Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Church planting expert Ed Stetzer will be speaking at the GCI International Conference in Orlando (July 22-25). Randy Bloom, director of Church Multiplication Ministries, interviewed Dr. Stetzer about God’s mission and church planting. To watch this interview, visit http://www.gci.org/mindev/.
Canada
Amy Pena will be the new pastor for Pathway Community Church in Regina, Saskatchewan. Amy grew up in our fellowship in Prince George, British Columbia. She attended the Ambassador Center at Azusa Pacific University in California, taking classes from Russell Duke, John McKenna and others who are elders in our church, as well as from well-known professors such as Richard Foster. Amy obtained a Master of Divinity degree, and was mentored by retired church publications editor Sheila Graham for a time. She is married to Rolando Pena, and their daughter Katherine will soon be six.
Amy will be replacing Eric Wilding, who replaced Doug Smith in Toronto West when Doug retired.
Memphis, Tennessee
“Souled Out” is a Gen-Min camp hosted every winter by Community of Faith in Memphis, Tennessee. “Souled Out 2” is a new idea that worked: a two-week-long summer day camp.
Souled Out 2 opened Monday morning, June 14, with seven campers. That number increased to 16 by the next Monday. Parents said they brought their children that first day with the provision that if they didn’t like the camp, they wouldn’t come back. But the kids loved it.
The camp was led by young adults in the congregation who rearranged their work schedules and took time off to provide this service for the community. They were assisted by teens who rounded out the activities staff. Laura Moore, the pastor’s wife, helped with activities and served as a liaison with parents.
The campers played basketball and volleyball in the gym each morning. They danced, played games, completed arts and crafts projects and praised God! Pastor Frederick Moore and Assistant Pastor Gary Morgan provided a daily chapel service.
Crosswalk Camp
From Camp Director Mike Rasmussen:
This year Crosswalk camp had 85 adult staff members, 38 junior campers and 60 senior campers. Thirty-two campers were first-timers. A number of these were un-churched or newly churched individuals.
We’ve been able to host 19 Crosswalk camps. During that time, we have never had to send a camper or staff member home for any reason. We’ve been blessed with very few injuries and relatively good weather over the years, except the time we were all huddled in the tornado shelters for three hours. Of course, that turned out to be a special memory for many of the campers as they look back on it.
We are already getting excited about the next camp, which will be our 20th, to be held November 12-14.
Prayer Requests and Updates
Al Barr
Pastor John Newsom let us know that preliminary test results indicate that cells taken from the fluid extracted from around Al Barr’s lung are cancerous. More tests will be needed to determine the exact diagnosis and course of action. Al remains in good spirits and full of faith and confidence. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Cards may be sent to:
Lenox Hill Hospital
537 Window
100 E. 77th St.
New York, NY 10075
David Fiedler
Dave sent this update on his eye surgery:
I noticed a change in my eye, so I went to the doctor and found out that my retina has another tear and some more scar tissue, which will require a third surgery next week. This time, oil will be put in the eye instead of a gas bubble to aid healing. The problem with oil is that it will need to be removed in a few months, assuming the eye heals properly this time. If it doesn’t heal properly, there isn’t much else they can do. That would mean I’d lose sight in that eye, which is certainly something I don’t want to deal with, but if it comes to that, so be it. My Dad had only one good eye for his whole life and was a craftsman and artisan of a very high caliber. I would definitely appreciate good sight in both eyes, so I’m asking for continued prayers.
Cards may be sent to:
20389 Strawline Road
Bend, OR 97702-2627
Kenn Albright
From Walter Deptula, pastor of Good News Christian Fellowship in Lufkin, Texas:
It is with sadness that I report the death of my dearest friend and co-pastor, Kenn Allbright. Kenn died unexpectedly at 2:30 p.m. on July 4 from the effects of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I don’t believe he was in any pain, but he had for some time experienced such great weakness that he needed help to get around. Until his illness, he was faithfully serving our congregation. He will be greatly missed. Thank you all for your prayers.
Cards may be sent to.
Kenn Allbright Family
550 Club Dr. Suite 215
Montgomery TX 77316-3190
Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.
Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach
