S h aring The Newsletter of SOMA USA • Volume 25 • Issue 2 • July 2009 It’s not often that the church in America learns firsthand what God is doing around the world. Reports abound about how the church is growing at such rapid rates in other countries…how people are willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Christ. The Evangelism Committee of the Diocese of Southwest Florida wanted to challenge the people in the diocese to step out in faith and share the Good News with others. Having done this three years ago, the Committee once again contacted their friends at SOMA to set up another “Mission to the USA.” Bishop Tunde Adeleye of Calabar Diocese and Bishop Olusegun Adeyemi of Kwara Diocese came for four weeks during Lent for a preaching mission called Across the Waters II. The Rev. Charles Mann, rector of Church of the Nativity, Sarasota, and Chair of the Evangelism Committee for the Diocese coordinated the mission. The original plan was for four parishes to host the bishops for one week each, but some called others in their respective deaneries to offer a preaching night there as well. So, what started out as planned visits to four parishes turned out to be actual visits to nine. This certainly maximized the number of people that were able to hear the Word that the guests brought. The bishops brought with them a hunger for the Lord and encouragement to grow the church by sharing our faith. Most of all the love of Christ radiated through them and their ministry. This mission was not about politics in the church—the issues that divide our church (although very real, and very much needing our prayers). This mission was about Jesus Christ and Him only. It was a mission of evangelism and introducing Christ to a hurting world. And the feedback has been wonderful. People were truly touched by the bishops’ ministry. The Diocese of Southwest Florida was pleased and honored to be able to open a door and make this happen. One in Christ We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Bishops Tunde and Olusegun. Their witness to the work of Holy Spirit in Nigeria was captivating and spiritually enriching. Our time with these two wonderful men of God blessed many and demonstrated our interconnectedness as the Body of Christ. Although we are separated by many thousands of miles, we are one in Christ. The Rev. Doug Scharf Holy Innocents’ Church Valrico, FL Only 30 Million Near the end of our Bible study a member of the class asked, “How many Anglicans are in your Province?” The response was, “Only 30 million. There is so much more to do.” What a powerful lesson in Evangelism those few words were for us. The Rev. Edward R. Rich St. Catherine’s Church Temple Terrace, FL The Word From Nigeria: Across the Waters II The Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye, the Rev. Charles Mann, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Olusegun Adeyemi (l. to r.)
Transcript
SharingT h e N e w s l e t t e r o f S O M A U S A • V o l u m e 2 5 • I s s u e 2 • J u l y 2 0 0 9
It’s not often that the church in America learns firsthand what God is doing around the world. Reports abound about how the church is growing at such rapid rates in other countries…how people are willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Christ. The Evangelism Committee of the Diocese of Southwest Florida wanted to challenge the people in the diocese to step out in faith and share the Good News with others. Having done this three years ago, the Committee once again contacted their friends at SOMA to set up another “Mission to the USA.”
Bishop Tunde Adeleye of Calabar Diocese and Bishop Olusegun Adeyemi of Kwara Diocese came for four weeks during Lent for a preaching mission called Across the Waters II. The Rev. Charles Mann, rector of Church of the Nativity, Sarasota, and Chair of the Evangelism Committee for the Diocese coordinated the mission.
The original plan was for four parishes to host the bishops for one week each, but
some called others in their respective deaneries to offer a preaching night there as well. So, what started out as planned visits to four parishes turned out to be actual visits to nine. This certainly maximized the number of people that were able to hear the Word that the guests brought.
The bishops brought with them a hunger for the Lord and encouragement to grow the church by sharing our faith. Most of all the love of Christ radiated through them and their ministry. This mission was not about politics in the church—the issues that divide our church (although very real, and very much needing our prayers). This mission was about Jesus Christ and Him only. It was a mission of evangelism and introducing Christ to a hurting world. And the feedback has been wonderful. People were truly touched by the bishops’ ministry. The Diocese of Southwest Florida was pleased and honored to be able to open a door and make this happen.
One in ChristWe thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Bishops Tunde and Olusegun. Their witness to the work of Holy Spirit in Nigeria was captivating and spiritually enriching. Our time with these two wonderful men of God blessed many and demonstrated our interconnectedness as the Body of Christ. Although we are separated by many thousands of miles, we are one in Christ.
The Rev. Doug ScharfHoly Innocents’ ChurchValrico, FL
Only 30 MillionNear the end of our Bible study a member of the class asked, “How many Anglicans are in your Province?” The response was, “Only 30 million. There is so much more to do.” What a powerful lesson in Evangelism those few words were for us.
The Rev. Edward R. RichSt. Catherine’s ChurchTemple Terrace, FL
The Word From Nigeria: Across the Waters II
The Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye, the Rev. Charles Mann, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Olusegun Adeyemi (l. to r.)
Prayer Conference in the Diocese of Kitgum, Uganda
Kitgum intercessors
The people of the Anglican Diocese of Kitgum have suffered from years of kidnapping, killing, rape and pillaging by the cult, the Lord’s Resistance Army. At the moment, the war has moved elsewhere, but its effects have left deep wounds in human souls.
In May, as a gift of hope and encouragement, All Saint’s Cathedral, Kampala, sent funds and four intercessors to conduct a conference for about thirty intercessors. Edwina Thomas was invited to visit, teach, preach and pray with leaders who are seeking to overcome many challenges.
Team members Paulson Tumutegyereize, Emmanuel Oguti, Bernard Ngoboka and Baron Hole are young men whose lives revolve around prayer and ministry in the Kingdom. Besides teaching on intercession, they held a meeting for youth, preached and generally modeled life in the Kingdom. And they will return!
The Rt. Rev. Henri Isingoma (Boga Diocese) is the new Archbishop of Congo.
Retiring Archbishop Fidele Diropka invited a SOMA team to hold a retreat for the House of Bishops of the Congo during the 24 hours preceding the election. It was a tremendous gift to the church and a great honor that the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, retiring Archbishop of Kenya, joined the Rt. Rev. Dr. Bill Atwood and Edwina Thomas in teaching, listening and preparing the House for the election. They began by asking forgiveness: in summary, they represented various groups of Anglicans who have contributed to the isolation and abandonment of the Anglican Church in Congo. The gracious response was genuine forgiveness. The SOMA team members plan to be intentional in establishing deeper relationships and service to this small arm of the body of Christ.
The retreat ended with a Concert of Prayer and a time when each bishop was affirmed by his brother bishops. There was much hugging and rejoicing—they were ready to choose a new Archbishop.
After a peaceful and joyful election by secret ballot, the newly-elected Archbishop, Isingoma, noted that the way forward would be centered on faith in God’s Word joined with work. Please join in praying for abundant blessing on his new leadership.
And a New Archbishop for the Province de L’Eglise Anglicane du CongoThe Rt. Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala
(Bungoma Diocese) is the new Archbishop of Kenya.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bill Atwood and Edwina Thomas were privileged to have a special task during the election process. They joined three of the wives of the four candidates who were under consideration for Archbishop in the vestry of All Saints’ Cathedral, Nairobi. The four hours passed with much fervent prayer that was interspersed by tea, laughter, uplifting fellowship, and music from Bishop Bill’s computer.
The pealing of cathedral bells announced that the Archbishop had been chosen. Bishop Eliud Wabukala, born in 1951, has served as the bishop of Bungoma Diocese since 1996. He is known as a deeply humble pastor who follows the Holy Spirit and a man of prayer who has a passion for training and discipling pastors. Bishop Wabukala is sought out for his wisdom—from fellow bishops, from the Church (he was chairman of the National Council of Churches of Kenya) and the Kenyan government (he served on the anti-corruption commission). Kenya will be blessed by the leadership of this godly man.
A New Archbishop for the Anglican Church of Kenya...
Kenya’s New Archbishop,The Most Rev. Eliud Wabukala
Archbishop Nzimbi of Kenya (right) greets the newly elected Archbishop Isingoma
“I thank God for this ministry which has helped me to renew the flame. I was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, anointed for healing ministry and am experiencing God’s hand moving in my ministry. He is healing His people physically, emotionally and [mending] the brokenhearted. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to walk the talk and demonstrate God’s power.” This is the testimony of a priest in the Ugandan Diocese of Mbale after the SOMA mission in May.
Bishop Patrick Gidudu invited a SOMA to lead a three-day clergy conference, preach in numerous churches, attend confirmation services where hundreds were confirmed, and train local lay leaders.
God spoke to the team that 2 Timothy 1:6 (“I remind you to renew the flame of the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands.”) was to be the mission’s ministry theme. It was tethered to a prophetic dream in which the SOMA team came upon a field where many children were holding lit torches. As the two groups joined together, the fire from the torches grew larger and more intense. Sparks from the flames were carried on the wind to all parts of Uganda and the team was given lit torches to carry back to the U.S.
This mission was bathed in His presence. The prayers of a faithful intercessory team opened the spiritual
gates and the team ministered freely in the power of the Holy Spirit! Many came to Christ for salvation! All were open to be baptized in the Holy Spirit! Many received spiritual gifts for ministry. Repentance for past sins was the hallmark of one day of ministry. There were renunciations of ties with the kingdom of darkness and heartfelt cries for empowerment to live and minister in the Kingdom of Light. The fields were white and ready for the harvest. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
There was a moment when the dream’s prophecy was realized. In the second week of the mission, the team began two days of training the local lay readers/pastors—the men and women on the ground, charged with day-to-day ministry and leadership in the rural areas. It became apparent that these were the true “children of God” seen in the dream. As these faithful brothers and sisters lifted their hands in submission to God, the Holy Spirit fell. These precious ones were not just HOLDING torches lit with the fire of love for God, they WERE the torches of passion for Christ in their region! The prophetic dream was fulfilled—Pentecost had fallen in the Mbale Diocese and all were touched with “tongues of fire” just as in Acts 2:3!
Team list: the Rev. Cathie Young, team leader, and Philip Young, St. James, Newport Beach, CA; the Rev. Russell Martin, St.Timothy and Titus, San Diego, CA; the Rev. Chris Schutte and Beth Weicht, Christ Church Anglican,Phoenix, AZ.
A Prophetic Dream Fulfilled:Renewing the Flame
Pentecost fire falls
SOMA’S “Mission to the USA” asks dioceses and parishes in the United States to host short-term missionaries from abroad. They bring a leadership that draws upon the rich spiritual resource of the Anglican Communion and possess a faith tested by adversity and a passion for the Gospel. SOMA believes that the church in America can benefit greatly from the fire and commitment of our Anglican partners by offering a radically different approach: bringing spiritually mature leaders from the two-thirds world whose purpose is to give, not to receive.
Sharing about “Mission to the USA”
SOMA USANational Director Edwina ThomasAdministrator Carol UpdikeMissions Coordinator Christine BrownAddress 5290 Saratoga Lane
Woodbridge, VA 22193Phone 703.878.7667 Fax 703.878.7015e-mail [email protected] Page http://www.somausa.org
Board of DirectorsChairman The Rt. Rev. John Guernsey
All Saints’, Woodbridge, VAChief Financial Officer Kerry Walters
All Saints’, Woodbridge, VA Board MembersThe Rev. Christopher Culpepper Diocesan Mission Vicar, Fort Worth, TXRon Davis All Saints’, Woodbridge, VACynthia Drennan St. James, Newport Beach, CARichard Hines Church of the Apostles, Fairfax, VARose-Marie Edwards-Tasker St. Luke’s, Akron, OHThe Rt. Rev. William Love Diocese of AlbanyDr. Glen Petta St. Andrew’s, Fort Worth, TXThe Rev. Dr. Margaret Short
St. James, Las Cruces, NMClark Smith Christ Church, Savannah, GA
SOMA International Chairman The Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi
Jos Diocese, Plateau State, NIGERIA
“Come and help us make believers out of biological Christians. I want them to encounter what it means to be like Christ.” Bishop Francis Quashie made this request when he asked SOMA to send a team. He was convinced that a SOMA team was just what his diocese needed.
A diverse group of five from across the U.S. responded to the request to lead the annual clergy conference in the Diocese of Koforidua, Ghana. The team consisted of a priest with 13 years mission experience, a school teacher, a third year seminarian and two full time home-based missionaries. Their ages ranged from 24-72.
That week long conference titled “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Anglican Church” ran for the week before Pentecost with the team members requested to preach the Pentecost sermon in four different churches around the
diocese. What an opportunity to witness to the love of our Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit!
The real highlights, however, occurred during the times of prayer ministry each night. One evening the team journeyed into town to the cathedral for worship and prayer open to all. Many received a fresh baptism in the Holy Spirit. Many were healed. Ministries were renewed. The Holy Spirit was very present!
“Alice” came forward for prayer. She had previously received eye surgery but her left eye was losing vision and was almost closed. During the prayers, her eye opened to match the right eye. Her smile became luminous and she declared, “I can see!”
“Joseph” expressed that the he could not turn his neck without severe pain. After the Holy Spirit touched him, his neck had full movement and no pain.
One priest requested prayer for his daughter, ”Mary,” who had been
PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens)
hospitalized for a week with a blood clot in her leg. She could not stand and was in significant pain. The next morning all the swelling and pain were gone. She was discharged and sent home.
The Holy Spirit was in complete control. As “Ruth” received prayer for back pain, she stated that the pain was increasing. More prayer, more increase in pain. More prayer, but this time in tongues. Instantly the pain was gone and she virtually skipped out of the chancel. Praise to the Lord of Hosts!
At the closing Eucharist, Bishop Quashie urged his clergy to move beyond “maintenance ministry,” to demonstrate hopefulness, to trust the laity to share in the ministry, and to love even those who constantly criticize. He charged everyone to go back to their parishes and light a flame. His closing exhortation was to “PUSH,” (Pray Until Something Happens!)
Team list: Clark Smith, team leader, Christ Church, Savannah, GA; Austin Barber, Christ Our King, New Braunfels, TX; Jody Kirkwood, St. James, Newport Beach, CA; the Rev. Dan Klooster, Gateway Mission Training Center, El Paso, TX; Andrew Petta, Nashotah House, Nashotah, WI.
Bishop Quashie Baptizes on Pentecost
Testimony from a Missionary“My special gift for this mission was a clear and specific increase in my intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. His presence and guidance was present through the entire mission. God remains an incredible father who cares deeply about mission workers. He always provides all necessary resources to meet the challenge.”
Austin Barber
SOMA USA5290 Saratoga Lane
Woodbridge, VA 22193
R e t u r n S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDOrange, VA
Permit No. 97
Director’s Corner by Edwina Thomas
To do the work of God, to expand His Kingdom, both clergy and laity need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Why is it that many of the Anglican leaders in our country are very hesitant to fully embrace the power of the Holy Spirit? And why are only a few of our laity making a Godly impact in their workplace, schools and communities? How did we get in this mess? Let’s look back…
Perhaps our pastors had an experience with the Holy Spirit earlier in their life, maybe even before seminary. For many, experiential knowledge of the Holy Spirit was a key factor in the call to ministry. But, many of our seminarians spend years comfortably skirting practical issues such as healing, deliverance, personal evangelism, prophetic ministry, etc. as they pursue a rigorous academic education.
And lay people who have found release and freedom in the Holy Spirit can, and have, intimidated clergy. Is it any wonder clergy may think it just easier, pastorally, to ignore the person and work of the Holy Spirit?
Today, I ask forgiveness for the abuses and arrogance of unwise and overpowering laity. Sometimes behavior and words do not flow out of submission to the Body of Christ but come from self and the need to control; therefore, at times, the gifts of the Spirit have been used in a rebellious way. The charismatic renewal of years past was messy and sometimes wounding—sad news indeed. Were you offended? Or have you given offense? I call the body to forgive and be forgiven.
The gifts of the Spirit are not “antique” gifts that were good and operative at another time. They are for today and are integral to His plan!
The river that flows from the Throne of God is good, full, life-giving, redemptive, and healing. We dare not say that we don’t need to drink from this river: we each need all of the life of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
