Camas Meadows Bible Camp
August 5-Camas Meadows Bible Camp, above Leavenworth and Cashmere, continues with Summer Camps for students. Prayer requests come in often for each camp or group that uses the facility. Prayers are for protection while playing, horseback riding, or spending the day at Lake Chelan; for the Holy Spirit to move in their hearts during their various activities as well as during times of hearing and listening to God's Word through various speakers; time around the campfire when they can really let a lot of their frustrations and joys be spoken and shared with others. The strongest prayer need is when they return home from "their mountain top experience" and face the realities in their lives. Quite often there isn't any family support, and Satan has a grand time with their new found faith in Christ, determined for them to flounder. The staff and camp directors always sense this struggle, along with the kitchen cooks, nurse, bus driver, and other staff. Uphold Camas and all Christian camps in prayer.

Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer IS the greater work. -Oswald Chambers

Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
July 22nd-Joe and Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission, in Vienna, Austria, send an encouraging letter about church, family, co-workers, and "hare." The Klosterneuburg church provisional leadership team met and decided to begin services every Sunday starting in 2013 -- Praise the Lord! Pray that God will show them what a biblical church should look like to effectively reach those in Klosterneuburg.

The women are continuing to follow-up on the ladies that came to learn more about God being in their lives. The work is serious as one woman said she was meeting with a cult group the next week. Pray for the follow-up sessions that the Holy Spirit would work in these ladies lives.

Pray for the Hatchers: Gregory, Kimberly, and baby Nathaniel who have received their Austrian residence visas. They are officially a part of the Austrian team and are finally "at home" in Austria.

Such exciting news for the Ziskas: Their eldest son David (who just turned 28) was never given up for adoption by his parents and has remained a foster child since he was a baby. Now he is old enough to legally say he would like to be adopted. Please pray that the process would go through smoothly.

And the "hare" part is that the Ziskas have two new baby girls: Ms T (Misty) and Snowy -- adorable little rabbits who have joined Mr. Sir Charles Mocha Ziska, long-time family household pet.

Finally, they had a Children's Flea Market where their Church had a booth and an opportunity to talk to children. Brenda said on September 15th they will be having another one. They suggested offerings to purchase small Christian booklets that can be given away; Christian books for babies to 4th grade; and cassettes and CD's that they would sell cheaply. Pray about your financial involvement in this outreach.

Various Ministry Updates
July 15-Thank you to those of you who filled the SOAR Hygiene Kits for the Children's Day Camps in Russia -- what a blessing that will be...sixty kits were delivered! Pray for those children, that the Holy Spirit will have them yield their lives to the Lord. Pray also for the counselors and leaders involved. Pray for strength, especially when they go back to their homes or to the orphanages, pray that they will be encouraged to live their lives for Christ.

Pray for all the students who attended the YoungLife Malibu Camp, especially for those in our Enumclaw area who made commitments to Christ. Pray for encouragement as they have returned to homes that may be shattered or not inclined to uphold their child's newfound faith in Him. Uphold the leaders as they have been consistent in meeting with them and always available and supportive.

Pray for the students who have been, are presently, and will soon be attending Camas Meadows Bible Camps. Pray for their safety, interactive skills, play times (they go to Lake Chelan every Wednesday), and their interpersonal relationships at Camp. Pray also for their return home, probably to families who have no spiritual strength in their lives.

Rainier Hills YoungLife
July 8-Rainier Hills YoungLife will be having a garage sale, July 26, 27, 28, at their office on 737 Griffin . Items NOT-ACCEPTABLE: Computers, Monitors, Console TVs, Cabinet stereos, Exercise equipment (unless pre-approved), Tires, Skiis/Boots, Refrigerators/freezers (unless pre-approved), Washer/dryers (unless pre-approved), Car seats, Cribs, Suitcases. ACCEPTABLE ITEMS: Clothing/shoes, Baskets, Household goods, Books, Yard items, Toys, Baby items (except those listed above), Tools, Furniture in good condition, DVDs/VHS/Albums/Cassettes, Stuffed animals, Purses/hats/belts, etc.
Should you have something that is not on this list and want to ask, contact Sheri at younglife@tx3.net. Have the items at the office on July 25th. Thank you!

Howie & JoAnn Brant-Serving in Mission
June 24-JoAnn Brant, with Serving in Mission (SIM), currently serving in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to the Gurage people, will be in Enumclaw on Saturday, July 14th. She will be at the Emerald Court community room at 2 pm sharing some Scripture and PowerPoint photos of their year in Ethiopia, about the Bible School they started, the students, and about pastor's wives being sent gently used ladies items to help their pastor-husbands make ends meet.

If you are saying, “oh yes, I have jewelry items that I could bring”, please see the sheet in the Narthex as soon as possible, so that they will be available when JoAnn comes. Put any jewelry items in little snack or sandwich bag; doilies, small table cloths, scarves. They all will be much-appreciated by these pastor's wives who are operating a business: one is a hair salon; the other is a coffee shop (Ethiopian coffee IS the best). And the shops are side-by-side.

Howie's Mother lives in Vancouver, BC, and is in her 90's, so while they are here, they want to make a trip to visit her. Pray for save travel for the Brant’s!

Michael and Athena Kantartjis-One Challenge
June 17-Michael and Athena Kantartjis, our long-time missionaries with One Challenge (OC International), are in Athens, Greece. In the midst of very trying circumstances in Greece, Michael continues to rejoice and praise the Lord because He is always with us. He says that with His love and power He moves the powers, the obstacles, and the mountains that are working against us. So, in everything we must always be thankful.

Athena enthusiastically witnesses everywhere she goes. People are drawn to her who have never met her before and she can talk to them about Jesus.

For 35 years Michael has put out a newspaper. People anxiously wait for the newspaper and he writes eight articles: missionary news; the main one is an evangelistic message; for the family; for contemporary problems, for the power of God and the Holy Spirit; true stories about people who have been blessed; answers to prayers, and the present very bad financial situation that exists in Greece right now, calling people to repentance.

Pray for the people as well as the OC ministry in Greece.

Various Ministry Updates
June10-< Uphold Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources (Prayer Resolution) as Richard recovers from problems after prostate surgery on May 8th. He is at home in Florida and Connie went to Biola University in California, to give a Prayer Resolution Training class. This is usually done by both of them, so pray for strength for her to give the presentations.

<A letter from Joe and Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission in Vienna, Austria, rejoices in that 200 women attended the Breakfast in April and 12 came to the follow-up time -- praise the Lord for them, and pray that the Holy Spirit will work mightily in their hearts. Also Joe's PSA is low which is good; continue to uphold them in prayer as there are miracles happening in their ministry.

<Jim Edgell, who pastors at Wiskah Church (out of Hoquiam), is returning to his former church in Denton, MT. You will recall that when he left Denton, shortly afterwards there were 4 young teens killed in a car crash and he returned to do their services. Again, two teens were also killed recently and Jim has been asked to return to do their services. Pray for them as they travel and minister to these grieving families. Jim is the son of John Edgell who was our pastor for a number of years in the late 80's/early 90's.

Vladimir and Nadia Savich-Slavic Gospel Association
June 3rd-Vladimir and Nadia Savich with Slavic Gospel Association, in the Urkaine, send their greetings to you as joint participants in their ministry. They are so appreciative of prayer and financial support and ask for God's richest blessings upon you and for Him to reward you hundredfold!

They had a harvest celebration last Fall and also had a spiritual harvest of 10 children who came to know Christ as their Savior! There were 60 children at Camp, and some lived 6 kilometers from where camp was held, walking that distance each day. Pray for those children to continue to grow in His love.

Calvary Church came to help them with the church building. They have been praying and fasting about joining with another Church, asking for God's guidance.

Vladimir's son is also a pastor and they started conducting special training for brothers to prepare them to be pastors. This started at the beginning of 2012 and the training will last 3 years. They already have 30 students and all the teachers required. Pray for them.

Pray for Nadia as she needs treatment but they have no funds for her care; pray for Vladimir for physical health to continue to minister for His glory.

Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
May 27th-News from Howie and Jo-Ann Brant, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is so encouraging as they tell of one of their Gurage Bible School students, Pastor Subsibe, in Indiber.

Subsibe was one of out two men chosen to attend school with a 10th grade education, married, and a daughter. The little church in Subside's area pays for his dorm fees ($42) but not his transportation back and forth -- five dollars round trip by bus from Agena to Indiber; not much to us but half a month's cash for a farming family.

Subsibe walks to school every week -- 25 miles. On weekends does all the house chores for a week i.e., cuts wood, shops for necessities; preaches Sunday mornings to the Agena congregation and in the afternoon has youth and women's meetings. Then early Monday before dawn he sets out for school arriving about 10:30, hot and sweaty but with still enough energy to attend class and participate.

After studying about angels, Howie asked Subsibe if he ever sensed any guardian angels along the way. "Yes, along the way there are many rivers, hills, and rough places but I have been able to walk this every week with no tiredness and no harm. Yes, I know there are angels watching over me."

Check out the Gurage Celebration slide show on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FRKanb4v3E&feature=youtu.be

Bob & Katherine Rodgers-Northwest Independent Church Extension
May 20- Bob and Katherine Rodgers, Director of Northwest Independent Church Extension, in Sumner, WA. They live in Orting & just found out that their new neighbor is the son of Katherine's cousin -- small world isn't it! Their family is busy, moving, growing: Andrew is finishing up courses of the UW this year with one more quarter in the Fall, then graduation. He is looking at job opportunities now. Rob & his family are in Arizona (they are thankful for a son-in-law who works for the airlines); Sarah Joy and her family are involved in Faith Bible Church (South Hill); Matthew and Elizabeth moving to Denver, CO; each growing in their way and moving on with their lives.

Bob and Katherine ask for prayers that God will raise up more leaders; church planters; and pastors to serve with NICE to reach out, not only this generation but the next generation in the Northwest; wisdom and discernment in implementing our (NICE) vision, purpose and goals. The NW continues to be one of the most un-churched places in the United States. Pray that lives will be changed as the Gospel goes forth throughout the NW.

Various Missionary Updates
May 13th-Congratulations are in order for John and Mel Bjorgen, our missionaries in Belize, Central America, on the arrival of Malachi Daniel. He was born Friday, May 4th; weighed in at 6 lbs. 6 oz., 21 inches long, and is still in the hospital as he was born with pneumonia. There report as of Tues (8th) stated they were going to take him off the ventilator but as of this writing we have not heard how it is going for this little one. PRAY that he recovers and that he is a healthy little tyke. This birth was a C-section so Mel is still very much recovering, and not able to be with her two daughters, Evangeline and Ellis. One of the Moms was going to be with them at this time, so that helps.

Richard Smith of Cross Resources, Inc., (Prayer Resolution Counseling), had prostate surgery Tuesday. In two weeks, they will be traveling to Biola University in California, for a month-long Prayer Resolution Training. PRAY for Richard and Connie as they prepare, and that Richard has a good healing time.

Uphold Valen and Carol Straley with InterAct Ministries, in Kamloops, British Columbia, as they continue traveling before returning home in a couple of weeks. Remember Valen's message from Matthew 16:18 ". . .I will build my church. . .". They minister in a very dark area; prayers can defeat this darkness and bring Light to these dear people in Kamloops.

Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries
May 6-We welcome Valen and Carol Straley today. They are with InterAct Ministries and are located at Kamloops, British Columbia. Previously they were at North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Beginning very slowly but currently picking up speed those in the area are coming to Services, gatherings they have, with the Lord working in their hearts. Some are reaching out to others; the Holy Spirit is working in a spiritually dark area.

Uphold Valen and Carol as they continue to minister; pray for their family, daughter Amy who has three children; and son, David and his wife.

Valen and Carol are both from Hillside Community Church way back, and we are so blessed to have you with us today.

Howard & Jo-Ann Brant-SIM, Richard & Connie Smith- Cross Resources
April 29-A short news brief from Howie and Jo-Ann Brant, with SIM in Ethiopia, report that churches in the Gurage area have embarked on an evangelistic campaign. Hundreds of teams going out two by two witnessing to over 21,000 people and 482 have professed Christ as their Savior -- many of which were Muslims.

Believers have become emboldened to share their faith. Unbelieving communities have seen the power of their faith and are no longer critical and apt of try and persecute them. The Light of the Gospel is penetrating deep into the darkness - Praise the Lord!

Pray for these new believers as we know this is the hard time; pray they remain true to their Lord and Savior!

Be in prayer for Richard Smith with Prayer Resolution along with his wife, Connie. Recent tests show that his myeloma cancer is back; he now also has prostate cancer with a cancerous tumor on one side of the prostate gland, and both of these cancers are in Stage 3. With all their traveling, moving, remodeling their home, he hasn't followed the Diet as before. He chose no treatment. They are to be giving a 4-week training on Prayer Resolution at Biola University during the month of June. God has answered the prayers of those involved in having them come for 7 years, and they know God will be glorified in this whole situation. Your prayers are much needed for all this to happen.

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference, Belize
April 22nd-Time is closing in on the anticipated birth of Baby Boy Bjorgen, on May 4th. John and Mel in Belize, Central America, have had a busy month with the Belize Mission booked solid with teams this past month. They put on a couple of VBS programs and the teams did great jobs in ministering, constructing, painting, and just being flexible.

They also had the opportunity to host a team in the village. Two former missionaries to Gales Point Village were also a part of this team. They gave the church a "facelift" and took the whole Ladies Bible Study to Caye Caulker for a retreat where they prayed, cried, talked, sang, talked about spiritual gifts, fellowshipped with the Lord and even had pedicures -- what a special time!

Their discipleship program is going well, seeing growth and understanding, and being challenged by the Lord. Pray for the discipleship program.

May 4th is when the baby is scheduled to arrive by C-section. She is excited that her Mom and John are able to be with her in the operating room; the doctors have been very accommodating in allowing family when the baby is born. And he will be born on her Mother's birthday! Uphold Mel as she continues in her pregnancy and that all goes well.

Various Youth Summer Camps
April 15-Summer time is coming upon us and with that a full camping season for students. Kasten Brown (grandson of Richard and Connie Smith, son of Theresa) is going to Yei, South Sudan, with Teen Missions from June 9 - July 28th. They will be constructing housing to minister to refugees and orphans in the area. They will live in tents and bathe and do their laundry in buckets -- quite different from home! He is still in need of funds for his trip. Should the Holy Spirit move you to assist him, make out a check to Teen Missions and send to Kasten Brown, 4513 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282. Pray for Kasten that he can get his support, and for his safety in South Sudan.

Another area of support needed is for those going to Young Life camp. Any funds sent presently will be matched, so doubles the amount. We have the Rainier Hills Young Life at 737 Griffin Ave. (green house across from Oshio's and Mail Express). Adam and Amy Ihde can also tell you more of the summer camp outreach. Pray for the students and leaders.

Camas Meadows Bible Camp (above Cashmere and Leavenworth) has camps available to students throughout the Summer. A lovely mountain setting with a trip to Lake Chelan, horseback riding, huge slip 'n slide...very Christ-centered. If you are interested, go to www.camasmeadows.org. Students are upheld each week by a huge Prayer Chain.

Camas Meadows Bible Camp-Women's Retreat
April 8-The Annual Camas Meadows Women's Retreat is coming up May 18-20-- a wonderful time of meeting women from all over the State, a time of being in God's Word, uplifting music, fun, fellowship, food, free time -- all in a very rustic mountain setting above Leavenworth and Cashmere in Eastern Washington.
Registration can be made ahead of time with Kate Percival or at camp when the retreat starts. Camp begins at 5 p.m. on Friday and goes through noon on Sunday. Cost is $97 for the entire weekend or if you want to come on Saturday, the cost is $55. Brochures are in the Narthex, but should you need more information, contact Joyce Magnusson.
The Speaker this year is Patti Johnson, a veteran Sunday School and also a BSF teacher. She will be speaking on the subject The Attitude of the Beatitudes.

Joe & Brenda Ziska, Greater Europe Mission
April 1st-A Happy Easter greeting from Joe and Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission, in Vienna, Austria, to all of you. They have been very busy since returning to Vienna on New Year's Eve. Jonathan, their co-worker had health problems so the timing was perfect for Joe to take over then. Jonathan is now able to come back to work and they ask for prayer for his full recovery (liver-related problems).

The Klosterneuberg fellowship will be discussing the next steps to form a church, official leadership, having services every Sunday -- praise God for this next step of church planting in this area; also praise for an increasing number of people that are visiting the worship services on Sunday night -- His Word is spreading!

April 14th will be the date for the Klosterneuburg women's breakfast -- an outreach to all women. They will hear the Word of God spoken and we can pray that the Holy Spirit will move in their hearts. Brenda and Raphaela (Jonathan's wife) will be inviting those interested in a follow-up time to consider His love for them.

A new family will be joining the GEM team in Austria. They are presently getting the remainder of their support and should be arriving April 24th. Pray that their residency permits will be granted; as they continue language study; and as they begin to look for an apartment. The Ziskas are very excited about the arrival of Gregory, Kim, and baby Nathanael.

Various Ministry Updates
Mar. 25th-<Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with Serving In Mission (SIM) are living in, and working out of, Gurage at this time. The lights are often off, they went five days without water; both have had bouts of diarrhea, and the fleas are active so they've been scratching. In spite of those problems the Lord is working. Over the past month the Gurage Church has mobilized its members to evangelize. About 180 people have gone out 2x2; personally spoken to 9,700 people, and 159 people made profession of salvation -- celebrating abounds. The Holy Spirit is working mightily -- praise the Lord!

<Valen and Carol Straley with InterAct Ministries, in Kamloops, B.C., are on furlough and will be speaking at Hillside on May 6th. Their fellowship is exploding with congregants and children; we look forward to the wonderful things of the Lord as they speak to us. Valen and Carol grew up in Hillside.

<Read about Mel Bjorgen's trip to the doctor on the back of your Ephesians Study Notes.

<Carol Magnusson of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Jos, Nigeria, writes that now no traffic is allowed near churches, so the traffic is more chaotic. People have to park quite a distance to attend. Pray for those who terrorize the Christians that they may come to know Christ as their Savior.

Far East Broadcasting Co
March 18th-Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) reaches many people through their radio ministry. They have small radios that can receive spiritual messages in the darkest corners of earth -- and that dark is, spiritual! Obviously blaring radios would be ideal to spread His Word, but they must do this in the darkness of woods, ever so quiet so as to not arouse suspicion. How blessed we are to praise God in the Tacoma Dome, Showare Center, Key Arena, and in our church buildings.

Here are five areas to pray for those who must worship in secret:

1. The physical, spiritual, and emotional protection for believers in prison, and for perseverance for those under surveillance.
2. The strong fellowship of believers despite government restrictions or the absence of church buildings.
3. Spiritual and emotional strength for Christians under pressure to renounce their faith.
4. The safety of pastors, church leaders, missionaries, Gospel workers, and their children at risk.
5. Christian radio and internet broadcasts to encourage believers and to help seekers find Christ.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Prison Fellowship
March 11-An e-mail from Franklin Graham of Samaritan's Purse asked for prayer for an Iranian pastor, Yousef Nadarkhani, who has been sentenced to death by an Iranian court for converting from Islam to Christianity. He is guilty of apostasy under Islamic law. Christians like Yousef are being persecuted for their faith all over the world. We have prayed for Christians in prison in China and they have been released. Pray for Yousef that he may further glorify the Lord.

Jim Liske, CEO of Prison Fellowship Ministries, had visited Comayagua, Honduras. While driving past its cruel-looking prison, he urged churches to reach out to those languishing inside. So when he saw images of the devastating fire on Feb. 14 that killed over 350 prisoners, he was horrified. Many of the prisoners were still waiting to be tried or even charged.

He urged his pastor-friends to reach out and provide basic necessities, and the love of Jesus. He also was able to offer the help of Prison Fellowship International to connect with the churches and his pastor-friends and poured out Christ's love to the survivors, families, and prison guards.

Most of the families are very poor and have no supplies and nowhere to stay. Prison Fellowship is delivering blankets, soap, toilet paper, and diapers, and general support for these families. Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America.

Pray for these families, survivors, and Prison Fellowship workers and the churches in Honduras. May Christ be glorified.

*Our Operation Shoebox is a ministry of Prison Fellowship.

Various Missionary Prayer Needs
February 26-A season of prayer for:
*Joe Ziska with Greater Europe Mission in Vienna, Austria, in his battle with cancer. His PSA had gone down when he arrived back in Vienna in January. Continue to uphold Joe, and Brenda, in much prayer.

*Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with Serving In Mission in Addis Ababa/Gurague area, Ethiopia, as they seeks funds for the student housing/buildings of the Bible School that has been started.

*David and Judy Baker with Camas Meadows Bible Camp, Cashmere, WA, as Dave recovers from his second brain surgery on Feb. 21. Their desire is only to glorify Christ through this challenge in their lives.

*Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources, Inc., as they are in Thailand for the first time with their Prayer Resolution Counseling.

*Carol Magnusson with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Jos, Nigeria, as she and others deal with lack of electricity which in turn leaves them without water. Water has to be carried from a well for their needs. And when the pumps work, the cost of fuel has gone way up again. Pray as she and Robyn co-chair the Nigeria Group Spiritual Retreat in mid-April (about 90 adults and 20 children).

*The economic crises in Athens, Greece, affects our missionary and his family, Michael and Athena Kantartjis with OC, Intl.

*For relief of the intense winter weather in Europe and Eastern Europe and our missionary Vladimir and Nadia Savich, with Slavic Gospel Mission, in the Ukrane, and their fellow believers.

The missionaries desperately need your prayers for their ministry to be effective for Christ -- "pray without ceasing."

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference, Belize
February 19-John and Mel Bjorgen in Belize, Central America, with daughter Evangeline and Ellis and baby boy coming in May, are looking at the end of their term. Don't know if they will continue in Belize, or what God has planned for them for the coming years. But Mel asked for prayer for 4 women and 4 men, some are solid believers, others non- or baby-believers.
Una, wife of Pastor Kenny desiring to grow in the Lord and stand strong in her faith. Pray for her as she is one of the most scrutinized and criticized women in the village; for her husband, Kenny, meeting with John to sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron. A good opportunity for John to learn more Belizean Kriol.
Amanda, wife of Assoc. Pastor Shannon, desires to grow in her walk with the Lord. She is 18 and a new mother; Shannon that he will be focused on studying doctrine and working on organizing and preparing lessons and teaching.
Shelly, who came to the Lord but has slipped away from church and Bible Study. She desires the walk but doesn't know how and Mel wants to come alongside her and give direction. This is also the need for Nadine.
Robert is not a Christian yet (he is the "common law" husband of Nadine. John has developed a connection with him and thinks he is seeking more and curious about Christianity. Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw him.
Jay and his wife, Myrtle, recently moved to the village, coming to the outreaches and services. He asked to meet with him to study the Bible.
Our prayers will not go unanswered when, from a pure heart, we come to Him for the encouragement, wisdom, and salvation of those listed above.

Shared Hope International
Feb. 12th-Highlights of what you helped to accomplish in 2011 through Shared Hope: Our three U.S. partners were extremely busy in the work of rescue and restoration. The statistics are impressive. They:
~ made contact with 2,278 potential trafficking victims throughout- reaching them both on foot and by phone
~ received hotline calls from 427 women and girls
~ had interaction with 607 contacts
~ provided follow-up services to 243 individuals
~provided long-term shelter to 10, short-term shelter to 33
Plus, leaders of all three of these organizations have been recognized as experts on the issue of sex trafficking and have been invited by the U.S. Congress to testify at hearings.

Internationally:
~ shelter, support, and education to 180 women and children
~training in 135 job-related skills
~providing loving care to HIV-infected members of their communities
~sent outreach teams daily into brothel areas to offer hope and freedom to those in bondage

David & Phyllis Enns-World Team, Singapore
Feb. 5th-“Pray that our love will abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we might be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless until He comes.” David and Phyllis Enns of World Team in Singapore asked that we pray for them to that end in the year 2012. Sounds like a good prayer for all of us!

They had a busy few months: August was Mission's Month with the theme "God's Heart for Missions: What is my role?" They ran two sessions of a World Mission Course there in Singapore. David's dream to see 80 people come was realized and there was much joy seeing how God raised up an eager and capable Facilitation team who have His passion!.

David and Phyllis said to Hillside, "God bless you for your faithful support over all these years. May He bless you in a wonderful way in 2012. Thank you for partnering with us."

Prayer requests: A camp for 70 Indonesian youth was held with good participation between the youth and Bible School students. Pray that the children that made a decision for Christ will follow through and really love Jesus.

Pray for their family: Maria, in her third year of the nursing program of University of Manitoba was with them at Christmas. Leigh and Carissa and family are settling into life in Papua. Jason and Andrea and their boys are juggling work, deputation and life in Three Hills, Lord willing, leaving for Faith Academy (Philippines) in March, 2012. Pray for David's brother, Lauren, who has been battling prostate cancer; his attitude and trust in the Lord have been a comfort to David. They would love to see him healed and want God to be glorified in all things.

For those of you who don't know of the Enns, Phyllis grew up in Hillside Church, as did her brother, Valen Straley, a missionary in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
January 22-Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with Serving In Mission, are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, presently. They report that builders from the Seattle area are there to help build desks, and bunk beds for the Gurage Bible School students. The church has the school's property title deed, the architect finished his work, and they should be having a ground-breaking soon. The students are living in temporary quarters. They see miracles happening with the funding of the school and praise the Lord for those involved.

The Brants are finishing up a two week teaching of the Book of Acts at an Ethiopian Missionary Training School. The commentary on Acts they have written will be in print soon, and they pray that eventually it will be in the hands of Ethiopians, Indians, and Chinese.

Pray as they work on the school building progresses, for the continued intense interest of the students, and most of all that Christ will be glorified through each and every student.

Camas Meadows Bible Camp
January 8-The Year 2011 was an excellent year for Camas Meadows Bible Camp located in the mountains above Leavenworth and Cashmere, WA. Daryl Wilkes, Director, says "Just as we are called to examine ourselves individually, so should an organization--especially one that wants to be an expression of the Body of Christ. Over the last couple of years the Board has been very intentional about reviewing our mission, policies and budget to ensure that we are true to our purpose and good stewards of the resources we've been given. We strive to honor God in all we do and cover every decision and work of the Camp with prayer."

Many improvement were accomplished but the heart of the ministry is examined also. Testimonies coming from campers, staff, and parents assure them that the Lord's transforming love is actively working at Camas Meadows. Children seeing a counselor months after attending camp, yet the counselor remembers his name; former counselor applying what she learned to her current work in Africa.

Daryl says "The Kingdom of God continues to grow as we love, serve, and sow the Word of God. And we at Camas Meadows Bible Camp are honored and humbled to be a small part of that mighty Kingdom".

Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources, Inc.
Jan. 1-Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources, Inc., deals with Prayer Resolution Counseling. They express their thanks for your prayers and gifts. And they are taking their ministry to Thailand, a first for them in Asia and a new learning experience for them. When they go into a new culture they watch every one and all aspects of how people deal with each other i.e., shaking hands, crossing arms, crossing legs -- simple things we don't give a thought to but in that culture may be very offensive precluding any ability to effectively minister.

Their daughter, Teresa, has been helping them handle the finances and sending books and materials when people order them. She has been in and out of work for the past two-three years but recently received word that her workload will be increased to the point where she can handle her personal needs, including health insurance (she is a single Mom with 3 children). Richard and Connie ask for prayer for Teresa dealing with family issues.

Uphold Richard as he deals with his cancer; always in need of financial resources; and health as they go to Asia.

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference, Belize
Dec. 25-Mel Bjorgen's grandfather died from falling off a ladder while cutting a tree. Mel and John are in Belize, Central America.. He landed on his face and died of a brain bleed. Pray for Mel, her Mother, and family in this tragic loss of her dear Grandpa. He loved the Lord and we know there is much comfort knowing that.

God intervened greatly on their trip to Florida. They were 23rd, 24th and 25th on the stand-by list, then down to 10 and got the last three seats. A lady gave up her place so Mel could sit with their 2 girls and John was at the back of the plane. A man from their Mission picked them up and took them to the family place.

The funeral service was held Saturday; pray for the family as they deal with their loss.

David and Phyllis Enns send their greetings to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

There are some cards from Missionaries/Organizations on the Mission Board; more will be added as they come.

Howie & Jo Ann Brant-Serving in Mission & Radio Ministries
Dec. 18-We can never under estimate the power of the radio in ministry in remote lands. Howie Brant with SIM (serving in Mission) in Ethiopia, East Africa, tells of a man who came up to the pulpit of US radio-based donors. He looked intently at the crowd and with tears he said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Radios are an excellent gift for ministries like theirs & others. Far East Broadcasting Co. and The Voice of Martyrs are just a couple that would benefit from this type of gift--With Voice of Martyrs a pilot drops bags of Bibles & radios into the guerilla areas in Columbia; there are even Bible study groups among the guerillas--Praise the Lord! In Alaska, Voice of Alaska has towers in remote far north & northwestern areas that transmit the Gospel message where groups gather cherishing every Word of God coming through radios!

Howie & Jo Ann just returned to Ethiopia from the U.K. where he had surgery on his prostate. Their children:  Lisa & Lance are getting ready to return to Jordan; Krista is enjoying her Bible teaching to 50 women in Germany; Judson & family are now in Germany (he is out of Afghanistan now). A picture of the 23 students enrolled in the Gurage Bible School is on the Missionary Board; property is purchased, funding coming in, the Lord is blessing!

Carol Magnusson-Wycliffe Bible Translators
Dec. 11-Carol Magnusson, with Wycliffe Bible Translators, in Jos, Nigeria, was on a 2 1/2 week Survey. They left November 9th and returned December 2nd -- MUCH longer than they expected. The location was only an hour from Jos, but also an hour trek (backpacking) to the village. Within a short time of arriving in the village a great number of people surrounded them. They were happily surprised and left the village the next morning. The Team returned again on Monday and a person from the village told her that they needed to move to another area. When Carol asked what was going on, she was told that the villagers play music and it will be very loud. They went ahead and moved to a different location but not before they heard just how loud the music was! Carol thought it strange the music wasn't playing Friday night when they first arrived, but it was because the generator was broke down -- Praise the Lord. Had the generator been going, they would not have been able to conduct the work but God knew and prepared the village for their arrival. She said they will go back to the same Survey in a week or two and finish -- not quite done! Isn't God amazing at the things He does preparing the way before others?

She thanked you all greatly for your prayers -- first time she wasn't sick at some point on a Survey! Pray for the Team as they go again in a couple of weeks to finish the Survey.

**FYI: Should you be concerned about how a charity you give to uses funds, check on charitynavigator.org

Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission
December 4-We are blessed today to have with us, Joe and Brenda Ziska, and son, Daniel, from Vienna, Austria, with GEM (Greater Europe Mission). They have been Stateside since mid-year and will be returning home December 30th, to be with both their sons, David and Daniel, and Sir Charles Mocha Ziska (The family bunny rabbit). God has been so gracious and awesome with Joe's cancer treatments -- gamma knife radiation and chemo treatments, one here in Seattle. They can tell you all about it!

Their ministry in Vienna has flourished through the many years they have been there: Bible school; daughter-churches; women's outreach; children's outreach; leaders developed to take the lead in churches and youth ministry -- here's Joe and Brenda to share what God is doing in their lives and Austrian lives!

Angel Tree-A ministry of Prison Fellowship
Nov. 20-Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship, was started many years ago by Chuck Colson of Watergate fame. He saw the need for Christ in the prisons, and was introduced to Prison Fellowship through a mother who was incarcerated. This lady would hoard sample soaps, and other toiletries to give to her children -- she needed to give a gift to them. God revealed a need, and Angel Tree was born.

Now prisoners fill out an application they get from the Chaplain in their correction center, and the names are distributed all around the country to churches willing to minister to children of prisoners. The gifts are purchased, wrapped, and delivered to Hillside Community Church by you. You are asked to pay not more than $20 for the gift, but everyone can certainly do what they would like.

Each guardian is called to find out what the child(ren) would want, sizes, colors, etc., so we try to be as specific as possible. Often times it is the one who purchases the gift that gets very excited and blessed by giving to these Angels.

There is a tree loaded with Angels in the Narthex. Take a look to see who you would like to buy a gift for, then write your name and phone number on the tracking card and put the card in the basket. This is to help in case you misplace the Angel, or are in the store and don't have the Angel with you, or if we need to get in touch with you if the gift isn't here by Sunday, December 20th!
The appropriate information is on the bottom of the Angel. Peel that off and put the top part of the Angel on the gift. You can put a card on it, but this gift is from the incarcerated parent(s). Christian literature can be included if you like; also for clothing it would be appreciated if you could get a gift receipt. Call Joyce Magnusson with questions or for more information. Most of all, pray for the Angel you have.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
November 13-People throughout the world cannot even speak the name Jesus or they will be severely persecuted, tortured, imprisoned, or put to death. What a powerful Name that some would be so compelled to react to His Name -- Jesus! We enjoy going to our house of worship, praying in public, private, gathering with as many or few as we want -- no restrictions on what we can do and say -- in the Name of Jesus!

We are blessed -- but do we realize that? No, oft times we are very complacent and give no thought if we would be persecuted for saying the Name of Jesus.

In your Bulletin is a little brochure on Padina, a woman whose life was forever changed by an illegal Christian satellite program that she was able to miraculously hear in her home one evening. There is also further information on The Voice of the Martyrs. VOM ministers throughout the world in hostile and restricted nations to those who suffer for being a Christian. They provide medical help, build churches, provide medical supplies, Bibles, and literature telling of the love of Jesus.

In the Narthex is a table with many VOM magazines, with a world map showing those nations; others tell of people who have been and are imprisoned because they have taken a stand for Christ -- heartbreaking, yet beautiful stories. We sent post cards to Yang Caizen who was in prison in China; she was released early, and said she would go back again -- thank you for your prayers. There are also prayer cards, so take one and pray for the specific person in that country.

Various Ministry Updates
November 6-Please remember your Shoeboxes -- bring wrapped boxes and loose donations to Church so they can be filled by Wed., Nov 9th and wrapped and filled Boxes to Church for dedication on the 13th. Also, each box needs a $7 donation to cover the cost of shipping and handling. If you would like to help, please make checks payable to Hillside, but designate on the check and envelope: For Shoebox Ministry.

Can't think of what to get someone for Christmas, or any occasion for that matter? World Concern, World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, and probably other organizations have catalogues available to give gifts from baby chicks to wells for clean water, shelters -- something for everyone, or giving a portion toward the whole item. There are a few catalogues on the table in the Narthex. We have so much, why not share and be blessed abundantly!

If you are going to send a gift to a missionary, monetary or a package, time is getting short. Packages should be mailed by mid-November. Should you send a monetary gift to the sending Board, or to an individual, best do it soon as takes up to 3 months to get to the individual.

Pies for Tacoma Rescue Mission will be made on Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 9 a.m. in the Church Basement. Bring your favorite rolling pin, mixing utensil, and have a nice time of fellowship. They will be delivered the 23rd.

Angel Tree names will be available Sunday, Nov. 20th.

Joe and Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission, Vienna, Austria, will be speaking Nov. 27th. A love-offering gift can be made out to Hillside Community Church and put in an offering envelope stating it is for the Ziskas’. Pray for Joe's health as he is taking chemo.

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference, Belize
Oct. 30th-John and Mel Bjorgen in Belize, Central America, have compiled some interesting markers in their two-years in Belize. They said that when they look back they can say that is where our faith grew that is the time that was the most difficult and God met our every need..

Oct. 16th they were on a struggling boat to go to church because the road was flooded. Mel had baby Ellis held close due to the loud noise of the engine, hoping there were no leaks in the boat -- a stressful situation. She took inventory of what she was doing and realized This is not the Melissa of the past -- she was fading quickly and has changed. If only my family could see me now brought a chuckle to her. Things that have happened:

Going on a 1 1/2 hr. drive, road is too flooded, so another return trip; 3 car windows busted, stolen items right before her eyes; transporting a casket and body to the village for the funeral; riding a bike through the village and feeling like they were "home." Also countless flat tires and car trouble; seeing lives change slowly; trips to the city to get visa’s straightened out only to find you need to go to another city; you're the missionary and yet you learn from the villagers how selfish you really are; watching the amazing sunsets or brilliant stars in the sky (only God could paint such beautiful scenery); showing up on time for something and realizing that, unlike the American Way, the event will not happen until everyone is there. -- things that daily strengthen their character as James 1:4 says But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Pray for Mel as she expecting another child in May -- the usual sickness and she has Evangeline who will be 3 in January, and Ellis who is 18 months.

Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries, Kamloops, B.C.
October 23-Valen and Carol Straley, with InterAct Ministries, are located in Kamloops, B.C. They said the Summer has flown by quickly and they can see God's hand working in so many ways in their lives and that of His people in Kamloops. They had a Bible Study in the park this Summer and even with the wind blowing a few things away and an occasional visit by a dog, they all enjoyed it: the children played, we sang and studied the Word ----hopefully others heard the Word too!

Their co-workers, Ellis and Dottie will be gone for the next few months on furlough, so they ask for prayer for the energy to keep up with all the activities. Carol had 17 older kids and Dottie had 14 little ones. Also Crystal (who took a leap of faith a few years ago and went to Honduras on a mission trip) is handling the little ones -- again another step of faith for her. A youth group ministry will possibly be starting with a young couple who live about an hour away and will be coming once a month -- PTL!

Carol lost a great nephew who was only 28 and had a young son. Valen was able to speak briefly at his memorial service. And the Lord brought a baby girl, Gracelynn, into her nephew's family.

Valen and Carol are thankful for your faithfulness in prayer and giving, so they can continue their work. Valen needs prayer getting an engine into their daughter Amy's van. He got it in but didn't work and needs gauges, parts, speedometer, and prayer as he works on this project., as he is discouraged.

Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
Oct. 16-Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with SIM (Serving In Mission), currently spend their time between their place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and a bungalow in the Gurage area. This past Friday they were heading into the Gurage area for a 3-day conference. They tried in mid-Sepember but the roads were too wet and slippery even with their LandRover (keep in mind these "roads" are not paved roads, just a lane in the wilderness). They will arrive Sat. and be teaching John 3 and 4. That night they will sleep on a cow dung floor (well compacted) on woven mats made out of banana-type leaves. They hope the fleas and bedbugs will leave them alone and have a spray they use hoping to keep the cockroaches, and other critters out. And they will be in a room with about 15 others. Howie says he has to make sure he knows where the door is, just in case he has to access it in the night. The sun comes up at 6 a.m., so they will be ready to start the day, enjoying some of the meals they knew from growing up years.

And Howie needed to get his driver's license renewed! He went to the station where he had done it before; told them his file was clear across town. So 45 min. later, in heavy traffic, they finally arrived at 10:30 only to find that they license folks had already taken their quota for the day. Guess the society there is not as electronically available as we have it here!!

Their lives are getting settled down but everything takes so much longer than we are used to here in the States. Pray for them as they get settled, school starts, their ministry -- that Jesus Christ is glorified!

Various Ministry Updates
October 9- Pray for Joe and Brenda Ziska, who arrived late this last week in the Pacific Northwest. They are with Greater Europe Mission in Vienna, Austria, and presently on furlough for meetings, visiting churches, and health. Joe will get his third chemo treatment in Seattle with great cooperation from doctors in Ohio, Vienna, and here. Pray that he comes through the treatments okay and for strength and stamina for the meetings he will attend. Joe will be speaking at Mission Fest Seattle on Oct. 7th & 8th at Alderwood Community Church. They will be here at Hillside on November 27th. Uphold them in much prayer.

~ Roy Sprague with N.I.C.E. had surgery on his left hip on October 6th. Earlier in the year he had his right hip done, so pray for recovery for Roy, and pray for Elvia as she provides care during recovering.

~ For Operation Christmas Shoebox -- for all the needed items. If you wonder what to get, see the Shoebox announcement under “Outreach Ministry” in each week’s bulletin or take a look on the board in the ShoeBox Room (next to the Fireside Room). Remember too, that with each box there is a needed $7 for shipping and handling. Please do not put money in the Shoebox if you make up your own, but place your cash or check in an offering envelope and mark, "ShoeBox" on it, and place it in an offering box.

David & Phyllis Enns-World Team
October 2nd-This is an excerpt from David Enns' letter. The Enns, David and Phyllis, are with World Team, currently serving in Singapore. David is quoting J.O. Fraser, and as he said, it's worth repeating:

I am feeling more and more that it is, after all, just the prayers of God's people that call down blessing upon the work, whether they are directly engaged in it or not. Paul may plant and Apollos water, but it is God who gives the increase; and this increase can be brought down from heaven by believing prayer, whether offered in China or in England. We are, as it were, God's agents -- used by Him to do His work, not ours. We do our part, and then can only look to Him, with others, for His blessing. If this is so, then Christians at home can do as much for foreign missions as those actually on the field. I believe it will only be known on the Last Day how much has been accomplished in missionary work by the prayers of earnest believers at home. And this, surely, is the heart of the problem.

Missionaries need, covet, cherish your prayers -- if you need a place to start, look in your Church Directory, pages 26-30, for missionaries that Hillside helps. God bless as you embark on your new prayer time for missions.

Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission, Vienna, Austria
Sept. 25-Joe and Brenda Ziska with Greater Europe Mission, in Vienna, Austria, are presently in the mid-West. Joe continues to monitor and treat his health. They were able to go to Denver to a GEM Conference, and Brenda visited her sister after not seeing her for 20 years -- they had a good time.

They will be coming to the Pacific Northwest in October - December, visiting various churches, one of which is Hillside Community Church on Sunday, Nov. 27th.

Joe will have two chemotherapy treatments before coming, and the doctors have arranged for the last treatment here in Seattle. Praise the Lord for such wonderful medical coordination and cooperation. Pray for Joe for the side-effects of his treatment, that it will not incapacitate his ministry. And they have a need for a car while in this area; they already have a place available for them in Bellevue, but still have need of a car.

Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Ministry
Sept. 11th-Do you ever wonder about the notebooks, pencils, toys, etc that are asked for every year for the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box ministry? A ministry that we are in the process of getting items for presently. Here is a story about the impact of the Shoebox Ministry:

Susana Salazar is 22-year-old elementary school teacher in Lima, Peru. Also she serves as the Sunday School director for children at her church, and she teaches the Operation Christmas Child discipleship program to children in her community. Eight years ago Susana received a shoe box gift, and that confirmed her calling. She still has -- and uses -- the little pink notebook that was among the items in her box. "I have less than 20 blank pages left. When I run out of space, I think I will just add more pages to the notebook! I was told the gifts came from people far from Peru who care about children. It made me feel important. I discovered I wanted to be a teacher, to shape children's lives, and tell them about Jesus. The shoe box started this dream because I saw how much it blessed children like me."

With each shoe box a pamphlet about Jesus is included in the language of the recipient. Your gift to shoe box could be the turning point for a child in any one of the many countries these boxes are sent to through Samaritan's Purse. As you donate needed items, pray for the one who will receive the item -- God will abundantly bless the child, and you, too!

Any questions should be directed to Tom and Lynn Johnson, and Pat Jones. And take a look at the Shoe Box room, off of the Fireside Room -- Tom and Lynn have done a beautiful job organizing it, many many thanks!

Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources, Inc.
August 28-Richard and Connie Smith of Cross Resources, Inc., share with us in their Prayer Resolution Ministry. They live in Palm Bay, FL, and recently purchased a home. They converted the screened porch into an additional room for Richard's office, making the room he used to use as an additional bedroom to use for their guests. They have been in Prayer Resolution with a man from CA, also a woman from MN. Pray for them as people come for their needs and have no finances to help; they are in need of additional funds.

Katianna and Kasten, their daughter's two children were on missions trips: to Slovakia and Costa Rica respectively. And their son Eric's daughter will have their second baby any time. Teresa, their daughter, is still looking for a permanent job and doctors are working on a mysterious something in Connie's lung. Pray for each of these things.

Some folks are being called by the Lord to be more involved in Prayer Resolution full time and financial and support is much needed. As Cross Resources, Inc. grows, so do the needs in helpers doing various areas of the Ministry.

Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
August 21-God is working mightily with Howie and Jo-Ann Brant, now in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, serving with SIM (Serving in Mission). They have their Land Rover and recently when they were slipping and sliding all over the road, merely pushed the 4-wheel drive button, and away they went! It is the rainy season there and without the 4-wheel drive, nearly impossible to navigate -- praise the Lord for their vehicle!

They recently met with the elders of Gurage representing five geographic locations and they told of how God has worked with and cared for them in the intervening years: churches bombed but no one injured; God had opened up many areas that had no response years ago but churches are there now.

The Elders showed the Brants their "bungalow" and how they had put in plumbing, shower, kitchen, tile throughout the house -- all ready to go and all they have to do is furnish it -- we were shocked!

As they entered their yard, a sheep carcass was already hanging from a tree. A fire was lit, the sheep cut into pieces, used some sheep fat and put it on the bottom of a 55-gallon drum, and roasted the pieces, and ate, relishing each and every bite. I finished my whole plate -- even had them put the ribs back in the fire -- dusted off the ashes and gnawed the bones with the rest of the men.

One of the Elders from a strong Muslim area pulled out a piece of paper with almost every member of his church, including children. Beside each name was a number, and he told them that they were pledges of people in his own church to help build their new Bible School. They think they could have as many as 30 students at the end of September when the school starts. They are looking at a back-to-back property along roads that have power and water, needing a lot of clearing but the Elders are convinced that God has led them to start a Bible School, and He will supply all that is needed to make this a reality, stepping out in faith. Pray for the purchase of property and all the myriad of details in purchasing and building this School.

Various Missionary Prayer needs:
August 14-Joe & Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission, are on furlough and presently in Colorado. Pray for Brenda as she meets with her sister after not seeing her for ca. 20 years; and for Joe as he had a gamma ray treatment on his cancer a few days before the trip to Colorado.

Howie and Jo-Ann Brant, with Serving In Mission, as they receive the remaining funds for their Land Rover in Ethiopia, and as they settle in their new location.

Orphans Reborn camps in Russia with Slavic Gospel Association -- the Holy Spirit would work mightily in these precious lives

SOAR camps also in Eastern Russia with the orphans -- again that the Holy Spirit would work in their hearts and lives.

For the rental groups this week a Camas Meadows; safety, health, and Christ-honoring speakers.

For many many Christian camps and campers throughout the Pacific Northwest and the nation, uphold the speakers and students.

PRAYER does not fit us for the greater works; prayer IS the greater work.
-Oswald Chambers

Shared Hope
August 7th-Shared Hope celebrates twelve years of existence getting young women and children out of the "sex-trafficking" industry. Parents in dire poverty selling their daughters not always realizing they would be involved in sex-trafficking. The horror of this is unimaginable -- we cannot comprehend it.

A Shared Hope partner recently reported the following -- of the young women and children they cared for in 2010:

20% were trafficked by their own parent
100% were suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
80% have had at least one abortion
100% have been involved in the legal system, and
80% were referred by law enforcement.

But because we see that healing is possible we continue to invest in the strategy we first embraced 12 years ago when Shared Hope was born:

~ to bring an end to the scourge of sex slavery;
~ to provide restoration for the victimized;
~ to promote just remedies under the law.

Together, we continue this work because, despite the odds, lives are being restored.

Hillside Community Church contributes to this vital Ministry.

We have a young lady, Malina Brown, who gave 100% of her birthday money to this cause through World Vision -- your gift, Malina, helps other young women become free from slavery and free to know, love, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ!

Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission, Vienna, Austria
July 31st-Joe and Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission, in Vienna, Austria, are presently in Cleveland, OH, for 6 months of furlough. Also are his heath issues which they are attending to presently -- lots of prayers are needed here.

In his recent letter, Joe said, “regarding my cancer his tumors have grown significantly and they are now putting pressure on my spine. This accounts both for the discomfort in my lower back and for the weakness/numbness in my legs. A relatively new procedure (being used at the Cleveland Clinic since 2006) involves a precision shooting of tumors with gamma rays. I'm scheduled for that form of radiation therapy next Friday (July 29).”

They have plane tickets to go to 3 SW States, leaving on August 3rd (Brenda will be able to see her sister after approximately 20 years). They are scheduled to be in the Pacific Northwest from mid-September to December, but that is presently still not a "for sure" date depending on how things go with Joe.

So we have much to pray about for Joe, and Brenda and the boys (David is in Austria but Daniel is with them). God has worked miracles in his life and He will continue to do so.

SOAR International
July 24-SOAR International - Isaiah 40:31 - " A Christian Mission dedicated to SERVICE and OUTREACH to the people of RUSSIA." While Hillside Community Church does not financially support SOAR, knitted hats and scarves, provided by our knitters, and extra hats and scarves from More Pennies From Heaven, have been of great help in this ministry.

SOAR Headquarters are in Kenai, AK, where they collect finances, hats, scarves, Bibles, Baskets of Hope, and more to give to the children in the orphanages in Russia. The Moscow Bible Camp will be held July 31-August 14th and they ask for prayer for: Vickie Magione who is busy organizing and translating the curriculum for Camp.

IMPORTANT: Pray that God will prepare the hearts of the children who will attend Camp.

God to use SOAR's Russian and US team to minister and share Christ's love with these children.

God to provide finances needed for this camp.

Prayer was also asked for Maxim, son of Ruslan and Olya Mahotkin, who is sick and may need surgery. Pray for healing for him, so the Mahotkins can pursue their goal to move to Provideniya to became the pastor there; also pray for this church's registration to be approved which will enable SOAR to fly there for ministry.

God is at work and we give Him the glory!!! If you want to check out SOAR, see their website: www.soarinternational.org

Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
July 17-Howie and Jo-Ann Brant are getting settled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, albeit slowly. They are serving with SIM (Serving in Mission) and will be starting a Bible School during their time in Addis. Their "wish list" has been pruned considerably. They found a place that was spacious enough but after all the space is utilized, Howie's "wish" to have a garden and flowers isn't possible. Don't we serve the God of the impossible? But they know they are "fishers of men" and are taking joy in expanding God's kingdom.

They have found a 2001 Land Cruiser with the need of a few minor and repairable things wrong. They are praying that the funds will come in.

They spent a few days going through the crowded market places trying to find tables, chairs, a frig, and stove. While they intended to be in by June 12th, there are electrical problems, and they hope to get a water heater in to enjoy a nice warm shower.

Their first meetings will be held July 15 and 17. On the 17th they meet with a group of urban Gurage businessmen to discuss how urban and rural Gurages can work together to spread the Kingdom in the days ahead.

Various Summer Bible Camps
July 10-Summertime is a time throughout the world for students to attend Bible Camps. There are many and varied kinds of Camps and caution is urged if you are just stepping out and going to involve your children in Camp. They seem expensive and price doesn't always dictate the quality. Most groups/churches have scholarships. Check on-line for suggestions.

We know Adam and Amy Ihde have been involved in the Teen camp in Malibu; they are good resources for the Young Life ministry and camps.

Camas Meadows Bible Camp is a quality camp in the mountains over by Leavenworth/Cashmere area. Our Church helped start that Camp and the Teens always went to Snow Camp there for many many years.. Ladies go there every year the week after Mother's Day for their Retreat, meeting with women from all over the Pacific Northwest.

There are camps at Lake Retreat, Camp Berachah -- all run by various ministries.

And world-wide, the Slavic Gospel Assn. runs Orphans Reborn in Russia; SOAR International runs summer camps for orphans in Eastern Russia. They can always use funds to assist these children in attending. Haiti has camps and the list could go on and on. Pray for students world-wide as they attend Camps and for those who minister to them, for health, safety, and the Holy Spirit to move in their hearts, and Christ is honored and glorified.

David & Phyllis Enns-World Team Mission
July 3-David and Phyllis Enns are in Singapore with World Team Mission. The motto for WT is "Glorifying God by working together to establish reproducing churches among un-reached peoples of the world." And that they do!

From February to April they were a part of a team who trained a wonderful group of about 30 members from a Filipino congregation to be better witnesses where they are; some were wondering whether God is not calling them to leave the comforts of where they are to serve on the frontier. Pray for God's guidance!

In March and early April they visited partners in two restricted countries and in one of those countries God is opening doors for the church through a rehab center they run for drug addicts. God uses all circumstances to bring people to Him and glorify Himself.

They had the joy of visiting Carissa (their daughter) and family in Papua, Indonesia, in April into May. Leigh (Carissa's husband )is being checked out on the mountain landing strips. Jason and Andrea (their daughter) and five boys are raising support for their ministry and leaving for the Faith Academy in the Philippines In January 2012. Maria keeps too busy with work and school for the liking of a dad so far away. They all love Jesus and ask for, and thank you, for prayers on their behalf.

Phyllis grew up at Hillside Community Church and some of us old-timers knew her and their three girls -- there is a special fellowship with them.

Plateau Outreach Ministries (POM)
June 26-Plateau Outreach Ministries (POM) Mission & Vision: to provide Christ-centered social services to the community (Enumclaw, Black Diamond, Carbonado, South Prairie, Wilkeson areas) on behalf of the churches of the Plateau Ministerial Assn. Our vision is to joyfully serve as Christ's hands.

POM is comprised of four ministries: The Samaritan Project to help troubled individuals/families get back on their feet. Presently they are helping 60-80 families per month which may include vouchers (no cash) for rent, utility bills, counseling referrals to turn their lives around. Senior Care Corps as advocates for seniors, helping with transportation, assist with paperwork, & referrals to proper agencies. Emergency Food and Clothing Bank providing food, and clothing, and presently serving approximately 90+ families/individuals each week. More Pennies From Heaven (Thrift Store) staffed by volunteers, providing quality gently-used clothing and household items at a low cost. Donations are welcome and additional volunteers are welcome. Our Debbie Games is in charge of this ministry.

Hillside contributes food products for the food bank and assists financially in this ministry. There is a brochure available for more detailed information, times, etc., in the Narthex. POM is located across from the Post Office (same side of the street).

A very vital aspect of this entire ministry is that each and every family/individual is treated with dignity. They are welcomed by name and Christ's love shines brightly. We can be so pleased that we have a community of churches that unite to serve and honor Him. POM’s phone # is: 360-825-8961 and website is: www.plateauoutreach.com

Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission, Ethiopia
June 19-Howie and Jo-Ann Brant, with Serving In Mission, will be leaving for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, toward the end of June. Howie said 65 years ago he made the trip with his parents sailing from New York through the Suez Canal to Aden, Yemen, which took several weeks This time they board the plane in Seattle one evening and arrive in Addis the next evening -- 8,500 miles!

They are returning to where they (Howe and Jo-Ann) started 35 years ago and have been invited by the Gurage believers to start a Bible School. They are in need of funds for a used Land Cruiser. In July and August, which is the rainy season, off-road travel is treacherous going. They always carry a " come along" so can tie to a nearby tree and winch themselves out of any mess they get into. Presently they still need $10,000 toward the vehicle.

They finished their part on the commentary on Acts, now in the hands of an editor. "Acts: Radical Witness in a Hostile World" will hopefully be published before the end of the year.

Be in prayer for Howie and Jo-Ann as they once again resettle in their home, the land of the Gurage people. They will return each year to see Howie's mom who lives in British Columbia.

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference, Belize
June 12-Busy Season, Hurricane Season from John and Mel Bjorgen in Belize, Central America. They will be hosting six teams between June 7th until the middle of August. Some of them will be back-to-back visitations. Fun, yes, challenging also! A house will be built in the village; many houses will be painted; much ministry work will be going on. Pray for safety and health for the teams, and God will be glorified in the lives of those who come and serve. John's niece will be coming to help with Evangelline and Ellis.

The visitation of the people throughout the village with the pastor and John and Mel is doing great and they are also hearing some Creole besides getting to know the people better.

Hurricane Season started June 1st and goes until Nov. 31st. They keep alert to them on the internet and ask for your prayers during the rainy season.

Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission, Vienna, Austria
June 5-Joe and Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission, in Vienna, Austria, will be on furlough from June to December this year. They will be in the Ohio area from June-August, then in the Pacific Northwest from September to December. We hopefully will have them on our schedule too. They have been in Vienna for over 30 years now and what an exciting and interesting ministry they have had in that time.

The Women's Breakfast has been mentioned, and prayed for, previously and the last one had over 200 women in attendance with 11 wanting to come to a follow-up and 6 showing up. Their discussion went very well, and others said they would be returning in the Fall.

Their many ministries and activities are on the Mission Bulletin Board in their Newsletter -- while all interesting, too many to mention in a few paragraphs.

Pray for them as they set up flights, church meetings, housing, and cars for time in Illinois, Washington, and British Columbia.

Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries
May 29-Tornados, floods, earthquakes with resulting tsunamis are watched worldwide and yet in Kamloops, British Columbia, the storms have been of the people kind. Valen and Carol Straley with InterAct Ministries have been dealing with tragedies in their area of ministry with the Native Indians.

In their Spring Newsletter a 19-year old man who spent time in Sunday School was involved in a machete attack, with life-changing injuries. Pray for Jesse and his family. A family that has been terrorized by a drug-selling tenant; pray the tenant will be evicted soon. Easter was a blessing with the promise of salvation and 60-70 people came to a potluck, ate, sang, listened to a message, and Jim Grant gave his testimony coming out of a life of alcoholism and despair to trusting Jesus as his Savior, and having peace, being baptized that day. He will need much prayer.

Family-wise, Amy has purchased a house nearby, and Dave and Alisha (at the time of writing their Newsletter) were in Europe visiting her family in Spain, England, and France. Valen and Carol ask for prayer as they plan their furlough next Spring and the need to raise more support.

Bob & Katherine Rodger-Director of N.I.C.E.
May 22nd-Bob and Katherine Rodgers, Director of N.I.C.E. (Northwest Independent Church Extension), at University Place, WA, reflect on the following: We are truly thankful for the Lord's wonderful grace and mercy to us. We are reminded that God desires His best for us. Psalm 34:8,9 says, O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who take refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints, for to those who fear Him there is no want. What a blessing to serve our God who provides.

They continue to travel visiting supporting churches and missionary pastors, some in transition, others continue to faithfully serve the Lord. A couple sensed Bob and Katherine's need to get away and provided funds to spend time on Orcas Island overlooking the water and seeing some of the sights.

Bob continues to serve on Leadership Committees, and give needed assistance while Katherine speaks at various functions besides working at the NICE Office.

Praise for the wonderful time to relax; opportunities to share the Word and be an encouragement to others. Pray for missionary families going through difficult times; for NICE finances, and a bookkeeper. Also for Katherine's Mother, and as they settle Bob's Dad's estate.

Michael & Athena Kantartjis-One Challenge
May 15-Michael and Athena Kantartjis, with One Challenge (formerly Overseas Crusades), in Athens, Greece, relates, “The best decision in our lives was when we accepted the Lord as our personal Savior. Since I was 17 I have belonged to Him, and I enjoy every minute in His wonderful fellowship. He has been and still is a wonderful Father and Lord in every case and every area of our lives. With Him, I have had the best moments of my life, and still have many such moments. The wonderful thing about our Lord is that He never changes. He never takes revenge. He is always ready and willing to forgive us and accept us as we are.”

Michael gives praise to the Lord for publishing the newspaper for 34 years. This Christian newspaper is sent to 5,000 subscribers; the rest they send without receivers' names. People distribute it in streets, hospitals, public places, and institutions. Religious leaders like the newspaper; it is the best method of salvation in the city of Athens. The paper is sent to 17 countries. In spite of terrible financial times, they remain faithful in getting this newspaper out.

One reader writes, “I would like to congratulate you for the many years of successful ministry of your newspaper, and to thank you for the great joy that it gives. Every word is a comfort in my heart. Pray for the finances needed to print this newspaper and that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of those who read it.

Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources, Inc.
May 8-Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources, Inc., in Florida, write: There is an old saying that goes, Time heals all wounds but is that really true? We have not found that to be neither true nor helpful. Granted, tiny wounds do heal. Wounds that come out of betrayal and sin do not, however, disappear. Instead they go under the surface, hidden, yet poisoning the wounded one emotionally and spiritually.

Sin committed by us or against us must be paid for. There is where asking forgiveness and accusing and giving forgiveness come in.. It allows God to provide the payment for those sins.

The "how-to" of the forgiveness process is so often distorted and it is the reason God does not answer our prayers. The "how-to" is what Prayer Resolution is all about!

Richard and Connie's website is: Cross-resources.org .

Connie slowly continues to regain her strength after a bout with pneumonia. After two weeks with a woman in Prayer Resolution she wrote: Thank you very much for doing PR with me. PR has helped me to put closure to my past hurts and sins . . . God gave me the truth to replace the lies that I've believed for so long. Pray for their health and their ministry.

David & Phyllis Enns-World Team, Singapore
May 1-David and Phyllis Enns, with World Team, living in Singapore sent this update. They will be in Papua for two and a half weeks, visiting workers and accompanying a pastor who seeks to encourage pastors, and a nice sideline, to visit their daughter and family. They ask for prayer that they will be flexible and sensitive to, and filled with, the Holy Spirit in order to accomplish His work.

In January they were in Canada helping their daughter, Andrea and family with baby #5, little Boaz -- they had a grand time

In March and April they visited partners in restricted access countries North of Singapore. They ask for prayer for the workers in those lands; the harvest is plentiful but there are many obstacles.

Phyllis served with the cook's team in helping prepare the Easter meal at the Church. The team is a wonderful example of harmony and joy in service. She says our prayer for you is that we would know more of this joy; I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them (John 17:13)

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference, Belize
April 24-John and Mel Bjorgen, in Belize, with daughters, Evangeline, and Ellis, sent us an e-mail update recently. Earlier this month Mel attended the Brethren Ladies Retreat with her Gale Point ladies Bible Study. Last year her friend, Shelly, came to Christ, and she went this year also. Mel says, “Keep in mind that these women rarely leave the village let alone their children.”

The theme was Exceedingly Abundantly Above All We Can Ask Or Think and theme verse, Ephesians 3:20-21. What a blessing the Retreat was to Mel and the other women; they relaxed, came out of their shells, and truly enjoyed the Retreat. What a blessing!

Mel said they had skits and their skit won! The prize: chip clips and she is using them as they were much-needed. Mel said she has a history of theatre performance so maybe that helped.

Take time if you have a computer or use snail mail and just talk to Mel as she, along with all of our missionaries, are interesting folks and want to keep in touch, and be touched , by you. Mel’s e-mail address is: lesmelissa@gmail.com

Roy & Elvia Sprague-N.I.C.E. & Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources, Inc.
April 17, 2011-THANK YOU from Roy and Elvia Sprague with N.I.C.E., as Roy recuperates from hip replacement surgery. “I have FELT your prayers!” He said he is recovering quite well and has very little pain (this was from their letter of April 4th). Their ministry schedule for most of March and April had to be cancelled and he says "I am chomping at the bit" to get going again. Psalm 90:12 challenges him most every day "Lord, teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom and discernment." (Berkeley). They express their thanks for our part in prayers and sacrificial giving -- they are sooooooo grateful.

Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources, Inc., located in Palm Bay, FL, as always, have been very busy. They had a time of Prayer Resolution in Minnesota; two weeks in Florida with a young woman from California, then a gentleman from Ohio. Mike and Denise Banker are doing Prayer Resolution in China and training. Kim Le is finishing up her PhD program and when that is completed, she will return to Siberia using Prayer Resolution tools.

In March, Connie had pneumonia, she is much better but tires easily. Pray she will regain her strength. They, too, thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Various Ministry Updates
April 10th-Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with Serving in Mission (SIM) are now back East to finish up work on the Book of Acts, and final preparations before returning to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, July 1st. They are still in need of funds for a vehicle as they will be traveling a lot between Addis and the Gurage area. Uphold them in much prayer.

Carol Magnusson with Wycliffe in Jos, Nigeria, said the Retreat was wonderful with about 80 adults and 20 children attending for the five days. The Speakers God chose for the adults, and the children, were wonderful, and she and her co-chair look forward to doing it again next year, but without the Survey just before. Elections for President seem unpredictable at best. Originally scheduled for April 1st, then the 4th, then the 5th, and still is changing at present. Businesses must close down with the people only able to go to and from the election places that day -- oh what freedom we have! Carol appreciates all your prayers so very much.

And we praise the Lord for the Teens mission trip to downtown Seattle last Saturday. They served over 200 lunches in the Market Place, and by Union Gospel Mission, with no shortage of people who desperately needed them -- what a blessing for those who received and an eye-opener for those who gave!

Vladimir and Nadia Savich-Slavic Gospel Association
April 3rd-Vladimir and Nadia Savich minister in Russia with Slavic Gospel Association, in particular Zviriv and Lutsk cities. We faithfully get a letter every three months with pictures telling of their ministry. Life is not easy as you can see by the pictures shown on the Mission Board in the Narthex.

We conducted the celebration of the Harvest Day.. In Zviriv we personally invited people - our Christians visited unbelievers and gave invitations to them. We had wonderful celebration. In Lutsk city we did the celebration of the Harvest Day in the local Drama Theater. The representatives of local government came to this service. After the celebration we brought fruits and vegetables to needy people. (Pictures on Mission board)

Interesting is that they can teach Christian Ethics in school (remember, this is Russia)! In a recent election for the village mayor, an orthodox clergy visited citizens asking them to not vote for the Christian candidate because he goes to sect. People elected the mayor. He came to our church to thank for the help. Praise God!

Vladimir's older son is a pastor at Calvary Church. From Nov. 21-Dec. 19 we had fast and prayer. Every evening we had prayer meetings. Every day have a special topic of prayer. In spite of the fact that the Prayer House wasn't warming up and the temperature in building was about 50F, every evening the 70% of our congregation were present at these services. Seven people repented; Vladimir asks for prayer for their spiritual strengthening and growth. At a sister church which unbelievers attend, three people repented there. Praise the Lord!

Vladimir asks for prayer: Evelina, new granddaughter -- 3 grandsons and 3 granddaughters; for those who repented; possibility to have their own land or building for their services in the Calvary Church -- we need your prayers very much. Thank you very much for your love and care.

CAMAS MEADOWS BIBLE CAMP-Cashmere, WA
Camas Meadows Women's Retreat is approaching Ladies! This Retreat has been going on for 25-30 years. Women from all over the State, and other states, come, and enjoy God's tremendous beauty in the mountains above Leavenworth and Cashmere. The setting is rustic and fellowship is incredible!

This year the Retreat will be held May 13-15 (always the week after Mother's Day). Mary Cross is our Speaker this year and the theme is "Stepping Out of the Box, Stepping into Greater Faith." Mary shares from experience and her love of the Word how God desires us to live by faith and not by sight. A good challenge.

The cost is $95 for the weekend and $55 for Saturday only. A non-refundable deposit of $10 will hold a space for you. Scholarships are available also. Registrations can be made locally with Kate Percival, and she can also answer any questions on the scholarships.

There are some brochures available in the Narthex and you can also download a retreat brochure at www.camasmeadows.org. If you have any questions, contact Joyce Magnusson.

Various Missionary/Missions Updates
March 20th-<Kaycee, Brennan, and Trish Gallagher are shown on the worldconcern.org website, February 3rd, telling about their ministry: Cookies change lives. They make cookies each year and the funds they receive go to World Concern for many items that help people in Third World countries. 2010 was their sixth year; they raised $541, enough to cure 25 children from worms, support 6 AIDS orphans, protect a child from trafficking, providing poor families with ducks, fish, a goat, chickens, a pig, a garden, and a solar cooker. What a wonderful teaching opportunity in ministering to others throughout the world!

<Uphold Roy and Elvia Sprague as Roy is supposed to go in for hip surgery on the 24th. He has been resting but knowing Roy, he doesn't do that very well.

<Praise for Eric Martin, newborn son of Eric and Sarah Joy Landon, and proud grandparents, Bob and Katherine Rodgers. Eric weighed in at 8# and is 19" long; he is #4 grandchild and brings great joy, especially in the loss of Bob's Father on February 19th.

<Children's Church has been working on a mission project. They have a "jug" depicting water and for each dollar a blue sticker was placed on the jug. Praise the Lord, the jug is full, $150. This will go to World Concern for "wells and health training on sanitation in SE Kenya" . Great job, kids!! This will be written up for the WC website also.

Michael & Athena Kantartjis-One Challenge, Athens, Greece.
March 13-Michael and Athena Kantartjis, Athens, Greece, with One Challenge (formerly Overseas Crusades), says the following: We praise the Lord as He continues to be always with us. The more we concentrate our lives on Him, the He gives us wisdom, peace, and power to overcome Satan and the world. We also praise Him as the hours of fellowship with Him become more meaningful. Peace of heart and mind are found in the secret times of close fellowship with Him. The Lord, and only the Lord, can fill us with His presence. He is the source of everything we need to live a victorious and triumphant life.

Michael gives praise to the Lord for the ministry of his wife, Athena. She is a great encouragement to their people; participates in all meetings of the ministry; constantly helps the women and counsels and encourages women through personal contact in the center and through the phone.

The financial situation in Greece is very bad; government has cut salaries and money from pensions. Please uphold them in prayer.

Various Missionary Updates
March 6-From World Focus, Wycliffe letter: I thought that when you were a pastor you would no longer need the prayers of other Christians. Then I learned that Paul asked that people not forget to pray for him so that he could continue his ministry as he should. I understand now that I must pray for my pastor, for his ministry, and his family."

That was from Jean Baptiste in Burkina Faso -- we can learn from this statement and put it into effect!!

>Pray for Carol Magnusson, Wycliffe, Nigeria. She left for another Survey March 1-18 under a great deal of stress. The Team is comprised of new interns and haven't had a lot of time to be trained. Her car's spark plugs needed replacing and she asks that the car can make the trip. Pray for health, safety, interpersonal relationships, car will hold up, connections with the village chiefs, and good helpers in their work. Most of all that the Lord would be glorified in all they do. Carol always says that they know you are upholding them in prayer. Also she is co-chairman of a Retreat (March 23-28), so is under a lot of stress.

>Uphold Howie and Jo-Ann Brant with SIM (currently residing in Woodinville, WA). They are going through all their effects stored for many years. There are lots of memories, so the process is slow. July, 2011, is when they hope to be in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Northwest Independent Church Extension (N.I.C.E.
February 27-N.I.C.E. (Northwest Independent Church Extension) News: Bob and Katherine Rodgers have a busy schedule visiting churches in the NW area, and on March 2-6 will be involved in the I.F.CA. Conference at Edgewood Bible Church as will the Sprague's, the Brubaker's (currently serving as Interim Pastor at Deary Bible Church, Idaho).

Jesus and Maria Cordova, Hispanic Field Director, are asking for prayer for Maria, who is recovering from cancer surgery. The operation went well but she will have to have follow-up chemo therapy. Pray that healing would go well; that all the cancer was removed; and that God would supply for the medical costs.

Jim and Christy Edgell, Wiskah Valley Community Church, (Hoquiam, WA) praise the Lord for a group of men meeting faithfully for Bible Study, and asks for prayer for continued opportunities to share the Gospel, and to follow up on new believers. Jim and Christy grew up at Hillside and Jim is the son of John Edgell who was our pastor for a number of years.

PRAYER does not fit us for the greater works; prayer IS the greater work. Oswald Chambers

Soup Label & Box Top Ministry
February 20-Do you save the pink and yellow Box Tops, and have a bag full of Campbell product labels? Well, if you don't have a place to donate them, Maxine Glaze has been collecting them for years, and would appreciate whatever you may have. She sends them to Taylor Christian School in Mission, TX. In September the School was broken into and vandalized; fire extinguishers were set off in every room and the School was shut down for a week while everything was cleaned, and some books had to be replaced. However, what Satan meant for evil, God used for good. Teachers and staff witnessed to the cleaning company; unity with parents and staff was evident. Donations have been received for the School to help with the loss.

Box tops and Campbell labels are needed more than ever. On the Campbell labels you need have only the UPC code with the Campbell kid -- don't cut between the UPC code and the Campbell kid or Shield even though it says "cut here." If unsure, you may save the entire label.

A copy of the letter from Taylor Christian School showing the Box Tops and Label sample in on the table by the Mission Bulletin Board.

If you already save these labels for your child's school, that's great, keep up the good work!

David & Phyllis Enns-World Team Singapore
Feb. 6-David and Phyllis Enns with World Team, in Singapore have welcomed boy #5 in the family to Andrea and Jason in Three Hills, Alberta. They are now back in Singapore.

A young woman who ministers to the people in the slum area of a city in Singapore found it hard to reconcile that "they pray five times a day, and we meet once a week to pray." It was an emotionally challenging experience for Phyllis. Her only response was to repent and recommit herself to get serious about what is on God's heart.

She said she hadn't planned on this kind of a letter. She doesn't want to put us on a corporate guilt trip -- “my default motivation”. She said she felt humbled, ashamed, challenged and blessed… ”I want to know what God is asking of me”.

Late in 2010 they were involved in a Mission Month and it was a time of blessing and challenge. Pray that we will follow the Lord's leading in prayer for the ministries the church is involved with. They have visited churches (registered and unregistered) in Vietnam; friends in Papua; fellowship with families in Kalimantan; and brothers and sisters who are on the front lines, and for those who are persecuted for His Name.

They are thankful for the support which is well-covered enabling them to cut back on monthly support from World Team -- praise the Lord!

Various Missionary Updates
January 30->Good news is that John and Mel Bjorgen, Evangeline, and Ellis, returned to their home in Belize this past Friday. She had her second "blast" of a kidney stone, and hopefully on her way to good health. Pray for them as they return to Beize and their work.

>Be in prayer for Maria, wife of Jesus Cordova, with NICE. She will be having surgery this Wednesday at Northwest Hospital. They are strongly involved in the Spanish ministry.

>Thank you for welcoming Howie and Jo-Ann Brant, with SIM, returning to Ethiopia this July. They want to finish the work the Lord sent them to do where they began 40 years ago.

>Pray for Carol Magnusson as the Survey Team left Jan. 17th to Southern Nigeria in the Obudu area (next to the Cameroon border). Pray for health, safety, interpersonal relationships, and God's choice of contacts in the villages they will do their Surveys. They will return to Jos, February 4th.

Howard & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
January 23-WELCOME HOWIE and JO-ANN BRANT! In April, 1971, they started their Mission work with Sudan Interior Mission (now Serving In Mission) in Ethiopia. Now, after 40 years, and having been in many other countries, most recently in Nairobi, Kenya, they will be returning to their Guragae brothers and sisters in Christ in Ethiopia. Hillside Community Church has been a supporter of Howie and Jo-Ann through all 40 years and helping in needs at times. They have three children, all of whom are involved in mission outreach, and we've had the joy of seeing them grow up and now having children of their own.

While Howie speaks to the congregation, Jo-Ann will be speaking to the Children's Church. The children are our future in missions and we all will be blessed.

You will have an opportunity to visit with them at the Pot "Trust" in the Social Hall downstairs after the Service.

Kids Alive
January16-KIDS ALIVE International is a ministry to children in many countries throughout the world. The area we have heard about most, recently, is that of Haiti, after the devastating earthquake in 2010. The help needed in the aftermath of the earthquake hasn't diminished at all with needs of medical staff, many volunteer workers, medicines, food, clothing, housing -- all the things we so take for granted every day. The bacterial disease, cholera, has taken a great toll too and can simply be prevented.

There is always a need to help support a child in Haiti, or elsewhere in the world. A donation of $10-$25 per month goes a long way in helping a child to a sense of normalcy.

Amber Thomson sponsored a Kids Alive young girl in the Dominican Republic. If you would like to provide a gift in memory of Amber, or sponsor your own child, please visit the Kids Alive website at: http://www.kidsalive.org for opportunities to help abused and poverty stricken children.

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference
January 9-ONE BLAST DOWN, ONE TO GO -- that was Mel Bjorgen's e-mail on Wednesday morning. She and John, along with Evangeline and Ellis, are presently in Maryland from their mission post in Belize, Central America.

They are having a wonderful time being with the family, all of them seeing Ellis for the first time and seeing how much Evangeline has grown. They are not however, enjoying the cold!

The procedure for removing Mel's kidney stones is called "lithotripsy" and she has one down and one to go. She is not taking any pain meds because she is nursing, so she is in a lot of pain. They will do the other stone and hopefully figure out why she has had these and do what needs to be done not to have it happen again. Please remember to Uphold them in prayer at this time.

Missionary Holiday Updates!
December 26-The Mission Bulletin Board in the Narthex has Christmas cards, pictures and newsletters from many of our Missionaries -- please take a look, read them, and most of all pray for them. They have to deal with the same situations we do: interpersonal relationships, the economy, health and safety. All their e-mail addresses are listed in the Church Directory, pages 26-30.
Continue in prayer for the Bjorgens (John, Mel, Evangeline, and Ellis) in Belize, as they prepare to go to Maryland for Mel's removal of kidney stones; passport for 2-month old Ellis; clothing for the children as they go from tropical to very cold weather; all would go well with the doctors and surgery; a car for their use in the States; the people they are leaving in Belize; health, and safety. Mel is so honest as she said she "misses her Mommy," but Mel knows they were called by the Lord to go to Belize too!
Howie & JoAnn Brant with Serving in Mission, left Kenya for the last time, arrived in Seattle Dec. 19th, and are living in Woodinville for the next 3+ months. They will be with us January 23rd. After their time Stateside, they will be moving to Ethiopia where they started in missions 40 years ago, and will end there.
Letters also from the Enns', Ziska's, Brant's, Boersma's (former Pastor at Hillside), Kantartjis', Johnson's -- take time to read about their work for the Lord!

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference-Belize
December 19-Please continue in prayer for Mel Bjorgen, with husband, John, and two young daughters, in Belize. Mel has two kidney stones: one is 1 cm and will never move, the other is 6 mm and it is stuck. These are causing her infections. They are living in Belize City presently as she must go the hospital every 12 hours to have an IV administered to help control her fever which is 102+. The IV was to help within 48 hrs. and as of last Sunday, hadn't changed. She is trusting in the Lord, but says her mind wanders off course. Her verse is: "For My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory."

Pray for Joe and Brenda Ziska in Vienna, Austria, as they are having a Christmas Concert and desire to have many attend to hear about their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Uphold all our missionaries in prayer as they celebrate His birth throughout the world and are away from their families at this joyous time of celebration.

Howie & Jo-Ann Brant-Serving in Mission
December 12-Howie and Jo-Ann Brant, with Serving In Mission, are bringing their ministry to another level, having trained and discipled strong men in the ministry; showing them the various places they ministered, and praising the Lord for a tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Continent of Africa to serve Him.

Ethiopia is where Howie grew up as a child as his Father ministered in missions; Howie followed in his Father's footsteps; after his marriage to Jo-Ann they went back to Ethiopia and served in various capacities in SIM. Now in this season of their lives, they will be home (Pacific Northwest) for a few months, and eventually are returning to Ethiopia.

They are so thankful for the love, prayers, and financial support we have given them over these many many years. Howie and Jo-Ann will be with us on Sunday, January 23, 2011; please be sure to attend and be blessed.

Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission-Vienna, Austrias
December 5-In Joe and Brenda Ziska's November Newsletter (Greater Europe Mission, Vienna, Austria) they have so much to thank God for and a lot for which to praise Him.

Joe had laser treatments during the Summer and he no longer has any aching in his back. His tumor on the L5 vertebrae is gone! His PSA has gone down from 1.04 to 0.9 -- how we praise the Lord with them! And Daniel has a part-time job in an IKEA warehouse until the end of January -- pray that he will get on full time.

In October 180 women came to the Klosterneuburg Women's Breakfast. At one of the follow-ups "Cappuccino for the Soul" "I came to the Stiftcafe an hour too early, because the time on my cell phone and car clock had not been turned back when we had the time change. White I was waiting for someone to show up, I met an older woman in the entryway. I asked her if she was at the cafe for the Women's Breakfast meeting. She said no, but she had heard about it and had been wanting to come! She gave me her address, so I could l send her an invitation when the next meeting happens in the Spring. Amazing! She just walked out the door when I stopped to talk with her. If I hadn't been too early, I would never have met her." (There are no coincidences in life.) Three women did come and Brenda said their reaction was very interesting. They could not accept that we were sinners. We were both so nice and did nice things...and of course they did too and were also not really sinners! Pray for these ladies for they are still just at the beginning of their search for God.

ANGEL TREE
November 21-This is a Ministry of Prison Fellowship to make sure incarcerated
parents can give their children gifts at Christmas. This started
years ago when women prisoners would horde little soaps, shampoos, etc., to give their children as gifts. When one of the woman was released, she was the start of this program which ministers to over half a million children each year. And Prison Fellowship took the lead making applications available to prisoners to give to their Chaplains, sending them to Headquarters, and disbursed to the areas where the children and their caretakers live.
In the Narthex is a board with Angels on it. Each Angel has a child's
first name only, with suggestions for gifts: one Angel is for a toy;
one Angel is for clothing, so each child has 2 Angels. Attached to
the Angel is a "Tracking Card" for you to fill out as you pick out
your Angel, with your name and phone number so I can make sure all the Angels are in and who to call if the gift has not arrived. Leave
it in the basket below the Angel Tree.
Each gift preferably should not be more than $20 (it is up to you),
you purchase the gift as close to what is described at the bottom of
the Angel, wrap it, and return it here to Church no later than
December 19th so they can be distributed to the families. If you want to include a Bible, or books, feel free to do so. Peel off the bottom part of the Angel and adhere the top part to the gift (really
important). Ask Joyce Magnusson, 825-1489, if you have any questions. You will be blessed by this Ministry!

Voice of the Martyrs
November 14-Today, November 14th, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. There are Christians throughout the world that are imprisoned for their belief in Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Their churches have been burned, Bibles burned, those who attend services tortured and asked to renounce their Christianity -- we are so blessed to have the spiritual freedom to attend churches where we want, still have a National Day of Prayer, and students praying at the flag pole worshipping freely.

The Voice of the Martyrs ministry responds to the above situations, providing Bibles, study materials, medical help, and sharing God's love to all they meet. In 2009 the Seniors of Hillside made 62 small parachutes for a pilot to attach a recorder, Bible, and study materials in the Colombian language and air-dropped them at night, in the jungle, to the bad military troops; also in the daytime to villages for families. There are also Action Packs with items in them to sustain the people who have nothing.

On the table in the Narthex are VOM magazines you can have, some with maps of the most persecuted places in the world. Please feel free to take some. Also there are Some pre-printed postcards with a message and verse on them that you can take, sign, and put a .98 stamp, and send to encourage Esther's Mother, Yang, who is in prison. These cards are very effective and many have been released as a result. Most of all: pray.

Richard & Connie Smith-Cross Resources
November 7-Richard and Connie Smith with Cross Resources (Prayer Resolution), have moved to Florida. They had to wait a while but their house deal went through and they moved from Phoenix, AZ, to Palm Bay, FL. Now comes the chore of furnishing their first home, i.e., washer/dryer, stove, refrigerator. They have been busy with counseling in California; and will be going to Minnesota and Washington, D.C. involving training and guiding participants in Prayer Resolution.
Granddaughter, Katianna (Theresa's daughter), spent time in India on a mission trip, making this her third mission trip. Granddaughter, Haven (Eric's daughter), her husband and small baby also went to Swaziland, South Africa, on a church mission trip.
Update on Richard's health: with traveling and lack of exercise his latest lab results indicate his kidneys are not normal. Getting settled into their home and slowing down (not a term they exactly know) will hopefully improve his health.
Pray for Richard and Connie as they settle in, God bless them in their very intense work, and in Richard's health!

John & Mel Bjorgen Update!
October 31-UPDATE ON THE BJORGENS IN BELIZE: Hurricane Richard devastated their apartment. Four feet of water and an inch thick of sludge. They lost many of their appliances and food. The appliances were high but the water was so strong they were knocked down. Mel cannot help clean as she is recuperating from her C-section on Oct. 13th; John isn't able to do it by himself so they are currently working out a plan. The village roofs were torn off and a couple of houses destroyed. The base is soaked; huge water containers blown off the buildings; and their house is full of wet clothing. Pray for them; they need funding for the base, the village and their personal items. Their e-mail is: belizemission@gmail.com. Teams are also needed to rebuild the houses.

As we approach Christmas season, please give thought to the needs of others throughout the world. On the table in the Narthex are catalogues from various agencies. There aren't a lot of copies but you can take the 1-800# or website address and request catalogues. Children can be involved in these projects and know that their sacrifice is helping others have food on the table, clean water to drink, school supplies to use, escape from life-threatening diseases, and that Jesus loves them so very much.

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference-Belize
October 24-CONGRATULATIONS to John and Mel Bjorgen, and sister, Evangeline, on the arrival of Ellis Jane, Wednesday, October 13th. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 6 oz., 20.5" long, and came with "lungs-a-blazin."

Mel and John are in Belize (Central America). The name Ellis means "My God is the Lord" and Jane means "God is Gracious." "My God is the Lord and He is Gracious" is what we like to say. We thought this to be a very fitting name after everything that we have been through the past year and that is why we fell in love with her name."

Mel had Ellis C-section, and is doing good. She said Ellis is very chill. She sleeps all the time. Mel says: "I don't know if any mom can properly describe the incredible feeling that comes over them when they hold their baby for the first time. You know it's kind of how I imagine it will be to finally hug Jesus. Relief, gratefulness, incredible LOVE."

There are pictures on the Mission Bulletin Board in the Narthex. Pray for John, Mel, Evangeline, and baby Ellis as they make adjustments; for safety and health as they continue to minister to the Belizeans.

Michael & Athena Kantartjis-One Challenge
October 17-Michael and Athena Kantartjis with Overseas Crusades (now One Challenge) in Athens, Greece, told of the Family Camp they had this Summer. They have had Family Camps for 27 years and 11 years in the present location. He says, “Our people love it, and they came with enthusiasm to participate in this celebration. People came with their families to enjoy the fellowship and the warm sea. It was a time of joy, rest, and fellowship for the six days. Praise the Lord! We heard sermons from six speakers, all members of our ministry. It was really a heavenly situation as we heard the Word of God from men who have been disciples of Michael.”

Some comments from the attendees:

“I have to express my joy for participating in the camp. I see the hand of God in our fellowship. Under God we lived wonderful and blessed times. Praise the Lord!”

“This is the first time I came to Camp. Thank you for your love to me. All of you have the Spirit of God You try to show your love in many different ways. You gave me very much love and joy. Thank you!”

“I am very glad to be in the Camp. I have come since 1997. Now I am with my family. You really feel renewed. It is a time of awakening and revival.”

Michael says, “We praise the Lord as everything is going very well. Regardless of the bad financial situation of Greece, we all are doing very well. Praise the Lord! Greece is under constant attacks from Satan, we praise the Lord for His protection, His care, and His blessings. The fact that we sow big through literature and the dial-in ministry, and the fact that we present the Gospel in a clear way drives Satan crazy. We need your prayers, your love, and your support very much.”

SENDING HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO YOUR MISSIONARIES

October 10-Here are some guidelines for sending gifts to your missionaries:
>Cards and letters should be sent directly to the missionary's personal mailing address -- see pages 26-30 in your Church Directory.
>Allow at least a couple of weeks overseas; check post office for amount needed.
>Should you decide to send a package check with the missionary to see what the custom regulations are; sometimes it is prohibitive for the missionary.

Monetary gifts:
Tax-deductible gifts- make your checks payable to the sending board and indicate who it is for on a separate piece of paper. You will receive a receipt.
Non-tax-deductible gifts- send a personal check, payable too the missionary. Indicate it is a personal Christmas gift. These do not qualify for receipts.
Monetary gifts should arrive to the sending board by mid-November if the missionary is to receive it by Christmas.

Samaritan's Purse-Operation Christmas Child
October 3-Your gift of love may be the door God uses to open a child’s heart to Jesus Christ. Samaritan’s Purse Operation Shoebox is fast approaching and YOU are a vital part of this world-wide outreach program. Patty Jones of Hillside is heading up this project this year and has been busy wrapping shoe boxes—you can do this too, shoe boxes are available in the Fireside Room! These pretty shoe boxes are filled with: school supplies, toys, hygiene items, and other items and sent to desperately poor children throughout the world and delivered by the dedicated staff of Samaritan’s Purse, along with a booklet in their own language of the love of Jesus Christ—WOW, what a ministry!

Patty mentioned the need for $7 per shoebox and those envelopes are on the table in the Narthex. Also needed are school supplies-pens, pencils, crayons, paper (not standard size paper as it doesn't’ fit the boxes) etc.; toys preferably new or in excellent condition (small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch-A-Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (along with extra batteries) Slinky, etc. Hygiene items such as washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, etc. Other hard candy, lollypops, mints, gum (please put all candy in a plastic bag), T-shirts, socks, ball caps, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, and you may also include a personal note.

You may take a box and fill it on your own or just purchase some items and put them in the Narthex or Fireside room. The fill date will be Nov. 10th at 10:30 AM and the deadline to turn in all shoe boxes is Nov. 14th. If you have questions, please call Patty Jones.

A Part to Play-Praying for your Missionaries!
September 26-No Christian worker can "go it alone." When missionaries follow God's call to serve at home or abroad, they need to know that behind them are people constantly upholding them in prayer.

It takes discipline and commitment to pray for people who live in a place we know little about, who work in a language we don't speak, who may eat breakfast while we're going to bed, and who may not be back home for some years. But they don't stop being our brothers and sisters while they're away.

Remember that your prayers count!
There are copies of "Ways to pray for your Missionary" (which are all listed in the Missionary Section in your Church Directory and featured each week in the Bulletin) and a detailed weekly Prayer list for them on the Mission Bulletin Board in the Narthex.

Various Ministry Updates!
September 19-Camas Meadows Men's Retreat will be held September 24-26, at Camas Meadows Bible Camp (above Leavenworth). Pray for the speakers: Ken Baker and Ken Mattheis, and that the men's lives will be changed through the message given.

On September 24th, there will be a Women's Breakfast in Vienna, Austria, where Joe and Brenda Ziska with Greater Euope Mission, have their ministry. This is an outreach to the women and in the past over 200 women have attended. There is a speaker and special music. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work mightily in the lives of these women.

Roy and Elvia Sprague with N.I.C.E. (Northwest Independent Church Extension) conducted Vacation Bible School in 6 churches this summer with children in each one praying to trust Christ as their Savior. Pray that these children will get involved in a church and grow in the Lord.

Praise the Lord! Richard and Connie Smith with Prayer Resolution (Cross Resources, Inc.) have moved into their new home in Florida. This home has adequate space for their needs and guest accomodations too. A couple spent time with them after spending three years in China doing Prayer Resolution. More is happening in China than even here in the U.S, especially in the area of forgiveness.

John & Mel Bjorgen-Baptist General Conference, Belize
September 12-Our Missionaries, John and Mel Bjorgen, in Belize, grieved with the village that they serve because a dear friend of theirs and villager passed away on August 7th. She was 23, leaving a husband, a little girl, and grieving Christian friends and villagers behind. PRAY for the Bjorgens and the villagers as their hearts are so heavy. John was asked to transfer the body in their truck to various "wakes" along the way. This was a difficult task for the Bjorgens due to the cultural traditions that are harmful to the people that they love. These tradition include: crying, drinking, eating, and smoking weed during the wake -- it was like a party. Despite all of that, Pastor Kenny gave a wonderful salvation message and they had a Christian burial.

They were able to take a vacation in Mexico and enjoyed some simple pleasures that life in Belize does not offer. They have pictures from their vacation that you can find on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please remember to uphold the Bjorgens in prayer.

David & Phyllis Enns-World Team in Singapore
September 5-David and Phyllis Enns with World Team in Singapore, report the following: Recently Phyllis' Mom (Darlene Straley- long time member of Hillside) phoned them. Phyllis was giving her an update and Phyllis said something like, "We are praying that God will work this out for them -- referring to something with their kids." I will not forget Darlene’s response: "There is NO question about Him working it out for good. We need to pray for His peace while they wait, but we have His promise - there is NO question at all!"

They traveled twice to China. The second trip was to help out in an English Summer Camp, part of a 17-member team. They met a wonderful young lad who wanted an English name, so they named him Stephen (the name of the Enns' deceased son). They asked for prayer for the children of China.

What a Missions emphasis -- from August 1 - September 19th their Church has had a time of emphasizing Missions; the theme is "Mission Church: What's That?"

PRAY: that God will deepen our commitment for missions during this "Mission's Month," and that more members will hear the call to get involved.

PRAY: for the youth and children of Asia!

September 19-23 tentative trip to Vietnam; Oct. 5-Nov. 2 ministry in Papua; Oct. 23-30 Reteat with Pastors; Nov. 17 Seminar on the Family in Kalimantan

Their e-mail is: DavidHEnns@yahoo.com and the full letter with pictures is on the Mission Board in the Narthex.

Joe & Brenda Ziska-Greater Europe Mission-Vienna, Austria
August 29-EXCITING NEWS FROM AUSTRIA: Joe and Brenda Ziska, with Greater Europe Mission (GEM), in Vienna, Austria, wrote and were so happy to announce a second service starting at the Klosterneuburg Fellowship in September. How very exciting! Their leadership team consists of the first couple who has been with them from the beginning of their work, Fritz and Gabi, and have decided to add Jonathan, whose emphasis is an outreach to young adults in Klosterneuburg. Pray for this Fellowship

There will be another Women's Breakfast on October 16th and invitations are being sent out and posters hung advertising this event. This is an outreach to women, and those interested for more spiritual guidance can attend a follow-up called "Cappuccino for the Soul." Pray the Holy Spirit will prompt ladies to attend.

And Joe and Brenda are happy to tell that their son, David, has a job as a software developer for a company called Modern Electronics. He has a month's time as a test period. Daniel is still looking for a job but started with a company that is like Manpower and has worked a short time in the past few weeks.

Joe and Brenda would so enjoy hearing from you: their e-mail is joe_ziska@yahoo.com. Their September Prayer and Praise is on the Bulletin Board and copies available too.

Michael & Athena Kantartjis-Overseas Crusades
August 22-Overseas Crusades is the Mission Board for Michael and Athena Kantartjis, in Greece, longtime missionaries of Hillside Community Church. Michael is very outspoken for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has spoken to royalty, Greek Orthodox bishops and priests who welcome him and His Good News message, and they value his wisdom very much.

For 32 years they have printed a newspaper which goes all over Greece and into 16 other countries -- this is the Good News and people have come to the Lord Jesus as the Holy Spirit has moved them as they read this newspaper. A retired judge said, “The newspaper is doing an excellent job. It has articles for all the family. It deals with subjects. There are articles that speak about contemporary problems, prayer, the Holy Spirit, answers to our prayers, true stories that show the power of God, testimonies, and it always has a main article that gives the clear message of salvation. When I receive it I read it all. Praise the Lord!”

Greece is in a bad way financially, and spiritually, so getting these newspapers out is always a challenge. They ask for prayer for the Lord to intervene.

Michael gives praise as the Lord continues to take care of his family. He says, "We are doing well!"

Valen & Carol Straley-InterAct Ministries-Kamloops, B.C.
August 15-Valen and Carol Straley, with InterAct Ministries, live in Kamloops, B..C., and minister to the Indians there. Wit regret some of the strong couples have moved, but God sends new, so they said it all evens out. They say "We continue to be amazed at the learning hearts of our core group who are usually at the Bible studies as well. God is speaking to hearts and opening eyes to His truth."

They took a week and a half camping trip around the Olympic Peninsula and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, walking the beaches, playing in tidal pools, and hiking to the very tip of Washing State. They visited four reservations seeing the different tribal groups. Nice break and they ended up at Valen's family reunion.

They celebrated 36 years of marriage (and some of us old-timers remember their wedding) mentioning they have been in Canada for 23 years. They are so thankful to those who keep in touch, and are thankful for the support of our church. Making ends meet is taking increasing ingenuity due to the economy and the rising Canadian dollar.

Praise: For the faithfulness of the Native believers--they are true pictures of Christ's love in their community.

For the opportunities to be with our extended families, what a blessing!

Prayer: For our family as we continue to lean on God in changing circumstances. They ask that God would be seen in all of us.

Operation Shoebox Ministry
August 8-Operation Christmas Child, Shoebox Ministry -- seems so early to start thinking about that but 'tis time! Pat Jones said she would head up the Shoe Box Ministry this year BUT she would so appreciate if someone could also step in, and co-lead with her.

Why is this being brought up so early? Back-to-school sales offer great opportunities to stock up on items needed for the shoeboxes.

I found 25 24-color boxes of Crayons at Target last week for .25 each -- that's good! Some of the items we could use are: 24-pack color of Crayons; rulers with metric readings on one side; erasers; packages of wood pencils; colored pencils; colored markers; packages of ball point pens; notebooks that fit in a shoebox (not the full 8 1/2 by 11); pencil sharpeners; solar powered calculators (for older children); small flashlights w/batteries; small soft stuffed animals that are either new or very clean; toothbrushes; toothpaste; combs; soap (preferably not a real fragrant kind like Irish Spring); washcloths; hard candy is fine, no soft/melty-types; socks; barrettes; soft balls; small games/toys; and colorful T-shirts; there will be a more comprehensive list later on -- this is just a starter and for you to take advantage of the sales before school.

The shoe boxes are decorated and items placed in about mid-November. Eventually the boxes are sent throughout the world to orphanages, worn-torn countries, and those in depressed areas and distributed through Samaritan's Purse. And in the boxes are placed Gospel tracts in the language where they are being distributed, so Christ is brought to remote areas.

Bring your contributions to the Fireside Room and they will be stored until they are needed. Pray about how you will help in this Ministry.