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Missions Spotlight
Bob & Katherine Rodgers-N.I.C.E.
July 25-Bob and Katherine Rodgers with Northwest Independent
Church Extension (N.I.C.E.) are going into a new arena in their
ministry. They are very familiar of course with NICE, having been in
ministry in the Poulsbo area, and as liaison with many churches in
the Pacific Northwest.
In October of this year, Bob will be installed as the Director of
NICE (headquartered in University Place in Tacoma), following the
footsteps of Earl and Shirley Brubaker.
There is a "bit" of pride, in that Katherine grew up at Hillside
Community Church. She serves as President of the Women's group in
the National IFCA, speaks at retreats, as well as helps with the
care of her mother, Lawanna -- a woman of great talent and much
energy.
Their youngest son, Andrew, received his Assoc. of Science degree
and will be attending the University of Washington this fall.
Pray for them as they go into this new time of their lives; for
wisdom, and for the Lord's guidance.
Katherine's mother is doing very well compared to the last two
years when she was dying of a brain tumor. Bob, Katherine, and
Lawanna were at a baseball game on July 9th (their Church is Bonney
Lake Community Church) playing Hillside and we enjoyed visiting with
them at that time. We give Him the praise!
Howard & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
July 18-2010 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR HOWARD BRANT (DMISS '85)
TRINITY EVANGELICAL DIVINITY SCHOOL Howard Brant, was born in
Alberta, Canada, to missionary parents and spent his childhood years
in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After finishing eighth grade he returned
to Canada for high school and Bible school where he met Jo-Ann. They
married in 1966. After graduating from Seattle Pacific College,
getting his Bachelors and Masters Degrees, and Jo-Ann her Bachelors
Degree, they went to Ethiopia and researched a tribe (Guragae,
outside of Woliso) which had only 3 believers out of 750,000 Guragae.
Today there are 100 churches with 15,000 believers out of 2 million.
Jo-Ann (she got her PhD in Cultural Anthropology) has been
working with the HIV/AIDS work where they are presently, in Kenya.
Hillside has been blessed to have been a part of their support
team from the very beginning of their mission outreach.
Their Mission Board is SIM (Serving in Mission formerly Sudan
Interior Mission). They have three children: Krista Roes serving
with Greater Europe Mission (GEM) in Germany; Lisa Lawrence a nurse
working with Iraqi refugees as a part of Arab World Ministries in
Amman, Jordan; and Judson Brant who reenlisted for a third tour with
the U.S. military in Iraq, where he witnesses for Christ while
working in military intelligence. We have been a part of seeing
their children grow up and now serving the Lord.
The Brants want to close their ministry by returning to Ethiopia
where they started 44 years ago, probably in the next year.
(See Bulletin board for the whole write-up of Howie, and his
latest Brant Direct Link on "The Ibis and the Sparrow.")
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
July 11-Carol Magnusson in Jos, Nigeria, with Wycliffe Bible
Translators, has found a new place to live. Her present landlord is
raising the rent 30%, it has limited electricity, and she carries
water to her home. The new place is bout 10 min. from her work, is a
family home with "boys quarters" (guards but they don't live in it),
a good, quiet generator (like the Gallagher's she said), bore water,
fruit trees, guards, dogs and 3 girls (ages 9,6,2). She said the
6-year old drew a picture with a house, car, "welcome home," and "we
love you" on it and she wanted Carol to move in immediately. Rent is
almost half of the other place and she has to pay a year in advance,
so needs a month to save up $1,000 (that's about $83/month).
She is very excited about the move; can even make applesauce now
with the apple trees (they are too expensive to buy as they are from
Washington).. She uses it a lot in her cooking. Also orange and
mango trees, and there is also a garden. She has two bowls with her
homegrown lettuce.
Pray that this will be as good a match as it seems. They are
a Christian family.
Camas Meadows Bible Camp-Part II
July 4-The first Camp started last Monday at Camas Meadows
Bible Camp. This one was for Jr. High students. There is an e-mail
Prayer Chain that is so vital to this Camp ministry. We are quickly
aware if there is a need, be it physical, spiritual or emotional,
and we get busy and pray -what a privilege!
This week Camp was small which is good for one-on-one interaction
with the campers. Prayer was asked that the campers will be honest
with themselves; will ask honest questions and gain progress in
making their faith their very own; that they would go deeper in
their relationship with the Lord.. And that the Lord would use the
activities of the day to create ministry opportunities, especially
as they share around the campfire.
Prayer is needed most of all as the campers return to their
everyday life -- it's tough coming off a mountain top and then going
home. The evil one is ready to prey on their new found faith in
Jesus Christ; we must surround them with prayer.
The above are prayers that can be brought before the Throne for
each camp this summer. Registration forms and Camp information is
available on the Bulletin Board in the Narthex.
CAMAS MEADOWS SUMMER BIBLE CAMPS
June 27-Camas Meadows Bible Camp is a non-denominational,
non-profit Christian Camp located in the beautiful Cascade Mountains
of Central Washington. It was established in 1973 to give people the
opportunity to get away from the distractions of every day life and
hear the Word of God. The unique mountain meadow surrounded by
forest and mountains gives the Camp a wilderness atmosphere a world
away from the nearest town. The setting is perfect for quiet
reflection in a peaceful outdoor setting or intense activity in the
meadow, forest, or Camp facilities. The Camp is operational
year-round for fun in the snow and the sunshine. The rustic log
cabins and lodges offer dorm-style accommodations for groups up to
85 people.
See the Bulletin Board for doctrinal statement, pictures, dates
of Camps from Grades 4-6, Sr. High Camp for Grades 9-11, and the
Discipleship Camp from ages 15-20. Also there are some applications
for Camp available. Cost is $180 and scholarships are available.
www.camasmeadows.org
Various Missionary Highlights
June 20-Pray for the Ziskas in Vienna, Austria, with Greater
Europe Mission (GEM). There will be a follow-up Cappuccino meeting
for the ladies who attended the breakfast earlier. This will be June
26th. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of
these ladies and through Brenda and the other leaders, as they
further inquire about Christ.
Rejoice with John and Mel Bjorgen in Belize as they are going to
have another girl! Mel is so thrilled as she is very close to her 3
sisters, and looks forward to young Evangeline having a sister.
Pray for Mel as she adjusts to this new way of living, and John
as he ministers to the men in the village. (See Bulletin Board for a
June 16th update and prayer needs)
Long ago at Hillside, Bob and Dee Eldridge came to give a
presentation on their ministry, Voice for Christ Ministries, located
in Nenana, Alaska. The radio station, KIAM, celebrates 25 years this
month. The Lord called Bob home May 11th, having served many decades
in ministry in Alaska. The Word of the Lord is spread to the most
remote villages in Alaska. Dan and Brandy Davenport, who now reside
in Tacoma, spent many years there. Dan climbed those high high
towers to maintain them; he also did some radio work. Their Church,
Sunset Bible, is spending some time in Nenana this summer helping at
the remote sites and the radio stations. Pray as God's Word
travels the airwaves into the hearts of the Alaskan people. The
Davenports are all going with the Sunset group. (See Bulletin
Board).
A BIG "thank you" to everyone who contributed to the Quarts of
Care gifts bags, monies for sending them, and helping in so many
ways. The boxes containing 224 gift bags were taken up to Action
International in Mountlake Terrace on Monday and in six weeks they
will be distributing them to the street children in Manila. The
folks at Action were so very thankful, and the man in charge in
Manila sent an e-mail expressing his thanks also. Pray for
these children, that they will see Christ in those who distribute
these gift bags.
Three months ago when the horrendous earthquake hit Haiti, you
contributed to give them some much-needed help. Thank you for your
gifts of $945 that was distributed between Kids Alive & World
Vision. The need is of course on-going for housing, health, food,
water, protection from the rains, no doubt looting and violence in
such depravity. Pray for their needs to be met, and that
Christ will use this situation to draw the needy to Him.
Jim & Christy Edgell-Northwest Independent Church Extension (N.I.C.E.)
June 13-Jim and Christy Edgell and their family of five (see
Bulletin board for a picture) minister at Wiskah Community Church
out of Hoquiam, WA. They are with Northwest Independent Church
Extension (N.I.C.E.).
Good news is that Jim’s dad, John Edgell (he was the Pastor here
for a number of years) and his wife, Margaret, have moved to
Washington (not sure where presently). PTL! She had surgery in April
and so they postponed their April move.
Jim and family had a great trip to Montana where they formerly
ministered, and were able to attend the High School graduation and
visit with friends. Jim and his two boys then went to East Montana
to visit with his brother, John, and enjoyed some fishing; while
Christy and the girls enjoyed swimming at the hotel pool in
Missoula.
Sunday School and AWANA ministries are done as they head into
Summer. They are so thankful for those who minister during the year.
Ander, Torin, and Gracie are finishing up home-schooling and
Maddie and Morgan have 2 more weeks of Kindergarten in public
school. They plan to home school all five children this coming year.
Their church has a website: www.wishkahchurch.org, and they have
a website with family pictures:http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/Edgellcrew/
and the password is edgell7. Their e-mail is:edgellcrew@comcast.net.
Lots of pictures and fun to see how much the children have grown:
Ander-13; Torin-11; Gracie-8; Maddie & Morgan-7 (today).
Pray for them as they enjoy the Summer months, and also for John
and Margaret as they adapt to their new home.
1 Million Reasons for Hope-Samaritans Purse
June 6-Samaritan's
Purse has reached a milestone in HIV/AIDS ministry. More than 1
million people worldwide have been reached through their
Biblically-based education programs, which include basic facts about
the disease, marital faithfulness, home care programs, reducing
discrimination, and overcoming the fear of testing.
Martin is one of those million. His neighbors suspected he had
HIV/AIDS after a severe case of tuberculosis and frequent bouts of
malaria left his body frail and weak. Ignorance and fear caused them
to shun Martin, leaving him isolated and alone.
Samaritan's Purse workers in Uganda found Martin hiding behind a
mango tree when they came to his village to teach people about
HIV/AIDS. "I sat away from the people, because they never wanted
me to be near them," he said.
One of the workers talked to Martin about the disease and presented
the Good News of Jesus Christ. "They talked to me at length about
HIV and shared the love of Jesus," Martin said. "I received
Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. It was a turning point in my
life. Hope and peace were restored."
Please pray that millions more will come to know the grace and
the truth of Jesus Christ—the only true source of hope in this
world—as Samaritans Purse equips local Christians with the knowledge
and resources to reach out to families and communities vulnerable to
HIV/AIDS.
Slavic Gospel Association
May 30-The Slavic Gospel Association monthly bulletin Insight
has many interesting articles on the Christians across the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that so touch ones heart.
Here is Orphans Reborn out of St. Petersburg, Russia.
It might seem strange talking about a Christmas outreach in June,
but the testimony is timeless. And the fruit will go on throughout
the year!
In St. Petersburg, the Orphans Reborn led by Orlova held
Christmas celebrations in five children's institutions, including a
special center to correct behavioral problems in some children. At
that center, there are 30 children and five instructors, and the
team had the opportunity to speak seriously from their hearts. . .
The instructors have been attending our lessons as well. We see
how they take in what we say. These are serious women who are
considerably older than 50 years of age, and who have been raised in
the atheistic spirit of communism. They sit and listen to us, and
when something really touches their hearts, they smile and nod their
heads in a sign of agreement. Christmas outreach is very
special because it gives us more freedom than we would normally have
to share. We spoke about the Savior and about the need for salvation
and repentance. The Lord works in the hearts of people, and we saw
that the instructors understood that not only the bad boys needed
the Lord -- they needed Him too! Two 12-year-old boys sat before us
during the lesson. At the end, one of them asked how he could be
saved, followed by the second boy who also said, "I want to repent.
What should we do?" We told them how they could pray. After telling
this to the two boys, we told all the rest, including the
instructors, how to repent and pray to the Lord.
At another center after the lesson, we gave each one of the
teachers a large Bible. They were so happy! The kids received warm
socks and a large block of chocolate. We gave funds to Valery, the
director with whom we have been conversing and working for the last
eight years, for him to purchase either footwear or clothing,
depending on the needs of each child. We glory and praise the Lord
in our hearts for everything that He is doing!
PRAY for this outreach and the many children who will come to the
Lord in the Summer Camps!
John & Mel Bjorgen-Converge Worldwide/BGC
May 23-"OH IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL" -- that is what Mel Bjorgen, our
Missionary in Belize, said when her friend, Shelly, accepted Jesus
Christ as her Savior.
Mel met Shelly 2 1/2 yrs. ago; a shy, unsure woman with five
children in a wooden shack. When the Bjorgens arrived in February,
Mel invited her to Bible Study. Shelly had already planned to come,
shared she was not a Christian; held back by the persecution
Christians face in the village.
Shelly went with Mel on a Retreat last weekend and during
Saturday morning devotions said: "I love the Lord, I read the
Bible, I pray, but I am not a Christian." Fear of what the
villagers would say kept her from giving herself to Christ. Mel knew
she had to speak to her and prayed for boldness and a special time
to talk to Shelly.
Shelly shared the depth of her dark past to Mel and felt she
needed to be "good" before coming to Christ. Mel told her that no
one is righteous and asked if she was ready to face the persecution
in the village, ready to attend church again and she firmly said
"yes.." She wanted to be baptized and Mel explained that baptism
does not make you a believer. She told her she needed to accept
God's free gift, to confess her sins, to believe that Christ died on
the cross for her sins and rose again, to ask Him to come into her
heart and cleanse her from her sins. Shelly said "Is that all?"
She repeated the prayer stating all those things and Mel said
she was a transformed woman and both were hugging and crying --
Praise the Lord!
Mel was God's tool in Shelly's life and seeds were planted;
Shelly was ready and God chose Mel to help lead her to HIM.
That is why Mel and John Bjorgen have been called to Belize.
Pray for John as he visits Shelly's boyfriend in an attempt
to reach out to him; Pray for Shelly for much strength in her
new life in Christ.
Shared Hope International
May 16-Linda Smith, Founder/President of Shared Hope, a ministry
to girls who have been taken into sex-trafficking, has set up
Villages of Hope throughout the world. These Villages are
safe-houses for these very young girls, teaching them about the Lord
Jesus Christ, a place for protection for their babies, learning how
to be a mother, living a life free from sex-trafficking.
Linda states: Our nation and our world are finally beginning
to understand the breadth and depth of the sex-trafficking issue --
finally showing a willingness to confront it. We see tremendous
momentum on multiple fronts....
>Several states are considering child sex-slavery laws. In the
State of Washington, we were able to help guide a bill -- increasing
penalties for traffickers and buyers, protecting prostituted
children -- from concept to passage in less than four months!
>Both Houses of the U.S. Congress are drafting legislation that
will finally appropriate funds for restorative services for minor
victims of human trafficking in America.
>I spoke in Dallas at the Crimes Against Women conference,
which for the first time included a "Human Trafficking" track -- a
great step in the right direction.
>I met with producers of a major television talk show, they're
making sex-trafficking a major topic this year.
This is a wonderful wave of change: Linda shares that a young
girl from her hometown of Vancouver, WA, was just hours from being
snatched and disappearing into the abyss of sex slavery. Also having
just returned from Jamaica, another young girl, after a near-fatal
pregnancy, was brought into a Village of Hope in Montego Bay. More
awareness lets people see the signs of this happening and protects
these young girls
PRAY for this ministry and they can always use contributions as
they enlarge their outreach.
Vladimir & Nadia Savich-Slavic Gospel Mission
May 9-Vladimir and Nadia Savich of Slavic Gospel Mission, serve
in Zviriv, Russia. They say they were richly blessed in the first
quarter of 2010 with lots of different festive services and had
different interesting programs for children at the kindergartens,
schools and the church. Christmas is always special with children's
outreaches which in turns bring in many family and community members
to hear the Gospel.
They were so thankful they had the opportunity to conduct the
regional pastor's conference at their church. They were able to
share their experiences and made plans for further ministry in the
area. Their prayer is that they can reach the teenagers
through songs, showing Christian films but they need a video
projector and screen which costs $800.
They conducted a Christmas action "Help widows and orphan": using
finances collected by church members. They bought food sets and gave
them to the destitute ones; it was a divine spark for them. They
helped ten needy people and to help them with things they needed.
(There are pictures of this ministry, and also children's ministry
on our Missionary Bulletin Board.)
Vladimir's wife's health is improving and ask for prayer
for her complete recovery. Also their son, Slavic, is much better.
And they are looking forward to their son, Vladimir, getting married
on July 17th.
We rejoice with them that four people have come to Christ, two
desire baptism. He asks for prayer for this church to grow
spiritually, and in number.
Voice of the Martyrs
May 2-The Voice of the Martyrs serving with the Persecuted
Church features a young woman, Esther, whose parents, Yang Xuan and
Yang Caizhen, were arrested, convicted, and sent to prison for being
very active in a non-registered church in Linfen, Shanxi province,
China. On September 13, 2009, in the early morning hours, 400
Chinese officials and hired thugs stormed the grounds of the Linfen
Fushan Church, destroying buildings and injuring more than 100
members.
Esther's mother was sentenced to two years at a
re-education-through-labor camp where her job is to make cigarette
lighters. She spends 15 hrs. a day doing that, also suffering from
arthritis. Her father was sentenced to three and a half years, his
whereabouts unknown.
VOM supports sending mail to these prisoners as it puts pressure
on the authorities. Many articles have been written about the
release of prisoners who have received mail. On the table in the
Narthex are some postcards already addressed with a message written
in Chinese to Esther's Mother. The message reads: Dear Yang
Caizhen, We are praying for you, your family and the other
prisoners. We are also praying for your release soon! Please know
that we care about you very much. God has said, "I will never leave
you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5. All you need do is to sign
your name (in part or whole) to the card, put on a .98 stamp and
drop it in the mailbox.
Esther has been strengthened by this happening and she says "I
didn't have true faith (before my parents' arrest, I did not truly
believe." "I had this faith before...but I found it is meaningful
for me just recently."
The website www.prisoneralert.com has many other Linfen Church
members you can send mail to.
John & Mel Bjorgen, John & Margaret Edgell, Howard & Jo-Ann Brant
April 25-John, Mel, and Evangeline Bjorgen in Belize with
Converge Worldwide/BGC, and now in Belize. Their comment was,
"When there is no wind, we feel like taking our clothes off and
going into a freezer." Pretty warm, huh! They are so excited to
be there to minister at the Belize Mission and Retreat at Turtle
Shores with short-term and long-term missionaries. Recently they
were loading up their car and John went into their apartment for a
moment and when he returned their laptop was taken. This is Belize
they say. Also Mel is pregnant, due in October. So EVERYTHING is
magnified with morning sickness, caring for Evangeline; she also
cooks for those at the Mission. And she is terribly homesick but
very determined to be in Belize. And when they get low, here comes a
care package from their Arizona Church--so uplifting! Please be in
much prayer for the Bjorgens.
Be in prayer for John and Margaret Edgell. John was our
Pastor for a number of years and is presently living in Michigan.
When he married Margaret she had been diagnosed with cancer shortly
before their marriage. She has been doing pretty good but also had
bad times. She was a Professor, doing her doctorate work, and they
planned on moving out here in April. The cancer struck in full force
and she recently had surgery. They still plan on being in this area
in May. Pray for Margaret as she recovers from surgery, for
total healing of this cancer, and for John.
If you are interested in seeing more of where the Bjorgens
are serving, check out www.thebjorgens.net. Also there
are Newsletters from the Ziskas, Brants, & Carol Magnusson on the
table in the Narthex.
Also please be in prayer for these requests that we just received
from Howard & Jo-Ann Brant with Serving in Mission:
Monday April 26th-Howie will begin a leadership seminar
for about 100 church workers from the Guragae church group in
Ethiopia. Monday, May 3rd– Sudan and Kenya church leaders
meeting in Nakuru, Kenya & Howie is starting to teach a course to
West African missionaries on the book of Acts.
Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
April 18-EASTER - Ethiopian Style 2010/2002 with the Brants in
Ethiopia, with Serving Mission (SIM).
Howie and Jo-Ann Brant spent Easter in Ethiopia in 2010 but the
Ethiopians follow their own calendar rooted in Egyptian and Geeze
tradition, so there the year is 2002, to be exact Megabeet 26, 2002
(the date of Easter). Our Easter and theirs, fell on the same dates
this year.
In the Ethiopian church they attend celebrations starting at 8:30
Saturday night and went through until 5:30 Easter Sunday morning.
Our "all night" celebration was playful, emotive, serious,
worshipful, and memorable.
The church was draped fabrics, four vases of fresh roses
decorating the front, and candles were burning all around the
building. Choirs got us singing, teens did mime dance to their
music. There was a competitive Bible drill, film, prayers and lots
of standing up. They nailed their confessed sins as well as
heartaches to a cross. They shared the Lord's Supper. Howie gave a
PowerPoint message; they had poetry presentations, impromptu getting
up and sharing; eating Ethiopian food at midnight, and shared a huge
Christmas bread (half the size of my dining room table and 5 in.
thick) served with the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
About 1:30 a.m. a cool shower brought the temperature to about 60
degrees. Howie had a plastic egg hunt for the little ones, and the
older ones shared the Resurrection story. Although there was a
planned program everyone was free. A few teens even laid down and
went to sleep on matresses on the floor. Great delight ensued as
adults and kids formed conga lines that hived off in several
directions at the same time, singing their hearts out Risen,
Risen, Jesus is Risen from the Dead.
It was really an amazing evening. Here we are -- the only white
people in a crowd of about 250 Ethiopians feeling right at home and
loving every minute of it. It all happened because Jesus has risen
and we serve the same living Lord!
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Overseas Crusades-Athens, Greece
April 11-Michael and Athena Kantartjis, in Athens, Greece, with
Overseas Crusades, are missionaries who are devout Prayer Warriors.
They spend time each day praying for us at Hillside. Their ministry
is so far reaching, to leaders of their nation, to many Orthodox
Priests who seek out Michael in his God-given wisdom, to a newspaper
they put out often, to their family who are all ministering in some
area in Athens. Let’s spend some time in prayer for them this week!
James 4:2 says, "You do not have, because you do not ask." As
we ask, we must wait for an answer with a thankful heart. We must
expect in peace that the Lord in His time will answer. We must not
forget that first the Lord will answer the way He wants to answer.
Secondly, He will sometimes answer in unusual ways. Thirdly, He will
answer with new and unknown ways we never heard or seen before.
Here are a few testimonies quoted in Michael’s newsletter:
“God who accepts and forgives everybody who asks His
forgiveness and His salvation. He accepted me and made me His
child.”
“I praise the Lord who came in my life and delivered me from
my sins. I praise Him, also, because He gives me power to
forgive.”
“The Lord is always good. When we are faithful to Him, He
does not abandon us.”
“I praise the Lord for helping me to come to our meetings and
heard the Word of God.”
“The Lord
continues to be good to us. Praise His Name!”
CAMAS MEADOWS BIBLE CAMP ACTIVITIES
April 4-Time to gear up for Spring and Summer
activities.
April 9-11 -- CamasCon Board Game Retreat hosts a
bi-annual weekend retreat for Christian board gamers of the Pacific
Northwest; a unique opportunity to explore this hobby with others
who share a passion for gaming and faith in Christ. Contact Daryl at
509-548-6553 or e-mail scruffy@camasmeadows.org for more info.
May 14-16 -- Ladies Retreat meeting with women from all
over the State and is characterized by transforming Christian
fellowship and Biblical teaching. Rustic mountain setting with a
wonderful welcome, relaxing time, and this year the speaker will be
Christie Rayburn. Brochures are available in the Narthex. Any
questions, ask Joyce Magnusson, or Kate Percival.
June 28-August 21 -- Summer Camps from 9-20 years of age
hear the inspiring and challenging messages from the Bible, fun
(games, paintball, swimming at Lake Chelan, etc.).
Sepember 24-26 --Rise! Men's Retreat is a spiritual
replenishing weekend, low-key environment, less conference time and
more opportunity to connect with God in his creation. Call Ken
Matheis at 253-261-7326 (he attends Mt. Rainier Christian Center --
top of the hill by light).
*Camas Meadows is over Bluett Pass, about 17 mi. down the road
before going to either Leavenworth or Cashmere. And up the Camas
Creek Road about 7 mi., into the mountains. The name is from the
beautiful Camas that blooms in Spring in the lovely meadows where
elk roam in the early morning hours -- beautiful!
Bob & Katherine Rodgers- N.I.C.E.
April 25-Changes! Finishing Well! New Beginnings! Adjustments!
Concerns! Joy! These all sum up where Bob and Katherine
Rodgers, with N.I.C.E., are presently.
Bob was extended a call to be the new Director of Northwest
Independent Church Extension after Earl Brubaker resigned last
September. After much prayer and counsel they believe God has led
them to accept this call, taking place October 1, 2010. They will
continue as Field Directors for WA and AK, and in their various
ministries until then. They need specific PRAYER for their
future living situation, moving out of their rental at the end of
April. Katherine says that not knowing where you will be living in 1
1/2 months can cause concern but they know they serve a sovereign
God who is in control of all things. And on April 10th, their
daughter, Sarah Joy will be getting married. Andrew, their youngest
son, is finishing up at Green River Community College and has
applications in at 3 colleges.
PRAY for the above situations and PRAISE for helping
Katherine's Mother who recently went through 4 mini strokes and a
major stroke; Bob's dad who was in hospital but home again; for
God's grace and kindness to them; and for the Lord's work in many of
the churches and pastor's lives.
Vladimir & Nadia Savich-Slavic Gospel Association, Russia
March 21-Glimpses into the life of Vladimir and Nadia Savich of
the Slavic Gospel Association in Russia. Autumn is a very busy time
of their life and the villagers do not attend church due to the need
to harvest and store their food for the coming months. So if they
don’t come to church, the church goes out, helping the elderly
gather in the harvest. Pray to help to sow seeds and bear
good fruit.
A 26 year old village woman, died which shook the village. Three
days before she died, she repented. Praise God!! About 300
people attended the funeral and her father has prayed with Pastor
Savich. Pray he comes to know the Lord as his personal Savior
as well as many others who attended.
On Christmas we always walk from home to home congratulating
people on Christmas. We pray for such evangelisms to be
blessed.
Vladimir’s son pastors two churches and while he was in the US
for some time, Vladimir helped with them.
Nadia is in severe pain from time to time, and the Prayer is that
she will be healed.
Vladimir asks for Prayer for the ministry to be blessed
and for him to have enough strength to carry on the ministry. See
the Savich family picture on the Mission Bard.
Samaritan's Purse & Joe & Brenda Ziska with Greater Europe
Missions
March 14-The SAMARITAN’S PURSE REPORT for 2009 is incredible.
Operation Christmas Child (Shoeboxes) had 8.2 million shoeboxes,
added to others from UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland,
Netherlands, Hong Kong, Finland, and Spain. Gifts were sent to 108
countries, and since 1993, over 77 million gifts have been given.
And YOU have been a part of this ministry. Please know that with
each Shoebox given, there is a gift of a New Testament in their own
language. His Word is going out-Praise the Lord!
GREATER EUROPE MISSIONS in Vienna, Austria, Joe and Brenda Ziska
are praising God that the new evangelistic circle in Klosterneuburg
had 8 seekers for the first two meetings. PRAY for them as they meet
on March 16th and that Mark 4 will speak to their hearts. Brenda and
Vera have met with two women from “Cappuccino for the Soul”
meetings– continue to pray. Also Martin, son of the first couple
that came to the Lord when the Ziskas first began in Austria, was
baptized.
Look at the Mission bulletin board for more information on the
Operation Christmas Child ministry, and also the letter from Joe and
Brenda.
Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources Inc.
February 28-Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources, Inc.,
do Prayer Resolution Counseling. A number of you took their very
intense Prayer Resolution Seminar early 2009 and benefitted greatly.
The Smiths will be here once again in early March.
Richard suffered from cluster headaches which plague him (and did
so for 4 months) and have now gone away. Connie also had health
problems (“there’s nothing like getting old!”)
They have a praise in that their daughter, Teresa, got a new job
which goes until July. Also they have had two large donations but
not sufficient to pay salaries. They state: “It has always been
people’s smaller gifts and prayers that have been the foundation of
Cross Resources.”
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission-Vienna, Austria
February 21-These come from Joe and Brenda Ziska, with
Greater Europe Mission (GEM) in Vienna, Austria.
PRAISE: Feb. 9th started a new evangelistic Bible Study in
Klosterneuberg; main couple asked to have study at their home
because their 3 college-age children were interested in coming --
Praise the Lord -- all three came! PRAYER for the husband of
a 2nd couple -- he came! Yeah!! Another gal came too, so there were
10 altogether! PRAISE: A woman who came to the "Cappuccino
for the Soul" meeting invited Brenda and a co-worker to her house as
she is searching for God!
PRAYER: On Feb. 24 Brenda is meeting another woman from the
Women's Breakfast meeting!
PRAISE: A man wrote to Joe on Facebook and sent a greeting; they
had a meeting at Starbucks, planning to get together in a month but
he wants to meet sooner.
They said, “God just seems to be bringing people that are
interested in spiritual things in contact with us. It's great! We
can tell you've been praying."
Joe attends a meeting in Munich Feb. 18-19, meeting with the
leaders of their Bible School from Germany, Switzerland, and
Austria. PRAY for the plans they will be making to coordinate
the 3 countries.
PRAISE: On Feb. 28th Joe will be baptizing Martin, one that Joe
dedicated as a baby -- PRAY that Martin will continue to grow
in the Lord.
A copy of their entire letter is on the Missions Bulletin Board;
also take a look at the Kagran homepage at:
http://www.evangelikale-kagran.at/index.php and
click on Actuelles. If you are fluent in German, you can read the
page, but it has pictures also.
Slavice Gospel Association
January 24-How many Yaroslav's have we met? Yaroslav was a young
boy who attended a Summer Camp held in Volgograd on the bank of the
Volga River (it's in Russia). Self-willed, self-confident, and very
selfish, with no thought of helping friends in need or in their
hardships. BUT the Lord had other plans for Yaroslav! On the third
day of camp, he was trying to show off his agility. He wouldn't
follow the rules of the group or listen to warnings, and eventually
hurt his leg attempting a somersault. That put a damper on not only
Yarolslav but the other campers as well. He agreed to stay until the
camp was over.
God used this incident to teach all of the campers to be forgiving,
respectful, and concerned for one another. Yaroslav could hardly
move after his injury, and the kids who had suffered the
consequences of his actions weren't real keen on giving him help or
attention at first. Soon more began to bring him meals and helped
him get around - even to the point of enjoying caring for him.
More importantly Yaroslav's attitude began to change; less
self-willed and self-assertion, and more respect, gratitude and
concern for others. He began asking serious questions on serious
topics and at the end of camp had gained many friends -- beautiful
character traits were beginning to surface in him.
Yaroslav does not yet attend church yet but his parents are friends
with a church family. Pray for Yaroslav that he may come to know the
Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. -Philippians 4:5
*From Slavic Gospel Association InSight, February, 2010 InSight is
on the Missionary Bulletin board -- lots of stories on the youth in
Russia
David & Phyllis Enns-World Team
January 17-World Team missionaries, David and Phyllis Enns,
spent a time of fun and fellowship with family and friends in the
U.S. and Canada late in 2009. Upon returning to Singapore, they were
faced with a move. God's provision of a car after their Camry bit
the dust, and also a place to live in Singapore were a wonderful
blessing. After their move, they headed to Papua to assist in a
conference for church leaders they have been involved with for over
10 years. They saw God at work in the passion the brethren had for
the Word, and the burning of fetishes.
Their new year gives them a sense of excitement yet feeling
inadequate for the task ahead. They continue on with World Team,
ministering to pastors and leaders in Papua; another to serve as
advisors in the area of missions in Singapore mission.
While in Papua their grandson, Isaiah was hospitalized, so they left
early to be with Leigh and Carissa. Pray for Leigh and Carissa as
they settle into a new context in Aceh; Jason and Andrea as they
continue to have a heart for missions and wisdom to serve the Lord
where they are, and guidance for the future; and Maria as she
pursues her nursing career.
Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries
January 10-Valen and Carol Straley with InterAct Ministries,
live in Kamloops, British Columbia, and both were brought up in
Hillside Community Church. They say that the native church is doing
well, growing in knowledge and caring for each other. Letting go of
Valen and Carol and stretching their faith has been a real
encouragement. Besides the native fellowship, Valen & Carol are a
part of Kamloops Evangelical Free Church. Valen is an Elder while
Carol helps with PowerPoint. On occasion Valen helps with carpentry
jobs and Carol continues to paint with watercolors and be a part of
the local art gallery.
Their children: Peter and Amy need jobs and they ask prayer that
they find them soon. Ashley is on the honor roll in high school;
Jake is in his first year of high school playing soccer, bass guitar
and working toward being a life guard; Taylor is in gymnastics,
soccer and is very creative. David and Alisha have jobs in Kelowna
and are enjoying them. They just returned from a week in Mexico, and
are almost finished with renovating their home. Their family picture
is on the Mission Board.
Camas Meadows Bible Camp
January 3rd-"Casting all our cares on Him, for He cares for
us." I Peter 5:7
Snow abounds at Camas Meadows (and steep tubing hills) for a lot of
Winter Events. For many many years Hillside Teens went on a Winter
Weekend at Camas and had wonderful, and some not so wonderful times.
Kristi Terrell is one that can tell you about the trips; Joyce
Magnusson accompanied them for a number of years, and Gene Emry had
many a BBQ up there during Summer Events.
Time changes focus and through the years additional activities are
added: Big paintball tournaments, and more recently a CamasCon
Retreat for Christian Gamers. This Fall nearly 40 gamers attended
and were able to fellowship around a shared hobby and faith in
Christ. For you Gamers, there was a 16-person Settlers of Catan
Tournament won by a young man from Spokane . The Game auction raised
$215 for the Hands and Feet Project Children's Home in Haiti. The
speaker, Jon Johansen delivered powerful messages on trusting God,
walking in purity, and leaving a legacy.
Next Retreat is April 9-11, 2010. www.camasmeadows.org/camascon Pray
for: Winter Camp Season -- good snow and transformed lives; funds to
sufficiently meet operational needs; wisdom and direction for the
Board in planning the Camp's long-term financial stability.
Praises for: funding came in for Fireside Lodge remodel; two new and
desperately needed inverters were donated; fire-reduction project by
DNR has significantly reduced the fire danger and improved the views
around the buildings.
Angel Tree- A Ministry of Prison Fellowship
December 27-ANGEL TREE recipients want to extend their heartfelt
thank you’s to all who participated this year. We had only
half of what we normally have but Headquarters changed things
around. We had 11 children ranging from 4 years old to 13. You
provided 22+ gifts and so much love to these precious children. One
lady told me that her son will be out of prison next Christmas, has
availed himself of schooling and getting an AA Degree. She also
shared how blessed they have been with the Angel Tree gifts. Angel
Tree works because of YOU!
We also sent 128 crocheted hats, and 18 various kinds of scarves to
SOAR, a ministry to orphans in Russia. More Pennies From Heaven
provided most of them, but some ladies did scarves too -- they will
be much warmer due to your generosity. Thank you.
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
December 13-Exciting workings of the Lord pervade Joe and Brenda
Ziska, David, and Daniel, in Vienna, Austria with Greater Europe
Mission (GEM). The October Women’s breakfast meeting in
Klosterneuburg went well with 215 women in attendance. Sixteen women
indicated they were interested in a follow-up-meeting, Praise the
Lord! One woman came to the Cappuccino meeting a week later and two
more in November. The husband of one woman spoke with Joe; Joe
shared about his cancer and he was impressed that Joe trusted God
for each day and knew he would be going to heaven when he died. The
man indicated he wanted to study one of the Gospels so Joe asks for
prayer that he takes part in the discussions and becomes intrigued
by the person of Jesus.
Joe and Brenda are looking to start a second monthly service in
Klosterneuburg later on. First they have to build closer
relationships. Pray they continue to find new people and bring them
to the Lord.
The Ziskas have experienced major salary cuts in the last two
months. If you are considering giving a special year-end-gift, it
would be a big help in their finances (they realize too that every
ministry is experiencing the same shortfall).
David, their eldest son, graduated from the University and did very
well. Pray as he seeks work, as does Daniel, in a slow job market
(sound familiar)?
Joe continues to do well and he and boys finished a strenuous
fencing project this summer. Uphold the Ziskas in prayer. Pray for
their financial needs and for Joe’s health-they are wonderful
servants of the Lord!
Howie & JoAnn Brant-Serving in Mission
December 6-"CRAZY FOR JESUS" -- that is how Howie and JoAnn
Brant of Serving In Missions, in Nairobi, Kenya, describe Chinese
missionaries that they have met. Actually, the Chinese said "I
became 'crazy for Jesus.” Becoming a Christian in China is crazy
as they face scandal, opposition,
misunderstanding and sometimes physical persecution. Yet throughout
China there are now millions of "crazies" who love Jesus and are
growing in Him.
Seventy Chinese missionaries went to Pakistan (across the
border), 30 of whom returned due to the harsh realities of
missionary life in an Islamic culture. There is now training to get
the proper orientation and training for those who go out of their
homeland to adjust better.
Another "crazy" is that SIM would enter the remote and restrictive
kingdom of Bhutan. Indian Hindus claim to have 300 million gods of
their own!! Spiritual oppression is almost palpable under the
influence of Buddhism that pervades the country. Four people are now
committed to Bhutan and this small team believes that God will open
a way.
The Brants spoke at an "All Women's Chinese Conference" talking
to 700 Chinese women about world missions. They also spoke in Korea
from 4:30 a.m.-midnight over 20 times in 10 days. Pray for Howie and
JoAnn for strength and wisdom, safety as they travel; for the
encouragement they give to struggling Christians in a very
persecuted
world.
Howie writes "Crazy! You bet! Paul the Apostle was a "crazy" too! He
told the Corinthians. We are fools (crazy) for Christ's sake!" Are
you "crazy for Christ?
Ministry Gift Catalogues
November 29-Can't figure out what to get someone, who has
everything, for Christmas? Take a look at the various Gift
Catalogues on the table in the Narthex. You can give gifts of
chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats up to much larger items to
individuals or groups to help them become self-sufficient & food
sufficient for a period of time; You can also help with health needs
and water purification equipment -- so little can do so much. There
presently are Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, and InterAct
Ministries Gift Catalogues there, also World Concern would probably
have a catalogue -- check online to see what is available.
Children's Church children are giving toward some needs presently;
ask your child what animals they have on their chart. Look outside
the material wants this Christmas and give to help those in need. We
are so blessed. Enjoy the blessing of giving this holiday season --
may the Lord bless you!
ANGEL TREE-Prison Fellowship
November 22-Angel Tree, a Ministry of Prison Fellowship, to the
children of incarcerated parents, is with us once again -- I think
maybe 20-25 years Hillside has been doing this Ministry. The
incarcerated parent fills out an application available at the
Chaplain's office, indicates info on their children, and how to
contact a caregiver. These forms go to the main office, then are
distributed to the states in which the children reside. We ask for a
number of children, find out from their caregivers what they
want/need in the line of a toy, and clothing, not to exceed $20 for
each gift. So each child receives two gifts, but you only buy for
one child, another person will have the second gift Angel.
The Angels will be in the Narthex explaining what the child desires,
you pick out which one you would like, purchase the gift, wrap it,
return it to Church by Dec. 20th, with the top part of the Angel
attached to the package. The gifts will be delivered before
Christmas to the families. A booklet on Christmas is provided for
each child, and we thank Lynn Johnson for her generous contribution
of these books.
Also a tracking record will be paper-clipped to each Angel. Please
fill out your name and phone number, in case it is misplaced, and
leave it with Joyce, or put in the basket. We only have a few
children this year so would appreciate if only one gift Angel be
taken, so more get an opportunity to participate in this valuable
Ministry.
The gifts are given to the children in the name of their parent, so
there is a connection between the child and parent. Under no
circumstance are you connected with the families of these children
or the incarcerated parent unless you would choose to be. Questions
-- ask Joyce Magnusson
Missionary Giving for the Holidays
November 15- Here are some tips for sending gifts to a
missionary that would get to them in time for Christmas.
Cards and letters should be sent directly to the missionary's
personal mailing address. (See p. 25-30 in 2009 Church
Directory)
Before sending a package outside the U.S. ask your missionary
about the customs regulations in the country in which he/she is
serving. Import fees often make it very expensive to receive
packages in foreign countries.
Monetary gifts should be sent to the "Sending Board" office
i.e.,SIM, Overseas Crusade Intl., etc.
For tax-deductible gifts to the ministry of the missionary,
make your check payable to the "Sending Board" and indicate
whose ministry your gift is for on a separate piece of paper.
You will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
For non-tax-deductible gifts, you may send a personal check,
payable to the missionary. Please indicate that it is a personal
Christmas gift. If you are an immediate family member of the
missionary, please indicate that on your check, as well. Make
checks payable to the missionary. These gifts do not qualify for
tax-deductible receipts.
Monetary gifts should arrive by Thanksgiving if the missionary is
to receive it by Christmas.
N.I.C.E. Updates
November 8-In the N.I.C.E. Praise and Prayer letter, we note
that Valley Bible Church, in Kooskia, ID, now has a pastor, Ron
Harris and his wife, Anna, from Cottage Grove, OR. Terry Strunk and
Lisa were there for many years, and are now in the Spokane area in
secular work but still ministering for our Lord.
Bob and Katherine Rodgers, who were with us last Sunday, maintain an
incredible traveling schedule while still caring for Katherine's
Mother..
Roy and Elvia Sprague maintain a traveling schedule that is just
mind-boggling -- WA, OR, CA -- hitting home on occasion.
Jim and Christy Edgell minister at Wishkah Valley Community Church,
in Southwest, WA. They ask for prayer for wisdom in counseling,
ministering in their community, and that they will be a reflection
of Christ when dealing with difficult situations.
Pray for these families, for health, safety, God's guidance and
wisdom in their ministries -- believe me, prayer makes a significant
difference!
Howard & Jo Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
November 1-How does one condense a six-page e-mail into a few
sentences? Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with SIM (Serving In Mission) in
Nairobi, Kenya, are in the midst of a 1 1/2 month trip to Pakistan,
India, Bhutan with Jo-Ann joining him in the Philippines and Korea.
They left September 30th and will return to Nairobi on November
16th, rest a bit and then Howie is off to Ethiopia.
They are visiting SIM missionaries in these various parts of
the world, counseling, blessing them as they struggle in their lives
to tell others of Jesus. They met with 25 "workers" in Lahore,
Pakistan, who had come from England, Korea, China, Ethiopia, and the
USA. Howie's goal is to instruct, encourage, bless and inspire these
"workers" as they will be tired, burned out, discouraged, lonely --
all expecting something from the Lord.
Howie spoke to that particular group on October 1st but his
plea throughout the six pages is that God would give him a special
message to encourage all those he comes in contact with as they
travel.
As you must know, some countries are not particularly
friendly to Christians so their contacts must be discreet. Praise
the Lord-- one Christian man who ministers in Bhutan (the only
Buddhist Kingdom in the world) cannot be thrown out of his country
for ministering but they may not share their faith openly and can
only worship in their own home. Another PTL is that SIM has opened a
recruiting office in North East India and they have another couple
ready to go in and join him into Bhutan.
Today, November 1st, they leave Davao, Philippines, go to Incheon
and Seoul, Korea, before heading back to Nairobi. Howie asks for
prayer for the Lord to keep them strong as we "run for Jesus."
Please be faithful in upholding all our missionaries in prayer:
safety, health, people problems, strength, wisdom!
Vladimir & Nadia Savich-Slavic Gospel Association
October 25-Vladimir and Nadia Savich, with Slavic Gospel
Association, minster in Zviriv, Ukraine. They give praise to the
Lord for our continued prayers and support. They also praise God for
the strength He grants and how He keeps blessing their work in His
field at this hard time.
This Summer 25 young church members took on the task to rewrite some
books from the Bible, and in doing so write out the words which they
did not comprehend on a separate sheet and do a word study. Others
in Christ agreed and started doing this with great enthusiasm. He
states it is an odd way to do the work but he has noticed that they
appreciate the work of their predecessors more and study the
Scripture more thoroughly. At the end of this Summer they had a
special copy of the Bible, written by hand. (Want to take this on?)
Ten people made a commitment to Christ but are not yet ready for
baptism (this was where last year they had the first baptism in 70
years -- Praise the Lord!)
They need prayer for a new space to meet in Lutsk, so now they
gather together in an apartment. Vladimir asks for prayer for him to
be a "wise minister."
Richard & Connie Smith, Camas Meadows Bible Camp, Chris & Mel
Bjorgen
October 18-Word from Richard and Connie Smith, Prayer Resolution
with Cross Resources, Inc., say they had a "vacation" -- something
that doesn't occur often enough for them! They went on a 4-day
cruise and also spent 4 weeks working with people on Prayer
Resolution in Florida. They need wisdom as they look toward the
coming year as to where to live. Currently they are counseling in
Minnesota. Their granddaughter, Katianna returned from a mission
trip to Ireland. She was blessed as other members of the team gave
so that she could go. Richard has lab tests this month; continue to
uphold him in prayer.
Camas Meadows Bible Camp relates some exciting decisions for the
Lord during Camps this Summer, and Counselors tell of how the Lord
worked through them, and in them, during Camp. On Nov. 6-8 they will
have the third Fall CamasCon Retreat for Christian gamers. Every
year it has grown as believers from around the Northwest come to
Camas to share in fun, fellowship, and friendly competition of
playing board games in a Christian atmosphere -- food is great and
an opportunity to connect with other gamers. If you are interested
the website is: www.camasmeadows.org/camascon.
From Chris and Mel Bjorgen and baby Evangeline we learn they are at
74% support trusting in the Lord for full support so they can be in
Belize by January. This coming Summer there will be an increase in
teams coming to the Belize Mission and Retreat and the Bjorgens
presence is much-needed. PRAY that hearts will be touched for their
ministry and they'll have full support soon.
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Overseas Crusades
October 11-Michael and Athena Kantartjis with Overseas Crusades,
minister in their homeland of Athens, Greece. Michael's Prayer
letters always abound with Praises to the Lord. He states:
"Because we live in the end times, we need more than anything else
to live in close fellowship and relationship with God. When we know
God, we can be filled with His power, love, and life every day as a
glorious, triumphant Christian.”
We need to:
TALK as well as LISTEN to God. This is done through much
prayer every day. This is the ONLY way we have the power to face
and win over the pressures of the day.
DEVOTE ourselves to prayer in order to know His will for our
lives.
WAIT on the Lord. This is the only way we can receive the
truth from God about ourselves, the world, and the church.
CONCENTRATE on prayer in order to receive faith from the
Lord. Without this faith we cannot believe that "With God
everything is possible."
DISCIPLINE ourselves through prayer. In such prayer times we
experience His presence and divine life to overflowing in our
lives.
Michael has a newspaper which has brought many people to the
Center where they meet three times a week. They hear the message of
salvation through Jesus Christ, humble themselves, and ask the Lord
to save them.
Uphold Michael and Athena in their work, the financial needs are
great but in all things Michael gives praise to the Lord!
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
October 4-Carol Magnusson with Wycliffe Bible Translators in
Jos, Nigeria, requested prayer as they go on Survey. The Survey Team
of 4 left Jos on Friday, the 2nd, for a two hour drive to what is
called the Koro Cluster (focusing on a language in that cluster
called Nyenkpa). They plan to be in that area for about 12 days.
John, a Nigerian Surveyor, will be leading the Team.
PRAY for wisdom for him as this is the first time he is leading a
Survey. PRAY for health, safety, that her vehicle stays "healthy"
(she is driving her own car), hospitality among the Nyenkpa, and
people that will help obtain the information they need.
PRAISE and PRAYER for Erika (the other female Surveyor) returned
Stateside two weeks. She needed more medical help than what was
available in Nigeria. PRAY the doctors can diagnose what is wrong,
giving them extra wisdom.
Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministry
September 27-THE STRALEY NEWS comes from Valen and Carol
Straley with InterAct Ministry, in Kamloops, British Columbia, with
the Kamloops Native Church. Both Valen and Carol grew up at Hillside
Community Church, and are teaching and reaching out to the Native
Indians. He teaches in church and during Bible Study each week;
Carol is challenged by the children that span from 5 to 18; and both
spend much time on the phone and over coffee helping people through
their troubles. "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching
everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in
Christ." -Colossians 1:27-29
In early July we asked for prayer for Crystal Cote of the Kamloops
Native Church as she was led to go with an "all white" group to
Guatemala to minister for 10 days. Talk about stepping out of ones
"comfort zone" she also prepared by taking a Spanish course and
raised the finances to go. She was blessed and was able to touch
many lives -- thank you for your prayers for Crystal.
Hot and dry summers mean many fires in BC; thankfully no lives were
lost, very few houses, and the rain and wind have taken away the
heavy smoke that lingered for several weeks.
Summer was a grand time of family reunions. On the McKenzie side
there were 25 gathered in Wenatchee for a time of games, hiking,
playing in the river, and enjoying Leavenworth. Then in August,
Valen and Carol hosted the Straley family reunion with over 30
family members. Again they enjoyed games, and lots of visiting
especially with cousins to renew friendships. Valen was able to
dedicate two of the little ones to the Lord -- how precious!
The Kamloops Native Church is growing in spirit and this Fall they
are sponsoring a Native Men's Retreat, and more outreach events.
They praise the Lord for your prayers and support.
MISSION TIDBITS:
September 20-In Vienna, Austria, Brenda Ziska with Greater
Europe Mission (GEM)
asks for prayer as there will be a follow-up group called
"Cappuccino
for the Soul" on September 24. These ladies attended a large
Breakfast meeting in early June, and have expressed a further
interest
in spiritual matters. PRAY IN THE LATE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 23RD,
WEDNESDAY for the Leaders and the interested ladies.
Roy and Elvia Sprague with N.I.C.E. (Northwest Independent Church
Extension) conducted four Vaction Bible Schools this Summer. Roy
says "What God has planned for these boys and girls far exceeds
anything we could imagine. I'm so glad I received as my Saviour in a
VBS in 1940." The "Sprague Update" is on the Bulletin Board to
see the faces of these beautiful children as they hear and learn of
Jesus. PRAY for Roy and Elvia's always busy schedule as they travel
throughout the Pacific Northwest, and for their continued good
health.
As David and Phyllis Enns prepared to return to Singapore, PRAY for
the Lord's guidance for them as they seek His will in the direction
of
their lives in serving Him.
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
September 13-“Power and light...that's electricity! (response
needed)!”
That comes from Carol Magnusson, in Jos, Nigeria, with Wycliffe
Bible Translators. Power is a very sporadic commodity and she needs
input on an alternative power source. NEPA (Nigeria's electric
company) rarely works consistently; she uses candles often;
generator is OK but expensive and sometimes there are fuel
shortages. Batteries are fine except they need recharging which
needs an electric source which isn't dependable. Solar is great but
not so good in the rainy season and rechargeable batteries need to
be replaced every four years -- she is open to any suggestions!!
The Language Survey Team is finishing up the Obe cluster survery
report. Some questions they present to the people groups they visit
are: "Would you (Language X) allow your daughter to marry someone
from Language Y? If not, why not?" Strange but the answers depend on
how they interact with another language group. There have been cases
when the Bible translation is complete, then they find out a
particular group can not or will not read the Bible. Pray for
Nationals to learn to do Survey work.
From Nov. 4-11th, Carol will be attending a workshop helping their
organization to deal with crises which may arise. She asks for
Prayer
for those attending that they will learn well, be compassionate,
communicate, and apply what they learn to the situations around
them.
Carol expresses her gratefulness to her many supporters. She is
truly
blessed -- thank you!
Joe & Brenda Zisk-Greater Europe Mission
September 6-"Danke fur deine Gebete! Es ist ein ganz
grosses Wunder!"…
"Thank you for your prayers! It's a great big MIRACLE!" Joe and
Brenda Ziska and Gabi and the Kagran Church in Austria, with Greater
Europe Mission, sent this a few days ago.
First of all, we praise the Lord that Brenda came through surgery
successfully on July 22, and is now fully healed.
They had asked us to pray that the Kindergarten (day-care center) be
completed, inspected, AND approved in order to start August 31st.
Gabi asked Brenda to thank us for praying through a very
"faith-stretching" time. Those are her words at the top of this
Focus!
The officials were surprised that the facility was so lovely,
considering the amount of money she had received in the grant. They
went from room to room sayings words like "great" and "super." They
loved that the children's bathroom was sized to the children; very
modern; the kitchen was super. They made some suggestions but didn't
mark down anything as bad -- very cooperative. Gabi knew people were
praying. Meetings before had been very strained with the officials,
but none of that was noticed during the
inspection. God went before them in every aspect. As the officials
left they all wished her "Alles Gute!" -- all the best!
There will be a meeting on September 24th as a follow up for the
ladies breakfast -- Cappuccino for the Soul - for those more
interested in learning about our Lord. Then another breakfast in
mid-October.
We will keep you updated on that. Pictures of the day-care center,
before and after, are on the Mission Bulletin Board.
Shared Hope International
August 30-Shared Hope International, an organization started by
Linda Smith in Vancouver, WA many years ago is a growing ministry.
Books could be filled with success examples of young, very young,
girls exploited in sex trafficking throughout the world. Some
parents, due to their poor conditions sell their daughters; others
are drugged with a sweet tea and wake up thousands of miles away
trapped in a nightmare of continuous sexual slavery. If they should
somehow be able to return to their home, they are ostracized due to
the life they have unavoidably been involved in.
Shared Hope is involved in freeing these girls from their slavery
but also in prosecuting, protecting and preventing this thriving
“business.” We at Hillside help in the support of this ministry and
this assists in :
Outreach workers continue to go to the streets, brothels,
truck stops, and other places where the girls are being sold.
Meeting personal needs-bottled water with their hotline
number on the bottom, compact mirrors with the hotline number
hidden inside the lid.
Keeping hotlines manned, often with those who were slaves
themselves
Supporting drop-in centers where the girls can get medical
care, and see it is possible to get free
In both Jamaica and Fiji they are expanding vocational
services so they can learn a trade, and help the 13 and 14 year
old moms who still need mothering themselves.
Pray for this vital ministry. If you are interested further,
check out www.sharedhope.org
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
August 16-Carol Magnusson, with Wycliffe Bible Translators, in
Jos, Nigeria, seems to have been keeping busy helping some of those
who are having difficulty adjusting to their new lives in Jos. Her
co-worker, Erika, has been having difficulty adjusting, came down
with malaria, and with this rainy, cloudy season, appears to have
SADD. A new young couple, Chris and Christy Winkler are struggling
with adjustments and their 7-month old son, Judah, had a fluctuating
102-104 temp -- frightening here at home let alone in a foreign
country.
The Team won't be going on another Survey trip until September due
to the rain which makes the dirt roads very difficult and dangerous
to navigate. Last week they had to go to another city to get
fingerprinted. Not a too-friendly city either. About a half an hour
out from the city they got a call saying the place was closed. Carol
kept on going and when they got there, the place was open. They went
through a lot of check points, and some wanted her to open her car
trunk -- it doesn't open, so she had to convince them that she
wasn't carrying anything they didn't want, and they let her go
through; they returned to Jos by 2:30. Traveling during dusk and
nighttime is very dangerous, so they have to plan their travel
accordingly.
She said they had about 4 hours total of electricity from Monday to
Friday one week, and is looking into getting solar power. It is very
expensive, so she is busy looking into that possibility in the
future. Pray for her co-workers, and for a reliable power source.
The sun is up at 6:30 a.m. and goes down at 6:30 p.m. year around --
she uses a lot of candles!
Howard & Joanne Brant-Serving in Mission
August 2- Leading a Bible Conference of 5!! Alice, a student of
Howie Brant (Serving In Mission, Nairobi, Kenya), asked him if he
would teach them. This was on the edge of Nairobi in a church with a
single room in an unfinished apartment block in the slum area. A
long extension cord brought power to the single light bulb which
worked on occasion. The drive was an experience of its own; Howie
took his 4-wheeler to get there. Normally a 20 minute drive, took
one hour going and 1 1/2 hrs. on his return.
Alice sleeps on the floor of this building with vagrants wandering
about, escaping physical harm. Expecting thirty students, they began
with five: a pastor from Uganda; youth minister from Tanzania; two
lady preachers; and Patrick who wants to be a world evangelist
Monday the carpenter was loudly banging; then the ziiinning of a
skill saw, followed by a grinder; tentmaker cutting metal pipes;
then loud singing and prayer as there was another church using the
abandoned building as well.
In the middle of a lesson two women walked in off the street; one
appeared to be drunk. All believers gathered and prayed, called to
God to save them -- and He did!! A stranger walked in on the last
day, sat down, and was looking for work. Asked if he was believer he
said no; the plan of salvation was presented to him and he accepted
Christ into his life!!
At the end, Alice said, "We need people to teach us the true Word
of God." What a blessing! God called Howie to this group and he
followed... do we? In the next number of months, Howie & Jo Ann
travel to Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Philippines, Korea, and back to
Angola -- before Christmas. Pray for them as they speak to the high
and mighty, the poor and lowly.
POM & EYFC School Supply Ministry & Samaritans Purse Shoebox
Ministry
August 2-School supplies are on sale in abundance now, and
the need to help supply students is great!
Plateau Outreach Ministries along with the Enumclaw Youth and
Family Services, is asking for donations in providing for more than
300 low-income students in our community. The following supplies
will be collected until Aug. 13, and should be taken to the Enumclaw
Youth Center (next to the Senior Center in Enumclaw): backpacks,
calculators, binders, packs of paper, colored pencils, No. 2 plain
yellow pencils, rulers, tissue boxes, packs of pens, glue bottles &
sticks, crayons (16 count), watercolor markers (8 count), scissors,
pencil sharpeners, packs of erasers, spiral notebooks, Mead
composition notebooks, folders with pockets and dividers. Only new
supplies please.
With all the school supply sales, think Operation Shoebox that we
participate in every year. Items needed for Shoebox are: plain
yellow pencils, sharpeners, crayons, erasers, notebooks that fit
shoeboxes, ball point pens, T-shirts, small stuffed animals,
washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath-size bar soap, combs,
individually wrapped hard candy, small toys, socks, mittens hats,
etc. All new or in excellent condition. No liquids i.e., shampoo,
lotion, glue or glue sticks. And don’t forget to save your
shoeboxes. Put all supplies in the room next to the fireside room.
Thank you!!
July 26-Missionary Updates:
Brenda Ziska, in Vienna, with Greater Europe Mission, had
hernia surgery on July 22nd. PRAY for her healing, and for Joe,
David, and Daniel.
Crystal Cote, a member of the Fellowship that Valen and Carol
Straley minister to in Kamloops, B.C, returns today from a
10-day short term mission trip in Guatemala. PRAY for her as she
returns from a "spiritual" high, and reality hits; that she will
be a continuing witness to those around her.
David and Phyllis Enns with World Team in Singapore, are on
leave until October 2 -- they ask for PRAYER that they will be
ambassadors for Christ wherever they go.
Michael and Athena Kantartjis were honored for their 42 1/2
years of ministry with Overseas Crusades, in Athens, Greece.
PRAY for his continued strength and for his family as they
minister through the Holy Spirit.
Hillside’s Dominican Republic Team needs upholding in PRAYER
as they help construct a building; Eva as she leads the
children's Day Camp; for tolerance to the heat and humidity, and
strength to do their work.
John and Mel Bjorgen with Baptist General Conference, are at
70% support in reaching those in Belize. PRAY for the remaining
30% needed and God will give them specific direction in their
ministry.
Hillside DR Mission Team
July 19-For the Dominican Republic Team, some maybe are
anticipating the "unknown" jitters, others are "experienced" at
this, and we all wonder "how is Lucy going to do." The DR Mission
Team departure is Friday, July 24th. PRAY that they get everything
together, have a good night's sleep, and are well-rested for their
long flight.
The Team will be working with KIDS ALIVE in Jarabacoa during
construction work on an addition to Centro Educativo Vida. They will
no doubt have interaction with many children, come to love them in a
very short period of time, see the joy as they receive the many
school supplies you all have given, and realize how much we have in
our
lives. And that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives to live
more fully for Him and serve Him.
Our Sunday School Children's Church Mission focus is KIDS ALIVE. The
offering your child brings to Children's Church is sent to help with
the needs of these children in the DR. Maybe some day some of your
young children will be going to help there too!
PRAY for extra funds if needed by individual Team members; travel
safety; Team cohesiveness; health; strength; interpersonal
relationships; responsibility to their Leader 's; and God would be
glorified.
Teams members are: Andy, Eva, & Lucy Means, Bill & Kyle Thomson,
Thomas & Rachel Vaerewyck, Walter Hammermeister, Michael Vaerewyck,
Kevor Duncan, Keiko Mizoguchi, and Paige Burhrle. PRAY for them &
their families.
Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministry in Kamloops, B.C.
July 12-As we prepare to send a Team to the Dominican Republic
on a short-term mission trip, there is an excitement that builds up
when we are "sending our own." Valen and Carol Straley with InterAct
Ministry in Kamloops, B.C., are experiencing that same excitement
with CRYSTAL COTE, a woman who is part of their fellowship. Crystal
is going to Guatemala on a summer-mission trip.
Crystal is taking a large step of faith as she leaves July 16th
for 10 days. She will be going with strangers— a very big step for
her. They will be working with missionaries who have schools for
orphans, so they will be doing physical work on buildings and
teaching the children however they can help. They will be moving
around as needed.
Crystal has presently overcome a challenge in her life—that of
smoking. Crystal, upon hearing about this trip, immediately went out
and got her passport, took a Spanish class, and quit smoking.
PRAY that God will work mightily in her life as she sees another
way of life; for her family; pray for her two teenage boys that do
not know the Lord and that lives will be touched by her following
the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Voice of the Martyrs
July 5-In the July, 2009, Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), here is a
follow-up story. Marital Bliss for a Former Guerrilla - Maria was
once a violent guerrilla soldier. She fought for the FARC -- Armed
Revolutionary Forces of Colombia -- and believed God was dead. After
running away from her Christian parents and joining the guerrillas,
her leg was
blown off by a mine. Her comrades abandoned her, but when Christians
rescued her she found the true, living God. VOM helped her get a new
prosthetic leg. Now Maria works at a Christian radio station helping
spread God's word to her former associates. In February, Maria
married a believer.
NOTE: Hillside Seniors have made 33 parachutes to send to a Colombia
pilot who flies into the jungles where the FARC is located. He drops
these "chutes which have Bibles, shortwave radios, and Christian
literature attached so the FARC have access to God's Word --this is
"manna from heaven." See the Mission Bulletin Board to see more
"follow-up" stories in VOM, and a sample of a parachute.
Ron & Bonnie
Johnson-MGF & Michael & Athena Kantartjis-OC
June 28-Ron and Bonnie Johnson (former pastor at Carbonado)
currently with
Missionary Gospel Fellowship (MGF), minister at Fort Lewis. Bonnie
was praising the Lord for the Protestant Women Of the Chapel (PWOC)
ministry at Ft. Lewis. On March 21st Ann Graham Lotz spoke to a
crowd of more than 800 women at an event Bonnie and PWOC friends
helped plan and coordinate. PRAY that God will continue to work in
the hearts of those who came.
Michael and Athena Kantartjis, in Athens, Greece, with Overseas
Crusades, had a special evangelistic meeting in a hotel. Many came
in spite of the weather and heard the Gospel of salvation by grace
through faith and repentance. The theme was "Repentance--the gift of
God." When the salvation invitation was given, thirty-five people
made a decision for Jesus Christ. The meeting ended in a time of
blessed fellowship.
In spite of many needs, Michael always gives praise to his Lord.
PRAY
for the incredible ministry the Lord has given to Michael, Athena,
and their family.
Camas Meadows Bible Camp
June 21-CAMAS MEADOWS BIBLE CAMP is ready for the Summer Camping
Season to begin. Camps start at the end of June and they go through
to August 17-22. Camps are:
June 29-July 4 - Jr. High Teen Camp 1 for teens entering 7-8
Grade
July 6-11 - Jr. High Teen Camp 2 for teens entering 7-8 Grade
July 13-18 - Sr. High Teen Camp for teens entering 9-11 Grade
July 27-Aug. 1 - Jr. A Camp for kids entering 4-6 Grade
Aug 3-8 - Teen Discipleship Camp for Christian teens ages 14-19
Aug 17-22 - Jr. B Camp for kids entering 4-6 Grade
This Camp is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian Camp
located in the mountains of Central Washington (Leavenworth &
Cashmere are the closest towns). It is located in a peaceful outdoor
setting and operational year-round for fun in the sunshine and snow.
A Men's Retreat will be held Sep. 25-27. For Board Gamers, there is
a Retreat Nov. 6-9. The website is: www.camasmeadows.org
for Camp Registrations (dates have been extended for Campers),
and other Camp activities. Camp information is available in the
Narthex.
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
June 14-THIRTY YEARS serving the Lord in Vienna, Austria, with
Greater Europe Mission leaves Joe and Brenda Ziska rejoicing! What
tremendous changes in that time and they give the Lord all the
praise and glory! We have been blessed at Hillside Community to be a
part of their ministry for those many years. They celebrate 25 years
of the Biblical Education on Location (training church leaders) and
rejoice that over 1150 church leaders and lay people throughout
Austria, Germany, and Switzerland have theological training.
The Klosterneuburg Women's Breakfasts continue to be well-attended
with follow-up meetings called "Cappuccino for the Soul." On June 18
a group of ladies will meet with Brenda for this follow-up -- please
pray on June 17th if you are awake at 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for this
group (that will be a.m. Vienna time). Specifically for Sylvia who
thinks Brenda brings her "luck" while Brenda keeps pointing her to
Christ. Pray for salvation for the other ladies too!
From March 29-April 5th over 56,500 people answered the invitation
to come to Christ at the Pro Christ Crusade in 18 countries in
Europe. Pray for follow-up work!
The Kagran Church now has a home, not the one they thought they
would have when they were here, but even better -- AMAZING, GOD!!
Daniel, their son, has been hired part-time to work on the
renovation of their new Church building. And Joe's PSA readings have
remained under zero with the medication -- Praise the Lord!
Pictures are on the Missionary Board.
Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources Inc.
June 7-Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources, Inc.,
Prayer Resolution Counseling, are both presently in Chandler, AZ.
Connie was traveling in the U.S. while Richard stayed home, dealing
with his cancer fight, and helping his daughter and granddaughter
acquaint themselves with Prayer Resolution.
They have been blessed to have people who teach Prayer Resolution in
the States and throughout the world. As Dan said at a meeting a
number of months ago -- they are multiplying themselves. They have a
family in a sensitive area of the world that is doing Prayer
Resolution and training (and multiplying) many to teach others -- a
fantastic blessing. Pray for them -- God knows who you are bringing
before Him!
Cross Resources website is: www.cross-resources.org and for
those who keep updated on Richard's cancer and also to promote the
lifestyle changes he feels has helped him in his cancer fight, see
www.keys-to-living.com.
N.I.C.E. - Northwest Independent Church Extension
May 31-Bob and Katherine Rodgers Praise the Lord that her
mother's brain tumor has shrunk from a golf ball-size to pea-size
and she is able to do more by herself. Doctors have no explanation
-- but we know!! Certainly answered prayer.
Praise the Lord - Mark Wilson has formally accepted the
invitation to plant a church in DuPont, WA, through N.I.C.E. with
the hope of beginning in the Fall of 2010; Bob Rodgers has been
involved in this process with Bible Study in DuPont.
Don and Jody Wantland have been traveling every Sunday morning to
do the worship service at Shelton Bible Church. Pray for God's
provision of a Missionary Pastor for this Church; also safety and
wisdom for Don and Jody.
David and Nancy Martin, Calvary Bible Church, in Manzanita, OR,
have been having physical and health problems; uphold them in
prayer.
Roy and Elvia Sprague always have a busy schedule. They will be
presenting five Vacation Bible School sessions throughout the
Pacific
Northwest Area. Pray for their safety as they travel; health as they
mingle with so many children and adults; and strength (they are in
their 70's) -- lots of strength.
Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries
May 24-Valen and Carol Straley said Spring has finally come
to Kamloops, B.C., where they serve with InterAct Ministries. Valen
was privileged to have a child dedication last month. Many families
hadn't done this with their older children, so it became a time of
family dedication. People all gathered around each child and prayed
for their salvation, growth, and walk in the Lord. It was a very
moving time. We here at Hillside can come alongside and uphold them
in PRAYER.
Bible Studies have been well-attended as they go through I Samuel
with Valen teaching. The fellowship is growing with sometimes 50-60
people coming, especially on potluck Sunday! This July, Crystal Cote
is taking a huge step of faith and will be going on a summer mission
trip to Guatemala. She will be going with strangers and has trusted
God to help her stop smoking -- she needs our PRAYERS!
Their son-in-law Peter, has completed his 16-month course of
airplane mechanics. He was honored with the title of Best All-Around
Student" which thrilled and excited the whole family!. He is working
at Heli-Jet in Vancouver, five days on, five days off -- not ideal
-- again much PRAYER needed for Peter, Amy, and the 3 children.
Valen and Jake (grandson) ran together in a 5K race; 20 years
since Valen ran a race, and a first for Jake -- but they both
enjoyed
the experience. See some pictures on the Mission Board, and ---PRAY!
Howie & Jo Ann Brant- Serving in Mission, Nairobi, Kenya
May 17-A letter from Howie Brant, in Nairobi, Kenya, with
Serving in Mission, came May 7th. Howie and Getachew, an Ethiopian
student who has a passion for the Somali people, left on May 8th to
Issiolo for a conference with Boran Christian leaders. They expected
about 70 of them from Northern Kenya and a few from Nairobi. They
had three days of intense teaching, and now are divided into two
groups for a week of evangelism among the Boran-speaking people.
Pray for Howie and Getachew as they evangelize these people; that
they would clearly express the challenge of the Gospel -- not only
to embrace it and be blessed by it, but be a blessing to others.
That God would work a miracle in the lives of these peoples. Pray
that God would use these people to evangelize their own who speak
the same language as the Boran.
See the Missionary Board with more information on the Brants. Should
you want the information/letters -- please free to take it -- they
are for you.
David & Phyllis Enns-World Team in Singapore
May 10-David and Phyllis Enns with World Team in Singapore
have wrapped up work with the new Area Director, Albert Ehmann. Now
they are getting some much-needed rest. Their home has served as a
guesthouse for workers coming through for medical, ministry break,
and other needs.
This is a time of transition for Phyllis and David ending the
year very tired. Getting back to "normal" has been more difficult
than they imagined. They would like to make a decision regarding
their future ministry by mid-May. Please pray that they would be
sensitive to God's leading -- they continue to be drawn to Papua.
They had lost some dear friends recently and some with deep medical
problems. A bright spot is that their deceased son's friend had
wandered from the Lord, but is now back with Him -- Praise the Lord!
Phyllis and David hold on to Jesus because He is the only One Who
has the words of eternal life.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER May 7, 2009
May 3-Shirley Dobson says "Our nation is in desperate need of
intercession. Despite our sophisticated technology and military
prowess, the crises facing our country have left our leaders
perplexed and uncertain. Human answers fall short; we must look
heavenward.
Scripture tells us nations rise and fall at God's command, and the
hearts of rulers are in His hand. If healing is to come to our land,
the Almighty's wisdom must be sought in humility, repentance, and
supplication.
II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name will
humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their
wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land."
The theme for this year is PRAYER--AMERICA'S HOPE based on Psalm
33:22 "May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we
put our hope in You." Although our present troubles may appear
insurmountable, we can take heart in knowing that we serve a God of
mercy, compassion, and power.
The insert in your bulletin will give you ideas on prayer; the Emry
Chapel is now a lovely Prayer Room, and will be open all day
Thursday. The setting is very comfortable for praying alone, or with
a group, so avail yourselves of the Chapel, OR pray with whom, or
wherever you desire.
The Focus for National Day of Prayer: Government, Military, Media,
Business, Education, Church, and Family. Thursday, at noon, at the
Enumclaw City Hall will be a time of Prayer -- a real joy to unite
in prayer with the body of Christ. What does Prayer have to do with
Missions? -- EVERYTHING! -- uphold your missionaries in much prayer.
Hillside Dominican Republic Missions Team
April 26-The Mission trip to the Dominican Republic is
closing in and here are some notes on the trip. The Team is working
with KIDS ALIVE and will be in Jarabacoa doing construction work on
an addition to Centro Educativo Vida. They will be leaving Sea-Tac
on July 24th and will return August 2nd; the Means' will extend a
few days. Ready to go are: Andy, Eva, and Lucy Means, Bill and Kyle
Thomson, Thomas and Rachel Vaerewyck, Walter Hammermeister, Michael
Vaerewyck, Kevor Duncan, Keiko Mizoguchi, and Page Buehrle. Keep
this list handy so you can be in prayer for them: all they
need to go on the trip, i.e., funds, passports; travel safety; Team
cohesiveness; health; strength; and that God would be glorified in
their lives through this Mission trip.
KIDS ALIVE is also the mission focus for Children's Church. The
offering your child brings is sent to help with the needs of the
children in the Domican Republic. Some SUPPLIES that are needed:
crayons, colored markers, colored pencils, individual pencil
sharpeners, scissors (kids and adults), colored construction paper,
large staplers (and staples), and children's books in Spanish.
**Clip this, pray, and help purchase needed supplies.
John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference
April 19-Way back in October, 2008, we introduced our newest
missionaries to you in our Mission Focus -- John and Mel Bjorgen,
with Baptist General Conference Missions. Well, now there is another
Bjorgen — Evangeline Rachel, born January 16, 2009, 6# 10 oz., 20"
long. Due to the baby's heart rate dropping 4 times in 12 hours, the
decision was to take her C-section. In their prayer letter the
Bjorgen’s write: "The overwhelming love we had for her came in an
instant. The following week was filled with sleepless nights and the
trial and error of nursing. Soon though, the baby learned to nurse
very well and is a champion eater and she is now on an awesome
schedule. We actually get sleep! Praise the Lord for His
protection!" (Pictures on the Mission Board).
The need for their presence in Gales Point, Belize, is great. They
are a little more than halfway in their support level. August is
their goal for being in Belize. Even in this down economy time they
are assured God will provide for their needs to be met to get to His
work in Belize. Be in continued prayer for them as they seek
support.
Carol Magnusson- Wycliff Bible Translators
April 12-Carol Magnusson, with Wycliffe Bible Translators,
returned to her home in Jos, Nigeria (Africa), on Friday, April 3rd.
She will be gone for four years as the Language Survey program
continues in Nigeria.
Returning home found some things needed doing immediately: she
needed a stove, so a "loaner" is being used; car needed things done
to it; electricity on only about 8 hours and that is late at night
to about 8 a.m. She hopes to eventually buy a generator, so at
least the frig can remain constant, and will need a stove soon, too.
Please pray about these needs being met.
Carol asked for prayer on their upcoming survey starting April 14th.
They will go to Cross River State down south and survey the Obe
language. Lots of spiritual opposition as a translation has
already been attempted numerous times and failed due to unusual
health problems with the missionaries. Pray that God would
have His way and that Satan would be bound, and be unable to stop
the Christians in the area. This is not a Muslim area, but
rather Christian and African traditional religion. Pray
also for good health of all 7 going, no fear, strength, meeting with
the right people in the right towns to get the correct information,
good relations among the surveyors, that the Christians there would
be encouraged, and we would glorify God through our lives and the
work we are doing.
World Vision
April 5-WORLD VISION is a Christian humanitarian organization
dedicated to working with children, families and their communities
worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of
poverty and injustice.
They are motivated by their faith in Jesus Christ and serve
alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's
unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people,
regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
In Rwanda 14,000 children die in a day from hunger -- they have
nothing to eat! A once exuberant-sounding home with children now is
quiet as these children isolate themselves in desperate hunger.
You are acquainted with World Vision maybe through Vacation Bible
School where the mission focus was on helping, or seeing Rebecca Lee
helping you in choosing a child to support. Today a gift will be
multiplied 8x providing life-saving Family Food Packs.
Be in much prayer for this area and the ministry of World Vision.
See the Mission Board for more information.
Samaritan's Purse
March 29-From Samaritan’s Purse we hear of the peril of Darfur
refugees in the Sudan: The indictment of the President of
Sudan has led the government of Sudan to expel over a dozen
international aid organizations, putting at risk more than a million
lives in this war-torn region.
Only by God’s grace has Samaritan’s Purse been allowed to stay in
Darfur, where they already feed over 200,000 victims of the
fighting. As the help runs out, Samaritan’s Purse resources are
being stretched as they trust God to meet the overwhelming needs in
the Name of Jesus Christ.
These people are in desperate need of food, water, medical care,
and other emergency assistance. Many of these are widows with
children.
Samaritan’s Purse asks for your prayers and support. The area is
extremely difficult with bandits and rebels, scorching desert
weather, and virtually unreached by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please uphold this life-changing ministry.
SOAR International Ministries-Kenai, AK
Mar. 22-SOAR International Ministries, located in Kenai, AK, is
a Christian Mission dedicated to service and outreach in Beslan,
Russia. SOAR seeks the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus
Christ by providing ministry teams and needed humanitarian aid.
Teams minister through children’s camp programs, orphanage outreach
ministry and remodel projects, Vacation Bible school, the “STUFF A
STOCKING” project, BASKETS OF HOPE project, evangelistic meetings,
and other ministries.
The knitting/crocheting group at Hillside, Enumclaw Senior Center
knitting group and Pennies from Heaven provided/knitted scarves and
hats for the SOAR winter mission trip to Russia. “Thank you so
much for your thoughtfulness in giving these gifts which will be
used in our ministry. May God bless you richly.”
Pray for SOAR as they minister in these many areas, and for
finances as they’re currently readying BASKETS OF HOPE for Easter
distribution. These baskets (I.e. baskets, tote bags, backpacks)
contain warm clothes, fruit, sweets, toys, games, school and
personal hygiene items. Most importantly each child receives a
Russian children’s Bible. See the Mission bulletin board for more
information on this ministry.
“...They will soar on wings like eagles…” Isaiah 40:31
CAMAS MEADOWS BIBLE CAMP
March 15-Camas Meadows Bible Camp has long-time ties with
Hillside Community Church. Thirty-six years ago we helped build the
Camp and have helped in various ways since then. Many campers have
come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in those years --
Praise the Lord!
We are praising the Lord for a full schedule this Winter for Snow
Camps; in the Summer of 2008 they had over 270 campers in the 7
Camps; they have Paintball Tournaments; a Gamers Retreat coming up
April 3-5; the Camp is available for Men's, and Women's Retreats.
Coming up in May is the Camas Meadows Ladies Retreat on May 15-17
which is comprised of women from all around the State -- a neat time
of making eternal friendships. Contact Kate Percival, 825-3165, or
Joyce Magnusson, 825-1489, if you are interested.
Memorial Weekend is time well spent preparing the Camp for the
Summer Campers, putting your work talents to use, and a time of
fellowship. A new Board Member, Ken Mattheis of Enumclaw, also works
with a men's ministry Bootcamp NW.
Camas is looking to getting electricity up to the Camp. Please pray
for financial help in this area, and the general fund for running
the Camp.
Camas Meadows Bible Camp is located 17 miles over Bluett Pass, then
7 miles up into the mountains. It was named for the magnificent
wildflower, Blue Camas, and the meadows up there are covered with
these lovely flowers. Take a drive in June to see this beauty.
For contact information: scruffy@camasmeadows.org, or their website:
www.camasmeadows.org/jrhighwinterblast.php.
N.I.C.E Missionary Updates
March 8-A note from Richard and Connie Smith, Cross Resources,
Inc., said that his most recent tests on his cancer showed that the
"holes had disappeared" in his bones and the oncologist is delighted
with his progress. Now instead of quarterly check-ups, he is
scheduled for every 6 months -- what a tremendous praise! Continue
to uphold both Richard and Connie in their health and ministry of
Prayer Resolution Counseling.
N.I.C.E. Leadership is busy traveling and ministering to many
churches.
Roy and Elvia Sprague minister to a different church each week; pray
for their safety and health.
Bob and Katherine Rodgers also are busy visiting many churches, and
also Kathy is primary caretaker for her mother who suffers from
terminal cancer; uphold them in their various responsibilities.
Terry and Lisa Strunk are in transition from Kooskia, ID, to
Spokane. Pray for the sale or rent of their home in Kooskia so the
family can be together.
During Christmas in the Ukraine and other nearby countries there was
a Slavic Gospel Association-sponsored Immanuel's Child reaching out
to 14,588 children. Two hundred sixty-two churches participated in
nine countries. Six hundred forty children and 107 adults repented
and 1,030 children started attending Sunday School -- what a
tremendous praise!! Continue to pray for these children and adults
as they grow and are being fed spiritually.
Pray for Carol Magnusson, Wycliffe Bible Translators, returning
April 1, 2009, to Jos, Nigeria, for 4 years. Pray that she will be
able to get everything she needs packed; finances are changing for
the better; continued good health; and Language Survey will go well
Shared Hope International
March 1-THANK YOU for all you've meant to the women and girls in
the care of SHARED HOPE INTERNATIONAL this past year. Here is just a
glimpse of what your generosity helped to accomplish this year.
*Celebrated 10 years of rescuing and restoring women and children
liberated from sex slavery
*New Jamaica computer training center
*Expanded Fuji schools; increased capacity for mothers and babies
*Nationwide assessment of domestic minor sex trafficking focused on
10 U.S. areas
*Created training video and trained 2,000+ law enforcement officers,
social service agents (already leading to pimp-trafficker-buyer
prosecutions)
*Achieved first conviction for human trafficking in Jamaica, rescued
a 13-year-old from her sellers.
...AND FOR 2009 more expansion of the above.
Please pray for Shared Hope and the lives of the young girls who
have been saved from a horrible life at the hands of unscrupulous
traffickers. Pray for the traffickers also.
Ricard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources
February 22-Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources spent
almost a month with Hillside in October-November, 2008. They taught
and did a lot of Prayer Resolution Counseling while they were here.
We were so blessed by their presence.
They received an offer (short sale) on their home and the sale went
through on January 23rd. On the 20th they found an apartment and
moved in on the 22nd--frantic work in a few days!!
Their daughter, Teresa, now has a job with the U.S. Census which
enables her to handle living expenses. Richards' lab tests for his
cancer were not terribly good after travel to Minnesota and
Washington. So after being home and settling in, he is awaiting
further tests and hopefully they have not regressed. Please pray for
Richard. He has a website: www.keys-to-living.com which focuses on
his health progress using natural ways of fighting his multiple
myeloma bone cancer.
Pray for their transition into their apartment and as they start a
new book on husband-wife issues. They are so thankful for your
prayers and support.
Howie & Jo-Ann Brant- Serving in Mission (SIM)
February 15-In November Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with Serving in
Mission (SIM) spoke to us. They are back in Nairobi, Kenya, and sent
us an update of their work.
They completed a three-week teaching assignment in Durami, Southern
Ethiopia. Thirty-two students passed both classes; the students are
back at their stations, preaching to hardened Muslims or tough
Orthodox in Eastern Ethiopia.
They hiked up Mt. Mugo, leaving the car at 11,000 feet and walking
over an hour to the summit. The group was small with a few chosen
leaders. They gathered together to pray for the nations and sharing
Scriptures. Mt. Mugo is an Islamic area so they went in small groups
so as not to arouse suspicion by the Muslims. This is the Gurage
area where they served 35 years ago.
There is much occult worship and practice and evil spirits. Many
have been delivered and these spirits no longer have any control
over them-- Praise the Lord!
On top of some of other nearby mountains there were between 75,000
and 100,000 believers assembled for prayer. They pray that
Ethiopians will sense the call of the Lord to go to the nations of
the world for whom they are now all praying.
Jo-Ann is back in Nairobi developing a program for "short-term"
missionaries/teams who want to work in Sudan for 2 weeks up to 2
years. Howie is in Ghana, West Africa, where SIM is hosting a
meeting for mission groups related to their churches.
They ask for prayer for their son Judson as he is trying to sell his
house and find a job after serving in the military. Their letter
with pictures is posted on the mission board in the Narthex.
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
(GEM)
Feb. 8-Remember Joe and Brenda Ziska and their sons, David and
Daniel with Greater Europe Mission (GEM), serving in Vienna,
Austria. They were with us in November, 2008, speaking at our church
service and to Women's Fellowship, and the seniors.
They left Seattle on Dec. 19th to Georgia spending Christmas with
Joe's family eventually returning to Vienna Dec. 30th. They enjoyed
picking up Sir Charles Mocha Ziska (their rabbit) and found he lets
them hold him like a baby in their arms now as he did with his
"babysitter."
Two days after returning home they were at a 2-day planning retreat
with GEM. They had Bobby & Danielle, short term missionaries who
were working with Teaching English as a Second Language with them.
They desire to come back as career missionaries. Pray that Bobby and
Danielle will have no trouble when they reapply for their visas.
The Kagran church is considering purchasing a facility to be used
for worship and an outreach center. It is located in a very fast
growing part of Vienna and the outreach is great. Praise God that
the ownership of the facility is already in place. Pledges surpassed
the goal by 6,000 Euros! Pray that the seller would accept their
offer and pray for wisdom and the right open door as to the dual
usage of the facility--pre-school or two-church option. Pray that
the Lord would lay this vision on the hearts of those who can help.
Pray for the Klosterneuburg church. Their attendance had been down
recently, but there have been some new attendees. Pray that the
fellowship will continue to grow, and that they will find someone to
help with the worship team
David finished his last test with an A; he now has to write the
conclusion of his Bachelor*s thesis and present it before a
commission. Both boys are looking for work. Daniel applied for a job
at a museum, along with 4,000 others! Pray for them at this time!
Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry
Feb. 1-Have you ever wondered how your gift of a tube of
toothpaste, or a bar of soap helps a child? Here is an excerpt from
"A Samaritan's Purse Update" on the ripple-effect of your gift.
Kosovo has been out of the headline since 1999, when hundreds of
thousands of refugees fled from a civil war. However, the need
remains great with the land bearing many scars of the ethnic
conflict and bloodshed. Jobs are scarce, medical services are
limited, and many mothers are widowed.
Operation Christmas Child (Shoebox ministry) and Children's Heart
Project has provided life-giving surgery for more than 140 precious
children.
One child was Ardita born in 2005 with a serious heart defect,
needing surgery that was not available in Kosovo. Ardita and her
mother were flown to Illinois where they were cared for by a loving
Christian family and a host church. By God's grace, pediatric
cardiologists were able to repair the little girl's heart.
When Ardita returned home healthy, the whole village rejoiced. Local
leaders invited Samaritan's Purse to bring in shoe box gifts for the
children in the village. They also allowed the team to organize
Christian "kids' clubs." Dozens have been attending these clubs and
at least 17 children have prayed to receive God's gift of salvation
through Jesus Christ.
This spring, Samaritan's Purse is planning to establish an
agricultural cooperative in the village, as they continue to help
new believers grow in their faith and sow the seeds for an even
greater spiritual harvest.
Kosovo is now the first predominantly Muslim nation in Europe. Yet
through the ministry of Samaritan's Purse to children, God is
raising up a new generation of believers in this deeply troubled
part of the world.
Thank you, and continue to fill those Shoeboxes.
World Concern
Jan. 18th-Once again families in countries throughout the world
have been blessed by the efforts of one of our church families.
World Concern sends out gift catalogues toward the end of the year
in which gifts can be purchased in memory of, or to honor loved
ones. These are varied gifts, in that they help with the present
time but keep on giving, hopefully for a lifetime.
Making cookies and decorating them is a family affair for this
family, and visiting friends and relatives to contribute a monetary
gift in exchange for the cookies is a goal for the two young
children in the family...and a rather lofty goal: this year they
collected $590.00!
So what were they able to do with the money they collected? Are you
ready for this? Their $500 purchased: Twenty baby chicks and a
chicken coop; 2 donkeys; 2,000 fingerlings (baby fish); 1 pig; 2
goats; a hand dug well that provides 20 families with clean water; a
family orchard; and church resources/supplies! The children exceeded
the goal they set by $90- is that faith in action or what?!
Many many families will benefit long term with these gifts.
David & Phyllis Enns-World Team, Singapore
Jan. 11th-This week's Missionary focus is on David & Phyllis
Enns with World Team in Singapore. In their recent prayer letter,
David & Phyllis shared that they have experienced some very real
pain both in their family and in their work during the past couple
of months. However, they have found that the joy of Jesus comes in
the midst of pain. In one specific situation when David agonized
with God, wondering where He was, God revealed that He is not only
there but that He is working in ways beyond what they could imagine.
He CAN be trusted with what we hold most dear!
In August David's mother was called to heaven. In their celebration
of her life and ministry, they realized what an extra-ordinary
ordinary woman she had been. They were grateful for God's comfort
and joy in knowing they will see her again!
In October, God added to their joy with the birth of Lazarus Piper
Enns Miller, their newest grandchild.
The Enns anticipated transitioning from the Area Director role by
September's end. Due to circumstances, David was asked to stay on
until the end of the year; so, in a month's time, they will look
forward to handing the responsibilities over to Alver Ehmann.
They are not yet sure exactly what their next ministry will be, but
for some time they have been drawn to Indonesia and have now been
invited to consider a ministry to pastors there. Before they make
any decisions, they plan to take some time to rest. They look
forward to a lighter schedule in Singapore through the first months
of 2009.
Pray for David & Phyllis; that God would give them clear guidance
for their ministry as well as others in the family. Pray that God
will continue to be their JOY in the midst of discouragement.
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Overseas
Crusades, Crusade International
January 4th-Michael and Athena Kantartjis with Overseas
Crusades, Crusade, Intl. in Athens, Greece, always send such
uplifting letters each month. He says, "The more we give them more
we are free from anxieties and depression. The more we offer
ourselves to live for the Lord and serve Him, the more we are filled
with joy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the power of the Holy
Spirit who dwells in us helps us to have victory (I Corinthians
15:57), to overcome (Romans 8:37), and to triumph (2Corinthians
2:14) in very situation. Let us not forget that Jesus Christ brought
love and power, the two virtues that are needed so much fo all of
us."
Michael praises the Lord for a special meeting at their evangelistic
center where 20 people made a decision for Christ. for the prayer
breakfast spent in discussion of spiritual matters. Praise for their
continuing ministry regardless of the very bad financial situation.
While these are praises and blessings, they are also needs for
prayer on an ongoing basis.
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
December 28-From Cameroon to Ethiopia to Nigeria, Carol
Magnusson with Wycliffe Bible Translators will be settling back in
Jos, Nigeria, as of the end of January, 2009, to continue with
Language and Social Survey. Since being home (Enumclaw) she and her
mom traveled for the month of June visiting relatives and friends to
Texas, then two weddings and back home -- 7,000 mi. of travel!
In August she left for Texas to work at Wycliffe for 2 months; home
again in November. Ahh, vacation time in Hawaii for 2 weeks SCUBA
diving and snorkling in Kona, seeing God's incredible underwater
creation. And now speaking to various Churches and groups and
preparing to pack to go back to Jos.
Pray for financial concerns; safety for her travel; wisdom in her
relationships. Carol has been on furlough since April, 2008
N.I.C.E. MISSIONARY TIDBITS:
December 21-Terry and Lisa STRUNK are no longer in the ministry
in Kooskia, ID.Terry lives in Spokane with Sarah and Aaron, working
7 days a week while Lisa is preparing the house in Kooskia for sale.
A lot of traveling back and forth presently. Joe turned 21 in
November and on track to be a Pedical doctor; Ellie married James
Swearingen Dec. 20th; Lisa keeps busy with the Andrew and Abigail in
AWANA.
Pray for: sale of the house; Ellie and James as they begin their
lives together; Valley Bible Church in Kooskia in their search for a
pastor; and financial and health care insurance needs
Roy and Elvia SPRAGUE had a lovely gathering of 21 in their
family Thanksgiving. They conducted services of praise in November
giving a message "An Attitude That Matches Our Message" -- do we
live with an attitude of thanks-giving!
Pray concerning the outreach of the Gospel and planting of churches
in the SW states. Also as they travel extensively pray for their
safety, and always for good health.
David and Nancy MARTIN in Manzanita, OR, as he has had some
health issues. Pray as the church has extended a call for an
associate pastor, if accepted, should be there in mid-January. David
has a wonderful ministry also to Summer Campers at Camas Meadows
Bible Camp, in music and message.
Jim and Christy EDGELL in Wishkah, WA, as they have settled
into their new ministry and their children have made school
adjustments. A building is almost completed and they give praise to
the Lord for all the help in that project.
Pray as they minister to the Wishkah community.
Vladimir & Nadia Savich-Slavic Gospel
Association
Dec. 14-We bring Vladimir and Nadia Savich and their two young
children into our Mission Focus today. They are with the Slavic
Gospel Association in Zviriv, Russia.
In their recent quarterly letter, Vladimir tells of a baptism in
their village, the first one in 72 years. The whole village came out
to see 5 brothers and sisters in Christ in the waters of baptism on
a lake nearby. This was a testimony for the non Christian villagers
who had never seen a real baptism before.
A summer camp was conducted for the children and was wonderful;
brothers and sisters from the church gathered foodstuffs to help
poor people. God had blessed them with a rich harvest and they
shared with more than 200 people, most unchristian. They share the
love of Christ and invite them to church. And Vladimir also took
part in a camp for blind people and some accepted Christ! God helped
them establish a church in Lutsk where many are blind. Vladimir
conducts evening services there.
PRAY:
* For those who accepted Christ as they take a lot of abuse
for their faith
* For evangelistic meetings to encourage wives to invite their
husbands to church
* For musical ministers in the new church in Lutsk
Vladimir and Nadia covet your prayers and thank you for your
support.
John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General
Conference
Dec. 7-This week's Missionary focus is on John and Mel Bjorgen,
with the Baptist General Conference. We recently added this
missionary couple to our missions budget. They are presently
getting support to go to Belize (Central America), in February,
2009.
John is the son of Kris Bjorgen, a former Associate Pastor here
at HCC (then-Country Bible Church). He has a degree in the
Information Systems Management and worked as a software and web
designer for the past ten years.
Mel (Melissa) earned a degree in Theater Performance and worked as a
Spanish teacher and a supply tech in the Air National Guard.
They went on a short-term mission to Belize and knew that is where
God wanted them to serve long-term. Their organizational and
people skills will enlarge a ministry center's impact in the
community. They will host teams from U.S. churches, providing
them short-term ministry experience and challenging many young
people to follow in their footsteps and serve in missions.
John and Mel are expecting their first Child
January 7th.
Pray for John and Mel as they are much-needed in Belize as the other
couple have left for health reasons and a constant presence is
needed to maintain the ministry. They are at around 40 %
support level, so pray for their finances.
Their picture will be posted on a Missionary
Board that will be up in the near future.
Prayer for Missionaries
Nov. 30-Our church designates 10% of the budget for Missions.
Currently we are helping to support nine overseas Missionaries and
six state side...including Plateau Outreach Ministries.
We have had the privilege of having four of our Missionaries with us
this fall. Soon we will be able to hear from Carol Magnusson who
serves with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Nigeria, Africa.
Our church has been faithful to financially support these
Missionaries as they devote their lives to serving the Lord. But
aside from the need for financial help, our prayers are a vital
resource for these Missionaries. No Christian worker can "go it
alone". They need to know that when they are serving the Lord at
home or abroad, there are people constantly holding them up in
prayer.
It takes discipline and commitment to pray for people who live and
work in a place and cultures that we know very little about. We may
not be able to relate to their lives or fully understand the
sacrifices that they have made to be obedient to the call of God,
but we know that God calls us to pray for and love one another.
You can open up your bulletin each week to find this missionary
focus. And although it may be interesting to read the updates, the
primary purpose of this focus is prayer. God may not have called you
to serve Him in the four corners of the earth, but He does call you
to "Devote yourselves to prayer" Col 4:2 and to "pray without
ceasing" I Tim. 5:17. Our Missionaries need this kind of prayer;
that they may be encouraged, strengthened and renewed in their
service to God. Remember that *.The effective prayer of a righteous
person can accomplish much.* James 5:16
Angel Tree-A Ministry of Prison Fellowship
Nov. 23-When a child's parents is in prison, Christmas can
sometimes be very lonely for the child, and for the incarcerated
parent. In the 1980's, a woman in prison hoarded little
toiletry items so she could have something to give to her children
at Christmas. This was the beginning of Angel Tree, now a
ministry of Prison Fellowship. Now over 600,000 children
receive gifts in the name of the parent for Christmas.
Hillside Community ahs been a part of this ministry for 20 or so
years.
The incarcerated parent fills out an
application form with the prison chaplain; the forms are sent to
Prison Fellowship headquarters who in turn, distribute the forms in
the location where the children reside. The parent/guardian is
called to find out what the child(ren) would like in the line of a
toy, and some clothing. We are asked to try to keep the cost
at $20 or less. Angels are made up and the congregants make a
choice of who they would like to purchase a gift for. They
will then buy the gift, wrap it, and return to church by Sunday,
December 21st.
So, if you haven't already taken an Angel,
please choose one, sign your name on the pink or blue card, and put
it in the basket. The Angel has all the information you need
to purchase the gift. When you wrap it, remove the base of the
Angel and the sticky back on the Angel and put it on your package.
The gifts will be brought back to church and
put by the Christmas tree, and on the week before Christmas will be
delivered to the families. YOU will have been a tremendous
blessing in the lives of these precious children. Contact
Joyce Magnusson with questions.
Holiday Outreach
November 16-This Sunday we will be dedicating the Christmas Shoe
Boxes which so many of you have helped fill to overflowing. Through
the tireless, dedicated, organized efforts of Shirley Mead through
the Holy Spirit, many children in abject poverty will have a time of
joy in their lives when they receive these boxes through Samaritan's
Purse. Thank you for all your help and gifts.
Christmas Gift catalogues are arriving. These gifts range from small
amounts to large; from purchasing chickens to helping set up
villages. You can even purchase a gift in the name of someone who is
difficulte to buy for on your Christmas list.. Below are just a few
organizations that have catalogue ministries:
World Vision worldvisiongifts.org 1-888-511-6511
Wycliffe wycliffe.org/Donate.aspx 1-866-736-4387
Samaritan's Purse samaritanspurse.org 1-800-353-5957
What is given here has a life-changing effect on the recipients of
your gifts.
Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries
November 9-For the past three weeks we have been privileged to
have our Missionaries speak during our worship service--what a
blessing! We've had Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with Serving in Mission,
in Sudan; Richard & Connie Smith with Cross Ministries, in Prayer
Resolution; and Joe and Brenda Ziska with Greater Europe Mission,
serving in Vienna, Austria. What a broad spectrum in serving our
Lord!
Today, we are blessed to have Valen and Carol Straley- home-grown
missionaries* serving with InterAct Ministries with the Native
Indians in Kamloops, British Columbia. Valen's sister, Phyllis Enns
and her husband David, are also missionaries with World Team.
Valen and Carol have challenging work and have definitely been
called to work in this area. They give of their time in preaching,
teaching, camps, seminars, playing baseball, and gifted artistic
work.
We trust that these dedicated missionaries have given you a place
for missions in your heart. Each one has given us prayer requests
and our Lord wants these to be brought before Him earnestly.
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
(GEM)
November 2-We are so pleased to have Joe & Brenda Ziska with us
today. They have been with us since they went to Vienna, Austria in
1979, with Greater Europe Mission (GEM). They have two sons, David
and Daniel, who are in their early 20's.
Their work has been involved in church-planting but also are
involved with BAO (Biblical Education on Location), a church-based
training program developed by an Austrian with Joe as one of the
founders and chairman of the board as well as head of the curriculum
committee. Joe also helped found the Evangelikale Akademie (EVAK),
the only Bible school for training Austrian pastors and Christian
leaders now in Austria.
While they are here visiting, they have been blessed with a nice
home on Lake Margaret in Duvall, and a car for the entire time they
will be in Washington and Canada They will be returning to Vienna on
Dec. 29th and being reunited with Sir Charles Mocha Ziska, their pet
rabbit.
Please pray for Joe's health--a spot of cancer was found on a lumbar
vertebrae; Praise the Lord his PSA remains at 0.05! Pray for
finances as they need a few hundred dollars more a month. Also, on
Oct, 11th a women's breakfast was held in Klosterneuburg; prayer is
asked for many to come to the follow-up activities.
We are so thankful they can be with us, and know they will share
much more of their ministry.
MISSIONARY MAIL-The how-to's of holiday
giving
Here is general information on sending special holiday cheer to
your missionary friends around the world. Here's how:
. Cards and letters should be sent directly to the missionary's
personal mailing address.
.*Before sending a package outside the U.S., ask your missionary
about the customs regulations in the country in which he or she is
serving. Import fees often make it very expensive to receive
packages in foreign countries.
.*MONETARY GIFTS should be sent to the missionary's Sending Board,
i.e., SIM, OC, Wycliffe, (look in the Church Directory's
Missionaries section and the Sending Boards are under the
missionary's name.
.*For TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS to the ministry of your particular
missionary, please make your check payable to the Sending Board and
indicate whose ministry your gift is for on a SEPARATE PIECE OF
PAPER. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
.*For NON-TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS, you may send a personal check,
payable to the missionary. Please indicate that it is a PERSONAL
CHRISTMAS GIFT. If you are an IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER of the
missionary, please indicate that on your check as well. Make checks
payable to the missionary.
.*These gifts DO NOT qualify for tax-deductible receipts. Monetary
gifts MUST arrive by mid-November if the missionary is to receive
the gift by Christmas.
Howard & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission (SIM)
October 19-Today we welcome Howard (Howie) and Jo-Ann Brant,
with SIM (Serving in Mission). They have been missionaries with
Hillside Community for the 38 years they have been serving the Lord.
Their ministry started at Bonney Lake Community Church although
Howie's parents were missionaries also. They spent many years in
Ethiopia and still have very strong connections there.
Recently they have been in Kenya, with Jo-Ann directing SIM's
ministry into Sudan, and Howie has used Nairobi as a base to
encourage emerging missions and their missionaries as they prepare
for global missions.
Howie and Jo-Ann will be going to Ethiopia to teach in a missionary
training school in early 2009. Later next year they both will be in
the Philippines teaching at a school which trains people from
Mainland China.
They are so thankful for the health and energy God has provided them
as they turn into official Senior Citizens within the next few
months. Praise abounds as they moved into a fully furnished home,
full cupboards too. We are so pleased to have them with us.
PRAYER SUMMIT-October 17-19, 2008
October 12-This Prayer Event is hosted by the National Day of
Prayer Task Force. The Prayer Summit is being held this year just a
few days before our National and Local elections.
As we look over our country, we see a land in need of
the Savior, Jesus Christ. Join with all believers to pray and
intercede for this critical hour in which we live.
There are 7 centers of prayer: government, military,
media, business, education, church, and family. One might zero in on
two of those prayer centers a day and come before His throne in
intercession.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force, in accordance
with Bible truth, seeks to: Foster unity within the Christian
Church; protect America's Constitutional Freedoms to gather,
worship, pray, and speak freely; publicize and preserve America's
Christian heritage; encourage and emphasize prayer regardless of
current issues and positions; respect all people regardless of
denomination or creed;. be wise stewards of God's resources and
provision and glorify the Lord in word and deed. In your small
groups, gathering of friends, times of fellowship -- seek the Lord
in prayer for the above list.
'...the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish
much." -James 5:16b (NASB)
Richard & Connie
Smith-Cross Resources
October 5-This week's Missionary focus
is on Richard & Connie Smith with Cross Resources. Richard & Connie
will be here at Hillside doing the Prayer Resolution workshop that
begins this Thursday. Richard & Connie were missionaries for thirty
years in South America, Africa and Europe. They worked for many
years with Wycliffe Bible Translators. During their time as
translators they discovered the need for healing the past on a
spiritual level. The workshop they will be conducting teaches you
the tools they have discovered through scripture that help people
heal from their past and move on in the walk with their Heavenly
Father.
Uphold the Smith's in prayer as they prepare for the counseling
workshop this week. Pray for all those who will be attending and for
those who are helping to organize it. Pray that all Richard &
Connie's financial needs would be met and that scholarships will be
provided for those in need that would like to attend.
Michael & Athena
Kantartjis-Overseas Crusades Intl.
September 28-Michael and Athena Kantartjis, with Overseas
Crusades, Intl., have been a part of Hillside's Mission focus for
over 30 years. Michael was educated in Boston, and returned to his
homeland, Greece. The ministry has grown tremendously over the years
such that Michael is used of the Lord in the lives of many spiritual
leaders in Athens. He is a man of God who constantly gives praise to
Him for everything. In the Summer, Athens residents go to the sea
and other places because of the very warm weather. Most ministries
shut down and close for 2-3 months; but Michael's continues and is
well-attended. He gives praise to the Lord that their newspaper was
sent out recently. Many have come to the Lord through this medium.
He gives praise that all aspects of their ministry continue inspite
of the very bad financial situation of the ministry. Pray for
Michael, Athena, and their family who are all involved in this
marvelous ministry. Also pray for their serious financial situation
-- he goes totally on faith.
Northwest Independent
Church Extension (NICE) Missionary Update
September 21-In this week's Missionary focus, we are catching
up with some of our N.I.C.E. (Northwest Independent Church
Extension) missionaries, here's the latest:
Katherine Rodgers, wife of Bob Rodgers, was given a gift for a Sky
Diving jump, and she did it on her 50th Birthday! Her son said
"Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane just doesn't make sense."
But harnessed to her instructor, and at 14,000' --she dove out
anyway. Photos and DVD to prove it too!!
David and Nancy Martin, in Manzanita, OR, need prayer as David is
battling muscle cramping, burning and heart palpitations. He is
scheduled to see a specialist. The Church is also in need of prayer
while they are seeking an Associate Pastor
Roy and Elvia Sprague praise the Lord for the dedication of a new
building of Evergreen Bible Church, in Vancouver, WA.
On October 6-8th, NICE will be celebrating 50 years with a
Conference at Camp Berachah in Auburn. Pray for all the myriad of
details of this Conference; safety for travel of all attendees to
and from; health; and a marvelous time of fellowship and
celebration. Hillside Community Church is a member of NICE.
Vladimir & Nadia Savich-Slavic
Gospel Association
September 14-Last week we featured
Tanya in our Mission focus and the heartbreak of living for Christ,
yet her faith remains undaunted. Today we feature Vladimir and Nadia
Savich with Slavic Gospel Association. They live and minister in
Zviriv, Ukraine-- where is that? It is in far Eastern Europe; West
is Poland, Southwest is Romania, North is Belarus, Lithuania,
Latvia, and Estonia; East is the Russian Federation.
Vladimir says that "there are people who come to the Lord, repent
and get joy, forgiveness and salvation. In spite of the features and
indifference, especially of the villagers to God's Word, there are
people who answer the Lord's call."
They had a baptism of seven people on August 3rd-- Praise the Lord!
The Sunday school is growing in number. The plans for a summer camp
came to having it at their church due to the expense involved.
The Golgotha church feels blessed to have an outreach that ministers
to the rehab center for alcoholics, a ministry to the blind, and a
children's ministry.
Vladimir's daughter, Olga, was married in July. He asks for prayer
for his family and his health as he has bad pain in his back at
times. There are pictures of this ministry on the bulletin board in
the hall by the office. Please avail yourselves of these precious
Christians.
Slavic Gospel Association
September 7-While we often receive joyous reports and
testimonies from SGA sponsored Orphans Reborn workers across the
lands of Russia, we also hear stories that break our hearts from
time to time. Tanya's story is no exception- and is yet more
evidence of how important your support for the Orphans Reborn
ministry truly is.
According to Dima Nachina, one of our Orphans Reborn
coordinators in Belarus, 14- year old Tanya began coming to Bible
studies about six months ago. "At first, her teachers thought it was
just another hobby for Tanya, but they were mistaken. Tanya's
interest was sincere. Since beginning with us, she has never missed
a class except when her teachers did not allow her to come.
On a recent Saturday, Tanya came up to me and asked
us to pray for her and for her teachers. She told me that they had
lately been very angry toward her, and forbade her from coming to
the Bible classes. Even other children began to laugh at her for her
faith. Tanya is like a sheep among wolves. But the main thing is
that Tanya remains in good cheer, and in spite of everything,
continues to come to our classes."
Dima asks that we not only pray for Tanya, but also for
the teachers and the other students, that their hearts might be
softened toward Tanya and the Gospel. -Reprinted from SGA Insight
Aug. 2008
Richard & Connie
Smith-Cross Resources
August 31-This week's Missionary focus is on Richard & Connie
Smith with Cross Resources. The Smiths' will be with us for a
few weeks in October to give their Seminar on Prayer Resolution.
This is a tremendous blessing. If you are interested, there
are brochures in the Narthex to look over-- please avail yourself of
this tremendous opportunity. Can you believe, their oldest
granddaughter, Haven, was recently married? Her dad is Eric,
the Smith's oldest child. And then their granddaughter,
Teresa's daughter, Katianna, just returned from two weeks in Costa
Rica on a church mission--wow, for us who saw her as a baby, it
seems just yesterday! Pray for Richard and Connie as they will be
traveling to Arizona (from Florida); selling their house in AZ;
doing Prayer Resolution in Minneapolis until the Seminar here-- on
the road until November. Pray for safety as they travel so
much; for the sale of their house; and for finances. They are
ever so grateful for our support.
Persecuted Chinese Christians
August 24-STAND WITH ANNA and other persecuted Chinese
Christians during the Olympics! Anna is a sweet, 11-year old orphan
girl with a gentle spirit. Also, she is a persecuted Christian. On
Christmas Eve she was huddled together with other orphan children in
an unheated apartment They were reading their Bibles when they heard
pounding at the door. Their landlord, under severe pressure from the
Chinese police, forced the children from their home and out into the
cold. Their Christian gathering and orphanage were illegal. Anna was
also refused admission to the local school.
Well-meaning Christian leaders in America state that there is no
more persecution in China, and "illegal" Christian activity should
cease. Anna would disagree. Hopefully you do as well. Today Anna
lives at a secret location and attends an illegal underground
Christian school. She remains hopeful. She recently told VOICE OF
THE MARTYRS workers, "I think God must really love me. He has taken
such good care of me."
The leader of a large group of house churches in China, who is
affectionately known as Pastor Bike, recently made a plea to
Christians throughout the free world. He asked caring believers to
remember them particularly during the summer Olympics (ending today,
the 24th). Your prayers during these days of the Olympic Games are
so needed and appreciated by these persecuted Christians -- continue
to do so.
Jim & Christy Edgell-
N.I.C.E.
August 17-News from The Edgell's, NICE missionaries, is sad and
yet exciting. Their stay in Denton, MT, was extended by a week due
to a horrible car accident. Six high school guys were going to
Lewistown for a basketball tournament when the driver lost control,
went off the road, and flipped over. Three boys died on the scene.
Jim responded to the scene with the Denton Fire Dept.; very
difficult as he knew the boys fairly well and had coached three of
them in track.
Jim had the privilege of presiding over the funeral for the boys
with about 1500 in attendance, and even though they are now residing
in Wishkah (Aberdeen), they are keeping in touch to help the
families in their time of sorrow and grieving.
Their house sold in Denton and they found a place to rent in Wishkah
with help in loading and unloading the U-Haul. They are so very
thankful and have so much to give praise to the Lord.
Please uphold the families in Denton in their losses; as the Edgells
minister in their new Church; and as they prepare for the Fall
ministry.
Jim and Christy grew up at Hillside and have five children: Ander,
Torin, Alayna, Morgan, and Madison.
Beijing, China & the
Olympic Games
August-10The Olympic Games have started in Beijing, China, this
past week. Here is an excerpt from "China's Illegal Christians",
written by Lyn Edmunds, and printed in The Voice of the Martyrs
August, 2008 Newsletter.
One in Spirit
"In the Bible, Saul's son, Jonathan, was a true friend and
brother to David and came to him in the face of persecution. As the
Olympics approach, much of the media shows a polished, public image
of China declaring that Chinese people have religious freedom. Yet,
in the shadow of the Olympic Games are our suffering brothers and
sisters. Chinese Christians love their country and feel the Olympics
will be a crucial crossroads for the future of Christianity in
China. They ask us to pray with them. Like Jonathan, we are invited
to be a true friend to our Chinese brothers and sisters facing
persecution. We will stand with them in the name of the living God,
ready to encourage, equip and support them in the battle." Used
by Permission The Voice of the Martyrs PO Box 443, Bartlesville, OK
74005 www.persecution.com
Please, please uphold our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ in
much prayer.
Valen & Carol Staley-InterAct
Ministry
August 3-Valen and Carol Straley, with InterAct Ministry, are
located in Kamloops, British Columbia. They will be in the
Washington area from October to mid-November and here at Hillside
November 9th. Summer is a pleasant time after long Canadian winters
and they are enjoying the beauty that comes with the warmer weather,
camping & conferences; Valen is playing softball with a Senior's
team (for those of us who have known Valen since he was a teen, find
that hard to believe); and Carol is enjoying her gift of painting
outside.
Pray for:
- Housing for low income
families as they are evicted then the remodeled apartments are
too expensive;
- Will and Leslie who are
having marriage troubles
- Finances as Valen and
Carol travel, especially with the high gas prices
We look forward to the Straley's at our Cultural Awareness Fair
(Missions Conference) in November, along with Howie and Joann Brant;
Joe and Brenda Ziska; and Carol Magnusson. If the Lord has given you
a place for missions in your heart and you would like to head up, or
co-head this Conference, please let the office know.
Wycliffe Bible Translators
July 27-Today WYCLIFFE BIBLE translators and their partners are
participating in the greatest acceleration of the pace of Bible
translation that the Church has ever witnessed. God is calling more
and more people to take ownership of Bible translation in their own
language. As a result, we're seeing a dramatic increase in the
Church's capacity for reaching the last remaining languages. Thirty
percent of Bible translation programs currently in progress were
started since 1999. That's the year Wycliffe committed to Vision
2025--the goal of seeing a Bible translation in progress in every
language that needs it by the year 2025. Ultimately Bible
translation is God's work, and it will be accomplished in His
timing. But He has given us the opportunity to participate in the
process. As we each contribute toward Bible translation in the ways
that God calls us--whether through prayer, financial contributions,
service, or all three--we will witness amazing results. Our part may
not feel significant to us, but each small step taken brings the
goalposts a little closer. -From InFocus, Wycliffe monthly
publication.
Camas Meadows Bible Camp
July 17-Camas Meadow Bible Camp, located in the mountains,
before one gets to Cashmere, is currently having their camps. The
camp equipment is run by a huge generator which broke down before
the first camping group arrived. A rental generator got them through
and now the camp generator is fixed * Praise the Lord! Satan has
tried so hard to discourage this wonderful Christ-centered camp but
the camp directors, staff, and a large Prayer group look to Christ
for their help in all times of need.
Pray for:
Safety in travel, play and health for the students
Staff to be alert to students needs
Kitchen Staff as they cook and serve the students
Speaker's messages, witness and testimony
Holy Spirit to move in the lives of the students & staff
Safety as each group goes to Lake Chelan for a day & travel
Friday nights as students share at the campfire
That God is glorified in all that is said and done at camp
Pray not only for Camas Meadows as they minister to their camp
goers, but also for the many other Christian-based camps that do the
same this summer, may God draw many to Him!
"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.*
James 5:1b
Shared Hope Ministry
July 13-This week's missionary focus in on Shared Hope
International. Shared Hope was launched exactly 10 years ago in
response to the tremendous need to save girls from the sex trade
industry. Their goal was to make girls safe, to get them healthy and
to give them hope for the future. They built villages where the
girls could be safe and where they could start over. But Shared Hope
did far more than just minister to the lives of the girls that came
to their village; they also ministered to the babies and children
that came with them. Now not only are the girls in a safe
environment, but their children are as well. Some of those children
are now teenagers who are actively involved in the ministry. They
serve as mentors to other girls at the Village and manage the
hospitality house for visiting volunteers. They are proof of how God
can fully restore a life in more than one generation!
Shared Hope appreciates all the support they have received in the
past ten years. They have been able to rescue and restore the lives
of girls targeted by the sex-trafficking industry and free them from
horrific lives of slavery, violence and despair. If you'd like to
help or receive more information on the Shared Hope ministry, go to
their website at
www.sharedhope.org
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Athens, Greece
July 6-This week's missionary focus in on Michael & Athena
Kantartjis in Athens, Greece. In their recent prayer letter they
wrote, "We praise the Lord for a great blessing in the ministry He
has led us to serve Him in. We had a great evangelistic meeting in a
downtown hotel in Athens. (There are about 5 million in Athens.)
Sixty people responded to the invitation!"
"We also have a thousand subscribers to our "Gospel Newspaper". A
number of our believers pray every day for the salvation of 50
people for a month. At the end of the month they choose 50 others to
pray for during that month". All four of the Kantartjis children are
involved in the work. What an awesome ministry!
Pray:
1. For the OC International ministry.
2. Pray for the readers of the newspaper that many would come to our
Lord for salvation.
3. Pray for the Kantartjis family spiritually, physically and
financially. With the rising cost of "everything" it is getting
harder to meet the obligations.
Church in Kenya
June 29-This week's missions focus is on the church in Kenya,
Africa, where over 350,000 people have been killed. Many churches
have been burned, some of them full of worshiping believers. Our own
Howie and Jo Ann Brant have been in and out of Kenya ministering to
the people there. They will be with us October 19th, two weeks
before our Cultural Awareness Fair. Pray specifically for our
persecuted brothers and sisters, and the influence that the Brants'
have in Africa.
Kids Alive
June 22-An urgent prayer request and call for help has come from
the Kids Alive organization. You have all probably heard of the
complete devastation in Myanmar (Burma), caused by that recent
cyclone that not only destroyed complete villages and killed over
65,000 people, but also left over 1.5 million people destitute.
Kids Alive is one of the few Christian organizations working in
Myanmar where they care for over 2,200 children. Praise God that
none of their children or staff was killed, but the cyclone
completely destroyed their New Life Home in Yangon. Roofs were torn
off their school and off the Heritage Home. The children are now
being sheltered in a local church, but they need to be moved soon.
Please uphold Kids Alive as they began the long process of
rebuilding. Pray that their financial needs will be met. They will
need $158,000 to rebuild and repair homes & schools, provide food,
clean water, medicine, blankets and clothing for the children, with
another $100,000 needed to care for newly orphaned children. Pray
for the survivors and the emotional needs of the children. You can
find more information about Kids Alive on the insert in this
bulletin. If you're interested in helping with this urgent need,
please contact Kristi Terrell in the office.
Slavic Gospel Association
June 15-When communism was abandoned across the former Soviet
Union, people gained many new freedoms, including the right to
worship. Bible believing Christians breathed a sigh of relief. Doors
were opened for Western based Christian Ministries such as Slavic
Gospel Association to help reach the lost with the Gospel. God's
church has grown!
However, government officials are beginning to clamp down on Bible
believing churches. They are lumped into the category of cults as
sects that should be looked on with suspicion. All churches are now
required to register with the state. Some pastors have been
imprisoned.
There are estimated as many as 700,000 orphan children across
Russia. There is an aids epidemic, and thousands of young people are
alcoholics or in prison. The picture is bleak! But SGA presses on,
working in the orphanages and jails and local churches in spite of
persecution. Our church helps support missionaries who are involved
in church planting and various ministries such as children's work,
evangelistic outreach, etc.
Pray: For the suffering churches in Russia, Pray for the orphanage
ministry, Pray for the financial needs as well as the physical needs
of His servants over there. Pray especially that the doors will
remain open to the spreading of God's word in that needy country.
N.I.C.E. Missionaries
June 8-This week's Missionary focus is on missionaries with
N.I.C.E. and the National I.F.C.A. convention that will be held in
Eugene, Oregon this year on June 20th-24th.
Pray for:
*For all of those who will be attending the conference. Pray that it
will be a profitable time spiritually as well as physically,
emotionally and mentally.
*Pray especially for Bob and Katherine Rogers as they are dealing
with the serious illness of Katherine's mother. She has inoperable
brain cancer.
*Jim & Christy Edgell would appreciate prayer regarding their next
place of ministry.
*Terry & Lisa Strunk are also in need of special prayer concerning
their next move.
Mark & Ruthie Stoscher-Alongside Ministries International
June 1-Mark and Ruthie Stoscher, serving with Alongside
Ministries International in Erseke, Albania, are presently Stateside.
They have 4 young children: Jamie, Beka, Albi, and Stephen, a
rambuctious-looking group of siblings. Our Children's Church took the
Stoscher Family on as a mission project a number of years ago, and
continue to do so. The Stoschers ask for prayer for a co-worker Edi, and
for the roofing project that has begun at camp. Also mission workers in
the same area are Cait Bidinger seeking God's guidance for the decisions
that will shape her future with her adopted child, Agrinas. Also for
Doni and Gail Lilo as they visit churches Stateside; for their
co-workers at camp; the children's ministry, and for a healthy pregnancy
for Gail. Summer is a busy time with children and youth camps. Pray that
the Holy Spirit will give the workers strength and those who attend a
heart for coming to know, and serve, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Plateau Outreach Ministries-Enumclaw, WA
May 25-Plateau Outreach Ministries, provides Christ-centered social
services to our communities. They offer financial assistance, senior
support, food bank/clothing needs and other emergency assistance. POM
has a quiet, but ever-so dynamic impact on our community.
PLATEAU CARE CORP FOR SENIORS: provides information to Seniors to help
maintain their independence; training/education regarding Senior needs;
referrals to other helping agencies; and affirm the volunteer chore
ministry through Plateau-area churches.
SAMARITAN PROJECT: a central agency on the Plateau for which people may
apply for assistance. Churches on the Plateau, through the Plateau
Ministerial Assn. and individuals help with assistance.
FOOD AND CLOTHING BANK: Volunteers help distribute food and clothing on
Wednesday. The utmost respect is given the clients in a warm and caring
atmosphere.
MORE PENNIES FROM HEAVEN: A "heavenly" thrift store managed entirely by
"angels" who give so generously of their time and love to maintain an
operation that benefits the entire community, but also with the sales
generated helps support POM. Our Kathy Duncan is the Manager, and our
Debbie Games is Asst. Manager. The warmth and joy when one enters is
evident. Monday, May 19th, an appreciation banquet was held for the 100+
volunteers, Board Members, all involved was outstanding. The love and
appreciation was so warmly expressed by our Director, Kimberly Fish. Our
basket in the Narthex is always available for non-perishable food items;
volunteers are always welcome; come and see the body of Christ in
action!Howard & Jo-Ann Brant-SIM (Sudan Interior Mission)
May 18-This week's Missionary focus is on Howie and Jo-Ann Brant,
missionaries serving presently in Nairobi, Kenya, with SIM (Sudan
Interior Mission). In their recent prayer letter, they told of an
aircraft which flies their people in and out of the Sudan. It was taking
off with 4 ladies aboard. The ground was wet and the tires swept through
puddles of water slowing the aircraft down. Shortly are takeoff it
veered to one side and plunged into the ground. Praise the Lord that no
one was killed and all got out with only bruises, some broken bones, and
trauma.
Howie has been to India doing a seminar on church planting. They had 25
missionaries in a prayer meeting from 13 different countries,
interceding for 1.4 billion people in Hindu and Muslim communities. Pray
for Howie and Jo-Ann as they minister to so many people in such diverse
areas. They will be joining us in a Cultural Awareness Fair in the Fall
here at Hillside, along with Joe and Brenda Ziska from Austria; Valen
and Carol Straley from Canada; and Carol Magnusson from Nigeria. Be
praying about this now.
N.I.C.E. Missionaries
May 4-This week we Spotlight two missionaries who grew up/ministered
here at Hillside and have been with N.I.C.E. for many years:
**Terry and Lisa Strunk and their family have been in Kooskia, ID, for
many years at Valley Bible Church. They are resigning as of June 1,
2008. They are confident this is the leading of the Lord, but at this
point do not know the direction and location for their lives. They ask
for prayers for direction, for wisdom, and for guidance in the future.
Terry is currently looking for a job in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area.
His skills include an EMT, firefighter, mechanic, building construction,
maintenance, and military experience. They also ask for wisdom for the
people of Valley Bible Church.
**Jim and Christy Edgell and their family at Denton Bible Church in
Denton, MT, have resigned as of the end of March, 2008. They ask for
prayer for where God would have them serve next; guidance to the right
place and that they would be sensitive to His leading. Also prayer as
the church begins the search for a new pastor, and continuing ministry
and testimony to the commuity. "For I know the plans that I have for
you, 'declares the LORD,' plans for welfare and not for calamity to give
you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
CAMAS MEADOWS WOMEN'S RETREAT
April 20- The Camas Meadows Women's Retreat will be held May
16-18, at Camas Meadows Bible Camp. This year the Guest Speaker will be:
Corey Brown of Sisters in Christ Ministry. Corey presents real-life
Monologues and after that she has Breakout Sessions discussing how we
identify with the characters. Then we regroup to hear the Message from
Corey which draws us into a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Registration forms are available in the Narthex if you are interested in
attending. Scholarships are available. There are Craft times, Raffle,
Silent Auction, and sale of "gently" used items. Should you have
questions, please call Kate Percival
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
April 13-Carol Magnusson, with Wycliffe Bible Translators, in
Nigeria, will be returning to Enumclaw, Monday, April 14th. The last 3
1/2 weeks have been spent in Kenya at a Conference, Workshop, and few
days of visiting friends near Nairobi. At the moment there is unsettled
peace in Kenya. Pray for forgiveness as that is what can heal the hurts
inflicted on one another. Carol is coming home 2 months early due to a
dental situation that cannot be fixed in Jos. So in a week she has had
to pack up all her belongings at her home, find someone to live in her
house, quickly process her visa, and get airline tickets! Pray for
strength and
wisdom for her. Praise the Lord, she did find someone to rent her home
for a while. Continue to pray for her trip and her time here- she still
has two reports to write when she is here. This is a 10-month furlough
and she will return at the end of Jan. 09.
Samaritan's Purse
April 6-Dr.
Bob Pierce founded Samaritan's Purse in 1970 with a heart for what he
called "the little people"--those men, women, and children who are
insignificant in the eyes of the world but precious in the eyes of God.
Jesus said, "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of
these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" (Matt. 25:40b).
Here is a life-changing account: "Lata was near death's door when her
parents brought her to a mission hospital in Southeast Asia, one of the
many Christian hospitals worldwide that Samaritan's Purse helps to
support. The young girl was paralyzed by a melon-sized tumor near her
spine, and her parents had tried everything else, including sacrificing
to a Hindu monkey god."There at the hospital, Lata heard the Good News
for the first time and gave her heart to Jesus Christ. Dr. Steve removed
the tumor during a long, difficult surgery. Though the operation did not
cure Lata, it did give her eight more months to live for the Lord. On
Easter Sunday last year, Dr. Steve carried Lata into a nearby pond,
where she was baptized. Before she went home to heaven, Lata led her
entire family to faith in her Savior. "This girl grew in Christ like no
one I've ever known," Dr. Steve said. "She just radiated Christ. I told
her, 'Oh, Lata, what a shame that you have this cancer.' She had a
twinkle in her eyes, not tears, when she said, 'It's no shame what I've
traded to be with Christ.'"
Thank God for equipping Samaritan's Purse and using our relief work in
ways that bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. Remember the missionary
hospitals, Bible schools, and other Christian institutions that are on
the frontlines of evangelism.
Operation Christmas Child
March 30-Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's
Purse. A booklet just received would bring you to tears as story
after story tells of children's joy in receiving these "gifts of love
."Franklin Graham writes: "From the heart of mainland China to the sandy
hills of coastal Peru, Samaritan's Purse has been busy distributing shoe
box gifts to hurting children in some of the most remote parts of the
globe. Working with local believers worldwide, we have been
sharing the true message of Christ--that a loving God became flesh in
the person of Jesus Christ to save us from sin and give us eternal life.
'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall
call His name Immanual, which is translated, 'God with us' (Matt.
1:23)."We praise God for all the lives that have been touched through
our Operation Christmas Child project, both those who pack the
boxes and those who receive them. Since 1993, more than 61 million
shoe box gifts have been delivered to boy and girls in some 130 nations.
Through our evangelistic materials and follow-up discipleship program,
millions of children and family members have heard the Gospel for the
first time and many have made life-changing decisions for Jesus Christ.
What an exciting missions opportunity, and it starts with a simple shoe
box!"Hillside is a part of that vital Ministry with toothpaste,
toothbrushes, washcloths, and many other items put in the shoeboxes.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights." -James 1:17
David & Phyllis Enns-World Team Missions
March 25-This week's Missionary focus is on David and Phyllis Enns
with World Team Missions. Phyllis grew up in Country Bible Church along
with brother, Valen Straley with InterAct Ministry in Kamloops, Canada.
In their travels, David & Phyllis have been excited to see how God
brought the field together--the leadership, unity, vision and eagerness
to deploy to some challenging places. Six new teams will soon be "moving
out." However, after much prayer David and Phyllis are planning on
leaving World Team at the end of September. They are waiting on God's
direction on where He would have them serve.
They will be spending Easter with their daughter Carissa, her husband,
Leigh and their children. They will then be in the States and Canada
from April 18-May 14, where they will see their daughter Andrea, her
husband, Jason and their children; and their daughter Maria who is
pursuing a nursing degree.
Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Ministries
March 16-Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Ministries, again
long-time missionaries with Hillside started up a Prayer Resolution
Ministry. They have few books out that are so helpful: "Forgiveness: an
Act of Mercy and A Key to Answered Prayer; Cleansing: Resolving The
Consequences of Sexual Sin; Freedom from Dark Forces: A Model for
Spiritual Warfare; Freedom From Words of Power; and A Journey to
Wholenes".
"Christ accomplished more at the cross than just handling the sin
question. He defeated Satan and He created the grounds for us to have
healing and release from the power of sin."
Their website is www.cross-resources.org. They express their
appreciation for our support and prayers. Richard's health is
improving--the bone cancer is not showing any advance and he still has
no symptoms. PTL and continue to pray!
N.I.C.E. (Northwest Independent Church Extension)
Mar. 2-This week's Missionary focus is on the NICE (Northwest
Independent Church Extension) ministry. NICE began in March, 1958. They
are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this month! In those years God
has done wonderful things through this ministry:--people have been saved
--- lives have been changed --the Word of God has been taught --
churches have been started & revived -- marriages have been restored ---
believers have grown in grace --- truly God has been glorified!
The Mission's Vision is clear: "We envision NICE as a fellowship of
committed servants of Jesus Christ, aggressively involved in planting,
establishing and serving churches among all people groups, prayerfully
working together with our constituent churches in a spirit of
interdependence." Hillside is a NICE Church and we help support the NICE
Mission. "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and
ourselves, your servants for Jesus' sake." 2 Corinthians 4:5- the NICE
Theme Verse since 1958.
Terry & Lisa Strunk- N.I.C.E.
Feb. 24-Terry and Lisa Strunk are with N.I.CE., presently
ministering in Kooskia, ID. They were involved in ministry at Hillside
many years ago. They have a very strong AWANA program and just finished
with the Grand Prix races with 40 cars after being challenged from the
Word of God. Their Church body grows and changes with the gain and loss
of families. Terry keeps busy in the community in the fire department,
and started a leadership class, opening doors to the community.
Terry & Lisa’s son, Joe has an opportunity to go to the British Isles
with the choir from NW Nazarene University. Their daughter Ellie is
studying at Moody Bible Institute in Spokane as God provided funds for
this semester. Andrew & Abigail keep them very busy, growing up too
fast, and their daughter Lisa is looking into taking on-line courses to
get a medical transcriptionist certificate. Pray for: provisions of
funds for Joe; needed medical insurance; health needs; and opportunities
for outreach to families in Kooskia. They thank you for praying, caring,
and giving.
Samaritan's Purste Ministry
Feb. 17-From "A Samaritan's Purse Ministry Update" we read: "Lata
was near death's door when her parents brought her to a mission hospital
in Southeast Asia, one of the many Christian hospitals worldwide that
Samaritan's Purse helps to support. The young girl was paralyzed by a
melon-sized tumor near her spine, and her parents had tried everything
else, including sacrificing to a Hindu monkey god. There at the
hospital, Lata heard the Good News for the first time and gave her heart
to Jesus Christ. Dr Steve removed the tumor and eased her suffering
during a long, difficult surgery. Though the operation did not cure Lata,
it did give her eight more months to live for the Lord. On Easter Sunday
last year, Dr. Steve carried Lata into a nearby pond, where she was
baptized. Before she went home to heaven, Lata led her entire family to
faith in her Saviour. 'This girl grew in Christ like no one I've ever
known,' Dr. Steve said. 'She just radiated Christ. I told her, 'Oh, Lata,
what a shame that you have this cancer.' She had a twinkle in her eyes,
not tears, when she said, 'It's no shame what I've traded to be with
Christ.'
When you help provide items for Operation Shoe Box, be assured each
child receives a booklet, in their language, about Jesus, and there is a
discipleship program. What an investment in eternity!
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
Feb. 10-This week’s Missionary focus is on Carol Magnusson in Jos,
Nigeria, with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Carol just returned from a
Language Survey Trip to NE Nigeria. She reports: The Survey, among the
Bwatiye, showed 50% were Christians; they do have people to translate
but need a plan. Carol praises God for providing many Christians for the
Survey Team to stay with and guide them on this Survey. They were
blessings to the Team.
The 1985 VW Beetle Carol drove worked, but not without problems. While
near the Cameroon border, customs police stopped them, asked if they
were missionaries & they said yes. The police wondered if they had any
Christian literature and they remembered Bibles in the trunk. The Team
left with the police holding a Hausa New Testament--PTL!
Carol wishes to express her thanks and appreciation for all of your
prayers during this last survey. Please continue to pray for her,
specifically for: a good translation plan; that God would provide extra
funds as the exchange rate changes; for another Survey in February; for
a work-related meeting in Kenya in March; a Survey in April; and for her
trip back to the States for her first furlough in June.
Angel Tree Ministry
Feb. 3-This week’s Missionary focus is on the ANGEL TREE
Coordinators for the Great Northwest Area. Recently they sent this
report on 2007 Angel Tree: "WOW! Did you know that in 2007 we celebrated
Angel Tree's 25th year of ministry to children at risk? Just think of
it, we as God's family working together have touched over eight and a
half million children!"
The Great Northwest Area consists of WA, OR, ID, MT, and AK serving
14,897 children. Washington served 5,544 -- and Hillside has been a part
of this ministry for approximately 20 years. A blessing came to the
Coordinators in mid-December. They received a check for $800 from the
Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby, MT. It seems the inmates
wanted to do something for Angel Tree as many of the men have had gifts
delivered to their children on their behalf and wanted to give back.
With help from the Chaplain and staff they had a fund raiser. They
bought pizzas and sold them for $2 a piece and raised the $800 -- PRAISE
THE LORD!! Your ministry is so much appreciated by these inmates. Thank
you for your involvement in 2007 and past years.
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-OC International
Jan. 27-Today we feature Michael and Athena Kantartjis, in
Athens, Greece, with OC international. Michael’s monthly newsletters are
always filled with praise. He writes, “ Now, more than any other time,
we have to let the Lord speak direction, His admonition, His rebuke, His
teaching, and His light in this multi-compound world in which we live.”
Do you take time from the noise and busyness to listen and do the above?
They have a newspaper, and a dial-in ministry reaping these general
comments: “Reading your newspaper, the Lord made me a new person!”, “I
am grateful to God because He saved me inside the main prison of
Athens”, “I am thankful to God for using His people to bring me to God
and to your blessed fellowship.”
Pray for their ministry, and funds to continue the newspaper. Be assured
Michael prays for Hillside Community Church often!
Camas Meadows
Bible Camp
Jan. 20-This week’s Missionary focus is on Camas Meadows Bible Camp.
The rustic mountain Camp, is beautiful now with lots of snow. Many
churches are having Teen/Family camps. On January 4-6, North Shore Bible
Church Jr. High Teen group was there. God worked in the lives of 4 boys
who committed their lives to Christ. Pray for these boys: that they will
continue to be in Church; that the Spirit would continue to have His way
in their hearts; and that the Spirit would protect them from the attacks
of the enemy. Camps are scheduled up to March -- this is a real blessing
to the youth who attend, and to the needs of the Camp. Pray for Daryl
Wilks, Camp Director; and Jared Heeren, Maintenance and Recreation;
safety in travel for the groups/individuals coming to Camp; and for good
health for the founders, Del & Autumn Griffith. “Casting all our cares
on Him, for He cares for us” I Peter 5:7
Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries
Jan. 13-This week’s Missionary focus is on Valen and Carol Straley,
with InterAct Ministries. They are located in Kamloops, B.C., working
with the Native Indians. They are so encouraged by some who are taking
charge of homes for Bible Studies; stability in marriages; another
guitarist; and the leading of the Holy Spirit in people's lives.
Their daughter Amy's husband Peter, will be attending a 16-month
airplane mechanic course in Vancouver. Amy will have the full household
responsibility. Peter's course will prepare him for mission aviation
work. Their son David and wife Alisha bought a place in Kelowna and both
are working for Interior Health.
Carol and Valen are looking forward to their furlough in the Fall--we
look forward to seeing them. Their family picture is on the Bulletin
Board. Uphold them in prayer in a difficult location.
Jan 6-Catalogue Ministries-One resourceful grandma with a heart for
the Lord had a great idea to make and decorate cookies with her two
grandchildren. Not only was she spending some quality time with her
grandkids, but she was teaching them a valuable lesson in serving the
Lord! With some willing customers, the three were able to earn $440.35!
So how far would $440.35 go today? Would you believe: one year of school
for a child; 15 desks; a plow; 2 dozen ducks; 2 pigs; 2 dozen chickens;
3 goats; and 2,000 fingerlings (baby fish)?!
After they sold the last cookie, these 3 pored over a gift catalogue
from World Concern. What a blessing to see how far their efforts would
go! They were rewarded with helping families in less-prosperous
countries to enhance their living! The Lord was truly glorified!
Why not start your own tradition this year? These catalogues from many
Mission organizations are available and can be used all year round. Look
for them in the Narthex!
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
December 30-This week’s Missionary focus is on Joe and Brenda Ziska
with Greater Europe Mission in Vienna, Austria. In their recent letter
they write, “We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas from Austria!
Just one year ago November 19, 2006, we had our first worship service in
Klosterneuburg in a cellar theater. Herta had been praying and waiting
for 20 years for this moment. Herta's husband, Otto, would come with
Herta to Bible Studies but he was fascinated only by Biblical history.
They needed a pulpit and Otto made one -- a lovely piece of workmanship.
Through continued Bible Studies Otto has grown spiritually and we will
meet him in heaven, knowing we had a part of winning him to the Lord!”
They are able to rent a room for Church for $25 for the Sundays they
meet, and soon will receive a key. Brenda praises God for His continued
provision of this lovely meeting place. There are copies of their "Merry
Christmas from Austria" letter in the Narthex -- please take one and
uphold them in prayer, as well as the Klosterneuburg Church!
Various Missionary Updates
December 23-This week’s Missionary focus is an update on the various
ministries our church is involved in:
The Shoebox Ministry of Samaritan's Purse was a tremendous blessing this
year. Please be in prayer for God to raise an individual or group to
take over this ministry for 2008. Shirley Mead would be able to give you
guidance but can no longer physically do the work!
The pies made for The Tacoma Rescue Mission bless so many at the
Mission, as well as those who involve themselves in the work of
preparing the pies.
The Women's Fellowship ladies’ took an offering at their luncheon and
gave to Camas Meadows Bible Camp a total of $353. This is in lieu of the
Christmas Card we had for many, many years. He blesses abundantly.
Angel Tree, a Ministry of Prison Fellowship, had excellent
participation. The Area Coordinator said that after Churches had been
given the Angels requested, 600 children still needed to be taken. An
e-mail on Dec. 2nd said a miracle happened -- all 600 children had been
given out -- how we praise the Lord!
Many blessings abound and God has given us the abundance with which to
accomplish His work. His blessings overflow!
Mark & Ruthie Stoscher-Alongside Ministries International
December
16-Mark and Ruth Stoscher with Alongside Ministries Intl, are
serving the Lord in Albania. They had Summer Camps with over 1000
attendees at different Camps. Forest fires during the hot summer were
alleviated in their city by a Church building a dunking tank -- wow,
they had fun dunking a missionary!
Seven people were baptized in
Sept a man who is blind was also baptized telling how he had newfound
sight -- seeing and knowing our Lord. Praise God for these people
showing an outward sign of their commitment to Jesus Christ. The
Stoschers have 3 children; Ruth and Mark's Moms visited this summer too.
Bible School consists of 19 students from 7 nations for a six-month
program. What an awesome praise. Check their website:
www.torchbearers-albania.org for more of their ministry.
Jim & Christy Edgell-N.I.C.E.
December 9-This week’s
missionary focus is on a couple in the NICE ministry: Jim & Christy
Edgell are in Denton, MT. They both grew up at Hillside and are so
special to those of us who know them. They have 5 children: Ander (11)
in the 6th grade; Torin (9) in the 3rd grade; Gracie (6) in
Kindergarten; and Maddie and Morgan (4) home schooled for preschool.
Doesn’t seem possible, does it?
Jim took each of the 3 older ones
camping, separately, this summer, enjoying fishing and hiking (like
their Grandpa John). Jim is a captain on the local volunteer fire
department; Christy is working at a grocery store once a week, and doing
some healthcare with a dear neighbor, where she is able to bring the
twins along.
They would appreciate prayer for the church and
leadership issues. Jim is teaching the church about what to look for in
Godly leadership.
Ken & Eva Needham-TransWorld Mission
December 2-This
week’s missionary focus is on Ken and Eva Needham, with TransWorld
Mission. They have spoken at Hillside twice in the past, & soon will be
in Bonney Lake to visit their son, Paul and family. His Newsletter spoke
of their travels, and had interesting paragraphs on “WATCH THOSE GAPS!”
Ken writes, "There is a huge Gap between the Almighty, Holy, Just God
and sinful careless finite frightened man. This was most wonderfully
bridged by the Lord Jesus who laid aside His Majesty, and became man to
get alongside us, then sacrificed Himself to bring us to God. "There is
the Gap that develops between the reconciled (Christian) man and the
Lord who seeks our constant fellowship. This happens all too easily when
our vision gets filled with the material and the "urgent" and we lose
sight of what really matters. "Thirdly, there is the Gap between the
Jesus who loves the world of lost individuals, and those same ones who
are hurting, lonely, confused prisoners. Believing themselves to be
free, they continue to serve the lower nature and propagate their
confusion constantly. You and I are to be the vehicles through whom
Jesus continues His wonderful work of rescue and restoration. Will you
join us in being completely sold out to Him for all that He intends to
do through us?"
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Overseas Crusade
Int.
November 18-This week’s Missionary focus is on Michael and
Athena Kantartjis with Overseas Crusade Int. in Athens, Greece, where
they live and minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. In their recent
prayer letter, Michael & Athena said, “There is not a problem,
anxiety, authority, satanic power, or impossible situation that cannot
be overcome by the Holy Spirit. We are destined to move from victor to
victory, triumph to triumph, glory to glory. By His indwelling power, we
praise the Lord as the power of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus is
always with us. This power makes us the strongest and happiest people of
the world. Through the victory of Jesus on the cross, and His glorious
resurrection, the Holy Spirit dwells in us.” Praise God for their
faithfulness and ministry to the Lord! Remember to uphold them this week
in prayer!
Carol Magnusson- Wycliffe Bible Translators
November 11-This week’s Missionary focus is on Carol Magnusson, with
Wycliffe Bible Translators, in Jos, Nigeria. Carol asks for prayer for
one of their Language Survey Team members, Yakubu. His father-in-law was
bitten twice by a viper. Pray for complete healing. Yakuba's son had
hernia surgery last week (adult-sized hernia in a one-year old). These
attacks are from Satan as they embark on their first Survey trip.
The area they are going into (Niger State) is very much threatened by
Christianity (notice Nigeria is on the Persecuted Church map too). Pray
for the team as they prepare to leave for 10 days. Copies of Carol's
Magnusson Memoirs for November are available in the Narthex in case you
don't get them on your computers.
Richard & Connie Smith-Cross
Ministries
November 4-This week’s Missionary focus is on Richard and Connie
Smith founders of Cross Resources, Inc., a Prayer Resolution Ministry.
They recently finished a PR Training seminar in Minnesota. They had a
consistent 30 people that continued for 2 very intensive weeks, from 9
AM-9 PM. Along with that was an advanced program. The aim now is to
create more teams of “safe others,” and to begin to prepare some towards
actually teaching. One couple left for China; another told of Prayer
Resolution in Siberia and the States.
They sent the manuscript,
“Freedom from Dark Forces: a Model for Spiritual Warfare” to the
printers, and the next is “Forgiveness.”
Richard’s lab test show all
his scores are good; his test shows the cancer has not advanced in a
year. He still has bone cancer but no symptoms— how we Praise the Lord!
They give their thanks for continued prayer and support. Continue to
uphold them in prayer.
October 28-PLAN AHEAD! Here’s how to send special holiday
gifts to a Missionary overseas:
*Cards and letters should be sent
directly to the Missionary’s personal mailing address (allow 2-3 weeks)
*Before sending a package outside the US, ask the Missionary about the
customs regulations in the country they reside in. Import fees are very
expensive to receive packages in foreign countries.
*Monetary gifts
should be sent to the Mission Board office.
*For tax-deductible
gifts, please make your check payable to the board, indicating who it is
for on a separate piece of paper. You will receive a tax-deductible
receipt.
*For non-tax deductible gifts, you may send a personal
check, payable to the Missionary. Indicate that it is a personal
Christmas gift.
*Monetary gifts should arrive at the Mission Board
office by mid-Nov. if the Missionary is to receive it by Christmas
Vladimir & Nadia Savich-Slavic Gospel Association
October 21-This
week uphold Vladimir and Nadia Savich, who are with Slavic Gospel
Association., and are ministering in Russia. See pictures of their
Church in the hallway by the office.
Paul says, "For me to live is
Christ, to die is gain.” A young woman, Luda, repented and received
Christ, hiding her faith from her non-Christian family. Her father moved
the family to be far from a church. Her 2 younger sisters received the
Lord. Their father beat them when they told him. Luda can leave home
legally but her brother vows to find her and kill her; the sisters
cannot leave home. They try to stay in touch with other Christians but
it's not easy. Pray for Luda & her family. And for the Savich's -- their
work is hard and always under attack. "So the Word of the Lord was
growing mightily and prevailing.” Acts 19:20
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
October 14-his week’s Missionary focus is on Joe and Brenda Ziska
with Greater Europe Mission, in Vienna, Austria. Joe & Brenda are
experiencing God's blessings in abundance in the new Klosterneuburg
fellowship. Believers are coming forth and volunteering their gifts in
the worship service. Continue to pray that this "revival" will continue.
Pray for follow-up for women who attended the Women's Breakfast on Oct.
13th, an interdenominational evangelistic outreach. Over 200 signed up
to come! Pray for courage for the women to come to the discussion groups
and/or activities.
Joe's PSA was up; they are keeping close watch on that. David will be
returning to finish up college but of great help on their website;
Daniel's security job is finished but he was able to escort the
President on a tour. Pray for them diligently -- they appreciate them so
very much and we are blessed by doing so.
Action International Ministries
October 7-This week’s Missionary focus is on Action International
Ministries. Last week they were blessed by Ed and Joy Smith taking a
truckload of 25 boxes of reference books for their Bibles and Books for
Needy Pastors in Uganda project. These pastors know English. Bibles,
preferably study Bibles in New Living, New American, and New
International versions; Bible commentaries, study guides, dictionaries,
atlases, handbooks are all needed. Put any you can spare in the box by
the Narthex entrance doors. Another load will go up the week of Oct.
21st.
Ron & Bonnie Johnson-Missonary Gospel Fellowship
Sept. 30- Ron and Bonnie Johnson, missionaries with Missionary
Gospel Fellowship, ministering to an international student ministry, at
Ft. Lewis; and now out of Turlock, CA. They had the Carbonado Church for
many years; ministered in Aruba; and now with MGF. They are in the midst
of a spiritual battle and a warring battle. Memorial services, tragic as
they are, allow for opportunities to open up and speak freely and give
testimonies about the Lord Jesus, and the need to be ready to meet Him.
Bonnie teaches a course and over 200 women attend the various courses
offered. Pray for these women who faithfully attend each week
Pray for the Johnson's that they know how the Lord would lead them in
this ministry to international students.
Pastors in Uganda
Sept. 16-This week’s Missionary focus is on the need for Bibles
and Books for Needy Pastors in Uganda. Should you have the following
Bibles/study books you no longer need, they can be used for the pastors
in Uganda, Africa: Study Bibles preferably New Living Translation, NAS,
NIV, NOT NIRV or paraphrases. Evangelical study books: Bible
commentaries (no Barclay); Bible dictionaries, Bible atlases, and Bible
handbooks. ONLY the above mentioned books are needed. Put them in the
box to the right of the glass entry doors by Oct. 21. We are blessed by
abundance; let's share our abundance!
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
Sept. 9-This week’s Missionary focus is on Joe and Brenda Ziska
with Greater Europe Mission, in Vienna, Austria. In their recent letter
they tell us that Joe had laser treatment for his cancer, and now it
cannot be done in the same area for 15 years. Every 3 months Joe will
have a PSA test -- if it stays the same, no cancer; if it goes up it
means the cancer is growing. Pray for lots and lots of quality time,
Isaiah 40:29-31.
Also 7 young Christians sponsored by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship,
were killed/hurt by a boiler explosion in the Alps. Pray for those who
were hurt and the families of those who were killed as well as other
students at Evangelical Academy who knew and were ministered to by the 2
young men that were killed.
Various Outreach opportunities
August 12-MISSIONS OUTREACH SCHOOL SUPPLIES-School supplies are
beginning to appear on sale, so now is a good time to stock up for two
projects. SAMARITAN'S PURSE: These are for the Christmas Shoebox
Ministry: school supplies, small toys, socks, T-shirts (no logos). Bring
them to the Fireside Room..
PLATEAU OUTREACH MINISTRIES: There is a list in the Narthex of needed
school supplies, backpacks; maybe some non-perishable snacks would be
handy too. Put these in the basket inside the Narthex doors. Kathy
Duncan and Debbie Games work at POM and could give you some ideas too.
Purchases at Safeway would also be a good way to build up the eScrip
program!
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
August 5-This week’s missionary focus is on our own Carol Magnusson
with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Carol is with us today, but she leaves
for Jos, Nigeria, for 2 years, on August 8th. Carol finished up the
Language Survey work in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Now she joins a new team
in Nigeria and uses her experience(s) to further God's Word in this
area. Jos is about Central Nigeria, on a high plateau, located next to
Cameroon on the West Coast. Pray for her as she gets her belongings
together to go; her visa comes in; financial help in this move and set
up; health; and safety. She is extremely grateful and encouraged by your
love, prayers, and support.
Joe Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
July 29-PRAISE THE LORD: Joe Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission
(Vienna) ended his radiation therapy with no significant side effects.
The doctor was shocked when she knew he was still working full time.
PRAISE that God has brought Christian workers to minister to the
children in their Sunday School. Brenda says: "That just has to be
God!!!" The workers just came up and asked to work. Miracles never cease
when we listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting.
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Overseas Crusades Intl.
July 22-This week’s Missionary focus is on Michael and Athena
Kantartjis, Missionaries for Overseas Crusades, Intl.. They have been
with Hillside for close to four decades. They are Greek and minister in
their town of Athens. He is always full of praise for the Lord and the
Holy Spirit working in lives. A free newspaper brings people to meetings
and brings in calls to their dial-in ministry. The Lord uses Michael in
sharing His Good News to folks in power, and ministry. They have four
children, all involved in the Lord's work for His glory! Uphold them in
prayer for continued strength, and finances in their ministry.
Slavic Gospel Association
July 15- This week’s Missionary focus is on Slavic Gospel
Association. Slavic Gospel tells of biking for Christ in Russia.
Presently, teams of Russian Christian cyclists are crossing 2
Continents, 10 time zones, & 89 towns, sharing the "Gospel to the
nations of the world." Starting May 5th on the Atlantic side, scheduled
to arrive on the Pacific side September 2nd, these cyclists are taking
Christ's love to many towns and villages that have no Bible-preaching
church and have never heard the Gospel. Pray for their safety and
witness; also for our missionaries Vladimir & Nadia Savich as they
minister in Russia.
Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Ministries
July 8- This week’s Missionary focus is on Richard & Connie Smith
with Cross Ministries. Cross Resources is a Ministry of Richard and
Connie Smith, long-time missionaries with Hillside Community Church.
They deal with Prayer Resolution and have given of their expertise
throughout the world. A recent note said that through their teaching a
couple of Christians are using this in an unnamable country. Pray for
this couple. Richard had a series of cluster headaches in April/May and
now is hoping to finish a manuscript on the Occult. Be in much prayer as
he works on this. They extol their thanks for your prayers and gifts.
Mark & Ruthie Stoscher-Alongside Ministries Int'l
July 1-This week’s Missionary focus is on Mark & Ruth Stoscher, with
Alongside Ministries Int'l, are in Albania. Where? A small mountainous
country NW of Greece, East of Italy's boot on the Balkan Peninsula; very
poor country. Summer Bible camps are in full swing & the Stoschers
request prayer for the children in these camps. Uphold them in prayer
for strength & that the Holy Spirit work mightily in the children's
hearts.
Eva Means/Auburn Young Life Mexico Mission Trip
June 24-Missions for Mexico Our Eva Means is leaving June 26th
for a week in Mexico. She and several girls from her High School are
going with the Auburn Young Life group under the auspices of AMOR. Many
others will be going as well. During the week they will build a house
for a Mexican family; have Bible Studies and be doing evangelical
outreach. Be in prayer for Eva and the girls for their health; living
under less than "ideal" conditions; interpersonal relationships; and
that their lives and example will be only to God's glory.
Jo Handorff & Humble Hearts Mission trip
June 17-This week’s Missionary focus is on our own Jo Handorff
who leaves once again June 29-July 6, for Managua, Nicaragua. She will
be working under Humble Hearts, a Christian outreach mission. This is a
many-facetted group, they do: dental work; backyard VBS; English;
sewing; cooking; feeding rice and beans; showing the Jesus film--helping
in some of these areas. You can find a list of items needed to
take to the people of Managua on our
News &
Events page. Please uphold Jo, and the Humble Hearts Mission,
in Prayer, as they minister for God's glory. Please turn in any items
for donation by June 27th.
Camas Meadows Bible Camp-Summer Camp 2007
June 10-Summer Camp at Camas Meadows will transform your Summer and
your Life. Get to know the God who made you, and see the beauty of His
creation at Camas Meadows, in the mountains above Cashmere. Experience
all kinds of crazy activities (including paintball) with very cool and
caring counselors. Forms are available in the Narthex, and financial
help is available.
N.I.C.E. Northwest Independent Church Extension
June 3-This week’s missionary focus is on various missionaries under
N.I.C.E. (Northwest Independent Church Extension).
1. Terry Strunk in Alaska– Praise that Terry’s brother was successfully
rescued during an Alaskan storm, and praise for all the new families
attending their church.
2. Roy & Elvia Sprague– Pray for Elvia as she recovers from a heart
incident.
3. Don & Jody Wantland– Praise that Jody’s eye surgery was successful.
Pray for their ministry at Shelton Bible Church.
4. Bob & Judi Allen. Pray for Judi while she is on a Mission trip in
Alaska.
5. Brubakers & Rodgers– Pray for these families who have a heavy
ministry schedule in June.
Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators-Ethiopia
May 27-This week’s missionary focus is on Carol Magnusson with
Wycliffe Bible Translators. Carol is back in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after
a time in Mombasa, Kenya, and a Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
Her computer crashed so she bought a new one in Nairobi and is
transferring her data. Her telephone isn't working at home so she has to
go to an internet cafe to do her work. She said that she is way behind,
so she needs prayer for her phone line to work; and prayer that she can
get everything transferred to the new computer; get her work done for
SIL; and get the Church-related small group leaders on track. If you
want more detailed info & do not get her Newsletter on-line, there are
copies available in the Narthex.
Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission, Vienna, Austria
May 20-This week’s missionary focus is on Joe & Brenda Ziska with
Greater Europe Mission in Vienna, Austria. In their recent prayer
letter, the Ziskas shared a remarkable answer to prayer. At the end of
April, the EVAK (the Evangelical Academy; university level Bible school)
was accredited by the Austrian government as a non-profit organization.
This is a miracle! Of 3000 applications per year for this status, only
30 are approved. The EVAK is practically the only evangelical entity in
Austria that has this status! Not even the evangelical churches have
been granted the right to be non-profit! It is both a sort of government
recognition and certainly an incentive for potential donors. Praise God!
On the personal front, Joe’s radiation therapy should begin around the
middle of May. Pray that he’ll be able to handle the reaction of
tiredness from the therapy with grace. He would like to continue to
energetically work for the Lord!
Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Overseas Crusade
May 6-This week’s missionary focus is on Michael & Athena Kantartjis
with Overseas Crusade in Athens, Greece. Michael’s whole family is
involved in Evangelism meetings, Bible studies and sending out a regular
newspaper that reaches many unsaved. Pray for continued strength and
guidance as well as their financial needs.
David & Phyllis Enns- World Team Mission
April 29-This week’s missionary focus is on David & Phyllis Enns
with World team. Pray for guidance and direction as they plan various
conferences and meetings. Pray for travel mercies and pray for their
girls and the ministries in which they are involved.
Ministries in Israel
April 22-This week’s missionary focus is on Israel. In Genesis 12:3,
The Lord promises to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and the
one who curses you will be cursed.”
Israel is surrounded by unrest. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Let’s
also pray that those in the Middle East will come to recognize Jesus as
their Messiah.
Pray for Missions agencies like Chosen People, Israel My Glory and Jews
for Jesus that minister, love and serve the Israeli people.
Valen & Carol Straley- InterAct Ministries
April 15- This morning we welcome our Missionaries, Valen & Carol
Straley with InterAct Ministries in Kamloops, BC. They are here not only
to update us on their ministry, but came to celebrate with family and
friends, the marriage of their son David & his new wife Alisha. A
belated wedding reception was held here yesterday.
While here, Valen & Carol will give us some insight to their work with
InterAct Ministries. The goal of InterAct is to see a culturally
relevant church transforming every community in the North Pacific
Crescent, which includes places like: Siberia, Alaska, & Western Canada.
Valen & Carol are working with the Shuswap people in Kamploops. Please
give them a warm welcome this morning and your prayers as they travel
back to Canada to carryon with God’s work.
Ministries in India
April 8-This week’s Missionary focus is on India. Sharing the gospel
in India is an increasingly dangerous undertaking, especially in the
state of Orissa. Recently about 500 militants attacked the staff and
students of a Gospel for Asia Bible College. Five students were sent to
a hospital, one in critical condition. Pray for complete restoration of
the injured students and for salvation for the 500 men who carried on
the attack.
There are about a billion people in India. Praise God that in some areas
they are allowed to watch gospel programs on T.V. Pray that God will be
able to reach many through those programs and snatch them from Satan’s
clutches, and pray for each missionary ministering in India.
And the Lord said, “Lo I am with you always, even unto the ends
of the earth.”
Ministries in Africa
April 1-This week’s Missionary focus is on AFRICA. Franklin Graham
says, “We give Him all the glory for the gracious favor granted us in
answer to the prayers of many.”
Recently Samaritans Purse has been able to feed the hungry, share His
love with the sick and suffering and encourage the body of Christ
through a massive rebuilding program. This has been going on in East
Africa, Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya. In a camp in Lira, Uganda 660 tons of
food was given to help 30,000 people displaced by fighting. Howie &
JoAnn Brant, our missionaries who are ministering in Nairobi, rejoice in
the opportunities that they have had. Recently Howie spoke in a
conference where between 40 & 50 thousand attended!
Continue to pray for the Samaritans Purse Ministry in Africa and pray
for those people from Africa that God is preparing to be Missionaries in
other countries.
Valen & Carol Straley with InterAct Ministries
Mar 25-This week’s Missionary focus is on Valen & Carol Straley with
Interact Ministries. This ministry involves Missionaries in many out of
the way places in Alaska and Canada. Valen & Carol are serving our Lord
in Kamloops, B.C.
Valen & Carol’s son, David was married in November and they are planning
a belated wedding reception for him and his new wife, Alisha here at
Hillside on Saturday, April 14th. Anyone who would like to come and
celebrate with them is invited to do so between 1:00-4:00 PM. Pray that
they will all have a safe trip to Washington and a nice visit while they
are here.
Pray also for daily guidance and strength as many opportunities come up
for sharing their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Their Sunday school
has nearly 20 children in attendance.
Joe & Brenda Ziska with Greater Europe Mission
Mar 18-This week’s Missionary focus is on Joe & Brenda Ziska with
Greater Europe Mission. In their recent prayer letter we were updated on
Joe’s surgery. He came through the prostate cancer surgery successfully.
He now needs guidance concerning when to begin chemo.
Despite his health issues, Joe has recently been able to create a
national advisory board in Austria for BAO (non-formal Biblical training
program). This will increase the number of Austrians in BAO leadership
and bring other areas of expertise (e.g. Business representatives &
provincial leaders). They are having their 5th monthly worship service
today. Pray for a good response to the service. Also continue to pray
for Joe’s health and for Brenda as she prepares for children’s church
and seeks to train others for this ministry.
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