Well I have finished my time in Seattle and am now in my chair at home. I arrived about 10:30 pm last night.
What an incredible weekend. I was extremely well cared for by Zach and Melissa--thanks. So what was so special. They were! I have never been asked so-o-o-o-o-o many questions before. Zach was just like a sponge. We covered about every question or area one could cover. Discipleship, organization, time management, church life, leadership and all of the sub-titles under those. I think we logged about 30 hours of discussion during those three days. Thanks for all your prayers.
By the way, keep praying for them. I'm hoping how I answered the questions is really helpful to them and not just my hot air. I will be writing Zach a summary of our time and hopefully he will find it all challenging and helpful. He and his wife will celebrate their first anniversary this weekend. God bless you guys! and Happy Anniversary.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
This is the day!
What a day! Thanksgiving is tomorrow and my heart is filled with gratitude. How many things there are to be thankful for each day. Wife, family, friends, church, supporters, and life just begin to touch the surface. And greatest of all is the salvation provided by our Lord. I hope that as you walk through this holiday that you are able to look beyond the struggles of the days (they will always be there) and see the blessings that God has poured out on you.
The last two weeks have been amazing. Three days of training on how to design training programs followed by a week with friends in St. Paul. St. Paul was one of the busiest weeks I have ever had. It was so sweet to see God at work in the brothers and sisters at this sister church. I pray God continue to move in their lives.
God bless and enjoy tomorrow.
The last two weeks have been amazing. Three days of training on how to design training programs followed by a week with friends in St. Paul. St. Paul was one of the busiest weeks I have ever had. It was so sweet to see God at work in the brothers and sisters at this sister church. I pray God continue to move in their lives.
God bless and enjoy tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Leadership Training
For several years I have been working on a training program to use within our ARC churches. The thought was to find a way to train young men and women in leadership while they stay in their locations and ministries. Following was the start.
Theology (possible using web conferencing)
Mentoring (using local pastor)
Seminars (using web conferencing)
Evaluation (written and verbal)
Individual Readings
Ministry Experience (in their local church/area)
Face to Face Intensive (two weeks each summer at Grace Fellowship)
Now I find myself registered for a training class on something called ConneXions. Check it out at www.leadersource.org. Pretty good stuff. They have sent two books and some other reading materials to consume BEFORE the training (I have too many books going right now!).
Having read some of the material, I'm beginning to re-think my plan, a little. Perhaps a one year regional session where the trainees could stay in touch with a local church and be involved in the church would be a good idea. Their training could revolve around the family of that church and the town (city) they live in for the year.
I guess I will keep reading and thinking and praying. The course has some good stuff - like the 5C's. Christ, Community, Call, Character, and Competency.
Theology (possible using web conferencing)
Mentoring (using local pastor)
Seminars (using web conferencing)
Evaluation (written and verbal)
Individual Readings
Ministry Experience (in their local church/area)
Face to Face Intensive (two weeks each summer at Grace Fellowship)
Now I find myself registered for a training class on something called ConneXions. Check it out at www.leadersource.org. Pretty good stuff. They have sent two books and some other reading materials to consume BEFORE the training (I have too many books going right now!).
Having read some of the material, I'm beginning to re-think my plan, a little. Perhaps a one year regional session where the trainees could stay in touch with a local church and be involved in the church would be a good idea. Their training could revolve around the family of that church and the town (city) they live in for the year.
I guess I will keep reading and thinking and praying. The course has some good stuff - like the 5C's. Christ, Community, Call, Character, and Competency.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Weekend
On Friday and Saturday 31 leaders from the ARC came together for a retreat. This was a mens only retreat. What a great time. Ages went from 16 to 80. We had a bunch in the twenties. It is so good to see young men picking up the mantle of leadership.
Friday night was more of a "get to know you time." We were in groups of 4 or 5 and shared on our greatest challenge of the year (definitely finances for me) and our greatest joy (I left out family because they are always joy and shared the joy of working with young pastors). We had a brief time of worship and then the games came out. Ping-Pong, Risk, and settlers of Catan. I crashed a little early while some went till 3-ish.
Saturday we focused on Rev 2:1-7 and three little words: remember, repent, and repeat. You ought to take some time and read that Scripture and consider it for awhile. What a great church Ephesus was and yet...they had fallen. They had left their first love. Ouch. Well we spent the day on these three words. Good day.
The retreat was at WideWater Retreat Center in Liberty OH and was very nice. The cap was steak and potatoes for dinner Saturday.
Now it is back to work and preparation for Findlay this weekend and MMC next weekend. Also have a class in Elkart, IN that just sent two books that have to be read before. Ah life. Have a great day.
Friday night was more of a "get to know you time." We were in groups of 4 or 5 and shared on our greatest challenge of the year (definitely finances for me) and our greatest joy (I left out family because they are always joy and shared the joy of working with young pastors). We had a brief time of worship and then the games came out. Ping-Pong, Risk, and settlers of Catan. I crashed a little early while some went till 3-ish.
Saturday we focused on Rev 2:1-7 and three little words: remember, repent, and repeat. You ought to take some time and read that Scripture and consider it for awhile. What a great church Ephesus was and yet...they had fallen. They had left their first love. Ouch. Well we spent the day on these three words. Good day.
The retreat was at WideWater Retreat Center in Liberty OH and was very nice. The cap was steak and potatoes for dinner Saturday.
Now it is back to work and preparation for Findlay this weekend and MMC next weekend. Also have a class in Elkart, IN that just sent two books that have to be read before. Ah life. Have a great day.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Shall we dance?
I've been re-reading a series of books called THE WHEEL OF TIME by Robert Jordan. Jordan passed away before he finished the last (of 12) books. Having left enough notes it is being finished by someone else and is to be publish this month or next. In preparation of reading it I thought I would go back and read the 11 books that precede it--yes, I like to read. In the books one of the nations talks of battles as "dancing."
Because doing this blog has been a battle - that I have been losing - I thought I would title this one along those lines. I would like to begin to be more regular in posting on this site. Why?
I think I have a few things that might help some people on their journey of life. For 61 years I have enjoyed the adventure of being a follower of Jesus. As with any adventure, there have been some incredible painful times, wounded times, depressing times, and questioning times. However, it would all be meaningless if it were not balance by times of great confidence and joy. In the path I have chosen I have found a friend who has never left me (hence the title of the blog) and has always been faithful, even when I have wavered.
Jesus has ever been an encourager and a friend through these many years.
Because doing this blog has been a battle - that I have been losing - I thought I would title this one along those lines. I would like to begin to be more regular in posting on this site. Why?
I think I have a few things that might help some people on their journey of life. For 61 years I have enjoyed the adventure of being a follower of Jesus. As with any adventure, there have been some incredible painful times, wounded times, depressing times, and questioning times. However, it would all be meaningless if it were not balance by times of great confidence and joy. In the path I have chosen I have found a friend who has never left me (hence the title of the blog) and has always been faithful, even when I have wavered.
Jesus has ever been an encourager and a friend through these many years.
Monday, August 17, 2009
August Newsletter
Sometimes it seems very trivial to say "Thank You" each month. Please know that we do not take you for granted and really do mean what we say! We know you are making sacrifices so that you can continue to support us. Thank you! Six years ago this month God called us into the mission field of the world full-time. What an amazing adventure it has been partnering with you and with God and with so many others around the world. As long as God continues to say "Yes" we will continue in this direction. Your prayers, finances, and friendships have all help to make this possible. This is another long newsletter. We like to keep them short so it is easier to digest but we know you also want to know what is going on and we want you to have a full picture for your prayer time. Thanks for understanding.
General Information (written by Rick): Life! Yes it is good and it keeps moving. Having Jesus in the middle of what you are doing is just phenomenal.
This is the first year that we have not been present for the conference in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It was difficult not being with our friends there. We miss them. They had a great conference and I will include Tom Padley's report below.
Our time has been focused on caring for pastors and church plants. James and Tiffanie Ferguson, after several years of trying were pregnant for a couple of months before there was a miscarriage. Pray for them as they work through the grief. Another couple, Shane and Amy, in the same church had also been trying to get pregnant and, praise God, they did. However, Shane was just diagnosed with lymphoma (cancer). Please pray with us for this family and a complete healing of the cancer.
August 9 we were at Grace Fellowship where I preached in the morning. What a great community of people. We really enjoy every chance we get to be with this church. They make us very welcome.
August 16 we will be in Findlay, OH, at Turning Point Church dedicating three babies. Actually, I think the real dedication is of the parents, family, friends and church to raising their children to love the Lord. It is a joy to be able to share this day with them.
August 19 Ray Nethery and I will driving to Baltimore, Colonial Heights (VA) and W. Orange (NJ) We will be spending time with Fred Lessans, Mike Murray, Scott Pursley, and others. This is a time of pastoral care and refreshing relationships. In NJ Joanne will fly to join us on Aug 24. Ray will return to Mansfield on Aug. 25. Joanne and I will have some time with the Rhodes (preparing for missions in Belfast, IR) and Stampers (friends in NJ) before we drive to Franklin (MA) to spend time with Handels (ARC Associates) and the new church in Beverly, MA, called Beverly (for now). I will be preaching at a Brazilian church Aug 26. We return to OH Sept 3 +/- a day or two.
Brazil
Belo Horizonte Conference Report Judson, James, KaKá, Gregorio and I were the speakers. The most powerful message and surprisingly balanced and entertaining word came from our own KaKá! His talk was about going back to the pattern of the original or "Organic Church" and he used some amazingly entertaining metaphors such as the difference (it was hilarious) between cage raised chickens and free roaming chickens. The cage fed chickens were so fat and un-naturally birthed, fed and processed that there legs could not even support them to stand up. Ironically, the conference out at our own Ceifar school campus and the neighboring rehab farm of Ele Clama proved to be absolutely one of the best conferences ever.
READ MORE http://arcchurch.org/events/tom-padley-report-on-belo-horizonte-conference/
Joanne Writes: Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. I know that newsletters can become same old, same old, but it's the way we can communicate with you all and share our life. I guess it's because God has put us in this place that we have the opportunity to do this, knowing that most of you have very full, exciting, and challenging lives that could also be shared. I said all that to say that we are so very appreciative of you all - for your prayers, interest, financial support, and love. We couldn't keep on doing what we are without you.
Travel seems to be the name of the game these days as we find ourselves visiting other ARC churches and church plants. It's wonderful to be able to connect with so many friends, both new and old, and participate in their church life and become more involved in their personal lives. Re-connecting with my pastor's wives friends, again, both new and old, has certainly been life-giving as we continue to open our lives to one another, pray for each other, and just enjoy one another's company. This is indeed a privilege!
Visiting and babysitting our daughter, Rachel's family, has also been part of the mix, since they live in MI. I'm continually reminded why we raised our children when we were younger as I am physically stretched as we interact with our grandchildren. Would I change any of it??? No way - it's all worth it. And now that Rachel is pregnant with their fourth child, we will be able to continue with the babies - thank you, Jesus. A trip to the zoo with Mark and Ginger's two children is still an event yet to happen before school starts.
My personal travel continues to take me to Cleveland Clinic. As our God continues to heal me - "little by little" - I acquire more OLOGISTS than I care to name. The result of my spinal drain will culminate in another brain surgery to put in a "shunt". Sept.30th is the date, so needless to say, I covet your prayers that this will do what is needed to straighten out some things in my body that still need attention. The Word God gave me in Deut.7:17-24 is still being fulfilled as more and more "conditions" surface. Our God is so very faithful to help me go from "strength to strength" each and every day. May He return to you a hundred fold for all your love and prayers.
Other News
Ireland: Garreth and Carla Falls, along with becoming new parents are in discussion with the city government about a piece of property that Garreth has had a vision for for many years. This would be an answer to many prayers but would also take a big step of faith. If you want to get more information check out their website. (http://www.letsmorph.org)
Mexico: Mike and Becky Kuelker are serving in Tepic, MX (see their blog [http://makuelkers/xanga.com)
Church Plants: Ekklesia, in Canton, OH. James and Tiffanie Ferguson and Shane and Amy, as well as the whole church, need your prayers as they walk through this tough time (see above).
Kids Rock House (formerly Grace Christian Fellowship), Dayton, OH. Greg and Catherine Weis and their family, and Jason and Carla Hale, continue to serve the inner-city young people of Dayton. Unfortunately Adrian and Sarah Kohler have to return to Switzerland (their home) after Adrian was laid off at his company. They have been a pivotal part of the ministry in Dayton. Pray for them as they readjust their lives and seek employment. kidsrockhouse.org and kidsrockclub.org
Turning Point Church in Findlay, OH. Steve and Kristi, Mike and Doreen, and Aaron and Shannon, the team, really have heart to reach their city. Sunday, Aug 16 they dedicated their three youngest children. Currently they are considering other locations for the meetings. findlayturningpoint.org
Beverly church plant is located in the Boston, MA area. We will be with them for a couple of days during our trip east.
Our Schedule
Here is what is going on--kind of! Aug 19-21
Baltimore, MD Aug 21-23
Colonial Heights, VA Aug 24-25
West Orange, NJ Aug 26-27
Manchester, NH Aug 28-Sep 3
Franklin, MA
That's good for now. Pray for safe travel.
General Information (written by Rick): Life! Yes it is good and it keeps moving. Having Jesus in the middle of what you are doing is just phenomenal.
This is the first year that we have not been present for the conference in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It was difficult not being with our friends there. We miss them. They had a great conference and I will include Tom Padley's report below.
Our time has been focused on caring for pastors and church plants. James and Tiffanie Ferguson, after several years of trying were pregnant for a couple of months before there was a miscarriage. Pray for them as they work through the grief. Another couple, Shane and Amy, in the same church had also been trying to get pregnant and, praise God, they did. However, Shane was just diagnosed with lymphoma (cancer). Please pray with us for this family and a complete healing of the cancer.
August 9 we were at Grace Fellowship where I preached in the morning. What a great community of people. We really enjoy every chance we get to be with this church. They make us very welcome.
August 16 we will be in Findlay, OH, at Turning Point Church dedicating three babies. Actually, I think the real dedication is of the parents, family, friends and church to raising their children to love the Lord. It is a joy to be able to share this day with them.
August 19 Ray Nethery and I will driving to Baltimore, Colonial Heights (VA) and W. Orange (NJ) We will be spending time with Fred Lessans, Mike Murray, Scott Pursley, and others. This is a time of pastoral care and refreshing relationships. In NJ Joanne will fly to join us on Aug 24. Ray will return to Mansfield on Aug. 25. Joanne and I will have some time with the Rhodes (preparing for missions in Belfast, IR) and Stampers (friends in NJ) before we drive to Franklin (MA) to spend time with Handels (ARC Associates) and the new church in Beverly, MA, called Beverly (for now). I will be preaching at a Brazilian church Aug 26. We return to OH Sept 3 +/- a day or two.
Brazil
Belo Horizonte Conference Report Judson, James, KaKá, Gregorio and I were the speakers. The most powerful message and surprisingly balanced and entertaining word came from our own KaKá! His talk was about going back to the pattern of the original or "Organic Church" and he used some amazingly entertaining metaphors such as the difference (it was hilarious) between cage raised chickens and free roaming chickens. The cage fed chickens were so fat and un-naturally birthed, fed and processed that there legs could not even support them to stand up. Ironically, the conference out at our own Ceifar school campus and the neighboring rehab farm of Ele Clama proved to be absolutely one of the best conferences ever.
READ MORE http://arcchurch.org/events/tom-padley-report-on-belo-horizonte-conference/
Joanne Writes: Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. I know that newsletters can become same old, same old, but it's the way we can communicate with you all and share our life. I guess it's because God has put us in this place that we have the opportunity to do this, knowing that most of you have very full, exciting, and challenging lives that could also be shared. I said all that to say that we are so very appreciative of you all - for your prayers, interest, financial support, and love. We couldn't keep on doing what we are without you.
Travel seems to be the name of the game these days as we find ourselves visiting other ARC churches and church plants. It's wonderful to be able to connect with so many friends, both new and old, and participate in their church life and become more involved in their personal lives. Re-connecting with my pastor's wives friends, again, both new and old, has certainly been life-giving as we continue to open our lives to one another, pray for each other, and just enjoy one another's company. This is indeed a privilege!
Visiting and babysitting our daughter, Rachel's family, has also been part of the mix, since they live in MI. I'm continually reminded why we raised our children when we were younger as I am physically stretched as we interact with our grandchildren. Would I change any of it??? No way - it's all worth it. And now that Rachel is pregnant with their fourth child, we will be able to continue with the babies - thank you, Jesus. A trip to the zoo with Mark and Ginger's two children is still an event yet to happen before school starts.
My personal travel continues to take me to Cleveland Clinic. As our God continues to heal me - "little by little" - I acquire more OLOGISTS than I care to name. The result of my spinal drain will culminate in another brain surgery to put in a "shunt". Sept.30th is the date, so needless to say, I covet your prayers that this will do what is needed to straighten out some things in my body that still need attention. The Word God gave me in Deut.7:17-24 is still being fulfilled as more and more "conditions" surface. Our God is so very faithful to help me go from "strength to strength" each and every day. May He return to you a hundred fold for all your love and prayers.
Other News
Ireland: Garreth and Carla Falls, along with becoming new parents are in discussion with the city government about a piece of property that Garreth has had a vision for for many years. This would be an answer to many prayers but would also take a big step of faith. If you want to get more information check out their website. (http://www.letsmorph.org)
Mexico: Mike and Becky Kuelker are serving in Tepic, MX (see their blog [http://makuelkers/xanga.com)
Church Plants: Ekklesia, in Canton, OH. James and Tiffanie Ferguson and Shane and Amy, as well as the whole church, need your prayers as they walk through this tough time (see above).
Kids Rock House (formerly Grace Christian Fellowship), Dayton, OH. Greg and Catherine Weis and their family, and Jason and Carla Hale, continue to serve the inner-city young people of Dayton. Unfortunately Adrian and Sarah Kohler have to return to Switzerland (their home) after Adrian was laid off at his company. They have been a pivotal part of the ministry in Dayton. Pray for them as they readjust their lives and seek employment. kidsrockhouse.org and kidsrockclub.org
Turning Point Church in Findlay, OH. Steve and Kristi, Mike and Doreen, and Aaron and Shannon, the team, really have heart to reach their city. Sunday, Aug 16 they dedicated their three youngest children. Currently they are considering other locations for the meetings. findlayturningpoint.org
Beverly church plant is located in the Boston, MA area. We will be with them for a couple of days during our trip east.
Our Schedule
Here is what is going on--kind of! Aug 19-21
Baltimore, MD Aug 21-23
Colonial Heights, VA Aug 24-25
West Orange, NJ Aug 26-27
Manchester, NH Aug 28-Sep 3
Franklin, MA
That's good for now. Pray for safe travel.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Coming to the end.
Well we will be heading back to the states in 3 days. Tradition has been established years ago that I provide an ice cream evening for the mission center. Tonight was the night. We had 20 liters of the stuff along with hot fudge, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup and creme de mint liquor. It was great; I ate too much; the confusion of soooo many in the house was a bit overwhelming. It is now quiet and almost everyone has gone home. All in all it was a good evening.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Chain
About two years ago a young pastor and his wife gave me a neck chain. I liked it and have worn it ever since. Joanne (my wife) was never crazy about it.
This past weekend I believe God told me to give it to a young man who was headed to the mission field. I explained to him that his life was like a link in the chain. It was not alone or by itself. It was linked to other links. His life was like that in our group of churches. He would never be alone and he should let this small gift remind him of that.
God is so good.
This past weekend I believe God told me to give it to a young man who was headed to the mission field. I explained to him that his life was like a link in the chain. It was not alone or by itself. It was linked to other links. His life was like that in our group of churches. He would never be alone and he should let this small gift remind him of that.
God is so good.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My Travels
visited 23 states (10.2%)
Create your own visited map of The World or try another Douwe Osinga project
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