We had a great Mission Mid-Atlantic Board Meeting yesterday and we spent the majority of the afternoon talking about our Strategic Plan for the next year. I am really excited about our direction because we are blessed with a team that is passionate about serving our churches. We will be sharing as much as possible about our strategic plan at our Annual Conference in Lancaster on April 24.
Some of the highlights are:
* Strategic and Tactical Direction for Church Planting
* Peer to Peer Learning Communities for Pastors
* Pastoral and Leadership Consultations for Church Health
* Ongoing Education and Support for Peacemaking
We encourage you to visit our website at www.missionmid-atlantic.org to learn how to register for our 2010 Mission Mid-Atlantic Conference at Grace Baptist Church in Lancaster, PA.
We hope to see you there!
~ Jim
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Mission Mid-Atlantic Strategic Planning Day
Our Board will meet on Tuesday, March 30, for their annual strategy session at the Ellmaker House in Gap, PA. Each year we set aside a day to meet, pray and plan together our direction for another year. We look forward to building upon the work from the previous year and this meeting is critical as we target some new initiatives. Please keep us in prayer as we seek to strengthen our ministry to our pastors and churches.
~Jim
~Jim
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Haiti Update from Martin Vargas
Here is the latest update from Martin regarding the last phase in Haiti.
~Jim
--------------------
From: Martin Vargas [mailto:martvarg1@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 3:32 PM
Subject: LAST PHASE IN HAITI
Blessings!!!
I hope you're doing well. I just want to share my heart and a report of our last trip toHaiti from March 15-20. Your investment in our HAITI RELIEF ACTION is having fruits. It's amazing the open doors for the gospel.Thanks for your prayers and support.
This was our trip:
MARCH 15th: We arrived to the airport of PAP around 11 Am. Immediately at 11:30 AM we had a meeting with a group of city officials incluiding mayors of several cities, congressman, and the second man in charge in Haiti Paul Antoine BIEN-AIME- Minister of Interior.In that meeting we were achieved several things that will helps our plan of REBUILD HAITI.
The EXEMPTION of Customs taxes of the HOUSE/CHURCHES/Orphanages/vehicles or equipments send to haiti from USA.
The authorization to build and rebuild in all HAiti without any bureaucracy impediments.
The donations of several lots of lands for building the HOUSE CHURCHES, and for small homes development
MARCH 15th: Afternoon- We set up a meeting with around 90 local pastors and church planters ( Photo attached).In that meeting we cast the visionof planting HOUSE/CHURCHES . Those homes will be giving to Pastors and Lay leaders to evangelize in the neigboorhoods, and to disciple. We will providethe training , specially the material DIRECTIONS ( 18 basic lessons for discipleship). We chose the first 6 pastor who will own the HOUSE CHURCHES. We are planning to establish 30 HOUSE/CHURCHES in 3 years.
MARCH 16th: We met Pastor Antoine Rigaud who will oversee two of the house church planting, One in LA SALINE, where the kids eat the famous " MUD PIES" ,Cookies of muds. The other one in a new city called Villages of Renaissance. We went to both places and see the land.
MARCH 17: We went to LA GONAVES ISLAND, after traveling for 1.5 hour in a small boat full of passengers( see photos) we arrived to La Gonaves island, at the west side of Port Au Prince.The island has 211K people. After arrival we took an old pick up who took us for another 2 hours up to the Mapou Village located at the top hill of the island. HUndreds of people werein the market . They use mules and donkeys as a transportation vehicle. At the village we met Pastor Bennys Guerrier and his family. Precious people, who actually live in Ocala, Florida and they aremoving completely to La Gonaves. We saw his church/clinic/school. It only need to finish the roof and floor to be able to have services and classes on it. I will include in separate e-mail some pictures of them.
MARCH 18th: I returned to Port Au Prince, and visit CABARET city to see the third place where we will plant the HOUSE/CHURCH. Also to see land for building small homes and orphanage.We also visited the other two places where House churches will be build in April and May.
MARCH 19th: We expend the morning in the UN facilities. We were filling form and registering our ministry in the Logistic Cluster, the Food distribution Cluster and Shelter cluster.At the afternoonwe met to Pastor Guillomettre Herode and we plan a HUGE event in May 1-2.After we install the first group of HOUSE/CHURCHES, we will celebrate a CRUSADE in the two biggest stadium of Port Au Prince.We will call the event : HOPE FOR HAITI- A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION DAY. We are expecting to preach to a round 50-60 K people. We are praying for hundreds coming to Jesus and connect them with the first 7 HOUSE/CHURCHES and other churches in the area.Evening: We visited PETIT GOAVES around 100 kilometers south/west of PAP. We saw the mayor and the land that he offered us to build a house/church and farming projects.Night: We visited the NATIONALE STADIUM of HAITI and saw that we can accommodate around 65 K in it.
MARCH 20th: We came back to Florida.In all of these days we shared the Gospel all over the island around 40-50 people surrender to Christ.
Our prayer request and support needs now are the following: We finished the first 6 HOUSE/CHURCHES. All of this group of homes are paid in full. One man decided to donate this first group at his own cost. God is good!!! We need to raise $10K to finish the church/school/clinic in LA GONAVES ISLAND. There is no water in Mapou Village. They travel three hours away to get water in other areas. That project will cost around $30K.Hundreds will benefit from it. Small houses will be build for people in need- The cost of the 300 SQF ( 20X15) who can accommodate a family of 8-10 will cost $2500 each. We want to build the first 30 house by June and install a House/Church in it. A Transportation Van of 12-15 passenger @ $12,000. We have FREE Taxes in the island.Transportation in the island is hard and super expensive around $200 a Day!!!! Our plans is to plant and build around 30 HOUSE/CHURCHES around the island in Three years. To see thousands coming to Christ and to be disciples. We have the first 7. We can build it at around $6000. We are building an orphanage for 80-100 children at $20,000. The size of the property is 2000 SQF.
Our plans for the HOPE FOR HAITI CRUSADE is BIG..We would like to give a bottle of water to people and a shirt. Promote it in the Haitian Radios/TV/ and churches. We need to raise funds for that event.We want to see 50 K listening the message of HOPE. The GOSPEL!!!! I believe that God allowed us to see a new Haiti coming out of the ruins. We don't want to miss this opportunity.We have open doors in the country to make a spiritual transformation. Would you commit to join us and partner in any of these opportunities. Feel free to choose which one you can partner...The La Gonaves, the House Churches, the small homes villages, the HOPE FOR HAITI CRUSADE, any one. But please, COME OVER AND HELP.
In His Service,
Martin Vargas
~Jim
--------------------
From: Martin Vargas [mailto:martvarg1@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 3:32 PM
Subject: LAST PHASE IN HAITI
Blessings!!!
I hope you're doing well. I just want to share my heart and a report of our last trip toHaiti from March 15-20. Your investment in our HAITI RELIEF ACTION is having fruits. It's amazing the open doors for the gospel.Thanks for your prayers and support.
This was our trip:
MARCH 15th: We arrived to the airport of PAP around 11 Am. Immediately at 11:30 AM we had a meeting with a group of city officials incluiding mayors of several cities, congressman, and the second man in charge in Haiti Paul Antoine BIEN-AIME- Minister of Interior.In that meeting we were achieved several things that will helps our plan of REBUILD HAITI.
The EXEMPTION of Customs taxes of the HOUSE/CHURCHES/Orphanages/vehicles or equipments send to haiti from USA.
The authorization to build and rebuild in all HAiti without any bureaucracy impediments.
The donations of several lots of lands for building the HOUSE CHURCHES, and for small homes development
MARCH 15th: Afternoon- We set up a meeting with around 90 local pastors and church planters ( Photo attached).In that meeting we cast the visionof planting HOUSE/CHURCHES . Those homes will be giving to Pastors and Lay leaders to evangelize in the neigboorhoods, and to disciple. We will providethe training , specially the material DIRECTIONS ( 18 basic lessons for discipleship). We chose the first 6 pastor who will own the HOUSE CHURCHES. We are planning to establish 30 HOUSE/CHURCHES in 3 years.
MARCH 16th: We met Pastor Antoine Rigaud who will oversee two of the house church planting, One in LA SALINE, where the kids eat the famous " MUD PIES" ,Cookies of muds. The other one in a new city called Villages of Renaissance. We went to both places and see the land.
MARCH 17: We went to LA GONAVES ISLAND, after traveling for 1.5 hour in a small boat full of passengers( see photos) we arrived to La Gonaves island, at the west side of Port Au Prince.The island has 211K people. After arrival we took an old pick up who took us for another 2 hours up to the Mapou Village located at the top hill of the island. HUndreds of people werein the market . They use mules and donkeys as a transportation vehicle. At the village we met Pastor Bennys Guerrier and his family. Precious people, who actually live in Ocala, Florida and they aremoving completely to La Gonaves. We saw his church/clinic/school. It only need to finish the roof and floor to be able to have services and classes on it. I will include in separate e-mail some pictures of them.
MARCH 18th: I returned to Port Au Prince, and visit CABARET city to see the third place where we will plant the HOUSE/CHURCH. Also to see land for building small homes and orphanage.We also visited the other two places where House churches will be build in April and May.
MARCH 19th: We expend the morning in the UN facilities. We were filling form and registering our ministry in the Logistic Cluster, the Food distribution Cluster and Shelter cluster.At the afternoonwe met to Pastor Guillomettre Herode and we plan a HUGE event in May 1-2.After we install the first group of HOUSE/CHURCHES, we will celebrate a CRUSADE in the two biggest stadium of Port Au Prince.We will call the event : HOPE FOR HAITI- A SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION DAY. We are expecting to preach to a round 50-60 K people. We are praying for hundreds coming to Jesus and connect them with the first 7 HOUSE/CHURCHES and other churches in the area.Evening: We visited PETIT GOAVES around 100 kilometers south/west of PAP. We saw the mayor and the land that he offered us to build a house/church and farming projects.Night: We visited the NATIONALE STADIUM of HAITI and saw that we can accommodate around 65 K in it.
MARCH 20th: We came back to Florida.In all of these days we shared the Gospel all over the island around 40-50 people surrender to Christ.
Our prayer request and support needs now are the following: We finished the first 6 HOUSE/CHURCHES. All of this group of homes are paid in full. One man decided to donate this first group at his own cost. God is good!!! We need to raise $10K to finish the church/school/clinic in LA GONAVES ISLAND. There is no water in Mapou Village. They travel three hours away to get water in other areas. That project will cost around $30K.Hundreds will benefit from it. Small houses will be build for people in need- The cost of the 300 SQF ( 20X15) who can accommodate a family of 8-10 will cost $2500 each. We want to build the first 30 house by June and install a House/Church in it. A Transportation Van of 12-15 passenger @ $12,000. We have FREE Taxes in the island.Transportation in the island is hard and super expensive around $200 a Day!!!! Our plans is to plant and build around 30 HOUSE/CHURCHES around the island in Three years. To see thousands coming to Christ and to be disciples. We have the first 7. We can build it at around $6000. We are building an orphanage for 80-100 children at $20,000. The size of the property is 2000 SQF.
Our plans for the HOPE FOR HAITI CRUSADE is BIG..We would like to give a bottle of water to people and a shirt. Promote it in the Haitian Radios/TV/ and churches. We need to raise funds for that event.We want to see 50 K listening the message of HOPE. The GOSPEL!!!! I believe that God allowed us to see a new Haiti coming out of the ruins. We don't want to miss this opportunity.We have open doors in the country to make a spiritual transformation. Would you commit to join us and partner in any of these opportunities. Feel free to choose which one you can partner...The La Gonaves, the House Churches, the small homes villages, the HOPE FOR HAITI CRUSADE, any one. But please, COME OVER AND HELP.
In His Service,
Martin Vargas
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thoughts on Building Healthy Churches by Paul Mathewson
We are pleased to have Paul Mathewson share some thoughts today as a Guest Blogger. Thanks Paul!
~Jim
-----------------------------------------------
Thoughts on Building Healthy Churches
We had our monthly Mission Mid-Atlantic staff meeting today and some of our time was devoted to preparations for the upcoming Annual Conference in April. (To learn more visit our Web Site at http://www.missionmid-atlantic.org/).
Each of us will write a brief annual report for our area of oversight, so it’s time to begin reflecting on the past year when, for the first time, Mission Mid-Atlantic devoted dedicated resources to the function of Building Healthy Churches.
What an eye-opening experience it has been. We’ve been able to organize some basic services, from pastoral coaching to church health consults, ministry evaluation and leadership training, and a number of Mission Mid-Atlantic churches have already participated and, hopefully, benefitted from these new additions to MMA’s offerings. However, the amazing thing to me is how unique each consulting assignment is and how God chooses to show up, sometimes in ways expected, more often in ways surprising. It seems every time a church or a pastor chooses to be vulnerable to a sober evaluation of their ministry and truly open to God-directed change, the One Who promised to build His church shows up big-time. And when He does, it’s exciting and – can I say it – scary.
I’ll write more about that in my annual report, but for now, I feel like the kids in Narnia asking if Aslan is safe. “Safe? said Mr. Beaver... Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”
Know what I mean?
~Paul Mathewson
~Jim
-----------------------------------------------
Thoughts on Building Healthy Churches
We had our monthly Mission Mid-Atlantic staff meeting today and some of our time was devoted to preparations for the upcoming Annual Conference in April. (To learn more visit our Web Site at http://www.missionmid-atlantic.org/).
Each of us will write a brief annual report for our area of oversight, so it’s time to begin reflecting on the past year when, for the first time, Mission Mid-Atlantic devoted dedicated resources to the function of Building Healthy Churches.
What an eye-opening experience it has been. We’ve been able to organize some basic services, from pastoral coaching to church health consults, ministry evaluation and leadership training, and a number of Mission Mid-Atlantic churches have already participated and, hopefully, benefitted from these new additions to MMA’s offerings. However, the amazing thing to me is how unique each consulting assignment is and how God chooses to show up, sometimes in ways expected, more often in ways surprising. It seems every time a church or a pastor chooses to be vulnerable to a sober evaluation of their ministry and truly open to God-directed change, the One Who promised to build His church shows up big-time. And when He does, it’s exciting and – can I say it – scary.
I’ll write more about that in my annual report, but for now, I feel like the kids in Narnia asking if Aslan is safe. “Safe? said Mr. Beaver... Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”
Know what I mean?
~Paul Mathewson
Monday, March 15, 2010
Bob Huggins and Missional Living
Few would draw a comparison between Bob Huggins, the coach of the West Virginia Mountaineer basketball team, and missional living but I am going to take the leap!
Here is what Bob Huggins said following his team's recent victory over Notre Dame:
"I grew up in Midville, man, 500 people, two stop lights, nine bars. I got in a truck with this guy one time, and I looked and he didn't have a rear view mirror. I said, 'You don't have a rear view mirror.' He said, 'I don't back up, son, I go forward.' And thats how I live my life." (Source: ESPN Mobile Site)
That is a great description for missional living. Don't look back. Just go forward. It works with coaching basketball and with serving Jesus.
So, I am going to grab the steering wheel and go forward. How about you?
~Jim
Here is what Bob Huggins said following his team's recent victory over Notre Dame:
"I grew up in Midville, man, 500 people, two stop lights, nine bars. I got in a truck with this guy one time, and I looked and he didn't have a rear view mirror. I said, 'You don't have a rear view mirror.' He said, 'I don't back up, son, I go forward.' And thats how I live my life." (Source: ESPN Mobile Site)
That is a great description for missional living. Don't look back. Just go forward. It works with coaching basketball and with serving Jesus.
So, I am going to grab the steering wheel and go forward. How about you?
~Jim
Friday, March 12, 2010
The 2010 Mission Mid-Atlantic Annual Conference Registration is Open!
This year we are so excited to return to Grace Baptist Church in Lancaster, PA for our Annual Conference and look forward to another year of God's blessing being poured out as we gather together as brothers and sisters. Here are some brief bullet points about the conference.
- Grace Baptist Church is located at 1899 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA. You are close enough to be in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. We have a list of recommended hotels on the front page of our website, so reserve your room now.
- Re:Light the Flame is the theme of this year's conference. Every one of us will benefit from dedicating some time to contemplate this theme.
- Our keynote speaker is Dr. E. Glenn Wagner, from Charlotte, NC. He will speak at two keynote sessions on the topic of Transformational Leadership.
- We have added more workshop slots which increases the number of breakout sessions you get to attend for more training from our knowledgeable instructors. Watch our website for further information regarding breakout session leaders and topics.
- We moved our conference to the weekend so that our urban/ethnic and bi-vocational pastors and staff are able to attend.
- This year the conference is all about allowing as many from our churches who are able to attend. Register today so that your space is reserved.
- There is the link for the Conference Information and Registration page: http://www.missionmid-atlantic.org/Mission%20Mid-Atlantic%20Conference.pdf
- This is the link to the Recommended Hotel List:
http://www.missionmid-atlantic.org/Lancaster%20Area%20Hotels.pdf
We hope that this information brings you as much excitement as it does for us. We pray that the Lord will remind all of us of the need for transformational leadership to lead our churches to greater health. We look forward to seeing you in April.
~Jim
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Everyone's Mission (Romans 1:8-17)
I am preparing to preach at First Baptist Church of Metuchen on March 31 and here are some preliminary thoughts for that Sunday.
The buzz word today in the many Christian circles is missional living and many of us have a hard time understanding what that really means. Here is my take on what it means to live missionally.
We read in Romans 1:8-17 that the Apostle Paul described his mission in life very clearly and very precisely. When you read this passage of Scripture, you have no doubt about how he lived. In reality, none of us can experience what the Apostle Paul did because he lived during a time very different from our own. However, we are to live very much like Paul in at least three specific ways.
· We are to be ESTABLISHED in the Gospel.
· We are to be ENGAGED in the Gospel.
· We are to be EMPOWERED by the Gospel.
I look forward to exploring these truths further as I prepare my head and my heart for this visit.
~Jim
The buzz word today in the many Christian circles is missional living and many of us have a hard time understanding what that really means. Here is my take on what it means to live missionally.
We read in Romans 1:8-17 that the Apostle Paul described his mission in life very clearly and very precisely. When you read this passage of Scripture, you have no doubt about how he lived. In reality, none of us can experience what the Apostle Paul did because he lived during a time very different from our own. However, we are to live very much like Paul in at least three specific ways.
· We are to be ESTABLISHED in the Gospel.
· We are to be ENGAGED in the Gospel.
· We are to be EMPOWERED by the Gospel.
I look forward to exploring these truths further as I prepare my head and my heart for this visit.
~Jim
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Pray for Chile During Your Sunday Services
Recent history has introduced challenges of unbelievable proportions. The earthquake in Haiti and now also Chile has stretched relief efforts. Still, there are those who seek to respond as Christ's ambassadors. Here is an email from Martin Vargas calling us to pray during our Sunday Services for relief efforts in Chile. Please share this with the members of your congregation this weekend and respond as God leads. Thanks.
~Jim
----------------------
From: Martin Vargas [mailto:martvarg1@msn.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 1:57 PM
Subject: PRAY FOR CHILE TOMORROW IN YOUR SERVICE
Pastors:
Chile’s president, Michelle Bachelet has asked for international assistance calling the disaster “an emergency unparalleled in the history of Chile” and declaring a “state of catastrophe,” according to Church World Service. The destruction of infrastructure, including homes, hospitals and bridges is being called tremendous, with priority needs identified as including water, water filters, generators, shelter, food and personal hygiene items.
I need your help and partnership as COME OVER MINISTRY started an action of Relief , the next day of the tragedy. This coming week, a group of pastors lead by Pastor Javier Zuñiga from Adelphos, Ecuador:
1. Patricio Oliva
2. David Luzuriaga
3. Fernando Berrios
4. Shandor Droguett
5. Julian Gonzales
6. Antonio Roa
7. Rodrigo Cisternas
8. Cristian Castro
9. Iván Alegría
These pastors will represent our ministry as they go and share the love of Christ to their communities. I already connected them with Shelter Box and they are ready to start installing and distributing humanitarian help,specially shelters that is need it, greatly.
I please ask you that tomorrow in your service you can:
· Pray for Chile and its people.
· Pray for the assessment team and supplies that they bring to those in most need.
· Pray for believers in Chile to shine forth the love of Christ in this time of crisis.
Also I know that we are very active finishing our HAITI RELIEF ACTION. But I can (not) turned my back to CHILE. if you can support COME OVER MINISTRY as we lead this action, I really appreciate it and need it.
Blessings,
Pastor Martin Vargas
Come Over Ministry
~Jim
----------------------
From: Martin Vargas [mailto:martvarg1@msn.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 1:57 PM
Subject: PRAY FOR CHILE TOMORROW IN YOUR SERVICE
Pastors:
Chile’s president, Michelle Bachelet has asked for international assistance calling the disaster “an emergency unparalleled in the history of Chile” and declaring a “state of catastrophe,” according to Church World Service. The destruction of infrastructure, including homes, hospitals and bridges is being called tremendous, with priority needs identified as including water, water filters, generators, shelter, food and personal hygiene items.
I need your help and partnership as COME OVER MINISTRY started an action of Relief , the next day of the tragedy. This coming week, a group of pastors lead by Pastor Javier Zuñiga from Adelphos, Ecuador:
1. Patricio Oliva
2. David Luzuriaga
3. Fernando Berrios
4. Shandor Droguett
5. Julian Gonzales
6. Antonio Roa
7. Rodrigo Cisternas
8. Cristian Castro
9. Iván Alegría
These pastors will represent our ministry as they go and share the love of Christ to their communities. I already connected them with Shelter Box and they are ready to start installing and distributing humanitarian help,specially shelters that is need it, greatly.
I please ask you that tomorrow in your service you can:
· Pray for Chile and its people.
· Pray for the assessment team and supplies that they bring to those in most need.
· Pray for believers in Chile to shine forth the love of Christ in this time of crisis.
Also I know that we are very active finishing our HAITI RELIEF ACTION. But I can (not) turned my back to CHILE. if you can support COME OVER MINISTRY as we lead this action, I really appreciate it and need it.
Blessings,
Pastor Martin Vargas
Come Over Ministry
Monday, March 1, 2010
CB Northwest Enrichment Conference
I am in Seaside, Oregon for the purpose of attending the CB Northwest Enrichment Conference. I have been invited by Mark Hoeffner, Regional Executive Director, to present two breakout sessions to help church leaders deal with church conflict.
The theme of this conference is Gospel Communites on Mission, and the two keynote speakers are Mark Hoeffner, Regional Executive Director, and Jeff Vanderstelt, Pastor of Soma in Tacoma, Washington.
While here, I look forward to networking with like minded men and women to further the CBAmerica Peacemaking Network.
I may also blog some further thoughts about Gospel Communities on Mission.
~Jim
The theme of this conference is Gospel Communites on Mission, and the two keynote speakers are Mark Hoeffner, Regional Executive Director, and Jeff Vanderstelt, Pastor of Soma in Tacoma, Washington.
While here, I look forward to networking with like minded men and women to further the CBAmerica Peacemaking Network.
I may also blog some further thoughts about Gospel Communities on Mission.
~Jim
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