No boredom at Paraguayan staff retreat
Since we hadn’t had a retreat for a few years now, and being only a small group, we decided to invite the current and retired EMC missionaries with their kids and grandkids. This idea was met with enthusiasm, so we had a two-day retreat at the end of December 2022.
Squeaking past protestors
We are told that at this time of year this place is usually hopping with tourists coming out to enjoy the vast beaches, but this year is a little different. With all the protests going on, the town is quiet and tranquil.
Praise in the midst of challenge
Nicaragua is an extraordinarily beautiful country with amazingly resilient people. Sadly, these people live in a geographical region that is susceptible to natural disasters and political instability.
Missionary missteps: even missionaries make mistakes when stepping into unfamiliar territory
These missionaries remind us that no matter how competent and prepared we are, we will make mistakes when we step out, and that’s okay.
A tangible longing for peace
The longing for peace is tangible in East Africa especially among the South Sudanese refugees, as they long for an end to the suffering and their return to a country of peace.
Polar Bear Marathon is in the book—literally
In spite of obstacles, the 11th Polar Bear Marathon in Churchill, held on November 19, 2022, was completed—to God’s glory!
Minimalist art shows what God has done
Welcome to the Minimalistic Art Edition of the Messenger missionary feature. This is the edition where I made a quick minimalist piece of art for everything God did in the last three months on our field in Northern Ireland. And by everything, I mean four things.
Prayer is a blessing to give and receive
For a number of years EMC has been sending out teams to pray for missionaries on EMC-administrated mission fields. Those who have gone on such trips can testify to the blessing it is.
That’s a win!
Three weeks ago, I started a program and I have consistently followed through with my intentions. A win.
Fasts honoured for years of missionary service
The Board of Missions (BOM) held the annual Missionary Fellowship on June 8, 2022, to recognize the service of Lesley and Marianne Fast, who are soon moving back to the Netherlands.
Maybe self-sufficiency isn’t the goal
Let me introduce you to my new home. It’s a city where roses bloom in the winter and some trees stay green all year.
‘I was pastor to a lot of people who didn’t attend church’
Around 2009 I realized I was pastor to a lot of people who didn’t attend church while the church we had planted was losing momentum.
EMC missionaries share about media ministry
Media is one way some EMC missionaries minister: from radio work to filming projects, from social media campaigns to audio recordings distributed by WhatsApp.
Training Team Members in Tirana
EASTERN EUROPE- One of the first visits Samuel made to our house after having been assigned as a field missionary was on a warm spring day. We sat in our little courtyard and he shared more about the journey of God calling him to this life.
Running with the Bears in Churchill
MANITOBA - The 10th anniversary Polar Bear Marathon took place in Churchill, Man., on November 20, 2021.
A Dream Come True
Our existence is made of interactions with others. When we arrived in Bobo-Dioulasso in 2006, our constant prayer was that God would send us to those who want to hear from him, those who are thirsty and hungry for him, or that God would send them to us.
God is Working in the North!
In the last few years life and ministry has been very different for all of us. Things in Northern Manitoba are slowly getting back to normal, and God is working! Here are some areas I have seen him move recently.
Paraguay - Come Along on a Typical Sunday
What does a typical Sunday look like for us? On the mission field, we don’t deal with a lot of typical or sameness in ministry; flexibility and change can be expected. Let us take you along on a Sunday like this last one.
SOUTH SUDAN: SUNDAY, AN ORPHAN AND A BISHOP
Sunday is not just a day. This story is about Sunday the man. Sunday grew up in refugee camps as a Sudanese orphan. Camp life was very difficult and as an orphan, and especially a Sudanese orphan, he had to figure out how to support himself in another country.
PARAGUAY: OUR KING IS A GOD WITH A LAVISH DISPOSITION!
Under-qualified. That’s the word that came to my mind when the Holy Spirit prodded me, “You should be on that prayer team to Paraguay.” Was this chance that a verse in Zephaniah leapt off the pages of scripture that very day to affirm the calling?