How Will You Be the Light?

Sunrise over Freetown

Sarah Black shared a portion of our Christmas message today and challenged us all to be the light that Jesus brought into the world so that others might know Him.  Thanks Sarah for taking the Christmas story and putting into a frame that will get us out of our comfort zone and into the world around us by doing what Jesus encouraged us to do.   

In early 2012 the "What's Happening?" blog started in part to get the word out about how our church family is involved beyond the local church.  Reading back through the blog, there are numerous examples of how our individuals and groups within our church family touch lives and/or are touched by bringing the light into the darkness.   "What's Happening" mainly focuses on our outreach beyond the church and community.   

Local Missions, Rays of Hope, Hilltop Ministries, and United Methodist Women have started new blogs focusing on communicating how we are involved beyond self within our community.   There is so much going on, so many ways to connect with people and projects in meaningful ways.   Only a few of the stories are told.  The little ways in which we serve and bring light to others doesn't get told.  Meals for the homeless, transportation to the doctor, serving funeral dinners, writing notes of encouragement, sewing, knitting, doing laundry, visiting,leading singing in the nursing homes, and more are the quiet ways in which we bring light to others in their darkness. 

How are you called to be the light for someones darkness?   What is it you will do in 2013 to bring light into the darkness...even when there is  darkness  in your own life?  Thanks Sarah for setting the tone for Epiphany and challenging us to carry the message of the blessed birth out into the world.  We are the Light!!!   Let it shine! 

 

Children of Abraham ... Mission Focus for January

Recording new acquistions for future shipments of needed medical supplies

Children of Abraham approaches 9 years in delivering much needed medical supplies to medical facilities all over the world.   Recently Dr. Michael Leland, Margie Miller, Gene Albert, and Gene's brother drove to the warehouse for a tour and look-see.  Dr. Leland has been taking small medical teams to Nicaragua and Sierra Leone over the past few years and was unaware of this amazing resource right in our back yard.  Dr. Leland now has made the connections to acquire supplies he needs on his medical missions.    Thanks Margie and Gene for making that happen.    

Children of Abraham got its beginning in the Hammond 1st UMC in 2004.   Working with retired medical professionals from the Islamic Community and Jewish Community (thus the name Children of Abraham),  Champ Merrick has led the charge to receive good but no longer used medical supplies and connect these supplies to medical facilities around the world.    They were one of the first to get medical supplies into Haiti in 2010 following the devastating earthquake.

Getting millions of dollars worth of equipment and supplies to hospitals such as Kissy Hospital in Sierra Leone takes money.    For about $7,000 to $10,000, a large shipment of supplies worth nearly a million dollars will be delivered to the hospital somewhere in the world.  

The key for COA is to raise the funds to make the shipments.    The faith communities from the UMC and the Islamic and Jewish communities come together to make this happen.   You are invited to be part of this amazing outreach by giving generously to our January Mission of the month.  Consider donating the cost of dining out one evening to help with the cost of shipping the next container of much needed medical supplies.    Generosity ... extravagant generosity... is just one component of being a fruitful congregation.  We are a fruitful congregation with radical hospitality, passionate worship, risk taking mission and service, and intentional faith development so let's put the EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY in with capital letters.      With 500 in worship on Sunday morning and if everyone just pitched in $15-$20 per person, Valparaiso 1st could raise enough money to underwrite the next COA shipment.  Write your check today with COA on the memo line.  Thanks for your generosity.                      



Ubuntu...now what?



Yes...glorify God

Finda Quiwa (left)  is the young adult leader for UMWO.

Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone has come to a close...that is, all 8 team members have arrived home but however the essence of the journey continues.  I can only speak for myself, but the "ubuntu" of the past few weeks will be part of my life forever.   How can one ignore or forget all the ways in which we were greeted by our counterparts in Sierra Leone with such hospitality.   It was such an honor to be there.   I was blessed to meet and share with amazing women who are making a difference in the lives of many in Sierra Leone and around the world. 

Strong women gathered in Lunsar to share stories of joy and sucess in finding ways to bring new prosperity and gender equality to the country.  I look forward to findng ways to share the liturgy and prayers that were written for the conference.   Our theme was based on Luke 5:1-5.   We are all invited to  cast our nets out in the deep. There is no time to not give it everything you have.   
One of the choruses we sang used this phrase over and over again.   Oh Somebody, tell me that you love me, oh someboday tell me that you love me, oh somebody tell me that you love me. Put your hands together, put your hands together, put your hands together, and praise the Lord.  This was sung as women moved about the room being touched and touching others while they praised God for one another and validated each others worth.  . 

A few bumps in the road ... All wonderful

A quick glimpse at the past few days with some photos added after the fact. 

The road to Kono was always bumpy and sometimes slippery.  

Tuesday...stopped by Kissy Hospital located in the midst of the most crowded part of Freetown. Visited the various departments especially the well baby clinic, the physical therapy department (where I found Steven hard at work), inspected the walkways (looking great Valpo-Austin team), stopped by the maternity ward all before 11:30 a.m.

• Out team of 8 women expanded a bit with the addition of Matilda(the UMW of  Sierra Leone) and Jilliana whose on the planning team for the conference we will attend next week.  Now this makes 11 in the van.  
• After about 11 hours on the road, two flat tires, we arrived at midnight in the diamond mining town of Kono.  Unbelievable roads.    
• Wednesday morning we traveled to the women's training center in Konomusu which is a project of UMW.  Women, a few men, Christians and Muslims worked together to learn skills that will help with the family income.  Included are soap making, dress making, tye-dying, weaving, and hair styling.  Busy place.  
• We were invited to visit a new girls school nearby.  One class had 78 enrolled however only 72 were in attendance.   This is a UM school of Sierra Leone.  After the visit we stopped back at the training center for a lunch that had been prepared by the local UMW.  
• In the evening we went to the local church which is a yoked church with a UM pastor and a Methodist pastor.  The UMC  pastor is the result of missionaries from the US and the other pastor/congregation comes from the missionary movement out of Great Britain. Interesting....a
• The next day we hit the rough road again and we were of to Muyamba to visit the Hartford School For Girls ... Another project of UMW.   We spent a quick night there.  We toured the school in the morning, visited the feeder school just across town, were presented a scripture drama by the pre school, enjoyed lunch before getting back on the what has become known as the bun shacker road.     
• Got in the van around 1:30 and arrived back in Freetown around 7:30.  It was to have been a 4 or five hour drive but Freetown traffic was unbelievable.  Traffic includes cars and people!    

Sorry about the length...This is way more than anyone can read..sorry.  Our time with the women has been eye widening and very encouraging about the future of Sierra Leone.  Goodnight.  Bonnie

The Ubuntu Journey ...

It seems like getting ready for the Ubuntu journery to Sierra Leone has been in the works for a long time and yet the packing seems to never end.    One of our Africa University friends attends school in Evanston now as he works on his Master's of Divinity.  His photo at the left sums up what Ubuntu means in a few words.  Ubuntu an African word for which there is no single word translation in the English language.  Ubuntu means they are generous, hospitable, friendly, caring, and compassionate. They share what they have. It also means my humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in theirs.

We belong in a bundle of life. We say 'a person is a person through other persons.' It is not 'I think therefore I am.' It says rather, 'I am human because I belong.' I participate, I share. A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good....Harmony, friendliness, community are great goods. Social harmony is for us the greatest good."Desmond Tutu quoted from No Future Without Forgiveness (London: Random House, 1999), 34. So it is around this Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone, I have been preparing for the past several months.  The journey isn't about what I can take to the women in SL but what is it that we have in common?  What lessons will I learn from my sisters in Sierra Leone?  How will we join hands to make our corner of the world a better place for those around?  

To know that friends and family are praying for me and our team is always a comfort.   My hope is that I will be able to also send notes providing WIFI is on somewhere.   They can't be long (you are relieved already)  but hopefully it will give you an idea about where we are going and what we are doing   Here's a link to where you will find glimpses of the UBUNTU Journey to Sierra Leone.   Bonnie Albert 

Today is a special day for our team

As you continue to keep Bob and Carol Stoner and Robin Harlow in your prayers, they go about doing what one does on a mission trip...meet new friends and pitch in where needed. Most of the team members are off to visit a family that is being assisted through World Vision.  World Vision is a great NGO and is recognized by the United Methodist Church for its great work in alleviating poverty around the world.  Can't wait for a report. 

Robin has been supporting a young girl for several years and she just happens to live within traveling distance from Kissy so they are visiting a village and the little girl today.  Pastor Chris continues to make great posts so that we can almost follow their journey and time while in Sierra Leone.   Again, please visit the Sierra Leone blog for snipets of information.    http://snippetssl.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Community support for the Sierra Leone project

Doug McMillian and Robert Coolman are among the
1st Church attendees. 

Just days before the team from 1st church left for Sierra Leone, a community fundraiser was held at Don Quiote's in downtown Valparaiso.   The funds raised were carried by the team to be used to purchace a large generator and assist with the materials needed to complete the covered walkway at Kissy Hospital. 

 

Thanks to Tony Bertig and the owner of Don Quijote's for inviting  friends and collegues as well as their willingness to give generously to the needs of Kissy Hospital. What a great community to  join with us to accomplish great things for the people of Sierra Leone. 

Thanks to Chris Jackson, pastor from the Austin UMC, the news and photos of the trip are very enlightening.   In case you haven't been following along, here's the link to the Sierra Leone team and their work at Kissy.   Continue to lift them up in prayer as they begin their 2nd week.  

After expenses, the community fundraiser realized just over $19,000 for the project in Sierra Leone.   THANKS everyone.  

Our team leaves for Sierra Leone today

Carol and Bob Stoner return to Sierra Leone Nov 20 - Dec 4

Today a team from our congregation departs for Sierra Leone.  For Bob and Carol Stoner, this trip to Freetown and Kissy Hospital is their 10th.  They are leading others to a place they could call home for they have a "family" that waits for them on the west coast of Africa.  This year a new person from our church family has joined them. Robin Harlow will be traveling aboad for the first time.   In a previous post we've shared her personal story of being called for this journey. 

Please hold this team of three (and 4 others from a church in Texas) in prayer as they travel and serve along side the brothers and sisters in Sierra Leone. We know the "work" project isn't the real reason Bob and Carol continue to return to Sierra Leone.   To understand the heart of being connected to another through exploring mutual needs comes through developing relationships with in the realm of serving and being served.

Over the next two weeks you may be able to follow their journey by connecting to their blog.   http://snippetssl.blogspot.com/    They hope to be able to post from Kissy if all goes well with the internet availabilty.  Whether we hear from them directly or not, we will remember them in prayer during this time of travel and service. Please check for updated information in about 3 days.        

Our prayers are with this team as they seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ through the transformation of the world. 



Guatemala...a few more spots available

A Youth, Young Adult,and Adult Mission Team is forming! They have been invited to come to Pacaman, Guatemala to volunteer in a rural community about 3 hours from Guatemala City.   Mission Guatemala host, Tom Heaton, is a United Methodist Pastor from Indiana whose assignment is in Guatemala. 

                 Dates: June 22-30, 2013

                 Cost: $1,550 

 You are invited to join us.   Right now we have  a team of  9 guys and 3 girls (teens) and 5 adults.   Sure could use some teen girls to join us.  We are trying to keep the size of the team between 20 - 25.  There is room for you if you act quickly!!! 

 

We will be spending time with the children of the community doing Bible School activities, assisting with the feeding program that is addressing the issues of food security in that area, possibly working on the home of an elderly person in the community, and most of all, getting acquainted with the people of Pacaman.  

 

Our team consists of youth who have served in Costa Rica on several mission trips in the past and some youth for which this will be their first experience serving on a mission team.  Bonnie and Gene Albert have lead at least 16 international teams and look forward to going to Guatemala.  Please give Bonnie a call if you are interested.   (219 464-1447)   or email   bonnie@albertmail.com 
Pastor Heaton has shared on facebook that all is well in his area following the big earthquake in Guatemala.   Thanks for all who has asked about the safety of the people around Pacaman, Guatemala.      

November Mission Focus - Sager Brown UMCOR

      The Sager Brown Mission Team, with 16 members this year, will return to Sager Brown January 20 - 25, 2013 for the 9th year to work at the UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Distribution Center in Baldwin, LA.

     Sager Brown was originally started as a school for orphaned African American children following the civil war, and operated until 1978. In the early 1900s when the school was in dire financial straits, Mrs. Sager and Mrs. Brown purchased the school so it could continue, and gave it to Women’s Home Mission Society, a forerunner of the United Methodist Women.   It has been owned by the UMW since that time. It sat idle after 1978 until 1992, when it was used as a distribution center to aid the victims of hurricane Andrew.  It was decided by UMCOR in 1996 to make it a permanent distribution center, and it has distributed aid world-wide since that date.

Volunteers gather around tables to assemble kits.

    Sager Brown distributes health kits, sewing kits, school kits, layettes, and cleaning buckets, and other items as needed. Other organizations sometimes use its shipping facilities as well, because the shipments are carefully monitored to insure they go directly to the intended recipients. 

     There are as many as 80 volunteers from various places each week, working in the UMCOR depot. Our team members work in the depot, sewing bags for the kits and assembling the kits for shipment. The focus this year is on health kits.  A box will be located at the Franklin Street entrance to the church, with a list of items needed for a health kit, so that you may help by donating supplies for the kits. Or you may also help by making a donation for kit supplies, marking a pew envelope “Sager Brown”. Each kit has a value of about $11.00. Our goal is to take at least 75 kits, or the monetary equivalent to Sager Brown as a contribution from our church. Part of the Monthly Missions offering for November will also be used to provide supplies for Sager Brown.

      If you have questions about the mission trip this year, or would like to learn more about participating in future years, please contact Marlene or Eldon Versteeg at 219/462-4289, or emversteeg@frontier.com.

**Your gifts to Sager Brown-UMCOR are extra important at this time with the destruction caused by the recent hurricanes along the East Coast.  UMCOR is among the first on the scene and the last to go home.  Sager Brown will respond to requests made by local community leaders. 

FINALLY...

A little crash that changed her plans

Robin has had a desire to go to Sierra Leone long before she became part of our worshipping community.   She planned to go a year or so ago with a team but was involved in an airplane crash and we know the rest of that story...she's fine now and ready for the journey she's only dreamed about.

Robin and her daughter Ryann...who could question that???

Robin shared that she had heard of Kissy Hospital when she lived in Hebron and had been involved in supporting it through her church there.   After coming to Valparaiso First UMC, she was thrilled to hear about our connection with Kissy.  So after selling candy for about 3 years, saved enough to say "yes" to being part of the team only to have her plans changed with that little airplane crash. 

In mid November she will be departing with our team and leaving the country for the first time.  Robin has been supporting a little girl through World Vision and arrangments are being made for her and a few members of the team to go to the child's village to meet little Marian and her family.   What a gift this will be to Robin as her life is about to be turned upside down.  

The most important part of any mission trip is to develop relationships with the people wherever you serve.  Secondary is the "work", mixing the concrete, carrying the buckets, building the walkway.   The labor of this project will be done by the local workers with our team members working beside them.   Even during these times, relationship develop and with our technology today, they can grow even after team members arrive back home.  
As this team prepares to depart for Sierra Leone, you are invited to participate in two key ways.   One is be in prayer for this preparation (not only by the team members  but those in Sierra Leone who make it possible for them to come) and the mission at hand.   Second, share in the project by donating through the October mission offering.   The goal is $3,000 which is the cost for one team member to go. Together we can be a team member. The funds will be used to purchase materials and pay the local laborers to build the covered walkways on the Kissy Hospital campus. 
Thanks for your prayers and your gifts.     

 

Steven Moinina - Kissy Hospital Physical Therapist

Max Roach and Steven Moinina
 

 Steven Moinina is the physical therapist associated with Kissy Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone.   What a delight it was to hear his story.  Steven was hired by the Hospital admnistration about 4 years ago to design and open a PT department for Kissy Hospital. Once again, thanks to a vigilant team of volunteers from Valparaiso 1st who have gone back to Sierra Leone yearly since 2004 space for this department was made possible.   On their 2nd visit Bob Stoner discovered rather large building on the hospital ground called the Urban Center which was in great disrepair and did not function for any purpose for which it was designed.   Team members Bob Coolman and Todd Mayer did some measuring and planning to make these spaces into something useful.  As in all home projects, it took some time but eventually these spaces became the Physical Therapy Department of Kissy Hospital. 

Steven's hand made pulley assist in the treatment

Stephan has 4 volunteers assisting him and is proud to say that this is the top PT program in all of Sierra Leone.  While the equipment in his department does not compare to what he experienced during his time in the US, he is very pleased to share the equipment that he has designed and built to assist in the therapy.  

Steven is married to Daniella (who is a policewoman) and they have a 4 year old daughter Stephanie.   He so appreciated the opportunity to come to the US to experience and learn new techniques for his department in Sierra Leone.  Upon his return, Steven told us that he is excited to return with a renewed love for his job and family.  
 

Once again we are lifted by gifts of others.  Thanks Steven for sharing with our church family today.   Safe journey new friend.  Extend our greetings to Daniella and Stephanie.

  

Wednesday Night Alive connects with Operation Classroom





Robert Coolman

Our own Bob and Sandy Coolman are the soon to be newest staff members of Operation Classroom. Valparaiso 1st UMC looks forward to renewing a relationship with the schools which follows our involvement and commitment to Kissy Hospital. Over time, Operation Classroom developed  another much needed mission component in these two West Africa countries and that was Operation Doctor. Kissy Hospital is just one of many medical facilities under the Methodist Church of SL and Liberia.  Valparaiso FUMC has been connected with Kissy since 2004.   Prior to that we had occasional connection to the schools project via sending kits, book bags, and scholarships.   Through the Calumet District we were connected with the Tubman-Gray School in Liberia years ago.   

   

Liberia is the country to the south of Sierra Leone

Operation Classroom is a project of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church and now celebrates 25 years partnering with the United Methodist Church in Liberia and Sierra Leone.   What began as a project by the two Indiana Conferences with support from the apportioned giving of each local church in both conferences is now dependent upon local churches voluntarily  saying "yes" as a congregation to being a partner in Sierra Leone and Liberia.  We've said "yes" this year by providing 11 scholarships for students to attend school either in Liberia or Sierra Leone.  (5 were given by UMW in January and 6 were provided by the July Mission offering).    

 

Student Scholarships have been the most important way that local churches were connected to schools under Operation Classroom since the beginning.  Sandy Coolman reminded the Wednesday Night Alive group that school scholarships make great Christmas gifts.   Check out the website for Operation Classroom Schools for details.  For $100 you can provide one year of school fees, classroom materials, school uniforms, and administration expenses.   What a bargain!!!

  

Giving through our Monthly Mission projects is your way to support all the important ministries under the umbrella of Operation Classroom.   During the month of October, we have set a huge goal (about 3 times what is normally received) to provide materials and labor for the covered walkway at Kissy Hospital complex.  We are hoping for $3,000 to match the amount of money it takes for one person to go to Sierra Leone to partner with local leadership in getting this project off the ground.  Thanks for your support.   You are making a difference in the lives of many.  As of October 17 we had received about 1/4 of our goal.   I hope you will consider giving a bit extra to let our team know we are with them all the way.      

Our goal...project funds for 3 walkways

Santos and Carol duck in out of the rain. 

     Direct your eyes to the top of this photo to glimpse the type of roof coverings over current pathways at Kissy Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leonne. Kissy has requested the now 7-member 2012 mission team to participate with an African construction team to extend these paved and covered paths. Connecting Physical Therapy and the Laboratory to the main hospital will benefit many: patients, family members, workers. Those able to walk without hindrance will realize added convenience, but those hampered by amputations, poor sight, or medical misfortune will rejoice at the reduction of risk that the currently uncertain and uneven footing adds.

    The team needs at least $12,000 to complete the 3 covered walkways when the team goes to SL next month.  Right now there is about $5,500 gathered from funds previously donated and the "project expense" from each team member. National/International Mission team is encouraging our congregation to give the SL Mission team support by raising at least $3,000 toward the $12,000.

     Thanks for giving a bit extra this month toward our special project. Valparaiso 1st UMC is known in Freetown, especially in the Kissy Hospital area because of the relationships that have developed and maintained for the past 8 years. We are so blessed to have such a relationship with a mission hospital that serves so many.    

October's Mission Focus - Kissy's Walkway

This is the ground between Brown Memorial UMC and Kissy.

October's Mission Focus will all go toward the construction of a covered walkway that is used by patients and medical staff to move from one building to another on what might now be called the Kissy Hospital Campus.  With the rainy season being about 6 months of the year, one quickly understands why such a structure is needed. 

Bob and Carol Stoner will once again go to Freetown, Sierra Leone and lead a team to continue working on the project of improving the medical facilities of Kissy Clinic.   In recent trips they have been part of reclaiming unused spaces which are now used for the Physical Therapy Department and a Laboratory.  We are so blessed to have people who are energized by going out and doing what many have described as "I just can't do this" and have found real joy in serving in this manner.   
     Throughout the past 8 years, small but significant miracles are happening around Kissy because congregations like ours have put forth leadership, money, and time to move lots of dirt, pour by hand buckets and buckets of concrete, and make lifetime friends with Methodists living half way around the world.   When David Byrum took the first team to Sierra Leone back in 2004, no one would have predicted how this would impact the lives of so many.   The biggest impact could be on the lives of Bob and Carol. 
     We now have an opportunity to participate right here at home by helping to supply  construction funds to get this covered walkway done.  Thanks for giving generously to project.
     

Broadway Christian Parish - our September Mission Focus

Located at the corner of Broadway and Carroll in S. Bend

     Broadway Christian Parish has been our National/International Mission focus for September.  The ministry exists in the former Broadway Methodist Church in South Bend.   Worship services have continued but probably look much different than the services back in the 50's.   In the early 60's the struggling congregation in a changing neighborhood made a decision to get out there and meet the needs of the community and welcome people thus a new name for a new direction.

      Broadway’s most evolving ministry is the Hospitality Room. It provides a place for the homeless and nearby residents to go for breakfast and to connect with others. It is a place where they are known by name and are treated as guests. While here, our guests can sign up for hot showers, wash small loads of clothes, and receive new socks, underwear and other essentials depending on the season.  They also have access to the Computer Lab to check email, complete online applications and surf the web. 

       So far this month the Mission offering is nearly $600.   One half of the monthly mission offering remains in our community and is administered by the Local Mission team and the other half is given the the mission project detemined by the National/International Mission team.   Thank  you so much for your mission heart and giving. $300 will go a long way in helping stock the Hospitality room in the upcoming months. 
Hospitality Room Wish List
• Powdered Cream (about 8 boxes a month)
• Bread (20 loaves a month)
• Milk ( 25 gallons a month)
• Coffee (15 cans a month)
• instant oatmeal (7 cans a month)
• hot chocolate (20 cans a month)
• tea (two boxes (large) a month)
• peanut butter ( 20 jars a month)
• butter ( 20 large tubs a month)
• sugar ( 50 pounds a month)
• cereal ( 30 boxes a month)
• socks (all sizes )
• underwear (all sizes (all sizes)
• white t-shirt undershirts (all sizes)
• hats
• gloves 

Inspired words and deeds...Thanks Priscilla

Maybe one of the 4-H projects in the works.

Thanks Priscilla for a delightful hour of learning about education...the joys and challenges of preparing Liberian children to live in the 21st century.  Those who gathered to hear Priscilla hung on every word.  

Priscilla was brought to Ganta School, Liberia West Africa as a missionary principal in 2009.   Her task was to get the school back in good working order after the wars of 1990's - 2004 for the 850 students who attend.  With the school being just one of the components of a typical Mission Station, it became apparent that her skills were needed for the entire Mission Station so a new assignment was made in 2011.

     Priscilla is now providing leadership over the 920 acres for the Ganta Mission Station which includes the farm and the clinic.  Getting the farm up and running to produce needed food for the station and also provide income for the programs of the station such as the school and the hospital is the immediate goal. 

     The vocation educational programs also will be addressed as graduates need to be able to find work when the opportunities for further studies are not available.   Vocational training for farming, auto mechanics, building trades and information technology are critical for the future of Liberia.  

    Thanks Priscilla for sharing carved wooden crosses made by leprosy survivors, cloth aprons made by 4-H members, and the wonderful nativity sets made by carving old shell casings that have been found around the grounds.     

Priscilla Jasiah ... Liberian Missionary and Educator

Pricilla Jasiah will be with us on September 17



    Priscilla is in Indiana today through September 18 and she's someone you might want to meet.  She's a United Methodist Missionary assigned to the mission school at Ganta, Liberia, West Africa.  We have a unique opportunity to greet her on September 17 at 6:30 - 7:30 in the church parlor.   All are welcome.

     Bob and Sandy Coolman are hosting Pricilla this week making sure she gets from place to place as part of her itineration related to supporting churches for the Ganta School.  Ganta is one of the 25 Operation Classroom schools in West Africa and is in a rebuilding process following the distruction of many schools in Liberia during the wars of 2003.  Education is a huge priority for all developing countries as they continue build for self-sufficiency in the future.  Their biggest dream is to be a developed country and be in a position to share what they have learned with others. 

     Did you realize that in a time when the Christian community in the US are making drastic moves to maintain church membership and involvement, the church in Africa expects to double in size?   Maybe we do have much to learn from our sisters and brothers in Liberia. 
     We are pleased to be able to have a bit of time to learn more about the role of a mission school in West Afica.  In the summer of 2014 Valparaiso 1st plans to have a team of educators ready to travel to Liberia, West Africa to lead teacher workshops.  On Monday evening we will begin the dialogue with Liberian educators to learn more about their schools and expectations.   If you are interested in knowing more about being part of the making plans and continue the dialogue with Liberian educators, please contact Bonnie Albert at bonkay@hotmail.com.  Join us Monday, September 17 to hear from Rev. Jasiah.  

 

 

 

BCP Community Outreach

Conversations with community members

Our mission focus for September is Broadway Christian Parish.  The pastor and director Nancy Nichols shared the following with us…

       Earlier this week a young woman who has struggled with a lifetime of abuse and addiction was accepted into a drug recovery program in another part of the state. Working in conjunction with other churches and organizations we have raised the funds for her admission and to pay for an extra week of her medications. While awaiting this treatment she has stayed with a church member. The pastor will take her to treatment on Monday.

     We often receive requests to help pay for medications. Even at $4 or $5 dollars a script there are times we cannot help. It is hard to turn away someone who needs medication knowing that they very well may end in the ER.

Stories like these are an everyday occurrence at BCP.  Open doors lead to opening new opportunities for others.   We continue to be involved in the transformation of the world by acting out in Christ like ways.  A gift of $5 can be life saving to one who needs medication to have any chance at a quality life. Thanks for your support of this long time Indiana ministry through your mission giving. 

The portion of the mission offering for August that was designated for Royal Family Kids Camp was $581.88.  Thank you for your gift.  Please see the photos on the display in Tower Chapel.

 

Earthquake in Costa Rica

Earthquake provides work for Margie

Margie Miller is back in Costa Rica.  Today they experienced an earthquake...tremor.   Well, she now has some shelves to get back in order.   Remember when she's at the Latin American Bible University she volunteers in the university library.   She has her work cut out for her this week. 

According to reports from others at the school, everyone is safe and there was only minor damage throughout the country.  Rebecca Rusnak is here in the US (arrived on the 31st) and has been in communication with the mission place where she volunteers in Carrillos.   She assures us all is well in that area. 

Last week she sent a quick note:   I am having a GREAT experience for several hours on several days working with my reallly good friend Jose Enrique Ramirez, the professor who wrote the book I am translating. We are having such a good experience working on that project...he is a fine man and seems to think I'm doing quite a good job of translating! Of course, I am honored to have this project with him.

      I have been able to audit two classes so far---History of Salvation with Prof Jaime Prieto (whom I greatly admire) and Old Testament with focus on Psalms with Prof Jose Enrique. So...my little old brain is not resting very much here, which is so very good for me, you know. My Spanish is always getting easier, more fluent, and expanding in vocab every day!! Hooray!

      Today I went with three other women to attend the International Book Fair in downtown San Jose, where UBL has a booth and is offering for sale to the public some of its publications. Interesting!

       Tomorrow I'll attend a small Anglican church with two sweet girlfriends from El Salvador who are studying here on scholarship from the Anglican Church of their country to become priests there. Next Sunday I'll go to my Methodist Church in downtown San Jose, probably with a young brother and sister who are students here and are Methodist. Lots and lots of wonderful opportunities here for me, as you can see. 

 

Enough play time Margie... get those shelves back in order!!!

UPDATE:  September 6:  "just a note to tell you that it was not I who caused the 7.6 earthquake here in Costa Rica yesterday!!!! All is fine here, but for a few moments, quite scary! Now I have LOTS of library work to do to put in order all the books that fell off the many shelves yesterday! BUT, also there is still plenty of time for me to get together with friends, attend classes as an audit student, work with my professor friend on our RUTH project...and basically feel oh..so..grateful to be here once again. Much love to all of you there...

I have heard this a.m. that there have been something about 150 little tremors here since yesterday's quake...but I have felt only ONE!! You know, if they happen during the nighttime when I am asleep, I would NEVER be awakened by a little earth tremor!!! Ha! Love again, Margie

Broadway Christian Parish

A young volunteer stocks the shelves

Food security is an issue in the Broadway Christian Parish community.   BCP Food Pantry shelves are usually empty before closing of pantry hours.  This month was no exception.  Several families had nothing.   Since the 60's Broadway has engaged in direct services to its neighbors.   Bringing these services and the gospel to all who entered their doors seemed to be a natural thing to do. 

 

Broadway Christian Parish is a United Methodist Ministry in the South Bend area and for many years received funding as a missional church from the North Indiana Conference apportioned funds.  What this means is every UMC in the northern part of Indiana gave to this ministry via having paid their general apportionments.  (A small portion of everyone's pledge went to support ministries around the conference.)  Times have changed and what our church sends on to the conference does not go to individual ministries any longer.  We have cut the mission budget completely when we became one big conference and churches were given the freedom to select where mission funds would be sent.     

 

Today the only way BCP can do the outreach necessary, they need the voluntary support of the groups and churches.   At this time 36 United Methodist Churches and 10 UMW units donate regularly.  BPC came to our attention when Pastor Jacob shared with us that a portion of our communion offering would be sent to this ministry and the National/International Mission team has done a little research to help us all know more. 

 

Thanks for your donations to the September Monthly Mission offering.   Pastor Jacob knows just how important this church is to those in the neighborhood.   Every morning the homeless arrive for breakfast, time of fellowship, showers and an opportunity to do laundry.   Every Sunday for the past 30 years more than 100 "guests" are served dinner after worship.  Radical Hospitality sometimes calls for Extravagant Generosity.   We thank you for yours. 

 

 

Peace has come to Manuel today

Manuel Munoz  1929 - 2012

Just a week ago today, Margie and I traveled to Moline, IL to see our special friend, Manuel and of course any family members living near.  Our blessings were numerous as we were able to break bread with Alicia and 4 of the 7 children and hear stories of early days and events in Valparaiso.   We came home lifted by the spirit that surrounded the Munoz family.

This morning I received a call from Becky to say that Manuel had quietly slipped away in his sleep just an hour earlier.  Our prayers are especially with Alicia as she observed her birthday today as well.  

Son Luis indicated that the visitation will be on Thursday evening 4 - 7 and the service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Riverside UMC in downtown Moline.   He was not sure about Memorial gifts at this time but come back to this post for an update in another day or so. 

We all know that this world was a better place because of this man and how he lived each and every day in relationship with God and was so willing to share why living with God and knowing Jesus was what life was about.  Even in January when we visited, Alica was so afraid that he would fall or not find his way home when he took his walk to share the stories of Jesus. He shared with everyone he met.  He'd done that in Chile which is what led him to prison for 3 years.   This was his life.   Telling the stories of Jesus.  We love you Manuel.   Peace to you, friend.  

See an earlier post for the address for the Munoz family.        

She's a Wildcat!

Bonnie, Hazvinei, and Jerry Jo

      "What does that mean?" was the question from Hazvinei. I'll let someone else explain that to her but she now has the idea it has something to do with basketball.  You know, one of those sports that is so popular in Zimbabwe!   
     Taking Hazvinei to UofK was a road trip via Nashville, TN.  We visited the Africa University Development office enroute to Lexington, KY as well as a quick stop to see a granddaughter just 2 blocks from the AU office. 
      On the way south, we met Jerry Jo on a desolate corner near Lafayette to do a handoff of some necessary items for the settlement process. Jerry hailed us down with a broom in hand (I'm sorry I didn't get a photo).   Jerry Jo and her husband Jerry were cottage mates with Hazvinei while we were in Zimbabwe in October/November.  How great it is to have another supporter for Hazvinei and her journey. 

     The process of getting settled at the university was somewhat complicated with the regulations of the Patriot Act.   Hazvinei needed a bank account so we went to a bank.   The bank couldn't let her open an account until she had a tax ID number.   When we went to the IRS to file for a tax ID number they told us we couldn't have one until we had a bank account.  HUMM?  Those experiences extended our settling time by 24 hours.  We did get a bank account before leaving and had the whole process of getting a Social Security number on the right track.  Her scholarship funds will be taxed thus the need for a SS number.  

        Hazvinei starts her school year today.   She is enrolled in the Doctorate of Public Health program.   For the past 4 years she has worked with the United Nations in Darfur.   Her main work centered around health and well being of women relating to gender issues.   She worked with the women and children in the IDP camps (Internally Displaced Persons)  and women in prison.   With a Doctorate in Public Health, Hazvinei will be able to move forward and design programs which will impact the women she meets.   These women have a "low voice" and her role is to help them find their voice and give it strength.   Hazvinei has trained military officers and police officers to sensitize them to the issues of gender.  She's someone you will want to know when she returns to our church in the coming year. 
       Thanks to all who have welcomed Hazvinei into our church and have provided a bit of support for her during this first year.  You are just the best!    



Special friend needs our prayers

Manuel, Alicia, and Patty Munoz

For most of us Manuel and Alicia have been away from our church family for some time, but their beginning ties to our church continue to be strong.   Manuel with Alicia and 5 of the 7 children moved to the Quad Cities in the late 80's where Manuel pastored a Hispanic UMC congregation. For Manuel this was a dream come true.   

From time to time the Millers and the Alberts have made stops to visit over the years, and most recently a special visit was made in January as Manuel's health had been declining.   Bonnie took her camera and printer so that the time with them might be recorded and shared.   Manuel still had that twinkle in his eye even though it was difficult for him to remember who we were.  His smile was still there.  We had a great day with lots of laughs, such as when Patty warned her father not to pray so long that the food would get cold.   

This week Alicia called to say that Manuel is under hospice care in their home.  She wanted to share with this church (their church) about his health concerns.  Please pray for peace and comfort in the lives of Manuel and his family during these difficult times.  

For those who are not aware of our beginning connection to this family, Manuel and Alicia and 7 children arrived from Chile in 1977 as part of our mission team's outreach to refugees.  About 100 people were involved in the settlement of this family at that time.   One of the committee's joys was when Manuel completed his work at Garrett as a lay pastor and was assigned by Bishop Woodie White of the Central Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church to a Hispanic Ministry in the Moline, IL area.   Our faithfilled friend had realized his goal since being in prison in Chile to bring the word of God to all who would listen in the language that he loved so much. 

If you would care to write a note to Alicia, here's their address:   1004 13th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265      

Christian Zigbou is commissioned as a mission intern

Albert Longe, Mary Beth Byrne and Christian Zigbou

      Christian Zigbou and Albert Longe, 2012 Africa University graduates, were commissioned as mission interns serving with the General Board of Global Ministries on August 3.   After 3 weeks of training in Stony Point, New York, these young men are on their way to the Philippines to serve in projects of the United Methodist Church for the next 18 months.  

       Christian follows in the footsteps of his family by being a missionary.   Herbert and Mary Zigbou served as Operation Classroom Coordinators in Liberia some years ago.  Christian will be going to Davao City, Philippines and working in the area of human rights and peace advocacy.   At the end of the 18 months he will return home to Liberia for similar work  with the General Board of Global Ministries.   

      Operation Classroom schools and Africa University have prepared him to be an instrument of God in our world.   Educational scholarships empower those in developing countries to become trained for leading Africans in the future.   Thanks for your support of the scholarship programs through our United Methodist Church. 
UPDATE ON OPERATION CLASSROOM scholarships from our July Mission Offering... We were able to send $600 to OC for scholarships.   This means that 6 young people will be in school for the coming year because of you.   THANKS

  

Connecting with the community and world

About 125 young people from around the world gathered at Valparaiso University for a Global Leadership Conference this summer.   With some of the funds collected through NEXUS, three of the young people (two were part of the NEXUS program) were able to participate in the program.   Breakfast Clubbers Aaron and Amber Brown and Muyenda Burnett participated.  Here is a video of some of the activities.   

Valparaiso 1st, through those who are active in the Hilltop area and the Breakfast Club, have provided support, encouragement and tools to many young people enabling them to reach beyond their home, school and community.   Thanks for the support you give.   

Wednesday is a special day ...

Christian joins our team in the back row, right side.

     Africa University graduates Christian Zigbou and Hazvinei Jongi go to the American Embassy on Wednesday, July 11 in hopes of being granted a visa to enter our country temporarily.  Christian will be applying in Liberia and Hazvinei will apply in Zimbabwe. 

    Christian's visa was denied when he applied while still in Zimbabwe.  He only needs to come to the US for a 3 week training program before becoming a mission intern with the mission arm of our connectional church.  (refer to the previous post regarding his story)   

Hazinvei participated as a team member...craft time at school.

     Hazvinei is seeking a study visa (I20) to begin her doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.  Providing this visa is granted, Hazvinei will arrive in Chicago on August 4 and will worship with us on August 5.  (Refer to blog from May 23 for her story.)  After leaving Sudan at the end of June, she has been lecturing at Africa University about her experiences in Darfur, Sudan relating to women's health.    

     Please keep these two wonderful young people in your prayers tomorrow (7/11).   I will update this post when I hear whether or not the visas were granted.    

NEWS FLASH early on the 11th...
Dear Mom,

I just want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to you for all the prayers and supports. I am just from the Visa interview and I was told to come and pick the Visa on Friday. I left my passport there.
God is good. Please extend my sincere thanks to my friends at VIM for all the supports and prayers. May God bless and hope to hear from you.

That was CHRISTIAN's note to Mary Beth early this morning.  Answered prayers means that he will arrive a little late for the GBGM Mission training but he will arrive.  Thanks for the prayer support. 

7/12/2012 We are still waiting news from Hazvinei.  Please continue to hold her in your prayers.   She is lecturing at the Africa University daily for the facutly in the Health Sciences Department so let's just hope she has a busy schedule and hasn't had time or resources to share her good news.  Sometimes we forget not everyone has 24/7 access to the internet.  
7/12/2012 noon   I just received a very short email from Hazvinei to say the visa was granted today.   Another very happy young Africa University graduate.    Look for her at Valparaiso FUMC on August 5.    .  

Indiana invests in the education of young Africans

Christian Zigbou, 2012 Africa University Graduate

         Christian Zigbou has an amazing story of survival in the midst of chaos in Liberia.   His mother was killed when he was 6 and he was raised by an older sister being the youngest of 8 children.  With intense fighting in his country, he was forced to live as a refugee in the Ivory Coast for a time.   During this period his father and 3 more siblings were also killed. 
Were it not for an Operation Classroom scholarship, it is difficult to imagine where Christian might be today.    After graduating from Ganta School, Indiana continued their committment to his education and he was awarded a scholarship to attend Africa University in Zimbabwe.  He arrived on campus in August 2008, studied Computer Information Systems, graduated, and has now returned back to his home country for the first time in 4 years. 

      He returned to siblings, aunts, and uncles to celebrate his victory over hardship.  He is now preparing to come to the US on July 12  for 3 weeks of mission training so that he can serve as a Mission Intern with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.   After the training it is expected that he will spend 18 months in the Phillipines doing mission work and then go back to Liberia for another 18 months of work in the mission field.   What an amazing opportunity for this young man and all because our church recognizes the importance of getting bright young people educated and in a position to change the face of Africa. 

      Christian still hopes to get at least a Master's Degree one day but for now he's thrilled with the opportunity to give back to others what has been given to him.   Please pray that our government will give him a visa to come to our country to receive the training for mission work.