San Luis had a reputation for being the town where anyone could go and get drunk or indulge in a little immorality because there was a party going 24/7...

When we started the construction of Camp La Joya near the village of San Luis we hired skilled Christian tradesmen from the city of Arequipa and hired people from the nearby villages to be their helpers. From the very beginning, we have devotions and a prayer time each morning with the men. As well, the camp accountant is a skilled speaker /

preacher so every Saturday (payday) he does a 45 minute sermon before paying the men. Often the men will stay and ask questions for quite a while.

Peruvians being Peruvians can’t resist playing “futbol” (soccer) after work. The teams are always the men of San Luis against the tradesmen from Arequipa. They later asked me if I would do a Bible study each Tuesday and Friday after the game. You can see from what I have written already that these men were hearing the Word of God and because of that some of them started to ask Christ into their lives as Lord and Saviour. (Page 2)

it’s the people not the building

that is the church

By Jim Dargatz

By Prayer

OCTOBER 2013

SIMNOW

Serving In Mission

u

u

u

u

u

u

Zambians inNova Scotia P 4

A church planting record? P 5

Preparing the planters P 6

Reclaiming France P 7

From patio to plot P 8

7 million and counting P 10

moving God’s people into God’s mission

INSIDE:

www.sim.ca

THIS ISSUE: planting more churches

PERUq

G I F TIDEASINSERT

2

(From Page 1)

Many nights at the camp, I have to tell the men to go home because they will be working long after quitting time. I said to Guillermo one day, “I can’t pay you for all the extra hours you men put in each day, the budget doesn't allow for the extra.” He replied, “we work 8 hours for our wages and then the rest we count as ministry to God.” I felt ashamed that I was the one counting them!

The group of believers is growing and the church in San Luis was formed when several of the men came one day and asked if they could have their own church so they could meet together like other Christians did on Sundays. There was no church at that time in the Vitor Valley.

When we first came to the valley in 1999 to purchase the property for Camp La Joya we asked if we could start a Bible study in the largest of the villages (pop. of about 1000).

It was shocking to hear that a missionary had come to speak 3 times one week in 1991 and they had been waiting 8 years to hear more teaching from the Bible. At that time we knew there was only one believer in the valley – it was a place that was dark and Satan had been ruling for centuries. As we worked with the construction crews doing devotions, twice weekly Bible studies and Saturday sermons, the men

of the workers, Hermogenes from San Luis, what difference Christ’s presence in their lives made in the village. He replied, “Before there were any Christians in the village, people could do anything (and they did) without feeling shame or guilt. Now they are kinder to their family members and don't do the things that once was acceptable because they know what they are doing is wrong.”

One day I was speaking with the governess of the area (she is like a social worker) and she asked me what we were doing in the village of San Luis. I asked, “Why?” She replied, “Because alcohol abuse, drug abuse, wife abuse, child abuse all are down by 75-80%.” I said, “We are only showing the people what God's Word teaches about these things.” She said, “Well, keep it up and I encourage you to do the same in the other villages as well.”

Does Christ make a difference? Absolutely! He not only changes the lives of those who love Him and make Him Lord of their lives, He changes those around them because their lives now show Christ to others.

Is there a benefit for this church plant? Most definitely!

u You can help by making a donation to

project PE 91061. n

just come in and build a building for the people without taking time to build relationships and listen to the people to hear what they would like. SIM has learned its lessons well over the past 120 years! Today, we partner with the locals and help them help themselves. We realize that often such poor people cannot afford the extra cost of building buildings because they may already be paying a part or full time pastor. That is the case for San Luis. We have partnered with them helping them buy a house on a lot in the middle of the village. The house is in bad shape with large cracks up the walls and a roof ready to fall in but they are proud of their church as it has taken a huge effort on their part to raise their half of the money needed to buy the house and now begin the construction of the new Sunday School rooms and parsonage.

The building isn’t the church, the people are and that is what is important to us. Partnering with them allows them to plan and build the building - it is their own and not a gift from outside that will cause jealousy and dissension rather it creates unity and pride as they work together.

The church in San Luis has totally changed the village and surrounding area. One morning at devotions, we were talking about Mt. 5:14-16 and what it means to be a light and salt. I asked one

and women began to give their lives to Christ.

In San Luis we now have a group of 15 or so adults and the same amount of children coming to our Sunday services. One thing we give thanks for is that there are just as many men who are walking with the Lord as women as this isn’t often the case. The people in the church are growing and excited about their faith. They do outreaches into their community as well as take special offerings for those who are needy and can’t afford their medicines and other items. San Luis isn’t the only church, there is another now as well in the larger village of Vitor. God is at work!

Ronald Morales was one of the first men to follow Christ and get baptized. He later went on to study at a Bible college for 5 years and is now the Pastor at the San Luis Church. There is much to be done to get the church built and appropriate housing for Ronald and his wife and child. In many cases the mistake has been made by missions to

“...in many cases the mistake has been made by missions to

just come in and build a building for the people

without taking time to build relationships”

„ planting more churches

San Luis is a small village of about 200 people situated 2.5 km

up river (Chile River) from the Pan America Highway in Peru.

Villages are dotted along the river in the Vitor Valley every 2.5 km almost all being labour pools

for the local farmers.

3

PERUq Horses change coursesThe director of our junior youth camp asked if we would do a trail ride for campers, taking them to their next activity.

We have six working horses at camp. The Director asked if each horse

handler would be ready to share their testimony with the youth and also

engage riders in a conversation about Christianity.

Our day starts early. We have the horses at the cabins at 6:45 am and

take the first six campers on the trail and then return them for cabin

devotions. Then we took the next group from devotions to breakfast, and

the next group from breakfast to devotions.

In all, 90 campers had a ½ hour morning ride over the 5 days of camp.

More importantly, we used this one-on-one time to develop a

relationship with each camper and share the gospel

But what was most exciting was what happened in the life of

Hermogenes – one of our camp staff who also works as a horse handler

when required. He has only been a Christian for just over a year. We

prepared him to engage the campers and share where they were at

spiritually. He was nervous, but so enthused by this opportunity.

We made this a matter of prayer during our devotional times a week

before this camp, then talked together after each ride about how it went

with our riders.

Hermogenes was able to share more than three times, discussing

spiritual issues with each rider, asking whether they had made a

commitment to Christ, and listening to their testimonies. In return they

asked him to share his testimony. He was just beaming as he told us that

his riders were encouraged at how he had become a Christian at Camp

La Joya, and now was boldly

sharing his faith with others.

These riders were amazed that a

grown man would openly share

about the change God has made

in his life.

It was such a joy to see God

at work with both the campers

and our staff as well as the

people living in the Vitor Valley.

You can help with the horse

program at Camp La Joya. Funds

are needed for stables, an office

and bathrooms.to project

PE 89011.u Make a gift

n

By Vegas Dargatz

SIMNOW

p Pastor Ronald Morales

and his wife

2

(From Page 1)

Many nights at the camp, I have to tell the men to go home because they will be working long after quitting time. I said to Guillermo one day, “I can’t pay you for all the extra hours you men put in each day, the budget doesn't allow for the extra.” He replied, “we work 8 hours for our wages and then the rest we count as ministry to God.” I felt ashamed that I was the one counting them!

The group of believers is growing and the church in San Luis was formed when several of the men came one day and asked if they could have their own church so they could meet together like other Christians did on Sundays. There was no church at that time in the Vitor Valley.

When we first came to the valley in 1999 to purchase the property for Camp La Joya we asked if we could start a Bible study in the largest of the villages (pop. of about 1000).

It was shocking to hear that a missionary had come to speak 3 times one week in 1991 and they had been waiting 8 years to hear more teaching from the Bible. At that time we knew there was only one believer in the valley – it was a place that was dark and Satan had been ruling for centuries. As we worked with the construction crews doing devotions, twice weekly Bible studies and Saturday sermons, the men

of the workers, Hermogenes from San Luis, what difference Christ’s presence in their lives made in the village. He replied, “Before there were any Christians in the village, people could do anything (and they did) without feeling shame or guilt. Now they are kinder to their family members and don't do the things that once was acceptable because they know what they are doing is wrong.”

One day I was speaking with the governess of the area (she is like a social worker) and she asked me what we were doing in the village of San Luis. I asked, “Why?” She replied, “Because alcohol abuse, drug abuse, wife abuse, child abuse all are down by 75-80%.” I said, “We are only showing the people what God's Word teaches about these things.” She said, “Well, keep it up and I encourage you to do the same in the other villages as well.”

Does Christ make a difference? Absolutely! He not only changes the lives of those who love Him and make Him Lord of their lives, He changes those around them because their lives now show Christ to others.

Is there a benefit for this church plant? Most definitely!

u You can help by making a donation to

project PE 91061. n

just come in and build a building for the people without taking time to build relationships and listen to the people to hear what they would like. SIM has learned its lessons well over the past 120 years! Today, we partner with the locals and help them help themselves. We realize that often such poor people cannot afford the extra cost of building buildings because they may already be paying a part or full time pastor. That is the case for San Luis. We have partnered with them helping them buy a house on a lot in the middle of the village. The house is in bad shape with large cracks up the walls and a roof ready to fall in but they are proud of their church as it has taken a huge effort on their part to raise their half of the money needed to buy the house and now begin the construction of the new Sunday School rooms and parsonage.

The building isn’t the church, the people are and that is what is important to us. Partnering with them allows them to plan and build the building - it is their own and not a gift from outside that will cause jealousy and dissension rather it creates unity and pride as they work together.

The church in San Luis has totally changed the village and surrounding area. One morning at devotions, we were talking about Mt. 5:14-16 and what it means to be a light and salt. I asked one

and women began to give their lives to Christ.

In San Luis we now have a group of 15 or so adults and the same amount of children coming to our Sunday services. One thing we give thanks for is that there are just as many men who are walking with the Lord as women as this isn’t often the case. The people in the church are growing and excited about their faith. They do outreaches into their community as well as take special offerings for those who are needy and can’t afford their medicines and other items. San Luis isn’t the only church, there is another now as well in the larger village of Vitor. God is at work!

Ronald Morales was one of the first men to follow Christ and get baptized. He later went on to study at a Bible college for 5 years and is now the Pastor at the San Luis Church. There is much to be done to get the church built and appropriate housing for Ronald and his wife and child. In many cases the mistake has been made by missions to

“...in many cases the mistake has been made by missions to

just come in and build a building for the people

without taking time to build relationships”

„ planting more churches

San Luis is a small village of about 200 people situated 2.5 km

up river (Chile River) from the Pan America Highway in Peru.

Villages are dotted along the river in the Vitor Valley every 2.5 km almost all being labour pools

for the local farmers.

3

PERUq Horses change coursesThe director of our junior youth camp asked if we would do a trail ride for campers, taking them to their next activity.

We have six working horses at camp. The Director asked if each horse

handler would be ready to share their testimony with the youth and also

engage riders in a conversation about Christianity.

Our day starts early. We have the horses at the cabins at 6:45 am and

take the first six campers on the trail and then return them for cabin

devotions. Then we took the next group from devotions to breakfast, and

the next group from breakfast to devotions.

In all, 90 campers had a ½ hour morning ride over the 5 days of camp.

More importantly, we used this one-on-one time to develop a

relationship with each camper and share the gospel

But what was most exciting was what happened in the life of

Hermogenes – one of our camp staff who also works as a horse handler

when required. He has only been a Christian for just over a year. We

prepared him to engage the campers and share where they were at

spiritually. He was nervous, but so enthused by this opportunity.

We made this a matter of prayer during our devotional times a week

before this camp, then talked together after each ride about how it went

with our riders.

Hermogenes was able to share more than three times, discussing

spiritual issues with each rider, asking whether they had made a

commitment to Christ, and listening to their testimonies. In return they

asked him to share his testimony. He was just beaming as he told us that

his riders were encouraged at how he had become a Christian at Camp

La Joya, and now was boldly

sharing his faith with others.

These riders were amazed that a

grown man would openly share

about the change God has made

in his life.

It was such a joy to see God

at work with both the campers

and our staff as well as the

people living in the Vitor Valley.

You can help with the horse

program at Camp La Joya. Funds

are needed for stables, an office

and bathrooms.to project

PE 89011.u Make a gift

n

By Vegas Dargatz

SIMNOW

p Pastor Ronald Morales

and his wife

Elias and Sheena Mutale are a couple from Zambia who now serve and live in Nova Scotia.

Elias is a natural born leader starting his first ministry opportunity after high school. He was a deputy leader for a team that organized worship services, charitable causes and evangelistic services around the military camp in Zambia's eastern province. After the military training, he took responsibility for a college Christian fellowship and saw the Lord build that from under ten to over 30. His desire for church planting was already beginning!

Over the next ten years, Elias was involved in a number of church plants and leadership opportunities in Zambia. When beginning theological training, Elias and Sheena felt called to continue studying in Canada. They haven’t left.

God has used them tremendously on the ‘field’ - the East coast of Canada. Elias says he likes to be on the side of the underdog and so when a small church approached him, it was a natural fit. The church really wanted to keep their doors open even though they only numbered five! They faithfully gave Elias $30 every Sunday which helped with gas and food for the week. Sadly, with more responsibilities even though the church was growing, Elias had to let go of this little church. God had opened a greater opportunity at Billtown-Woodville Baptist Churches where they saw church attendance more than double in their eight years on the field. “This field gave me my claim to fame,” Elias jokes.

When asked about the difference between church planting in Canada and in Zambia, Elias says it comes down to community. In Zambia, there is a natural sense of community and fellowship, while in Canada, it must be intentional. He says, “it is also easier to plant a church in the developing world at the moment because there is hunger for God. There is an openness to God that is rare in our Canadian context.”

But even though, it may be rare, church planting is still possible and the Mutale family has seen incredible church growth in Halifax. In the last ten years alone, there have been more than 30 churches planted. But Elias is quick to say that these aren’t your traditional church plants. Some meet in movie theatres, schools, industrial parks and other non-traditional places. “It is clear the church of the future needs a dynamism undeterred by both buildings and traditions.”

Elias and Sheena are part of SIM Canada’s Culture Connections, and are essentially missionaries to the Canadian church. They desire to be part of a diverse church that preaches gospel living. “The affinity need not be national, tribal or racial but involvement and belonging. We seek to manifest that in all our activities as a Culture Connections missionary couple. And we will go to great lengths to achieve that.” Elias and Sheena are clear that the church is about mission. Jesus commissioned his followers to go on a world wide mission of making disciples and they say that “this is a work that will not finish until Jesus comes.” u To support the Mutale’s ministry in

Canada give to 039526. n

4

„ planting more churches

“It is no longerunusual for a Nigerian

to be a missionary to China or a Sri Lankan to be a missionary in Canada.

By God’s grace, SIM has sending offices all

over the world.”

1 x family,20 + churches planted.It must be some kind of record...

John DenbokExecutive DirectorSIM Canada

1893-2013

the world is

changing and

with that comes a

shift in missions

In the April 2013 edition of SIMNOW, I quoted some of SIM’s world wide statistics that indicated the diversity of SIM’s ministries. One figure that stood out to me was the number of our missionaries involved in church planting worldwide and here in Canada - 518 in fact. Church planting has been part of SIM’s DNA for the past 120 years.

This SIMNOW edition is all about church planting ministries - a snapshot of some of our SIM Canada missionaries involved in church planting - that span the globe. It makes captivating reading.

The ministries are as diverse as they are complex. It is clear that the church in Sudan is different from the church in Peru. A church in South East

Asia is different from a church in Bolivia. In fact your local church is likely to look very different than it did 10 years ago. The building may be the same, but with many different cultures now living in our urban centres, so too our churches are being enriched by people from around the world. Maybe this is a glimpse of heaven as it is described in Revelation 5: 13 where we will all be gathered around the throne of God, praising Him.

No matter how we worship or who sits beside us in church, the one unchanging and inspiring element is Jesus Christ. As Christians we can unite under Him whatever our church looks like, whatever our worship style, or the diversity of cultures who attend a service!

Recently I was at a breakfast meeting with Brian Seim, who heads up SIM Canada’s Culture Connections ministries. We were discussing the strategic direction this vital ministry will be taking in the future. Our conversation turned to statistics and Brian quoted figure that

almost had me choking on my bacon and eggs - in a good way. He was telling me of a long time missionary family - the

Devadason’s - who serve with SIM Canada, and are working with the Sri Lankan community in Toronto (some 400,000 people - 85% Hindu, 10% Buddhist). This family have planted over 20 churches and have just begun another church plant. What amazing dedication! What incredible vision! What tireless work! The Devadason’s (left), originally from Sri Lanka, now Canadian citizens, have devoted their lives to building and equipping Sri Lankan churches, working with youth, and discipling believers, both here in Canada as well as back in Sri Lanka.

Two years ago Benji Devadason, and SIM Canada’s former Executive Director Gregg Bryce, travelled to Sri Lanka to see if it was feasible to establish a SIM presence in the country. Two years on this vision is very close to reality. And two years on, SIM Canada has just sent its first missionary family to serve under the thriving church in Sri Lanka.

God is truly doing amazing things through SIM Canada! What a privilege it is to be part of His work.

CANADAq

SIM CanadaCulture

Connections

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

5

The home missionary movement

(like SIM Canada’s Culture

Connections) is exploding across

North America. The phenomenon is

noted as a significant trend in the

latest ‘Operation World’.

Mission is on our doorstep in our

culturally diverse neighbourhoods,

schools and universities.

Today, there are more than 20

Culture Connections missionaries

ministering to different cultures

alongside urban churches in

Canada - and more are coming.

Many are Canadians, some are

Koreans, some are from Africa and

the Middle East.

Some of our Culture Connections

missionaries are looking for

interns. What about you? Are you

willing to learn to reach out to your

local neighbourhood and help

enable the Canadian church to be

relevant in the community?

To find out more about how you

or your church can get involved, go

to www.sim.cultureconnections. n

SIMNOW

by ET Mair

Elias and Sheena Mutale are a couple from Zambia who now serve and live in Nova Scotia.

Elias is a natural born leader starting his first ministry opportunity after high school. He was a deputy leader for a team that organized worship services, charitable causes and evangelistic services around the military camp in Zambia's eastern province. After the military training, he took responsibility for a college Christian fellowship and saw the Lord build that from under ten to over 30. His desire for church planting was already beginning!

Over the next ten years, Elias was involved in a number of church plants and leadership opportunities in Zambia. When beginning theological training, Elias and Sheena felt called to continue studying in Canada. They haven’t left.

God has used them tremendously on the ‘field’ - the East coast of Canada. Elias says he likes to be on the side of the underdog and so when a small church approached him, it was a natural fit. The church really wanted to keep their doors open even though they only numbered five! They faithfully gave Elias $30 every Sunday which helped with gas and food for the week. Sadly, with more responsibilities even though the church was growing, Elias had to let go of this little church. God had opened a greater opportunity at Billtown-Woodville Baptist Churches where they saw church attendance more than double in their eight years on the field. “This field gave me my claim to fame,” Elias jokes.

When asked about the difference between church planting in Canada and in Zambia, Elias says it comes down to community. In Zambia, there is a natural sense of community and fellowship, while in Canada, it must be intentional. He says, “it is also easier to plant a church in the developing world at the moment because there is hunger for God. There is an openness to God that is rare in our Canadian context.”

But even though, it may be rare, church planting is still possible and the Mutale family has seen incredible church growth in Halifax. In the last ten years alone, there have been more than 30 churches planted. But Elias is quick to say that these aren’t your traditional church plants. Some meet in movie theatres, schools, industrial parks and other non-traditional places. “It is clear the church of the future needs a dynamism undeterred by both buildings and traditions.”

Elias and Sheena are part of SIM Canada’s Culture Connections, and are essentially missionaries to the Canadian church. They desire to be part of a diverse church that preaches gospel living. “The affinity need not be national, tribal or racial but involvement and belonging. We seek to manifest that in all our activities as a Culture Connections missionary couple. And we will go to great lengths to achieve that.” Elias and Sheena are clear that the church is about mission. Jesus commissioned his followers to go on a world wide mission of making disciples and they say that “this is a work that will not finish until Jesus comes.” u To support the Mutale’s ministry in

Canada give to 039526. n

4

„ planting more churches

“It is no longerunusual for a Nigerian

to be a missionary to China or a Sri Lankan to be a missionary in Canada.

By God’s grace, SIM has sending offices all

over the world.”

1 x family,20 + churches planted.It must be some kind of record...

John DenbokExecutive DirectorSIM Canada

1893-2013

the world is

changing and

with that comes a

shift in missions

In the April 2013 edition of SIMNOW, I quoted some of SIM’s world wide statistics that indicated the diversity of SIM’s ministries. One figure that stood out to me was the number of our missionaries involved in church planting worldwide and here in Canada - 518 in fact. Church planting has been part of SIM’s DNA for the past 120 years.

This SIMNOW edition is all about church planting ministries - a snapshot of some of our SIM Canada missionaries involved in church planting - that span the globe. It makes captivating reading.

The ministries are as diverse as they are complex. It is clear that the church in Sudan is different from the church in Peru. A church in South East

Asia is different from a church in Bolivia. In fact your local church is likely to look very different than it did 10 years ago. The building may be the same, but with many different cultures now living in our urban centres, so too our churches are being enriched by people from around the world. Maybe this is a glimpse of heaven as it is described in Revelation 5: 13 where we will all be gathered around the throne of God, praising Him.

No matter how we worship or who sits beside us in church, the one unchanging and inspiring element is Jesus Christ. As Christians we can unite under Him whatever our church looks like, whatever our worship style, or the diversity of cultures who attend a service!

Recently I was at a breakfast meeting with Brian Seim, who heads up SIM Canada’s Culture Connections ministries. We were discussing the strategic direction this vital ministry will be taking in the future. Our conversation turned to statistics and Brian quoted figure that

almost had me choking on my bacon and eggs - in a good way. He was telling me of a long time missionary family - the

Devadason’s - who serve with SIM Canada, and are working with the Sri Lankan community in Toronto (some 400,000 people - 85% Hindu, 10% Buddhist). This family have planted over 20 churches and have just begun another church plant. What amazing dedication! What incredible vision! What tireless work! The Devadason’s (left), originally from Sri Lanka, now Canadian citizens, have devoted their lives to building and equipping Sri Lankan churches, working with youth, and discipling believers, both here in Canada as well as back in Sri Lanka.

Two years ago Benji Devadason, and SIM Canada’s former Executive Director Gregg Bryce, travelled to Sri Lanka to see if it was feasible to establish a SIM presence in the country. Two years on this vision is very close to reality. And two years on, SIM Canada has just sent its first missionary family to serve under the thriving church in Sri Lanka.

God is truly doing amazing things through SIM Canada! What a privilege it is to be part of His work.

CANADAq

SIM CanadaCulture

Connections

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

5

The home missionary movement

(like SIM Canada’s Culture

Connections) is exploding across

North America. The phenomenon is

noted as a significant trend in the

latest ‘Operation World’.

Mission is on our doorstep in our

culturally diverse neighbourhoods,

schools and universities.

Today, there are more than 20

Culture Connections missionaries

ministering to different cultures

alongside urban churches in

Canada - and more are coming.

Many are Canadians, some are

Koreans, some are from Africa and

the Middle East.

Some of our Culture Connections

missionaries are looking for

interns. What about you? Are you

willing to learn to reach out to your

local neighbourhood and help

enable the Canadian church to be

relevant in the community?

To find out more about how you

or your church can get involved, go

to www.sim.cultureconnections. n

SIMNOW

by ET Mair

by David Heska

more than 250 serviceopportunities

7

with singing around 9:00am. By 9:30am the building is full and the singing continues with the children’s, youth, and women’s choirs, then congregational singing. This is followed by announcements, prayer, and then Scripture readings in Arabic, English and the local tribal language. There’s a 30 minute sermon, followed by the Lord’s Prayer and finally an offering. We always enjoy the end of the service when people stand outside in an organized circle as they shake hands with everyone who leave. It’s a great picture of community - no one leaves church without being greeted by everyone else!

But church planting in Sudan and South Sudan comes with challenges. In Sudan it is illegal to openly share the gospel and there is a large Muslim majority population. In South Sudan, there are no such restrictions. However, many Christians have a very shallow faith (if any true faith at all) and tribal beliefs have also tainted true Christianity.

One afternoon tea time I asked my friend Mayan, what he wanted to do when he graduated from GTC. He told me about the many people in his home region of Abyei who do not know about Jesus and then he said “I’m going to plant a church for them.”

Please join me in praying for South Sudan and Gideon Theological College. We are currently looking for a Sudanese man to serve as the Principal of the college and we also need funds for the facility development - particularly to build new student residences to house more students next year.

Challenges

u You can help by making a donation to project SS 84800. n

Quebecker, a pure line descendant of settlers from France. Laura Cyr is the daughter of David and Nancy Dytynyshyn, church planters in Quebec who have served with SIM in Niger and France. Steve, who has a Masters in Theology and has served as Chaplain in a high security prison and as elder and preacher in his Montreal church, chose David to mentor him in the principles and practices of church planting, because God has called Steve and Laura to take their faith back to the “Old Continent” to plant a church in one of those 35,000 communities that has none.

France is on a spiritual brink. Institutionalised religion has been widely abandoned. Materialism is the new god. Christians are a small yet growing minority. French and foreign church planters are seeing new churches formed.

French is spoken in 25 African countries and in many other regions of the world. Over half of the world’s unreached people groups are in those areas that are under-served by missionary workers because of the requirement to learn French. Increasing the number of Christians and churches in France will ultimately increase the spread of the Gospel throughout the French-speaking world. Let’s dream big with Steve and Laura and pray for them as they extend God’s Kingdom in France working with SIM’s partners France-Mission and Calvary Chapel Montreal that is sending them.

To support the Cyr’s ministry in France, give to 038766.

u

n

It was Fall 2011. I had just received a message from SIM missionaries working in South Sudan at Gideon Theological College (GTC).

GTC needed a “Construction Project Manager” and as my wife and I talked and prayed, we knew God was leading us to leave Canada to serve in South Sudan. By late Winter 2013, we arrived at Gideon Theological College in the small town of Melut along the Nile River.

The purpose of the Theological College is “to train men and women, who are committed to Christ, in the knowledge of God and His Word within an evangelical context, that they might be Christ-like in their character and life for God’s glory and for the service and building up of His Church.” Currently there are 16 students who are in the 4th and final year of their B

. Graduation will be in November 2013. It will be quite the celebration!

Following graduation these students will return to their home towns in Sudan and South Sudan to continue leading their local church or to begin planting a new local church. A new church plant would involve sharing the gospel in homes or with people around town and then inviting them to join “the church that meets under the tree” or “the church that meets in the house”. As the local church grows, the members would probably build a simple facility with string chairs and a concrete floor.

While we’ve been here in Melut we've visited the Anglican and Presbyterian churches and we regularly attend the SIM related Sudan Interior Church. A typical Sunday morning service begins

achelor of Arts in Theology

Church life in Melut

Advanced and affluent, educated and eloquent, cultured and chic, the French have produced some of the world’s best known artists, philosophers and poets and are world leaders in medicine and technology.

Yet less than one percent of the French population are Christian, more spirit mediums practice their craft than medical doctors, and 35,000 of the country’s 37,000 towns and villages are without an evangelical church, making France more spiritually needy than many of the more materially poor countries of the majority world where SIM works.

France has had the Gospel. The Reformer Jean Calvin was a Frenchman whose writings greatly inspired France’s Huguenots , members of the Protestant Reformed Church of France during the 16th and 17th centuries. France’s spiritual history was changed for generations after violent persecution led half a million Huguenots to flee France by the end of the 17th century and into the 18th century, taking their brains, expertise and evangelical Christianity to more tolerant places, including North America. When they left, one writer has lamented, “France lost its soul.”

Steve Cyr is a French-speaking

thechurch

is undera tree or in ahouse

replanting the church

in Calvin’s land

One afternoon as I was having tea with my friend

Mayan, I asked him what he wanted to do when he graduated from GTC.

Without hesitation he told me about the many people in his home region of Abyei who do

not know about Jesus and then he said “I’m going to plant a church for them.”

„ „

„ q SUDAN

q FRANCEby Angela BrandleRegional DirectorQuebec

6SIMNOW

Right now there are over 250 church planting opportunities worldwide. Here are just some of them...

Urban Church Planting and Discipleship Teams

Urban Multi-Ethnic Faith Enabler

Bible Teacher, Discipler, and Church Partnership Programme Coordinator

University Students to share with other university students

Evangelism and Church Planting among the Fulani or Tamajaq

Urban Church Planter

Discipleship Ministry to Women Rural Quechua Ministry

Intercultural Missionary Intercultural Interns

Church Developer World Missions Promoter Upper Class Church Planter

Church Planters to Unreached Tribes Church Planter for Minority People

Rural Church Planters Coffee Shop Worker Rural Youth Worker

Borana Church Planting/Outreach Guji Church Planting/Outreach Sports Coordinator for Youth Centre

Church Planters for Sisaala Sports Ministry Leaders

Church Planter Among Hindus Cell Church Developer

Evangelist/Discipler to Asians ESL/Literacy Teacher Outreach - Medical Care Doctor

Church Ministries Coordinator

Evangelist/Church Planter

Church Ministry Workers-Adult Focus Addiction Recovery Counselor Church Ministry Worker-Youth Focus

Muslim Outreach Facilitator Pioneer Church Planter Leadership Developer for New Areas

Angolau

Austriau

South Asiau

u

Burkina Fasou

u

Bolivia uu

Canadauu

Chileuuu

Central Asiauu

Ecuadoruuu

Ethiopiauuu

Ghanauu

Indiauu

Kenyauuu

Liberiau

Maliu

Mongoliauuu

Malawiuuu

by David Heska

more than 250 serviceopportunities

7

with singing around 9:00am. By 9:30am the building is full and the singing continues with the children’s, youth, and women’s choirs, then congregational singing. This is followed by announcements, prayer, and then Scripture readings in Arabic, English and the local tribal language. There’s a 30 minute sermon, followed by the Lord’s Prayer and finally an offering. We always enjoy the end of the service when people stand outside in an organized circle as they shake hands with everyone who leave. It’s a great picture of community - no one leaves church without being greeted by everyone else!

But church planting in Sudan and South Sudan comes with challenges. In Sudan it is illegal to openly share the gospel and there is a large Muslim majority population. In South Sudan, there are no such restrictions. However, many Christians have a very shallow faith (if any true faith at all) and tribal beliefs have also tainted true Christianity.

One afternoon tea time I asked my friend Mayan, what he wanted to do when he graduated from GTC. He told me about the many people in his home region of Abyei who do not know about Jesus and then he said “I’m going to plant a church for them.”

Please join me in praying for South Sudan and Gideon Theological College. We are currently looking for a Sudanese man to serve as the Principal of the college and we also need funds for the facility development - particularly to build new student residences to house more students next year.

Challenges

u You can help by making a donation to project SS 84800. n

Quebecker, a pure line descendant of settlers from France. Laura Cyr is the daughter of David and Nancy Dytynyshyn, church planters in Quebec who have served with SIM in Niger and France. Steve, who has a Masters in Theology and has served as Chaplain in a high security prison and as elder and preacher in his Montreal church, chose David to mentor him in the principles and practices of church planting, because God has called Steve and Laura to take their faith back to the “Old Continent” to plant a church in one of those 35,000 communities that has none.

France is on a spiritual brink. Institutionalised religion has been widely abandoned. Materialism is the new god. Christians are a small yet growing minority. French and foreign church planters are seeing new churches formed.

French is spoken in 25 African countries and in many other regions of the world. Over half of the world’s unreached people groups are in those areas that are under-served by missionary workers because of the requirement to learn French. Increasing the number of Christians and churches in France will ultimately increase the spread of the Gospel throughout the French-speaking world. Let’s dream big with Steve and Laura and pray for them as they extend God’s Kingdom in France working with SIM’s partners France-Mission and Calvary Chapel Montreal that is sending them.

To support the Cyr’s ministry in France, give to 038766.

u

n

It was Fall 2011. I had just received a message from SIM missionaries working in South Sudan at Gideon Theological College (GTC).

GTC needed a “Construction Project Manager” and as my wife and I talked and prayed, we knew God was leading us to leave Canada to serve in South Sudan. By late Winter 2013, we arrived at Gideon Theological College in the small town of Melut along the Nile River.

The purpose of the Theological College is “to train men and women, who are committed to Christ, in the knowledge of God and His Word within an evangelical context, that they might be Christ-like in their character and life for God’s glory and for the service and building up of His Church.” Currently there are 16 students who are in the 4th and final year of their B

. Graduation will be in November 2013. It will be quite the celebration!

Following graduation these students will return to their home towns in Sudan and South Sudan to continue leading their local church or to begin planting a new local church. A new church plant would involve sharing the gospel in homes or with people around town and then inviting them to join “the church that meets under the tree” or “the church that meets in the house”. As the local church grows, the members would probably build a simple facility with string chairs and a concrete floor.

While we’ve been here in Melut we've visited the Anglican and Presbyterian churches and we regularly attend the SIM related Sudan Interior Church. A typical Sunday morning service begins

achelor of Arts in Theology

Church life in Melut

Advanced and affluent, educated and eloquent, cultured and chic, the French have produced some of the world’s best known artists, philosophers and poets and are world leaders in medicine and technology.

Yet less than one percent of the French population are Christian, more spirit mediums practice their craft than medical doctors, and 35,000 of the country’s 37,000 towns and villages are without an evangelical church, making France more spiritually needy than many of the more materially poor countries of the majority world where SIM works.

France has had the Gospel. The Reformer Jean Calvin was a Frenchman whose writings greatly inspired France’s Huguenots , members of the Protestant Reformed Church of France during the 16th and 17th centuries. France’s spiritual history was changed for generations after violent persecution led half a million Huguenots to flee France by the end of the 17th century and into the 18th century, taking their brains, expertise and evangelical Christianity to more tolerant places, including North America. When they left, one writer has lamented, “France lost its soul.”

Steve Cyr is a French-speaking

thechurch

is undera tree or in ahouse

replanting the church

in Calvin’s land

One afternoon as I was having tea with my friend

Mayan, I asked him what he wanted to do when he graduated from GTC.

Without hesitation he told me about the many people in his home region of Abyei who do

not know about Jesus and then he said “I’m going to plant a church for them.”

„ „

„ q SUDAN

q FRANCEby Angela BrandleRegional DirectorQuebec

6SIMNOW

Right now there are over 250 church planting opportunities worldwide. Here are just some of them...

Urban Church Planting and Discipleship Teams

Urban Multi-Ethnic Faith Enabler

Bible Teacher, Discipler, and Church Partnership Programme Coordinator

University Students to share with other university students

Evangelism and Church Planting among the Fulani or Tamajaq

Urban Church Planter

Discipleship Ministry to Women Rural Quechua Ministry

Intercultural Missionary Intercultural Interns

Church Developer World Missions Promoter Upper Class Church Planter

Church Planters to Unreached Tribes Church Planter for Minority People

Rural Church Planters Coffee Shop Worker Rural Youth Worker

Borana Church Planting/Outreach Guji Church Planting/Outreach Sports Coordinator for Youth Centre

Church Planters for Sisaala Sports Ministry Leaders

Church Planter Among Hindus Cell Church Developer

Evangelist/Discipler to Asians ESL/Literacy Teacher Outreach - Medical Care Doctor

Church Ministries Coordinator

Evangelist/Church Planter

Church Ministry Workers-Adult Focus Addiction Recovery Counselor Church Ministry Worker-Youth Focus

Muslim Outreach Facilitator Pioneer Church Planter Leadership Developer for New Areas

Angolau

Austriau

South Asiau

u

Burkina Fasou

u

Bolivia uu

Canadauu

Chileuuu

Central Asiauu

Ecuadoruuu

Ethiopiauuu

Ghanauu

Indiauu

Kenyauuu

Liberiau

Maliu

Mongoliauuu

Malawiuuu

8 9

„ empowering more people

Neil and his family work alongside a project that empowers local people to reach their community for Christ.

We had an opportunity to ask Neil a few questions about a powerful ministry that empowers local people to reach their community for Christ.

Can you tell me about the Indigenous Outreach Worker project?

Can you define church planting?

The indigenous outreach worker project exists to support gifted and proven local evangelists as they work to plant churches among a Muslim population South East Asia. Through supported indigenous outreach workers, people will come to faith in Christ, be discipled and formed into small house churches. We envision that these paid workers will be reproducing themselves among those who come to faith and these new disciples will be involved in further outreach to new areas. The emphasis of this project is to work in currently unreached parts of the country where there are no other organizations with a church planting focus among the Muslim population.

Church planting looks different in different cultures and countries. To get a definition of church planting, we first need a definition of church. A church in our context is defined as:

Disciples of Jesus in a local area meeting together regularly, for prayer, worship, fellowship, teaching from the scriptures, and the Lord's Supper and

who accept new people into their group through initiation of baptism.

A physical church building is not important and is sometimes a liability more than an asset because anyone who enters it will be branded as an apostate from Islam. There is no such negative stigma against joining a church meeting in someone’s home. Newcomers, seekers, those not so strong in their faith can more easily attend a meeting in a home without facing the wrath of their community.

In July one of our colleagues visited a village and met with a group of believers. The leader was Abu Bhai. The group had used the ‘Proclaimer’ (a device that plays the Bible in their language) since January. The key believers are Abu Bhai and his older brother Shajahan Bhai. (Bhai simply means brother) as well as 6 baptized believers. Abu Bhai reported that they use the ‘Proclaimer’ almost every day – and then sit together and listen to it every Thursday as a group for fellowship and instruction. They use the ‘Proclaimer’ as there are no literate people in the group.

How important is the local church in terms of people vs. physical structure?

Can you share a story of an individual who has been affected by this project?

They are reaching out into the community - sharing slowly and carefully so that they will be able to continue to live in their own community. In a small village like this – that is 100% Muslim – as people come to faith, they need to have wisdom and insight to share their faith. The goal is to establish long-term, locally sustainable fellowships. It takes wisdom to do this in ways that will not bring unnecessary persecution on the group and significantly hinder the overall growth process. It was encouraging to hear that the group plan to set up a dedicated worship room in a small shed that is behind Abu Bhai’s home.

As Harun, one of this project’s supported outreach workers, read from Matthew 10 – Abu Bhai and his brother were able to finish many of the passages. Abu Bhai would say with excitement that “these are the same words that we hear from the ‘Proclaimer’.” It was very clear that Abu Bhai and his brother had listened to the to the Word of God many times. It was now deep in their hearts and minds.

Prayer! For more people to come to faith. For those who have come to faith that they will meet together as part of the church body. The second greatest need is that God would lead the team in selection of more outreach workers.

You can help by making a donation to project BD 98431.

And the project’s greatest need now?

nu

empoweringlocal people

in their

communities

to be the church

By ET Mair

By Lesley Kayser

q SOUTH EAST ASIA q BOLIVIA

the church that began on a patio

members, we were soon able to completely support the pastor and maintain the ministry, from our weekly tithes and offerings.

When Nehemiah, returned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, it wasn’t all easy, and he had many attacks. In the same way, we have been attacked in every way possible, it seems, and the enemy certainly has tried to discourage us. We wanted to give up at times but we kept going as we remembered the promises in God’s Word that our strength is renewed as we put our hope in Him.

In May, we bought a property (above photo) and we had enough to pay the taxes and other costs involved in the purchase. We are most thankful to the Lord and now look to Him for the funds to begin to build. We urgently need to get started as our patio is too small now as we have over 60 people most Sunday mornings and evenings (inset photo above). The children’s Sunday school meets in our dining and living rooms.

Our vision is to continue to be a light house in this community. As kids grow out of the children’s program, we want to see them involved in a youth ministry. We would also like to expand the children’s ministry during the week and set up a program to help them with their schooling and health needs.

There are so many ideas and dreams for this church plant and much needs to be done as well as funds to be raised to complete the task. It is a large vision, however, we believe that He who gave us this vision will bring it to fruition!

You can help by making a donation to Project BO 91526.

un

After more than 40 years of service in Bolivia it didn’t seem right to be starting yet another project. However, this didn’t stop me.

My friend and co-worker Rosa started a church plant in Trinidad (Bolivia) that meets on my patio. I wasn’t sure if we could handle the responsibility, until the Lord encouraged us from His Word - in our weakness, He has given us strength. (Isaiah 40:29-31).

It all began 12 years ago when we were concerned for the many children in the neighbourhood, and started a “Good News Happy Hour” children’s program every Saturday afternoon.

We soon had a thriving group of 60-80 children, and we have seen many children come to know the Lord as Saviour and grow in their knowledge of Him. It is an encouragement to also see several neighbours follow Christ including a family next door who are now very active in our congregation.

At that time, several pastors and close friends encouraged us to start a new church in the area so we began to have evening services. We had a lot of support from our central church as people came to help with the programs, music and teaching.

In 2010, we became a congregation, a daughter of the central church, holding meetings on Sundays and during the week. We had a pastor and by the grace of God and the faithfulness of the

Scan the QR code or go to

sim.ca/opportunities for a full listing of

service opportunities in each SIM country.

moreopps to go

„

„ „

SIMNOW

Mozambiqueuu

Nigeruuuuu

Nigeriauu

Nepaluu

Peruuu

Philippinesu

West Asiauu

Paraguayu

uu

Singaporeu

Senegaluu

South Sudanu

Togou

Thailanduu

Tanzaniau

Uruguayuu

South Africauu

Zambiauu

Evangelist to Unreached People Church Planter to the Yao People

Outreach/Discipling Ministry - Galmi Church Planter to the Hausa people Manga Church Planter Church Planter among Arabs Fulani Church Planters

Trainers for Muslim Ministry Street Children Care Centre Child Therapist and Staff Trainer

Church Leadership Development Church Leadership Development and Missions Training

Church Planter in the Peruvian Andes Women’s Prison Ministry Evangelist

Outreach to Chinese Migrants

Book Van Manager Outreach through Business

Church Planter/Evangelist/Small Engine Repair Specialist

Missions Mobilizer Church Planting Internship

Evangelist/Church Planter/Pastor for Diaspora Chinese

Mobilizer and Seminar Leader TEFL Teacher and Evangelist to City Professionals

Chronological Bible Teachers

Church Planters/Facilitators

Muslim Focus Church Planter Sports Trainer/Ministry Coordinator

Evangelist/Church Planter

Mentor Program Manager Cross-Cultural Ministry Trainer

Trainer for Outreach Women’s Ministry

Pastoral Intern Youth Discipleship Worker

8 9

„ empowering more people

Neil and his family work alongside a project that empowers local people to reach their community for Christ.

We had an opportunity to ask Neil a few questions about a powerful ministry that empowers local people to reach their community for Christ.

Can you tell me about the Indigenous Outreach Worker project?

Can you define church planting?

The indigenous outreach worker project exists to support gifted and proven local evangelists as they work to plant churches among a Muslim population South East Asia. Through supported indigenous outreach workers, people will come to faith in Christ, be discipled and formed into small house churches. We envision that these paid workers will be reproducing themselves among those who come to faith and these new disciples will be involved in further outreach to new areas. The emphasis of this project is to work in currently unreached parts of the country where there are no other organizations with a church planting focus among the Muslim population.

Church planting looks different in different cultures and countries. To get a definition of church planting, we first need a definition of church. A church in our context is defined as:

Disciples of Jesus in a local area meeting together regularly, for prayer, worship, fellowship, teaching from the scriptures, and the Lord's Supper and

who accept new people into their group through initiation of baptism.

A physical church building is not important and is sometimes a liability more than an asset because anyone who enters it will be branded as an apostate from Islam. There is no such negative stigma against joining a church meeting in someone’s home. Newcomers, seekers, those not so strong in their faith can more easily attend a meeting in a home without facing the wrath of their community.

In July one of our colleagues visited a village and met with a group of believers. The leader was Abu Bhai. The group had used the ‘Proclaimer’ (a device that plays the Bible in their language) since January. The key believers are Abu Bhai and his older brother Shajahan Bhai. (Bhai simply means brother) as well as 6 baptized believers. Abu Bhai reported that they use the ‘Proclaimer’ almost every day – and then sit together and listen to it every Thursday as a group for fellowship and instruction. They use the ‘Proclaimer’ as there are no literate people in the group.

How important is the local church in terms of people vs. physical structure?

Can you share a story of an individual who has been affected by this project?

They are reaching out into the community - sharing slowly and carefully so that they will be able to continue to live in their own community. In a small village like this – that is 100% Muslim – as people come to faith, they need to have wisdom and insight to share their faith. The goal is to establish long-term, locally sustainable fellowships. It takes wisdom to do this in ways that will not bring unnecessary persecution on the group and significantly hinder the overall growth process. It was encouraging to hear that the group plan to set up a dedicated worship room in a small shed that is behind Abu Bhai’s home.

As Harun, one of this project’s supported outreach workers, read from Matthew 10 – Abu Bhai and his brother were able to finish many of the passages. Abu Bhai would say with excitement that “these are the same words that we hear from the ‘Proclaimer’.” It was very clear that Abu Bhai and his brother had listened to the to the Word of God many times. It was now deep in their hearts and minds.

Prayer! For more people to come to faith. For those who have come to faith that they will meet together as part of the church body. The second greatest need is that God would lead the team in selection of more outreach workers.

You can help by making a donation to project BD 98431.

And the project’s greatest need now?

nu

empoweringlocal people

in their

communities

to be the church

By ET Mair

By Lesley Kayser

q SOUTH EAST ASIA q BOLIVIA

the church that began on a patio

members, we were soon able to completely support the pastor and maintain the ministry, from our weekly tithes and offerings.

When Nehemiah, returned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, it wasn’t all easy, and he had many attacks. In the same way, we have been attacked in every way possible, it seems, and the enemy certainly has tried to discourage us. We wanted to give up at times but we kept going as we remembered the promises in God’s Word that our strength is renewed as we put our hope in Him.

In May, we bought a property (above photo) and we had enough to pay the taxes and other costs involved in the purchase. We are most thankful to the Lord and now look to Him for the funds to begin to build. We urgently need to get started as our patio is too small now as we have over 60 people most Sunday mornings and evenings (inset photo above). The children’s Sunday school meets in our dining and living rooms.

Our vision is to continue to be a light house in this community. As kids grow out of the children’s program, we want to see them involved in a youth ministry. We would also like to expand the children’s ministry during the week and set up a program to help them with their schooling and health needs.

There are so many ideas and dreams for this church plant and much needs to be done as well as funds to be raised to complete the task. It is a large vision, however, we believe that He who gave us this vision will bring it to fruition!

You can help by making a donation to Project BO 91526.

un

After more than 40 years of service in Bolivia it didn’t seem right to be starting yet another project. However, this didn’t stop me.

My friend and co-worker Rosa started a church plant in Trinidad (Bolivia) that meets on my patio. I wasn’t sure if we could handle the responsibility, until the Lord encouraged us from His Word - in our weakness, He has given us strength. (Isaiah 40:29-31).

It all began 12 years ago when we were concerned for the many children in the neighbourhood, and started a “Good News Happy Hour” children’s program every Saturday afternoon.

We soon had a thriving group of 60-80 children, and we have seen many children come to know the Lord as Saviour and grow in their knowledge of Him. It is an encouragement to also see several neighbours follow Christ including a family next door who are now very active in our congregation.

At that time, several pastors and close friends encouraged us to start a new church in the area so we began to have evening services. We had a lot of support from our central church as people came to help with the programs, music and teaching.

In 2010, we became a congregation, a daughter of the central church, holding meetings on Sundays and during the week. We had a pastor and by the grace of God and the faithfulness of the

Scan the QR code or go to

sim.ca/opportunities for a full listing of

service opportunities in each SIM country.

moreopps to go

„

„ „

SIMNOW

Mozambiqueuu

Nigeruuuuu

Nigeriauu

Nepaluu

Peruuu

Philippinesu

West Asiauu

Paraguayu

uu

Singaporeu

Senegaluu

South Sudanu

Togou

Thailanduu

Tanzaniau

Uruguayuu

South Africauu

Zambiauu

Evangelist to Unreached People Church Planter to the Yao People

Outreach/Discipling Ministry - Galmi Church Planter to the Hausa people Manga Church Planter Church Planter among Arabs Fulani Church Planters

Trainers for Muslim Ministry Street Children Care Centre Child Therapist and Staff Trainer

Church Leadership Development Church Leadership Development and Missions Training

Church Planter in the Peruvian Andes Women’s Prison Ministry Evangelist

Outreach to Chinese Migrants

Book Van Manager Outreach through Business

Church Planter/Evangelist/Small Engine Repair Specialist

Missions Mobilizer Church Planting Internship

Evangelist/Church Planter/Pastor for Diaspora Chinese

Mobilizer and Seminar Leader TEFL Teacher and Evangelist to City Professionals

Chronological Bible Teachers

Church Planters/Facilitators

Muslim Focus Church Planter Sports Trainer/Ministry Coordinator

Evangelist/Church Planter

Mentor Program Manager Cross-Cultural Ministry Trainer

Trainer for Outreach Women’s Ministry

Pastoral Intern Youth Discipleship Worker

10

It’s a remarkable story of how the Holy Spirit caused the growth of this church after the evacuation of SIM in the Communist years. Since that time Wolaytan evangelists have become well known for their bold and fearless outreach. Each generation has amazing stories to tell. During the Italian occupation of Ethiopia, there were “midnight runners,” evangelists who would travel overnight to preach, so as not to be caught. In Communist times, Wolaytans travelled further and further south to unknown, hostile people groups. The EKHC has subsequently grown to more than seven million members. Since 2006, international borders have been crossed and the EKHC has sent a new generation of missionaries. Among these is another Wolaytan, named Abera.

His background and ministry experience have followed the pattern of his

church fathers. He first served in Gesuba, a weak church area in Wolayta. Later he served in the Omo Valley in the remote far south among the Hamar Bako, a people group very different from his own.

There he was mentored by another famous long-

standing evangelist, Ato Mahae

Choramo. After a period of training and theological education, Abera and his wife Desta, with their first child, William, left to serve in Pakistan. (Later, a second son, Pervez, was born in Pakistan.) The objective of

their ministry was: church planting, training others in

church planting and mobilizing the Church for mission to the community. It was the Lord's timing for the Marwari Church to expand and he used Abera as the catalyst to enable 33 house churches to be planted in three years.

When asked about the key to his successful ministry, Abera replied, “I came with nothing in my hand except a passion for missions' ministry.” This implies a complete dependence on God for ministry. Being an Ethiopian helped Abera to learn the language and to be accepted into the culture of the people he was serving. A pastor called Elias, from one of Abera's sending churches, commented that his EKHC background stood Abera in good stead, since the church had focused on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) as a central text for many years. He pointed to four important elements of the current missions movement in Ethiopia: biblical obedience to the evangelistic call; daily prayer (many churches here have a prayer meeting every day for their missionaries); the fresh example of the missionaries and evangelists who had gone before; and continued dependence on God. Abera is not the only missionary sent by EKHC. In Elias' church alone there are prayer groups for six other missionaries. One word, which was continually repeated by the people I talked with when speaking about EKHC and mission, was “sacrificial.” People give generously as well as spending time in prayer. Abera's monthly salary comes from his sending churches, a point he stressed is a good model. The EKHC churches and the missionaries continue to grow in their passion to reach other people groups, who will in turn reach others. When I asked Abera what was next for EKHC's mission, he said, “We plan to go wherever Ethiopian Airlines flies.”

l

A passion for mission

n

„ enabling more people

By Jonathan Oliver

Poster Insert

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from southern

Ethiopia to the world

more than 80 years ago the

Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church

(EKHC) was planted in

Wolayta, Ethiopia by SIM

missionaries.

When asked about the key to his successful ministry, Abera replied, “I came with nothing in my hand except a passion for missions' ministry.”

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The combined “SIMNOW #123”, “World Watch #63”, is an official publication of SIM Canada and is published 4 times per year. SIM (Serving In Mission), is an interdenominational evangelical Protestant mission founded in 1893. SIM includes Africa Evangelical Fellowship, Andes Evangelical Mission, International Christian Fellowship, and Sudan Interior Mission. Send address changes to: The Editor, 10 Huntingdale Blvd., Scarborough, ON, M1W 2S5, Canada. Printed in Canada. © 2013 by SIM. Additional copies are available. Permission to reprint any material must be obtained from the Editor. E-mail: canada.info@sim.org. Subscription is free (Donations appreciated). Subscribe on-line at www.sim.ca or email canada.info@sim.org. International Editor: Suzanne Green. Canadian Editor: E. T. Mair. Designer: John Rose.

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GENERAL ENQUIRIES Nancy Gibson

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T: 416-497-2424E: canada.info@sim.org

www.sim.ca

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E: erwin.vanlaar@sim.orgT: 416-497-2424 (ext172)

Cell: 416-459-1790

REGIONAL MOBILIZERS

ATLANTIC CANADAJim Longworth

E: jim.longworth@sim.orgT: 506-472-6855

QUEBECAngela Brandle

E: angela.brandle@sim.orgT: 514-425-6611

Willy BrandleE: willy.brandle@sim.org

Brigitte MarcellinEastern Townships

E: brigitte.marcellin@sim.orgT: 819-566-8676

ONTARIORick Bradford

E: rick.bradford@sim.orgT: 416-497-2424 (ext. 176)

Simon MarrableE: simon.marrable@sim.org

T: 416-497-2424 (ext. 151)

Doraine RossE: doraine.ross@sim.org

T: 519-740-1422

PRAIRIES/MANITOBADan & Wanda Screpnek

E: dan.screpnek@sim.orgE: wanda.screpnek@sim.org

T: 403-886-5961Cell: 403-352-2859

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E: keith.frew@sim.orgCell (Keith): 604-217-2893

Phil & Marcia LeskewichE: phil.leskewich@sim.org

T: 604-744-8159

Radio is used worldwide to entertain as well as to inform communities and individuals.

Mission organizations and churches use it to communicate the gospel message to remote unreached people groups.

Mosoj Chaski is a well established short-wave radio station in Bolivia that specifically targets

the Quechua people. These people live off the land in remote areas so radio is one of the only ways that they can be reached with the gospel.

Mosoj Chaski is well respected and people trust the radio

programs. The program content varies for men,

women and children and includes information about agriculture, clean water, and health as well as the

gospel message. Follow-up literature is also produced and made available.

Often small groups gather to listen to the programs.

We know that the message is being heard but are people

being transformed by the

l

What is the eternal effect?

gospel? The Quechua must travel everywhere by foot making it almost impossible to have a set time and location for a church service so the Quechua church is found in small community gatherings in remote villages and towns.

Mosoj Chaski also operates a mobile Bible school and bookstore. Literature is produced in the Quechua language. As people are taught, they are stepping up as leaders in the Quechua churches teaching others along with the radio programming. Discipleship is certainly a great need, but the Quechua people help each other learn as they sit in groups and talk.

The next big project for Masoj Chaski is creating teaching and discipleship DVDs that will further teach and empower church leaders.

However, radio, DVDs and books can only do so much. People are still needed to physically travel into the countryside. Will you pray for more travelling missionaries to minister to this group? Will you also pray for more Quechua people to assist with writing the programs?

u You can help by making a donation to

project BO 91314. n

Radio builds structure free churches

among the Quechua

q BOLIVIA