One World Mission Blog

4 Cruces: Disaster?

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:06:00 +0000

Pray for our missionaries in Costa Rica...

Well, we're the closest we've been to being in the middle of a third world disaster since we moved down here. The weather is totally crazy and everything we own is wet and moldy. It started raining last Tuesday and hasn't stopped yet (http://www.amcostarica.com/morenews2.htm). Today was day number seven and we are supposed to be getting hit by another system starting tomorrow. Normally, this is fairly normal for this time of year but the duration and the extent of the rainfal are not normal. One of the bridges leading out of Puerto Viejo washed out and we are now effectively cut off from the rest of the country unless walking is an option. The roads are also out between Puerto and Limon and again between Limon and San Jose and we almost lost the bridge that links our neighborhood to the rest of the area. We don't have any idea how long it may take to get everything reconnected and reconstructed but it won't be tomorrow. We need to make sure we have cash on hand and we need to stock up on groceries as well. It could be a while before we get anything more than staples. We'll see (not to set off the alarm too early).

As for our house, we have lost over a week of construction and the house we are renting is soaked. Rain has been blowing in from every direction for a week now. We have put up a couple of tarps to keep it out and it is helping a bit but it isn't a perfect system. Maili is sleeping on the futon on our deck as it is slightly more dry than her room. Makena's room is the driest in the house so she is fine. Many people have been flooded out of their homes and are in worse situations than we are. A little mold and mildew aren't too bad when you consider what some families are putting up with. Please pray for everyone down here. We are not in any danger, but we could sure use a few dry days. We could also run into some food and fuel shortages very soon. This is definitely the worst weather we have experienced in our time here and we are ready for it to end. Also, please forgive us if it takes some extra time to return emails. We have also been without internet access for the past week. We'll keep you updated.

4 Cruces: Disaster?

Cruce Missionary Page

Escaping the Devil's Bedroom: Christmas shop online & take action against sex trafficking

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:14:00 +0000

This Christmas, shop smart online and get beautiful gifts for your friend and family all while helping women who are sexually exploited. Many ministries teach women handicraft skills that are both a part of their healing process and give them a viable means of earning an income. You can peruse stunning jewelry pieces, fun tote bags, and handstitched blankets made by women rescued from sex trafficking and prostitution. In many cases, nearly 100% of the proceeds goes to help the women restore their lives. Many of my friends will be receiving earrings, scarves and tea from fantastic ministries this Christmas.

Check out these great sites:

www.shopinlight.com- handspun silk handbags and accessories from Cambodia
www.freesetbags.com- eco-friendly tote and gift bags
www.saribari.com- beautiful handmade blankets made from vintage sari products
www.punjammies.com - Fun pajama tops and bottoms from gorgeous Indian fabric
Have fun shopping!

Escaping the Devil's Bedroom: Christmas shop online & take action against sex trafficking

China black lists American for Bible smuggling

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:15:00 +0000

This story comes from our greatest trading partner: China.

USA (MNN) ― "I've been blacklisted from China. I'm not allowed to go back into China," says the founder and president of Vision Beyond Borders Patrick Klein.

During the Summer Olympics, Klein and three others were trying to take 300 Bibles into China. They were detained at the airport and told it was against the law to bring so many Bibles into the country. After negotiations the team left the airport. Upon leaving the country, the Bibles were returned.

Klein says, "It just amazes me that I've been blacklisted just because I brought Bibles into the country. For a country that says they have freedom of religion, that is not freedom of religion."

Vision Beyond Borders isn't stopping their outreach to China. Klein says the need is still great, despite reports Bibles are being printed in great numbers. Klein says the reports are only half true. "Everybody's going to China to print Bibles because it's so much cheaper -- labor costs and production costs. So people are printing a lot of Bibles inside China. And China is giving the impression to the world that they're printing tons and tons of Bibles, but they're not for mainland China."

Klein says, "From our sources, everything we're hearing, they cannot get Bibles. Last I saw, there's a 20-year wait. In the cities, there's a great need, but there's an even great need in the villages, and people are not able to get them in the villages at all. Some are available in the cities, but not in the quantity that they need."

While Vision Beyond Borders just sent a team into China to take more Bibles. However, Klein says, "I'm praying now, 'Lord, where do I go next?' It's been on my heart to get more involved in the Islamic world and start providing more Bibles to Muslim countries to reach people there."

While he's disappointed that he's been blacklisted from China, Klein says, "I'm hoping through this that more of the church will get involved. If all of us are reaching out to help China to pray for China, [and] if we can go and help carry Bibles, it will help meet our brothers and sisters needs in a tremendous way."

For more information about helping Vision Beyond Border get Bibles into China, click here.

Mission Network News

4 Cruces: Firsts...

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:33:00 +0000

We've had an interesting couple of days here... Last night, there was a 6.2 earthquake across the border in Panama. We were woken up just after midnight last night with the entire house rolling and shaking. As groggy as I was, it was a surreal experience. Maili (if she had been awake) would have felt like she was in the crow's nest of a sailing ship. Her bedroom is in the very top of the house, about 20 feet off the ground, level with the canopies of the surrounding trees. This was the first real earthquake we have experienced here and it was something else. Back in 1992, a huge quake hit the area cutting Puerto Viejo off from the nearest city (Limon) for around two months. Food, etc... had to be brought in by boat. When I think about these kinds of things, I realize that we're only a step away from being in the middle of a third world disaster. That's when I have to remember that we are in God's hands. Definitely exciting.

It rained hard all night and has been raining non-stop today. The rivers and creeks are full and we have a small river running across the yard of our house. Now that we are living back in the hills, transportation is an issue and we have been without our quad for three weeks now which has made life a little more challenging. Getting Makena to school, taking care of other errands and simply getting back and forth from the skatepark come with a whole new level of difficulty. I can't wait to get the quad back because biking to work several miles in heavy rain on a single speed bicycle, up and down hills, is not the easiest thing in the world. It's not the worst either, but I'll be glad to have my transport back. Life here in the jungle comes with a whole new set of challenges and some days simply consist of taking care of things just so that we can continue to be here.

Later this afternoon I'll be opening the skate park if the rain lets up a little. The entire park is covered but when a big storm like this blows in, the rain gets on everything and skating can get a little dangerous. We'll see how it goes but I'm not holding out too much hope since squalls keep blowing through. The rain is also putting a damper on the house construction. They are a little behind on getting the roof finished and can't really work up that high when things are so wet. Hopefully, they will get it done during the next dry spell and then can work every day un-impeded by the wetness. They're supposed to be done by the middle of next month and we're wondering how they'll make it. Another day in our lives... At least I didn't get peed on by the bat again.

4 Cruces: Firsts...

Cruce Missionary Page

4 Cruces: Happenings

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:36:00 +0000

This is a great post from Barret Cruce down in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Barrett gives us a great snap shot into what it takes to live and do ministry on the field and in the jungle.

Ever been woken up in the middle of the night because a bat peed on you? If not, well I've got one up on you. A few weeks back, we heard our nightly visitor fly into our bedroom. All of a sudden, I felt a spray of liquid on my legs. I told Amy, "I think that bat just peed on me." She wasn't impressed and immediately went back to sleep. I thought about it for a few minutes and decided there was no alternative but to roll over and go back to sleep as well. What are you going to do at 2:00 in the morning? Just another one of the unique experiences we've had here in the jungle.
I'm in San Jose right now. I met with the builder this morning to purchase such necessary items as toilets, sinks, door knobs, etc... for the house. We are getting closer and should have the roof in place by the end of next week. He tells me that we're only a month away from being done and although they are working fast, I have a hard time believing it. We'll see. We're hoping to be in by Christmas. Also, our water problems may be solved soon. Rather than trying to come up with another $10,000 dollars to drill a deep well to the aquifer, we are going green. We have decided to begin harvesting our rain-water by installing a system of large storage tanks and a filtration system. With Whit's help, I calculated that we can capture enough water from our roof alone to satisfy the majority of our needs for the year. We'll still have to watch it during the dry periods but with our surface well for back-up, we should be in pretty good shape. Just don't plan to visit us in September or October or you may find out what it means to "fetch the water".

Here's a recent picture of the house.
It is amazing to me sometimes how much time and energy you can expend here just trying to live. Some times we spend a good part of our week just taking care of things that enable us to continue with life. Add to that the homeschooling, ministry and construction and life is full.
Speaking of "ministry"... everyone seems to be enjoying Romans. What a great letter. We are well into chapter 2 right now and will continue on next week.

Since I am stuck in San Jose right now, Amy, a very brave, talented and flexible woman, is leading house church. She is leading a discussion and prayer evening which should be a great time for everyone. We lost a few people earlier in the year as they made decisions which took them out of fellowship. It was pretty discouraging but as we've been faithful to keep meeting, teaching and caring for each other, the group that remained has gone deeper. Several that were coming previously have even returned. That has been encouraging.

A typical "service" looks like this: most everyone begins showing up between 5 and 6pm. We share a meal each week and many times the guys bring lobster and fish that they have caught right offshore on the local reefs. We start cleaning and cooking and end up eating between 6:30 and 7:00. Then, we fill up our coffee mugs and open the study in prayer and worship. After 5-6 songs, we begin the bible study and end with discussion and prayer. Afterwards, everyone pitches in to clean up and hang out a little more. What I love about this is that it is so all-encompassing. It isn't just showing up for an hour and then rushing off to the next thing...our service lasts for 3-4 hours.

People are really connecting and are enjoying spending time together. It makes me think that this must be similar to what it was like in the early church. A cool thing to think about as we work our way through Romans.

4 Cruces: Happenings

Cruce Missionary Page

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Robin & Tracy Shelley: Nala, Nala, Nala

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Here are some cool pictures of the new baby...

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Nala, Nala, Nala

Calvary Chapel Sokol, Moscow: God's word will be preached to the ends of the earth

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:30:00 +0000

This is a pretty amazing post that I put up over on the Shepherd's Staff Blog. Dean Malispina is a Shepherd's Staff Missionary over in Russia. He posted this on his blog over in Moscow and I just re-posted on our ministry blog.

Cool stuff...

Geno, whom many of you know is the leader of a fellowship in the prison in the Arc Angel region in far north Russia. We recently sent Geno an MP3 player and Pastor Chucks MP3 teaching on the New Testament translated in Russian. Geno asked if we would pray to see if the teachings could be aired on the prison radio station inside the prison that reaches about 800 inmates.

Well in less than 2 weeks later Pastor Chucks Bible teaching were being aired 3 times a week. It caused quite a stir with the Moslem and the Hare Krishna’s wanting equal time. Geno said that several guys were trying to sabotage the speakers in the prison yard. Please pray for the teaching to be aired 3 times if not more a week. It is a real miracle that the teaching are being played.

Also the fellowship received a new brother in Christ, Mikale ( in the middle) Cergey on the right shared with Mikale who is from the same city Cergey is from. Geno on the left.

Calvary Chapel Sokol, Moscow: God's word will be preached to the ends of the earth

Malispina Missionary Page

OneApp Looking for Trial Churches | Mission Leader

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:24:00 +0000

by Mark Morris on November 8, 2008

OneApp.net is a new online resource for local and global ministry. For a full description see Preview of OneApp.

A number of Great Commission applications are coming together for the kingdom in one place and the developers are looking for a few missional churches who are willing to use these powerful tools and help make it even better for the churches that follow.

Churches who are selected for the beta program will benefit by expanding/extending their volunteer mobilization efforts and enhancing how their people are equipped for local and global missions. Online training offers your church members an opportunity to learn before leaving, keeping their time in the field focused on their project objectives as much as possible. Mission management tools are a blessing to mission staff and and team leaders who manage multiple local and global volunteer teams annually.

The OneApp development team is also looking for international partners to add to the growing field-enhanced database on global ministries.

If you think your church might be in a position to commit time and energy into being one of the first to utilize this powerful tool, please complete the following online survey.

To remain informed about OnApp’s development, register your email at OneApp.net.

For more information contact the development team by email at idea@eFurther.com

OneApp is powered by eFurther.com, an independent not-for-profit software platform designed to get the job done.

OneApp Looking for Trial Churches | Mission Leader

Samaritan's Purse | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Emergency Relief | Crisis in the Congo

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:01:00 +0000

Fierce battles between the Congolese Armed Forces and rebel troops commanded by Laurent Nkunda are adding new fuel to a 10-year struggle that has claimed more than five million lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating a crisis for people seeking food, clean water, and medical aid.

Samaritan’s Purse flew a DC-3 cargo plane packed with food, medical supplies, blankets, and emergency shelter materials into the city of Goma today. A four-man emergency response team is networking with local officials, church leaders, and medical personnel to help rush aid to the neediest victims.
A second shipment of supplies from Samaritan’s Purse is scheduled to arrive in Goma on Friday, with additional flights and personnel to follow next week.

The growing conflict has displaced more than 1 million people in the North Kivu province and driven thousands across borders into Uganda and Rwanda. As many as 50,000 people have sought refuge in and around Goma.
An 800-man UN peacekeeping force is holding the Goma airport. Rebel troops are poised on the outskirts of the city while tense international negotiations are underway.

Nkunda sent a message to the United Nations, offering to allow “humanitarian organizations access to those in need who are behind our lines.”

Samaritan’s Purse will concentrate its current efforts in Goma.

In a separate operation in mid October, Samaritan’s Purse sent two planeloads of blankets and cooking utensils to refugees in Dungu, a town about 400 miles north of Goma, near the border of Sudan.

That region is under attack from a rebel force from Uganda called the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA was established in 1987 by Joseph Kony to overthrow the government of Uganda.

LRA troops regularly invade towns and villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Uganda, killing civilians and plundering their homes.

The LRA attacked Dungu soon after Samaritan’s Purse delivered aid to the town, putting plans for any future airlifts in the region on hold.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

PRAY:

Please pray for the people affected by the fighting. Pray that our relief supplies will reach those most in need of aid, and for safety for our teams as they work. Please pray for peace for this war-torn land.

GIVE:

To support our work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, please visit our donation page.

Samaritan's Purse | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Emergency Relief | Crisis in the Congo

4 Cruces: What up...

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:13:00 +0000

Well, it's been a long time since I last posted. Living out in the jungle is great but it makes it more difficult to do things like get online and blog. Things are going well overall. The house is moving along and is pretty much on schedule. The workers are finishing the first layer of stucco on the walls this week and supposedly, will be starting the roof next Monday. This is great since we are just starting to enter rainy season (it has been raining all day).

We are really excited to get into the new house but there's still a way to go yet. We are still in need of a permanent solution to our water problem. Right now, the only real option is to have a drilling truck come out and drill a deep, perforated well. That is a tall order out here. We'll see what happens.

House church this past Sunday was great. We had some visitors... Pablo was back from Spain and brought his parents with him. They had never experienced anything like this before and seemed to really enjoy it. I saw him the next day and he said that they hadn't stopped talking about it. Please pray for Pablo. He came here last year to buy land and fulfill a dream of starting a surf camp. As things go here...it took more money and time than he had planned and after 9 months of trying, he gave up and went home. He had been coming to our house church for several months before he returned and really experienced a change in is perception of God and his knowledge of the bible. It is awesome to hear him say (after experiencing so much difficulty and frustration) that he believes that God had him here for a reason and now when he returns to Spain, he wants to build into people rather than a project. A real life changing experience for him.

Anyway, Sunday evening we started Romans. We watched the moving "Gladiator" the week before to really get a feel for Rome and the time period before getting into the scripture. The movie really provides a great backdrop to discuss the spread of 1st century Christianity. Everyone seemed to enjoy the message and we had some good discussion afterward. Studying Romans for the first time over 12 years ago at Calvary Chapel Tucson really changed my life and I am so looking forward to sharing that with everyone in our house church. Please pray that lives will be changed and that everyone will be so excited about their faith that they will share it with their friends and families. What a privilege to be here doing this.

4 Cruces: What up...

Cruce Missionary Page

Gospel For Africa » What is your world coming to?

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:10:00 +0000

For those of us who are abiding in Jesus Christ, our world is coming closer and closer to perfection. (1 Thess 4:15-17) But for those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, their world is coming closer and closer to destruction. (1 Thess 5:1-10)

It is difficult for us, here in Cote d’Ivoire, to keep up with the Presidential election in the USA and the economic crisis around the world. It seems that we have been far removed from all of these things. When I read news about what is happening the reality of it seems distant, like a story about some far away place that may not even exist. We have only been in Africa for a little over one year, how could so much happen so fast here and around the world? As the time of the return of Jesus for His Church approaches the Bible tells us we will see even more rapid changes in the world and the world system...

Read the rest of the article here

Gospel For Africa » What is your world coming to?

The Jone's Missionary page

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Our weakness used by God for His glory

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:08:00 +0000

I (Robin) have recently returned to Ica after a short break to take care of Tracy and Nala. God is good and faithful and the Bible study is slowly growing.

Two weeks ago there was a new guy named Eric. After the study I had the opportunity to share the gospel with him and he was very receptive. He told me that he was going to come again. I am a skeptic and thought, sure. Well not only did he return but he invited two friends from school. One was from a Christian family and the other (Edwin) had never really attended church except when he was a small child he went to mass on holidays.

The Lord opened the door of ministry and I shared the full gospel with him and he truly seemed broken, pray for the Lord to continue this work in these two young men.

After the study like always I was feeling really good, but it was time to go to the bus station and begin the long journey back to Lima. While I was standing in line waiting to buy my bus ticket the guy behind me cut the line and jumped in front of the lady in front of me. She begin to say something in a small quiet voice.

Well this happens to be something that makes me crazy, and I begin to talk to the gentlemen firmly and of course he begin to argue with me and tell me that we weren't going quick enough so he took our turns. After he returned to the line and I purchased my ticket. The Lord immediately convicted me of the way I had spoken to this gentlemen and I waited until he finished buying his ticket and I apologized to him. I told him that it was inappropriate for me to treat him that way and said that at times my mouth causes me to sin. He said yeah whatever (in Spanish of course) that happens all the time here it is no big deal.

Well I had to wait almost an hour for the next available bus and when I got on my seat was right next to his. We begin to talk and I told him why I was in Peru and he didn't understand. I begin to explain to him God's plan for my life to share His word, and the man begin to ask me questions about God and how God could let children starve in Africa. I explained the scriptures to him and told him of God's sovereignty and man's fallen nature and that we live in a fallen corrupt world.

He ranted on, saying Jesus my God and then something happened, the Spirit of the Lord took over and begin putting scripture verses in my heart to share with him. As I begin to share I could tell his attitude was changing. We talked about Christ for nearly and hour and he asked me for my phone number and information so that we might be able to get together again someday and talk, because he had never heard the gospel and the scripture presented that way before.

I started talking with a proud and arrogant man and ended talking to a broken man who was evaluating himself against what I had shared with him. Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ for His faithfulness in spite of my big mouth. Pray that Christ may continue to use our weaknesses for His glory.

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Our weakness used by God for His glory

The Shelley's missionary page

Brigada Today

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:25:00 +0000

I was glad to see that our little advertisement hit Brigada Today's Blog.

Thanks, Doug.

1) Get Fit: Get Field-Intensive Training

Now you can get Field-environment Intensive Training (FIT) for entering the foreign mission field. This 21-day intensive cross-cultural ministry training school is designed to equip missionaries and their families for success in the following areas:

* Relational skills
* Leadership skills
* Administrative skills
* Personal Health
* Practical Ministry skills
* Cross-cultural skills
* Family relationships
* Church relationships

Experienced, field-tested missionaries will give instruction. The course will be offered in Spring, 2009, and is held at the Calvary Training Center in the cross-cultural, developing nation environment of Tijuana, Mexico. Phone +1(505) 248-9849 or Fax +1(505) 293-5197 or visit http://shepsstaff.org/

or email ssmfi@shepsstaff.org.

Tags: conference, training

Brigada Today

Calvary International Fellowship: Lausanne World Pulse Article

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Shepherd's Staff Missionary Ed Compean had this on his blog:

Lausanne World Pulse Article

Here is the start and a link to an article I had the honor of collaborating on with Paul Hoekstra of Taking Bibles International. We personally and Calvary International Fellowship as a church believe deeply in the mission of Talking Bibles.

A Talking Bible for Those Who Need to Hear

By Paul Hoekstra and Ed Compean

To hand the new non-reading Christian a book on the basics of the faith and send him or her home to study is not only ineffective, it is inappropriate. For example, imagine how frustrating it would be to have possession of an office or home safe, with complete and adequate resources locked inside, yet not be in possession of the combination necessary to unlock the door. So it is for the non-reading Christian who desires to grow in his or her faith. CONTINUE READING...

Calvary International Fellowship: Lausanne World Pulse Article

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Work Begins on a Café

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:45:00 +0000

These are a few picture of the back room in the church. Now we are converting it into a café. We are building walls to cover up the garage doors and reduce the noise from the street and we are covering this brick wall to paint a mural. Pray for the Lord's provision. We are using all the profit from the café to send more Peruvian missionaries. More pics to come are we make progress.

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Work Begins on a Café

Shelley's missionary page

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Kilaine turns 7 (Kilaine cumplió 7 años)

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Kilaine turns 7! We got a cake and celebrated just with our family. Kilaine is growing so fast, she is now bilingual and she loves to read books (especially in Spanish). We are so proud of her and how well she has adapted to Peru, to Kilaine this is her home, her country. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for Kilaine!

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Kilaine turns 7 (Kilaine cumplió 7 años)

Shelley's missionary page

Robin & Tracy Shelley: And she grows

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:08:00 +0000

I don't know if you all saw this post from the Shelley's. Their ministry is growing in more ways than you know...

Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

Robin & Tracy Shelley: And she grows

Worse Than Ever | Christianity Today

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:51:00 +0000

When I was in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, I hung out with Troy from Gospel for Asia (GFA). While we were together, news came to him from his office in Dallas about attacks against Christians in regions where GFA is active. We prayed together for peace to fill the void left by false religions and empty political solutions.

Like many people in the eastern India state of Orissa, Nikhil Kumar Kanodia knew an attack on Christians was imminent. But unlike others, Kanodia was a police superintendent. When he declared that Hindu attacks on Christians in his district of Kandhamal would be prosecuted, he was immediately transferred. Soon afterward, Kandhamal became the epicenter of massive anti-Christian violence. Nationalist Hindus have killed, raped, and otherwise assaulted Christians, burned Christian schools, churches, and houses, and left tens of thousands homeless.

read full article here: Worse Than Ever | Christianity Today

Koinonia Peru Update

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:28:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I hope that you’re all doing well. This has been a busy week and here’s a summary of what’s been happening. Thanks again for your prayers and for being such a blessing for us in so many ways.

Maintenance

About a month ago, we had a lot of rain which in Lima is not at all common. As a result, we have a lot of paint that’s pealing. I spent a little more than 7 hours this week prepping walls for painting. Yes, doing jobs like that is part of missionary service too. By the way, if you’ve got some vacation time coming and would like to come down to paint or help with other maintenance projects here in the building, please contact me. We’ve got plenty of work to do!

Moving Forward

For several years now, I’ve been praying for a way to help Peruvian’s that want to minister with Koinonia and need financial help. With a few exceptions, I haven’t wanted to ask people in others countries to support the Peruvian workers. The reason is that I believe it’s better in the long run for the Peruvian church to be as independent as possible in regards to finances. This week, we took steps toward that reality. I’m so excited. Here’s why…

Oninxha, Angie and I went to sign legal documents to form a business. We’re planning to sell various products to help raise support for our Peruvian missionaries. The company is named “Hasta Los Confines”. In English, that phrase means “to the uttermost”. It’s taken from Jesus’ command to preach the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. In addition, we’re also hoping to export our products around the world.

Initially, we’ll be selling t-shirts with a message. Our clothing name brand here in Peru will be called “Outtasight-2 Cor. 4:18”. That verse says, “we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” I’ll be showing the first three designs to people in the States when I travel there next week. In the future, we hope to sell men and women’s apparel, purses and other items. We’ll keep you up-to-date.

For God so loved the world

This week, God gave me several opportunities to share the gospel. One being yesterday, while I was traveling on the bus to Ica. A woman sat next to me and it was great to see how God has already been working in her heart. Another was with two university students, a guy and a girl, who came to church. At least the girl is really seeking. She’s really hurting too. Her name is Tania.

Your Opportunity to Minister in Peru through Prayer

Koinonia Surco will be working with a medical mission’s team from the States on Thursday and Friday. They will be doing a medical clinic in Santa Rosa . We are expecting several hundred people to be treated and ministered to in those two days. Pray for the Holy Spirit to minister and for good organization for the whole event.
I will be traveling to the States with the entire family on Monday evening. I’ll be sharing in several churches, meeting with individuals and attending a conference.
I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom, creativity and divine contacts for Outtasight-2 Cor. 4:18 and the whole team that is working with “Hasta Los Confines”.
Pray for salvation for Tania, Miguel Angel and Miguel Angel. (No, that’s not a mistake. There are actually two young men named Miguel Angel that we’ve been witnessing to.

God bless you all.

Making disciples in Peru ,

Brian Vander Kodde

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm (Ephesians 6:13): Koinonia Peru Update

General Resources for Missionaries

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:46:00 +0000

Dial Abroad
A resource for inexpensive international phone rates

Postcards
Send postcards from anywhere in the world

Power Bible study software
Low cost comprehensive Bible Study software

Free Bible Software

Blue Letter Bible
Firefighters for Christ partner providing free Bible teaching MP3's, videos, and CD's, and online Bible study tools

Donor-receipting and accounting software

REI
Outdoor clothing, mosquito nets, water filters, backpacks

Teal Brook
Water filters and other missionary supplies

World Air Ocean
Shipping your household and other large items

Direct Container Lines

Missionary Expeditors, Inc.
Missionary shipping national and international

Tracts
ACTS Tracts

The Eatons: Robbed

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:53:00 +0000

We were robbed again last night. Not us personally, although some of our personal things were taken, but the orphanage. In case you hadn't known, the orphanage has been broken into twice before. The first time they took a lawn mower and weed eater (it was right after we moved to Peru and there was nothing else of value there). The second time they got caught in the act and escaped but didn't get away with anything.

This time... pretty much everything of value is gone. Table saw, chop saw, nail gun, power tools, refrigerator, stove, clothes, silverware, cooking utensils... I don't have a complete list, but there's not much left of value. The vacuum cleaner was left by the gate, as was a tote full of donated school supplies (I guess they didn't have room). The lock on the garage was broken, but they got into the house through the one second-story window that hadn't been installed yet.

Justin's estimate is that between $8000 and $10000 worth of stuff is gone. (That's an estimate.) I don't really know what else to say. We're discouraged and frustrated. Please pray for us. For wisdom, for peace, and that this wouldn't slow down the opening of the orphanage yet again. Thank you!

The Eatons

Update from Pastor John Bonner

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:48:00 +0000

Dear Praying Friends,
Last night, our oh-so-close-to-be-open orphanage was broken in to by thieves, and they took just about everything. We are so sad, as this is a major setback for us.

Justin and Sarah Eaton, our orphanage directors, placed some pictures and the robbery details on their blog site: http://www.eatonsinperu.blogspot.com/ We estimate that more than $8,000 worth of tools, equipment and furniture were stolen.

We are not disheartened. The enemy is obviously displeased with this project as this is the most recent in a series of attacks to stop us from opening this home to Peru's precious children. This only shows us that we are a threat to the kingdom of darkness, and we are resolved to continue to trust the Lord and move ahead in this important ministry.

Thank you for praying for us. Pray also that the criminals might be apprehended, or at least convicted of this horrible sin, and that the orphanage belongings might somehow be returned.
Gratefully Yours,

John & Pilar Bonner
Field Address: Jr Trujillo #456, Magdalena del Mar, Lima 17, Peru, South America
Support Address: "Friends of CCBC-Peru" 1771 E. Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91913
www.CalvaryChapelLima.com

HT: Pedro

4 Cruces: Dry!!!

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:51:00 +0000

Well, our daily life has been much more at a subsistence level lately than at any time since we arrived. We are still basically out of water and have a month and a half to go of dry season. Fortunately, it rained last night and we were able to capture some water in barrels. Amy and I were running around in the dark putting jugs and a barrel under a tarp so that we could collect rainwater. Several episodes of "Survivor" went through my mind. At least we could laugh about it. The worst thing is not having enough water to flush. That gets old very quickly. Between this situation and the need to be present at our construction site, we have very little time for anything else. For those of you that prefer to receive newsletters... I am far behind on sending out a new one but we have been so busy trying to get by that it has been all but impossible. Please bear with us and we'll be back on track eventually.

Latest view of the house as the walls begin to go up. We are using steel construction with walls made of Styrofoam and concrete. Hopefully, this will help us avoid the termite problems that are so prevalent here.

This past Saturday night, we had a guest speaker join us to give a presentation at the end of the skate session. His name is Jacob and he is a professional yo-yo'er. He put on a great show and used the yo yo to present the gospel. Many of the smaller kids stayed to see the show and really enjoyed themselves.
I also just returned from San Jose a couple of days ago from picking up Whit Hazleton. Whit is joining our team for the long haul and will be working with me in the youth program and I am sure, with our house church. We are happy to have him with us and are looking forward to working and serving with him. Please continue to pray for our team as we look to add three more members over the next few months.

One last note... Costa Rica celebrated it's independence from Spain on the 15th. Because she attends the public school, Makena participated (partially) in the celebration. Both she and Maili made torches to carry in the night-time parade that takes place on the evening before Independence day and they both marched through town with all of the other children and families. The next day, there were traditional dances, food and hang out time at the school and Makena was on hand in the traditional dress. Here's a couple of photos from Independence Day. It was a fun time and something we look forward to each year.

4 Cruces: Dry!!!

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Ica

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:43:00 +0000

The Ica Bible study is going well. This is the most current picture we have our Ica family. Because Ica is almost 5 hours away, I have to take a break until the baby comes. We are within the last fews days until the date arrives, but as always the baby has a mind of its own and will come when it is good and ready. We are hoping sooner than later. Brian and Jaime are covering the Bible studies for me, please pray for them.

Robin & Tracy Shelley: Ica

Re-entry Essentials

bryon.mondok@gmail.com (Bryon Mondok) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Pastor Jeff Jackson discusses the issues surrounding missionaries' return home.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

57 min.

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