CTEN // blog

In Sync

2009-03-26T22:46:00.001-05:00

One thing I love about my phone is that it syncs with my PC so if I lose it, or it ends up going through the wash cycle, I don't lose all my contact info. Put PC and phone together with a cable and in no time they "think" the same thing.

How awesome would it be if we had a cable like that to plug into God? Plug in, hit the "sync" button and in no time I am on His schedule, thinking His thoughts and operating in perfect harmony (100% sync) with Him.

Of course that is what a daily personal devotion time is all about - slowing down long enough to get my life and thoughts in line with Him.

But that is such a slow process - being conformed to His image bit by bit, poco a poco. How much cooler to just jam a USB (Update Spiritual Brain) cable into one ear and in 30 seconds I am ready to go.

What do you think? Thumbs up idea or Lame?

Let me know your thoughts.

April Prayer Calendar

2009-03-26T11:22:00.002-05:00

1 - Brent & Cheryl Garzelli - Brent and Cheryl are new to CTEN. They will be in Costa Rica. Pray for them as they raise their support.
2 - Tucker & Pam Martin - Pray they would see their indigenous disciples develop into a house church in Mexico.
3 - Palmas de Mamre - Las Palmas de Mamre includes a medical outreach, church planting & other ministries in northern Costa Rica. Pray for Ana Moshenek who leads it and pray for more funds for needed supplies.
4 - Jimmy & Linda Read - Please pray for Jimmy and Linda Read in transition as they set up house with 7 teenage boys and prepare to launch a new life-skills ministry in Mozambique, Africa.
5 - David & Jayne Ann Harder - Praise for the birth of their fourth son, Harris Preston. Pray for the continued success of their work at SAT 7 in Cyprus.
6 - Jason Hagelberger - Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide him to indigenous men that he can disciple in Tlaxiaco, Mexico.
7 - Missionaries in sensitive areas - Pray for their safety and open doors in spreading the Gospel.
8 - Johanna Cobb - Pray for extra energy to complete the school year. That God would use me to leave a legacy of Christ and a love for learning with my students in Guatemala.
9 - Kelsey Winters - Pray that her application for Romanian residency is accepted and that Kelsey can begin the adoption procedure of her foster son, Caleb in Romania.
10 - Kirk & Kelle Richter - Praise that their video ministry in Cambodia is expanding greatly and that Hannah loves school.
11 - Valerie Peters - Pray for guidance in her preparation for the field and for people's hearts to begin to be connected with the work in Rwanda.
12 - Bonita Woods - Praise that they have gotten additional teachers at Morning Star Academy in the restricted country where Bonita teaches.
13 - Grant & Jennifer Haynes - Pray as the Haynes make plans to return to the US from Mexico to start a mission training school. They want to equip people to serve among unreached people groups in the 10/40 window.
14 - Keith Britton - Pray for God's continued mercy on Keith and his mission to men of the rehab center in Costa Rica that he oversees.
15 - John & Sarah Dale - Prayer for John and Sarah Dale as they transition back to living in the U.S. after serving in Guatemala.
16 - Tiesha Willis - Pray for a smooth transition into the ministry in Veracruz, Mexico and safe travels.
17 - Frank & Maria Godin - Pray that the video ministry will pick up again and Maria's bakery will be blessed at the new location where they live in El Salvador.
18 - Ricky & Tracy Vargas - Pray for favor in meeting with potential support team members and guidance during transition back to YWAM in Mexico.
19 - Fontaine & Paula Greene - Pray for wisdom as they are seeking to purchase ministry property in Guatemala.
20 - Scott & Debra Walston - Pray for health for the family and safety as some of their adult children are serving in the Air Force.
21 - Amy Mikul - Amy has just joined CTEN. She just returned to Guatemala. Pray for a smooth adjustment and additional support.
22 - Don & Heather Logan - Please pray for the Logan family as we walk the journey of having a baby in a foreign country.
23 - Alberto & Laura Zamacona - Doctor and wife who do medical outreaches to remote Indian villages of Mexico. Pray for increase in funding and safety.
24 - Joel & Michawn Ebersole - Pray for language training for Michawn & health for their kids. Pray for Joel as he steps into a new role as a trainer at their mission training center in Brazil.
25 - Steve & Aracely Hinkeldey - Praise for their recent marriage. Pray that she gets her visa in a timely manner so they can travel from Guatemala to the US.
26 - Isaac Vargas - Pray for finical provision for upcoming wedding & marriage as we begin our lives together serving at YWAM in Mazatlan, Mexico.
27 - Jim & Cindy Crouch - Having made the tough decision to come off the field this summer, please pray for the financial provisions needed for the move from Guatemala to the US.
28 - New Life With Education –Judy Kerschner/Director - Please pray for the very severe water shortage in the village of Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala. Pray for the students and national staff.
29 - Kristalene & Isai Bautista - Pray for their Oaxacan Church who will be doing a big outreach from March 22 until May 3. They will invite non-Christians to study a book for 7 weeks in homes
throughout Oaxaca in hope to spread God's Word.
30 - Ami Chouravong - Pray for Ami as she adjusts to her new life in the Philippines. Pray for her visa application and banking matters and praise God for her new apartment.

November Prayer Calendar

2008-10-30T21:18:00.001-05:00

PC Study Bible Data

1 - Marcos & Andrea Pavkov - Marcos & Andrea Pavkov are new to CTEN. They are preparing to go to Mozambique. Pray for their support.

2 - Elias & Beatrice Ngome - Thank God for a new baby, William, in their family and for God's continued provision for them as they serve in their native Cameroon. Pray as they prepare for a medical and agricultural outreach in January.

3 - David & Kathy Doss - They serve in Guatemala teaching sound business practices helping Guatemalans earn a better living for their families.

4 - David & Leah Teran - Pray that they meet their budget, and for a healthy pregnancy as they serve in Mexico.

5 - Jed & Jaime Benoit - Praise for many open doors and new relationships in Cuzco, Peru. Pray for the healthy birth of their 2nd child.

6 - Theresa Buggs - Pray for a reliable vehicle, or for God to keep the one she has to keep working as she serves is South Africa.

7 - Tucker Martin - Tucker Martin is serving in Mexico. As part of the church planting team pray for him to disciple well. Pray for his upcoming marriage to fellow missionary, Pam Carter.

8 - Jessica Gormley - She teaches school in Guatemala. Pray for a great new school year.

9 - Valerie & Nicasio Martinez - Pray for unity among all the pastors (around 20) in the Quiatoni area, as they minister in Mexico.

10 - Frank & Mary Lou Ticknor - Praise for a successful women's conference where Mary Lou represented her Mexican Ladies' Quilting talents. Pray for a restful time in the States.

11 - Sarah Agee - Pray for wisdom in designing Children’s Bible Curriculum and strategies for making it available in many minority languages in Guatemala.

12 - Palmas de Mamre Palmas - Las Palmas de Mamre is a medical outreach ministry in Costa Rica. They are new to CTEN. Pray for Ana Moshenek who runs it and for more funds for needed supplies.

13 - Jimmy & Linda Read - Pray for safety in Mozambique where they serve with Iris Ministries serving young boys.

14 - David & Jayne Ann Harder - Prayer as the TV ministry in Arabic grows and for life in Cyprus. Pray for the health of Jayne Ann as she is pregnant.

15 - Missionaries in sensitive areas - Pray for their safety and open doors in spreading the Gospel.

16 - Johanna Cobb - Please pray that the children from the Guatemala City Dump will feel God's presence during a two week English Camp that she will be assisting with at Casa Del Rey in Guatemala.

17 - Kelsey Winters - For a door to open so that Kelsey can begin the adoption procedure of her foster son, Caleb in Romania.

18 - Kirk & Kelle Richter - Kirk & Kelle Richter are new to CTEN. Pray as they prepare to serve in Cambodia helping to build a medical center.

19 - Bonita Woods - Bonita has been serving in Indonesia for several years. Pray for her classes that she teaches in Bible School.

20 - Grant & Jennifer Haynes - Directors of a Missionary Training School in Mexico. Pray for their expanded vision into Thailand.

21 - Keith Britton - Pray for the men of the rehab center to walk in true faith. Pray for more financial support for Keith as well as enough money to purchase the property of the Rehab Center in Costa Rica.

22 - John & Sarah Dale - Please be praying that God clearly reveals to them the specific work they need to be doing in Guatemala after language school, and the specific people that they should help.

23 - Frank & Maria Godin - Ministering in El Salvador. Pray for the success of their children's video outreach.

24 - Ricky & Tracy Vargas - Ricky and Tracy are new to CTEN and will be serving at the YWAM base in Mazatlan, Mexico. Pray for good support raising as they prepare to leave.

25 - Fontaine & Paula Greene - Pray for their new orphanage project, for favor with the authorities as they complete the necessary paperwork in Guatemala.

26 - Scott & Debra Walston - Pray for health for the family and safety for their daughter-in-law, Sevena, serving in Afghanistan.

27 - Don & Heather Logan - Praise for a good move to Guatemala. Pray for more MK teachers to go to Casa del Rey to teach.

28 - Alberto & Laura Zamacona - Doctor and wife who do medical outreaches to remote Indian villages of Mexico. Prayer for increase in funding and safety.

29 - Joel & Michawn Ebersole - He is in bush pilot training in Northern Brazil and she is a nurse. Pray as he continues flight training.

30 - Steve Hinkeldey - He is a teacher in Oaxaca Christian School. Pray for successful inroads into the students lives. Pray for direction concerning his next move.

Therapy International

2008-10-22T15:01:00.003-05:00

Dear CTEN missionaries:

The missions director at the church where I serve is also a physical therapist. She has formed an organization called Therapy International with the vision of working alongside missionaries to help those needing physical therapy.

She will come to you, train you or others and equip you to help handicapped or injured people in your area. She has already done this in the Philippines, Albania, Romania and Guatemala. If you want more info, leave a comment and email address and I'll send you a pdf intro letter.

If helping the handicapped has ever been something you have an interest in, this would be an awesome way to get started.

October Prayer Calendar

2008-09-30T23:48:00.002-05:00

1 - Ross & Margi Rohde - Ross plants house churches. Pray for more disciples to be raised up in the Canal section of the Bay Area of California.

2 - Tod & Kathy Wood - Pray for an expanded ministry in recruiting teachers for MK schools worldwide.

3 - Kevin & Ardella Fry - As they have ended their time in Guatemala, pray for a good cultural adjustment in the US.

4 - Greg & Gail Malczewski - Praise for good summer trips. Pray for a great start to a new school year as he teaches at a Christian school in Guatemala.

5 - Dick & Birdie Johnson - Pastoral Care Team for CTEN missionaries in Latin America. Pray for them as they travel to visit our missionaries.

6 - Carl & Lisa Norton - They just finished a year of missionary training school. They are working in community evangelism.

7 - Brad & Becca Hewitt - Living in Oaxaca City, Mexico working with short term teams. Pray for more financial support & adjusting to the culture.

8 - Jake & Holly Schilinski - Pray for the Schilinski family as they settle into the town of Bamenda, in Cameroon. Pray as they develop new ministry.

9 - Joél & Emily Malm - Pray for them as they step into a new role leading a ministry north of Acapulco, Mexico. Remember Emily as she works with the street children and Joel as he disciples the church leaders.

10 - Jude & Jane Geroy - Praise for the healthy birth of their first child. Pray for a good adjustment for baby and parents in eastern Brazil.

11 - Steve & Lena Kim - Steve & Lena are new to CTEN. They will be moving to Kazakhstan where he will teach at a seminary. Pray for a good move and much support.

12 - Dave & Mandy Osborn - Dave teaches at the Christian Academy of Guatemala. Pray for them as the new school year gets busy. Pray for the women's ministry Mandy works with.

13 - Bryan Brugger - Pray that Bryan has a great school year teaching at the Christian School in Mexico.

14 - Ken & Joy Eisner - Pray for them as they prepare to move in December to Guatemala. He will be working at Christian Academy of Guatemala. Pray for their support raising to be fruitful.

15 - Melody McPherson - Pray for her safety as she teaches in Indonesia.

16 - Karen Lam - Karen is a Canadian who is teaching at Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador. Pray for a great school year.

17 - Dallas & Anna Lee Ward - Praise as their evangelistic ministry in Mexico feeding families of hospital patients is being led by the nationals. Pray for clear direction for future ministry.

18 - Robin Abbott - Teaches missionary kids in a Christian school in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pray for her ministry in a local church as well as a good school year.

19 - Larry & Laura Smith - Their ministry is to Jews in Europe. Praise for their new opportunity to serve in Germany.

20 - Jennifer Diehm - Pray for her recent marriage to a Romanian young man, Cristi. Pray for her service at an orphanage in Romania.

21 - Carlos & Karen Feijoo - Pray for their ministry in Ecuador, he is a doctor and she is a nurse. Pray for their medical education outreaches.

22 - Rigoberto & Christina Andino - They minister in rural Honduras. Pray for Rigo's discipleship and Chrysti's teaching.

23 - Pamela Carter - She is part of a church planting team in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pray for continued relationship building with indigenous people and her upcoming marriage.

24 - Peter & Teresa Cawthon - They mentor and train indigenous Mexican leaders, direct a Christian library in Oaxaca, Mexico and minister in indigenous villages.

25 - Robert & Barbara Nesbitt - Praise for their completion of language school. Pray as they begin to serve in various ministries.

26 - Amy DeYoung - Pray for her as she works at New Life With Education, a school for handicapped indigenous children in Guatemala.

27 - Dan & Kelly Farr - Pray for them as they begin a new year working at a missionary training school in Mexico.

28 - Betty Tijerina - She directs a Bible Training Center in the Philippines. Pray for additional funds for building on the property.

29 - Tom & Esther Fritz - They work with local churches on an island through their development center in Nicaragua. Pray for continued success in church construction and sewing classes.

30 - Misty Boisvert - Having settled into her new apartment in Romania, she is able to host young people and build deeper relationships. Pray for a deeper acquisition of language.

31 - Dan & Sarah Reeves - Pray for their support raising to go well as they are moving to Cyprus to serve with SAT 7,a Christian television network serving the Arab world.

Things got worse

2008-09-30T23:28:00.003-05:00

Someone said, "Cheer up. Things could get worse." So, I cheered up and, sure enough, things got worse. :)

Who would have guessed things could continue to go downhill? But that is exactly what has happened. To review:

We are divided 50/50 on who should be our next president.

Political squabbling, bickering and name calling is daily fare on the news.

On September 11 we were reminded of the tragic and vicious attacks on the US.

Hurricane Ike blew through and devastated the Texas coast and way beyond.

Many are still suffering without water, electricity and unable to return to their homes.

Then we heard of the horrible and senseless train wreck in California.

North Korea has reactivated their nuclear program and has missiles that can reach the US.

The Iranian leader is visiting New York and declaring the US and Israel are doomed to disappear.

Now we are told the entire economy is about to crumble down around us.

One wise guy said,
"If you can keep your cool when everybody around you is losing theirs,
you probably don't understand the severity of the crisis.

But a wise man said,
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
Isaiah 26:3

So who ya gonna trust?
Your savings and bank account? We're told that could disappear overnight.
Your own wisdom? The wisest economists are really just guessing.
Business Leaders? Aren't some of them the guys who got us in this mess?
The government? Hmmmm. Need I say more.

When times are uncertain the tendency is to draw in,
circle the wagons and look out for #1 - ME!
But that just starts a whirlpool that sucks us
spiraling downward.

The best bet is to stay fully invested.
Stay fully invested in the Kingdom of God.
Keep giving of yourself and your resources to help others.
Keep reaching out to lift up and encourage others.
Care for others and God will care for you.
Help others and God will help you.
Give and it shall be given to you.

God has routinely carried His people through things much worse
than even the most dire of predictions.
Don't hang your head and look downward.
Lift up your head and thrust your trust heavenward.

Certainly, pray for our leaders.
They need God's wisdom and guidance.
But keep your hope rooted in Christ Jesus the Lord of heaven and earth
not governments of men but in the economy of God the Most High.

Perspective

2008-09-15T07:17:00.003-05:00

What a week!

For those of you stationed around the world I don't know how much you have been following the happenings in the United States but it has been quite a rough week here. You will probably be able to relate to some of my thoughts below.

1. The nation has been through months of political storm and is divided right down the middle as to who will be our best presidential pick.
2. On Thursday we were reminded of the great loss and sorrow of 9/11 when our nation was attacked seven years ago.
3. Then Hurricane Ike blew through Texas and Louisiana and Northward bringing death and destruction.
4. In the middle of that we heard of a disastrous train wreck in California.
5. Now predictions are that we may be seeing record high gas prices.
What are we going to do?

Lift up your head!
God is still in control. He still has you in the palm of His hand.
None of this has caught Him off guard and your future and hope are still secure.
The church has always shined the brightest when the world around is the darkest
so it is time for us to be a light, offer hope, hold out our hand to help.

Here are some things to consider to help you keep that eternal perspective.

We can be thankful that we do not have to pass heavily armed guards
posted at every gas station, grocery store, restaurant or business that might have $50 in the till.
In many nations business owners must employ small armies just to protect their business.

We can be thankful that if we do have a crime, we can call the police without concern
that those who answer the call may be partners with those who committed the crime.
Thank God for an honest and reliable police force that serves and protects.

Thank God that we no longer have public markets where you can buy a human being
to be treated as personal property. Yes, tragically, human trafficking and slavery still exist
but at least it has been criminalized and organizations are working to catch and punish offenders.
(PS- For those who claim the Bible supports slavery, check out 1 Timothy 1:10 NIV)

Gas prices may be high but it is available.
Food prices may be high but it is available.
In fact, while many countries of the world suffer epidemics of hunger and starvation
our officials are concerned about a different health epidemic in America - an epidemic of obesity!

Yes, sadly we are politically polarized as a nation.
Yes, there is a lot of bickering and ugly sniping going on as each party vies for votes.
But let’s not forget that the only reason this great division can even exist is because
we, as a people, actually have some say in who will govern us.
For the history of the world, the majority of people have been subjected to rulers and despots
who permitted them no input nor allowed criticism of their government.
In November, whether Americans make the right choice or the wrong choice - we have a choice!

Someone recently asked me if America has ever been this deeply divided before.
It certainly has and much worse!
Only 150 years ago, brother was taking up arms against brother and Americans
were spilling American blood on American soil.
Estimates say 620,000 to 700,000 Americans were killed in the Civil War.
That is more Americans than have died in all our other wars combined!
Today’s bickering and name calling is like kids fighting in a sandbox
compared to the hatred, division and strife in our country just 150 years ago.

Yes, we are engaged in a tragic war.
All war is tragic - whether the cause is just or misguided.
General Sherman said it best, “War is hell.”
None know this better than those who have suffered through it.
But, because we live in a fallen world, the evil of war is often the high price
that must be paid to end even greater evils - slavery, tyranny, “ethnic cleansing”.
Yes, we pray for an end to this war - as we pray for an end to the evil it is combating.

Yes, there are still those who pre-judge others based on race, gender or other criteria.
Yes, there are still barriers to women, blacks and other minorities in the work place.
But in November we will see America elect either its first black president
or its first female Vice President.
That is “one giant leap” from the day they were struggling for just the right to vote.

Yes, we have problems with our health care system.
Yes, something needs to be done to bring costs under control.
But thank God that “miracle” treatments are available today.
People routinely survive medical problems that were sure death just 50 years ago
and still are sure death in most of the countries of the world even today!

Yes, our courts need reforming.
Long ago we sacrificed a system of justice and replaced it with a legal system
where procedure and loopholes trump justice and fairness.

Yes, many of us are facing financial struggles and even foreclosure
but thank God we are not living in a refugee tent because our town is under seige.
Thank God we are not digging through rubble looking for our children
because a car bomb exploded or an earthquake hit. This is daily reality for millions.

I am not saying we do not have problems.
I am not saying we do not need to work together for solutions.
I am not saying all is fine in America
or that we should close our eyes and whistle in the dark
hoping nothing bad jumps out and grabs us.

I am saying that while we work to solve our problems,
while we pray for our nation and its leaders,
while we vote in accordance with God’s laws and our conscience -
Don’t forget to be thankful

Give thanks for the liberties we so easily take for granted.
Give thanks for the blessings we have received - though undeserved.
Give thanks we have a future hope and a promised Kingdom -
a Kingdom with a just King who will set right all the scales of justice.
We look for a King whose reign will be one of peace, “with liberty and justice for all.”

Lift up your head! Keep your focus on the author and finisher of your faith.
Live a life of gratitude for what you do enjoy rather than discontent for what you may lack.

We are the most blessed of people and even if we should lose everything this side of eternity
we still have everything because we have HIM !

What are your thoughts?

September 2008 Prayer Calendar

2008-09-03T09:53:00.000-05:00

1 - Global Frontier Missions Interns - Pray that they would be sensitive to what God is showing them about missions & how to begin putting it into practice with the local indigenous people
2 - Sherry & Javier Alvarez - As the new school year begins pray that Sherry and her students in Guatemala build a strong foundation for learning.
3 - Josh & Leigh Sevick - Pray for God's direction in raising sufficient funds to move to Guatemala and for direction in their ministry.
4 - Ernest & Lisa Ehabe - Just relocated to Cameroon, Africa so pray that he and his family settle in and adjust well. Pray too for his ministry, Bread for Life.
5 - Tasha Imel - Tasha is a recent grad of Missionary Training School in Mexico. Pray as she joins the church planting team for the next year.
6 - Laura Scott Cojon - Pray for a great new year teaching in Guatemala. Prayer for Edgar, her husband, as he continues his seminary studies.
7 - Brian & Gloria Burns - After moving to the Philippines, pray for them as they settle into their new home. Pray for their language acquisition.
8 - Caroline Coil - She lives and works in Guatemala. Pray for more supporters, and a roommate to share expenses. Praise God for new churches opening.
9 - George & Jeri McClure - They run a Bible Training Center and an outreach to ex-patriots in Baja, Mexico. Pray for a great semester.
10 - Derrick & Jackie Meier - Recent grads of Missionary Training School in Mexico. Beginning their first year as church planters with Global Frontier Missions.
11 - Steve Mashni - A seasoned missionary working in the Muslim community in Sweden. Pray for effective fellowship and safety.
12 - Janet Moutray - Pray for funds needed to establish a home and prayer center in Guatemala and direction on the timing.
13 - Chris & Beth Bruno - Prayer for Chris as he attends seminary. Pray for wisdom as they work with Turkish students in the United States
14 - Eric & Jessica Larimer - Praise for the beginning of a new school year. Bless Eric as he teaches in Guatemala and Jessica as she ministers to abused/abandoned women.
15 - Steve & Sheri Dyer - Steve and Sheri are new to CTEN. Pray as they raise support to go to Peru.
16 - Perry & Roline Smit - Praise for a successful trip of the whole family recently into the bush of Suriname for 2 weeks. Praise for all the fruit that is evident in those people's lives.
17 - Chris & Erin Leake - Pray for Chris as he shares in the administrative tasks of running Global Frontier Missions Training School in Tlaxiaco, Mexico.
18 - Andres & Stella Casanueva - They serve in their native Chile. Pray for new partners to support them spiritually and financially.
19 - Robertino Maldonado - After serving for more that 2 years in Mexico, Tino has returned to the US. Pray for a new start in his life and upcoming marriage.
20 - Jon & Laura Bauman - Jonathon and Laura are new to CTEN. They are preparing to serve in Mexico at a YWAM base there. Pray for their support raising to go well.
21 - Fred & Mary Kay Eichelman - Pray as they settle into life and ministry work in the US. Pray for their support to increase as they had to sell everything in Spain to move here and must start over.
22 - Okechukwu Jonah - They need to build permanent monthly financial support for their ministry.
23 - Matt & Rebecca Haesecke - Pray for wisdom on how best to treat Logan's condition. Pray for a restful summer break from teaching in Guatemala.
24 - Ian & Jessica Williams - He is the Director of Kindle Outreach in Malawi, Africa and she helps with the medical clinic. Pray for safety since they moved into town and must travel back and forth.
25 - Craig & Amanda Black - Craig and Amanda are new to CTEN. Pray as they partner with the US and Canadian CTEN offices. They will be teaching in Ecuador.
26 - Tim & Sara Born - Pray for health and good travel for Tim as he comes back to US to raise support. Pray for new partners to come along side of their work in Cameroon,
27 - Mark & Kim Agrellas - Newly named principal of Christian Academy of Guatemala. Pray for a good start to the new year and family adjustments to his new position.
28 - Michael & Charlsie Swadley - Pray for a smooth transition as they come off the field. Pray for the healthy birth of their next child.
29 - Sergio & Irma Morales - Indigenous Mexican Pastor. Pray for health and safety of family. Pray for an increase in their support.
30 - Dan & Jennifer Koenig - Serving in Ecuador working with indigenous churches. Pray for their ministry work and their son's new school year.

Get to know these people

2008-08-02T21:01:00.005-05:00

There is a ministry I get a monthly newsletter from called TheBodyBuilders.net
They are all about helping missionaries raise support.
This month it is a really helpful article (although every month it is a winner).
Check it out and I suggest signing up to receive this newsletter every month.
It has some really practical and helpful stuff almost every month.
http://thebodybuilders.net/srs/latestissues.html

Connecting CTEN

2008-07-31T15:31:00.005-05:00

"None of us are as smart as all of us."
Some real wise guy said that ... or something like that ... or maybe I just made it up .. I'm not sure. But the point is, we can all benefit from the experiences of others.

I wanted to develop some way all CTENers could network and exchange ideas and info - learn from one another and network for more effective ministry. I think we have found a solution in Facebook.

I have formed a "Facebook group". By joining, you can communicate with other CTENers from around the world, exchange info, ideas, encouragement, pictures, videos, whatever. We already have a few brave souls who have joined the group. Check it out and see if you could benefit and, perhaps more importantly, be of benefit to others. Surely you have learned some things that some of the CTEN "newbies" could benefit from.

www.Facebook.com

Look for the "Commission To Every Nation" Group.

There is a possibility this link will take you right to a place you can sign up for the group:
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb

Is it pretty obvious I am still learning my way around Facebook?
Yup, I'm the country bumpkin come to the big city and I'm lost as a goose but if I click here and there and take a few moments to actually read the directions, eventually something makes sense.

Hope to see your face on the CTEN facebook Group.
Rick

August 2008 Prayer Calendar

2008-07-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

1 - Suzy Leonard - Has been a teacher at Christian Academy of Guatemala. Pray that God guides her through her transition off the field.
2 - Michael & Phyllis Boisvert - Pray for direction as they have returned to the US from Romania to seek where the Lord will use them next.
3 - Macamen Sotomayor F. - Pray for her safety going to the Indian villages in Mexico. Pray for more support partners.
4 - Wilf & Arlene Meeds - New to CTEN-Canada, seasoned Canadian missionaries serving in the US. Pray for a good partnership with CTEN-Canada.
5 - Erin Whitehouse - Praise for success at language acquisition while at school in Portugal. Now serving in Mozambique. Pray for good relationships.
6 - Blake & Beth McKenzie - Pray for energy and endurance as they serve in their ministry in the US while raising a family.
7 - Wes & Jama Peterson - Pray for successful support raising as they prepare to serve here in the US.
8 - Dan & Wendy Spurling - Pray for success in raising their support as they prepare to serve in Mexico.
9 - Derek & Amanda Ross - Pray for good appointments and rest while they spend some time in the States this summer.
10 - Dieter & Claudia Walter - Pray for them as they have returned to the US and are settling into their new home.
Pray for their continued support of the Nepalese Church.
11 - Levi & Jacqueline Davis - Pray for their "Living Stone Project" ministering to and raising funds to build homes for Guatemalan families in need.
12 - Cyndi Cope - Pray for a busy summer with teams visiting Shadow of His Wings Orphanage in Guatemala. Pray for successful dental treatments.
13 - Pedro & Ana Samuc - They are indigenous Guatemalan Missionaries. Pray for health issues within the family to be healed. Pray for their college age children to be able
to continue their education and receive visas to visit the US.
14 - Toby & Carolina Wilson - Pray for them on their extended home assignment. Pray for favor on Carolina's permanent visa process while in the US.
15 - Larry & Sonya Marhenke - Prayer for continued progress in the translation work of the New Testament, for God's blessing on the dubbing of the film "The Hope" into the Cunenteco language and for good health.
16 - Dan & Ann Geroy - Pray for their ministry decisions and strategies. Pray for good health and joyful anticipation as they await the arrival of a new grandbaby.
17 - Vanessa Priest - Vanessa is working to pay off her school loans and raise support in order to return to "Shadow of His Wings" orphanage in Guatemala by this fall.
18 - Jim & Cindy Crouch - Pray that their summer break from Christian Academy of Guatemala provides them with rest and improved health for Cindy.
19 - David & Rhonda Catherina - Prayer for improving their Spanish and wisdom as they minister on the ranches more effectively. Pray for housing in town.
20 - Nancy & Wiesiek Stebnicki - Ministers to families and men in Poland. Pray for the construction of their ministry house.
21 - Raymond & Kathryn Hain - Ministry to Arab speaking Christians in Middle East. Praise for additional staff in bookstore and pray for their safety.
22 - Phil Tilden - CTEN Ambassador who promotes the work of the mission here in the US. Praise for his strength and health to continue serving.
23 - Justin & April Spoonamore - Pray for ease in settling in their new home in Ecuador. Pray for great relationship building, language and cultural adjustments.
24 - Jack & Carol Lavallee - They are Canadian citizens leading a successful prison ministry in the US. Pray for the funds to build a ministry facility.
25 - Bill & Heidy Urbina - Pray for a great summer off from teaching in Guatemala and good family time.
26 - Richard & Anya Vandiver - After settling into a new home and church in New Hampshire, where they will work with Ukrainian immigrants, pray for continued success in Anya's citizenship quest.
27 - Carroll Bishop - Pray for strength and wisdom as she oversees the running of "Shadow of His Wings" home for girls in Guatemala. Pray for a swift completion of the new school building.
28 - Jennifer Burleson - Pray for a swift acquisition of Spanish so she can more effectively share the gospel in Guatemala. Pray for an increase in her support.
29 - David & Julia Sutton - Pray for a broader support team so Julia won't have to spend time away from family. Pray
also for the construction to finish their mission house in Jalapa, Guatemala
30 - John & Peggy Setnan - Leads efforts in Texas communities to reach the unreached. Prayer for John's eye sight to improve.
31 - Matthew & Cindy Wright - Serving a local church and on staff with an ecclesiastical ministry in Albania. Pray for their support base to broaden to help with the cost of living.

Building a Support Team

2008-07-21T14:36:00.004-05:00

One thing almost all CTEN missionaries have in common is the need for a continual (and usually increased) support base. I have a passion for helping you in this area because I have seen an ineffective missionary can stay on the field if they are effective at support raising but powerfully effective ones are destined to head home if they cannot build the necessary support base.

I think you are doing a great job and I want you to be able to continue and to expand your influence by having adequate resources to do that.

Jackie, in Guatemala, found this information and shared it with me. I thought it might be of help to you. Much of the info is for an organization writing for help with a project but a lot of it applies to individuals, too.

If you would like to see the entire article, go to:
http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/FAQ/QuestionViewer/default?section=08&item=07

How do you write the appeal letter?
The appeal letter should concentrate on the benefits of supporting (or joining) your organization. Don't concentrate on your organization's needs. Use benefits such as lives saved, human dignity gained, larger causes served, etc.

Sign the letter using a different color than the rest of the letter. The appeal is a letter from one individual to another. Use 'I" and "you," mostly "you." Remember "you, the signer, are an individual with hopes, dreams, fears and experiences, write about them. Remember "you" are writing to one person - the addressee - who also has hopes, dreams, fears and experiences, write about them. Your organization addresses human needs on many levels, intangible as well as concrete, emotional as well as practical, write about them.

Write as long a letter as you need to state your case for giving. 2 - 4 page letters work better that 1 page letters or really long ones.

Use large type, short indented paragraphs (not over seven lines), highlight important passages or use bold face type - make it easy to read. Use ragged right margins. In long letters try subheads that are centered.

Write in standard American English. Use short punchy sentences. Use words that convey emotion. Don't use lots of adverbs and adjectives. Avoid the use of abbreviations and acronyms.

Always include a business reply envelope (BRE) and a personalized response form.

Always include a meaty postscript - people read them more than the letter.

Ask for the gift in the 3rd or 4th paragraph and repeat in several times throughout the letter - but don't sound desperate. People like to give to organizations that are doing well, not those that seem about to go under. Ask for money, not for "support." This should not be an afterthought, tacked on to the bottom of the letter. It is your reason for writing. Repeat it several times and also include it on the response form.

Give your readers a reason to respond NOW. Use budget deadlines and matching gifts to create a timely response (don't do this if mailing bulk rate however, it will send mixed messages).

Remember- "Every year Americans donate tens of billions of dollars to nonprofit organizations. Some write small checks for ten or fifteen dollars, others make contributions of many thousands of dollars. But the odds are they have one thing in common: Their first gift was made when they received a letter asking for financial support." - Assoc. of Direct Mail fundraising Council

Submitted by Mary Ellen Barnes, Ph.D.

July 2008 Prayer Calendar

2008-07-07T18:05:00.002-05:00

Several missionaries have asked if it would be possible to get the monthly prayer calendar that we send out to donors. While this format is not nearly as pretty as the one we send out, it gives you a chance to at least read what your donors are getting. If you would like a more specific request or something different written about you, email Debi at the CTEN office and let her know what you would like put next to your name next time you are included.

Rick

1 - Sarah Agee - Sarah is new to CTEN and will be serving at Viña Studios in Guatemala. She is an MK and a recent grad of Wheaton College. Pray her support to be raised.
2 - Jimmy & Linda Read - Pray for safety in Mozambique where they serve with Iris Ministries serving young boys.
3 - David & Jayne Ann Harder - Prayer as the TV ministry in Arabic grows and for life in Cypress. Pray for the health and safety of their family.
4 - Missionaries in sensitive areas - Pray for their safety and open doors in spreading the Gospel.
5 - Johanna Cobb - Johanna is new to CTEN. She is preparing to go Guatemala. Pray for good support raising.
6 - Kelsey Winters - Serving in an orphanage in Romania. Praise for a new and improved apartment. Pray for a successful adoption of foster son, Caleb.
7 - Bonita Woods - Bonita has been serving in Indonesia. Pray for her classes that she teaches in Bible School.
8 - Grant & Jennifer Haynes - Directors of a Missionary Training School in Mexico. Pray for their expanded vision into Thailand.
9 - Keith Britton - Pray for him as he is the interim director of a men's rehab center in a very poor area of Costa Rica. Pray for successful discipleship. Pray for more financial support.
10 - John & Sarah Dale - They are going to Guatemala to work in a ministry with some other CTEN Missionaries. Pray for their success in raising their support.
11 - Frank & Maria Godin - Ministering in El Salvador. Pray for the success of their bakery ministry and children's video outreach.
12 - Fontaine & Paula Greene - Pray for additional funds for a new 4x4 vehicle. Pray for successful summer outreaches. Pray for Kevin to get his visa so the family can come to the States.
13 - Scott & Debra Walston - Pray for health for the family and safety for their daughter-in-law, Sevena, serving in Afghanistan.
14 - Don & Heather Logan - Pray as they prepare to go to Guatemala to serve at Casa Del Rey in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
15 - Colin & Terri Whittaker - They are on the field in the Philippines. They are part of CTEN Canada. Pray for a great summer with teams.
16 - Alberto & Laura Zamacona - Doctor and wife who do medical outreaches to remote Indian villages of Mexico. Prayer for increase in funding and safety.
17 - Joel & Michawn Ebersole - He is in bush pilot training in Northern Brazil and she is a nurse. Praise for healthy delivery of their 4th child.
18 - Steve Hinkeldey - He is a teacher in Oaxaca Christian School. Pray for successful inroads into the students lives. Pray for safety from the numerous acts of thievery.
19 - Elias & Beatrice Ngome - He is a native of Cameroon. Pray for his agricultural ministry and a new 4-wheel drive vehicle. Pray for short term teams to come and help.
20 - New Life With Education New Life - New Life was founded by Judy Kerschner who is re-partnering with CTEN. The school teaches disabled children in Guatemala.
21 - Kristalene & Isai Bautista - Pray for the health of Kristalene as she carries their second child. Praise for good discipleship at church.
22 - Vivian Douglas - On staff in orphanage in Guatemala as a teacher and staff trainer. Prayer as she manages her busy schedule.
23 - Ward & Marda Stothers - Pray as they settle into life in Ireland. Pray for good relationships to be built.
24 - Todd & Rocio Stopher - They are new to CTEN and will be serving in Romania. Pray for good support raising as they prepare to leave.
25 - James & Nancy Harris - They are serving in Mexico. Praise for successful eye surgery for Nancy. Pray for new partners that will increase their support.
26 - Rick & Jana Malm - Executive Director of CTEN. Praise for a well attended orientation session with our new missionaries.
27 - Stephen & Annette Tour - Liberian nationals who minister in their home country planting churches. Pray for increased funds and a successful outreach this summer.
28 - Eddie & Kelly Vargas - They are new to CTEN. They are going to work in Matzalan, Mexico to work at the YWAM ministry. Pray for good support raising.
29 - Ginnie Walker - Pray for her teaching ministry to recovering alcoholics and drug addicts in Guatemala. Pray for her safety.
30 - Jim & Kay Hines - Medical and teaching ministry in Guatemala. Pray for successful summer teams.
31 - Jack & Carol Rothenflue - Directs the Pastoral Care ministry at CTEN. Pray for health and effectiveness as they travel to minister to their missionaries.

Awesome Web site

2008-06-25T22:52:00.003-05:00

A friend recently showed me an awesome web site. It offers a course - plus mentoring - for those dealing with several controlling habits - sexual sins, eating disorders, gambling, substance abuse. PLUS, it is available in English, Spanish, French and a few other languages I wasn't sure about. Check it out. It may be of help to you or someone you are working with.
http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/course/#

Disclaimer: I have not personally gone through the course yet but it was recommended by a friend who has completed one of them. Let me know what you think or any feedback on its helpfulness.

Prayer: Fuel of CTEN

2008-06-16T21:11:00.004-05:00

Many of you are aware of the great importance the home office places on praying for you - not just general "bless all the nice missionaries" type prayers but specific, by name, by need prayers for what is happening in your life. I am dropping a note in my most recent newsletter about it and it occurred to me that those who haven't seen the process first hand might like to know how we do it and might even like to adopt the method for prayer for your family and ministry. So here is the "cut and paste", slightly modified version from my upcoming newsletter complete with photo and caption.
.............................
A 3x5 card file sits in the middle of the table filled with cards representing missionary families from around the world. Each morning cards from the front of the box are dealt to the CTEN staff and volunteers who arrived for the morning prayer time. Before prayer, we go around the room sharing any updates or current information on the needs and ministry of each missionary family that was drawn from the box that morning. Then each missionary, their family, their children, their ministry, their current needs are lifted up to the Lord in prayer.

The morning prayer often takes an hour or more - precious time the overworked staff could be using for other projects. Would God have blessed CTEN as much as He has if we weren’t so involved in prayer? Perhaps. No one can measure the value of such prayer - at least not this side of eternity - but we feel it is an important part of our “helping ordinary people partner with God to accomplish the extraordinary.”

If you want to start using the 3x5 card prayer plan at your house simply prepare one for each of your kids, your church, your pastor, family members, co-workers, etc.

Pray on ....

Board not Bored

2008-06-06T21:52:00.003-05:00

Just had our semi-annual board meeting this morning. Wow. We are so blessed to have such a group of great men serving this mission agency. They are excited about the work each and every CTEN missionary is doing and they are doing their part to make sure CTEN operates with complete integrity so you can know you have a solid organization standing behind you.

The IRS has made lots of changes to our reporting requirements (you know how they "simplify" things and what was a 17 page document becomes a 62 page document you have to fill out). Our CPA firm made a presentation so the board would understand what the new requirements are and how we can stay "in favor with God and man."

Pastoral care remains a primary focus of the board and a topic they want to be updated on at each board meeting. They want to know that you are being cared for, prayed for, helped in whatever way possible and that CTEN remains committed to "helping ordinary people partner with God to accomplish the extraordinary". As I sat there and heard them express their concern for you - though they have not personally met many of you - I was again grateful for a board that has their focus on "people not problems" - as one board member put it today.

I just thought you ought to know that there are folks you have never met who love you, pray for you and are concerned for you and your family.

A book about everything??

2008-05-29T09:37:00.003-05:00

Someone sent me a page from a book about everything.
That's right - everything.
Well, not quite but it does cover a lot of topics and I have been impressed with the approach taken at least on the topics I have looked at.

It is "The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity" put out by InterVarsity Press. They sent me the page on guidance knowing that I was preparing a message on guidance.

What is totally cool is that the book is online and you can see most, if not all, the topics.

Here is the reason I send this info to you.
I know many of you are involved in teaching and answering questions from those you work with. This is a great resource when you get hit with a toughy.

For example, it covers topics such as homosexuality, divorce, masturbation, addictions, miscarriages, conflict resolution, and my favorite - the theology of chocolate.

Will you agree with everything the authors have to say?
I doubt it - but if we only read things written by folks we agree with we aren't going to grow very much. "

As an old mentor of mine used to say, "If both of us think exactly alike, neither of us is thinking very much."

So, have a look and let me know what you think.
http://www.ivmdl.org/cbec.cfm

PS- If you are interested in my message on guidance (which is coming at it from a little different perspective than I usually approach the subject) it will be online soon at www.TheSummitChurch.cc/media It is entitled: You: From the Inside Out - Part 2.

Changes

2008-03-07T22:22:00.002-06:00

I hope you have checked out the new online database CTEN is converting to. It is another step in CTEN's continuing growth and commitment to excellence in helping its missionaries be as effective as possible in what God has called them to do. It really gives each of us some cool cyber-tools for managing our funds, mailing lists and other support raising functions. Like anything new, it takes a little getting used to and some of us "older heads" tend to resist change but let me suggest you give it a try.

From where we sit it looks like the transition has gone really smoothly but let me assure you it has taken some fast paddling on the Home Office Team's part to keep everything going as smoothly as it has. I have watched them first-hand as they have been staying late, working extra long hours and giving their all to keep day-to-day business flowing while making all the changes necessary to get your information to you in a timely manner.

I told Joanne that seeing her go through this transition had been like watching a duck on a pond. On the surface the duck glides effortlessly across the glass-like surface but if you could see under the water you would see that the only reason he flows along so smoothly is because behind the scenes he is paddling like crazy. She, and others, have been paddling like crazy and all of us benefit from their extra effort and commitment to the task of missionary support. I've let them know how much I appreciate their "second mile" effort. Your encouragement would mean a lot to them also.

Just to poke a stick in a hornet's nest

2008-02-20T09:15:00.005-06:00

"Youth Worker" made a comment about short term vs. long term goals.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8253453379746089866&postID=6996237956380918299

That reminded me of a discouraged missionary I was talking with one time. He was sent strictly by his local church to minister in a Mayan Indian village in Guatemala. When he first arrived the people would have nothing to do with this "outsider" and his wife. After two years of working to establish relationships, he was finally seeing breakthroughs. The men would not wander off when he showed up but would stay and even include him in their conversations. The women would actually smile at his wife and invite her to join them in some of their household activities. That was great!

But here was his source of discouragement. His church was reading all about the revival going on in Guatemala. Mega churches popping up in the capital, over 35% of the population claiming to be "evangelical", on and on the good reports went. His home church was beginning to put pressure on him. "You have been there two years and not one single person in the village has gotten saved when all around you there is revival. What's up? Maybe we need to channel our support to more effective missionaries."

I know what I told him but what do you think?
Should he realize he is just not called to be an evangelist?
Should he pack it up and go home?
Should he try to explain the need for "long term" goals and the importance of building relationships?
Does the church have a point that they should be able to see some return for their investment or put their money into someone / something that is producing?
Or should the church just trust that this guy is doing the best he can and let it go at that?
Should churches be sending their own missionaries or should that be left to the "professionals" - the parachurch missionary sending agencies.?
What should I have told this missionary to help him?
What should be told to the church leadership to help them decide?

Pearls: Learning from the pain of others.

2008-02-15T10:39:00.005-06:00

A pearl is the only gem formed by the suffering of a living organism.
We all suffer pain in life. Some of us learn from it. Others don't.
I like to learn as much as I can from the suffering of others
and hopefully avoid having to learn it all firsthand.

Here are some of the pearls I have picked up regarding Ministry and Leadership.
I will be adding to these over the next few weeks and
I would love for you to add your own via the comments below.

1. When God wants to do a great work He always chooses a person who is busy being faithful in a small task.

David was tending his father's sheep. Elisha was plowing his father's field. Gideon was threshing wheat. Peter and Andrew were fishing. Matthew was collecting taxes. Paul was on his way to arrest "heretics".

I have seen many people who are so busy pursuing some big ministry that they fail to help and do what they can in small tasks along the way.

None of these guys were locked away in a prayer closet. None were trying to make a big name for themselves - except Paul - and God changed all that in him.

Do you want to make your life count significantly for God? Get busy doing what your hands find to do right where you are and when He needs someone for a big task He will know right where to find you and will inject Himself into your situation.

2. We are always looking for better methods. God is looking for better people.

Often we try to find methods to reach farther, accomplish more, broaden our ministry.
God's method is people.
If we will focus upon deepening our message - letting God have total control -
God will broaden our ministry when the time is right.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:6

More from the local folks

2008-01-09T20:40:00.000-06:00

I mentioned that if you had any experience in talking with local leaders as to their opinions of how missionaries could be more effective in their countries that I would love to hear it and pass it on to others. Here is what Grant had to say:

I interviewed pastors while I was in Thailand and asked them what I could do to better train missionaries to serve in that part of the world to be a blessing rather than a hindrance. They told me that some of the chief complaints they had about the Westerners serving there were:
1. They hadn't made concentrated efforts to learn the language.
2. They didn't seem to work very hard compared to the national pastors.
3. They lived at a much higher standard of living than the national workers.
4. They usually came in with a plan of how to change the country rather than a servant and learner attitude.
In general, they didn't have a lot of positive things to say about missionaries. It was definitely hard to hear, but we need to be good listeners as missionaries, especially to the local people who are our best allies when it comes to understanding language, culture, strategy to reach their own people, etc.

Wow, this just gets more painful doesn't it?
Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Are you sure you want to know?

2007-12-26T14:39:00.000-06:00

So how are missionaries doing?
This unscientific survey was conducted by a missionary in Romania. He asked many Romanian church leaders what they thought of the work missionaries had been doing in their country in the last 12 years.
While I think it unfair to generalize these comments and say all missionaries or nationals in all fields are the same, we certainly need to pay attention to what was said and learn from it.

I would also love to post any comments you receive if you ask the same questions of people you work with. Pass on the info and I'll post it for others.

Question - In your opinion, what have been some of the mistakes missionaries have made in the past 12 years in Romania?

Missionary's comment: It was obvious I had struck a nerve. One person even said that I was the first missionary to ever ask this question. This question provoked the most response of all, it was like I unlocked Pandora’s Box.

At first the missionaries brought the gospel but then others came bringing their denominationalism and extreme doctrines.

Either intentionally or unintentionally missionaries left us with the impression that foreigners are superior to Romanians.

Coming and making Romanians subservient to their programs.

Being so strongly convinced about their own ideas that nationals feel that taking advantage of missionaries and their budgets is justified by their own sense of rejection and resentment.

Saying many times that they came to serve but actually functioning in the role of a superior, i.e. many missionaries become employers of nationals.

Passing on materialistic values through the example of the missionary’s own life.

Living in their own world of ideas to the point of being taken advantage of by less than honest nationals.

Expecting Romanian partners to live a long way below the level missionaries are living, has led to a lot of resentment and bitterness. The Romanians’ have covered this up so that they don’t loose the financial benefits that they are getting. This has led to a lot of distorted relationships and ministry partnerships.

Missionaries came with unbending ideas and philosophies.

Not listening to the nationals. (This response came every time)

Superior attitudes toward nationals.

Isolating themselves from nationals. Having their own churches attempting to remain exclusive. Not open to co-operate with other national churches.

Sensationalizing the ministry. Throwing Bibles and other materials out to people in church while taking pictures of people scrambling to catch something.

Coming with very strong and unrealistic ambitions and trying to force things to happen for the sake of “results.” Manipulating Romanian partners with the threat of losing their salaries. Going beyond what God told them to do in order to make things appear more “fruitful” for their supporters.

Seeing all nationals as unskilled in the Bible and not knowing Jesus.

Speaking in such a way that they actually insulted those they were trying to teach. (Not knowing personally the people they were trying to minister to)

Coming with personal agendas rather than spiritual goals.

“Staying” ignorant of cultural norms and values. Not learning the language.

Forming partnerships with nationals too quickly has led to many good missionaries working with and being represented by Romanians that have long and bad reputations. This had led to their own ministry being tarnished and many times, missionaries forming very bad opinions of Romanian church leaders. (This person asked me to please tell missionaries to choose their partners more carefully so that missionaries don’t keep leaving with a negative view of the ministry in Romania)

Accepting bribes as cultural rather than for what it really is…sin!

Forcing nationals on non-essential cultural issues—“Everybody has to smiles if you want to be a good Christian.”

Not being wise with money, being seen as wasteful. Throwing money at problems rather than asking is there something else that needs to happen here.

Missionaries start with blind trust for everybody (Pendulum on the left side), they get burned a few times, then finish with total mistrust for everybody. (Pendulum on the right side)

Missionaries come to Romania with some very romantic and naïve ideas.

Becoming distracted by the many calls for help leads to missionaries doing things that it would seem God didn’t tell them to do.

The corruption that missionaries have experienced in the church has led them to becoming very untrusting of nationals. This has caused a lot of ill feeling where nationals feel looked down upon and seen as stupid people who can’t be trusted.

Presenting a “know-it-all” attitude when it comes to teachings and opinions.

Being unwilling to listen to so called “Romanian partners.”

Being so culturally different that they alienate themselves from the average Romanian.

Not following up financial investments with personal accountability has inadvertently promoted even more corruption. Missionary organizations that dump money and leave with no real relationships have proven to be more harmful than helpful.

Coming with outside pressure to perform on the mission field, leading some missionaries to push things in the ministry and even become controlling. This just causes resentment and resistance.

Exaggerating reports to back home leaving people with a wrong impression of work here in Romania.

Many missionaries never consider adjusting their own lifestyles a little to more resemble that of the people they are living among.

Making big promises and forgetting to come through with them.

Question: What do you think should be the role of the missionary in this country?

To serve like they keep saying they came to do.

Become strong positive role models for nationals in all areas.

Truly partner with proven nationals in all areas.

Truly partner with proven nationals that they can fully trust and empower.

To equip nationals to reach Romania.

To help in the Great Commission personally. Don’t try to do everything, just what God has called you to do.

Build real relationships of love and trust with Romanians and encourage, encourage, encourage!!!

Support the local church’s vision, don’t try to make your own.

Teach nationals to own their own vision for ministry, don’t just always do it for them.

.............................................................................................

There you have it. Interesting if nothing else, isn't it?