Click here to learn more about the ongoing work in Haiti and how you can be a part of it.

Learn more at www.foursquarehaiti.org/wordpress/

One of our missionaries, Daryl Martin, was recently killed in an accident while serving in Malawi. Daryl had been at the Iris Africa ministry base with his wife and two of his sons since September of 2009.

David Morrison, the Director of Iris Africa in Malawi, recently wrote this tribute to Daryl:

Daryl was a man who loved adventure and had childlike energy and enthusiasm. He was determined, no matter what the cost, to accomplish God's will. He had courage--courage imparted to him from the Kingdom of Heaven.

Daryl was a missionary marked by dedication and commitment to help Malawians achieve a healthier way of life and sustainability. Above all else Daryl accepted God's call to preach the Gospel so that the people would understand life from God's perspective and come to know the great saving grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. He preached in village churches and taught at the Bible school. He led Bible studies with young men as well as older men, spurring them on in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Daryl put his faith into action. He was involved in restoring boreholes in the villages so that people would have clean water. He hosted medical teams, particularly eye medical teams, so that the people of southern Malawi would have healthier eyes. He himself became an experienced "lay" physician with the ability to diagnose patients with trachoma, so that by appropriate treatment, blindness would be prevented. Also very importantly, Daryl trained Malawians in trades such as chicken and crop farming so that families would have greater sustainability.

If we were to count how many Malawian people were impacted by Daryl's life, it would run in the thousands. Daryl's obedience to the Lord has brought forth great Kingdom fruit.

Learn more about Daryl's extraordinary life at the Heart Fire Ministries website.

More information about a memorial service for Daryl will be available when his family returns to Arizona later this week.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Rebekah, and four children - Averi, Joshua, Jonathan, and Caleb. You can help the Martin family by donating to the Martin Family Memorial Fund. Deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank. Use account number 5739784279.

It is estimated that there are 60,000 Muslims in the Phoenix area. We invite you to a conference at Grace Chapel that will help you better understand your Muslim neighbors and teach you practical ways to show them love and respect.

General Sessions
Friday, September 16, 7 PM
Saturday, September 17, 9 AM and 6 PM

Workshops
Saturday, September 17, 11:30 AM

Topics of discussion will include where is the mission field, how to minister cross-culturally, what Muslims believe, the work of the Holy Spirit in missions, and a challenge to reach the world.

The cost is $10 per individual or $25 per family.

Click here to register.

Praise the Lord! We had our first church service in the new building this last Sunday! Thank You, Jesus, for Your faithfulness in providing not only the building, but also a number of generous volunteers to assemble it (which is no small feat)! We had a full house on Sunday. Each row of metal folding chairs and wooden benches were filled and in each seat was a smiling heart, anticipating what God would do in this exciting service!

As the worship leader approached the wooden stage, we all stood, ready to worship our generous Lord. The songs of the congregation rang throughout the entire campus. I don't believe they have ever sounded so beautiful! After about an hour of worship time, Pastor Guy took the stage, inviting Debbie Booker to come up as well. She brought us an encouraging word from Ephesians 2:19-22:

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.

With Christ, Himself, as our chief cornerstone, this building is destined to be a place where many are saved, healed, and freed in Jesus Name! It is a privilege to be a part of what God is doing in this nation. God loves these people. We love these people. May He be glorified in our midst as we continue building this meeting place that more lives may be touched by His Spirit!

Click here to learn more about the Foursquare mission in Haiti.

I want to thank all of you who prayed for this trip from Yavapai Apache to San Carlos Apache reservation and back. The trip was great and God's grace opened some new doors for us to be His light and share His love, hope, healing and forgiveness in new Native circles.

My plan was to start in Prescott then to Yavapai Apache in the Verde Valley, then to Tonto Apache near Payson and ending up in San Carlos, then traveling back to Prescott on Friday. But things change and I began the prayer journey on the Clarkdale Yavapai Apache Rez gifting an Apache elder and asking his permission to offer my prayers. I shared about the nationwide Tribal Prayer Journey and that I wanted to start it on his Rez. He then told me, "I don't own this Rez." To which I responded, "Ya, but you are an elder." He said, "Ya, I am" and took my gifts and gave me his blessing and thanked us for praying for the land and peoples.

My second stop was to gift the acting president of the Rez Riders motorcycle club and share about the prayer journey. I was about a mile away from where we had planned to meet and a Redtail Hawk flew up from the side of the road and flew right over me, it was close enough to spook me a little.

As I pulled into the parking lot I noticed another hawk circling 100 yards east of me and the Rez Riders president. He looked at the hawk and said that is a sign that this prayer journey is a good thing. I reached out to shake his hand and he grabbed me and gave me a hug. I shared my gifts and talked with him about things and as I was getting ready to go he told me that the Rez Riders were going to sponsor a motorcycle ride for spinal cord injuries among native peoples and asked if I would come the day before the ride and do a prayer ceremony for the riders. I said yes and thought to myself that I will change my schedule any way I needed to to be there. This is only the 3rd time I ever talked with this guy and he is really open and supportive of our ministry and wants me to hang out with him and the Rez Riders. As we shook hands we both noticed that there were two Redtail Hawks circling near us, one just to our east and one just to our west. He shook his head and said this is a good sign.

I spent the first night in Payson and attended a coffee shop church and met some new friends and reconnected with a man I had met about 10 years ago in Mesa. He had just moved back from years of ministering on the Navajo Rez. It was a good time and I got a lot of encouragement about the nation wide tribal prayer journey.

On Thursday morning I prayed on the Tonto Apache Nation and headed to San Carlos. As I rode into the Tonto Basin there were two more Redtail Hawks, one circling and one that flew over me and landed on a rock ledge. I was thinking about all the birds of prey that I have seen on this prayer journey and on the 2009 prayer journey as well. I rode about another mile and a mature Bald Eagle was circling just off the road on my left. I was praying and asking God what was up. It came to me that something had happened to the Apache people in that basin. Then, at the south end of the Tonto Basin two Bald Eagles sat in a tree over the lake. I knew this was something I needed to share with someone at San Carlos.

When I got to San Carlos I visited the traditional elder I had met in 2009. It was a good reunion. I shared about the Hawks and Eagles and asked about the history of Tonto Basin. I asked if something bad had happened there and he said nothing but shook his head as to say yes. He thanked me for coming back to visit him and gave encouragement about the nation wide tribal prayer journey.

Then I rode out to Old San Carlos. It was a prison camp for Apache, Yavapai, and other tribes who had been removed from their homeland in the late 1800's. I found a place filled with 1000's of broken beer and liquor bottles. They covered the ground at the place God sent me to pray to break the strongholds of "Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, and Suicide." I could feel the hopelessness and death. It is a place where 100's of Native people died in captivity and now it was still a place of death. I offered my prayers and then rode back to New San Carlos speaking words of life, forgiveness, and healing to the land.

A month ago I met an Apache man who is a follower of Christ. He had asked me to call when I came to San Carlos so I did and left a message. We ended up having dinner where he shared his heart for his Apache people. We talked about many things and I shared some thoughts with him and about how God had us do ministry here in northern Arizona. Then he told me of a dream he had. He said that in the dream a spiritual person had come to the Rez and talked with him and when that person had left he saw himself guiding traditional and medicine people in following Jesus. Then he said, "You are the one who has come." I did not know what to say and felt very humbled because I did not let anyone on the San Carlos Rez know that I was coming. I just went and trusted God to make the right connections.

As we finished our time together this Apache man asked if I would come back and share my story in the high school there on the Rez and asked me to come back in early fall to speak at a men's wellness camp and to run a talking circle there. I accepted his invitations and look forward to what God has in store.

On Friday morning I headed back to Clarkdale Rez where the journey started two days earlier. It was a nice day and as I prayed for healing for the land and people the burden I had felt on my way to San Carlos lifted. As I spoke words of life and blessing it was good for my soul. I turned on the highway to head towards Payson to start my journey back and there was a Redtail Hawk circling right over me, I was blessed and thanked God for His creation then another Redtail flew up off the ground and flew just a few feet above me right over me and my bike. I could not believe it, it was just exactly what happened as I was leaving the Yavapai Apache Rez on my way. I do not know exactly what that it means but I do know it was not just by chance. I know that God hears the cries of our hearts for Native people.

It was an awesome journey. I got invited to do prayers for the Rez Riders event, asked to come and speak in the high school on San Carlos Apache Rez, asked to share at the men's wellness camp, and I shared my testimony and about the Prayer Journey with many people. Then we ended the journey praying with a Yavapai elder and another brother at Pueblo Ruins near the Clarkdale Rez.

Thanks for you prayers, encouragement and support.

Pastor Bill & Jan Gowey

Reztoration
2500 West Route 66 #74
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

P.S. On March 16-18 I will be doing a prayer journey to Prescott Yavapai Nation, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Salt River Pima, and a few other reservations around the Valley of the Sun. I'll end back in Flagstaff on March 18 for a Marriage Tune-Up at Canyon Chapel.

Please pray for protection, favor, wisdom and for provision.

Please join together in supporting our Foursquare friends in Japan through your prayers and support.

• Update from FMI Director James C. Scott
• Update from Area Missionary Corey
• News announcement on The Foursquare Church in Japan
• Give to Japan relief efforts

Maniac4Missions-Episode 5 from Maniac4Missions on Vimeo.

Foursquare Haiti Update: July 2010 from The Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

Maniac4Missions-Episode 4 from Maniac4Missions on Vimeo.

Follow Maniac4Missions on Twitter, Facebook, and Blogspot.

Maniac4Missions-Episode 3 from Maniac4Missions on Vimeo.

Follow Maniac4Missions on Twitter, Facebook, and Blogspot.

Maniac4Missions-Episode 2 from Maniac4Missions on Vimeo.

Follow Maniac4Missions on Twitter, Facebook, and Blogspot.

Follow Maniac4Missions on Twitter, Facebook, and Blogspot.

Foursquare Haiti

Here is a recent video she posted.

You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

On Sunday, May 2, John Rusk will launch his second Maniac 4 Missions ride across America. He will ride his motorcycle from the Dream Center in Los Angeles to the annual convention of the Foursquare Church in Atlanta. Along the way he will visit churches to help spark a renewed passion for global missions and to raise funds for Foursquare Missions International.

John will ride into Grace Chapel on Cinco de Mayo so we're going to throw a fiesta during our Wednesday night service time. There will be free food, music, and an inspiring message from the original Maniac For Missions.

You are also invited to join John as he continues his trip the next morning with a ride to Flagstaff.

We will receive an offering for Foursquare Missions during the fiesta. You can also give to Foursquare Missions online.

Here's a recent update:

Elysha arrived from Arizona Thursday afternoon. She's here to help us put the house together, do some communications and computer work for us and enjoy the Haitian church. I think she's having fun and is finding the people warm, friendly and sincere. She was a big help this morning in class and the young people liked her. Thank you Elysha for bringing much needed supplies to the front lines. You'll go home with a lot less than you came with.

This morning we had 32 people in the English class. We had a little six year old boy named Rafael and one older pastor, probably is his seventies. The rest were young people in their twenties. I know they understand what the church is because when I taught them the word "church" I explained "not the building" and they answered me "no, the people"...

Keep reading

Foursquare In Haiti from Grace Chapel on Vimeo.

The Foursquare Church is poised to respond with relief supplies and financial resources. Many pastors in the U.S. have already contacted Foursquare Missions International looking for ways to help. We are currently assessing the needs and our available resources. As contact is made with our leaders in Haiti and additional needs are identified, we will develop a long-term plan to minister to people, bring relief to communities, and rebuild our churches.

Haiti's prime minister has speculated that casualties following the earthquake could top more than 100,000 people following the most powerful earthquake to hit the country in more than 200 years. The national palace is a crumbled ruin and tens of thousands of people are homeless. In public squares thousands of people are comforting each other and singing hymns together.

Details about the U.S. response of The Foursquare Church to the Haiti earthquake will be available through the communication venues listed below and through your District Missions Representatives. In addition, Foursquare Missions Press is offering free tracts and Bible literature in Haiti's language of Creole for all Foursquare church teams. To request tracts, contact Bob Hunt.

The nation as a whole and the churches of Haiti will need our ongoing prayer and support.

Here is how you can give immediate help:

1. Pray for protection, miraculous healings, restoration and acceleration of the kingdom for Haiti. Let's contend for a total turnaround from this quake into a shaking of a nation unto salvation.

2. Take an offering. Our long-term plan of relief will require large financial resources.

You can give online at https://give.foursquare.org/relief
You can mail a check payable to:

Foursquare Missions International
PO Box 26776
Los Angeles, CA 90026

3. Consider planning or joining a team to aid in the rebuilding and restoration of this nation. Contact David Wheeler by email for more information.

Click here for additional resources and to watch a video message from Jonathan Hall, Director of Foursquare Missions International, regarding Foursquare relief in Haiti.

Our job is to provide one twin-size (or larger) blanket for each of the 42 children at Esperanza para los Ninos.

You can do more if you like. Click here for a list of the other items they need.

We need the blankets and any other items you want to donate at the church building on or before December 20.

Greetings in the wonderful name of our Mighty Savior, Christ Jesus our Lord! Once again too much time has passed since we've sent out a news letter. I want to begin by thanking you for your continued prayers and notes/emails. What a blessing it is to have friends that care. Since our last letter we have received a few special offerings to help with ministry expenses - what an answer to prayer you have been - thank you so much for your generous giving and your continued faithfulness to obey the voice of the Lord.

Just to fill you in a little... we have been diligently trying to rent a certain cane house in the barrio for our ministry program with children and young people. However, it seems the owner is not that interested in renting to us. So the Lord is showing us other possibilities. We will check into renting other properties, as well as the possibility of purchasing a small lot to construct a cane building to be used as a church. Please pray that the Lord would open the right doors and that we will make the right contacts and that soon this situation will be resolved.

We are still searching for a location for the Manta Church. Now with the Christmas season full underway we are really hoping to have a place by the end of the year so we can celebrate the coming in of the New Year together with our small congregation - in "our church."

God is good and His mercy endures forever! Leo has been diligently working, preparing for the upcoming graduation of the Bible Seminaries. There are many pastors that have not completed the necessary education in order to continue with the "higher education" now required by the government. Leo has been holding intensive studies for these pastors (going to three different cities twice a month to teach). These pastors will also be graduating and then they will begin their "university studies" with those that are already studying in this program. Please pray for the Seminary Graduation taking place Saturday, December 12th at 10am (and the graduations in Machala, Quevedo, and the Peninsula during the following week).

Meri has found herself in an interesting situation. . . .

Click here to download the entire newsletter.

See them all here.

At Foursquare’s convention in Houston last month, an offering was taken to aid in the relief efforts in China and Myanmar. The contribution totaled $31,000 in cash and $154,000 in pledged gifts. Although local contacts in China are limited, Foursquare Missions International (FMI) staff have been able to assist with the relief work thanks to local contacts. As churches follow through with their commitment to ongoing relief assistance in Myanmar, their offerings will be used in the following ways:

• Four-hundred-foot deep wells are being dug to provide clean water to locals, which is critical for health.
• Twelve churches have been rebuilt.
• Toilets are being provided.
• Food, water and hygiene products are being delivered.
• Community health education classes are being taught.
• The first staging area in the Irawaddy division has been established.

Recent reports from leadership in this country indicate that courageous efforts are being made in response to Cyclone Nargis relief efforts. The current numbers circulating estimate that more than 147,000 have died and more than 2.5 million have been left homeless in the Irawaddy division of Myanmar.

“People and churches have given and are continuing to assist financially as we carry out a long-term project in Myanmar,” said George Butron, FMI regional representative to Asia. “We are so grateful for their partnership.”

Prophetic Message
While many lives were lost through this disaster, locals have still seen God work. Days prior to the destruction of Cyclone Nargis in southern Myanmar, the national leader of Foursquare Myanmar prayed on a rooftop in Yangon.

God spoke to him clearly and said: “There is going to be a famine. It will be like the time of Joseph. You need to prepare.”

The following Sunday, he went to his congregation and brought them the word he had received. He also told the people to withdraw all of their money out of their banks. The congregation initially treated the “word” as suspect, but many ultimately complied and retrieved their assets from the bank. Four days later all of the banks in the country closed due to the cyclone.

The people also responded to the prophecy by stocking their homes with rice, canned foods, cooking oil and other staple supplies. Immediately after the storm, everyone understood how God had prepared them for this disaster and they immediately began to help those in need in the city of Yangon and beyond.

Relief efforts are continuing in many ways. According to Tom Hinton, Global Connect coordinator for FMI, there is also an ongoing discussion for the purchase of land for rice development, a training center and an orphanage. Continued prayers and financial gifts from the Foursquare family are needed to assist those in Myanmar. If you would like to give financially to assist in this Foursquare relief effort, please send contributions to Foursquare Missions International. Make your check out to ICFG, and write "Relief Fund" on the memo line. Mail checks to:

Foursquare Missions
ATTN: Paulette McCammon
P.O. Box 26902
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Foursquare News Service #338

Iowa District Supervisor Jim Machen and Regional Supervisor Cliff Hanes are actively engaged in assessing the needs of our churches and the communities affected by the flooding. Assistant General Supervisor Jim Scott is also in the region, helping to mobilize Foursquare’s response as people determine how to clean up and rebuild their homes and their lives.

Two semi trailer-loads of supplies have been shipped to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of the hardest-hit areas to date. Cedar Rapids Christian Center, a Foursquare church pastored by Barry Foster, was flooded with nearly four feet of water. Jim Machen, who accompanied Pastor Barry as he walked through his church building, writes: “We had to wear boots and masks to go through the church building once the water receded. The four-and-a-half feet of water that was in the church many days did major damage.”

Other areas in Iowa impacted by the rising water include:

• Waterloo: Pastor Jerry Burrow’s home was inundated with three feet of floodwater.
• Waverly: Water flooded the home of a recent Foursquare church planter.
• Vinton: Scattered flooding caused much damage, but recovery efforts are going well.
• Iowa City: A trailer park and some businesses were flooded, and a large church in the community had water inside up to the roof. House of Praise Foursquare Church, pastored by Richard McCaslin is fine, but the homes of two families in the church were flooded.
• Fort Madison: Flooding of homes and businesses along the river was made worse by a semi-load of carbon dust inadvertently dispersed into the floodwater.

Several Iowa churches, while not directly affected by flooding, have strongly participated in local relief efforts. Foursquare congregants from both Living Hope Community Church in Davenport, pastored by Renee Holm, and Burlington Foursquare Church, pastored by Sam Fratt, are providing meals for relief workers. The city of Davenport alone received one initial damage estimate of $4.5 million. Cleanup and restoration of the damaged region could take four years or more to complete.

The Foursquare church family across the U.S. is encouraged to pray diligently for our pastors and fellow Christians, especially those serving the needs of people affected by the flooding, as well as those volunteers who are working tirelessly to help with cleanup and restoration.

The National Church Office released initial funding for flood relief in several communities in Iowa, and is accepting donations to assist as additional needs are identified and assessed.

Ways to help

1. Monetary donations may be made payable to The Foursquare Church and mailed to:

Disaster Relief
The Foursquare Church
1910 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Please clearly mark “Disaster Relief” on the memo line of each check.

2. The Iowa District office currently is establishing a process for coordination of work teams. Teams wishing to assist with cleanup and recovery should contact the Iowa District office by calling 563.243.0701.

3. Pray for God's grace to embrace those that mourn, “to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:2-4 (NKJV).

Foursquare News Service #337

Read John and Becki Rusk's latest newsletter from South Africa here.

More information about their ongoing work in Africa can be found at their website - Maniac 4 Missions.

Over the weekend Cyclone Nargis struck the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar--also known as Burma--with 120 mph winds and caused widespread devastation. As of Wednesday, the death toll may exceed 100,000 people, with more than 70,000 missing and 1 million homeless. This disaster is already being compared to the 2004 tsunami that hit south Asia.

Foursquare global connect coordinator, Tom Hinton, is assessing the situation with the help of Regional Representative George Butron and National Leader Philip Ahone. Together they are initiating a relief response action plan. Foursquare Myanmar has 112 churches in this predominately Buddhist nation and is involved in evangelizing and training church planters to reach the harvest.

George Butron writes: "Pastor Philip contacted me to say that the roofing was blown off our Bible college there, as well as several leaders' homes and several church buildings. There is no power or drinking water. Food, fuel and other essentials have tripled in price overnight. Large numbers of people are at risk in the days ahead."

Jonathan Hall, director of Foursquare Missions has noted three prayer points for the Foursquare family:

• Ask the God of comfort and peace to minister to victims in the midst of the confusion
• Pray for provision and resources to help meet people's immediate needs for food and shelter.
• Ask the Lord to give our Foursquare leaders wisdom in how to respond and advance His kingdom.

Foursquare Missions
ATTN: Paulette McCammon
P.O. Box 26902
Los Angeles, CA 90026

View more pictures from Pastor Becky's trip to Cambodia here

Visit www.Maniac4Missions.blogspot.com to travel with the Rusks on their mission to Africa and Asia.

Find more pictures here.

John Rusk, the Maniac 4 Missions, spoke at Grace Chapel on April 6. Here is the MP3 audio from that message.

Visit www.Maniac4Missions.blogspot.com to travel with the Rusks on their mission to Africa and Asia.

Help get our Kids Mission Team to Ecuador. Sponsor a walker or get your friends and family to join us on a lap (or two) around the lake. Information is available at the Kids Mission Table in the lobby on Sundays or by contacting Pastor Rae Bergen.

Learn more about the Rusk's ministry to equip and empower church leaders around the world to become more effective at reaching the lost with the Gospel and about their upcoming trips to South Africa and Ethiopia at the Maniac 4 Missions website.

Learn more about the Rusk's ministry to equip and empower church leaders around the world to become more effective at reaching the lost with the Gospel and about their upcoming trips to South Africa and Ethiopia at the Maniac 4 Missions website.

We need your stuff for our sale. Drop off your items at the Kids Church room between February 24-27. Plan to shop 'til you drop when the sale begins on Friday, February 29. Contact Pastor Rae for more information.

Help us raise money for our upcoming kids missions trip to Ecuador and enjoy some of the best chili and cornbread in Arizona for only $10/adult or $20/family. Enter the chili cookoff contest for $10. The winner receives $100 prize. More information is available at the Kids Mission table in the lobby on Sundays or by contacting Pastor Rae.

On Sunday, February 3, we are pleased to have the Maniac 4 Missions as our guest speaker. Pastor John Rusk and his wife, Becki, are currently making the final preparations for their deployment to South Africa where the will help to equip and empower churches, especially their leaders, through the ministry of the Word and the demonstration of the Spirit to help them develop spiritual maturity and become more effective at reaching the least-reached around them with the Gospel.

October 21, 2007 (sermon mp3)

Get more information about John Rusk and his recently completed motorcycle marathon to every capital city in the 48 continental U.S. states at Maniac 4 Missions.blogspot.com.

Donate to Peru Relief online.

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Foursquare Missions!

We have received a request from our National Leader in Peru, Fabio Padilla, for a Medical and Evangelistic Team to come to assist with the needs of those affected by the devastating earthquake that hit that country last week.

Louie Rosado, will lead the Medical Team on August 27- September 1. If any of your churches would like to get involved by going or giving please contact us and we will forward your email to Louie.

We appreciate you getting the word out to the churches in your district ASAP, since there is not a lot of time to assemble the people and the finances needed for this team.

Please pray with us for the people of Peru and for those who will be giving of their time, finances and love to reach those who need a touch from our Lord.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (213) 989-4349 or email me at jfernandez@foursquare.org.

Blessings!

Jackie Fernandez
Foursquare Missions

You may remember the national leader of the Foursquare Church in Peru, Pastor Fabio Padilla, spoke at our church recently.

Pastor John and Becki Rusk started Frontlines Development Group to strengthen the existing churches and leaders on the frontlines of Global evangelism, especially in Africa, South Asia, and South America.

Get more information about the Rusks, Frontlines, and John's motorcycle marathon to every capital city in the 48 states in the continental U.S. at Maniac 4 Missions.

Living in the Saving Power of God - July 15 sermon by Pastor John Rusk

Check back soon for more photos and reports from team members and a final video (or two).

Yancy and Corene are going to the U.S. Consulate early this morning and hopefully they will get a favorable response by the grace of God and an answer to our prayers (Corene had important papers stolen while in Ecuador and may not be able to leave the country as scheduled. In fact, she's been told she can't even get an appointment with the officials who could give her new papers until almost a week after the rest of the team leaves).

Debra Evans has been diligent to get through to a senior supervisor of Continental Airlines and they may have figured out a plan B. Pray whatever plan the Lord provides, that Corene will be on the plane Sunday and home.

The rest of the team is going to Milagro Escuela – a school that is part of Meri Fenske's home church down in Ecuador (she lives with the pastors and ministers in the school) – and then an outreach in Yaguachi. Pray for continued ministry anointing. Pray for strength, as the team has been ministering for almost 2 weeks. Let them see some of the fruits of the labor and rejoice in the Lord over it. To God be the Glory.

Tomorrow will be their last day of ministry and they will be having a full day of fun by taking the boys of the Shalom Orphanage to a swim and amusement park. May it be a Big Day of Fun for all. Pray for continued time for relationships to be developed with the boys and our team, also with Anita and her helpers. Pray it will be a day to refresh everyone!!!!! Pray for protection, safety and divine health. Bless all the food everyone eats, bind food poisoning.

The team will then go to the airport and leave just after midnight, this is a long day and pray for them to be refreshed as they sleep on the floor and seats waiting and on the plane trip to Houston. May they all get through customs and have no delays in their flight to Phoenix. And all arrive safely home at 9:46 AM Sunday morning.

Thank you all for going through this prayer journey with our team. You will share in the rewards that God has and will bring forth by their ministry to the people of Ecuador – our brothers and sisters of the Kingdom of God.

Well, we are in the home stretch, and I must say I feel renewed and invigorated. The visit to Babahoyo just filled me up to overflowing and I’m ready for our last dash to the finish to complete this mission trip. However, I wasn’t feeling this good on Tuesday morning after our “rest” day on Monday.

Monday nearly killed me. We had an awesome time together as a team reflecting on the Children’s Workers Conference, and then praying for each other. It was a great time in the presence of the Lord. However, the rest of the day didn’t exactly go to plan, and what was supposed to be an early morning all day trip to the beach instead ended up as a trip to the mall with a brief beach stop. Oh, and did I mention how cold the beach was? Freezing water complete with cold gusting wind…lovely. The day wore on and just continued to sap my energy.

Tuesday morning we load up and headed out. I was exhausted, and I was not looking forward to the nearly two hour drive back to Guayaquil and nearly two hours to Babahoyo. And why do I mention all of this self pity stuff??? To contrast it with the rejuvenating experience I had at Pastor Oscar’s church in Babahoyo.

I slumped out of the van, grabbed my camera, and headed off to the stage where the local children had gathered and were waiting for us. We were met with a wall of excited kids, eager to shake our hand and give us a warm greeting. The feeling was overwhelming, even more so than at Escuela de Santa Rosa.

Children rushed up to my camera, everyone wanting their pictures taken. One girl in particular, Genesis, took a shine to me and was my little shadow for the rest of the evening. She was always just at the edge of my peripheral vision, smiling at me.

Unlike a number of the kids who would push away other children so they could be in the spotlight, little Genesis was eager to take her picture with other kids. Or, she would find some of the younger children and make her way up to me so the little child could be video taped. BTW, if you watched today’s video and you’re wondering which child is Genesis, well she appears twice in the video. She’s the little girl in the black shirt on the left in the last shot of the two girls at the end of the video.

Anyway, time was marching on, and as we arrived late it was apparent I was losing light fast (a critical necessity for film work) and the stage area did not have the lighting I would need to record all I needed. I had planned, like the other videos, to simply chronicle what we did in Babahoyo and give viewers a little glimpse into what happens on missions.

I stood quietly outside of the church looking at the sun slowly beginning to set over the neighborhood…wondering what to do. Then I could hear a faint whisper tell me to look around, and ask me what did I see? I could see ramshackle homes obviously built with whatever materials were available. I could see barefoot children playing in the streets with ratty looking clothes. I saw poverty…I saw tremendous need. “That is why you are here.” The voice whispered in my ear.

1. Pray for boldness for the team to share the Gospel.
   
2. Pray for the people to be drawn to the team and to have ears to hear the Gospel message.
   
3. The team will need protection. Pray for them to be wise and discerning.
   
4. Pray the interpretors will translate by the anointing of God.
   
5. Pray for continued health and protection.
   

1. Pray the Lord would reward all the team's hard work during the conference.
   
2. Pray the team's evening devotional time will be a refreshing breeze of the Holy Spirit.
   
3. Pray for travel mercies for the team as they drive back to Guayaquil tomorrow.
   
4. Pray that God would give the drivers (Warren, Bob, and Yancy) discernment and wisdom on the road.
   
5. Pray for continued good health for the team.
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-7.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-7.html Ecuador International Missions Prayer Requests Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:30:01 -0800 From Yancy:

   Have I ever mentioned what amazing kids we have at Grace Chapel? Well let me say that if I didn’t that was a huge disservice on my part and I must humbly apologize. Our kids are simply awesome (just please don’t let them know you heard that from me or I will never hear the end of it)!

   This weekend was the Foursquare Children’s Workers conference in Ecuador. Over two hundred school teachers, children’s ministry workers and leaders from all over Ecuador came to the Las Conchas hotel in Salinas over the weekend to attend.

   Our kids had a job…to assist in serving meals and helping with preparations for the conference, ministering, and performing in some special events. It was very hard work, and by the time Sunday rolled around the kids were exhausted.

   I must admit I was glad to be behind the safety of my camera for those three days. But watching through my viewfinder it was clear the kids were up to the task. They performed their jobs admirably and did so with great attitudes. I am very proud of these kids, and you should be too.

   Of course my job of simply chronicling our mission team’s experiences became a bit more complicated when I was asked by Pastor Danny to present a special video for the leadership at the conference. He wanted to present an overview of the events at the conference and some well wishes and reflections from our team. I was honored to be asked and burned a little midnight oil Saturday night to complete the task.

   But, ultimately at the end of the day all of the hard work and efforts from the whole team (from Warren and the cooking crew, to Bob managing clean up, and the ladies preparing dishes and cleaning) it was more than worth it. The thanks we received at the end of the conference was overwhelming. We were treated like royalty. Everyone wanted to thank us, have their picture taken with us, exchange email addresses, or just simply shake our hand or give us a hug.

   Reflecting on this weekend’s events it really just struck me how often the Lord gently directs us along our course even when we are completely oblivious to what is going on around us (call it the Calvinist in me). Now, let me tell you all a little secret; for those that don’t know, I served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Republic of Panama for almost eight years…both of my children, Gabrielle (the oldest) and Kiersten were adopted in Panama…so I have experienced Latin America before, this is nothing new to me. Now for secret number two; just a couple of weeks ago I was not looking forward to going on this mission at all. I really didn’t know why I was going, or what exactly I was supposed to do.
   

   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-report-4-my-heart-is-in-l.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-report-4-my-heart-is-in-l.html Ecuador International Missions Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:36:08 -0800 Video: An overview of the first two days of the conference in Ecuador ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/childrens-workers-conference-v.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/childrens-workers-conference-v.html Ecuador International Missions Videos Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:28:13 -0800
   
   

   See more photos here.

   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/more-photos-2.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/more-photos-2.html Ecuador International Missions Photos Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:21:45 -0800 Video: The Marketplace in La Libertad
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-video.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-video.html Ecuador International Missions Videos Sun, 24 Jun 2007 13:05:38 -0800 Kevin & Lizz,

   Hi guys! I love and miss you guys soooo much! The experience here has been overwhelming but exciting. We went to a school today; the kids were so precious and sweet. Our conference starts tomorrow. Have a great time at camp, I can’t wait to see you.

   Love
   Mom

   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-report-3.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-report-3.html Ecuador International Missions Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:02:43 -0800 Video: Children's Workers Conference ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-day-6.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-day-6.html Ecuador International Missions Videos Sat, 23 Jun 2007 09:21:18 -0800 The kids voted to change hotel plans. We will be staying at the Las Conchas Hotel for the remainder of our stay in Salinas instead of going to the Barcelo. They wanted to do this so we could financially help with the costs of the conference.
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/change-of-plans.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/change-of-plans.html Ecuador Sat, 23 Jun 2007 08:47:58 -0800 Video: Escuela de Santa Rosa ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-day-5.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-day-5.html Ecuador International Missions Videos Sat, 23 Jun 2007 08:39:44 -0800 Hey, Ecuador is great and we have had a great time getting to know everyone on the team better. I especially think we bonded in the mud bath. To Victor and Cody - I miss you and wish you were here. I love you and thanks for all your prayers.

   Corene

   
   Wow! What an experience. I absolutely love the people and the country of Ecuador. For me it brings a flood of memories of my years in Panama and my love of the various cultures throughout Latin American.

   This is actually my first missions trip, although I have participated in tons of church outreach events over the years, but being out here away from home really brings out the true meaning of The Great Commission. There is so much work to be done out here, and so many people with great needs (both physical and financial) that it can be a bit overwhelming for some. I know some on the team have been taken aback by the depths of poverty here in Salinas and in parts of Guayaquil, and it has really affected them. It’s hard not to be moved by the pleas for money or food from some who so obviously need help. So, please pray for those on the team to remain strong and focused on Christ’s love, His grace, and His compassion for those in this part of the world.

   Speaking of our team, did I mention what an awesome missions team we have down here. All the way from little Maddie (she’s six…she told me…many times), to our fearless leader, Pastor Rae Bergen. Over these few days we have grown close to each other. I’ve gotten to know people from the church I don’t ordinarily talk to, and I’ve gotten a chance to get to know some of the amazing kids we have at Grace Chapel.

   While I have enjoyed every day I’ve been here, today was by far my favorite time in Ecuador. Today we went to Escuela de Santa Rosa (a Foursquare school here in Salinas). What an amazing experience. We were greeted by dozens and dozens of smiling faces who were just genuinely happy to see us. Our kids did an amazing job putting on a puppet show, a mime performance, and playing games with the school children.

   Being behind a video camera it is sometimes difficult to feel you are participating in an event. It’s almost like you are standing at a distance, or watching news unfold on TV. But today, it was hard not to feel like I was part of the team as children rushed up to me to smile or wave at my camera.

   The funniest thing though was to watch how the kids in Ecuador are just like our kids back home in the U.S. They would fidget, or quietly whisper to their friends while our drama team was performing, only to be caught by their teacher who would dutifully tell them to pay attention. Some would run to the bathroom (probably one too many times) or try to take a peek behind the curtain to make sure those puppets were really just puppets and not real people. Even though we are some 6000 miles away from home moments like those suddenly make home feel not so far away.

   Anway, well wishes to all back in the searing heat of Arizona…it has been downright paradise here, slightly overcast in the mid-seventies to low eighties with a nice cool breeze blowing in from the ocean. Oh, and big hugs and kisses to my wife Debbie, and my youngest daughter Kiersten. I love you and miss you both!

   Yancy

   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-reports-2.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-reports-2.html Ecuador International Missions Sat, 23 Jun 2007 08:38:36 -0800 Hello Arizona! Much love from Ecuador. So far, it’s been wonderful here! We went to a mud bath (see video) which was a BLAST! Oh my…it was funny! Today we went to a school where we taught the kids about the forgiveness of Christ! We also played the “Let’s Make A Deal” game, the kids were so excited about the prizes that we almost got tackled by half the crowd! LOL!

   Fin
   Gabby

   
   Mom, Dad, Philip, and Michael

   Hey guys! I miss you guys and I can’t wait for San Diego so I can tell all my stories and hear about camp. Mom and Dad, I have remembered and swallowed my pills every day and my retainer is still with me! I love you both.

   Philip – I wore your Dobson shirt yesterday and I can smell your Old Spice. Haha.

   Michael- Your blanket has been so nice to have. Thanks again Head.

   I love you guys!
   Lauren

   
   It was my first time on an airplane! I had fun but the meals on the plane were bad. We visited Leo’s house, the neighborhoods on the way were poor. We also went to a mud bath, it was FUN!!! Mañana is the conference.

   Bye!!!
   Matt Collins

   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-reports-1.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/team-reports-1.html Ecuador International Missions Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:35:51 -0800
   
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/more-ecuador-photos.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/more-ecuador-photos.html Ecuador International Missions Photos Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:01:48 -0800 The conference begins today and goes through the weekend. Pray for:
   
   
   
   1. Unity
      
   2. Anointed worship, speakers and workshops.
      
   3. Glorifying fellowship
      
   4. Travel mercies
      
   5. Presence of the Lord and anointing of the Holy Spirit
      
   6. All needs would be ministered to through the gifts of the Holy Spirit
      
   7. Service attitude of conference workers, especially team from Grace
      
   8. Divine health
      
   9. Strengh
      
   10. Everyone would find their sufficency in the Lord Jesus Christ
       ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-6.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-6.html Ecuador International Missions Prayer Requests Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:53:52 -0800 Video: Goodbye Guayaquil! Hello Salinas. ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-days-3-an.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-days-3-an.html Ecuador International Missions Videos Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:45:29 -0800 Today the team works on all the last minute preparations for the children's workers conference.
       1. Pray that everything goes as planned.
       2. Pray for a special anointing on Rae and Meri as they go over their teachings and for any other leader that is going to teach.
       3. Pray that the worship team will bring the presence of the Lord and the Holy Spirit into the room and that each attendee will be refreshed and lifted up in their worship. May the Lord be glorified!
       4. Ask for a spirit of unity with all, especially our team from Grace. Pray that their devotional times will be filled with God's love and grace. Pray that they will minister and serve in that provision and not in their own strength.
       ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-5.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-5.html Ecuador International Missions Prayer Requests Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:57:01 -0800 Today the team is ministering at Santa Rosa School in Salinas.
       
       
       
       1. Pray the kids on the team will demonstrate the Love of Jesus.
          
       2. Pray that they will be able to connect with the school children and that the Lord will anoint the drama, games, and testimonies that they share.
          
       
       The conference for children's workers is on June 22-24.
       
       
       
       1. Pray for the Lord's anointing and provision to be upon the conference speakers and everyone attending it.
          
       2. Continue to pray for those travelling to the conference.
          
       3. Pray for the conference preparations to go smoothly.
          
       4. Pray for the Lord to bless Angelette, the translator that went with our team from Comunidad de Vida.
          
       
       
       ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-4.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-4.html Ecuador International Missions Prayer Requests Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:21:07 -0800 Today the team travels to Salinas to prepare for a conference for the children's leaders of Foursquare churches from all over Ecuador.
       
       
       
       1. Pray our team and all the attendees have travel mercies, protection from the enemy (that nothing would keep one leader from being able to attend) and divine health for all.

       2. Special prayers for Meri and Rae as they continue to organize the details of the conference. For a special anointing over each one to bring the Mighty Word of the Lord to these leaders as they would share at the conference.

       3. Pray for unity with our team and the helpers from Ecuador for the conference. Pray for relationships that will glorify the Lord.

       4. Pray the Lord will anoint the team as they have their devotional and prayer time. Let them feel your presence Lord. Speak to their hearts and minds. Put "Your Agape Love" in them so as they would go out they would be ministers and servants for you.
          
       ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-3.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-3.html Ecuador International Missions Prayer Requests Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:13:40 -0800 Video: Taking It To The Streets ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-day-2.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-day-2.html Ecuador International Missions Videos Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:02:56 -0800
   11. Ask the Father to send His Holy Spirit to refresh the team today, after the long flight.

   12. Pray all will continue through the two weeks with Divine Health.

   13. Pray for protection for the team as they are out sightseeing and shopping today. Pray each person would be mindful of their buddy and stay close to each other. Give them all discernment and wisdom.

   14. Pray for blessings over their prayer and worship time for today and for the days to follow. Let each person seek the Lord for His Mighty in filling of the Holy Spirit, to be a River of Living Water, and to refresh all the people that they will come in contact with each day.

   15. Pray for continuous guiding in Rae for leadership responsibilities. Pray each member of the team to complete each task they are asked to do with a humble spirit.

   16. Pray for unity between the team with Meri, Leo, Danny, and all others they will be working with for the conference and in outreaches. Ask the Lord to also anoint and bless Meri, Leo and Dany.

   17. Pray for Rae's request to our Lord that He will move in and through each person in a personal way. Pray for the kids to have an awakening of God's incredible love for them, so that they will minister out of His love and strength. Ditto for the adults.

   18. Pray for Warren, Bob and Yancy as they will be driving the vans.
       
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-2.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests-2.html Ecuador International Missions Prayer Requests Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:01 -0800
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/view-from-guayaquil-2.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/view-from-guayaquil-2.html Ecuador International Missions Photos Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:14:59 -0800
   
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/view-from-guayaquil-1.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/view-from-guayaquil-1.html Ecuador International Missions Photos Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:08:14 -0800
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/view-from-houston-airport.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/view-from-houston-airport.html Ecuador International Missions Photos Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:05:30 -0800 Pray for Pastor Rae and the other leaders to have favor and divine wisdom. Pray for God's protection over the vans and the members in them. Pray for Warren, Bob, and Yancy to drive with discernment - as driving in Ecuador is a lot different than the US.
   
   Pray for the team's devotion and prayer times. Pray that each member would seek the Lord daily and seek every opportunity God has for them to minister and serve in His holy name. Pray for divine appointments and divine miracles.
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/prayer-requests.html Ecuador International Missions Prayer Requests Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:16:30 -0800 Video: Living at the Airport ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-2007-day.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-team-2007-day.html Ecuador International Missions Videos Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:06:26 -0800 June 17 - Leave Phoenix at 9:45 AM
   June 18 - Arrive in Guayaquil at 12:15 AM
   June 18 - Sight seeing in Guayaquil
   June 19 - Travel to Salinas
   June 20 - Santa Rosa School in Salinas
   June 21 - Prep for conference in Salinas
   June 22-24 - Conference in Salinas
   June 25 - Beach day in Salinas
   June 26 - Back to Guayaquil
   June 27 - Babahoyo outreach
   June 28 - Laborado Escuela and Shalom orphanage
   June 29 - Milagro Escuella and Yaguachi outreach
   June 30 - Shalom Boys Fun Day
   July 1 - Leave Guayaquil at 1:05 AM
   July 1 - Arrive in Phoenix at 9:46 AM
   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-trip-itinerary.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-trip-itinerary.html Ecuador International Missions Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:14:15 -0800 A group of 20 people (9 kids and 11 adults) from Grace Chapel and Comunidad de Vida are headed to Ecuador for a two-week trip to spread the good news of Jesus' love in the cities of Guayaquil and Salinas.

   Keep the team in your prayers. From June 17 - July 1 they will be visiting parks, schools, an orphanage, and participating in a national conference for children's workers.

   Check back here for more information - including a travel itinerary, news from the team, photos, and regular video updates.

   ]]> http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-trip.html http://www.growingtogether.net/mc/2007/06/ecuador-mission-trip.html Ecuador International Missions Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:20:45 -0800