September 29, 2008
The new Maranatha Elementary School began classes this week in , Burkina Faso’s second largest city, with Mr. Bertin Boro as the first teacher at the school. “It is a door that has opened up to us,” said Alliance missionary Esther Schaeffer, who was instrumental in the school’s establishment. The Christian elementary school is a much-needed addition to Maranatha High School, where the enrollment is filled to capacity.
Burkina Faso has a very low literacy rate; approximately 15 percent of the population has the ability to read. “Education is not free, and the people are poor,” Schaeffer said. “The student/teacher ratio is about 100 or more students to one teacher. And less than 5 percent of Burkinabé people know Christ as Lord.”
The high school’s reputation is well known, drawing many national and expatriate parents to enroll their children. “With 60 percent of the students being unchurched, well over 100 students come to Christ each year,” said Schaeffer, who has seen her prayers answered with the opening of the elementary school. “Jesus tells us to go and make disciples. One way to do that is through Christian schools.”
September 24, 2008
Alliance Chaplain Kevin Pies (U.S. Army) lost his beloved wife, Lorrie, Sunday morning, September 21, ending her three-year battle with cancer. Lorrie’s steadfast faith and perseverance were a testimony of God’s constant presence in her life.
As a military chaplain’s wife, Lorrie had opportunity to be involved in numerous projects and outreaches. Lorrie was a talented violinist, teacher, and writer. Her life touched many facets of the Colorado Springs, Colorado, community, including the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Child Development Center at the Air Force Academy. She was a member of the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writers Guild as well as a supporting writer of the recent International Bible Society’s Military Family Bible, Hope Beyond the Battle, the National Day of Prayer Task Force, and Campus Crusade’s Military Ministry Web site.
Lorrie still had time to participate in son Kenny’s band activities, mentor her college-age daughter, Victoria, and complete her college degree—much of this during the time when she was battling cancer. Lorrie served her family and community with a humble spirit and to God’s glory. Lorrie was 47.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 27, 2008, from 2-5 p.m. at Swan Law Funeral Home in Colorado Springs. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at the Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel, Ft. Carson, CO, with an Internment Service at the Mountview Cemetery, Billings, MT, on October 1, 2008, at 11 a.m.
Condolences may be sent to: Chaplain (MAJ) Kevin Pies, 6710 Dublin LP W, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.
September 19, 2008
When neighbors on Dogwood Court in Winchester, California, decided to come to the opening of Chorus (Alliance) Church, they hardly knew each other. “And they had no idea that God would lead one of them on journey that would involve physical sacrifice,” reflects John Cappelen, Chorus pastor of Connections.
Herb and Susan LaMadrid were a part of that initial group of neighbors that made Chorus their home church. The LaMadrids decided to reach out in love to all the families on Dogwood Court, including Chuck and Peggy Donnelly. The Donnellys responded to an invitation to join a small home group. Chuck suffered from polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that he was convinced would end his life early. “I just kind of accepted it,” Donnelly said. “This was something God gave me, and I accepted it.” The only thing that would save Donnelly’s life was a kidney transplant.
Although Donnelly had not discussed his medical problems with the group, his wife encouraged him to share a prayer request for a kidney donor with their fellow believers, who unanimously agreed that each would be tested to see if one of them was a match. “When test results showed that Herb was a match,” said Cappelen, “he decided that since he had two good kidneys, he would give Chuck one.”
The Donnellys had been attending Chorus for about two years. The four-year-old church with nearly 300 members is part of a greater Alliance multiplication effort in Temecula Valley. “[The church] just spoke the truth,” Donnelly said. “The love and compassion the congregation has toward each other—I have never felt that.” LaMadrid’s willingness to give Donnelly a kidney took that compassion to a personal level.
“I didn’t look at this as something that would make me a better person or more angelic,” said LaMadrid. “It was something I was called to do. It’s a bond we’ll have for years to come.”
Donnelly returned to Chorus a week after his operation. “I feel like Herb is a part of me,” he said, “When I woke up [from the surgery], I had this need to hear his voice and know that he’s okay.”
“We had people all over the country praying for us,” said Peggy, who also was baptized after her husband’s recovery. “We give all the glory to God, because it is the power of prayer that made this come to pass.”
“Herb’s sacrifice was an inspiration to the entire body at Chorus,” says Cappelen. “It is evidence that if we let God use us in our neighborhoods, we can reach a whole street— and if a street, then the city, the state, the country, and the world. It is the life-giving story of transformation.”
One week after Hurricane Ike ravaged the Texas and Louisiana coastlines, Alliance first responders have visited several C&MA churches. Southwestern District superintendent Mark Searing commissioned Chaplain Paul Northcutt, who is a full-time police chaplain and the district’s emergency response “go-to guy,” and his wife, Blossom, into hurricane affected areas with Alliance churches.
At Alliance Bible Church in Baytown, the Northcutts found Pastor Jim Black and members of the church cleaning and making repairs. “We gave them cases of water and energy drinks as well as some snacks and canned fruit for themselves and for distribution in the area,” said Northcutt. “Some of these supplies were taken immediately to several church families and others in the community. We also gave the pastor a supply of $25 Wal-Mart Gift cards for him to pass out as needed in the community.”
Having an emergency service vehicle enabled the Northcutts to access Galveston, which is restricted to most people. They ministered to police officers and National Guard soldiers, passing out gospel tracts and praying with some of the officers and generally just trying to encourage them. “We found that they already had lots of resources in place; currently, there is very little that volunteers can do as far as helping with clean-up and rebuilding in Galveston.”
After finding that local and federal officials were on the scene in Beaumont, the Northcutts drove to Dayton and Liberty, two communities that were hard hit but had yet to receive any aid. “We met with police chief Pete Douzat in Dayton, who was very glad to see us,” Northcutt said. “After having prayer with the chief and other city employees, we left a large supply of water, energy drinks, and snacks at the fire department. Our visit there should be a good contact for future development of a possible C&MA church in that area.”
In Liberty the Northcutts ministered to many city employees, giving them the remaining supplies, Bibles, and other Christian literature and were invited to share a barbeque meal that the officers had prepared. “It was great,” Northcutt said. “After handshakes, hugs, and prayers we left this wonderful town—hopefully, they were more encouraged than they were when we arrived.”
Paul and Blossom Northcutt returned home for some rest and to restock supplies to distribute where there is need. The Alliance news team will provide regular updates. Volunteers are needed to cut numerous uprooted trees and to help with clean-up in many areas. To contribute to rebuilding efforts of C&MA churches or to find out how to volunteer, contact Mark Searing at(817) 561-0879, or e-mail swdcmaservices@swdcma.org.
September 17, 2008
A concert produced by members of Word of Grace (WOG) Family Christian Fellowship (C&MA), featuring top Filipino entertainers, will be held September 19 at the 4,000-seat Arie Crown Theater in Chicago, Illinois. Part of the proceeds will be used to support the Great Commission Fund as well as a medical mission planned for the Philippines by WOG in partnership with its daughter churches in that country.
The WOG Youth Drama Ministry will open the concert, dubbed “Duel of the Divas, with an evangelistic skit. Flyers with the gospel message and information about the church will be distributed during the event. The youth will operate a display booth in the lobby and conduct one-on-one evangelism. Also, a prayer booth will be available for guests to fill out prayer request forms or be prayed for at that time if they desire.
Dr. Richard Mirpuri, founder and spiritual director of Word of Grace International Ministries, will address the audience via video at the start of the event to thank those attending and to inform them that a portion of the proceeds will go toward the church’s missions programs. “We are asking our friends and partners in ministry to include the success of the concert in your prayers,” he said. “Also, please be in prayer for the medical mission and evangelistic outreach planned for the Philippines in 2009.”
Mike and Estrellita Duquilla, who produced the concert, are active members and leaders of WOG, located in Chicago. Mike is president of the C&MA Men’s Ministry while Estrellita, the church’s missions coordinator, is vice president of Alliance Women. Their children also are involved in ministry. Their eldest son, DM, is training for the Chicago Marathon in October and will represent Word of Grace. “Any amount he is able to raise while [participating] will be given to the Great Commission Fund of the C&MA,” said Mirpuri.
September 15, 2008
Hurricane Ike may have devastated the Texas landscape but not Alliance family members who rode out the storm. The following is a report from Mark Searing, Southwestern district superintendent.
I was able to speak with most of the pastors in the Houston area and in Louisiana. The following reports are initial reports and may change as people are able to venture out to survey the damage more closely. I will update this throughout the day as I get reports.
Curtis Pace in Centerville, Louisiana, reports the levees broke overnight and flooding is occurring. They received quite a large storm surge there on Friday night in advance of the storm. Even so, his home and the church are undamaged.
Elder Fred Stark from Sulphur, Louisiana, reports flooding in low lying areas. He also left a message stating that several families had stayed at the church Friday night, since it is on higher ground and everything seems to be well there.
Jim Black in Baytown reports his home has shingles missing and some superficial damage but nothing major. He has not been able to get to the church yet but will report in when he does.
Charles Smith and David Seckinger, Houston Multiplications Center and Parkway Fellowship, report slight damage to shingles but no major damage to their homes. They do not have electricity. Charles has not been able to get to Parkway yet but will let us know when he does.
Laurie Chernosky, wife of the Central Spanish District pastor in Pasadena, Texas, reports that all is well with them but they have not been able to get to the church.
Pastor Di, Vietnamese First Alliance Church in Houston, reports he is fine as well as his congregation. He has not been able to get to the church yet.
We have not yet been in touch with Pastor Liang of Trinity Fellowship but I will continue to attempt to reach him. We will update all information as it is received.
Our Office Manager’s brother lives in Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula. He was able to get out before the storm surge hit but many people were caught and had to stay. There were reports late last night of people in their homes (on stilts) with waist high water in the second floor. This indicates water in excess of 20 feet deep. Pray for this community as the potential devastation is great.
Chaplain Paul Northcutt and his emergency service van/ATV and supply trailer will be headed into the recovery zone after the wind has died down. He was a great help to our Louisiana congregations and others as needed. He is our emergency go-to-guy in these kinds of situations.
If emergency housing is needed away from the zone of the hurricane, please know that there are Alliance Churches willing to help. Pastor Ken Cluck in San Antonio (ABC) and Rev. Ben Andrus from Hope Fellowship in Longview have extended that invitation, and others are waiting for our call to jump into action.
I received e-mails and phone calls all day Friday from people around the country saying that they are praying for us. I want to thank The C&MA family for their prayer support and would ask that they pray for encouragement and joy in the midst of tribulation. Let’s pray for our faith to be centered in Him and be wise to obey the authorities over us as we deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and its winds and rain. Nothing is too big for Him to take us through!
September 12, 2008
Since 1997, Alliance workers in Mongolia have ministered Christ’s love to hurting people through practical acts of compassion. Today, seven churches are flourishing in a land that had been untouched by the gospel for 700 years.
In July, 110 young people attended the first-ever CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates) Mongolia International Youth Camp. During the event, 10 participants made decisions to follow Jesus, and 90 youth committed to “running the race” for God’s glory. A seven-member Youth Council was selected from among the youth leaders for the purpose of encouraging and equipping youth leaders and planning future events for the CAMA churches in Mongolia.
As of this writing, Alliance missionary Bernie Anderson and his colleagues have been working to renovate a building to be used as a student ministry center in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. Dubbed the Grain of Wheat Student Center, its close proximity to several major universities will enable our workers to reach thousands of young people with the gospel.
“I cannot share all of the amazing things God is doing in these far corners of the earth,” said Alliance missionary Jeremy Fields. “There is purposeful excitement [among our team] for what we believe God can do in our communities this coming year.”
by Bill Malick
There, I said it. Whenever my wife Debbie and I are on a trip and I miss an exit or make a wrong turn I will admit that I am slow to ask for directions. So I compensate for being lost by driving faster. Don’t tell me that you don’t do the same thing. Statesman and outdoorsman, Daniel Boone was asked if he was ever lost while making his way through the wilderness. “I was never lost,” he said. “I was bewildered for about four months one time, but I was never lost.”
So what happens when you create your own vision? You wound yourself and any who follow you. Paul Becker tells us in his book, Seeing Your Vision Come True, that you will end up unfulfilled, frustrated, and defeated.
When we dream up our direction and fail to slow down and listen to God day in and day out we miss out on the greatest opportunity of all time—that being to drink in His direction. The apostle Paul bears down and tells us to be confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. David is described as a man after God’s own heart. Sure wasn’t because he was perfect! In II Samuel 2:1, David asks the Lord the question, “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” The Lord answered, “Go up.” David spent a lot of time listening to God and he enjoyed it…probably learned it as shepherd boy.
Finally, here is the dilemma that I find myself in time and again. I get so preoccupied with what I want and want to do that I don’t slow down and listen. For some time now I have been carving out specific times to listen and guess what, my hearing is getting better. The best part is that the intimacy with God is SO REFRESHING. Don’t create your own vision…slow down and hear!
September 9, 2008
“In a community dotted with shrines and temples, Kawaguchi Christ Church desires to be a lighthouse in its community,” said Don and Hazel Schaeffer, Alliance missionaries to Japan. Recently, about 250 people came through the church doors to attend its third annual International Food Festival. “Some were English students and friends of church people, but most were [neighborhood residents] who stepped into the church for the first time,” said Don and Hazel. “One woman asked if it was okay to come in even though she was not a Christian!” Each visitor received a brochure about the church as well as a tract about God’s love, written by a paraplegic who is a renowned Christian artist.
“Many hours went into food preparation and baking as well as tagging clothing and household items that were sold,” said the Schaeffers. “Visitors went home happy with their purchases!” As the day began, church members prayed for God’s blessing on the outreach, asking that His love would shine through them to those who attended. “We thank God for the many church women who served and worked so well together. Wearing their Kawaguchi Church tee-shirts, they were truly a testimony with their enthusiasm and joy. They are already talking about next year’s festival!
“Thank you for praying. As we try to make a difference here, your prayers are having an impact on God’s work in Japan and in Kawaguchi where we serve.”
By Paul Kiedel, France Field Director
Rev. Ly Oudone, the first missionary of the France Alliance national church (AECM) to the Hmong people of French Guyana, died in a work accident on August 21. Pastor Oudone was cutting a large tree that suddenly broke loose, with the trunk striking him in the neck. His spine was broken and he died instantly. He was 40 years old.
Rev Oudone did not allow “youth” to hinder his influence in a culture that esteems age. After completing Bible School in his late twenties, he was quickly appointed to lead the Hmong movement in France. As the President of the ten Hmong congregations, he formed them into the Hmong Alliance Federation of France, keeping the people strongly connected to their C&MA roots in Southeast Asia. There are young men in pastoral and congregational leadership today whom he mentored and “called” to ministry. He deeply impacted the thought and policy of the France national church (called AECM “l’Alliance des Églises Chrétiennes et Missionnaires de France”). I recall him challenging the national executive committee to sacrifice for Christ, when the older men were murmuring about their hard life of service. Oudone said to them, “I don’t understand your words of complaint. I have sacrificed everything to follow Christ. My parents sacrificed because of their faith in Southeast Asia, and now they are here. What is there to complain about?”
He also challenged the AECM to involve their young people and their congregations in supporting the training of church leaders. When he requested Bible school scholarships for his young protégés, he stated that, in the Hmong churches, they would require the local congregation and the candidate’s family to pay two-thirds of their training costs, and only seek a one-third scholarship from the denomination. This caused the Executive Committee of the denomination to immediately apply the same principle to all candidates.
Rev Oudone and his wife, Marie, were the first overseas missionaries of the AECM national church mission project. They went to French Guyana in the fall of 2001 where they began working with small Hmong groups already in that country. In the six years of his leadership, these churches pulled together and other congregations were established. He declined any financial support from the France Alliance, saying the local people would support him.
Rev Oudone died, leaving behind his wife, Marie, and five children. She will be living with the extended family in Alencon, France.
Funeral services were conducted from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31 in Alencon, France. It was an encouraging time of celebrating Ly Oudone’s life as well as giving emotional support to Marie in her bereavement. Hmong family members and many Hmong Christians from France and Switzerland came to these services. Rev Norbert Clement, President of the France national church, and Paul Keidel, C&MA France director, represented the Alliance at the memorial celebration.
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