W&D Magazine Spring 2016

2016

INSIDE

SPRING

Colombia

School with a Purpose

Haiti

Adoration Christian School

South Africa

Ten Years of Service

Indonesia Shining the Light of Christ in Indonesia

>foreword

By Rick Postma

Called

to be

Obedient

God’s people are called to be obedient and to leave the victory in HIS hands.

Thank you for partnering with us in 2015 to bring both the Word as well as a biblically shaped deed into the lives of countless precious individuals in Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia.

Canadian and U.S. boards and staff. We are striving to be obedient, putting His Word first, while doing what we can along with our partners to impact the lives of thousands of people with immortal souls. What a privilege it is.

As we look back on 2015, we recognize that Christianity all over the world is being attacked from many angles. In the West, secular rulers are leading us further and further from our biblical moorings. Islam is slaughtering many precious people made in God’s image, including Christians, while also seeking to undermine the liberties of Western societies. In many of the countries Word & Deed is working in, the vices of the West are leading to increasing addiction, abuse, and violence. What can we do counter this onslaught?

Please pray for Christians in these and other countries as well as for the spread of the Gospel. Many Yazidi refugees have heard the Gospel, likely for the first time in their lives, due to the venomous hatred of ISIS—may the strategies and tactics of the enemy continue to be used by God to bring the seeds of the Gospel into the lives of many. “Take counsel together, and it shall come to nothing; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us” (Is. 8:10).

I learned something very important as a young man when I was trying to press and even “drag” people into the Kingdom of God while working for a large corporation in downtown Toronto. God’s people are called to be obedient and to leave the victory in His hands. Some are called to plant, others to water, but it is up to God to grant the increase.

At Word & Deed, that is what we are striving to do as

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In this issue, we highlight projects in Colombia, Indonesia, and South Africa where many of the problems mentioned above are a stark daily reality. In the Meditation, Pastor Stewart reminds us that we must trust in Christ, fight against compromise, and never underestimate the power and resolve of the enemy. W&D Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.

WORD&DEED Official Publication of Word & Deed An International Reformed Relief and Development Agency Free for sponsors and friends

SPRING 2016 Editor Rick Postma

Assistant Editor Hanna Korvemaker

Graphic Design Knor Graphic Design Solutions Copy Editors Shelly Crites Susan Trentacosti In response to Jesus’ command to love others, Word & Deed is an international, evangelical relief and development ministry that provides funding to meet spiritual and physical needs among people in developing countries. With cooperating offices in St. Thomas, Ontario, and Hudsonville, Michigan, Word & Deed partners with Christian agencies in Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Myanmar, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Malawi, South Africa, and South Sudan.

Canada Office PO Box 20100 St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 Ph 519.633.2333 Fax 519.633.7181 Toll free 877.375.9673 office@wordanddeed.org

Director of Projects John Otten Director of Promotion Rick Postma Office Administrator Scott Koopman Support Staff Hanna Korvemaker John Kottelenberg Kara Luiting Nancy Sinke Heather VanMeppelen-Scheppink Board of Directors President - Corney Les Vice President - Dave Wielinga Secretary - Rev. T. Bergsma Treasurer - Henry de Waal Dr. Arjan de Visser Rev. C. Heiberg Harold Leyenhorst Bert Mulder Dick Naves Lyle Ypma Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke – International Educational Consultant

Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of

Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Rev. Danny Hyde – Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church

Dr. Nelson D. Kloosterman –

Executive Director and Ethics Consultant for Worldview Resources International Rev. Frank Van Dalen – Former Executive Director of the Foreign Missions Board of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

meditation

<

By Pastor mark stewart

Fear Not! In Revelation 13:1–10, John describes the vision he received of a beast rising out of the sea. To this beast, the dragon gives his power and throne and authority (vs. 2). We see symbols of demonic evil at work on the earth, as Satan takes advantage of man’s rebellion and hatred against God. Men and women cannot help but worship, and Satan invites and encourages idolatry, as so many bow down before the popular false gods of money and power. We can see this vision being played out in history up to the present day as earthly governments and armies, corrupted by evil, are used for nefarious ends. Although ISIS and Boko Haram and Syria see themselves exercising real power, they are merely under the control of the beast. Yet their influence is significant, seen in the violence on the streets of places as varied as Kabul, Paris, and San Bernardino.

Satan’s greatest delight involves taking on those who belong to his ultimate enemy, the Lord Jesus Christ. So we find him, through the beast, able to “make war with the saints and to overcome them.”

We find many of our brothers and sisters facing terrible opposition, with threats challenging their faith and increasing their fear. The world bows under the authority of the beast, crying out, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” The church, on the contrary, wisely sees the hand of God even in the rage of the enemy. In John’s vision, both the dragon and the beast(s) are under a greater authority, that of Jesus Christ Himself. In Chapter 1, He is a kingly figure, “His eyes like a flame of fire . . . and His voice as the sound of many waters.” He is clearly the One ultimately to be feared in the vision. And yet the message to the church is one of assurance, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.

Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (1:17b-18).

Our message then, to our persecuted co-laborers, is this: Fear not! Those whose names have been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain, those who worship the living God, need not fear because they belong to Him (13:8). And how about Christians living in North America? We must never underestimate the resolve and power of the enemy, we must trust in Christ, fight against compromise, and hear the Pastor Mark Stewart message of the vision: has served as “Here is a call for pastor of the United the endurance Reformed Church and faith of the of Burlington, saints” (ESV, Washington, since 13:10). W&D October 2011.

United States Office PO Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 Ph 616.896.3160 Toll free 866.391.5728 Fax 616.896.9219 usoffice@wordanddeed.org

Office Administrator Heidi Pronk Board of Directors President - Pete Vander Stel Vice President - Paul Laman Secretary - Harry Kooistra Treasurer - Karen Vander Sloot Eric Brandt Dave Byker Anita Sikkema Peter Van Kempen

Registered Charity Number (Canada) 89 120 0941 RR0001 EIN Non-profit Number (USA) 37-1429283

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>COLOMBIA

By Guillermo Ramirez

School

with a

Purpose

A classroom at JCCS. Studying in the John Calvin Christian School (JCCS) in the community of Las Americas in Barranquilla, Colombia, makes a great difference in the formative and spiritual growth processes of both students and families. Unfortunately, violence, dropping out of school, teenage pregnancy, involvement in drug consumption or dealing, and gang culture in schools have been increasing over the last years, especially in vulnerable areas like those in which the Corporación Dios es Amor (CDA) schools are located. However, JCCS has made a difference in the area due to its approach of holistic intervention based on Christian principles and values. Our model of education (“School with a Purpose”) improves the quality of life of families through teachings intended to make a positive impact on the habits, thoughts, and behaviors of the students who, in turn, are prepared to replicate those truths in the hostile environments they live in. Our educational model gives the spiritual and socioaffective aspects of development predominance.

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CDA’s holistic, Christian, educational model at JCCS is a crucial factor in promoting the holistic transformation of this community. Furthermore, the networking of the school with the local churches increases even more its impact in the community. This has made the work of evangelization and discipleship gain much prominence among the people.

There are many testimonies of children and families whose lives have begun to be transformed with their joining JCCS. For example, 17-year-old 7th-grader, Roger, has restored his relationship with God, his family, and his community with the support of all the JCCS team. Roger goes to Genezareth Baptist Church and has become a strong follower of Christ. He serves in the worship band of his church. When he first came to this school several years ago, he was an abused kid who had difficulty adapting and a violent family background. But the Word of God and the educational model of the organization have made a transformative impact on his life.

consciousness of our powerlessness should cast us upon Him who has all power. Here then is where a vision and view of God’s sovereignty helps, for it reveals His sufficiency and shows us our insufficiency.

A

Arthur W. Pink

Projects have been implemented, such as the Antivirus Mission with 6th-11th graders, which discusses the challenges facing youth and intends to strengthen their character; or the School of Practical Ministries that links students, parents, and members of the Christian community in the area and intends to strengthen leadership skills and commitment to the Great Commission; and Mission: Character which intends to bring staff members to a greater awareness of the vision of CDA and the spread of the core values of Christianity. Together, these programs are contributing to the sustainable transformation of communities.

Such has been the impact of CDA through JCCS that plans are now being made to work together with other schools in the area that want to be part of the transformative process of these communities. CDA’s “School with a Purpose” model has become a benchmark for its capacity to deliver holistic formative processes intended to be replicated through entire generations on the basis of Jesus’ teachings. This drives my motivation as a director, knowing that we can cause transformation by the power of the Gospel in the community of Las Americas and its surroundings in this world in crisis.

J o hn C a l v in

We are very thankful for each and every donor to this project.

With your contributions we have been empowered to live in God’s calling. We want the donors to know that the presence of JCCS in the community has made a transformative impact on Las Americas. There is evidence of a decrease in murders, robbery, teenage pregnancy, and domestic violence. We can confidently report that the continual process of evangelization has begun to yield very encouraging fruits.

christian school Word & Deed partners with CDA (Corporación Dios es Amor or the God is Love Corporation) to fund a number of projects in Colombia, including the John Calvin Christian School. Word & Deed facilitates the sponsorship of close to 300 children here. The school’s general objective is to minister to families in the vulnerable community of Las Americas in Barranquilla, Colombia, through education (pre-primary, primary, and high school), the promotion of health and prevention of disease, and the strengthening of families, while sharing the good news of the Gospel. Still needed in 2016:

$330,000 (CAD) / $245,000 (USD)

Our hope is to continue evangelizing with our holistic development model to contribute to the transformation of the minds and lifestyles of people in this area through “School with a Purpose.” That way, we are walking toward the vision of a transformed Colombia that blossoms as the peace of God permeates the generations. W&D Guillermo Ramirez is the Director of John Calvin Christian School in Colombia.

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>HAiTi

By Pastor Octavius Delfils

Adoration Christian School: its Uniqueness and its Impact Friends and ministry partners often ask me, “What is the hope for Haiti?” When you consider the poverty, brokenness, and corruption that have plagued this country for years, you would understand that it is a legitimate question that anybody interested in a ministry in Haiti would ask. I have heard all sorts of answers to that question and propositions of solution to the many problems of this country. However, I am convinced that what Haiti needs first and foremost is a Christian vision of society. This vision can only come through the faithful ministry of good Reformed churches and good Reformed schools.

Adoration Christian School fits well to that vision of alleviating poverty and attaining sustainable development.

In that sense, Adoration is unique in its work in this community. I have taught in a number of schools during the past decades and most of them are Christian schools. I have seen that most of them are Christian only by name and that nothing differentiates them from other schools. Teachers and staff members at Adoration testify that what keeps them in the school is the Christian atmosphere in which they are working. Adoration is one of the relatively rare schools in Haiti that focuses on a genuinely Christian view of education– that teaches that all of what we do is an act of worship.

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Adoration is not only unique in its Christian perspective, but also in its quality Christian education program. It is well-known that the quality of the education in many Haitian schools is not the best. Most of them don’t have the means or the education and vision to offer a quality education. Adoration is a unique school that offers a quality Christian education to very poor children, who otherwise would be poorly educated in a government school or would go uneducated.

Adoration is also unique as it brings the opportunity to preach the Gospel to the students and parents. In that sense, the school is a mission field to the church. The Bible is taught seriously in classrooms and the Gospel is preached to parents any time we have a gathering. As a Bible teacher in the school, I am pleased with the opportunity to share the Gospel in preaching, in conversations with students and parents, and in inviting them to church. The Lord blessed this ministry and is growing His church through the school’s ministry.

The ministry of the school is bearing fruit through its impact on the lives of people in the community. I have seen lives that changed through the progress of the Gospel. As we are teaching and talking to students and parents about Christ, the

Lord is bringing people to Himself. I have students who sometimes come to me and ask to know more about the Lord. Every year we have our baptism class; we always have students who come to know the Lord through this ministry.

As a pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Delmas that meets in the facilities of Adoration, I have seen students growing in their faith and service to the Lord. One of the many examples that struck me during the past months is that of Céliane. This young girl came to faith through the ministry of the school and she started to attend the church three years ago. She was baptized in 2014 and is growing from a shy girl to a leader, very effective and very engaging with the youth and the children. She and other examples show that the Lord is saving people through the ministry of the school.

The impact of Adoration is growing also in the area of service. The impact clubs offer a broader variety of service opportunities this year and our focus on “Learning for Serving” is starting to bring tangible fruits. The willingness to serve becomes more and more evident. I have seen more joy in students and parents who serve in cleaning the school, helping an abused lady to build her house, and offering additional time to help feed students. I am pleased to see teachers giving extra time to help students.

One way to measure the impact of the school on the students is to compare those who have been under the direct influence of Adoration staff during the last five years with the students of the program who are studying in other schools. The difference in Christian character is evident. The impact of Adoration shows more and more in the community, and the reputation of the school is growing as we approach the completion of secondary classes by adding a grade every year. We appreciate your prayers and support to this unique ministry. W&D Pastor Octavius Delfils (“Pastor Tav”) serves as pastor at the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Haiti, alongside Pastor Ben Hopp. He is an MDiv graduate of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2007 by Calvary Presbytery (PCA) as a missionary evangelist to Haiti. He also teaches Bible classes at the Adoration Christian School.

Adoration Christian Centre Adoration Christian Centre is Word & Deed’s partner in Haiti. They are a holistic, Christian, development foundation serving and discipling Haitians in Port-au-Prince. They focus on poverty relief and supporting at-risk families through community development and education through the Adoration Christian School. Their vision is to see a new generation of Christian leaders prepared and equipped to serve and impact their communities for the glory of Jesus Christ. Randy & Karen Lodder are the Directors of Adoration Christian Centre. Still needed in 2016:

$385,000 (CAD) / $290,000 (USD)

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>SOUTH AFRICa

By Dorcas Mathibela

Nakekela Clinic: Ten Years of Service

God has been wonderful! He has done great things through all these years in our lives. We have heard great testimonies, witnessed great changes, and seen lives being transformed in our community. Celebrating ten years of service made us realize the importance of collaborating with other stakeholders in our community. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done all the work without the help of our local clinics, hospital, other NGOs, police stations, churches, schools, social departments, and others. We thank the Lord Almighty for bringing all these people to help us.

It was wonderful to see many ex-patients attend our celebration.

Community members, different NGOs, staff from local clinics, and youth members of the ruling party in South Africa attended too. The place was decorated nicely so that community people would feel special. Nice food and drinks were prepared for them after the celebration.

Nakekela has admitted 965 patients from October 2005 through October 2015. We had wonderful times together with our patients still in our care. We became one big family, sharing our stories, tears, and joys. It was painful to remember those who have passed away. Though they passed away, they died in peace and dignity. Ex-patients gave testimonies during their time at Nakekela. They gave wise words to the

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community, encouraging the community to visit local clinics for HIV tests to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. They also testified about the good care and support they received at Nakekela through spiritual care, physiotherapy, counseling, and other services rendered at the center. Ellah Mahlangu, the Home Based Care (HBC) worker who is also an expatient, told the story of her life--about how she got sick and was admitted to Nakekela, her recovery, and how she was later hired as an HBC worker. She said today she is proud of Nakekela for all the love and support she received. That drove her to give back to the community by being an agent of change through Nakekela.

Many community groups came to celebrate with some activities. We had dance groups, young motivational speakers talking about HIV/AIDS, virginity groups encouraging youth to abstain, groups reading or reciting HIV/AIDS poems, and other community members who encouraged Nakekela staff to continue doing the good work. The Nakekela choir served the community with nice music.

Special thanks to our two main donors, Word & Deed and De Verre Naasten. We give all the glory to the Almighty God for touching their hearts. Nakekela is very grateful for all the support in ten years of service. W&D Dorcas Mathibela is the General Manager of the Nakekela HIV/AIDS Clinic in South Africa.

Nakekela Clinic The Nakekela Clinic is a step-down clinic for AIDS patients in KwaMhlanga, South Africa. The purpose of the clinic is to treat AIDS patients and to alleviate the horrible symptoms that accompany the disease, while bringing the Word of God to the afflicted. There are 28 beds in the clinic and a staff of nurses, doctors, and home-based care workers. Staff members visit and assess not only potential patients but also follow up with those who have already been discharged. Dr. Sonja Miskin oversees the medical aspects of the clinic. Still needed in 2016:

$160,000 (CAD) / $120,000 (USD)

elLAHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s testimony In 2006, Ellah was diagnosed with HIV and admitted to Nakekela shortly thereafter. The effects of the disease had weakened her so much that upon admission she could not walk or talk. The caregivers kept coming in to check on her and take her vitals. Ellah remembers that Babette came in every day before she went to her office to see how she was doing. She believes that the love and care she was shown contributed to her recovery. Staff members recall with smiles Ellahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s determination to return to health.

Every morning she would say to them that she was going to learn to walk again and then be able to care for herself.

Slowly, Ellah did improve. On the day she was discharged, she was determined to walk home instead of getting a lift in the vehicle. Babette walked along with her.

When she arrived home, her family was so happy to see her. They could not believe that she was healthy again.

They phoned neighbors and other family members to come and see.

When she had recovered her full strength, she began to visit Nakekela and find out if she could get a job there. She wanted to help other people that were faced with the same situation as she. In 2012 she was hired as a replacement Home Based Care worker, initially to replace another care worker on leave, but then hired on full time. Her eagerness and zeal to help sick people urges others to fight the battle against HIV/AIDS. She frequently phones the office about new critically ill people and to see if there are open beds at Nakekela. She loves to educate the community about HIV and how to prevent it, and to give hope to those who suffer from the devastating effects. Like the other staff at Nakekela, she participates in weekly Bible studies and personal Christian counseling sessions. Even though she suffered through incredible weakness and rejection from her husband, Ellah is still an optimistic person, passing on her enthusiasm to others and encouraging the Nakekela staff to press on in their work.

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SPONSORSHIP SPONSOR A CHILD IN COLOMBIA

Diego

Birthday: August 5, 2003 Diego is a young athlete and likes to play football.

He likes to study and is responsible with his school activities. His favorite food is rice with coconut and meat. He lives with his parents and two brothers. The family relations are stable, they are very close to each other, they like to spend time together, they provide support and understanding; conflicts are resolved through dialogue. Diegoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father works sporadically as a bricklayer. The house they live in was obtained through a housing subsidy for displaced people.

Candy

Birthday: May 20, 2003 Candy is the oldest of two siblings. She would like to be a doctor when she grows up to care for her parents when they get sick. Candy loves to dance, watch TV, play with her friends, and play sports.

She gets up early every day to help her mother with household chores and then to do her academic activities. Her parents are separated. She and her siblings live with their mother, but their father is not a big part of their lives. They have a good relationship with their stepfather.

Anderson

Birthday: August 9, 2001 Anderson is a cheerful, charismatic, and responsible child. He enjoys helping his mother with the household chores, specifically with cooking. Playing soccer and reading are his hobbies. He would like to be able to go to college and study to become an automotive engineer. Anderson lives with his parents and four brothers.

Maira

Birthday: August 31, 1999 Maira is a happy girl who likes to sing and dance. She is very studious and likes to take an active part in her classes.

She lives with her mother, stepfather, and siblings. Her parents separated some years ago and her father has not been in touch with her. She has a good relationship with her stepfather.

Diego

Please write today!

Contact Kara at office@wordanddeed.org if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure how to get started.

CHILD SPONSORSHIP

$38CAD / $35USD PER MONTH

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Education

By Rick Postma

About Word & Deed: How are Project Applications As I and other members of the Word & Deed team travel across Canada and the USA to meet with supporters, one common question we get asked is, “How does Word & Deed decide which

Handled?

projects to support?” In this article, I hope to answer this question in a rather abbreviated form given space constraints.

A Living Legacy As generation gives way to generation in North America, billions of dollars change hands. Who will benefit? Consider adding a child named “Charity” to your will and leave a legacy that lives on through the work of the Lord on this earth. Please contact the Word & Deed office or visit our website for more information on planned giving.

I hereby give to the Word & Deed Ministries Canada Inc. 39993 Talbot Line, Talbotville, Ontario, charitable registration number 891200941RR0001 [a specific percent] of the residue OR [a specific amount] of my estate, to be used in fulfillment of its proper purpose.

I hereby give to Word and Deed USA, Hudsonville, Michigan, EIN non-profit number 37-1429283, [a specific percent] of the residue OR [a specific amount] of my estate, to be used in fulfillment of its proper purpose.

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Some Initial Questions Let me begin by saying that we receive a number of requests each month.

A high percentage of these requests come from the developing world as people hear about our work in a certain country or come across our website. We rarely, if ever, entertain these requests which come to us “out of the blue.”

Other requests come either directly or indirectly through our support base and are given more serious consideration.

A priority is given to those prospective partners who have a Reformed biblical perspective or a desire to move in this direction. Our assessment then moves on to questions such as: Do we have staff capacity to take on additional projects? Does the project come with some of its own funding or do we need to raise it all? How large and complex is the project? Is the request coming from an existing Word & Deed partner? Our boards have also asked us to give some priority to requests affecting persecuted Christians. Another important concern is whether the project builds up the

Business Group

local church and whether a local church or missions organization provides spiritual and ecclesiastical oversight of the people involved.

Deed boards in Canada and the USA agreed to sign a partnership agreement with them. One project that has been approved under this partnership (each project goes Partnership Agreements through a separate approval process It is important to understand that Word needing the approval of both the staff & Deed doesn’t accept projects without and the projects committee made up first having a partnership agreement of members of both the U.S. and in place with the church or missions Canadian boards) is the addition of organization directly overseeing four classrooms and one storage the project(s). Before a partnership room to the Cush4Christ Christian agreement can be signed, we spend School. In our meeting with members time meeting with members of the of their board, we overseeing body. A critical quickly found that concern is whether they it is a we are very much on agree with Word & Deed’s the same page. The mission and mandate. school was already Often the discussion self-sufficient with is shaped by our three to work respect to operating areas of emphasis: together in costs (parents pay Does the prospective school fees) and this way partner and project indigenous Christians have a Gospel focus and are doing the teaching biblical methodology? and increasingly taking our Do they agree that the on the administrative project must lead to selfroles. The main area sufficiency under Christ and with our we asked them to even if this will take address was the lack quite a number of years? of a local school board Are they committed to in the devel- overseeing the work, developing indigenous oping world. and they were only too Christian leadership if the glad to comply. project isn’t already led by indigenous leaders? The partnership There are many more questions investigation process also usually that are considered, but the above involves one or more visits to the field. does provide a good overview of the process involved.

NAPARC Word & Deed has been positioned with Working Together NAPARC (North American Presbyterian On behalf of the staff and boards and Reformed Churches) as a means of Word & Deed, I can say that it of working together across like-minded is a wonderful privilege to work denominations in a diaconal capacity together in this way with you, our coming alongside one another in supporters, and with our partners our missions efforts. The Reformed in the developing world. Together, Presbyterians, for example, have a we can work on building the walls wonderful work in South Sudan which of Zion with the prayer that the they have named “Cush4Christ.” Lord will bless the work to both the After meeting with members of their temporal and eternal well-being of missions board in 2015, visiting their countless immortal souls. W&D

wonderful privilege

Meetings please stay tuned for confirmed dates and locations April 2016 Calgary, AB Central Alberta Edmonton, AB Neerlandia, AB (Launch!)

Southern Alberta May 2016 Cambridge, ON West Michigan June 2016 Abbotsford/Langley, BC Chilliwack, BC

with you

supporters, partners

work in South Sudan where a growing number of churches have been planted with indigenous pastors, the Word &

Rick Postma is Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2016 SATURDAY,7:30 APRIL pm 30, 2016

7:30 pm Providence Free Reformed Church 269 St. George Rd.,Reformed St. George, Church Ontario Providence Free 269 Free St. George Rd., St.inGeorge, will offering supportOntario of

& Deed Free willWord offering in support of Word & Deed

MUSICASACRACHORUS.COM MUSICASACRACHORUS.COM

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prayer Bike-a-thon requests 2016

Niagara , ONtari o

School with a Purpose

• Pray that John Calvin Christian School (JCCS) will be used by God to transform the community of Las Americas and beyond.

• Thank the Lord for the influence that JCCS is already having in the lives of children like Roger and his family.

• Pray for the continued spiritual growth and development of the JCCS staff, that they may be equipped to serve many hurting children and families in the name of Christ.

Join us for our

10 annual th

Bike-a-thon!

We welcome all past and new participants to help us celebrate this milestone.

june 4, 2016 Help us reach our goal of

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$100,000!

Adoration Christian School: Its Uniqueness and Its Impact

• Pray that Adoration Christian School will be used by God to transform Haiti.

• Thank the Lord that many have been brought to Christ through this ministry, and pray that many more eyes would be opened to the truth and beauty of the Gospel message.

Nakekela Clinic: Ten Years of Service

• Thank the Lord for ten years of blessing on the Nakekela Clinic!

• Please pray that the staff at Nakekela would be strengthened for their daily (often difficult and emotionally draining) task of serving patients who are very ill, some facing death.

FROM THE Word & Deed North America

• Pray for wisdom for the members of the Project Committee, who regularly review new project and partner applications.

• Thank the Lord for providing us with another staff member, Scott Koopman. Pray that he will make a smooth transition to the Word & Deed Team, and that he will find joy in serving the Lord in his new position as Administrator.

BOARD

BERNIE PENNINGS In April 2015, Bernie Pennings and Word & Deed parted ways due to differences about the future vision and methodology of Word & Deed Ministries.

Bernie played a crucial role in establishing Word & Deed Ministries in 1994, working with legal representatives to write the necessary by-laws for incorporation and working on various policies and procedures. On many occasions over the years, Bernie and his wife, Ina, provided a warm and welcoming home to people from the developing world.

While employed at Word & Deed, Bernie visited many countries in the developing world and worked to put in place partner and project agreements to reflect our mission and mandate. In his relationships with partners in the developing world, Bernie exhibited a patient and culturally sensitive manner and developed a reputation for being able to sit on a mud floor in a hut all day discussing local needs.

Bernie had a lead role at Word & Deed with respect to disaster relief and the assessment of new prospective partners, and provided a sounding board for other staff with respect to new projects and ideas under consideration.

Word & Deed Ministries wishes Bernie and his family the Lord’s blessings for the future.

The Board of Directors of Word & Deed Ministries Welcome, Scott!

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to Scott Koopman who joined the Word & Deed family this month.

Scott has taken on the role of Administrator from John Otten, who will now be spending more of his time in the Projects Department.

We are excited to have Scott on the team and thankful that the Lord has provided another staff member for Word & Deed.

Scott is pictured below with his wife, Jen, and their four children: (L–R) Mayelle, LilaJoy, Owen, and Jenna-Grace.

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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID HUDSONVILLE, MI PERMIT #204

Publications Agreement # 40595030

Meditation: Fear Not! 1. List the different incidences of “demonic evil at work on the earth” that Pastor Stewart gives. What are some other examples that you see in the world?

2. Why must we never “underestimate the resolve and power of the enemy”?

3. Should we fear Satan? Why or why not?

School with a Purpose 1. Why is a holistic model of education (one that takes into account the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of students) so effective and so necessary in Barranquilla, Colombia? Consider Roger, who Guillermo mentions in the third paragraph.

2. Why is it crucially important that JCCS is able to partner with local churches?

3. How does JCCS have the potential to be used by God to transform all of Colombia?

Adoration Christian Ten of programmatic areasNakekela would be Clinic: of benefit forYears each case School: Its Uniqueness Service (there may be more than one). and Its Impact 1. When the Nakekela HIV/AIDS Clinic Transforming andfirst forestablished, Eternity it was looked 1. In what ways is Adoration Lives Now was Consider the hardships that Sender hasand faced growing Christian1.School Unique?

Pastor on with suspicion prejudice by up in Guatemala. has enrollment at La Palabra Tav lists at least three ways. In what ways many in the community due to the transformed his life?

2. In what ways Christian can we seeSchool in Guatemala stigma surrounding the disease.

2.

“Empty stomachs don’t have ears.” Explain this the positive Impact that the Based on the article by Dorcas, do statement in your own words.

Adoration Christian School is you think this has changed? What having inNew Haiti?Beginnings Pastor Tav listsat Nakekela evidence is there? at least two 1. ways.

Visit the Nakekela website (www.nakekela.co.za) to read the history of the organization on the main page.

3. Consider howabout the school How has grown since its inception in 2004? you attend compares toNakekela the Adoration Christian School.

Mercy and Glory at the Nakekela Step Down Facility What similarities you see?in the shoes of somebody living in the 1. Put do yourself What differences?

KwaMhlanga community. How would you feel about 2.

the opening of the HIV/AIDS Clinic and why?

How has the community perception of the Nakekela Clinic changed since its inception? Why has it changed?

Join or Die? 1. “Corporate worship is . . . the centerpiece of the Christian life.” Explain how this is true using scripture. Here is one passage to get you started: Hebrews 10:24-25 2. Explain what Pastor Boekestein means when he compares church membership to parents making their children eat their dessert.

Introducing: Children of Light 1. “Families who did send their children to school were often sacrificing heavily to do so, suffering from a lack of food, and an inability to provide their children with proper clothing and school supplies.” List five reasons that Christian education is so valuable, in the developing world and in North America.

2. Aren Bulan is motivated to become a doctor because of the lack of medical care on his home island of Rote. Make a list of the needs you see around you (at home, at school, among friends or otherwise).

What can you do now to make a difference?

CDA: A Transformational Approach to Poverty 1. The mission of CDA is carried out through projects in five main “programmatic areas.” List those areas and do some research to understand what they entail if you’re not sure.

2. Re-read the stories of Andrea, Shirley, Juan David, Genaro and Briceida. List which of the five CDA

Serving Through the Written Word 1. Discuss the following statement: “The written word is powerful and should be handled carefully.”

2. Martha mentions the different talents and privileges that each of us are given by God. Compared to students in the developing world, what unique privileges have you been given? How can you use them for God’s glory?

Integration: Integrate Bible, history, geography, critical thinking, current events, and reading comprehension (etc.).

Missions: Challenge students to consider short-term mission trips and the use of their time, talents, and money to the glory of God while also having them ponder their relationship with the Lord.

Problem Solving: Develop problem solving skills in response to problems presented in the articles.

Awareness: Dramatically raise students’ awareness of what people in the developing world face on a daily basis. It will shape them for life.

Compassion: Elicit compassion when students come face to face with the very difficult lives of their peers in the developing world.

Thankfulness: Encourage thankfulness for God’s blessings in their lives.

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Word&deed I

winter 2013