Journey in Educational Missions

On the Cover

2012-01-15T19:08:00.000-05:00

A photo of my elementary-age "Confetti Club" Storytime appears on the cover of the Seminole County FL "Guide to Leisure Services" Winter Spring 2012 edition. This guide gives programs and events of Extension Services, Greenways and Natural Lands, Libraries, Parks and Recreation, plus Tourism from January - May 2012.

I am thankful for the last 17+ years of customer service,reference and youth services librarianship with a great organization. This along with decades of children's ministry provides an excellent foundation for another dimension of librarianship – supporting Bible translationin Cameroon as a school librarian.

Christmas 2011 - International Friendship Ministry

2011-12-29T23:07:00.001-05:00

Right now more students 600,000 university students fromaround the world come America to study. Sixty-nine international students from universities around the U.S. cameto Orlando December 21-28 for the 2011 International Friendship Ministry Christmas Tour. It was a chance for host families to share Christ's love for this mission field that God brought to ourdoorsteps.

Host families help international students to understand thesignificance of this important holiday. Frequently a student is exposed to thegospel here in the USA but comes to trust Christ as Savior when they return totheir home country. Our prayer is that our involvement in each student's life will have an impact for eternity.

2011 was my 3rd year to host Chinese students for the IFMChristmas tour. This Christmas, it was my privilege to host visiting scholars Qifeng Yin, college teacher in Sichuan Province and Huan Wang, asenior reseacher at China Institute of Science (Beijing).

Pork dumpling making lesson from Qifeng. She actually expected me to

use chopsticks get filling mixture onto dumpling wraps! I was determined

to do so and did (OK, with some practice).

Christmas Day gang @ farewell dinner. My threesome enjoyed the gracious hospitality
of Jim and Ginny Siebert at their home with their students,
and worshiped with them @ St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.

Qifeng and Huan assist me in presenting "The Legend of the Poinsettia" via
Mexican marionettes @ the Farewell Dinner with host families and students.

Departure morning. The last evening I also welcomed Yang Jiang (left) into my condo,
whose regular host family was out of town for a wedding. Host families help each other
out to fill in any gaps/needs. Special thanks to Ginny Siebert and Rosa Schenone
for assisting me with transportation.
.

Technology is awesome! One special experience of the week for me was seeing and speaking with Huan's husband and 4-year-old daughter via Internet Christmas Eve in Orlando/Christmas morning in Beijing. When Huan showed her daughter what she had gotten for her, I ran and grabbed a little bear in red PJ's (sang "Jesus Loves Me" when squeezed a spot) I was giving preschool daughters of Huan and Qifeng. When Huan held bear up close to laptop camera, her daughter held out her arms to take the bear though 7,500+ miles of cyberspace. My heart was touched! I also was able to say hello to Qifeng's husband later in the week, but he had no computer camera.

more to come...

December 2011 "WattsLine" Newsletter Posted

2011-12-21T19:11:00.004-05:00

NOTE: My December 2011 WattsLine newsletter has been posted under Newsletters.

It contains a "2011 in Review" summary and my Christmas devotional, "A Rejoicing Spirit".

Merry Christmas from Wycliffe

2011-12-19T23:50:00.003-05:00

What a joy and a privilege to be involved in bringing God’stranslated Word to those who don’t yet have it! As you meditate on thesignificance of the birth of Jesus, remember those for whom Jesus remains aforeigner because they’ve never heard the good news in the language theyunderstand best. Your partnership in the work of Bible translation brings themcloser to the God who loves them, providing access to the hope and salvationoffered in God’s Word.

Click below for a video Christmas greetingfrom President and CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA Bob Creson and hiswife Dallas.

Merry Christmas from Wycliffe

Wycliffe’s Annual World Day of Prayer

2011-11-12T11:30:00.001-05:00

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

Wycliffe’s World Day of Prayer was November 11 intended for all Wycliffe USA staff working and/or living in the U.S. It was held at the Discovery center in Orlando and was streamed live to other staff around the country. Living only one county away, I decided to go there and participate in person rather than via Internet. So glad I did…a number of helpful contacts / conversations and enriched by broader perspectives from praying through the program notebook with others around the table, including Wycliffe Pioneer George Cowan & daughter Ruth who works in Prayer Ministries department.

“From Start to Finish” we journeyed together in prayer and praise to God for the privilege to partner with Him in the Bible translation process. We

-prayerfully supported Wycliffe colleagues and partners around the world.

-prayed for language projects yet to start, for those underway, and for those nearing the finish line.

-worshiped God and celebrated with those who have the Scripture in their heart language. Topics for prayer included Bibleless People & Language Survey and Development, Impacts of Bible Translation, Creative Strategies in Bible Translation, Celebrate the Finish Line, and more.

Friday was a great day journeying together in worship and in prayer for the task of Bible translation all around the world. Experiencing it in person was a real blessing as I expected it would be.

Fall 2011 "WattsLine" Newsletter - posted

2011-10-30T09:00:00.003-04:00

NOTE: My Fall 2011 "WattsLine" newsletter is posted under the "Newsletters" tab above.

Standing STRONG – Fall 2011 Scripture Celebration

2011-10-29T15:40:00.000-04:00

Thegrass withers and the flowers fade,

but the Word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah40:8 (NLT)

“StandingSTRONG” was the theme to celebrate the extraordinary work that God is doing all over theworld. October 14 at the WycliffeDiscovery Center in Orlando twenty three recently completed New Testaments and Bibles for the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific were dedicated. Thisrepresents the availability of God’s Word in the heart language of 13,521,950 speakers:

        World Area       Speakers
        Americas            524,790

        Asia    974,960
        Africa     11,986,000
        Pacific          36,200

PRAISE God for the completion of these Scriptureprojects. Please continue to PRAY for the 2,078 languages that still need atranslation project started. To learn more, visit www.lastlanguagescampaign.org.

This was my first semi-annual Scripture Celebrationto attend, and an uplifting day it was. Along with the excitement of seeing therecently completely translations, I was glad to meet in person my coach in thepartnership development process. Jean Pederson lives in Wyoming.

It was apleasure to run into a missions pastor I knew from an east FL coast church andjoin his committee for lunch in the Discovery Center. Inspiring group offolks...an exemplary Acts 1:8 church. So good to visit with my recruiter and other Wycliffe staff plus friends from “Perspectives” class preparing for full-time missions.

Invitation to Fall 2011 Scripture Celebration – Orlando FL

2011-10-05T00:25:00.000-04:00

To those who can be in Orlandoon October 14, please join us the celebration dedicating twenty recently completed NewTestaments and Bibles the Americas, Asia, Africa andthe Pacific.

Time: October14, 2011. 9am-11am

Location: Wycliffe DiscoveryCenter,
11221John Wycliffe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32832

Come and see the extraordinary work that God is doing all over theworld.

For more info call Sheryl Funk at 407-852-3671.

Visits in Kentucky & Tennessee

2011-09-28T21:51:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I returned from visits with family and friends in Kentucky and Tennessee.

September 17th was a reunion marking 40 years for my graduating class at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, Kentucky. It was great to see former classmates and hear about their careers, grandchildren, and activities.

This was my annual trip to visit Watts family members in Kentucky & Tennessee + sister from Ohio. I enjoyed worshiping with several family members in their home churches, having dinner @ Cracker Barrel with some, and conversations with some cousins who couldn’t make the dinner. I got to visit with a nephew I had not seen in 10+ years (army in Alaska & Iraq) & his 9-year-old daughter I last saw as a baby. It was great to just hang out several days with my two sisters. I cherish the time spent with each family member I was able to contact. There was much shared laughter, some tears remembering a recently departed one, and a number of prayers together. My target departure of summer 2012 is not far off…thank God for cell phones, email, Facebook, & Skype!

I also cherish visiting my home church in Winchester, seeing old friends & new ones. I appreciate the opportunity to join in the Women’s Ministry meeting and lead in prayer Sunday morning.

People Chain/Teamwork & Library Anniversary & Stepping in Faith

2011-08-26T14:07:00.015-04:00

Vision 2025: “To see a Bible translation program in progress in every language still needing one by 2025” will not be accomplished by “Lone Rangers.” Good translations are the result of a group of people with different skills working together, supported by those who have a passion for seeing the Bible be available to all in a language that speaks to their heart.

Two-thirds of all Wycliffe missionaries serve in roles that support Bible translation: pilots, mechanics, accountants, bookkeepers, computer personnel, teachers, librarians, non-print media, carpenters, project managers, recruiters, and others. Missionaries depend on prayer, financial, and advocate partners to get to the field and to be able to continue in the work.

As Wycliffe founder Townsend stated: "We must invest heavily in our children's education. If we don't, just when their parents are most productive they will leave us to attend to their children's schooling." Children’s education is indeed a vital support arm of the Bible translation process.

August 22 marked 17 years as a youth services librarian with Seminole County Public Libraries. Add seven years as school librarian with Hillsborough Public Schools and I have served well over three decades in children’s ministry. What a joy it is to be able to combine my work and service experience to God’s glory via supporting Bible translation.

Stepping out in faith, I accepted the gracious offer of a Wycliffe teacher to take a tote of my belongings along with hers to Waxhaw, North Carolina to be shipped on to Cameroon and stored in apartment waiting there for her. That tote of my tools, books, puppets, peanut exercise ball and mini-blender left my condo exactly on my 17^th anniversary with as public library librarian.

I confess I cringe when I hear of more economic struggles like local school board budget deficit. However I strongly believe in Vision 2025 and that God has called me to actively be a part of it. I walk in faith, keeping my eyes on His power and the vision of helping bring God's Word to the Bibleless rather than on the challenges.

"Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you’re not willing to move your feet."

First Home Meeting Fellowship

2011-08-06T22:26:00.003-04:00

Today was my first home meeting today Celebrating What God Is Doing

for the Bibleless Peoples. Our fellowship at the home of Dave & May Bartels included a continental breakfast, the brief video - "Reaching the Last Languages," a few info modules with props/stories, an interactive demonstration of teamwork in Bible translation, a PowerPoint presentation about my plans to support Bible translation in Cameroon as a school librarian, plus invitation to prayer, financial, and advocate partnership, followed by Q & A. There was great fellowship with 16 old friends including several families I had not seen for several years. Special THANK YOU to breakfast hostess Linda Richard.

YOUR hosting a dessert fellowship/potluck home meeting with your friends would help broaden and strengthen my network of contacts.

International Children's Education Orientation (ICO)

2011-06-23T07:34:00.018-04:00

In preparation to support Bible translation as School Librarian with the Field Education System (home schooled, village based families) program and Parent Run School in Yaounde, Cameroon, I received ICO training June 19-24, 2011 at the Dallas International Linguistics Center. What a blessing this week and the people are to my journey!

ICO is presented by International Children’s Education (iCHED) who shares resources, supports families and teachers overseas. This week-long orientation helps prepare us for our assignments with missionary kids/third culture kids (MKs/TCKs).

Topics included: Teaching Overseas, Dynamics of Family Issues; Education, and Care; Cultural Differences in MK Education; Integrating Faith, Culture, and Academics; TCK Profile and MK Issues; Children in Crisis; Language Acquisition; Preparing MKs for Re-entry; Clarifying Beliefs and Values about MK Education; Child Safety, and more ...

First evening team exercise, one of many similar to reality shows; we debriefed each exercise for application to missions. .

Dessert Fellowship in home of former Cameroon missionary family. Learned so much about specific life in assigned country - including important do's and don'ts.

Mystery Trip: Simulated unexpected airport stop in country not familiar with - learned about overcoming traveling obstacles. I was pick-pocketed; glad that happened in a pretend exercise...I will be more careful in the real travel.

Africa bound: Teachers and librarians with assignments in various countries of Africa.

Communion and Commission: Prayer for missionaries bound for Africa.

"Soul Journers" small group share song we created to summarize some of the day's concepts - a fun interactive technique for review.

Wycliffe Bible Translators - EQUIP Training

2011-04-26T07:54:00.018-04:00

It was recently my privilege to receive 8 weeks of great training and orientation.

Online Equip Feb. 14 - March 26, 2011: Six weeks of online orientation to the Wycliffe Bible Translators organization and training on roles, responsibilities, and team building.

Onsite Equip at Wycliffe USA April 2-15, 2011: Two weeks of onsite training and orientation included: New Member Training: Biblical Basis, Bible Translation Process, Language Work, Support Roles, Partnership Development, Spiritual Warfare, Moral Conduct Code, Resilience, Issues of Transition, Children/MK & Family Issues, Modules, 10/16 Talks, Cause/Call/Challenge, Building Relationships, Attitude of Gratitude, Advocates & Church Relations, Planning/Maintaining Margin, Phone Calls, Appointments, Record Keeping, Newsletters, Email/Blogs, Websites/Facebook Portfolios/Literature, Employment Requirements, Money Matters and more.

Intro to group using an object. Using a watering can I share of my nurturing school librarian assignment in Yaounde, Cameroon. I am preparing to support Bible translation by helping to meet educational needs of Central Africa missionary children. The Education Resource Center serves students of the Field Education System (home schooled, village based families) program and Parent Run School.

Introductions during EnterMission, Wycliffe weekly chapel service

Sharing my story during EnterMission

Listening to awesome stories of God’s guidance
and provision from George Cowan, Wycliffe pioneer

The "People Chain" illustrating the many support roles needed for Bible translation.


Banana phones - practice calling to request appointment.

Wycliffe Membership Acceptance Letter

2011-02-26T21:59:00.000-05:00

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Dear Kay,

It’s my privilege to inform you that on 02/03/2011 you were officially accepted as a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. We have made the following note in your record. Wanda Kay Watts, U.S.A., is granted the status of Member of Wycliffe USA. Kay has applied for work in Children's Education. Future assignment will depend upon medical clearance.

I thank the Lord for leading you to Wycliffe and pray that He will provide for, strengthen and guide you in your ministry. As the Scriptures say:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3: 16-19).

May God bless you and bless the Bibleless peoples through you. Welcome to the team!

Serving together,

Dick Johnson
Director of Personnel Administration

Approved as a candidate for Wycliffe membership

2011-01-09T21:27:00.000-05:00

A long awaited announcement came to me December 20 via email & phone only hours before my international guests arrived for 10 days. My application had been processed and I was approved as a candidate for membership with Wycliffe Bible Translators. A prefield administrator is working with me to identify a strategic service assignment (1st assignment in Africa) and to develop a comprehensive preparation plan. Stay tuned.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-02T19:45:00.005-05:00

It was a privilege to welcome into my little condo 16 people between December 20-31st...1, 2, 3, or 13 each of those days. What a great experience to host two of the 75 students that came from around the country to Orlando area for 10 days via International Friendship Ministry. If you live in the Orlando area, please let me share more details.

Christmas Dinner. Great fellowship and much delicious food thanks to teamwork. It was a real joy to welcome old friends, new friends, my cousin Sterling + neighbors to take photos.

Via International Friendship Ministry I hosted two ladies Dec. 20-29. Xiaoping/Belinda (in red above) and Jia/Joy came from South Carolina colleges where they did studies, observation/teaching. At different China universities, Belinda teaches English; Joy teaches Human Resource Management.

In the photos above, Belinda and Joy decorate a Christmas tree for the first time in my condo; we toured T-Rex Restaurant and other parts of Downtown Disney quickly in rather cold windy weather before and after eating @ Rainforest Cafe; time flew and it was time for "good-bye" before Joy and Belinda headed back to Columbia, South Carolina on IFM bus. We are staying in touch.

Christmas Eve IFM Orlando Tour 2010 Conference. Chinese students (many) sing “Silent Night” in their language, then assist Japanese students (few) in singing it in their language. Overview of Creation, Christmas, and Easter was presented – some students’ first time to hear this. I am grateful for the opportunity to put two Muslim students from Iraq asking great questions in touch with Dr. Steven Masood of Jesus to Muslims.

We had Christmas Eve Dinner at home of IFM hosts Wayne and Bonita Slaymaker. Their guest Rachael Tan is from Australia. The Slaymakers introduced me to ministry with international students; they have hosted over 70 students in 22 years. We host families have potential to make an impact on university students’ life for eternity by reflecting Christ’s love to them and sharing our faith as opportunities arise.

After Christmas Eve dinner, the six of us drove around several parts of Orlando singing Christmas Eve - taking in the lights. Finally that evening, we Christmas caroled and had fellowship at the home of IFM host family Terry/Delores Radice, Christina and their Korean students.

Part of the International Friendship Ministry program is to share our some of our Christmas traditions with students; also fascinating to learn how guests celebrate their native holidays. It was fun to wrap practical little items for Christmas stockings; I shared memories of the how much Grandpa and Grandma Snowden appreciated their stocking from a church family in Winchester KY and how my Children's Church youngsters for many years made things for shut-ins' stockings. It thrilled my heart to see how excited and grateful Joy and Belinda were to receive a personal size Life Application Bible.

H.E.A.R.T. + American International Thanksgiving Dinner

2010-11-24T23:27:00.005-05:00

Friday, November 19th was a full day with international ministry focus. Morning and most of the afternoon I worked in Lake Wales FL on library development at H.E.A.R.T. Institute, an interdenominational training center designed to prepare people to serve in the Third World. An unexpected treat was joining in a wonderful Cambodian lunch provided by the family of a H.E.A.R.T. student.

That evening I served as a table host for the 9th Annual American International Thanksgiving Dinner at First Baptist Church in Oviedo. The event was sponsored by Florida Int’l Student Hospitality (UCF) and Baptist Collegiate Ministries. It was a delight to get acquainted with Eri and Manami from Japan who are both studying English at the Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies, University of Central Florida. Our table learned that the Japanese word for “Thank You” is Arigatou.

TOPS - S.M.A.R.T. Goals

2010-10-08T13:55:00.004-04:00

Enough is enough!!! I have declared war on my middle-age spread.

On September 2 I joined TOPS FL 0824 that meets in the chapel at New Tribes Mission Homes in Sanford with 21 members of various ages. It is a wonderful group with folks of kindred spirit in our weight loss journey and many involved in gospel missions.

The mission of the TOPS chapter is to help and support members’ efforts to lose weight and keep it off sensibly. The group encourages each other to follow sound nutrition and exercise plans to reach weigh goals set by their healthcare professionals. Various members of each TOPS chapter present the weekly program (materials available from national office).

October 7 was my turn. A conversation with “Grandma Gracie” led to a program on S.M.A.R.T. goal setting. As follow-up to us each putting a target weight for Dec. 31 in a time capsule last week, I described the characteristics of S.M.A.R.T. goals:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

In working through a goal setting worksheet I had created, I invited TOPS members to identify obstacles and hindrances to meeting our time capsule goals and we discussed how to deal with each. I encouraged each person to list individuals/organizations/resources that can assist in achieving their goal and make a detailed plan of action.

My personal weight loss has been rather slow, but at least I’ve finally broke through a long plateau and it has dropped the last three weeks. With a clearly defined strategy and resources, God’s help, and fun friendly TOPS support…my eyes are on the goals of less weight, more energy and better health for God’s service.

H.E.A.R.T. Library Peeping Along

2010-09-18T23:57:00.009-04:00

Several times in his powerful book, “The End of the Spear” Steve Saint mentions occasionally sharing their home and church in Ecuador with various critters…sometimes with quite a ruckus created.

Friday in the library at H.E.A.R.T. Institute there was no ruckus…only the steady serenading of peeps from approximately a dozen and half baby chicks and the scurrying of little feet while filing card catalog cards and typing bibliographic data into a template for more cards.

Several years ago I was asked to assist the H..E.A.R.T. (Hunger Education And Resources Training) Institute with library development. H.E.A.R.T. Institute is a simulated Third World village to train persons interested in serving as missionaries in Third World countries.

Phase 1 was weeding extremely overcrowded shelves. Many thanks to H.E.A.R.T. spring 2010 intern Morganne Betteridge for all her hard work and multiple hours spent on the weeding process and more.

Instructor’s approval for is still needed for only one course’s pulled potential discards. Then comes re-shelving what is deemed appropriate to keep, shuffling books for more even shelf distribution, then doing subject shelf labels for user friendliness.

Phase 2 begins next week when I get a list of instructor names and emails to request lists of recommended acquisitions. Then comes locating best purchase sources for instructor recommendations.

Phase 3 starts when H.E.A.R.T. Director Phil Murphy to shares the H.E.A.R.T. Library Wish List with churches as a fund raiser.

I volunteer at H.E.A.R.T. approximately one Friday a month (my library system is closed Fridays). Thanks to Diane Beam who came with me yesterday to work on library tasks. I also plan to ask a fellow librarian to come help catalog books and brainstorm ways to fine tune the library development process. Yesterday I secured a H.E.A.R.T. student with library work experience to re-shelve books after student use.

Here Dr. Jim Kiess, former medical missionary to Belize and I choose a location for his personal reserve collection for the “Public Health” course and show that spot to student Elizabeth. Both Diane (a former LPN) and I are doing some research for online resources related to the big semester project for this course.

NAC 2010 - "Cote d'Ivoire & Storytelling" @ Kid's Place: AFRICAN ADVENTURE

2010-07-09T22:25:00.021-04:00

The 2010 theme for Kid's Place June 28-30 at the North American Convention of the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana was "AFRICAN ADVENTURE." I was asked to write and lead the "Cote d'Ivoire and Storytelling" Learning Center. I invited librarian Ruth Maxedon and her husband Lynn to join me in facilitating this portion of the 3-day adventure.

Cote d'Ivoire missionaries Sherman and Kay Critser tell about the Church of God ministry there, the country and schools, West Africa Bible Institute, CBH radio, and answer questions.

Andrew Lyon, with CBH: Christians Broadcasting Hope, shows picture of radio tower on church in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire. He tells about the French radio program and his trips there to train radio staff and soundproof the studio.

Lynn and Ruth Maxedon lead the song with actions “Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” in English and French. The Maxedons describe their February 2010 Côte d'Ivoire trip to assist with soundproofing CBH radio studio and work on preparing books for the West Africa Bible Institute library.

Ruth Maxedon shares It Takes a Village by Jane Cowan-Fletcher and My Baby by Jeanette Winter about making mud cloth. Ruth showed a sample of real mud cloth and several cloths she bought in Côte d'Ivoire.

I lead children in transition song “Beat the Drum,” (tune: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”) with homemade African drums or using our laps for drums.

Beat, beat, beat the drum, Rum, Pum, Pum, Pum, Pum.

Listen to the sounds it makes, Watch us have some fun.

Play, play, play the drum, Rum, Pum, Pum, Pum, Pum.

Hear it talk and tell a tale, Listen everyone.

(Travel the Globe, Multicultural Story Times, Desiree Webber ... [et al.] p. 111)

This small African drum was made from two plastic punch cups, taped bottom to bottom with duct tape; it can be covered with masking tape, color electrical tape, or 1" strips of woodgrain adhesive paper and decorated with electrical tape.

Children join in saying the name of the special tree, “Uwungelema” (oo-won-guh-LAY-muh) during the felt board story similar to the "Tortoise and the Hare." (The Flannel Board Storytelling Book. Judy Sierra, p. 152-157 )

The book, Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier shows what a tremendous difference one goat can make in the life of a Ugandan family. Kid's Place outreach project from offerings this year went to buy goats in Uganda...and money was collected for 13 goats. PTL!

We have fun with a silly hippo rhyme and body percussion between stories.

A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus; (slap thighs)

Got on, got on, got on the city bus; (clap hands)

And all, and all, and all the people said… (brush hands past each other up and down)

You’re squishing us! (squish cheeks)

Special THANKS to my sister Pat Watts for making PowerPoints with music of French/English songs “Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” and “Papa Abraham”. (Email me for these.) Thank you Larry Sellers for making French translation of “Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” fit the melody and reflect Ivorian version. Thanks to South Meridian Church of God, Anderson for use of your plants and to Kid's Place workers for plant delivery.

"TOTAL It Up" - Wycliffe Orlando

2010-06-04T22:10:00.001-04:00

What an awesome week! It's called "TOTAL It Up" - "Taste Of Translation And Linguistics."

TIU is a five-day course offered by Wycliffe Bible Translators which includes introductory classes on phonetics, phonology, grammar, language and cultural learning, and translation and semantics. Field reports, video and personal testimonies offer students a chance to experience translation as it happens in the field. Ethnic dinners enhance the experience.

My work schedule did not permit me to be a full participant in this past week's Orlando TIU, but I am grateful I could sit in on some of each day's programming and I got more of the big picture.

Titusville Spring Perspectives Class Wraps Up

2010-05-20T21:15:00.011-04:00

It has been my privilege to serve the Titusville Florida Spring 2010 "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" class as Grading Supervisor. We met Sunday evenings, January 10 - May 9 (with two break weeks) @ Indian River City United Methodist Church in Titusville. The photo above includes students and Coordinating Team members at our last evening multicultural dinner celebration with testimonies and graduation. It was a precious time of worship, sharing, and praying for one another.

Perspectives teaches the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic aspects of fulfilling the Great Commission. “Perspectives is a dynamic, engaging and thorough look at the state of world evangelization today. For any person who wonders where they may fit into God's plan for reaching the unreached, taking this course will give them insight to God's heart for the world and how they can and should get involved.” -Scott Graves, Pioneer Bible Translators

In 15 lessons, we engaged with a range of dynamic speakers from these missions organizations & more: New Tribes Mission, Walk Through the Bible, Unveiling Glory, YWAM Frontier Missions, Latin American Missions, Globe Serv, Intl. Orality Network, Jesus to Muslims, Fountain of Life, Wycliffe Bible Translators, New Mission Systems, Air Mobile Ministries.

Students in this Titusville class included among others: a high school senior taking the class for college credit, preparing to be a 3rd generation missionary and her mother who ministered in Panama during several weeks of the class; two ladies took class for college and graduate credit. Certificate students included a retired medical doctor and wife who are very supportive of missions, several missions committee chairpersons/members, a former English teacher to Japan, and others. Various students and CT members have already served in different parts of the world and some have plans to serve abroad this summer or sooner in Haiti and Nicaragua. Join us in praying for Kathleen Willey Peterson and daughter Anna who are currently on a short-term trip in Panama. Heather Trapp, graduate student, wrote on Facebook: "What a great experience!!! Tons of work but SO worth it. It has forever changed the way that I look at the world, and missions. Thanks be to God!"

It is an honor and privilege to work with such a program that is designed to equip and mobilize Christians to contribute their own abilities in their own strategic places of service to advance the Kingdom, whether locally, nationally or internationally.

I have been asked to also serve as Grading Supervisor of the Satellite Beach FL class this fall and mention has been made of my working with the Spring 2011 Orlando class (contingent on ramifications a full-time missions situation I am exploring).

Perspectives is about learning how to use your skills and passions to glorify God in all the earth – no matter your location or vocation. The course can be taken online. I challenge you to prayerfully consider it…go to http://www.perspectives.org/.

The Journey Deepens Reteat, Atlanta GA

2010-04-01T00:29:00.006-04:00

It was my privilege to attend "The Journey Deepens Reteat" in Tyrone GA at the Operation Mobilization Conference Center near Atlanta on March 26-28. Along with deepening our relationship with Jesus, there was much discussion and exploration of the goer, sender, and mobilizer roles in missions. I had the opportunity to connect with representatives from several missions agencies - Finishers Project, Operation Mobilization, and Wycliffe Bible Translators.

I have served as a "goer" in the past, to Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa and Cayman Islands. Currently I am in a season of being a "sender" (David and Bonnie Baylor Family + Ernie and Lori Nicholas) and "mobilizer" (via Perspectives course grading supervisor + library development @ Heart Institute). I pray I can always function as a sender and mobilizer, even if in small ways. The "big picture" is not visible yet... I simply do not feel God has released me from my call to be a "goer" be it short-term or long-term.

My heart, ears, and eyes are open to God's leading. Several kinds of research and exploration are in progress. For example, I have registered to attend Discover Wycliffe on May 1. My heart leaps whenever I hear and read about Wycliffe's Vision 2025 to see a Bible translation program in progress in every language still needing one by the year 2025.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My small group - leader: Ele Parrott (lower right),

author of Transforming Together, Authentic Spiritual Mentoring)

Gals in the Big Bunkhouse - rich sharing of learnings and fellowship at end of the days.

Funeral & Family Time in KY; Cherished Action Happens Again

2010-03-29T18:30:00.009-04:00

The last weekend of February was spent in central Kentucky with my Watts relatives. We gathered in Winchester to remember and honor my Dad's sister, Fannie Watts Palmer. Her minister described her as a humble, quiet country woman of few words. She was a faithful woman - to God, her church, and her family. She touched the hearts and impacted the lives of many...the funeral home was packed. Eighteen of us first cousins were there plus many second cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Aunt Fannie had expressed her love for us and others in so many caring ways.

I appreciate Aunt Fannie's support and encouragement of my Christian Education ministry; I did several programs with puppets and more at her church through the years. I cherish her support of my African missions work. She had a special heart for missions.

Aunt Fannie was a wonderful role model for service. You'd frequently find her in the church kitchen at Epperson First Church of God during various events and funeral dinners plus cooking at Camp Glenn Eden. I was told that if she could not be at a funeral dinner to help serve, she would quietly slip a covered dish into the church ahead.

What a special treat it was to see all those cousins, two I had not seen in more than 40 years. It was a blessing to spend time after the funeral with some family members. Above is my cousin Pam Pennington, I hold Pam's granddaughter Caroline Grace Pope, Aunt Ruth Abney, and Aunt Mayme Crowe.

There is something I’ll always remember and cherish. It happened again 42+ years later. It comforted my heart and lifted my spirits back on that cold rainy day in October 1967 as the funeral procession followed my dear beloved father to his burial place a few miles away. Cars coming the opposite direction pulled to the side of the road and waited for the procession to go by - out of respect for the deceased and sympathy for the grieving. No laws demanding you stop and wait as with a school bus stopping to pick up students. It deeply touched this then 14-year old broken heart that these complete strangers gave a hoot about our deep loss.

I thought things had probably changed after more than 42 years…but it happened again. This trip from funeral home to cemetery was longer, but four lanes across a divided highway some people pulled off the road to wait for our procession to go by. Again, my deeply grieving heart was comforted by this silent yet powerful act of kindness. It makes me proud to be a native of Winchester, Kentucky.

ECHO Visit

2010-02-20T17:30:00.000-05:00

On February 17th, I visited ECHO (Educational Concerns For Hunger Organization) to get an overview of their library organization, secure resource recommendations, and to explore potential for long-range expansion of H.E.A.R.T. Institute Library, Lake Wales.

ECHO a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization located on a demonstration farm in North Fort Myers, FL that exists to help those working internationally with the poor be more effective, especially in the area of agriculture. Their mission is to equip people with resources and skills to reduce hunger and improve the lives of the poor. Students from ECHO and H.E.A.R.T. Institute in Lake Wales FL often visit each other’s program.

ECHO Reference Librarian Jane Volker was very gracious in giving me a tour of their library, an overview of their cataloging system, organization, and collection procedures, and in sharing documents of key resources by subject area and more. More photos are posted in my Facebook ECHO Library Visit Album.

Visit to CCCI and Wycliffe Bible Translators Headquarters

2010-02-12T00:03:00.003-05:00

Our Titusville Spring Perspectives class was invited to join a prayer group which met last week at Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI) Headquarters to pray for oral missions. Orality is thought, and its verbal expression in societies where the technologies of literacy (especially writing and print) are unfamiliar to most of the population.

We ate lunch at Wycliffe Headquarters as Galen Miller introduced the StoryRunners, a mission of CCCI to help effectively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to unreached people groups—even people with no scripture or written language. Following was a mini behind-the-scenes tour of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Back at CCCI, we went through the Jesus Film Project tour. I won't forget the "Wall of Honor" of persons who died in the process of scripture translation. More pictures and stories will soon be added to the wall.

A number of us in the tour group were moved to tears viewing a DVD depicting the impact the Jesus Film in a new language translation funded by one couple had on its first audience.

Lastly we had opportunity to purchase the Jesus Film and some other resources and a few more minutes of fellowship.

Wow! The day was too short. It only whetted my appetite to learn more about orality, Bible Storying and the various ministries and methods to reach unreached peoples.

Perspectives Spring 2010 - YOU are invited!

2010-01-05T23:50:00.007-05:00

The clock is ticking...around the United States most Spring 2010 Perspectives courses begin the second full week of January through February 1. What in the world is Perspectives?

Perspectives is a dynamic, life changing experience where the participants have an opportunity to discover what God is doing around the world and consider their part in His purposes. Perspectives provides a unique opportunity to understand God's intentions and actions in the world, in a dynamic and internationally acclaimed 15 week study program. Whether you are a high schooler or homeschooler, college student, business person, homemaker, church leader, or seminary-trained pastor.....Perspectives is for you!

Perspectives is way more than a "course", it is an encounter, an experience, an adventure with God through the eyes and experiences of Biblical historians, church planters, seminary professors and leading missiologists from around the world! It will truly live up to its name by significantly impacting your "perspective" on God and His purposes. “

YOU are invited to participate in this life changing encounter, experience, adventure!

Check the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement website for details of the course, various youtube promo videos, locations and course registration. The course may be taken for certificate, college or graduate credit.

It is my privilege to serve as Grading Supervisor for the Titusville Florida Spring 2010 class. If you are in the central FL area, please prayerfully consider joining us starting January 10 on Sundays, 6:00 - 9:00 PM @ Indian River City United Methodist Church, 1355 Cheney Hwy Titusville, FL 32796. (2.3 miles east of I-95 on Cheney Hwy./Orlando Road/SR-50 E) First two sessions may be attended free.

"Daniel Fast" 2010 begins

2010-01-05T00:31:00.013-05:00

Many believers annually set apart 21 days in January to pray and fast for breakthrough in our personal lives, in the body of Christ, in our nation and in our world. My Orlando church began our 21 day fast on Monday. Some choose to start with only water, then add juice; others are doing various kinds of partial fasts including the “Daniel Fast” – my primary choice. Regardless of method, the goal is “To grow closer to God as you quiet your flesh.”

This time, I have looked forward to my January Daniel Fast. During this "fork in the road" transition time of my life, I especially hunger for a closer walk with God as I seek direction and guidance for the next stretch of my journey in educational missions. Secondarily, I desire the health and stamina results that Daniel and his buddies received from their vegetables and water routine (Daniel 1) ...since I'm somewhat run down from burning the candle at both ends and in the middle.

The "Daniel Fast" is a partial fast patterned after the fast of David and friends in the Old Testament. It basically is a fast from meats, dairy, sweets, processed & fried foods, caffeine, and fat products. The Daniel Fast includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and water.

Daniel Fast Resources

The 2010 New Year Daniel Fast with Susan Gregory, Daniel Fast Blogger. Sign up for the Daniel Fast Mailing List to receive the Daniel Fast Guidelines, tips, recipes and periodic information about the Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast: Feed Your Soul, Strengthen Your Spirit, and Renew Your Body by Susan Gregory. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2009.
Want to grow closer to God and improve your health in just 21 days? Inspired by the Book of Daniel, blogger Gregory has a plan to help you do just that! Her biblical principles will change the way you view food, your body, and your relationship with the Creator. Includes recipes, devotional readings, and FAQs.
Personal note: this book is wonderful - instructions for the fast prep practical, recipes delicious (love the chili and soup ones I sorta combine in our prolonged cold Florida weather!), and the devotions uplifting, especially when journal in response. Just what I needed.

The Daniet Fast - Rev. Michael L. Farho: Blog, Foods to avoid, Foods to eat, Instructions, Q and A, Recipes, Scripture, Tips, Resources

Daniel’s Fast friendly restaurants, stores and products.

Fork in the Road

2009-12-10T01:46:00.021-05:00

It is with heavy, but yet expectant heart I share that Global Missions informed me that my current assignment as a missionary apprentice to Cote d’Ivoire has been withdrawn due to lack of funding.

I want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU for the many prayers, the donations and Living Link commitments, the various expressions of support and encouragement during the fund raising process. My life is far richer because of the many new and strengthened relationships along this journey. God is working good through those relationships, and I know that will continue. Mutual support and encouragement in ministry are powerful.

Let me stress that is not the end of the road, only a fork in the road of my journey in missions. I strongly believe that the Global Missions journey thus far is only part of a bigger journey. Romans 8:28. It is my conviction that God has something else for me - other doors in educational missions He will open that could not have been reached if I had not taken this journey thus far. God cannot drive a parked car. I'm being tested on my faithfulness, obedience, and perseverance.

God put on my heart that He has blessed me so I can be a blessing to other missionaries working to raise support by encouraging folks to transfer support. God also told me to take action on that and I have – last week making a personal contribution to Dave and Bonnie Baylor’s and also Ernie and Lori Nicholas’ start-up funds -- all missionary apprentices preparing for assignments in Africa. May I please encourage you to also contribute, or even better- become a Living Link partner as God directs you? It is a joy and privilege to be a “sender!”

I am embracing the role of a mobilizer, of being instrumental in sending others. Two supportive mobilizer opportunities start in January: I have accepted an invitation to a grading supervisor as well as a grader of weekly reviews for the Spring 2010 Titusville FL class of “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement”. This is an awesome 15-week course in over 200 locations in the USA plus worldwide. I also plan to go back to helping periodically with the library at H.E.A.R.T. (Hunger Education and Resource Training) Institute in Lake Wales which prepares people to serve in third world countries.

Donors and Living Link partners have been sent two letters regarding the withdrawal of my assignment. I want each person/church to respond as you sense God directing you. My earnest prayer is that donors/Living Links will transfer both donations and pledges to long-term missionary apprentices Dave and Bonnie Baylor (commissioned with me 18 months ago; profile; website) to help enable them to go to Africa early 2010. I desire for my many miles, emails, phone calls and letters to be fruitful for kingdom building via church leadership development in Africa, therein be multiplied.

       (DONORS: Be aware that the option to have your funds remain in a Global Missions account for me to go to IBAO / West African Bible Institute for a short term trip in 2010 is proving not to be realistic. I appreciate that option offered, but my potential 3-week blocks of time off do not coincide with the schedule of IBAO modules for me to teach.
       12/11: Just became aware of "possibilities" for short-term work in Kenya and Malawi. However, after prayer on my knees asking God for discernment and help to "keep the main thing the main thing" (kingdom building), reminding myself it's not about me....God reminded me He had already given me perspective and instruction that night before Thanksgiving when I came to a point of peace and acceptance of the possibility that my C.I. assignment might not come to fruition. I told my accountability partner, "If my assignment falls through, I definitely will encourage folks to transfer my support to Baylors, who are ready to go, but for sufficient funding. "
       I had the repeated thought that my funds being used to help to send other missionaries long-range would have more kingdom impact than me going to Africa for a few weeks in 2010. I asked the Global Missions Africa Regional Coordinator to think big picture and be candid as RC,... in these tough economic times, what would be better use of kingdom dollars - getting Baylors...for long-term service in Kenya OR my service short-term. He replied, "I think there would be greater value for the overall mission effort if you would just give the funds that are not requested by donors to the Baylors. We truly need them at KIST as soon as possible." He also said "You are valued.... God just has other plans for you. Trust Him and see what will happen.
       Donors and Living Links - Please contact the Global Missions office by December 22, 2009. Again, my prayer is that donors/Living Link partners transfer both donations and pledges to long-term missionary apprentices Dave and Bonnie Baylor or to whoever God directs you. It is genuinely my privilege and honor to be instrumental in helping get much needed missionaries to the field.

Full steam ahead with my serving as a mobilizer right now... Baylors, Nicholas, (God is giving me ideas of various ways to support both) Perspectives, H.E.A.R.T.

Thank you for being a part of this very exciting continuing journey! I welcome questions, feedback, and suggestions.

Public School Teach-in

2009-11-27T17:39:00.007-05:00

“Service is the rent you pay for the space you take up on earth.”

I consider it important for Christians to reach out and give back to the community where God has planted us. Actually, I think everyone should find some way to serve their community. I can't do that as much as I'd like to during this season of my life, but I enjoyed such an opportunity on a recent day off.

On Friday November 20, I served as an "Honorary Teacher" for approx. 180 first graders in Seminole County Public Schools Teach-In 2009, a part of American Education Week. After showing African artifacts including the Cote d’Ivoire flag and mentioning my October 2007 trip there during three 30-minute sessions, I shared two African folktales plus five other stories, several being classics. Students were involved via puppets, props, and group participation. Stories were chosen that illustrate a character topic. (In parentheses are scripture I have in past or might use if presenting these stories in a church/Christian school class. Hopefully this can be helpful to children's workers.)

It Takes a Village, Jane Cowan-Fletcher - TEAMWORK (1 Cor. 3:6) Based on African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child."

“How Spider Got His Thin Middle,” Small World Celebrations, Jean Warren GREED (Proverbs 15:27)

The Chick and the Duckling, Mirra Ginsburg - DON’T COPY ALL BEHAVIOR (Romans 12:12a NLT)

Hurry Granny Annie. Arlene Alda - Appreciation of NATURE (Psalm 65:8)

The Little Red Hen, [RIGHT pic] Paul Galdone - WORK ETHIC (Proverbs 12:14)

My Friend and I. Lisa Jahn-Clough. – SHARING (Hebrews 13:16)

“The Tortoise and the Hare,” [LEFT pic] Aesop’s Fables - PATIENCE / PERSERVERANCE (Ecclesiastes 7: 8)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From First Grade teacher, D.M.:
"I truly thought it went very well. It was definitely age appropriate and the stories were excellent. The students really enjoyed the interaction and they seemed to really like the stories. We got lots of good feedback from the students and teachers. Thanks again so much for everything."

Thanks-living

2009-11-26T21:03:00.013-05:00

"Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself."
Author: Unknown

It has been a quiet day at home, resting to recover from a flare-up of bronchitis that has hindered my functioning on and off for several weeks. With a low-grade fever last night with the flare-up (no fever before), I knew I had to heed one doctor’s instruction to stay home away from people and rest, despite dinner invitation. I’m not alone - four co-workers have had/are having respiratory issues this month, but I must recoup from mine and that calls for rest. Psalm 37:7 tells us to “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”

A different (juice fast till 5 p.m., then I put a whole bulb of garlic into one box of stovetop dressing) Thanksgiving day as a couch potato, but a blessed one. It was blessed by phone calls from family and friends, time in prayer, Bible reading, and extra time to thank God for my many blessings, and extra needed sleep. Among those blessings, I thank God for the encouragement and support of family and friends, the many new friends / ministry colleagues met along this new journey in missions, and for the precious promises given to us, like Romans 8:28 “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is the day the Lord has made...I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Faithful Friends Nursing Home Ministry

2009-11-10T22:09:00.010-05:00

It was my blessing to be the September Drawing Winner of Faithful Friends Nursing Home Ministry whose mission is to encourage and equip Christians who minister to the confined elderly.

As the September Drawing Winner, I received: "Song for Grandmother" Ministering to the Elderly DVD/Book set , the book "Nursing Home Ministry - Where Hidden Treasures Are Found", and Living With Purpose in a Worn Out Body Devotional. Signed up for newsletter, "In the Garden with Jesus and Friends" was included. I am also grateful for a copy of NIV Seniors Devotional Bible, Our Hymn Book for Seniors CD and booklet, and Christian Christmas Carols booklet.

I was asked to share a little about my involvement with nursing home ministry, which is posted @ Kay Watts Nursing Home Ministry. I shared my Guidelines for Nursing Home Outreach, developed from 12 years of taking children to nursing homes. The pic above (approx. 7 years ago) is typical - children playing balloon volleyball while my sidekick "Grandma Gracie" shakes hands and greets residents, following children lip sync of puppets to Christian songs and hymn sing-along with rhythm instruments.

I look forward to sharing these resources with others involved in ministry with the confined elderly, plus also use them to fine-tune and enhance my nursing home ministry which is rather limited during this season of my life.
11/18 Update: The resources have been passed on to a lady who feels very much called to follow in the footsteps of her father's visitation ministry, and has begun that journey with plans to include her granddaughter. I pray God's blessings on visitation ministry of Marsha and Melanie.

Village View Community Church, Summerfield FL

2009-11-03T00:50:00.004-05:00

I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the Ministry Fair at Village View Community Church in Summerfield FL (http://villageviewchurch.ccbchurch.com/app/) October 31 - November 1. This outreach / missions event showcased various church ministries and area service opportunities, plus several international ministries invited participation and support. This is truly an Acts 1:8 church. IMHO, the multifaceted witnessing and serving to meet so many kinds of needs helps explain a part of why God has blessed this church with such mushrooming growth.

It was my privilege to share with the "World Missions" class an overview of Church of God Ministries Global Missions history and strategy in addition to my "Journey Back to Cote d'Ivoire" presentation. I appreciate receiving a copy of their class book, World Missions Today, What You Should Know About Global Ministries, Evangelical Training Association, http://www.etaworld.org/.

Great weekend of fellowship. Outstanding sermon by Pastor Marty Shea, "Love Is Not Easily Angered" - How Do You Tame Your Temper? I enjoyed reconnecting with several former fellow seminarians and their spouses. It was a delight getting acquainted Pastor Keith and Shannon Stepp, Community Outreach and Missions who are committed to helping Village View find and use strategic methods of reaching out to their communities and the world. Thank you for your generous hospitality. Thanks to Gene Gossman, Wycliffe Associates, for the photo.

FL Minister's Annual Meeting 10-09

2009-10-15T21:00:00.001-04:00

The Minister's Annual State Meeting of Florida Church of God was held October 15, 2009 at Crossings Community Church in Sanford.

After worship and voting, State Pastor Dr. Greg Wiens presented “Lessons Learned Leading Life Cycles” (PowerPoint to be posted at http://flcog.org/). I attended the break-out session, “Leading the Urban Congregations through Transformation of their Community” - leading a small urban congregation to turn outward by developing passion for reaching out to the community for God - by Rev. Michael Curry, Senior Pastor at Kendall Community Church of God in Miami.

Between displays about Warner University and International School Project, I set up a missions display inviting folks to partner with me in Cote d'Ivoire ministry. Here Tom Yohe, Regional Recruiter for ISP (a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International) recommends three CCCI resources available in French on DVD:
- "Jesus" (http://www.campuscrusade.com/Jesus_Film/jesusdvd.htm)
- "The Story of Jesus for Children"
(http://www.campuscrusade.com/Youth_and_Children/jesuschild.htm)
- "Magdalena: Released From Shame" emphasizing that Christ loves and values women (http://www.ccci.org/store/featured/2009/magdalena.aspx).

I thank God for seven contacts for potential missions support, several presentations are a matter of scheduling.

Missions Cookbook - Christmas shop early!

2009-10-12T21:42:00.019-04:00

“Taste and See” cookbook has been published by the Women’s Ministry @ First Church of God, Cape Coral FL (both my Living Link Partners). Proceeds from the cookbook go toward local and foreign missions.

The hardback “Taste and See” cookbook contains 200 recipes, scriptures on divider pages, plus 24 pages of cooking terms, tips, and measurements. Recipes are from local church members, National WCG President Che-Che Moberly, and others.

International recipes from missionaries:
~ Don Deena Caldwell – Middle Eastern Meatballs

~ Kay Critser / Africa – Yams Tomatoes and Onion Sauce,

Tanzanian Fried Cabbage and Meat

~ Karen and Jon Lambert /Ecuador – Locro Papa /
Potato Soup

~ LeAnn Sellers - West African Peanut Sauce

(Included is my 3rd generation family specialty - apple dumplings.)

COST: $12. + $3. Shipping.
Make check payable to “Women of the Church of God”

ORDERS: Send to Fran Mahoney
2213 Country Club Blvd.
Cape Coral FL 33990

MyCHOG

2009-10-07T00:14:00.000-04:00

Church of God Ministries invites you to join a new social networking site on the Internet designed specifically for the Church of God family. MyCHOG offers users similar functionality to that offered by sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Using technology, the church can now span geographical distances and come together in the virtual realm to strengthen our relational connectivity.

“It is all about building and strengthening our community within the Church of God,” said David Farlow, chief of strategic communications for Church of God Ministries. “This site is specifically designed to help improve fellowship, worship, networking, and communication to foster greater relational connectivity across the movement. ...”

MyCHOG offers those associated with the church the opportunity to join interest groups, participate in discussion forums, establish personal blogs, share photos and videos, and much more.

I encourage you to consider becoming part of this online family. You can experience MyCHOG by visiting http://mychog.com/. If you join, invite me to be your 'friend' and then you can have easier access to my missions related photos, etc.

Communication breakthrough - video Skype

2009-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

skype.com

A huge praise report in the support raising process of my journey back to Cote d’Ivoire is the big breakthrough - Skype, which enables me to communicate free via computer video with churches, missions committees, individuals anywhere. That opens up much potential with my limited ability to travel.

Skype is simple to use. You need a computer, preferably with video. Simply download free Skype software @ http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/windows/ and set up your skype account with Skype name. Enter my Skype name, kay.watts53.

Talk with your pastor/missions committee. Contact me - wkw353@yahoo.com about your interest in a Skype conversation. We can set a specific time for video conference with your missions committee or church. We need to practice several times ahead to make sure connections are working well.

Peter Hall @ Mt. Sterling KY - First Church of God, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky will be glad to call others and tell them how to Skype me into church services, etc.

I look forward to sharing about my exciting missions assignment with you.

Reflections - "Blessed to be a blessing"

2009-08-30T20:08:00.000-04:00

Saturday evening as I returned to Orlando from my uncle’s funeral in Indiana, past these beautiful clouds, the scripture “blessed to be a blessing” (Genesis 12:1-8 ) echoed in my heart and mind.

Last weekend in less than 24 hours, I lost two uncles, Alex & Roscoe. Their deaths marked the passing of two generations of ordained ministers in my family: Rev. Charles I. Snowden, Kentucky (Mom’s father) and Dr. Rev. Roscoe Snowden, Indiana (Mom’s brother).

In my extended family, I was blessed by the presence and influence of Rev. Alex Adams, Arkansas (Mom’s brother-in-law), and Dr. Rev. Nellie Snowden, Indiana (Mom’s sister-in-law).

I have always counted myself deeply blessed by this rich heritage of ministers plus other relatives on both Mom’s and Dad’s side of family, plus pastors and teachers who have set and continue to set an example of faithful service to God over the years.

I began my Christian Education ministry in ninth grade as an assistant Sunday School teacher, first grade. Educational missions is my calling and passion, drawn to focus on the education part of the Great Commission. Mom's generation and her parents' generation have passed from this earth, but I returned home through those clouds with a new fervency to serve and be a blessing as God has uniquely called and equipped me.

Perspectives Coordinators Training

2009-08-11T09:41:00.001-04:00

July 10-11: Perspectives Coordinators Training class was held at Wycliffe Bible Translators headquarters in Orlando. Our trainer was Sundee Simmons (first row, far right), Perspectives Regional Director for MD/DC/VA.

I was encouraged by the coordinator of my spring "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" class to take coordinators training to be prepared to assist with such a ministry in Africa. This coordinator training class was exhilarating and inspiring.

NAC 09 - Blast from the Past – Reminder of God’s Provision

2009-07-11T23:07:00.000-04:00

"Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out." James Bryant Conant, US chemist, diplomat, & educator (1893 - 1978)

One of the best parts of the North American Convention of the Church of God each year is seeing old friends, fellow students, former professors, pastors, and colleagues in ministry. I was delighted to see a colleague for the first time in several decades – my former Tri-S team mate, Denise. As we reminisced traveling 3000+ miles without a car, Denise remarked, “I can’t believe we did that.” That was quite a stretch for me also, a faith-testing experience. Here’s the lowdown:

Jesus sent out his disciples and 72 others in pairs to share and serve. Likewise in the early 70’s Anderson College (now Anderson University) Tri-S program called ‘Student Summer Service’ (now called ‘Study, Share, Serve’/international only) included sending out student teams of two on domestic tours to serve in youth camps, Bible schools, and camp meetings. I applied for a summer 1972 U.S. tour expecting to be matched with someone who had a car. Denise did the same. We were paired together and assigned an itinerary of Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Michigan. We had the option of finding transportation or letting the assignment go to other students. We both strongly felt God calling us to that service program that summer, stuck out our necks trusting God to provide each step of the way, and He did!

It was indeed one step at a time. We were able to line up most arrangements before starting, but not everything. Three days before we needed to travel approx. 500 miles from Yellow Creek Lake Camp in Indiana to Michigan, we had no earthly ideas how we would get there. We prayed – big time... asked around, made calls, and God provided via the guest speaker for the Michigan Camp Meeting.

That summer’s stepping out in faith and experiencing God’s provision step-by-step helped give me the courage to stick out my neck in faith and say yes to the invitation to go to Cote D’Ivoire for October 2007 to catalog French books for the West African Bible Institute library and lead a 2-day Christian Education Seminar. I confess there were many a “yes, but” – but I don’t know French, but I don’t have the money, and more. God provided and helped me accomplish the tasks with the help of many folks.

Having experienced God’s provision for transportation for the 3000+ miles during summer 1972 and October 2007 in Cote d’Ivoire gave me the courage to again stick out my neck in faith for the even bigger challenge to accept Sherman and Kay Critser’s invitation to join them as a career missionary in West Africa. I continue to stick out my neck in the humongous task of raising missionary support and invite your partnership.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A summary of the 1972 experience of God's provision went around the world in the devotional booklet, Pathways to God, Winter 2005-2006, p.16:

God Provides

Thursday, December 15 ~ READ Luke 1:26-38
For nothing is impossible with God. --Luke 1:37

In 1972 I applied to work in church camps and vacation Bible schools through a summer program coordinated by the college I attended. My partner and I found, however, that we were responsible to find transportation to our work sites. Arranging for travel that covered over three thousand miles seemed impossible.

Many individuals in the Bible were faced with tasks far more overwhelming than mine. Nevertheless, people such as Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Paul, and Mary found that God is able to provide a way when there seems to be no way.

My partner and I decided to be obedient and to trust God to help us work out the details. Throughout the summer transportation was provided by a variety of people: an uncle, a boyfriend, an evangelist, and others. Thank God for the marvelous ways he provides, even when we think we have run out of options.

Trust God at all times.

NAC 2009 - This & That

2009-07-11T22:31:00.001-04:00

The 2009 North American Convention of the Church of God, Anderson Indiana June 26-July 1 was another whirlwind of activities. Some highlights not in mentioned in other NAC posts include:

-New Missionary Orientation - June 26

-Nightly Worship Service @ Madison Park Church yielded wonderful singing and outstanding speakers. Wed. evening I participated in the missionary processional prior to the commissioning service & served as an anointer. On Demand Streaming Archive of evening services is available @ http://www.churchofgodministries.com/Events/NorthAmericanConvention/NACintheMedia/tabid/1290/Default.aspx.

-Workshop Led: Children's Literature in Christian Education - Jesus the master storyteller often taught with parables, “earthly stories with heavenly meanings.” In this interactive workshop on June 30, I demonstrated how to use children’s literature as the earthly stories to teach scriptural character and other Biblical principles. I provided a list of books, scriptures, class participation ideas and free online supplemental resources.

Seminars Attended: Feminine Art of Preaching; Feminine Art of Leading.

Visiting with children at Kid's Place

Food & Fellowship: WCG Prayer Breakfast; Anderson University Heritage Dinner; Christian Educators Luncheon; Franco Lunch; Dessert for Former Missionaries & Missionaries; Living Link Appreciation

-International Conversation following NAC. This July 2 event to focused on international partnership in leadership development.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A special THANK YOU to "Living Link" partner Judy Lighty for her gracious hospitality during the week plus her ongoing support and encouragement. It was a delight to get better acquainted with Judy as well as with missionaries Ron and Alta Ruth Jack whom Judy also hosted.

Also special THANKS to Bonnie Newell for her willingness to send me a copy of her doctoral writing project "Leadership Development for Teacher Training in Church of God Congregations in Africa." I anticipate using that to teach the "Christian Education" module at the West African Bible Institute.

NAC 09 - Reunion with 3 Ivorian Pastors

2009-07-06T00:41:00.000-04:00

It was a delight to have three pastors from Côte d’Ivoire at the North American Convention of the Church of God: Pastor Soukalo from Platform village, Pastor Daniel - French CBH speaker and teacher at West African Bible Institute, and Pastor Emmanuel from Korhogo Church of God. I appreciate Pastor Daniel serving as interpreter at my 2-day Christian Education Seminar in Yamoussoukro during October 2007.

CBH (Christians Broadcasting Hope) ViewPoint Live Taping. Hosts Rev. Jim Lyons and Jennifer Wilson interviewed CBH French speaker Pastor Daniel N’Goran with missionary Rev. Larry Sellers serving as interpreter. Some of us NAC guests had the privilege of sitting in on this taping as the studio audience.

Côte d’Ivoire ministry team at NAC 09 Family Funfest Global Mainstreet. First row: Pastor Daniel, Pastor Soukalo, missionary-elect Kay Watts, Pastor Emmanuel, missionaries/regional coordinators Sherman & Kay Critser; second row: missionary Larry Sellers and son Lee.

NAC 09 - Family Funfest Global Mainstreet

2009-07-05T23:02:00.000-04:00

North American Convention of the Church of God, Anderson IN
Sat. 6/27: Family Funfest Global Mainstreet, 10 AM-2 PM.

To help celebrate 100 years of foreign missions, missionaries staffed experiential stations: bank, bookstore, food store, church, cinema, clothing store, craft store, music store, park, and school.

At the bookstore tent, I presented two African folktales. In the picture above, I am sharing the book, It Takes a Village based on African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" with audience chiming in on a repeated phrase. Children discovered consequences of greed as they dramatized the story, "Why Spiders Have a Thin Middle" with felt hand puppets.

Fishers of Men - Venice FL

2009-06-07T22:05:00.000-04:00

Church: Venice First Church of God

Pastor: Rev. Ron Fichtenberg

Date: May 31, 2009

After sharing my "Journey Back to Cote d'Ivoire" PowerPoint presentation during morning worship, the youngsters and I went to Children's Church. First there was a "West African Children" PowerPoint which included learning some French phrases and ended with singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and a Q & A time.

We then explored what "Fishers of Men" meant in general and how children can be fishers of men plus several Bible learning activities. In photos above the girls and boys race to put together a felt fish jigsaw puzzle of the memory verse - "Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." - Matthew 4:19

Following lunch together I field tested my new interactive workshop for the June North American Convention of the Church of God - "Children's Literature in Christian Education." Thank you Venice FChoG for you wonderful participation in the workshop, for your hospitality, and for your offering for my start-up budget.

Praise Report - no malignancy

2009-05-30T00:35:00.002-04:00

Praise the Lord! “No indication of malignancy.” SWEET MUSIC to my ears.

Thirty-three days from diagnostic mammogram and sonogram with immediate notification of calcification cluster abnormality, being told 20% chance of beginning cancer until surgical biopsy results.

Much practice in waiting on the Lord, learning the power of praise and scriptures to give strength and peace. Here are some of the scriptures that strengthened me during those waiting days:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (hard to stomach, but empowering!)

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

My favorite praise song is "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." BTW, multiple interpretations of “I'll Praise You in this Storm” / Casting Crowns are on YouTube.com

Perspectives Course & Strength from God's Word

2009-04-20T07:04:00.001-04:00

Perspectives is a course being taught in Bible Schools, Seminaries, and churches around the world and also online. Covering the Biblical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic Perspectives, this course challenges every believer to understand and commit to fulfilling God's mandate. (http://www.perspectives.org/)

This awesome 15 week course Perspectives Study Program is a ministry of the U.S. Center for World Missions. I am participating in the January 11- May 3 Indialantic, FL (Melbourne area) course on Sunday nights when I'm not traveling to share my missions assignment and raise support. It's a combination of speakers, readings, reviews, and an integrative project. This is a life altering experience to study how God’s call to missions started with Abraham in Genesis and runs through the Bible to Revelation.
I have enjoyed and been blessed by each of our speakers, but the one that has impacted my missionary prep and inspired me the most was Chuck Walton (pic) with Wycliffe Bible Translators, Philadelphia. What pierced my heart was how scripture sustained him during his 23 days of captivity and repeated threats of death after being seized by Muslim extremists in 1993 while working as a language researcher with the Summer Institute of Linguistics in the Philippines. Mr. Walton was translating the New Testament into the Samal language when he was seized by gunmen on the island of Pangutaran.

God gave to both his wife Janice (at that time in the U.S.) and him Psalm 27 - the whole Psalm, but especially verses 1, 12, 13, and 14 helped sustain them.

Walton also referred in class to Psalm 139:7-12, Isa. 26:3, Psalm 23 and Psalm 1, as well as Proverbs 21:1.

In Charles Walton's own words from an email: "What a blessing it is to have these passages hidden in the heart so they can help us in our time of need as well as just for meditation purposes. I also thought my way through whole passages that I was familiar with but had not memorized. It is good to learn to think ones way through a book of the Bible."

For decades I've incorporated memory verses into my Christian Education ministry and that will definitely continue - with all ages. I am reminded of one of the morning devotional times at my October 2007 CE Seminar with Ivorian pastors and church leaders. I read 2 Timothy 3:16, then asked folks to share a favorite scripture and a "brief" story illustrating how it has impacted their life. It took 1 hour 45 minutes for 13 people to share the power of one scripture each...a rich, precious time together.

I must significantly prune my resource collection before going back to Cote d'Ivoire, but I sense God telling me to hold on to many of my Bible memorization resources. I also sense God nudging me to update my old “Scripture Memory Alive” workshop, combine it with the 2007 creative teaching methods training I did Cote d’Ivore to have available to share in the U.S.

Strength via Praying Scriptures

2009-04-20T00:47:00.000-04:00

A song many of us learned as a child declares, "Read your Bible, pray everyday...and you'll grow, grow, grow."
How true! We all know that prayer and reading/meditating on God's Word are the foundations of a vital, growing relationship with Christ...the source of spiritual strength and stamina.

Put them together... pray the scripture into your life...now that's real power.

A resource I highly recommend is the book, The Power of Praying Through the Bible by Stormie Omartian to help develop this habit that yields spiritual encouragement and strength.

Omartian journeys with readers from Genesis to Revelation and reveals how God designed prayer so that they can: communicate with Him, embrace the promises of Scripture; release burdens to God’s care; walk with Jesus daily; listen to the Spirit’s leading Stormie brings home the truths and the wonder of God’s promises. In each devotion, Omartian gives lists a scripture passage, gives a focus verse, a brief commentary, and prayer applying the verse to our lives.

This book is a tremendous blessing to me. I often read it on breaks at work, and have given copies as gifts.

Kentucky and Tennessee 3/29 - 4/5/2009

2009-04-16T00:32:00.000-04:00

It was my privilege to share my call to missions and progress in the journey back to Cote d’Ivoire as a career missionary between March 29 and April 5 at these churches:

~Sun., 3/29: First Church of God, Morehead KY
~Sun., 3/29: First Church of God, Winchester KY (Home Church)
~Wed., 4/1: First Church of God, Greenville TN
~Thurs., 4/2: Meade Station Church of God WCG, Ashland KY
~Sat., 4/4: No. KY First Church of God WCG, Erlanger KY, Living Link
~Sun., 4/5: Larchmont Church of God, Louisville KY

What a joy to see Christ working through His faithful followers and learn of various ways folks are being His witnesses in their communities...food pantry, clothes closet and other service/outreach efforts, radio program, prep for a big Easter drama, Christian schools, fascinating relevant small group/class topics, dynamic preaching and vision casting...and much more. God is blessing His people and making them a blessing in a multitude of ways. Thank you for your warm welcomes and generous hospitality.

This series of visits was extra special because I got to share my missions story with my home church at Winchester and at other churches with some folks who had known my parents and Grandpa & Grandma Snowden.

It was a special treat to have lunch gathering with some of the Watts family (pic) and visit others. Thanks for your support and hospitality.

I drove 2990 miles in less than 10 1/2 days. It was Lexington, KY to Casselberry FL on Monday, then back to the library Tuesday morning to present a storytime program. I thank God for His traveling mercies and felt the power of prayers during that last tiring stretch.

Bye Bye "Peter Rabbit"

2009-04-09T00:46:00.000-04:00

One challenging part of foreign missions preparation is letting go of belongings, but is much easier when you know of the pleasure they bring to others. Rather than a temporary critter sitter for "Peter Rabbit" during 10 1/2 days of recent support raising travel in Kentucky and Tennessee, I opted go ahead and let him go. Library system coworker Gail had offered to adopt Peter Rabbit when I return to Cote D'Ivoire.

My charcoal gray furry little companion of 14 years is beloved by many. In past years Peter assisted me in storytimes, substituting for my greeter puppet before and after programs. Parents even called in to ask when Peter would be there next. This very docile Netherland dwarf was also a regular part my children's ministry nursing home outreach visitation ministry for ten years and also numerous individual nursing home visits when I carried him around in a black hat or old purse. Donna from my church said holding Peter helped her heart slow down. Twila, a former 80+ neighbor would stop by for a dose of Peter (doctor's instructions to get a pet to help lower her blood pressure, but too busy to adopt her own animal).

Thanks Gail for taking great care of my little buddy and giving him the TLC he deserves!

Pruning more than 50 years accumulation of belongings is a humongous task, but one peels an onion one layer at a time or eats an elephant one bite at a time. I thank God for the invitation from a co-worker to participate in her sub-division's community yard sale April 18 and my church's clothing giveaway at auto maintenance service project March 21 - opportunities with deadlines along the way to help peel off layers of my huge onion. Diligence and obedience are key for steady progress in order to be ready when the time comes to go.

FL Women's Retreat

2009-03-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

2009 Church of God
Women's Retreat
FFA Leardership Training Center, Haines City FL
March 13-15, 2009

Theme: "Once Upon a Time" The Greatest Story Ever Told - "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" Hebrews 12:2

I shared about my missions assignment and the expanding ministry in West Africa on Saturday morning, March 15 and had a display up the entire weekend. Several ladies told me they would contact me to come speak at their church.

It was an uplifting weekend with guest speaker Ginger Kolbaba, editor of "Today's Christian Woman" and "Marriage Partnership online."

Orlando / Bithlo FL

2009-03-08T23:35:00.000-04:00

Church: New Covenant Church of God of Central FL
Pastor: Rev. Charles Baxter
Date: March 8, 2009

For this presentation I was asked to include children of West Africa, so I added additional children's photos from my 2007 trip. I concluded my part with leading the congregation in singing "Let Us Pray for All the Children" (tune: "Jesus Loves the Little Children"). That led to a calling the children to the front and the the singing of "I Am a Promise." Teens stood where they were, congregation lifted our hands toward both groups for a prayer "Blessing of Children". What a beautiful act of worship and affirmation!

I thank God for this church's outreach to community via "Harvest of Hope" food distribution and for annual missions trips by several members to Jamaica.

Pastor Baxter announced that I would be included in their missions giving. PTL! In pic above, I'm giving a Cote d'Ivoire flag to folks as a prayer reminder. (Flags & all stands finally arrived.)

Zehyrhills, FL

2009-03-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

Church: Community Chapel Church of God
Pastor: Rev. Keith Reiley
Date: February 22, 2009.

I was impressed with the youth sitting on the front row during morning worship. (When I was a teenager, we usually sat on the back rows.) Some of the youth were fascinated with my display props: wooden Africa shaped plaque, miniature drum, and straw broom.

I praise God for the witness in the community that Community Chapel Church is as they permit use of their facilities to meet human needs via several social service programs and as they support a recovery program. Bless you for "Blooming where you are planted!"

In Acts 1:8 we read: “...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.“ Jerusalem in this verse is the equivalent of our community - where God wants each of us to start being witnesses to His love.

Praise Report: House for Me in Yamoussoukro

2009-02-22T00:07:00.000-05:00

PTL! An answer to prayer: Africa Regional Coordinators Sherman and Kay Critser were hoping to secure a small house for me between theirs and house of missionaries Larry and LeAnn Sellers.

Communications from Kay Critser in late January:

"Your house is waiting on you, girl!"

"There is someone living in that house right now, but he'll be out when you get here! He has a year's contract! I won't be able to send pictures yet.... The owner of the home wants you to live in it!..."

Boot Camp for Personal Support Raising

2009-02-13T18:37:00.000-05:00

Boot Camp for Personal Support Raising is an intense two day training seminar to help Christian workers get to their ministry assignment quickly and fully funded. Participants prepare extensively (24+ hours) and the seminar leader helps us to apply the tools and principles learned during preparation. (http://thebodybuilders.net/bootcamp/index.html)

I am thankful for the opportunity to attend the Boot Camp in Hendersonville TN (just north of Nashville) February 9-10. Included were:
1. The Biblical Basis of Support Raising
2. Gaining Perspective on Support Raising
3. Planning and Preparation for Support Raising
4. The Phone Call, Appointment, and Follow Up
5. Maintenance and Cultivation of Your Support Team

The Boot Camp was extremely motivating and stretching, some challenging paradigms to grapple with.

My first practical and very helpful application came today in my first weekly meeting with local accountability partner, May Bartels. We discussed strategy, specific goals and potential contacts for the next few weeks, how to prune my overcrowded calendar, review of an adapted weekly report accountability worksheet, a number of praise reports, and of course we prayed together. What a blessing process this will be.

(In photo, I'm on the stairs in bright fuchsia + purple print.)

Lake Placid, FL

2009-01-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

Church: Community Church of God at Lake Placid
Pastor: Rev. Joe Dehart
Date: January 25, 2009

Thank you folks for your warm friendly welcome and for your contributions to my start-up budget.

When church software would not cooperate to display my PowerPoint presentation, teachers to the rescue! Thank you Georgia DeHart and another teacher for idea to save my Powerpoint to hard drive then burn to a CD. Sanctuary equipment then displayed it. Yes!

2-4-09 PRAISE Report: I just learned that my missions work will included in the Faith Promise budget for the fiscal year 2009-10 at Community Church of God at Lake Placid. PTL!

Fast Ends / Breakthroughs & Perspectives Class begins

2009-01-29T09:11:00.000-05:00

My church’s 21-day fast ended this past Sunday, January 25. It was a growing, strengthening, deepening experience.

I prayed for my church, its leaders, and especially for more children’s ministry workers. I also prayed for strength, wisdom, discipline and diligence as I started the Perspectives class and for support raising to return to Africa as a career missionary.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Getting up earlier, I am keeping up with the 2009 Thru the Bible Reading Guide Global Missions. I started with ‘The Message’ version, but went back to my favorite NIV Life Application version that I find so very enriching. I am back to spending more focused time in prayer in morning via A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) rather than when driving to work.

Missionary support raising has been moving slowly. Breakthrough came with the opportunity to attend a Boot Camp for Personal Support Raising (http://thebodybuilders.net/bootcamp/index.html) on Feb. 9-10 in Nashville TN. The Boot Camp is an intense two day training seminar to give us the Right Perspective, new skills, and a workable plan. I am working on the 24+ hours preparation.

The Daniel Fast that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, water, and natural juices laid a foundation for healthy eating. As with Daniel and his friends in the Old Testament, I feel stronger and plan to continue with these things regularly along with poultry and fish. I don’t crave sweets like I used to and get along well without coffee. Green tea is so much healthier.

January 11- May 10, I am attending The Perspectives Study Program (http://www.perspectives.org/) mostly in Indialantic, FL (Melbourne area). This class is strongly recommended by Global Missions and others, I am enjoying the inspiring guest speakers from various missions backgrounds.

Daniel and Juice Fasting Begins

2009-01-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

As with many other churches in January, my pastor has again challenged our church family to begin the New Year by deeper Kingdom seeking (Matt. 6:33) via fasting and prayer.

Fasting is a practice that places the physical appetite second to spiritual matters. Our fast started January 4th during morning worship service and ends January 25th at worship service. During these 21 days, the goal is to devote extra time to individual prayer and Bible study and to seek God’s direction for our lives and the life of our church. I am keenly aware that I need extra strength, wisdom, discernment, discipline, and guidance as I prepare for the exciting new direction in which God is leading me.

There are many ways to fast, some of the more common methods for extended periods being water/juice OR the Daniel Fast. For the most part, I have chosen the Daniel Fast (Daniel 10:3); at other times I plan to consume just juice and water.

While the Daniel Fast is a partial fast, (rather than total abstention from all food) it still provides many of the attributes of denying the self and seeking God. Basically is a fast from meats, dairy, sweets, processed & fried foods, caffeine, and fat products. The Daniel Fast includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, water, and all natural juices.

Daniel Fast Resources:
~ http://danielfast.wordpress.com/
~ http://www.christ-web.com/missions/farho/daniel-fast
~ http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/danielfast.php

“Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer” By Dr. Bill Bright http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx

Chinese Family Christmas Guests

2009-01-02T00:49:00.011-05:00

The International Friendship Ministry presents the chance to share our love for Christ with a “mission field” that God brings to our doorsteps. Hosts can make an impact on a university student’s life for eternity by reflecting Christ’s love to him/her.

This year 50 international students (and family members) from universities around the country came to Orlando area for the holidays, some who did not know about Christmas. Students stay with Christian families, attend church and experience Christmas celebrations with them, visit area attractions with the IFM group. Students attend a conference on Christmas Eve where they hear the Creation Story, the Christmas Story and the Story of the crucifixion and resurrection. All the students actually learn to tell the Christmas story.

December 22-30, 2008 I hosted a family of 3 from Beijing, China in my condo via International Friendship Ministry. Jin, the mother, is a PhD student in electrical engineering at Univ. of SC in Columbia. With Jin were husband Goa and 13-year old son Jonson.

~ Jin enjoys cooking and I love Chinese food. It was fun learning to make pork dumplings and egg drop soup.

~ We attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service at Northland, A Church Distributed and the family went with me Sunday morning to New Beginnings (formerly First Church of God, Orlando).

~ Jin's family joined the Caldwell (two missing from pic) and Schaeffer/Bryant families and I for Christmas dinner.

~ Sunday afternoon we walked around Downtown Disney and visited in a nursing home a 90-year old blind widow from my church. They shared New Years greetings in Chinese.

~Jonson and I both love jigsaw puzzles, we all put together a 700-piece sea scene puzzle with Orca whales.

To help encourage the family spiritually I gave them reading material: Jon-NIV Teen Study Bible; Goa-The Power of Praying Through the Bible, Omartian; Jin-Become A Better You, Osteen (a favorite author of hers).

A Rejoicing Spirit

2008-12-14T00:14:00.000-05:00

(Above: my front porch & witness to my neighborhood)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This devotional was published in Pathways to God, Winter 05-06, p. 18 - Saturday, December 17, 2005:

"A Rejoicing Spirit" READ LUKE 1:46--55

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” --Luke 1:46-47

The week before Christmas in 1974, Mom slipped in and out of consciousness as she was about to lose her valiant battle with cancer.

Several evenings before Christmas, my sisters and I half-heartedly watched television and chatted after returning home from the hospital. As we viewed a dramatization of the nativity, my heart was awakened. “Hey, I can celebrate anyway! In the midst of all this heartache, helplessness, and weariness, Christmas is still here. Because of that event long ago, I have Jesus who gives me the strength and courage to face today's crisis and every day’s circumstances. “

Mom went “home” early Christmas morning. When I am tempted to indulge in a "pity-party" for myself, I turn my eyes to a nativity and ponder its meaning. From the depths of my heart, I choose to thank God for Christ's sustaining presence in my life.

Rejoice always in the presence of the Lord.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had the opportunity to share this devotional with University of Central Florida international students this evening at the IFM (International Friendship Ministry) Christmas Party after leader Dave Hedberg shared the Christmas story. I set out printed copies of the devo immediately afterwards and approx. a fourth of the group took a copy.

It is an enriching and broadening experience to observe Dave explaining basic things I've been taught since childhood to young adults, some for whom Christmas is a new experience. It was my privilege to share my testimony devo tonight and dialogue with students. A current local missions opportunity + good prep for foreign missions. I pray that my words tonight impacted hearts for Christ.

A surprise blessing was the offer from a French USF graduate student in Religious Students and pastor of the University International Connection house church to help me learn French.

Thanksgiving 08

2008-12-02T22:50:00.000-05:00

The 7th Annual American – International Thanksgiving Dinner on November 21th 2008 was sponsored by Bridges International and Florida Int’l Student Hospitality (FISH). I took food, cut many pies, and served as a table host. At my table were two students from Morocco, three American University of Central Florida students, and a recent UCF graduate. I was deeply impressed with the American students at my table there to reach out to international students, their spiritual maturity and passion of several for missions trips. I thank God for the ministry of FISH (http://www.ifmusa.org/fish/) and Bridges International.

I experienced many blessings this Thanksgiving week.

What a delight to have both my sisters in Florida most of the week. It was great hanging out with older sister Pat from Kentucky and younger sister Juanita from Ohio for parts of three days. I also enjoyed times of fellowship with Juanita’s husband Dick and two other Ohio couples who came to the Turkey Run Street Rod Show. We three sisters pause (pic below) by a concrete shark on Daytona Beach Main Street Pier (Juanita on right, Pat on left).

“BIown away” was my reaction to an early Christmas gift from Pat to aid my ministry - a laptop computer less than a year old. Pat who has the "electronic smarts" in our immediate family diligently worked on my old desktop many, many hours during two Thanksgiving weeks, but finally gave up getting it to work properly. The used laptop I bought to take to Africa last October has multiple issues including literally falling apart and deteriorating…so this gift is a tremendous blessing just in time of need.

I deeply appreciate the lovely Thanksgiving card with notes of love, prayers, and blessings from Northern KY WCG, a “Living Link” partner. Thank you ladies for your encouragement.

In the mail came a paper copy of the Kentucky Church of God Ministries newsletter, Winter Celebrations 2008 . Check pages 4-5 to see article “Kentucky Native Commissioned as Missionary Apprentice to West Africa.”

Operation Christmas Child - Shoebox Party

2008-11-18T00:08:00.001-05:00

Librarian friend Debbie Frank (turquoise shirt) hosted her annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing party November 14 at her central Florida home. After a light potluck lunch, we wrapped card board shoeboxes or put stickers on plastic shoebox. Next we packed boxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hard candy, jewelry, etc. to be delivered to children in desperate situations around the world. (http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/ - National Collection Week: November 17-24, 2008)

This year I was guest missionary sharing an opportunity to partner in ministry. I shared the story of my first trip to Côte d'Ivoire and return missions plans via PowerPoint and Q&A to a receptive audience. Thanks Deb for this opportunity and for your gracious hospitality.

Toastmasters

2008-11-02T00:33:00.000-04:00

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization with nearly 235,000 members in 11,700 clubs in 92 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills. Each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.

On October 1, 2008, I joined the Trailblazers Toastmasters Club that meets at 7:30 a.m. two Wednesdays a month in Orlando to sharpen my public speaking skills - desiring to be a more effective ambassador for Christ. My icebreaker/introductory speech was presented on October 29th, “Cloudy Challenges Have Silver Linings.”

H.E.A.R.T. - Missions Awareness Venture 10/08

2008-10-21T08:01:00.000-04:00

The H..E.A.R.T. (Hunger Education And Resources Training) Institute is a unique interdenominational training center designed to prepare people to serve effectively in the Third World. In addition to practical and technical skills, participants acquire problem solving and coping skills that will enable them to adapt more readily to the challenges they will face overseas. Relief and development skills are acquired through "hands-on" experience as well as classroom training. Students and visiting groups spend time in a simulated third world village located in sub tropical Florida south of Lake Wales, adjacent to Warner Southern College. This is the only accredited facility of its type in the Untied States. (http://heartvillage.org/ & http://www.warner.edu/heart/)

For a H..E.A.R.T. Missions Awareness Venture starting Friday evening October 17-19, 2008, I joined with a devoted group from St. Petersburg Calvary Chapel (http://www.ccstpete.com/) who are passionate about missions and fulfilling the Great Commission. I appreciate the way they welcomed me into their group.

During a December 2007 tour of the village, it was mentioned that my assistance with H.E.A.R.T.’s library would be appreciated. With the county library where I currently work full-time closed on Fridays and desiring to “BLOOM WHERE PLANTED” this weekend, I went to H.E.A.R.T. Friday morning to see how I could be of service. I was asked to assign numbers to hand written card catalog cards, process, and shelf a box of books and file the cards, plus prepare another stack of books completely.

A challenge here was in using Library of Congress classifications since I have used only the Dewey Decimal subject classification system during 7 years in public schools, 14 years in county public library, and in setting up the West African Bible Institute library. LC numbers were secured by going online to worldcat.org at college library one mile away and original cataloging for three items by WSC librarian Cheryl H. Many thanks to Cheryl and also to three efficient volunteers from Calvary Chapel for book shelving and card catalog filing.

I was asked to look at the library and suggest improvements. I have made some recommendations for making the H.E.A.R.T. library more user-friendly. I plan to return to implement shelf subject labeling and process more books (hopefully next time doing catalog cards via computer). I find it very rewarding to combine my degrees and experience in library science and religious education, especially when the end goal is to undergird ministry and service training.

Missions Awareness Venture schedule included sessions:
- Village Orientation and Tour
- Group Dynamics and Community Living
- Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
- Bonding with Nationals
- Concepts of Learning New Languages
- Mission Video
- Sunday morning worship at Haitian Church in Avon Park
- Morning and Afternoon Labs - Teams 1, 2, 3 rotating
~Animals (feeding goats and rabbits) ~ Garden
~Nutrition (preparing meals from scratch)
- After Meal Clean Up - Teams 1, 2, 3 rotating: ~Maintenance ~Dishes & Dining Room ~Outdoors

Personal reactions: I was relieved and delighted to discover that cold goat's milk is absolutely delicious...relieved since I do not remember seeing any cows in Cote d'Ivoire, but many goats. I got to feed the goats and even learned how to milk one.

We had curried rabbit for one meal...a emotionally challenging experience for me at first. I had to block out thoughts of my beloved dwarf "Peter Rabbit" back home the last 13+ years, remind myself that eating wild rabbits and other small game was part of my family's diet from Dad's hunting as I grew up. It was tasty (a tad tougher than chicken) and a good source of protein I'm told.

No electricity in the cabins; flashlights a must... thank God for an almost full moon! The "squatty potties" took some getting used to (but far superior to old fashioned outhouses experienced in past years). I was pleasantly shocked by how warm the solar-heated water was in shower house cubicle. Starting the weekend with an accumulated sleep deficit from several significant deadlines the previous week did not help my normal very poor sense of direction...but I finally basically got the hang of which path in woods led to what building...no signs in village and no map received.

I was on Team #3 who made breakfast Saturday morning...juicing oranges, dried cherry muffins and baked oatmeal. It reminded me of helping Kay Critser cook from scratch in Cote d'Ivoire...homemade tortillas for tacos, pizza, biscuits (I added garlic powder & something that resembled cheese to imitate 'Red Lobster').

Great learning weekend with a great bunch of brothers and sisters in Christ. Practical, helpful information. Inspiring testimonies of God's provision. What a blessing!

Florida ChoG Ministries Annual Mtg. 10/08

2008-10-20T19:54:00.000-04:00

I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the ANNUAL STATE MEETING on Thursday, October 16, 2008 @ Orlando First Church of God. Keynote speaker was Jim Griffith; Denver, Colorado Author, Consultant, Congregational/ Pastor Coach (GriffithCoaching.com) on the topic "Common Mistakes that Pastor's Make and How to Avoid Them!" - relevant also for church leaders and missionaries.

Directly across the church foyer from my Côte d’Ivoire mission display was Dr. Steven Masood with his “Jesus to Muslims” (http://jesustomuslims.org/) display. Dr. Steven Masood (http://www.stevenmasood.org/) is an ex Muslim with more than two decades of experience of a Christian approach in Islam and outreach to Muslims.

A surprise blessing Thursday came from Dr. Masood in the form of DVD recordings of two presentation series at Village View Community Church in Summerfield, FL:

“A Christian Response to Muslims”
1: Islam and Post 9/11 USA. 2: Why are there 2 faces of Islam? 3: What do Muslims believe and practice? 4: Key Islamic Beliefs in comparison to Christianity. 5 How to respond to Spiritual questions Muslims ask. 6: Key Bridge points in ministering to Muslims.

“The Role of Women in Islam” - What the Qur’an and Muhammad say about the rights and responsibilities of Muslim women.

These DVD’s will be a valuable training in preparation for ministry in a country that has more Muslims than Christians: Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8% (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iv.html). At the end of my October 2007 Ivory Coast Christian Education seminar, I asked participants what needs/questions they would like addressed in the future. One issue raised by several teachers was how to reach out to and communicate with parents of Muslim children attending their church.
The second DVD will be helpful toward gaining greater cultural understanding in anticipation of joining with missionaries LeAnn Sellers and Kay Critser in women’s ministry conferences.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I also thank God for the generosity last year of Dr. Lestor Fleenor in the gift of his book, God Almighty!: His Word for Christians, Jews, And Moslems. (Available from Amazon.com and Christianbook.com.) It was my privilege to visit with Dr. Fleenor and his wife several days last year in West Africa and receive encouragement in missions from them.

Fifty-five to 60 percent of the world's population believe in a Supreme Power of the universe & refer to him either as Almighty God, Elohim Kabeer (in Hebrew), or Allah Akbar (in Arabic). These adherents from the three monotheistic world religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) are addressed in this book & asked to not only consider the concepts behind God's name but also to take a hard look at the practical implications of these concepts for their personal lives today. Makes an excellent small group study text with discussion questions at the end each chapter.

Return Journey: KW Missionary Ministry Description

2008-07-21T23:54:00.000-04:00

Initial Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Gain language proficiency while studying in France
- Teach at IBAO
- Facilitate Theological Education by Extension (TEE)
- Coordinate the development of the IBAO library

(IBAO is the French acronym for West Africa Bible Institute, which opened it’s doors January 15, 2007. It is located in Yamoussoukro and is the first French-speaking Bible institute of the Church of God anywhere in the world.)

Milestone: Missionary Commissioning

2008-07-21T23:26:00.000-04:00

A major milestone on this journey was the Missionary Commissioning Service held on Wednesday, June 25 at the 2008 North American Convention of the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana.

Baylor/Watts Commissioning Service 2008 on "YouTube":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mymnB8PvKtA

October 2007: Children’s Ministry

2008-07-20T23:55:00.001-04:00

On my first Sunday in Côte d'Ivoire, I visited Platform village and sat in back of children’s church so I could observe their format and style before my seminars later that week. It was similar in many ways to American children's churches. They did lots of echo singing, prayer time, memory verse, Bible story, a contemporary story illustrating the memory verse, more singing/chanting including songs that affirmed applications of Biblical living.

I held a baby during children's church (1st pic) that a little girl around 8 or 9 had been carrying around on her back/side tied in a cloth, and fed baby a bottle. I could not talk their language, but continued to tenderly hold the baby - hoping that would communicate my love for children (not just a strange white woman sitting there gawking); the children later smiled at me holding the baby. I prayed God's blessing on that child, and felt impressed to pray that God would make her a mighty leader of children and trainer of children's workers. I mentioned my prayer to the mother after service who seemed to understand and nodded enthusiastically.

Twice I attended children’s church in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire’s largest Church of God congregation. Without previous notification, I was asked to lead a chorus. PANIC!!! Not knowing French, the shortest song with the most repetition I could think of was "Hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord" (2nd pic) with boys and girls sitting then standing on their respective phrase. The children’s church leader translated, a participant in my workshop a few days earlier.

Interesting observation – a part of every children’s church service I attended while in Côte d'Ivoire was the "Papa Abraham" with various motions. The culture shock of children’s ministry in the churches I attended was the simple furnishings – backless benches and a chalkboard. Singing was acapella, with clapping and sometimes dancing. Yet worship and learning with smiles took place.

October 2007: Christian Education Seminar

2008-07-20T23:45:00.000-04:00

For the Christian Education Seminar on Thursday and Friday, October 11 & 12, I had been asked to share creative teaching methods (alternatives to traditional lecture) and ideas for discipleship with adults.

Pastors and CE leaders who are responsible for training others came from five churches around Ivory Coast. My foundational verse was the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Among others things I explored the need to use varied and interactive teaching methods, and led the group in trying various activities for teaching Bible memory verses (see 1st pic). One person commented they did memory verses and games, but had never thought of doing both at same time.

Another big portion of the seminar was presenting section one of Group Publishing’s Disciple-Making Teachers “The Learner Outside of Class – What Is a Disciple?” Daniel, my workshop interpreter and speaker for the new French CBH radio program, had also worked with me to translate the acrostic into an outline handout. The material was very well received - several participants asked about getting the book in French, and I passed their request on to the publisher.

Both days I mentioned the scriptural pattern for teaching and disciple making. Jesus, the master teacher, taught and made disciples in both large groups (3000 & 5000) and in small groups (12 - his disciples, 3 – Peter, James, & John).

An interesting thing happened Friday morning that I did not expect. For devotions, I read 2 Timothy 3:16, then asked folks to share a favorite scripture and a brief story illustrating how it has impacted their life. Much of the sharing was not so 'brief'…it took 1 hour 45 minutes for 13 people to share, but it was a rich, precious time together.

I also presented an overview with scriptures of How to Lead a Child to Christ, along with discussion of home and church nurturing the child in preparation of a decision. I was told that one of the participants immediately started having family devotions after the workshop.

October 2007: Library – West African Bible Institute

2008-07-20T23:22:00.000-04:00

My primary responsibilities in Côte d'Ivoire during October 2007 were providing assistance in the initial setup and cataloguing of library materials for the newly formed West Africa Bible Institute. Approximately 95% of the books there were in French, and with limited time I was asked to focus on just the French ones. What did that involve?

First task was to enter each book not already recorded in a master register log book (top pic above) and stamp books in several places.

Second a Dewey Decimal Subject Classification number for each title was determined. There are several Dewey Decimal versions; I was inclined to use a recent version, but ended up using a Dewey list adapted for theological libraries by a librarian missionary, Martina in Burkina Faso (country north of Ivory Coast).

Third, I entered data for each book into French cataloging software Papyrus 2000...with help of my laptop French-English dictionary and sometimes clarification from Sherman & Kay Critser. Data included author, title, publisher, date of publication, number of pages, condition of book, ISBN #, registration/accession number, copy or volume number if appropriate, and Dewey Decimal subject number, often entering a new one from the adapted list.

Fourth, came preparation of spine labels, checkout card/pocket labels, and old fashioned card catalog cards …printing done by Sherman Critser (I thank God for his computer expertise and patience!) Phone calls and emails with Martina and two consultation visits from Denise, an Australian missionary part-time librarian in Côte d'Ivoire enabled this project to be accomplished. God is faithful to supply necessary assistance.

It was a race against the clock. During my last week there, three Yamoussoukro church members came over to help with applying card pockets, labels, entered more books while Kay C. & I covered paperbacks with plastic laminate (see 2nd pic).

The process did not go smoothly and quickly, but neither is life smooth. It took Sherman literally hours to figure out a way to print old-fashioned card catalog cards from the modern Papyrus software via MS Word mail merge & Excel. There were a multitude of computer difficulties. An older computer intended for IBAO did not survive repeated reinstallations and downloading fixes from Internet. Constant double checking all my French typing for spelling and adding French punctuation marks was tedious.

I appreciated my Kay C.’s question one day when my energy was waning, "Is what you're doing going to make a difference for eternity?" I said "Yes!". She asked "How so?" I went back to statement in my brochure that library materials will help train and equip church leaders to fulfill the Great Commission – "…make disciples of all nations… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20). Helpful to keep tedious work in perspective. I shudder to think what my ministry over the years would have been without many resources! There is a shortage of French ministry resources and books in general.

My basic "John the Baptist" mission of 'preparing the way' for Denise to teach basic research skills in a November Bible Institute course – was accomplished with 80 books fully cataloged. 103 more books are pocketed and stamped; all IBAO library books to my knowledge are recorded in the log. I was rather disappointed I did not get more books done, but I was told the Christian Education seminar was important. The software plus printing of labels and cards was figured out and foundation laid for continued processing of resources, which took place following my departure.

Journey Invitation: Missionary Call Rekindled

2008-07-20T22:25:00.000-04:00

You've got mail

A life changing email arrived February 21, 2007 from previous seminary classmate Kay Critser. I had hosted Sherman and Kay Critser, Global Missions Africa Regional Coordinators, in my condo several years earlier when they spoke at my church’s weekend mission’s conference.

Subject: recruiting to missions

… I came across your business card today! …it came into my view and immediately when I read MASTER OF LIBRARY SCIENCE AND MASTER OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, I said to myself, YES!

Here goes the situation here in Ivory Coast In January, we began our Bible institute, which consists of two modules in two weeks every other month. ... We are still in the starting up stage. One area where we are really behind is in setting up the library. Of course, all the books are in French, but the library method is the same I believe. Also, we could use your expertise in Christian Education.

So, Kay, would you please consider joining us in Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) as a Special Assignment Missionary (1 - 2 years) with the option of becoming a Career missionary? If neither of the two options pleases you, we could still use your expertise even in a two week,
month, two months, etc. as you wish. Should you be interested after much prayer, for we do desire the will of the Father, drop us a line letting us know what you think.

WOW! This email indeed called for “MUCH PRAYER!” I confess there were a number of “Yes, BUT’s” …the biggest being I know French) but scriptures and many supports enabled me to take this humongous step of obedience out my comfort zone.

That email led to planning for “Operation IBAO LIBRARY” - my name for the opportunity to aid in the development of a library that helps train and equip church leaders to fulfill the Great Commission – “…make disciples of all nations… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). [IBOA = French acronym for West Africa Bible Institute]