What a week this has been. Christmas in Venezuela is just as busy as at home in Fort Wayne. We've had Christmas parties, Christmas play practice every night, sewing costumes for the play and our regular work and activity as well.
The Macaracuay and Guatire churches both did Christmas plays of the Christmas story,the birth of Jesus. These were both outreach events into the communities of the churches, a first for this kind of event since we have been here. The Lord worked in really neat ways by bringing the church people to work together and have a great time in doing it. As well as a great way of sharing the gospel story with the community.
The Macaracuay church did the play in the mall area where the church is located. The shoppers and store owners seemed to really enjoy the play and requested that the church do it again next year.
The Guatire church preformed for a Christmas dinner for about 50 families in the urbanization where one of the church families live. This afternoon they did it again for our La Urbina Church Christmas dinner and did an excellant job.
For us it was just really exciting to see these churches reaching out to their communties with the Good News of the Lord Jesus in a different way. At the end of the plays, the pastors were able to give a devotional on the meaning of Christmas in our lives.
Check out the pictures of these events (to the side there is a link to Pictures of the Association of Bible Church ministry in Venezuela).
Something that happened this past week that we really praise the Lord for, is that we received our new visa for another year so we can continue to live here. Over 6 weeks ago we turned our passports in to the government. This has meant 3 trips downtown on the subway at 5:30AM to wait in line till the offices open at 8:00AM. Things don't move here by appointments but by who arrives first. Fortunately for us, we are Senor citizens and have a special line and are allowed to go in first otherwise we'd be outside waiting for many more hours as others have to do.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
VIEWS FROM VENEZUELA
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS
1. God became one of us. He came to earth as the baby Jesus. Today, He can come to live in people’s hearts. One day He will come again in all his holiness and power and glory to reign over the whole world. Let us celebrate with joy this Christmas season!
2. We are thankful for our ministry here in Caracas, Venezuela.
For teaching ministry leadership classes.
For the Youth Bible Study series we are writing and teaching.
For the discipleship of new believers in the house church in Guatire. We were 21 for the Thanksgiving service and luncheon.
For leading the Bible study at the women’s prison half-way house.
3.The three Venezuelan Bible Churches that we relate to are growing and effective ministry is happening! Praise God.
4.Our family is again increasing. We’re looking forward to welcoming Jeremy and Gwen’s baby boy, Daniel, in January and Jonathan and Abby’s baby in February. Granma is very much looking forward to coming home in February for a couple of weeks to do some bonding with these two new blessings as well as with our 7 other grandchildren.
NEW YEAR CHALLENGES
1. That the Lord will use the youth Bible study series to be a challenge to commitment and obedience to Him. That lives will be changed.
2. Planning for women’s, men’s, youth, children’s and marriage retreats.
That these retreats would continue to be outreach, evangelistic tools in reaching family and friends for the Lord.
God would lead us to a retreat center that is reasonable in price and easily accessible.
3. That God would lead a couple committed to persevere and work in starting a new house church or church plant.
1. God became one of us. He came to earth as the baby Jesus. Today, He can come to live in people’s hearts. One day He will come again in all his holiness and power and glory to reign over the whole world. Let us celebrate with joy this Christmas season!
2. We are thankful for our ministry here in Caracas, Venezuela.
For teaching ministry leadership classes.
For the Youth Bible Study series we are writing and teaching.
For the discipleship of new believers in the house church in Guatire. We were 21 for the Thanksgiving service and luncheon.
For leading the Bible study at the women’s prison half-way house.
3.The three Venezuelan Bible Churches that we relate to are growing and effective ministry is happening! Praise God.
4.Our family is again increasing. We’re looking forward to welcoming Jeremy and Gwen’s baby boy, Daniel, in January and Jonathan and Abby’s baby in February. Granma is very much looking forward to coming home in February for a couple of weeks to do some bonding with these two new blessings as well as with our 7 other grandchildren.
NEW YEAR CHALLENGES
1. That the Lord will use the youth Bible study series to be a challenge to commitment and obedience to Him. That lives will be changed.
2. Planning for women’s, men’s, youth, children’s and marriage retreats.
That these retreats would continue to be outreach, evangelistic tools in reaching family and friends for the Lord.
God would lead us to a retreat center that is reasonable in price and easily accessible.
3. That God would lead a couple committed to persevere and work in starting a new house church or church plant.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Prayer Requests for November
1. Pray for the first Marriage Retreat that the Association of Bible Churches here in Venezuela is going to sponsor. The Retreat will be November 14-15, 2008. Pray that marriages and families will be strengthen in there faith. Plus, there are 6 maybe 7 couples going from our house church in Guatire for which we praise the Lord. Four of these couples are young Christians. The two other couples that are going, the husbands are not Christians but the wives are. Pray specifically that these 2 men might come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and that these 2 homes might become united in faith.
2. Pray for the series of Bible Studies that Harry and I are leading for the youth in the La Urbina church. We are very much concerned for these youth and our desire for godly Christian leaders for the future of our churches here in Venezuela. Pray that we will speak to their needs, that we might love them and that the Lord's Word will penetrate their hearts and minds bringing godly changes to their lives and a renewed committment to the Lord.
2. Pray for the series of Bible Studies that Harry and I are leading for the youth in the La Urbina church. We are very much concerned for these youth and our desire for godly Christian leaders for the future of our churches here in Venezuela. Pray that we will speak to their needs, that we might love them and that the Lord's Word will penetrate their hearts and minds bringing godly changes to their lives and a renewed committment to the Lord.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Our Dominican Republic Trip
How does one describe a trip that was full of God's blessings, protection, fun and work! Harry and I arrived in Santo Domingo on Thursday, Oct.16. He went out to San Juan on Friday morning to begin his training seminar with the pastors and church leaders that evening. I stayed in Santo Domingo to wait for the Brookside Medical team. We arrived in San Juan, Sunday afternoon. The team asked to see needy people that don't generally get to see a Doctor. Dr. Canario, the medical director of the clinic and the one who arranges the trips, complied. For 4 days he took us to very remote areas, some of which even he had never been to before. We drove 2-3 hours everyt day with 4 wheel drive pick-up trucks on rocky, gullied mountain roads to little churches where we set up the clinics. The rolly coaster rides with breath taking mountain views (no guard rails up there) will never be forgetton. But even more important were the people in the areas of Montecitos, Las Lagunas, Macasia and Guaroa. They were given a chance to see a doctor, receive medicine and gifts of soap, shampoo, toys, toothbrushes, Bibles, clothes and what ever else we brought along to give away. While the medical team was busy seeing people, the local pastor as well as the pastor and child evangelism lady we took along with us, were busy sharing the Good News that Jesus loves us and wants all to know him and have eternal life. The medical team treated over 400 people in 4 days.
Harry's classes got off to a rough start but finally on Monday and Tuesday he was able to teach a group of over 100 Pastors and church leaders in the San Juan area about the social responsiblity of the church. He spent considerable time preparing and anchoring the studies to biblical teachings and examples. They would like him to return next year and teach about bibical stewardship.
Thank you for your prayers and support for this trip.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Praise the Lord with us.
We've been back in Venezuela for 3 weeks now. I think the thing that has thrilled us the most has been the new attenders and believers in our 3 churches. A number of men we have been praying for have accepted Jesus as their Savior and are being discipled by their pastor or another leader in the church. What an answer to prayer!
When we left last December the house church in Guatire was really struggling and not in any sense of the word growing. We left feeling somewhat discouraged, like we were leaving a difficult situation for Pastor Armando to go through alone. But Armando was not alone. His committment to the Lord, the support of his wife, perservance in sharing his faith and wanting to have a house church was blessed by the Lord. What a neat group are worshipping and studying God's word together! The picture at the top is of this group of believers.
Harry has gotten back into teaching church leadership seminars and is currently teaching "Church History". We will be team teaching an 8 week Bible study for the youth in the La Urbina Church on various themes.
Prayer requests:
1. Trip to the Dominican Republic for Harry to lead a seminar on "The Social Responsibility of the Church". Pray that the Lord will use him to speak His Words, that Pastors would respond and learn and that the church in San Juan de La Maguana area of the Dominican would be strengthened. Lynn will be part of the Brookside Church Medical project, reaching small villages with medicine and the Gospel. This trip is October 16-24 for Harry and through the 26th for Lynn.
2. Pray for safety and an encouraging time of ministry for Earl Cecil and Al Rupp as they come to Venezuela for the National Church Assembly, AVIB, representing FEC in the USA. It will be a special time for us to have them here, October 24 to 29, 2008.
3. Pray with us for a new couple with the committment to the Lord and to starting a new house church like Armando and Carolina have done.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Arrival in Venezuela
Have you ever felt God going ahead of you, protecting and opening the way for you as you headed toward your goal? That is how we felt this past Saturday, September 13 as we headed back to Venezuela. Here is how our day went: we had a direct flight to Dallas, Texas and then to Caracas (Chicago had huge delays that day with cancelations because of stormy weather), the cost of the excess baggage we took with us was less than we anticipated(300 pounds of Christian books for the Christian bookstore), Hurricane Ike (didn't affect the Dallas airport at least till after we left), we were only charged a very minimal fee for "all" the books in customs in Caracas and wonderful friends met us with a pick-up truck to haul our 8 large suitcases home. What a day and what a God we serve that made it as easy as possible for us! Thanks for your prayers.
We are now unpacking and getting resettled in our apartment and enjoying the wonderful welcome home we have received by our brothers and sisters in the Lord here. It was hard saying good-bye to our Grandkids, children, family and friends in Indiana (loved the pizza and ice cream party we had) but we know and have the assurance of God's peace that we are to be here for now. We look forward to many wonderful times together in the future. Love you all.
We are now unpacking and getting resettled in our apartment and enjoying the wonderful welcome home we have received by our brothers and sisters in the Lord here. It was hard saying good-bye to our Grandkids, children, family and friends in Indiana (loved the pizza and ice cream party we had) but we know and have the assurance of God's peace that we are to be here for now. We look forward to many wonderful times together in the future. Love you all.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ministry Update (6/01/07)
The Center for Ministry Development. Harry so far this year has taught classes on Christian Disciplines, the Christian Family and is currently finishing a class on the End Times.
Church Planting. God continues to work in our new church in Guatire. It hasn't made many changes in the last months. Pastor Armando is working to get youth from the Wednesday night meeting to attend and worship on Sunday morning. Nothing more has developed in regards to finding a new meeting location.
Youth. We continue to help Pastor Armando with the youth group on Wednesday nights. We are thankful for some of the youth who are growing in the faith and commitment to Christ. Some have left or become very irregular, not wanting to make a commitment to Christ or have had severe family interference.
Lynn's Discipleship. Lynn and her co-teacher, Maria Cristina, finished teaching the class on leading Small Groups with success. We are trusting the Lord to use this class to inspire starting small groups that focus on reaching non-Christians.
Macaracuay Church: God has lead the Macaracuay church to take a step of faith and begin the process of looking into buying an additional store to use as a worship center. The present location includes a Christian bookstore which is rearranged every Sunday. The second service on Sundays is full and if the church wants to grow it needs more space. At present Children and Youth SS classes are held out in the mall area. The new worship center would give more space for worship and provide classroom & office space as well as the Christian bookstore.
Church Planting. God continues to work in our new church in Guatire. It hasn't made many changes in the last months. Pastor Armando is working to get youth from the Wednesday night meeting to attend and worship on Sunday morning. Nothing more has developed in regards to finding a new meeting location.
Youth. We continue to help Pastor Armando with the youth group on Wednesday nights. We are thankful for some of the youth who are growing in the faith and commitment to Christ. Some have left or become very irregular, not wanting to make a commitment to Christ or have had severe family interference.
Lynn's Discipleship. Lynn and her co-teacher, Maria Cristina, finished teaching the class on leading Small Groups with success. We are trusting the Lord to use this class to inspire starting small groups that focus on reaching non-Christians.
Macaracuay Church: God has lead the Macaracuay church to take a step of faith and begin the process of looking into buying an additional store to use as a worship center. The present location includes a Christian bookstore which is rearranged every Sunday. The second service on Sundays is full and if the church wants to grow it needs more space. At present Children and Youth SS classes are held out in the mall area. The new worship center would give more space for worship and provide classroom & office space as well as the Christian bookstore.
Prayer/Praise (6/01/07)
Venezuela. Pray for the country. There is increasing fear and insecurity as one by one government changes are being made. The current protests, (pan banging, horn honking, trash burning and marches) for the closing of the oldest and largest radio/TV station has made it pretty "hot" here and curtailed a lot of activity. We have been fine, but have had to cancel some of our ministry programmed this week.
Ministry Development Center: Pray for new potential leadership and youth to be interested and involved in the program as they will begin to teach the curriculum over again, starting January, 2008
Men and Family Units. Pray for new men and family units and for more new contacts for our churches.
Armando and Carolina. Pray for Armando and Carolina who continue to work in planting a church in their neighborhood.
Women's Bible Study group: Praise God for the 5 who participated in the small group training class that Lynn and Maria Cristina lead. Our prayer and desire is that the Lord will call at least a couple of these to begin a small group for the purpose of reaching non Christians and then multiplying.
AVIB. Pray that the Lord will guide the upcoming summer retreats of men, women and children.
Property Sale. We have sold the property. Praise God the process was completed March 18. What a job!
Two new grandchildren: We praise God for the safe and healthy arrival of Kaelynn Elizabeth Hyde to Jeremy and Gwen on March 21 and Jonathan Syler Hyde to Jonathan and Abby on April 29. We are especially grateful to God for his protection over Syler who was born almost 4 weeks early. He is strong and healthy but a tiny little guy. Both grandchildren are doing well and are a joy to our family.
Ministry Development Center: Pray for new potential leadership and youth to be interested and involved in the program as they will begin to teach the curriculum over again, starting January, 2008
Men and Family Units. Pray for new men and family units and for more new contacts for our churches.
Armando and Carolina. Pray for Armando and Carolina who continue to work in planting a church in their neighborhood.
Women's Bible Study group: Praise God for the 5 who participated in the small group training class that Lynn and Maria Cristina lead. Our prayer and desire is that the Lord will call at least a couple of these to begin a small group for the purpose of reaching non Christians and then multiplying.
AVIB. Pray that the Lord will guide the upcoming summer retreats of men, women and children.
Property Sale. We have sold the property. Praise God the process was completed March 18. What a job!
Two new grandchildren: We praise God for the safe and healthy arrival of Kaelynn Elizabeth Hyde to Jeremy and Gwen on March 21 and Jonathan Syler Hyde to Jonathan and Abby on April 29. We are especially grateful to God for his protection over Syler who was born almost 4 weeks early. He is strong and healthy but a tiny little guy. Both grandchildren are doing well and are a joy to our family.
What we are doing
Our purpose for living in Caracas, Venezuela is work with the development of future leaders for the Venezuelan Association of Bible Churches.
These leaders are elders, cell group leaders, future pastors, future missionaries, church planters, and youth leaders. A core focus will be the development of the curriculum as outlined in the Ministry page so that existing churches are strengthened, new churches are planted, and new leadership is trained.
If one were to attend the two existing churches, a natural response might be that you better attend to the needs of these tiny churches! They hardly have the strength and resources to take care of themselves. Yet, these wonderful people have a vision to continue to grow spiritually, reach new people for Jesus Christ, grow as a church, and plant new churches. We are here to be part of the process through personal involvement in the Center for Ministry Development (see Affiliates page) and a new church plant.
Thanks for being part of our team!
These leaders are elders, cell group leaders, future pastors, future missionaries, church planters, and youth leaders. A core focus will be the development of the curriculum as outlined in the Ministry page so that existing churches are strengthened, new churches are planted, and new leadership is trained.
If one were to attend the two existing churches, a natural response might be that you better attend to the needs of these tiny churches! They hardly have the strength and resources to take care of themselves. Yet, these wonderful people have a vision to continue to grow spiritually, reach new people for Jesus Christ, grow as a church, and plant new churches. We are here to be part of the process through personal involvement in the Center for Ministry Development (see Affiliates page) and a new church plant.
Thanks for being part of our team!
Our Affiliates
Our Sending Mission:
Fellowship of Evangelical Churches and International Missions
1420 Kerrway Court Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46805
The Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC) exists to help the local church accomplish the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
FEC International Ministries' purpose is to assist local churches in spreading the Gospel in worldwide cross-cultural ministry situations, among unreached and unevangelized peoples with the goal of generating a reproducing church planting movement.
Financial support for Harry and Lynnette should be sent to account # 562400
----
Our work in Caracas, Venezuela is with the Venezuelan Association of Bible Churches
The Center of Ministerial Development focuses on the training of aspiring pastors and church leaders so that they correctly handle the word of truth so that the Body of Christ is built up and the church expands in Caracas, in Venezuela, and the world.
Fellowship of Evangelical Churches and International Missions
1420 Kerrway Court Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46805
The Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC) exists to help the local church accomplish the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
FEC International Ministries' purpose is to assist local churches in spreading the Gospel in worldwide cross-cultural ministry situations, among unreached and unevangelized peoples with the goal of generating a reproducing church planting movement.
Financial support for Harry and Lynnette should be sent to account # 562400
----
Our work in Caracas, Venezuela is with the Venezuelan Association of Bible Churches
The Center of Ministerial Development focuses on the training of aspiring pastors and church leaders so that they correctly handle the word of truth so that the Body of Christ is built up and the church expands in Caracas, in Venezuela, and the world.
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