Archive for the 'country' Category

Stanley Community Church Stanley, Iowa

Philippians 2:5-8

I started thinking about these verses when I heard some of the news reports involving “Black Friday.” I heard the story of one woman who “pepper-sprayed” several others, in her rush to get a good deal. In other locations, several were trampled, many were arrested, and people pushed and shoved to get the bargains they wanted for Christmas.

How could the celebration of Christmas descend to such a low level? How could the spirit of today’s celebration of Christmas be so opposite to the spirit of the first Christmas? Such questions are above me but I do know that the tendency to grasp lies deep within the fabric of my soul.

The One who had every right to supreme glory let go of that right to come to earth. Surrendering true riches, not the sham substitutes that break within a few months, He became poor for our sake (2 Cor. 8:9). I am so glad that He was willing to take “the form of a bond-servant” for us. I am to obey by having that same attitude.

I am so thankful that I have the privilege of serving Village Missionaries that have followed His example. They have followed Jesus to country places, often far away from family and with little in the way of recognition. They have gone to little Bethlehem-like places where they tell people of the One who emptied Himself to come to earth but now is exalted above every name. Through their efforts, many have willingly bowed the knee to Jesus.

I am also thankful for those who willingly pray and even give to advance the cause of Christ in rural communities. You demonstrate that you are ones who do not “grasp” but “empty” in obedience to our Lord.

Thank you for praying! I know that you are praying that God will call many who will surrender the things they enjoy and follow their Master on the downward yet upward path. I know that you are praying that many more will open their hands to give so that others will learn of the Christ of Christmas.

May you have a truly blessed Christmas and New Year!

The Congregation of Faith Bible Church Today

This summer, Carole and I traveled to North Lansing, NY to help Faith Bible Church celebrate becoming self-supporting. This means that the church is now able to cover our self-funded health insurance premium as well as the base salary of $1700 per month. Faith Bible Church reached this level in April 2011 and we joined them to celebrate this milestone on August 21, 2011. Village Missions assigned Jason and Kathi Berga to North Lansing in March 2004. You can see pictures and read a further account of this visit by clicking on this link.

Jason reflects on how God has worked in his report written just before April:

Well, next month we are beginning to pay the full salary. I never thought this church would get to the point that it is. It is just amazing what God has done. I still have the picture of my first Sunday. There was nine people total. One lady, Miss Carrie, was brought here to fill a pew since she was deaf. I never saw her again in the church but my kids and I visited her at her old farmhouse until the day she passed away. Another lady was on her way out. She was kind enough to stay through the VM transition since she was the only member with any business savvy. Interestingly enough, three years later not only did she return but her son and his family now attend. Another lady was on her second Sunday. The first Sunday she attended church she heard the VM associate announce that their permanent pastor was coming the following Sunday. Turns out, she was the piano player I had prayed for diligently prior to coming to the field. God sent her a week earlier to be acclimated. Then there were three other older single ladies; two divorced and one never married. There was one couple, the young ones of the bunch, in their late fifties. He was my only man and he assured me when I first arrived that he was a baby Christian…translation: I am not helping.

For close to two years we did not see one new person and frankly I could not blame anyone for coming and not staying. I began to wonder what I was doing here if I was to be honest. However, through this field, God did a tremendous work inside of me, reshaping my ideology about what precisely ministry is and what is truly important. We are beginning our seventh year this next month, and I am just amazed as to what God had done. Prior to coming to the field, I had a sermon series written on what a healthy church looks like. I am glad I arrived on Palm Sunday and had two weeks to scrap that sermon and begin over. What a discouragement that would have been to these folks!

The years of Bible school, Seminary, and many growth strategy seminars hardly prepared me for this field. The core of Village Missions’ philosophy is to teach the Word of God and love the people, and so, that is what we have done. Sometimes things physically grow and sometimes they don’t but that is not what is important. What is important is to serve God faithfully and obediently right where we are with the resources He has given us. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, we just plant and water, God will cause the spiritual growth. So, though there have been difficulties, I think of those that have been saved. I think of those that have been discipled.

But most of all, I think of how God has changed me, not just as a pastor, but also as a child of His. I know He does not need me at a big church and He does not need me at a small church because the truth is He doesn’t “need” me at all. It is a privilege. So, though I recognize things may progress forwards or even backwards here, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that my family and I continue to be faithful, loving, planting, watering, and recognizing what an amazing God we serve.

Group Photo Candidate School Fall 2011

Recently we held our Fall 2011 Candidate School in Dallas, Oregon. We accepted eight outstanding couples. They came from coast to coast and ranged from their twenties to their sixties. Some had some pastoral experience, either in a senior or assistant role, but some did not. Both husband and wife believed firmly that God was calling them into the ministry of Village Missions. The candidate school staff recognized God’s call on their life as well. You can view pictures of our school by clicking on this link.

They will now begin raising their personal support and in several cases, will begin selling or renting their homes. How I look forward to the time when we assign them to their first field!

I have a deep burden to improve our recruiting efforts. Eight couples is a good number but, given the great need, we could easily stand to have twice that number both fall and spring. We would have to have a big increase in funding but, given the way God has supplied and is supplying, I have no doubt that we could find the necessary donors willing to partner with us in transforming churches and communities.

I wanted to learn how these wonderful couples became acquainted with Village Missions because of my interest in developing our recruiting. As I asked them about how they heard about us, I could not find a pattern that drew these couples to Village Missions other than the leading of the Lord. I thought it might be interesting for you to learn how each one heard about our ministry.

Dave and Cindy Fraher had heard of Village Missions over the years, but saw our ministry first hand when Village Missions started serving Interlaken, NY where he had served before as an interim pastor. Wanting to get back into pastoral ministry and learning of the support that we provide our Village Missionaries, he and Cindy felt led to apply. They especially appreciated our desire to reach out into the community.

John and Kathy Mulvihill felt they had more years to give, although they could have retired, but every door to ministry seemed closed. One day John was looking at the Moody Alumni Job Placement website and our advertisement appeared. They found an open door with us.

Isaac Pederson and his wife Bethany are in their low twenties, newly married and newly pregnant. Isaac started to learn about Village Missions when he began cutting Don and Marylee Still’s lawn at age eight. Bethany learned about Village Missions by attending Stonecroft meetings with her mother. Don encouraged Isaac to attend Frontier School of the Bible. Originally planning to be an overseas missionary, Isaac sensed that God was directing him into pastoral ministry. After he worked through some discomfort with our appointment process (he wanted to choose where he would go), they applied.

Brian and Erica Dedera have been a part of Foothills Community Church (a Village Missions’ field near Spokane) for seventeen years while Brian served as their youth pastor. Recently the congregation chose him to be their pastor with the condition that he become a Village Missionary. Brian and Erica will serve at Foothills but are willing to go anywhere and affirmed that God had called them to our ministry.

Carl and Andrea DeyArmin have been living in the Tacoma area, where Carl had served as an associate pastor until about two years ago. His father-in-law was attending a class at Northwest Baptist Seminary (now Corban University School of Ministry). A Village Missionary also was attending that class (Carl doesn’t remember who). The more his father-in-law learned about VM, the more excited he became. He thought Carl and Andrea would fit our ministry perfectly. Carl spent a good deal of time checking us out and talking to Vern Wilkinson before he submitted his application.

Jeff and Nydia Black live in Mesa, AZ. Jeff had served at a large church as well as serving on staff at some overseas ministries but became dissatisfied with the “specialist approach” of such ministries. He decided to do an internet church on “small church” and “rural church” and our name came up first. God especially used the videos on our website to convince Jeff that he should apply.

Mike and Kim Krutsch were serving with OMF in their field office, after having to return from Cambodia because of health problems. Working in the area of mobilization, he became convinced that God was leading him into pastoral ministry. He had attended our former field in Edgewood, WA and at one time had considered serving with us. God wasn’t leading them towards us then but they are convinced He is now.

Many of you reading this will recognize the Easterling name. Tim is the son of retired Village Missionaries Bill and Ruth Easterling. However, there’s even more of a Village Missions connection! Debbie is Bonnie Canady’s sister! Tim and Debbie live in Montrose, CO where Tim works in construction. After their children left home, they became convinced God was leading them in our direction.

We will continue to develop ways to get the word out about Village Missions through advertisements, the internet, and word of mouth. This fall’s candidate school, however, demonstrates that God will ultimately make the connections and call people to serve with us.

Just recently Village Missionary Ken Ainsworth who serves the Canyon Community Church in Coram, Montana uploaded a song he wrote about his calling to ministry and about Badrock Canyon, where he ministers. I’m praying that God will do in a multitude of lives what He has done in Ainsworth’s lives. I encourage you to listen to this song!

Carole has been reading the biography of Adoniram Judson, written by his son. She pointed this quote out to me as I was marveling at the quality of the couples God had led our way. His son wrote, “It is a mistake to suppose that a dull and second-rate man is good enough for the heathen. The worst-off need the very best we have. God gave His best, even His only-begotten Son, in order to redeem a lost world. The most darkened and degraded souls need the best thinking. Christianity will advance over the earth with long, swift strides when the churches are ready to send their best men, and the best men are ready to go.” We received some of those best men and women this fall to join the ranks of the quality couples already serving with Village Missions.

Worship at Balsam Bible Chapel

Carole and I particularly enjoy visiting the missionaries and fields served by Village Missions. We observe how God is using Village Missions and the dedication of those who serve with us. We were able to visit several fields on our recent trip to Balsam, MN to be the speaker for the mini-conference. We visited so many fields that I only have space to highlight each visit briefly. I’ve included links to pictures and a travelogue of each field. Enjoy!

Our first visit was to Hokah, MN to visit Dave and Kathy Possing who have served there for thirteen years. We flew in to Chicago, arriving early Thursday morning, spent the night, and arrived in Hokah in time for dinner. What a treat to have retired missionaries Don and Marylee Still join us! Don and Marylee drive 1½ hours to attend their church. Don and Marylee served near us in Iowa, and then became our District Representatives for a short time before we moved to Colorado. Don also helped me transition into the position of Executive Director. It was great to see them again.

After dinner, the Possings took us on a walk over to their church. Their church is the only evangelical witness in their community of about 800 people. In the Summer 2011 issue of Country Matters, you’ll read the story of a young couple that came to Dave, asking him to marry them. Neither one had ever opened a Bible nor did they have any spiritual background whatsoever but they will now hear what God has to say about marriage and salvation from His Word! Coming from a Roman Catholic background themselves, the Possings are uniquely suited to reach the people of Hokah, who are predominantly Catholic.

Dave and Kathy took us for another walk in the morning to see more of the town. Just before we were to leave, I locked the keys in the trunk of my car. Fortunately, they live next door to a gas station and the guys at the station had us on our way in about an hour.

The next stop was Elk Mound, WI, served by Dale and Suzy Bussinger. After a delicious lunch, Dale and Suzy took us on a tour of Elk Mound and then over to Amy Chapel, which is located a few miles outside of town. Two years ago, the congregation dedicated their beautiful new building. The contrast between the old building and the new one is just amazing. You can hardly see any homes from the church but people are coming from all over to be part of this vibrant congregation.

Leaving Elk Mound (this sounds like a travel magazine), we traveled past Minneapolis to our new field in Glendorado, MN, served by Paul and Denise DeVall. Located on a gravel road, almost literally in a cornfield, the church has never had a full-time pastor. The church rented a wonderful farmhouse for the Devalls and their boys. They are hard at work, seeking to reach the area for Christ. It was a joy to take the family out for pizza in St. Cloud, where we spent the night.

Saturday we traveled north to Sebeka, MN to visit Dave and Valerie Wing. Blowers Chapel is another church almost literally located in a cornfield, or in their case, a cattle pasture. Yet it is obvious from how the Wings described their ministry and the facilities, that God is doing a great work here as well. Sunday mornings the church is filled with young people.

Saturday evening found us in Balsam, MN, location of the mini-conference. Balsam Bible Chapel has also built a new building. The people were so gracious in hosting us and ministering to us during the conference. I had the privilege of speaking Sunday morning as well as being the speaker for the mini-conference. One highlight for me out of many was being taken fishing by Loren, a church member, and catching a decent Northern Pike.

After the conference was over on Thursday, we drove to Land O’Lakes, WI where I would be speaking the next Sunday, passing by the church we serve in Watersmeet, MI, served by Skip and Venita Pullen. Frank and Lynn Puffer, who have been there six years, serve Land O’Lakes. The church is located on several beautiful acres and ministers to what is largely a resort community. Among many other things, Frank ministers to about 16 men who gather early each Saturday morning.

Saturday we were able to take a day trip up to Calumet, MI, served by Merle and Gyngr McGee. We have served this field for three years, when we assigned the McGees to their first field. I was surprised at how large this community is. Yet we learned that the little church we serve is the only evangelical witness in the community. Calumet was once a prosperous city due to the copper mines but now struggles to survive. We arrived during the “Pasty Days” celebration. A “Pasty” is a pastry with a beef and vegetable filling originally used by the miners for their meals in the mines. They are delicious!

Several common themes surfaced as we visited these fields. First were the deep and sometimes disturbing needs of the communities. Merle McGee told us that the local bar offers a free drink to anyone willing to surrender his or her thirty-day sobriety pin! Second was the dedication of our missionaries and their families. The DeValls told me a story of their son Alex leading a classmate to Christ. I was awed by the hard work and passion exhibited by each missionary we visited. Third were the tremendous things God was doing in the most unlikely places. In struggling communities as well as cornfields, in new fields as well as old, I heard story after story of changed lives. I personally witnessed two dynamic and alive congregations at Balsam and Land O’Lakes. We would have found the same thing at the other churches if we had been there on a Sunday morning.

Carole and I came away from this trip excited! God is powerfully at work through Village Missions and we had the privilege of seeing this work first hand!

Picture taken by Village Missionary Kim Kunkle

We are starting to get reports of flooding damage in communities served by Village Missions in the Northeast.  Many of these communities are isolated and lacking in infrastructure.  Often, the topography is such that the damage will be extensive.  Pray for wisdom and strength as the Village Missionaries will often be called upon to minister in a variety of ways. I will try to keep you updated through this blog on the various situations.  You can find maps of locations and pictures of Village Missionaries at http://www.village-missions.org/contact/.  There is also a “zoomable” map of all locations at http://www.village-missions.org/about/map.php.

This note is from Village Missionaries Bill & Karla Allen in Otego, NY

As I write this there are 4 inches of water in the floor of the church basement and we can see and hear more coming in. The sleepy little brook at the bottom of the hill has already spilled over into several pastures. Emergency vehicles have been going up our little country road most of the day.

Bill was on his way to get sand bags for the church but had to turn back because the water is over the bridge. That end of “our road” is closed. Now he is out helping a stranded motorist. They closed the school but did not run the busses . They had parents come and pick up their children if they could get to them. One of our church members is an aid at the school and is stranded there with her children. (This is the First Day of School this year.)

Last week members of our extended church family got out of the town of Schoharie with only their children and their dogs just ahead of rushing water, sludge and sewage that filled their home to the rafters.

We are supposed to have rain and bad weather for 2 more days. Otego and Oneonta have been under a state of emergency all day and roads are open only to necessary travel. We think this will be lifted tonight.

We are OK, but several of our members are “in harms way”. We are helping those we can get to. And personally we are making preparations in case we loose power.

We are concerned for fellow Village Missionaries Dennis & Leslie Burke in Amsterdam, NY and Village Missionaries Mike & Kim Kunkle in Quaker Street, NY.

Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie Broome and Tioga Counties are closed to any traffic. At least 90 houses were condemned nearby the Kunkles after Hurricane Irene. With a team from their church Mike and Kim have been helping folks with their houses, clean-up in the area, etc. in the town of Schoharie. Please pray for Mike’s arm. He has cellulitis and it seems to be growing worse.

Because of Hurricane Irene at least 60 houses were condemned near Burkes. Then, this past Monday a tornado hit Pattersonville, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam Junction. Six of the locks on the Mohawk River have been “blown out” because of the debris and falling trees. Burkes phone lines are down. When we were able to reach them by cell phone Dennis & Leslie were on their way to check on “Solitary Place”. (Solitary Place” is a retreat home for Village Missionaries and other pastors). That town was completely closed to traffic after Hurricane Irene. Don’t know what all of this will do to that area.

More storms coming have the very real potential of making things much worse.

We appreciate all of your prayers as we “hold down the fort” and help those around us.

Bill & Karla Allen

Doing our part “Keeping Country Churches Alive” with Village Missions

**********

Please pray: Howard and Nancy Carr (Moxie, PA)

Hi, Please pray for our people, we are experiencing major flooding here. Many roads washed out, bridges are overflowed. We are in Syracuse and can’t get back. The rainbow bridge which we cross to get home is closed and the water which is normally 25-30 feet below is about to overflow across bridge. We just heard they are airlifting people out of Tunchanock (sp) which is west of us. We are praying for other VM’s Thanks Howard & Nancy

Henry Cotton dispensing justice in Bengal (From Wikipedia)

A friend of mine recently gave me something he had copied from Peter Drucker’s classic work, “Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices.” Drucker has been a particular favorite of his, ever since he studied under him at Claremont. I was struck by the similarities between Village Missionaries and Drucker’s classic description of the Indian Civil Service.

The Indian Civil Service contributed far more to India than most would think possible. According to Drucker:

Politically, the history of British rule is a history of muddle, indecision, lack of direction, and, in the last analysis, failure. What kept the British in control and power for two hundred years was, in part, India’s weakness and disunity. But above all, the British stayed in power because of a supreme administrative accomplishment: The Indian Civil Service. In its greatest period . . . it never numbered more than a thousand men. Most were very young, mere lads in their early twenties, for life expectancy was brutally short for the white man in India’s hostile climate, in which malaria and dysentery were endemic and cholera an annual visitor. (Drucker, p. 403)

Likewise, Village Missionaries have done unlikely but extraordinary things in difficult places.

Like Village Missionaries, the civil servants ministered in isolated areas. According to Drucker:

Most of these young men of the alien race who administered the huge subcontinent were stationed in total isolation in small villages or on dusty crossroads in which they did not see for months on end anyone who spoke their language and shared their concerns. Only a few survived long enough to retire, with modest pensions, to the England whence they had come and of which they always dreamed. (Drucker, p. 403)

Thankfully, many more Village Missionaries survive until retirement but the work is isolated and the pension is small! Of course, perhaps things would have been different for the civil servants if they had Skype, Facebook, and cell phones!

Now comes a not so flattering part of Drucker’s analysis. I wouldn’t say this about Village Missionaries but the world might think the same thing about our ministry and missionaries:

These young men who administered British India were rather dull and uninteresting. After a short apprenticeship, they were put into an assignment of their own to sink or swim. These men were younger sons of poor country parsons, with no prospects at home and little standing in English society. Their pay was low; and such opportunities for loot or gain as their predecessors had enjoyed in the swashbuckling days of the East India Company . . . had . . . been completely eliminated by both law and custom. (Drucker, p. 404)

“Dull and uninteresting,” “sink or swim,” low pay sound somewhat familiar to things I’ve heard about Village Missionaries.

Yet, how unexpectedly and how well did these Indian Civil Servants minister! Overcoming huge obstacles:

These untrained, not very bright, and totally inexperienced youngsters ran districts comparable in size and population to small European countries. And they ran them practically all by themselves with a minimum of direction and supervision from the top. Some, of course, became casualties and broke under the strain, falling victim to alcohol, to native women or—the greatest danger of them all—to sloth. But most of them did what they were expected to do, and did it reasonably well. They gave India, for the first time in its long and tragic history, peace, a measure of freedom from famine, and a little security of life, worship, and property. They administered justice impartially and, at least as far as they themselves were concerned, honestly and without corruption. They collected taxes, by and large, impartially and equitably. They did not make policy; and in the end they foundered because they had none. But they administered, and administered well. (Drucker, p. 404)

How much more could be said for Village Missionaries as they administer the things of God! Some have succumbed but many more have been used by God to accomplish great things for God’s Kingdom. Unnoticed by the world but, I’m convinced, noticed and appreciated by God!

Drucker then accounts for the success of the Indian Civil Servants:

The jobs the young men were assigned were big and challenging. There was enough scope in each of them to keep even a good man interested and occupied for many years. The job was the young man’s own job, and not a job as an “assistant” to anybody. He was accountable. He was responsible. And it was up to him to organize the job as he saw fit. Performance standards were high and uncompromising. A young, basically untrained and unprepared amateur was expected to give perfect justice; to be totally impartial; to maintain public order, safety on the roads and in the villages, and religious and civil peace. And he had to do this by persuasion, by the authority of his own person and by his mere presence; to have to invoke force, for instance to call in the military, was considered failure. And while the individual job was anonymous, the Service had high pride in itself and a deep commitment to standards and mission. It was imbued with the highest spirit. (Drucker, pp. 404-405)

How uncanny the similarities between Village Missionaries and Indian Civil Servants! Who could find a job with a broader scope or greater responsibility? A somewhat “untrained and unprepared amateur” is expected to “shepherd the church of God which He purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28 NKJV). And Village Missionaries do it all by persuasion but with no military as back up! Of course, we do have District Representatives! Moreover, every time I gather with Village Missionaries I marvel at the humility yet the “high pride” and the “deep commitment to standards and mission.” You can read about one such gathering by clicking on this link.

For many years our communications involving Village Missions, especially when it comes to recruiting, has tended to focus on the great need in rural areas. Great need does exist but great accomplishment has occurred as well! The accomplishment can only be attributed to God working through extremely dedicated and self-sacrificing servants in the often forgotten communities across the United States and Canada. What God has done through Village Missionaries has great significance not just for those communities and churches but also for the church as a whole.

We need many more Village Missionaries in this mold and when we have them, God accomplishes great things. Each of interested in Village Missions and rural communities needs to understand the importance of gathering a new army of Village Missionaries. Would you commit to pray that God would call not just anyone but new Village Missionaries in the mold of those who have so faithfully served? Would you commit to sending just such a Village Missionary out of your church? Would you commit to contacting anyone you can think of about becoming a Village Missionary provided they can serve as we expect them to serve?

Not only because of the need but also for the great things that God will do!

Colossians 1:25-27

He passed by our display, scarcely noticing the brochures, pens, and sticky notes. Stuart needed to get to class and besides, he knew after graduation he was going on to seminary. He ignored the inner voice that told him to pick up a brochure. He walked further toward class. Again, the whisper, “Pick up a brochure.”

Stuart began to take notice. He had learned to listen to this voice after he came to Christ. For several years, he knew that God wanted him to leave a high paying position, sell his home, and go to Bible school. It took longer for his wife Jennifer to surrender to God’s promptings and leave their beautiful home and neighborhood. Once they both agreed, God had provided and directed in amazing ways.

Their plan was to go on to seminary after graduation. He knew his direction, and even knew the seminary. However, the still, small voice continued its prompting to pick up a brochure. Having reached the classroom door, he finally turned around and went back to the display table. As he read our brochure, his soul burned within him. This was ministry as he had always envisioned it should be. He never realized that there was such a deep spiritual need in rural North America. A growing conviction stirred that God wanted he and his family to serve with Village Missions. When Jennifer read the brochure, the same fire stirred within her and they became convinced that God was leading them to Village Missions. They had never heard of us before Stuart read our brochure and saw our display.

I first heard this story as Jennifer and Stuart shared it at our candidate school chapel service this spring. God continued to confirm their call to Village Missions. I had the privilege of sending them their acceptance letter. Stuart will graduate in May 2011 and begin raising support. He has already been promised much of that support. We accepted five wonderful couples at this school. Each told their story of how God called them into the ministry of Village Missions.

I often worry about our recruiting. The burden of empty fields weighs upon me most heavily. I observe the slow decline of our numbers and wonder when it is going to reverse. Yet, the story of Stuart and Jennifer is a powerful reminder to us that God is still calling people into our ministry.

God seems to be powerfully at work. We are in a strong financial position. We have received several requests for help from churches. God is still dramatically calling couples into our ministry. It is most amazing, given the overall economic and spiritual climate within which we minister.

We hold no illusions that ministry during these days will be easy. The need for child abuse prevention (we are currently implementing this mission wide) and the horrible events that have occurred in our world should quickly disabuse us of that notion. Yet, Jesus Christ is still sovereignly building His church, and He is using Village Missions to do so. God appointed the Apostle Paul in the beginning of the church age and He will appoint Village Missionaries at what may be the end of the church age to proclaim Christ to the lost in rural communities.

All Five Couples Were Accepted!

I have recently posted pictures on Facebook that will allow you to see what is happening in Village Missions, both in the U.S. and Canada.  Here are the links and a brief description. You can copy and paste the link into your web browser or simply click on the link.

Village Missions’ Candidate School Spring 2011

On March 28-April 1 Village Missions held our spring candidate school in Dallas, Oregon. We have five very sharp couples–four from the U.S. and one from Canada. As we learned the stories of how they heard about Village Missions, we praised God that God is still calling choice couples into this ministry. Here is the story of the week in pictures.

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150145279834024.289240.604744023&l=cc4cacf7a5

Village Missions’ Seminar at AMF Conference

American Missionary Fellowship, or AMF (http://www.americanmissionary.org/), the oldest mission organization in the United States and Village Missions have often shared ministry ties. Village Missions has supplied leadership to several churches that were started by AMF, formerly the American Sunday School Union. AMF missionaries have conducted children’s outreach at churches and in areas served by Village Missions and have been supported by some of our churches. Sometimes AMF missionaries will serve churches formerly served by Village Missions. Together, we seek to advance God’s Kingdom in the increasingly needy mission field of North America. AMF Executive Director Ridge Burns and Ministry Director Gordon Anderson invited Village Missions to present a seminar on Small Church Ministry Wednesday afternoon, March 30. I am excited about ministry collaboration between Village Missions and AMF!

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150146081224024.289449.604744023&l=213c371e70

Village Missions’ Canada Board Meeting

The Board of Village Missions Canada met at the Muscoka Bible Centre near Huntsville for its spring meeting on April 9-10, 2011. We also hosted an informational dinner Saturday night and I spoke at two churches on Sunday. The fellowship was extremely rich and the opportunities to acquaint people with the work of Village Missions were extensive! Here is the story of a busy and productive weekend.

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150158982109024.299370.604744023&l=7a89900393

Cannon Beach Mini-Conference April 2011

Village Missions and the Cannon Beach Conference Center have rich historical ties. Rev. Walter Duff, our founder, was brother of Evangeline McNeill, who with husband Archie, founded the Conference Center. They, together with sister Helen Duff Baugh, founder of Stonecroft Ministries, crisscrossed the northwest, conducting evangelistic meetings and developing a deep burden for struggling rural churches. This great family’s burden led to the founding of Village Missions in 1948. It has been a few years since we have held a conference at Cannon Beach, but with some cost-cutting efforts we were able to have a wonderful mini-conference. The pictures tell the story of missionaries in service, renewing ties and encouraging one another!

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150159682459024.301201.604744023&l=9d3c594ddf

Pierceville Federated Church

The greatest joy I have as Executive Director is traveling to one of our churches to meet the people, visit with our Village Missionaries, and see first-hand what God is doing.  Traveling to Pierceville for their annual missions conference was very special for us.  We had the privilege of staying with Doug and Saundra McGraw.  Doug is one of our board members on the U.S. Board.  The Village Missionaries, Terry and Martha Major, were our Village Missionaries in Fernwood, Idaho for a short time before we left for Moody Bible Institute.  The church is filled with wonderful, dedicated believers.  And, boy, do they cook!

To read further about the visit and see pictures click on this link.  Once at this site, click on the first picture to enlarge it, read the caption, and then click “next” to view the following pictures. Enjoy!

Carole and I had the privilege of attending Liberty Chapel’s 175^th anniversary on June 13, 2010.  However, it was an anniversary that almost wasn’t, for in 1982 the church, like so many rural churches, came perilously close to closing.

 In 1982, the congregation learned of Village Missions and its ministry of keeping country churches alive.  Village Missions would assign a Village Missionary and provide salary support so that he and his family could live and minister in the area full time.  The church, located four miles northwest of Crawfordsville, Indiana requested leadership from Village Missions.  In May 1982, Village Missions assigned Pastor Allen and Ramona Sparks.  Ramona died suddenly and unexpectedly a few months later (I remember hearing the news on a Sunday morning on our field in Iowa).  After some time Pastor Allen married Diane and they have ministered at Liberty Chapel ever since.

 The Lord blessed and the church grew in numbers and spiritual health.  Village Missions supplemented Pastor Allen’s salary until 1991.  Groups, especially youth groups, have ministered in several locations throughout the country, especially at fields served by Village Missions.  Jeremy and Mindi Sarver came from Liberty Chapel and are now serving with Village Missions in Volga, Iowa.

Dick Chastain relates how Liberty Chapel heard about Village Missions here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1azFvwCfAs

You can hear Jon, Sarah, and Kate Sparks sing “God Is My Shepherd” at the celebration here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UawM3QrojE

You can see pictures I took of the anniversary here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=180189&id=604744023&l=f3af29b80e

You can read an article about the celebration in the Journal & Courier newspaper here: http://www.jconline.com/article/20100605/LIFE07/6050308/-Cornfield-church-celebrating-175-years