November 16, 2011
By Alan Lee, San Jose Christian Alliance Church pastor, serving on a short-term missions trip to flood-ravaged Cambodia.
As the plane was preparing to land in Phnom Penh International Airport, I peeked outside the window to see the flooding firsthand. What I witnessed was truly unbelievable—acre after acre of rice fields and houses literally submerged in the flood along the riverbank, reminding me of the scenes of devastation in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. The Cambodia flooding was severe—the worst in 10 years. Many lives were lost. Others lost their homes, rice harvests, and livelihoods.
With the help of the Khmer Evangelical Church (C&MA national church in Cambodia) and Alliance international workers Rev. Joe and Kay Kong, our team of seven was honored to participate in the flood relief work. Through the generosity of one couple, we purchased 11,000 pounds (about 5.5 tons) of rice to be delivered to two devastated areas.
A Disturbing View
On the first day after our arrival, we headed north to Kompong Chhnang province, where the flooding was severe. The trip was long and tedious. We had to drive from Phnom Penh to a river dock to take a boat to one of the remote villages. As we were approaching the dock, we saw that the floodwater was everywhere. Roads were submerged; buses, cars, motorcycles, and boats were floating on the streets! Many businesses were boarded up or had used two-foot high cement walls in a futile attempt to hold back raging waters. Children were going to school in boats. We witnessed a little girl (with IV still administered) heading home from a hospital in a boat! Living conditions were indeed harsh and tough!
Before we got on the boat, we had to walk barefoot in the water, not knowing that the roads were littered with sharp objects. One member, who was carrying his wife, was wearing slippers borrowed from a local pastor. As he stepped out of the water, he discovered that the base of one slipper was literally “chopped” off, yet he was unhurt. It was indeed divine protection from our Lord.
Familiar Territory
The boat ride was cool and sweet. We sang praises along the way, and our spirits were lifted. We saw many houses submerged in water along the river bank. After we docked, we drove a “tuk-tuk” (a converted motorcycle with passenger seats) to our final destination. When we saw a C&MA church sign hung between two trees, our hearts were so moved with praises and thanksgiving to God. In this remote village in Cambodia, there stood a C&MA church that glorified the Lord. It made us all very proud to be part of The Alliance!
The “church” was an empty lot with a canopy on top. Cambodian brothers and sisters, who have suffered much, welcomed us with such joy, warmth, and love. After singing songs with them, we gave rice to the villagers who had lost almost everything. Our hearts were warmed to see the smiles on their faces. They displayed much faith and joy in the midst of suffering and pain, and they even treated us to a “gourmet” lunch of fish and chicken. We were so impressed with their love and hospitality.
No Marginal Worship
On the second day, we headed south to the Svay Rieng province. We had to cross the Mekong River to another flood devastated area. The scene was pretty much the same. People’s lives were severely affected by the floodwater. We were told that many Vietnamese people live along the river bank. They are the disenfranchised people without any legal rights, living in the poorest slums in Cambodia. One Vietnamese church was completely flooded, yet church members continued to gather in boats tied together while the pastor stood in one of the boats, preaching to them! We were all very moved to witness the faith and resiliency of the believers in the midst of suffering.
During these trips, we were able to help 200 families in need. Although the relief effort was small and might just be a drop in the bucket, we sensed God’s presence and pleasure throughout the trip. We are honored to be part of the C&MA relief efforts that bring hope and joy to people who have suffered much. May the Name of the Lord Jesus be glorified!
Learn More
Read more stories about Alliance work in the Cambodia.
Read additional stories of the worldwide work of Alliance ministries supported by the Great Commission Fund.
What You Can Do
Give to the Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers, like Rob Burns, who are lighting the way for people trapped in spiritual darkness.
Pray for Alliance workers around the world.
Check out how your church can begin a Ministry Partnership with overseas Alliance workers.
October 28, 2011
The following is an adapted excerpt from a blog entry written by a brand new mom who serves with her husband in marketplace ministries in Africa. (Check out the Learn More section, below, for more about marketplace ministries and the deadly toll taken by malaria-bearing mosquitoes in Africa.)
It’s hard to fight your instincts. When you see a big, fat mosquito land and start chowing down, all you want to do is smack it from here to Timbuktu (about 1,000 miles). I lifted my hand to do just that, but the mosquito was sitting on Glenn’s* precious little face while he sat a couple feet away in his bouncy chair. Talk about conflicting instincts—protecting your sweet baby and killing the offender.
We are at the end of rainy season, which means malaria-carrying mosquitoes are everywhere, day and night. In the kitchen cabinets. In the shower. In the car. In our bedroom—even-though-we-just-sprayed-it-yesterday. In the fridge (Not even kidding. I saw one in there last week.). And often, within the walls of the very net that hangs over our bed for the purpose of keeping them OUT.
The day in August we brought Glenn home from the hospital was crazy and exhausting. At about 6 p.m., I was so tired that the room started to spin and I felt myself collapsing, getting him into my husband’s arms just in time.
Several long, tiring hours later, Glenn was finally asleep. The power was out, so I used the light from my battery-operated headlamp to see as I very slowly and gently placed him between us in our bed, the only place protected by a mosquito net. The sleep I so desperately needed was just minutes (seconds?) away.
Then I saw him—a tiny black dot swooping around Glenn. How this mosquito had gotten inside our net, I have no idea. But he was there, and at some point in the night he would be hungry. Without even thinking, I scooped Glenn back into my arms and started bobbing my head around, frantically trying to find the mosquito in the beam of light.
Then I started thinking. And I got mad. Livid mad. I got so mad at God for bringing me to a place where on my baby’s first night at home we had to deal with this crap. There was no joyful oohing and ahhing over him as he slept peacefully in his crib in a decorated nursery. Instead I had to be a mosquito warrior with only one free hand and a thin stream of light as my weapons.
As I was spewing my angry thoughts at God, letting Him know the many ways He could have worked this day out better for me, I heard a calm voice speak to my heart, “Don’t you think I’m bigger than this mosquito? I’ve never failed you. Now trust me with your son.”
I put Glenn back down in the bed. (I’m not going to pretend I didn’t worry about him getting bitten, but I did get the sleep I needed.)
That night God didn’t whisper a promise that Glenn won’t ever get malaria. But He did remind me that every time I’ve trusted Him, He’s shown Himself to be bigger than the mosquitoes buzzing around my life.
*Name changed.
Learn More . . . mosquitoes and malaria
“With the summer rainy season come mosquitoes, and with mosquitoes comes malaria,” says pediatrician Jason Foster, who works at the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children in Mali, West Africa. “I knew it was dangerous, but I didn’t know it kills more than 1 million people a year.” [Most are young children in sub-Saharan Africa]. “I knew malaria caused fever and a bad headache, but I didn’t know it could cause renal failure, coma, seizures, and permanent neurologic problems. We’ve seen and treated these cases in the past few weeks. Most of the complications occur in children and mostly to those whose families don’t—or can’t—seek medical care quickly enough.”
To further understand malaria’s devastating effects upon children in Africa, read the alife article “Wiping Out Malaria” by Tim Ziemer.
Learn More . . . marketplace ministries
Marketplace ministries (mm) deploys and supports lay professionals to enter countries closed to traditional missions workers. Through professional endeavors, mm servants—some of whom receive partial GCF funding as well as raise their own support—are able to build relationships in the communities where they live and work. Because of the sensitive nature of these initiatives, only the vaguest descriptions are provided.
What You Can Do
Pray for the safety of children and families who must fend off malaria-carrying mosquitoes as well as for a vaccine to be developed that will wipe out this pernicious disease. Remember to pray for Alliance workers around the world.
Give to the Great Commission Fund. Celebrate how gifts to the GCF enable Light-bearers in more than 50 countries to engage in holistic ministries that bring present and eternal hope—in Jesus’ Name.
October 14, 2011
By Brad Reynolds, serving in Léguevin, France
Over the course of the week, the enemy has waged a battle at Eglise Protestante Internationale (EPI) as we prepared for three baptisms and a child dedication. Two of our young boys have been hurt in accidents; one wears a cast on his arm, and another has a cast on his leg. A mother of four is now in the hospital due to blood clots in her lungs. Two families in our church discovered snakes (yes, even in France) in their kitchens. Then Tina came home the night before our service and said, “The pool is leaking, and it’s bad.”
We quickly gathered up towels and a bucket and headed back to the church, fearing the worst. As we emptied the pool, we wondered what we were going to do the next morning. Now a leaking pool is not a reason to be too upset, but, in addition to the previous events of the week, we were both troubled. As the night approached, the darkness seemed strong. After a sleep, I went into our garden to pray. It was time to do battle with the enemy. Because Jesus is the Victor, I was able to tell the “unwelcome guest” to go to the feet of Jesus.
The Battle Is the Lord’s
At the worship service, the Lord’s hand was evident. The sanctuary was full. It was so encouraging to pray for little Eloise, whose parents and six brothers and sisters stand committed to raising her with the Lord. And the three people who were baptized gave testimony to what God had done in their lives.
Pascale grew up in a difficult home and is going through a divorce. She came to know Jesus 20 years ago, while living in England, but it was only when she decided to become a member of EPI that she had to address baptism because of her fear of going under water. Emily, the sister of Eloise, made the choice recently that her mom’s faith wasn’t good enough; she needed to make it her own. Patrick, Emily’s younger brother, just turned 18. Over the past year, he has begun leading worship at EPI, and God has been speaking to his heart about making Jesus first in his life.
We rejoiced with applause as the baptized came up from the water, honoring Jesus. And, yes, Pascale trusted God as she allowed herself to be submerged under water. It was only after her baptism that she told everyone of her fear. Once again, applause came for her courage and her determination to follow Jesus even in the hard place.
This Battle Has Been Won
EPI is Jesus’ church, and we raise up His banners. Our worship was enthusiastic as we celebrated the Lord of all. Please pray for little Eloise who was dedicated to Jesus, as well as for Pascale, Emily, and Patrick to walk courageously and boldly in a society that is often indifferent to their faith. Among those present was a woman visiting for the first time. After 22 years in a cult, she recently walked out and gave her heart to Jesus. We praise God for her decision—redeemed fruit from the enemy’s camp. Though our adversary, the devil, tried to distract us, he did not succeed in keeping us from declaring God’s might works in our midst.
What You Can Do
Give to the Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner with workers overseas, like the Reynoldses, to ensure that the Light of the World is reflected in regions where steep challenges—spiritual and financial—hinder unreached people from receiving the good news.
Check out how your church can begin a Ministry Partnership.
Dig deeper—read more about our work in France.
Pray for Alliance workers around the world.
September 22, 2011
By Dr. Randall (Randy) and Deanna Harrison, serving at West Africa Alliance Theological Seminary (FATEAC), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
The following is an adapted excerpt from the Harrison’s recent update.
Every one of our precious FATEAC students has a story. We wish you could get to know them all. Since that’s not possible, we’d like to share one couple’s story to give you a better idea of the exceptional men and women training here to minister throughout French-speaking Africa.
The Best Laid Plans . . .
Around 20 years ago a young Burkinabe boy was enrolled in a school for the followers of his country’s majority religion. The boy’s father had high hopes that his son, Fabé, would eventually become a great leader for their faith. But God had other plans.
A strong-willed uncle had more down-to-earth ideas for the promising young student; he transferred him to another school that offered a more general education. Fabé continued his studies and grew up a devout follower of his family’s faith.
Because of his excellent understanding of the French language and his community’s ethnic Dzuundo (a dialect of the Mande language), Fabé was later hired by a team of Mennonite missionaries who were translating the Bible into Dzuundo. He ended up studying the Bible for a living.
New Life
Between innumerable hours spent in the Word, the testimony of his Mennonite colleagues, and the drawing of the Holy Spirit, Fabé found the Lord and his life was changed forever. He entered the ministry and began serving the Lord with zeal and humility. And he married a lovely young woman, Rebecca—daughter of the first known evangelical believer among the Sicite people in Burkina Faso’s Kenedougou province.
Fabé and Rebecca left their native Burkina to attend FATEAC in Côte d’Ivoire. They showed up with their small family, a little shy and overwhelmed. Fabé worked hard in the master’s program, and Rebecca entered the Women’s Academy.
A head taller than most of his classmates, Fabé became known for his humble service to others. I remember the first time I (Deanna) had Rebecca in class. She wasn’t confident in her reading and writing skills. But by her senior year she was a leader on campus and chosen to be class president of the Women’s Academy.
At the close of this academic year, Fabé defended his master’s thesis. (This is an in-depth research project culminating four years of studying on a theological, biblical, pastoral, or translation subject.) Thesis defense is done in public, before a jury, with invited friends, professors, fellow students, family members and pastors present. Denomination leaders often show up.
Senior Year and a Civil War
Some students invite their (African-style) church choirs. It’s quite the experience. (We should also mention that this has been a particularly challenging year for the seniors because they had to write their master’s theses during a civil war!) Defenses can last more than four hours.
Fabé did a study on the word “covenant” in the Old Testament and its meaning for his ethnic group in Burkina Faso to suggest guidelines for translating this important biblical concept into his native language.
It’s so amazing to witness what comes up in biblical studies in Africa. For example, when you’ve heard teaching on the concept of “covenant”, have you ever been given an example of two families drinking their co-mingled blood to seal a covenant!? Fabé shared this scenario to illustrate his ethnic group’s understanding of that word. He got through his thesis defense with flying colors.
Now he and Rebecca are back in Burkina, continuing in Bible translation and church ministry. We miss them.
We could go on and on, sharing stories about other students. But we’ll just ask you to pray for all of them. While you’re at it, pray for us as we teach and learn from these brothers and sisters in the Lord. God is doing great things in Africa, and we are grateful to be a part of it.
One More Thing You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so you partner with Alliance workers, like the Harrisons, to spread the good news in regions of the world where many people are desperate for the good news, including French-speaking West Africa.
September 15, 2011
The following is an adapted excerpt from a prayer update by Todd and Debbie Adams, Alliance field workers in Indonesia.
This past Sunday we attended a church service where Todd was asked to speak and lead communion. In January 2009, while this Body of believers was gathered together, a group from a breakaway movement came and started to burn the building down around the people inside. Some young men came in and starting hitting anyone who was around. It was with this same group that we gathered on Sunday.
Prior to our arrival, a church member had been warned that we were not allowed to come. We heard this news at the service while a woman gave her testimony. I bent over and translated to my daughter Jordan what was going on. She then said to me, “Mom, I had a vision this morning in my room: I was sitting here at this church when angry men came and started beating the church people. There was much screaming and chaos, but as I prayed, God’s Spirit came upon the church, and everything was still.”
We praise God that He indeed protected us from harm, and we had a sweet service together despite the threats during the week. There was peace and freedom as we reflected on what it meant for the Lamb of God to come and to take away the sins of the world. We enjoyed communion together, and the work was not thwarted. Someone was praying . . .
Our daughter Emily’s roommate attended the annual beach trip at the International school. She came away from this experience saying, “Something is different with the students here in this school.” After talking to the Bible school teacher, she realized that what is different in the lives of the students is Jesus. She invited Him to come into her heart. Someone was praying . . .
We are waiting on the Lord for His leading in ministry, and doors are opening. The days seem so full, and we ask you to pray that the times ahead will be Spirit-led. We ask that somebody would pray . . .
This morning Todd read the following words by Walter Wink in a devotional: “History belongs to the intercessors-those who believe and pray the future into being.” As we seek His face in prayer, things are happening. God bless you as you intercede.
What You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries online. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers, like Todd and Debbie, who are bringing the reconciling message of Christ to people who are desperate for His peace.
By an Alliance international worker in Kosovo
“I have been a believer for 18 years and have served in the church most of that time,” says Beki*, a young pastor’s wife whose ministry has impacted hundreds of people in Kosovo. “This is the first time I have had the opportunity to receive training for the things that I do.” Beki is a passionate, gifted, and effective leader. She not only leads the women’s ministry in her church but also serves on the national women’s commission. As my teammate and I heard her words, we were struck anew with the urgency to offer her, and women like her, the opportunity to receive training in a way that is accessible to them.
Equipping Women to Lead
The women of Kosovo are caught between two worlds. Society around them is modernizing at an alarming rate; they are bombarded with western media and its ideas of feminism. Yet they are bound to the traditions of women as sole caretakers of the home and children. Women in the church have embraced their freedom to be involved in work, ministry and leadership, but they do not want to forsake their familial obligations.
Training Kosovar women for ministry requires a program that takes into consideration the unique challenges that women face, balancing responsibilities in and out of the home. A resident program is not an option and an intensive approach would only lead to discouragement and drop out.
In August of 2010 the women of the Alliance Kosovo team launched the first Women to Women Leadership Training (WWLT) site in Prishtina, the capital city. Beki was among the first group of women trained as a facilitator for the WWLT courses that are designed with the unique challenges of women in mind. Immediately, Beki implemented the skills of her recent training as a facilitator on the national women’s commission, resulting in the most effective women’s event the commission has hosted to date.
A Spiritual Journey
For Beki the desire for her people to experience the light of Jesus is the impetus that led her to the Alliance leadership program. Raised in a home of the country’s traditional religion, Beki practiced the rituals and obligations as a child under the tutelage of her father and grandfather, who are respected leaders of their faith.
“Actually, the fact that I had to pray in [the religious language] was an obstacle for me,” says Beki, “as were other doctrinal issues. When I asked questions, I was told, ‘Thus says God, and you should do it, because you are indebted to him.’ Dissatisfied with the reply, I lived with doubt.”
When Beki was 16, she and her brother took a summer job in the State vineyards, where they met some boys noted for their bad reputation. One day, the boys began to sing about Jesus. “I was stunned!” Beki says. “I turned to them and said, ‘Do you know what you are singing? You are not allowed to sing about Jesus!’ They told me that they believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord and invited me to their church.”
Surprised by the boys’ assurance of salvation, Beki’s interest was sparked to understand more about their faith. “I went to the church service, and for the first time, I heard a sermon about God the Father’s love for His children,” she says.
Beki began reading the New Testament with curiosity and a critical eye, looking for mistruths or contradictions. “At the same time, my brother also read the New Testament, and we discussed the Scriptures,” she recalls. “What we found was Jesus’ love for us. We returned to the church, and after the service, the pastor called for whoever wanted to accept Jesus as the Lord of their life. My brother stood up immediately, and I followed, asking the pastor to lead me in the prayer of salvation.”
So joyful was she about her newfound faith, Beki immediately began to tell family and friends about Jesus. She was met with cynicism and warnings; many criticized her. “The boys of the neighborhood called me Mary and spat on me, but I blessed them. They even began to think I was drugged because I did not respond with anger. After a time, my sisters and brothers accepted Jesus into their lives. My friends began to return to me, and my teachers’ respect for me returned. I thanked God for the time of persecution, because it was a time when I was assured that I am in the truth and that God is alive, working in me. My grief, anger, and desire for revenge were replaced with peace, love, and compassion for others.”
Lighting the Way
Beki’s husband realized the value of her training and agreed to take the responsibility of the home for a week, so that Beki could accompany Alliance international workers to a training event in Switzerland in Spring 2011. I am continually touched by Beki’s enthusiasm and gratefulness. She is a woman gifted by God, and with this training, her gifts will continue to multiply as she serves the women of Kosovo.
*Name changed
What You Can Do
Pray for the Lord’s empowerment for Alliance workers who are involved in training and equipping nationals for leadership.
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers to share the Light of Life with those walking in darkness, desperate for hope.
Learn More
Training believers to be leaders in their countries is essential to building strong national churches. Learn about the C&MA’s role in equipping national believers who are called to lead.
Read about a joint effort between Alliance workers and national believers to reach Kosovo with the light of Jesus.
September 1, 2011
By Diane Rorabaugh, serving in Russia
“Sharing love with those who have needs is the reason we do this ministry . . .” says Diane, who assists an outreach in southern Russia that supports impoverished families, orphans, and developmentally challenged people. The following is an adapted excerpt from her recent ministry update.
This summer I enjoyed a lovely trip to Maikop, a small city in southern Russia that is near the Caucusus Mountains, not far from the Black Sea. While there, I visited with Phariza’s family, probably the first family I met in Maikop when I began participating in this ministry long ago.
Phariza is a beautiful, tiny 20-something young woman who has cerebral palsy. She can’t speak but is still holding on to life. Many in the world would call her useless, but she has a spark in her eyes that captured my heart the first day I met her. I confess that she’s my favorite.
Sometimes
When we had dinner with the family recently, the best part of the evening was when Phariza’s mom, Irina, held her daughter on her lap and snuggled with her. Phariza had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on her face, and the love between the two was evident.
Sometimes we share God’s love in this ministry by giving food, medicine, clothing, or sending a child to camp. Sometimes we do so through listening to stories, empathizing with pain, or telling about the God who loves more than anyone can imagine. Sometimes, the best way to share love is to hold a hand or give a hug.
By sharing in this ministry through your prayers and through your gifts, you are helping to shine God’s light in the darkness—thank you!
What You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers to share the Light of Life with those walking in darkness, desperate for hope.
Learn More
Read another article about Diane’s ministry to “the least of these.”
Check out Diane’s blog. (Note: clicking on this link will take you off of the C&MA Web site.)
August 15, 2011
By Zac and Julie Stutler, serving in Dominican Republic
The following is adapted from Zac and Julie’s Web site.
We minister in Punta Cana, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. During the past 10 years, the population in this area has grown dramatically as families have moved there to work in the tourism industry and the corresponding infrastructure. In 2009, God opened a door for us to move to Punta Cana Village, a growing residential community for professional people and their families. This community has the busiest international airport in the Dominican Republic, a bilingual school, shops, restaurants, medical and dental offices, and other businesses. Cap Cana, another high-end neighborhood just three miles away, also has shops, offices, a bilingual school, and even a university. Yet neither of these areas had an evangelical church.
In July 2010, Jeff and Deborah Climie joined our ministry team. Through a variety of creative outreaches—including baking classes, movies, and more—God has allowed us to build many great relationships in the area, and doors have been opened to present practical seminars in local schools and the university.
From the start of this project, we dreamed of having a ministry center in Punta Cana—a place to offer meaningful services and activities to the families such as classes, seminars, and pastoral counseling as well as worship times and Bible studies. By using innovative methods to serve the community, we desire to bring enrichment and hope aimed at meeting specific felt needs of the people, thus connecting them to Christ.
Last fall, we began the process of finding a location in order to establish an identity and have a visible presence in the community. In December, we signed a contract to rent a commercial location to serve as a center for community outreach. God provided in wonderful ways, and today the dream of having a ministry center in Punta Cana is a reality.
The name of this ministry is “Alianza” (Alliance)—which implies unity and working together for a common goal. The mission of Alianza is to motivate and equip the families of Punta Cana to live in an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ and to reflect His love toward others. Our prayer is that from the very beginning, Alianza would be a source of great blessing to the families of these beautiful communities that make up the Punta Cana area. On April 2, 2011, Alianza officially opened its doors.
An Amazing Day
On Sunday, July 10, under the bright Punta Cana sun, Alianza celebrated its first baptismal service. Four people enthusiastically declared their heartfelt desire to love and serve the Lord all their lives.
After a wonderful Sunday morning service, we headed over to a pool belonging to one of the women of the church, who happens to live near our ministry center. Before being baptized, the believers briefly shared about the difference Christ had made in their lives. There were four very different but wonderful testimonies of God’s work in these lives.
One of the women baptized—a young professional who is also a wife and mother—had found Jesus as a teen but never had an opportunity to grow in her faith. She had prayed for seven years for a church in Punta Cana. In her testimony, she shared that being able to follow Jesus in baptism had long been a deep desire of her heart.
Another woman shared how the Lord had filled her life with such joy and peace. It was a delight for her to have her son and daughter-in-law present to hear her testimony.
For one young couple, it was a day of double blessing and celebration. They were celebrating their second wedding anniversary and were baptized together. The wife had known the Lord for a time but never had the opportunity to grow. When Alianza opened, she and her husband began to attend faithfully. She was very excited about an opportunity to grow in Christ. Her husband was seeking the Lord and on May 12 prayed to receive Christ. He shared how knowing Jesus had brought new meaning to his life and how Jesus is now his best friend.
It was truly an amazing day. Those who attended the service were blessed and challenged to follow Jesus in a new way. Some, who are just beginning in their relationship with Christ, told us that they want to be baptized soon. Even some who are not yet followers of Jesus were touched and want to know more about this wonderful Savior who transforms lives and fills us with joy.
God is doing many amazing things in Alianza! The Sunday attendance has averaged around 50. New people are visiting all the time. In addition to the young husband who was baptized, another couple gave their lives to Christ in early May and is beginning discipleship. We have started some new discipleship classes and will start more in the coming days as there are various people desiring to follow Jesus with all their hearts. These are only a few of the great blessings that are happening in Punta Cana.
Your partnership with us in this ministry makes all this possible. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and giving to the Great Commission Fund, the Punta Cana Church Plant Approved Special, and our Work Special Funds. God has exciting plans for the days to come here in Punta Cana, and He is using you to change lives and bring joy here in Punta Cana.
Thank you for living the call together with us.
You are an important and an amazing part of the Alianza team!
What You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. Partner with Alliance workers, like the Stutlers, to introduce families around the world to the joy and peace of Jesus.
The following is compiled from adapted excerpts of reports written by Kevin Oberg and Andrew Schaeffer, Alliance field workers who recently accompanied a short-term outreach team to Kenedougou, Burkina Faso’s westernmost province.
A youth group from the Moses Lake (Washington) C&MA Church has adopted the village of Samorogouan. For several years they’ve invested in this village through prayer, giving, and sending two short-term teams to minister.
During the group’s recent trip to Burkina, one of the activities on their itinerary was to visit the chief of the village of Djiguan, which is next to Samorogouan. We—Kevin, Toby Hull (another Alliance worker), Andrew and his sons, and Abigail, an intern—accompanied them.
Upon arriving in Djiguan we were treated to a royal welcome—benches and chairs had been set out for all 28 people! (We learned that the chief had encouraged all villagers who weren’t in their fields to attend the meeting.) After the customary greetings began, the Moses Lake youth presented the chief with gifts—a shirt, a soccer ball, and a flashlight.
“We Were Living in the Dark”
We were absolutely amazed at his response. He thanked the team and then proceeded to tell us that the flashlight was a very appropriate gift.
“It’s as if we were living in a dark hut without any windows when, suddenly, someone opened the door and let the light shine in,” the chief explained. He was referring to several months earlier when an evangelistic team of Alliance workers and pastors had spent a couple of nights in Djiguan. They had shown the Jesus film and announced the good news about His substitutionary death on the cross for our sins.
“Settle Here and Teach Us”
“This light helps us to see,” the chief continued. “We want it to remain in our village; so we offer you land in our village so you can settle here and teach us.”
After the meeting, we followed the village elders to a large property next to the main road and across the street from a little market—an ideal spot for a church and pastor’s house. As we began touring the land together, one of the Moses Lake team members, Nate, suddenly bent over with sharp abdominal pains.
Concerned that he might be suffering an attack of appendicitis, Andrew agreed to take Nate back to Ouagadougou (the country’s capital) for a medical consult to rule it out. We praise God that the illness wasn’t serious!
So what caused this excruciating pain? We can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t the enemy doing everything in his power to resist the entry of the Light of the World into Djiguan. Much collaborative work is taking place to push back the darkness in Djiguan and throughout the Kenedougou province. But the enemy yields his ground so reluctantly.
More Challenges
Many on the Moses Lake team shared that they were sensing God’s leading into ministry. Yet there were many setbacks on the trip—lost luggage at the beginning, the scary moment when Nate became ill, and then a delayed flight that caused the team to miss their flights in Paris and London and arrive home about 48 hours after they were supposed to.
Was this more work of the enemy, trying to discourage them? Our prayer is that through these trials, each team member has become stronger in his or her faith and drawn closer to God.
As we advance into the enemy’s camp, we are wielding the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Yet we are also desperate for your prayers for protection as we preach the good news and claim imprisoned souls for Christ’s Kingdom.
What You Can Do
Pray for safe travel, good health, and fruitful ministries for the many short-term teams visiting Burkina Faso this summer and other sites worldwide.
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries online. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers like Andrew and Kevin, who are bringing the light of Christ to those whose communities have dwelled in darkness for centuries.
Learn More
Check out exciting, short-term missions opportunities through The Alliance.
Read how many Burkinabe are being wooed to Christ through the witness of joy-filled believers.
August 4, 2011
By Lisa Nicky, RN, serving at Bongolo Hospital, Gabon, West Africa
The following story is an adapted excerpt from Lisa’s recent newsletter entitled “Together With You.”
I could hardly believe it when I heard that a short-term summer team comprised of rehabilitation specialists, including a physical and occupational therapist, was coming to Bongolo! Since their arrival, I’ve been translating for the team (and learning from them!) as they’ve worked to improve the quality of life for our patients who are weakened by disease and trauma.
Davy, who is in his early 20s, suffers from hemophilia (a bleeding disorder in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot). Recently, he came to us completely paralyzed after a fall that caused bleeding to his cervical spine. I remember praying with him and his family often that first week and asking him a question that I typically ask my patients, “Do you believe God can help you recover from this?”
His answer was a determined and heartfelt, “Yes!”
Timing is Everything!
Little by little, Davy regained the use of his arms and his legs. (You can continue to pray for him, as he is still quite weak.) Once again I see God’s perfect timing in that we have rehabilitation specialists to work with him daily during the period in which he is most in need of their expertise.
It was a great joy recently when Davy said, “Madame Lisa, I plan to be a part of the next class of nurses at Bongolo Hospital!” Isn’t it just like God to use a difficult disease and accident to inspire a young man to serve as a nurse for His Kingdom?
What You Can Do
Give to the Great Commission Fund online. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers like Lisa, who is helping children recover from severe physical challenges and sharing Christ’s eternal hope with them.
Learn More
Read another article about how Alliance workers are helping save lives—physically and spiritually—at Bongolo Hospital.
Check out how you can get involved in a short-term missions trip.
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