January 29, 2010
Editor’s Note: During the reign of the Khmer Rouge, Soeuth and Syna Lao fled Cambodia as refugees and later returned to their homeland as Alliance international workers. Through their ministry in the city of Poipet, often likened to the “Wild West,” Soeuth and Syna have seen God’s mighty hand at work. “Since 2003, God has been doing miracle upon miracle in this forgotten city,” the Laos say. The following is an excerpt from their recent prayer letter.
By Soeuth and Syna Lao, serving in Cambodia
Happy New Year! It seems that we were just getting ready for December’s activities, and already it’s the end of January 2010. We trust you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas holiday.
The eight church sites (plus guests) came together on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus. About 600 people attended and stayed throughout the two-hour service! Everyone had a wonderful time enjoying the Christmas songs, dances, skits, and testimonies, followed by a powerful Christmas message.
Unfortunately, we experienced some electrical shortages just before the time for the altar call. But the main message was shared and heard. Pray that God will reveal Himself to those whose hearts have been touched by the truth that evening.
Ever since the November 28 baptism service, we’ve been witnessing more people coming forward to receive Jesus every week! I am not sure of the exact numbers, but at least two or three people come to know the Lord weekly.
From Darkness to Light
Some even came willingly to have the spirit strings from around their bodies cut off. (For Khmer people, wearing spirit strings around their waists or wrists signifies that they fear and belong to the Evil Master of this world.) As a result, more new believers are signing up for discipleship classes.
Lately, we’ve been discussing that if only we had some extra help, we could easily start three or four new discipleship classes. Looking back, all eight young churches in the Poipet and Malay areas experienced some hard times toward the end of 2009. But clearly, as we have seen, God was preparing the fields for harvest right now. Please pray for more workers to join us in Poipet ministries.
Learn More
Check out our Alliance work in Cambodia.
What You Can Do
Help keep Alliance workers such as Soeuth and Syna on the field. Donate now to Alliance Great Commission Ministries.
January 28, 2010
Mrs. Peggy Larson, retired missionary to Indonesia, is now in the presence of the Lord. She passed away on January 24, 2010, at the Florida Hospital in Deland, Florida. She was 87.
Funeral service will be held at the First Alliance Church, Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday, January 30, at 11:00 a.m. Viewing at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Ronald Gifford will officiate. Rev. Vincent Mungillo, Jr., former missionary and colleague, will represent the C&MA’s International Ministries. Condolence may be sent to: Rev. Gordon Larson, 201 Summit Drive, Deland, FL 32720-5847. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Approved Special, Western Dani Bible Translation.
Peggy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gordon Larson and four children-Marlene (Larry) Anderson, Romaine (Jim) Webber, Daniel and David (Shelayne).
January 27, 2010
By John Stumbo
I’ll confess. I watched more NFL football this year than the last five years combined. This was in part because I had more free time than I have in the past, but it’s also because it was a good year to be from Minnesota. Continue reading this article on www.alliancelife.org.
More than 107,000 refugees have fled into the Likouala region in northeastern Republic of the Congo since October 2009 due to ethnic fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Alliance international workers on the ground report that all agencies providing relief in the Likouala area have been stretched beyond their capacity to meet the crushing needs. Medical workers at Pioneer Christian Hospital (PCH), which partners with The Alliance, continue to labor around the clock to care for the wounded.
Critical shortages of food and medicines are further hampering relief efforts. A lack of rain has contributed to decreased local food production and additionally made it impossible for necessary supplies to be shipped via the Ubangui River, which has receded. The Ubangui borders the DRC and northeastern Republic of the Congo.
Dr. Joseph and Rebecca Harvey, with Global Outreach Mission, established the 50-bed Pioneer Christian Hospital in January 2006. A number of short-term missions teams from Alliance churches have helped to construct the 30-building facility that is situated on a 17-acre campus. The hospital is an integral part of the Congo missionary community.
What You Can Do
Pray for . . .
- the fighting in the DRC to cease
- food and medicines to reach relief agencies, including PCH, to treat and assist the wounded
- the Lord’s abundant protection, strength, and wisdom for PCH medical workers
- rains to fall across the embattled region
- hospital workers to boldly proclaim the love of Christ to those who seek help
Learn More
January 25, 2010
By an international worker, serving in Bosnia
An interesting, confusing, frustrating, and beautiful thing about living in Bosnia-Hercegovina is the way the culture has developed here.
Bosnia lies at the geographic intersection of historic North-South and East-West travel and trade routes. From Venetian caravans going to trade goods in Constantinople to European Crusaders traveling to Jerusalem, multitudes of wayfarers have passed through, over-nighted, pillaged and/or spent money here. Some stayed, took a wife, and contributed to local society. Most took what they wanted and left.
Four Months of Celebration
Although it makes for a violent, incredibly complex history, the interaction of cultures has given Bosnia a richness that is reflected in its architecture, music, and cuisine. We experience this most during the holiday celebrations that stretch from October through January.
From Muslim feasts, the Jewish Festival of Lights, Western Christmas, New Year’s (celebrated by everyone) to Orthodox Christmas—cakes, cookies, and traditional foods abound as people set aside differences and celebrate their diversity. It is a time when Bosnians make an effort to honor each other’s backgrounds, remembering to send greetings on the appropriate holidays.
Christmas Shoeboxes
Gift-giving is a part of many of the holidays I’ve mentioned. So, it is natural for us to get in the act, giving Samaritan’s Purse shoebox packages from Operation Christmas Child.
Depending on the local community, evangelical churches may also plan children’s programs at any time during December and January. Most of the programs are not like Christmas pageants in the United States. However, they all have a biblical message, using puppets, clowns, or actors that entertain families and get their message across. After the program, each child receives a lovingly prepared shoebox full of goodies.
Please pray for the Bosnian families who attend these programs. For many, this will be their first contact with a local evangelical church.
What You Can Do
Pray that the message of God’s love will settle deep into the hearts of the all of the families who attend Christmas programs in Bosnia during December and January.
Help keep Alliance workers on the field doing cutting-edge ministry. Donate to Alliance Great Commission Ministries.
Learn More
Read “A Second Chance,” an article detailing God’s work among ex-addicts in Bosnia.
Christmas 2009 may have come and gone quickly, but compassionate acts of kindness and generosity by Alliance people through Christmas outreaches will not soon be forgotten. Alliance congregations across the country went beyond the four walls of their churches to take the message of the Christ Child into their communities.
In Columbia, South Carolina, Columbia Crossroads Downtown took part in a number of outreaches within the community, one being with a clinic across the street from the church. The clinic helps to meet the medical needs of children with debilitating diseases and disorders who also live in poverty. “We helped host a Christmas party for the kids and their families,” says Chris Gerlach, who pastors Crossroads. “Our hope is to build on the relationship and minister to them on a regular basis.”
Just up the road in Charlotte, North Carolina, the First Alliance Church of Charlotte is poised for their inaugural service on February 14. But the young congregation made its mark on the community before its opening when it partnered with a local school and Charlotte Firefighters Association to host a Christmas event that benefitted more than 50 families. “We served dinner, shared gifts and the love of Jesus with [these families],” says Carlos Velez, who pastors the Alliance church. “Volunteers from the community helped, as well as our sister church, theGathering, from Ft. Mill (South Carolina). Pastor Scott led attendees and volunteers in singing Christmas songs.”
Pastor Scott Morrison, who co-leads theGathering with Derrick Bucy, also led his church into the Ft. Mill community to shine the light of Jesus into some of the poorest areas of the city. “We have several opportunities to serve our community,” says Scott, “by continuing our monthly commitment to serve a meal to the hungry.” Home groups or ”houseGatherings” continue to grow. “We are excited about partnering with Sandhills (Alliance) Church in Columbia and rejoice in what God is doing!”
Thirty-three people prayed to receive Jesus during a three-day Christmas outreach hosted by Iglesia Cristiana Encuentro con Dios in Cornelia, Georgia. “We were able to distribute 116 children’s gifts and 37 food baskets,” says Pastor Tim Hixson, who credits the prayers and support of two local churches, Central Alliance in Mt. Airy and Iglesia de Cristo (non-Alliance) from Norcross. Food baskets, which came from the Toccoa Falls College faculty as well as the churches, were distributed on the evening of December 24. “After the worship service, we rejoiced to see many praying and crying out to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation.”
“These stories from the South Atlantic District are representative of what outwardly focused Alliance churches are doing all over this land as they concentrate on meeting needs in their local communities and opening doors for the message of the Gospel,” says Rev. John Soper, director for Church Ministries. As Alliance congregations continue to go into their communities with practical demonstrations of Jesus love, those walking in darkness will turn to the Light.
The Alliance family praises God for the continued recovery of Asia Pacific Regional Director Richard Herring and Mongolia Field Director Pieter Theron, who were injured in a freak elephant accident last November during an outing with participants of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
Pieter was released from the hospital on November 19. He recuperated in South Africa during the month of December and returned to Mongolia in the beginning of January to resume leadership of the field.
Richard Herring’s recovery has been slow but steady. It was many weeks before he was able to get out of bed or to walk. He was released from the hospital on December 18, and in early January he was able to put partial weight on his left leg. On January 19, he was allowed to put full weight on his leg but still needs crutches to get around. Please continue to pray for the full recovery of both men.
January 22, 2010
The Alliance family praises God for the continued recovery of Asia Pacific Regional Director Richard Herring and Mongolia Field Director Pieter Theron, who were injured in a freak elephant accident last November during an outing with participants of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
An elephant grabbed the two men, throwing them 10 feet into the air. Pieter suffered fractured shoulders, a fractured skull and wrist, and displaced vertebrae and/or discs in his neck that required surgery. Richard suffered multiple fractures in his pelvic bone and hip socket.
Pieter was released from the hospital on November 19. He recuperated in South Africa during the month of December and returned to Mongolia in the beginning of January to resume leadership of the field.
Richard Herring’s recovery has been slow but steady. It was many weeks before he was able to get out of bed or to walk. He was released from the hospital on December 18, and in early January he was able to put partial weight on his left leg. On January 19, he was allowed to put full weight on his leg but still needs crutches to get around.
”I praise the Lord for gradual improvement, minimal pain now, and opportunities to share God’s love with those in the hospital as well as the owner and manager of the elephant farm,” Richard wrote in a December 15 update.
”Thank you for your continued prayers,” Pieter said in a recent prayer letter. “I promise to stay away from elephants from now on!” Please continue to pray for the full recovery of both men.
Alliance pioneer Dr. Joseph C. Wenninger (Dr. Joe) died of natural causes on January 19, 2010, leaving behind his own rich Alliance legacy. He was just shy of his 92nd birthday. Dr. Joe was born February 23, 1919. “I high-fived A. B. Simpson on my way down,” he quipped many times when he told people that he was born the same year that the Alliance founder died.
Dr. Joe found his way to The Alliance when his future father-in-law suggested that he attend St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College). He later received a doctorate in higher education from the University of Minnesota in 1969. Dr. Joe’s career as a C&MA official worker began in 1941. He served with the C&MA for more than 60 years in a myriad of roles, ranging national director for Higher Education to president of Simpson College (now Simpson University). He also served as dean at Crown College and assitant to C&MA president, L. L. King. He was King’s ghostwriter.
Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Joe embraced thousands of people he called friends, but one was of special importance to him. “His friendship with A.W. Tozer was very meaningful to him,” says his daughter, Dawn Hardison. “Tozer would invite Dad to lead worship music at his events.”
Dr. Joe coordinated the relocation of the C&MA Archives when the organization moved from Nyack, New York, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1989 and was then appointed director for C&MA Archives. Dr. Joe was passionate about preserving Alliance history to keep its heritage alive in the hearts of future generations.
As a result of Dr. Joe’s efforts, the C&MA Archives maintains an abundance of resources, including original documents and books written by A. B. Simpson and A. W. Tozer. This collection ensures the C&MA remembers God’s work in its midst, its place within Christendom, and its place as a people before God. His official retirement date is listed as 1984, but Dr. Joe continued to serve at the National Office until 2007, when at the age of 88, this C&MA patriarch passed his baton to the next generation of keepers of the Alliance heritage.
Today, the C&MA Archives is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and well-organized archival collections among religious organizations. It has the esteemed reputation as a credible reference for not only Alliance missionary work but also valuable historical documentation, including the discovery of Stone Age people groups in Indonesia’s Shangri La-the Baliem Valley.
Resources are available online, free-of-charge for private, scholarship, and research purposes only, and national and international researchers from universities as well as other mission agencies frequent the office.
Dr. Joe will be remembered as man with a passion for Jesus and a heart for the lost, who refused to let his age stop him from serving God or the Alliance family. His wife of 68 years, Alyce, as well as his son Paul and daughter Dawn, survives him.
One wonders what future Alliance giant Dr. Joe high-fived on his way up.
Funeral services will be on Monday, January 25 at 11 a.m. at Lighthouse Temple in Colorado Springs, with interment at nearby Fairview Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in Joe’s memory. The family is asking that NO FLOWERS be sent, but if people would like to make a contribution to Shalom Park in Aurora, Colorado, in Joe’s name it would be appreciated greatly. Shalom Park is the retirement center where Joe and Alyce have resided since 2006.
A memorial service also will be held at Shalom Park on Tuesday January 26 at 3:00 p.m.
Shalom Park
14800 East Belleview Drive
Aurora, CO 80015
Any questions concerning the memorial fund should be directed to Michelle at 303-680-5000. Any questions regarding the service can be directed to Bernard Wenninger at 303-277-9181 (brother of Joe Wenninger).
Condolences may be sent to:
Dawn Hardison
19777 East Caspian Circle
Aurora, CO 80013
January 21, 2010
After a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on January 12, an eyewitness at the scene reported that the city was “gray with dust.” More than 70,000 are confirmed dead, and the death toll could rise to 200,000. Tens of thousands of people have been wandering the streets, dazed and sobbing—hoping desperately for assistance.
“It is a dire situation,” says Stephan Bauman of World Relief, a sister organization with which The Alliance is partnering in Haiti. “This is a significant tragedy that shut down every part of the infrastructure. The catastrophe has left 3 million people—about a third of the country’s population—in an extremely vulnerable position.”
Caleb Deliard, a U.S. Alliance pastor and former president of the Haitian South Association of the C&MA, reports that thousands of people, including his brother’s family, have been living on a soccer field in Port-au-Prince. Many of them are injured with broken limbs. Those who are strong enough have been able to reach relief supplies, but many of the orphans, elderly, and infirm have been unable to get help.
God’s People Respond
The Alliance family has responded quickly to the crisis in Haiti, offering tangible help—along with the hope of the gospel—to those impacted by the quake. The generosity of Alliance people continues to pour in, with more than $185,000 having been received thus far. “Praise God for His provision, and may He abundantly bless those who give,” says Bruce Dyke, an Alliance international worker in Dominican Republic (DR). Phil Skellie, president of CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates), the Alliance relief and development arm, flew to DR on January 21 to assess how to work with the C&MA national church in that country in providing relief to the people of Haiti.
Meanwhile, a C&MA-affiliated church in the city of St. Louis, an eight-hour drive from Port-au-Prince, has taken in hundreds of displaced people who have left the capital in a mass exodus.
Aid Is Getting Through
Despite news reports that aid has been slow in getting into the impoverished country, CAMA has been able to channel relief into Haiti through a representative from the U.S. C&MA’s Haitian Association who arrived in Haiti this week. In addition, CAMA has supplied funds to Alliance sister organizations already on the ground in Haiti when the earthquake hit, including World Relief and Samaritan’s Purse.
“There are more than 100 churches on the island nation that have a close connection to the C&MA, and we are already aware that several of those have lost their buildings,” says John Soper, vice president for Church Ministries of the U.S. C&MA. “We are praying for them and stand ready to do whatever we can to help.”
Hope amid the Ruins
Frenel Cevedieu, an Alliance pastor in Carrefour, Port-au-Prince, reports that more than 60 people have received Jesus as their Savior. With the little he has, Pastor Cevedieu has been feeding 600 people every day, and the Lord keeps blessing his ministry with new converts. ”In the midst of the chaos and tragedy, God is still at work!” says Soper.
“On behalf of the Haitian Association, I want to thank the Alliance family for your help and the attention given to the catastrophe that happened in Haiti,” says Rev. Emmanuel Seide, an official worker of the Haitian Association of the C&MA. “Please continue to pray.”
Give Now
Pray . . .
- For the logistical challenges of getting aid into the hands of the most vulnerable people, including children, the elderly, and the infirm
- For homes to be found in the United States for children orphaned by the earthquake
- That God will continue to use this tragedy to draw the people of Haiti to Jesus
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