31 October 2011

Completing the Lucerne Marathon (4:25:45)

My first marathon - a diary 
  • 6:40 leave home
  • 7:50 arrive Lucerne car-park
  • 8:00 get boat to Verkehrshaus (the national transport museum) and the start/finish area
  • 8:20 pick up start number with timing chip and pace band (km/0:06:22)
  • 8:30 quick change, leave bag in changing area, toilet
  • 8:45 10-15 min warm up (gentle jog) 
  • 9.00 start of the men's marathon (but only the very fast runners - not me)
  • 9.10 toilet again ;)
  • 9:15 start of all runners aiming for a time greater than 4hrs. Conditions are perfect. Sun is shinning. There was no countdown and the firing pistol took us all by surprise but when we heard it there was no doubt what we had to do. We were off!
  • 5km – I have been carried along by the speed of those around me (mostly half-marathon runners - recognisable by their orange bibs - ours were blue) and I'm aware that my pace is too high. Debating in my mind to drop off speed but the road is still too densely populated and I don't want to cause an obstruction
  • 10km – still feeling great - enjoying the view and wondering if I have underestimated my ability (I'm fast but my pulse is still within my interval training range)
  • 15km – entering the new train tunnel (tracks not laid yet) with Swiss alpine horn players at the entrance. Great atmosphere at the start but tunnel quite dusty in the final stages. Novel idea but not so nice (it also messed up the pace timings).
  • 18km – back into Lucerne and the first sight of my family again near the bridge. They had signs saying "Go daddy" (which Claudia previously prepared in secret). I was so happy to see them!
  • 21km – at the turning point I started the second lap as most of the runners continued the 500 metres to complete the half marathon. Knowing that the rules allow you to change your mind and to finish at half way, I have no regrets that I chose the full marathon. I look at my watch and see 2hrs (15 mins faster than I had planned) and 10 minutes faster than my PB for a competitive half marathon last year.
  • 23km – I see the family again on the way back. They positioned themselves at a great spot at the end of a straight (in front of the train station) so I could see them from a good bit back and already wave. I'm overjoyed to see them again. I know I can't keep the pace up but I know there's a real possibility that I could be quicker than the 4hrs 30mins I was aiming for. I shout to Claudia as I pass "I'm really fast, I could be 30 mins earlier - make sure you are at the finish on time! It's going well!"
  • 25-30km – Without warning, over 1-2 km my body starts sending out signals of fatigue. Stiffness sets in to the back of the legs, a check of my pulse reassures me that my heart is OK and that I could push harder but my legs are telling me to walk. As I run along the coast to the most southerly part of the course, the sun is beating into my face, I close my eyes briefly and find some relief for those few seconds. The crowd would read the name on my bib and call out "Hopp Gary Hopp" (the Swiss version of GO-Gary-GO) I motioned to a few that I was getting a bit scared by pretending to bite my nails but they just laughed and cheered me on all the more.
  • 31-35km – don't remember much other than that it seemed to go very slowly. In the tunnel it was very quiet this time with only 4 other runners in view. Out of the tunnel and getting used to the drop in temperature, I am calling at every drinking station to take on fluids - sometimes stopping for 10 secs to knock them back (afraid of gulping it down the wrong way and having to be sick).
  • 36-40km – back into the outskirts of Lucerne - the realisation sets in that very soon I will see my family and the finish line. Crowds begin again to line the route. In the distance I can hear the 15 alpine horn players that were positioned near the train station. They were playing "amazing grace" and I prayed "Thank you Lord -  I know that tune is for me" It finished just as I passed them and then came the man who shouted the words in English on his sign "You can do it - yes you can!" By this stage I knew that I couldn't afford to walk if I wanted to get a time of under 4hrs 30mins. The roads were wide and each runner was on his own. The crowds still lined the barriers calling out my name and shouting "bravo Gary", "you've almost done it", "come Gary keep going". 
  • 41km – I took a last cup of water and drew in a deep breath. At that moment I knew I had almost done it and I could have burst into tears there and then. Instead I bottled in up, gritted my teeth and started running again, even trying to up the pace.
  • 42km – as I entered the finish area (the transport museum) the noise was deafening as the spectators cheered and banged the advertising boards. I sighted my family and the boys came running towards me (as previously arranged) and we ran to the finish together with one on either hand. That moment I emotionally let go. My eyes welled up so much I couldn't even find the finish line. I just kept going on the red carpet until an official held out his hand to congratulate me.

  • After the finish line – I kept walking. A cup of water was handed to me. Someone placed a medal over my head. Someone else handed me a bottle filled with energy drink. I looked for a place to sit down, dropped my head, elbows on knees and wept uncontrollably at the realisation that I had just completed a marathon (42km / 26 miles) in 4hrs 25mins. The training of the past 6 months with 40-60km a week had been worth it.
  • It was extra special to have my family present for this very proud moment (Claudia, Joel and David, mum and dad and my aunt). We took time to take lots of photographs. Then a text came through to dad's phone with my official time.
  • Then I made my way over to the tent to pick up my finisher gift. Each person completing the marathon received a long sleeve running shirt from Asics with the words "Lucerne Marathon Finisher 2011" printed in large letters down the back
  • A 10 minute walk (or limp) to the changing area. On the way I joined the queue for a leg massage. The 15 minute rubdown was much appreciated and will hopefully reduce the recovery time.
  • The showers for the men were a large marque with 40 shower heads fixed to scaffolding rails on the ceiling. The water temperature was perfect and very refreshing.
  • Phoned the family to arrange a meeting point. Had a sandwich and finished the bottle of energy drink. Then walked 10 mins to get the boat and commence the journey home.
  • At home I went unto the website. Checked my time and compared it with others in my catagory. Printed out my certificate. Tweeted my result.
  • 18:30 – had tea
  • 20:00 – went to bed and slept for 11 hours :) - woke up very stiff - tbc.

13 October 2011

Students at the autumn CMLC in Kilchzimmer

The Lord has given us a wonderful group of students for the autumn CMLC in Kilchzimmer. There are 14 in the German speaking class and 8 in the English speaking class. They come from Germany, Switzerland, N. Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Austria/USA and the Netherlands.
These numbers are lower than in previous years and we are praying that God would show us the way forward. A new promotional video and leaflets are being produced and we will be introducing modules in 2012.

27 September 2011

Preparing for the Lucerne marathon


18 months ago I took up running as a hobby. At the end of October I would like to run my first marathon and I have chosen what must be one of the must beautiful in the world – the Lucerne Marathon (Switzerland). I invite you to sponsor me and help CEF in Latvia build a new centre (National Office Project)
JustGiving - Sponsor me now!
There are 195,000 children (age 5-14) in Latvia who need to hear the Gospel. We have the unique opportunity to be able to gain access to all local schools and participate in the religious education program. Grades 1-3 are using CEF Memory Verse Sets and over 3,500 pupils are reading "Wonder Devotional Books" – three years of daily Bible readings!
Their 10-year office lease has expired and now they urgently need a centre from which they can coordinate the CEF ministries, which include:
  • schools ministry
  • Good News Clubs¸
  • Children's website - 1,600 children registered
  • Mailbox Club - over 1,000 children in public schools invloved. A further 2,300 are mailing letters to the office
  • Literature - A 5-year cycle of teaching materials is available in Latvian and Russian
  • Teacher training - Regular courses and training seminars are organized
JustGiving - Sponsor me now!

19 August 2011

15 graduate from Slovak/Czech CMLC


Today 15 students graduated from the Czech/Slovak CMLC (Children's Ministry Leadership Course) in Bratislava, Slovakia.
It was my privilege to teach them during the final week and to be present at their graduation. Some of the are already CEF workers and several of them are considering joining the mission. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness to each student during the 12 week course and pray that He will use them mightily to reach the children of central Europe.

02 July 2011

Look what my "very gifted" wife did!

"Joel and David by the sea" by Claudia Cousins – 70 cm x 100 cm acrylic on a box canvas
Claudia has been painting again and the result this time is very impressive. Taking the idea from another painting she saw, she put it together with a photograph from our boys standing looking out across the sea at the north of Germany. This large canvas now adorns a very prominent place in the hallway of our home.

24 June 2011

Affectionately known as the REDs

The Regional Education Directors in Ridgecrest, Asheville, NC, USA. Front row, left to right: Martha Olango, East and Central Africa, Gary Cousins, Western Europe, Lynda Pongracz, Executive Director of Education for CEF worldwide, Lynne Herlein, Associate Director of Education. Second row: Janet Snyder, N. American/Caribbean, Susan Pineda, Latin America, Cora Viljoen, Southern Africa/Indian Ocean, Kathy Gleckler, East and Central Africa, Bev Huff, N. American/Caribbean, Jan Johnson, Asia/Pacific. Third row: Abner Pineda, Latin America, Kobus Viljoen, Southern Africa/Indian Ocean, Laura Wegert, Dept. of Education intern.
Last month, the REDs got together for several days of meetings before the International Conference in USA. This was indeed a rich time of fellowship and learning from one another. Together with the staff at the International Headquarters we coordinate the CEF training programmes in our areas of South America, North America and the Caribbean, Central & Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, Asia-Pacific and other places. I was representing the European region which I share with Linda and Iris.
I am so glad that I attended these meetings and I was able to meet personally people who until now I had only communicated with by email.

20 June 2011

Former students - where are they now?

With the start of the summer CMLC only days away, I want to share with you extracts from interviews conducted with two of our former students. As you read their responses, may your heart be thrilled, as mine was, to see the truth of 1 Thes. 5:24 “He who calls you is faithful”.  Gary Cousins (Education Coordinator for Kilchzimmer and Western Europe)
GC: Amélie, you took the course in autumn 2008. How did a young French woman decide to come to Kilchzimmer and to study in English?
AC (Amélie Coste): In 2006, I started working as a civil engineer in London. After a camp in France as a counsellor, my burden for France and the children there became clearer. The greatest challenge for me was realizing that ministry work in France meant quitting my job in London. It took me almost a year to make that decision, but I am so glad the Lord gave me the peace to do it! Shortly after that, I heard about the institute and decided to come to Kilchzimmer since no similar institutes existed in France at that time.
GC: As you look back on your 12 weeks here – what highlights stick in your mind?
AC: I enjoyed the fellowship with other young Christians who had the same heart for children as I had. The classes were excellent, and I’m using them today in my ministry. Switzerland was also a beautiful country to discover.
GC: You came here unsure if you should join CEF. What happened during the course and the months immediately after?
AC: My time at Kilchzimmer was part of a year of sabbatical I was taking to get involved in ministry to see how God would guide me. After leaving the institute, I began a one-year internship with CEF where I had the opportunity to visit some CEF missionaries, start teaching and organize two clubs.
GC: I read in your prayer letter that you have many opportunities to train others. Is this your main ministry?
AC: My ministry is threefold: teacher-training, clubs and graphic design. I had the opportunity to attend an IOT1 and an IOT3 course. This led me to teach several TCE1 and TCE3 classes and seminars in different towns in France.
GC: How does what you learned at Kilchzimmer help you in your day-to-day ministry?
AC: Studying at Kilchzimmer helped me acquire methods that gave me the confidence I needed to start a monthly Bible club in my town. This club has been going on for almost two years now. The IPEAR method and how to adequately communicate central truths are tools I still use to help me prepare for the club.
GC: What are the biggest challenges facing a CEF worker in France?
AC: France is a mission field. It is difficult for a French missionary to find support in France. CEF workers are very few here and most French children haven’t heard the Gospel. Many children in my club are hearing the Bible stories for the first time, but it is a joy to have boys and girls so attentive to the teaching.
GC: How can we pray for you specifically?
AC: I have a couple of trainings and retreats where I will be teaching children in the coming weeks, especially one at Easter. My prayer is that by God’s grace, I will stay faithful to Him.
---
GC: How did you come to leave your secular employment and enter Bible College?
NH (Neil Harkness): In November 1999 as I was reading Acts 7:3, those words to Abraham came so strong to me personally that I really felt God was saying, someday Neil you are going to leave Northern Ireland and go to another land.
I had a real interest in Northern and Western Europe as I had travelled to Holland, Germany and Belgium with friends and to Finland and Sweden with my father to watch the car rallies. I didn’t know where God wanted me to go but I knew Bible College was the next step.
GC: How did you find out about the CMLC (Childrens’ Ministry Leadership Course)?
NH: During my final year at the Faith Mission Bible College (Scotland), in the spring of 2007, a fellow student from Germany gave me a Kilchzimmer Echo. I couldn’t read it because it was in German, but she explained it a little bit and asked me “did you ever think of going there?” I had heard of Kilchzimmer but I didn’t know very much about it or CEF. I really enjoy children’s ministry, I had taught in Sunday school in my home church and I had been involved for many years in camps with the faith mission. Strange as it was, every time I passed the college missions display, there seemed to be something there from CEF. The Lord used those things to lead me to attend the CMLC.
GC: You attended the autumn 2007 course. What memory stands out for you?
NH: While I was convinced before the course of the need to evangelize children, the classes on the Biblical basis gave me the verses I needed to be able to show others from the scriptures how children can be saved. I believe this will be a big help for me working in Northern Europe where many doubt that children need to be saved.
GC: How did the Lord use your time in Kilchzimmer to guide you?
NH: I came not knowing what I would do afterwards. One evening I was reading Deuteronomy 31 for an assignment. The moment I read verse 7 where Moses said to Joshua, “thou must go with this people”, it was so clear that God was speaking to me. As the weeks progressed I had a real peace and I felt increasingly at home among the “CEF people”. As we prayed each day for different countries I realized, here is a mission that is also working in Northern and Western Europe. It was as if my natural desires, the work I was interesting in, my personal circumstances, and the call of God – all came together while at Kilchzimmer.
GC: When did Sweden become your main focus?
NH: At the end of the course I shared with Roy Harrison (former European Director) that I wanted to apply to the mission. He asked where I felt the Lord was leading me. I said that I had a natural desire towards Northern Europe and mentioned that I had been to Sweden. He proceeded to tell me that CEF doesn’t have any full-time workers there and that they were praying that God would raise them up. I didn’t commit to anything then but the seed had been planted.
GC: What did you do immediately after the course?
NH: The call was so strong that a few weeks later I applied to CEF Ireland. At the beginning of March 2008 I was accepted as a candidate and commenced a time of practical training. The following 18 months gave me an opportunity to get to know the work of CEF better and to discern the Lord’s will.
GC: When did it become clear that Sweden was the country God was calling you too?
NH: Sweden was still on my mind, so in September 2008, armed with a list of contacts, a friend and I went on a fact-finding mission to the country. My prayer was, Lord, if this is it, make it clear… if not... I can go home knowing that this is not your will. When I got on the plane to go home, I was convinced that this was the not the place the Lord wanted me. But then I opened a book I had been given at Bible College to read the final chapter. It was called “God is Faithful” a collection of short stories from former missionaries. In the providence of God, the first statement I read was “James Lees who was a Scottish miner took a return ticket to Sweden to test if God was calling him there to labour in the Gospel.” I put the book down and a smile came over my face as I realized that God had spoken again in a truly unmistakable way.
I didn’t share it with anyone until April 2009. It was already clear but I asked the Lord to confirm it to me one more time. The reading that night in My Daily Light was “arise ye, depart for this is not your rest” (Micah 2:10). I soon became a missionary designate to Sweden and a short time later commenced deputation.
GC: Things moved quite quickly from them on!
NH: Yes, going into deputation, facing the challenge of raising support for living in one of the most expensive countries in Europe, I was encouraged by the words of Exodus 35:21 were it says that the peoples hearts were stirred and their spirits were made willing to give to the work of the tabernacle. In less that a year, my full support had been pledged.
In the summer of last year, eleven years after God had first spoken to me through Acts 7:3, with 15 kilos of luggage, I boarded a Ryanair flight to Gothenburg, Sweden. I got settled in, found a place to live, got the remainder of my stuff brought over from Ireland and commenced language school in September.
GC: What are the challenges facing you as you seek to establish the work in Sweden?
NH: CEF is virtually unknown in Sweden. Also the area I live in has a high immigrant population and there are many Muslim children. I am looking forward to having a better grasp of the language so I can commence the work here among the children. I know that it will not be easy but I am very sure that this is where God wants me to be and I know that He will be faithful.
Are you a former student? Why not tell us your story? We would love to hear from you!
Or if you are interested in attending the course at Kilchzimmer, click here for more information.

31 May 2011

Every Child Every Nation Every Day

The impressive plaza at the CEF International Headquarters near St. Louis in Missouri where country flags are hoisted each week and where prayer is made for the children of those nations. Each pole represents one of the CEF world regions and at the base is a plaque with the names of the countries where CEF is active and the countries which still have to be opened.




Our founder Mr. Overholzer (on the middle photo :), his Bible and the globe he used to pray for the children of the world

23 May 2011

Visiting South Carolina

Pastor Myles Beck

This weekend I have the great joy of spending time with some great friends who I spent a summer with as an intern almost 13 years ago. Back then Pastor Myles Beck was based near Pittsburgh. It was with him that I got some of my first preaching and pastoral experience. Many of the lessons I learned then I still practice today. During that summer I stayed with the Savage family. Despite the distance and time, we have been able to maintain contact with both families. I really appreciate their interest in our family and ministry. Both families worship in New Heights Baptist Church were Myles is the Associate Pastor. I am really thankful for these friendships and for the opportunity this morning to preach and share about the ministry in Europe.

"The Cove" - Billy Graham Training Centre

One afternoon last week I had the opportunity to visit "the cove" which is the Billy Graham training centre in North Carolina, USA.
The mobile pulpit used by Billy Graham in some of his crusades
Billy Graham's pulpit with bible, preaching notes and lights marked (5, 3 and 1 minutes)
Budapest, Hungary

People in Arad, Romania listening to Billy Graham preach during the communist years. 
Many recorded the Bible message at every meeting in Eastern Europe

International Conference

This past week I was attending the CEF International Conference in North Carolina, USA. Our theme was "Every child Every nation Every day". We had a really great week of getting to know other workers and worshipping together with 1007 people from 64 nations. Here are some of the highlights and key announcements which I tweeted:

  • 176 flags representing countries (142 last time) where CEF has an established and ongoing ministry.
  • Every child, every nation, every day: 31 countries to go!
  • Hot news: CEF app launched last night on all platforms!!!
  • SPAN (Sponsor a National) being expanded and designed to fit the economics of the region / rather than one size fits all
  • Reese Kauffman says the SPAN program has the potential to reach not 10 million but 100 million children worldwide by 2027!
  • To say that children can't trust the Lord is 'heresy' and a contradiction of the teaching of Jesus Christ @LuisPalauLive 
  • @BBassara International Literature Director says: Our material is in 70 languages and being used in 176 countries
  • Thanks to Revival Movement in N. Ireland we are launching the teachers packs project. Free boxes of literature for our teachers
  • @BBassara 7 million Meet the King evangelistic booklets distributed worldwide
  • We have 233 workers in Korea
  • 30 Koreans on stage singing Jesus loves the little children - amazing!
  • 20 countries in West Africa opened and 3 more to go
  • Cambodia has a weekly training class for GNC teachers. 'my workers are not evangelising machines - they need encouragement'
  • It has been years since I have heard such good congregational singing. A great mix of old & new and glory directed to God not man
  • $547,891 pledged this week for the SPAN project which will be matched to give a total of $1,095,782. Pray that it now comes in.
  • Well that's it then! As the sign says on the gate going out of Ridegecrest: "You are now entering the mission-field"
Feeding 1000 all at once!


One of the many seminars

One of the many school buses that took us on a trip

14 May 2011

CEF International Conference 2011

It only happens every 3 years but this is actually the first time I am attending this international conference in North Carolina, USA. I am (unofficially) tweeting from the pre-conference meetings and the main conference. You can view this on the sidebar to the right or here.
If you are also tweeting from the conference then please use the search #CEFIC11 so we can link to each other.

10 May 2011

Run and run and run

Binzen - on the edge of the Black Forest
Having the Black Forest practically at our back door is a reality that frequently fills me with a desire to get out and explore it on foot. Thankfully the forest is way-marked with hundreds of miles of public walk-ways, so you are literally free to explore and with an area 260 km long and 60 km wide, no two routes need ever be the same.
For the past 15 months I have been discovering the joy of regular running. I have many options and traffic free paths on level ground but I find the peacefulness and beauty of the 'Schwarzwald' hard to resist.
In more recent weeks I have been making the most of our ministry trips to get out into the great outdoors. During the Easter break, while in N. Ireland, I ran one afternoon from the Giant's Causeway to the centre of Portrush (01:18:00 / 13.3 km), then in the Mournes from Meelmore Lodge to Hare's Gap - Brandy Pad - Glenn River - and finishing at Newcastle (Donard Car Park) (01:44:00 / 10.46 km more stats).
Recently in Romania I was able to explore part of the city of Sibiu with the help of a hastily printed out street plan from google maps. I folded the A4 page as small as the packet insert in a tablet box, small enough to hold in my hand and just enough visible to guide me at each juncture.
I love the outdoors and I am enjoying feeling much fitter and healthier these days. No exercise programme is any good unless it is accompanied by a healthy diet. Thanks to Claudia I enjoy lots of delicious cooking with lots of healthy options including a large leafy salad several times a week with an Italian or balsamic dressing. 
I never run with headphones – in fact I have an aversion to them. When I observe such runners I see people who are not enjoying their running but enduring it. The music is just another piece of noise, a distraction from the pain of overexertion. Perhaps in a noisy inner city setting I could be convinced of the merits but then all I can say is, be careful crossing the road! For me, running with headphones is as pointless as caffeine-free coffee!
Meelmore Lodge with the Hare's Gap in the background
Yes running is about fitness and weight control and personal discipline but it's much more than that. It is about taking 'time out' to 'take in'. To shut down the computer and to go out and 'take in' the sound of birds singing and the rustle in the undergrowth as a mouse or a small lizard scurries to safety, the smell of spring flowers or the stench coming out of an old wooden barn, the breath-taking landscapes that open up as you reach the brow of a hill and the colours that change with every movement of the clouds, the warmth of the sun on my face and the fresh air that fills my lungs, the refreshment that a mouthful of ice-tea gives from a hydration pack or the sugar rush of a power-bar. And the best thing of all, is just clearing my head and getting away from technological distractions that have become so much a part of our digital world (with the exception of my mobile phone for emergencies). Yes running is about much more than pain. I have learned my lesson about over doing it. If you pace yourself, build up your muscle strength slowly and find a pleasant route, it can be so exhilarating! Not to mention that there are 65 mentions of running in the Bible! That should make a good Bible Study for another post!!!

UEB CORSO INTENSÍVO - CMLC in Italian


Children's Ministries Leadership Course (Italian) on Vimeo.
Due volte 6 settimane o 7 settimane e 5 settimane: da 30 giugno a 10 agosto 2012; da 13 agosto a 21 settembre 2013
Richiedete il modulo* d’iscrizione presso: Unione per l’Evangelizzazione dei Bambini
Via S. Secondo 1/F, 12050 Magliano Alfieri
Telefono e fax 0173/66525, uebitalia@alice.it 

31 March 2011

Training youth workers in Lithuania

This past week I have been in Lithuania helping the local CEF workers to teach a JYC course. We had an enthusiastic group of 10 students with an additional 5 joining us for the weekend sessions. One woman came on the Saturday with some friends. She enjoyed it so much that she came back again on Sunday with her husband and children - even though it was a 6-hour round trip!
We stayed in a remote homestead about 90 minutes from the capital city of Vilnius. I taught in English and Sandra interpreted into Lithuanian. While Vika, a Latvian CEF worker taught in Russian and Kristina-Maria translated her into Lithuanian. I was glad that some of the students were also able to communicate in English. Here's what they had to say about the course:
  • "It was very important for me to learn about working with teens. I now have a much better understanding of them and a big desire to work with them. Pray that this passion will continue." Vika
  • "The teachers were warm and encouraging. The lessons were very helpful with good structure and many illustrations. The practicals scared us a little bit but it gave us good practice. The morning devotionals from Gary were a refreshment to my soul." Ieva
  • "I have been to many other seminars and afterwards felt that they were a waste of time. This one was different. The teachers were well prepared. Through them, I have received courage and confidence to work among teens." Jurgita

15 February 2011

Being a student again at Kilchzimmer

On Friday, I and 11 others will complete the 2-week IOT1 (Instructor of Teachers level 1) for teaching a 30-hour course called TCE1 (Teaching Children Effectively). It has been a great learning experience and the fellowship at the course has been both warm and uplifting.
I should actually be leading this course but I decided to take it as a student first. That meant attending all the classes and doing all the home-works and practical assignments. I realised that I had forgotten how stressful it is for a student to prepare for a practical and then to demonstrate their skills in front of an experienced group of instructors who are evaluating you. Tough as it was, I believe it helped sharpen my skills as a teacher and it give me more empathy for those I will teach in the future. Another advantage was that by attending as a student, I could get a better knowledge of the content of the course and could witness first hand how it was taught by a very capable and experienced CEF team.

27 January 2011

10 instructors trained in Hungarian course



It was a privilege for David Crutchley and I to spend 8 days with 8 people from Hungary, 1 from Romania (Transylvania), and 1 from N. Ireland at the Hungarian National Office near Budapest. We had come together for a CEF Junior Youth Challenge Instructor Course. The course participants were all full-time CEF workers who have a strong desire to develop the Youth Challenge work in the areas where they work. They studied with enthusiasm, taking down lots of notes and tips for how they could use what they had learned to train others. During the practicals they were able to demonstrate a JYC and a Bible Study for this age group and receive evaluation in a helpful and constructive way.
It was especially thrilling to see them sit around in a circle last Saturday to plan when and where they will launch the first JYC training seminars. God willing these will be held in the autumn in Budapest and in the NE of Hungary.
Special thanks to our translator who did a fantastic job and who was also able to share some of her amazing knowledge of history as we spent an afternoon visiting the tourist sites of the city!

Last Sunday I preached in Pécel Reformed Church, you can listen here to the sermon. Yes I do have my coat on! The Pastor and the congregation kept there's on, so I took the liberty to do the same.

14 January 2011

Wondering if it's time to leave ???

No I'm not talking about the ministry, I'm talking about facebook. It's great for keeping in touch, but it's just getting TOO BIG and it seems for a lot people it is also becoming an addiction!

If 48% of 18-30 year olds are checking facebook as soon as they get up in the morning and if 48% of Christians (young adults) are doing the same - how many of them are still making time for God before the day begins? So, am I brave enough to delete my account? I'm not there yet but I'm closer than I ever was before.

11 January 2011

Largest mission sending nations

At the last mission-net congress in Germany, one of the speakers from S. Korea shared the following statistic with us about how many evangelical missionaries there are throughout the world and what countries they are sent from. No surprise to see USA and South Korea up there in first and second places respectively. I presume UK also includes Northern Ireland helping it to take third place.
Not sure about the source of the data but it can't be far wrong.
I'm looking forward to the next mission-net congress (December 2011 in Erfurt, Germany) and also to getting my hands on the new Operation World book which should be full of lots of statistics and concrete prayer requests concerning world evangelism.

10 January 2011

Join CEF back in 1968

 
Recently a colleague at Kilchzimmer brought a number of old CEF USA magazines to coffee break. Some of the advertisements amused us greatly, such as the "5 day home trail" for accordions. We wondered if back then playing the accordion was essential to leading a Good News Club. :)
However the inside back cover ad entitled "help wanted" really caught my attention. Here's the text: MISSIONARIES NEEDED: ANYONE WILLING TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR CHRIST IN FULL-TIME SERVICE - CALL OR WRITE CEF.
STATE, CITY, COUNTRY DIRECTORS AND HOME OFFICE WORKERS NEEDED: SEEK PERSONS WITH BURDEN FOR WINNING CHILDREN TO CHRIST - CALL OR WRITE CEF
Want a career with unlimited opportunities, personal satisfaction, and a lot of money? How about a career with unlimited opportunities, personal satisfaction and less money? You have a choice in the matter: your own. Or, what the Lord would have you do.
Have you ever stopped to think that God needs you? He does. He needs all of us to work out His plan.
There are many ways to be of service but preparation should come first: 3 months of CEF Institute will give you practical know-how in helping you to reach boys and girls for Christ. 27 courses are offered with sessions beginning in March, June and September.
Why not consider making the Lord's business your career? He gave His life for you.

Do you notice anything different in that advert for missionaries from 40 years ago compared to those you read today? No offer here of short-term service! No attempt to make the work sound appealing! And yet because many responded, we in Europe and across the world have heard the Gospel as children. If you too would like to respond, we would love to hear from you. The first step would be to apply to the Children's Ministry Leadership Course at Kilchzimmer.

04 January 2011

7 Billion Reasons

I wouldn't normally be endorsing National Geographic but this short video offers up lots of interesting facts about the world’s population which is projected to soon hit 7 billion. I would just like to change the last bit to: "7 billion reasons to be active in evangelism and world missions"

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)