20
A publication of New Hope Christian Church January 2010 Turn page

Missions Newsletter 2010

  • Upload
    nhcc

  • View
    112

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Mission's Newsletter from New Hope Christian Church Bartlett, TN

Citation preview

Page 1: Missions Newsletter 2010

A publication of New Hope Christian Church January 2010

Turn page

Page 2: Missions Newsletter 2010

The New Hope newsletter is published by

New Hope Christian Church,3300 Kirby Whitten Road,

Bartlett, TN 38134.

You can contact us by phone at 901-386-0211 or by email:

[email protected]

Church StaffScott Greer,

Senior Minister

Sarah Austin, Communications Assistant

Pat Bartley, Administrative Assistant

Ari Morris, Financial Secretary

Robert Looker, Facility Manager

Shelley Parks, Early Childhood Director &

Women’s Ministries Director

Sheri Randall, Elementary Director

Brad Ratliff, Youth Minister

Andrew Raymond, Middle School Minister &

Senior Adult Minister

Lana Robison, Communications Director

David Smith, Discipleship Minister

David Tillman, Worship Minister

Sunday MorningS:Adult Bible Studies at 9:00

Wee Celebrate at 9:00(3 years-Kindergarten)

Worship Service at 10:30Kidz Konnection at 10:30

(1st-5th grade)

Middle School & High School Students

Sunday Nights at 5:30 pm

A place to call home!

By Scott Greer, Senior Minister of New Hope

We sometimes think of “missions” and “missionaries” as people who are wearing safari hats and paddling a canoe down a stream in some remote place on the other side of the globe. The truth is I have known missionaries who have gone to the most remote places on earth and paddled canoes to reach those without Christ, but I know more missionaries who are reaching into major cities around the globe. They are in places that have populations of millions of people who don’t know Christ. No safari hats, no canoes.

Often what we want to hear is that this missionary or that organization had hundreds, if not thousands, of converts. And, let me say, if that were the case, I would rejoice that there were such large numbers accepting Christ’s grace and love. But what we sometimes fail to see is that the goal isn’t to make converts – it’s to make disciples. Jesus didn’t command that we go into all the world to make converts – no. He commanded that we go and make disciples. To teach, baptize, and teach some more. (Matthew 28:18-20)

I am thrilled that New Hope gives 12% of its budget to missions. Those missions are global as well as local. It is to help support others who go where we cannot go.

But let me clarify something that we all need to understand as Christ Followers at New Hope: Our job isn’t to simply send missionaries, but to be missionaries in our city and in our jobs and in our schools and in our volunteering and in our grocery stores and in our businesses and in our neighborhoods, and in our homes and everyday life.

You see, God didn’t just give the “call” to a few to reach the world with the love of Christ. He gave us all the responsibility and privilege to share His love. Each of you who are Christ Followers reading these words are called to make disciples.

That is more time consuming then just having “converts.” To “disciple” is to pour your life into another life – to teach, to train, to grow someone in their eternal life which begins here on this temporary earth.

Welcome to the life of being a missionary. =

it’s not about Converts, it’s about disciples

2

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 3: Missions Newsletter 2010

newhopechristianchurch.com

3

By Roy Walters,Chairman of the Missions Committee

A NoTE FRoM THE CHAiRMAN oF THE MiSSioNS CoMMiTTEE

The Journey

Serving as the Chairman of the Missions Committee for the past few years has been both a humbling task and an enlighten-ing one, but also, a work in progress. Here are some things I have discovered along the way about New Hope and missions.

The Impact - Global

New Hope supports ministries that are quite diverse in how they function and in who they minister to. Through our giving we are impacting lives for eternity throughout the world.

Currently, our supported missionaries/ministries are based in Memphis; Knoxville; Dallas; Joplin; Louisville; the U.K.; Japan; Mexico; and Africa. However, as you read you will find that many of the US based ministries also branch out internationally through giving or through direct ministry.

The Goal – Making Disciples

Each of our ministries has a recurring theme - whether they are preaching the gospel through words or actions to those who have never heard about Jesus, or training those who have heard on how to share the good news, or providing support services – their ultimate goal is to “make disciples.” Evangelism is not the end product – it is the beginning.

The Strategy - Networking

All of our ministries are connected to or are networking with like-minded organizations to accelerate the spread of the gospel to the “ends of the earth.” There is an understanding that they are just part of the process.

The Responsibility – Making Connections

We are responsible to assist our ministries in ways that will allow them to communicate their heart for ministry and their needs in ministry in small group settings. At least once a year, we want to introduce each missionary to the congregation and pray for them publicly. Annually, we provide a newsletter that focuses on missions specifically highlighting our supported ministries and their contact information.

As a result, our missionaries have been encouraged as they meet people face-to-face who have not only been giving to them but praying for them and communicating with them throughout the year.

Consequently, there has also been an increase in the development of opportunities to partner with established ministries, here and abroad,

coming alongside them in practical ways to increase their effectiveness.

Whether we are building walls in our parking lot, taking surveys in the United Kingdom, painting walls in Mexico, giving eye exams in Nicaragua, encouraging women in Poland, raising money to complete a Bible translation, collecting medical supplies for Haiti, providing gloves for the homeless, or babysitting so abused women can attend Bible study, we can be a part of the what it takes to “go into all the world.”

The Future

Pray for those who are in the decision-making process. Pray for those who have been sent. Pray for those who are preparing to go. And, pray for yourselves as you go about your daily lives making disciples. =

Next pagePrevious page

Page 4: Missions Newsletter 2010

4

New Hope Christian Church supports Mustard Seed Global Fellowship in two ways: supporting Nick and Rachel Parsons, who now direct MSGF from the U.S. and Brigette Relyea, who recently joined a MSGF church plant in Nagoya, Japan. We are so thankful for the prayers, support and encourage-ment New Hope gives to our ministry and are glad to be partners in expanding God’s kingdom around the world.

MSGF recently had two major milestones. First, we planted our first church in Nagoya, Japan on December 20, 2009. This was the culmination of two years of language learning and relation-ship building. Our family (The Parsons) were living in Japan during this time and able to be there for the launch of the church.

The morning of the launch we set up everything in the upstairs of a local sports bar and waited to see who would come. We were all filled with anticipation and a little nervousness, wondering who would actually show up. Amazingly, many people came! All in all, we had over 40 people

at church that day. This maxes out the current location and if kept up makes our church slightly larger than the average church in Japan (30 people).

The band sang mostly in Japanese with a couple English songs. People were clapping along to the music and seemed to enjoy it. The team leader, Mike Ackerman, preached a message centered around the theme of rescue – that Christmas is the time we celebrate when God came to earth to rescue us. He spoke of God sending Jesus to be born into this world to rescue us from our sins. One of the most encouraging parts of the day was that after the service was over just about everybody

stayed for about 45 minutes drinking coffee and talking with the others who were there about the service and developing new friendships. The service went over well and many people said they would come back and some pledged that they would bring more friends with them!

It was amazingly satisfying to see something we had worked and dreamed of for so long to come to fruition. We were very pleased with how things went and are excited for the future of the church. People continue to meet each week and now have the opportunity to grow in their understanding of Jesus and what it means to follow him.

By Nick and Rachel Parsons

MuSTARD SEED GloBAl FElloWSHip

urban. unreached. Church Planting.

The Mustard Seed Global Fellowship team in Nagoya, Japan launched a church plant in the upstairs of a sports bar just before Christmas 2009

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 5: Missions Newsletter 2010

5

Brigette Relyea, was able to join the team in Japan on January 1, and is now working to build up and serve the new church. She is currently working on learning Japanese, as well as using her gifts as an English teacher to build relationships with unbelieving Japanese people. We are excited for her to have joined the work and Japan and look forward to the impact she will have there.

The second major milestone for our organization was the establishment of a home office in the US for coordinating our

church planting efforts. Our min-istry has been blessed with a huge amount of interest from people who would like to be a part of a church planting team. Up until this point, we had maxed out our administrative capacities and were unable to add any new staff or send out any new church planting teams to other cities.

The decision was made for my family and I to return to the U.S. to fulfill the role of coordinat-ing the church planting efforts and take on the administrative functions. Now we have the

capacity to send out new workers and take better care of the workers we already have. Our vision is to continue to establish Christ-centered churches in the least-reached cities of the world, and this new home office will help us continue to move forward towards that goal.

Thanks for your continued partnership! We look forward to what God is going to do through your support of MSGF in 2010. =

Contact: www.msgf.com; [email protected]; twitter.com/MustardSeedGF; P.O. Box 1374, Joplin, MO 64802

Over 40 people showed up for church on the first day that MSGF opened their church plant in Nagoya, Japan. That was more people than most churches have in Japan.

Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis provides quality health care to the peoples of Haiti through a comprehensive primary care health clinic in Croix des Bouquets near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. You can bring donations to the Ministry Center through April. There’s a complete list at the Ministry Center.

WoMEN’S MiNiSTRY

Collection of Supplies For Haiti Earthquake relief

Baby formula (canned prepared or powder)Pedialyte Baby foodBaby bottlesCan openers

Good, gently used linensAce bandagesPlain saline eyewashSterile gauze Gauze rollsGauze sponges

Adhesive tapeAdhesive bandages, all sizesDressings, all sizesSelf-adherent dressingsSelf-adherent wrap tape

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 6: Missions Newsletter 2010

MuSTARD SEED GloBAl FElloWSHip

Partnering in the gospel

By Brigette Relyea

Greetings from the Far East! It is hard for me to believe I have already been in Japan for over a month. As I have been going about my days, learning the ropes of living in Japan, I have found myself so thankful to the Lord for bringing me here, and so thankful to be partnering with you in Kingdom endeavors.

Though Mustard Seed Global Fellowship’s first church plant is in the mega-city of Nagoya, I will be spending my first season in the town of Okazaki, where I am a full-time student at Japanese language school. Even though my Japanese is extremely basic at this point, the language school is excellent, and I am looking forward to being able to communicate well in the near future! In the mean time, I have been blessed to find some Japanese girlfriends that speak fluent English with whom I can practice my Japanese and continue learning the culture.

On the weekends, I take the train up to Nagoya, where Mustard Seed Christian Church has been meeting now for four weeks. The church service meets on the second story of a sports bar called Strikers at 11 a.m. There is a time of worship

through song, teaching, and fellowship (with doughnuts!) after the service. Each team member has been assigned to a different task to help ensure the services run efficiently. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking care of the three young MSGF staff children while their parents set up the worship equipment, chairs, and finish last-minute errands for the service. During the teaching/preaching portion, I help with a children’s lesson for the staff children, and any Japanese children who may have come. Afterward, everyone stays around for some coffee, doughnuts, and discussion. This fellowship portion of the service is by far the most exciting, as it provides a natural context in which to talk with Japanese friends about the sermon and the service.

I am also extremely excited to share with you that Mustard Seed Christian Church had its first baptism last Sunday! A woman

named Kyoko had been coming regularly since services started, and over the course of a few weeks, decided she wanted to follow Jesus. She was baptized in Jay and Caitlin Greer’s bathtub, and we had a short communion service in their home afterward. Thank you once again for your partnership in the gospel. We as a team are so grateful to the Lord for doing this work in her life, and for enabling us to be here through partnership with our brothers and sisters in the States. Please continue praying that He will continue to bring many others to himself here in Japan! =

Contact: [email protected]; www.msgf.com

Kyoko was baptized after deciding to follow Jesus during a service at the MSGF church plant in Nagoya.

6

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 7: Missions Newsletter 2010

7

Our History

We are the typical New Hope Christian Church family. We came to New Hope in 2002 looking for Christian community and a place to grow. We joined a life group and immediately began making connections. From the very beginning we found the people warm and welcoming. Our kids played baseball and basketball under the volunteer coaches. We took class after class to grow in our spiritual walk, even taught a few. We developed a stronger prayer life. We were challenged from the pulpit and even worked, by faith, through some difficult personal trials. Always we felt loved and valued. Because of this strong web of support God has been able to grow us and then challenge us to serve Him in a way we never considered possible.

Our Heart

In 2009 we felt led to join the mission of Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT), a world outreach organization that New Hope supports. Our church family–friends, elders and the

mission committee – have prayed with us over this calling, and we are blessed to have their support and encouragement. The PBT missionaries form a bridge between the church and the Bible-less people groups around the world. The team is composed of Bible translators, literacy evangelists, church planters and a variety of support personnel serving to accelerate the progress of the ministry. Currently they are serving 9.5 million people in 43 language projects, and those numbers grow every year. The need is great. The goal is to see lives and communities transformed by the living Word of God in their mother tongue.

Our Mission

In 2010 our family will serve in East Africa as support specialists– using the talents that God has given us to help spread His Word. Dan will provide IT support, maintaining the aging laptops that

are used for Bible translation and helping archive the precious data. I will serve as teacher for the missionary children, allowing their mothers to work on translation. Mason and Griffin will get to experience a new culture and minister in the way that only a child can. All of this is possible because we as a family were built up and then sent out by God working through the people at New Hope. It is, without a doubt, a place to grow in the Lord. =

Contact: www.drivento-educate.com; Taylor Family, P.O. Box 188, Ellendale, TN 38029

Pioneer Bible Translators work tirelessly to produce a written language for indigenous people.

pioNEER BiBlE TRANSlAToRS

Typical Family Fills need in East africa

By Dan, Jennifer, Mason, and Griffin Taylor

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 8: Missions Newsletter 2010

8

Thank you SO much for faithfully partnering in Pioneer Bible Translators’ ministry, as we work together toward the vision of seeing LIVES TRANSFORMED THROUGH GOD’S WORD IN EVERY LANGUAGE on the planet. I want to update you about the current focus of my ministry with Pioneer Bible Translators. I work in three primary areas:

I serve the Aruamu people of Papua New Guinea as advisor and exegetical checker for the Aruamu Old Testament Translation Team, and facilitator for the Aruamu Literacy Committee. The Aruamus send me chapters as they draft them, so that I can work on them wherever I happen to be at the time, enabling the program to continually move ahead. Last year we focused on drafting and exegetically checking Genesis, and also publishing the book of Esther.

Last summer I led a ministry team to PNG to hold an Evangelistic Crusade (with 36 first time decisions to follow Christ!), teach Scripture classes, and develop needed literacy materials. I am planning two trips to the field this year, the first of which will be in April 2010. During this trip, I will be checking the book of Proverbs

and also working through the text of a number of new literacy Big Books, to be used to teach Aruamu children to read. A number of Old Testament books are in various stages of progress at this time.

I serve as Church Mobiliza-tion and Development Officer, leading our Mobilization team (currently composed of ten people) in being a bridge between the church and the front lines of Bible translation, in order to see the scriptures translated and in use by the Bible-less peoples of the world. We seek to engage existing partners and potential partners in Bible translation ministry, so that PBT’s ministry would be fully supported – financially, in

service, and in prayer. To that end, we are involved in many kinds of activities, such as: Banquets, Dessert Nights, conventions, and speaking for missions events; Volunteer Involvement, such as Workteams hosting, and engaging folks in our Time and Talent Team (which we just launched in 2009); Grant writing, appealing to foundations and other sources for funding for field projects; Research and designing our coming Capital Campaign; Providing training and mentor-ing for new teams who are raising support to go to the field.

I serve on PBT’s International Resource Team. This is the part of our leadership team responsible to assist all of our fields and

pioNEER BiBlE TRANSlAToRS

Transforming Lives Through TranslationBy Marsha Relyea Miles,Church Mobilization and Development Officer, PBT

Marsha Relyea Miles gathers with Aruamu women to share and pray.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 9: Missions Newsletter 2010

9

projects with strategic planning and effective resources to DO THE JOB we are out there to do. I am currently serving in the role of International Literacy Coordina-tor on this team. We are in the midst of helping all of our fields to learn to do Results-Based Management, in order to make maximum progress on all fronts.

I love my job! I love being on the front lines of what God is doing in Bible translation around the world. And I DEEPLY

appreciate your faithfulness in partnering over the years. Together we are a highly effective team for Kingdom expansion. I am truly blessed to be sent by you and by the Lord to do this work.

Here is some Family News, which you may like to know! Bobby is thriving as a freshman at Ozark Christian College, and is praying about where God wants him to serve. Brigette is in Japan serving with Mustard Seed Global

Fellowship. Heather and Philip are doing rotations in third year medical school, preparing to be medical missionaries. Nathan is serving as the project leader for United Bible Societies’ transla-tion software development team, enabling over 3,500 Bible translators around the globe to do their job better using state of the art technology. =

Contact: [email protected]; www.pioneerbible.org

THE J. BARRoW/HElEN SiMMoNS SCHolARSHip

offering Education For Future Ministry Workers

The J. Barrow/Helen Simmons Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to students who are attending a Christian college or university to prepare for service in some phase of Christian ministry. The scholarship is also offered to graduate students attending seminary or other graduate schools to better prepare them in serving in the ministry. Benefits range from $1250 per semester to $4000 per year.

Eligibility requirements include an active membership for at least one year in a Christ-centered church, a grade point average of at least 2.5 of a possible 4.0, and enrollment as a full-time student.

The colleges and universities that these students attend have much higher tuition than public institutions, so the financial help is needed and appreciated.

Heather Relyea Ashley is one of the recipients of the J. Barrow/ Helen Simmons scholarship. Heather is the daughter of the late John Relyea, a Timothy of New Hope, and Marsha Relyea Miles. Heather grew up on the mission field, and she and her husband, Philip, plan to become medical missionaries.

“I am incredibly thankful for the blessing of the body of Christ at New Hope–not only for how they have encouraged me and my family throughout my life, but also how they believed in me enough to offer me this scholarship. What an encour-agement–an admonition–to keep going, to not give up even when college and medical

school has been difficult! At times the medical school debt load in view of our desire to work overseas is overwhelming. When I would grow concerned about how this would work out, the scholarship check arrives. Thank you so much for the enabling blessing this scholarship has been in my life.” =

Contact: Applications are available in the church office or from Joe Morton, coordinator of the program, at 384-7820.

Heather Relyea Ashley receives funds to complete her medical studies to become a medical missionary.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 10: Missions Newsletter 2010

10

The Salvation Army has been operating in the United States since 1880 and in the Memphis area since 1900. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Simply put, their purpose is to share God’s love by serving others.

Purdue Center of Hope Facts In 2009: 122 homeless women

and children reside at the Purdue Center of Hope in one of three shelters: Emergency Family Shelter, the Single Women’s Lodge and/or Renewal Place; 37,383 nights of lodging were provided; 1 29,768 meals were served; 489 unduplicated families were served in the Purdue Center of Hope Shelter Programs; 58% (284) were children 12 years and under; 65% of Emergency Family Shelter clients were under 17 years of age; 9% of the women who completed the Renewal Place Program last year have remained clean and sober, continue to live in permanent housing and are employed; 953 volunteers provided 40,444 hours of service.

Kroc Center Facts

The $25 million campaign was completed in 2009, enabling a $60 million match from the Kroc Trust to build and endow the Kroc Center. Construction to begin in early 2010, with anticipated

opening in mid 2011: the Kroc Center will be built on 15 acres owned by The Salvation Army at the Fairgrounds; the Kroc Center will be a 100,000 sq foot center of art, education, recreation and worship space; it is anticipated that over 140,000 people will visit the Kroc Center annually; there will be 40 full time and over 100 part time staff at the Kroc Center; among the features at the Kroc Center will be 12 performing art stages and 50 water park spray features.

Contact: Elizabeth Duncan, 901-260-9130; wwwsalvationar-mymemphis.org

Anna’s Story of ChangeAnna’s extraordinary story is

testament to the power of God’s love and the ability to overcome tremendous obstacles. Her childhood was a blur of abuse, drugs and drinking. She was molested at an early age and as her caregivers spiraled downhill, she was forced to fend for herself. Lost, lonely

and afraid, Anna gave into the world of drugs and alcohol. Most of her adolescent and young adult life was spent in a drunken haze. It wasn’t until she had given birth to her second child, Montez, and was living in a physically abusive relationship that she realized she had to get help.

Even though Anna was ready to seek a better life, she didn’t know where to turn. Fortunately, she moved into a house with another family who was familiar with The Salvation Army. After learning about the types of healing programs the organiza-tion offered, Anna packed herself and Montez and fled from her destitute life.

Anna and Montez entered Renewal Place, a two-year drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for women and their

By Elizabeth Duncan,Director of Development, Salvation Army

THE SAlvATioN ARMY

Meeting needs and Changing Lives

Anna and her son, Montez, are forever grateful to The Purdue Center of Hope’s Renewal Program for giving them a new life.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 11: Missions Newsletter 2010

11

children, with nothing but the clothes on their backs. For 16 months she found encourage-ment, safety and a sense of hope she had never known before. Working with psychiatrists and other staff members, Anna was able to come to terms with the demons from her past.

After significant progress was made, Anna left The Salvation Army to live indepen-dently once more. For several years, every thing was going well. She was working two jobs, was living in a two bedroom apartment, and Montez was growing into a playful toddler. However, bliss did not last long. As the economy struggled, Anna lost her jobs and was unable to continue to pay for the apartment. She and Montez were homeless again.

Anna found open arms at The Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Shelter. She and her son were able to live at the shelter for several months. During this time she worked with staff members to secure a safe and stable residence and participated in financial counseling and parent training. Her time spent at The Salvation Army gave her the motivation to live a righteous life, for herself and for Montez.

“It is my newfound strength in God, the look in my son’s eyes and my friends at The Salvation Army that keep me on the straight and narrow,” said Anna. “The entire staff at both Renewal Place and the Emergency Family Shelter worked tirelessly with me to get my life in order, and I will

forever be grateful. It’s the most wonderful place in the world.”

Anna has been sober for nearly six years, owns a two-story townhouse and works as a line cook at the University of Memphis. Montez, now seven years old, is beginning first grade in the fall.

“I am not proud of some of the choices I have made in my life, but I have been able to come to terms with them,” said Anna. “I try to live each day making God and my son proud. I can’t regret the past because it led me to the angels who saved me. ”

Angela - Emergency Family Shelter

From a college graduate to a homeless, single mother, Angela has seen her share of up-and-downs. But with the help of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Shelter, Angela has regained her strength and confidence, and is now paving the way to a more stable life.

In May of 2007, Angela graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Promotions from Northern Illinois University, and felt that she had a bright future ahead. Shortly after graduation, Angela moved in with her boyfriend in

Memphis, leaving all of her family behind. Soon after, Angela gave birth to her son, Camryn.

Following the birth of her son, Angela’s relationship with her boyfriend turned sour. Simple disagreements escalated into heated arguments, and Angela soon found herself in an abusive relationship. After months of suffering physical and emotional abuse, Angela’s boyfriend kicked her out of the house, leaving her and Camryn homeless.

Angela sought shelter from her friends and spent weeks living couch to couch, but her abusive boyfriend was never far behind. Angela realized she needed to make a change for her son’s sake after her son witnessed the last altercation between her and her boyfriend.

“I decided I had to get back on my feet for my son,” Angela said. “The constant moving around and abuse was not the right environment for my son. It wasn’t fair to him.”

After exploring options for homeless women, Angela had a stroke of luck. While looking into a possible day care for her son, Angela learned of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Family

Angela, a college graduate, found

herself in an abusive relationship, but with the help of the Family

Emergency Shelter, she and her son,

Camryn, now have a promising future.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 12: Missions Newsletter 2010

12

Two things we look forward to each year at New Hope is being able to participate with the Salvation Army in their Angel Tree program and the Red Kettle Campaign.

Through your selfless giving and support the Angel Tree program provides underprivileged children and seniors with holiday gifts and proof that someone cares. No child chooses to live in poverty and no senior ever expects to rely on the goodwill of others. The Angel Tree program provides clothing, special-needs gifts and other wished-for items such as toys. This year we adopted 75 angels.

The Salvation Army bells have been ringing in Memphis for more than 100 years. The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s largest annual fund raiser with proceeds used to provide programs and services throughout the year. It’s a fun activity for the family, a small group, or for an individual, and those who participate are blessed by the experience. The Red Kettle Campaign runs from Thanksgiv-ing week-end through Christmas Eve. =

new Hope Partners With Salvation army With Hands on Efforts

(Top) New Hope rang the Salvation Army bells at three locations in Bartlett during December, 2009. Families, Life

Groups and individuals paired up to collect monies that support the efforts of the Salvation Army. (Bottom) Doyal

Brown, an elder at New Hope, volunteered at the warehouse that stored the Angel Tree gifts before distribution.

Shelter. Two days later, Angela and her son had a new home at the Emergency Family Shelter.

“I immediately felt welcomed,” Angela said. “It was hard to deal with being considered ‘homeless,’ but the environment here is so safe and secure.”

Angela’s program focused on personal and professional development. In addition to completing community service hours, Angela attended “job readiness” classes where she learned about cover letters, resume building and network-ing. In addition to her program, Angela and her son bonded with the people at the shelter. She truly considers the shelter home and the employees family.

Angela is grateful for all that she has learned while at the Family Shelter. She praises the staff of The Salvation Army for having the passion and knowl-edge to successfully inspire fragile people, like herself, to succeed.

“The women treat us like people,” Angela explained. “They give us confidence and motivate us to get our power back. Their knowledge and communication skills are top level, and they truly help us realize that we aren’t worthless.”

The program was an inspiration for her future, and she has already begun training for a case manager position with the local Homeless Prevention Program.

“One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to be independent again,” she explained. “Just learning to get my power back and knowing that I don’t need to rely on anyone else, I know I can handle business on my own.”

Angela aspires to hold a stable position with a non-profit organization, own a car and eventually purchase a home for her and her son. She will never forget her experience at the Shel-ter, but she will prevent it from happening again and help others in similar situations. Angela’s story sends the message that even with prior success, like a college degree, everyone can have their shortcomings, but it is important to know you can always “get your power back.” =

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 13: Missions Newsletter 2010

This year, we are beginning one of the biggest projects to date for the Jubilee Church Plant. Because of the incredible growth that the 3 year-old Jubilee Church Plant has experienced, the leadership has decided that we will begin moving toward purchasing a piece of property for the future construction of a building.

This is a major project and an important part of the long-term vision to fully hand over the church local leadership.

Also, our family is expecting a big change in May! We are eagerly awaiting the birth of our third little one. So far Lindsay’s pregnancy has been good and the baby is healthy and growing!

Please join us in prayer for the church plant, its land and building project, and for Lindsay’s pregnancy and the baby that God is knitting together. Also join us in thanking God for His blessings in our family and in our ministry.

Family Retreat

The Jubilee Church Plant had its first ever all-church retreat.

Nearly the entire church turned out for a weekend retreat where we focused on marriage, family, parenting, and kids. A supporting congregation from Baltimore helped teach and make the retreat possible. It was a great success!

New Life Church Plant

The Pachuca Project (Pachuca is the name of the city where we live and work) launched its third church plant this summer.

The New Life Church is led by missionaries Greg and Vicki Syverson and locals Gersa and Reyna Zaragoza. Gersa has served as an elder at the Pachuca Project’s original church plant New Hope.

Jubilee Church Growing

The Jubilee Church Plant, where we work, is growing rapidly. Since January, we have grown a staggering 63 percent. Sunday celebrations are reaching 200 people, and we have ten small groups (cells) meeting weekly all over the city.

Baptisms!

Over the past year, the Jubilee Church Plant has baptized more than 30 new believers! We have been working in Mexico since 2002, and this is the most fruitful year we have ever experienced as missionaries.

Contact: [email protected]; [email protected]

13

iMpACTo lATiNo

2010 Vision for Pachuca

By Luke, Lindsay, Isabella and Olivia Greer

Lindsay Greer has made close friends with several of the women who attend the Jubilee Church Plant in Pachuca, Mexico.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 14: Missions Newsletter 2010

14

How we thank God for the partnership with New Hope in our mission. New doors are opening for ministry opportuni-ties, while we continue to see other areas stabilizing for more effective ministry.

We begin with the urgency of the situation in Haiti following the massive earthquake in January. While we have already been involved in evangelism, building school buildings, and planning for a new medical clinic, now we will also focus on relief efforts in the city of Port-au-Prince, the center of the earthquake damage.

Djumy Septembre, founder of CARHA, Christian Action Relief for Haiti, is making a special trip to Haiti from his home in Florida to set up an emergency medical clinic in Haiti. MICO, and others partnering with us, are funding this clinic. Christian doctors in Haiti have contacted Djumy asking for his help. This means that the funds we wire to the CARHA bank account will be used immediately in the areas most needed.

We have been planning for several months to open a medical clinic in Saint Martine, a village of 60,000 in central Haiti. This is scheduled to open in February

and will serve up to 1000 patients a month. The Christian Church of Saint Martine is looking to expand their outreach through this clinic, as well as through their K-6 elementary school with over 200 students.

MICO has funded the construction of three new buildings recently at Saint Martine. Two will be used for the school and one for a new clinic. We thank God for all who have contributed to these efforts.

Our ministry in local prisons has continued to grow. We continue to conduct weekly chapel services at the Whiteville Men’s Prison (CCA). In addition to preaching, teaching, and discipleship, we provide Christian Transitional Housing in several

Tennessee facilities.

The Mark Luttrell Women’s Prison (MLRC) Bible Study program has expanded to include Tennessee State mandated “Pre-Release,” “Anger Manage-ment” classes. These inmates continue to “give back to the community” through donations of food, hygiene, and hand-made clothing items for the homeless at the Memphis Union Mission.

We have been asked to participate in a brand new program for Juveniles-In-Jail (age 15-17) which will include Sunday worship services. These young men, and some girls, are being tried as adults because of the severity of their crimes.

For the past three years we have been involved with teens at

By Don and Sally Todd

MEMpHiS iNNER CiTY ouTREACH iNTERNATioNAl

Ministering To The Least of These

MICO is continuing to minister in Haiti. The need for relief and hope are so much greater now after the earthquake.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 15: Missions Newsletter 2010

15

the Memphis/Shelby County Juvenile Court. This is an excellent opportunity to challenge these young people to see themselves as “created in the image of God,” Who has a plan and purpose for their lives. In a year’s time, we will speak to nearly 1000

troubled Memphis teenagers. Recently, County Sheriff, Mark Luttrell, made the statement, “Juvenile crime in Memphis/Shelby County has increased by 50% over last year!” We believe this is a wake-up call to do whatever we can to positively impact their lives.

We continue to partner with the Memphis Union Mission to provide for the homeless. We conduct worship services, shelter vouchers, hygiene kits, and clothing. Churches or individuals may donate clothing, hygiene kits, or funds to assist in this program.

When we have funds available, we also partner and support several other area outreach ministries that we believe are doing a much needed work: women’s shelters; neighborhood Christian centers; prison ministries; transitional housing, etc. We thank God for all those who are truly helping others.

We are so grateful and thank ful for your support and your prayers. Don, has committed to traveling two weekends a month to raise funds for a permanent medical clinic at Saint Martine, Haiti. Individuals and churches are giving generously to provide for this, as well as for emergency funding for earthquake relief efforts. =

Contact: [email protected]; MICO, Box 221041, Memphis, TN 38122-9041

Children wait for help after the earthquake that hit Haiti in January, 2010.

new Hope’s Student Ministry Sponsors the Publication of 2 Corinthians

There are still millions of people waiting for God’s Word to be translated into their own language throughout the world. OneVerse, a program of the Seed Company, is partnering with churches, organizations and individuals to accelerate Bible translation bringing the Gospel to every person. With the help of supporters, translating the Bible for all languages will be accomplished in our lifetime - one verse at a time. New Hope is now part of that mission.

While attending the Passion 2010 Conference, New Hope’s youth accepted the challenge to aid in the funding of a transla-tion project for the Shatikha people group of Southeast Asia. Their goal is to support a translation team through prayer and financial aid. Each Sunday they remember to pray for their group and take an offering. They need $2,500 for the translation of 2 Corinthians. That’s about $26 a verse. You will be hearing about activities and events that

the students are planning to help them raise money and allow you to participate as well.

The Shatikha translators undergo persecution and personal adversity on a daily basis which greatly curtails the translation work. However, they are certain that God loves them and provides for them even in uncertain times. Our giving is also a source of encouragement. =

Contact: oneverse.org;

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 16: Missions Newsletter 2010

16

MEMpHiS uNioN MiSSioN

Transforming The Homeless

Memphis Union Mission exists to glorify God and make disciples of Jesus Christ by ministering to the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of men and women who are homeless or destitute.

The Mission’s ultimate objectives are for clients to: become mature followers of Jesus Christ; achieve freedom from substance abuse; reunite with family and loved ones; reemerge as self-sufficient members of the community.

Memphis Union Mission achieves this objective through its various ministries.

Emergency Services–The Mission provides homeless, needy individuals with food, clothing, shelter, hygiene and spiritual care. Also, in conjunction with Christ Community Health Services and Baptist Memorial Healthcare, the Mission hosts a free medical clinic.

The Iron-on-Iron Recovery Program–Men who desire to

overcome substance abuse can enroll in the Mission’s Christian-based recovery program.

The Wright Transitional House–Men who graduate from the recovery program can stay in transitional housing, where they find gainful employment, finish their education, and prepare for self-sufficiency.

Moriah House–This program provides a safe house and long-term recovery program for women in crisis and their children.

Intact Family Ministry– Families who experience financial or personal setbacks can stay in a fully-furnished home at no charge as they get back on their feet financially, physically, and spiritually.

Grace Church of Memphis– Located in downtown Memphis, Grace Church is a non-denomi-national congregation that provides worship, fellowship and teaching for people from all walks of life.

Memphis Union Mission receives no government funding and is not a United Way agency. Instead, it is supported by private donations from individuals, churches, corporations, and foundations. =

Contact: Steve at 901-526-8403, or www.memphisunionmission.org.

The Memphis Union is located at 383 Poplar Avenue in downtown Memphis. This men’s facility serves meals

and provides shelter, clothing and hygiene facilities.

One of New Hope’s Life Groups spent an evening last spring serving at the Memphis Union Mission’s annual neighborhood outreach event.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 17: Missions Newsletter 2010

17

This past year has been a year of challenges, new adventures with Jesus, and doors opened that we never dreamed possible. There have been health challenges that have caused us to adjust our schedules and travel, but as we write this we seem to be back on the wave that has carried us for so many years. We are grateful for those who have supported, prayed, and encouraged us through this period. It is impossible to give details of everything that has happened – but the following is a glimpse of the past year.

New Hope Christian Church

A highlight of the year was a team coming from New Hope to our home in the U.K. with their intrepid leader, Brad Ratliff. It was such a privilege to share our lives with nineteen others for ten short days as they went into local schools, did street surveys to better understand the people, helped with a local church plant by tirelessly decorating their premises, reached out to the homeless, walked the streets of London to understand the British government and monarchy, climbed the tower of a 1000 year old cathedral to

understand the heritage, walked among the many nations that now occupy the land, saw the rise in Islam and the opportunity that presents, not to mention a game of soccer with local British young people, and took part in a British youth group. We laughed and cried together, but above all shared our lives and were drawn closer to Jesus and to each other. We hope more of you will come in the future.

Fire for the Nations

At this time missions training for young people is our main focus, equipping them literarily “for such a time as this,” giving them a heart for those who have never heard of Jesus. Fire For the Nations is on-going strategic

training where all ages come together to engage in equipping this emerging generation, raising leaders, equipping them to complete the Great Commis-sion, giving them a world view and understanding of unreached and persecuted nations. It is challenging but also great fun.

Brazil

A group of young people from the USA and UK travelled with us to one of the most dangerous and poorest areas of Brazil. They worked with children from the slums who are being helped in “The House of Hope,” assisting a local church in their outreach to the families who live in such a dangerous and poverty stricken environment.

By Daphne, Andrew, and Daniella Kirk

GENERATioN To GENERATioN

opening doors for the Emerging generations

Daphne Kirk (left) and Bryan Luff (center), a student from New Hope, help Pastor Andy (right) clean up around The Bridge Church in Daphne’s home town.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 18: Missions Newsletter 2010

The second half of the trip was spent preparing for and implementing Fire for the Nations. The materials had been translated into Portuguese and it was exciting to see vibrant young people in such a needy area touching the heart of the Father and being inspired to reach those around them. It is easy to be complacent when the need is on your doorstep.

FIRE FOR THE NATIONS/ YWAM – U.K.

The launch of Fire for the Nations in the UK has become an amazing partnership with YWAM. In October we launched this training from the home base of YWAM in England and will continue to partner with them in equipping this emerging generation.

In just a year Fire for the Nations has been translated into Portuguese, American English and UK English (!!) and Spanish.

In May we will head to Spain to equip leaders there to reach Spanish speaking people with the training.

WHERE IT REALLY COUNTS

Perhaps the most humbling moment was when Daphne’s mum died and we opened the door to find a group of Muslims standing holding flowers. For a moment we tried to think what Muslims did with flowers when someone died. Then they said the following, “We have watched you caring for others, now we

want to care for YOU.” That is the fruit of over two years reaching out to the Muslim community in the UK. It takes time and patience but when breakthrough comes, through tears of thankfulness and gratitude, we give glory to the One who will draw all men to Him if we lift up his Name. =

Contact: Daphne at [email protected]; Andrew at [email protected]; Daniella at [email protected]; www.gnation2gnation.com.

18

Johnson Bible College is associated with the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ whose heritage is rooted in the Restoration Movement. While the majority of students come from these churches, followers of Christ from many denominations are represented.

Founded in 1893 by Ashley S. Johnson, Johnson Bible College is the second oldest continuing Bible College in the United States and is the oldest Bible College in

the United States affiliated with the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ.

The purpose of JBC is to educate students for specialized Christian ministries with emphasis on the preaching ministry. A secondary purpose is to provide programs in Christian leadership and community service.

Johnson’s beautiful 175 acre campus is located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains over- looking the French Broad River.

The natural beauty combined with the colonial architecture of the college’s modern facilities make for a wonderful setting in which to live and study.

Two of New Hope’s ministers are alumni. Several students from New Hope attend there each year. During the summer our senior adults attend Seniors in the Smokies, a week of worship, study, and fun. =

Contact: www.jc.edu.

JoHNSoN BiBlE CollEGE

Educating Students for Ministry

One of the many classes held around the world for Fire For The Nations.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 19: Missions Newsletter 2010

19

Last year (2009) was full of “ups” and “downs” for both CrossRoads Missions as a ministry and our family.

The “ups” (ministry-wise)…

CrossRoads Missions’ Help Build Hope Team, which I lead, had another banner year. Our team was able to lead 36 events, engage over 50 congregations in service projects and frame 73 sets of walls in 2009. We had some new areas in which we served with first builds in Tampa, Dallas, and Richmond. The Dayton/Cincinnati/Florence metro area once again proved to be our most busy area. We led 9 of our 36 events in that area. Our Appalachia Team had a great year and led the highest number of volunteers into that field to date. We had a new group of team leaders in our New Orleans team,

and they did a great job in their first year.

The “ups” (personal-wise)…

We were blessed with our second beautiful child in March. God entrusted us with Lydia Kay on March 10 of 2009. Our Emma is a spirited three year old and makes us laugh and frustrated on a frequent basis. Cindy and I celebrated our eighth year of marriage and our seventh year with CrossRoads Missions in April of 2009.

The “downs” (ministry-wise)…

Our Mexico field had a challenging year. The media’s attention to border violence and swine flu last spring reduced our number of participants to 25% of a normal year. The frustrating thing is the town in which we

work was affected very little by either of those media events. Unfortunately, perception based on media hype adversely affected our work there.

The “downs” (personal-wise)…

During the fall I began to have some back pain that shot down into my leg. It worsened in October to the point that I experienced great pain just to walk. MRI results showed a bulging disk.

Thanks to New Hope for your continued faithful support of our ministry with CrossRoads Missions. We ask for prayers of petition regarding the “downs” highlighted above. We also ask you to join us in prayers of praise for the “ups.” =

Contact: Andy White at [email protected] or at www.crossroadsmissions.com.

By Andy, Cindy, Emma, and Lydia White

CRoSSRoADS MiSSioNS

Building Walls of Hope

New Hope partnered with CrossRoads (who works with Habitat for Humanity) in 2009 to build the walls and framework of a house that was later finished on site in Tipton County. Our goal is to work with CrossRoads every other year to build a house.

newhopechristianchurch.com Next pagePrevious page

Page 20: Missions Newsletter 2010

Stay connected. listen to the podcast of Sunday’s message. Just follow the links atwww.

newhopechristianchurch.com.Join our fan page on facebook newhopechristianchurch, Bartlett, TN

New Hope Christian Church3300 Kirby Whitten Rd.

Bartlett, TN 38134

Men’s Mission Trip To pachuca, Mexico

July 12-19New Hope Men’s Ministry and Impacto Latino are

partnering to help the Jubilee Church Plant with a variety of construction projects. Details are still being worked out, so watch for more

details. If you’re interested in going, start saving your money and make sure your

passport is up-to-date .

You can participate in the Men’s Mission Trip to Pachuca by

contacting David Smith, david.smith@newhopechristianchurch.

com or 386-0211.

Previous page newhopechristianchurch.com