It’s nice to finally be home after a 10-day trip that took me from New England to Thailand. Jeff and I left last Monday for Thailand to have meeting with Ernie Schache and Immanuel concerning our mission work in India. It was great to hear about how God continues to work in our churches in India, and also about the opportunities to reach out to the many unreached people groups throughout the country. After a few days of meetings in Bangkok, we traveled to Christian Mission Naratchakwai in Nakhon Phanom. This was my first visit to Thailand and it was great to meet Maeo and the five girls that minister through the mission.
From ACGC
From ACGC – December 5, 2018
Darren Bantz
As I write this, Jeff Walsh and I are in Logan International Airport waiting to go to Thailand. It will be a long week with a variety of meetings plus an opportunity to see our work there.
I participated in the Alton Bay board meetings on Saturday, and was able to meet with Darren Bantz on Friday and Sunday afternoon. My time with Darren focused both on our partnership with Oxford Church in Leadership Development and Darren’s ongoing work in our Home Missions relationship with Converge. While in the area, I also had time with Matt Larkin, who gave updates on Leadership Development – which continues to be an exciting part of the strategic plan. It has unfolded very differently from our initial thoughts, but God’s hand has been seen in each step opening doors and closing them. I also received updates from Beth Larkin on Women’s Ministry and how the move to Maine has presented new opportunities for ministering to women. She and Karen Hall continue to work closely on WHFMS programs and communication.
From ACGC – November 28, 2018
Steve Lawson
It was good to get back into the office after a tour of the Southeast over the last two weeks. Karen and I are still recovering from a great time with our grandchildren and daughter in Houston, Texas over the holidays. This week, I am catching up on office work and preparing for another trip with Jeff Walsh next week. I continue to be excited about our work with the strategic plan in all four key areas. It stretches our staff, as we are working with fewer directors, coordinators and support staff, but the desire to reach out and share Christ with the underserved and unreached peoples of the world drives us forward. As we move toward Christmas, it is important to remember the reason for the season and the many opportunities we have of sharing that message in our day-to-day lives. For many people, the message of Christmas is all about gifts and parties, but for those of us who know about and have received the greatest gift ever given, it is about sharing that gift. I enjoy the gatherings and the decorations, but I have to admit I get overwhelmed with the materialism to the point of having a very humbug attitude. However, when I start focusing on the sharing about Jesus even in the smallest ways, my Christmas spirit returns and it is a joyous time.
From ACGC – November 21, 2018
President Craig Carter and Board Chairman John Fenlason presenting Chuck Eckel a Village Mail Box bank made by Ron Thomas for his years of service on the Village Board.
The Advent Christian Village Board met last week and heard reports from the different departments of the ministry of the Village. Karen and I attended the meetings, and – since we lived there nine years ago while I served as the senior pastor of the Village Church – we enjoyed seeing many old friends.
The ongoing ministry of ACV continues to be a wonderful place for pastors, missionaries and individuals to come and enjoy a Christian atmosphere for retirement. The reports included plans to extend outreach into the area of leadership development for young people still in high school who need mentoring and encouragement to reach their potential. On a side note, the Village will be celebrating their 105th birthday this year, and you will be hearing about plans for you to join them in this celebration.
From ACGC – November 14, 2018
This past weekend, I had the privilege of going back to a church that holds many great memories for me, having grown up in the Georgia Conference. Bethlehem Advent Christian Church and First Advent Christian Church and the youth, children, adults and pastors were special to the work of the Georgia Conference youth and overall ministry. I was invited to join in Bethlehem’s celebration of Family and Friends Day.
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