11 Jun Two Young Women We Can’t Tell You About

Global Ministries staff sometimes serve in places where Christianity is not welcomed. As a result, we must avoid mentioning their names on United Brethren websites (because Google works everywhere). In some cases, being identified with a Christian organization may place them in danger. In other cases, it may simply get them kicked out of the country or cause hardship for their ministry.

We can be proud that courageous United Brethren people are venturing into such situations. Currently, eight Global Ministries families and individuals serve in undisclosed countries. But we can’t tell you about them.

Recently Kim, a young woman from a United Brethren church in the Midwest, returned to the States after serving two years in an Asia-Pacific country which is closed to Christian missionary work. Kim senses that the Lord is leading her back to America for the coming few years. Pray for a smooth transition back to the U.S. and God’s guidance as she looks for jobs and considers pursing a Masters degree. Pray also for the persons with whom she shared Christ–that the seeds she planted will produce abundant fruit.

Another United Brethren young woman, Anne, is preparing to leave for an undisclosed country. Pray for Anne and her influence in a country where Christianity is not welcomed.

(Even for publishing this vague information, we first got the approval of Kim and Anne.)

07 Jun Burtnett Family: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

The Burtnett family

Partnering with Wycliffe, SIL International, and related organizations, JAARS provides quality technical support services and resources to speed Bible translation for all people.  Their support , including software development and transportation, gives translators more time and resources to focus on language work, and reduces their costs.  As a result, God’s Word can be translated more quickly for hundreds of language groups around the world.

Mike and Jenny Burtnett are United Brethren members serving at the JAARS Center near Charlotte, NC. Mike is a youth pastor to 100+ missionary kids (MKs) who live near the center.  Jenny designs  JAARS’ quarterly magazine, called Rev. 7.  She also assists in the youth ministry.

The vision of JAARS’ youth ministry is to increase missionary longevity and prepare the next generation of ministers.  Nearly one-third of missionary kids will enter church or missions ministry as adults.  Yet one of the leading causes of missionaries leaving their ministries early is because their children’s needs (educational, emotional, spiritual) are not being met. Many of the MKs living near JAARS have recently returned from living many years overseas and need help adjusting to American culture.  Supporting and nurturing missionary families protects the church’s financial investment in the mission of Bible translation.

07 Jun Get Acquainted With: Erik Rojas, Pastor in Costa Rica

Erik Rojas is pastor of one of our churches in San Jose, Costa Rica. This gifted young man, who represented Costa Rica at the 2010 General Conference, is now attending seminary in Costa Rica at the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas. He expects to finish in 2016. Global Ministries is seeking a total of $100 a month to support Pastor Erik while he pursues a seminary degree. 

Testimony of Erik Rojas

I was born in a Catholic home in 1967. In January 1979, when I was 11 years old, my mother was very ill in hospital when she heard a dear woman of God share the salvation message of Jesus Christ. From then on, we began attending a Pentecostal Evangelical Church. After five years in that church, when I was 16 years old, I walked away from God’s ways. Many years later, when I was working in a restaurant, I met the woman who is now my wife. She invited me to church August 21, 2003. Following such a long time away from God, I was reconciled with the Lord in the same church where I serve as pastor today.

In 2005, I was chosen, along with my wife, Iris, to take charge of a church plant that we call “House of Prayer.” I had no theological training. Moreover, I did not know how to plant a church. I accepted the challenge because it has always been my desire to serve God. In 2006, I received the news that I would be transferred to the church where I now serve as pastor, “His Holiness Worship Center.” I now have over eight years of involvement with the United Brethren in Christ and this year, God willing, I will fulfill seven years in the pastorate. I am very happy and thankful to God to belong to the United Brethren in Christ.

Erik Rojas and his wife, Iris.

During these years of ministry, I completed my theological studies and earned my Diploma in Pastoral Ministry in the Costa Rican Evangelical Alliance Seminary (a leading school in Costa Rica). To obtain this diploma, I completed 20 courses, a workshop, and a final project. My studies lasted two years. My average grade was 96.5%.

Parallel to these studies, I obtained three credentials from the United Brethren in Christ. These credentials are:

2006. The Superintendent’s Credential, which is awarded after a year of pastoral service. It requires the presentation of the primary academic diploma, recommendations, a review of the work performed, and the approval of the Bishop or Superintendent.

2007. The Pastoral License, which is awarded after two years of pastoral service. It requires a review by a theological examination board, various recommendations, a written examination, and approval by the Conference Board of Nicaragua.

2009. Pastoral Ordination, which is awarded after four years of pastoral service. It requires a review by a theological examination board, recommendations, a written examination, and approval of the Board of the Conference of Nicaragua, after review and assessment of work done by the pastor.

Our Constitution provides that the minimum time for a pastor to receive these three credentials is four years. I thank God that I was able to achieve them in the shortest possible time.

(more…)

06 Jun New Global Ministry Staff: Harold and MaryAnne Hancock

Harold and MaryAnn Hancock, a retired couple, have joined the Global Ministries staff. In mid-August 2012, they will begin serving at Jamaica Bible College in Mandeville, Jamaica.

Harold spent his career working in various trades–welding, electrical work, plumbing, etc. He will teach those skills at a vocational high school located on the campus of Jamaica Bible College. MaryAnne will work in the college library.

The Hancocks are members of New Hope UB church in Camden, Mich. MaryAnne has been the longtime administrative assistant for the church and the former New Hope Christian School. A commissioning service will be held at the church no August 5.

At this time, the Hancocks have raised 90% of their needed support. If you are interested in supporting them, send contributions to:

Global Ministries
302 Lake Street
Huntington, IN 46750

Include a separate note indicating the check is for “Hancock support.”

05 Jun Leadership Training in Mexico

Bishop Denis Casco speaking at the May 2012 seminar in Mexico. (click to enlarge)

Gary Brooks (left) and Bishop Denis Casco in Mexico.

Gary Brooks leading a session for Mexican pastors and church workers.

On May 17, 2012, Rev. Gary Brooks, a retired UB pastor and missionary, flew to Mexico to join Rev Denis Casco, bishop of the Mexico National Conference. They conducted a seminar for 35 pastors and church workers. It was held at the Rosa de Saron United Brethren Church in the municipality of Jesus Maria El Marquez, on the outskirts of Queretaro, Mexico.

Gary Brooks taught a chapter by chapter study from Colossians. Bishop Casco taught classes on discipleship, focusing on the difference between unproductive professing believers who fill our church pews and disciples who do all they can to fulfill the Great Commission.

The response was overwhelming and pastors responded frequently with great enthusiasm. As Gary Brooks noted, their excitement demonstrates the need for more training of this kind.

If you would like to support future training events like this in Mexico, send your gift to Global Ministries marked “Mexico – Leadership Development.”

05 Jun Nutritious Meals for Honduran Children

Not far beyond the multinational fruit company headquarters where seasonal workers wait in hope for temporary jobs, the Honduran village of El Carril is brimming with children. Many of these children come from homes where eating more than one meal per day is considered a luxury, and what is consumed is little more than a basic starch like rice or corn.

However, at this “comedor” (meal program), a local United Brethren church does all it can to provide the children with occasional meals that are more nutritious than they receive at home. Along with the meals, the children are able to hear Bible stories, sing songs, and learn that they are valued and loved by God.

Just a few of our North American churches support feeding programs like this, and yet so much is accomplished as a result.