Repost: Wherever You Are, Serve Well

This is the second post in our series of posts from the past that you probably missed. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the first, Skunk in a Bottle. And don't forget to keep checking back regularly for content - we are constantly putting up new things just for you!

Three Urban Plunge participants serving at Heartland Hope Mission!

By Julie Timms, former Urban Plunge employee 


  Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to help lead a round table discussion with some college students.  The discussion centered around two main questions.  Is there such a thing as a "calling"?  Is reaching unreached people groups more important than bringing the Gospel to those in the U.S.?  Those in the room came from a mixture of backgrounds and experiences, and they all held to their own opinions on the debate.

     I wrote a post titled "Reaching Our Jerusalem".  In that post, I referenced Acts 1:8, which directs us to serve our community and city, our nation at large, and the ends of the earth.  I think that much truth can be found in that verse.  Where we are now is just as vital as "the ends of the earth".  While we should never diminish the significance of going overseas, I think that sometimes we can get caught up in the hype of the overseas missionary.  Relevant Magazine has an excellent article that discusses this subject; it's called "We Need Boring Christians".

     Based on my understanding of Jesus, I know that He loves everyone in the world equally, and He died for all.  He desires that each one of us should come into a saving faith.  Thinking about it this way, it means that the unreached people groups that have never heard the Gospel before are just as important as those in the U.S. who have potentially heard the Gospel message many times.  And the reverse is also absolutely true: Americans need to hear the Gospel and feel the love of Jesus as much as the unreached.  I think that we need to be careful not to classify non-believing Americans as unworthy of hearing and receiving the Gospel.  The mentality that they've had their chance to hear the Gospel but they rejected it should be refuted.  Someday, Jesus will return.  How will we answer Him?

     I would probably be classified as a boring Christian.  Growing up in a Midwest farm family, the furthest I've ever traveled was to Florida when I was six.  I went to a local Christian university, where a big emphasis was placed on intercultural ministry, especially going overseas.  I distinctly remember several conversations I had with different students who were Intercultural Studies majors.  They just couldn't seem to understand why I didn't want to go overseas.  I'm not in the slightest against going out of the country someday on a short-term mission trip, if the timing is right.  I don't feel called, however, to do long-term mission work out of the country.   After one mission conference session, I was talking with a student in the lunch line.  I was honest with him and said, "While listening to the guy share his incredible stories is really cool, I just don't feel that burning in my heart that God's calling me overseas." 

     I am a big proponent of local missions, marketplace ministry, and being present and active in the here and now.  I know of people with grand plans to serve God overseas someday.  It's wonderful that they feel God leading them to Africa and other places.  The problem, however, is that they are not present where God has them now.  All of their energy and focus seems to be on getting overseas someday, and they miss out on the opportunities available right where they are.

Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living. - Jim Elliot  

I think that Jim Elliot was exactly right.  We are called to serve well, wherever we are.  Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  1 Peter 4:10 states, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."  And one more verse, found in 2 Corinthians 9:7b, which easily can relate to serving: "God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."  I don't think any of these verses talk about putting your serving on hold.

Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him?  Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him?  I'm not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things - things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him." - Oswald Chambers

     I'll be the first to admit that it's not always easy to remain present and active in the here and now.  I'm a dreamer, so I have a tendency to squander my thought life thinking about a glorious, idealistic future.  God is faithful, however, and He continually brings people and opportunities into my life to ground me in the present-day.  Christ For the City offers plenty of ways to serve, both in your community and around the world.  If you're interested in going out of the country, get a group together and take a short-term mission trip to a Latin country. Or, go as a short-term individual for one month to a year.  You can even get involved in the U.S., through our Urban Plunge program.  Just by going on an Urban Plunge, you are guaranteed exposure to at least 7-9 ministries and organizations.  We make it easy to reach out and serve.  If you don't know where to start, just start small.  The more you serve, the easier it becomes.  And, I can resolutely say that God will bless your serving tenfold.

     Wherever you are, serve well.  

(Video) How God is making a difference in Nicaraguan schoolchildren

Nicaragua is a country clenched in the iron fist of poverty. According to the CIA World Factbook, more than 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line - with 14 percent living in extreme poverty (generally defined as less than $1.25 per day). One of the big reasons for this is lack of education. Check out the video below to see why the situation is the way it is, and what CFCI - Nicaragua is doing to change that.

Isn't this exciting? To be a part of the way that God is moving in the ministry of Christ For the City International, please click the link below. And believe us, this is one of the best ways to spend your money.

IMPACT: Spring 2015 Edition

Every quarter, we like to let you, our wonderful supporters know about what's going on through a publication called IMPACT. We recognize that many of you may not receive the print edition of this lovely little letter. In lieu of that, please enjoy the latest edition of IMPACT, on the blog for the first time ever!

Written and Designed by: John Michael Den Hartog

Edited by: Amanda Jones

Transformation Testimony: Guatemala Short-Term Team Member

We have hundreds of people that travel with Christ For the City International to various countries, and God tends to do awesome, amazing, and awe-inspiring things in their lives. We wanted to share just one example of how God moved in Guatemala. 

Blessings to you in the Lord!

My 14-day trip to Guatemala exceeded my expectations! God worked in ways and situations that were extraordinary. In my 30 years of ministry I have not witnessed such an outpouring of God's Spirit as I ministered. The translator provided, Lucia, played a large part in the success of my trip. Her flexibility and patience with this gringo, enabled us to be effective in diverse ministry settings. From military prisons to private High Schools, we were able to share the gospel of Christ and see dozens of people receive the Lord! 

We were also able to speak to the staff  5-6 times and witnessed an awakening of faith in three of its members. God's movement was powerful, joyful, and personal as we spoke from the Bible about God's training and growth of faith. 

As we also went house to house we also had great receptivity. Entire families received the message of the gospel! 

In one home, a woman who was paralyzed and had not walked for 1 1/2 years, asked for prayer. As we prayed, we sensed the power of the Lord was present. We continued to pray and wait on the Lord; however, we left with no visible signs of healing. She attended a small church that we were to speak at the following day. You can imagine our astonishment as we saw this same woman, who had not walked in 1 1/2 years, come walking through the church doors the following day! She was limping - but on her own power with no help - she was walking! 

In that particular church, the Lord was especially present with many coming forward and finding Christ or renewal through Him.  

Lastly, we also established contacts with some of the churches/pastors we visited.  Lord willing, we will be able to further encourage these churches in the future with a team from the church I now pastor in California. 

Working with CFCI proved to be an incredible asset in doing God's work in Guatemala. Without your help and organization, I would not have been able to serve and see God do so many wonderful things. Thank you!

Blessings to you, and thanks again for all your help.

--

Interested in supporting more of this kind of work? Click the link below to help support the work God is doing through Christ For the City International.

Edited by: John Michael Den Hartog

Share the Love

Have you seen our new "Share the Love" catalog?  Many copious hours of love and effort went into creating a great catalog with an even greater purpose.  A GIANT Thank You goes to Jill Adams and Jerica Kuncl for their vision and work on this catalog!

click to be taken to catalog

Christ For the City International:

• 16 countries
• 70+ ministries
• 350+ mission workers
• Endless needs and endless ways to meet these needs

We've created a catalog featuring 8 of the countries we work in and some of the urgent needs they have.  We've made it extremely simple for YOU to make a difference in a tangible way.

Meet Guatemala, one of the countries featured in this catalog.  Home to over 14 million people, 60% of those subsisting in the capital city of Guatemala City are living in poverty.  Christ For the City's Guatemala Base has feeding programs, children's ministries through churches and schools, and a medical clinic.  And they need YOUR help.  Through the "Share the Love" catalog, we give you the opportunity to feed hungry children, purchase medical supplies for our clinic, and even buy a maternity package to help mothers in need.

Can you help Guatemala out or one of the other countries highlighted in this catalog?  Click the following link to be taken to the catalog:

Share the Love Catalog

Pass this on to your friends.  Share this on your Facebook page and email lists.  Please help us spread the word about how YOU can share the love of Jesus Christ through meeting concrete, authentic needs.

Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing.  Giving, not getting, is the way.  Generosity begets generosity.

- Luke 6:38 (The Message) 

Love Thy Neighbor and Thy City

Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: "Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers.  And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy.  Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood.  Tell them that the kingdom is here.  Bring health to the sick.  Raise the dead.  Touch the untouchables.  Kick out the demons.  You have been treated generously, so live generously." - Matt. 10:5-8 (The Message)

Here at Christ For the City, our vision is that there would be "No place without a witness, no church without a vision, and no person without hope."  And we believe that this starts with cities, hence the name of our organization.  An article came in my inbox today, written by Tim Keller.  It's titled  "A Vision to Reach the City."  Keller mentions in the article that "Per capita, the cities are really underchurched and they're getting more underchurched all the time."  He says, "Churches, denominations and mission organizations must do more to try to reach the growing urban population around the world."  Cities are growing at a faster rate for the first time in over a century.  And not just in the United States, but globally.  You can read the rest of the article here: http://www.outreachmagazine.com/people/4932-tim-keller-a-vision-to-reach-the-city.html?p=1.

The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership says that, as of May 2011, Omaha, Nebraska has a population of 408,958.  A year-and-a-half later, that number has increased by almost 20,000.  This does not include the surrounding Greater Omaha Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the more than 1.2 million people that live within an easy sixty minute drive of Omaha.  Where do you live?  I would encourage you to do some research on the demographics in your area--a quick internet search would put this information at your fingertips.  

The Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life released a report earlier this month.  The name of this report is called "'Nones' on the Rise: One-in-Five Adults Have No Religious Affiliation."  On one hand, the title alone is enough to shock us.  On the other hand, though, why should we be surprised?  When we look at what is running rampant through our society--pornography, alcohol and drug addiction, idol worship, homosexuality, broken homes, violence, a me-centered philosophy--it's easy to agree that one-in-five adults have no religious affiliation.

Here's what the Pew Forum says:

The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace. One-fifth of the U.S. public – and a third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated today, the highest percentages ever in Pew Research Center polling.  In the last five years alone, the unaffiliated have increased from just over 15% to just under 20% of all U.S. adults. Their ranks now include more than 13 million self-described atheists and agnostics (nearly 6% of the U.S. public), as well as nearly 33 million people who say they have no particular religious affiliation (14%).

If you care to thumb through the report, here's the link: http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Unaffiliated/NonesOnTheRise-full.pdf.

Why do I mention these scores of people?  And why do I acknowledge the apathetic?  I talk about them, because Jesus talked about them.  Not only did Jesus talk about them, he addressed their sin.  He loved on them.  He showed them an inordinate amount of grace and mercy.  He wasn't afraid to hang out with them in public (Matt. 9, Luke 19).  Jesus did it right and I think we have a thing or two or much to learn from Him on how to love thy neighbor and thy city.

Jesus' attitude and actions are a challenge for me.  Far too often, I find myself living my easy Christian life.  On Sunday morning, I go to church with Christians.  On Tuesday and Thursday nights, I again hang out with Christians through my Bible Studies.  Monday-Friday, I work in an office with some pretty amazing Christians.  And somewhere along the line, I've forgotten about the unchurched, the apathetic, and the unreached.  It's time that I pull out my Bible and refresh myself on the principles and teachings therein.

"Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.  If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?  Don't think I've come to make life cozy....  This a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it.  It's best to start small.  Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance.  The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice.  You won't lose out on a thing." - Matt. 10:32-34, 42

Be blessed,

Julie

A Spirit of Generosity

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.  Rather, be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.  Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing.  He may them appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.  Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.  There will always be poor people in the land.  Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. 

- Deut. 15:7-11 

Living in consumerism America, it can be so easy to get caught up in the things of this world.  Everyday, we are attacked with messages from the media that encourage us to spend more and focus more on ourselves.  We feed our addictions, holding on to what's "rightfully ours" with a clenched fist.  All the while, we seem to forget that what's "rightfully ours," is not even ours to begin with.  "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it" (1 Tim. 6:7).  Jesus Christ is the Father of all good things.  It is Jesus that gives us any good that we experience on this earth.  And it is Jesus that chooses to bless us, under a certain stipulation: we are to be a generous people.

An article recently came through my inbox titled "Generosity is the New Evangelism."  Written by Chris Willard and Jim Sheppard, the article talks about creating a culture of giving in your church.  I believe that what they said transcends the church.  Here's a snippet:

The truth is that God doesn't need our money, but He knows that our orientation toward money reflects our obedience to the Lordship of Christ and how well we grasp that he is the source of all we have.  As followers of Christ, our goal in life is not gaining power, possession, or prestige for ourselves.  We exist, along with the entire body of Christ, to fulfill the Great Commission until Christ's return.  Generosity offers one of the most powerful ways for us to leverage the blessings of God for the advancement of the Kingdom.  Best of all, when the church acts with generosity to serve others, it is a clear picture of Christ, who generously gave his life and all He had on the cross that we might find life forever. 

I would encourage you to read the rest of the article, which can be found here.  If the book this article is based from interests you, head over here.  Fall is the perfect season to start planning ahead for next year's mission trip.  If it's been awhile since your group has participated with Christ For the City, let me remind you of some of our offerings.

Urban Plunge: Urban Plunge trips happen year-round in Omaha and Lincoln, NE, Sioux Falls, SD, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, and Dallas, TX.  We offer customized trips from one-day to week long.  While Urban Plunge is for youth and adults of all ages, it is a great introduction to missions for the younger generation.  We still have openings for this fall and winter, so contact julie@cfci.org for more information.

Mission Teams:  CFCI offers 7-10 day mission trips that are perfect for your church or group.  We'd love to have you serve in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia,  or Peru.  What grabs your attention?  Contact shawn@cfci.org to get details.

Short-term Missionary:  Perhaps, you are an individual with a call to serve.  We can meet your needs, too!  Go to Argentina, Bolivia, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Mali, Spain, or the U.S.  We coordinate trips for one-month to a year.  To discuss your options for ministering, contact dick@cfci.org.

Be blessed,

Julie      

Eyes Open: Check. Ears Open: Check. Heart Open: Check.

The Perspective of a Christ For the City International Summer Intern

A quick introduction is necessary as I am the newest member of the Christ For the City International family.

Name:  Emily Ann Koopmann
Title:  Summer Intern at Christ For the City International
Background:  Recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Studied Marketing and Economics.  Originally from Raymond, NE (pop. 236) Only child of Kevin and Ann Koopmann.
Favorite Things to Talk About:  Jesus.  Diversity.  My Friends.  The Bachelorette.
Future Plans:  Looking to have a full-time job in Chicago while attending Moody Bible Institute to study  Intercultural and Urban Studies.

My Story:

I grew up in a Christian home, but became a Christian in July 2011.  It was during my junior year of college that I began to feel the emptiness of a Christ-less life and was blessed to have friends ready to pick me up, dust me off, and set my feet firmly on the rock that is a relationship with Jesus.  I reevaluated relationships, changed habits, and should have been less surprised by the security I found in depending on someone who is wonderfully perfect.  God is good.  His timing is marvelous.  His teachings are without fail.  And I am none of those without Him.

Here Today:

Here today at CFCI, I celebrate my first job that holds Christian values and motives.  I love talking about life and faith and it is still a pleasant surprise every time I realize that I am surrounded by believers every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.  I can just bring my Bible to work and read it when I need a quick break?  I can send out prayer requests over email to the entire office?  You want to know about my life, my walk, my struggles?  A woman in the office just went where?!  JERUSALEM?!?
THIS PLACE IS SO COOL!!!!  YOU GUYS ARE SO COOL!!!!

My summer internship at CFCI has been a wonderful first stepping stone into the life of full-time ministry I plan to pursue.  During the three days of the week that I am here I always try to soak in as much information as possible.  I keep my eyes open, my ears open, and most importantly my heart open.  The tremendous staff here at CFCI care about my heart and that is apparent in so many ways.  As I learn more and more about CFCI, the people who are a part of its mission, and myself, I thank God again and again for this opportunity.  He is so faithful in the ways He provides and this smiling, loving, gospel-centered family He has given me through Christ For the City International is just one of the many examples of His faithfulness that I can store up in my heart.

Philippians 1:9

And this is my prayer:  that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight

Thank you CFCI for fostering growth in my love for Christ by blessing me with knowledge and experience.

Missionary Message

April 2012

Hello, wonderful CFCI mission workers! I hope this finds you rested after a joyous Easter holiday celebrating the great love of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

At the office, we are working on our Board of Directors reports as our International Board members with gather in Managua, Nicaragua, this month for their semi-annual meeting. Last week we loved on some new CFCI mission workers during a 3-day orientation.

I thank God for you in my prayers – for the work you’re doing to His glory, for the people you touch with love every day, and for how God made you. May God’s richest blessings be yours each and every day and His mercies endure forever!

Jill Adams

Communications Director

Recruiting Athletes as Mission Workers

From Shawn Kliewer, CFCI Mission Recruiter

As many of you know I am the recruiter here at CFCI.  What you may not know is that I am also the women’s basketball coach at Grace University here in Omaha.  We are just wrapping up another season.  We were fortunate to win our regional tournament and compete in our national tournament.  While we did not finish as high as we wanted at the national tournament we were excited to compete at that level.

Back at the office I continue to recruit more teams to serve alongside our mission workers.  Because of my basketball background I have been able to recruit some sports teams! It is exciting to watch God using athletes to break down cultural barriers.  Whatever type of team it is, we are working hard to get more people to help out in your thriving ministries.  If you have teams (sports, church, friends, etc) back home that would be interested in a trip, please let me know. I’ll give them a call and start the conversation!  Keep up the good work!

New Finance Assistant…meet Ellen Petersen!

From Marcia Galloway, Accountant

I would like to take this Missionary Messageopportunity to introduce our new Finance Assistant, Ellen Petersen, to all of you.  Ellen actually began at CFCI back in November 2011.  She spent the next 3 months training along side Pat Rinaldi who retired "again" the first of February to enjoy her 13 grandchildren and lead a Christian women's Bible Study Fellowship group.  While we miss Pat's presence here in the office, Ellen has picked-up and done a fantastic job helping me here in the Finance office.  Please take a minute to read a little about Ellen and then enjoy getting to know her better through emails.  She's a jewel to me and I look forward to what I hope will be a long relationship with her here at CFCI.

I am really enjoying my position as finance assistant with CFCI – Central Office. I work with a great team that feels like family and closely with Marcia in the finance department.

For the past few years I have been on staff part-time at my home church working in accounting, finance and administration as well as volunteering with the youth/high school ministry and as a women's small group Bible study leader. Aside from that I love one-on-one meetings with women who desire to go deeper in the Word and their relationship with the Lord.

I really enjoy watching and playing all kinds of sports. I've been part of athletic teams for as long as I can remember. I had the privilege to play soccer for a successful Division II team which is how I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a B.S. degree in accounting, finance and banking. I love to travel and have been on several mission trips including Cartegena, Columbia; Nassau, Bahamas; and recently many different towns in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. I’ve also helped with disaster relief in New Orleans, Los Angeles and Joplin, Missouri. 

CFCI Short-term Individuals

From Sheila Dudney, CFCI Assistant Personnel Director

Here’s a quick glance at what’s going on with STIs:

5 STIs returned home in March

11 are currently on the field

18 have been newly accepted

12 are “in process” to be accepted

Reminder: Printed Materials Policy

From Dr. Chip Anderson, CFCI President

Please remember that we want to see your printed informational materials. Before you print a new brochure or flyer, please send it to our communications director, Jill Adams, before you print it. We want to make sure that we are consistent in our world-wide message and brand. Send these items to jill@cfci.org.

Also, please send us the finished version in .pdf and a few copies of the finished product for us to display, put on the web, use on facebook, etc.

CFCI’s Missionary Orientation – March 28-30, 2012

From Dick Dudney, Personnel Director

Last week we were fortunate to have five new CFCI mission workers here in Omaha for a 3-day orientation. We filled them full of information, love, and food! The staff thoroughly enjoyed having them here. Being around our mission workers energizes us!

Here’s a little about them.

Nicole Johns

From:  Atlanta Georgia

Going to:  Costa Rica

Ministry Assignment:  Renacer

Family:  Single

Church:  Atlanta Metropolitan Cathedral

Favorite things:  Zumba exercise

Quote:  “I want to get about His business in the way that He created me, following Him and not everyone else, because the dreams He as given to me don’t look like everyone else’s.”

Jacob Holland

From:  Kansas City, KS

Going to:  Costa Rica

Ministry Assignment:  Language School, Costa Rica

Family:  Married, 2 girls (Adeilla, Keziah)

Church:  Mission Adelante

Favorite things:  All sprots, esp. Baseball and Basketball

Quote:  “Ever since college, I have desired to work with Hispanics in some form or another and the past five years of teaching ESL…have only deepened that desire that God has placed in my heart.”

Michelle Holland

From:  Kansas City, KS

Going to:  Costa Rica

Ministry Assignment:  Language School, Costa Rica

Family:  Married, 2 girls (Adeilla, Keziah)

Church:  Mission Adelante

Favorite things:  Cooking & Baking

Quote:  “God has called us to love the widow, orphan, and alien.  These all are people who often fall on the “outside” of society and I feel a calling to love these people as Jesus would love them.”

Ryan Humphrey

From:  Missouri, OH, NY, PA & KY

Going to:  El Salvador

Ministry Assignment:  Working with current base ministries

Family:  Married, 4 children: Adaya, Eliona, Ziva & Obadiah

Church:  Christian Church

Favorite things:  Baseball, Softball, puzzles & playing with the kids

Quote:  “International missions have been on my heart for almost 12 years. I went on my first short-term trip when I was 18 to Jamaica.”

Melissa Humphrey

From:  Missouri, OH, NY, PA & KY

Going to:  El Salvador

Ministry Assignment:  Working with current base ministries

Family:  Married, 4 children: Adaya, Eliona, Ziva & Obadiah

Church:  Christian Church

Favorite things:  Sports, Music, and cooking

Quote:  “…I do no want my life to be determined a success or failure in what I do, but how I live - all out for God in whatever it is I am doing.”

Secrets of a Good Marriage

From Ron and Amelia Den Hartog, CFCI Missionaries – Omaha/Colombia

(Note: This material was collected during the Central Office’s devotions.)

1. Deny yourself. The first to go to the cross wins.

2. Discover and use the language of love for your spouse and children. (Five love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, gifts, touch)

3. Shut up and listen.

4. Remember that if one wins, another loses.

5. Treat each other like sweethearts. Be romantic.

6. Maintain a good sense of humor.

7. When your spouse makes a decision you don’t agree with, think about how it will impact the world in 200 years. Is it worth an argument?

8. Never use the word "d" (divorce). Ban it entirely from your vocabulary.

9. Be mindful of your expectations so you’re not disappointed.

10. Do not meditate on the offenses because you may become resentful.

11. Share your expectations of marriage before the wedding. Then work to meet those expectations during your marriage. Be realistic.

12. Money Management: Remember that the wife is his partner in this "business", not his secretary. The two are owners.

13. Counseling. It is essential before and after marriage.

14. Love is a decision, not a feeling. Decide to love your spouse.

15. Happiness is a choice. Choose to be happy.

16. The wife should respect her husband. Praise him.

17. Do not expect your spouse to fulfill all your needs. Only God can do that.

18. Feeling safe is very important for women.

19. The dialogue between a couple is as important as sex. Talk with each other.

20. Intimacy is more than sexual. It implies forgiveness, communication, patience.

21. Continue discovering and accepting each other. 

22. Concentrate and meditate on the qualities of your spouse, not on the negative.

23. Give freedom to your spouse. He/She does not have to lose his/her identity as a person, but respond to God's call. That is key to the relationship.

24. Pray together regularly and pray for each other.

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Mensaje Misionero

Abril 2012

¡Saludos para todos los maravillosos obreros de CPCI!  Espero que hayan podido descansar durante Semana Santa y que se hayan regocijado al celebrar el gran amor de nuestro Señor  y Salvador resucitado, ¡Jesucristo!     

En la oficina, estamos trabajando en los informes de la Junta Directiva puesto que los miembros de la junta internacional se estarán reuniendo en Managua, Nicaragua, este mes para su reunión semestral.  La semana pasada disfrutamos mucho al compartir con varios misioneros nuevos de CPCI en su curso de orientación de tres días.  

Doy gracias a Dios por ustedes en mis oraciones – por la obra que están haciendo para Su Gloria, por las personas a las cuales ministran el amor de Dios cada día, y por cómo Dios los hizo a ustedes.  ¡Reciban las bendiciones de Dios cada día y que Su misericordia dure por siempre!    

Jill Adams

Directora de Comunicaciones

Reclutando a Deportistas como Obreros Misioneros

por Shawn Kliewer, Reclutador de Misiones de CPCI

Como muchos saben, soy el reclutador de CPCI.  Pero quizás muchos no saben que también soy el entrenador del equipo femenino de baloncesto de Grace University en Omaha.  En este momento, estamos terminando la temporada.  Tuvimos la fortuna de ser los ganadores del torneo regional y de competir en el torneo nacional.  Aunque no terminamos en el puesto que hubiéramos deseado en el torneo nacional, fue emocionante tener la oportunidad de competir a ese nivel.  

En la oficina central sigo reclutando a más equipos misioneros para apoyar a nuestros misioneros.  Debido a mi trasfondo en baloncesto, ¡ya he reclutado a varios equipos deportivos!  Es emocionante ver cómo Dios usa a los deportistas para derribar barreras culturales.  Independientemente de la clase de equipo que sea, estamos trabajando arduamente para enviar a más personas para apoyar sus ministerios.  Por favor infórmeme si conoce a equipos (deportes, iglesia, amigos, etc.) que estén interesados en realizar un viaje misionero.  ¡Yo les llamaré e iniciaré la conversación!  ¡Sigan adelante con el buen trabajo!   

Nueva Asistente Financiera…¡les presentamos a Ellen Petersen!

por Marcia Galloway, Contadora

Quisiera aprovechar esta oportunidad en nuestro Mensaje Misionero para presentarles a nuestra nueva asistente financiera, Ellen Petersen.  Ellen realmente empezó a trabajar con CPCI en noviembre del año pasado.  Pasó sus primeros tres meses de entrenamiento con Pat Rinaldi, la cual se jubiló “otra vez” el primero de febrero para poder disfrutar sus 13 nietos y liderar un estudio bíblico para mujeres.  Aunque extrañamos a Pat en la oficina, Ellen está haciendo un excelente trabajo y ha sido de gran ayuda para mí en el departamento de finanzas.  Por favor, tomen un minuto para conocer un poco a Ellen y después pueden conocerla más comunicándose directamente con ella por correo electrónico.  Ella es una joya para mí, y espero que podamos contar con ella durante mucho tiempo aquí en CPCI.      

Estoy disfrutando mucho mi trabajo como asistente financiera en la oficina central de CPCI.  Trabajo con un equipo maravilloso que es como una familia, y trabajo muy de cerca a Marcia en el departamento de finanzas.   

Durante los últimos años he trabajado medio tiempo en mi iglesia en las aéreas de contaduría, finanzas, y administración.  También he sido voluntaria con el ministerio de jóvenes y he dirigido estudios bíblicos para mujeres.  Por lo demás, me encanta reunirme con mujeres que buscan profundizar en la Palabra y en su relación con el Señor. 

 

También disfruto ver y practicar toda clase de deportes.  He participado en equipos deportivos durante muchos años.  Tuve el privilegio de jugar fútbol en un equipo exitoso de la División II en el cual también llegué a conocer a Jesús como mi Señor y Salvador.    

Me gradué de la Universidad de Nebraska en Omaha con un título en contaduría, finanzas y operaciones bancarias.  Me encanta viajar y he realizado varios viajes misioneros yendo a lugares como Cartagena, Colombia; Nassau, Bahamas; y recientemente muchos pueblos en Mérida, Yucatán, México.  También he apoyado esfuerzos humanitarios en casos de desastres naturales en Nueva Orleans, Los Angeles y Joplin, Missouri.   

Individuos de corto plazo de CPCI

por Sheila Dudney, Asistente del coordinador de personal de CPCI

Un breve resumen de lo que está pasando en misiones de corto plazo:

5 individuos de corto plazo regresaron a casa en marzo

11 están en el campo misionero en la actualidad

18 han sido aceptados recientemente

12 están en el proceso de ser aceptados

Recuerden: Política sobre materiales impresos

por Dr. Chip Anderson, Presidente de CPCI

Por favor recuerden que queremos ver sus materiales para imprimir.  Antes de imprimir un folleto u otro material publicitario, por favor envíelo a nuestra directora de comunicaciones, Jill Adams.  Queremos asegurarnos de que somos consistentes en el mensaje mundial que enviamos.  Envíen estos materiales a jill@cfci.org.

También envíen la versión terminada en formato .pdf y varias copias del producto final para exhibir, poner en la web, usar en facebook, etc.

  

Curso de Orientación para misioneros de CPCI – Marzo 28-30, 2012

por Dick Dudney, Director de personal

La semana pasada tuvimos el privilegio de tener a cinco nuevos misioneros de CPCI aquí en Omaha para participar de nuestro curso de orientación de 3 días.  Los llenamos de información, amor, ¡y de comida!  Todo el personal disfrutó al compartir con ellos.  ¡Estar con nuestros obreros misioneros nos da energía!  

A continuación compartimos con ustedes algo breve acerca de ellos.  

Nicole Johns

De: Atlanta Georgia

Se dirige a: Costa Rica

Ministerio Asignado: Renacer

Familia: Soltera

Iglesia: Atlanta Metropolitan Cathedral

Actividades favoritas:  Ejercicio “Zumba”

Frase personal: “Quiero servirle a Él en la manera que Él me creó, siguiéndole a Él  y no a  todos los demás, porque los sueños que me ha dado no se parecen a los de los demás.” 

Jacob Holland

De: Kansas City, KS

Se dirige a: Costa Rica

Ministerio asignado: Escuela de Idiomas, Costa Rica

Familia: Casado, 2 hijas (Adeilla, Keziah)

Iglesia:  Mission Adelante

Actividades favoritas: Deportes, especialmente béisbol y baloncesto

Frase personal: “Desde que estaba en la universidad, he deseado trabajar con hispanos de una manera u otra, y los últimos cinco años de enseñar inglés como segundo idioma solo han intensificado el anhelo que Dios puso en mi corazón.”

Michelle Holland

De: Kansas City, KS

Se dirige a: Costa Rica

Ministerio asignado: Escuela de Idiomas, Costa Rica

Familia: Casada, 2 hijas (Adeilla, Keziah)

Iglesia: Mission Adelante

Actividades favoritas: cocinar y hornear

Frase personal: “Dios nos ha llamado a amar a la viuda, al huérfano, y al extranjero.  Frecuentemente son personas que son marginadas por la sociedad, y siento un llamado a amarlos como Jesús los ama.”   

Ryan Humphrey

De:  Missouri, OH, NY, PA & KY

Se dirige a: El Salvador

Ministerio asignado: trabajar con ministerios actuales de la base

Familia: Casado, 4 hijos: Adaya, Eliona, Ziva y Obadiah

Iglesia:  Christian Church

Actividades favoritas: Béisbol, softbol, rompecabezas y jugar con los niños

Frase personal: “Las misiones internacionales han ocupado un lugar en mi corazón por casi 12 años.  Realicé mi primer viaje misionero a Jamaica cuando tenía 18 años.”

Melissa Humphrey

De:  Missouri, OH, NY, PA & KY

Se dirige a: El Salvador

Ministerio asignado: trabajar con ministerios actuales de la base

Familia: Casada, 4 hijos: Adaya, Eliona, Ziva y Obadiah

Iglesia: Christian Church

Actividades favoritas: Deportes, música y cocinar

Frase personal: “…No quiero que mi vida se determine como un éxito o un fracaso basado en lo que hago, sino en cómo vivo – una vida entregada a Dios haga lo que haga.”

SECRETOS PARA MANTENER UN BUEN MATRIMONIO

Por los Pastores y Misioneros: Ronald y Amelia Den Hartog

Nota: Este material fue coleccionado en el Devocional de Cristo Para la Ciudad Internacional- Oficina Central. Omaha, Nebraska. Dirigido por el Dr. Chip Anderson, Director Internacional y Traducido por Amelia Den Hartog. Usado con permiso.

1. Niéguese a sí mismo. El primero que vaya a la cruz, gana.

2. Descubra y use el lenguaje del amor de su cónyuge y de sus hijos (5 lenguajes del amor: Palabras de afirmación, actos de servicio, tiempo calidad, regalos, toque significativo).

3. Callarse y escuchar.

4. Recuerde que si uno gana, otro pierde.

5. Seguir saliendo como pareja, como si fueran novios. Alimentar romance.

6. Mantener un buen sentido del humor.

7. Cuando van a tomar decisiones, pensar en 200 años hacia el futuro y el impacto de esa decisión que están tomando.

8. Nunca usen la palabra “d” (divorcio). Bórrenla totalmente de su vocabulario.

9. No tengan expectativas demasiado altas, para que no se desilusionen.

10. No mediten en las ofensas porque se convierten en resentimiento.

11. Compartan y ajusten las expectativas después de casarse. Sean realistas.

12. Mujeres: Cuídensele el cabello. Los hombres lo miran mucho.

13. Manejo del dinero: Recuerden que la esposa es su compañera en este “negocio”, no su secretaria.  Los dos son dueños.

14. Consejería.  Es esencial, antes y después de casarse.

15. El amor es una decisión, no un sentimiento. Decida amar a su esposo (a).

16. La felicidad es una decisión. Decida ser feliz.

17. La mujer respete a su esposo. Hable bien de él, de frente y de espaldas.

18. No espere que su esposo (a) llene todas sus necesidades. Solo Dios puede hacer eso. No es justo esperar tanto de él (o ella).

19. Sentirse segura es muy importante para la mujer. Si el esposo puede responder a ello, obtendrá grandes beneficios.

20. El diálogo entre la pareja es tan importante como el sexo. Dialoguen.

21. La intimidad es más que sexual. Implica perdón, comunicación, paciencia.

22. Seguir descubriendo y aceptando a su esposo (a) es un regalo diario que Dios le da.

23. Concéntrese y medite en las cualidades de su esposo (a), no en lo negativo.

24. Libertad. Dele libertad a su esposo (a). Que su esposo(a) no tenga que perder su identidad como persona por su esposo(a), sino que responda al llamado de Dios para él (o ella). Eso es clave en la relación de pareja.

25. Oren juntos diariamente, o por lo menos una vez por semana y oren el uno por el otro.