Quick Summer Missions Update

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator

Thank you for your faithful prayers for our summer mission teams. Three of our teams have served
during the month of May. 

Team Honduras was blessed to be able to help in many ways at the Orphanage Emmanuel, sharing the love of Christ with precious children and staff members.

Team Nicaragua served by drilling a well to provide fresh, clean water for a village. They also did some community education in hygiene practices to improve health. 

Team Mexico was able to build a house for a family in great need in a poor community. 

Karly McCroskey served for three weeks in Kipkaren, Kenya, helping out in the children’s home in meeting many needs of those children. 

All of these teams were able to be Christ’s hands as they served in practical ways and were able to share God’s love. Thank you for your partnership. 

Megan Robinson will head to south Asia with her team from Cal Baptist from June 4-24. She will serve in the slums in that region. Please keep her in prayer.

God Sends LBF Across the World This Summer

Overview of Our Summer Missionaries and Short-term Mission Teams

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator

This is an exciting time as our summer mission teams and individuals will soon be heading to their areas of service. Thank you all for your prayers and financial support for these teams and individuals. Thank you for being part of the team!

Team Honduras [May 3-10] They will be partnering with Orphanage Emmanuel. There are about 550 children currently in this facility who are learning about the love of God each day. Our team will be helping in many ways: VBS, arts and crafts, carpentry, farm work, school, music, and more. They will be serving to help meet the greatest needs.

Team Nicaragua [May 11-17] Our team will be partnering with Living Water International and they will be drilling a clean water well and installing a hand pump. They will also be educating the community in hygiene practices to help encourage sanitation and health. This is a wonderful opportunity to help meet the basic need for water in the community as well as sharing the gospel message through relationships that are made.

Team Mexico [May 23-25] Our team will be partnering with Baja Christian Ministries, building a safe home for a family in need. Our team will spend the weekend sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and building a solid weather-proof home for a family in this poor community. 

We also have some individuals who are going and serving:

Audrey Dukes [July 1-6] Serving in Florida with Actors, Models and Talent for Christ

Karly McCroskey [3 weeks in May] Serving in Kipkaren, Kenya in a Children’s Home with Empowering Lives International through Azusa Pacific University.

Megan Robinson [June 4-24] Serving in South Asia, meeting the needs in the slums with a team from Cal Baptist University.

Christina Vargas [July 11-August 7] Serving in Kipkaren, Kenya with Hope Matters International. She will be assisting Michelle Kiprop with community health and education outreaches.

All of our teams appreciate your encouragement and they will greatly benefit from your prayer support. Thank you for your partnership. You are touching many lives for eternity!

Hope Matters Takes Off, Needs Computers

Update on William & Michelle Kiprop and Hope Matters

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator

Last fall I wrote about a new ministry that LBF missionaries, William and Michelle Kiprop, are developing in Kenya. The Lord has been opening many doors for this ministry, and I wanted to update you on what’s happening.

The purpose of Hope Matters is to promote community development through sustainable health, agricultural, and educational programs among communities in Kenya. This will provide holistic care for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It’s all about helping these precious people meet some basic yet critical needs in their lives to bring them hope and enable them to raise their families. We are so thankful for the vision William and Michelle have in reaching out and bringing help to many.

We praise God for His provision of a ministry vehicle that will be used as a community health vehicle and an ambulance. This is so exciting as many, many lives will be blessed as Hope Matters reaches out to remote villages with training and health care programs. And lives will be saved as they are transported to hospitals in  this vehicle. 

Hope Matters is also currently in negotiations to purchase between three and five acres of property for a small hospital as well as their headquarters. Much has been accomplished these past months, and we thank God. In the midst of all the planning, negotiating, looking for the right vehicle, etc., Michelle has continued going to different villages to care for the needs of the people. 

Partnering with Hope Matters through prayer: We can be an important part of Hope Matters through prayer. Please pray for William and Michelle as they move forward with this amazing ministry. Pray for wisdom in the decisions that need to be made, and for strength in accomplishing what is before them. Pray for the many financial needs that are required in starting up a new ministry, and in purchasing property, and in building a hospital. It seems like a huge mountain and yet God is able to provide for every need. Pray also for the funds needed to transport a container filled with donated medical equipment that will equip the hospital and provide much needed care for many lives. Be praying for the ongoing community health care that Michelle does in surrounding areas. 

Also, there is a need for two or three desktop computers. They can be purchased here and transported in the container with the medical equipment that will be shipped to Kenya. These computers are just as important in running the ministry as the medical equipment. If you would be interested in learning how you can specifically help with the purchase of a computer, email michelle@hopemattersintl.org. This is a tangible way we can help. Also, be sure to check out Hope Matters’ website: hopemattersintl.org. This will give you a better understanding of their vision and what’s ahead.

Thank you for partnering with LBF and Hope Matters. You are impacting many lives – around the world – for eternity.

Taking Clean Water to Tanzania

By Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Missions

In January we sent a small team to Tanzania. The purpose of our team was to drill a clean-water well and train the national staff of Empowering Lives International on how to drill a bore-hole so they can begin providing clean water to surrounding communities. It didn’t exactly go smoothly and there were times when we didn’t think we’d be successful, but God was faithful and today a hand pump delivers clean water from the 195-foot well that was drilled. No longer will the people of that community fetch dirty water from the Lake Victoria! Today they pump clean water! Water is LIFE and life has forever changed for the people in that community! Thank you for your prayers for our team!

Missions News From Thailand and the Sea

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator

The Lord has blessed LBF with some very special men and women who are serving Him in cross-cultural places, having a huge impact. He has used their work in reaching out to many people and bringing much-needed help and hope. I want to share some of their exciting news with you.

Pete & Mary

Pete and Mary have been serving in Asia for over 30 years, living in Nepal, Laos, and Thailand. Pete is a veterinarian and the Lord has used him greatly in helping teach nationals how to care for their farm animals. Farm animals are so vital for many people to be able to run their farms, raise their crops, and provide for their families. If their animal is sick, that could be a critical problem for them in survival.

A number of years ago Pete wrote a book called, Where There is No Animal Doctor. The book, a manual that deals with many animal health-related topics, has already been translated into four languages and there are currently four additional languages that are in the middle of translation. This is so encouraging and shows just how crucial the information in the book is. And it is also exciting when we realize that it’s one of our own missionaries who is bringing this life-saving information to other cultures.

Pete and Mary currently live in northern Thailand (Chiang Rai). Pete does animal health clinics with pastors who are also farmers. He continues to teach and serve. Mary serves with the International
Christian School. Together this couple touches thousands of lives.

Contact them: pmqberry@gmail.com, maryqberry@gmail.com

Tom & Terry Velnosky

Tom and Terry have served with Mercy Ships for almost 28 years. Mercy Ships is a ministry that brings a hospital ship, complete with doctors, dentists, nurses, technicians, operating rooms, etc., to the poor nations along the west coast of Africa with healthcare. 

Tom and Terry live in Texas, where the headquarters for Mercy Ships is located. Tom’s role is to procure all the medical equipment, medicines, and many of the supplies for the hospital ship, Africa Mercy. In that role, he also must be aware of how the equipment operates and what it would take to get it repaired (even in Africa) in the event of a malfunction. His position is instrumental to the smooth running of the hospital and the thousands of lives that are helped through the medical care received. This is so encouraging as I think of one of our missionaries in such a strategic position.

There are currently plans underway for Mercy Ships to build a second ship, which will be the world’s largest civilian hospital ship. Tom is involved in the planning and designing of the hospital
portion of the ship. This is really exciting that he is able to be such an integral part of the design. It is also a huge responsibility as well as a great honor for him.

Contact him: Tom.velnosky@mercyships.org 

Please be praying for these couples and their families. You can see that the Lord is using their talents to bless many. Their ministries have far-reaching effects that touch thousands of lives with the love of Christ. It means a great deal to have you support them through prayer. And be encouraged – you are blessing lives around the world!

An Outsider for Jesus – Short-term Missionaries

By Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Missions

Before coming on staff here at Life Bible Fellowship Church, I worked in marketing for an office products manufacturer. We were a growing company and many employees (me included) had lots of great ideas for the future of our company. But the leaders were often slow to listen to the employees. Instead, the leaders – probably like lots of companies – loved to bring in outside consultants to advise on ideas and future direction. Nine times out of 10, it seemed the consultants recommended the same exact ideas the employees had already offered to our leaders. The difference? The company leaders actually listened to the outside consultants. 

As frustrating as that experience was (and is if it happens to you), there’s the reality that sometimes an outsider has greater access and potential for impact than insiders have. Outsiders don’t bring in baggage, precedence, bias, or political agendas that insiders may carry with them. As a result, outsiders can be uniquely positioned to be powerful influencers. 

...for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13–15)

When we travel outside of our culture to share the Gospel, we embrace this great opportunity to influence and proclaim the risen Christ. Jesus celebrates our actions. How beautiful are our feet! We follow His example as He traveled into other cultures, preaching and proclaiming His coming. And we do so in partnership with God’s greater Church. Though we are outsiders, we partner with insiders – churches, missionaries, advocates and organizations – who have long-standing and ongoing work. 

In 2014, LBF is sending out four international, short-term missions teams. We are heading to Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and China. We will be outsiders, partnering with insiders to serve the needs of people and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. Would you pray and consider joining one of our teams? I know for many the thought of traveling outside of the United States is terrifying. Add to that sharing your faith and it’s a deal-killer. Would you pray anyway? Perhaps this is exactly what God wants for you. He wants you to depend on Him daily. He wants you to follow Him – wherever He leads. He wants you to be weak so He can reveal His power. He wants you to grow in Him. 

An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, January 19, at 10:45 a.m. (during third service) in The Garage. Register for the informational meeting here:

Honduras Dates: May 3-10, 2014
Type of service: Ministry to Orphans
Partnering with: Emmanual Orphanage
Approximate cost: $1,200-2,000
Scriptural inspiration: “Although my father and mother have forsaken me, the Lord will take me up” (Psalms 27:10).
About: Emmanual Orphanage was founded in 1989 with a vision to evangelize and disciple children so that they may grow up to be living lights and good examples in the ways of God to their countrymen. Currently the orphanage is home to 550 children. Teams have the potential to serve in a variety of ways: VBS, arts and crafts, carpentry, farm work, school, music, painting, devotions, construction, maintenance, sports, and more. We’ll be working with the orphanage during our trip planning to meet the greatest needs they might have. 

Nicaragua Dates: May 11-17, 2014
Type of service: Drilling a clean water well and hygiene training
Partnering with: Living Water International (LWI)
Approximate cost: $2,500
Scriptural inspiration: “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
About: LWI exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience “living water” – the gospel of Jesus Christ – which alone satisfies the deepest thirst. Our team will spend a week building friendships, educating, and working alongside a specific community that needs clean water. With the help of LWI’s local staff, we’ll drill a clean-water well and install a hand pump. We will educate the community on hygiene practices to help encourage sanitation and health. Throughout this process we will share our faith and the gospel message. Our team will be made up of eight “drillers” and four “hygiene,” for a total of 12 teammates. No previous drilling or hygiene experience is required. LWI’s local staff is there to guide and train you through it all. 

Mexico Dates: May 23-25, 2014 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Type of service: Building safe homes for those in need
Partnering with: Baja Christian Ministries (BCM)
Approximate cost: $500 (this includes funds to build the home)
Scriptural inspiration: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-27).
About: Since October 1991, BCM has been serving the spiritual and physical needs of the poor through engaging short-term mission teams in Baja California, Mexico. Our team will spend a weekend with the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and build a solid weather-proof home for a family in this poor community. Our team will consist of 15 individuals willing to step out of their comfort zone and allow God to use their hard work to bless a family in need. No home building experience required, however some comfort with tools and a willingness to follow instructions is preferred.

China
Dates: 10 days total. Late June/late July 2014.
Type of service: Teaching conversational English
Approximate cost: $2,500-3,500
Scriptural inspiration: “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:6).
About: Our English language provides Americans with a unique opportunity to build relationships with Chinese who desire to practice their conversational English language skills. Many Chinese have learned the nuts and bolts of our English Language, but do not have many opportunities to practice their language skills with a native speaker. And as you help students practice English through your “language practice conversations,” it’s amazing how God can direct your conversations into spiritually meaningful topics and experiences. Are you wondering if you’re qualified? Do you speak English? Are you willing to go, serve, and share your life? No previous teaching experience is necessary.
Nor do you need to speak Chinese (Mandarin). Our LBF Team Leaders happen to be fluent in Mandarin and you’ll be speaking English with your students!

Missions Conference in Turkey Sheds Light on Missionaries’ Needs

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

In October I had the privilege of participating in a missions conference in Turkey. It is such an honor for me to be invited to help lead worship for this annual conference that is usually held in Thailand. This is a great opportunity for me to meet men and women serving the Lord in various locations who come to the conference to gain insights and tools that are necessary in caring for others who serve cross-culturally. I learn so much from those participating, and it gives me a better understanding of what our own LBF missionaries face as they serve.

One thing that seems to come up often when talking with missionaries is that many don’t hear from their church family, and they would love that contact. We need to remember that our LBF missionaries are part of our church family – they just don’t live here and can’t attend on Sundays. I thought it would be fun to highlight a missionary each month and include an email address. I would like to encourage you to consider sending an email just to let them know you’re thinking of them and praying for them. They would be so grateful to hear from you, even if you don’t know them. You could introduce yourself and let them know a little about you and your family. Your encouragement and prayer support is vital, as life cross-culturally is difficult and very challenging.

Joni Brinkley Helps Train Summer Missionaries in Europe

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

This last summer, one of our missionaries, Joni Brinkley, had the opportunity to participate in a conference called “Transform,” which was held in Italy. Joni serves with Operation Mobilization, and she was invited to be a speaker at the conference and encourage those attending to reach out with the light of Jesus to nations in the Mediterranean region. Here are some of her thoughts.

Sonya came from Estonia, Randy came from Germany, Claudia came from Brazil, and Grace came from Hong Kong. People from 30 nations came together in Rome to prepare for a summer of outreach to the Mediterranean nations – to make a difference in people’s lives. Christianity was founded in this part of the world. However, now if there are church buildings there, they are mostly empty. The percentage of people who follow Jesus in that region now is minuscule, both in southern Europe and in north Africa. Hopelessness abounds. 

I was invited to speak at this training conference, helping to equip this enthusiastic group for summer ministry. One evening when I spoke to the 340 participants on the topic “God is our Stronghold,” there was wonderful response from people who want to serve God, but feel wobbly in their walk. Do you ever feel that way? I did other workshops like “Refugees: the World is Coming to Us,” “Hearing God’s Voice,” and “Building Bridges to Share Jesus.” 

God helped me so much. The first day there, I was in a bus accident, escaping with only minor cuts and bruises. The last day there, I didn’t have enough money to cover my night’s lodging, even searching the ground for lost euros and praying for intervention while walking to the convent/motel. 

As I checked in, they informed me that since no private bathrooms were available, they would discount my stay by 8 euros! And every day in between He helped and encouraged me. God was so faithful to me. He always is for each one of us: we can be sure that when we step out, He steps up! 

You can read more about this Transform conference and stories about what God did through outreaches at transform.om.org. Are you interested in going to Transform next summer? Write me at joni.brinkley@om.org. 

It’s exciting to hear Joni’s report and realize that God is at work through LBF’s missionaries in bringing the truth of God’s word to many who have never heard it. Be praying for Joni as she encourages and trains college students and others who desire to “go” and serve.

Hope Matters Int’l Launched by Kiprops

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

We have some exciting news to share about one of our missionary families serving in Kenya and a new ministry they are developing. William and Michelle Kiprop are beginning a ministry called Hope Matters International. The purpose of Hope Matters is to promote community development through sustainable health, agricultural, and education programs among communities in Kenya. This will provide holistic care for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Michelle grew up attending LBF and God put a vision in her heart to pursue medical missions in Africa after she went on several short-term trips there. In 2007, she moved to Kenya to do full-time ministry after completing her Masters of Science in Nursing and becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. She fell in love with Kenya and with William, and they’ve been married since December 2007. In 2011 their son, Ryan, was born to bring added joy to their family.

The vision the Lord put in Michelle’s heart years ago is now becoming a reality. William and Michelle have worked very hard as they have prayed, planned, sought counsel, and prayed more in developing this ministry. Michelle is currently transitioning out of her role with Empowering Lives International as Hope Matters takes flight.

Hope Matters is a licensed 501(C)3 non-profit organization here in the U.S. and it is also a licensed non-profit in Kenya. This has required many hours of filling out paperwork and having meetings to make sure everything is legal and in the proper form. It also requires a board of directors both in Kenya and in the U.S. So William and Michelle have done their due diligence in making sure everything is in place and in order. I encourage you to check our Hope Matters’ website, which is full of pictures and information to help you see and understand the vision: hopemattersintl.org.

Hope Matters recently held an event at LBF to help spread the word and explain further about this amazing ministry. It was a wonderful opportunity for those in attendance to reconnect with William and Michelle, and also to hear about what’s planned ahead. Please pray for Hope Matters and all that’s needed: finances, staffing, future building project, and reaching out into communities with care and hope. This is an exciting ministry and many lives will be touched for eternity.

Pray for Our Missionaries

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

Missionaries, or cross-cultural workers as they are called in some parts of the world, are people like us who have taken a big step to move to other countries, or they are serving in some way cross-culturally while living in the States. Some serve in countries where they have occupations that are not related to “church” and Christianity. They may serve as nurses, agricultural workers, business professionals, teachers, etc. That’s called “tent making.” Some of our missionaries are serving in this way. Others are training national leaders in order for them to reach out to their own people with God’s Word. Others are translating scriptures and training the nationals in literacy. And others procuring equipment for a hospital ship to care for physical needs in Africa. Missionaries have a variety of responsibilities and roles they fulfill as they serve the Lord and share His love.

It was such a blessing that several of our missionary families came to visit us this summer. I hope that you were able to meet them, talk with them, and get acquainted. Missionaries love connecting with their church family, and when they’re in the area they come and visit LBF and get to know you. Some of our missionaries have been part of LBF since our early days, while others grew up attending LBF, and some have connected with us in other ways. But they are all serving the Lord in various ways and in various locations and they’re part of the LBF family.

All of our missionaries need your prayer support. While serving in other cultures, they face the same problems and difficulties that you and I face, and often their main support system of family and friends are hundreds of miles away. As you can imagine, this can be very difficult which adds greatly to their stress as they minister in another culture.

One of our missionary families was recently robbed at gunpoint. That’s quite a frightening experience. Please pray for Scott, Tonia, and Emma Berthiaume as they deal with that trauma. We praise God that they are safe, but they have that whole ordeal to recover from emotionally. Another missionary family is dealing with cancer, another with a job and culture change, another has a daughter serving in the military in Israel, and another is looking to the Lord for a new ministry opportunity. And each of these families has the normal responsibilities of life they face each day as well. So I ask you to please pray for these precious families:

• Scott & Tonia Berthiaume 
• Joni & Norm 
• Steve & Eloise Hoke 
• Michelle & William Kiprop 
• Leigh & Barbara Labrecque 
• Pete & Mary 
• Daniel & Iuliana 
• Tom & Terry Velnosky 

Sharing Faith Through Commitment, Empowering in Nicaragua

By Stacy Townsend, Team Nicaragua Team Member 

When we first arrived in Nicaragua, the hot, humid weather immediately testified I was far from home. The luscious sugar cane and corn of the local agriculture dressed the landscape in bright green, feeding the gaunt grazing horses on the side of the streets.

All the honking made me nervous until I understood that honking is a polite thing to do in Nicaragua. Apparently it means ‘I see you, don’t worry.’

People were out selling their wares, fruit, and water in sealed plastic bags at every stoplight in Managua. Eric and Ronaldo, the members of the Living Water crew who picked us up at the airport, told us that the water was not safe for us to drink. As we entered more rural areas, we saw the expansive Lake Managua and the distant peaks of volcanoes on the horizon.

We drove over an hour to the northwest region to a home in León, where our group stayed while we helped repair the broken water wells and pumps. We also taught mothers and children about sanitation and hygiene using a curriculum called Clean Hands, Clean Hearts, incorporating Bible stories and crafts that shared the love of God. We spent the first day orienting ourselves and learning more about the operations and condition in Nicaragua.

On Sunday we went to church and then helped another mission group pass out food and soap in a very poor community. The homes were either simple squares of space surrounded by handmade blocks of the volcanic sediment from the region, or held together by sticks and twine covered with plastic to keep the rain out.

We visited several homes that day, but two in particular were touching to me. We were invited into a small tent where a little girl, maybe 8 years old, was cradled in a hammock. Her mother, father, aunt, and cousin were by her side. The Living Water Crew assessed the situation and told us that the child had been sick – bleeding from the nose for over a week – likely with Dengue fever. We spoke of our concern and prayed with the family. The family cried silent tears, but the little girl smiled weakly. As we left we were reassured the family was taking her to the doctor for treatment.

Perspectives Course Coming Our Way

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

There’s a course coming to our area that I want to tell you about. It’s called Perspectives. It’s an exciting 15-week course that teaches about God’s perspective on the World Christian Movement, and it helps all believers see how they can get threaded into God’s story of redeeming people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This isn’t a class about “missions,” but it’s about how every believer can be intimately woven into the story of God using His people to be a blessing to all the peoples of the earth. It takes you through the scriptures to show you how God has been working in His people to be a light that draws others to Himself.

Each week there is a different instructor who may be a biblical scholar, a missionary, a pastor, or professor. These instructors are experts in their field, giving an excellent perspective on their topic.

There are three options in taking this course: for undergraduate or graduate level credit, for a certificate, or to just take the course for your own benefit. Each level requires a different amount of reading and homework.

I took this course several years ago and it was such an encouragement and blessing. I highly recommend it.

Perspectives begins September 15 and will be held in Chino at The Bridge church on Sundays, from 5-8 p.m. 

If you’d like more information, please check out the website, perspectives.org. Or please email me with questions.

This Weekend's Message: Missions Sunday

May 8, 1945 – a day of celebration that echoed around the world. Nazi Germany had surrendered. VE (Victory in Europe) Day will go down as one of the greatest parties in history. You’ve probably seen some of the iconic images painting a powerful picture of millions who gathered in Time Square, London, and the Soviet Union. May 8 was a very different day than May 7, because something had happened, life had changed, the war was over! And this good news spread through the neighborhoods, towns, cities, and nations as people told other people, who told other people, who told other people. This great news compelled people. The same could be said about the early church in the Book of Acts… and even our church today! Join us this Sunday as we recap our Summer Missions Teams and are challenged to embrace the mission of the Gospel.

Russ

Summer Missions Wrap-up

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

Thank you LBF for your prayers, financial support, and encouragement to each of our teams and team members who went on summer mission trips this year. Your support means a great deal and you are standing in the gap with your prayers, helping to minister to others.

Both short-term teams that went to Japan and Nicaragua are home and reflecting on their time abroad. (Here is a more detailed run-down of the Japan trip and thoughts.) Check out next month’s issue of The Scroll for a closer look at the trip to Nicaragua.

I returned from Sri Lanka early last month and am so encouraged to have met some believers in that country who are making a difference in caring for the needs of widows and orphans, as well as others in need. It was a privilege to spend time with those precious people and help to paint a room (inside and out) that will be used for art therapy and an all-day seminar with approximately 70 attending women. I keep smiling as I see the faces of those widows and orphans and the joy that our visit brought.

Through experiences like this, the Lord reminds me that He is working in the hearts of men and women around the world. The Spirit of the Lord is moving mightily in the hearts of those who seek Him. He is not just God of the U.S., but of the whole world.

VBS Reaches Kids...Here and in Kenya

By Lauria Baiz, Director of Life Kids Children’s Ministry 

At the end of June we invited our kids to come to VBS and travel to Athens, where they would learn about Paul’s dangerous journey to share the truth. I am so pleased to share with you that the kids definitely said yes to the invite and brought their friends too! This year we had 180 kids join us for a powerful week. They went to Paul’s theater and learned about his story of sharing Jesus with others. They participated in arena games as though they where in the Olympics. They made crafts, enjoyed food, had small group discussions, and celebrated Jesus through worship. It truly was an amazing time, proved by the smiles on their faces.

As fun as VBS was, it was also a time where 20 children made the decision to receive Christ for the first time. We also raised money for Empowering Lives International (ELI), an organization that supports children’s homes for the orphans in Kenya. ELI said that if we could raise $2,300, they would be able to purchase shoes for all of the 103 children in the village. So we set the goal before our kids and asked them to collect change and bring it back each night. And every night was truly a blessing. I am excited to share with you that they raised $5,005.07! God provided all that through the parents and children that partnered with us that week.

Through all of the wonderful things that happened during VBS, I owe all the volunteers a great big thank you! We had more than 60 people that got involved and helped throughout the week and this event could not have happened without all of their time, energy, patience, and excitement to be with the kids and share the love of Jesus.

Team Japan Reports: God is at Work in Japan

By Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Worship 

Planning for a July trip to Japan began in March – a much shorter timeframe than is usually needed for a trip of this magnitude. Yet, as pieces fell into place it was clear that this was a trip that was already on God’s agenda for us. So six members of the worship ministry at LBF, along with my wife and I, prayed hard for the Holy Spirit to empower us, guide us, and reveal more of Himself to us as we headed to Tokyo for 10 days of ministry that none of us will ever forget.

Initially, we knew we would be doing some ministry through music, though the venues and opportunities were not specifically defined. We hoped to do some worship on the streets to stimulate discussions with people who heard us sing about Jesus. We also hoped we would get to do something at a school or church. But as I said, none of this was defined ahead of time. Our prayer was just that God would have His way and that our lives and the lives of people we encountered would be changed by His Holy Spirit.

After more than 12 hours on a plane – first to Seattle and then to Narita, Japan – and then three hours on a bus to Tokorozawa, we finally arrived at the YWAM house in the city of Kiyose, where we stayed. From the bus stop in Kiyose, it was about a 10-minute walk to the house – a walk we became very familiar with. We took Monday to get acclimated and introduced to the people we stayed and ministered with, and then we were ready to begin a packed schedule of ministry opportunities.

We spent Tuesday and Wednesday at Yoyogi school (a K-12 private school for kids who have not succeeded in traditional Japanese schools). These kids were amazing, and we really felt a bond with them as we were paired up with teachers and got to visit their classrooms. We also had the opportunity to lead three extended times of worship through music with them over the course of two days.

Tuesday evening we attended a service called “The Living Room,” which is led by our host David McDaniel, and is a time of “hanging out in God’s house and just letting Him do what He wants to do.” It was a powerful night of worship and ministry. It was one of the many times in this trip that God had things He wanted to work IN us, not just through us.

After lots of travel and then two 16-hour days of ministry, we took some time on Thursday to see the beautiful country of Japan. David took us to many of the significant locations in and around Tokyo, including Shibuya crossing, a three-story Disney store, and a five-story Forever 21. We also visited Buddhist shrines and temples, which gave us an incredible opportunity to walk through praying for the lost and deceived and inviting the Holy Spirit to move.

Friday we went to Rikkyo University where we participated in cultural discussions with the English club. This was a great opportunity to talk with young Japanese people about our lives in America, their lives in Japan, and why we were there. After the club meeting, several joined us for lunch and we continued our discussions about life.

Later that evening we went to a park in Ikebukuro where we went up on a stage in the middle of a courtyard and began singing and praying over the people, the park, and Japan. It was a powerful time of worship as those who were in the park heard us and began to approach. Along with the Discipleship Training School from YWAM Tokyo, we were able to have great discussions with those of various faiths, and many with no faith at all. God was definitely softening hearts as we continued to sing and invite the Holy Spirit to do His work.

Saturday morning we got up really early to walk to the bus station, to catch the first bus of the day and then a train that would take us to Yoyogi Park to work again with the YWAM team to feed the homeless. This was a meaningful time of ministry as we prepared food bags, passed out cups of coffee, and assisted the YWAM team as they ministered through testimonies and small group sharing. We got to participate with a couple of songs as well. Later that evening we went home and got to celebrate one of our team member’s, Amanda’s birthday.

Sunday morning we took another long train ride to a Japanese church. The service was in Japanese and afterward everyone had lunch together. We made new friends and enjoyed connecting with a local church community. After church our group gathered at David and his wife, Maria’s house for a time of prayer, worship, and ministry with one another. Once again, the Holy Spirit was at work in each of us and our hearts were greatly encouraged by all we saw God doing.

Monday was a meaningful day of debriefing with our team and the McDaniels before another full day of travel on Tuesday.

That was a general overview of the trip, but I would love for you to hear from the rest of the team. So here are a few highlights from each person from Team Japan 2013.

Erin Methvin: I am so thankful for the unique worship experience with Dave and the other missionaries at the Living Room. There was something so beautiful and genuine about their charismatic praise. It was an outward expression I was reluctant to express myself at first, but I was humbled by their hearts’ desire to simply meet with God. It gave my heart a new passion to chase after God, not only in times of worship, but in every part of my life.

Laura Taylor: For 18 years my heart has longed to return oversees on a mission trip. My time in Japan refreshed my spirit, gave me a longing to chase God desperately, and renewed my desire to see the lost and broken restored. The Japanese people have hearts that long for relationship and hope. My interactions with them in turn taught me to approach Christ with that same need for hope and relationship with Him! God is at work in Japan and my heart was impacted forever because of my time there.

Andrew Bixler: One of the many ministry times I enjoyed was playing music in the middle of a city park in Tokyo, right outside the second busiest train station in the world. Seeing people drawn to the love of Jesus through the music, even if only slowing down enough to enjoy the warmth, showed me that God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). The music created space for conversations and prayers. Songs from our spirits released God’s freedom and love into Tokyo.

Nick Scholz: “Coffee In The Park”

I passed out coffee in the park. 

They were happy to get it. 
I didn’t say anything, coffee pot 
in hand, filling cup after cup 
full of the stuff. 
I couldn’t say anything. 

I don’t know how to speak Japanese, 
But that isn’t what kept me silent. 
I couldn’t say anything to them. 
Some were ashamed– 
Too ashamed to look at me. 
Others, so grateful, proudly thanked 
Me in heartbroken English. 

All they could say was “Thank 
You,” and they said it. 
Again and 
Again. 

I left, saying nothing, humbled by cups 
of coffee 
In the park. 

Amanda Bixler: While no singular event jumps out in my mind (each day was pretty amazing), one of the things that God really stirred in my heart throughout this trip was to trust His voice. I’ve always believed that God wants to – and does – speak to each one of us, but often there is a hesitation to act on His promptings. While in Japan, this was something I was really challenged with – to trust the voice and heart of God, that He truly wants to use each one of us in very real and practical ways to make a huge impact for the kingdom.

Paul Casequin: God really loves His creation, the most of which is us, mankind. On this mission trip, I saw our team share this awesome love to people in Japan. I actually felt that we were sharing “spiritual love letters” through our conversations to school kids, the university’s English club, and various adults at two public park events. Even while we were singing our “spiritual love letters” to God, I marveled at how He used our worship songs to woo His unsaved creation and open doors to share Jesus Christ and our personal testimonies.

Jenn Casequin: I was blessed to meet a young lady named Mileina. She is a respectful and loving young girl, searching for love wherever she can find it. I felt a connection to her immediately and spent a lot of time chatting with her, listening to her, and answering all of her questions. I know I met her for a specific reason. God has put her on my heart to continue praying for her and communicating with her long after this trip. Meeting Mileina reminded me that no matter how broken we are, we are still God’s children and He loves us, wants us, and wants to use us for great and mighty things.

This trip was full of evidence that God is alive and His Spirit is moving in the hearts of people. One of the most impacting things for me on this trip was a statement made by David McDaniel as he was encouraging us in our pursuit of God, “Many times we want God to bring the fire, but we don’t put out any wood.” This imagery was encouraging to me and something we can all be challenged by. How often do we say that we want the things of God, or for God to use us (and expect the fire), but never do any of the pursuing of God? Certainly God is able to work in spite of us and our lack of pursuit, but how much more of Him would we receive if our passion drove us to seek Him in all we do?

It was my pleasure to be with this team on this trip. And we want to thank all of you for the prayer and financial support that you put into this trip! God used you in Japan!

Jeremy Moore Comes Home

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

As you will remember, Jeremy Moore served with the Africa Children’s Choir since July of 2011 and has recently returned home. The choir put a lot of miles on the bus, touring through 26 states in the U.S. and also spending five months in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland doing concerts. All-in-all, they performed over 250 concerts, bringing glory to God. That’s a lot of music being shared! The Lord opened many doors for ministry, even giving them the privilege of recording on an album with Steven Curtis Chapman, and performing in arenas that seat 23,000 in the UK.

The children in the choir, ages 9-11, were selected and trained in their home of Uganda before heading to the U.S. for the concert tour. This was a learning time for them as they left home for 18 months and traveled throughout the United States. As you can imagine, touring for 18 months brings a lot of joy, blessings, and fun, but it also has daily stressors. Jeremy was the sound technician for the concerts and he also had a very important role as a chaperone for some of the boys. He recently shared some thoughts with me.

Jeremy knew this two-year experience would be a time of stretching and growing for the children, but it was also a huge growing time for him as well. Being in charge of the children’s daily schedule and making sure their needs were met was a huge responsibility. Each morning he and the other chaperones would make sure the children were up, dressed, had eaten their breakfast, and were ready to head to their performance site (usually a church) all by a certain time. Some days Jeremy would teach a class for the children (usually math, English, or science). Yes, even on tour the children had school. They would make sure the choir had time to rehearse, rest, eat their meals, dress in time for the concerts, and much more. Following the concerts, they made sure the children were back in their host homes, showered, and in bed by a certain time. Then they would begin thinking about the next day’s schedule. Each day also included a time of Bible reading and group devotions.

That’s a full schedule to maintain for 18 months. There were some fun field trips along the way – like going to Disney World, playing in the snow along the East Coast, and other fun adventures.

Jeremy thanks you, LBF, for your prayers and financial support during his 20 months away. This experience changed his life. It caused him to rely more on the Lord everyday, helped him learn more about living out his faith, and helped him gain confidence in the process. And the Lord used this time to help him see more clearly the direction in missions he wants to go in the future.

Please continue to pray for Jeremy as he transitions back to life here and prayerfully considers his next steps. Thank you for being part of this ministry, for blessing thousands of lives, and for encouraging Jeremy on his journey.

And if you would like to be more involved with the lives of our missionaries through prayer, please let me know. Just email me at carol@lbfchurch.com. I have a team of people praying for them regularly, but I’d love to have you join us too! Or, if you’re interested in helping support our missionaries in other ways, let me know that as well. It would be a blessing to have you join our team.

Bringing the Gospel to Japan

By Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration 

Japan is a country with 127.3 million people and boasts the third largest national economy in the world, tremendous technology, and many exports that make our lives unbelievably convenient. Along with this prosperity, however, there is a darker side of Japan that many are unaware of. There were 34,427 Japanese that took their own lives last year. Eleven percent of Japanese people say that they wish they had never been born. And 85% of teens wonder what the point of their existence is. Hope is something missing for so many in Japan. A culture where performance and shame often go hand-in-hand, Japan is in desperate need of discovering they are loved and valued by the Creator of the Universe – that they are being offered life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on their behalf.

Japan is the second least-evangelized nation on the planet. There is one Christian church for every 16,293 people. In the city of Tokyo, there is only one church per 12,192 people and average attendance per church is 58. Out of every 1,000 people, only two attend a church. In many cases the issue is not the rejection of the gospel, but the lack of people telling of the radical love of God for His creation.

This summer LBF has the opportunity to send a team of musicians to take the Message of Hope to Japan. Partnering with Youth With A Mission Tokyo (YWAM), this team will tell of God’s love, speak the truth of God to people who are unaware of what His son Jesus did for them, and be obedient to whatever God may lead them to do.

The team will serve in music ministry and street evangelism in partnership with YWAM, participating in established, ongoing ministries in local schools, universities, and churches that desperately need encouragement and people to come alongside them. Our team and each of its members was selected because of their personal pursuit of God and His will for their life, their heart to minister the Gospel of Jesus through music, and their willingness to go to a different culture and embrace the people as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Japan team leaves June 29 and returns July 9. We appreciate your prayers for our team as they prepare their hearts for service and raise the resources to fund this mission.

Summer Missionaries Come & Go

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

Short-term Teams & an Individual Head Out From LBF 
It’s exciting that we have two teams going out this summer on short-term trips.

Nicaragua Team (July 6-13): Russ Parker, Noel & Debbie Norton, Shirley Loza, Stacy Townsend, and Rob Vance. Please pray as they make plans, raise funds, and meet together as a team. They are partnering with Living Water International by fixing broken-down clean water wells, teaching lessons on hygiene, and sharing about Jesus in villages across Nicaragua.

Japan Team (June 29-July 9): Jeff & Laura Taylor, Andrew & Amanda Bixler, Paul & Jenn Casequin, Erin Methvin, and Nick Sholz. This team is partnering with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Tokyo to do street evangelism with worship and other ministry opportunities. Pray for finances and details in planning.

Carol Hawkins (June 24-July 5): I’ll be going to Sri Lanka, an island nation off the southeast coast of India. On a team with six other women, we will serve widows and orphans as well as meet with the wives of local pastors. Please pray for health and safety and that God will use us to share His light and love.






LBF-supported Missionaries Return From the Field 
This summer we will have the privilege of having two missionary families come to visit us at LBF.

Leigh & Barbara Labrecque and their children will join us on July 28. They have been translating scriptures in Vanuatu (an island chain northeast of Australia) for the past 12½ years. This major project is complete and they will be moving to Canada with a change in ministry focus. Save that date and plan on joining us for a lunch reception in The Garage to hear more about their ministry and the many lives being blessed through having God’s word in their own language.

Pete & Mary Q will be with us August 11. They have been serving in Asia for more than 30 years and are currently working with the Mekong Minority Foundation as well as the Chiang Rai International Christian School in northern Thailand. Come and learn from their years of experience and hear more of what God is doing in Thailand.

LBF reaches around the globe and it will be an honor to have these two families join us and share what the Lord is doing in their part of the world.

Sending Out Team Nicaragua

By Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration 

When was the last time you stood in awe of your kitchen faucet or garden hose as it delivered clean water? Never, right? It’s pretty easy to take clean water for granted. We certainly don’t plan our daily schedules around where and when we might have access to clean water. Virtually everywhere we go, we turn on the faucet and – boom – unlimited supply!

That’s not the reality, however, for the nearly 800 million people around the world who don’t have access to clean water. Eight hundred million people – more than twice the population of the United States, or one in every nine people on earth – don’t have access to clean water. And when we ponder these staggering numbers and how fundamental water is to life, the reality of this issue should move us. Water is foundational to everything. Water is LIFE. The lack of access to clean water seems unjust and an issue of morality.

This July, LBF is sending a team to Nicaragua to partner with Living Water International (LWI). LWI has been at work over the past decade sharing the Gospel of Jesus (the Living Water) and providing clean water solutions to people around world. We are excited to partner with LWI this summer by fixing broken-down clean water wells, teaching lessons on hygiene, and sharing about Jesus in villages across Nicaragua.

Please join us in praying for Team Nicaragua as we prepare for our time of serving this summer!

Pray for Team Nicaragua as they prepare, while they’re there, and upon their return: July 6-13

Water by Numbers

• 783 million people lack access to an improved source of drinking water – that’s 1 in 9 of us.
• In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 40 billion hours are spent each year just hauling water. Most who lack water live on less than a dollar a day, and there’s no way out without water.
• Many women spend 20 hours per week collecting water, some walking 7 miles a day, often for contaminated water. 
• Water-related diseases cause 2.2 million deaths a year; every day, diarrhea takes the lives of 2,000 children in Africa – more than any other single cause of death. Safe water, a toilet, and clean hands could prevent 90% of these deaths. 
• Globally, water-related diseases steal 443 million school days a year. Illness causes absenteeism and early drop-out. Simple solutions can keep kids in school. 
• In the past 20 years, 2 billion people have gained access to safe drinking water. 

Stats from Living Water International. Check them out to see who we’re partnering with in Nicaragua.