SIGNPOSTS
along the ROAD JANUARY, 2003 The
Road is called Emmaus; the Signposts are markings along that road. These
signs give us opportunity to look back and rejoice in the privilege that
has been ours to participate in God's Great Plan. We also lift our eyes
to look forward. To anticipate what, by the grace of God, lies ahead for
us on the Road called Emmaus. You
may be deciding: "Should I or shouldn't I take the time to read this
annual report?" You're still thinking... Well, consider this: What
would you want to do as a result of reading another "Annual Report,"
even one with such a good name as Signposts Along the Road? Come on-you've
read this far. Rejoice with us for a few minutes. Yet, we also want to keep
in clear focus Christ's words to some excited disciples 2000 years ago:
"Rejoice not that demons are subject to you. Rejoice rather that your
names are written in the Book of Life!" SIGNPOST
#1: A SHIFT IN MINISTRY LOCATION It
is exciting to see the basic readiness of these men and women responding
to that call: To the uttermost parts of the world. In many ways they are
already better prepared to go to where the most critical needs exist. Economically,
they don't have to "give up" the glut of merchandise that fills
our houses and storage sheds. Culturally, they are often more closely related
to the people to whom they are sent. Politically, they usually can obtain
a visa to the countries of the 10/40 Window more readily that can a Westerner.
Though this gives them a more basic readiness, we have discovered there
yet remains a need for training. For
example, when I accepted Dr K.P. Yohannan's (long-standing) invitation to
come to India, I had no idea what he would want me to teach. "Neal,
your material on spiritual warfare would be exactly what our students need."
How
quickly a whole paragraph of thought can course through one's mind in the
time it takes for one breath: "Our material on spiritual warfare is
very basic," I thought. "It was developed for people who had not
yet experienced the warfare your Indian Christians must have already found
victory through. 'Neal, you don't even live up to all that you have written
in your book!' (You and I both know from where that condemnation came!)
How could I relate such critical Biblical teaching through six different
translators?" I
took a breath. Six
Bible schools and one seminary later I hear that they cannot hold back their
effusive expressions of appreciation. I saw Dr K.P. just a few days ago.
A strong, warm hug (I could hardly breath!) said, they are rejoicing. Further,
the Indian leadership is taking the necessary steps to replace their current
spiritual warfare curriculum with the material from our book, Prepare For
Battle: Basic Training in Spiritual Warfare. This year they will translate
it into one of their major languages, Hindi. I will also return to do the
eight-hour seminar for the Indian leadership in English in a live, professionally
recorded video. They will then dub in the various languages used in the
143 Bible schools. Discussions and workbooks will augment the DVD seminar. Are
you rejoicing with us? It goes on! While in Malaysia we again worked with
a small denomination that wants to more aggressively engage in cross-cultural
ministry. Whereas in 2001 we did six regional pastor's conferences, this
past year we did the Serving As Senders Seminar in a number of churches
which are already raising up and sending out their missionaries. The
second week in Malaysia I taught cultural adaptation and spiritual warfare
and Yvonne did her tremendously effective interpersonal relationships interactive
workshop for a group of missionaries-in-training. This is one week of a
nine-week curriculum we helped develop three years ago. Evenings
and Sundays in Malaysia we were able to minister in a number of churches,
Bible schools and seminaries. For this next year, it looks like there will
be an extended schedule in these other venues. We are rejoicing with them
in that God is raising them up to send their best workers to the fields
of the world. (You can ask for a fuller report of our Asia trip.) SIGNPOST
#2: THE YEAR BEGAN IN EUROPE The
Bible school in the Ukraine at which we taught for two weeks just graduated
their first class. Immediately following their graduation, the two men married
their brides. I don't know if they are finding my material on spiritual
warfare or Yvonne's interpersonal relationship class more valuable! Probably
both! We
rejoice in the sheer dogged determination that this ministry is displaying
as they are making strident advances in the "birthplace of the KGB
boss." I have not seen a finer model of church planting producing the
host of ministries thriving there. Dan declares, "As soon as one trusts
in Christ, we find a place of ministry for them. Possibly just (I hesitate
to use the word 'just' because there is no ministry unto the Lord that is
too small.) washing dishes at the Saturday Soup Kitchen." (If you would
like to read more, ask for the Europe Report.) And
then, Mexico! I always enjoy going "south of the border!" We go
regularly, of course, as our doctor, dentist and eye doctor are there. And
some of the best Mexican food! But this time I flew to Mexico City, the
most populous city in the world. I was picked up and driven three hours
southwest to participate in a lively, festive conference hosted by Operation
Mobilization (OM). An impressive Parade of the Nations: Children, in full
cultural regalia, marched the aisle as music-accompanied narration of each
nation was read. What a fabulous, dramatic, valuable way to impact our next
generation of missions-minded people! And we were able to present our training
on missionary care. Repeated again and again are the words, "Neal,
we want to learn from your (Westerners') mistakes. We don't want to release
our missionaries without the full support and care that your books talk
about. We want to learn how to 'do it right'". Tell
me, if you can, that that is not reason for rejoicing! (Go ahead, even "dance
a jig" if you want to!) What a privilege it is to have been chosen
by God to produce a resource that has touched so many lives in missions. My
ride back to Mexico City was the truest form of a taxi ride. A little VW
with the seats taken out in order to hold more people! Like sardines, we
each squeezed into our appointed spot. And, somehow, the trip back only
took two hours, instead of three! The
Russian translation has experienced its struggles. But the last word is
that a printing date is close enough for a pre-publication order, if you
are interested. I mean, who wouldn't want a copy of the Russian translation
of Serving As Senders? At last count, there are just under 400,000 copies
of this resource in fourteen languages around the world, helping people
to understand that missions is more than just those who go and that missionary
care is more than just money! In
the early years of ERI, every six weeks I wrote a four-to-six page essay
under the title, Critical Issues in Cross-Cultural Ministry. They were grouped
in four series: Mobilizing Your Church, For Those Who Go, Serving As Senders
and Internationals Who Live Among Us. To our rejoicing, reprints of these
essays are still being requested at a regular rate. The principles of missions
talked about in these Issues are not only as old as Emmaus Road. (We celebrate
our 20th Anniversary on February 28 of this year.) They are found in the
experiences and life style of the First Century missionaries. Their deeds
and responses to persecution and their joy of being "counted worthy
to suffer for His Name's sake" stand as clear testimony and models
for our actions and attitudes for today. Projection:
Another book has been formulating in my mind for some months now. We would
like to see it become a reality in this new year. An exhaustive study was
conducted a number of years ago by 453 mission agencies from 14 sending
countries. They tried to ascertain why 35,000 of their missionaries quit
in the middle of their commitment. Though 29% of them quit for "reasonable"
reasons, 71% quit for what they called "preventable" reasons.
In other words, if these three "ounces" of prevention had been
applied, the "pounds" of cure would not have to be suffered. The
third reason listed was, "A lack of member care." We rejoice that
the Lord has allowed us to provide a number of resources-books and seminars-to
educate the Body of Christ in this area. The second reason for this gross
failure was stated as, "Lack of, or inappropriate pre-field training."
Again, ERI has developed resources to help in this area. The
initial reason given might surprise you: "Many-too many-should not
have gone in the first place!" This finding exposes the glaring errors
in candidate selection. With such a clear, Biblical model (see Acts 13),
it grieves me that this is so prominent a reason for missionary failure.
ERI has a few resources that address the issues surrounding this lack of
procedure. This
book will help the "seeker" to grapple with a number of issues
that need to be dealt with as initial steps are being taken in the direction
of missionary service. If you can think of an issue for us to include, we
are open to your ideas. No, we probably won't put your name of the cover!
But there might be some acknowledgment of your contribution. (If you would
like a book review of the above study with annotations of ERI resources,
please just ask for it.) SIGNPOST
#4: ACTS MINISTRY TRIPS So
we ask, "Why should being 65 (January 26) slow Yvonne down?" It
doesn't! She is currently training a team for another trip. Oh, my! We await
reports of wild and crazy happenings. If you would like to be involved through
prayer, finance or reentry on this-or any of her trips-your involvement
would give you and us tremendous opportunity to rejoice. Let us know of
your desire to be involved. Paul gave this perspective to the Philippian
believers: "I am more excited about how your involvement in my ministry
is blessing you than me." Another
cause for rejoicing-are you rejoicing with us? Do you realize what a privilege
it is to be conducting the Family Business of our Father? You may remember
that Yvonne led a trip to Romania and Slovakia this past summer. (If not,
you can ask for that Report; it has great items over which to rejoice!)
As usual, invitations by the host ministries asking us to return quickly
followed. (I said, "as usual" because when a team is well-prepared
to go when they want you to go, to do what they want you to do, for as long
as they want you to be there, good results! Though short term trips have
found their place in the missions endeavor, many-too many-do more harm than
good.) You can contact Yvonne for her details on how to plan for, train
for, lead and follow-up on a good short term trip. Back
to the rejoicing of the previous paragraph: It's about follow-up. One of
the goals in leading short term trips is to find those who would not regard
the time as a "been there; done that" experience. Rather, they
would take the steps down one of the seven paths that we suggest should
follow such involvement in a cross-cultural ministry exposure. Several of
those who have been with her on previous trips have "stepped up to
the plate." They will coordinate the team for this next summer in Europe.
Yvonne will not be leading it. Again, do you wanna' join the team? Tremendous
investment! Dividends of eternal proportion! Don't be left behind. Four
of us held an epic dinner meeting at Shoney's in Columbus, Georgia late
last year. Two of our sons, Kevin and Byron, met with Yvonne and me. (We
were back there to attend young Byron's graduation from Army Boot Camp.)
This dinner meeting was called to discuss their involvement in the ministry
of Emmaus Road. Pending Board approval later this month (It was given on
January 29.), Kevin will assume the responsibilities of resource distribution-
marketing! (If such a word can be applied to the sharing of missionary resources.)
Look for a newly-designed web site. Listen for a phone call. Watch your
e-mail or house mailbox. A house call? No, that probably will not happen.
However, he will attempt to make obsolete the oft-heard saying: "ERI
is the best-kept secret in the missions community!" SIGNPOST
#6: A/V RESOURCES SIGNPOST
#7: A WORD (OR TWO) ABOUT FINANCES However,
I do admit that there are resources that await the finances to see them
produced and distributed for His Kingdom's work. If you have contributed
financially or are considering becoming a part of the ERI Financial Support
Team, you may ask for a full financial report. All gifts are tax deductible.
(I had to say that. It catches the eye!) But I would encourage you to consider
that the dividends of your Heavenly rewards are so far above Uncle Sam's
promises that there is no comparison. I trust you are managing your eternal
financial investment portfolio at His direction. And not by the appeal of
man. Volume
XXI • Issue
1 • January,
2003 THE
FIELD IS THE WORLD! SIGNPOSTS
ALONG THE ROAD, An Annual Ministry Report of A THREE
MINUTE WALK THROUGH EMMAUS ROAD'S 2001 JANUARY:
URBANA: 20,000 students challenged to personal involvement in missions;
Neal leads nine workshops. INDIANAPOLIS: Neal & Yvonne challenge serious
members of Calvary Chapel Central to a deeper commitment to missions. Good
visit with a nephew and family. RIVERSIDE: Saturday SERVING AS SENDERS Seminar
for missionaries now in Indonesia. EXCITING:
We did some training for the missions committee , then for the missions
fellowship, and finally for the whole church. What was so exciting was to
see a united group of people deeply committed to reaching the lost and to
being as effective as possible. They have adopted an unreached people in
Indonesia, and have already sent their future long-term team to "scout
out the land" twice. They are being very wise and discerning, through
the Holy Spirit, of course, in preparing themselves for success for God's
Kingdom. REVEALING
were the times when we saw "the light go on" in a person's eyes
or shown in their expression when they realized they are called to go the
"uttermost parts" also--after being in a missionary receiving
country during the many years under communism. Example: After an evening
service on "the mission of the church", one pastor said, "It
never occurred to me that we could reach out." He had kind of an awed,
dazed, excited look on his face. Inside I was saying, "YES! Mission CHALLENGING:
To try to convince the heads of missions agencies that churches can be awakened
to their sending responsibilities, and be taught how to do it was our task
in several conferences. The goal was not only to show these leaders how,
but to "move them" from "That won't work!" to "I'll
try it. I think maybe the churches will respond!" ENCOURAGING:
It was a first for me to have people from Eastern Europe want to go on short
term missions trip to a more needy Eastern European country. I have people
from Slovakia going on a team to Romania this June! UNNERVING:
It was a bit difficult to interact with very intellectual "taught-to-be-critical"
people who focus on tearing something apart, rather than on the message
of construction and reconciliation. But we learned that was just the culture,
not meant to be negative. AMUSING:
A wild time was causing University students to figure out the differences
they each had in their frame of reference and how that affected their interpersonal
relationships. ENJOYING
times of making many new friends, and renewing old acquaintances happened
each day. REWARDING:
It was great to see the response at the seminar in Prague for people to
go to the mission field long term, and then an even larger response for
people to commit to active sending. AMAZING
was the incredible ministry going on by a "body" in the Ukraine.
Out of one eight-year-old ministry there are three churches and three outreaches
on the way to becoming churches. There is a drug & alcohol rehab program,
assistance to three orphanages, two Soup Kitchens--they served 186 elderly
& hungry children last Saturday, and a Bible College! BLESSING:
What a joy it was to be able to teach these very committed students for
two weeks and to see the way they serve in all aspects of the ministry. MOVING:
To me, it was beautiful to see the students help people with their coats
& talk in a very caring manner with them as they seated them in the
Soup Kitchen, and to see them cook, serve, do dishes quickly so they could
serve more people as they came--and never missing an opportunity to share
about God's love. PRAYING:
We need a strong support team for these ministries and for all we do. If
you have been touched by God as you have read this Report and would like
to be a part of ERI's ministry, we encourage you to pray about joining our
PRAISE & PRAYER SUPPORT TEAM. We are not looking for "numbers",
but for people who know how to regularly, effectively, discerningly intercede
for us and for the ministry of Emmaus Road. If this is YOU, please contact
us. Your reward in heaven will be great. Every Word
of God is true. Thus, even seemingly insignificant words such as "then",
that", and "therefore" must not be passed over. Especially
when they connect two thoughts. These transitional words alert us to consider
the related thoughts joined by them. THEN, THAT,
THEREFORE …THEN…
The first conjunctive word is found in Psalm 51. You know the story: Spiritual
warfare has been plaguing King David for over a year. That inner struggle
that Paul talks about in Romans 7. Somehow he has been trying to keep secret
his sins of adultery and murder. Even when Nathan begins telling him the
little lamb story, David is oblivious to any possible reference to himself.
That is, until Nathan points his God-directed finger at David and says,
"Thou art the Man!" (See II Samuel 12.) Now, after
a year of this troubling inner struggle, David pours out his heart to the
Lord. He acknowledges that his sin has "ever been before me."
He pleads for God's mercy. He appeals to God's "lovingkindness "
and His "multitude of tender mercies." "Wash me; cleanse
me; blot out my transgressions; create in me a clean heart; restore unto
me the joy of Thy salvation." Read it! Twelve full verses of true repentance.
David is getting sorted out the sorrow and pain of that inner struggle-spiritual
warfare on that personal level. This is the area where satan would rob us
of the joy of God's salvation. And as we experience this on a more-than-desired
regular basis, David, too, expressed his struggle and victory. But there
is another level or arena of spiritual warfare: The battle for lost souls.
Certainly as Paul stood before King Agrippa, he expressed it clearly: "I
have been called to open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, from
the power of satan to God" (Acts 26:18). And knowing that satan's purpose
is to "keep their eyes blinded" (See II Cor 4:4.), war is engaged.
A battle with eternal consequences! Back to
David in Psalm 51: After twelve verses of getting sorted out the victory
on that inner level of spiritual warfare, he begins verse thirteen with
the word: THEN. We could ask, "What is the related thought David is
now going to address?" His sins have been purged; THEN… He is
hearing "joy and gladness": THEN… His conscience is clear;
THEN… "I will teach transgressors Thy ways and sinners shall be
converted unto Thee." There is
a relationship between living in the victory Christ won for us on Calvary
and our ability to effectively and aggressively engage in the battle for
lost souls. To the degree that we have victory over that inner struggle
are we able to "forget" ourselves and be free to "open the
eyes" of the lost of the world. …THAT…
Another transitional word-a word that connects two inseparable thoughts.
It is found in Psalm 67. Here is one of the few times in the Word that a
writer asks God to bless him. More often (in the Word) we hear: "Bless
the Lord." Even now, we find America in a dither about: God bless America!
A more reasonable and Scripturally-paralleled phrase would be: AMERICA!
BLESS GOD! (See II Chron 7:14.) "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all
that is within me, bless His Holy Name!" (Psalm 103) But here
we do find the writer of this Psalm asking for God's mercy and blessing.
And our current culture has drawn this to the extreme of "Prosperity!
Your divine right!" Also, for some reason "blessing" is usually
thought of in terms of material advantage. For, after all, "he who
dies with the most toys-wins!" So goes the bumper sticker philosophy
of the world. Even on the news they had some young child singing a strain
of the song, God Bless America, immediately followed by the stock market
report. Yes, the god of this age in mammon! And the people are crying to
that god to bless America again. Well! Enough
of that! The writer of Psalm 67 expressed it from the correct perspective.
There is a reason to ask for God's blessing. There is a purpose-a related
thought. GOD BLESS ME…THAT…THY WAY MAY BE KNOWN UPON THE EARTH;
THY SAVING HEALTH AMONG ALL NATIONS. With motives like these, I can imagine
the smile of God as He pours out blessings on His children. God has declared
it: "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the
heathen; I will be exalted in the earth."(Psalm 46:10) The question
is: Will we be a part of it? Will we with Esther respond to Morticai's question:
"Who knows but that for such an hour as this you have been called to
the kingdom?" (Esther 4:14) We have each been "called to the Kingdom"
for an hour such as we are now living in. For, "we are His most finely
crafted work of art. Created in Christ Jesus to walk in those good deeds
that He beforehand planned for us to walk in." (Phil 2:10) Blessings-and
we have been abundantly blessed-with a purpose: THAT God's ways (not ours)
may be known upon the earth and HIS saving health among ALL nations. THAT…To
the degree that our motives lie in the purposes of declaring His way and
His saving health among all nations, we are able to boldly ask God for His
blessing. There is
a third connective word: THEREFORE… Whatever follows this word is certainly
related to the previous thought. For this particular transitional word,
I would have us look at Matthew 28:18-20 Having conquered sin, hell and
the grave, Jesus was able to say, "All power has been given to Me in
heaven and in earth." What the first Adam failed to accomplish, the
Second Adam did with perfection. Again, however,
at this point many rewrite Scripture. Oh, no, not with actual pen and ink-nor
even with the spoken word. Though history does record that in 1793, William
Carey's church leadership did verbalize it: "If God wants to save the
heathen, He will do it without your help or ours." But today we are
too sophisticated. It would not be politically correct to speak such words.
But the lifestyle of the majority of Christians is screaming it to the world:
"Yea! He's got the power He said He would build His Church! Let's watch
Him do it. I'm ready! Man, I can hardly wait until He brings that last one
in. What a day that will be! The ultimate high!" But that
is not the thought that that word "therefore" joins to Jesus'
declaration of all power being given to Him. Rather: THEREFORE…YOU
GO! Or "as you are going make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
and teaching them how to live by My commandments." A daunting task,
this is! For, those who gather such statistics say that there are between
2.3 and 2.7 billion people who haven't even heard the Name of Jesus, much
less heard and rejected. Where do they live? In the poorest of the poor
countries? And in the richest of the rich countries. In what belief systems
are they steeped? Islam. Buddhism. Hinduism. Animism. Atheism. Secular humanism.
Even Christianity, as "another" religion. And because
of the daunting task, the "therefore" ties us back to the related
thought. It is only in His power and authority that we would dare attempt
to share Christ with our neighbor and our world. Another
issue to be addressed here: We are living in a culture that bases its motivation
on "Do your own thing; If it feels good, do it; Try it, you might like
it. (So we even have our Christianized: Try God!) With this in mind, it
is difficult to accept that Jesus did not propose this thought in the context
of our current philosophy of motivation. He simply said: "As you are
going you will be witnesses unto Me. Paul said it this way: "We are
living epistles, read by all men." (See II Cor 3:2.) So, if I were
to stand before the giant screen TV's in Costco trying to decide which one
I will buy, and the puddle of slobbers drooling from my mouth is flooding
the floor, I am being a witness unto Christ. Those passing by can say, "My!
My! What a lustful Christian." Rather, I would it be said of me, "There
goes a considerate Christian" as the world sees me wheel out the trash
can for my elderly neighbor. This "commission"
of Matthew 28: GO! PREACH! GO! TEACH! Has sorta' been relegated to a select
few who hear a "special" call of God to "sell all, give to
the poor and follow Me." What a hodgepodge of convoluted Scripture!
Rather, as a matter of fact, He said: OK, guys! I have now done My thing.
I endured the cross, despising the shame, but for the joy set before Me…
Than joy is the triumphant victory over sin, hell and the grave, so I can
take My seat at the right hand of My Father. Now I am going to build My
church. And, guess what? YOU are it! You are the instruments through whom
I am going to build it! Go! Do it! THEN…
To the degree that we are free of the debilitating preoccupation with self,
lost in the morose laments of regarding iniquity in our hearts-to that degree
of freedom are we able to effectively engage in the battle for lost souls.
THAT…
To the degree that our motives lie in the purpose of declaring His way and
His saving health among all nations, are we able to boldly ask God for His
blessings. THEREFORE…
To the degree that we acknowledge and live in the victory Christ won for
us on Calvary will we aggressively participate in the Church's mandate to
make disciples of all nations. For His glory! Neal
February
2, 2001 The
Road is called Emmaus; the Signposts are markings along that road.
These signs give us opportunity to look back and rejoice in the privilege
that has been ours to participate in God's Great Plan. We also lift
our eyes to look forward. To anticipate what, by the grace of God,
lies ahead for us on the Road called Emmaus. Join us, will you, in
this bit of reflecting? PUBLICATIONS ACTS
TRAINING SEMINARS A/V
TAPES MINISTRY
TRIPS Another
great blessing the Lord has brought to our Board is a businessman
who is giving the "second half" of his adult life to ministry,
after a successful retirement. Tom Gay is lending his expertise in
corporate management to help us make the decisions in our transition
from "Mom & Pop" to ministry organization. This, too,
is a great signpost along the Road! WHY
ME?! WHY ME?! WHY? Why should I help anyone else go on a missions
trip? BECAUSE...it
will light a godly fire on the field, causing others to know Him. BECAUSE...it
could be the most exciting, faith-stretching, demanding experience
of your life. Read some comments of past team members: Friend,
think of where you were when the Y2k "moment" was upon us. That
was one year ago. Don't let another year come and go without taking full
advantage of participating in His Great Plan. ~~~~YVONNE Editor's
Note: Larry and Alma Chan added a little Chan to their family this
year, Paul Lorenzo. He joins his sister, Amaris and brother, Jonathan.
Larry has labored faithfully in our office, now going on two years.
Through book sales, ERI is able to provide half of their living expenses.
However, the other half comes from faithful friends who recognize
the ministry of ERI. Your participation would be appreciated. Praise
the LORD for His Provision! Join
Us on the Emmaus Road in 2001! Emmaus
Road International Volume
XIX l Issue 1 l February, 2001 EMMAUS ROAD INTERNATIONAL In Bible times,
they may have lacked the sophistication of the Global Positioning
System (GPS) or the Cadillac NorthStar System to guide them, but signposts
along the road directed many a traveler. Well-used trade routes connecting
Europe with the exotic wealth of the East traversed the small 4-500
square miles of God’s country called Palestine. But the short-cut
to Aunt Martha’s house was also well-marked. Then, of course,
the legalists learned how to avoid the stipulation of a Sabbath day’s
journey. Allowed to travel only a short distance from their home,
lest they be violating the day of rest, at each "signpost"
they constructed a new "home" so they could travel on. Admittedly,
the "home" was just a palm frond shelter. But it accomplished
its purpose. Paul, the Apostle,
also clearly delineated progress along his road. To the Christians
in Rome he wrote, "I have fully preached the Gospel in these
parts…." He then reviewed the regions to which his journeys
had taken him. They encompassed the present day countries of Albania,
Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Whereupon he
declared his plans for future travel: "I am going to Spain, and
on my way there I want to visit you in Rome. In this spirit
of looking backward and forward, we share in this report many of the
comings and goings of Emmaus Road Associates. Rejoice with us: God’s
provision has been superlative! Exclaim with us: How great is our
God! Ponder with us: What a privilege it is to be about our Father’s
business! And consider
joining us on one or more of the journeys of faith we embark upon
in the year 2000. New publications will be available. Several ACTS
Ministry Trips are in the planning stages. ACTS Training Courses are
scheduled. Seminars are beginning to fill the calendar. Other resources
will be made available. But, above all, being ready for His return,
find your place of ministry in His Kingdom’s work! Ministering by
His grace, Neal Pirolo,
Director TRANSITIONS SPEED READ: A
transition in the ministry of Emmaus Road begins with a change in the "Mom &
Pop" mentality we have been working under. FULL TEXT:
At the encouragement of Board Member Bob Hanson, we have found the
solution to a dilemma which we have been facing for many years. ERI
was born out of a vision the Lord gave to me on February 28, 1983.
Within months it had been legally incorporated with purpose and direction.
The Board met faithfully, making legal what the Lord showed Yvonne
and me to do. Through the years,
as additional resources were developed, we called on the Board for
greater counsel and participation in decisions. But it was when
Bob showed me the book on Non-Profit Boards that we caught on to what
needs to be done. ERI had grown up, all right. But it had grown up
with a "Mom & Pop" mentality. It was "Neal &
Yvonne’s" ministry! And the Board met to validate the ministry--with
some suggestions here and there. The book described
us as a conservative or traditional Board. And this type of Board
is sufficient for certain non-profit organizations. However, for years
we have been wanting to move beyond that mentality without even realizing
that mentality existed or that it was the problem preventing greater
growth. The ministry
has grown to fill our hours, sometimes--too many times--up to fourteen
hours per day! But still, many--too many--potential resources sit
on the shelf, needing editing, packaging and distribution. Others
remain lodged in my mind waiting the time, energy and finances to
develop them. The book described
two more types of boards. One was called the "overboard!"
This is one that micro-manages the NPO. We didn't want that one! SPEED READ: We have begun the journey of becoming a PROACTIVE
Board. FULL TEXT: However,
the other one was described as exactly what we need to assure the
continuance of growth of the ministry: The entrepreneurial or PROACTIVE
Board! You can only imagine the sense of relief, of new energy, of
direction when we read about this type of Board. That's the good
news! The reality is that it will take several years to effect the
transition. Of course, God's time table could alter the book's schedule. SPEED READ: A
change of attitude begins the process. FULL TEXT: The
first requirement is a change in attitude: A transition from the "Mom
& Pop" mentality to viewing Emmaus Road International, Incorporated
as an organization. It is a ministry resource for cross-cultural outreach,
dedicated to help MOBILIZE the Church, TRAIN the cross-cultural team
(both those who go and those who serve as senders) and NETWORK that
church and team with ministries asking for help. SPEED READ: Neal
& Yvonne are NOT "retiring!" FULL TEXT: Will
"Neal & Yvonne" still be actively involved in this ministry?
By God's grace, and as He continues to give us strength and vitality,
we will continue. But we will be considered as two among many ministers. SPEED READ: Expanding
the Board is the next step. The second requirement
is empowering a group of like-minded people who will change with and
expand the involvement of the Board. They will be people who will: 1) Own the vision.
We are encouraged that the "boomers" (just now taking early
retirement) are the type who want a greater involvement in what they
will support. They want to "own" a greater part of their
causes. 2) Actively pray
for the ministry and for wisdom to fulfill the awesome responsibilities
of a Board member. We have seen through the years that prayer is the
initial and supreme factor in the development of His will in this
ministry. 3) Proactively-in
the sphere of their influence-promote the resources developed. 4) Responsibly
assume Board oversight of one aspect of the ministry: Public Relations,
Personnel, Finance, Resource Development, or one of the five Program
Service; Publications, Seminars, ACTS Training Tapes, ACTS Training
Courses, ACTS Ministry Trips. OUR APPEAL It matters not if you have been following the ministry of
Emmaus Road for a number of years or for just a short time. If you
sense that God is calling you to such an involvement as this, please
contact us. Prospective Board members are nominated by a Board member.
A resume is reviewed. An interview is conducted. Then! Welcome aboard!
(Pun intended!) TRANSITIONS IN PERSONNEL SPEED READ: Our first, true full-time Associate and his family
have impacted the ministry of Emmaus Road. LARRY &
ALMA CHAN FULL TEXT:
Last year at this time we were anticipating the arrival of the Larry
Chan family. After months of soul-searching, seeking counsel and prayer
with their friends and associates in Chicago, they announced to us
their sense of direction to make the move and commit to the goals
of ERI. Support team development began. Their arrival was greeted
with great excitement. This was the beginning of a new chapter in
the development of Emmaus Road. We have all felt
their impact on the ministry. After a one-month "crash course"
in the operation of ERI, Yvonne and I left on a month long seminar
tour. Larry was left in charge. Once when I called from Florida, breathlessly
he said, "You know, this isn't a one person operation!"
He quickly added, "Of course you do. You have been doing it for
the past fifteen years." Weeks and months
have gone by. And we wonder what we ever did without his faithful
service. Orders are filled promptly; his phone manner is great. (Give
him a call to find out for yourself!) He has assumed the bookkeeping
responsibilities. He brought our PC computers through Y2k! (Of course,
with my Mac, there was no concern!) Lead articles in our KEEPING
IN TOUCH have been written by him. One of them was picked up by
a publisher of a 100,000 circulation magazine, Short-Term Missions
Today. If you want a copy, ask! SPEED READ: A great team leader; compassionate, understanding.
Sharing
the passion of this trip at his home church fit right in with their involvement
with the Missions Fellowship they started there. Interest in missions is
reaching new levels. Greater involvement is hard on its heals. Larry and Alma's
support team is actively providing the care needed for such an intense
ministry. (Even as I put the "period" to that sentence-surprise-Larry
answered the phone to one who called, asking how to contribute to
their financial support! Prayer and moral support are strong. However,
there is always room for more to join their team of caregivers. The
intensity of battle only increases as they get involved in more opportunity
to minister God's love and mercy to a lost and dying world. JOHN &
LUPE KANNO FULL TEXT: While
John was attending the Mini-ACTS Training Course, he stayed in Lupe's
parents' home. It is a story of God's divine intervention. It is a
story to be told! But I will leave it to them to tell in due time. Even from their
time with us in training, they believed that God would use them in
the teaching of the Course. But, without any field experience, they
knew it was not the time-not even to tell us of their thoughts. However,
after four years on the field, they came to our office to say they
believed God wanted them to be involved in the ministry of ERI. SPEED READ: Now
with field experience, we look forward to John & Lupe joining the team. FULL TEXT: John
team taught with us in the most recent Mini-ACTS Training Course.
Lupe, and at times with their daughter, handled the child care. How
timely for both! With eleven participants, John's help in the classroom
was greatly appreciated. With three children (one a nine-month-old
infant) needing care, Lupe's gracious smile and hard work satisfied
sev
This past year confirmed (as if we didn't already know it) that the training
that God has entrusted to us is to be taken internationally. As God is sovereignly
raising up ministers of His Love from emerging (sometimes referred to as
Third-World) nations, they are in need of the same training we have been
privileged to share in the USA.
Rejoicing continues as reports of our seven weeks in Europe in January and
February express the ongoing effect of these diverse training opportunities.
Just yesterday the December, 2002 issue of ZIVOT VIRY, a Christian magazine,
arrived. On the cover? a very bundled up-but still obviously cold-Southern
California couple rejoicing at their opportunity to minister in the Czech
Republic. A two-page interview and a two-page summary of the For Those Who
Go Seminar we conducted continues to minister to the readership of this
magazine.
SIGNPOST #3: PUBLICATIONS
And that praise leads us in a review of rejoicing over the publications
of Emmaus Road. We rejoice that the Korean Serving As Senders has been retranslated
and is getting close to a new printing. In fact, it was my privilege to
meet the translator at a recent missions conference.
However, it is in our heart to write a book that may more directly help.
Though a definite title has not been chosen, a working title might be: "I
Think God Wants ME to be a Missionary!"
This was the fifth area of ministry resource to be added to the offerings
of ERI. And it took a whole year to "hammer out" the details of
what makes a good short term trip. But they have become a great source for
rejoicing.
SIGNPOST #5: PERSONNEL
Rejoice with us in the faithful, untiring work of our secretary/order processor/bookkeeper-and
a host of other assignments we ask Maggie to do. Not to speak of those tasks
she sees needing attention and she just goes ahead and does them! Who do
you think "holds down the fort" while we are traveling? Maggie
is there for us, of course! Except when her husband plans their three-week
vacation right in the middle of our Asia trip! "Help!" we cried.
And there she was. Rose, that is. Rose has been volunteering one day a week
since her retirement from school teaching. She stepped in for those three
weeks, keeping the "home fires" burning.
Byron, on the other hand, has committed to seek venues for all of our seminars
to be digitally recorded. He will then develop them into user-friendly resources:
Audio, video, DVD, VCD, or whatever new communication delivery system is
developed.
As many have had to admit, 2002 was a lean year financially. Because God
has given us a clear mandate to live within His financial provision, we
are not making the proverbial year-end appeal to bail us out of the red.
We are not "in the red."
We are rejoicing. I hope that in reading this Report you have had occasion
to rejoice with us in God's accomplishments through the ministry of ERI.
One more thing now that would make us rejoice: Please check one or more
of the following boxes and respond to us. Thanks!
I would like to receive the...
Asia Report. Europe Report. Romania Report. Book Review.
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I have an idea for the new book. Here it is!
I am anticipating a contribution to ERI. I would like a full financial
report.
I would like more information on the projects for 2003 awaiting funding.
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Emmaus Road International is an educational resource ministry, assisting
churches to MOBILIZE their cross-cultural outreach, TRAIN the cross-cultural
team, and NETWORK that church and team with ministries asking for help.
Our resources are offered in five areas: Publications, Seminars, ACTS Training
Tapes, ACTS Training Courses, and ACTS Ministry Trips.
Published occasionally, free of charge
E-mail: Emmaus_Road@eri.org •
WebSite: www.eri.org
EMMAUS ROAD INTERNATIONAL
FEBRUARY: SAN DIEGO: Taught a Perspectives segment at Southern California
Bible College. TULSA: Neal conducted workshops at the MissionsFest; Yvonne
displayed our resources. OWASSO: Challenged a congregation. They sent their
assistant pastor on an ACTS Ministry Trip with Yvonne. SAN DIEGO: Prepared
first custom edition for InterServe.
MARCH: SAN DIEGO: Taught a Perspectives segment at Southern California Bible
College. LA MIRADA: We participated in the BIOLA University Missions Conference.
MENIFEE: Challenged Murrieta Missions Fellowship church to a greater involvement
in missions.
APRIL: ENSENADA: Train summer teams in Spiritual Warfare. BOULDER CITY:
Relax with Greg and Marci as we begin our eight-week, 9500-mile trek across
the USA. ALBUQUERQUE: Teach in Calvary Chapel Missions School; evening Mini-Serving
As senders Seminar. EL PASO: Reentry Care. FRISCO: Seminars with Board Member's
church people. HOLLY SPRINGS: Relax with Kevin and Mary. Encouraged pastor
over lunch. BRUNSWICK: Seminar weekend. GAINSVILLE: Perspectives Course
session
MAY: TALLAHASSEE, JACKSONVILLE: Perspectives Course sessions. DESTIN: Seminar
Weekend. WAXHAW: Visit and encourage missionaries. CHARLOTTE: Serving As
Senders Seminar. Visit ERI Support Team members. LEXINGTON: Challenge congregation
to greater missionary care. GRAYSON: Challenge to missions. RICHMOND: Meet
investment brokers. INDIANAPOLIS: Reentry Care and general challenge to
missions. WEST LAFAYETTE: Challenge to missions. CHICAGO: Serving As Senders
Seminar. SCHRAUMBURG: Missionary Care. SHEBOYGAN: Visit home town after
40 years. WAUPACA: Visit Church Camp. APPLETON: Seminar Weekend. OMAHA:
Met with church leaders regarding ACT Ministry Trips.
JUNE: BOULDER CITY: Conduct Greg & Marci's wedding. MURRIETA HOT SPRINGS:
Calvary Chapel Pastors Conference. SAN DIEGO: Neal prepares for 13th print
run of Serving As Senders, including two custom reprints and one new custom
edition. Yvonne gears up for Romania trip, training team and gathering supplies.
JULY: ROMANIA: Yvonne leads team to an orphanage, English summer camp, Gypsy
summer camp. SAN DIEGO: Neal continues on print run preparation.
AUGUST: EL CAJON: Yvonne debriefs trip. TIJUANA: Conduct a two-week Mini-ACTS
Training Course. PALM SPRINGS: One week vacation at Board Member's condo!
ROSARITO: A second week's vacation at a friend's house on the beach!
SEPTEMBER: KESWICK: Speaker at InterServe's 150th Anniversary Conference.
MIDDLETOWN: Visit with grandson, Kyle. WARWICK: Challenge in missionary
care. EXETER: Fabulous Seminar Weekend! BANNING: Sunday challenge to missionary
care.
OCTOBER: SINGAPORE: Nothing GOOD Just Happens! Seminar for Bible College
and church leaders. JB: Spiritual Warfare seminar. KUALA LUMPUR: Bible College
Spiritual Warfare classes. Neal taught Cultural Adaptation and Spiritual
Warfare; Yvonne taught Interpersonal Relationships at MCGM Missions School.
NOVEMBER: SENTUL, IPOH, SG PANTANI, KUANTAN, MENTAKAB, SERAMBAN: Six regional
pastors conferences with the Tamil Methodist to help them aggressively involve
their churches in missions. Evening Serving As Senders seminars in their
churches. TEHACHAPI: Missionary Care Weekend.
DECEMBER: SAN DIEGO: Debriefing Asia trip in homes and churches.
EUROPE MINISTRY TRIP, 2002
Reported by Yvonne
To tell you about our recent ministry trip to Europe would fill a small
book, but there are hi-lites that you can rejoice over. First though, some
interesting logistics of the 47 day trip: We SLEPT in 12 different beds--in
7 homes, 1 hotel, 1 college dorm, 2 missions headquarters, and on one train.
Our TRAVEL included 11 flights, 12 city-to-city car rides, and 5 train rides--including
an all night one. (It went like this: We spoke in Hamburg Sunday morning,
drove to another city for an evening service, were driven back to Hamburg
to catch a night train, transferred in Hanover to a sleeper train, got off
in Basil, Switzerland, driven back into Germany to teach a seminar from
9 -3, then driven to another city for an evening meeting. That gives you
some idea of our schedule!) God privileged us to MINISTER in 15 towns, to
42 different groups of people, in a total of 72 meetings--plus many serious,
but unplanned "counseling" sessions with individuals and families.
The planned meetings included: Seminars in individual churches, but also
to groups of churches who came together; groups of Pastors, home fellowships,
Bible Colleges, Heads of Mission Agencies, University students, missions
committees, and a meeting with the Evangelical Alliance leaders to hammer
out a course to educate the Evangelical churches of the country in missions!
This ministry trip was EXHILERATING!
accomplished. Thank you, Lord!"
It was my privilege to deliver this message a number of times in recent
trips to Malaysia and Europe. Many were challenged by God's Word. I trust
it will speak to your heart, as well.
Certainly a highlight of the year had to be the publishing of our
new book, THE REENTRY TEAM: Caring For Your Returning Missionaries.
You know that a passion of my heart is to see missionaries better
cared for. As I conducted seminar after seminar on our book, SERVING
AS SENDERS, it became painfully clear that the issues of reentry are
still "in the closet." No one wants to address this most
critical time in the life of a missionary. "After all, they're
just coming home" on the part of the church, coupled with the
missionary's attitude, "What's the big deal? I'm just going home!"
is only one of the issues that makes this time so difficult.
To the glory of God, reports are accumulating of how this book is
opening people's understanding to this least understood aspect of
missionary care. In fact, one agency is making it the theme of their
150th Anniversary Conference. We will be publishing a custom edition
for their use. Also, the first translation of the book is being negotiated.
The language will be Dutch! Further, we have added a new seminar to
our offering: "What's the BIG DEAL? They're Just Coming Home!
It is our prayer that by addressing the simply-stated Biblical solution
and exposing the human dilemma, we will draw this issue out of the
"closet" and missionaries will be better cared for during
this time, also.
Work has begun on the second companion book to Serving As Senders.
Our son, Kevin, who began his business career at the ripe old age
of nine, expressed his desire to co-author a book on GIVING WELL:
The Financial Team. We trust this volume will add to the Biblical
perspective of missionary care in the area of finances.
The graciousness of God is overwhelming! Our publication, Serving
As Senders, in its tenth year, twelve translations, nine custom editions
and eleven English print runs is still being lauded as (now) the classic
in missionary care. Before 20,000 college students and delegates at
URBANA2000, George Verwer recommended four books. One of them was
Serving As Senders!
This past year two more translations were added: Indonesian! YES!
The Indonesian Church, for all of their persecution, is lifting up
its eyes to the fields of the world and sending out missionaries into
His harvest. And the Church is being trained in how to care for them!
Likewise, the French Canadian Church, dedicated Ceux qui ENVOIENT,
at their November MissionsFest.
A report just in: The Portuguese translation will be dedicated at
an April meeting of missions-minded leaders in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Two ACTS Training Courses (one 10-week and one 4-week) helped prepare
workers for living and ministering cross-culturally. Reports back
from several indicate it was time well-spent. You may remember Charlie's
statement: "I was wrong!" How, within days of his arrival
in Tijuana, he acknowledged his need for this kind of training, even
though he had argued with his church's requiring his attendance. Now,
from the field he says: "Every day we are using the principles
we learned in Tijuana!"
It was my privilege to visit with two couples in Guatemala who had
previously attended the ACTS Training Course. One Wycliffe couple
spent a lovely evening with me even though their language finals were
on the following day. The other family has found fruitful ministry
assisting a local pastor in his church and orphanage.
It was our privilege to bring some of that training to missionaries-in-training
in Malaysia and Costa Rica. And invitations have been acknowledged
to participate again this year in the training of missionaries from
non-Western countries. In fact, the scheduling has so filled our calendar
that we have temporarily suspended our Tijuana Courses.
But the good news is that John & Lupe Kanno, who went through
our mini-Acts Training Course five years ago and have been ministering
in Mexico since, and team-taught a recent Course, have opened a similar
Course in Boca del Rio, Mexico. Their Course is linked to our Site.
Check it out!
Will the good news stop? I hope not! Victor Marquis, who attended
a Tijuana Course is now in Korea, implementing the principles and
concepts in a Bible and missions-training school there.
From one session of the Perspectives Course to full seminar weekends,
our schedule has been busy as God has allowed us to share our experiences
with the missions community. What a thrill to have shared three seminars,
three times each at the recent URBANA2000 Missions Conference.
But we also look ahead, for a seven-week USA seminar tour is already
taking shape for April and May. Check out our WebSite for details.
Who knows, you may be on our seminar trail!
www.eri.org
Invitations to Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia are also being negotiated
at this time. My heart shouts: What a privilege to be about our Father's
business! We certainly minister by His grace alone.
Where did the eight-track go?! And in a short time, we will be asking
the same of the cassette and the video tapes! Keeping up with the
communication digital revolution is exhausting! With that in mind,
we still added a new area of resource in 2000: the ACTS Tape Library.
True, there is only one cassette available, but it is a good one!
"Missionary Care is More than Money!" was presented on a
Sunday morning in Washington. It begins dispelling the myth that all
missionaries want is our money. We expect other tapes to be added
this year. And, who knows, maybe a CD and DVD, also!
To the glory of God, praises to His Name continue! Though Yvonne led
only one trip last year, the thrust for quality short term trips was
picked up by our son, Byron and his wife, Kathy. They led and/or supervised
ten teams to Asia. And five teams are returning this week!
. How about Eastern Europe this summer! Give her a call (858 292-7020) or
e-mail: Yvonne_Pirolo@eri.org
~~~NEAL
ERI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
You may remember our appeal last year for new Board members as we
spoke of the transition we anticipated in the corporate structure
of Emmaus Road. Well, we have added two new Directors. However, we
also lost one! But, not really! Let me explain:
About twenty years ago as I was struggling to understand God's divine
direction in my life, a friend was coming to San Diego to work with
an emerging ministry. He would drive from Victorville on Monday morning,
spend the night with us, work again on Tuesday with that ministry
to return to Victorville that evening.
Through his gentle prodding (and that of my wife and another gentleman),
on February 28th of 1983, a vision for ministry was birthed in my
heart. This unassuming, yet giant of a man continued his support through
the incorporation process, became a Founding Board Member and Chief
Financial Officer. He has faithfully attended every Board meeting
(except one) since the ministry's inception.
Though he just tendered his resignation, we couldn't let him go. At
a recent Board meeting, a unanimous decision was reached to honor
him with his appointment to Board of Directors Member Emeritus.
Thus, in recognition for the faithful service to the ministry of Emmaus
Road International given by PASTOR PAUL SMITH,
as Encourager, Organizer and Founding Board Member, we, the undersigned
declare him an official Emmaus Road International Board Member Emeritus,
with all the privileges of said office.
(Signed)
Bill
Berry
Tom
Hankins
Andy
Donan
Neal
Pirolo
Scotty
Farris
Rose
Seward
Dan
Gillespie
WHY ME?
WHY ME?! WHY ME?! WHY? Why should I go on a missions trip?
•
There are plenty of people right here who need the Lord!
•
My "plate" is already full!
•
I'm not called!
•
What could I do---anyway?
•
I don't know anyone going on a trip.
•
I don't have any extra cash.
•
I don't see the value in these trips.
•
What could I do---anyway?
BECAUSE...it will light a godly fire in you, causing you to know Him
better.
BECAUSE...it will light a godly fire in your church, causing many
to burn brightly for Him.
(See the April 2000 Keeping In Touch for a fuller article on this
"fire". Click on NEWS on our Home Page: www.eri.org.)
•
"I
learned what real teammanship was all about-we were always encouraged
by each other."
•
"God reminded me of how I need to rely on Him and His Spirit-daily!
And when I do, He does miracles!"
•
"I feel that I may finally be able 'to let go' of my life--to
really die to myself and my dreams and my plans, and follow His call."
•
"He showed me that no matter what we do-His will and plan will
prevail."
•l
"I still can't believe that He would choose to use me this way! But
how glad I am that He did!"
BECAUSE... "there are so many millions of people over here who
don't even have the first clue of who God is and that He wrote us
a Letter. Maybe we could put a little more effort and a few more dollars
towards areas like this, instead of saturating the same areas over
and over again." ~~~Byron
(Click on Murrieta Missions Fellowship website [www.themisssionsfellowship.homepage.com]
to read more of Byron's passion for short term mission trips.)
It's a New Year!...Are You Tired Yet?
After the holiday season (that seems to start nowadays in October)
many of us have a tendency to draw that collective sigh in January
and say, "I need a rest!" We can be physically, emotionally,
mentally and spiritually spent from activities, distractions, stress
and strains that were associated with the ending of one year and the
entering of another.
In our Christian lives, we can also become tired from time to time
as we run "the race that is set before us." We can, in runner's
parlance, "hit the wall," or "bonk." That is,
while we are running, there can be that time when we just feel like
stopping, take a seat by the roadside and watch the other runners
go by.
Recently, in the wake of a busy holiday season, I was meditating on
the passage Heb 12: 1-3. In reading it, I became focused on the question,
What is it that makes us weary? This portion of Scripture tells us
to keep our eyes fixed on our example, Jesus, the author and finisher
of our faith, so we do not become weary and faint. How do we get our
eyes off Jesus?
In verse one, we are exhorted to "...lay aside every encumbrance."
The encumbrances are those distractions and preoccupations that weigh
us down, perhaps not sins in themselves, but those things that may
cause us to run with unnecessary weight. For some of us, those encumbrances
are the preoccupations of our jobs, our goals or our homes. For others
it may be even the way we view our family and the work of ministry.
We need to strip off all the unnecessary weight that would cause us
to take our eyes off Christ. Otherwise, as we run, we will become
weary.
But what about the next portion of verse one, "the sin which
so easily entangles us." The picture here is the runner who has
his/her legs shackled with something so he can not run with a natural
stride; he trips, falls, gets up again, starts running and repeats
this sequence. That would make you tired in a race for sure! "The
sin" can be interpreted in various ways. Since the preceding
portion is on faith, and this portion of the 12th Chapter of Hebrews
is about the expansion of faith, I felt the Lord saying that as far
as for me, "the sin" is the danger of unbelief. Unbelief
being defined as not fully, totally and absolutely believing in who
God says He is, what His promises are, what He has done, and what
He can do and will do. It definitely can be easy to be entangled in
some unbelief in God and fall into a belief in ourselves, (pride,
self-sufficiency). However, this belief in ourselves will hamper our
ability to run the race rather than enhance it.
What can we do so we do not become easily entangled in the sin of
unbelief? We need to ask God to help us remind ourselves of the totality
of the truth of God day-to-day, maybe even sometimes moment-to-moment.
We need to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to ourselves each morning.
We need to remind ourselves of the incredible sovereign grace of God
in our individual lives and the entire world. If we do these things,
we can believe. We will trust in Him, and we will have a focus not
on ourselves, but on Christ. We will be able to wait, and "mount
up wings like eagles." We will "not grow weary of doing
good." And we will run the race He has set before us with perseverance
and victory.
In the year ahead, let's keep our eyes fixed on our Savior by being
aware of our personal distractions and preoccupations AND seek to
grow in the gift of faith He has graciously given to His children.
~~~~LARRY
A Word (or Two) About ERI Finances
Balance
Fwd, 1999
$
887
Individual
$38,795
Seminars
$10,055
Churches
$
9,753
ACTS
Training
$20,314
Seminars
$12,379
Publications
$42,775
Tuitions
$13,935
A/V
Tapes
$
754
Publications
$42,026
Ministry
Trips
$17,446
A/V
Tapes
$
1,238
Management
$34,740
Ministry
Trips
$23,913
Orphanage
$
3,500
Orphanage
$
3,500
Newsletter
$
3,030
Other
$
2,192
Missionary
Resource
$13,922
TOTAL
INCOME
$147,731
TOTAL
DISBURSEMENTS
$146,536
Balance
Fwd, 2000
$
2,082
A number of weeks ago, in the early days of 2001, I was sharing the
excitement of my recent trips with a congregation of people. As I
concluded, I said, "Do you think I shared all of this excitement
only so you could rejoice with me? No! There is so much that you could
do in His Kingdom." As I looked at some glum faces, in my mind's
eye I saw these same people in the early days of 2002 thinking, "Another
year has passed. Yawn!" I wanted to startle them into realizing
that we should not let another year go by without becoming aggressively
active in His Kingdom work. My desire for you is the same. What a
privilege to be about our Father's business. Join us, won't you, on
the Emmaus Road.
RESPONSE FORM
I would
like to receive the Keeping In Touch newsletter every other month.
By regular
mail (USA only) q By e-mail (USA & world)
_______________@________________
I would like
more information on the possible Eastern Europe trip this summer.
I live
in the San Diego area. I would like more information on volunteer
positions available.
I would
like more information about Board level involvement.
I am
anticipating a contribution to ERI. I would like a more complete financial
report.
I would
like more information on the projects for 2001 awaiting funding.
I would
like more information about being on the Chan or Pirolo financial
or prayer support team.
Emmaus Road International is an educational resource ministry, assisting
churches to MOBILIZE their cross-cultural outreach, TRAIN the cross-cultural
team, and NETWORK that church and team with ministries asking for
help. Our resources are offered in five areas: Publications, Seminars,
ACTS Training Tapes, ACTS Training Courses, and ACTS Ministry Trips.
7150 Tanner Court
San Diego CA 92111 (858) 292-7020
Resources for Third Millennium Missions
Published bi-monthly, free of charge
E-mail: Emmaus_Road@eri.org
WebSite: www.eri.org
ANNUAL REPORT
FEBRUARY, 2000
EMMAUS
ROAD INTERNATIONAL
