INSIDE
SUMMER 2017
Ecuador
Changed and Changing Lives
Guatemala Forward in Trust
South Africa Nomthandazo’s Story
>foreword By corney les
message from the chairman:
Operative Principles From time to time, Word & Deed’s US and Canadian board chairs are asked to contribute articles reflecting their perspectives on the work of Word & Deed. For this issue, we are using a contribution from Canadian board chair, Corney Les, as the Foreword. Jeremiah 29:4–7 gives us a great picture of God’s desire for His people living in a foreign land. He instructs them to plant their roots and seek the prosperity of the city. One simple way we worship God with our work is to strive for excellence in our work. God has uniquely gifted us with creative talents that are reflective of his nature, and He desires that we use those gifts to create, plant, and cultivate in ways that bless others. I am not making the assertion that it is God’s will for all to be happy, healthy, and prosperous, but that we must display the character of God through our work. Our job as “workers” in the world is to make disciples. We should be sharing lives with other people in our workplace with the desire to spread the love of Christ. God has uniquely placed each of us as a missionary to our workplace. Because Christ has redeemed us from our sin, he has also redeemed our work to bring about redemption in the lives of unbelievers. This Word & Deed Ministries has as its operative principle the theme text of Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” And our mission statement is to help meet the spiritual and physical needs of people in the developing world in accordance with biblical principles.
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is
As I visit many of the projects in various countries, I see the theme text and mission of Word & Deed in action. In visits to Nicaragua and Malawi I’ve seen church leaders receiving instruction in Reformed biblical principles and agriculture programs steeped in prayer. In India, Colombia, Guatemala, and Haiti, Bible study and instruction in the schools is standard. In Malawi, where there is a severe drought at the present time, biblical principles are taught along with food relief programs, etc. While relieving the needs of the poor is important, our operative principle is to bring the Gospel message to all so that they can be saved by believing in Jesus Christ. There is no division between our work and the Gospel, and we strive to address both. This the is the operative principle that Word & Deed strives for—to love in deed and to bring the Word of truth.
operative principle
that Word & Deed strives for— to love in deed and to bring the Word of truth.
There is an implied imperative in the text that everything we do is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. There is no division between the spiritual and secular. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31). Everything we do, God wants us to do
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it for His glory. It is the name of the Lord Jesus that makes the difference. He is the standard by which we measure life. His name stands for integrity, quality, perfection, and honesty. Whatever we do, we must do in His name. Notice that Paul gives an overarching principle. Jesus is the norm by which we measure the direction of our lives. Working for the name of the Lord Jesus clarifies the motives of Word & Deed. Everything we do is motivated by our relationship to him.
On behalf of the Board and staff I thank you for your ongoing support of Word & Deed. We are so thankful that the Lord has inclined your hearts to come alongside in prayer and in funding the work. It is my prayer that His Word will continue to be spread around the world and that it will bring many to a saving knowledge of Him. W&D
Corney Les is the Chairman of the Word & Deed Canada Board. He and his wife, Janet, live in Chilliwack, B.C., where they attend the Chilliwack Heritage Reformed Church.
WORD&DEED
meditation
Official Publication of Word & Deed An International Reformed Relief and Development Agency Free for sponsors and friends
SUMMER 2017 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, and South Africa.
Canada Office PO Box 20100 St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 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 Board of Directors President - Corney Les Vice President - Jake Sinke Secretary - Dave Wielinga Treasurer - Henry de Waal Dr. Arjan de Visser Rev. C. Heiberg John Jagersma Harold Leyenhorst Bert Mulder Dick Naves John Vangameren Lyle Ypma Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke –
International Educational Consultant Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary Rev. Richard Bout URCNA Missions Coordinator Rev. Danny Hyde – Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church
Rev. Mark Vander Hart –
Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, Mid-America Reformed Seminary Rev. Frank Van Dalen – Former Executive Director of the Foreign Missions Board of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
United States Office PO Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 Toll free 866.391.5728 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 Anita Sikkema Peter Van Kempen Registered Charity Number (Canada) 89 120 0941 RR0001 EIN Non-profit Number (USA) 37-1429283 Bible quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.
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By Pastor David murray
Christian Leaders Needed One of the greatest needs in the church and the world is for Christian leadership consistent with the Word of God. What does a Christian leader look like? 1. He serves God and His people The Christian leader sees himself primarily as a servant not a ruler. And, like Jesus, he is a servant of God first, then of His people. He empowers people rather than overpowers them. 2. He exemplifies godly character and conduct The internal life comes first. Without a Christ-like core, everything else will eventually decay and rot. But inner character does produce external conduct. A Christ-like character and Christ-like conduct are the most powerful and yet often most neglected elements of spiritual leadership. 3. He communicates God’s Word A Christian leader reads and studies God’s Word in order to communicate it wisely and lovingly to Christians and non-Christians alike, in different situations, as opportunity arises. 4. He excels in vocational responsibilities He does not over-spiritualize leadership by thinking that prayer and Bible study will cover a multitude of incompetencies and inefficiencies in everyday life. He recognizes his duty to be organized, to be efficient, to keep appointments, to prepare for meetings, and to inspire trust and respect by wise financial stewardship. 5. He unites, equips, and inspires God’s people for worship and works of service One of his greatest aims is to increase the quantity and quality of the worship of God in the church, in the home, and wherever else he has opportunity. While prioritizing worship, he also teaches, trains, organizes, and enables God’s people to serve Him, His Church, and His World as their talents and opportunities allow. 6. He prepares God’s people for eternal life Eternity is ever before the Christian leader. However busy his life or his church’s life, however much he and God’s people serve here below, the Christian leader is ever mindful that the greatest need is for people to be ready to meet God. 7. All in dependence upon God The more we learn what’s involved in spiritual leadership, the more we cry with the Apostle Paul, “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Cor. 2:16). And thankfully we hear the welcome echo, “But my sufficiency is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). In summary, a Christian leader serves God and His people by exemplifying godly character and conduct; by communicating God’s Word to everyone with wisdom and love; by excelling in vocational responsibilities; by uniting, equipping, and inspiring God’s people for worship and works of service; and by preparing them for eternal life, all in dependence upon God. What a difference it would make in the church and in the world if God would raise up such leaders to serve Him. W&D Pastor David Murray ministers to the Grand Rapids Free Reformed Church and is the Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He blogs regularly at HeadHeartHand.org and has authored several books, most recently Reset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture.
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>ECUaDOR By Arlene Jonkman
Changed
and
Changing Lives
The children of the Growing with Hope Sponsorship Program in Cesar Proaño.
In 2004, Ecuador Missions opened a women’s group in the marginal community of Cesar Proaño, in the town of Quinindé, with a twofold strategy: Bible studies to reach the hearts of these lost women, and micro-industry to teach new skills so that they could improve their living situations. Dr. Yeny and I gingerly approached the appointed meeting house with our Bibles in hand. A week before, she and two other women went from door to door inviting the women from Cesar Proaño community to a Bible study/micro-industry meeting. The response was not overly favorable; we were entering a community long held captive by Satan’s chains. Men and women hung out on the streets playing cards and gambling their lives and money away as they drowned their troubles in alcohol. The community was dangerous, as substance abuse, gambling, prostitution, robbery, assaults, and profanity were the rule of the day. The neglected children aggressively fought with one another as the daily survival of the fittest played out its drama in the streets. Looking at the physical reality one can easily become discouraged. With so much need, where do you begin? In missions, you learn very quickly that you need to begin, continue, and end on your knees. We entered the house and found a small group of women waiting for us. During the introductions, Mariela, the “community
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terror” appeared at the door. She was loud, evil, and had no mercy for anyone. She scowled at Dr. Yeny, doubting that this plain woman could be a doctor. It was soon obvious that her motivation was not interest in the Word. She sat down as Dr. Yeny introduced John Chapter 1, and began to explain the stark contrasts that John makes with “light and darkness,” as he compares the world to Christ.
Mariela.
Dr. Yeny with on e of the children of the Ce sa sponsorship prog r Proaño ram.
kick the group out. Another neighbor offered his empty lot, As the study continued, Mariela became visibly upset; but this man too was forced to send them away. A small she loudly objected. She claimed that the teaching was piece of land in front of the community park was for sale. all being made up; we evangelicals were a bunch of liars. Through the generous donations of the Luke Society and Calmly we asked her if she had a Catholic Bible in her some doctors, the mission bought this land and began to home and we encouraged her to read the chapter for meet with the kids on the empty lot. The children eagerly herself, to see if we were telling the truth. Angrily she arrived each Saturday, carrying went home; she dusted off her old the boards that would make their Bible and began to read John 1. makeshift tables. The women in To her utter surprise and dismay, the community made a little shelter her Bible confirmed what we had with reeds and the work continued said. When she got to John 3:19, to grow. Several of the kids were “and this is the condemnation, orphans, and Mariela began to that light is come into the world, care for them in her home. In and men loved darkness rather 2009, Word & Deed became aware than light, because their deeds of this situation and through their were evil,” she could read no generous support we were able further. She demanded that her to construct a building and to neighbor lend her another Bible begin an official child sponsorship to see if it said the same thing. program in Cesar Proaño. After reading the passage in three Bibles, she wept bitterly. God Mariela became an advocate for used His living Word to break the children, especially protecting through her darkness. For the those who suffered abuse. In a first time in her life, she realized This program focuses on the holistic care of town where 80% of the girls were that she was the evil one who children in the neighborhoods of Cesar Proaño, abused before they reached the loved darkness rather than light. Malecón, and Dos de Mayo, and supports over age of 12, it was no small feat. She had gone to the study to 100 children in each one of these neighborNothing had ever been done to harm us and to steal our money. hoods. It offers three nutritious meals a week, punish the abusers and protect Here we had come in God’s name academic enrichment, medical attention, dental the innocent, but she took up to bless the community and she care, workshops for parents and caregivers, and this cause to publicly teach and loved darkness rather than light. Bible studies. Needed in 2017: Child sponsors change the situation. It was soon ($38 CAD/$35 USD per month) That night Jesus the Light began obvious that her energy, once to pierce her darkness. spent in Satan’s kingdom, was now passionately being spent for The following Bible study could not God’s glory. The mission became come soon enough. This time she the first to ever prosecute a went to the study with a hunger pedophile. The perpetrator was and thirst after righteousness, imprisoned and, from the prison, asking us for forgiveness. The Mariela began to receive death Holy Spirit began to dramatically threats. How did she respond? transform her life. The community “Christ laid down his life for me. was skeptical; could this change The least I can do for my Jesus be for real? But as each day went is to lay down my life for one of by, they marveled at her changed these little ones.” She refused attitudes. She found every to succumb to threats and fear, opportunity to repay for the evil and continues to this day as one she had done; they became more of God’s fearless defenders of the underprivileged and and more convinced. She became burdened for the welfare vulnerable. W&D of the children in the community, and with two other ladies
“Growing With Hope” Sponsorship Program
began a Bible study for the children on Saturdays. It wasn’t long before there were 80 children sitting at her feet as she began to teach them from the History of Salvation Sunday School series. At first, she used one of the empty school classrooms in the community, but the Catholic priest became angry and forced the school principal to
Fred and Arlene Jonkman have been working in Ecuador since 1998, and are sent out by Grace Free Reformed Church of Brantford, Ontario. The focus of their ministry, Ecuador Missions, is to equip and empower the nationals to do the work of the Lord in Ecuador. SUMMER 2017 I Word&Deed
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>GUaTeMaLa By Rick Postma
Forward
in
Trust
I have had the privilege of visiting La Palabra Christian School now for nine years. While my visits are comparatively brief, lasting half a day or so, members of the staff and board have become dear friends and fellow workers as we labor together to provide a Christian education for many of the precious children living in and around Monjas, Guatemala. On each of my visits, I emphasize that La Palabra Christian School is their project and that Word & Deed, along with AMG Guatemala, have the privilege of coming alongside them in furthering their vision in dependence on the Lord. What is their vision which was shared with me so well during my first visit? To provide a high-quality Christian education for the children of their congregation and to also use Christian education as a means of bringing the Gospel to many of the poorer families living in and around Monjas. Today, there are 460 children in the school, with 260 of them funded through the sponsorship program and 200 of them funded through payments made by their parents—because they can afford to. This last point highlights an important principle—we should only be helping those who need our help.
During my 2016 visit, the church overseeing the school took me to their outreach at the local dump. The church runs a feeding program there for 150 children three days per week. The children mostly belong to families who make their livings by scouring the dump each day to find items they can resell. Seven of the children now attend the La Palabra Christian School as part of the sponsorship program. We visited several of the homes where children play surrounded by piles of corrugated iron, sharp edges and all, and large bags and barrels filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of pop cans. One young boy, recognizing us from our visit to the school, touchingly ran up to give us a hug. Asked how much they would get for one full container the size of a rain barrel, the answer was the equivalent of around $6. The AMG Guatemala team point to La Palabra as an exemplary school project. Please pray for God’s continued blessing on La Palabra Christian School, the staff, board, local church, and all the precious children. W&D
Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations Up until now, students in grades K–9 have been studying at for Word & Deed Ministries. the school, while those in grades 10–12 have been studying at other schools off-campus. The process of applying for government approval to add grades 10–12 to the La Palabra School is quite involved and includes the need to identify areas of specialty. For some time we considered specializing in agriculture, given the rural location of the school, but this requires the use of a tractor and the purchase or rental of land. Given the high cost of this career option, the school, along with input from AMG Guatemala, has decided to apply for permission to specialize in computer training and business marketing. Other courses will include accounting for entrepreneurs, writing, math, and Bible. We are hoping to begin this program in 2018 with God’s blessing. La Palabra students.
La Palabra christian School In 2002, the Jesús la luz del Mundo church in Monjas, Jalapa, established La Palabra (“the Word”) Christian School. Their dual vision was to provide a Christian school for their own children to attend and to spread the Gospel to impoverished families in the outlying areas of Monjas, which are characterized by poverty and low literacy rates. Today, several
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hundred children attend this school. Parents pay school fees if they have the means, and children from poorer families are sponsored. Students who attend La Palabra receive a Christian education, a morning snack and lunch each school day, medical and dental services when possible, uniforms, and school supplies. FULLY SPONSORED
>SOUTH AFRiCa By Nomthandazo
My name is Nomthandazo. I found out two years ago that I am HIV positive. My life had been difficult since then. I did not receive any support from my family, and my friends started to stigmatize me. I was attending government clinic appointments for my antiretroviral treatment. The clinic was always full and I could not talk to any nurse as they were always busy. I had so much in my mind: confusion, anger, questions, and hatred. I was attacked by a stroke a year ago. Always lying in bed not to be able to bathe myself nor to go out for fresh air frustrated me so much. Thanks to the Almighty Lord, Nakekela found me.
Nomthandazoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story
realized how lucky I am to be brought to this place. Day by day, care workers were doing physiotherapy for me, pastors were often coming for devotions, the nurse was always giving us medication on time, and the doctor was doing regular checkups for all of us on a weekly basis. I can still smell the good, delicious food that was coming from the kitchen. I stayed for three months at Nakekela, then got discharged back home. Today my heart is filled with joy because I can walk by myself, I can bathe myself, and I can do lots of things by myself. The Nakekela Home-Based Care Team still comes to visit me once a week to do physiotherapy because my one hand is not so strong. My family is now attending monthly meetings at Nakekela to be taught how to take care of me and give me support. I am very happy now that the relationship between my family and me is good. I wish Nakekela can help more people in our community who have the same situation I had before. Thank you. W&D
Nakekela HIV/AIDS Clinic Members of the Home-Based Care Team and the Nakekela administrative staff with Pete Van Kempen (far left) and Heidi Pronk (far right).
The Nakekela HIV/AIDS Clinic cared for me at home for a few weeks and I was admitted to their clinic in September 2016. I remember the first day I came to Nakekela I received counseling and could open my heart and talk to someone. I felt so relieved and had a good night that night. The next day, care workers took me to the shower, provided me with clean clothes, and I sat in a TV room with other patients. I realized that there were so many people with more difficult situations than me because of HIV/AIDS. I saw patients with cancer who could not even eat. Then I
The Nakekela Clinic is a step-down clinic for AIDS patients in KwaMhlanga, The Nakekela board members. 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. Needed in 2017: $171,000 CAD / $128,000 USD SUMMER 2017 I Word&Deed
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prayer requests Ecuador: Changed and Changing Lives • Praise the Lord for the incredible changes brought about in Mariela’s life, and for how He is using her to minister to the community of Cesar Proaño. • Pray for the community of Cesar Proaño and the children in the sponsorship program, that the Lord will use Ecuador Missions to bring many into relationship with Him.
Guatemala: Forward in Trust • Pray that the addition of grades 10-12 to La Palabra Christian School will go smoothly and that they will be able to commence classes in 2018. • Pray that the local church’s outreach at the local dump will be blessed, and that many will come to know Christ through their efforts.
South Africa: Nomthandazo’s Story • Praise the Lord for Nomthandazo’s good recovery and for the physical and spiritual care that our partners at Nakekela are providing so well. • Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen the Nakekela staff for their difficult daily task of caring for gravely ill HIV/AIDS patients.
Word & Deed North America • Praise the Lord for all of the fundraising events planned for this summer, many of them longstanding, and for the volunteers who organize them. • Pray that the Lord will bless the efforts of our volunteers as they seek to raise both awareness and funds for Word & Deed projects.
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Sponsoring an Older Child Have you ever considered sponsoring an older child? Many prefer to sponsor a younger child because there is a possibility for a longer-term relationship or because they’d like a sponsor child the same as age their own young children. However, there are several unique reasons that make sponsoring an older child attractive too: •
There is a need! We have 71 children aged ten and older waiting for sponsors in Colombia.
•
There is opportunity for meaningful correspondence. Even if you don’t receive letters that are as detailed as you might hope, your letters are still delivered to a young teen who is very capable of grasping any biblical encouragement or loving support you may offer at a critical time of development in their life.
•
Young teens in your home might be interested in the possibility of writing a student their own age in another country, which can foster awareness of and compassion for their peers in the developing world.
For $38 CAD / $35 USD per month you will make a life-changing impact on your sponsor child! Email Kara at office@ wordanddeed.org, to get started, or visit our website to view more waiting children.
[ Stefany ]
Birthday: October 6, 2002 Stefany likes to dance, sing, and listen to music. She is outgoing and friendly. her favorite color is pink. She wants to have a professional job one day, in order to help her parents.
[ Jaider ]
Birthday: August 3, 2002 Jaider is very responsible and kind. In his spare time he likes to surf the internet, play soccer, and hang out with friends. One of his dreams is to be a professional soccer player.
sponsorsneeded!
wordanddeed.org/ ways-to-give/child-sponsor
[ Elianis ]
CHILD SPONSORSHIP
Birthday: November 22, 2002 Elianis is happy, loving, and friendly. She likes to play soccer and hang out with her family. Her dream is to study either accounting or medicine.
$38CAD / $35USD PER MONTH
[ Mauricio ]
Birthday: February 7, 2003 Mauricio is an honest child, he is not troubled, and he is respectful to his family and those around him. He dreams of being an internationally recognized speaker, and hopes to study social communications.
[ Adrian ]
Birthday: September 7, 2002 Adrian is happy, passive, and respectful. In his free time he plays football and watches television. He dreams of studying technology systems.
[ MARIA ]
Birthday: November 21, 2002 Maria is a cheerful, kind, and responsible girl. She is dedicated to her studies and her favorite subjects are Spanish and art. In her free time she likes to listen to music and read. Her dream is to study pediatrics. Her favorite color is pink.
[ LUZ ]
Birthday: November 26, 2002 Luz is a very responsible, kind, caring girl. Her heart is always willing to help others. She likes to use social media to talk to her friends. Her dreams are to study forensic medicine and/or to belong to the Colombian league of rollerblading.
[ Yhan ]
Birthday: January 25, 2003 Yhan is a happy and extroverted boy. He likes to play soccer and watch sports. His favorite color is yellow.
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>STaFF PROFiLe By Hanna Korvemaker
Director of Projects:
John Otten
John Otten began working for Word & Deed Ministries in 2007 as the Administrative Director, but he and the organization were acquainted well before that. For 17 years previous, he was the Director of the Cubulco Hospital in Guatemala, which was and continues to be supported by Word & Deed. When John and his wife, Connie, decided to move back to Canada with their five Guatemala-born John and Connie with three of their children children (Jolene, Melissa, Sarah, Arlen, Nathan), he (L to R: Nathan, Sarah, and Arlen). was approached by Word & Deed personnel about taking on the position of Administrative Director. Although it was understood by both parties that John’s experience as director of a hospital in the developing If asked, John will tell you that the most enjoyable part world was not necessarily congruous with directing of the work for him is “communicating with people on the administration at an international aid organization, there ground. I think that’s where most of the development were some advantages that made John an attractive and teaching happens”; through phone calls, emails, and candidate for the position. From a strictly administrative conversations that happen throughout the week. “Part of it perspective, he was familiar with the processes and is because I can speak Spanish. They’re better capable of paperwork of international aid, but, more importantly, he expressing themselves in their own language.” was at home with what Sarah Lanier called “hot-climate culture” (or relationship-based culture) in her book Foreign The most difficult part of the work is helping partners find to Familiar, having shared the challenges, perspective, meaningful solutions to the challenges they face. One challenge that is currently being grappled with is the use of language, and daily life of Guatemalans for two decades. children’s homes in India and Myanmar. “We feel like we’re Today, John is the Director of Projects for Word & Deed, and making good strides in this area. Part of the answer is the he agrees that the time he spent in Guatemala has been after-school program [in India] which we’re really, really of great benefit to him in his work with Word & Deed. As happy with. But we have to step into unknown territory. the Projects Director, he oversees all of the Word & Deed Sometimes we have to go against the grain of what other projects (of which there are more than 50) in a general way, organizations [are doing].” which includes taking time to assess the big picture (How well are we implementing our three points of emphasis in Out of all the daily tasks that must be done to support each country?), assessing new partnership requests that our partners in reaching their goals as they minister to come in, and reviewing proposals for the development of their countrymen, John believes that the most important existing projects. He is the Project Manager for five countries piece of the work is emphasizing the transforming power (Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and of the Gospel, and helping believers (both partners and Nigeria) and shares the management of Disaster Relief beneficiaries) in the developing world connect God’s Word projects with Rick Postma. The projects in these five countries to every part of their lives seven days a week. “The Gospel receive more of his specific attention, which includes emails, needs to permeate everything.” W&D Skype calls, and annual country visits to encourage our partners in prayer and mentorship as they set goals, strive Hanna Korvemaker works part-time in Public Relations for to meet them, and deal with different challenges that arise. Word & Deed.
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Seeing Double? Seeing Double? If Word & Deed magazine is being delivered to you at your church and mailed to your home please let us know and help us save on printing and mailing costs.
Upcoming
events
Lethbridge, AB
Softball Tournament June 17
Grand Rapids, MI www.wordanddeed.org 1.877.375.9673 (Canada) I 1.866.391.5728 (USA)
Softball Tournament July 15
Chilliwack, BC
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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charityâ&#x20AC;? 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: Word & Deed Ministries Canada Inc. 39993 Talbot Line, Talbotville, Ontario, charitable registration number 891200941RR0001 OR 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.
Softball Tournament September 9 Paris, ON
Softball Tournament September 16 Calgary, AB
Softball Tournament September 23
Please see our website for more details.
Upcoming Business Group
Meetings Please visit
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credit card donations
It is now easier to donate to Word & Deed via your credit card! We are able to receive credit card donations through our website so you no longer have to visit a third-party website. We also are able to accept credit card donations over the phone in both the U.S. and Canada. wordanddeed.org/donate-canada | wordanddeed.org/donate-usa
for New events and for dates and locations as they are determined
June 2017 Cambridge, ON
September 2017 Niagara, ON
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Meditation: Christian Leadersareas would 2. Compare contrast Mariela’s programmatic be of and benefit for each case Needed characteristics before she became (there may be more than one). a Christian and after she became 1. “One of the greatest needs in for Eternity a Christian. The changes in the churchTransforming and the world isLives for Now and 1. Consider the hardships that Sender faced growing Mariela’s lifehas began with God up Christian leadership consistent with in Guatemala. In what ways has enrollment at La Palabra bringing her into relationship with the Word of God.” Why is this true? Christian School in Guatemala transformed his life? Him through His Word. Can you 2. There are several examples of 2. “Empty stomachs don’t have ears.” Explain this in also find evidence of healing Christian leaders or Christian statement in your own Mariela’s words. relationship with self, leadership in this issue of Word others, and creation? & Deed magazine. Choose one New Beginnings at Nakekela Guatemala: Forward in Trust example and theNakekela ways youwebsite 1. outline Visit the (www.nakekela.co.za) to read can see the seven principles of of the 1. List Word & Deed’s about the history organization on thethree mainpoints page.of Christian leadership at work. How has Nakekela grownemphasis since its (http://wordanddeed. inception in 2004? Ecuador: Changed and Changing org/about-us). Mercy and Glory at the Nakekela Step Down Facility Lives 2. How can you see each of these 1. Put yourself in the shoes of somebody living the principles at work in theinMonjas 1. In their book When Helping KwaMhlanga community. How would you feel about projects? Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian the opening of the HIV/AIDS Clinic and why? South Africa: Nomthandazo’s Fikkert promote a biblical 2. How hasthat the community perception of the Nakekela Story framework of poverty changed since its inception? Why has it changed? originated withClinic Bryant Myers, a 1. Refer back to the definition of leading Christian development poverty (as outlined in When Introducing: Children of Light thinker. They that “...before Hurts) provided the 1. say “Families who did send Helping their children to schoolinwere the fall, God established four question under the “Ecuador: often sacrificing heavilyfirst to do so, suffering from a foundational relationships forand an inability Changed and Changing lack of food, to provide their Lives” children each person: awith relationship with heading. evidence broken proper clothing and school What supplies.” Listoffive God, with self,reasons with others, relationships you see from Join or Die? thatand Christian education is can so valuable, in with the rest of creation. Theseworld and Nomthandazo’s description of her 1. “Corporate worship is . . . the centerpiece of the Christian the developing in North America. relationships theBulan building how did that brokenness life.” Explain how this is true using scripture. Here is one 2. are Aren is motivatedlife, to and become a doctor because blocks for all of they affect passage to get you started: Hebrews 10:24-25 oflife. theWhen lack of medical care onher? his home island of are functioningRote. properly, humans 2. What evidence properlyyou 2. Explain what Pastor Boekestein means when he compares Make a list of the needs you seeofaround experience the(at fullness of at lifeschool, among functioning, church membership to parents making their children eat home, friendsGod-glorifying or otherwise). that God intended... Poverty relationships can you see and their dessert. What can youisdo now to make a difference? the result of relationships that how did those relationships affect CDA: A Transformational Approach to Poverty Serving Through Word do not work...” What evidencethe Written Nomthandazo? 1. The mission of CDA is carried out through projects in Discuss the statement: “The written word of broken 1. relationships can following you 3. Based on what you can see in this five main “programmatic areas.” List those areas and is powerful and handled carefully.” see from Arlene’s description of should be article, in what ways is Nakekela do some research to understand what they entail if 2. Martha mentions the different talents andhealing privileges the community of Cesar Proaño? working to bring to the you’re not sure. that each of us are given by God. Compared to students List any examples you can find relationships of their patients with 2. Re-read the stories of Andrea, Shirley, Juan David, in the developing whatthemselves, unique privileges have of broken relationships with God,world, God, others, and the Genaro and Briceida. List which of the five CDA youcreation. been given? How can you use them for God’s glory? self, others, and rest of creation?
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