Mission News from April Hershberger

News from April

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a little while since my last update, so there is a lot of news to share.  There are many children who have come and gone (pictured below) who could use your prayers. Would you commit to praying for a new child each day or once a week?

                                    

Taking care of young children has its ups and down, good days and bad days, as I am sure a lot of you can relate to. No day has been tougher then the day we got word that our little Ruth had gone home to be with the Lord on March 7, 2013 after a short illness.  She was a sweet little girl who brought smiles and joy to everyone who met her. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

I have been working very hard for quite a few weeks in the closets in each of the wings. Being a person who likes things organized and in their place, I guess it made me the perfect person for this job. I went through each of the wings looking at all of the clothes and sorting out things that had become worn out and needed to be replaced. I then labeled the closets to try and make it easier on the caregivers to dress the children. Once the closets were organized, I then filled in whatever clothes they needed from our storeroom. When the closets were finished I then started on the task of reorganizing and sorting the storeroom. This will also help in the future for people wanting to donate clothing to know what our immediate needs are.

I have also put out a sign-up sheet in the wings asking what ladies would be interested in doing a Bible study during their lunch hour. I have gotten a very positive response (28 ladies), and I am in the process of finding relevant materials for the ladies to dive into. Please pray as I look for the materials that God would want me to use, for the ladies who are going to be involved to be encouraged and to grow stronger in their walks with the Lord as well as be an accountability to each other for studying the word of God. I will share more details as things unfold. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The AGC Baby Centre is in the process of beginning a children’s home, the name of which is going to be AGC Nyumbani ya Tumaini, or Africa Gospel Church Home of Hope. This home will be for our older/un-adoptable children. The Africa Gospel Church has sent missionaries Pius and Evelyn to be the parents of this home. Please pray for not only Pius and Evelyn but also for all of the details of the home to fall into place and for the children who will be a part of this family. For right now it will be located in one of the duplex homes on the Baby Centre compound. The plan for the future is to build a home in Salgaa.

 

I want to thank each of you for being such an important part of this ministry. I could not be here without the sacrifices that each of you have made in praying and giving of your time and resources. My part here at the AGC Baby Centre entails a variety of things from helping feed kids, reading to them, working with them on crawling/sitting/walking, playing games, helping with homework, helping the kids to learn Bible verses, teaching them how to use a hula hoop, working in the closets, doing what I can to help wherever I am needed. It is a joy to watch as the kids show their creativity in turning a hula hoop into a car, and a cardboard box into a house. I was even told the other day that one of the kids was watching one of the grounds guys and the child began pretending their hula hoop was a lawn mower and he was walking back and forth as though he was cutting the grass. I feel blessed that God asked me to come here and there is nowhere else I would rather be.

Are you interested in being a part of this ministry? Feel free to contact me or you can go to the following website to give online: http://www.wgm.org/hershberger.  Do you feel God calling you to serve Him? Check out http://www.wgm.org/recruiting and find opportunities for you to serve all over the world to all the different nations. Would you like more frequent updates? Check out the links below for my Facebook and blog accounts.

WBS Update from Dr. John Neihof

Dear Friends,  "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated!"  Mark Twain          The accelerator is on the floor! The clock is ticking fast! Wesley Biblical Seminary is moving forward.       The few weeks that I have spent on the ground at WBS have been eventful. My energies have been targeted toward filling vacant positions with dedicated people who will advance the mission of WBS within the budgetary constraints of the institution.      The Board of Trustees of Wesley Biblical Seminary appointed me to serve as President elect of WBS on May 18, 2013.  Since then, I have commuted from my home in Jackson, Kentucky to Jackson, Mississippi for 3 round trips to assemble faculty, staff, and administrative team. On June 28, my wife, Beth, and I will move to Jackson, Mississippi. July 1, 2013, I will assume the Presidency.        The Trustees have been very helpful and supportive to me as I am learning to do my job here!  That faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive. God is performing miracles.  We are having spontaneous prayer and praise moments with frequent shouts of "Hallelujah!" We celebrate every miracle-small and great-and we are seeing them daily!      Provost Tommy McKnight is saving WBS money on one hand, and raising money through sales of capital assets on the other. Karl and Becky Luman are heroically serving as right and left arm to me! Abby Purkey and Pam Thornton are keeping my schedule straight and helping me to communicate with you! Leigh Thomas is teaching us the financial ropes.  Matt Friedeman, Steve Blakemore, and Gary Cockerill are encouraging me daily with visits, prayers, and optimism for our future!      We are contacting prospective students, and hearing back from them. At least 8 returning students have verbally committed to returning to WBS for the Fall term. We are promoting a on-line scholarshipped Masters of Arts for national pastors in the two-thirds world! This on-line MA will reach from Jackson, MS to Kenya and even Papua New Guinea. More information will be forthcoming! Be certain, we will need your help to fund this program! WBS is investing in Kingdom Business-the Biggest Business of ALL! John & Beth at their  Quiet Place in Kentucky            Faculty, staff, and administration are embracing what some thought to be  impossible. But GOD! Pray for us. Decisions are coming at us hard and fast. Our team needs wisdom. The seminary needs God's anointing and blessing. The world needs the message of holiness as it is lived out in a heart beating in time with the Divine.      Thank you for loving and supporting Wesley Biblical Seminary!   In Christ, Dr. John E. Neihof, Jr. President Elect

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Bits & Bytes for Bagley Backers May 2013

	May 2013
Bits & Bytes for Bagley Backers
African Missionary Retreat Global Partners' missionaries serving in Africa met this past month at a resort north of Xai Xai, Mozambique for their annual missionary retreat. Despite a few last minute changes in airplane tickets and a scare about the availability of visas, all the missionaries arrived on time with little difficulty (although some had lengthy travel times). One of the highlights of this year's retreat was a well-focused ministry to the missionary kids by Michelle Bryant, a children's pastor from United Wesleyan Church in Easley, SC. Missionaries were challenged by messages from GP's Executive Director, Dr. Dennis and Gwen Jackson. Missionaries also deeply appreciated the presence and ministry of Tim Hibschman, GP's Director of Missionary Care and  Development.   The Retreat concluded with a celebration of the African ministry ofJerry & Jody Manwaring and Orai & Linda Lehman. Jerry & Jody currently serve as Assistant Area Director for Administration and will retire in a little over a year. Orai & Linda have served in Africa since 1968 and currently serve as Mozambique Mission Director. They will be retiring at the end of the year.  Photos from the Africa Area Missionary Retreat can be seen by clicking the button below:
Zambia Field Visit Following the Missionary Retreat, Bob traveled to Zambia with Dr. Jackson to connect with church leaders as well as visit the places where GP missionaries are stationed. The visit began with participation in Zambia's annual Missions and Leaders Conference in Lusaka. Around three hundred church leaders gathered to participate in workshops on topics ranging from "Biblical Stewardship" to "The Missions Minded Church" to ministry spotlights from various departments within the church. Following the conference a day and a half was spent visiting church ministries in and around Lusaka. We then traveled to Pilgrim Wesleyan Bible College in Jembo just as new missionaries Mike & Shareen Bradley were arriving to begin their year of service. It was then on to Zimba where we witnessed significant developments at the hospital including the new backup generator, the new Out Patient Department, and the renovated/expanded Maternity Ward. Photos from the visit to Zambia can be seen by clicking the button below:
Swaziland Ministry After the Africa Area Missionary Retreat Brenda traveled to Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College in Swaziland to teach the course "Understanding Other Faiths." Besides the usual classroom instruction, the course included visits to a local mosque as well as to a local Jericho Church in Zion (a syncretistic independent African church). For a full report on her time in Swaziland, click the "Read More" button below: Photos of Brenda's time in Swaziland can be seen by clicking the "See Photos" button below:   Praise Reports Praise God for safety in travel for missionaries coming to the Africa Area Missionary Retreat and for a profitable time together. Praise God for His help in the Missions and Leaders Conference in Zambia and for the vision and enthusiasm evident in church leaders. Praise God for helping Brenda to communicate effectively as she taught at Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College in Swaziland this past month. Praise God for the safe arrival of Mike & Shareen Bradley to begin their term of service at Pilgrim Wesleyan Bible College in Zambia. Prayer Requests Please continue to pray for Randal and Candice Cheney and their family as their application for residence permits have been denied. We are in a process of appealing the decision and are making alternative plans in case this is not successful. Pray for God's plan to be accomplished and for encouragement for the Cheneys. Leaders from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Liberia, and Ghana will be meeting in Sierra Leone May 27-29 for a District Superintendents' School. Pray that these leaders will easily grasp the concepts that will help them be more effective in their leadership and that they will return to their home countries with new vision and enthusiasm. The quadrennial National Conference of the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone will meet May 29 - June 2.  Please ask God to guide in the decisions that are made and leaders that are chosen. Pray that there will be an unusual sense of God's presence and a spirit of unity. We are preparing to travel to the US in mid June for GP's training event for new missionaries and a meeting of GP's Leadership Council.  Please pray that God will help and guide us as we prepare for these important events. Support Report We are deeply grateful for all of you who faithfully and sacrificially give so we can serve in the Africa Area. Thank you so much. For your information, our support received was down in April. Please help us pray that God will supply what is needed each month.   Donations or monthly commitments can be made online by clicking here  or sent by mail to: Global Partners, PO Box 50434, Indianapolis, 46250   Printable Version An easy to print version can be accessed by clicking the following link: PRINT VERSION.Thank you for sharing a print version with those who cannot receive the email. Forward to a Friend You can help us by forwarding "Bits & Bytes" to friends who will be interested in the work of Global Partners in Africa. Just click on the link below. Friends who receive the email will also be given an opportunity to sign up to receive it in the future. Forward this message to a friend   Bob & Brenda Bagley | RBagley112@gmail.com
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“Rights” you are

      by Brad Stine

One of the easiest phrases to roll off the tongue of an American is when speaking of our “rights”. I have the “right” to freedom of speech based on the 1st amendment. I have the “right” to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I have the “right” to believe in whatever God I choose or no God at all. I have the “right” to disagree with the decisions my government makes without fear of reprisal and the “right” to get rid of them if I think they’re doing a bad job. I have the “right” to own property and the “right” to defend it.

I have the “right” to marry whom I want and the “right” to be left alone in my own home without concern for government intrusion. I have the “right” to travel freely from state to state without a passport or permission for the matter.

Yes I have innumerous amounts of “rights” in the United States and we spend a lot of time and money trying to get more every day.

The truth of the matter is we do indeed possess these “rights”; what isn’t true is that all of them are intrinsic to our nature. No, the truth is we don’t actually “have” ANY rights in America, if in “rights” we mean I deserve them or earned them.

The “rights” we do have, have been given to us! The “rights” you have to speak freely was given to us by people who DIED speaking freely. The “right” you have to worship freely here without the concern for coercion or jail time was given to you by people who left their native home to hand us that privilege.

The right to despise your government, AND more importantly publicly say so was given to you by people who fought and died, literally, to create a government that allowed itself to be challenged.

I hate war but humanity has proven we can’t exist without it. You can protest war in America only because people who fought in war gave you the privilege. My point is that we should be beyond grateful for all the “rights” we possess as American’s; but perhaps we should all be more careful about flippantly utilizing the word “rights” as though this is common to man.

It should roll off your tongue with somber awe and dignity as though you have been given access to using the king’s name in order to pass through hostile terrain. It should be honored by the weight of its presence. If you have the “right” to burn your own flag, it should be for that very reason that you never do!

This is something that used to be called honor and yet seems only to be taught now to soldiers.
It is only “right” that we never take for granted what most of us have been given simply because of the land our mothers inhabited as they gave birth.

You see the Founding Fathers didn’t create our “rights” when they crafted the Constitution, they believed our rights came from God, thus they are immutable and sacred.

We are watching these rights erode as those who say they believe in “equal rights” miss the discipline that demands that believing in equality means you don’t censor those who find your behavior immoral or harmful to the culture at large. The 1st line of the 1st amendment told this new Nation what the Founders considered most sacred as a people, freedom of conscience.

Free thought without media derision or bullying is what gives us as Americans the single most cherished right in the world…Liberty.

Remember, even though we believe that God created all men equal, it is left to us in this fallen state to honor that and instigate it whenever we can. Why? Because the Creator said that this is “right”.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/godscomic/2013/05/rights-you-are-2.html#ixzz2SXRUaU1C

Indoor Holiness Camp 2013

Chandler Indiana Indoor Holiness Camp 2013

• Thursday April 25th: Newburgh Church of the Nazarene-Kenton Daugherty/Chandler Nazarene
• Friday April 26th-Chandler Church of the Nazarene-Youth Night-Drew Walker/Youth & Assistant Boonville Wesleyan with special visit from "Earl and Edna"-Pizza Afterwards in gymnasium for youth!
• Saturday April 27th: Boonville Wesleyan Church-Senior Pastor Ed Ames/Assistants Sue Lochmueller/Keith Kiper
• Sunday April 28th: Boonville Wesleyan Church-Closing Service /Dennis King of Newburgh Nazarene Church

Services at 7:00PM Nightly Evansville Time and 6:00PM on Sunday. Host churches will be providing the special music nightly. Please start praying for our services now and plan to attend!

The theme as usual will be the life of holiness and how to live a pleasing life to God. Please begin praying for August Campmeeting with Larry and Tamla Leckrone!

Simos Family ministry update from the Dominican Republic.

Simos Family ministry update from the Dominican Republic. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

Here's a Special update from the President of Freedom International Ministries. Freedom Fighters! The Lord is doing some exciting things here in the Dominican as we continue to look forward to the day when we will have our own school campus. A friend of Freedom has just offered a $10,000 matching gift towards the school!  The gift expires one month from today on April 30th.  Every dollar you give will be doubled until the $10,000 is met!  If you would like to give, click here, designate the gift to building, and type "MATCH IT!" in the comment box.  AND...you'll still receive a Share in Education!  To find out more about the building project, go here.    We anticipate having 90 students for the next school year.  If you have been around any one of the Freedom team for long, you've probably realized that we want to use the school to equip kids to live for God's glory.  Because this is the Easter season, it was really encouraging to sit in the classrooms and hear the teachers sharing the gospel and teaching the students about Jesus' resurrection.  Pray that God will use them as catalysts for change right here in the Dominican Republic!   Thank you for standing with us - lives are being intercepted!   Jason Hilgeman, D.Min

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Simos Family Missions Newsletter

Simos Family ministry update from the Dominican Republic. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

We are building!  After a ground-breaking ceremony in February, Freedom officially began construction on 15 acres of land.  This has kicked off what will be the start of many years of construction as we seek to build a Christian, bilingual, prek through 12th grade school for the children of sugarcane workers.  Significant progess was made when a team joined us for one week to excavate, dig footers, build block walls, and pour a floor. We worked not only with this group of men, but also with a crew of up to 35 Dominicans.  We praise God for the safety that He provided, the work that He permitted, and the relationships that He started in the lives of all involved.  As the building continues, the preschool continues to operate and impact lives in the bateyes.  We are still able to use 2 churches in batey Lima as our classrooms, and we give thanks for this opportunity.  Speaking specifically about the 3-year-old class, we have seen great strides in the behavior of every child.  To God be all of the glory for this growth.  May He continue to work in us and through us.  As a family, we spent three weeks in Indiana and Ohio during February.  We had a sweet time visiting with all and updating everyone about our ministry.  Change a Life This is Ahslily,  the can't-sit-still-in-her-chair child, who loves to go outside for gym class.  One day, we noticed that she couldn't stay in line to bat during baseball.  She wanted to catch every foul ball and missed pitch.  She chased down the ball and threw it back to Josh with such determination!  Will she be a softball player, coach, or trainer one day?  Only God knows, but how wonderful if someone would commit to pray for Ahslily now, to write to her now, and to encourage her now.  It's exciting to think about what the Lord has in store for her as she continues in our school.  If you'd like to sponsor Ahslily, click on her picture above! Come Visit Us! If you have ever thought about an international missions trip, please consider visiting Freedom.  We would love to have you come stay with us, and witness first-hand the ministry that the Lord has called us to in the Dominican.  Just click on the above picture for more info. Building Fund If you would like to play a part in the funding of our school, please click here for more information.  We are extremely excited about the possibility of having class in our own building.  We are waiting upon the Lord to provide the funding, and as He does, we will be faithful to build.

Please prayerfully consider partnering with us.  Click here to give online.