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... a worthy cause cont’d
There are several needs associated with the school and Denton’s work in the program. The fervent prayers of the righteous are an obvious need. Some specific areas of prayer are safety while traveling to and working in the various places. Another area in need of prayers is the financial needs necessary for this work. Denton has yet to raise all the needed funds for salary and work fund. The salary for all the extension staff is set by the elders of Bear Valley, but it must be raised by the individual men.must be raised by the individual men. Denton spends most of his days at home substitute teaching for the Winston- Salem/Forsyth County Schools. While he is grateful for the opportunity to bring in extra money, it takes time away form the Lord’s work of training men in foreign countries. If you have any questions about this work or Denton’s involvement in it, please contact him at the following:
Denton Landon Denton Landon 2710 Lance Dr Winston Salem, NC 27103 (336) 659-6816 (home) or (336) 414-9032
If you know of a congregation or congregations looking to support a mission effort, please let them know about this work or contact Denton about them. Maybe you can help with this work by making a one-time, quarterly, or monthly contribution. All support for Denton is sent to the following: contribution. All support for Denton is sent to the following:
Landon Mission Fund C/O Duluth Church of Christ 3239 Duluth Highway Duluth, GA 30096Denton Landon began working with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver’s Foreign Extension Program in 2004. He served as coordinator for the extension school in Panama City, Panama, and later added a second school located in Lima, Peru. These two schools, as is the case with most of the foreign extensions, were operated in partnership with others who wished to train native men in their own countries. With the end of this partnership Denton began working with a new school under development in Guatemala City, working with a new school under development in Guatemala City, Guatemala, in the fall of 2009. Presently, Denton is serving as assistant coordinator for the extension’s Master’s Program.
During 2011 he is scheduled to teach Jeremiah for two weeks in Gorlovka, Ukraine, and Old Testament Introduction in Guatemala City, Guatemala. At the time of this writing, the Masters program is operating in Guatemala City, Guatemala; Arusha, Tanzania; Takoradi, Ghana; Vishakhaputman, India; and Nigeria (the school is being relocated). Bear Valley is also conducting Masters classes in Lima, Peru until the men who began the program there are able to complete it. At the time of this writing, plans are in place for new Master’s complete it. At the time of this writing, plans are in place for new Master’s classes in Chimala, Tanzania (late April 2011), and Gorlovka, Ukraine (September/October 2011).
Denton’s work is not confined solely to the Master’s work. Gary and Denton are developing a training course for the men who are, or will be, teaching in certificate schools, that is, those where the degree is not presently offered. This aspect of the work is nearly completed with plans for its implementation soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program. This aspect of the work is nearly completed with plans for its implementation soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program. soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program.
Memorials/H
onors
Memorials/H
onors
Apr. - June 2011
MissionTAKING SOULS FROM HEARING TO HEAVEN
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
Understanding Mission Needs MISSIONARY AND CONGREGATIONAL NEEDS Have you ever stopped to consider what missionaries need from local congregations and what local congregations need from missionaries? Let me list just a few of those needs. What Missionaries Need From Local Congregations First, missionaries need congregations to be more mission minded. There are few things as sad in our brotherhood as congregations who do not have a mind to reach the lost. When Christ gave the great commission for us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the lost, He really meant it. It is sad that congregations, today, feel a slight bit of “discomfort” when faced with a missionary coming to ask them for support. They also need to realize that it is very difficult for a missionary to stand before a group of people and ask for money. But, it should not be. It was, after all, group of people and ask for money. But, it should not be. It was, after all, the church in Antioch (with the help of the Holy Spirit) which sent forth Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. I find it interesting that Paul and Barnabas did not say “Hey, let’s do some mission work,” and then go from congregation to congregation asking for support. Rather, the church with which they worked sent them. Oh! how we need congregations to be more mission-minded. Second, missionaries need a well-structured and well-informed Eldership/Leadership in the local congregations. When Elders/Leaders have never done mission work, it will be very difficult for them to know all the nuances that go into supporting a missionary. Yet, missionaries need to know that the Elders/Leaders will support them and that they will be welltaken care of for an “agreed upon” amount of time. By being “well-structured,” missionaries will know what is expected of them by the local congregations. They will know if they are to have a weekly report, or congregations. They will know if they are to have a weekly report, or monthly report, etc… By being “well-informed,” the leaders and congregations will automatically be interested in the work that the missionary is doing. Of course, being well informed is getting easier these days. For instance, missionaries can contact their local supporting congregations by Skype(or other internet programs) any day of the week. In fact, if the congregation decides, it could have a weekly meeting with thiscongregation decides, it could have a weekly meeting with this missionary to find out how things are going, and to give encouragement to the missionary. Thank God that today, technology is such that in many places, missionaries and their supporters are only moments away from proper communication. Third, local congregations need to have at least a basic understanding of the “fluctuating dollar.” In most countries today, as the dollar fluctuates, so too does the missionary’s finances. too does the missionary’s finances.
...continued inside
In Memory of: Cordie Macon Tookes
Given by: Bernard Macon, Sr.
In Honor of : Clint and Angie Ausmus
Given by: Bob and LaVerne Maddox
In Honor of: Julie Lanier’s G
raduation
Given by: Dennis and Karen Clark
In Honor of : Goldie Morgan
In Honor of : Goldie Morgan
Given by: Robert Maddox
In Memory of: Travis Cooper
Given by: Tom and Joann Van Hook
In Memory of: Archie L. Davis
Given by: DeBorah Boyce
In Memory of: L.D. Dennis
Given by: Myrtle Winchell
In Memory of: David Ellzey
In Memory of: David Ellzey
Given by: Glencoe church of Christ
In Memory of: Alex Harwood
Given by: Sunday School Class (Rm. 108)
at Main Street Church of Christ
By: Phillip Vanwinkle
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. PO
STAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 601
DULUTH, GA 30096
TRUTH FOR THE WORLD
CHURCH OF CHRIST
3239 HIGHWAY 120
DULUTH, GA 30096-3652
This contribution is made by:
I would like to help spread the Gospel with a donationMonthly - Quarterly - Annually
Mail to: Truth for the World- PO Box 5048- Duluth GA 30096
Address:
Address:
Name:
Name:
Contribution FormThis contribution is made by:
Appreciation-Honor-MemorialBirthday-Anniversary-other _______In the name of:_________________Please send acknowledgment to:
I would like this donation to be listed in the MISSION as (circle one)
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
...understanding cont’dWhy Train Men In Foreign Countries?
Bear Valley Foreign Extension Program... understanding cont’d
Mission Trip planned - Your Help is Needed!
In September 2011, Phillip Vanwinkle will be travellingto preach and teach in Asia. His stops will include ChinaMalaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. He is trying toraise support in order to pay for his travel expenses.
If you can support Phillip in this effort please, send yoursupport check to :
Phillip Vanwinkle (earmark 2011 ASIA MISSION TRIP) Phillip Vanwinkle (earmark 2011 ASIA MISSION TRIP) PO Box 5048 Duluth, GA 30096
Thank You for your help in this good work!
Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every Creature.
Mark 16:15
HELP!!!
A Worthy Cause
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
If a missionary receives 500 dollars per month in January, when the dollar is “strong,” and plans his budget around that amount, it will be very difficult for him to rely upon that same exact budget eight months later, when the dollar becomes “weak.” If a congregation will have an understanding of the fluctuating dollar, it will more easily understand why the missionary needs to have a bit more money from one month to the next. the missionary needs to have a bit more money from one month to the next. Fourth, a missionary needs a nice laptop. Wait! Did I just write that? YES! In today’s world, a good laptop is essential for the missionary. On my laptop, I have access to hundreds of books in my library. I have access to “E-Sword,” “Bible PC,” or many other study aids. I am not sure what a missionary does these days if he has no laptop. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that a laptop is the “Power of God unto Salvation.” It is not. However, it is a great expedient for the missionary. He will be able to carry his library with him into whatever for the missionary. He will be able to carry his library with him into whatever country he needs to go, and be able at a moment’s notice to go on to some faithful and sound website for answers to a question that he might not have ever thought of before. And so, today’s missionary would be greatly helped if he had a laptop with his library with him at all times. Fifth, a missionary needs prayers. I know it sounds simple and sometimes is overlooked. But, prayer is so important for the missionary. When a missionary goes out to work, he is really working with his supporters and with God. If the goes out to work, he is really working with his supporters and with God. If the local congregation does not pray for the missionary, then how can he do his work? The prayers of righteous men avail much (James 5:16). So, as he goes out, pray for him. As he meets daily those who are lost and dying in sin, pray for him. As souls sit across the table from him, with Bibles open, pray that God will open their hearts to His Word, and that YOUR missionary will have great success, as God gives the increase.
What the Local Congregation Needs From The Missionary What the Local Congregation Needs From The Missionary First, it needs prayers. Just as it is true that, on the mission field, the missionary needs prayer, so too, it is equally important to realize that those back at home need prayers. As the missionary goes out to reach the lost, he must not forget that people back at home are seeking the lost, too. He must always pray that, as successful as he might be in his current land, those Christians at home will be successful in reaching the lost as well. He should also pray for the Elders/Leaders at his home congregation. They need He should also pray for the Elders/Leaders at his home congregation. They need the prayers of the faithful, too. They might be thousands of miles away, but with God, prayer is only an instant from fulfillment. So, missionaries, keep the local congregation in your prayers, too.
The reason for this aspect of Bear Valley’s work is explained in the following quote from the school website.
“For decades we have sent families into the mission field to reach foreign cultureswith the Gospel. These efforts have had mixed results at best. Many works thrive as long as the missionaries stay in the field, but as soon as they return home the work they leave behind crumbles. As a brotherhood, we have also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring As a brotherhood, we have also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring men to the States to be trained expecting them to return to their countries and evangelize. This has also had mixed results as once these men spend two or three years in the United States, they don't want to return to their home countries. If they do return, they often want to live much like they did while they were in the States. Obviously, this poses many problems. At Bear Valley, we take a different approach to these problem - we train preachers in their native country. Working with congregations throughout thepreachers in their native country. Working with congregations throughout the brotherhood, preaching schools have been established in many foreign countries with more on the way. We train men to be preachers and evangelists while they live within their own communities and culture. They become the preachers and missionaries to their own people. No culture shock, no dependence on American missionaries.”
In addition to the benefits listed above, this program also provides trained men to work with missionaries who go into the foreign field. The extensions are not work with missionaries who go into the foreign field. The extensions are not designed to eliminate either long-term or short-term missionaries. It is designed to carry on the work begun by those who are involved in such works. The Master’s Program is a thirty-five (35) credit-hour program. The original purpose of the program was to provide additional academic training for the local men who teach in the schools. Over time it was discovered that the program also benefited men in the area who were preaching but not presently planning to teach in the schools. in the schools. Denton’s area of responsibility involves the teaching of Master’s classes in the schools (with all the extras such as grading papers, tests, developing class notes, etc.) which have this program and assisting Gary Fallis with the administration of the various schools. Some non-teaching responsibilities are recruitment of additional U. S. teachers, communication with the directors of the schools to coordinate class times, arranging for teacher’s accommodations and travel while in the country, curriculum development, and the occasional unforeseen need that in the country, curriculum development, and the occasional unforeseen need that crops up, such as filling a teaching slot at the last minute due to a teacher’s needing to cancel for some unavoidable reason.
Third, and in some way related to the last point, is Statistics and Strategies. I know that “numbers” are not what are most important, not even in mission work. But, having some sort of statistics is a good barometer of how the work is going. Rather than saying “how many people have been saved this month,” even thoughthat is the goal, perhaps the barometer could be, “this is how many people I have talked to.” Or “this is how many Bible studies I have tried to set up.” Again, we ought not to be “statistics” minded, in that if a missionary hasn’t Again, we ought not to be “statistics” minded, in that if a missionary hasn’t baptized anyone, he hasn’t been successful. That just is not the case. Remember, God gives the increase; the missionary simply preaches the word (does the sowing). Strategies! Yes, missionaries; good leaderships will want to know what your strategies are for doing the work in your specific area. And it is true, that many times those strategies will change once you get into your work. However, you should always be willing to update your new strategies with the Elders/Leaders, so that they will know where you are headed, and will pray for your new plan. so that they will know where you are headed, and will pray for your new plan. Fourth, pictures and videos for encouragement are helpful. A congregation will feel more like part of the work when it can see people with whom you work. Take photos or videos for the members. Send back letters and include videos/pictures for the congregation to watch. Include your friends, your new brothers and sisters in Christ, and perhaps videos/pictures of the baptisms- which these people have helped with. Missionaries need to remember, this is THEIR work, too. work, too. Fifth, a thankful spirit is always needed. Gone are the days where someone can just say “thanks” once and it last for all time. A missionary must be so thankful for the work God has entrusted to him, and thankful for the congregation which supports and encourages him from day to day. He needs to write letters or emails, and in those letters praise the brethren who are supporting him. Without them, there would be no work for him. A thankful heart is a humble heart, and we need missionaries who are humble enough to give praise to their “support staffs,”missionaries who are humble enough to give praise to their “support staffs,” realizing that it is they who allow him to continue in the greatest work on the face of the earth - bringing souls to the Savior.
For more chances to help in mission work SCAN this code:
Second, open communication is “key” for the local congregation. When a missionary goes off to a foreign field, it might be true that he is doing the Lord’s work. But, if the people who are supporting the missionary never hear of it, or know of it, then why would they choose to continue to support him? The local congregation is investing it’s time, it’s money and it’s heart in you (it’s missionary). And if their missionary never communicates what is happening with him or the work, it seems as if the congregations has made a bad happening with him or the work, it seems as if the congregations has made a bad investment. Don’t get me wrong; the missionary might be out preaching and teaching and people might be obeying “left and right,” but someone at home needs to know this, in order to see the fruits of their investment. Again, one way this could easily be done, is through weekly meetings on Skype or a similar internet communication port. Also, a monthly report is a good way to help the congregation know what is going on. report is a good way to help the congregation know what is going on.
This contribution is made by:
I would like to help spread the Gospel with a donationMonthly - Quarterly - Annually
Mail to: Truth for the World- PO Box 5048- Duluth GA 30096
Address:
Address:
Name:
Name:
Contribution FormThis contribution is made by:
Appreciation-Honor-MemorialBirthday-Anniversary-other _______In the name of:_________________Please send acknowledgment to:
I would like this donation to be listed in the MISSION as (circle one)
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
...understanding cont’dWhy Train Men In Foreign Countries?
Bear Valley Foreign Extension Program... understanding cont’d
Mission Trip planned - Your Help is Needed!
In September 2011, Phillip Vanwinkle will be travellingto preach and teach in Asia. His stops will include ChinaMalaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. He is trying toraise support in order to pay for his travel expenses.
If you can support Phillip in this effort please, send yoursupport check to :
Phillip Vanwinkle (earmark 2011 ASIA MISSION TRIP) Phillip Vanwinkle (earmark 2011 ASIA MISSION TRIP) PO Box 5048 Duluth, GA 30096
Thank You for your help in this good work!
Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every Creature.
Mark 16:15
HELP!!!
A Worthy Cause
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
If a missionary receives 500 dollars per month in January, when the dollar is “strong,” and plans his budget around that amount, it will be very difficult for him to rely upon that same exact budget eight months later, when the dollar becomes “weak.” If a congregation will have an understanding of the fluctuating dollar, it will more easily understand why the missionary needs to have a bit more money from one month to the next. the missionary needs to have a bit more money from one month to the next. Fourth, a missionary needs a nice laptop. Wait! Did I just write that? YES! In today’s world, a good laptop is essential for the missionary. On my laptop, I have access to hundreds of books in my library. I have access to “E-Sword,” “Bible PC,” or many other study aids. I am not sure what a missionary does these days if he has no laptop. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that a laptop is the “Power of God unto Salvation.” It is not. However, it is a great expedient for the missionary. He will be able to carry his library with him into whatever for the missionary. He will be able to carry his library with him into whatever country he needs to go, and be able at a moment’s notice to go on to some faithful and sound website for answers to a question that he might not have ever thought of before. And so, today’s missionary would be greatly helped if he had a laptop with his library with him at all times. Fifth, a missionary needs prayers. I know it sounds simple and sometimes is overlooked. But, prayer is so important for the missionary. When a missionary goes out to work, he is really working with his supporters and with God. If the goes out to work, he is really working with his supporters and with God. If the local congregation does not pray for the missionary, then how can he do his work? The prayers of righteous men avail much (James 5:16). So, as he goes out, pray for him. As he meets daily those who are lost and dying in sin, pray for him. As souls sit across the table from him, with Bibles open, pray that God will open their hearts to His Word, and that YOUR missionary will have great success, as God gives the increase.
What the Local Congregation Needs From The Missionary What the Local Congregation Needs From The Missionary First, it needs prayers. Just as it is true that, on the mission field, the missionary needs prayer, so too, it is equally important to realize that those back at home need prayers. As the missionary goes out to reach the lost, he must not forget that people back at home are seeking the lost, too. He must always pray that, as successful as he might be in his current land, those Christians at home will be successful in reaching the lost as well. He should also pray for the Elders/Leaders at his home congregation. They need He should also pray for the Elders/Leaders at his home congregation. They need the prayers of the faithful, too. They might be thousands of miles away, but with God, prayer is only an instant from fulfillment. So, missionaries, keep the local congregation in your prayers, too.
The reason for this aspect of Bear Valley’s work is explained in the following quote from the school website.
“For decades we have sent families into the mission field to reach foreign cultureswith the Gospel. These efforts have had mixed results at best. Many works thrive as long as the missionaries stay in the field, but as soon as they return home the work they leave behind crumbles. As a brotherhood, we have also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring As a brotherhood, we have also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring men to the States to be trained expecting them to return to their countries and evangelize. This has also had mixed results as once these men spend two or three years in the United States, they don't want to return to their home countries. If they do return, they often want to live much like they did while they were in the States. Obviously, this poses many problems. At Bear Valley, we take a different approach to these problem - we train preachers in their native country. Working with congregations throughout thepreachers in their native country. Working with congregations throughout the brotherhood, preaching schools have been established in many foreign countries with more on the way. We train men to be preachers and evangelists while they live within their own communities and culture. They become the preachers and missionaries to their own people. No culture shock, no dependence on American missionaries.”
In addition to the benefits listed above, this program also provides trained men to work with missionaries who go into the foreign field. The extensions are not work with missionaries who go into the foreign field. The extensions are not designed to eliminate either long-term or short-term missionaries. It is designed to carry on the work begun by those who are involved in such works. The Master’s Program is a thirty-five (35) credit-hour program. The original purpose of the program was to provide additional academic training for the local men who teach in the schools. Over time it was discovered that the program also benefited men in the area who were preaching but not presently planning to teach in the schools. in the schools. Denton’s area of responsibility involves the teaching of Master’s classes in the schools (with all the extras such as grading papers, tests, developing class notes, etc.) which have this program and assisting Gary Fallis with the administration of the various schools. Some non-teaching responsibilities are recruitment of additional U. S. teachers, communication with the directors of the schools to coordinate class times, arranging for teacher’s accommodations and travel while in the country, curriculum development, and the occasional unforeseen need that in the country, curriculum development, and the occasional unforeseen need that crops up, such as filling a teaching slot at the last minute due to a teacher’s needing to cancel for some unavoidable reason.
Third, and in some way related to the last point, is Statistics and Strategies. I know that “numbers” are not what are most important, not even in mission work. But, having some sort of statistics is a good barometer of how the work is going. Rather than saying “how many people have been saved this month,” even thoughthat is the goal, perhaps the barometer could be, “this is how many people I have talked to.” Or “this is how many Bible studies I have tried to set up.” Again, we ought not to be “statistics” minded, in that if a missionary hasn’t Again, we ought not to be “statistics” minded, in that if a missionary hasn’t baptized anyone, he hasn’t been successful. That just is not the case. Remember, God gives the increase; the missionary simply preaches the word (does the sowing). Strategies! Yes, missionaries; good leaderships will want to know what your strategies are for doing the work in your specific area. And it is true, that many times those strategies will change once you get into your work. However, you should always be willing to update your new strategies with the Elders/Leaders, so that they will know where you are headed, and will pray for your new plan. so that they will know where you are headed, and will pray for your new plan. Fourth, pictures and videos for encouragement are helpful. A congregation will feel more like part of the work when it can see people with whom you work. Take photos or videos for the members. Send back letters and include videos/pictures for the congregation to watch. Include your friends, your new brothers and sisters in Christ, and perhaps videos/pictures of the baptisms- which these people have helped with. Missionaries need to remember, this is THEIR work, too. work, too. Fifth, a thankful spirit is always needed. Gone are the days where someone can just say “thanks” once and it last for all time. A missionary must be so thankful for the work God has entrusted to him, and thankful for the congregation which supports and encourages him from day to day. He needs to write letters or emails, and in those letters praise the brethren who are supporting him. Without them, there would be no work for him. A thankful heart is a humble heart, and we need missionaries who are humble enough to give praise to their “support staffs,”missionaries who are humble enough to give praise to their “support staffs,” realizing that it is they who allow him to continue in the greatest work on the face of the earth - bringing souls to the Savior.
For more chances to help in mission work SCAN this code:
Second, open communication is “key” for the local congregation. When a missionary goes off to a foreign field, it might be true that he is doing the Lord’s work. But, if the people who are supporting the missionary never hear of it, or know of it, then why would they choose to continue to support him? The local congregation is investing it’s time, it’s money and it’s heart in you (it’s missionary). And if their missionary never communicates what is happening with him or the work, it seems as if the congregations has made a bad happening with him or the work, it seems as if the congregations has made a bad investment. Don’t get me wrong; the missionary might be out preaching and teaching and people might be obeying “left and right,” but someone at home needs to know this, in order to see the fruits of their investment. Again, one way this could easily be done, is through weekly meetings on Skype or a similar internet communication port. Also, a monthly report is a good way to help the congregation know what is going on. report is a good way to help the congregation know what is going on.
This contribution is made by:
I would like to help spread the Gospel with a donationMonthly - Quarterly - Annually
Mail to: Truth for the World- PO Box 5048- Duluth GA 30096
Address:
Address:
Name:
Name:
Contribution FormThis contribution is made by:
Appreciation-Honor-MemorialBirthday-Anniversary-other _______In the name of:_________________Please send acknowledgment to:
I would like this donation to be listed in the MISSION as (circle one)
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
...understanding cont’dWhy Train Men In Foreign Countries?
Bear Valley Foreign Extension Program... understanding cont’d
Mission Trip planned - Your Help is Needed!
In September 2011, Phillip Vanwinkle will be travellingto preach and teach in Asia. His stops will include ChinaMalaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. He is trying toraise support in order to pay for his travel expenses.
If you can support Phillip in this effort please, send yoursupport check to :
Phillip Vanwinkle (earmark 2011 ASIA MISSION TRIP) Phillip Vanwinkle (earmark 2011 ASIA MISSION TRIP) PO Box 5048 Duluth, GA 30096
Thank You for your help in this good work!
Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every Creature.
Mark 16:15
HELP!!!
A Worthy Cause
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
If a missionary receives 500 dollars per month in January, when the dollar is “strong,” and plans his budget around that amount, it will be very difficult for him to rely upon that same exact budget eight months later, when the dollar becomes “weak.” If a congregation will have an understanding of the fluctuating dollar, it will more easily understand why the missionary needs to have a bit more money from one month to the next. the missionary needs to have a bit more money from one month to the next. Fourth, a missionary needs a nice laptop. Wait! Did I just write that? YES! In today’s world, a good laptop is essential for the missionary. On my laptop, I have access to hundreds of books in my library. I have access to “E-Sword,” “Bible PC,” or many other study aids. I am not sure what a missionary does these days if he has no laptop. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that a laptop is the “Power of God unto Salvation.” It is not. However, it is a great expedient for the missionary. He will be able to carry his library with him into whatever for the missionary. He will be able to carry his library with him into whatever country he needs to go, and be able at a moment’s notice to go on to some faithful and sound website for answers to a question that he might not have ever thought of before. And so, today’s missionary would be greatly helped if he had a laptop with his library with him at all times. Fifth, a missionary needs prayers. I know it sounds simple and sometimes is overlooked. But, prayer is so important for the missionary. When a missionary goes out to work, he is really working with his supporters and with God. If the goes out to work, he is really working with his supporters and with God. If the local congregation does not pray for the missionary, then how can he do his work? The prayers of righteous men avail much (James 5:16). So, as he goes out, pray for him. As he meets daily those who are lost and dying in sin, pray for him. As souls sit across the table from him, with Bibles open, pray that God will open their hearts to His Word, and that YOUR missionary will have great success, as God gives the increase.
What the Local Congregation Needs From The Missionary What the Local Congregation Needs From The Missionary First, it needs prayers. Just as it is true that, on the mission field, the missionary needs prayer, so too, it is equally important to realize that those back at home need prayers. As the missionary goes out to reach the lost, he must not forget that people back at home are seeking the lost, too. He must always pray that, as successful as he might be in his current land, those Christians at home will be successful in reaching the lost as well. He should also pray for the Elders/Leaders at his home congregation. They need He should also pray for the Elders/Leaders at his home congregation. They need the prayers of the faithful, too. They might be thousands of miles away, but with God, prayer is only an instant from fulfillment. So, missionaries, keep the local congregation in your prayers, too.
The reason for this aspect of Bear Valley’s work is explained in the following quote from the school website.
“For decades we have sent families into the mission field to reach foreign cultureswith the Gospel. These efforts have had mixed results at best. Many works thrive as long as the missionaries stay in the field, but as soon as they return home the work they leave behind crumbles. As a brotherhood, we have also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring As a brotherhood, we have also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring men to the States to be trained expecting them to return to their countries and evangelize. This has also had mixed results as once these men spend two or three years in the United States, they don't want to return to their home countries. If they do return, they often want to live much like they did while they were in the States. Obviously, this poses many problems. At Bear Valley, we take a different approach to these problem - we train preachers in their native country. Working with congregations throughout thepreachers in their native country. Working with congregations throughout the brotherhood, preaching schools have been established in many foreign countries with more on the way. We train men to be preachers and evangelists while they live within their own communities and culture. They become the preachers and missionaries to their own people. No culture shock, no dependence on American missionaries.”
In addition to the benefits listed above, this program also provides trained men to work with missionaries who go into the foreign field. The extensions are not work with missionaries who go into the foreign field. The extensions are not designed to eliminate either long-term or short-term missionaries. It is designed to carry on the work begun by those who are involved in such works. The Master’s Program is a thirty-five (35) credit-hour program. The original purpose of the program was to provide additional academic training for the local men who teach in the schools. Over time it was discovered that the program also benefited men in the area who were preaching but not presently planning to teach in the schools. in the schools. Denton’s area of responsibility involves the teaching of Master’s classes in the schools (with all the extras such as grading papers, tests, developing class notes, etc.) which have this program and assisting Gary Fallis with the administration of the various schools. Some non-teaching responsibilities are recruitment of additional U. S. teachers, communication with the directors of the schools to coordinate class times, arranging for teacher’s accommodations and travel while in the country, curriculum development, and the occasional unforeseen need that in the country, curriculum development, and the occasional unforeseen need that crops up, such as filling a teaching slot at the last minute due to a teacher’s needing to cancel for some unavoidable reason.
Third, and in some way related to the last point, is Statistics and Strategies. I know that “numbers” are not what are most important, not even in mission work. But, having some sort of statistics is a good barometer of how the work is going. Rather than saying “how many people have been saved this month,” even thoughthat is the goal, perhaps the barometer could be, “this is how many people I have talked to.” Or “this is how many Bible studies I have tried to set up.” Again, we ought not to be “statistics” minded, in that if a missionary hasn’t Again, we ought not to be “statistics” minded, in that if a missionary hasn’t baptized anyone, he hasn’t been successful. That just is not the case. Remember, God gives the increase; the missionary simply preaches the word (does the sowing). Strategies! Yes, missionaries; good leaderships will want to know what your strategies are for doing the work in your specific area. And it is true, that many times those strategies will change once you get into your work. However, you should always be willing to update your new strategies with the Elders/Leaders, so that they will know where you are headed, and will pray for your new plan. so that they will know where you are headed, and will pray for your new plan. Fourth, pictures and videos for encouragement are helpful. A congregation will feel more like part of the work when it can see people with whom you work. Take photos or videos for the members. Send back letters and include videos/pictures for the congregation to watch. Include your friends, your new brothers and sisters in Christ, and perhaps videos/pictures of the baptisms- which these people have helped with. Missionaries need to remember, this is THEIR work, too. work, too. Fifth, a thankful spirit is always needed. Gone are the days where someone can just say “thanks” once and it last for all time. A missionary must be so thankful for the work God has entrusted to him, and thankful for the congregation which supports and encourages him from day to day. He needs to write letters or emails, and in those letters praise the brethren who are supporting him. Without them, there would be no work for him. A thankful heart is a humble heart, and we need missionaries who are humble enough to give praise to their “support staffs,”missionaries who are humble enough to give praise to their “support staffs,” realizing that it is they who allow him to continue in the greatest work on the face of the earth - bringing souls to the Savior.
For more chances to help in mission work SCAN this code:
Second, open communication is “key” for the local congregation. When a missionary goes off to a foreign field, it might be true that he is doing the Lord’s work. But, if the people who are supporting the missionary never hear of it, or know of it, then why would they choose to continue to support him? The local congregation is investing it’s time, it’s money and it’s heart in you (it’s missionary). And if their missionary never communicates what is happening with him or the work, it seems as if the congregations has made a bad happening with him or the work, it seems as if the congregations has made a bad investment. Don’t get me wrong; the missionary might be out preaching and teaching and people might be obeying “left and right,” but someone at home needs to know this, in order to see the fruits of their investment. Again, one way this could easily be done, is through weekly meetings on Skype or a similar internet communication port. Also, a monthly report is a good way to help the congregation know what is going on. report is a good way to help the congregation know what is going on.
... a worthy cause cont’d
There are several needs associated with the school and Denton’s work in the program. The fervent prayers of the righteous are an obvious need. Some specific areas of prayer are safety while traveling to and working in the various places. Another area in need of prayers is the financial needs necessary for this work. Denton has yet to raise all the needed funds for salary and work fund. The salary for all the extension staff is set by the elders of Bear Valley, but it must be raised by the individual men.must be raised by the individual men. Denton spends most of his days at home substitute teaching for the Winston- Salem/Forsyth County Schools. While he is grateful for the opportunity to bring in extra money, it takes time away form the Lord’s work of training men in foreign countries. If you have any questions about this work or Denton’s involvement in it, please contact him at the following:
Denton Landon Denton Landon 2710 Lance Dr Winston Salem, NC 27103 (336) 659-6816 (home) or (336) 414-9032
If you know of a congregation or congregations looking to support a mission effort, please let them know about this work or contact Denton about them. Maybe you can help with this work by making a one-time, quarterly, or monthly contribution. All support for Denton is sent to the following: contribution. All support for Denton is sent to the following:
Landon Mission Fund C/O Duluth Church of Christ 3239 Duluth Highway Duluth, GA 30096Denton Landon began working with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver’s Foreign Extension Program in 2004. He served as coordinator for the extension school in Panama City, Panama, and later added a second school located in Lima, Peru. These two schools, as is the case with most of the foreign extensions, were operated in partnership with others who wished to train native men in their own countries. With the end of this partnership Denton began working with a new school under development in Guatemala City, working with a new school under development in Guatemala City, Guatemala, in the fall of 2009. Presently, Denton is serving as assistant coordinator for the extension’s Master’s Program.
During 2011 he is scheduled to teach Jeremiah for two weeks in Gorlovka, Ukraine, and Old Testament Introduction in Guatemala City, Guatemala. At the time of this writing, the Masters program is operating in Guatemala City, Guatemala; Arusha, Tanzania; Takoradi, Ghana; Vishakhaputman, India; and Nigeria (the school is being relocated). Bear Valley is also conducting Masters classes in Lima, Peru until the men who began the program there are able to complete it. At the time of this writing, plans are in place for new Master’s complete it. At the time of this writing, plans are in place for new Master’s classes in Chimala, Tanzania (late April 2011), and Gorlovka, Ukraine (September/October 2011).
Denton’s work is not confined solely to the Master’s work. Gary and Denton are developing a training course for the men who are, or will be, teaching in certificate schools, that is, those where the degree is not presently offered. This aspect of the work is nearly completed with plans for its implementation soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program. This aspect of the work is nearly completed with plans for its implementation soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program. soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program.
Memorials/H
onors
Memorials/H
onors
Apr. - June 2011
MissionTAKING SOULS FROM HEARING TO HEAVEN
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
Understanding Mission Needs MISSIONARY AND CONGREGATIONAL NEEDS Have you ever stopped to consider what missionaries need from local congregations and what local congregations need from missionaries? Let me list just a few of those needs. What Missionaries Need From Local Congregations First, missionaries need congregations to be more mission minded. There are few things as sad in our brotherhood as congregations who do not have a mind to reach the lost. When Christ gave the great commission for us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the lost, He really meant it. It is sad that congregations, today, feel a slight bit of “discomfort” when faced with a missionary coming to ask them for support. They also need to realize that it is very difficult for a missionary to stand before a group of people and ask for money. But, it should not be. It was, after all, group of people and ask for money. But, it should not be. It was, after all, the church in Antioch (with the help of the Holy Spirit) which sent forth Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. I find it interesting that Paul and Barnabas did not say “Hey, let’s do some mission work,” and then go from congregation to congregation asking for support. Rather, the church with which they worked sent them. Oh! how we need congregations to be more mission-minded. Second, missionaries need a well-structured and well-informed Eldership/Leadership in the local congregations. When Elders/Leaders have never done mission work, it will be very difficult for them to know all the nuances that go into supporting a missionary. Yet, missionaries need to know that the Elders/Leaders will support them and that they will be welltaken care of for an “agreed upon” amount of time. By being “well-structured,” missionaries will know what is expected of them by the local congregations. They will know if they are to have a weekly report, or congregations. They will know if they are to have a weekly report, or monthly report, etc… By being “well-informed,” the leaders and congregations will automatically be interested in the work that the missionary is doing. Of course, being well informed is getting easier these days. For instance, missionaries can contact their local supporting congregations by Skype(or other internet programs) any day of the week. In fact, if the congregation decides, it could have a weekly meeting with thiscongregation decides, it could have a weekly meeting with this missionary to find out how things are going, and to give encouragement to the missionary. Thank God that today, technology is such that in many places, missionaries and their supporters are only moments away from proper communication. Third, local congregations need to have at least a basic understanding of the “fluctuating dollar.” In most countries today, as the dollar fluctuates, so too does the missionary’s finances. too does the missionary’s finances.
...continued inside
In Memory of: Cordie Macon Tookes
Given by: Bernard Macon, Sr.
In Honor of : Clint and Angie Ausmus
Given by: Bob and LaVerne Maddox
In Honor of: Julie Lanier’s G
raduation
Given by: Dennis and Karen Clark
In Honor of : Goldie Morgan
In Honor of : Goldie Morgan
Given by: Robert Maddox
In Memory of: Travis Cooper
Given by: Tom and Joann Van Hook
In Memory of: Archie L. Davis
Given by: DeBorah Boyce
In Memory of: L.D. Dennis
Given by: Myrtle Winchell
In Memory of: David Ellzey
In Memory of: David Ellzey
Given by: Glencoe church of Christ
In Memory of: Alex Harwood
Given by: Sunday School Class (Rm. 108)
at Main Street Church of Christ
By: Phillip Vanwinkle
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. PO
STAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 601
DULUTH, GA 30096
TRUTH FOR THE WORLD
CHURCH OF CHRIST
3239 HIGHWAY 120
DULUTH, GA 30096-3652
... a worthy cause cont’d
There are several needs associated with the school and Denton’s work in the
program. The fervent prayers of the righteous are an obvious need. Some
specific areas of prayer are safety while traveling to and working in the various
places. Another area in need of prayers is the financial needs necessary for this
work. Denton has yet to raise all the needed funds for salary and work fund.
The salary for all the extension staff is set by the elders of Bear Valley, but it
must be raised by the individual men.
must be raised by the individual men.
Denton spends most of his days at home substitute teaching for the Winston-
Salem/Forsyth County Schools. While he is grateful for the opportunity to bring
in extra money, it takes time away form the Lord’s work of training men in
foreign countries.
If you have any questions about this work or Denton’s involvement in it,
please contact him at the following:
Denton Landon
Denton Landon
2710 Lance Dr
Winston Salem, NC 27103
(336) 659-6816 (home) or (336) 414-9032
If you know of a congregation or congregations looking to support a mission
effort, please let them know about this work or contact Denton about them.
Maybe you can help with this work by making a one-time, quarterly, or monthly
contribution. All support for Denton is sent to the following:
contribution. All support for Denton is sent to the following:
Landon Mission Fund
C/O Duluth Church of Christ
3239 Duluth Highway
Duluth, GA 30096
Denton Landon began working with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver’s
Foreign Extension Program in 2004. He served as coordinator for the extension
school in Panama City, Panama, and later added a second school located in Lima,
Peru. These two schools, as is the case with most of the foreign extensions,
were operated in partnership with others who wished to train native men in their
own countries. With the end of this partnership Denton began
working with a new school under development in Guatemala City,
working with a new school under development in Guatemala City,
Guatemala, in the fall of 2009. Presently, Denton is serving as
assistant coordinator for the extension’s Master’s Program.
During 2011 he is scheduled to teach Jeremiah for two weeks in Gorlovka,
Ukraine, and Old Testament Introduction in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
At the time of this writing, the Masters program is operating in Guatemala City,
Guatemala; Arusha, Tanzania; Takoradi, Ghana; Vishakhaputman, India; and
Nigeria (the school is being relocated). Bear Valley is also conducting Masters
classes in Lima, Peru until the men who began the program there are able to
complete it. At the time of this writing, plans are in place for new Master’s
complete it. At the time of this writing, plans are in place for new Master’s
classes in Chimala, Tanzania (late April 2011), and Gorlovka, Ukraine
(September/October 2011).
Denton’s work is not confined solely to the Master’s work. Gary and Denton are
developing a training course for the men who are, or will be, teaching in
certificate schools, that is, those where the degree is not presently offered. This
aspect of the work is nearly completed with plans for its implementation soon.
Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program.
This aspect of the work is nearly completed with plans for its implementation
soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program.
soon. Denton is also teaching classes for the preacher training program.
Memorials/HonorsMemorials/Honors
Apr. - June 2011
Mission
TAKING SOULS FROM HEARING TO HEAVEN
Taking Souls From Hearing To Heaven
Understanding Mission Needs
MISSIONARY AND CONGREGATIONAL NEEDS
Have you ever stopped to consider what missionaries need from local
congregations and what local congregations need from missionaries? Let
me list just a few of those needs.
What Missionaries Need From Local Congregations
First, missionaries need congregations to be more mission minded.
There are few things as sad in our brotherhood as congregations who do
not have a mind to reach the lost. When Christ gave the great commission
for us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the lost, He really
meant it. It is sad that congregations, today, feel a slight bit of “discomfort”
when faced with a missionary coming to ask them for support. They also
need to realize that it is very difficult for a missionary to stand before a
group of people and ask for money. But, it should not be. It was, after all,
group of people and ask for money. But, it should not be. It was, after all,
the church in Antioch (with the help of the Holy Spirit) which sent forth
Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. I find it interesting
that Paul and Barnabas did not say “Hey, let’s do some mission work,” and
then go from congregation to congregation asking for support. Rather, the
church with which they worked sent them. Oh! how we need
congregations to be more mission-minded.
Second, missionaries need a well-structured and well-informed
Eldership/Leadership in the local congregations. When Elders/Leaders
have never done mission work, it will be very difficult for them to know all
the nuances that go into supporting a missionary. Yet, missionaries need to
know that the Elders/Leaders will support them and that they will be well
taken care of for an “agreed upon” amount of time. By being “well-
structured,” missionaries will know what is expected of them by the local
congregations. They will know if they are to have a weekly report, or
congregations. They will know if they are to have a weekly report, or
monthly report, etc… By being “well-informed,” the leaders and
congregations will automatically be interested in the work that the
missionary is doing.
Of course, being well informed is getting easier these days. For instance,
missionaries can contact their local supporting congregations by Skype
(or other internet programs) any day of the week. In fact, if the
congregation decides, it could have a weekly meeting with this
congregation decides, it could have a weekly meeting with this
missionary to find out how things are going, and to give encouragement to
the missionary. Thank God that today, technology is such that in many
places, missionaries and their supporters are only moments away from
proper communication.
Third, local congregations need to have at least a basic understanding of
the “fluctuating dollar.” In most countries today, as the dollar fluctuates, so
too does the missionary’s finances.
too does the missionary’s finances.
...continued inside
In Memory of: Cordie Macon Tookes Given by: Bernard Macon, Sr.
In Honor of : Clint and Angie Ausmus Given by: Bob and LaVerne Maddox
In Honor of: Julie Lanier’s Graduation Given by: Dennis and Karen Clark
In Honor of : Goldie MorganIn Honor of : Goldie Morgan Given by: Robert Maddox
In Memory of: Travis Cooper Given by: Tom and Joann Van Hook
In Memory of: Archie L. Davis Given by: DeBorah Boyce
In Memory of: L.D. Dennis Given by: Myrtle Winchell
In Memory of: David EllzeyIn Memory of: David Ellzey Given by: Glencoe church of Christ
In Memory of: Alex Harwood Given by: Sunday School Class (Rm. 108) at Main Street Church of Christ
By: Phillip Vanwinkle
NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 601DULUTH, GA 30096
TRUTH FOR THE WORLDCHURCH OF CHRIST3239 HIGHWAY 120DULUTH, GA 30096-3652