Update from the Barillaro Family - September 2010
Posted: 9/7/2010

Summer is coming to an end but the heat is still on. It has been a relatively mild summer though and one of the busiest ones we have had with many outreaches and events. Our outreach in Whittier was more fun than work, thanks to the unexpected but much appreciated warm hospitality from our Morningstar family, the family camp up in Hongo was great and such an encouragement to the Aguilar family who run the ministry there and our VBS was very fruitful as we are still seeing children and parents coming to service as a result.

We started our 7th year of our school coop on the 30th of August and we seem to be off to a good start--more classrooms, more enthusiasm and a bit more experience in this faith journey to home school our children together in one school here at the church. We are all still learning and discovering our way alongside the children and are ever reminded just how much we need to depend on the Lord.

We ask your prayers for direction, as John feels led to reach out to those who are being deported from the U.S. to Mexico. Our church downtown presently feeds the homeless every Sunday but we would like to do more to provide a shelter for those who find themselves on the streets of Mexico, maybe for the first time in their adult lives, due to being deported.

Thank you as always for your support and your prayers. We need them more than ever.

God bless you.
The Barillaro Family

Update From The Takamiya's - September 2010
Posted: 9/3/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa!  
September 2010

Thank you so much for praying for our events planned in August that I wrote about in the July newsletter. It began with Travis's parents visiting for a week. That first weekend Calvary Chapel West Tokyo had their summer kids camp at our church. On Saturday evening some people gathered to play instruments and sing worship and praise songs. Travis's titled it "Joyful Noise". It was a good opportunity for fellowship and for people to practice.
The English class VBS had a turn out of 17 and they studied about Creation. We walked to a big park and played 5 games that related to the different things God created. We went back to the church for the 6th and 7th day. The two groups had to create a person using different shapes. For the 7th day we rested and ate pop cycles.
From the 16-20th Michael conducted a weeklong summer English school. It was my first time helping to teach Japanese kids. It's hard!!! :) It was fun though and the 8 kids came all five days and said they had fun. Erika came and blessed the kids with her participation and good English pronunciation.
We prepared for the annual neighborhood festival. This year the menu was Hawaiian Shave Ice (had no problem selling over 200), Teriyaki Hamburgers..., which didn't sell well until dinner rolled around, and Spam Musubi. We also had games for kids to play and balloons. We had just the right amount of people helping to get everything done. Travis was thankful everything sold so we didn't end up losing money. We were one of 11 stores. Next year we are not sure if we can do this because it is our turn to help with the PTA. God will work it out if He wants us out there.
Church VBS was 2 days focusing on Acts 2:42. The fellowship part was all about bowling and swimming. We were able to get signed onto the Air force base near here. Both places were not crowded at all.
Last Saturday we held a local women's conference at Calvary Chapel West Tokyo. The ladies from Okinawa came up and ministered to us with the teaching from Titus2:3-5. The day was a blessing and over 50 ladies came from 6 different churches, most of them Calvary Chapels.
On Friday nights we have been hanging out at the station and playing music. If people stop to check us out we are able to share with them who we are and get a tract in their hand. We will do it again throughout September. This is the first time we have gone out week after week, so word is getting around in the community "Erika and Evan's dad is playing music at the station on Fridays". Travis sees it as a good witness for us to be out there and letting people know that we are Christians and we are the ones who go to church on Sundays, etc.
The kids started back to school today. They didn't want summer to end. We were able to buy a small inflatable pool for our back yard and enjoy it. We also enjoyed BBQ's at different rivers. We went to a few zoos too.
One family needs prayer. Asako's mom died from cancer on the 20th. Kenta's dad went with them to the funeral. I guess in Japan weddings and funerals really stir up the persecution in the families towards the Christians. Kenta's dad became angry that they are Christians and he is worried about what kind of funeral they will provide for him and how are they going to treat his dead spirit once he is gone. He is living with them so the silent treatment and the sad face really makes the home atmosphere tense.
Kayoko got a job right here in Tokorozawa a few weeks ago. She will soon be moving out of the church nursery room and into her own place.
Another lady Hiroko is pregnant with her 4th child and she is 40. She is suffering with morning sickness, and couldn't come to church for 4 weeks. She finally made it this past Sunday. It was nice to see her again, but you could tell she wasn't feeling so great.
Well if you made it this far in your reading I do thank you again. Thanks for reading and praying for our family and church family. -- Til the last one's saved,

Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Prayer Update from The Pratt's - September 2010
Posted: 9/2/2010

• For favor and approval with the Dean.
• That God will be working in the hearts of the students and others who attend to be ready to hear and respond to the gospel.
• For the video and audio equipment needed to do this.
• For a good room or hall and favor with those in charge of assigning rooms.
  

Update from the Finfrock's - August 2010
Posted: 8/23/2010

Intensive Care Ministries    August 2010
Greetings!
Pastor Bill  and I had a great trip to Pakistan. We arrived home safely on Friday evening. Thank you very much for your prayers. It made a huge difference. We saw God moving mightily over the two weeks. Both seminars turned out well after some translator problems at the first seminar. God intervened and the participants caught the concept. The pastors told us that they had never heard of this kind of teaching, the Inductive Bible study, but they loved it and realized the need for teaching verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter.
We also were invited to several open-air crusades and I had Pastor Bill teach at most of them. He did a terrific job and we saw many Muslims come forward to receive Christ at the alter call. Many would also come for healing and it was exciting to see God heal and restore the sick. Here is a quote from Dr Jamil who invited us to his big open-air outreach.
Jamil wrote: "Dear partners To Day I want to let you know about the two Man of God from USA, God send them in Islamic country Pakistan were 98 % are Muslim and 1.5 % are Christian, God Give them mission to expanding the glories kingdom of Lord Jesus Christ in Islamic Nation. I invite them through my Friend for our Monthly Educational Convention to healing and deliverance session, while Pastor Dan are praying many people are crying weeping and evil spirits come out during the prayer session, meanwhile the man of God Pastor Bill is anointing people with Holy ole, it was great manifesting of the Holy Spirit in prayer session. I received some many calls from all over the city and people share many testimonies, and some people share the testimony in Sunday Service. Pastors, church leaders and many other people ask me to invite them again. What a great joy for people of the Lord in this Convention."
We were not in the flooding area but were told of the horrible situation of 14 million displaced Pakistanis. The weather where we were was incredibly hot and humid but God gave us strength to teach and preach the Word! Thanks again for praying! We are excited to see what new doors the Lord will open for future ministry in Pakistan.
Blessings - Dan

Update from the Saunders - August 2010
Posted: 8/18/2010

Dear Friends and Family,

The other day I happened upon the following statement:

You have to work hard to offend Christians.  By nature, Christians are the most forgiving, understanding, and thoughtful group of people I’ve ever dealt with.  They never assume the worst.  They appreciate the importance of having different perspectives. They’re slow to anger, quick to forgive, and almost never make rash judgments or act in anything less than a spirit of total love....No, wait.....I’m thinking of golden retrievers!

OK, I am admitting to you that I laughed with a great relief when I read the end of the statement about the golden retrievers.
I laughed with relief because as I was reading about these perfect Christians, I was feeling condemned and guilty over my failings in these areas, but at the same time wondering, who all these perfect Christians were and where I could meet them.  
Then I got to the punch line and I understood that this writer was calling us to remember what the gospel is all about.

All those wonderful attributes are Christ-like and yes, we should endeavour and pray that by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit that we can lead lives exhibiting these qualities.  But if we are honest, we all fail.  That is where the Gospel, the Good News, really becomes GOOD NEWS!  
Jesus came for broken, selfish, sinners like you and me. In and of ourselves we are hopeless and helpless and separated from God.  Jesus came as The Way to reconcile us to God. He did not come to call us to moral perfection and to follow a code of ethics, but Jesus calls us to come unto Him and follow Him.  He calls us to receive Him and be forgiven. He came to make us new creations and assure us that God loves us and will never let us go.     

In John 13:35 Jesus said that the world will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another.

By the grace of God, as a response to the love God has lavished upon us, we are called to live lives exhibiting love and forgiveness toward one another.  

Beloved Christian, do not be discouraged. While on this earth, we will never live up to the ideal. Only Jesus lived that perfect life.  You and I will fall, stumble, say and do things we regret and when we do, we are to run to the cross for forgiveness, be bathed in His mercy and grace, and then get up and walk on, receiving and giving His love.

May each one of us walk in loving thankfulness for all Christ has done for us. As we marvel at what Christ has done, may our lives express in word and deed that love of Christ to others.

Therefore  I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.
But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."      Luke 7:47

***WHAT’S GOING ON IN OXFORD?***
**Two weeks ago Chuck preached a wonderful message out of Ephesians 6 reminding us of the very real presence of Spiritual warfare.  Sometimes we tend to take on battles that are not ours to fight in the flesh, but rather on our knees.    
 
**This summer has been a time of growth at Calvary Chapel Oxford. Two new families have joined us in the past month, as well as many other visitors.  One family has 12 children, yes I said twelve! So our children’s ministry has grown by about 1/3 !  The small classroom we use for Sunday School is just too tiny for all of us now, but we are doing our best and the children are very understanding.  The past couple of weeks we have run short on chairs in the main hall.  What wonderful problems we have for the Lord to solve!   Please do pray for a miracle for us.  Practically speaking, there is no where for us to go that is big enough and has parking AND that we can afford.  However, we know that nothing is impossible with God.

** We will be having a baptism soon as 6 people have spoken to Pastor Phil asking to be baptized!

***SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRIES***
Please continue to pray for the Sunday afternoon church service for learning disabled adults and their families and carers.  
Last month we told you:  Still waiting for the police checks to go through.  We have a brochure being printed and are ready to go as soon as the legal and health and safety checks go through.  We are calling this Sunday afternoon outreach The JOY Place.  Please keep it in prayer.  
UPDATE: The bad news is that the government changed the form on the CRB’s, the police checks, therefore our forms we so painstakingly filled out have been voided and we are now awaiting the new forms to be printed and distributed so we can start all over.
The good news is that now we are officially affiliated with an organization called Causeway/Prospects that is a nation wide charity that will be helping us in facilitating The J.O.Y. Place.  Here is the link to their website:  http://www.prospects.org.uk/index.php/causeway_prospects/

***Please keep this ministry in prayer.  Also please pray for the board of St. Andrews’ church in Oxford. They are meeting next month to decide if we can use their facilities on Sunday afternoons for the J.O.Y. Place outreach.
Trusting the Lord for His provision in all things.

***New Prayer Card***
We had a new prayer card/postcard printed.  If you didn’t receive one, it is because we don’t have your postal address.  If you would like to receive one, please email me your address and I will get one in the post to  you.

Please don't ever underestimate the power of your prayers for the ministry here in Oxford and the power you have to encourage us by your expressions of love and support.  We thank God for you.

With love from your fellow workers in Christ.  

Chuck and Anita

***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***

*Because of the growth the need for a place of our own is becoming more pressing.  Our Sunday School room is too small.  The school-hall the adults meet in is almost full capacity.  Please pray the Lord will direct us to a building of our own.

*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin.  Love, wisdom and unity.

*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled.
 
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.

*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.

*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren.
Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us!
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19


PS:  If any of you are on Facebook, invite us!  It is a great way to keep in touch.

 *** Calvary Chapel Oxford Website***
  http://www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk

Prayer Update from Mike & Michelle Pratt
Posted: 8/18/2010

Thank you all for praying!

Some answers:

• David Snead is adjusting well to life in Ukraine.  He has an apartment now and is getting settled in.
• We have funds coming in to help purchase a video projector and portable sound system for the outreaches we are planning.
• God is opening new doors of opportunity in ministry.  Details below.
• We have many people inquiring about joining us and the ministry team here.

• New doors of opportunity.  I recently met with a man who is part of a student ministry organization.  He has offered to help us get our foot in the door at local universities for the English movie club, and a Bible study.
• The same man knows some folks who are looking for a new church home.  
• It's official.  Sunday September 5th will be our first church plant home Bible study.
• We are asking God to bring folks who are mature in the Lord, have servants hearts, and hungry for more of Jesus.  We are asking God to lay a solid foundation so we can build upon it a healthy church.
• Pray for direction with the English movie club and a Bible study.  For hearts to be convicted of sin and to recognize that Jesus is the only answer.
• We still need more finances to buy a video projector and portable sound system.
• Pray for the stronghold of religion to be broken here, and for a hunger for God's word.
• We will be starting prayer walks in the city soon.
• We need a building of our own.
• In all the moves in ministry we have made.  This one is the hardest.  The spiritual warfare has been intense and unrelenting.
• For God's provision for us financially.

Update from the Pratt's - August 2010
Posted: 8/11/2010

Last week our first staff missionary arrived.  On Wednesday I took the train to Kiev to meet David Snead.  David is from our sending church, Horizon Christian Fellowship, located in Indianapolis.  We are excited to have him.  David will be helping with worship, serving in an English language outreach, going onto college campuses to make new friends and share the gospel.

Josh Baldonado and our daughter, Nicole, spent the summer with us.  It was a tremendous blessing tohave them here to help in a variety of ways.  We really hated to see them leave.  Josh is a student at Calvary Chapel Bible College, at the Indianapolis campus.  Nicole is a student at the University of Indianapolis.  We are praying both of them will come back again, perhaps long term!

Now that summer is coming to a close, and David is here, we are beginning to prepare for outreaches into the city of L’viv.  We have had several people ask us about starting a Bible study.  We will start that in our home within the next month.  We have also been praying about starting an English movie club.  Some friends of ours ran an outreach like that in Kiev and they had up to 400 people attending each week.  It is free and we would provide discussion after the movie to help improve people’s English skills.  In Kiev they would offer an English language Bible study before the movie too.  We want to do the same here in L’viv.

For many years we have watched the health of families in Ukraine decline.  Divorce is very high, many homes have multiple families living in very small apartments, and parents are not always sure how to handle kids in today’s world.  I am in the process of gathering Biblical parenting information and want to provide parenting classes for families here in L’viv.  This is an area of ministry I see as vital for the future of Ukrainian families.  I can also see that the most effective means of evangelism today is through establishing and building personal relationships with people.  That is why I am excited about the English classes and parenting classes.  We will be making new friends while providing real and valuable service to people.

We have already begun praying and planning for next summer.  We have had a number of churches and individuals inquire about coming here next summer for outreach and evangelism.  I have asked David to begin working on a revised version of our Short Term Missions Training Manual.  There are many kinds of outreach we can do here.  Sports camps are always effective, English language outreach is also an avenue.  We can do street performances and there are many kinds of service projects to do.  One outreach idea I have and am praying about is having 10,000 copies of the gospel of John printed up.  Inside we would include information illustrating the difference between a personal relationship with God and dead religious habits, which do not lead to changed lives.  Over the course of the summer and with each group that comes, we can pass out 1,000 copies of John’s gospel to fill the hearts of the people of L’viv with God’s Word.

Thank you all for your prayers, emails, cards, phone calls, and support.  God is moving here in L’viv and we are excited to be a part of that.  You may be miles away, but you are a part of it too!

Prayer requests:

• For David as he adjusts to life in Ukraine
• David needs an apartment
• A meeting place for the English movie club and parenting classes
• For God’s blessing on our home bible study which will begin soon
• Language classes to learn Ukrainian
• We need a video projector and portable sound system for the church plant, the English movie club and parenting classes. That will cost about 1,500.00 dollars
• Our monthly financial support has dropped
• For God to open the hearts of the people we will be reaching out to
• We need more missionary help to establish the church
• I need a translator to translate for the bible studies and other classes

Update from the Barillaro Family - August 2010
Posted: 8/4/2010

BARILLARO FAMILY
Mexicali, Mexico
August Update

The Lord has blessed us with another classroom for the growing number of children in our church. It is another mobile home which we set up out in the field and is big enough for two big classrooms.

Our teacher's seminar was great; the children’s ministers were so encouraged and are putting into practice the things taught at the seminar. We are gearing up now for the outreach in Whittier and for a VBS and family camp this month.

Please pray with us as we have submitted our paperwork to become Mexican citizens. It has been a very long, difficult and costly process to arrive at this point--and the struggle isn't over yet. Truly it is much more difficult to become a Mexican citizen than it is to become an American one!

Thank you for your prayers.
God bless you.
The Barillaro Family

Update from the Finfrock's - August 2010
Posted: 7/29/2010

Dear Friends and Family,
 
God answers prayer!  I was having a difficult time getting my visa to Pakistan, but after much prayer it came through just yesterday.  For those of you who prayed, thanks!
 
I am leaving a week from Sunday, Aug. 8th, to Pakistan for two Inductive Bible study seminars with my good friend, Pastor Bill.  Please pray for this trip.  There has already been much adversity and we know the enemy will do all he can to thwart what God wants to do in the lives of many pastors who will be coming.  Our first seminar runs from Aug. 11-14, and the second from 16-19. There is much unrest in this country and recently Muslim radicals have been attacking Christians and some have had to flee.  There have been several bombings where our first seminar is scheduled, so please pray for divine protection and that fear will not keep pastors away.  I believe this is a very strategic time for us to be in Pakistan.
 
On this coming Monday, Aug 2nd, I've been asking for anyone who would like to join us in a day of fasting and prayer for this trip. Thanks so much for standing with us.  Your prayers and thoughts are much appreciated, especially during the days of the seminars.  Blessings

Update From The Takamiya's - August 2010
Posted: 7/29/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa.  Summer is half over and we still have lots planned.  The events during July were a blessing.  We ended our women's fellowship at Mikiko's house in early July.  She isn't really into hosting people, but she has had a change of heart.  She even cooked for us.  We played a game "Daniel Pictionary".  Both teams totally got stumped on the word "Chaldeans".  We have completed our study through Daniel chapter 6.  We will pick it back up from Daniel 7 beginning September 8th. 

We had our annual outdoor service with Calvary Chapel West Tokyo.  Pastor Santo gave the message this year and Travis translated for him into English.  The kids had a good time having Sunday school outside.  Rusty gave the message and Michael planned all the games.  After lunch the adult men set up the volleyball net and the battle began.  I heard CCWT ended up winning more games so they are the champs this year.  The rain came in the late afternoon and chased us home early. 

We Go Eigo had a date night and over 20 kids showed up.  All the teachers watched the kids for four hours so the parents could go out on a date.  Travis stopped in towards the end to make balloons.  My friend that I play volleyball with said that her kids had a great time.  They joined the classes a few months ago. 

Last weekend our church had a BBQ with Rich and the gang from CCFuchu out in the mountains at our favorite spot along the Okutama river.  One gal got baptized.  She all ready got baptized 6 or 7 years ago, but really felt the desire to announce her re-commitment to the Lord in public.  She is actually living in the church right now and looking for a job in Tokorozawa or near here.  Once she finds a job she will be able to move into her own place.  My new friend, Minako, and her family joined us for the BBQ, so it was a good opportunity to share what baptism is.  My friend had a great time (hanging out with a bunch of Christians all day) and she was so glad we invited them to come.  I pray that someday they will be part of our church family.:)

August is right around the corner.  We will spend the first few days with Travis's parents who will arrive soon.  Then we have a VBS planned for the We Go Eigo students.  There is also a one week summer school program that Michael will run for those who are interested.  We also have the neighborhood festival coming on the 21st.  Travis has been to a few meetings and has many plans in his mind.  He plans to make spam musubi, teriyaki hamburger, and Hawaiian style shave ice.  We will also have games for kids and balloons.  Our VBS for church will be August 24 & 25 and our theme is the early church.  Michael will put together teachings for the kids.  Lastly our summer will end with a women's conference on Saturday the 28th.  Many ladies from the Okinawa churches are coming up to bless the Tokyo ladies with the event.  I am very thankful for technology so we all can communicate and plan. The event will be held at Calvary Chapel West Tokyo this year. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and pray for the body here and for those who God may be calling into this body.  This year we have folks from our church who are traveling abroad during the summer.  Some are in England and Jamaica now and a few are heading back to America soon.  We should all be back together before the end of August comes. 

--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Update from the Pratt's - July 2010
Posted: 7/15/2010

Our view of life is often pretty narrow in perspective.  We don't always understand why God allows things to unfold the way they do.  Caught in the emotion of the moment we see a much smaller picture of our circumstances.  God and others see a much broader picture of what life is throwing at us.  From that perspective God and others offer counsel, encouragement, support and love.  Don't give up!  We are not!!

We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to everyone whom has written, emailed, and called in a show of support.  Last week I sent out our newsletter explaining my resignation as pastor of Living Word Church, here in L'viv.  Our Blog has the details.  We have received dozens of emails from so many showing your support and reminding us of how many are praying for us.  Thank you!!

God is using this for good!  That is His perspective, and one we are choosing to hang on to!

Click Here To Read The Pratt Family Blog

Update from the Pratt's - July 2010
Posted: 7/7/2010

I Have Resigned as Pastor of Living Word Church in L'viv

Five years ago Living Word church was founded in L'viv. It was founded with a strong and healthy vision to teach the word, and to reach out in a very active way to Jewish people. The church was not a Messianic Christian church, but there were strong elements of Jewish life and culture within the church.

Five months ago, the founding pastor, Mark Blessing, and the church board asked me to take over as pastor of Living Word. After considerable prayer and counsel, I agreed. At the time, we had a clear agreement that with a new pastor there will also be a new vision and direction for ministry.    We also agreed that Mark would play no active role in the ministry (teaching and/or decision making) for six months to one year, in order for the people to embrace the new vision. In addition, Mark agreed that any future involvement would be solely at my discretion. I accepted this opportunity with the understanding that the church leadership and membership would fully embrace and support the new vision without conditions. I have served as pastor for three months. As the new vision for ministry has unfolded there has been a general excitement in the church.

However, ten days ago Mark approached me with a list of four or five complaints. The first was that he and some others were missing the more Jewish style of ministry. I have a great love for Israel and God's people, but do not express that love in the same way. In addition, contrary to our agreement, Mark expressed a desire to be more actively involved in teaching and leadership.    Upon listening to the list, I quickly recognized that the previous vision for ministry for Living Word had not been fully released to embrace the new vision; the one that I brought to the church as the new pastor. As long as Mark and others held on to the old vision and refused to embrace the new vision, conflict would certainly erupt, as evidenced by the list of complaints. It was also obvious that the healthiest thing to do was for me to resign as pastor so those who served in leadership before could once again serve and pursue the old vision.

One of the things I have learned in ministry is just how truly precious people are to God, all people. He sent His Son to die for us. It is essential that all of us who are part of the family of God recognize how truly valuable and precious each person is, and treat them accordingly. We must never, ever say or do anything to hurt the people. We must guard them, protect them, provide for them, love them, serve them, and forgive them.
We are hurt over how things have been handled. They were not handled in a very healthy way. But, the most important thing is not us, but the people; to protect them, love them, and serve them. So, rather than engage in a "vision struggle," which holds the potential for people to be hurt, I have resigned as the pastor. We have peacefully and quietly left the church to pursue our original vision, to plant a Calvary Chapel in L'viv.    I was reminded this week of what a close friend often says during times of discouragement, "What a wonderful opportunity for God to work!" That is the right perspective and one we are prayerfully asking God to help us embrace.

Please pray for Living Word, the people, and the leadership. You know how the devil loves to destroy people, families, and churches! Pray for us too, that we will learn what God wants us to learn, and will grow in our love and faith, and for
God's guidance in establishing a new church in L'viv.

Update from the Saunders - July 2010
Posted: 7/7/2010

Oxford, England   
July 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

It is hard to believe that this year is half over! The summer activities are upon us and we are actually having some summer weather here in England this year! We have had several days of temperatures in the low 80’s and the sun shining. It has been wonderful.
***Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him the glory! Revelation 19:7*** On July 1, we celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. Every year is such a time of thankful rejoicing. We started out in our marriage as two lost and selfish people. Looking back we remember how the Lord redeemed the mistakes and sins of our lives and by His grace has blessed us. Living today in an attitude of humble thanksgiving and love to the Lord for the opportunity to serve Him together another day. Looking forward as to what the Lord has for us in the future. For an anniversary gift, Chuck surprised me with a song-photo presentation. I was so blessed. If you would like to view it, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toAcys1VEi4
*The song is by Phil Keaggy
***WHAT’S GOING ON IN OXFORD?***
Oxford city center hosts several million visitors each year, especially in the summer months. The main streets look more like Main Street at Disneyland on a crowded day than a typical city street. As we make our way along Cornmarket Street, we hear more foreign languages being spoken than English. The street is closed to traffic and is a walking only street. It is heaving with tourists, street musicians, beggars and people with carts selling jewellery, scarves, and cheap souvenirs. Usually there is a table set up by Muslims telling of their religion and a few yards down the road an African preacher shouting out Bible verses and preaching on salvation. All those people, all the activity rushing by me and yet, when I stop and look into the eyes of so many, there is such emptiness and darkness. So many tourists coming to Oxford to see the beautiful and ancient cathedrals but not interested in the God to whom they were dedicated. **Please keep our little fellowship of Calvary Chapel in prayer and pray for the other churches here in Oxford. May God bless the fellowships here that are preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. **Pray that we will be open for any opportunity that the Lord gives us to share His redeeming love with others.
***WOMEN’S STUDY***
We finished our Bible study series on The Names of the Lord. It was a blessed time for our ladies. We are now praying about what we will be studying beginning this fall. Any suggestions?
***SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRIES*** Last month we told you: We are still praying and planning to start a Sunday worship service for learning disabled adults. It is not as simple as it sounds. Police checks have to be done, extra government checks have to be in place, as we will be working with vulnerable adults. Risk assessments have to be written. All this just to have the joy of sharing Jesus! So we are jumping through the hoops right now and praying that we can soon have our first service. UPDATE Still waiting for the police checks to go through. We have a brochure being
printed and are ready to go as soon as the legal and health and safety checks go through. We are calling this Sunday afternoon outreach The JOY Place. Please keep it in prayer.
Joy is the heart’s harmonious response to the Lord’s song of Love.
A.W. Tozer
Sending this with thanks to all of you who so faithfully support us here through your prayers and your giving in so many ways. We thank God for you.
With love from your fellow workers in Christ.
Chuck and Anita
***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS*** ***Because of the growth the need for a place of our own is becoming more pressing.
Our Sunday School room is too small. The school-hall the adults meet in is almost full capacity. Please pray the Lord will direct us to a building of our own.
*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin. Love, wisdom and unity.
*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled. *Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.
*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.
*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us! “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19
PS: If any of you are on Facebook, invite us! It is a great way to keep in touch.

Update from the Finfrock's - July 2010
Posted: 7/7/2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,    July 2010

Greetings! I just returned from a very good trip to Colombia. We could sense your prayers. We conducted a daily seminar for pastors and Christian workers and an evening seminar for Calvary Chapel Cali. There were a few pastors attending this evening training and several other churches represented. God did a wonderful work in the hearts of each of His people. Sunday I spoke at the CC and saw God move powerfully in the service. Pastor Bob Probert taught twice a day through the day seminar in the book of Galations demonstrating verse by verse teaching and the participants really enjoyed his teaching. Pastor Jeff Harry and Ed Sanabia graded a ton of papers of the participants. They were a blessing to us. The seminars ended with participants getting certificates for completing the course. It was a enthusiastic ceremony! Thanks for praying. God answered prayer!
 
Blessings - Dan

PS- Please pray for my Aug. trip to Pakistan. Pray I will be able to get the visa required to enter. They are not easy to get. Thanks!

Update from the Barillaro Family - July 2010
Posted: 7/7/2010

BARILLARO FAMILY
Mexicali, Mexico July Update

We had a wonderful end of the school year ceremony with piano recitals, dramas and other presentations. We were so blessed to have the opportunity to share with so many what God is doing in our Home School group of children.    We ask for your prayers as we begin planning for our 7th year.
We have many events planned for the summer--an Outreach in Whittier, CA, a teacher's seminar, VBS and a family camp. We are so thankful that the Lord has us busy about His work.

Thank you for your prayers and support.
God bless you. The Barillaro Family

Update From The Takamiya's - July 2010
Posted: 7/7/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa!    July 2010
This note will be short and I know that is a surprise. June was a month of surviving with Travis being gone in California half the time. He had a wonderful time even though he suffered quite a bit with his right foot pain and then pain in his left forearm. At this point in time he doesn't really know what it is and doesn't feel the urgency to have it checked out in detail at the doctors, not this time anyway. Before he went to the doctor and was told the problem in his right foot isn't gout but that it is bone spurs flaring up. Not sure what is going on with his forearm when the pain comes. He thinks it feels like arthritis. He is back home now and back into the swing of things.
Summer is here and we are in the planning process for an outdoor service, VBS for church kids and for English class kids, summer school in English (this is a first), BBQ at the river, Neighborhood Festival with chef Travis, and a women's event the last Saturday in August. Lots to do and lots to plan.
We have been hanging out with family that is in town from Hawaii. The kids really enjoy the time with their cousins. More family will be coming next month. :)
Michael is officially back in Tokorozawa on Sunday mornings. It looks like Travis will be letting him lead worship for now. Who knows about the future? I am hoping they can play together but they will have to figure out who is going to play what instrument.:)
We met with the teachers of Erika and Evan. It was good to learn the kids are doing fine and not causing any trouble. They try hard in everything and get along with all their classmates. They will be in school until July 20th. Then they'll have about 6 weeks off for summer vacation. They continue to study English at home and are able to take swimming lessons once a week.
Thanks again for praying for us and the people here in Tokorozawa.
-- Til the last one's saved, Aloha and God bless you, Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa
www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Update from the Takamiya's - June 2010
Posted: 6/2/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa!    June 2010
Well this has been a very busy and challenging month for the church. It began with the big conference and I did not take one single picture! It seems that many people enjoyed the teaching, worship, and fellowship. Travis's birthday was the next day and some folks were still in town so a bunch of us went to eat sushi for lunch. We put all the kids with Travis! We had over 15 of us there and he was the only one who could handle four kids at once.:)
Travis is settling in teaching Sundays in two languages. He says its good to be able to communicate now without a filter, though the prep time is a little more. A lot more. I know he gets a little confused every now and then. :)
In ministry we experienced a big high and a big low all in one week. Good thing was that my new student, a mother in our neighborhood, came to home fellowship. We had our first class on a Tuesday and one thing led to another and she began asking questions about the bible and she informed me she has a bible, but that she isn't a Christian. I invited her to home fellowship or church. She emailed later that night and said she would like to come to home fellowship. She came and stayed the whole evening. The two Japanese ladies who usually come were so excited to be able to share their faith with her. We are off for the next three weeks, so keep Minako in your prayers that she will return again once we resume on June 18th. Travis will be heading out to California next week and I pray that he will be encouraged and refreshed. The big low was that a family who has been with us for 7 years has decided to leave our church. We have many memories with this family watching the kids grow up with our kids, witnessing the dad get saved and then get baptized a couple summers ago. Even as I write I am still processing the pain and shock. As the days go by I really sense the Lord allowing them to go in order to protect the flock. Travis began teaching in Numbers a few weeks ago and if this church is going to move forward for God's kingdom there can't be jealousy, fear, and unforgiveness within. We need to have unity in the body and pull together, be numbered together. So we have to let them go in our hearts and trust that God will work everything out for His glory. We will miss them though. This will also be an opportunity for spiritual growth and hopefully we will all be closer as we reach out and comfort one another.
Other news is that our missionary couple is going to have a baby in December, so we are reconnected to the midwife that helped me deliver Evan. God provided a worship leader for Rich and Candice so Michael will be back with us on Sundays. Michael will be teaching the two Sundays while Travis is in America and just remain in Tokorozawa after that. He has been commuting to Fuchu each Sunday morning since last September to help Rich out with worship. Our women's fellowship is meeting again and we are studying the book of Daniel using the Joyful Life bible study guide. Travis turned in all the paper work for a certificate of eligibility to be missionaries at our church for Peter and Melissa Scott. They will be moving here at the end of the year, or the beginning of next. They come from Calvary Chapel Windward. Please keep them in your prayers. We were blessed to get a visit from Rachel Yasui from Hawaii. We hooked up with her for dinner. Good to see and old friend. We also will get to see Grandma Takamiya next week for only a quick dinner since she is here on business with her
students. Our super fun military family, the Uscanga's, might be getting shipped out a year early. I guess it is costly for the military to keep shipping Marie over to Hawaii for her surgery and check-ups. They won't know the final decision for a few more weeks. Lots of things to partner in prayer with us.
The kids are having their annual sports day tomorrow at the elementary school. We are looking forward to cheering for our kids as we watch them dance, run, and play games. Pray for good weather!
Thank you for praying and supporting us as we grow and minister to the people here in Tokorozawa.:)
-- Til the last one's saved, Aloha and God bless you, Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa
www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Update from the Saunders - June 2010
Posted: 6/2/2010

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness.  You have relieved me in my distress;  Have mercy on my and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4:1

Dear Friends and Family,

Last month we told you about my mother who was about to have a double mastectomy.  As I wrote last months update, my heart was in distress over all of the “what ifs” about my mom.  I suppose we were all ready for anything and yet, at the same time, praying and hoping for the best outcome; trusting in the Lord’s will.

We want to thank you all for praying with us for mom.  She had the surgery and the doctor tells us that he got all the cancer and she is now cancer free.  She does not have to have chemo-therapy or radiation treatments. She is healing well and slowly regaining her strength.  

I (Anita) flew to California on the 8th of May and spent 2 weeks with Mom and Dad. Some friends of ours in Moreno Valley had a garage sale that paid for my ticket to fly out!  Jehovah Jireh, the Lord is our provider!   I also had the joy of meeting up  with some long-time friends I hadn’t seen in many years.  What an unexpected blessing that was as well!

The time with my parents and family was a sweet gift from the Lord to us.  My mom kept saying how much it meant to her to have me there and mentioned that since we moved out of the county 23 years ago that this trip was the most time we had ever spent together.  It was such a wonderful time.  Each morning my parents read the scriptures together and they had me join in with them (on the mornings I got up early enough).  During my time there each of my children brought their children to see their great-grandparents and Nonnie. (that’s me) 

What could have been a time of such sorrow and pain, was instead turned into a time of rejoicing. 

Over and over our family proclaimed “God is so good!”  How true that is.  However, I also know that we must never allow ourselves to fall into the lie that when sorrow and grief do come into our lives, that we would begin to doubt God’s goodness.  
Beloved, let us always remember that GOD IS GOOD. 
In the times of rejoicing and celebration....God is good! 
In the times of loss, pain, sorrow and grief.....God is good!  

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.    Nahum 1:7

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!  Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!   Psalm 34:8

In this sin-corrupted world we are all going to suffer heartache, loss and pain.  But Jesus has promised us that He walks through those valleys with us, He comforts us and guides us.  One day there will be no more sorrow, no more tears.   God is good. 

***WHAT’S GOING ON IN OXFORD?***
This past weekend we had our annual church Bar-B-Q.  The Lord blessed us with sunshine, even though the weatherman predicted rain.  Several folks brought guests and it was a great time of fellowship.

***WORSHIP MINISTRY***
Chuck and a young man named Roger are doing a wonderful job working together on expanding and improving our church worship team.  It has been wonderful to see the Lord raising up this young man into the ministry and Chuck encouraging him to step into the gifts and leadership abilities God is giving him.
 
***WOMEN’S STUDY***
We will be finishing up our Bible study series on The Names of the Lord. For the past 2 years we have been looking at the Old Testament names of the Lord.  In progressive revelation our God, the Great I AM, revealed Himself to His people through His Names.  (Some are listed here)
Elohim,  The Creator
El Elyon, The God Most High
El Roi, the The God who Sees
El Shaddai, The All –Sufficient One
Jehovah Adonai, The Self-Existent One, The Lord and Master
Jehovah Jireh, The Lord will Provide
Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Who Heals

In this final study we will see that that importance of NAMES and the revelation of God to His people, along with theme of reconciliation and relationship with His people, continue in the New Testament.  And both find their fulfilment in the name of JESUS.
Please pray that this study will encourage and edify the women as we gather together.  We also pray that our monthly meetings will be an outreach opportunity to invite women from outside the church. 

***SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRIES***
We are still praying and planning to start a Sunday worship service for learning disabled adults.  It is not as simple as it sounds.  Police checks have to be done, extra government checks have to be in place as we will be working with vulnerable adults.  Risk assessments have to be written.  All this just to have the joy of sharing Jesus!  So we are jumping through the hoops right now and praying that we can soon have our first service. 
Please keep this in prayer.

***A TRAVELLING PRAYER REQUEST***UPDATE!!
Last month I wrote:
All of you who know me, know I am a lousy flyer. 
Please pray for a smooth flight and that I can navigate on the Southern California freeways on my own, as Chuck usually does the driving when we are in the states.  Needing lots of travelling mercies.  ***Also please pray for Chuck as he stays here.
PRAISE!!!  I had smooth flights, no volcano ash cancellations.  Very little turbulence.  I managed to stay on the RIGHT side of the road while driving in America. Well..... except for one time as I turned onto my brother’s road, when there were no cars around to remind me which side of the road to drive on, and I forgot for a about one block then caught myself.  Whoops!  No one saw but me and God.   :-)
While I was away Chuck had several dinner dates with folks from our church family here and worked several days at the colleges.  We are thanking God for answered prayer.   As wonderful as it was to see my parents, children and grandchildren and other family and friends, it is good to be back home with Chuck and church family here.
 
Sending this with thanks to all of you who so faithfully support us here through your prayers and your giving in so many ways.  We thank God for you.

With love from your fellow workers in Christ. 

Chuck and Anita

PHOTO:  If you would like to see a photo of my mom during my visit,  go to this link: 

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4193119&l=11919a1177&id=520422775

***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***
***Because of the growth the need for a place of our own is becoming more pressing.  Our Sunday School room is too small.  The school-hall the adults meet in is almost full capacity.  Please pray the Lord will direct us to a building of our own.

*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin.  Love, wisdom and unity.

*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled.
 
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.

*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.

*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren.
Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us!
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19


PS:  If any of you are on Facebook, invite us!  It is a great way to keep in touch.

 *** Calvary Chapel Oxford Website***
  http://www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk

Update from The Pratt's - June 2010
Posted: 6/2/2010

Ministry Update

On June 23rd, Josh Baldonado, (Picture on the left) will be joining us for five weeks.  He spent a week in L’viv last month as part of his international outreach practicum from CCBCI.  I invited him to return for the summer to help with the ministry here. We can’t wait until he arrives!

David Snead is still praying about God’s timing and provision to join us for a year too.  Short term, or long term, both guys will be a huge help.

Regarding help, we need it!  I am praying for people, particularly young people, to join us as missionaries.  Long term or short term, we need help reaching out to the youth of this city.  It is a huge need and awesome opportunity to touch the lives of others and in the process see your own life radically changed as well.  We need help with teaching Bible studies, youth evangelism, teaching English, music ministry, and countless ways to serve the community.

God has provided a van for us.  I picked it up a couple of weeks ago at the Ukrainian/Polish border north of us.  We bought it from a friend in America and shipped it over.  It is a Mazda MPV minivan and seats 7.  It is a wonderful van and should serve us and the ministry here for many years to come.  This is a photo of fellow missionary, Tim, and me, with Taras from customs.  It took two days to get the van through customs, and you wouldn’t believe how we got it out of the container!  That’s another story for another newsletter.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Next week,  several guys from the church and I  have an opportunity to visit a men’s prison not far from L’viv.  I am praying this leads to regular ministry opportunities for our church.  Thank you all for your prayers for our worship team and the changes which have occurred.  The team is doing well and we will be gathering this Saturday evening for a cookout here at our house.  Nicole will be stepping in to serve as worship leader over the summer.

Our Sunday School ministry  is coming together.  I met with Valya last week to discuss her vision and the needs we have to serve and teach our kids.  Valya has a great heart and desire to serve as our children’s ministry coordinator.  Several of the women have stepped up and started clearing out several rooms which will serve as our classrooms.  They undertook the project on their own, without being asked.  They saw the need and jumped in!  We are praying that by fall we have a Sunday School ministry up and running.

On the weekend of October 22nd to 24th we will be hosting the first Western Ukraine Calvary Chapel Conference.  We will be joining with CC Ternopil to spend the weekend together in worship, teaching, and fellowship at a camp about 30 minutes from L’viv.  Pastor Jack and Debbie Abeelen, from Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California, and a team from the church  will be joining us to share in the teaching.

We are very excited about  how God is working in the church here and the opportunities for ministry.  Thank you all for your prayers and the many ways you show your support for the work in L’viv and all across Ukraine.

Update from The Barillaro's - June 2010
Posted: 6/2/2010

BARILLARO FAMILY
Mexicali Missions
June Update
 
We had a wonderful time with the group that came out from Morningstar doing a one-day VBS.  There was a good turnout of children and many came back the following Sunday.  Pray that they will continue to come and that we can do more of such outreaches to reach the children.
 
We also ask your prayers as we look to bring the families of prisoners who attend the services downtown to our main church here in the Colonia.  The work downtown is geared toward evangelism and feeding the homeless and does not provide the same teaching or environment that these families need. 
 
Thank you for standing by us with your prayers and support.

Update from The Finfrock's - June 2010
Posted: 6/2/2010

Thanks again for praying for us.  It's much appreciated. --Dan
 
 
Dan and Debbie Finfrock (Intensive Care Ministries)
·         Pray for 8 upcoming stateside seminars, pray for Word to come alive to participants.
·         Pray for the overseas seminars, pray for powerful movement of His Spirit.
·         Pray for our staff in Russia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Central America, and South America.
·         Pray for potential new staff.
·         Urgent Need for Support:  The upcoming overseas seminars will be expensive for us. The Pakistan trip alone will require the ministry to raise almost $6,000. We would appreciate your prayers and support for these trips very much. ·         

Upcoming International Trips
Þ     June, I will be traveling to Colombia to conduct a weeklong seminar.
Þ     August, I will be traveling to Pakistan for two seminars, my first ever in that country.
Þ    October I travel to Uganda for staff meetings and a IBS Teacher training course
Þ    October, I go to Russia to have staff meetings for one week with 17 staff.

Update from The Barillaro's - May 2010
Posted: 5/5/2010

BARILLARO FAMILY
Mexicali Missions
May Update
 
     We have been experiencing much growth in our church here in the Colonia.  We recently enclosed another patio to use for children's ministry and are looking for ways to accommodate the new influx of people.
   Our church outreach to the homeless downtown, however, has not had the attendence that we were experiencing before.
   Our women's retreat last month was an incredible blessing with more than 100 women in attendence, rejoicing in the Lord.  The big earthquake we had the week before didn't stop them from coming.
   We are praying for direction to reach out with the Gospel to those living in the Valley who are still suffering from much damage caused by the quake.     
   Thank you for your prayers.

Update from The Finfrock's - May 2010
Posted: 4/29/2010

Only God Can Bring Triumph Through Adversity
By Pastor Dan Finfrock

Facing Adversity in the Congo
Trials and adversity are all part of the fabric of life. How we view and respond to those challenges builds character. In February of this year our Uganda director, Moses Ouni, had an opportunity to see God work in a very difficult situation. He had sent a small team to the Congo to conduct two seminars. After the team had completed the first one, they moved on to the second location. Early in the morning before the seminar was to begin, Pastor Ben Okeng, the team leader, suffered a heart attack and died
within a few minutes.

“And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

The shocked team then had to make arrangements for getting the body back to Uganda. A Congo commissioner volunteered to let them use his vehicle. He requested that they just put on 4 new tires and fill the tank with gas. On the way to the border the vehicle slipped off the road in a heavy downpour damaging the engine. They had to find another vehicle to help them transport the body and get it safely back to Lira, Uganda. Meanwhile,    the    commissioner demanded that Moses pay for a new engine. Moses took three mechanics from Uganda to look at the engine and found it could be repaired. However, the commissioner insisted that he get a new motor. Corruption is a big problem in many Third World countries. Moses decided it would be best to meet this man's unfair demands and will eventually pay for the new motor.
Pastor Ben leaves behind a wife and ten children. Life will not be easy for this family.    At the funeral God used Ben’s death to draw a crowd of 6,000 and many received Christ during the service. God indeed has a wonderful way of working through adversity.

Stateside Seminars
Every year I have the privilege of doing seminars in churches all over the states. Some of our sessions are very large and other times they can be quite small. Whether big or small, we see God doing an exciting work in the lives of His people. I have found that many Christians in the US in spite of all of our resources, radio broadcasts, TV programs, good teachers and churches, simply do not know how to study their Bibles. God has given us a great course to teach people around the world how to get into His Word!
If you are interested in learning this Inductive Bible study system, please go to our web store www.icmbible.org and order the course.

Overseas Seminars
I just returned from Bolivia where we conducted one seminar over a four evening space of time. Adversity struck again.    It would be nice to report that we always have wonderful seminars and though we often do, there are times when we feel the enemy wins the battle.
I was very disappointed with the Santa Cruz, Bolivia seminar and struggled to remain joyful. We had few pastors attending a poorly organized seminar. We discovered that pastors in this city do not work together and are often at odds with each other, isolating themselves from other denominations. The enemy has done a very good job of dividing the work of God. The pastors often speak out against other churches to keep their congregations from leaving. The result of this division is that trying to get these pastors together for a seminar is like stopping our two year-old grandson from fighting with his brother! We were supposed to have a full four- day seminar but it turned into four evenings of two- hour sessions. We were unable to cover much of the material and I wondered why God had allowed us to spend so much money on travel just to get to this
place.
The first day they only had about 15 people to treat and were dis-appointed. That evening we prayed and asked the Lord to open more doors. The next day they were invited to a large Christian school where they treated an amazing 1,700 students, faculty and parents over the next few days. The doctors were grateful for the opportunity but were exhausted.
Pastor Carlos Casco who oversees ICM Bolivia and I, were invited to speak to the faculty at this same Christian school. After I shared for about an hour, one of the teachers came to Carlos and said she had never invited Christ into her life and desired to do so. It was exciting to see His plan unfold. We found out that not all the teachers at this school were believers. It was a wonderful opportunity to share with them. The schools director requested a future Inductive Bible study seminar for the entire faculty and for Carlos to conduct one of his marriage seminars for all the parents and teachers from the school. Despite the poor attendance at the IBS seminar and reduced teaching hours, God was at work!

Click Here To View The ICM Ministry Page

Update from The Pratt's - May 2010
Posted: 4/29/2010

It has been three weeks since I became the pastor at Living Word.  Since Living Word is not, rather was not, a Calvary Chapel, the people have no understanding of how Calvary approaches ministry;  what our vision, values, and priorities are.  Three weeks ago I started a series of studies after church on Sundays.  I asked all the folks who serve or want to serve to stick around after church for lunch.  After we eat, we study leadership principles found in the Bible.

The meetings have been well attended and the people seem eager to grasp the new vision which God is unfolding.  Next week will be the last class for now.  I will pick up the series again in the fall.  Next we will begin meeting after church for prayer.  I am excited about that and know that many of the people are devoted to prayer.

There has been one major challenge.  Our worship leader stepped down last Sunday.  Kolya loves Jesus, loves to worship, and  is a fine young man, but has a very different vision for worship ministry than we teach at Calvary Chapel.  Over the weeks leading up to my becoming pastor, and after I took over, Kolya and I recognized we were just not on the same page with things.  We have been meeting weekly to get to know one anther and share our hearts and vision for ministry.  After we met last week, Kolya recognized that he is not the right guy to lead the worship team.  I really hoped that we could work together to overcome the differences in vision, but Kolya announced he needed to step down.  It’s not an unhealthy or divisive thing, just a difference in vision.  I asked him to continue until we find someone to take over and he agreed.  So we are looking for a new worship leader.

One major need in the church is Sunday School; we have none.  Through the leadership classes I have been laying the foundation for the importance of,  and need to minister to, our kids.  I am in touch with children’s workers in Kiev who will be coming to help set up a Sunday School ministry and do training for teachers and assistants.  I also need to train ushers and greeters.  I am learning the church administrative and accounting policies and am trying to spend time with the men who serve on the board.

On Sunday mornings I have been teaching on the distinctives of Calvary Chapel.  This will help the people to get to know more about Calvary and our style of ministry.  Once I finish this series we will dive into the book of Matthew and I will start teaching through the New Testament on Sunday mornings.  In the fall we will start our midweek service and will begin with Genesis teaching through the Old Testament.

There is a tremendous opportunity here to share the gospel with college students.  There are roughly 160,000 students in L’viv.  Young people are everywhere and easy to approach and talk to.  We are asking God to bring people who have a heart for college ministry so we can reach this next generation for Jesus.

I am praying for interns for the summer and full time staff missionaries to join us.  If you sense a call to serve in missions, for the summer, or full time,  we need help.  Send me an email and let’s talk about the opportunities here.

All in all, things are going very well in the church as I have stepped into serving the people as pastor.  I am very blessed and humbled to see how God is working and very appreciative of God’s grace, love, patience, and for your prayers!

Click Here To Read The Pratt Family News!

Update from the Takamiya's - May 2010
Posted: 4/29/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa!    May 2010
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We had a great day hanging out after the message with a nice BBQ and potluck. No complaints from the neighbors, and Travis and his father even went to the near by homes with food from the grill. Inside the church was packed out and crowded but we managed to have a good time through it and everyone was able to eat and fellowship. Travis's parents had to head back to Hawaii half way through the day. We will miss them, but know they will be back soon. The past three weeks we have had great weather on Sundays so we have been heading down to the park for some volleyball. This past Sunday my friend (that I play volleyball with on Thursdays) was able to meet us at the park with her family and they brought other friends to play too.
The English camp went very well and the kids and teachers were blessed. English classes are up and running again. Michael was able to find a time slot for all the kids who were returning. A few more kids from the neighborhood have joined as well. The local elementary schools have been extending their hours per day.
This caused a little trouble for the classes after school at the church because of so many kids in different levels wanting to change times. But the Lord worked it out. Travis even picked up three more junior high students for the evening classes. Recently he was able to share the gospel again with one of the older kids who has been coming to class for over 2 years already. Out of the blue she began asking many questions. Those opportunities make going to work exciting though they are few and far between. God's timing.
Travis will be heading to Okinawa tomorrow to attend and teach at the worship conference there. He had to prepare all his messages last week to send them early for the translators to be able to see them. Also he has had to translate his own Sunday messages beginning 2 weeks ago since our translator moved to the other side of Tokyo. In my opinion he has been doing a good job on Sundays speaking English and then Japanese. Many people must be praying for him. Michael will be staying here instead of going to Fuchu to teach and lead worship while Travis is gone. Looks like he will have to stay here the first two weeks in June too while Travis is away in California at the Pastor's Conference. Michael usually goes to Fuchu to lead worship. He was supposed to be going temporarily until another leader surfaced or until Candice learned how to play
the piano. She already has her hands quite full with the kindergarten though.
There is a big conference here on Monday and Tuesday. It is the one time each year that all the Calvary Chapels of Japan can come and worship together. There are 7-8 pastors from America coming to share. Quite a few people from church are planning to go on the first day, 12 hours! :) A new family that attends the church in Fuchu as of Easter service are planning to come too. Oh and the man who lives in the building of the kindergarten is coming too and he has actually been attending the church for a while now.
Our Friday night home fellowship has been going well that we started back in March. One family in the neighborhood is committed to coming. Travis is having Michael and Rusty alternate teaching each week with Travis translating them. They went through James and now they are into 1 Peter.
Erika and Evan are back in school as of April 8th. Evan is doing ok in first grade. He did cry on the first day because he couldn't get his big back pack on by himself and the whole class went to line up without him to get ready to go home. But he said 2 kids came back in looking for him and helped him put it on. Poor guy!:) Erika seems so grown up and independent. Evan got a teacher with 4 years of experience and Erika got a teacher with over 30 years of experience! They both seem happy with their new classes.
A few weeks ago after waiting 14 months Travis got approved to have Permanent Residency Status here in Japan. Sometime in the next two years he can apply for the kids and me too.
Thank you for reading this note and taking the time to pray over the things going on and the people mentioned.
-- Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan
Takamiya Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Click Here To Visit Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Update from The Finfrock's - April 2010
Posted: 4/22/2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We really appreciate the prayers. It is wonderful to see God's hand in your fellowship over the years.

Please pray for the following:
1. Pray for my upcoming seminars here in the states at different churches, CC La Habra, CC Boston, CC Susanville, CC Westgrove, Mountain View Comm. Church, and CC Grace Chapel.
2. Pray for our seminar in June in Columbia. Pray for God to move mightily.
3. Pray for my IBS workshop at the Pastors Conf. in June. Pray many will attend and get involved.
4. Pray for my seminar scheduled in Pakistan in Aug. This is our first time in this country and it is also a very unstable country. Pray for funding for this conference.
5. Pray for my wife Debbie, as she cannot travel hardly at all.

Pray for her covering while I'm away many weekends and overseas
Blessings -Dan

Update from the Saunders - April 2010
Posted: 4/13/2010

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
Psalm 27:13

Dear Friends and Family,

We are sharing this verse with you as the Lord has used it to minister such great peace to us recently.  As some of you already know, my mother Joanne, has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is scheduled to have a double mastectomy on April 19 and then chemo-therapy treatments afterwards.  All of our family was shocked to hear this diagnosis, as I am sure everyone is when they hear news like this.  
I think we all live our lives unconsciously thinking it is always someone else.  However, news like this causes us to stop and look up, and once again drink in the wonder of His love.  After a sigh and maybe some tears, we take the next step in our everyday lives of choosing to trust and rest in the knowledge that God is on the throne.

My mothers loves Jesus and we all know that her life and the number of her days are in our loving God’s hands.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!
Psalm 139:15-17 NLT

Chuck and I were not planning on making any trips to the states this year due to financial constraints, but when something like this happens, all the keeping to a budget, trying to get out of debt, just has to be let go.  I have booked my ticket and will be flying out to California on May 8th for 2 weeks.  Most of my time will be in the Lancaster/Palmdale area to spend time with my parents as Mom recuperates from her surgery and help her to get to doctor’s appointments or whatever help I can give them.  Of course while there I will get to see our children and grandchildren.  I would love to see others but will not be able to do a lot of travelling around as we feel this needs to be a “Mama trip” with some time also with kids and grandkids.
**If you would like to contact me while I am in the states, my US cell phone number is 951-591-2542


**A STORY OF THE WONDER-WORKING GRACE OF GOD***
On May 2 Mom and Dad will celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary.  Over the years I have shared in my testimony of how my parents’ marriage was very rocky for many years.  They were divorced once and then remarried and were separated a few times. My mother came to Christ back in the early 1970’s and prayed for her entire family. One by one, each one of her children came to Christ and then finally, after over 20 years, her husband came to Jesus. All those pain-filled years of un-forgiveness, bitterness, anger and depression had been brought to the cross of Christ and healed!
After the heartache of such a tumultuous marriage for so many years, today in their golden years, my parents are celebrating a genuine and gentle love and commitment to one another.  It is very precious to behold and we rejoice with them over the wonders of His love being worked out in their lives.  

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?  Jeremiah 32:27


***WHAT’S GOING ON IN OXFORD?***
We had a wonderful Easter Service.  The School Hall, where we meet was packed.  Several visitors attended and Pastor Phil’s dad, John Vickery presented a beautiful message on our Risen Lord.  I don’t know how someone hearing that message could not have been touched. We are praying that God’s word will be stirring in the hearts of those who may have walked away still not believing.

***RADIO***
Chuck is editing and producing Pastor Phil’s teaching on Romans for Calvary Chapel Radio in the UK.  

***NEW LIFE***
Pastor Phil and his wife Hannah dedicated their baby girl, Elizabeth Grace, known as Bess, on Easter Sunday.  At the end of the dedication, Pastor John did something I had seen before and he spoke to every parent and child there.  He prayed for each parent and each child attending the service.   In that prayer I was reminded anew of the importance of community and family within the church.  We all need each other and need to be an active part of encouraging one another in our relationship with Christ, using the gifts and abilities He has given us.

***SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRIES***
“For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”   1 Samuel 16:7b

Last month we told you about our hopes for starting a Sunday worship service for learning disabled adults.  We have met with a young couple from another church and are meeting again on the 21st of April with a representative of an organization that specializes in helping to set up Special Needs church services.  Our prayer is that in our little ministry we will provide loving support and a safe environment, for nurturing a growing knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ to men and women who are learning disabled, as well as their family and/or carers that bring them to the service.
Please continue to pray for this.  We are hoping to begin these Sunday worship services this summer.

***A TRAVELLING PRAYER REQUEST***
All of you who know me, know I am a lousy flyer.  
Please pray for a smooth flight and that I can navigate on the Southern California freeways on my own, as Chuck usually does the driving when we are in the states.  Needing lots of travelling mercies.  ***Also please pray for Chuck as he stays here.  


Sending this with thanks to all of you who so faithfully support us here through your prayers and your giving in so many ways.  We thank God for you.

With love from your fellow workers in Christ.  

Chuck and Anita

***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***
*Because of the growth the need for a place of our own is becoming more pressing.  Our Sunday School room is too small.  The school-hall the adults meet in is almost full capacity.  Please pray the Lord will direct us to a building of our own.

*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin.  Love, wisdom and unity.

*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled.
 
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.

*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.

*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren.
Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us!
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19


PS:  If any of you are on Facebook, invite us!  It is a great way to keep in touch.

Click Here To View CC Oxford's Website

Update from The Pratt's - April 2010
Posted: 4/6/2010

April 4th, 2010 is a very important day for three very important reasons. The first and most obvious. All around the world lovers of Jesus are celebrating His Resurrection. That single event has changed history forever! This will be my first Easter as pastor of Living Word, here in L’viv. I am looking forward to celebrating with our new church family. Last Sunday, March 28th, was the official day I was recognized as the new pastor. We had many visitors including Alyosha Sitenko, and his family from Kiev. Alyosha is the pastor of Calvary Chapel of Kiev. Also joining us was George Markey, and his family. George serves as the pastor of Calvary Chapel of Ternopil. Both men shared from scripture and gave a welcome to the Living Word members, into the Calvary Chapel fellowship of churches.

The second reason April 4th is a most memorable day. Michelle and I celebrate 28 years of marriage! Twenty eight years ago we started an adventure together that I would not change for anything! God created women be the help-meet of a man. That means to complement and make complete, at least that’s the way it has worked in my life. I am the luckiest man alive because I have the best, most beautiful and most supportive wife in all the world! I can tell you these twenty eight years have been the very best of my life, and they just keep getting better! How does that happen? It all starts with a love for and surrender to Jesus! (And a very patient, gracious and understanding wife!)

And the third reason that April 4th, 2010 is such a memorable day. Twenty two years ago, on April 4th, our daughter Nicole gave her life to Jesus. It was on a Sunday morning. Our friend Debbie was teaching Sunday school. Debbie was so excited. “Mike and Michelle, Nicole gave her heart to Jesus!.” That was the first time God had used Debbie to lead someone to a new life in Christ. Twenty two years later, Nicole is walking faithfully with the Lord, in love, surrender, and devotion. We could not be more proud of her. In fact all of our children have a love relationship with Jesus. We are the most blessed parents!

Also, we are asking God to add “Intercessory Missionaries” as partners in prayer to the work He has called us to.  Please take the time to read the information below written by Will Bruce of OMF International.  This brief pamphlet will help equip you to be an effective prayer partner with us.

Why and How to Pray For Missionaries

Will Bruce

Paul appealed to the Thessalonian believers, “Brothers, pray for us.”  He knew he could not go it alone.  The missionary echoes that appeal, “Brothers, pray for me.”

The Spiritual Battle
The missionary knows life will be a battle, for he will be invading enemy territory where Satan has held uncontested sway for years, darkening people’s minds so that the truth of God’s word cannot penetrate.  The fight will be fierce; the enemy’s counter-attacks will be cunning and accurately targeted.  It will be an intense spiritual battle (Eph. 6:10-12).  Intercessory missionaries are prayer partners and should see themselves as part of the missionary’s team. (2 Cor. 10:4).
Pray that souls will be released from Satan’s bondage and will put their trust in Christ.

Frustrations of Cross-Cultural Life

• Language learning.
• Customs and culture.
• Unfamiliar food.
• Climate.
• Lack of privacy.
• Lack of results.

Pray for the missionary to be graciously flexible and able in very practical ways.  (Philippians 4:6)

Self-Knowledge
It is not long before cross-cultural stress reveals to the missionaries the fact that they are sinful.  They then recognize afresh how human they are!  Here are a few of the insights the Lord brings to their attention:

• Pride.
• Prejudice.
• Selfishness.
• Lack of self-discipline.

Pray that the missionary will learn to submit his own desires and inclinations to God.

Loneliness
It happens to singles or to the married;  in a cross-cultural setting, surrounded by people with an unfamiliar culture and language, and perhaps with no one showing interest in his message, the missionary can feel very isolated and alone.
Pray that the missionary will experience closeness with God in new and satisfying ways.

Stability
Faithful Bible reading and prayer promote stability-spiritually, mentally, and emotionally-so that the missionary will effectively combat Satan’s deadly tactics.  Pressures, interruptions, and emergencies can rob him of his time for spiritual renewal.
Pray that in each of these areas the missionary will develop mature stability and a self-worth from who he is in Christ and not from success or what others say about him.

Insight
Pray that the missionary will have sympathy and insight tuned to the heart-needs of those around him.

Relationships
Good relationships with his family, with his leaders (who may be nationals) and with members of his team are necessary if God’s work is to advance.
Pray the missionary will be surrendered to God and sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit.

Spirit Filled Lives
Pray that the missionary will be filled with the Spirit…and therefore, walk in the Spirit (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:16,25).

Health
Pray that God will keep the missionary’s health in the condition that will best glorify Him.

Travel
Pray for safety in travel.

Children
Pray for the health of missionary children.  Pray that both parents will be godly role models to help their children develop a godly self-image.

More Workers
Pray that many more at home will make Jesus’ last command their first concern (Matthew 28:18ff).

(Consider copying and printing the list below to place in your Bible or prayer journal)

How To Pray For Missionaries
Pray that the missionary will:

• Recognize the enemy’s attacks, and use scriptural weapons to defeat him in battle.
• Be able to adjust to new and strange things: the food, the climate, the lack of privacy.
• Not lose heart at the lack of results, but persevere, trusting for the fruit God promised.
• Confess and seek cleansing from traits of the old nature such as pride, prejudice, selfishness, lack of discipline.
• Experience genuine fellowship with God in prayer and in reading His word.
• Be a humble servant, not expecting to be served.
• Mature spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
• Have sensitivity and insight into the needs of others.
• Make earnest effort to have harmony in all his relationships.
• Be filled with the Spirit and love at all times.
• Be in good health, safe in travel, and wise in bringing up his children to love and obey the Lord.
• Have a healthy prayer and devotional life.
• Have more workers to help.

Some tips when praying:

• Be specific, systematic and steadfast in praying for specific needs.
• Agree in prayer with others the “two or three” of Matthew 18:18-20.
• Practice saturation prayer-covering many aspects with many brief requests.
• Try using a passage of scripture when praying, like Ephesians 1:15-19 or 3:14-21.
• What you pray for yourself could also be prayed for the missionary as he may have similar needs, concerns, and problems.

Click Here To Read The Pratt Family News!

Earthquake Update from Calvary Chapel Mexicali
Posted: 4/6/2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
  We thank you all for your concern and prayers for us here in Mexicali.  We are all okay.  It definitely was the biggest earthquake we've ever felt.  We are busy cleaning up the mess, checking out the damage, which doesnt seem to be too bad.  The biggest problem will be getting the mobile homes back on their stands as they fell off.

  Most of all, we ask for your prayers in reaching out to a scared people.  When the earthquake hit, we were just getting ready to go downtown where we minister to and feed the homeless.  Some stayed behind and went to the streets here in our Colonia to share the Lord and pray for the people and others went  downtown and fed the homeless there.
   God is good and we bless Him for the peace and security that we have in His powerful hand, the same hand that moved the earth under our feet and the mountains before our eyes.
    Thank you again for your prayers.
   God bless you.
  The Barillaro Family

Update from Calvary Chapel Mexicali
Posted: 4/5/2010

Please keep the Barillaro Family in your prayers. Brandi Barillaro has reported that there were no injuries. The earthquake did a good bit of damage, mostly inside their homes and buildings. A few homes in the Colonia were damaged. Brandi was in her mobile home and it rocked off it's supports on to the axles. She said it was quite a ride but she's okay. After the quake hit they all went into the streets (including the kid's from the Children's Home) and were praying with folks and sharing Christ with their neighbors in the Colonia. They asked for prayer. Pray that the Lord would use them to minister to others during this time.

Read more about the Barallaro family here.

Update from the Takamiya's - April 2010
Posted: 4/1/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa.  We hope you are all doing well and thank you
in advance for taking the time to read about what is going on with our
family and church here in Japan.    I like to write about all the good
things and I will keep doing that, but I don't want to give off the
impression that things are perfect.  Our family and church family have
struggles just like everyone else.  As we look to Jesus for help and
strength we will grow in our walk with Him.  So please pray for
protection, forgiveness, love, punctuality, unity, language,
provision, etc.

On the bright side we got news yesterday that Mikiko no longer has
cancer.  Her one year of chemotherapy and radiation came to an end in
February.  March was filled with testing and the results all came back
clear.  She will continue to take a test every 3 months for the next 7
years.  She had a rough year but also claims she was the most blessed
and felt very close to our Lord through it all.

We had a family from our church go to Hawaii for most of March.  They
are back now and Marie (5) is doing great!  She needed to have surgery
at Tripler hospital.  Marie and her dad will fly back to Hawaii on
April 17th to get a tube removed.  Maybe some of you reading this met
them or will see them again.  They really enjoyed their time at
Calvary Chapel Honolulu.

On a sad note the guy who translates for Travis on Sunday mornings
will be moving and changing churches.  His last day will be April
11th.  Travis has been praying about what to do and feels that he
should speak and translate himself.  It will take a bit of adjusting
and getting into a different routine for sure.  But as God guides,
He's faithful.  He will be finishing up the book of Leviticus with the
regular translator and move into Numbers translating himself.  The guy
who translates also plays the bass.  So with Michael helping out Rich
in Fuchu and Sho moving... our three man worship band is back to one,
Travis.

Sunday school is going great.  The transition to move the older kids
to another place helps for all the kids.  They have more space and the
younger kids no longer bother the older kids.  We have lots of helpers
and everyone seems to be adjusting well.  Our women's fellowship
finished up the joyful life 2 Corinthians study and we will take a
break until May before starting something new.  Looks like we will go
through the book of Daniel and then Haggai.  That is kind of our only
choice since the study is bilingual.  There are not many studies in
Japanese available.  We are grateful to have something though.

We had a missions night on the 20th and Santo did a great job sharing
with us about India.  He had lots of pictures and told us all about
his trip.  We were able to ask questions and think about what God is
doing in another country.  We had a time of prayer for India and
Gospel for Asia, and then dinner eating a variety of Indian food.
It was a good time so we are hoping to do it again in June talking
about Mexico.

Evan graduated from kindergarten a few weeks ago.  That was an
emotional day for me.  Goodbye to kindergarten life.  Including
Erika's time there we invested 5 years total.  Now both kids will be
at the elementary school.  School starts again on April 8th.  Evan
will be 1st grade and Erika will be 3rd grade.

As I write this Michael and Rich, along with our other missionaries
and other helpers are out in Okutama for English Kids Camp.  We pray
that the kids will have a great time and be safe.  Rich and Candice
seem to be busy with the kindergarten and after school English classes
are filling up.  They are keeping Rusty and Amber very busy!  Michael
got his new schedule organized just in time so the kids will be ready
to start back up in April.  It was a little challenging to accommodate
everyone since some of the local schools changed their schedules
making longer hours on certain days, making it impossible for kids to
make it to English class.  It all worked, though.  I think our church
works with kids from 5 different elementary schools.

In early May there will be the annual Japan Calvary Chapel Conference.
Two days, 12 hours a day.  I know Travis will be there the whole
time, but that kind of schedule is too long for my kids so we will be
going part time.  There are a lot of pastors coming from America to
teach this year, like 8 I think.  Right before that event Travis will
head down to Okinawa for a Worship conference where he will have the
opportunity to teach at the conference and at one of the local
churches on Sunday.  Michael will be teaching here that Sunday while
Travis is away and leading worship as well.

Thanks for investing in the lives of people here in Japan with us.
We really thank God for all of you,


--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Click Here To Visit The Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Missions Update from Morningstar
Posted: 4/1/2010

Our trip to El Hongo, Mexico last weekend was a complete blessing for both the team and the church in Hongo.  We were able to complete the interior on the kitchen unit we started last September.  When we left on Saturday there was a working sink in place and a stove and refrigerator ready to be hooked up.  The Lord also hand picked the ladies on our team to to be able to minister to Pastor Juan Carlos' wife Patti.  She was so appreciative to have Spanish speaking sisters to fellowship with and was able to share some deep concerns she has about her health.  Please keep Pastor Juan Carlos, Patti and their three daughters in your prayers.

On Saturday our Outreach took an unexpected turn.  There was another group in town from another Calvary Chapel that was doing an Outreach in a park in town.  So rather than pulling people in two different directions and confusing them we decided to join the other group in what they were doing.  They were more then agreeable since they weren't connected with any church in town and Calvary Chapel El Hongo became the perfect followup resource.  About 400 people showed up and Pastor Juan Carlos gave a great message and invitation to the folks attending.  He also ministered to the kids.  He told me he had several conversations with folks afterward that wanted to come check out the church. It was a blessed time watching God put it all together.  Our team just jumped in and helped where ever needed.

Thank you for praying for the team and the church in El Hongo.

Notice:  Our next Missions Prayer Meeting has been moved up a week to Sunday, April 11th @ 4:00 PM in Room 4, due to our 25th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday the 18th at 6:00 PM in the Main Sanctuary. I certainly encourage you to attend both these events.

Update from The Finfrock's
Posted: 3/22/2010

Greetings!  I just returned from my trip to Bolivia.  Thanks very much for your prayers.  It turned out to be a very difficult time.  It started with me catching a cold shortly after arriving and it settled into my throat.  I had two Sunday speaking engagements and the Lord helped me through.  I was able to teach Mon. - Thurs. for the seminar, so in spite of feeling miserable and having a raspy voice, I was able to do all the session.  We had a small group turn out and we had timing issues that kept us from covering all our material,but we saw God reach down and touch everyone's hearts.  God is so good!
 
I brought two Chiropractors along and they had an amazing time.  The first day they only treated 15 people and were a bit disappointed.  That night we prayed the Lord would open up a door to reach more people.  The very next day they were invited into a very large Christian School that has about 2000 students.  In two days they treated 1700 students, faculty and parents!  It was amazing to watch them work so quickly for such a long time each day.  They were totally exhausted but rejoicing in the opportunities given them.  While they were treating students, Carlos and I were invited to speak to all the faculty at two different times.  I shared from the Word and encouraged them to see their teaching as a ministry.  At the end on one session we had a teacher come up wanting to pray with us to receive Christ.  We were told that a few of their teachers were not Christians so God was at work!  This school has invited us to come back and teach all the faculty the IBS method.
 
We realized at the end of this journey that God was breaking ground that is very hard in this large city of Santa Cruz.  Most of the churches do not work together and are often fighting with each other.  There were some denominational heads at our seminar and they liked it so much that we are expecting many more invitations to teach the pastors and leaders how to study the Word.  Please pray for Bolivia.  This country is in much turmoil.  They have a president who is an Atheist  and is trying to do everything he can to thwart the work of God.  Thanks again for your prayers.  Please keep praying for Carlos as he is conducting four more IBS conferences over the next 4 weeks. 

Blessings -Dan

Update from The Barillaro's
Posted: 3/22/2010

Brothers and Sisters,
   I just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers while I was in Uruguay.  I felt like the Lord was holding me in His hand the whole trip.
   I was able to teach in the prison and see a few men give their lives to the Lord.  I also taught in a church of about 15 members for  5 days and encouraged them through the book  of Juan, the first 5 chapters.  I was able to leave several CC books and CD's with just about the entire Bible taught verse by verse in Spanish, a big part by Chuck Smith.  Chuck's teachings are translated by Trans Mundial in Uruguay and he's on the radio there; they love the teaching and listen to it on the radio.
 
If you like to see some pictures of my visit to Uruguay, you con visit our web at www.ccmexicali.com/
 
Thank you for praying for me.  God Bless.
Juan B.

Click Here To View CC Mexicali's Website

Update from The Barillaro's - March 2010
Posted: 3/9/2010

We will be holding our second 2-day seminar for single gals. Last year the Lord blessed so much; we decided to do it again. Many unbelievers have signed up to come so we are excited to see what God is going to do.
We have also received several new families into the Casa de Tesoros, it is a very full house. One of the mothers is 4 months pregnant and in danger of a miscarriage. Please keep her and the other families in your prayers as all adjust to living such a new and different life in the Home.
Thank you for your prayers. Please do remember John, as he will be in Uruguay from March 8 to March 15, preaching and teaching in some outreaches, churches, and in the prison.
God bless you.
John and Laurie Barillaro

Update from the Saunders - March 2010
Posted: 3/4/2010

Dear Friends and Family, 

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:8

This has long been one of my favorite verses in the Psalms.  The Psalmist repeats this invitation of thanksgiving three more times, in verses 15, 21, and 31. 
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

I was reminded of this verse over the past couple of weeks as we prayed for our 5 year old grand daughter Maren.  She was in ICU with life threatening complications from pneumonia . 

In Psalm 107, people were in distress. These were very imperfect people, just like you and me.  They were hurting, fearful, suffering, but they cried out to God.  The theme of this Psalm is God’s steadfast love.  A perfect and faithful God who loves very imperfect and even unfaithful people , and who hears and responds when we cry out to Him. In Psalm 51:17 we are reminded, A broken and contrite heart, these O LORD, you will not despise. 

However, there was something I had never seen before in this Psalm.  The commentary notes in my Bible point out that the psalmist himself, is declaring thanks to the Lord, but also declaring that as a community of believers, we together, are to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works toward us.

This idea of  a community giving thanks together became such a reality to me over the past couple of weeks.  At times Chuck and I felt very alone as we prayed over Maren, cried over the situation, ached for our daughter and son in law, grieved over not being able to be there with them during this time.  But as we shared our distress with others here at our church and online through Facebook, blogs, and emails, we began to experience what the Psalmist was talking about. 

The community, the family of believers around the world, embraced our family in His love, prayed for Maren, prayed with us, grieved with us, and encouraged us with precious promises from the Word.   TOGETHER, a community of imperfect people, cried out to the Lord and He heard us. 
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
******
Maren is home from hospital but still undergoing blood tests as her platelets are still too high.  Please keep her in prayer, giving thanks to the Lord for His goodness!

***GLOBAL WARMING***
I knew that would get your attention. Since December, we have had freezing temperatures on most days and the cold has taken a toll on my health.  In the past 5 months, I have had four bouts of some kind of flu virus, with each one lasting 7 to 14 days.  I am just getting over one now and that is the reason this February update is now a March update.  I would appreciate your prayers. 

***WHAT’S GOING ON IN OXFORD?***
Last month I mentioned the following:
*Pray that the unsaved will come and lives will be transformed through Christ. Although about 20 new folks have joined us in the past year, all of them were already Christians.  They come to us from churches that have split, or are teaching false doctrine, or have just abandoned teaching the Bible altogether.
Only about 1% of British people attend a church service each Sunday.  An entire generation has grown up not knowing who Jesus is. 
Pray that God will prepare people’s hearts to receive the Gospel.
UPDATE:  Some of the young people in the church have gathered together and are praying about evangelistic outreaches this summer in Oxford and
seeking the Lord for direction for reaching out to our local community.
***Please pray for this group and please continue to pray for God to prepare people’s hearts to receive the good news of Jesus.

***The 2 worship teams have now blended and it is working beautifully. It is exciting to see the Lord raising up the next generation into ministry.
It’s also been great to be able to take a week off now and then as that way I have so much more energy for those precious kids in Sunday School.
Chuck enjoys running sound or the power point when not leading worship.

***SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRIES***
Chuck and I have discussed and have prayed about conducting a monthly service for learning disabled adults and children. That’s as far as it’s gone.  This monthly service would be outside of our church and on a Sunday afternoon at a local community centre where we could rent a room for the service. We enjoyed so much the singing ministry that we had at a day center for several years, but the manager of that center has retired and that door has closed now.  What we are thinking of would be more like a regular church service, but one that would meet special needs.  Please pray with us.
If any of you know of a church implementing such a ministry, could you send me an email contact.  I’d really like to talk to someone who is already doing this kind of ministry and get some information and insights.


We close this letter with a heart full of thanks.
Thank you dear brothers and sisters for joining us here, through your prayers and finances.  Together, we reach out to others who don’t know the goodness of our Jesus. 
Today we thank the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works toward us all !

With love from your fellow workers in Christ. 

Chuck and Anita

***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***
*Because of the growth the need for a place of our own is becoming more pressing.  Our Sunday School room is too small.  The school-hall the adults meet in is almost full capacity.  Please pray the Lord will direct us to a building of our own.

*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin.  Love, wisdom and unity.

*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled.
 
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.

*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.

*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us!
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19


PS:  If any of you are on Facebook, invite us!  It is a great way to keep in touch.

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Click Here To View CC Oxford's Website

Update from The Finfrock's - March 2010
Posted: 3/3/2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
A warm greeting to you.  Hope your doing well.  I wanted to let you know that I will be leaving for Bolivia this coming Friday, March 5th.  I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I conduct one seminar with many pastors in the capitol city of Santa Cruz. I'll be working with my South American director, Pastor Carlos Casco.  He will continue with 4 more IBS seminars after the first one we do.  Please continue to pray for Carlos as he will minister to hundreds of pastors over about 5 weeks.
 
I am also taking with me two Chiropractors who will be conducting clinics for the first week with hundreds of patients.  Pray for God to work signs and wonders as they treat the people.
 
Pray for health and strength during these days and for safety on our flights. We have to fly into Chile which just had the major earthquake and were not sure of all of our flight connections so please pray.
 
Pray for our wives as they are left behind during this time.  Thank you very much and may God bless you abundantly.
-- Dan

Update from The Pratt's - February 2010
Posted: 2/25/2010

Here is the latest news from the Pratts.  It looks like the church in L'viv has approved him coming on as Pastor.  To get the full story click on the link below and that will take you to their blog site.  The Lord is opening doors for these missionaries, let's keep praying as they walk through them.

Click Here To Read The Pratt Family News!

Update from the Takamiya's - February 2010
Posted: 2/23/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa.  We have had an exciting month with snow.  It
is a big event around because it does not happen often.  The kids had
fun playing in our little backyard.  They built a couple snowmen.  We
woke up to sounds of older children in the neighborhood sled riding
before going to school!  We have a little hill out back beyond our
yard.  Our kids were able to enjoy the hill after school.  It all
melts so fast when the sun comes up.

We had a couple fun events at church to bless the folks.  Karaoke was
a good time for the folks helping in sunday school.  We hung a little
after and ate dinner together.  The following weekend was date night.
The missionaries watched kids so parents could go out on a date.  One
couple said they haven't been on a date for over 13 years!  They
really enjoyed themselves and were the last ones to pick up their
kids.:)

A few things will change in March.  We are going to have home
fellowship in our apartment again on Friday nights with dinner and
bible study.  We feel settled in now in our new place.  A few weeks
ago we invited people over for dinner and we all had a nice time, so
we really thought we could easily do it every week.  Space is always
an issue, but we want to try.  Another change coming is a plan to move
some of the older kids in sunday school to the house next door to the
church where Rusty and Amber are living.  Right now all the kids are
in one apartment and it feels a little tight when all the kids are
there.  It is nice to know we have an option if more families end up
coming.

The girls youth group continues to meet every other week with leaders
Jiai and Amber.  Women's fellowship will finish up the 2 Corinthians
Joyful Life study around the end of March.  The midweek study in
Matthew continues and this seems to be a good time for Travis to have
a staff meeting afterward.  Travis has not only me and the kids to
look after, but 4 missionaries as well!  One guy might be leaving soon
depending on where his job placement will be next month.

Things to pray for....One family that lives on the airforce base will
be going to Hawaii soon.  Their little 5 year old girl is having
trouble with her bladder and kidneys, so they want more tests done at
the hospital in Hawaii and possibly a surgery.  We won't see them for
a month, but maybe some of you will see them because they hope to go
to Calvary Chapel Honolulu if they can find it.:)  Another woman who
has been battling cancer for a year will have her check up the first
week of March.  Her last chemotherapy was last week.  Her name is
Mikiko Nishimoto.

I think there will be english camp coming up at the end of March.  We
combine the kids from Tokorozawa and Fuchu.  It is a good time,
tiring.....but fun.:)

Thank you for praying and supporting us.

--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Click Here To Visit Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Update from The Barillaro's - February 2010
Posted: 2/5/2010

We had the privilege to take a team down to Mexicali this last weekend and the Lord completely blessed our trip.  We had 23 people on the team and everyone did a fantastic job of serving and making themselves available to what the Lord had for us and the folks at Calvary Chapel Mexicali.  Working side-by-side with this congregation is a true blessing and it's wonderful to see the language barrier overcome by our common commitment to Christ.

On Friday we planned a work day and several of the men in our group spent the day re-roofing a house across the street from the church that they use for their Sunday School classes.  The weather was perfect with clouds and overcast all day and the temperature around 72.  There was another small crew that worked on welding beams together to construct a shade overhang at the back of the church.  You can imagine with the heat in the summer that shade is a precious commodity.  The ladies on our team helped Dawn (Pastor John's daughter) put materials together for a purity seminar she'll be presenting to several churches in the area.

On Saturday some of the ladies got up at the crack of dawn to help prepare the food we served at the Outreach.  After breakfast we all got packed up with games, face paint, food, and sound equipment and headed for the Santo Nino colonia about 10 miles away.  When we got to the park in the center of the colonia a few people started setting up while the rest of us hit the streets and started inviting people to the event.  By now it was 10:00 AM and the Outreach started at 1:00 PM.  I wondered if many people would show up with such short notice but when the time came to start some 400 people arrived.  Our team helped run the games and did face painting.  About half-way through we shut everything down and called everyone over to the little amphitheater where Pastor John gave a message and an invitation to receive Christ.  Several hands went up and many folks were in tears, obviously broken by the truth and love that God was pouring out on these precious souls.  We took the kids over to another area and some folks from CC Mexicali did a skit and teaching for them.  After the message we opened the games up again and served everyone a torta and punch.  A couple of our team members were working on the security crew watching the gates and our cars.  One of our guys led a young man to the Lord as he was on his way out. (You can run but you can't hide from His outstretched hand.)

We packed up, headed back to the church to unload and before we knew it, we were on the road for home.  The time always goes fast but the Lord always fills that time with incredible ministry and I know the team was blessed beyond measure.  One brother who was with us for the first time said, "I'm hooked!  I'll be on the next trip!"

Update from the Takamiya's - February 2010
Posted: 2/5/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa. Hope this newsletter finds you all doing well.
January came and went so fast!  We have recovered from the fun of the
holiday season and have settled back into our routine.  We celebrated
Evan's 6th birthday a few weeks ago with his best friends from church.
This is the first time we kept the party small and it ended up being
a sweet time of fellowship.  Evan's school had a celebration for
January birthdays so we got to go to the kindergarten on a different
day and hang out with those kids.  I am always amazed how easily
Travis interacts with kids and has them laughing almost instantly.

Yesterday our family went on an all day excursion with other families
from this neighborhood.  It was a good chance to meet and hang out
with people we don't usually interact with daily.  We went to town and
hung out at the place called NamjaTown.  I guess it is supposed to be
a fun place but it felt like a giant maze with different themes in
different sections.  And of course everything is in Japanese so that
doesn't make my life any easier. :) Gyoza town and Ice Cream town were
okay, but we stumbled into the ghost catching town and the fortune
telling town and just had to turn around and go back out.  It was a
good chance to explain things to our kids, but at the same time my
heart was grieved that such things are considered completely normal.
But overall we were fine and another highlight was that one of the
mothers let her son go off with us while she stayed longer chatting at
the lunch table.  We know each other from the neighborhood, but we
have never taken care of her son before, so it was comforting that she
trusts us with her kid.

Things at church are going fine.  I am still amazed at all the
faithful Sunday school helpers.  The missionaries are planning monthly
events now for fellowship or just to bless people.  In February they
will watch kids on the 13th so couples can have a date night.  Our
Wednesday women's bible study continues to be a blessing and an
opportunity for growth for all of us.  Our leader Mikiko will have her
last chemotherapy treatment on Feb. 15.  She seems very strong these
days and prays that the march tests will show that everything is clear
regarding the cancer.

We are looking forward to what the Lord has for us in February. We are
thankful that we are able to serve the body here in Japan. Thank you
for all your prayers and support.

--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Click Here To Visit The Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Update from The Finfrock's
Posted: 1/26/2010

Greetings!
 
I just wanted to drop you all a note to say my weekend with Calvary Chapel Modesto was just super.  Thanks for your prayers.  We had about 250 participants attending the IBS seminar and they were an excited bunch after we finished.  It is really great going to churches that teach the Word because they create such a hunger for more of the Word in their people.  Also I spoke Sunday morning at their two services and it was a powerful time.  Many people came for prayer after each service.  Thanks again for praying.  It really does make a big difference.
 
I will be at Calvary Chapel Woodland in Sacramento this weekend and once again would appreciate your prayers for the seminar and for Sunday morning.  Thanks so much!  --Dan

Prayer Requests from the Finfrocks
Posted: 1/19/2010

Greetings! 

1. Please pray for my seminar this weekend at CC Modesto.  We have a very large group coming and it's a bit more difficult working with a big group. Pray the Lord will do a mighty work in the lives of everyone attending. Pray also for my two Sunday morning services there that as I speak on the "power of prayer", God will move powerfully and draw His people to pray.
2.  Pray for my seminar in CC Woodland the following week.  Pray that God will bring a good group together for this weekend. 
3.  Keep praying for my son-in-law Frank and daughter Lela as they move ahead in starting CC of Colton.  Pray the Lord will draw in hungry people for the Word.  Pray that Frank and Lela will find jobs to support themselves.
4. Pray for Troy and Jen in Tanzania as they continue doing many seminars. Pray the same for Peter in Kenya, Moses in Uganda, Wayne & Brooke in Central America and Carlos and Yolanda in South America.

Thanks very much. There is mighty power in your prayers!  --Dan

Update from the Saunders - January 2010
Posted: 1/15/2010

Oxford, England

Dear Friends and Family,
“I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all your work, And talk of Your deeds.” Psalm 77:11 & 12
When a new year begins, I find that I tend to think, pray, and wonder about what the new year will bring and, at the same time, remember and reflect upon the past years. Whether looking to the future or back at the past, I believe we are to have an attitude of thanksgiving. This past year our family has rejoiced over new life and we have walked through the valley of the shadow of death. Throughout it all, the Lord was with us. Our peace, hope and joy in looking to this new year comes from knowing that our lives are in His hands.

No matter what you or I may be facing today, Jesus promises us His presence and His peace that passes understanding. As we walk through this new year, let us go out with joy and be led forth with peace... trust in Him daily, live for Him, love for Him, and give ourselves away as we reach out to others in Jesus’ name. We love Him because He first loved us. Living our lives in an attitude of thanksgiving for what HE has done for us. We didn’t earn it or deserve it and yet He loves us! How amazing! Lord, help us to love as You love.

***Some updates and prayer requests***
**Family Praises**
We had the most incredible Christmas! Our eldest daughter Raina, her husband Casey and their children Eli and Maren arrived Dec. 15 and for the next 14 days we were in Nonnie and Poppie heaven! Cave exploring, castles, dungeons, palaces, the English countryside, London and all it’s grandeur. Even the sleet, snow, rain and freezing cold could not stop us! It was a wonderful time and what a blessing to be able to spend Christmas day with 2 of our grandchildren. Chuck read the Christmas story from Luke’s gospel, the children set up the small nativity set and decorated Christmas tree.    It was a very special Christmas for us all.

**Calvary Chapel Oxford***
PRAISES: The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad! Psalm 126:3
This month our church will celebrate it’s 9th anniversary. We are rejoicing in the growth the Lord is bringing. Growth implies change and this past year brought many positive changes:
*We went from one house group on Thursday evenings to 3 house groups.
*We now have more people leading worship on Sunday mornings. We have 2 worship teams.
*This past year we saw more new people coming to our Sunday services than any previous year.
*More children in the Sunday School.
*We have started a new youth outreach on Saturday evenings. Thank the Lord with us for these!

***Calvary Chapel Oxford Prayer Requests***
*Because of the growth the need for a place of our own is becoming more pressing. Our Sunday School room is too small. The school-hall the adults meet in is almost full capacity. Please pray the Lord will direct us to a building of our own.
*Pray that the unsaved will come and lives will be transformed through Christ.    Although about 20 new folks have joined us this year, all of them were already Christians. They come to us from churches that have split, or are teaching false doctrine, or have just abandoned teaching the Bible altogether. Only about 1% of British people attend a church service each Sunday. An entire generation has grown up not knowing who Jesus is. Pray that God will prepare people’s hearts to receive the Gospel.

***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***
*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin. Love, wisdom and unity.
*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled.
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.
*Please continue to pray that God will direct us to a larger place for our church to meet that we can call “our own” and would allow us to become a part of this community in reaching out through various ministries with the Good News of Jesus Christ!
*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.
*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)   
*Pray the same for us! “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19

May this year be filled with His blessings upon you and yours. Thank you all for being a part of this ministry through your prayers and your giving.    We thank God for you.

With love from your fellow workers in Christ.
Chuck and Anita

Update from the Takamiya's - January 2010
Posted: 1/15/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa!  

The time has really gone by and I am a bit behind with the December news, so I will make it brief. As i think back to December I remember two big parties. The first one was a Christmas party for the students who attend English school at the church, We Go Eigo. Michael did a great job planning and the kids had a nice time hanging out with us American folks. This year as Michael prepared the Christmas Story he felt lead to combine the Easter story with it. All the kids decorated a big cookie, listened to the bible stories, played a big group game and also had about 45 minutes to play other games, carnival style. The other party still fresh in my mind was the church Christmas party. We had it on a sunday evening this year and I think we had a 98% turnout. The gang from Fuchu was able to come over and join us too. The food was great and Rusty and Amber did a great job planning some fun games for everyone. The kids (all 18 of them) seemed to enjoy themselves even though space was limited the year. Amazing was kids can do with one of those giant japanese closets once you empty out about 80 cushions. :)

Our family moved down to the first floor in the beginning of December. That was a lot of work getting settled in, but we like it in our new place. I like the clean walls, the kids like their bigger bedroom and big yard out back, and Travis likes the smaller bathroom (just kidding). It is really nice that we are in the same building so Erika doesn't have to change groups who she walks with in the mornings. Also it is good to still be in the same complex and have access to the party center/community hall. Rusty and Amber moved into the little house right next door to the church in early December and seem to be enjoying life in Tokorozawa.

We were blessed to have Travis's parents with us again over the holidays. The kids love it when they come! We also had a visit from some dear friends from Honolulu.

As we look ahead to January we eagerly wait to see what the Lord has in store for us as a family and for the church body here in Tokorozawa. Our family is preparing to say good-bye to kindergarten life for Evan and getting him ready to enter elementary school in April. I am all ready getting sentimental about it.

As I look back on 2009 I am thankful for many things, as I am sure all of you are too. Thank you for always praying for our family and the church here. --

Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa
www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Update from The Pratt's - January 2010
Posted: 1/15/2010

In May of 2007 we left our home in Dnipropetrovs'k, Ukraine. We were not sure of what the future held, including where we would settle down. God very graciously and generously provided for our family during our period of waiting and seeking His will for our next move.

On December 31st, 2009, we moved into our new home located in L'viv, Ukraine. Scripture tells us that God provides for His children. He has always provided so
faithfully for all our needs. His provision has not always looked like what we wanted and His timing has not always fit into our timetable, but His provision has always been exactly what we needed and never late! Our new home is so much more than we ever expected or even asked for. Thank you all for your prayers!!

One concern Michelle and I have often shared was how our call and life as missionaries would affect our family gathering for holidays and special occasions. Our daughter, Nicole, lives in Indianapolis. Our son, Aaron, his wife, Sara, and their daughter, Emily, live in Turku, Finland. In spite of the miles that have separated us, God continues to provide for us to get together for those holidays and special occasions. This year is no exception. Nicole arrived in L'viv three weeks ago. Aaron, Sara, and Emmy arrived on January 7th. We have had a very nice holiday celebration together! The kids will be leaving on 16th of January. It has been a wonderful time together, but it is going by much too quickly!

Ministry Update
When we arrived in L'viv three months ago I was invited by Pastor Mark Blessing, senior pastor of Living Word, to fill the pulpit while he and his wife, Rhonda visited their daughters in America. It was such a blessing (no pun intended) to serve for Mark and to get to know the people in the church. The people welcomed us with open arms and hearts filled with love. Upon their return, Mark has asked me to pray about getting involved in the church to help train and disciple leadership in the church. I am praying about that as a possibility.
We have also discussed how Living Word might help us with a new church plant. I have been praying about    starting a home bible study; our new home is perfect for that! In addition, I am praying about the needs that all the Calvary Chapels in Ukraine have for further training and equipping pastors and leaders to help strengthen existing churches and to start new ones. Opportunities abound here in Ukraine and the doors are wide open.

Prayer Requests

• For God to show us where He would have us to focus our efforts in ministry.
• For help in learning the Ukrainian language. (We will begin soon)
  
• We are looking for a good used van for ministry and personal use.
  
• For continued adjustment to life in L'viv. (Particularly for the kids.)

Update on Calvary Chapel Port Au Prince, Haiti
Posted: 1/13/2010

I'm sure by now you've heard about the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  As you recall our team was just there in November so we have a heartfelt and direct connection to those that are suffering because of this tragedy.  Below is a report from Pastor Chris who lead the team in November.  This is our opportunity to continue building a bridge between us and the folks at Calvary Chapel Port Au Prince and those they will be ministering to,  through our prayers.


"Calvary Chapel of Port Au Prince was shaken, but has not collapsed, but they are not allowing anyone into the church because they are worried about the structure.  For those of us who were there and saw the relative strength of that building, we cannot imagine what the  damage must have been to the rest of the city.  The buildings use no steel reinforcement, or rebar with their concrete, so quite literally, as the ground shifted, the bottom floors of buildings have appeared to be displaced from the top, with the top then topping the building, collapsing the buildings, and trapping thousands inside.  Pastor Siege is fine, and the orphanage is unharmed, but we have not heard from Pastor Edy, Pastor Beau, or the girls at the house of grace.  Please lift up Pastor Edy, His son Ralph (in Miami) and their Daughter, His wife Elsie, Pastor Beau, and the girls at the "house of grace".  For those of you who worked on the house of grace, you know the fragility of this structure. 

In Petionville, a hospital, and hotel have collapsed.  The Church is located in Petionville, but it appears that the Church is OK.  Pastor Siege has spoken to some of the many people of the church, confirming that they are OK.

Please pray for the people of Haiti..."

January 2010 Update from the Takamiya's
Posted: 1/8/2010

Aloha from Tokorozawa.  The time has really gone by and I am a bit behind with the December news, so I will make it brief.  As i think back to December I remember two big parties.  The first one was a Christmas party for the students who attend English school at the church, We Go Eigo.  Michael did a great job planning and the kids had
a nice time hanging out with us American folks.  This year as Michael prepared the Christmas Story he felt lead to combine the Easter story with it.  All the kids decorated a big cookie, listened to the bible stories, played a big group game and also had about 45 minutes to play other games, carnival style.  The other party still fresh in my mind was the church Christmas party.  We had it on a Sunday evening this year and I think we had a 98% turnout.  The gang from Fuchu was able to come over and join us too.  The food was great and Rusty and Amber did a great job planning some fun games for everyone. The kids (all 18 of them) seemed to enjoy themselves even though space was limited the year.  Amazing was kids can do with one of those giant Japanese closets once you empty out about 80 cushions. :)

Our family moved down to the first floor in the beginning of December.  That was a lot of work getting settled in, but we like it in our new place.  I like the clean walls, the kids like their bigger bedroom and big yard out back, and Travis likes the smaller bathroom (just kidding).  It is really nice that we are in the same building so Erika doesn't have to change groups who she walks with in the mornings. Also it is good to still be in the same complex and have access to the party center/community hall.  Rusty and Amber moved into the little house right next door to the church in early December and seem to be enjoying life in Tokorozawa.

We were blessed to have Travis's parents with us again over the holidays.  The kids love it when they come!  We also had a visit from some dear friends from Honolulu.

As we look ahead to January we eagerly wait to see what the Lord has in store for us as a family and for the church body here in Tokorozawa.  Our family is preparing to say good bye to kindergarten life for Evan and getting him ready to enter elementary school in April.  I am all ready getting sentimental about it.

As I look back on 2009 I am thankful for many things as I am sure all of you are too. Thank you for always praying for our family and the church here.
--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

www.calvarytokorozawa.com

January 2010 Update from the Barillaro's
Posted: 1/8/2010

We held two Christmas outreaches on December 20th, one in the morning and one in the evening. We were so blessed to have such a big turnout at both events. In our Colonia, we held the outreach on our church grounds instead of in our big field; it was a very full house and an incredible blessing. The evening outreach downtown was jam packed as well; we had to turn away people at the door because there was just no more room.    The people were very receptive and seemed to be genuinely grateful for the blessings of the Word, the worship, the food and the gifts.

What a blessed way to celebrate Christmas-- telling people about Jesus. Thank you for your support and prayers that enable us to do just that.

Happy New Year,
John and Laurie Barillaro

December 2009 Update from the Pratt's
Posted: 12/30/2009

Lʼviv, Ukraine                     December 2009
Dear friend and family,
We have been burning the candle at both ends again trying to get things set up, cleaned and ready for our move in a couple weeks. Shopping here is so much different than in the states. It typically takes twice as long to accomplish things here in Ukraine. That has always been a difficult adjustment for me to make and accept. My "live by a schedule and time management side" goes crazy here if I'm not careful. But we have the place cleaned and pretty well ready to move in. The Internet guy is coming next week so we should have Internet up and running when we move in.

Thank you for your prayers. It is such a blessing that you guys gather for prayer for missionaries. Here are a few things we are praying about.

* We are giving God thanks for providing this temporary home for us and for our new home.
* We are praising God for providing us a car to drive for now. It has been a huge help.
* It looks like we now have the money we need to buy a van. Thank you Lord!
* Things in the church I am helping in are going very well.
* I met with a man named Andre last week. He knows the city and the church community well. He and others did a study on the Protestant church community here. Out of a population of one million, they have found only 5,000 evangelical believers.
* The need for good bible teaching churches is huge!
* Pray the people will grow dissatisfied with lifeless religion offered by the Orthodox and Catholic churches and for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts to bring salvation and growth. (These two churches have a huge following here.)
* We have begun looking for a van. Pray for God's direction and protection from those who seek to deceive.
* Pray for Rostislav. One of those God meetings. He is a professor of Philosophy and Theology. He wants us to start spending time together. Not sure if he knows the Lord, I suspect not.
* I have begun meeting with church leaders from various churches to get to know more people in the city, discern the health of the local church, and discern the ministry opportunities and needs. Pray for God's blessing and direction.

Thank you for your prayers! God bless you all!! Mike

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Haiti Missions Team Update
Posted: 12/21/2009

Dear Haiti Prayer team,

I’ve had a couple weeks now to recover and pray over all that God would have me to take away from our trip. I have to be honest in that I haven’t been entirely sure about how to answer the inquiries about how our trip went. I find myself stumbling over how to answer. So here’s my best attempt at putting words to what God has done, and what God is doing, and how you can continue to pray for the ongoing work of the gospel through the word of God in Haiti.

Spiritual over physical: The destitution and poverty is shocking in a vast, overwhelming way. The ‘Culture shock’ term that gets thrown around in the missions books is how most people describe this. I honestly don’t like the term at all because it forgets that the same levels of sin and depravity are in our culture, as blessed as we are. Just because we are so blessed to be Americans, living in a free and affluent land doesn’t mean that there aren’t the same spiritual issues, because there are. Sin corrupts here too, but the symptoms are different ‘culturally’. I think the whole ‘culture shock’ thing isn’t a physical issue, or even a cultural issue, (even though it manifests itself that way: through the culture); It’s a sin issue, or a ‘sin-shock’ that we encountered up front when we hit the ground in Haiti.

The first inclination when you hit the ground is to seek to put a physical band-aid on a spiritual bullet-wound (when you see the poverty). But, as Christians we soon realize, there is absolutely nothing we can do to fix Haiti. This applies across the globe, but there is not an amount, or a building project, or a feeding program that we could institute that could ‘fix’ Haiti. The gospel alone, through the preached word of God, through Biblically planted and developed Churches is the only Hope for Haiti (It’s also the only hope for us in the states). What is needed is a nature change, or a heart change by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the lives of individuals, who will in turn influence the culture with changed hearts and lives. I knew this going in, but had it reinforced firmly by what I saw. Quite honestly, we were knocked from our hero’s white horse on Day one, seeing the absolute futility of being able to physically ‘do something’ to fix Haiti. It’s a good thing that the real Hero, who will someday ride upon the back of His own white Horse, with the sword of the Word of God proceeding from His lips, and blazing fire in His eyes (Revelation 19:11-16); Is bringing His gospel to ‘fix’ Haiti.

The Hero: The truth is, Jesus is doing just fine as the Gospel’s Hero in Haiti, and doesn’t need us to play the hero. But what He is doing is planting, and developing Churches, and Pastors, and leaders with His gospel of free grace. We were privileged to come and see, and prayerfully serve His work going forward. It’s was a deep joy to do so, and that ended up changing each one of us infinitely more than what we were ‘giving out.’

Gospel Perspective to service: Even the perspective that God would have us to have was a gospel perspective, and not a works based perspective. That is, we came not to do, and to fix, but to see what God is doing. The Gospel is not about what we can do, for God. The Gospel is about what God has done, once and for all, in sending His Son to the cross to wear our sins, and give us freely of His righteousness, and his abundant life (eternal, and internal). The need to do, is often a product of chasing works based righteousness spiritually. We know what the scriptures say about that,

Ephesians 2:8,9 "For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

CCPAP: What we saw in Calvary Chapel Port au Prince was a vibrant, alive, grace saturated church, living in the freedom of the gospel of grace. Having just finished the Morningstar Philippians study, I think about Calvary Chapel Port au Prince, and all the new ‘mountain’ Calvary Chapel’s, as Churches that model the joy, and delight in God that the Philippian Church did. They certainly supplied our lack in joy (II Cor. 8:13) with a life so abundant, it was us that came back changed. My lack is usually joy in God, and certainly I found that joy overflowing upon return. These were the most joyful Christians I have ever met, and I can’t help but thinking that part of that joy is found in their lack. It seems that the less you ‘have,’ the more room there is, and the more focus there is upon rejoicing in God. Don’t here me calling affluence evil, because I’m not. We are blessed here beyond measure. But I didn’t find myself ‘burdened’ for how little the people had (there were points that I was). Truth be told, I didn’t come back with the ‘wow, we have it so much better here’ response. Maybe I should have, as I am certainly thankful for the abundance that God has provided us with here in the states. More than this though, I found myself jealous for the Joy in God that the Christians have. I want Jesus to be enough for me, the way that I saw he was for them (Phil. 4:11-13).

The Scriptures and Gospel as primary!: It was narrowing and focusing for me personally, in a ministry sense, as I watched the Word, and the gospel do exactly what the Word and the gospel do: save and sanctify. I came back praising God that I serve in a Church built on the word of God, and with conviction will continue to by God’s grace, be built on the word of God. I have come back wanting, and yearning to eat up and spit out scripture, and the gospel, in a rejuvenated way, because the word and the Gospel are clearly and distinctly the only hope for Haiti. The word and the gospel are also the only hope for Whittier, La Mirada, La Habra, Santa Fe Springs, Buena Park, Norwalk, Fullerton, Inner city Los Angeles, Mexico, and the ends of the earth. This was made fresh for me by the destitution we saw, and by stark contrast, the joy, and the salvation, and the abundant life that we saw at Calvary Chapel of Port au Prince.

I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity that Pastor Jack, and the people of Morningstar have afforded me in the privilege that it was to lead this team, and pray that God establishes a long lasting relationship with Calvary Chapel of Port Au Prince. I have high hopes for our relationship with them, but if not, the gospel of grace will run on, and God will continue the work he has begun in Haiti, and here at Morningstar.

We thank God for your prayers, as we literally witnessed God answer everything on the prayer list we provided you with. We felt, the entire time, as an extension of the body, or an arm of the body reaching out into a different location. This was as spiritually tangible as I have ever been a part of, as the prayers of the people were felt. Know this, as you prayed, you were there with us, as Morningstar as a people, led by their Lord, prayerfully reached out to CCPAP.

For your joy in Jesus,

Chris

December Update from the Saunders - Oxford, England
Posted: 12/8/2009

December 2009 Update

December Update from the Takamiya's - Tokorozawa, Japan
Posted: 12/8/2009

Update From Haiti - Day 7
Posted: 11/29/2009

We've spent the last two days with no Internet access. We finished the leadership seminar with area pastors and leaders on Thursday, teaching through the entire book of Nehemiah, across 3 days (Including Pastor Lyle, going totally 'Spurgeon' on Daniel 9:27, the 70 weeks of Daniel, connecting it with Nehemiah 2 and the decree of Artaxerxes, using no notes, with the entire group of pastors shouting out numbers, and doing the math in their heads! You could see God turn the lights on in these men with Pastor Lyle's clear explanation of the text). They love Pastor Lyle here! It's as if His passion for the scriptures, and the seemingly insignificant nuances of scripture that he is known for has been matched by the hunger of these pastors for the word of God. These men are biblically literate, Holy Spirit impassioned messengers of God's word Here in Haiti. There were pastors, elders, and leaders from 7 different churches at the seminar, and they turned some away for lack of space, and the desire to have a smaller environment for questions. We (via CC Port Au Prince) fed the pastors lunch each day between sessions, and taught through the book of Nehemiah, with the Morningstar IBS translated into creole, for the pastors to take home and work through. You should have seen these men pouring over the resource the Morningstar Nehemiah IBS was to them. I promise I have tons of pictures. Pastor Edy will now use our Nehemiah IBS in his school of ministry as a 16 week class.

We met a man named Pastor Beau on Thursday, who had sent 15 or so Pastors from his church network (He is a Titus like Overseer of 7 mountain churches in the immediate area, that we actually visited 3 of yesterday). He is an Elder on Pastor Seige's Board, and is regularly partnering with CC Porta Au Prince. All his pastors align with Calvary Chapel doctrinal distinctives, as this is his criteria for oversight. All his pastors teach systematically through the bible (we visited one with no roof, with tarps tied together, where the pastor is teaching systematically through Romans; this Pastor, Erywick, also came to the conference). He works for an Organization here called 'Word and Deed,' and takes a cut in his salary in order to rent Toyota Land Cruisers equipped for the terrain here it Haiti, for the purpose of his oversight ministry. He also carted us around for our time here, and gave up time from his busy job and ministry to make sure we have been transported. He uses his entire salary to fulfill his ministry, and they live off his wife's salary. They don't have kids, but as He travels the 3 hour trip up and down through the mountains visiting the pastors he oversees, many of the children know him as 'Dad.' You should see them flock to him when He arrives. I am reminded of Paul saying to the Corinthians, 'You have many teachers in Christ, but you do not have many Fathers. I Have become your Father by the gospel.'

If you could see what I see, with 3/4 of the population under the age of 35, and the lack of Godly male leaders, we see a generation without spiritual fathers. Seige said earlier in the week of his very young Church (which looks like a 300+ college and young adults group), "I am like their Father. Many of them call me 'dad'." This is a place without spiritual Father's, by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes the poverty is bad. The spiritual poverty is worse. It brings me great Joy and hope that Pastor Lyle and myself got to serve these 60 or so Pastors with the book of Nehemiah. It's my prayer that God raises up more and more (and even sends a few) Spiritual Fathers for Haiti. Indeed the Harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few.

Thursday after the completion of Nehemiah, we had thanksgiving dinner with the Pastors, and the CCPAP Church leaders. Pastor Lyle shared the meaning of thanksgiving, and we and several of the Pastors expressed what we were thankful for. I was particularly impressed by Pastor Daniel, a young man my age, who has suffered persecution in his church for preaching Salvation by grace through faith, and not works. His very traditional church did not take kindly to this teaching for fear of people 'abusing liberty.' Pastor Lyle and myself both talked and prayed with him. He had travelled 6 hours, jumping from cab to cab, and then finally staying in the Church. His Children were sick, and He didn't think He was going to get to go, but God opened the door. He was locked in to Nehemiah the entire conference.

We then watched Pastor Edy baptize His son, Ralph from the states, which was a 9 year prayer of Pastor Edy's. I have really formed a connection with Edy over these months of preparing the trip, and already count him a dear friend. He gave up a great Job in the States like Pastor Seige to come to Haiti to follow God's call, leaving CC Fort Lauderdale. I cannot tell you of the purity of the Character of these 3 pastors (Siege, Beau, and Edy). These are humble, Godly, dependent, prayerful, studious men of God, whom God is using to transform Haiti, only by the "Gospel of Grace (they make sure you know it's not just the gospel, but the gospel of grace)."

We visited a couple of the mountain Churches, on Friday, whose Pastors had come to the conference. One doesn't have a roof, and the Catholic Church built a wing of their building across the only road to the church and village (This is Pastor Erywick). When we came upon the next one, we saw that though the church had been meeting in residences (not much room), they had saved up enough money to finally build their new church building, and men from the church were digging, and building the foundation. We jumped in and grabbed shovels, picks, and began 'pal-ing' around with the guys working, and then prayed over their church. I grabbed a piece of rock dug out (which they would use for the walls of the building), to remind me to build the spiritual walls with Nehemiah.

Yesterday was our "off" day, which meant that we visited an orphanage that Pastor Siege modeled the CCPAP orphanage after. The exception being that Siege only takes 'real orphans' who are given to them with no father or mother. We also went to the beach, and picked up a few 'suvies' for loved ones.

I was set to teach this sunday morning, and Pastor Seige requested that Pastor Lyle bring the word this morning. He's preaching out of Jeremiah 18, as the Master Potter breaks us to renew us into a beautiful, usable vessel of God. It is certainly a message for this people.

see you soon Morningstar family.

For your joy in Jesus,
Pastor Chris

Update From Haiti - Day 5
Posted: 11/27/2009

Today we took a 6 hour Indiana Jones ride up to the mountains to see the churches that have been planted. Absolutely amazing! We took many pictures plus video, some of which I can upload Sunday when we are at Calvary Chapel. Everyone is doing well. Tonight after we got back we had Thanksgiving leftovers with Pastor Serge and his wife plus some folks from Calvary Chapel. After they left, we had the most awesome afterglow led by Trevor. Tomorrow off to an orphanage where we will be able to minister to the children and maybe do some work projects. Thank you everyone who is praying for us because the Lord is doing amazing things. Because of Jesus Pastor Lyle

Happy Thanksgiving From Haiti
Posted: 11/27/2009

Last night was the Wednesday evening service and Calvary Chapel was full and overflowing with people sitting outside. Pastor Serge is trying to figure out what the Lord would want him to do. He has thought about doing two services, but the challenge is that since most people walk to and from church, having a service go late would put the people in danger being on the streets so late. He says that it is the Lord's problem. This morning, I taught Nehemiah 11-12 and Chris is now teaching the "hair pulling" chapter, 13. So praise the Lord we will have finished the book. After this teaching session is over, we will have Thanksgiving dinner, perhaps Haitian style. I will let you know how that turns out. At 3:00 PM there will be baptisms. How long that last and what happens after that, I have yet to find out. Blessed are the flexible. Breakfast was interesting. Glenn opened the Oatmeal container and we saw all these little things crawling around. Fortunately there was another container of Oatmeal. So with raisins, almonds, and brown sugar we had a wonderful breakfast. Last night Marilyn popped popcorn the old fashioned way in a covered pan. Nathan did not know that it was possible to do this outside a Microwave Oven. Tomorrow, we head for a mountain village and a Calvary Chapel. We are really excited to be with the people and with the kids. We have soccer balls, toys, and all kinds of things to bless them. Write more soon, Pastor Lyle

View Pictures

Update From Haiti - Day 3
Posted: 11/25/2009

Chris and I taught chapters 5 - 10 of Nehemiah today. We started at 9:00 AM this morning and ended at 3:00 PM. There was a short break for lunch. I am sure these pastors were stiff and sore, but they just did not want to stop. We have two teaching sessions left tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day. Amazingly, I have combined chapters 11 & 12 together and entitled the study "Let's Give Thanks." We were not originally going to teach beyond chapter 6 or 7, but again, these guys don't want to stop. Their hunger for God's Word is amazing. I suggested to Pastor Edy, the assistant pastor who's coordinating the conference, that we trade places. That I stay here and he go to California on Monday, because it is so incredibly awesome what the Lord is doing.

I talked to man whose name is Daniel, who is pastoring in a town (village) at the west end of the island: a town about 6 hours from Port- Au-Prince. He is now teaching salvation by grace and he has told me that the people are responding in a wonderful way. There is only part-time electricity in his town. No phone or Internet. His joy produced a non-stop smile from ear to ear in spite of not having all the gadgets and conveniences that we have learned to depend on.

The Servant Team had a day of demo work and painting at the House of Grace yesterday (the ministry to handicapped women). Aside from removing and installing a toilet, and painting with paint that was more like water, these guys could not get over how blessed they were being with these handicapped women. From the women's perspective they had no handicaps as they were allowed to slap paint on walls. As I wrote earlier these women have been abandoned by their families because their handicaps prevent them from bringing in an income.

Tonight is the regular Wednesday night service at Calvary Chapel with Pastor Serge teaching. Tomorrow, we will start with two teaching sessions after our regular staff devotions. Then on to Thanksgiving dinner. We brought Cranberry sauce and gravy mixes. So Sara and Marilyn are supposed to make a shopping trip tonight to get potatoes, chickens (not turkeys). Then tomorrow do the cooking to feed 90 people in a Thanksgiving feast. Now we have just heard that the folks here are taking on that responsibility and will be preparing a traditional Thanksgiving for us. No matter what we do, we just can't out serve these servants. Then in the afternoon, there is planned a Thanksgiving service and a baptism. No sure yet how that will play out. Pastor Edy is so excited because his son is flying here tomorrow from Florida to be baptized.

The Servant Team is on its way back from serving day two at the House of Grace. So tonight as we have a debriefing time, I will get a report from that crew.

Write more soon,
Pastor Lyle

We are in Haiti!
Posted: 11/24/2009

We are in Haiti! The Lord covered everything being checked through luggage, tools, materials and all. In spite of a short night, the group is excited and together ready to see the Lord do great things. Weather is in the 80's - 90's during the day.

On the first day, we were never in a place where there was an Internet connection, but I do want to give a run down on our first day. After arriving at the Mennonite Compound, which is like an oasis on the outskirts of Port-Au-Print, we drove back into town to the orphanage, which is a 45 minute drive. Traveling on some of the roads is like the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. The orphanage is a ministry of Calvary Chapel that has been going on for a year. Presently there are seven children. Pastor Serge and his wife spend half of of their week caring for these children along with several staff members.

Next we took a tour of Port-Au-Prince where Pastor Serge showed us their "White House," government buildings, and city plazas. As we traveled, he told us how Calvary Chapel is growing by simply teaching the Bible. Typically Pastor Serge teaches the Bible throughout the day as he has integrated his teaching with various skill classes that he has at Calvary Chapel. His confidence in the power of the Gospel and God's Word came through over and over again. He has no use for political involvement or any man-made methods of any kind for building the Church. Over and over he said that only teaching God's Word will change people's lives. Much emphasis is placed on the fact that Calvary Chapel is teaching that salvation is only through grace and not works. We heard this from many individuals whose lives have been set free by the grace of God. Every other religion is a work-based religion.

Pastor Serge has an assistant, Edy. Both men have an amazing joy in serving Jesus. For Pastor Serge, God called him from a lucrative profession as a software engineer in the states to come back to his native Haiti to start this ministry. For Pastor Edy, the Lord called him away from the financial industry to join forces in this four year old church plant. After touring the city, we went back to the orphanage for a fantastic dinner prepared by the staff. It was a great time of fellowship getting to know these faithful servants.

Tuesday will be an early call as we are being picked up at 7:00 AM. This will be both a teaching day at the Church and a work day at another Calvary Chapel ministry called House of Grace. This ministry is an outreach to handicapped women. Children who are born with handicaps are looked upon as a liability to families because they are not considered to be income producing individuals. Therefore they are cast out of the family and left on their own.

It is now Tuesday at 11:15 and I have just finished teaching Nehemiah 1-2. The place is full of pastors and all very attentive. The translation is going well with Edy. Before I began, they passed out all of the Nehemiah studies to the pastors. It was quite a scene. I wish Debbie could have witnessed this. This is an awesome work of God.

Blessed are the flexible

We found this to be important when we were preparing breakfast. Power and water is an uncertain commodity. At any time, power can go off or water will cease. It is challenging to make coffee in an electric coffee maker without electricity. Fortunately the water came on before we started breakfast. However, we all were thankful for what the Lord provided - scrambled eggs and pancakes. Toast was a challenge, but eggs and bread make for a great sandwich.

We have pictures and we will try to upload them tonight into the computer so they can be sent tomorrow. Just seeing what the Lord is doing here is very moving. Pastor Serge is an amazing man of God who has great vision and the impact of his faithfulness in the four years of this church plant is extremely evident. The place is packed with pastors for this pastor's conference. They are all taking notes like crazy, just eating up Nehemiah. Watching them distribute the translated Nehemiah Bible Studies was an amazing sight!

Calvary Chapel is a large house with the lower floor converted to a sanctuary. The people love worship and sing to the Lord. They have a complete sound system with many microphones for the musicians. The upstairs are offices with desks for those serving including Pastor Serge and his wife. There are a couple of rooms that are used for English and French classes and computer training. Through these classes many have come to Christ.

The servant team is working at the House of Grace while we are teaching at the Pastor Conference. We should have some pictures detailing the work projects.

I can't think of better book to teach these Pastors than the book of Nehemiah because Haiti on the surface seems hopeless. All the money that has been poured into this place has accomplished very little. But the teaching of the Word of God is making an impact and changing lives. Just the appearance of the people who have been reached stands out in great contrast.

I want to mention too that Trevor did worship at the beginning of the first session.


Blessings,
Pastor Lyle

The Pratt's Update - November 2009
Posted: 11/20/2009

As I am writing to you, the cows are coming home!  Quite literally!!  The daily milk cow parade is "moooving" (sorry, I know it's bad!) by the home we are staying in.  I mentioned to Michelle that I kind of like watching and listening to them lumber by the house...little did I know.  In fact, Michelle recently mentioned that she does not mind "village life" that much.  Pretty amazing...little did she know!

   We spent most of last week with a variety of realtors looking at house and apartments; over twenty of them (apartments and houses, not realtors).  We really wanted to find something in or near the center of the city.  On Thursday afternoon we had no more to look at for the day.  Victoria asked us if we wanted to look at two houses located on the edge of the city.  I said, "No." Michelle said, "Let's take a look."  So we looked.  The houses are side by side and located on the edge of the city; feels like the village.  But the houses are very nice.

   The owner built one for his daughter three years ago, then she married and they moved away.  So he has a house and no one to live in it.  It is a two story house and has all the room we need.  It has a garage and fenced yard.  His price was over our budget.  We prayed, offered what we could afford, and he accepted our offer.

   So, we have a house to live in.  It is not in the center, but we really sense this is where God wants us to be.  It is fully furnished.  We will need to buy a few pieces of furniture and some cookware and small appliances, but that's about it.  We take possession December 1st and move in December 31st, after we finish our current house-sitting/dog-sitting duties.

  So, we are going to be city-village people!  I'm not sure about the local cow population.  (One can only hope!)

Mexicali, Mexico Update - November 2009
Posted: 11/20/2009

    Last month we received two new families into the Casa de Tesoros,  Argelia and her three children and Marilu and her 1 month old baby, Jesus.  And now the Casa de Tesoros is full, no more vacant rooms.  What a blessing to be able to provide a safe haven for
these families. We held an outreach on Halloween night and were blessed to minister to children and adults alike through worship, drama and games.  Thank you for your support and prayers.  We so appreciate your partnership in the ministry here in Mexicali.  

New From Tokorozawa, Japan
Posted: 10/29/2009

November 2009

Aloha from Tokorozawa.  We are gearing up for the November events
along with the visitors that will come from Hawaii and Okinawa.  There
will be a worship concert on Nov. 7th, so we won't be having our
annual Women's Conference.  Bands from 4 different Calvary Chapels
will be playing music and there will also be a message from a Gospel
for Asia representative, Strat Goodhue.  There will be the Pastor's
and Leaders Retreat Nov. 9-11.  Two men from Hawaii, Bill Stonebraker
and Tim Newman, will be teaching.  There will be a marriage conference
in Okinawa Nov. 14th and Bill and Danita Stonebraker will be the
speakers for that.  We will be recovering from the previous events.
Then Bill and Danita will fly back up to Tokyo and hang out for a day
or two before heading back to Hawaii.  We will probably celebrate
Thanksgiving with Travis's famous Turkey grilled on the BBQ in late
November.

October was a blessing as usual.  Just seeing how God gets everything
done.  We have tons of helpers for Sunday School.  The new
missionaries, Rusty and Amber, are really liking Tokorozawa and have
the desire to find an apartment and lay down roots here.  Amber is
working over at the preschool in Fuchu with Candice four days a week.
Michael, Rusty, and Jiai are doing a great job with the church English
school.  Travis has been able to completely let go of that
responsibility.  Jiai and Amber started a girls youth group this past
Sunday with the 3 youths we have. :)  This takes place after the
Sunday morning service.  They eat lunch together and do a Bible study
geared towards 13-16 year old girls.  The midweek women's fellowship
is going well with Mikiko Nishimoto as facilitator.  She was hoping to
pass this responsibility to another lady, Michie.  Michie ended up
taking a part time job and won't even be available on Wednesdays.
Mikiko is recovering from cancer and will continue to receive
chemotherapy until some time in February.  She wants to be faithful to
God's will for her life.  I wonder if this responsibility will cause
unnecessary stress for her body.  She has a heart for the women and
doesn't want to see the study be postponed.  We are going through the
Joyful Life 2 Corinthians study.  The men had their monthly men's
breakfast.  Some of them went on a hiking trip last weekend.  On
October 31st they will play softball again against the men from
Santo's church, Calvary Chapel West Tokyo.  Oct.12th was a holiday
here and all the singles and younger people got together and toured
around Kawagoe.  It is nice to see everyone in the body spending time
together outside of Sunday worship service.  We had a few Sundays with
beautiful weather so we went to the park and played volleyball after
lunch.  One of my new friends who I play volleyball with on Thursdays
came both times with her whole family.  It was a good opportunity to
get to know them better.  Maybe someday we will see them in church. :)

On the home front things are well.  We have one week old hamsters.  We
have waited a long time for them to have babies and when the babies
never came we sort of forgot about it.  Then out of the blue she
starts popping out babies last Tuesday.  We were all home to see it.
Erika was home recovering from the flu and Evan was home because it
was the anniversary day of the kindergarten so they always take a
holiday.  We have been reading a lot about hamsters this past week and
are now waiting for them, 5 dark ones and 2 white ones, to come out of
their little nest.  Earlier this month we also enjoyed Evan's
kindergarten sports day.  He did a great job with his dance, races,
and strength exercises.  We sat with the Yokota family from church ( I
mentioned earlier in a previous newsletter that it is so nice to have
another Christian family in the neighborhood!).  There was also
Asako's mom and Kenta's dad hanging out all day along with 6 other
people who showed up from church to support Evan and Keika.  It was a
very blessed day.

Thanks for reading and sharing in our lives in Japan.

--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Click Here To Visit The Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Update from The Pratt's
Posted: 10/27/2009

Hello to everyone.
We arrived in L'viv Saturday morning.  We went directly to our temporary home in the village located 20 minutes from town.  Thank you all for your prayers.  Our flights were great.  Our luggage all arrived and we had no problems in customs.  The train ride from Kiev to L'viv was a wake up call that we are back in Ukraine, details to follow.  We spent much of the day in L'viv today (Monday).  It is a very beautiful city.  We will begin looking at apartments later this week.

We will be house and dog sitting for Mark and Rhonda until they return from the states December 28th.  We are enjoying getting to know them and felt so welcome and loved at their church on Sunday.

Our health is great, jet lag is a killer but getting better.  We have little internet time until Wednesday then I will send more details.

Thanks again for your prayers!
Love to all,
Mike & Michelle

News From The Saunders - October 2009
Posted: 10/20/2009

Dear Friends,

We returned this week from our 2 week trip to California to see our family.  The trip was a roller coaster of emotions.  Outrageous and soaring joy as we got to hold our newest grandson, Charley Joseph, in our arms and then cuddle and play with all of our grandchildren over the next few days. 
There was also depths of sorrow and shadows of the unknown as we watched my father grow so weak and frail, bleeding internally, fighting infections, and the doctors telling us that some of his organs would be failing.

On Saturday, October 3, all the family gathered for a reunion that had been planned for many months.  Dad was still in hospital on that day, so 6 to 8 people at a time would go to his hospital room and brought the party to him.  During that day he saw his brother from Missouri and other relatives he had not seen for a few years.  He told stories, reminisced, and basically said his good-byes to everyone. Within the sorrow we all felt, there was also a great peace.  

On Tuesday October  6th, he was sent home.  None of us knew what the prognosis was.  Amazingly, by Friday, he was feeling good enough that he wanted to go out to lunch at his favorite restaurant! We had a wonderful time, rejoicing and thanking God for  another meal together, another day to rejoice in His goodness toward us! 

As I was thinking about all of this, Psalms 27:13 comes to mind:
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

Even in those dark days when we all feared we would be losing our father/grandfather, we did not lose heart. Together our family placed our trust in God’s sovereign plan for  Dad’s life, and for all of our lives.  Because Dad has placed his trust the saving grace of Jesus Christ, he knew and we all knew that truly, we would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living...be it here on earth or in heaven.  Hallelujah!


***UPCOMING EVENTS AND PRAYER UPDATES***

***UPDATE ON HILDA***
RECAP: A young wife and mother, pregnant with her 2nd child.  She is, however, having problems with severe varicose veins in several parts of her body that are causing a lot of pain and can cause dangerous clots.
UPDATE: Earlier this month Hilda gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and both mother and baby are doing fine! Hilda’s leg continues to heal and she is rejoicing in the Lord.

***LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE***
Every October we host a conference for pastors, their wives and church leaders.  We are coordinating  the food and set up for the conference. Pray that all will be encouraged in the calling God has upon each one of them.

***VISITING MISSIONARIES****
Our dear sister/friends Jo and Roberta will be flying in this week for a 10 day visit with us.  These 2 incredible grannies serve at Potters’ Field Discipleship School in Montana much of the year and then we get blessed to  have them visit us every couple of years.  They will be helping to serve at the upcoming leadership conference.

***CALVARY CHAPEL YOUTH OUTREACH***
On Saturday evenings beginning October 24, our church will be having a youth fellowship for high school students.  Please pray for this.  Pray for Alan and Anna our youth workers.  Pray for the young people in our area.  May God prepare their hearts to hear the gospel.

***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***
*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin.  Love, wisdom and unity.

*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled.
 
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.

*Please continue to pray that God will direct us to a larger place for our church to meet that we can call “our own” and would allow us to become a part of this community in reaching out through various ministries with the Good News of Jesus Christ!

*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.

*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us!
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19

Thank you all for being a part of this ministry through your prayers and your giving.

Fellow workers in Christ,

 Chuck and Anita


 *** Calvary Chapel Oxford Website***
A brother in our church has designed a new website for us.  Hope you will check it out if you haven’t already. 

http://www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk

PS:  If any of you are on Facebook, invite us!  It is a great way to keep in touch.

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Women's 3rd Annual "Grow In Grace" Conference Recap
Posted: 10/16/2009

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Missions trip to El Hongo, Mexico
Posted: 9/30/2009

Thank you for your prayers for the team that went to El Hongo, Mexico last weekend.  We had a great trip and the Lord's hand was all over it.  The construction project went smoothly.  We were able to get up the framing, roof and roofing materials for a kitchen unit  the Pastor wanted built for use when the groups come down to minister. 
 
On both Friday and Saturday morning two teams went out into the colonia to invite people to the Outreach on Saturday afternoon.  It was dusty, hot work but the teams were very encouraged and prayed that many folks would come.  At 3:00 PM when the event was starting only about 4 or 5 cars were there.  I could see the concern and disappointment on some of our teams faces.  The Pastor said don't worry, they'll come and recommended that we start some of the games with the kids to by some time.  At about 3:20 the cars started driving up the ranch entrance in a steady stream and soon there were about 60 kids and some 50 adults.  For this small horse town that's a good showing.  The Lord is so faithful.  I turned to one of the college kids on the team and said, "There's the fruit of your labor out in the streets for the past day and a half."  He was real encouraged.  Pastor Juan Carlos  gave a message to the adults while we worked with the kids doing skits, sharing the gospel and playing some fun interactive games.
 
All in all a great weekend.  The team came home tired and blessed.  Thanks again for lifting us up before the Lord.  What a blessing that through your prayers you were able to be a part of the work the Lord did through the team in El Hongo.  Please continue to pray that the souls that were touched by the Lord this weekend would grow like seed in good soil and flourish in fruitfulness.
 
Blessing,
 
Gerard Deleeuw
Missions Director

News From The Pratt's
Posted: 9/22/2009

Moving Day: One Month and Counting
Two weeks ago we mailed our passports to the Ukrainian Embassy in Chicago.  We have applied for five year multi-entry visas.  Normally they are not difficult to get.  The procedure in the past was to include with your passports a letter of invitation from a registered organization located in Ukraine.  Once you arrived you had to register with that organization.  The Ukrainian government has changed the procedure to allow you to apply for certain types of visas without a letter of invitation.  This gives you a bit more freedom and flexibility regarding where you register.  That is what we are trying to do, and have, therefore, applied for our visas without a letter of invitation.  We should hear any day now if we have received our visas.

We have started the process of packing up things we will leave behind; there isn't much.  We also have a corner of the basement set aside with things we will pack to take with us.  We hope to have as much of the packing finished as we can within the next two weeks.  We have airline reservations for October 22nd.  Once we have visas in hand we will pay for the tickets.

It looks like our friend Cassie Vawter may join us for the move.  She is praying and looking at her work schedule.  She would stay for two weeks, helping us get settled in.  She is a tiny women, 4'2 inches, 85 pounds soaking wet, (yes, I'm exaggerating, but not by much!) and has the energy of four grown men!  She has been to Ukraine many times and is always a joy to have help as we move and get settled.  She is a huge blessing, a true servant, and offers loads of comic relief all the time!  We are hoping she can help us with our move.

More news soon...

News From Oxford, England
Posted: 9/22/2009

Dear Friends
This past Tuesday we had our church prayer meeting.  Before we prayed we looked at a couple of verses and saw how Paul asked for prayer. 

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you...
2 Thessalonians 3:1
 
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ....
Colossians 4:2-3a

That is our prayer as well.  That God will open doors, prepare hearts to receive the truth of Jesus Christ here in Oxford.    Thank you all praying. 

Below are some updates from last month and some newsy stuff too.

***PRAYER UPDATES FROM LAST MONTH***

***UPDATE ON HILDA***
(recap) A young wife and mother, pregnant with her 2nd child.  She is, however, having problems with severe varicose veins in several parts of her body that are causing a lot of pain and can cause dangerous clots.
About 6 weeks ago Hilda took a terrible fall and fractured her knee cap.  She now has a cast from her ankle to the top of her leg.  Although she lives 25 miles away, several of us have been making regular visits and thankfully she has a sister who lives near by.  Please join us in prayer for Hilda.   Please pray also that her husband will come to Jesus.
UPDATE: Hilda now has the cast off and has been fitted with a brace and is having therapy.  Please pray the knee will heal without the need for surgery after the baby is born in mid October.

***BABY SHOWER UPDATE***
Last month I told you about the double baby shower we were planning for Hilda and Esther.  The Lord truly blessed our two mothers.  It was the first baby shower either of them had ever attended and both of our “mummies” were blessed.  Esther gave birth this past week to baby boy, Rufus.  Everyone doing well.
Check out the church website for baby shower photos:
http://www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk

***WORSHIP MINISTRY***
The Lord is opening new opportunities in the worship ministry at church.  God is raising up others in the church to lead worship and contribute with different styles and gifts.  With others coming on board, this will give us opportunities to share at different churches when they are in need of a worship leader.

 ***FAMILY***
*My dad, Gordon just came home from hospital today. He has been in and out of hospital for the past 6 weeks with viral infections and internal bleeding.  He is very weak but so glad to be home now but still having to go back to forth to urgent care. Please keep him in prayer.

***CHARLEY JOSEPH SAUNDERS BORN SEPTEMBER 3!!!***
*Our son Joseph and his wife Christie and big sister Elinor welcomed little Charley Joseph into their home this month. He is a lovely, big boy!
Chuck and I will be flying to California next week for a short visit to see Charley and the rest of our family.   I am so thankful that I will have the opportunity to see my dad also.

***PRAY FOR LITTLE ELINOR***
Charley’s older sister, Elinor (21 months) broke her right leg yesterday while playing with her dog.  Her poor mummy is quite distraught over all of this.  Having a 2 week old baby and a toddler in a cast I quite a handful physically and emotionally.  Ironically, 28 years ago when we had a new born baby boy, we also had a toddler with a broken leg in a cast. Please keep them all in prayer.

***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***
*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin.  Love, wisdom and unity.

*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled.
 
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community.

*Please continue to pray that God will direct us to a larger place for our church to meet that we can call “our own” and would allow us to become a part of this community in reaching out through various ministries with the Good News of Jesus Christ!

*Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.

*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us!
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19

Thank you all for being a part of this ministry through your prayers and your giving.

Fellow workers in Christ,

 Chuck and Anita


 *** Calvary Chapel Oxford Website***
A brother in our church has designed a new website for us.  Hope you will check it out if you haven’t already. 

http://www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk

News From Mexicali, Mexico - September
Posted: 9/9/2009

We started school last year with our children from the Casa de Tesoros and several new families who have taken a big step of faith and sacrifice to educate their children according to the Word of God.  It is only by the grace of God that this venture of cooperative homeschooling here in Mexico continues to go forth.  We stand in awe of how God has guided and provided each step of the way.
   
We are praying about starting another work in a Colonia called Santo Niño (Holy Child).  We have sent out some spies to check out the land and have a spot where we should be able to hold small meetings.  We will be doing an outreach in a park there this month.  Santo Niño is a very impoverished and drug-infested community.   Please keep this venture in your prayers as we seek the Lord's direction.
    
God bless you and thank you so much for your prayers and support.
 
 

September News from Tokorozawa, Japan!
Posted: 9/2/2009

Aloha from Tokorozawa!      
 
Summer is almost gone and we are in full swing with VBS.  Our first 3
days were with kids from the English classes held at the church.  It was a
good time to get to know the kids and their parents a little more than just the
usual dropping off and picking up from classes.  The kids had a good time
and want to come again next year.  Our next 3-Day VBS is for the kids from
Sunday School.  It will be a good opportunity for the kids to hang out with
each other.  They usually only see each other on Sundays.  They do get good
quality time in on Sundays though.  Most of the kids stay all day until
5:00!  
 
The kids started the new school year back in April and their 6-week summer
vacation (with tons of homework assigned) is almost done.  They go back
September 1st.  Both of them are doing well and growing up quickly.  
 
Travis is doing fine.  He just finished up Malachi on Wednesday nights and
will be going through Matthew beginning in September.  On Sundays we
are midway through the book of Exodus.  He has been planning the
conference for the leaders in Japan.  It will be in November.
 
In the future I will be helping more with Sunday School administrating or
organizing.  We do have many helpers stepping up now that Rich and
Candice will be gone soon.  People will be leaving our church to help them
plant the church in Fuchu, and just to make things exciting the 4 people who
are leaving to help them are current Sunday school helpers here. :)  God has
been faithful though to prepare my heart and the hearts of others to serve in
Sunday school.  
 
Our women's fellowship might be starting up the Joyful Life 2 Corinthians
study at the end of September.  The lady, Michie, who lead the discussion
twice last month is thinking to lead again.  We will meet every week, but
only have discussions over the homework every 2 weeks.  On the off weeks we
will gather for prayer and fellowship over lunch.  
 
Last weekend was our neighborhood festival.  We had a big booth with games,
balloons, and Taco Rice, Burritos, Nachos, and Hawaiian Shave Ice.  It was
an all day event and lots of people from church came to help.  It was a good
chance for us to be out in the community.  We know a lot of people in this
neighborhood because of our kid's friends.  We can't advertise our booth as our
church, but most people know all the workers in the booth are from church.  So
it was a good opportunity to just naturally be out there in the community as
a group with the hopes that the others will know that we are Christ's disciples
by our love for one another. Also Travis noticed that we were the only booth
that was able to have a good time all day without the need for beer.  
 
Earlier this month one of Evan's old friends who moved away last summer
came back to play for one day.  His mom drove four hours, spent the night in
a hotel, and met everyone at the park the next day for a full day of play.  But
right after lunch the clouds rolled in and the rain began to pour.  The kids
and moms were having such a nice time together and then suddenly it
seemed like the time would end.  I offered to bring everyone to the church
building and they were so thankful!  So we made our way to the church,
some by car, some in the rain by bike.  The kids were able to get cleaned up in
the shower, eat snacks, and play a little longer with Joma before it was time to
say goodbye, which would be another 4 hour drive home for them.  The moms
were able to get dried off and continue their chatting.  Two of the moms
exclaimed this was the first time they had ever been in a church building.
 
Thank you for reading this little update and for praying over all the things
and people we wrote about.
 
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa
 

Click Here To Visit The Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

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2009 Summer Baptism Video
Posted: 9/1/2009

This year’s baptism was an amazing day of fun and fellowship as we watched many of our brothers and sisters publicly dedicate their lives to Jesus.

Before the baptism, Pastor Jack spoke to believers on the biblical basis for water baptism. We've taken this message and combined it with clips from the day showing a glimpse of what the Lord did on that day. As the Spirit leads, please share this video with your family and friends via email or by linking it to your MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter or other personal web accounts.

Stay tuned, we will continue to post video as the Spirit of God permits.

Watch It On YouTube

News From Tony De Rosa - Evangelism In Depth
Posted: 8/27/2009

We had over 200 leaders in attendance for our  Kitale  Pastors  Conference.  Over 50 came to enroll in our EID teachers train.  We also have written invitations to bring our  ministry  to Tanzania and to Uganda. We tentatively plan to start our ministry in these countries this year.

Pastors from the Congo, S. Sudan, Zambia, and Botswana have given EID a verbal invitation which the EID team from Kitale will follow up on these invitations.  

In  Nairobi  we reviewed  20 teachers  in training and had another EID Leadership Conference.  The EID team in Nairobi are now arranging church seminars.
 

News From The Pratt's
Posted: 8/27/2009

News From Tokorozawa, Japan
Posted: 8/27/2009

 Travis's parents arrived on July 26th along with one of his brothers.  Another brother was here too for a few days!  How blessed we are to have so much family come to Japan to visit and spend time with us.  His brother Tristan has not been in Japan for over 20 years so we have been on the go touring many cities around Tokyo.  Erika and Evan are having a good time with their aunt and uncle they haven't seen for three years.  
 
During July we got together twice with the folks from Calvary Chapel West Tokyo.  Once for the annual Outdoor service in the park nearby.  We had such a good time we will do it again in October.  There was a bazaar going on so many people walked by and
actually stopped to listen what the big Japanese was talking about. :) Travis was
teaching on John 3:16.  After the message we ate lunch together and had a good time of
fellowship.  They played a lot of volleyball too.  The second time we got together was for the first ever men's softball game.  It had rained the day before so the field was still a
little wet.  We got to see some funny slips and slides from the men, but nobody got
seriously injured.  The men will be playing again soon since they had such a good
time.  Travis finally figured out how to reserve baseball fields on the Internet.
 
We had a BBQ at the river and many people from church were able to come.  It was a good time of fellowship and the men entertained us with a watermelon-eating contest.  We also had a good time watching people jump off the big rock into the river.  We have a couple of new families that just started coming to our church so it was a good day for
them to meet people and spend time talking.  One family is Japanese and the other
family is American and just moved onto the nearby Air force base.  This family was
able to meet Travis last June when he was visiting one of the churches in California, so
once they got settled they emailed for directions.  One of the young ladies who comes to
our church and lives right outside the base was able to ride with them and get them to
church safely.  Bonus for her.... she doesn't have to ride the train to church anymore. Nice blessing.:)
 
One Friday we had a station outreach.  Travis played music and we passed out Christian
books and tracts.  The kids were amazing passing out stuff!  Evan woke up that
morning and the first thing out of his mouth was to make sure we were going to the
station that night.  Over 150 pieces of Christian literature went out that night.  We just
pray that people will read it and not throw it away.  While we were there people from the neighborhood we know came through and stopped to see what we were doing, so it was a wide open door to talk about Jesus with them.  Interesting.... two different people told me they are interested in the bible and Christianity, but think they shouldn't come to the church and bother our meeting because they are not Christians.  So we cleared up that crazy thought and now I am just waiting for them to come.  One friend was that night at the station outreach and another time was with a friend I meet with for English
conversation class who I invited to go play volleyball with me.  We were able to chat in
the car on the way home about church.  Their names are Kayoko and Ayumi.
 
Our Women's fellowship finished up the 22 lessons from Women of the Word from
Joyful Life ministries.  Our discussion leader had to suddenly go back to the states
before the last two lessons were completed.  I was encouraged that the group didn't want to just cancel.  One lady stepped up and led the group through the last two lessons.  It was her first time ever, but if the previous leader had stayed then she wouldn't have had the opportunity to step up.  That particular leader will not be with us anymore because her husband is ready to start serving in the town they live in.  Our ladies group is off for
the summer and we are praying about what to do once September rolls around.  If the
group is going to continue we do need a Japanese woman from our church that is willing
to answer that calling from God.  If not we will continue to be on break.:) There are 9 of
us who are committed to meeting weekly, so I do pray that a Japanese-speaking leader
will arise.  The lady who did lead for the last two studies will be gone for the next month
helping her husband set up a branch of his company.  After she comes back we will see
how she feels about continuing to lead.   
 
Rich and Candice are spending their last month at our church during August.  Calvary
Chapel Fuchu will begin September 6th.  A couple of the young ladies are planning to
go with them to help start the church over there.  One girl, Aki, will be the translator for
Rich.  Both of the girls are thinking to move to Fuchu or near there in the future.  
 
Things coming up in August are the VBS's for church and kids in the English school.  
Also we will be having a booth again in our annual summer neighborhood festival on
August 22.  Travis will be cooking up some delicious food.  We will have games and
balloons too.   
 
Thanks for taking the time to read this update and praying for us and the people &
events we wrote about.   

Til the last one's saved,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa
 

News From Oxford, England
Posted: 8/27/2009

Dear Friends and Family,
 
“For we are God’s fellow workers...” 1 Corinthians 3:9a
 
How we thank God for the body of Christ.  We are brothers and sisters united for the cause
of Christ and desiring to see the lost come into a relationship with Jesus, to know the
forgiveness of sin and have eternal life through faith in Christ.  Our Creator-God has gifted
each one of us for a purpose here on earth and we need each other. We need one another to
speak an encouraging word, to pray for one another, to give to one another and to exhort
and cheer on one another.  When one is weak another can be strong.  When one sorrows
another can hold him and weep with him.  When one rejoices another laughs with her.  We
are God’s fellow workers.
 
Please rejoice in the following praises and pray over the requests below.
 
***YOUTH OUTREACHES TO BEGIN***
Last month I cited an article about the youth of England and the high percentage rate of
youth that do not believe in God.  In the coming weeks, our church will be starting a youth
outreach on Friday or Saturday nights.  We are currently searching for a venue. 
Please pray for Pastor Alan and his wife Anna, as they will be heading this ministry.  
Pray for the teens here in Oxford.
 
***UPDATE ON HILDA***
Hilda is a young wife and mother, pregnant with her 2nd child.  She is, however, having
problems with severe varicose veins in several parts of her body that are causing a lot of
pain and can cause dangerous clots. 
***UPDATE: *** Shortly after sending our last prayer request Hilda took a terrible fall
and fractured her kneecap.  She now has a cast from her ankle to the top of her leg.
 Although she lives 25 miles away, several of us have been making regular visits and
thankfully she has a sister who lives near by.  Please join us in prayer for Hilda.   Please
pray also that her husband will come to Jesus. 
 
***BABIES***
Our church nursery is growing as we have 4 babies that will be born in the next 5-6
months!    We are thanking God for His blessings.   Also one of my childbirth couples just
had their baby.  As well as helping couples to prepare for the birth, another part of my
ministry as a doula is to give post-natal assistance to young mothers by going to their
home and just helping mama in anyway she needs.  Sometimes it is encouraging her that
she is doing a good job, or being a sounding board for her frustrations or fears.  Sometimes
it is folding laundry, or doing dishes or holding baby while she takes a nap. Serving her in
Jesus’ name.  Please pray that the Lord will use this ministry for His glory. 
 
***BRIDAL SHOWERS, BABY SHOWERS AND BBQ’S***
When we arrived here 7 years ago, I introduced the ladies to Bridal showers and baby
showers.  They loved them!  These are now honored traditions here at Calvary Chapel
Oxford.  We recently gave a bridal shower for one our young ladies who married an
American young man and was preparing to immigrate to California.  We gave her an
“American Citizenship/culture test.”    Check out the church website for photos:
http://www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk

*On August 24th we will be having a double baby shower for Hilda (due Oct.) and Esther
(due Sept.) who are both expecting their 2nd child.  Both of these ladies are having
difficult pregnancies.  Please keep them in prayer.
 
*Our church had its 3rd annual church BBQ a couple of weeks ago.  See photos on the
website.
 
***WEEKLY HOME-FELLOWSHIP GROUPS***
We recently split up our Thursday night home group into 3 smaller groups.  We couldn’t all
fit into one home.  After 7 years of being together, it is quite a change to not see everyone
each Thursday, but growth means change and it was something that needed to be done.
  All 3 groups are currently studying the Gospel of John, Chapter 11.  
 
As we were studying John 11 last week, I was very moved by verse 11.  Lazarus had died,
but Jesus referred to his death as sleep.  Jesus says in verse 11, “Our friend Lazarus
sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”   
 
Think of that Beloved Believers!  One day you and I will die.  But I love the way Jesus puts
it.  We will SLEEP, only to be awakened by Him.  
Can you imagine that?  Waking up to the sound of the Master’s voice speaking your name!
Opening your eyes and seeing the loving face of Jesus.
Selah  
 
***FAMILY***
*This past week we had quite a scare over my dad’s health.  He was in and out of hospital
all week and then admitted on Friday in a very poor condition.  It appears that he suffered
a severe viral infection. We are thanking God that he is now home and although very weak,
seems to be on the road to recovery.
*Our son Joseph and his wife Christie are due to welcome their new baby boy the first
week of September.  Please pray for them.
 
***CALVARY CHAPEL OXFORD IS GROWING***
We are so thankful for new folks coming and joining us, for new babies and hopefully soon,
new young people.  
*Please continue to pray that God will direct us to a larger place for our church to meet
that we can call “our own” and would allow us to become a part of this community in
reaching out through various ministries with the Good News of Jesus Christ!  
 
 
***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS***
*Pray for the church leadership, Pastor Phil, Jonathan, Chuck, John and Andy and Robin.
 Love, wisdom and unity. 
 
*Pray for the "special friends" ministry with the learning disabled. 
 
*Pray that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community. 
 
*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer,
and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us! 
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
1 Thessalonians 2:19
 
Thank you all for being a part of this ministry through your prayers and your giving. 
 
Fellow workers in Christ,
 
 Chuck and Anita
 
 
 *** Calvary Chapel Oxford Website***
A brother in our church has designed a new website for us.  Hope you will check it out if
you haven’t already.  
 
http://www.calvarychapeloxford.org.uk
 
PS:  If any of you are on Facebook, invite us!  It is a great way to keep in touch.

News From Mexicali, Mexico
Posted: 8/27/2009

BARILLARO FAMILY
 
Mexicali, Mexico
 
August 2009 Update
 
  We are rejoicing in the work that the Lord is doing
here in Mexicali.  We are seeing as never before
people coming to the church with a sincere desire God
has placed in them to seek Him.  The church is full and
the Spirit of the Lord is moving.  Please pray with us
that God would receive all the glory for this awesome
work that He is doing.
  Our teachers’ conference and family camp were truly
blessed by the Lord.  The teachers took to heart those
things they learned and have really stepped up to the
challenge of being prepared and creative in their
classes.  Our first family camp up at the Hongo Ranch
was such a joyous time.   It was so encouraging to hear
the different fathers teach the Word of God with
such clarity and wisdom.  
  We also received two new families into the Casa de
Tesoros.  Please keep them in your prayers as they
adjust to such a radical change of life.
 
May God bless you.  
 
Thank you for your prayers and support.
 
John and Laurie Barillaro

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REACHING OUT TO NEW ZEALAND
Posted: 7/1/2009

Morningstar Christian Chapel has recently partnered with Calvary Chapel Radio New Zealand, Sky Digital Network and the Freeview Satellite Network to expand the Growing Thru Grace radio ministry into New Zealand. Calvary Chapel Radio New Zealand started broadcasting on October 1st, 2003 with a 24 hour schedule concentrating sound bible teaching and worship music. God is moving across New Zealand and causing the reach of Calvary Chapel Radio NZ to continue to grow. We are very blessed to be part of what The Lord is doing in New Zealand.

Please pray that the Spirit of God would move in the people who hear this message, for the continued expansion of Calvary Chapel Radio NZ. And that our Father in Heaven would continue to wash and bless New Zealand with His Word through the broadcasts.

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Welcome our new Missionary Family - The Pratt's!
Posted: 6/2/2009

Exciting news!  As of June 1st we are now supporting the Pratt family.  Mike, Michelle and their kids will be leaving for the Ukraine to start a church in the city of Lviv.  They are currently in Indiana with their home church getting ready for the move and gaining support for the work the Lord has called them to.  They are scheduled to leave in early August.  Below is a newsletter link that Mike put out with some information about their mission and the city they will be ministering in.  He has included their contact information so take some time to check out their web site blog and send them a note of encouragement.  They are very excited to hear that folks are praying for them as they prepare to leave and when they get to the field.
 
Let's lift up our brother and his family,
 
In Christ,
 
Gerard Deleeuw
Missions Director
Morningstar Christian Chapel

Click Here To Read The Pratt Family News!

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REACHING OUT TO KENYA
Posted: 4/22/2009

Morningstar Christian Chapel has recently partnered with Biblia Husema Broadcasting (BHB Radio 90.7 FM) to expand the Growing Thru Grace radio ministry into Kenya, Africa. Growing Thru Grace, an outreach of Morningstar Christian Chapel, is a daily 30 min. broadcast featuring Pastor Jack Abeelen as he teaches verse by verse through the Bible. BHB Radio airs in six major cities throughout Kenya and covers over 8 million people.

Biblia Husema Broadcasting (BHB) is the radio ministry of the Africa Inland Church (AIC). AIC, formed in 1943, grew from a labor of love started in 1895 by seven missionaries in the coastal city of Mombassa who founded the Africa Inland Mission. Today, the Africa Inland Church has more than 1,000,000 members and is the largest Protestant body in Kenya. With a major emphasis on evangelism, the AIC continues to grow.