work with in Africa should be there…. I’ll be back next Sunday to speak in France…. And then what ?? There are special concerns I am burdened about and though I have no fixed dates, I hope / need to get to especially the following countries sooner than later: 1) Togo, 2) Nigeria, 3) Chad, 4) The Central African Republic and 5) the Democratic Republic of Congo… Please additional pray for a project proposal I have under submission for 3 Muslim countries of North-Western Africa: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. We have fixed dates for a European Conference in Spain (April 14- 18) ; our National Convention in France (May 13.14.15) and I will probably be in Atlanta for as much as two weeks at our International Conference (May 24 – June 7).

PLEASE pray I and the family (as I listen to them!) will always be sensitive to be in the most important place at the most important time …

Thank-you for praying!! And for your love and support

-Daniel Lucero

Arter Family Missions Update

2010-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to be coming to the US!!! God has opened the doors for us to come home to visit churches and spend time with friends and family! Things here have really picked up as we are preparing to come to the US. Packing, getting all the right paperwork together, purchasing some last minute items, and getting our bills and home in order. Along with the packing and planning, Thailand is bracing itself for a major political protest. There has been a lot of political unrest in Thailand since the coup in 2006 which ousted former Prime Minister Tuksin. At one point, the airport was shut down for over a week because thousands of protesters came and sat in the airport, stopping all operations. Roads have been blocked and people have even lost their lives. Please pray as there is a rally/protest scheduled for the 14th of March and we are scheduled to leave on the 17th. Pray for God's peace to come among both the protesters as well as the military and police and a peaceful end of all the political fighting. Please keep us in your prayers for traveling safety. Our schedule is as follows: March 17th‐31st—Arrive in LA to meet with the FMI staff and visit LIFE Pacific Bible college,friends, and churches.

March 31st‐April 14th—We will be visiting family in Michigan
April 14th‐June 2nd—We will be visiting family and churches
June 3rd—We will be flying back to Thailand
If

Youth
I am excited to say that four of our youth were baptized last month!!! My camera is currently in the shop so I am sorry I could not have photos to share with you. Our youth group is gearing up for its first missions trip to northern Thailand. I have spent a year discipling the youth and teaching the Word of God. Now is the time for them to go out and put into practice all that they have learned. They will be training more intensively in the area of evangelism, such as using illusions to bring the Gospel, drama, puppets, and much more. Our youth are so excited as they see that God really wants to use them!!! This is an exciting time in our youth group and especially for me as I have seen them all grow so much in their walk with the Lord. Praise the Lord!

Mae Sot
Mae Sot is filled with many Burmese people. Most of them have come to find a better life economically, while others seek refuge from the many years of fighting. This month and next month Thailand is joining forces with Burma to deport 1.4 million illegal immigrants back to Burma. During this time, children have been loaded into trucks and taken to a holding area. Parents have been taken leaving their children behind for up to two weeks. Mae Sot is also known as "Little Burma" because it is the largest community of Burmese outside of the country. Please pray for protection of the children and young people. Also pray for protection and guidance for everyone involved. Some of our youth are from Burma. They do not have a Thai ID because in order to receive one they must be enrolled in a Thai school. The school itself accepts Burmese students and is free, but the students must cover the cost of school uniforms and school lunches. It is estimated to cost $200 per year for one student. Once they acquire an ID number, they would be allowed to legally live in Mae Sot through their university studies. Living in Thailand means safety from the fighting between the military junta and the Karen people. Many young people are drafted into the military as young as 15 and forced to do hard labor or work at clearing and setting mine fields. I have heard some of the land mines while standing in our house! Many people who come to the clinic each day have lost limbs on these mine fields. These children need help so they can grow up safe and healthy! If you are interested in impacting the life of one of our young people, please contact me for further information.

Boys Home
We have been praying for 22 of our boys in our youth group that are from the boys home. They are being evicted at the end of this month! They currently do not have another place to live. They all have parents who work all day just to survive and they cannot provide the transportation that would allow their children to receive an education. Some of these children are separated from their parents who still live and work in Burma and are struggling to survive there. They could not afford to offer their children an education because of the high cost to do so. By living in the boys home, these boys not only receive an education but they also spend time each night in worship and reading the Bible. For these boys, including some who would
be drafted into the military junta if they returned to Burma, they are learning to trust God in everything that they do. Now they are praying and believing that God will find them a home. Their future is uncertain, but they are all in God's hands! Please pray for our boys for God’s continued provision of their food, shelter, and clothing needs! If you would like more information about the boys, please feel free to contact me.

Mike & Bee Arter

Updates from Haiti

2010-03-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

John and Debbie Booker, Senior Pastors of Cornerstone Church in Phoenix, Ariz., are now in Haiti.
They will be leading our ground team in Haiti under the leadership of our Foursquare National Leader, Pastor Guy Thomas, for the next three months.

John Booker reports:
We arrived early morning. The airport was hectic, crowded and disorganized. We were met by Pastor Guy and went to the national church to meet Jim Schopper of Church on the Way (an Electrician) who is down for a few days to help with construction assessments. Things are cleaner than the last time we were here a few weeks ago, with enough food and water to go around. It’s a little less hectic, but yet so much confusion. This is really a time for the American church to pray. We met with the owner of a house for sale near the church that we would like to make a Base Camp. We do ask for prayer and favor.

Today, Thursday, we meet with an engineer to finalize plans to repair the damage to the national church and with a surveyor who will mark the boundaries of the land to begin work on the security wall that is necessary to begin bringing in supplies for distributing more food and water from the church site. Pastor Guy said that the families in the make-shift refugee camps are doing as well as can be expected and remain in good spirits believing God will help them through this and that He will provide solutions to move on with their lives. Pastor Guy and the church packages and distributes food to families every Sunday after church so their needs are being met on that level. We will work with Haitians to set up case management systems that will help to plot a way forward to find more permanent housing solutions for the families who have lost homes, now numbering more than 40.

We are looking forward to the arrival of Chad Isenhart, who will be on our Base Camp Team working to set up the church as a point of distribution and networking with other agencies for collaborative efforts and shipping solutions. David Wheeler and the first team of future team leaders will be on the ground on Monday for a week of observation, assessment and orientation. They will be our first eyes back to the local churches in the United States to prepare teams for the coming weeks and months that will work with Haitians in the relief and rebuilding efforts.

Chad Isenhart is in the process of moving from Yerevan, Armenia to Port au Prince. He is due to arrive in Haiti this Saturday.

What You Can Do

How to Pray
• Pray for the security and safety of our Foursquare family in Haiti
• Pray for John and Debbie Booker are on the ground in Haiti this week to establish a base camp, serve the national work, and assist with teams that will be deployed to Haiti
• Pray for the GO Team that will be heading out this weekend, pray that their purposes for going would be accomplished
• Pray that more supplies would reach the interior of the country without obstruction
• Pray for the many souls that have come to Christ and for those who have yet to come
• Pray that believers in the country would grow spiritually and that their faith will be strong
• Pray against the various diseases that are beginning to become widespread
• Pray for the orphans and the widows

How to Give

We need you to give to our relief effort. We will be there long after the cameras are gone. Your gifts will help us as we walk with Haiti from responding and rebuilding all the way to restoration. Give online at https://give.foursquare.org/relief

OR
You can make a check payable to: (FMI Relief)
Foursquare Missions International
P.O. Box 26776
Los Angeles, CA 90026
For His glory, Foursquare Missions International

Womens Conference in East Africa 2010

2010-03-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

Rev. Beth Hall, Rev. Melinda Scott, Rev. Dana Liberatore, Rev. Teri Paz

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!

The Women’s Leadership Training for Global Vision, an intensive seminar in East Africa has just concluded in Nairobi, Kenya. Forty one leaders from six nations gathered in a beautiful private venue for intentional training.

Our goals were to Embrace, Encourage and Empower these women to be all that God has called them to be.

EMBRACE

These fabulous women from Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Sudan were chosen and financed by their national boards to represent their countries at this conference. For many of these ladies this was the first opportunity to meet one another. There was an instant and sweet fellowship throughout our time together.
ENCOURAGE

Resources and Biblical affirmations were taught, modeled and implemented. Teachings were given on “The Biblical Basis for Women in Leadership”, “The Core Values of a Leader” and “The Principles of Teaching Practicum.”

EMPOWER

From this encouragement these leaders were able to take what they had learned and apply it into action immediately! In addition, initiatives were presented which would allow them to financially sustain their ministry. They were then commissioned to reproduce what they had learned into the lives of those that they lead

It was evident that the hearts of these leaders were impacted, as they not only “fanned the flame” in their own lives, but they were impassioned to pray for the nations!
- Rev. Beth Hall Foursquare Missions International

Earthquakes Around the World

2010-03-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

As Haiti begins to recover from the 7.0 earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince in January, the world is experiencing several other natural disasters and tens of thousands of people are being affected. Landslides in Uganda, the nearly worldwide threat of sunamis caused by the earthquake in Chile, and then an earthquake in Taiwan continue to challenge the faith of people around the world. Here are some of the prayer requests coming in from the affected areas. Thank you for praying for these people and for The Foursquare Church as our leaders attempt to respond with Christ's love and practical assistance. Taiwan
On Thursday, March 4, at 8:18 a.m., local time, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck just 20 miles east of Tainan City not far from the region where a typhoon set off landslides in August. The largest quake to hit Kaohsiung in more than 100 years, 20 aftershocks followed the initial quake, the highest measuring 5.7. Foursquare missionaries in Taiwan, Steve and Beth Lavoii, are safe, and so far no deaths have been reported although there is much unrest among the people near the epicenter. Pray for the peace of God to reign in the area as our ministers and church members bring the hope of Jesus Christ to the people. Chile
Following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the City of Concepcion on Wednesday, February 27 and the ensuing tsunami, Foursquare Chile is working diligently to serve the needs of people and communities affected by the disaster. Lee Schnabel, Foursquare missionary to Chile requests prayer for:

Pastor Alen Joo, President of Foursquare Chile and the Foursquare Cabinet of Chile as they meet to discuss strategies for disaster relief and the future of church planting in their nation; U.S. Foursquare leaders, Cliff and Mari Hanes of Danville, Calif., will be present to provide teaching and encouragement
The people and church leadership of Chile that they would be strong in faith during this time of great difficulty
The “spirit of looting” to be broken over cities like Concepcion where private vehicles cannot yet safely enter because of the risk of being assaulted. Pastor Joo said “this is the first time in Chile’s history that there has been major looting after one of its earthquakes.”
A smooth transition of power for the new government of Chile which will be inaugurated on March 10; Besides the new president, Sebastian Piñera, there will be new officials entering office at the state and local level throughout the country

Haiti
Foursquare national leader, Pastor Guy Thomas, continues to oversee Foursquare's restoration in the island nation and he requests our fervent prayers as teams and supplies continue to be sent to Port-au-Prince. Pray specifically...

For John and Debbie Booker, senior pastors of Cornerstone Church in Phoenix, Ariz., who will be on the ground in Haiti next week to establish a base camp, serve the national work, and assist with teams that will be deployed to Haiti
For the many people that have recently come to Christ; pray for continued spiritual health for all believers to grow strong in their faith
Against widespread disease
For those doing grief counseling with those who have lost family and friends
Against human trafficking
For the safety of children in Haiti

Thank you for joining our Foursquare global family in prayer!

For the harvest,
Foursquare Missions International

Reaching the Pete's

2010-03-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and friends,

Time keeps flying by. We can’t believe we are approaching the end of our third year in Thailand. However, it is that length of time that allows us to see the fruit of our work here in Bangkok. The more time we can invest into relationships, the more effective the relationships are.

This month we want to highlight the fruition of a connection between a student and a teacher and how that shows the good news of Jesus as much as anything we ever say.

Andy has taught one teenager over the past two years who really has come out of his shell the past few months. We’ll call him Pete for the sake of his privacy. Pete began in a class with other rambunctious boys who teased him mercilessly. His English proficiency always lagged a bit behind the others in class, but he tried hard. He would stay after and work with Andy as well as take extra classes to work on his grammar and comprehension.

One of the core values held by Our Home Study Center, the school we teach at that is connected with the church, is the care and attention for students. Pete felt a connection with Andy that someone wanted to help him in the midst of his peers tormenting him. Maybe Pete also had an affinity for Andy, because Andy had overcome difficulty to succeed. With the extra help and dedication to learn English, Pete squeaked by and completed the four levels of books for teens. Then he moved into a class on another night for advanced teens. He no longer had classmates bothering him, and he still got to study with Andy.

When Andy was taking roll, he heard the familiar voice of Pete, but didn’t recognize the name. One of the bullies in the previous class had had the same name and had forced Pete to change his name for the prior years they had studied together. Andy’s heart sunk realizing the length to which Pete went to appease his tormentors in the previous class. In his new class, Pete was relaxed and got to be himself as he continued to grow in confidence as a person, confidence that afforded him an opportunity to shine in the church’s Valentine’s Day service and party.

Last month, we celebrated Valentine’s Day with a special service with games before and after and invited our students and those from English Clinic. This special service was focused on eternal love as well as games that made for hilarious interaction with each other. Pete came with his guitar and sang a favorite Thai romantic song. Everyone loved the song so much that they urged him to sing another one. Since Pete was so excited for the opportunity, he brought his father along to share with him his moment in the spotlight. His dad sat in the back soaking everything in with a watchful eye. This was his first exposure to a church service or really anything Christian. The father was so impressed with what the church really was compared to his preconceptions that he told the pastor he was giving his son the green light to do anything with the church he wanted. Now, Pete will be Andy’s helper for the next term while regular school is on summer break and he is beaming with self-worth.
Every year, Valentine’s Day allows the church to introduce friends and family members to God’s love in non threatening ways. This year, the church shattered a stereotype of an entire family. It is amazing how little, and by that I mean no, knowledge of the church and Christianity most Thais have.

As this will be the third year of our serving in Thailand, we will take extra time when we visit the US (furlough). Andy will take a couple weeks of classes with Wheaton College for his masters program, and we have two weeks of required training with FMI.

We cannot say thank you enough for your dedication and commitment to what God is doing in Thailand. Thank you for sharing with us in your financial support. You allow us to be and do what God has called us to in this season of our life.

Prayer Requests:

Staff Retreat: During the first week of March, we have a break from teaching, and the church is taking a three day staff retreat. Pray that God would use this time to spiritual and physical refreshment.
Politics: Pray for the uneasiness to subside in the political climate and for stability to prevail. Pray for good leaders to be used by God to move the country in a positive direction.
Slum Community: After the New Year, the community has made it difficult for us to return. The community owner is a Muslim woman and other Muslims have expressed a conflict of interest with the worldview we are presenting, even if we are just teaching English, science and other life skills to aid the children for their future. Pray that we would regain favor in their eyes.

We have grateful and full hearts for what God is doing in Thailand. Thank you for partnering with us. If you would like to give: If you currently donate through your church, please continue to do so. If you are not connected to New Life or one of our supporting churches, you can schedule monthly giving or give a one-time donation on this site, http://give.foursquare.org/opie. We are here because of the generosity of our friends and family.

God Bless,
Andy and Christina Opie

Many Receive Christ Through Skatefest 2010

2010-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

During the past few months, we have been making plans for Skatefest 2010 in the area of Arraijan, Panama. Our intention was to have a skateboard demo and allow the skaters from Panama to participate and show their skateboarding skills also. Following the skating, Jared Lee and Jud Heald were to share the Gospel with the kids.

We had an appointment with the Mayor of our area…and he was willing to help us securing the venue we wanted for the event. In 2004, we had to pay $1000 to use the parking area at a Mall for Skatefest 2004…so this was a blessing for us.

On February 9th, Jud and Jared were to arrive in Panama. Jared arrived, but Jud was held up in Miami, due to the fact that Panama requires you to still have 3 months remaining on your passport…and Jud only had 2 months. He had to stay overnight in Miami with some skateboarding friends. In the morning, a friend took him to the Passport Agency…with hopes of obtaining a new passport that day. He got there early…and fortunately, was told the passport would be issued by 2 p.m. When he went out to the car with his friend, they discovered someone broken the window in his Subaru Forester and stole one of Jud’s suitcases. (He had taken them along, because from the Passport Agency, he was going to rush to the airport to catch the afternoon or evening flight to Panama). He had two bags, one with all his personal items, a laptop, video camera, camera, lense, and skateboard repair items, etc. The other bag was an Army dufflebag with skateboard decks we had him bring to give away for prizes. The loss was great…several thousand dollars…but Jud kept a good attitude…and decided to come on to Panama with the clothes he was wearing. He was the last person to board the flight that afternoon…on standby. (We were praying here in Panama).

Thursday, the 11th, he helped finished the ramps in the morning, and that afternoon, Calvary Chapel, from Costa Mesa, California was holding a skate demo at the Multiplaza Mall in Panama City. One of their skaters couldn’t come…so it was good Jud and Jared were here to help complete their skateboard demo. We had planned for them to skate there…but since the one skater couldn’t come…Calvary Chapel only had one other skater in their lineup…so with Jud and Jared, there were three. Around 30 to 40 people raised their hands for salvation there. Praise God!

On Sunday, the 14th, Gino and his crew of men from the church were at the parking lot in Hato Montana, where the event was going to take place. They were setting up sound equipment, and the skating ramps. The skating began around 1 p.m. Around 2:30 p.m. Jud and Jared did their demo. Jud blew the skaters away when he went up the ramp, over the bars and landed on his skateboard. He is really good! The best part was that a group of 20 accepted the Lord after he shared his testimony at the end! That is why we prepared this event. It is all about souls! We had Youth with a Mission help us counsel those who raised their hands, and take down their personal information on Decision Cards.

After the event, Gino had a meeting set up with the mayor…to meet with the skaters. They are wanting an area to be able to skate without people chasing them away. They had the opportunity to share their ideas with the mayor of Arraijan, and he said he would allow them to skate at the Municipal Gym. They just need to get ramps made…and they can leave them in the gym so no one steals them…and use them when they want to skate. They were thrilled that he was “on their side.” Another meeting was held on Monday this week, to present their written project to him.

Gino is building a relationship with them. Some have already asked where our church is…so they can come sometime. We know that God is working.

We thank you for praying for this event…and continue to do so. The skateboarders of Panama all know each other…and they are an unreached group, for the most part, that need to know someone cares for them, and is interested in what they do.

If you would like to help with the building of ramps for these skaters…the cost is $800. We have a quote from the ramps that were built for the event. They are owned by Calvary Chapel. We can copy the design and build them for this area.

Also, if anyone would like to invest in another ministry that is reaching youth with the Gospel, www.untitledskate.com is the website of Jud’s ministry. You can give online via Pay Pal.

8.8 Magnitude Earthquake hits Chile

2010-03-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

Grace and blessings to you,

You may have heard that an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile this Saturday morning, February 27. The epicenter of the temblor was 200 miles southwest of Santiago, the city where Lee and Lisa Schnabel reside. The Schnabels are a bit shaken up but otherwise are doing well. Broken dishes are the extent of the damage they have experienced.

Please keep the Schnabels and the church in Chile in your prayers in the coming days as they determine how best to reach out to those who have been affected by the quake.

They themselves don't know how bad the situation is as TV was only restored recently and they are now seeing the degree of devastation on the coastland. He's been trying to connect with Alen Ho but hasn't been successful so far. As far as the churches, we only have about 4 to 5 churches in that part of the coastland, but he should be able to fill us in on the condition of those churches later on. He shared that when the earthquake hit, it was only 4 hours after 33 folks from a Kansas church had left. Hadn't they done so then, they would have been stuck in Chile for awhile, unless they traveled to Argentina to fly back home from there. Looks like a terminal in the airport may have collapsed and continues to be closed. In his part of Santiago, there were minimum apparent damage...though the scare was major. He'll be writing us an email to get us up to speed very soon.

For His Glory, Foursquare Missions International

Faithful Missionary to South Africa present with the Lord

2010-02-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Lea "Becki" Rusk
September 19, 1953 - February 05, 2010

Rebecca Lea Rusk, born September 19, 1953 in Houston, Texas was birthed into eternity on February 5, 2010 @ 4:35pm in Anthem, AZ.. Rebecca better known as “Becki” lived a life of focus and dedication to Jesus Christ. Her love for Christ and faithful dedication to Him is what she will want you to remember about her.

Becki is survived by Rev. John Rusk – Husband; Jonathan & Hillary Rusk – Son & Daughter-in-law (Grandchildren: Anthony & Naomi); Elisabeth & Reuben Jones – Daughter & Son-in-law (Grandchildren: Isabel, Samuel & Mathew); Ana & Gabe Bengston – Daughter & Son-in-law (Grandchildren: Mia & Maggie); Rev. Ralph & Novella Hawk – Parents; Deborah & Richard Martin – Sister & her husband; Dan & Sue Hawk – Brother & his wife; Andrew & Julie Hawk – Brother & his wife; Dorotha Hawk – Paternal Grandmother; 5 nieces & 3 nephews.

Her legacy is great because there is no greater legacy to leave but that of a family completely dedicated to Christ. All of Becki’s children serve Christ with complete dedication. Her story is one of faithfulness in life, family and ministry. Becki passionately served Christ by focusing her efforts of ministry and love to the nations. Becki was a great daughter, wife, mom and friend.
Please send any cards for the Rusk Family to:
Grace North Church, c/o John Rusk - 42101 N 41st Drive, Suite 101 - Anthem, AZ 85086

Footage from Haiti Relief Team

2010-02-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Recent video from Foursquare efforts in Haiti.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeGwS4kymjU

Pictures from Our Recent Missionary Training Conference

2010-02-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

Updates from the Tofts

2010-02-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Greetings from sunny, but still cold Tallinn. We have had 3 ft. of snow on the ground since Dec. 16 and not a degree above freezing point since. However the light of day is getting longer and longer hinting that Spring is on its way and thats good news to my lovely wife who dreams of beaches and palm trees at night.

We just concluded our second larger city reachout through our Serve The City initiative. It was even more successful than the first one in November. We had over 60 volunteers (50% do not have faith in Jesus with an ave. age of 23) who spread out serving rehabilitating prostitutes, homeless, disabled orphans, and everyday people. Its our effort to knit into the community, make a tangible difference, earn the right to be heard, and share our stories of Jesus as we seek to gather a church in the future. You can catch a glimpse of the event at http://www.servethecity.ee/eng and click on the registration button to learn about the different projects people served. Perhaps our crack web team even has the video up by now.

- Brett & Tammy Toft

Check out November Serve The City outreach video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UjkvEGTFvQ

Devastating Loss in the Foursquare Family

2010-02-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

Greetings in the most wonderful name of our Lord Jesus of Nazareth. I pray and hope this message find both you and your wife doing well.

I have the responsibility as the National Leader of the Foursquare Church in Benin to announce to you and through you to the entire Foursquare Family worldwide that we have sustained a devastating loss in the person of a dear sister of ours Agnès Batipa KOURA.

She died in the earthquake that shook Haiti on January 12, 2010.

Agnes Batipa KOURA was married to late Hyacinthe AVALIGBE. She was 49 and was an agent in the Benin National Police. She was sent on a one year renewable peace keeping mission in Haiti in October 2009 and died in the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010. She was three years away from her retirement.

Her husband late Hyacinthe AVALIGBE, a high rank police officer, also died in Haiti in November 2007 from hepatite.

Both gave their lives to the Lord in June 2002 and were faithful followers of Jesus of Nazareth and active members of our Foursquare Local church of Sikècodji in Cotonou, Benin. The last words of our beloved sister Agnes Batipa KOURA to her brother Gedeon Bio KOURA (one of our anointed and reliable pastors) who called her prior to the earthquake on January 12, 2010 at 3am were:

"JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND HE IS IN MY BOAT. HUG YOUR WIFE AND KIDS FOR ME"

She is survived by 7 children including 10 year old twins Josée and Josianes. Please keep them in your prayers and any assistance to them will be deeply appreciated. Feel free to contact directly Pastor Gédéon Bio KOURA and keep me posted. His email address:

kourason70@yahoo.fr

I have attached two photos of sister Agnès to this message.

Love.

Romain

Updates from Mike and Bee Arter

2010-02-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family,

Happy New Year to all of you! I trust and pray that each of you are having a great start to the New Year. I have heard that many of you may or may not be enjoying the snow! Bee and I really thank each of you so much for your partnership in ministry here in Thailand through your prayers and your support.

Please take a few moments and read about what you are a part of or what you can be a part of! May God bless each and everyone of you. We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you face to face about all the things God is doing here in Mae Sot, Thailand.

Blessings

Mike and Bee Arter

Mae Sot, Thailand

Jeff & Joy Maurer Thanks FMI

2010-02-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

We were blessed last year to be able to celebrate both
Thanksgiving and Christmas with other missionaries, teachers, and Honduran friends who joined in our celebrations. Thanks to FMI &
all who sent in designated Christmas money to our account. Because of your generosity, we were able to buy family
gifts & stocking stuffers. We were even able to afford a turkey &
a ham ($40each since they’re imported)! We had 16 people over for Thanksgiving, with a 15 lb. Turkey; and 10 for Christmas with a half spiral ham. We had lots of side dishes to help stretch the meal! It was great to be able to fellowship with one another with customs familiar to us, and in our own language!

- Jeff & Joy Maurer

NEWS FROM NAMIBIA

2010-02-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Ongwediva Namibia in the Wonderful Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Andi mu popitha medhina Lyomwa!

SAFE RETURN TO NAMIBIA

Praise the Lord I safely returned to Ongwediva after 8 hours sitting in a plane on a tarmac, one night in the London airport, one night in Capetown and one night in Windhoek. I was also glad to see my luggage when it finally caught up with me!

It was great to see all my friends and family in the Phoenix area and my family in Florida. Sometimes I feel so far away, but I'm glad we can stay connected over time and distance! Thank you to everyone who helped me with things to bring back such as books, soccer balls and computer equipment. We don't realize how blessed we are in America to have everything we need available in the stores.

I enjoyed being in America, especially eating at all my favourite restaurants (and gaining weight), but I'm glad to be back at Ongwediva Foursquare and Liberty Heritage. This is where God has me for now.

SCHOOL BEGINS

Liberty Heritage opened the 2010 school year with almost 200 students from pre-school through grade 9. We are excited about what the Lord is going to do through the children and their parents! I opened the year with an encouragement to both the teachers and children "to listen carefully and heed the voice of the Lord". There are many voices competing for our attention, and some of them the voice of strangers. The children everywhere need to know the voice of Jesus and follow Him.

Last Saturday we had a productive time of education and ministry with the parents of new children at our school. They learned all about the benefits of Christian education and how to help their children academically, as well as spiritually. At the end, there was a precious time of prayer and ministry for the needs of the parents.

PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE NEW YEAR

Last year at Ongwediva Foursquare, we fasted, coming together with prayer on Monday evenings. To begin the new year, Pastor Festus called everyone in the church to fast and pray for 3 days, gathering each evening to round up the day with more prayer. Each day had a specific prayer focus such as release from generational bondage, prayer for families and friends to be saved and direction and commitment to discern and follow the Lord's will in this new year. Over a hundred people attended the prayer meetings each evening which lasted over 2 hours. There were many testimonies concerning freedom from bondage, direction and vision from the Lord, as well as souls saved! Hallelujah!

BAPTISM

This past Sunday, 10 people were obedient to follow the Lord into water baptism! Before being baptized, each stood in front of the congregation and gave a testimony of how they came to know the Lord and what He has done in their lives. Most of them came out of the water speaking in tongues and praising the Name of the Lord! There was not a single one of them over thirty years of age. It is exciting to see young adults being willing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please join us in prayer concerning the rains this year. For the previous two years, there has been massive flooding, loss of human and animal life and displacement of people. The contributing factors are run-off of water from Angola and the heavy rains locally. Just last week it rained so hard at the school that the playground was flooded, and all we could do was take our shoes off to walk around. Of course, the children were having a grand time, but I don't think the cattle and goats have learned to swim yet!

I praise the Lord for my good health and for the fact that mosquitoes generally leave me alone! I pray God's richest blessings upon you and your family!

Shili Nawa,
Marcia

Updates from the Greer Family

2010-02-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Jungle Paul finding a new creepy crawler- don't worry he didn't eat it!

Carina praying with settlement kids to receive Jesus at Moale Ministries

Settlement boys in line for a nutritious meal

Margaret and Anna taking Literacy assessment test

LIFE Teens and leaders on trip to the water rapids

Mason (still toothless) and Ezra this Christmas

January has been a month of preparation. 2010 is going to be yet another busy, adventurous, yet by God’s grace fruitful year. We continue to fall in love with Papua New Guinea every day as we meet new critters and new people. I have been busy making changes to the Bible College trying to find ways to make it more affordable for the people and churches here. New applications are coming in from all over the country and this year promises to be another year full of wonderful discipleship, bible study, and leadership development at the Bible College. I have revamped the practical ministry, added some classes, and changed the schedule to help the Bible College. I have been able to cut the fees for one student for a whole year including books and everything to $200USD. You can’t put a price tag on a trained Christian Leader ready for service but I think $200 is a great deal! If you are interested in helping to sponsor a student or would like to aid the Bible College in other ways please email me at (greerfamilypng@gmail.com).

We had a great meeting with local pastors the other day discussing ways we could better equip them. There are 12 Foursquare Churches in what is called the National Capital District (NCD) which encompasses the city of Port Moresby and all the surrounding suburbs and settlements. Finding more ways to help them put on outreaches, mobilizing our mobile clinic at their churches, and how the Bible College can partner with them by further equipping the pastors and leaders of these churches. The Bible College is open for pastors from these Foursquare Churches to enroll to take as many classes as they like to learn and grow more in the knowledge of God.

Carina has been really busy too as she prepares to launch Moale Ministries. As you know Carina has been involved in Faith Club which is an outreach and nutrition program for local settlements. Along side of Ps David (my student last year), Carina has been asked to pastor and oversee this ministry which is so close to her heart. The name has been change to Moale (moe-ah-lay) which is a word in a local dialect called Motu and it means Joy.

In the middle of everything else Carina is helping improve the nutrition side , developing more in-depth discipleship for the teens, helping the children receive good Sunday school lessons, and trying to get a literacy program off the ground….. Yeah, don ‘t worry, she’s not busy at all. Carina’s heart for literacy came as she began to talk and pray with the teens and mothers who simply want to read the word of God.

Over the holiday season (summer vacation here) Ps David, his wife Udu, and Carina organized a special day trip to a river/rapids just outside of Port Moresby for the Life Teens and leaders who have served in Faith Club. Many of the teens have never left the streets and settlements of Moresby so this trip was a great adventure for all of them. They barbecued and swam, ate, laughed and ate some more! It was truly a day to remember for the teens who spend their lives in the harsh reality of the settlements and streets.

Mason and Ezra are doing great. A special thank you to all of you who sent Christmas cards and gifts to our boys. Receiving cards, and gifts from our supporting churches and friends has made this Christmas so special for us. Thank you! Mason is our six year old and he is 4 ft 3 in tall. He keeps amazing us as we watch him eat and eat and eat. Ezra is talking more and more, and we are seeing him move from our “baby” to a little boy. Everyday is fun with them!

Please pray for us— for ministry fruitfulness, that all the right students would sign up and that God would provide the funds for them, for Carina and Pastor David as they venture into Moale Ministries and feeding and educating the poor, starving, and abused. Also for our boys, health and protection this new year.

Thank you all for your emails, support and prayers! Blessings to you this new year!

Paul, Carina, Mason and Ezra Greer

Greetings from Jeff and Naoko Mackay

2010-02-08T08:30:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Late last year i was able to visit Hajime's ministry in Shiga prefecture. She, and the house church movement is doing wonderful things. I really felt God's presence there. I saw this as a way to reach children and mothers in the local areas. Please pray for Hajime that more leaders are trained and more house churches are formed.

By the way, recently, because of the economic downturn, our mission, (Foursquare Missions) has had to tighten its belt. We have had to take budget cuts. And if the situation doesn't turn around, we will have more cuts. It seems like the financial crisis has hit us all. I know how that is because I was a local pastor in the U.S. for ten years.

But also, there has been some confusion about giving to Foursquare Missions. Actually, when you give to the Global Mission's Fund, it supports me, guys like Kelly Hildebrand in Thailand, and others to stay on the field. Below is an easy way to give.

Thanks for your help.

Jeff and Naoko MacKay (Missionaries in Japan. EMAIL: jeff@zeus.eonet.ne.jp WEB: www.hopeosaka.com)
GIVE TO FOURSQUARE

MISSIONS!!!

Your support is needed today to support Worldwide Missions. All giving goes to the Field!!!

You can give online at http://give.foursquare.org

Or by mail to:

FMI

PO Box 26776

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Pictures from Foursquare Fiji Convention

2010-02-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

Blessings, Foursquare Missions International

Foursquare Church in Bangkok Reaches Out to Community

2010-02-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Looks like the groundhog saw his shadow, signifying six more weeks of winter on your side of the world, but in Thailand, the temperatures are rising steadily. As the physical climate begins to heat up, we see God moving in the spiritual realm opening opportunities to minister his love to more people. The church in Bangkok is taking the transformative ministry to a nearby slum community into a second, local slum community. We thank each and every one of you who prays and gives financially to us as we support ministry like this.

Community Kids

The community that we have been working with for a long time knows us well and is excited for what the church is doing. The children love hearing about Jesus, going on swimming outings, and having fun at church services. Whenever they see Christina outside their weekly English lessons, they run up to her and tell her all about their day and play with her. They have a joy bubbling over in everything they do that becomes contagious to their family. One boy was baptized last Sunday, now that he is old enough to make a decision apart from his parents. The infectious smile on his face illustrates what happens to everyone this church touches in the community as an extension of God’s love. This community has grown attached to the church family they have now.

Recently, the church started going to a second slum community. The new community still holds the church at a safe distance. They huddle together as they watch and grow to trust us. The relationship is only now beginning. We are looking forward to spending more time in their community working with them.

The church expresses God’s love in tangible ways to both communities. They provide tutorial help with school subjects. As foreigners, we get to teach the children and teenagers English for free, something they could not afford, but valuable for future opportunities in the global marketplace. One of the hardest parts of growing up in a slum community is the lack of hope like a wet blanket thrown on any dreams. In our culture, we grow up dreaming of being an astronaut, reporter, cowboy or any variety of heroic careers. In this hopeless culture of the slum, the concept of dreaming for one’s future doesn’t even exist. The best thing we can offer is a future. Growing up in this kind of environment teaches children to put up walls and barriers blocking people and ideas from the outside. When they begin to see a future and God’s love breaking through their self erected walls, they start to desire change. As they know God, they draw close to him.

Children’s Day

Last month, the church celebrated Children’s Day. This day is celebrated in Thailand to honor the future that the children possess. In the church, we brought children from both communities and children of church members in order to honor the future they possess for the kingdom of God. We treated them like royalty by catering to them during worship, serving them a child-centered meal, and playing fun games together. For more information, visit our blog here.

Baptisms and more: Baptisms are a big deal in Thailand. They are the point where a person must publicly declare that they are now a Christian; thus, they cannot hide that fact from anyone any longer. For this reason, most new Christians take a few months before feeling comfortable about being baptized. Last Sunday, four people had signed up to publicly declare their faith in Jesus through baptism, but by the end of service six people came forward to be baptized. One girl was a former student of Christina’s who gave her heart to Jesus last summer during English Camp.

Andy’s first master’s level class went well. He traveled up north by himself and completed all the work using the modifications provided by Wheaton. He wants to thank those who prayed with him.

Prayer Requests

Valentine’s Day Outreach: This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, so the church has invited people from the school and university to a Valentine’s Day party. They will introduce them to the ultimate love we see in Christ.
New Relationships: Pray for the ongoing new relationships we are making with our students and those we connect with at the university. Relationships take time, so pray that we can build trust and friendship effectively in a way that shows God to the Thai people.
The new slum community: Pray that the team makes good in roads to the new slum. Pray that they build trust with the community and the children immediately. Pray against the spiritual strongholds that hinder people in these environments.
God bless,

Andy and Christina Opie

News from our Team in Haiti

2010-02-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

We are safe in Haiti. Today was a long journey...longer than we thought, left at 5:30am and got into Port-Au-Prince (PAP) at about 2:00pm. It was a great experience to see the Dominican Republic and Haiti while driving through.

Today we visited with Pastor Guy Thomas, national leader of Foursquare Haiti, and the church site for initial assessment. Pastor Guy was excited to see us. The church had more damage than I think even he realized. We have tons of pictures that we cataloged for assessment.

Today was also a bit crazy. Trying to find lost luggage in PAP and then Pastor Guy’s car broke down. A lot of driving today. We were all really tired by the end of the day. Some of us were functioning on 5-6 hours of sleep in 48 hours. The Mountain top ministry made a great meal for us, just as I remembered. Not a lot of talking at dinner just eating... we were hungry.

Tomorrow we are meeting with Pastor Guy and some of his leaders. Pray for us. The vision is big as it should be, yet we need to focus. Our heart is that in the end this would primarily be a nationally led restoration plan. Our support is critical...some leadership, some encouragement, some labor and some financial.

Pastor Guy’s testimony of how God saved his life during the earthquake needs to be translated and put in written form. It is powerful! It was a miracle…and it was bitter sweet. He survived the earthquake but the three people he was with died.

Foursquare Is Responding Update

At This Time
• We have a team from our Relief and Compassion Ministry in Haiti from February 2-6. Please keep them covered in prayer.
• The Foursquare Relief and Compassion team is already mobilizing personnel. In the weeks and months ahead we will need medical teams, construction teams, and ministry teams; we need your help.
• We are making preparations to set up a base camp in Port-au-Prince for our long-term response (this is our greatest need).
• This will include the purchase of:
o Food, water, and shelter for those who have been displaced
o Trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles
o Building supplies and equipment
o Medical care and supplies
o Personnel and housing

Volcano Eruption in Democratic Republic of Congo

2010-02-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

On January,2,2010, Mount Nyamulagira erupted, leaving Goma residents daunted. Current dialogue concerning the possiblity of a potential eruption has left the Democratic Republic of Congo with questions. The 2002 eruption covered 1/3 of the town with lava. The lava dispersed from the most recent activity migrated from its southern flank. This ampliflies concern for Goma residents because the city is situated along the Southern base of the volcano.
Several Foursquare churches are located in North Kivu Province.Please keep on praying for our Foursquare family and all the population in this part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Blessings, Foursquare Missions International

Haiti Relief Team Strategizes

2010-02-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Foursquare has organized a relief and assessment team. The following are the objectives that the team seeks to successfully accomplish:

1. To serve Pastor Guy and Foursquare Haiti

2. Consult with Pastor Guy, if he is agreeable to it, design long term ministry plan

3. Assess Damage

4. Assess Security needs/strategy –

5. Establish pastoral relationships

6. Strategy: Compare US Team’s plan to reality on the field – Come back with overall master plan and calendared timeframes.

7. Regional liaison – Dave Stone

8. Propose Intermediate Action based on Assessments

9. Propose Long Term Action based on Assessments

10. Compile “Resources Needed” List

11. Compile “Personnel Needed” List (both long &short term teams and individuals)

12. Propose Realistic Timeline

13. Propose Budget for Total Operations

14. Network with other agencies who are on the ground

Please keep this team in continual prayer. Pray for safe passage, protection, wisdom, and strength.

Blessings, Foursquare Missions International

Foursquare Plants Church in Juba

2010-02-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

Kushe-o!

We kicked off a new church in Juba, a poor community on the western edge of Freetown, during our annual convention in October. The team from Albany and Philomath, Oregon, held a simple medical clinic and prayed with lots of people. I have been regularly attending this new church plant on Wednesday nights with Mrs. Naomi and Sister Katta. Every week is an adventure – just getting there and back can be challenging! Kathy thinks I’m crazy for getting on a motorcycle to get up the hill a couple weeks ago. I think that was the same day that a lady named Kadiatu found me to tell her testimony - that God had been answering the prayer that Pastor Ed had prayed for her in October. Last week we had an amazing service of prayer and worship. We hadn’t planned it that way, but that’s the way the Lord led us for the evening. It was the biggest service we’ve had.

This week was a special week at Juba because my mom is here visiting and she came with us. It was fun to watch the kids flock around her and my dear friend Janet. The children were eager to hold their hands and greet them. We normally try to reach Juba before 6:00 so the kids can color before we start the service. We didn’t arrive until almost 7:00, but we were told that the kids had been waiting for us since 6:00. I think we had 60 children and 20 adults – even bigger than the week before. A couple ladies shared testimonies about how God had healed them the week before. We prayed for the new benches we’d brought, asking God to keep them filled with people. It was a great and powerful night.

I’m excited for tomorrow, when the Beaverton Foursquare Team (filled with my wonderful friends - including my mom!) will hold a children’s program in Juba. I am believing 200 children will attend and hear about God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Next week the team will teach parenting classes at our church in Freetown.

Here are some highlights from the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010:

I was invited to speak at the Christmas Carol service at the church’s school. I love going to the school to visit the children while they are in class. The other day I was amused to watch the “nursery” class identify the letters of the alphabet. The children clapped for the students who correctly identified the letter, and put their hands on their cheeks and said, “Shame!” to the ones who got it wrong (which was most of them). All the children were smiling, enjoying the interaction.
We are in the process of building a new home for the brickmaker at church.
Kathy just returned from a trip to visit and encourage the Foursquare church in Liberia, and I think we’ll be heading back there in the near future.
I have spent some quality time with my neighbors, just loving and enjoying them. (Thank you to the Beaverton Foursquare team that visited in November and December for spending so much time with my neighbors. They are still talking about you!)

I am really enjoying having my mom and friends here; it feels like home! I love and miss you all. Thank you for your prayers, notes of encouragement, and financial support. Serving God’s people and building His kingdom in Sierra Leone is a huge privilege, and I love it! God bless you all!

With love,

Krisnee

krisneep@yahoo.com

www.uptosomethingbig.blogspot.com

Intercede for Haiti

2010-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Dear intercessor:

As relief efforts continue in Haiti, several issues are surfacing that require our fervent prayer. Thank you for joining your Foursquare family around the world in agreement for God’s protection and restoration at the center of this crisis. Remember you can find the latest on Foursquare’s ministry in Haiti on the FMI website and you can also follow Foursquare on Twitter and on Facebook.

Prayer points for Haiti:
· Pray for the safety and security of our Foursquare family in Haiti

· Pray for the safety and security of our Foursquare relief and compassion team that arrives in Haiti on Tuesday, February 2

· Pray for wisdom and favor as this team makes preparations for our basecamp in Port-au-Prince

· Pray against corruption and opportunism

· Pray against human trafficking

· Pray for the safety of children in Haiti

· Pray for the people who are suffering, and for those who are serving them

· Pray that more supplies would reach the interior of the country without obstruction

· Pray for the first responders and rescue teams that are still finding survivors under the rubble

· Pray for those doing grief counseling with those who have lost family and friends

· Pray that believers in the country would grow spiritually and that their faith will be strong

· Pray against fear and that faith would rise for God’s provision in the days ahead

God bless you as you pray!
Foursquare Missions International

New Haiti Resources From The Foursquare Church

2010-01-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Foursquare Church is an amazing family! Some incredible stories are already emerging about how God is using Foursquare people to respond, rebuild and restore Haiti.

We invite you to check out the second video in a three-video series, produced by Foursquare Missions International (FMI), about what The Foursquare Church is doing in Haiti, and find ways that you and your church can get involved.

Continued coverage is also available on the FMI website and by subscribing to the Prayer Force Update e-mail newsletter. You can also follow Foursquare on Twitter and on Facebook.

We appreciate your prayers for the teams who are on the ground in Haiti, for our national leaders there, and for the people being ministered to. Join our Foursquare family around the world on 7Fourteen.org as we commit to pray throughout the year for our world, our families, and our church.

Foursquare Is Responding

2010-01-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Setting up of infrastructure both on the ground and in Foursquare USA Jeff Roper, Lead Person for Foursquare Relief and Compassion Team.

Our hearts are moved with compassion for the millions of lives that have been forever changed because of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Each one of us are so moved by this tragedy that we want to go now. Our hearts break to serve these people who have suffered so much. The Foursquare Church has been in Haiti a long time. We will be in Haiti long after this crisis. And we are in Haiti now.The Foursquare response to disaster is long-term and three-fold: The first phase is the immediate RESPONSE: The first three to four weeks after the crisis we serve qualified first responders and help mobilize the Foursquare family to pray, give, and go. During this first phase our relief and compassion team will actively assess the needs on the ground in order to develop a tailor-made response to the crisis. In the case of Haiti, the destruction is so catastrophic that only the “best of the best” first responders can and should be there. We are glad to say we are working with these incredible people. Our second phase will be to help in the RECOVERY efforts: During the next 18-24 months, FMI will be sending in medical, construction, and ministry teams.
If you are interested in serving on a GO Team, sign up by going to

http://fmi.foursquare.org/goteams/. Here, you can download the Emergency Relief and Database Questionnaire, which will help us build a database to form and deploy strategic teams. Our third phase will be to focus on RESTORATION: By strategically working together we will see spiritually vibrant and socially relevant churches planted throughout Haiti resulting in long-term transformation.

Foursquare missionaries in the region are playing a critical role in our response team. Charlie Finocchiaro, serving in the Dominican Republic, has just returned from checking on our family. Pastor Guy (pronounced G-e-e) Thomas’s family is okay. Some inside belongings were broken, but the home suffered little damage. Twelve members of his congregation are confirmed dead and at least 20 homes destroyed, including the home of Pastor Guy’s assistant pastor Rosinel. Some church members are still unaccounted for. One church member’s wife had to have both of her legs amputated and their two children did not survive the earthquake. Pastor Guy has not been able to visit all the church families yet, and phone calls have not been possible. Surrounding neighbors of the church have lost their homes and are displaced. Pastor Guy and other members have been ministering to them, and plans are being made to provide food, shelter, and medical services to the people of Haiti through the Foursquare Church. Sunday service, January 17, 2010, was held outside the church with about 50 in attendance. Pastor Guy’s message was one of hope and encouragement to the Haitians to which he ministered.

Of the seven Foursquare churches, Pastor Guy has only been able to contact one of the pastors. Pastor Bellande’s family is okay, but his home was severely damaged. We do not have any information on his church members. The other churches and the orphanage are outside of the Port-au-Prince area and should not have suffered much damage. Tabare, the main church in Port-au-Prince, is just 2 minutes from the US embassy, on the same road to the airport. The church building suffered some damage, but is still structurally sound. The block walls will need to be rebuilt, including the electrical outlets, but the church columns and foundation are fine. We are working alongside first responders who are running 5 of the 35 response units that are currently on the ground in Haiti.

Charlie Finocchiaro, our missionary from the Dominican Republic, was sent to Haiti to help in assessing the situation and to make contact with our national leader of Foursquare, Guy Thomas. Charlie was able to deliver water, food, supplies, clothes, a small gas powered generator, fuel, and cash to Pastor Guy. While there, he was escorted by an armed police detail wherever he went.

Your district missions representative is the point person and extension of the Disaster Relief Response Team in your district. Please contact your district missions representative and Dave Wheeler, GO Team Coordinator – Dwheeler@foursquare.org with any interest you have in forming or joining a team.

Currently there are isolated breakouts of looting, and some violence. Those who are part of the search, rescue and recovery efforts must be escorted at all times by an armed security detail. Because of a relationship with the Dominican Consulate, Charlie was housed at the police station across from the national palace where it was very safe. Food and water supplies are being handed out to Haitians from the site. Across the street from the police station is a green area with hundreds of people. Prayer and praise meetings could be heard throughout each night.

Video clip link:
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/7d723c8302e74295ac63e0c80043c86d/video/9502883

Because the seaport at Port-au-Prince sustained damage from the earthquake, supplies have been slow to get into the country. Most supplies are coming in by cargo airplanes or by land from the DR. Once the port becomes functional ships will be able to bring in more than ten times the amount of supplies needed for Haiti.Many are in remote areas, and the damaged roads and need for security have made it difficult for most help to get into those areas. Churches are responding and coordination has begun. A medical team from one of our local Foursquare churches is already on the ground caring for the injured and suffering, and supplying them with food and water. Although clean up, construction, evangelism, and other teams will be needed in the months to come, our interdenominational team concurred that medical teams are most vital these first two months. Many of the injured will need long-term treatment and repeated visits.

CARGO CONTAINER
Through our partnership we were able to purchase $35,000 worth of food and medical supplies for $8,000. And the container is already on the ground to serve our Foursquare family and the surrounding communities.

What You Can Do

What to Pray For:
Pray for Haiti and our Haitian Foursquare family around the world
Pray for our Foursquare Relief and Compassion Team
Keep praying for the first responders on the ground

How to GO
GO TEAMS
The overall response of the Foursquare family has been very overwhelming. I'm very grateful to the Lord that I get to be a part of such a great family. We still have a ton of work to do, and need all hands on deck.

Sign up for GO Teams by sending your Database Questionnaire to me at dwheeler@foursquare.org. Please do so quickly. We need to compile this information ASAP. Link: http://fmi.foursquare.org/goteams/

More to come. Stay strong. Keep your passion. Keep praying for the redemption of Haiti! We, your Foursquare Relief and Compassion Team, need your prayers and participation. Our dear neighbors in Haiti, and our Haitian families here in the US, need our love, prayers, and support.

New Brick Maker for Foursquare Sierra Leone

2010-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

We are so thankful for the team that came to help us get the brick maker up and running! Yes that’s right the machine that BFC fundraised for arrived here in September. We were able to bring in out of port in October and we fired her up in November. Things move a little slower here in Africa. What takes a day in the US takes about 3 here. Unless you’ve been to a developing nation its hard to explain.

Anyhow the Sierra Leone Church is thankful and excited for the development that the machine represents. I am relieved it’s here and in tact and ready to use. And the team members are excited to be working along side our African friends and brothers.

This brick machine allows us to make 1500 bricks a day. The type of bricks we are able to produce are strong, consistent and interlocking. This allows us to quickly construct buildings that are straighter, stronger and cheaper than the traditional methods available in country.

There are only 2 other machines like this in Sierra Leone as far as we know. And from our research they are producing a needed product.

One of the goals of the team was to figure out the proper proportions of sand, soil, cement and water needed to produce a high quality brick. The recipe varies based on the type of soil, the moisture in the soil. The proper mixture allows the machine to make bricks of consistent size and strength. To much moisture and the bricks come out to small and to little water and the bricks crumble apart when you touch them.

Enough brick talk.

On behalf of the Sierra Leone Church Krisnee and myself, thank you for your love, generously demonstrated towards Sierra Leone. We are truly grateful for each of you!

Here are some pictures of the Machine from port to use. Including the building materials and an example of the type of buildings we will be able to construct in the near future.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Permanent location for the brick maker.

2. Right workers for the project

3. That the machine would continue to be a blessing to the SL church.

Kathy Alexander
Missionary to Sierra Leone
katsby30@gmail.com

Encouraging Story From Sierra Leone

2010-01-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a touching testimony and challenge of what happened in Sierra Leone, West Africa in the outskirt of the capital Freetown.

Pastor Abraham works in the mist of the refugee population displaced by the eleven years rebel war in Sierra Leone ,He preaches messages of hope and trust in Christ and even gave to their physical needs by providing food and used clothing. In 2000 the Government of Sierra Leone decided to relocate all the refugees outside Freetown a place called Grafton. Pastor Abraham with zeal for the Lord and love for souls followed the refugees, he continued preaching to them and the government recognized his labor among the people and offered a piece of land to him to build a church . But two weeks ago, after nearly eighty years of faithful labor for the Lord, he came to my office with tears running down his eyes saying these words to me “the refugee church has fallen and the people are asking him what to do”. Touch by the story, I promised to visit the sight.

On Sunday December 6th, I took pastor Naomi, my wife, and assistant pastor Leslie Johnson to the sight . On our way my car started overheating for the very first time ,but eventually we made it to the refugee camp, Brethren what we saw made everyone to be silence for couple of minutes. The church structure has fallen and both pastor and people still hold meetings in a small corner of the fallen structure praising the Lord. Please see pictures attached.

Also not too far from the fallen church structure there is a big concrete mosque building financed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. But despite all , most of the people loved Jesus. This incidence has challenged me so much and has changed my perspective about the ministry that there a faithful brethren that need our help regardless of where they live in the world
Lets pray for pastor Abraham and the church for courage at this time as they serve the Lord. You can also give to help rebuild the structure and restore dignity to the church community in the camp. The cost of rebuilding the structure is $300 . Write your check (s) of donation to ;
Foursquare Missions International
At the back write Foursquare Church Sierra Leone.

Or contact the National Leader
Foursquare Gospel Church in Sierra Leone.

E-Mail;kargbonaomi@yahoo.com
00232-77-529901/00232-76-505247 for further information on how you can be of help to the refugee church in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Thank you much as we serve the Lord together ,touching lives with the love of Christ and making a remarkable impart among the less privilege in the world.

Christ’s Servant
Pastor Peter M. Kargbo
National Leader
Foursquare Gospel Church In Sierra Leone
West Africa.

Recent Updates From Dan Lucero

2010-01-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

New Year Greetings from West Africa! I’m on the road again presently in Cote d’Ivoire (Abidjan) on my way over-land to Ghana today … the next ten days will have me also be in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo and Benin if the roads and border crossings stay open and the planes stay up and on time (seriously pray for all this!). I’ll then have a one and half day stop off at home before continuing for two weeks to the Pacific as going half way around the world, to the French-speaking island of New Caledonia allows a visit in China to encourage our workers there who are seeing some amazing fruit… So I’m presently in a “charged” three and half weeks and so grateful to be alive! There is just always so much to do and catch up on – Please pray prophetically with me that 2010 will be a year where much of what was accomplished and initiated in 2009 will be established and affirmed.

A more extended newsletter that adds “flesh to the skeleton” of these names and places (and more 2009 and 2010 fill-ins) will be forth -coming (as this day’s events are upon me and time does not permit… ) For the moment, please enjoy some photos from the past two months – each is special, a glimpse of a moment of a few of the lives (loved family, friends, nations…) we’ve intersected, we pray, with both the love and power of a living God! Each place, person, circumstance’s needs and response is so different… but amazingly, by first and foremost trying to be exactly who God has made us to be (with a bit of sanctification thrown in!) Martine and I find the grace daily to live according to the moments offering...

Even if each photo can “speak a thousand words” they can never tell the whole story… a story that is unfolding even as we speak… and a story worth living and dying for if need be! Imperfect and impersonal as this type of communication is please know how personally we want you to know how important you are to our story and also to other people’s stories – please stay encouraged to keep “loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself” and in doing this (and learning to do this!) a whole lot of people’s stories will never be the same because of you and your story!

There are a thousand things I’d want to embed in your mind right now, images of 2009 that merit praise, thanks and wonder as well as deep burdens, unsolved and on-going …. and of course images of the plans, projects and hopes we carry as we head into 2010… but if I still got your attention, I want to really share one of the highest needs/prayers/ priorities urgent for this moment…

… would you please pray for a couple - John and Becky Rusk - who are colleagues in our work in Africa – where my path (when in Africa) criss-crosses through the West, Central and Northern areas – theirs is spent in the also huge Southern area. Becky, back in Arizona, has medically been released to say good bye to family and loved ones as doctors feel unable to do anything further for a cancer that is ravaging her body – but we know better and we know where there is life, there is hope and yes, even beyond life there is hope… but while we who can stand and breathe are able, please spiritually stand right now and intercede for Becky’s complete healing – yes a moment of our lives, given away, sacrificed even, for the good of another, can forever change that person’s story! May we never ever forget this!!

All our love and more love (a zillion times over!) – Dan, Martine, Jeremiah, Melissa, Julia and Marc Lucero

Foursquare Haiti Shaken by 7.0 Earthquake

2010-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Pastor Guy and Soeurette Thomas, Foursquare national leaders in Haiti, have not yet responded to repeated attempts at communication following the 7.0 earthquake that rocked the nation last night. The shaking was felt more than 300 miles away in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

Area missionary Dave Stone continues to confirm the well-being of the Thomas family and numerous other Foursquare congregants and ministers who live and serve the seven churches and one orphanage of The Foursquare Church in Haiti. In the midst of significant devastation, communication is intermittent at best. Missionary Charlie Finnochiaro is currently on his way to Haiti with our first delivery of relief resources. Foursquare Missions Director, Jonathan Hall, has asked all Foursquare leaders to fervently pray for God’s protection on our pastors and congregants.

The Foursquare Church is poised to respond with relief supplies and financial resources. Many pastors in the U.S. have already contacted Foursquare Missions International looking for ways to help. We are currently assessing the needs and our available resources. As contact is made with our leaders in Haiti and additional needs are identified, we will develop a long-term plan to minister to people, bring relief to communities, and rebuild our churches.

Haiti’s prime minister has speculated that casualties following the earthquake could top more than 100,000 people following the most powerful earthquake to hit the country in more than 200 years. The national palace is a crumbled ruin and tens of thousands of people are homeless. In public squares thousands of people are comforting each other and singing hymns together.

Details about the U.S. response of The Foursquare Church to the Haiti earthquake will be available through the communication venues listed below and through your District Missions Representatives. In addition, Foursquare Missions Press is offering free tracts and bible literature in Haiti’s language of Creole for all Foursquare church teams.

The nation as a whole and the churches of Haiti will need our ongoing prayer and support.

Here is how you can give immediate help:
1. Pray - for protection, miraculous healings, restoration and acceleration of the Kingdom for Haiti. Let’s contend for a total turnaround from this quake into a shaking of a nation unto salvation.
2. Take an offering - Our long-term plan of relief will require large financial resources.
a.You can give online at https://give.foursquare.org/relief
b.You can mail a check payable to: Foursquare Missions International – PO Box 26776, Los Angeles, CA 90026
3. Consider planning or joining a team to aid in the rebuilding and restoration of this nation. Contact DWheeler@foursquare.org for more information.

Click here for a video message from Jonathan Hall, Director of Foursquare Missions International, regarding Foursquare relief in Haiti.

Updates on Foursquare’s relief efforts will be posted on:
Internet - http://fmi.foursquare.org
Twitter - wearefoursquare
Blog - http://foursquaremissions.blogspot.com

FOURSQUARE FRANCE HOLDS FIRST MEDIA WORKSHOP

2010-01-11T10:46:00.000-08:00

Foursquare France recently held its first ever National Media Workshop October 26-27, 2009 in Nancy, France. Daily seminars, teaching, training and break-out sessions were held at “Un Chant Nouveau” (A New Song) Church, pastored by Rev. Pierre-Yves Abresol. Sessions were led by Dr. Dan Lucero, head of Foursquare France, and Craig Forrest, a veteran TV producer-director-writer based in California, whose recent media conference speaking engagements have taken him to Columbia and Argentina. The intense workshops, attended by 20-25 participants each day, focused specifically on effective video production and non-fiction storytelling. Attendees ranged from 16-64 in age and ran the gamut of cultures, including those of African, Caribbean and Indian Basin descent.

Small production groups were sent out on the second training day into the Nancy streets armed with video cameras to interview those passing by asking the probing question, “what do you think of the future?” A short video documentary was created using each teamʼs best clips and answers, with the goal for distribution and use by other Foursquare churches throughout France as an “on-the-street” dvd shown at worship services. France, the birthplace of cinema, is a media saturated society, with high levels of mobile, web and social media savvy and participation, especially among those aged 14-30. Foursquare Franceʼs objective is to train up a generation of Christian filmmakers and videographers from within their churches who can and will engage the very unique French culture through compelling media stories.

The next National Media Workshop is now in the formative stages and will be held in late October 2010, during the university Fall break, when students are free from their studies to travel. Possible locations include Paris and/or Bordeaux. One future goal is the possibility to open these sessions beyond Foursquare to include all Evangelical groups working in France for greater networking, inspiration, training and cooperation.

Praise Report from China

2010-01-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Jonathan and all,

I just want to bless you with these pictures and story of our French-Chinese missionaries to China - I think it's amazing... long story short we had baptized two daughters of what we found out later was a pretty important (and good) business man in South-East China.... The girls had come to France to learn language/business school , etc found Jesus with us and became wonderful parts of our Nancy Church Plant over the next ten year period - one of the girl's married our Youth leader in the Nancy Church (a graduate from a top engineering School in Nancy who also was baptised with us). They left to China almost two years ago (the girl had taken on French nationality). In late 2008 on my way to New Caledonia I stopped off in China (with Martine) and finally after these ten years of sowing the Chinese mom and dad fully accepted Jesus and we baptised them in a great jacuzzi in their home! Literally like the Book of Acts (a bit modernized as we used a jacuzzi for collecting enough water to baptise!!)

The father became so alive and transformed and wanted all of his 3 to 4000 factory workers to follow Christ! Has brought Christ into everything they do in the business- his daughter marrried to the French man helps see this take place! Says he feels like Moses called to open the Red Sea... thus some of the pictures from this year's Christmas Celebration - in 2 years just amazing stories of "the Kingdom" and the Lord of the Kingdom being lived out through this family in China - we are so proud and blessed as the French man is still integrating into an old world system but that there is such fruit and so much happening! He is now finding his place by focusing on children and hundreds and hundreds are coming to the program he is developping ( they also do Alphas, ect that we started with them in France)

Anyway Please Keep Praying - there are sometimes concerns /security challenges... I gave Corey their contact info and know in due time that contact will work but their door of entry into China has been so God-ordained and we just stand overjoyed to see God's blessings in and on this work in China that we're blessed to be a part of!

Have a Great New Year! Dan

Holiday Greetings from Estonia

2010-01-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from frigid but cozy Estonia!

Tammy & I and the girls pray your Christmas celebrations are inspired, fun, and restful, hopeful of what is to come. We will be sharing in yet a new culture and tradition at Christmas time here in Estonia.

We have been busy, busy with our big Thanksgiving reachout, and many other happenings. We are looking forward to a breather for a couple of weeks as we welcome our two oldest kids from the State to their first trip to Estonia.

Enjoy, and thanks for your prayers and faithful support throughout 2009.

Head Jöulud! (Merry Christmas)

Brett and Tammy

Update from the Obregan Family

2010-01-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy “Krismas.” We heard that a lot of you are “enjoying” cooler weather now. I emphasize “enjoying” because our seasons here only change by perhaps a degree. We have a “dry” season – where your pores really are cleansed with persistent sweat and the “wet” season where your pores are still weeping but now you have mud, dampness and more biting bugs. We are in the wet season now with moisture like fog, heat like an oven and the added bonus of volcano ash snowing on us. I hear the large monitor lizard scratching his way up the outside of the wall close to where I am sitting as I write this e-mail. He is back early today with his catch from the ocean. He has a habit of dining among my little flower garden and leaving behind the indigestible parts like little red lobster claws and buttery yellow clam shells. I am not happy with him though because he frequently chews one of the flower’s leaves – I guess to cleanse his pallet. Are you in the island mood now?

This month was busy. It started out with a Market Evangelism outreach in Kokopo town (see picture). The musicians and generator-operated microphones and amps were set up during the busiest market day on Saturday and hundreds of people were told about a personal God who loves them and is reaching out to them. The pastors were stretched because they were preaching to people who they grew up with; nevertheless, the pastors were encouraged by the people’s hunger for the gospel. The following Sunday, the Kokopo Town Church had several new visitors - people who had given their hearts and lives to Jesus at the Market. These new Christians have continued to attend the church and are now a part of local home groups.

The following week we were notified late one night that Pastor Mary Labet, one of the pioneering Foursquare pastors in the region had died. She was considered by many men and women here as their “Momma” in the faith. Her death was quite a shock to all of us. In our first year in PNG, we lived in the same village as Pastor Mary and, in fact, we lived right across the dirt road from her house. She had been a Pastor for 14 years and was the Kokopo District Supervisor. We are close to Pastor Mary’s family and they honored us by taking us by the hand to her house and up the narrow stairs to see her. We had to pass by a pile of flip flops by the door to view her body which had been placed on the bare floor. When we arrived an attendant removed a cloth from her face and then we said goodbye. We cried with the mourners in attendance and family members waved small thin bundles of leaves from a nearby bush to keep the flies away. The lack of air movement in the room was stifling. When the coffin finally arrived after two days, she was placed in a homemade box with relatives taking turns spraying the wood with a strong type of perfume and then she quickly buried in a deep grave after the “closed-coffin” funeral in front of her house. All the Foursquare pastors wore their very best white shirts and ties and the whole village came together to honor her life (see picture). She is with Jesus now.

Yesterday, a large three day overnight camp for 527 youth and children ended. It was located in a more remote bush area here in East New Britain. The road getting to the camp was covered with water and huge pot holes that seemed to swallow vehicles, but God was with us and no one got stuck. The focus of the entire camp was on the Holy Spirit (who He is, how He works, and how to cooperate with Him). On the first day of the camp Victor was a part of the teaching team and spoke on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Later that evening, 32 youths went forward to receive Christ for the first time, 23 repented and came back to Christ, and 13 received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We so need the Holy Spirit in our lives!

Victor was a large part of the many planning meetings for the camp and child safety during camp was particularly emphasized. Camp counselors were assigned - one counselor to every 5 children. A sign-up sheet/and release forms were used for all children 12 and under. These are new and complicated ideas to utilize in this culture, but we are trying to build in safe-guards for everyone involved. It went well and the leadership here would like to incorporate even more child safety precautions in all future events. The people here are often open to new ideas, but are not sure how to implement them.

Alex and I taught a class of 23 kids aged 10-11 during the outreach in the mornings (see picture). In the afternoons Victor and Alex and I held a medical clinic for all the children of the camp and anyone else who needed care (see picture). We saw lines of people until the sun went down and until we couldn’t read the labels on the medication bottles any more. Victor arranged for 3 healthcare workers from the local haus-sik (hospital) to come teach awareness on HIV/AIDS and STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) during the camp. This was followed by teaching on the biblical view and benefits of obeying God’s Word versus the world’s way of dealing with sexual issues.

Then yesterday there was a “combined” church service which formally closed the youth and children’s camp. People from all over the Kokopo district and the surrounding ones came to worship together. Victor led the communion service (see picture) and the pastors served their congregations as worship music was playing. As each group returned to their seats on the ground, a group of pastors would refill the cups for the next group. The camp was officially declared a success and the new Provincial youth pastors and leaders for 2010 were dedicated and prayed over so that they would continue a strong work with the youth and children and plan for future events. It was really wonderful to laugh with the other teachers and play with the children. They took ownership of us as “our missionaries” and it was a pleasure to be a part of the work God is doing there. Please pray for continued growth and maturity in the lives of the believers here.

Prayer Requests:

· That the volcano would quiet down. I know you have heard this before, but it is a hardship that affects every part of daily living. The airport has only intermittent service now due to the ash and we haven’t received any mail for a long time. The PNG national convention is in February and we can’t even book any tickets as the airlines will not issue any until “further notice.”. We continue to trust God even when we are land-locked.

· There is a small Foursquare church now in Mioko, one of the eight small islands of the Duke of York chain located between East New Britain and New Ireland. This is where we had a difficult, but productive medical and evangelism outreach last October. Please pray for calm seas so that we can visit and encourage those in Duke of York islands. We also would like smooth sailing for our next community entry travel in preparation for future medical and evangelism outreaches.

· For unity and maturity for the Pastors and leaders here and for their Life Transformation Groups ( LTG’s).

· For Godly wisdom and Spirit-led guidance – that we may speak boldly in the confidence of the Holy Spirit.

· For God’s plan for 2010.

· For Protection.

· For our son, Nathaniel who is in the Seattle area.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Love,

Victor and Lori and Alexander Obregon

Hundreds Receive Salvation at Kompion Crusade

2010-01-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

About 2 weeks ago Benjamin (one of my pastors) went to Kompion in theHighlands to hold a crusade. It is a hard area with much fighting and problems. Second night Benjamin is preaching on the Blood of Jesus. Halfway through his sermon a young woman (about 26 years old) sitting in a wheelchair (apparently she had been in a wheelchair for 6 or 7 years) stands up. Benjamin then calls her to walk forward, and she does. Apparently she had not walked for several years.
The place erupts and there are people running out of the meeting. They ran to bring the sick to the meeting. Over the next half an hour, the meeting grows. Local Baptist Hospital is basically emptied. Over 900 people respond to the alter call for salvation. Over 300 people who receive prayer for healing claim they were healed. Doesn't that put a smile on ya dial!
Have a great day, bless you! Mike

Updates from Albania

2009-12-21T16:03:00.001-08:00

Living in Albania, we are able to witness the beauty of different seasons. Although we still remember summertime,the beginning of Advent reminds us that winter is near! The autumn has gone by extremely fast, probably because we spent all of September in Lithuania. But before we left,in August, a few happenings marked the end of the adventurous and fun summer. We had a three-day camping trip with several teenage boys from the youth group. Everybody shared the cooking, tent-building, and cleaning up duties. Raspberries and blackberries turned our tongues red on the hike to the highest peak in the region. Games andconversations by the campfire about what the true Christian life style is about added to the adventure. On the hike down from the campsite, we attempted to show what taking care of the creation means by collecting some of the rubbishalong the way. Gladly, even the ones who at first frowned at the idea finally joined in. If we only had more rubbish bags with us!Yet perhaps the most amazing day of the summer was thelast Sunday of August, when in a beautiful lake, shared byAlbania, Greece and Macedonia, we baptized 8 believers.

We discussed the idea of baptism during the summer, but never voiced our thoughts, until one day the teenage boys approached Sean with a request to get baptized. Time andagain we get weary and discouraged, when we tend to seethe challenges and problems before the fruit of our labor.Yet people dedicated to the Lord is the biggest reward we could ever ask for! One of the boys that got baptized, Klajdi, is a big encouragement to us. Having dedicated his life to Christ just over half a year ago, he also decided to attend a Torch bearer’s Bible School in Erseke (a town one houraway). Klajdi had the desire, but not the means. We decided to loan him the money, and are really happy we did it(because when giving, we always consider whether ourgiving isn’t creating dependency)! He is enjoying the school and definitely learning a lot. It is very encouraging to see somebody investing in spiritual education instead of only trying to find a well-paid job. Whatever God’s plans are forKlajdi, we are excited to be a little part of it. While in Lithuania, in addition to some time of rest and fun with the family and friends, we spent one evening with agroup of teenagers from Vita’s church sharing about our ministry and joys of living and serving in a foreign country. We were told that these kids would instantly go to Albania, if they could. We do love seeing young people interested in missions and the world beyond their own city walls.

Returning to Albania we hosted our annual Albania Foursquare Churches’ conference. In addition to the leaders and members from 5 of the churches from Albania and onefrom Kosovo, a few speakers from several European countries encouraged and inspired us. Also, we enjoyed worshipping with a team from Music International, a nonprofit organization that has a vision to train and equip the musicians all around the world. Last week of November our international family of two went to Tirana to celebrate Thanksgiving. “The Stephen Center,” a restaurant and a hotel that is part of Foursquare ministries in Albania, each year treats the visitors with delicious special dinner and pumpkin pies. This year some of the birds weighed 40 pounds!
In our next, “Winter newsletter,” we will share some testimonies and what the coldest season brings about to Korce. Also, we are coming to the U.S. in January, so we hope to meet many of you in person! As the Christmas preparations are consuming more and more of our time, we pray that we all experience more of Christ’s love during this Advent season!

Blessings, and thank you for being part of our ministry,
Sean & Vita

Thailand Hill Project Grows

2009-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

Things are just going wild here. New churches are continuing to be planted. We just recently had 500 people receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit up north. And its causing us some problems. Most were new Christians in new churches, but several were from other churches. They are returning to their churches and telling everyone to get Baptized in the Holy Spirit. Today, Pastor John is in a meeting with two of those churches to talk out the problem. Many of the people want to leave their church and join Foursquare.
We just had about 20 to 30 people rent a truck and come to visit Pastor John to ask if they could join Foursquare. We are trying not to recruit Christians, but the growth and excitement is spilling over. In one village, an offering was taken for a group of young people so they could go from village to village evangelizing. They did this on their own.
We are training the new leaders, using a curriculum that I wrote and Pastor John is now having it translated into the Lahu tribal language.
During our last convention, we created a new district just to keep up with the growth.
We will be applying for a new grant in January but we hope to expand this to the whole country, not just Hill Tribes. I thought you might like the good report. The truth is that it was foundation money that helped spur this revival and growth. Without it, Pastor John and his "emerging leaders" could not have helped guide this supernatural growth.
Blessings,
Kelly
Thailand

Visiting Evangelist Reach 8,000

2009-12-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, the government in a restricted Asian country, allowed an American family to sing at a Christian event. The outreach attracted about 40,000 and there were 8,000 salvation's. Visiting Evangelist were the main attraction. They sang about family, marriage and purity. It is an amazing story of how they came here. Up until the last minute it looked like they were going to be cancelled. I will tell you the story when we come in January.
They are going to another location to sing this weekend. One event is expected to attract 15,000. Doors are opening because of their unique message about family.

Greetings from Trinidad/Guyana

2009-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah! Since our last newsletter, we had a warm reception from the churches in Florida, secured our last items needed, boarded the plane to Port of Spain, Trinidad and we are now on the field in Trinidad. When we arrived we did not realize how utterly dependent we would we be upon the Lord and others. Yet, He has paved the way for us. Pastor Charles Marchan,who we has worked with previously, secured a place for us while we began looking for a long term place. The apartment is really marvelous. We are really blessed and accepted. Upon our last visit in February, the Lord had challenged the church in Longdenville to reach out. Pastor Marchan and I have discussed and share the same vision – to reach areas of Trinidad not served with Gospel, neglected and under served by any group. Although they were small and had meager resources, the Lord wanted them to give of themselves and receive a blessing. Their response to that Word was more than we could have imagined. As the church waited for us, they prayed and found an area known as Bynoe-Trace Extension where there were no churches of any kind. Some of
the people of that community did make it to the church in Longdenville sporadically but
it was far if they were one of the many families without a private form of transportation (car). A visitor to the church from Bynoe-Trace opened up their home carport for a Bible study on Thursday nights. The church in Longdenville took them up on the offer. We attended their second service. When Americans come, it is an immediate drawing card and 40 were in attendance. The Pastor taught of what it means to be saved . We got the privilege of leading the altar call and praying for those who the Holy Spirit had touched. Ten people came to the Lord. These were adults and children. It was a blessing to see the Lord move on hearts in our first
week on the field. Praise the Lord! After the service, we looked around to see what the Lord had done and the Pastor gave us the testimony. The Longdenville Church wanted to start something in BTE but did not have the funds to purchase/rent a place nor to furnish it. They believed the Lord anyways and kept praying. Then the carport opened up. What a blessing that was! But
how could they get chairs (about $200 US which is a lot to them). Out of the blue, a donation of chairs was made from a local school. Beat up, used but they were a blessing – 50 chairs. The Lord is on the move in this area so keep praying! A tent crusade is being planned for February.

New Foursquare Institute Opens

2009-11-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

Calvary greetings from Central African Republic!

Just to announce to our brothers the begining of Our Life Institute of Theology of proximity which begins two weeks for now. We are begining this Bible College within our National Headquarters Church in Bangui; the turn up is 33 students .Praise God for this breakthrough and also pray for the help of God to sustain this school. We have two students pastors from Chad Republic .

Foursquare Church In Switzerland Has Conference

2009-11-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

As Eckstein Birseck in Münchenstein we had the privilege to host the annual Foursquare Switzerland Convention on Friday evening and all day Saturday October 30/31st. We rented the local Convention Center that is usally used for cultural and sportive events. From all over Switzerland there were more than 300 people attending. Our main speaker was Daniel Brown, from the californian „Coastlands“ church. The title of the Conference was „From Generation to Generation, from Nation to Nation."

Daniel taught us in his unique performing way about the Book of Acts and challenged us by asking us to share new convictions with a „new special friend“.
What really impressed us was that apart from the people of the Swiss Foursquare churches there were over 40 friends from all over Europe who attended the Conference. There were pastors from Italy, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Holland and there was even a group from Estonia who took on a very long trip of 2‘400 km just to be with us!

We felt so enriched by the presence of the many people from different cultures and they on the other hand were blessed by our hosting. It touched our hearts when people had to leave and they thanked us with tears in their eyes for the special time. We experienced the Foursquare Family Spirit in this gathering and look forward to next year’s Convention.
Kathrin Lucchi

Greetings from Papua New Guinea!

2009-11-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Faith club kids enjoying the canned fruit donated by Coca Cola

Paul and youth leaders praying for village to receive Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

Chimbu Papa's playing welcome song

Chimbu girl in traditional tribal dress

Carina and some of the LIFE Teen girls from Faith Club

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Greetings from Papua New Guinea!!

This month I traveled up to Chimbu Province (deep in the highlands) for a national youth leaders conference. I had been really licking my chops to get some time with the 500 + youth leaders that came from all over the country. A great need in PNG is training and equipping the national leadership, so I was very excited to have a week of training time with these gifted youth pastors. The hosting village had a beautiful opening ceremony – with traditional tribal dress and dance, and performance. It is customary here to have a large opening ceremony for conferences and events- it is always remarkable to see how each province and tribe is so diverse. As you can see in the photos the people from the Chimbu province get really into the event and put on a big show! For some short video and more great pictures go to our blog: http://www.greerfamilypng.wordpress.com/

For my first session with the youth pastors, God really put on my heart to train them on how to lead others in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. In Foursquare PNG we believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts but many of the leaders are not confident in releasing it properly. There are many false doctrines that circulate the country and some leaders fear those things in their church. However, God did not call us to operate out of fear or confusion. God’s word is clear on the promises and operation of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. That morning I had the youth leaders and senior pastors lead each other into the baptism of the Holy Spirit (if they had already received it, they prayed for a refreshing). Many leaders were baptized in the Holy Spirit for the first time. I even got to pray with members of the worship team to receive the Holy Spirit for the first time! Since this conference was an open air event, a large crowd from the nearby villages sat in the back observing us. The presence of the Lord was so strong and I really felt that He wanted to move in the lives of the people watching. I ask for those who are saved in the crowd if they wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit to come down or if anyone wanted to receive Christ to come forward and then receive the Holy Spirit. The crowd from the back came forward and I called upon the youth leaders that just practiced on each other to come lead them in the ministry time. It was a marvellous first day as we saw the Spirit of God move and change the lives of the leaders and then change the lives of the crowd that had gathered to watch. I had a great week with the leaders and we are continuing to pray and believe the training they received will go back and ignite a fire in the Foursquare churches and youth groups across the country.

As we mentioned before Carina has been taking on a larger role in the Faith Club Ministries and Nutrition Program every Tuesday and Thursday. Our church has been doing several outreaches in the surrounding settlements and more and more children are coming to Faith Club and being fed spiritually and physically. Coco Cola PNG contacted Carina and told her they wanted to donate canned fruit that is imported in from Australia. Canned fruit is very expensive here so the donation has been a huge blessing to the Nutrition Program at Faith Club. Many had never had pears or peaches in their life. Carina sent them a thank you and some pictures of the feeding and Coco Cola put one of the pictures in the newspaper with an article about their donation to Faith Club.

Carina has also started a special program inside of Faith Club Ministries called “Life Teens” from Prov. 12:28 “In the way of the righteous there is LIFE.” With the increase of teenagers coming to Faith Club the need quickly became evident that the teenage boys and girls need a separate teaching time together. We are now seeing 60-70 teenagers coming from the settlements , to find a new life in Jesus!

We are heading into a very busy season with the Bible College graduation and school year ending here. I’ve been busy grading papers, and finalizing things for graduation and I’m thrilled that the Living Light Bible College will graduate 34 students this year. Also, please pray for us this next month Carina and I are the main speakers the National Pastors kids conference.
Thank you all for your encouraging emails, love and prayers!
Paul, Carina, Mason and Ezra Greer

Thank You From The Foursquare Family of Angola

2009-11-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Eric and team FMP,
Our desire is that these photos can inspire more and more work from you.
We used a small equipment for the transmission of films outreach and delivery of the booklets.
Thank you very much for the careful work of translation and printing of booklets in English.

God bless you!
Ubiratan and Foursquare Family of Angola.

The Foursquare Church in Angola has Pastors Conference

2009-11-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

For it is a great pleasure to send you these words and images.

I wish they could see the reaction of the shepherds when the national secretary of the Foursquare Angola and I read your letters and other leaders around the world.

Joy and tears, so was the environment where we read your words of encouragement. Not even I imagined such an impact when I asked a few words. It was as if you were personally commissioning.

Thank you very much!

We hope one day to receive them here in Angola so they can see what the Lord has done in our midst.

Our desire and prayer is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to strengthen them and bless them greatly.

In Christ,

His mission: Ubiratan, Silvana, Natalia and João

Jonathan Hall Encourages Foursquare Leadership in Cuba

2009-11-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

God's hand on FMI Missionaries in Jerusalem

2009-11-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

Dear FMI family:

We are so grateful to you for your consistent prayers and generosity. Two close calls elicited our praises of gratefulness to God as we envisioned what could have been. The first close call came when an elderly driver accidently slammed on his accelerator instead of his brake
and came crashing through our gate and smashing into the wall of the entrance to our church. We are grateful the elderly gentleman only suffered a cut on his head and very thankful no one was in the path of the wayward car. The second close call came when multiple police cars and ambulances closed the road leading to our church preventing cars from reaching our parking lot just before services were about to begin. A bomb had been discovered in a building just yards away and sappers were working as rapidly as possible to dismantle the explosive, which, to our gratitude for many lives spared, they did.

We are grateful for the open door to the Moslem orphans and housemothers in Bethlehem. We are preparing a trip to the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem for two busloads of orphans, where they will be able to enjoy, not only an outing beyond the wall that closes them in, but will give them an opportunity to experience a positive event among Israelis. Keep this endeavor in your prayers.
We are grateful for the time of sharing the joys of Succoth (Feast of Tabernacles) with Rabbi Ada Zavidov and the congregants of Har El Synagogue that borders our church property continuing a special friendship that began a few years back. When our church was burned to the ground by arson, the Rabbi and members of this synagogue cancelled their own services, brought their chairs to accommodate us on our lawn among the charred cinders, and joined in solidarity in our morning service.

We know it's the prayers of friends like you, that, again and again, we are spared
tragedy and granted yet another day to be salt and light in His name.

In the service of the Messiah,

Chuck & Liz

Updates from the Francophone Nations

2009-11-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

From: Daniel Lucero

Dear Friends,
I am writing in a hurry as I only have a few minutes before I have to board a plane and I guess more than anything I want to solicit your prayers – I hope you’ll find the time to remember me as I have just an outline with a few very key dates and I sense that much will / could happen and should (I pray) as there are many opportunities awaiting me in Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire - but even my exact travel plans are not clear so I’ll probably be begging and hitching a few rides (but I’ve been there before only this time I know the Lord of Lords is helping!!). Please pray for the children and Martine again while I’m gone (you’ll see by a few pictures from October that we’ve been again busy). Please pray for safety, protection, favor and anointing for me!
October – I hope a few pictures speak for themselves – Martine and I had to pinch ourselves as Canada was such a blessing for us (we’ve heard it was mutual for those who invited us!). We’ve covered the four corners of France this month – both seeing the continued birthing of our House Church in Lyon as well as seeing the Bordeaux and Nancy Churches taking off. We had Craig Forrest – a media Professional do a seminar on film / media and its usage in Nancy – that was Knock out super (thank-you Craig) and I highly recommend him for anyone seeking to get the youth excited and skilled in their media pursuits. October ended with our caring for a good part of our French Pastors in Strasbourg for three days of prayer and encouragement!
We love you and humbly cherish you prayers in this season of so many opportunities and open doors!!! Until again soon! Dan for the Lucero’s

Happy Halloween, the Krio word for pumpkin is "Punkie"

2009-11-02T08:52:00.001-08:00

From Kathy Alexander

Missionary to Sierra Leone

I hope you are enjoying the end of the fall the rain is about to begin at least in the N.W. Somebody please carve a pumpkin with the outline of Africa on it. I really wanted to write to you last week but with all the prep being done for convention as well as prepping for a team kept me well occupied. So here is an abridged account of what has been going on since the last time I wrote.
The Bible classes are going well we are preparing the students to take their midterm on the 7th of November. They seem to really be enjoying the times we spend together in discussion, study and prayer. I am very pleased because I see the things they have learned in class spill out into their everyday lives.
The headquarters church is now fully tiled and I catch people admiring the floor. This past Sunday was the first service with the completed floor. The kids were enjoying the sound their shoes made as they ran across the newly finished surface.
For convention this year we are doing a number of activities. We are holding a three-day evangelistic outreach, small medical clinic, hosting pastoral training and a children’s program with the help of Valley Christian Center of Albany, OR and Philomath Foursquare.
Tuesday we distributed small medicines in the community of Juba (joo-ba). Two of our church members have been praying for this community for a year and are going to plant a church in this area. A small medical outreach provides the church a venue to introduce the Foursquare Church to people. One of the things we do in conjunction with handing out Advil and de-worming meds is set up an area under a tree, where the shade is, and invite people for counseling, and prayer.
The prayer times are my favorite indulgence at these outreaches. Because of the faithful prayers of our church members for the past year we enjoyed an unusually organized, peaceful and successful time in Juba. The ground had been prepared and people were thanking us before we even did a thing. They even asked if they could join the church. Many people received Christ this day. Several received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and many prayed to receive physical and emotional healing. This was a special day and one I won’t forget.
Last night we carried out the first night of our “crusade” in the neighborhood of the HQ church. Usually we hold services in the church but in the past only church members and a few other Christians attended them. This isn’t effective when you’re trying to reach people that don’t yet know Jesus. So I was really glad when they decided to do a crusade outdoors in a public through fare bordered by shops. Times like these are so important for our church members because it requires all hands on deck. Which means everyone is pushed to participate in ministry instead of just watching others do ministry.
Last night I felt like a proud parent because I watched the church in motion doing what it was created to do. The choir sang a song they wrote themselves. The worship team worshiped, the ushers ushered, the business people organized and helped with all types of publicity. The “man power” team set up the equipment and built a stage carried it on their heads to the crusade ground. The preachers preached, the teachers taught and everyone fasted and prayed. The result was wonderful. For the church functioned as a body and the natural result was success. About 40 people accepted Jesus and about 60 people came forward to pray for healing.
Today was the first day of pastoral and leadership training the Foursquare church hosted and it seemed to strike a chord in people’s hearts. This year Pastor Ed Sweet and team are helping the pastors go through basic Bible doctrine. I am thrilled because this is helping us to build a solid biblical foundation in the lives of leaders and their respective ministries. The best part is the foundation is eternal!
I am thrilled with how the past month has gone and for the growth and results we are seeing all because the African church is being empowered to join in God’s plan.
Prayer Points
· That the pastors and leaders would apply the training received.
· That God would captivate the attention of those who made a decision to start a relationship with him.
· That God would help the church members do effective follow up after the crusade.
· For the new Juba Church and Leaders to be established in health.
· For the bible school students who are about to take their mid-terms.

3.5 minute slideshow on YouTube of Foursquare Philippines Pastors and believers doing post-flood relief work in Metro Manila.

2009-10-26T08:41:00.001-07:00

Click the link to see a great video of the Foursquare Church doing releif work in Manila.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvJ9qO-9cZQ

Padang Indonesia Update

2009-10-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

Missionary Jerry (last name withheld) went to visit the Mt.Carmel GPdI Foursquare Church we were getting very, very nervous as we went up to the third floor, where the main church services are held. This building sits right at the beach and looking out over the Indian Ocean. After seeing the incredible devastation, it seemed like a crazy place to be, being that it was positioned in a prime location if another quake or tsunami were to ever to happen again. We later continued on our journey to visit more pastors homes and to spend time personally praying with each of them.
The Miracle is that in the Padang earthquake not a single Foursquare church members died. Let us give God the glory for bringing His protection over them.
This is how you can help:

Please pray, for we know this is the ultimate weapon and gift that God gives us for His people.
Joining with our Foursquare church family, the GPdI churches, the Brea Foundation to provide the necessary things to help the Padang earthquake victims with tents (People have nowhere to sleep and this was their biggest request), food and building materials as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
Foursquare was personally affected by the following:
1. 38 church members homes, including the pastors homes in the Padang area
2. 6 churches damaged, including GPdi church in the Cianger earthquake that hit on September 2nd.
3. 1 Bible college damaged in the Cianger earthquake and 70 church members homes

Pictures from Padang Indonesia

2009-10-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of Hasan and Lani Lawrence (Leaders in the Pandang GPdI church) in front of their home. Hanas and his children were in this house when it collapsed. They all began to cry out to Jesus and were covered miraculously, without even a scratch.

New Video on Foursquare Ministry in Papua New Guinea

2009-10-16T11:09:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh7LzO1fkAo

Jonathan Hall Visits Foursquare Families devestated by Typhoon Ondoy

2009-10-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Front of a Foursquare church pre-school - still closed

Pastora K, she pastors one of churches most affected...heroin...and widow!!!

Two weeks after the typhoon and many people are still digging through the rubble

Some of amazing piles in front of houses...Many have lost everything

Navigating the mess in streets is impossible

South American Women in Leadership Conference

2009-09-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

This past week over 140 leaders gathered from 11 countries. The group was made up of pastors, womens ministry leaders ansd pastors wives. They were led by singer Nancy Honney Tree and speakers Eliana Caudillo. Melinda Scott, Liz Doyle, Illya Carrera, Jane Camargo and Lolita Frederick.

Jonathan's Birthday!

2009-09-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

The schedule at FMI is busy as usual but we took a little time out from meetings and a packed schedule to have cake and a little celebration with Jonathan Hall our director for his birthday!

New Photos from Sierra Leone!

2009-09-29T09:29:00.001-07:00

Japanese Youth set Aflame with the Passion of God

2009-09-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Michinoku was the name given for the three-day youth event held in Sendai, August 21–23. It brought together different youth-oriented ministries in the Tohoku region, allowing both youth and leaders to network together. The evening meetings were characterized by very passionate times of prayer for the different prefectures in Japan and by high energy worship. The final night saw an auditorium of young people jumping up and down, loudly declaring their commitment to Jesus through praise that was being sung in sync with the worship band on stage. Without a doubt, it was the most passionate meeting I have ever attended in Japan. I was so empowered by this event that I have been on a high ever since. I feel like my spirit has been shaken and taken up to a higher level. Praise God for the work that He is doing among the young people in Japan. May these embers be fanned into flames of revival throughout the entire nation.

2009-09-14T15:40:00.001-07:00

Urgent Prayer Needed: Foursquare Leaders Face Court Conviction for Converting Muslims

2009-09-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Please pray for our National Leader and his 23 year old son who were arrested and convicted in a Middle East country for converting and baptizing Muslims. Police searched their home and seized a computer and documents that were used as evidence in court. Our National Leader has already been to court and was sentenced to pay a $2,777 fine and ordered to leave the country. He has fled to England with his wife and younger sons, but his 21 year old daughter is still waiting for her passport visa to join them. Tomorrow, September 15 they have a hearing to request asylum for religious persecution. His son is still awaiting sentencing. While being held in jail his son was beaten by the other inmates and a guard after they heard he was converting Muslims. He has now been released home but could be called to face sentencing at any time. The maximum penalty for converting Muslims could be up to 20 years in prison.

Please pray for the following…
Our National Leader and his family would be granted asylum during their hearing tomorrow.
Our National Leader’s son would be released by the court without prison time.
Our National Leader’s daughter would obtain her visa to join her family in England.
For the continuing protection of their family and all our Foursquare leaders and members in this country.
That in the midst of persecution the Holy Spirit will encourage the church and pour out revival throughout the country.

Celebrating a Life That Has Made a Difference!

2009-09-14T10:37:00.001-07:00

On Friday, September 11th, the FMI team took some time out to celebrate Leland Edward's 90th Birthday with him and his wife Barbara!

Leland was a former missionary to Panama and also the longest standing Director of Foursquare Missions International with a term that lasted more than 20 years! He and his wonderful wife and life partner are pictured here with current FMI director Jonathan Hall and his wife Beth.

Thailand - Vacation Bible School

2009-09-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Paul and I decided to do Vacation Bible School Camps for a couple of the Akha villages in our area. While we played games, sang silly songs, ate snacks & did crafts, the highlight, for me, were the teaching times. The challenge of, as our pastor used to say, “taking the cookies off the top shelf,” or simplifying a Biblical Truth so that everyone (kids included) can understand it, was exhilarating. And, of course, doing it all in the Akha language made it even more exciting when I looked out and saw a glimmer of understanding dawn on those little faces.
However, I think one of the best stories came from a moment when the kids where having a hard time understanding…

One of the teachings we did was based on the story of the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18. We talked about how important each person is to God and that God loves everyone and seeks a relationship with everyone! After the teaching, we split the kids up by age groups to do the craft and work on the memory verse for the day. I was working with the older kids (age 9-13) and we were learning a separate but related sheep verse, John 10:27, 28. After repeating the verse several times, I asked the kids if they understood what it meant. They all stared back at me blankly (not even a glimmer of understanding!)

As I struggled to find the right words to explain this metaphor to kids who had never seen sheep, one of the kids piped up and asked a village grandpa (who was there repairing our roof from the storm the previous night and seemed to be enjoying eavesdropping on our little lesson) if he could explain the verse. Sure enough, he had the perfect illustration! He explained, “You know that if a chicken wanders off, and it’s owner goes looking for it, the owner doesn’t only look with her eyes, but she calls ‘Ku Ku Ku’. And the chicken knows the sound of its owners voice and will come running when it hears its owner calling. We can know God’s voice just like that chicken!” Simultaneously, the kids all had an “Ah-Ha” moment! Three cheers for Grandpa! This is what I love about living in a village; nearly everything is done with a little help from our friends!

In the end, we did a VBS in three different villages and ministered to about 90 kids (not to mention many parents and grandparents who hung around to enjoy the fun!) This was the first year we have done this and we were really pleased with it’s success; I’m sure it will become a yearly tradition!

Lori and Paul Vernon - Thailand

New baby born into Foursquare family in Thailand

2009-09-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Missionary Virgene Hughes holds new baby born into our Foursquare family in Mae Sot, Thailand.

Photos from Sierra Leone

2009-09-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Photo sent from FMI missionary Krisnee Pipatanangkura

Hundreds of Thousands Gather in Papua New Guinea for Conference

2009-08-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Greetings from PNG!
The end of July was a whirlwind. My parents left after staying with us for a fun week and we jumped straight into the largest gathering in Papua New Guinean history. Our Sr. Pastor Bill Page has been the head of organizing the Joyce Meyer conference for PNG and it was surreal to see hundreds of thousands gathered for the three day conference. With estimated crowds of as many as 400,000, Carina and I were privileged to witness this mighty move of God in our city. Hillsong brought a team and of course worship was incredibly anointed and Joyce Meyer provided wonderful practical teaching. Joyce Meyer/Hillsong also led 2 days of leadership training for pastors and leaders in PNG. The conference was called “Festival of Life” and thousands of people began a new life in Jesus and our churches have been overflowing since the event. The whole weekend of activities was amazing to watch as we saw God touch and transform so many lives of all ages. Joyce Meyer also helped fund two clinic extensions, the drilling of water wells, and Foursquare village church buildings to be built.
Recently I been blessed to have the opportunity to go into the suburbs and settlements and preach in the different Foursquare churches around this large city. It’s great to be able to encourage churches and Pastors and minister to so many different tongues and tribes that are in Port Moresby. Next month we will share more stories of our visits to these amazing churches.
At Foursquare PNG we also have our own cell phone company called Digicel.... OK not really but a completely secular company is partnering with the Foursquare churches here for great ministry. They have funded a new ambulance to help Living Light Foursquare clinics get medical help to the rural areas and have helped put small schools on the property of the Foursquare settlement churches to help educate the poorest of the poor. They believe they are helping the community which they are, but what they don’t know is that they are also helping the Gospel go forth more powerfully in these hurting communities. The Digicel company recently helped some of our bush pastors earn some extra money by becoming their bush agents for selling their cell phone minutes to the people in the rural areas. Praise the Lord for His favor.

It is exciting to see the Word of God go out in Papua New Guinea.

In Him,
Paul, Carina, Mason and Ezra
Missionaries to Papua New Guinea

40 Days of Prayer in Rwanda

2009-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Our main Kigali church is about 26 days through 40 days of prayer with fasting. The church has probably increased in numbers of adherents by more than a third during these days. We are experiencing joy in the Holy Spirit as many seek Holy Spirit baptism and many are receiving salvation in Jesus. Healing is coming to marriages and families, others are forgiving long past hurts and there is a wonderful sense of fellowship and purpose. It is thrilling to see people growing spiritually with several rising into leadership in the church. I long that you also could taste it yourself.

Each day we join for prayer, teaching, worship, and fellowship. Each day 100+ people participate, with many more on Sundays (the numbers are increasing). There is much anticipation felt by the church concerning what God has in store next.

This Sunday morning we experienced a wonderful outpouring of worship followed by life-changing teaching in the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in a service that lasted more than 4 hours. People even gathered in small groups to share and rejoice long after the final prayer.

It has been a little more than one year ago when the church entered their first 40 days of prayer and, by faith, moved out of their rented building, took an offering to improve on our partially started building and began worship services there. Now the foundation, steel, concrete frame, and the roof are completed (the size of the building is approximately 45X95 ft). One church member has donated brick for remaining exterior walls and a offering was given this morning to transport the brick, hire masons to begin construction of the rest of the exterior walls when the church gathers next Saturday for a work day and again ends the day together in prayer. Our floor remains bare dirt and much remains to do but we rejoice.
Some of our other churches are also doing 40 days of prayer. We pray these are deep, life changing days moved by the Holy Spirit that will transform the people and church of God forever and give them a powerful vision of their calling in Christ.

Roger, Carol and family
Missionaries to Rwanda

A New Sierra Leonean Experience

2009-08-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Nanday is a darling 18-year old girl who used to live upstairs. She is kind, hard-working, and a good friend. The story is long (and a bit dramatic), but the short version is that she moved in June but still lives in the area. I used to see her nearly every day and I missed her, so we arranged to meet and spend some time together a couple weeks ago. I decided I’d treat her and take her to Balmaya’s, a local restaurant that is frequented by the expat community. It’s not a fancy place, but it is beyond the means of the average Sierra Leonean. We enjoyed a soft drink, a snack, and each other’s company. Nanday told me that it was the first time she had eaten in a restaurant and what a great day it was. She was truly excited about her “experience,” which was such a common thing in my own life. I am very aware of the advantages I’ve had in being western born and raised, but I am constantly challenged here to readjust my perspective on life and what’s important. Simple things (like a Fanta in a restaurant) can have far-reaching impact! I am so glad to be sharing the love of God and His salvation message in Sierra Leone.

At the end of July, we had a special week at church to celebrate our neighbors. A pastor from Nigeria came to speak at two revival services during the week and to wrap up the celebration with “Neighbors Sunday.” Everyone was welcome to invite his or her neighbors, but there was a special focus on the church’s neighbors on Peter Lane. On Saturday, the church members came to clean Peter Lane with the neighbors – we pulled weeds, removed litter, swept, and mucked out the street gutters. We also cleaned the church in preparation for Sunday’s service. The church was packed on Sunday! Several people mentioned they had seen me sweeping the day before. I guess it was the first time they had seen a white person cleaning the street. In general, many people act surprised that we know how to wash our own clothes, fetch water, or even cook for ourselves. (But I must admit I still don’t know how to iron with a coal goose.)
With Much Love,
Krisnee Pipatanangkura, Missionary to Sierra Leone

Missionary goes on an adventure to live out Matthew 10:7-10

2009-08-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Many of you prayed for my South African friend and I as we headed out on our trip to the East, 600 miles from Ankara. We took little more than the clothes we were wearing for the 6 day trip in response to the scriptures in Matthew 10. Below are the main scriptures we were trying to live out.“As you go, preach this message: ‘ The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.”- Matthew10:7-10 Bryan and I read these challenging verses about three months ago and asked ourselves, “Is there any practical application for these verses in our times? Why would Jesus send his disciples out empty handed with no money? When today modern workers live in normal homes, carry cell phones, drive cars, and even laptops like the one I’m writing this letter from, evangelism can be done impersonally over the internet, via phone hotlines and great videos on YouTube. The command from Jesus to, “GO”, has been changed to “come” to church. Why would Jesus send his disciples out with nothing? After sensing that I would never be satisfied until I went and actually did it, we determined to go. We decided the only way to understand these scriptures was to take a trip to the far east of Turkey. We wouldn't take phones, money, a bag, or an extra shirt. We wanted to live these scriptures to the full. We had many questions, “Where would we stay, what would we eat or drink, how would we get from Ankara to the east, would people want to harm us, how would people respond to the message we have?” As our trip began our questions would not go unanswered. Laura dropped us off on the outside of Ankara and we began our hitchhiking adventure. It was within moments that we were in a car with a man. He’d spent 8 years in a German jail before being deported and spending another 3 years in a Turkish prison. We believed it was because he murdered some people. This is how the journey began. Our trip east meant we spent many hours with people we’d not otherwise meet. We had captive audiences in cars, under trees, trucks, homes and mosques. We met many people who had many questions about our faith. The last day we spent 17 hours with Fatih and Ihsan sitting on the bed behind the seats of his semi-truck. I heard more filth out of Ihsans mouth in those 17 hours than one could imagine. Fatih however, had read the New Testament and even visited a church. His questions were real and his heart was so receptive. God even gave us a 4 hour break because of a traffic jam to chat with Fatih alone.

Our first night, a kind man who had given us a ride invited us to stay with him for the night. He fed us a full meal and we felt so blessed. We had a roof to sleep under. God confirmed that first day that He was with us, but we sensed that He had more in store for us.

In the afternoon of the second day we had waited for about an hour for a lift and had grown weary in the hot sun. We decided to rest and sit under a tree. An old religious Muslim man with a long beard brought us a meal consisting of cheeses, jams, rice rolled in vine leaves and said, “You Americans kill Muslims. We give our enemies food!” I quickly apologized to him which opened up to an hour and a half Holy Spirit annointed time of sharing about the love and work of Jesus.

It was the second day where we would go without much food, walk for hours, and at night struggle to find a place to stay. We asked people if we could stay with them but after receiving three 'No's" we found that our only option was to sleep in a mosque.

Inside the mosque the ground was as hard as a rock. It had a thin rug on the floor and nothing more. I found a small rug with a picture of Mecca on it. I would roll it up and use it as a pillow that night. I struggled that night. I somehow thought God would provide more. It was REALLY hard to walk around at midnight looking for a place to stay and being denied. As I lay that night on the floor with my thoughts towards God and struggling with unthankfulness I felt God ask me, "Do you have a roof over your head?" I said "Yes". He didn't say anything more. And so the teaching began. During this trip we didn’t have 3 meals a day. At times we ate fruit from trees, broke off the heads of wheat we found in fields, and drank from public fountains. At times we would walk for miles hoping to find a lift. I had no idea that we would be walking so much. It was a trip of learning how to live with "a lack"; a lack of a shower, a lack of being in control, a lack of comfort, a lack of energy, a lack of sleep, a lack of protection from the weather, a lack of a place to stay. Our next day we would find a lack of safety.

It was one of persecution. The late evening of the third day we found ourselves at a large restaurant/gas station. A group of men invited us to drink tea with them and then they began to forcefully try to convert us in an aggressive manner and threatened us with crucifixion if we told others about the hope we had in Jesus. We ended the conversation at that point and attempted to sleep on couches that we saw in a corner of the restaurant. The entire night we would listen to that same group talk about what to do with us in raised voices. That morning we were woken with the loud voice of a man hovering over us saying to the imam, “these are the Kafir” (non-believers in the Quran worthy of punishment).

We left quickly shaking the dust off our feet. As we walked down the highway that cold morning, we found a deserted petrol station. That Saturday morning we read from God’s Word and worshipped Him. We were overcome by the presence of the Almighty. Our sadness turned to joy. Tired as I was, I felt lifted up on the wings of eagles, empowered and equipped again. Fear was turned to boldness as we began our 10km walk to the village that we sensed God sending us to. We felt and knew that people were praying. Throughout the trip, we noticed at how God would turn even the hardest situations into blessings when we responded in praise.

For months we had been praying for the trip to Erzurum. We sensed that it was not the city itself we were to go to, but to a small village. On being dropped off at the petrol station, we saw a village in the distance, and sensed God leading us to that village. Upon arriving there we found a spring to drink water from, and as we waited some men approached us. Mehmet a bearded elderly man introduced himself. Within a short time we were talking about matters of religion. They offered us water and sat us down for tea and we all gathered to talk about Jesus. I had a New Testament in my hand and they wanted it so bad that they literally took it out of my hand. Then the orders mounted as the men wanted to read about the much discussed “Incil” or New Testament. As hungry, tired and thirsty as we were we could in someway identify with Paul's words, “when weak I am strong”. We were no longer able to give quick responses to all thrown at us, but responded in weakness. God was working.

After some very warm conversations we left that village and proceeded to hitchhike back to Ankara. It was soon dark, and the chances of hitching a ride to our next destination were almost gone. We were hoping to reach the next town with a big bus station where we’d spend the night. With five minutes of sunlight left, it looked like we’d be spending the night in the restaurant of the petrol station- not our first choice. Right then a rickety old car with three men pulled up. The driver leaned across and looked at me and said, “Are you a pastor?” I was in shock from the question. It happened that the driver was a believer from Istanbul who was building a house in a nearby village. That night we had wonderful fellowship with Haydar. He slept on the floor while we shared his double bed. I cannot remember the last time I slept so well. At this point we were so weak, but we saw how God's provision was so full. Bryan and I would look at each other and laugh. We just couldn't believe what had just happened.

We would continue to hitchhike our way back to Ankara. The last car we would be in would be driven by a man who was smoking a thick fat marijuana cigarette, drinking beer and swerving all over the road. We quickly jumped out and wondered what kind of crazy characters Jesus hung out with in his day. These are just some of the experiences that I’ve only begun to process. When living with nothing one does become totally dependent on open doors, generous hearts. For one week we were not masters of our own destiny. We were dependent on whatever and whoever God put in our paths. He led us, He directed us. I’m sure Jesus' disciples were not only challenged by what they saw, but how God desired to change them. This trip I have been the one in need. Our lives were not in our own hands. As we have sought the kingdom, God has provided us with lifts, warmth, friendship, food and shelter through the lives of the most unsuspecting people. I have learned that being in need is not such a bad thing after all. When in need, choices are no longer my own, but in the hands of others, there are no longer any coincidences only God appointments.

In Him,
Zach (missionary to the Middle East)

Mekong Delta Open for Ministry

2009-08-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

During the month of July we spent three weeks traveling in Vietnam.
We saw more of the country in three weeks than in our entire time here. We spent ten days in the south and ten days in the north.
On July 10 a nine member team arrived from our church in California. They came bearing gifts; over 400 pair of eye glasses, a goody bag for 35 orphans, and 50 listening devices for non-readers in the Vietnamese and Hmong languages. We took the team to a youth service in HCMC where they were able to minister to about 80 young people.

We traveled to the Mekong Delta, a region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River empties into the sea through a network of tributaries. Many people live and travel on boats. There are a large number of rice fields here which account for Vietnam being the world's second largest importer of rice. This region has been called a "biological treasure trove" because over a thousand new species have been recently discovered in unexplored parts of the delta. This is also one of the poorest areas in Vietnam. The river is extremely dirty and used as a bathroom and for cleaning. While boating down the river we saw people bathing, washing clothes, and swimming.
Our purpose in coming was to visit a local church and see what ministry opportunities might be available to us. Debbie and I would like to do future ministry here. We are hoping to implement a program called CHE (Community Health Education) which teaches people about health prevention, sanitation, clean water, and agriculture. It also functions as a church planting strategy. Many people here are trapped in a cycle of poverty and disease. They need long term solutions to their problems, not just food for a day or medicine for the moment.
They need to be instructed in healthy living and taught the importance of clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and adequate nutrition. We want to build credibility and trust with these people.

Please continue to pray for our good health and favor with the people and authorities so we can begin CHE ministry in the Mekong Delta.

Grace and Peace,
Mark and Debbie, Missionaries to Vietnam

Healing in Southeast Asia

2009-08-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Lorna Phillips, the daughter of a Foursquare pastor in Ohio, recently went on a missions trip to Indonesia. Prior to leaving, she had all the necessary inoculations, however, although the shots are 95 % effective, Lorna was in the 5% minority and contracted Malaria. After being diagnosed in Indonesia, Lorna was then put on a ferry to Singapore where George Butron picked her up. George then took her to the hospital. While she was being treated for the Malaria, she also contracted another disease, a blood disorder that gave her spiked fevers of 105 degrees along with a painful rash from her head to her feet, with the suspicion of internal bleeding. Lorna was in isolation with an attending physician around the clock. An email requesting prayer for Lorna was sent out. On Monday morning, word came that Lorna was healed! The doctors looked at her medical reports and declared that she definitely had Malaria, but now tests were coming back without any sign of the disease! The blood disease Lorna had contracted was also gone, including the painful skin rash. Doctors said that the particular disease is known for 'coming and going', but we believe it is gone!
Please join us in celebrating this victory and in praising the Lord!

Ignite Team Blesses Community in Sierra Leone

2009-07-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Last time I wrote, Krisnee and I were expecting a team from Foursquare’s new youth missions school called Ignite. The team arrived and we hit the ground running. While they were with us, we were able to serve several ministries though our labor.
A highlight for me was serving at a shelter/school for street youth. At the shelter we were able to inspire the students and staff to join us as we worked. Our tasks included things like replacing door handles, adding locks to the school doors, whitewashing walls, and nailing up bamboo mats to create dividers between classrooms. New desks and benches were made for the school, which they desperately needed.
I was impressed with the way the Ignite team worked and how they interacted with the kids. Which just reminds me again that the love of God, smiles, and hard work transcend culture and language.

Kathy Alexander, Missionary to Sierra Leone

Photos from the Recent FMI Luncheon with Former Directors

2009-07-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Civilian Disarmament Campaign Led by Pastor Banzubaze Leopold

2009-07-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have just made a tremendous and quick campaign in the framework of awareness raising to peace and security.
Without peace and security in the country, there is no way to realise something reliable. I have led across the country some teams of different categories of people (religious, government authorities, civil society, military, civilians, etc.). We have organised some meetings in terms of crusades. I have been speaking everyday for a whole week and half and on the basis of the word of God, and the divine force has been manifest as people have come to massively handover weapons after having heard the message. It was miraculous! The effect of such messages have urged even those who had hidden and buried their heavy weapons to make up their minds in order to bring them to light. I have just been congratulated by the Government; the President of a National Commission in charge of preparing the elections has just congratulated me publicly and reassured the national and international community that thanks to the intervention of Rev. Banzubaze Leopold, the elections will take place in security. One most popular newspaper “Arc-en Ciel” has just issued an article on this above said matter and requested all religious people to follow the example of Rev. Banzubaze Leopold. The United Nations System has also recognised our achievements. This was critical to our country and church. It honours us and constitutes a great opening for our church in the capital city.

Pastor Banzubaze Leopold, National Leader in Burundi

Foursquare Ignite Team Aids in Sierra Leone

2009-07-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

Foursquare Ignite sent a team to work with us for most of June. Shawna, Fez, Kim, Holly, Kyle, and Josh were an amazing group who had great attitudes and worked really hard.. Here are a few ministry highlights from their stay:
-Working at a Baptist junior high/high school in Kissi Town that also runs a shelter home for kids who would otherwise be living on the streets - building and repairing desks and benches, whitewashing the building, installing mats to divide the classrooms, sharing devotions, and a Saturday spent playing with the kids at Bureh Town Beach
-Painting the school’s exterior, sharing testimonies, and showing the Jesus film in Kagbaray Village
-Encouraging the church plant in Makeni
-Hosting a youth night at the Foursquare church in Freetown
-Door-to-door evangelism and prayer in Wellington – lots of people accepted invitations to attend church
-Whitewashing, painting, and helping to build a wall at El Shaddai Preparatory School in Freetown

Krisnee Pipatanangkura,

Missionary to Sierra Leone

Godwins See Growth!

2009-07-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

We're going bilingual! Beginning this September, we'll be holding simultaneous classes in the basics of Christianity--one in English, the other in Spanish. We are truly excited about this because we believe teaching the fundamentals will solidify and strengthen the growing nucleus of the church. It also puts our new room to use! (The new room became available within days of making the decision, by faith, to start classes... awesome!) Our Sunday morning service, which remains English only, experienced a slowdown in March and April, but now we're starting to see new people every week again. Even better, we're beginning to see some who are wanting to go deeper. Hence the need for classes!

Remedy, our Friday night youth group, continues to do well. Remedy has been a total surprise, actually born out of our children's refusal to accept the idea of never having a youth group. How fitting then, that our own kids--Audrey, Allie and Emily, together with Katie and Travis Bainbridge--actually plan and run each youth service, seeing young people get saved as a result! We love seeing our kids involved in such a productive way!
Last Thursday, another one of our futbol players gave his heart to Jesus. Angel is a team captain and has great influence with not only his fellow players, but with many people throughout the area. We've been getting to know this wonderful young man for eleven months, building a relationship, answering many questions... and harvest time came last week. He becomes the 31st person born into the family of God as a result of this young work. Angel's conversion underscores the simple fact that schemes, tricks and clever programs don't lead people to Jesus, people do. Angel's new standing in Jesus is owed to the fact that someone came here... and stayed. Relationships are the seedbed of evangelism.

Don, Sandy, Audrey, Allie and Emily Godwin
Your missionaries to Mexico

An Exciting Moment at the Foursquare Missions Press Luncheon

2009-06-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

A wonderful moment occurred at the Foursquare Missions Press Luncheon during Connection in May. All four past FMI Directors joined current Director Jonathan Hall on stage. Dozens of missionaries and national leaders joined together to pray with over 400 guests during an afternoon not only committed to the ministry of the Press, but missions as well.

International Leaders' Reception Connection Anaheim 2009

2009-06-22T10:50:00.001-07:00

Connection Anaheim was a great time to gather with leaders from around the world on Tuesday night. Below are a few photos of our time together.

Board of Directors prays for South Africa Leader Xavier Andriasse

2009-06-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Teams from Canada Help Minister In Thailand

2009-06-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

We had two teams from Canada minister in Mae Sot during the month of May. They came with plans to help build the new Home of Hope home, minister to the children at Home of Hope and help Pastor John wherever they could. Long story short, Dennis Hixson, leader of the college team, got to talking with the Foursquare leadership in Thailand and they have promised him, and us, that they will oversee the construction of this new home so that it can get done as quickly and inexpensively as possible. This is a long awaited answer to prayer. The teams were able to help at the site by mostly working on painting at the church and knocking out some walls to enlarge the capacity as we have outgrown the current sanctuary. The teams also spent time with the Home of Hope kids, had a two-day youth camp and traveled up north to assist Pastor John with church planting in the Hill Tribes near Mae Hong Son and Chiang Dao.

We will be coming to the USA in August for about 3 months. We have been in Thailand over 5 years already! We can hardly believe it! New people are coming to the Mae Sot church and getting saved, we are excited about the house parents at Home of Hope and Home of Hope 2, the Oasis is maintaining and serves many purposes for the community and Pastor John has received a second grant for Hill Tribes Church planting. We thank and praise God for all these things!

Love & Prayers & Blessings,

Neill & Diana

Your Partners in Mae Sot
Acts 20:24 & Jeremiah 29:11

Children of Hope Project in the Phillipines Impacting Community

2009-06-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Children of Hope Project is going great! So many great churches and schools have applied. Our criteria to open or continue a school under the new project is that your church must show fruitfulness and growth. This is a great investment of YOU, Eastside, the foundation and Impact along with others - we want to make sure that the schools are a blessing to the community and an evangelism tool for the churches! The new teachers are amazing and excited. Along with teacher training, the pastors will be taking the "Doing What Jesus Did" by John and Sonya Decker. Pray that the churches and schools with the greatest need can be blessed!

Please pray: as we send Anna and Anthony home, for the Children of Hope, for our lessons in Tagolog to take hold of our tongues, for finances, for our house in US to rent very soon, for our aching hearts as we see so much poverty and for us to be strong in delivering HIS message!!

Bible School Success, Ignite Team to Provide Help in Sierra Leone

2009-06-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

June has arrived and with it the rainy season which also happens to be the hottest and most humid season. The nice thing about this season is that the air is clear and the sky is bright and blue except when the thunderheads build up. It’s easy to tell when the rain is coming because the humidity jumps until water is condensing on your skin, you don’t have to work up a sweat.
The thunder and lightening storms are really amazing! The thunder rolls across the face of Freetown, roaring across the mountains. It’s easy to see why they named the place Lion Mountains. The flashes of lightening are bright and short. It’s common to have thunder with out lightening and lightening with out thunder. However when the two come together they are impressive. A few times I have been unable to sleep because of the tremendous noise these storms generate.
In the Northwest we like to complain about the rain, even though we secretly like it. Oregon gets somewhere around 32 inches of rain in a year, Sierra Leone gets 33+ inches in one month during the rainy season. There is so much water that people have to reroof their houses, re-dig ditches, and fortify their tin shacks that are perched on the hills around the city just to cope with the rain.
Krisnee and I feel like we are getting busier, I think because we have been here long enough now to be useful to the churches and people. It also helps that our Krio has improved and is now at a functional level thanks to our tutor Violet and our neighbors who quiz us all the time. People around the churches have gown accustom to us and now we are just part of the family. We attend funerals, celebrations, visit members in the hospital or at home and generally share life together.
This past week the Bible school students took their midterm test. I wasn’t sure how they would do. One of the students looked at the nicely photocopied pages and asked if it was ok to write on them. I am proud to announce that they all did well. There were even a few students who earned A’s including my youngest student Lahai who is about 16.
We also celebrated the annual women’s thanksgiving service. Once a year the women of the church plan the entire service. They even wrote their own song this year, which was really good. One line stuck out to me “Foursquare women are the weapons of our God, we are the women God has chosen to use.” Earlier in the month I missed one of the planning meetings and was later informed that I was the guest speaker. The theme was “A chosen Vessel” and I preached from 2 Tim. 2:15, 20-21.
Foursquare USA has started a new youth missions training program called Ignite which caters to university age students. We have the privilege of hosting one of their teams for most of the month of June. A few days after the team leaves I will be heading home to Oregon for a needed break. If you see me in town and around the church please say hi.

PRAYER POINTS
1. For an increase in students interested in the Bible School.
2. For continued health and physical strength needed to host a team for a month.
3. For wisdom on how to help encourage the growth and development of Foursquare Sierra Leone.
4. That the Sierra Leone churches would continue to “rightly divide the word of God” 2 Tim. 2:15b
5. For safe and unhindered travel home at the end of the month.
Thanks for your prayers and petitions and your sacrificial giving. It is not in vain and I am thankful for you all and I look forward to seeing you.
When it rains it monsoons, Kathy

Missionaries in Philippines Prepare to Say Goodbye

2009-05-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Pagdayayeg, Pagsimba, ug Pagpasalamat a Dios, (Praise, Worship, give thanks to God)With only one week left I thought I'd better send out an update while I have a moment. Our time here has gone by so quickly and we're starting to feel lumps in our throats about saying goodbye. It's hard to imagine that we have bonded so closely in only three months to these dear people.From the beginning we have been met with open arms and treated like family. Our "Home Church" Davao City Foursquare Gospel Church has been so wonderful. They have a membership of about 700. The Sunday service we've attended is about 400. Even though we speak in other churches every Sunday we still attend their Sunday night service and their Prayer meetings. We have gotten to know the Pastor Dan Feleo and his wife Malu and two children very well. No one wants to talk about our leaving, in fact they have made it clear that they want us to stay.Most of the churches we've visited average about 50-100 in attendance but have huge outreaches to the surrounding communities. Last Sunday the church was only 50 people but they accommodate 200 teens Sunday evening for a program they call GIGS, Gathering in God's Sight. This same church also feeds about 50 street kids twice a month. When we asked what they would like us to pray for they said "that God would help us expand our programs to reach more people." Wow, we are so impressed!We have spoken in 12 churches, attended 4 camps (spoken at two), attended 3 graduations, Bible College, High school, ISOM, and numerous other prayer gatherings. We were very blessed to join two large outreaches to rural villages. Since our time is short we are very busy now. This weekend we have an overnight trip to speak in a church in Kidapawan about 4 hours away. Somehow I manage to get rested up between trips. I've learned the truth of God's Sufficient Grace many times. The last camp we attended there were 500+ teens there. It was so hot and humid we were soaked by the end of service. We were seated in the front row about 6 feet from a huge speaker. I prayed that I would not pass out and cause a scene. When I got up to speak I had flashbacks of being a teen at Hume Lake Camp all those years ago. Then when I began to speak I experienced once again the Joy of the Lord and the amazing strength that Joy gives you. We each spoke for about ten minutes each and then Pastor Dan took over. At the end many of the youth raised their hands to commit their hearts to Jesus. God is so wonderful to let us be a part of all this.Thank you to all of you who have prayed for us during this time. Your prayers were felt by us. This has been a wonderful learning experience for us. We had no idea what we were going to do here and were willing to do manual labor if needed. But God had another idea. Instead we have been honored to be a part in the ministry that God is doing in the beautiful Philippines. God gave me this scripture concerning His love for the Philippines. Deut. 11:11 "But the land you are crossing the Jordan (Pacific) to take possession of is a land that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord are continually on it from the beginning of the year to it's end."God Bless the Philippines! Keep the ministers here in your prayers! Love, Sandy and Mike Matley

Friends Help Missionaries in Costa Rica

2009-05-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

As usual, the same as every March now for almost eightyears we had the privilege of hosting our dear friends from Northside Foursquare Church in Coquitlam, BC Canada. This year they worked with our missionaries from Vancouver Island, John and Debbie Overhault. They are living in Guanacaste and do a lot of work with Nicaraguan refugees, a big need here. We were able to be with them forseveral days, but to be honest, we weren’t needed, and that was great, with the other missionaries, and the other two couples that we have been working with now for 5 years, we almost felt ourselves without a job, although we did get to translate once! It all worked out well though, because from Guanacaste, near the Nicaraguan border, we drove down to San Jose and picked up our good friends Frank Heberling and Bruce Smith and drove all the way to Panama. They come from a church in Polson, Montana that helps support us. We did training with a church that is growing very quickly and needs good support. Frank taught on missions and on inductive bible study. Wonderful! And Bruce worked withthe youth which was a great time. We then took them to Jicotea and did training with the believers there and they helped us do some much needed work. The only problem was that everyone wanted more and we didn’t have any more time!It was so wonderful to be able give the believers something that will change their lives. It was meat, not candy.

Photos From Our Missionaries in Cambodia

2009-05-18T12:23:00.000-07:00