October 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Christian and Missionary Alliance is bringing help and hope to those devastated by disasters in the Pacific Rim last week. More than 1,100 people died in the September 30 earthquake in Padang, Indonesia, and over 300 perished in the Philippines and Vietnam after Typhoon Ketsana leveled the coastal areas of both countries. The typhoon has affected about 1.4 million people and damaged or submerged more than 350,000 houses.
CAMA, the relief and development arm of The Alliance, has responded to the flooding in Manila with a $5,000 donation to the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP). This will be used to assist communities where Alliance churches are located. In Vietnam, CAMA is working with PACCOM, a government agency, and the Tinh Lanh (Alliance) Church, the latter as allowed by the government.
In Indonesia, CAMA is working with Alliance national church leadership and TALI, the relief and development arm of the C&MA of Indonesia. A survey team has been on the ground in the earthquake affected area to determine how best to respond to current needs.
“The devastation is overwhelming,” reports an Alliance relief worker. “So many homes and families have been affected not only in Padang, the central point of the quake, but also in the outlying areas where help is just now beginning. Right now, we are focusing on gathering supplies so people can begin to rebuild their homes and not have to stay in tents, or worse, without shelter. Many of the bigger relief organizations are providing food, water, and immediate shelter. Our team would like to focus on helping people rebuild their lives. This will mean supplies and also people who will be able to stay to help distribute materials and oversee the project.”
For more information on relief efforts or to donate, visit www.cmalliance.org/give/relief/ or call 719-265-2039.
The Alliance is a fellowship of evangelical believers joined together in local churches, dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Alliance has a thoroughly evangelical doctrinal statement and encourages believers from diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite to complete Christ’s Great Commission.
CONTACT:
Phil Skellie, President of Compassion and Mercy Associates
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Ph: 719-265-2039
www.cmalliance.org
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October 9, 2009
Last week the National Association of Evangelicals, in which The Christian and Missionary Alliance has long maintained membership, adopted a resolution in support of comprehensive reform in our nation’s immigration laws. It has erroneously been reported on the internet that this resolution calls for amnesty for illegal aliens and that, as a member of the NAE, The Christian and Missionary Alliance is doing the same. This report is untrue. The NAE Resolution does not call for amnesty. It does suggest that an equitable means should be sought to enable persons to earn legal residency. (You may read the entire text of the resolution at http://www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009).
The C&MA is a leader in the evangelical community in ministering to immigrant populations in the United States. More than one third of our churches are found within immigrant populations, and almost 40% of our constituents live in these communities. Alliance churches throughout the nation are called upon to proclaim the gospel to everyone. In obedience to the Great Commission, we must minister to people without regard to their legal status. God’s Word enjoins believers to treat all persons with equal dignity and respect, and to care for those in need regardless of their national origin or ethnicity.
At the same time, we also recognize our biblical responsibility to live in submission to the civil authorities which govern us. The Christian and Missionary Alliance does not knowingly grant an official worker license to any person who does not have an appropriate visa which permits him/her to be employed as a religious worker in the U.S.. Alliance churches commonly include a large number of people who are not formal members of the church. But, most Alliance churches are also legally constituted as non-profit corporations in the state where they are found. Thus, our policy does not permit persons who are residing in the United States illegally to be received knowingly into the formal membership of the church, since such action may compromise the congregation’s ability to continue its ministry and to serve the spiritual needs of the larger community.
We recognize the responsibility of government to control its borders and protect its citizens. We also understand that the issue of illegal immigration into the United States is both a complicated and volatile political issue on which sincere believers may disagree. However, we believe that the responsibility God has given to The Christian and Missionary Alliance is to proclaim the forgiveness of God in Christ’s redeeming work, so that every man, woman, and child may be given an opportunity to respond to His grace.
June 8, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Board of Directors for The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) in the United States announced that Dr. Gary M. Benedict has been reelected as the denomination’s president.
Dr. Benedict is serving as the eleventh president of the U.S. C&MA. Having received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Nyack College in Nyack, New York, Benedict became the thirteenth president of Crown College in 1997. During his tenure, enrollment at Crown increased by 60 percent.
In 2004 Benedict was elected corporate vice president for the U.S. C&MA. He was chosen to serve as president of The Alliance during General Council in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2005.
Benedict’s vision for the future of The Alliance includes healthy people leading healthy churches that will multiply themselves and reap a grand harvest. He also envisions a strong laity, which he refers to as a “sleeping giant.” He says, “There remains a huge, untapped ministry potential among our laity.”
He believes that the “true” headquarters of The Alliance is the local church. “Our mandate at the National Office is to serve the local church and to assist it in carrying out its Great Commission ministries. Grassroots ministry flows from our local churches to U.S. neighborhoods and to the nations of the world.”
The Alliance is a fellowship of evangelical believers joined together in local churches, dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Alliance has a thoroughly evangelical doctrinal statement and encourages believers from diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite to complete Christ’s Great Commission.
CONTACT:
Mark Failing, Assistant to the President
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Ph (cell): 719-660-2876
E-mail: failingm@cmalliance.org
www.cmalliance.org
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May 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In obedience to Christ’s command to love their neighbors, members of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) will be mobilized to four locations throughout the city to assist local charities in caring for Louisville’s hurting and needy. This unique opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus will coincide with the C&MA’s May 26–31 General Council at the Louisville Convention Center.
On Friday, May 29 from 1–4 pm Alliance volunteers will sort and package essential items, donated by Alliance staff members and congregants, for distribution by the Kentucky Refugee Ministries to needy refugees who have been legally admitted to the United States as victims of war or persecution because of their religious or political beliefs. Other volunteers will pack donations benefiting The Center for Women and Families, which provides help for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
The third off-site project will minister to newly arrived internationals to the United States who receive needed services through the International Christian Center of the C&MA. Volunteers will distribute flyers inviting these people to church. Others will be involved in hands-on ministry at the Wayside Christian Mission, working in the kitchen, sorting food and clothing, and making needed facility repairs in one of the mission’s shelters. The Wayside Christian Mission remains one of Louisville’s key lifelines for many who would otherwise be alone and destitute.
“I find it fitting that we are taking this occasion to branch out into the great city of Louisville, where our founder, A. B. Simpson, pastored his first church in the United States,” says Dr. Gary Benedict, U.S. C&MA president. “His heart was to show Christ’s love in tangible ways to the people of this city. It’s gratifying to know that, more than 130 years later, our hearts beat with the same rhythm and resonance that solidified our founder’s vision to offer hope to the hopeless.”
The Alliance is a fellowship of evangelical believers joined together in local churches, dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Alliance has a thoroughly evangelical doctrinal statement and encourages believers from diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite to complete Christ’s Great Commission.
CONTACT:
Mark Failing, Assistant to the President
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Ph (cell): 719-660-2876
E-mail: failingm@cmalliance.org
www.cmalliance.org
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February 24, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Alliance launched a multipurpose ministry center, including a student outreach, in Ulaanbaatar, the cultural hub of Mongolia. The grand opening of the Grain of Wheat Student Center took place on February 16, 2009.
Each year, 250,000 students pour into Ulaanbaatar from across the country to attend university. “The center is located in the heart of the city, close to several major universities,” says Bernie Anderson, who serves with The Alliance in Mongolia. “The center exists for the benefit of students who come to the city to study.”
Many students enter the university dormitory system, which consists of up to 10 students sharing one room with no furniture. “They have no quiet place of their own to study,” says Anderson. “There is no place in the city to simply ‘hang out,’ with the exception of the abundant number of bars and pubs. Alcoholism is a huge problem in Mongolia, and much of the time it begins with university students.”
The Grain of Wheat Student Center will help meet some of these needs, providing a warm and inviting environment for students to gather. It will feature a library and eventually computers for research, a quiet study area, and a coffee shop. Students will be able to attend English and vocational classes as well as movie and music nights.
The Alliance ministry team in Mongolia believes that the best way to build relationships with the people of Ulaanbaatar is to have a visible presence in the city. Dennis Maves, field director for Mongolia, says, “Our first priority is to establish a beachhead in this strategic city by purchasing a permanent location for a multipurpose ministry center that will serve as a tactical hub for student outreach and outreach into communities throughout the city.”
The Alliance is a fellowship of evangelical believers joined together in local churches, dedicated to caring about the whole person and meeting people’s needs. The Alliance maintains a “big tent” stance in reference to many doctrinal matters, encouraging believers of diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite in order to share the love of Jesus Christ through tangible acts of compassion.
CONTACT:
Jim Malone, Assistant Vice President for International Ministries
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Phone: 719-265-2031
E-mail: malonej@cmalliance.org
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December 4, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - On November 14, 2008, Alliance Radio in Hong Kong, a ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), 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.”
The Alliance is a fellowship of evangelical believers joined together in local churches, dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Alliance maintains a “big tent” stance in reference to many doctrinal matters, encouraging believers of diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite in order to know and exalt Jesus Christ and to complete His Great Commission.
CONTACT:
Jim Malone, Assistant Vice President for International Ministries
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Phone: 719-265-2031
E-mail: malonej@cmalliance.org
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October 6, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NYACK, New York - On October 10, 2008, Nyack College will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Nyack alumni who were martyred during the Vietnam War. The event will take place during the college’s annual Homecoming weekend.
The alumni who lost their lives in 1968 while serving as missionaries with The Christian and Missionary Alliance were Leon Griswold (’19), Nathan Robert Ziemer (’41), Carl Edward Thompson (’45) and Ruth Stebbins Thompson (’46), Ruth Wilting (’48), Carolyn Griswold (’49), and Betty Ann Olsen (’62). Two other alumni, Dr. Ardel Vietti (’48) and Archie Mitchell (’44), who were lost in 1962, will be honored as well. Relatives of the fallen men and women will attend the tribute.
The keynote speaker for the Founder’s Day Chapel, Friday, October 10 at 10 a.m. in Pardington Hall on the Rockland campus, will be U.S. Navy Rear Admiral R. Timothy Ziemer (’65), the U.S. malaria coordinator appointed by President George W. Bush. In addition, Dr. Tom Stebbins, global ambassador for Evangelism Explosion, will speak at the Alumni Homecoming banquet at 6:30 p.m. in Boon Campus Center. Admiral Ziemer’s father and Dr. Stebbins’ sister, Ruth Stebbins Thompson, were killed during the Tet Offensive, a countrywide North Vietnamese military campaign designed to topple the South Vietnamese government in a single blow.
These courageous disciples fully embraced the words of Christ in Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
To view the biographies of the Vietnam martyrs, visit our history section.
The Alliance is a fellowship of Christ followers joined together in local churches, dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Alliance has a thoroughly evangelical doctrinal statement and encourages believers from diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite to complete Christ’s Great Commission.
CONTACT:
Nyack College Alumni Office
One South Blvd, Nyack, NY 10960-3698
Phone: 845-675-4589
Peter Burgo
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Phone: 719-265-2007
E-mail: burgop@cmalliance.org
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June 5, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Associated Church Press (ACP) has granted Alliance Life two Awards of Excellence, the association’s highest honor. The awards were given for Best in Class in the Denominational Magazine category (for the second consecutive year) and Best in Class for Magazine Cover. The latter was awarded for the April 2007 issue, which featured a photo by Jenn Whiteman, an employee of the National Office of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA).
Alliance Life is the official magazine of the C&MA. Its purpose is to show God at work in and through Alliance people worldwide. “The articles focus on some of life’s most difficult places and situations, but strong storytelling and a focus on God’s grace make these articles uplifting to read,” said Ken Waters, one of ACP’s judges. “Strong design and photos complement the content in an overall beautifully presented magazine.”
Founded in 1916, the Associated Church Press is the oldest interdenominational religious press association in North America. It comprises an international community of communication professionals brought together by faithfulness to their craft and by a common task of reflecting, describing, and supporting the life of faith and the Christian community. Nearly 200 publications, Web sites, news services, and individuals are ACP members, representing a combined circulation of several million.
The Alliance is a fellowship of evangelical believers joined together in local churches, dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Alliance has a thoroughly evangelical doctrinal statement and encourages believers from diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite to complete Christ’s Great Commission.
CONTACT:
Peter Burgo, Editor
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
719-265-2007
Fax: 719-599-8234
E-mail: burgop@cmalliance.org
www.cmalliance.org
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May 14, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PLATTSBURGH, New York - This summer, Bruce Overstreet, pastor of North Country Alliance Church in Plattsburgh, New York, will bicycle from California to Maine to benefit The Christian and Missionary Alliance’s (C&MA) Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children in Mali, West Africa. “The Republic of Mali is considered one of the most difficult places in the world for mothers and babies,” said Overstreet. According to a survey by the Malian government, one out of every four children will never reach their fifth birthday, and 1 out of every 10 women will die in childbirth. “This is changing thanks in great part to the Koutiala Hospital,” said Overstreet.
Since 1958, The Alliance established six clinics in Koutiala, but the closest hospital able to provide specialized care was 250 miles away. As a result, many mothers died before they could obtain emergency medical treatment. In response, Alliance medical missionaries and the C&MA church in Mali have partnered to create the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children. In addition to receiving compassionate care, patients also hear a verbal witness of Christ’s love.
Overstreet hopes to raise at least $1 million to expand and better equip the hospital, where the number of women and children seeking medical attention continues to grow each month. Plans are under way to build, equip, and staff a third maternity building and a pediatric clinic. “It is my desire that the medical ministries in Mali be able to grow as necessary, financially unhindered,” said Overstreet. To that end, he is challenging individuals to pledge per mile toward his goal. “Whether you pledge a penny, a dollar, or any other amount, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many women and children throughout Mali.”
His projected start date is June 2, 2008. The trip spans approximately 4,000 miles and should take about 10 weeks to complete.
For more information or to donate, visit www.bikeformali.org.
The Alliance is a fellowship of Christ followers joined together in local churches, dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. The Alliance has a thoroughly evangelical doctrinal statement and encourages believers from diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite to complete Christ’s Great Commission.
CONTACT:
Bruce A. Overstreet
The Orchard Foundation
518-324-5430
E-mail: baobiker@gmail.com
www.cmalliance.org
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April 4, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Clement Hoober of Columbia, Pennsylvania, has been appointed regional consultant in eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia for The Orchard Foundation. Hoober previously served on the Eastern Pennsylvania District Investment/Finance Committee.
An active layman in the Columbia (Pa.) Christian Fellowship church, Hoober, a CPA, completed 19 years as the EVP/CFO for Union National Community Bank in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prior to his role at Union National, he served as a supervisor/manager for Reinsel Kuntz Lesher in Lancaster for 11 years.
Hoober came to Christ in the late 1970s under the ministry of Rev. James Grumbine, who pastors Discover Church of the C&MA in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Hoober has been active in the Gideons as a chapter leader and presenter for several years.
Hoober’s office will be based out of his home in Columbia. He also can be contacted at the Eastern Pennsylvania District office in Middletown. He and his wife, MaryAnn, have three adult children.
The Orchard Foundation is a ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) and exists to raise funds for C&MA ministries and to educate the Alliance constituency in biblical stewardship. Representatives of The Orchard Foundation offer a wide range of estate-design services to individuals and families who desire to make the most of their God-given resources to meet personal and charitable objectives.
CONTACT:
Doug Wicks, Office of Communications
The Orchard Foundation
719-268-7207
E-mail: wicksd@theorchard.org
www.theorchard.org
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