November 26, 2008
Editor’s Note: Chris Braun, regional director for Africa, sends a special Thanksgiving greeting that reflects the sentiments of Alliance workers worldwide. From our homes to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with the wonder of God’s blessings in your lives.
Our hearts are sobered as we look at the worldwide economic crisis and its effects on so many individuals. Yet at the same time, we rejoice over how God has cared for Alliance workers ministering around the world and for all that He is doing through them. God is using you to accomplish His work around the world. What the apostle Paul wrote expressing his gratitude to faithful Ephesians believers is our heart for you as well.
Ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers (Eph. 1:15-16).
Thank you for all that you do to enable The Alliance to witness of Jesus in Africa. Your prayers, financial support, and ministry through short-term teams and partnerships are making an impact. We understand that what you are giving and doing is sacrificial on your part, and we want you to know that we greatly appreciate it. This letter is meant to be a brief word of gratitude as it communicates some of the fruit resulting from your selflessness.
Gratefully, Chris Braun
November 24, 2008
Darolyn Irvin, wife of a former editor of Alliance Life magazine, Dr. Maurice Irvin, died November 18, 2008. Darolyn was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and was a member of First Alliance Church there. She graduated in 1951 from the Missionary Training Institute (now Nyack College), was married that year to Dr. Irvin and served with her husband in C&MA churches in Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, California, New York, and Pennsylvania.
When Dr. Irvin became editor of Alliance Life (alife) magazine in 1983, the couple moved first to Nyack, then to Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the national headquarters move. The Irvins left Colorado in 1996to serve in short-term, interim pastorates in New Jersey, New York, Kentucky, Indiana, Connecticut, and Ohio. When Darolyn’s health began to fail, the Irvins moved to their home in Lexington,.
Darolyn is survived by her husband and two daughters, Rebecca Irvin of Geneva, Switzerland, and Leeann Irvin of Valley Cottage, New York, and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Daniel Warren and Timothy Brian.
November 17, 2008
Rev. Joseph Paul Ellison, former missionary to Cambodia and Vietnam, entered into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was 79.
As a child of Alliance missionaries, Paul spent most of his younger years in Cambodia and saw the need of lost people at a young age. Paul met Vivian Eunice Hamilton at Missionary Training Institute in Nyack, New York, and they graduated in 1950 and 1948 respectively. Paul also received his bachelor of science degree from Houghton College.
Paul and Eunice were married in 1951 in Ottawa, Ontario, and served for two years in the Grace Gospel Church of the C&MA in Bound Brook, New Jersey. They were appointed as Alliance missionaries and sailed with their daughter, Elaine, for Cambodia in 1954. During their ministry in Cambodia, Paul assisted with translation as well as with teaching in the Bible school, evangelistic services and church planting. Their sons, David and Robert were born during this time.
Due to the fall of Indo-China to Communism in 1965, the Cambodian government declined to renew resident visas, forcing missionaries to leave the country. Because of this restriction, the Ellisons transferred to the work in South Vietnam, ministering to its Cambodian-speaking citizens. Despite losing their daughter Linda to encephalitis in 1968, the Ellisons pressed on the ministry. In 1975 they were reassigned to the Philippines to work in Manila with the Far East Broadcasting Company and daily transmitted the gospel in Cambodian to Southeast Asia. Paul also worked on printing and distributing a monthly letter to Christian Cambodian refugees in the United States. In 1980, the Ellisons began work with Specialized Ministries for Cambodian Alliance Ministries in Whittier, California.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Pointe in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Rev. Joe Kong, director for Intercultural Ministries, will represent The Christian and Missionary Alliance at the service.
Bill Keller, Pastor of Missionary Alliance Church, Blairsburg, IA, passed on to his home in Heaven on Saturday, November 15, after a long battle with cancer. Bill has served as pastor in Blairsburg for 10 years, and during
that time, the church has doubled in size. Bill was a man of God who exercised great faith and perseverance. He is an amazing example of how to build relationships that draw people to Christ. He will be greatly missed in the MidAmerica District.
Bill is survived by his wife, Julie, and two children, Andrew and Leah.
Visitation will be held at the Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg on Thursday, November 20th, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The memorial service will also be held at the church on Friday, November 21st, at 11:00 AM. The church is located at 501 3rd Street. Cards and memorials can be sent to Julie Keller at PO Box 139, Blairsburg, IA 50034. Julie has
requested that memorials be given to the Great Commission Fund or Wright County Hospice.
Please pray for God’s presence and peace to surround Julie, her children, and the church family.
On November 14, Alliance Radio in Hong Kong, a ministry of The Alliance, celebrated its 30th anniversary. “Throughout all these years, our gospel radio has become a vital spiritual mentor for many followers [of Jesus], especially those in remote areas,” said Lillian Lau, executive director for Alliance Radio.
After China was closed to active Christian ministry, The Alliance began preparing gospel messages to be aired over the facilities of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in Manila. “These broadcasts started humbly, with a few hours of programming that have significantly increased in number of hours and variety of programs,” said Anthony Bollback, a former C&MA worker in Hong Kong. “As a result, those programs have enabled faithful pastors and Bible seminary students to be spiritual mentors to thousands upon thousands of new believers.”
“During the 1980s, our recording studio headed into its golden age,” said Lau. “More and more Chinese people were seeking truth, and gospel radio became their close friend.” Several preachers regularly recorded their sermons in the studio, including Rev. Phillip Teng. “I personally feel that gospel radio is our top priority in ministry,” said Teng. “Broadcasting is the best medium to preach to more than 1 billion nationals without time, space, or [personnel] restrictions. The relevance and effectiveness of gospel radio can be witnessed by all.”
November 14, 2008
On November 14, 2008, Alliance Radio in Hong Kong, a ministry of The Alliance, celebrated its 30th anniversary. “Throughout all these years, our gospel radio has become a vital spiritual mentor for many followers [of Jesus], especially those in remote areas,” said Lillian Lau, executive director for Alliance Radio.
After China was closed to active Christian ministry, The Alliance began preparing gospel messages to be aired over the facilities of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in Manila. “These broadcasts started humbly, with a few hours of programming that have significantly increased in number of hours and variety of programs,” said Anthony Bollback, former C&MA missionary to Hong Kong. “As a result, those programs have enabled faithful pastors and Bible seminary students to be spiritual mentors to thousands upon thousands of new believers.”
“During the 1980s, our recording studio headed into its golden age,” said Lau. “More and more Chinese people were seeking truth, and gospel radio became their close friend.” Several preachers regularly recorded their sermons in the studio, including Rev. Phillip Teng. “I personally feel that gospel radio is our top priority in ministry,” said Teng. “Broadcasting is the best medium to preach to more than 1 billion nationals without time, space, or [personnel] restrictions. The relevance and effectiveness of gospel radio can be witnessed by all.”
November 12, 2008
Dr. Richard A. Mirpuri, pastor of Word of Grace (Alliance) Family Christian Fellowship in Chicago, Illinois, received a personal phone call from Philippine Consul General Blesila Cabrera requesting that he and his wife, Lillian, attend a meeting to pray for Philippine President Gloria Arroyo on her way to a session of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Mirpuri was able to secure clearance for Dr. Angel Collazo, Midwest District of the C&MA director for Hispanic Ministries, who joined Dr. and Mrs. Mirpuri during the event. Also present were Mike and Estrellita Duquilla, lay leaders of Word of Grace and community leaders in Chicago’s health-care industry, who received separate invitations from the Philippine Consulate.
Mirpuri had the privilege of leading Cabrera to the Lord during one of his visits to her office at the Philippine General Council in Chicago. “Please pray for her and her staff, including Vice-Consul Roberto Bernardo and Director for Philippine Tourism Vernie Morales,” said Mirpuri. “Both were in attendance at Word of Grace’s fifth anniversary celebration.”
Inca Link Peru, a compassionate outreach started by Alliance missionaries Rich and Lisa Brown, is celebrating one year of government recognition and an all-Peruvian board. This ministry was established to bring relief to families living in a local garbage dump near Trujillo. “We have a day-care center that cares for the kids while their parents work in the dump, and we are feeding and teaching 60 children with the help of a sponsorship program,” said Rich and Lisa. “Every time we go to visit the day care, we are amazed at what God is doing!”
In the same way, Inca Link Ecuador was started and is now officially recognized by the Ecuadorian government. Recently, Inca Link Ecuador purchased a property with five finished structures (three of them homes) for the incredible price $300,000. It will be used to establish Casa Blanca, a ministry center for those in need of hope and healing.
“Casa Blanca will be a refuge for the hurting and vulnerable of society who need a second chance,” said the Browns. “Women who have proven themselves faithful in prison will be given a chance to work in a legitimate manner once they get out of prison at a sewing factory being set up for them. This will keep them off the streets and give them dignity.
“Casa Blanca also will provide a secure home for young pregnant teens who have been abandoned by their boyfriends, family, friends, and, in some cases, the church.”
November 11, 2008
By Brenda Boston, Alliance missionary to Paraguay
Compassion happens in out-of-the-way places by people virtually unknown to the rest of the world. People whose lives emulate the love of Jesus. People like Ignacio and his wife. They run a small cafeteria in the market section of San Lorenzo, where occasionally children will beg for food. To teach them the value of earning a living, rather than giving them food, Ignacio has the children sweep or clear the tables, and then he serves them a nice meal.
Limpia was an adolescent when she began going by the cafeteria regularly. Ignacio found out she was not going to school and offered to have her live with his family. She would help out part time in the cafeteria and attend school regularly.
Limpia finished her minimum educational requirement and now attends beauty school. She also started going to church. After completing a new believer’s class, Limpia was baptized. She is now 16 and teaches Sunday school to the preschoolers.
Limpia’s entire destiny was changed by Ignacio’s kindness. And now, Limpia’s little sister Belen and her cousin Andrea are benefitting from Ignacio’s compassionate care. He has taken in five children during the past five years that we have known him.
Ignacio and his daughter Nancy are enrolled in seminary with funds that benefit Alliance Great Commission Ministries. Offerings designated for Paraguay help provide dental care and school supplies for the girls Ignacio and his family help—girls like Limpia, Belen, Andrea, Vanesa, and others.
Compassion starts with lives transformed by the power of the gospel of Christ. When Ignacio was baptized, he was overcome with gratitude for all that Jesus has done for him. Christ’s love compels Ignacio to love others. He can’t help everyone, but he is making a profound impact on society—one life at a time.
By Rich and Lisa Brown, Alliance missionaries to Ecuador
With all the countries we represent as Alliance missionaries, we have seen so many injustices that we could no longer turn a blind eye. We wanted to do justice and love mercy. Thanks to the vision of Alliance churches in Trujillo, Inca Link Peru was started to help answer the needs of families living in a local garbage dump. Inca Link members are celebrating one year of government recognition and an all-Peruvian board. We have a day-care center that cares for the kids while their parents work in the dump, and we are feeding and teaching 60 children with the help of a sponsorship program. Every time we go to visit the day care, we are amazed at what God is doing!
In the same way, Inca Link Ecuador was started and is now officially recognized by the Ecuadorian government. Recently, Inca Link Ecuador bought a property with five finished structures (three of them homes) for the incredible price $300,000. The seller listened to our vision and was convinced that this property should be ours. He took a risk and handed us the keys.
We took such a huge step of faith because we want to defend the vulnerable. As Mother Teresa said, “a person who feels unloved or rejected by society experiences a kind of poverty that is much more painful and deeper” than mere physical hunger.
Ecuador has the highest teen pregnancy rate in all of South America. Two out of three uneducated girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are pregnant, and this doesn’t even count the pregnant girls who are 12 and 13 and alone. Inca Link Ecuador is committed to reaching out to these girls who have been rejected by their boyfriends, families, and, most heartbreaking, their churches.
Not very long ago, a 15-year-old we know became pregnant with her boyfriend. Because of the shame the teens felt, they came up with a plan where he would beat her up so that she would lose the baby. She ended up miscarrying and almost losing her own life! We also met a girl with Downs Syndrome, whose parents had abandoned her at a bus station. She was raped and became pregnant. Inca Link Ecuador has pledged to give these girls a safe place to live while receiving parenting classes, counseling, medical care, and support. The largest house on the property will be used for this purpose.
At a women’s prison where we help out, we’ve been getting to know the inmates, many of whom cannot find work when they are released. One of the buildings on the new property will be used to start a sewing factory that will provide a source of income while these women are in the halfway house.
We don’t want to see a repeat of Julia’s story. Julia was in prison, attended our Bible study, and was so happy when she was released. She wanted to get a job to support her family again, but no one would hire an ex-prisoner. It wasn’t long before her desperation led her back to the same circle of friends and circumstances that put her in prison in the first place. Of course, she was caught and imprisoned again. Julia recently died in prison. Doctors are saying it was literally from a broken heart. Inca Link Ecuador is committed to giving women like Julia a second chance.
Since Inca Link bought the property, our family has committed to raising money to help pay for it. We decided to go for $1,000, but our kids are so excited, we might make it more! We have halved our grocery bill. We no longer buy junk food, and we eat vegetarian meals four of the seven days a week. We don’t go out to eat, nor do we spend any money on entertainment.
The other night, the kids lit candles all over the house and turned off all the lights to save on electricity. We are all on this mission together, and it has united us.
Paying off this property will mean that Inca Link Ecuador can
. . . hold the hand of a young girl while she is in labor and comfort her as she cries out for the mother who abandoned her.
. . . walk a girl through the tough decision of giving her baby up for adoption and hug her as she grieves.
. . . help a woman just out of prison get a job so she does not have to trade “sexual favors” for a roof over her head for her daughter and herself.
. . . rehabilitate women who have lost their identity, dignity, and hope in prison.
This is the gospel of Christ!
To find out more about Inca Link, visit www.incalink.net.
To give to this ministry, send your gifts to The Alliance and earmark them Inca Link Ecuador Property or check out the online giving options at www.cmalliance.org.
To read more about Rich and Lisa’s ministry, go to www.alliancelife.org.
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