Sorry for the lack of posts this week. The internet here at our hotel is hit or miss and we had no access at camp. We are back in the city after a great week of camp. God did some amazing things. It's one thing to hear the vision for these people and another to actually see it come to pass. We saw several students give their lives to Christ and many more set free from sin and fear. A truly amazing, wonderful, heartbreaking, humbling thing to be a part of. I don't quite have the words yet.
I am so proud of our students. They made friends quickly and have really jumped in to the culture. The students at the camp welcomed us with open arms. It was a fun atmosphere and we came away with many new friends.
God is doing an amazing work in the Coptic church. We got to be a part of his work and see the hunger and desire that they have for Truth first-hand. I've never seen anything like it. Please pray for these people. Pray that they will have people speak truth and hope into their lives and that they can know His grace and forgiveness. Thank you so much for your prayers and supoprt.
We will see you soon!
April
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Egypt Team Visits Cave Church & Heads to Camp
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The internet connections were not good at the hotel so the team is unable to blog at this time. From a text message, they are doing well. They went to see the cave church this morning and headed to the Youth Camp. (picture is from an earlier trip)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thank You!
Take a minute and read this Thank You from Thomas. Aquila Project's National Director in Myanmar.
Dear friends,
Greeting in from Myanmar!
I pray that you all are in the good hands of our Lord.
I don't know how to express my thank to you. How unfortunate I am that I am not able to thank you in person but have to content with email. The sacrifices that you made for us in this kind of time made us realize the goodness of God and encourages us by knowing that we have brothers and sisters in State who are standing with us as we face hardship. The fund that you sent will be used for different kind of help needed.
Firstly, some of the fund will be used to rebuild the houses of our missionaries who are working in Irrawaddy division. Most of the houses there are bamboo houses so the houses were all blown away and need to rebuild so that they can have a place to live minister to the Villager. And we will help also newly converted believers in that Village where our missionaries are working.
Secondly, some of the fund will will be used for providing food. We will buy rice from Yangon and hire car and send to the mission field.
This food will feed our missionaries and as well as the Villagers. We might not be able to feed all Villager but we will be able to feed worst needed people and those who are connected with our mission.
Thirdly, we will buy medicines and send them. And we will also buy Bibles for believers who has lost their home. Those who survive the storm has no more Bible. In Irrawaddy division there are thousands of people who are asking us for Bible. And we will use some of the fund also for rebuilding IMCP (Institute of mission and Church plantings).
Since IMCP will be opened on June 1, we have to rush and fix the building. And finally some of the fund will be food for orphans. There are more than 100 orphans that we are taking care of. So food for them is critical. The fund that you support us will save their lives. And because the support from you that we will be able to reopen IMCP and to continue our ministry.
This is such terrible time for the people of Myanmar but it is also a great time for harvest in the kingdom of God. I pray that may the Lord open their hearts toward Him. Thank you so much again for your love and concern for us and your faithfulness to the Lord by helping those who need help and feeding those who are hungry. May the Lord bless you.
In His service
Thomas
Dear friends,
Greeting in from Myanmar!
I pray that you all are in the good hands of our Lord.
I don't know how to express my thank to you. How unfortunate I am that I am not able to thank you in person but have to content with email. The sacrifices that you made for us in this kind of time made us realize the goodness of God and encourages us by knowing that we have brothers and sisters in State who are standing with us as we face hardship. The fund that you sent will be used for different kind of help needed.
Firstly, some of the fund will be used to rebuild the houses of our missionaries who are working in Irrawaddy division. Most of the houses there are bamboo houses so the houses were all blown away and need to rebuild so that they can have a place to live minister to the Villager. And we will help also newly converted believers in that Village where our missionaries are working.
Secondly, some of the fund will will be used for providing food. We will buy rice from Yangon and hire car and send to the mission field.
This food will feed our missionaries and as well as the Villagers. We might not be able to feed all Villager but we will be able to feed worst needed people and those who are connected with our mission.
Thirdly, we will buy medicines and send them. And we will also buy Bibles for believers who has lost their home. Those who survive the storm has no more Bible. In Irrawaddy division there are thousands of people who are asking us for Bible. And we will use some of the fund also for rebuilding IMCP (Institute of mission and Church plantings).
Since IMCP will be opened on June 1, we have to rush and fix the building. And finally some of the fund will be food for orphans. There are more than 100 orphans that we are taking care of. So food for them is critical. The fund that you support us will save their lives. And because the support from you that we will be able to reopen IMCP and to continue our ministry.
This is such terrible time for the people of Myanmar but it is also a great time for harvest in the kingdom of God. I pray that may the Lord open their hearts toward Him. Thank you so much again for your love and concern for us and your faithfulness to the Lord by helping those who need help and feeding those who are hungry. May the Lord bless you.
In His service
Thomas
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Myanmar Cyclone
Church Family,
By now, I am sure you have heard about the cyclone that has destroyed thousands of homes and lives in Myanmar (Burma).
Please take a moment and read this update from David Robbins, a member of TCABC that leads a ministry in Myanmar and find out what you can do to help.
Pray for the families that have lost loved ones and for those that are still searching through the wreckage to find the missing.
Adam Pray
Mission Pastor
TCABC
THE FACTS
Myanmar (Burma) is a predominantly Buddhist country of approximately 50 million people bordered by Thailand, China and India in SE Asia. The country (since 1962) is known as Myanmar, following the coup de ta of the Burmese military who have been ruling with an iron fist ever since. Myanmar is isolated even from the influence of its closest neighbors because the five generals who rule the country are intent on keeping power and shun any outside interference.
On May 3-4, 2008 a devastating cyclone named Nagris tore through the Irrawaddy division and the Yangon division, home to more than 10 million people. Sustained winds of 128 mph hit the coast, and winds of 70+ mph (with gusts to 120 mph) were recorded in the former capital city Yangon (Rangoon) for over 10 hours during the storm. A twelve foot tidal wave followed the storm and washed inland up to 30 miles. This land is at sea level and is completely underwater as a result of the storm. Satellite images show this devastation. One city in the Irrawaddy division recorded 10,000 deaths.
Reports began out of Myanmar that there were several hundred dead, but now there are fears that there will be more than 100,000 people dead in the wake of the cyclone. That is approximately 60 times the number that died from the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.
The other current difficulty is the reluctance and defiance of the military dictatorship of Myanmar to allow relief workers to work 'on the ground' in relief activities (especially the United States). The generals fear democracy, and think that we would use this tragedy to promote a democratic agenda. In truth, they are willing to allow their people to suffer in order to stay in power.
Relief agencies are staging in Thailand. Some U.N. relief supplies are landing today (Thursday) in Yangon, and the government is wanting the workers to 'dump and depart' and allow the Burmese authorities to handle distribution. There are reports of the government selling relief supplies.
Buddhist monks sort through the wreckage
Displaced families search for shelter
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Aquila Project works with Pastors and church leaders from all across Myanmar. Our National Director (Thomas) and his family live in Yangon, and we have confirmed their safety. However, their homes are destroyed, and the school that we collaborate with has received severe damage. Additionally, our National Director and his family are in charge of several orphanages, and they too have received severe damage.
We are in the process of receiving funds to help rebuild the school and orphanages. We will hand deliver these funds and help as soon as we are able to gain access to Yangon. You can contact me at 918-636-3266 or david.aquilaproject@gmail.com or visit our website at http://acts1826.com our mailing address is PO BOX 1941, Tulsa, OK 74101 if you choose to be involved in rebuilding the school for church planters and the orphanages. Thanks in advance.
Other organizations are involved in general and immediate relief for the people of Myanmar. One organization, Thirst No More, are friends of Pastor Alex and Adam. They can be reached at this website http://thirstnomore.org
My encouragement, as someone who has been to Myanmar several times, is this:
·Pray - for the people, for churches and church leaders, for the government to relinquish and allow relief aid in, and for the Glory of God to be made known all across Myanmar.
·Give - be generous, but be informed and wise in your generosity. To whom much is given, much is expected. The people of Myanmar did not choose to be born under the rule of a military dictatorship, and they need our help!
·Stay Involved - Realize that there are immediate needs and long term needs. The rebuilding effort will go on for months/years. Use this disaster to get connected to ministry in Myanmar, one of the darkest places on earth in terms of the spread of the Gospel.
·Look - for ways to befriend and care for Burmese nationals living in our area. Most have family that still live in Myanmar, and they are concerned for their families well-being.
·Talk - use this disaster as a missions teaching opportunity with your friends and children. Pray as a group, and as a family. Become more globally-minded.
For more information, please feel free to contact me, and I will meet with any groups who would like more info about Myanmar, and how you can be involved.
Thanks in advance for standing in the gap in regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the people of Myanmar.
For His Glory,
David Robbins
President, The Aquila Project
www.ACTS1826.com
You can find more information on the situation in Myanmar by following these links:
Photo slideshows from news agencies
News Stories:
http://burmanet.org
By now, I am sure you have heard about the cyclone that has destroyed thousands of homes and lives in Myanmar (Burma).
Please take a moment and read this update from David Robbins, a member of TCABC that leads a ministry in Myanmar and find out what you can do to help.
Pray for the families that have lost loved ones and for those that are still searching through the wreckage to find the missing.
Adam Pray
Mission Pastor
TCABC
THE FACTS
Myanmar (Burma) is a predominantly Buddhist country of approximately 50 million people bordered by Thailand, China and India in SE Asia. The country (since 1962) is known as Myanmar, following the coup de ta of the Burmese military who have been ruling with an iron fist ever since. Myanmar is isolated even from the influence of its closest neighbors because the five generals who rule the country are intent on keeping power and shun any outside interference.
On May 3-4, 2008 a devastating cyclone named Nagris tore through the Irrawaddy division and the Yangon division, home to more than 10 million people. Sustained winds of 128 mph hit the coast, and winds of 70+ mph (with gusts to 120 mph) were recorded in the former capital city Yangon (Rangoon) for over 10 hours during the storm. A twelve foot tidal wave followed the storm and washed inland up to 30 miles. This land is at sea level and is completely underwater as a result of the storm. Satellite images show this devastation. One city in the Irrawaddy division recorded 10,000 deaths.
Reports began out of Myanmar that there were several hundred dead, but now there are fears that there will be more than 100,000 people dead in the wake of the cyclone. That is approximately 60 times the number that died from the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.
The other current difficulty is the reluctance and defiance of the military dictatorship of Myanmar to allow relief workers to work 'on the ground' in relief activities (especially the United States). The generals fear democracy, and think that we would use this tragedy to promote a democratic agenda. In truth, they are willing to allow their people to suffer in order to stay in power.
Relief agencies are staging in Thailand. Some U.N. relief supplies are landing today (Thursday) in Yangon, and the government is wanting the workers to 'dump and depart' and allow the Burmese authorities to handle distribution. There are reports of the government selling relief supplies.
Buddhist monks sort through the wreckage
Displaced families search for shelter
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Aquila Project works with Pastors and church leaders from all across Myanmar. Our National Director (Thomas) and his family live in Yangon, and we have confirmed their safety. However, their homes are destroyed, and the school that we collaborate with has received severe damage. Additionally, our National Director and his family are in charge of several orphanages, and they too have received severe damage.
We are in the process of receiving funds to help rebuild the school and orphanages. We will hand deliver these funds and help as soon as we are able to gain access to Yangon. You can contact me at 918-636-3266 or david.aquilaproject@gmail.com or visit our website at http://acts1826.com our mailing address is PO BOX 1941, Tulsa, OK 74101 if you choose to be involved in rebuilding the school for church planters and the orphanages. Thanks in advance.
Other organizations are involved in general and immediate relief for the people of Myanmar. One organization, Thirst No More, are friends of Pastor Alex and Adam. They can be reached at this website http://thirstnomore.org
My encouragement, as someone who has been to Myanmar several times, is this:
·Pray - for the people, for churches and church leaders, for the government to relinquish and allow relief aid in, and for the Glory of God to be made known all across Myanmar.
·Give - be generous, but be informed and wise in your generosity. To whom much is given, much is expected. The people of Myanmar did not choose to be born under the rule of a military dictatorship, and they need our help!
·Stay Involved - Realize that there are immediate needs and long term needs. The rebuilding effort will go on for months/years. Use this disaster to get connected to ministry in Myanmar, one of the darkest places on earth in terms of the spread of the Gospel.
·Look - for ways to befriend and care for Burmese nationals living in our area. Most have family that still live in Myanmar, and they are concerned for their families well-being.
·Talk - use this disaster as a missions teaching opportunity with your friends and children. Pray as a group, and as a family. Become more globally-minded.
For more information, please feel free to contact me, and I will meet with any groups who would like more info about Myanmar, and how you can be involved.
Thanks in advance for standing in the gap in regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the people of Myanmar.
For His Glory,
David Robbins
President, The Aquila Project
www.ACTS1826.com
You can find more information on the situation in Myanmar by following these links:
Photo slideshows from news agencies
News Stories:
http://burmanet.org
Friday, January 18, 2008
home, sweet home
we're home!
after allowing ourselves a few days to recuperate, i think we all feel "normal" again. the funny thing about this trip: "normal" has been redefined.
i wish i could tell you everything i learned. i wish i could voice all of the thoughts and emotions in my head...but this would no longer be a blog, it would be an electronic book.
the Lord taught me many things during the two weeks in these middle eastern countries. i love politics and i love the news and i love hearing what our church is doing, and traveling to the middle east has put a face to the vision and heart of the church at battlecreek.
as i looked into the eyes of the people i met, i was overwhelmed by all i saw. this is not a lost cause...this is not too big. it is not to big for God. egypt isn't just full of coptics or muslims...it is full of people who have souls who were created by God in His image. their purpose is the same as ours--to glorify God in all that we do. they just need to be told.
i cannot wait to see the ways God continues to move in the middle east. i cannot wait to see how He uses me and my family. i cannot wait to see how He uses TCABC in His plan to bring the world to Himself.
thank you for praying for us and keeping up with this blog. we cannot express how much we appreciate your support during our time away. may the Lord bless you tremendously!
because of HIM,
kristi
after allowing ourselves a few days to recuperate, i think we all feel "normal" again. the funny thing about this trip: "normal" has been redefined.
i wish i could tell you everything i learned. i wish i could voice all of the thoughts and emotions in my head...but this would no longer be a blog, it would be an electronic book.
the Lord taught me many things during the two weeks in these middle eastern countries. i love politics and i love the news and i love hearing what our church is doing, and traveling to the middle east has put a face to the vision and heart of the church at battlecreek.
as i looked into the eyes of the people i met, i was overwhelmed by all i saw. this is not a lost cause...this is not too big. it is not to big for God. egypt isn't just full of coptics or muslims...it is full of people who have souls who were created by God in His image. their purpose is the same as ours--to glorify God in all that we do. they just need to be told.
i cannot wait to see the ways God continues to move in the middle east. i cannot wait to see how He uses me and my family. i cannot wait to see how He uses TCABC in His plan to bring the world to Himself.
thank you for praying for us and keeping up with this blog. we cannot express how much we appreciate your support during our time away. may the Lord bless you tremendously!
because of HIM,
kristi
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Home Sweet Home
9 of us made it home yesterday, and the remaining 5 are headed to Yemen to see and encourage friends there!!
While overseas, life seems to stand still, yet back home life has gone on. Tuesday evening we spent time reflecting on our trip and discussed how our lives have changed because of our trip. It was wonderful to hear how each person was affected by spending 8 days in Cairo. For most of us, we fell in love with the people and so wish we could spend more time with them and minister more to those in need. Sometimes in the scheme of things what we did on the trip seems small, but to God, I know what we did was huge. We were his hands and his feet, sharing his love with those who know him and those who don't. Matthew 25:35-40 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
I am so thankful that I was able to be used by God to cause others to one day worship Him. For isn't that what life is all about?
Please continue to pray for the remaining 5 who will be in Yemen. They will be returning home to Tulsa on Monday.
Thank you also for praying for us, all of the team members were well and healthy in a matter of days because of your prayers!!
Liz
While overseas, life seems to stand still, yet back home life has gone on. Tuesday evening we spent time reflecting on our trip and discussed how our lives have changed because of our trip. It was wonderful to hear how each person was affected by spending 8 days in Cairo. For most of us, we fell in love with the people and so wish we could spend more time with them and minister more to those in need. Sometimes in the scheme of things what we did on the trip seems small, but to God, I know what we did was huge. We were his hands and his feet, sharing his love with those who know him and those who don't. Matthew 25:35-40 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
I am so thankful that I was able to be used by God to cause others to one day worship Him. For isn't that what life is all about?
Please continue to pray for the remaining 5 who will be in Yemen. They will be returning home to Tulsa on Monday.
Thank you also for praying for us, all of the team members were well and healthy in a matter of days because of your prayers!!
Liz
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