Gary's journal

Teaching in a TCE course in Southern Germany

2012-01-16T20:13:00.000+01:00

Normally I am training the instructors to teach courses but last Saturday I helped one of local workers to teach a Teaching Children Effectively (TCE) Level 1 course with 15 participants. They were a gracious group – willing to learn and very appreciative of our teaching. They had classes from late Friday afternoon, evening and from 9am-5pm on Sunday. The course will be taught over 3 weekends and the participants have homework to do in between. It was especially encouraging to see so many men along - normally the women outnumber the men by far.

mission-net congress

2012-01-07T16:47:00.000+01:00

[Extract from official press release]
2,650 young Europeans from 40 nations gathered for the 2ndMission-Net Congress in Erfurt, Germany from 28 December to 2 January2012. Commissioned by the European Evangelical Alliance and EuropeanEvangelical Missions Association, Mission-Net exists to encourage andpromote new Mission-Net movements across Europe, as well as bring 16– 30 year old Christian Europeans together for mutual encouragement,teaching, training and mobilisation.“As Mission-Net is not just a bi-annual congress, but a movement,” saidEvi Rodemann, Director of Mission-Net, “we are dependant on NationalMotivators in each country to promote Mission-Net at a national andregional level. The congress itself was only made possible through thehelp of many volunteers. Without their help, Mission-Net would not havebeen possible!”

Amongst guest speakers from Portugal, Bulgaria and Germany wereGeorge Verwer, founder of OM International, and Ramez and Rebecca Atallah, Director of the Bible Society of Egypt. They spoke about what itmeans to live a missional lifestyle at home and abroad, and challengedparticipants to transform their world through sharing God’s love withothers. “I see a new generation in an old Europe,” said Niek Tramper,Secretary General of the European Evangelical Alliance during theopening ceremony of the congress. Making reference to the reformer whostudied in Erfurt, Martin Luther, added Tramper, “Even if you are notLuther, you can change history and the world.”

CDU Member of ParliamentFrank Heinrich from Germany encouraged participants to pray thatpoliticians would have a “strong head and strong backbone, so that theirhearts may remain soft.” George Verwer emphasised the meaning ofprayer and added, “Christians are needed in all spheres of society. Butespecially missionaries.”

The “World News Band” from the Netherlands led inter-cultural worshipduring the week, while well-known bands from Croatia and Northern Ireland performed after the evening sessions. Through mime and the arts,participants were encouraged to seek new ways of expression in worshipand 13 different missional tracks were on offer each afternoon. 400 youngpeople put into practice what they had learnt during two outreaches inErfurt on Friday afternoon. 1500 participants filled in a personality profileand 500 participants did a gifting exercise at the Mission Advice Centreadjacent to the “Global Market” where over 100 Christian organisations,mission agencies (including CEF), Bible schools and theological seminaries wereexhibited.
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Our CEF stand was in an excellent location ensuring a steady flow of visitors. They came mostly from Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy as well as Finland, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania and many more places. We distributed armbands with 4 rings on them in the colours of the wordless book and the 5th ring was the armband itself which glows green in the dark. These were produced specially by CEF in London for use at the Olympic game celebrations this summer. They were certainly a real hit with the young people at mission-net. By the end of the conference, the vast majority of the participants were wearing one.

Many longer conversations were held at our stand with people interested in the CMLCs in Kilchzimmer in German, English and Italian. Many took time to look through the literature samples and took a catalogue to order later in their language. Also several were interested in working with CEF both short-term and long-term.

Behind the scenes at mission-net

2012-01-03T18:55:00.000+01:00

On New Years eve I was delighted to get an invitation from Phil Burt at OmiVision to get a look back stage. Going behind the large black curtain it took a while for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Then I could see the 12 translator cubicles and the large lorry that is used for the video editing.

After a few minutes of explanation, he asked, "Are you ready to go inside?" Such was my excitement, I felt like an astronaut about to enter the space shuttle. Inside Ian Curry was sitting at the flight controls and editing a live feed coming from six cameras (4 stationary, 1 handheld on the stage and a boom) which went out unto the large screens above the stage. The atmosphere in the air conditioned lorry was one of concentration and discipline but also extremely relaxed. It was clear they were all enjoying themselves – using their God given gifts in this unique ministry. I was impressed with the way Ian communicated by headset with his camera men. Telling them in advance that their camera was going live any second and what angle he wanted. "here we go guys... now feel the music", "6 - get me some drums", "2 – go wide, then push unto lead singers face.. push, push, push", "it's too dark.. tell the guys we need some light - I can't get any shots of the crowd". He was always one or two steps ahead and even would drop in the occasional piece of English humour. Behind Ian were two women who were ensuring that the right song lyrics and graphics were coming onto the screen at the right time. In the next room, two technicians adjusted the picture quality.
This OM team does an excellent and very professional job and they are evidence once again that you don't need to be a preacher to use your gifts for God. (Incidentally Phil provided the technical services for the interpreters at our last CEF European Conference and we hope to have him again at our next event in 2013.)
Here is an example of their work on another evening when the "World News Band" were leading a time of worship:

Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven

2011-12-17T22:48:00.000+01:00

Happy Christmas to all of my Blog readers!

Joy: an Iris Christmas (MP3 download)

Joy: an Irish Christmas (Buy the CD)

Completing the Lucerne Marathon (4:25:45)

2011-10-31T11:20:00.001+01:00

My first marathon - a diary

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

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

NEW CMLC video

2011-10-24T20:42:00.000+02:00

Students at the autumn CMLC in Kilchzimmer

2011-10-13T11:36:00.000+02:00

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

Preparing for the Lucerne marathon

2011-09-27T18:38:00.003+02:00

18 months ago I took up running as a hobby. At the end of October I would like to run my first marathon and I have chosen what must be one of the must beautiful in the world – the Lucerne Marathon (Switzerland). I invite you to sponsor me and help CEF in Latvia build a new centre (National Office Project)

There are 195,000 children (age 5-14) in Latvia who need to hear the Gospel. We have the unique opportunity to be able to gain access to all local schools and participate in the religious education program. Grades 1-3 are using CEF Memory Verse Sets and over 3,500 pupils are reading "Wonder Devotional Books" – three years of daily Bible readings!
Their 10-year office lease has expired and now they urgently need a centre from which they can coordinate the CEF ministries, which include:

schools ministry
Good News Clubs¸
Children's website - 1,600 children registered
Mailbox Club - over 1,000 children in public schools invloved. A further 2,300 are mailing letters to the office
Literature - A 5-year cycle of teaching materials is available in Latvian and Russian
Teacher training - Regular courses and training seminars are organized

Kilchzimmer CMLC - the class of summer 2011

2011-08-23T17:34:00.000+02:00

15 graduate from Slovak/Czech CMLC

2011-08-19T14:51:00.000+02:00

Today 15 students graduated from the Czech/Slovak CMLC (Children's Ministry Leadership Course) in Bratislava, Slovakia.

It was my privilege to teach them during the final week and to be present at their graduation. Some of the are already CEF workers and several of them are considering joining the mission. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness to each student during the 12 week course and pray that He will use them mightily to reach the children of central Europe.

Look what my "very gifted" wife did!

2011-07-02T15:21:00.003+02:00

"Joel and David by the sea" by Claudia Cousins – 70 cm x 100 cm acrylic on a box canvas

Claudia has been painting again and the result this time is very impressive. Taking the idea from another painting she saw, she put it together with a photograph from our boys standing looking out across the sea at the north of Germany. This large canvas now adorns a very prominent place in the hallway of our home.

Affectionately known as the REDs

2011-06-24T17:33:00.002+02:00

The Regional Education Directors in Ridgecrest, Asheville, NC, USA. Front row, left to right: Martha Olango, East and Central Africa, Gary Cousins, Western Europe, Lynda Pongracz, Executive Director of Education for CEF worldwide, Lynne Herlein, Associate Director of Education. Second row: Janet Snyder, N. American/Caribbean, Susan Pineda, Latin America, Cora Viljoen, Southern Africa/Indian Ocean, Kathy Gleckler, East and Central Africa, Bev Huff, N. American/Caribbean, Jan Johnson, Asia/Pacific. Third row: Abner Pineda, Latin America, Kobus Viljoen, Southern Africa/Indian Ocean, Laura Wegert, Dept. of Education intern.

Last month, the REDs got together for several days of meetings before the International Conference in USA. This was indeed a rich time of fellowship and learning from one another. Together with the staff at the International Headquarters we coordinate the CEF training programmes in our areas of South America, North America and the Caribbean, Central & Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, Asia-Pacific and other places. I was representing the European region which I share with Linda and Iris.
I am so glad that I attended these meetings and I was able to meet personally people who until now I had only communicated with by email.

Former students - where are they now?

2011-06-20T16:36:00.005+02:00

With the start of the summer CMLC only days away, I want to share with you extracts from interviews conducted with two of our former students. As you read their responses, may your heart be thrilled, as mine was, to see the truth of 1 Thes. 5:24 “He who calls you is faithful”. Gary Cousins (Education Coordinator for Kilchzimmer and Western Europe)

GC: Amélie, you took the course in autumn 2008. How did a young French woman decide to come to Kilchzimmer and to study in English?

AC (Amélie Coste): In 2006, I started working as a civil engineer in London. After a camp in France as a counsellor, my burden for France and the children there became clearer. The greatest challenge for me was realizing that ministry work in France meant quitting my job in London. It took me almost a year to make that decision, but I am so glad the Lord gave me the peace to do it! Shortly after that, I heard about the institute and decided to come to Kilchzimmer since no similar institutes existed in France at that time.

GC: As you look back on your 12 weeks here – what highlights stick in your mind?

AC: I enjoyed the fellowship with other young Christians who had the same heart for children as I had. The classes were excellent, and I’m using them today in my ministry. Switzerland was also a beautiful country to discover.

GC: You came here unsure if you should join CEF. What happened during the course and the months immediately after?

AC: My time at Kilchzimmer was part of a year of sabbatical I was taking to get involved in ministry to see how God would guide me. After leaving the institute, I began a one-year internship with CEF where I had the opportunity to visit some CEF missionaries, start teaching and organize two clubs.

GC: I read in your prayer letter that you have many opportunities to train others. Is this your main ministry?

AC: My ministry is threefold: teacher-training, clubs and graphic design. I had the opportunity to attend an IOT1 and an IOT3 course. This led me to teach several TCE1 and TCE3 classes and seminars in different towns in France.

GC: How does what you learned at Kilchzimmer help you in your day-to-day ministry?

AC: Studying at Kilchzimmer helped me acquire methods that gave me the confidence I needed to start a monthly Bible club in my town. This club has been going on for almost two years now. The IPEAR method and how to adequately communicate central truths are tools I still use to help me prepare for the club.

GC: What are the biggest challenges facing a CEF worker in France?

AC: France is a mission field. It is difficult for a French missionary to find support in France. CEF workers are very few here and most French children haven’t heard the Gospel. Many children in my club are hearing the Bible stories for the first time, but it is a joy to have boys and girls so attentive to the teaching.

GC: How can we pray for you specifically?

AC: I have a couple of trainings and retreats where I will be teaching children in the coming weeks, especially one at Easter. My prayer is that by God’s grace, I will stay faithful to Him.

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GC: How did you come to leave your secular employment and enter Bible College?

NH (Neil Harkness): In November 1999 as I was reading Acts 7:3, those words to Abraham came so strong to me personally that I really felt God was saying, someday Neil you are going to leave Northern Ireland and go to another land.

I had a real interest in Northern and Western Europe as I had travelled to Holland, Germany and Belgium with friends and to Finland and Sweden with my father to watch the car rallies. I didn’t know where God wanted me to go but I knew Bible College was the next step.

GC: How did you find out about the CMLC (Childrens’ Ministry Leadership Course)?

NH: During my final year at the Faith Mission Bible College (Scotland), in the spring of 2007, a fellow student from Germany gave me a Kilchzimmer Echo. I couldn’t read it because it was in German, but she explained it a little bit and asked me “did you ever think of going there?” I had heard of Kilchzimmer but I didn’t know very much about it or CEF. I really enjoy children’s ministry, I had taught in Sunday school in my home church and I had been involved for many years in camps with the faith mission. Strange as it was, every time I passed the college missions display, there seemed to be something there from CEF. The Lord used those things to lead me to attend the CMLC.

GC: You attended the autumn 2007 course. What memory stands out for you?

NH: While I was convinced before the course of the need to evangelize children, the classes on the Biblical basis gave me the verses I needed to be able to show others from the scriptures how children can be saved. I believe this will be a big help for me working in Northern Europe where many doubt that children need to be saved.

GC: How did the Lord use your time in Kilchzimmer to guide you?

NH: I came not knowing what I would do afterwards. One evening I was reading Deuteronomy 31 for an assignment. The moment I read verse 7 where Moses said to Joshua, “thou must go with this people”, it was so clear that God was speaking to me. As the weeks progressed I had a real peace and I felt increasingly at home among the “CEF people”. As we prayed each day for different countries I realized, here is a mission that is also working in Northern and Western Europe. It was as if my natural desires, the work I was interesting in, my personal circumstances, and the call of God – all came together while at Kilchzimmer.

GC: When did Sweden become your main focus?

NH: At the end of the course I shared with Roy Harrison (former European Director) that I wanted to apply to the mission. He asked where I felt the Lord was leading me. I said that I had a natural desire towards Northern Europe and mentioned that I had been to Sweden. He proceeded to tell me that CEF doesn’t have any full-time workers there and that they were praying that God would raise them up. I didn’t commit to anything then but the seed had been planted.

GC: What did you do immediately after the course?

NH: The call was so strong that a few weeks later I applied to CEF Ireland. At the beginning of March 2008 I was accepted as a candidate and commenced a time of practical training. The following 18 months gave me an opportunity to get to know the work of CEF better and to discern the Lord’s will.

GC: When did it become clear that Sweden was the country God was calling you too?

NH: Sweden was still on my mind, so in September 2008, armed with a list of contacts, a friend and I went on a fact-finding mission to the country. My prayer was, Lord, if this is it, make it clear… if not... I can go home knowing that this is not your will. When I got on the plane to go home, I was convinced that this was the not the place the Lord wanted me. But then I opened a book I had been given at Bible College to read the final chapter. It was called “God is Faithful” a collection of short stories from former missionaries. In the providence of God, the first statement I read was “James Lees who was a Scottish miner took a return ticket to Sweden to test if God was calling him there to labour in the Gospel.” I put the book down and a smile came over my face as I realized that God had spoken again in a truly unmistakable way.

I didn’t share it with anyone until April 2009. It was already clear but I asked the Lord to confirm it to me one more time. The reading that night in My Daily Light was “arise ye, depart for this is not your rest” (Micah 2:10). I soon became a missionary designate to Sweden and a short time later commenced deputation.

GC: Things moved quite quickly from them on!

NH: Yes, going into deputation, facing the challenge of raising support for living in one of the most expensive countries in Europe, I was encouraged by the words of Exodus 35:21 were it says that the peoples hearts were stirred and their spirits were made willing to give to the work of the tabernacle. In less that a year, my full support had been pledged.

In the summer of last year, eleven years after God had first spoken to me through Acts 7:3, with 15 kilos of luggage, I boarded a Ryanair flight to Gothenburg, Sweden. I got settled in, found a place to live, got the remainder of my stuff brought over from Ireland and commenced language school in September.

GC: What are the challenges facing you as you seek to establish the work in Sweden?

NH: CEF is virtually unknown in Sweden. Also the area I live in has a high immigrant population and there are many Muslim children. I am looking forward to having a better grasp of the language so I can commence the work here among the children. I know that it will not be easy but I am very sure that this is where God wants me to be and I know that He will be faithful.

Are you a former student? Why not tell us your story? We would love to hear from you!

Or if you are interested in attending the course at Kilchzimmer, click here for more information.

Every Child Every Nation Every Day

2011-05-31T15:28:00.001+02:00

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

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

Visiting South Carolina

2011-05-23T05:30:00.002+02:00

Pastor Myles Beck

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

"The Cove" - Billy Graham Training Centre

2011-05-23T03:11:00.005+02:00

One afternoon last week I had the opportunity to visit "the cove" which is the Billy Graham training centre in North Carolina, USA.

The mobile pulpit used by Billy Graham in some of his crusades

Billy Graham's pulpit with bible, preaching notes and lights marked (5, 3 and 1 minutes)

Budapest, Hungary

People in Arad, Romania listening to Billy Graham preach during the communist years.

Many recorded the Bible message at every meeting in Eastern Europe

International Conference

2011-05-23T02:42:00.009+02:00

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

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

Feeding 1000 all at once!

One of the many seminars

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

CEF International Conference 2011

2011-05-14T02:32:00.009+02:00

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

Run and run and run

2011-05-10T21:47:00.000+02:00

Binzen - on the edge of the Black Forest

Having the Black Forest practically at our back door is a reality that frequently fills me with a desire to get out and explore it on foot. Thankfully the forest is way-marked with hundreds of miles of public walk-ways, so you are literally free to explore and with an area 260 km long and 60 km wide, no two routes need ever be the same.

For the past 15 months I have been discovering the joy of regular running. I have many options and traffic free paths on level ground but I find the peacefulness and beauty of the 'Schwarzwald' hard to resist.
In more recent weeks I have been making the most of our ministry trips to get out into the great outdoors. During the Easter break, while in N. Ireland, I ran one afternoon from the Giant's Causeway to the centre of Portrush (01:18:00 / 13.3 km), then in the Mournes from Meelmore Lodge to Hare's Gap - Brandy Pad - Glenn River - and finishing at Newcastle (Donard Car Park) (01:44:00 / 10.46 km more stats).

Recently in Romania I was able to explore part of the city of Sibiu with the help of a hastily printed out street plan from google maps. I folded the A4 page as small as the packet insert in a tablet box, small enough to hold in my hand and just enough visible to guide me at each juncture.

I love the outdoors and I am enjoying feeling much fitter and healthier these days. No exercise programme is any good unless it is accompanied by a healthy diet. Thanks to Claudia I enjoy lots of delicious cooking with lots of healthy options including a large leafy salad several times a week with an Italian or balsamic dressing.
I never run with headphones – in fact I have an aversion to them. When I observe such runners I see people who are not enjoying their running but enduring it. The music is just another piece of noise, a distraction from the pain of overexertion. Perhaps in a noisy inner city setting I could be convinced of the merits but then all I can say is, be careful crossing the road! For me, running with headphones is as pointless as caffeine-free coffee!

Meelmore Lodge with the Hare's Gap in the background

Yes running is about fitness and weight control and personal discipline but it's much more than that. It is about taking 'time out' to 'take in'. To shut down the computer and to go out and 'take in' the sound of birds singing and the rustle in the undergrowth as a mouse or a small lizard scurries to safety, the smell of spring flowers or the stench coming out of an old wooden barn, the breath-taking landscapes that open up as you reach the brow of a hill and the colours that change with every movement of the clouds, the warmth of the sun on my face and the fresh air that fills my lungs, the refreshment that a mouthful of ice-tea gives from a hydration pack or the sugar rush of a power-bar. And the best thing of all, is just clearing my head and getting away from technological distractions that have become so much a part of our digital world (with the exception of my mobile phone for emergencies). Yes running is about much more than pain. I have learned my lesson about over doing it. If you pace yourself, build up your muscle strength slowly and find a pleasant route, it can be so exhilarating! Not to mention that there are 65 mentions of running in the Bible! That should make a good Bible Study for another post!!!

UEB CORSO INTENSÍVO - CMLC in Italian

2011-05-10T13:57:00.001+02:00

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

Training youth workers in Lithuania

2011-03-31T14:51:00.000+02:00

This past week I have been in Lithuania helping the local CEF workers to teach a JYC course. We had an enthusiastic group of 10 students with an additional 5 joining us for the weekend sessions. One woman came on the Saturday with some friends. She enjoyed it so much that she came back again on Sunday with her husband and children - even though it was a 6-hour round trip!
We stayed in a remote homestead about 90 minutes from the capital city of Vilnius. I taught in English and Sandra interpreted into Lithuanian. While Vika, a Latvian CEF worker taught in Russian and Kristina-Maria translated her into Lithuanian. I was glad that some of the students were also able to communicate in English. Here's what they had to say about the course:

"It was very important for me to learn about working with teens. I now have a much better understanding of them and a big desire to work with them. Pray that this passion will continue." Vika
"The teachers were warm and encouraging. The lessons were very helpful with good structure and many illustrations. The practicals scared us a little bit but it gave us good practice. The morning devotionals from Gary were a refreshment to my soul." Ieva
"I have been to many other seminars and afterwards felt that they were a waste of time. This one was different. The teachers were well prepared. Through them, I have received courage and confidence to work among teens." Jurgita

Being a student again at Kilchzimmer

2011-02-15T23:11:00.002+01:00

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

10 instructors trained in Hungarian course

2011-01-27T16:40:00.004+01:00

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

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

Wondering if it's time to leave ???

2011-01-14T15:16:00.004+01:00

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

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

Largest mission sending nations

2011-01-11T16:07:00.007+01:00

At the last mission-net congress in Germany, one of the speakers from S. Korea shared the following statistic with us about how many evangelical missionaries there are throughout the world and what countries they are sent from. No surprise to see USA and South Korea up there in first and second places respectively. I presume UK also includes Northern Ireland helping it to take third place.

Not sure about the source of the data but it can't be far wrong.

I'm looking forward to the next mission-net congress (December 2011 in Erfurt, Germany) and also to getting my hands on the new Operation World book which should be full of lots of statistics and concrete prayer requests concerning world evangelism.

Join CEF back in 1968

2011-01-10T10:06:00.000+01:00

Recently a colleague at Kilchzimmer brought a number of old CEF USA magazines to coffee break. Some of the advertisements amused us greatly, such as the "5 day home trail" for accordions. We wondered if back then playing the accordion was essential to leading a Good News Club. :)

However the inside back cover ad entitled "help wanted" really caught my attention. Here's the text: MISSIONARIES NEEDED: ANYONE WILLING TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR CHRIST IN FULL-TIME SERVICE - CALL OR WRITE CEF.

STATE, CITY, COUNTRY DIRECTORS AND HOME OFFICE WORKERS NEEDED: SEEK PERSONS WITH BURDEN FOR WINNING CHILDREN TO CHRIST - CALL OR WRITE CEF

Want a career with unlimited opportunities, personal satisfaction, and a lot of money? How about a career with unlimited opportunities, personal satisfaction and less money? You have a choice in the matter: your own. Or, what the Lord would have you do.

Have you ever stopped to think that God needs you? He does. He needs all of us to work out His plan.

There are many ways to be of service but preparation should come first: 3 months of CEF Institute will give you practical know-how in helping you to reach boys and girls for Christ. 27 courses are offered with sessions beginning in March, June and September.

Why not consider making the Lord's business your career? He gave His life for you.

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

7 Billion Reasons

2011-01-04T12:54:00.004+01:00

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

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

(Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Kilchzimmer staff

2010-12-02T15:21:00.003+01:00

Staff and volunteers (December 2010) Photo: Tim Shirey

The Kilchzimmer team doesn't often get together for a photograph. However since there have been a number of major changes in the team over the past 3 years, it was time for an update. For example, we have a new European Director, new Kilchzimmer house parents, new Education Department coordinators ;), new assistants in various departments and volunteers who play a vital role in the efficient running of the centre. They come from Germany, Switzerland, Ireland (North and South), England, Scotland (not in photo), Isle of Man, USA, Poland, Sweden (not in photo) and the Netherlands!
Kilchzimmer is the European Headquarters of CEF. It serves our 560 full-time workers and thousands of volunteers throughout Europe. In the second part of the year, we offer our 3-month Children's Ministry Leadership Course (CMLC) in English and German.

Crossing the line

2010-11-29T23:17:00.009+01:00

www.baslerstadtlauf.ch
Basel City Run (5,5 km),
Switzerland

If you click here and watch this clip carefully you can see me cross the line over on the right (Adidas hat)!
It had snowed all day and the temperature was around freezing but it didn't put of several thousand people of all ages from taken part in the traditional Stadtlauf. It was my first time and despite the difficult conditions, I really enjoyed the experience and I was very happy with my time of ‎27 mins 49,8 secs.
I'm always very impressed with the professional organisation and time-keeping over here in Europe. Each starting bib comes with a chip which registers your exact time when you cross the start and finish (as well as a few checkpoints along the way). A couple of minutes after crossing the start line, you get a text message (SMS) with your official time. After the race you usually receive a reusable bottle with an energy drink, a medal and some vouchers and goodies. Then later on you can download photographs and videos of yourself taking part. If you like, you can even print of your own certificate when you go home.

Artikel in den KEB-Nachrichten 3/2010

2010-11-10T15:41:00.009+01:00

This is an article that I wrote recently for the CEF Germany magazine. Dieser Artikel ist in den "KEB-Nachrichten" 3/2010 erschienen.

Im letzten Jahr haben über 26.000 Leute irgendeine Form der Schulung durch die KEB in Europa erhalten. Wir sind uns in der europäischen Ausbildungsabteilung darüber im Klaren, wenn wir mehr Kinder in Europa erreichen wollen, müssen mehr Menschen geschult werden. In Europa stoßen wir immer wieder auf das Problem der fehlenden Finanzen für neue Vollzeitmitarbeiter. In unserem Eifer neue Vollzeitler zu gewinnen, vergessen wir leicht den wertvollen und treuen Dienst, den unsere Ehrenamtlichen verrichten. Diese Menschen haben ein Herz für Kinder, sie sind in ihren Gemeinden engagiert, sie besitzen viele Erfahrungen und gute Kontakte zu Kindern in ihrer Umgebung und sie sind bereit, Zeit in diese Arbeit zu investieren. Genau solche möchten wir ermutigen, an unseren ZAK Kursen, teens!aktiv-Kursen teilzunehmen oder sogar unser Intensiv-Training in der Schweiz zu besuchen.

Jedes Jahr wird das Intensiv-Training in Kilchzimmer zweimal auf Englisch und einmal auf Deutsch angeboten. Dieses Training ist für einen werdenden KEB-Mitarbeiter erforderlich, aber die meisten Studenten, die unser 3-monatiges Training absolvieren, werden nicht Vollzeitler. Trotzdem freuen wir uns, wenn sie motiviert in ihre Gemeinden zurückgehen und mit einer größeren Hingabe die Kinder biblisch fundiert unterrichten und sie darüber hinaus eine Sicht dafür bekommen, unerreichte, gemeindefremde Kinder in ihrer Umgebung zu evangelisieren.

Nicht nur Theorie
In Kilchzimmer nehmen die Studenten täglich an sechs Unterrichtsstunden teil. Sie beschäftigen sich „intensiv“ mit der Frage der Kinder-Evangelisation und deren Umsetzung in ihrer Heimatkultur. Fast 40 Lehrkräfte sind über einen Zeitraum von 6 Monaten am Unterricht in Kilchzimmer beteiligt. Die meisten von ihnen kommen direkt aus ihrem Einsatzgebiet und investieren zwischen ein bis drei Wochen ihrer Zeit, um zukünftige Mitarbeiter in der Kinderarbeit zu schulen. Wir glauben, dies ist eine besondere Stärke unserer Ausbildung, da die Lehrkräfte nicht reine Theorie vermitteln, sondern praxisorientiert das weitergeben, wofür ihr Herz schlägt, nämlich die Kinder Europas effektiv mit dem Evangelium zu erreichen. Wie ermutigend ist der Unterricht, wenn man beobachtet, dass der Funke der Begeisterung überspringt.

Dankbar blicken wir zurück auf das letzte Jahr mit 44 Studenten aus Irland, Großbritannien, USA, Tansania, Südkorea, Slowakei, Frankreich, Tschechische Republik, Dänemark, Niederlande, Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. In diesem Sommer sind es nur 9 Studenten und für den Herbst haben wir 26 Student. Der Hauptgrund für den Rückgang der Studentenzahl in Kilchzimmer liegt darin, dass parallel zur unserem Training im Sommer auch Kurse in anderen europäischen Ländern stattfinden. In Serbien wurden die ersten 6 Wochen des Intensiv-Trainings mit 22 Studenten aus 5 Ländern des ehemaligen Jugoslawien gehalten. Außerdem besuchten 19 eifrige Studenten (aus Tschechien und der Slowakei) den Kurs in Bratislava. Weitere Intensiv-Training sind für nächstes Jahr in Rumänien, Georgien und Russland geplant. Wir sehen fast nur Vorteile, wenn das Training in anderen Ländern abgehalten werden kann (z.B. der Kostenfaktor, die einheitliche Sprache), aber betet auch dafür, dass Gott Kilchzimmer mit neuen Studenten (besonders aus Westeuropa) versorgt.

Wer mehr über das Intensiv-Training in Kilchzimmer erfahren oder Bewerbungsformulare anfordern möchte, besuche bitte die KEB Deutschland Webseite.

Another race

2010-11-02T13:43:00.002+01:00

No we didn't do the whole marathon (maybe next year) just 12,5 km of it! Really enjoyed it. This has to be up there among the top marathons in the world for both the view and the supporters. More photos here.

26 students at the Autumn CMLC in Kilchzimmer

2010-10-15T17:01:00.003+02:00

The Lord has once again answered our prayers and sent us 26 students from N.Ireland, Rep. Ireland, GB, Ghana, Italy, Slovenia, Zambia, Albania, Cyprus, Germany and Switzerland. As with each Autumn, classes are taught separately for English / German speakers. I am looking forward to teaching this group for the first time next week. Please continue to pray for a good, warm harmonious atmosphere as this group lives and studies together for 12 weeks. Pray that they will study hard so that more children might be saved and helped in their faith.

First Half Marathon

2010-09-14T21:03:00.004+02:00

This past weekend I ran in my first competitive half marathon in Basel - photos. I was quite nervous before the race because although I have run the distance twice in training, this was the first big test since I injured my knee back in June.
Taking into account that I only starting to run 7 months ago, I was very pleased with my time of 2 hours, 12 minutes. David Austin (volunteer worker at Kilchzimmer) ran with me for the first 8 km behind the 2 hour pace-setters until I could no longer keep up! He put in a great performance, finishing just under the 2 hour mark.
The atmosphere over the 21 km of the course (13 miles) was something of a unique experience. Starting and finishing in the city of Basel, the majority of the course was along the Rhine and Wiese rivers, a truly beautiful setting – although I can't say I took much notice of it while concentrating on keeping the right pace. Pushing but not overdoing it. Slowing down when the pulse got to high but being careful not to loose momentum. It's amazing how the sound of the crowds cheering, the clapping and the sight of a familiar face along different parts of the course, really does help you to find some extra strength from somewhere. Perhaps the apostle Paul knew a thing or two about running when he wrote:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
(Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

Kilchzimmer CMLC - Summer 2010

2010-07-06T10:24:00.005+02:00

These are the 9 students who are currently at Kilchzimmer taking our Children's Ministry Leadership Course. They come from, England, Germany, Ireland (North & South), S. Korea and Estonia. This week they have classes on the biblical basis for child evangelism (Henry Berry - Ireland) and on teaching doctrine to children (Gerd-Walter Buskies - Germany). Next week they will be introduced to Good News Clubs® (Dorthe Jensen - Denmark), how to prepare and teach a Bible lesson to children (Jennifer Evans & Angie McKeee - Ireland) and also the pre-school children (Martha Heidinger - USA).

As you can see, there is still lots more space in the classroom. Please pray with us for more students to enrol for the autumn CMLC from 25 September – 17 December 2010 (taught in English and German).

JYC Seminar in Munich, Germany

2010-06-29T10:46:00.003+02:00

Each year CEF-Munich organise a training day for the local churches and CEF volunteers. This year I was invited to speak on the theme "Teenager work - no thanks!". We met in a church above a Christian bookshop, right in the centre of the city. About 30 attended the sessions. It was great to get to know some of those working with the teens in this part of Germany – to encourage them in their ministry and to introduce them to out youth challenge literature.
The journey was about 5 hours on the train, so I was able to go down on Friday evening and come back on Saturday evening. I even had a few hours to have a look around the city.

Renate, the local CEF worker wrote the following, "...dankbar blicken wir auf das gute Teenagerseminar mit Gary Cousins zurück, das am Samstag war. Wir hätten uns zwar mehr Teilnehmer gewünscht bei ca. 1000 Einladungen, die an Gemeinden und Einzelpersonen verteilt wurden. Doch mit ca. 30 Teilnehmern hatten wir eine schöne und offene Atmosphäre und es kam manches positive Echo."

Sorry - I forgot to take a photograph of the group (Photo above of the Town Hall and Marienplatz by David Iliff)

Our first running event

2010-06-18T13:29:00.008+02:00

The Lörracher Stadtlauf is the sporting highlight of the year for many serious and 'less serious' runners in the region. Over 1500 runners (including ca. 500 under 10s) took part. The event was very well organised and well supported with crowds lining the 1.3 km route and cheering us on. Our group was the last to leave and two minutes before the start it began to rain. I lined up on about the third row only to be completely shocked by the speed at which the front runners sprinted away from the line. I had to remind myself to ignore them, to slow down and to find my own comfortable pace. The rain was quite heavy and we needed to take care especially on the corners during the 5 laps of the 6.2 km race. I was aiming to be inside 35 minutes and I was delighted to manage a time of 32 minutes 48 seconds.The previous day, Joel decided to take part with other children from his school. Their 435 m race was earlier in the evening. At the finish I was very proud to see Joel coming in towards the front of the main group! It was a good positive experience for him.
By the end of the evening we were wet, tired and thankful for the whole experience. Next year we hope to be there again and David wants to join in - we're still working on Claudia :)

Afterwards

Joel on the front right.

Granny's visit

2010-06-15T18:14:00.000+02:00

My Granny Cousins (82) from N.Ireland is over to visit us with another family friend (Kathleen). Here she is outside our home with Joel and David, complete with Black Forest Gateau and chocolate rings from the bakery across the road.

Hello from us

2010-06-08T16:29:00.005+02:00

The blog has been a bit quiet lately so I just want to say a quick hello. We praise God for His goodness to us as a family. Thank you for your continued interest and that many of you have committed to pray for us.
We had a few days off to recover from the conference and on Sunday past we were at the Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen in Switzerland (where we took this photograph).
As usual, a prayer letter is long overdue. I really should write it some day soon. Just to remind you that I do send out monthly prayer requests by email. If you would like to receive them, please click here.

European Conference links

2010-05-22T11:52:00.004+02:00

The conference is now a memory of great times of fellowship, challenging messages, helpful seminars, excellent facilities and many emotional moments as we said thank you to Roy and Ruth Harrison for their 40 years of service in CEF and especially for the past 16 years as European Directors. Below are links to what some other bloggers have been saying:

Tim Shirey's blog – video, webcasts, etc
Brent Hautle's blog – keynote slides, lights, conference design, etc
Aapo Pukk – Artist who did the painting for Roy and Ruth Harrison
Stafford Carson - Conference speaker
Official conference website with videos from all the main events
Twitter feed

Next conference 2013 DV (date and venue will be published here in the coming weeks)

CEF European Conference

2010-05-18T00:03:00.004+02:00

It was my privilege for the first time to organise our European Conference for 350 people from 45 nations. The conference is only every 3 years and this year we held it for the first time in the Schönblick Christian Guest Centre near Stuttgart in Germany.

Tonight was the last night. More photos and news to come later.
www.cefeuropeanconference.com

What's the difference in translating and interpreting?

2010-04-28T10:22:00.000+02:00

This is a repost from last year as it is something I am writing about a lot as I prepare for the European Conference and providing interpretation into various European languages.

This is a question I have been asking myself for a while as I have noticed in CEF that we tend to use the terms interchangeably. The quick answer is:

Interpreters deal with spoken language and translate orally, while translators deal with written text...

What we do in the Autumn CMLCs and at conferences is not translation, it is interpretation! Or to put it more accurately, it is consecutive interpretation! Simultaneous interpretation occurs when the speaker doesn't make any breaks and the interpreter listens and talks at the same time (usually by whispering or while in a cabin).
When a CEF literature worker takes an English Bible lesson text and works on putting it into another written language, they are translating.

On the surface, the difference between interpreting and translation is the mode of expression. Interpreters deal with spoken language and translate orally, while translators deal with written text, transforming the source text into a comprehensible and equivalent target text. Both interpreting and translation presuppose a love of language and deep knowledge of more than one language. However, the differences in the training, skills, and talents needed for each job are vast. (Read more)

Children's Ministry Leadership Course

2010-04-26T08:28:00.003+02:00

Visiting Every Home Crusade

2010-03-26T12:34:00.006+01:00

It was great last January to accompany Bogdan (our multi-media Director) on a visit to Revival Movement's new factory near Lisburn, N. Ireland. They supply literature free of charge (an average of 4 Tonnes of paper each day!!!) to missions, churches, pastors and Christian workers in over 120 countries.

They have been a tremendous help to CEF in recent years printing hundreds of thousands of Meet the King booklets.
Right now they are printing half a Million lessons for our Bible correspondence courses in 4 different languages.

500 JYCs in Europe!

2010-03-23T16:21:00.009+01:00

In 2009 we crossed the line and opened the 500th JYC in Europe!
Praise God for the impact this ministry is making in the lives of many 11-15 year olds. We estimate that we are now reaching over 5,600 junior teens.
(This is up from 470 and 5,300 in 2008.)

Our top 6 countries are:

Russia – 143
Romania – 77
Armenia – 50
Ireland – 45
Ukraine – 40
Germany – 22

What we get up to in our free time

2010-03-21T15:15:00.003+01:00

This is a great family activity. Why not go out this weekend and give it a try?

Below are our geocaching stats.
Click on them to find out more.

Registered for the European Conference yet?

2010-03-02T10:00:00.001+01:00

CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATIONS – 26 March 2010

CEF EUROPEAN CONFERENCE
11-18 May 2010 – Schwäbisch-Gmünd – Germany

Interview

2010-02-16T22:03:00.006+01:00

Gary Boal has published an interview he did with me. Click here to read it.

and

CEF Ireland just published a profile of us here

Twitter

2010-02-03T11:16:00.004+01:00

I have given in ...and joined up!

Also on Facebook

CMLC at Kilchzimmer

2009-11-10T14:12:00.005+01:00

One of my new responsibilities in the Education Department are the 3 Children's Ministry Leadership Courses (CMLC) that we have at Kilchzimmer each year. Samantha supports us as registrar - processing applications, answering students questions, giving administrative help to the visiting teachers, etc. Martha is the CMLC supervisor and deals with the day-to-day running of each 12 week course - caring for the students, meeting regularly with visiting teachers, organising classes, ensuring the smooth running of the course and harmony in close community life 'up on the hill'.
This week I am teaching again in the German class and enjoying very much the interaction with the students. I consider it a real privilege to be allocated time to invest in training future CEF workers and those who will go back to their churches to 'teach children more effectively'. Through illness I have had to organise replacement teachers at very short notice and I even had to jump in and teach some extra classes myself.
Please pray for our 33 students who will be with us until 18 December (DV).

Croatia (2)

2009-10-21T16:20:00.001+02:00

CEF Central European Leaders Forum

2009-10-20T10:54:00.002+02:00

Around 35 CEF National Directors, committee members and Kilchzimmer staff have gathered in Crivenica, Croatia for the Central European Leaders Forum. We give thanks to God for His protection on the 11 hour journey (I just lost a wheel cap while still in Switzerland). Some fo the Romanian team drove almost 24 hrs!
The countries belonging to this area are mostly represented here. They are Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Gerd-Walter Buskies opened our time last night with a message challenging us to be both biblical and significant in our ministry to children.
Barna Kovac started the day by leading our prayer meeting before breakfast. Then we had a rousing message from Roy Harrison from 2.Tim. 2:1-10. Gerd-Walter then spoke on the theme of “National Committees and National Leaders hand in hand together”. I will be speaking this afternoon about developing Youth Challenge in these various countries and about leadership integrity on Thursday morning.
There are about 10 different languages spoken in this group, so everything is being conducted in English with some simultaneous translation taking place throughout the room. Thank you for praying for us.

10 year Bible College reunion

2009-10-11T13:31:00.004+02:00

At the end of September, we visited our Bible college again for a 10 year reunion since graduation. From those we shared the 3 years with, some are now serving as missionaries in various parts of the world like Lithuania, Paraguay, Ukraine, Switzerland, Austria and of course in local churches in Germany. Some got married, had children, relocated, etc. It was so good to see those who could make it along including our year teacher who married us a few weeks after graduation (far left).

Eastern European Leaders Forum - Moscow

2009-10-10T21:14:00.007+02:00

I have just returned from a very profitable visit to Russia where I was able to meet with leaders representing 11 countries from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Many of these brothers and sisters are working in sensitive situations, facing imprisonment for their CEF activities. Through my seminar, I presented the need for developing a teenager ministry and was able to follow this up with many private conversations. Many of the workers shared how the training and literature they have received has been put to good use. We were also able to make provisional plans for future JYC instructor courses. Many countries want to develop this ministry and are looking to us for help.

Photo: Speaking at the forum with my interpreter, Olga from the Ukraine (she did an excellent job!).

Parallel to our forum, the Russian workers were holding their staff conference. Together we profited morning and evening from the Bible messages from the CEF International president, Reese Kaufman.

Photo: Reese Kaufman preaching to both groups

Against Music*

2009-09-22T09:12:00.007+02:00

Greg Gilbert is not against contemporary praise and worship, but in this excellent article he puts his finger on something that many believers have fallen prey to without realising it.

"I wonder if the whole “excellence in praise and worship music” phenomenon we’ve seen over the past few years–for all the good it’s done–hasn’t also had some less-than-desirable effects on young Christians. I wonder if it hasn’t created a generation of functional mystics who gauge their relationship with God by emotional experience rather than the objective reality of redemption." Read the whole article

Greg Gilbert is senior pastoral assistant at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Children's Ministry Leadership Course

2009-09-17T10:01:00.010+02:00

The next Children's Ministry Leadership Course (CMLC) in Kilchzimmer, Switzerland will take place (D.V.) from 26th September – 18th December 2009 with two classes for English and German speakers. We praise God for the 33 students who have registered:

For the English class, we have 13 students, representing Ireland (North and South), USA, Germany, Tanzania, South Korea, Slovakia & Britain.
For the German class, we have 20 students from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Pray for the current group of students who will be graduating tomorrow (Friday), that they will be obedient to follow God's leading in their lives and that He would use them mightly to see more children in Europe (and beyond) being transformed with the Gospel. Pray too for a good start to the Autumn CMLC on 26 September.
To find out more about this course click here.

Walking in the Swiss alps

2009-09-06T15:11:00.011+02:00

(Click photo for full-size image)
The Swiss Alps are spectacular to look at but they are also very dangerous for the inexperienced walker. That's why I was really excited for the opportunity at the weekend to join a Swiss mountain-guide and seven others (in total 6 Swiss and 2 Irish men) for a challenging walk in the Alps. After a 3 hour walk on Friday evening, we spent the night in a Guest House (nearest town Göschenen). On Saturday we began at 07.00 hrs and reached the Vorälphütte around 09.00 hrs.
(Just one of many restaurant/B&Bs in remote mountainous locations which offer shelter, food and B&B. On a long tour it is possible to go from hut to hut and stay in the high mountains)
It had snowed overnight and over 2000m high there was several centimetres of snow, making the route more treacherous than usual. We were wearing a harness and safety rope which we used when crossing several steep slopes. These could be hooked into the safety lines which are installed into the rock.We also had to negotiate 50 metres of ladders down a sheer rock face and we were able to cross the new 90m long rope bridge, the Salbitbrücke. This was a special experience, not only because it only opened this summer but because our mountain-guide was actually the man behind building the bridge and the landlord of the Salbithütte.
(See photos of the bridge construction)

Around 19.00 hrs we were back at the car with very heavy legs and great memories of a wonderful tour.

Let the nations be glad

2009-08-29T10:19:00.005+02:00

I have just finished reading the revised and expanded edition of a contemporary mission classic – John Piper's, Let the nations be glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions (First published in 1994 and revised in 2003. Inter-varsity press)
Piper asks the hard questions about why we do missions. He asks if it is possible to be saved by any other means than through Christ. He then argues, quite convincingly, using scripture, that it is not possible. This leaves us with two realities: 1) People who die without Christ will go to hell; and 2) it is our mission to make Christ known among the nations so that people will be saved from eternal punishment and become worshipers of God rather than of themselves and things.
"Saving faith means receiving Christ as your treasure, not just as a deliverer from pain. It is possible to claim faith in Christ as merely a rescuer from hell. Such faith saves no one. [...] Until your soul has a thirst for Christ as the bread of life and living water, you will use Christ for what your soul thirsts after. Many people who claim to have saving faith simply use Christ to get what they really want, which is not Christ but his gifts (escape from hell, peace of mind, health of body, a better marriage, a social network, etc.). We are saved by coming to Christ not only as our deliverer but also as our treasure–coming for all that God is for us in Jesus."

This is not a book to read with the television going in the background. It demands the full attention of an engaged mind and heart. I found myself stopping on occasions to 'come up for air' and to contemplate the reality of what I had just read and given my assent to.
For me, I found particularly helpful his dealing with the questions of what is meant by going to 'the nations' and what it means for a country or a people group to be classified as 'reached'. I am bothered when mission organizations draw up their maps of the world and colour-in whole countries they are 'reaching' when in reality there may be only one worker, most of the churches in the country may never have heard of the mission and no significant ministry has been established. We must resist the temptation in missions to exaggerate in order to impress. Our reports should be acurate and not missleading. They should also be careful to acknowledge the work of indigenous churches and other organisations and avoid giving the impression that they (or we) are the only poeple doing any worthwhile Gospel work.
"In spite of the fact that every nation of the world has been penetrated with the gospel, four out of five non-Christians are still cut off from the gospel because the barriers are cultural and linguistic, not geographic." Quoting Ralph D. Winter he writes: "Why is this fact not more widely known? I'm afraid that all our exultation about the fact that every country of the world has been penetrated has allowed many to suppose that every culture has by now been penetrated. [...]"

This book must surely be essential reading for Christian missionaries, pastors and Christian leaders.

Let me tell you where I am with facebook

2009-08-27T23:28:00.002+02:00

Go to my facebook page

Slovakian Annual CEF Conference

2009-08-27T00:40:00.004+02:00

I have just returned from taking part in the annual CEF conference in Slovakia. Around 100 people of all ages were in attendance for all or part of the 4 day programme. I had a couple of seminars each day on Youth Challenge related subjects. This was particularly appropriate as it tied in with the launch of the JYC manual, 'God Says' in Slovakian.
It was a particular privilege to share the pulpit with Czeslaw Bassara who was the main Bible teacher. After the conference I accompanied Josef and Lubica to visit the CEF camp centre, the National Office, their home and a half day visit of the centre of Bratislava.

Visiting Geneva

2009-08-08T16:56:00.012+02:00

During our holiday we spent 2 days in Geneva, Switzerland (a drive of around 3 hours from our home). We have never really had a look around the city before and as this is the 500th anniversary of the birth of the most influential man ever to live in the city, we took the opportunity to visit the sites associated with John Calvin. It was very special to be able to visit these locations and to remember one who was so influential in continuing what Luther and others had begun. His pulpit was central to his ministry in Geneva, for it was here that he brought the people away from the traditions of Rome and back to the Word of God. It was here that he brought comfort and hope to Genevan's and others who were seeking refuge from increasing persecution in France and other European countries.
What made his ministry distinctive was his Bible-based, Christ-centered, and life-changing systematic, verse-by-verse exposition of the scriptures both through preaching and in writing, particularly his magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion.
It was a personal joy for me as a father to explain the significance of these things to my sons as we sat under that great pulpit in St. Pierre Cathedral. I was so glad that they were interested as I simply explained to them "that we should be very thankful to God for the Pastor who preached here, because he told the people that what the Bible said was more important than anything else and that as a result of his preaching, the same message went out across Europe and the world".
It was also a unique experience to visit the Reformation Wall in the Le parc des Bastions and to look upon the 5 m-tall statues of Calvinism's 4 main proponents: Theodore Beza (1519 – 1605), John Calvin (1509 – 1564), William Farel (1489 – 1565) and John Knox (c.1513 – 1572).
We also visited the International Museum of the Reformation and the special exhibition they are hosting entitled, A day in the life of John Calvin.
It's not cheap to stay in Geneva, so we took the cheapest option, a tent in a nearby-campsite! An added bonus was the free travel passes that every guest staying in the City receives. This gives free use of buses, boats, trains and trams, so we were able to get around the city without the hassle of driving and looking for a parking space.

Armenia - Day 7

2009-07-25T06:55:00.004+02:00

It was hard to say goodbye last night to this lovely group of students. They were a joy to teach and I was blessed to spend a week with them. They are overflowing with questions and they have an almost inexhaustibly appetite for learning in order to be equipped to minister to the children and teens of Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Iran.
Classes continue until the 26 August 2009 when they will complete the first ever 12 week CMLC in Armenia. Some will go back to a children's ministry in their own church, others will be applying to CEF. Pray for God to raise up new workers out of this group and that they will be able to raise the necessary support. Praise God that we are also provisionally planning a JYC Instructor Course for January 2011.

Armenia - Day 6

2009-07-23T19:08:00.003+02:00

Tomorrow is my last day in Armenia so I was glad for the opportunity following my classes today to spend the afternoon with Terenik and Hasmik getting various things in Yerevan. Below are some of the photographs of things that you can see about the city. For example it is very common at this time of year on almost every main street to see sellers of water melons. These are often piled up in rows or displayed on specially made shelves. Fruit and vegetables, soft drinks, eggs and coffee (ground while you wait) can also be purchased.
To a westerner as a passenger in a car, there seem to be near misses at almost every junction but amazingly we always seem to make it - just!

Armenia - Day 5

2009-07-22T13:19:00.007+02:00

The Manoukians came today to visit the CMLC and meet the students. It is a dream come true for them, after pioneering the work here in 1991 to live to see the moment, 18 years later, when Armenia has its own 'leadership training institute'. It was a pleasure to have them present while teaching and also to have lunch with them.

Last night I was continuing to read in John Piper's book, Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions. I read something on prayer that I found very challenging and well worth sharing:

“Prayer is the walkie-talkie of the church on the battlefield of the world in the service of the Word. It is not a domestic intercom to increase the temporal comforts of the saints. It malfunctions in the hands of soldiers who have gone AWOL. It is for those on active duty. And in their hands it proves the supremacy of God in the pursuit of the nations. When missions moves forward by prayer, it magnifies the power of God. When it moves by human management, it magnifies man.”

Armenia - Day 4

2009-07-21T16:48:00.002+02:00

A little cloud cover brought some welcome relief from the high temperatures of recent days. It also gave me the needed stimulation to venture outside this afternoon and to climb the mountain across the valley. The scenery is magnificent and I am constantly reminded that these were some of the first mountain peeks to appear following the great Flood.
The second day of classes went very well. I have now discovered that about five of the students speak English well enough to hold a conversation and many of the rest understand some. When in different countries, I have found that a good way of getting to know people is to simply say, “tell me how you became a Christian”. Then I try to listen attentively remembering the key events. It’s true that behind every face – there’s a story. I’m looking forward to hearing many more such conversation stories this week.
I don’t know what the architect was thinking when he designed the centre we are staying in. It has quite a unique shape (one set of stairs with no corners leading from a huge lobby up 5 floors). Also for the past 3 weeks another organisation has been staying in the same centre. They are a fairly large group of teenagers and as you can imagine they bring their own ‘extra loud noise level’ with them. It has been difficult for the CMLC students to study in the evenings and to get enough sleep, as it is seldom quiet in the house before midnight. CEF did not know about this when hiring the facility but things should be back to normal this weekend. Thank you for continuing to pray for us.

Armenia - Day 3

2009-07-20T15:13:00.003+02:00

Today I taught my first classes. It was refreshing to stand in front of a group of 20 students, were the average age would appear to be in the mid 20's! I was really humbled by a sense of the awesome potential there is for God to use this group of people to raise up a new generation of Armenian children who will know and love their God. What a privilege it is to be here for a week and to be able to make such a valuable investment.

Armenia - Day 2

2009-07-19T15:33:00.005+02:00

Today I was in the capital city Yerevan and it was 40ºc! I was the guest of Pastor Levon Bardakjian at the Evangelical Church of Yerevan. Two of our CMLC students come from his church. It was a wonderful service, the Pastor was so very supportive. He interviewed the two girls gave me 15 minutes to share about the work of CEF and another 30 minutes to preach (maybe it was longer - probably it was longer)! It was one of those messages were I left my manuscript and really sensed God the Holy Spirit carrying me along and prompting my mind with the things I should say. I consider occasions like these to be among the greatest blessings of the ministry. The service will probably be televised on the local Christian TV station.
I myself was blessed to meet so many beautiful saints and to listen to their stories. I even met Armine and George Manoukian who first started the work of CEF in Armenia back in 1991 (their son-in-law is the Pastor!). They attended the first ever Leadership Training Institute at Kilchzimmer in 1973! They now live in USA but they were on one of their many trips to this country. Over lunch they shared some of their amazing story of how God has kept them and used them to His glory to see a work established among the children of Armenia. I could have listened to them all day.
Later we drove around the city picking up students, and my interpreter, before driving back to the centre. Now we are ready for the week of teaching to begin.

Armenia - Day 1

2009-07-18T18:38:00.005+02:00

I arrived in the early hours of this morning and was met at the airport by the CEF leader for Armenia and brought to our centre. The 20 students have just finished their practical week and they have been given the weekend off. In the afternoon, Terenik took me, his family and those of us who were around to see a nearby lake and the orthodox church at the top of the hill.
Tomorrow I will share about the work and preach in a church in the centre of Yerevan (Armenia's capital city). Then from Monday to Friday I will be teaching in the CMLC (Children's Ministry Leadership Course).

Happy 500th Birthday Jean Caulvin *10 July 1509

2009-07-06T23:05:00.006+02:00

John Calvin
(Born 10 July 1509)

Read more about the signifigance of John Calvin in this online version of Tabletalk Magazine
This issue celebrates the 500th birthday of John Calvin by looking at his legacy. Contributors include R.C. Sproul, Thabiti Anyabwile, Richard Gamble, David Hall, Keith Mathison, Iain Murray, David Powlison, Gordon Reed, Philip Graham Ryken, R.C. Sproul Jr., Derek Thomas, and Gene Edward Veith.

Disbelief and shock

2009-06-18T16:02:00.006+02:00

Two German women murdered in Yemen were Brake Bible College students. Anita G. (24) and Rita S. (25) were working at the Al-Dschumhuri hospital in Saada, Yemen as part of their summer internship. The hospital is run by the Dutch humanitarian organisation Worldwide Services. The women were taken hostage north of Saada on 12 June along with a German couple, their three children, a British engineer and a South-Korean woman. (At the time of writing, the fate of the others was still awaiting official confirmation.) The two women came from a Russian-German Baptist Church in the Gifhorn area near the city of Wolfsburg in Germany.

On Tuesday evening, the German TV news networks had this as their top story. The principal of the Bible College featured on many of the reports. While there is shock and sympathy in the secular media there are also many aspersions being cast which are only adding to the pain. The college has stressed that the women were not involved in evangelism but only in humanitarian work in a local hospital. If you understand German you can read the statements from the Bible College here.

CEF Europe has had a close relationship with Brake over many years. Many former Brake students have taken our Leadership Course at Kilchzimmer and are serving the Lord across the globe. As former students ourselves, we are also deeply troubled by the news of these murders.

Now the photographs of the women have been released to the press – their faces are very familiar! Through several visits to Brake Bible school in the last few years, I have gotten to know many of their classmates. I remember speaking for a long time to Anita in 2007. Now I am trying to remember the conversation... but I know I shared with her how God had led in my life and encouraged her to trust God for each step in her own life. She listened intently and seemed to soak in every word I was saying. She struck me as a young lady with a real deep desire to serve the Lord. Now she has paid the ultimate price. Today Anita and Rita are in the presence of the Lord. We don't understand why but our God knows best (Phil. 1:21).

Please pray for all affected, especially the families, friends, school colleagues and staff in Brake.

------
News report from the German Evangelical News Agency IDEA in English

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Discovering the Black Forest

2009-06-02T18:45:00.002+02:00

Pentecost Monday is a public holiday in Germany so we took advantage of a special train ticket deal to go and explore some of the Black Forest.

Another weekend

2009-05-11T13:29:00.004+02:00

Friday night JYC (twister, smelly socks, new muscles and Bible study)
Saturday - school outing to the local bird park
Sunday - church (we eat together every second Sunday)

4.5 on the richter scale

2009-05-05T08:26:00.011+02:00

At 3.39 am this morning we jumped out of bed screaming. As the children came running into our bedroom we instinctively knew that we had just experienced our first ever earthquake. It was scary! It's not uncommon for this area to have minor tremors but this was certainly above average!
The bed shook and it was over in less than a second. The noise was a loud, deep rumble, like many lorries driving through the house or someone using a power drill with hammer action.
This morning I checked the website and confirmed that it was indeed a tremor that could be felt within a 100 km radius. When we put on the news, we discovered that they have pinpointed the epicenter to the town of Steinen. Heard of it before? It's the town 7 miles from here where we go to church and where God has been really blessing recently. Maybe I should have titled this post "Church causes seismic waves in Steinen" :) Steinen actually is the German word for 'stones'. Well the stones were certainly moving this morning!
At this time, no damage has been reported. We are thankful that it wasn't worse. In 1356 a huge earthquake destroyed the nearby city of Basel.
Listening to the reports coming in, most local people here were woken by the quake, but simply turned over and went to sleep again. Everyone is talking about it but they don't appear to be overly concerned. The authorities have said that aftershocks can not be ruled out.

"Gott ist treu!" 50 years Bibelschule Brake

2009-05-04T14:49:00.007+02:00

Since its foundation in 1959 under John Parschauer, Ernest Klassen und Heinz Weber, Brake Bible School in Germany has trained over 1,800 people many of whom are serving today in over 60 countries worldwide. Claudia and I graduated in 1999 and we both look back with thanks for the privilege of spending 3 years living and studying at this wonderful place and to be a little part of this history.
The missionary exhibition, which this year was held outdoors, proved to be a great success. The beautiful spring weather and circa 2000 visitors provided the perfect backdrop for meeting old friends and catching up with what God has been doing in our lives.
Some of the current students are interested in joining CEF. Pray that the conversations we had with them over the weekend will be used of God to direct them to the next step.

mission-net photo album

2009-04-16T18:28:00.003+02:00

mission-net

2009-04-11T12:19:00.004+02:00

Follow here on the mission-net website!

Mission-net continues until Sunday evening. We are really enjoying being here and so thankful for this privilege. I have 2 more seminars on Sunday to interpret but it is going well. Thanks for your prayers.

The worlds' leaders are coming to Germany are you?

2009-04-01T09:35:00.006+02:00

This weekend will see the worlds' leaders descend on the French-German border for a NATO summit (about 1 hour north of us). Preparations have been ongoing for months and the locals are having to put up with a number of restrictions on their movements during the weekend.

What most of the delegates probably don't know is that around 3,000 young people from all over Europe are expected to descend on Germany (8-13 April) for a summit that could make an even bigger mark on history – the mission-net congress.
CEF and 150 other mission organisations, Bible colleges etc will be there. Through the speakers, seminars and conversations at the missions exhibition, we are seeking to mobilize young people who will go out across Europe to tell men and women and boys and girls the Good News of the Gospel. What about you? Are you coming? It's not too late to sign up! You can still register online.

"I don't know"

2009-03-20T09:50:00.005+01:00

He's on TV all around the world preaching but what does he believe? Larry King puts him on the spot but watch how he dodges the questions and count how many times he says "I don't know".

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:6-8.

I believe the clip below demonstrates how today 'a different gospel' is being propagated. We can only share in the apostle's astonishment when he exclaims "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" Galatians 3:1

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

For an excellent critic on this and a passionate call for men to come forward who know the truth and are willing to proclaim it, make sure you download and listen to Steve Lawson's message at the 2009 Shepherds' Conference (General session 8). It's the best message I have heard this year! Click here for an outline of the message

Incredible

2009-03-18T07:26:00.001+01:00

Irish night in France

2009-03-16T13:51:00.003+01:00

The Herons who were with (Irish) Baptist Missions are now pastoring the Baptist Church in Colmar, France. As it is only 50 minutes away and we heard that they were having a special outreach evening with an Irish band – we decided it was time we went along.It was so good to hear the music, see the images of the emerald isle, hear the (Northern) Irish accents and to see the Herons in their new ministry. In fact I was pleased to find out that most of the guys in the band are actually Irish baptists! The church was well filled and Andrew told me that there was also a good number of visitors.The band continues to play throughout France and Switzerland this week. Pray for them that through their music and the presentation of the Gospel in word and song, that people will become aware of their spiritual state and their need of the Saviour.

Come, People of the Risen King

2009-03-16T11:34:00.001+01:00

JYC training course in Karlsruhe, Germany

2009-03-08T13:47:00.003+01:00

Sword drill demo

Stefan (local CEF worker) teaching the class on starting a JYC

It was a joy to help out Stefan and to teach the 8 students who had traveled from across Southern Germany and from as far as Winterthur in Switzerland. The students have 2 more weekends when they will come together for more classes. Pray for them that they will learn much and that as a result new JYC's will start in Germany and Switzerland.

Bookworm activities in 2009

2009-02-24T10:37:00.005+01:00

I am quite a slow reader (I like to chew long) but there's nothing I like to do more on these winter evenings after getting the children to bed, than to turn off the computer (to resist the compulsion to constantly check my in-box), put some logs on the fire, make a cup of German Jakobs coffee, switch on the reading light, grab the highlighter and pen and sink into the double sofa to disappear into a good read. Good intentions often end in my eyes closing on me after 30 minutes or so but I am getting better at keeping awake and staying concentrated.
Above is the pile of books that I hope to get through this year! They are mostly theological books which I read both devotionaly and for the purpose of keeping abreast with current trends and winds of doctrine.
I also read in order to sharpen my skills in areas of interest. For example the book slide:ology is written by one of the worlds leading design agencies and focuses on making good PowerPoint presentations. This is something I often have to create as I both teach and promote the work of CEF. I have also had opportunity to teach other CEF workers and future workers on this subject. The book on public speaking from Richard Bewes is another example of reading to sharpen skills. Some of the books were given to me as gifts with the recommendation of the giver.
In addition to reading the above, I ensure that I give priority to the reading of God's Word. I have been following the 'Bible in a Year Plan' in my Explorer Quiet Time notes. For this I use the ESV study bible and often listen to it online while reading (I find this helps me to concentrate and to retain more). If I continue to keep up with the readings, I will have completed this in September.
In between I pick up Grudem's huge Systematic Theology and read a chapter of that.
I also subscribe to the monthly Evangelical Times and Evangelicals Now, and the quarterly Gemeindegründung. On top of that are all the blogs which I find impossible to keep up with! There's just so much information and good solid material out there (can you ask for a Sabatical after two years service :) )???
As well as all of this reading, I listen regularly to sermons I download on my iPod. They are normally sermon series or Pastors/Leadership conferences. On my playlist you would find, John Piper, Don Carson, John MacArthur, Mark Driscoll, Mark Dever, C.J. Mahaney, Alistair Begg and music from Sovereign Grace Music.
Perhaps I will post the odd review and recommendation over the coming months.

The wrath of God that I deserved

2009-02-23T19:57:00.012+01:00

I'm currently reading Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution. The song below contains excellent theology on this subject and has helped to restore to me the glory of this doctrine. (Isaiah 53:5)

His Forever
From Worship God Live. Words and Music by Pat Sczebel, © Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

Jesus, friend of sinners
Loved me ’ere I knew Him
Drew me with His cords of love
Tightly bound me to Him
’Round my heart still closely twined
The ties that none can sever
For I am His and He is mine
Forever and forever

Jesus, friend of sinners
A crown of thorns You wore for me
Bruised for my transgressions
Pierced for my iniquities
The wrath of God that I deserved
Was poured out on the Innocent
He took my place, my soul to save
Now I am His forever

Jesus, friend of sinners
I love to tell the story
Redeeming love has been my theme
And will be when in glory
Not death nor life nor anything
Can ever separate me
O love that will not let me go
Yes, I am His forever

Download it here or get it on iTunes

Text revision of the next JYC manual completed

2009-02-14T00:05:00.003+01:00

Together with David Crutchley, I have just completed the text revision of the next JYC manual 'The World'. We are very excited about how this project has developed and we think this could be the best manual yet!
Please pray for Sarah as she now edits and proofreads and for Brent as he works on the layout and design.
We praise God for giving us the strength to reach this important milestone. The finished product should be out in May.

JYCIC in Kilchzimmer

2009-01-20T11:12:00.001+01:00

The JYC Instructor' Course at Kilchzimmer has just come to an end. We praise God for the help that He gave to each student and instructor and for the wonderful time of fellowship we enjoyed together.
The course participants came from 10 countries - Germany, Austria, Ireland, Haiti, Israel, Lithuania, the Netherlands, France, Serbia and Norway! The teaching was given in English and translated into German. Please pray for these dear people as they go back to their home countries to reach junior teens and to train others in this ministry.
For more photos click here

¡adiós! Andrew, Carolyn & Grace

2009-01-20T11:00:00.006+01:00

On Friday, 10 January, I had the privilege of taking part in the commissioning service of the Roycrofts who have now left Northern Ireland to serve with Baptist Missions in Peru. Andrew was the Pastor of Armagh Baptist Church during the time when I was ministering nearby in Craigavon and Portadown. In-between the busyness of ministry, we often made time to meet up and to chat around a good cup of coffee. Like ourselves, Andrew and Carolyn sensed a very strong call from God to leave the pastorate and to enter missionary service. Having walked along similar roads has served to deepen our friendship. Despite the distance from Peru to Germany, we do intend to continue to stay in touch and to pray for each other. Click here for more information on the Roycrofts

In His providence, another good friend of mine has been called to pastor Armagh Baptist Church. Ian and Judith Grant and family will move to the church in May 2009.

Who influences your theology?

2009-01-03T19:30:00.004+01:00

When I look back over the past 2 or 3 years, I have had the privilege of meeting many of the people who's writings and sermons have shaped my theology. Many of these people are regular travel companions with me (on my iPod of course :) as I commute in the car from my home in Germany to our European Regional Office in Kilchzimmer, Switzerland.

Top left clockwise: Begg, Piper, Hughes, Ryrie, me and Dever, me and MacArthur, Carson and Lawson.

In the late 90's, while studying in Germany, one of our annual guest lecturers was Charles Ryrie. He was probably the first prominent theologian I have met. As I was a native English speaker at a German college, I was often asked to accompany him and to sit with him at mealtimes.
In 2005 I met Don Carson when he came to speak at a gathering of pastors in Belfast. His writings have probably influenced evangelical reformed theology more than anyone else during the past 20 years.

In June 2006 I organized a day conference in Belfast for John MacArthur, Steve Lawson and Philip de Courcy. I probably have more theological books from John than any other single author and in more recent years I have been a daily user of the MacArthur study Bible. It was a privilege to be able to speak with him 'back stage' and to see his warm personality and love for the scriptures. One unexpected incident was in a small room during the coffee break, when Steve Lawson briefly shared the story of how he left his last church because of their rejection of expository preaching. The emotional tone of his voice and the tears which welled up his eyes evidenced the pain that was still very real. During that day MacArthur described Lawson as "my favorite preacher".

In 2007 (although I didn't speak to him personally) I listened to R. Kent Hughes teach at the NI Ministers' Assembly in Dollingstown (Near Lurgan) in N. Ireland. This event had added significance for me as this was the church where in 1980 I trusted the Lord at a CEF Holiday Bible Club! R. Kent Hughes' book Disciplines of a Godly Man was hugely influential on me while I was studying at Bible College in Germany.

In September 2008 I met Mark Dever in Zurich, Switzerland. His book and ministry entitled Nine Marks of a Healthy Church was very helpful to me as I was seeking to find direction in my early days of pastoral ministry.

In 2005 Alistair Begg was the speaker at our annual Pastors' conference. His teaching on Pastoral leadership was a great encouragement to me to stand firm through difficult times.

Without doubt, the most influential theologian for me at present is John Piper! I heard him at the EMA Conference in London in 2005 but didn't meet him personally. I am a regular listener of his weekly audio podcast or watch his videocast. A few weeks ago he started to preach through the Gospel of John, which he hopes to be finish before he dies (although I think he would count it joy to pass into glory while preaching!!!) His passion for the glory of God, his encouragement to sacrificial service and his hatred of the false gospels being propagated today, makes him a 'quite extraordinary gift' to the church of Jesus Christ in this 21st century. His positive influence on many men, old and young, will only be truly revealed in glory.

What about you? Post a comment and let me know who influences your theology the most.

PS I just finished reading Young, Restless, Reformed by Collin Hansen. It gives a good overview of the movers and shakers in the USA today. From the back cover ... discover how our restless youth are discovering anew the great doctrines of the Christian faith. Weary of churches that seek to entertain rather than teach, longing after the true meat of the Word, these young people are pursuing doctrine. It's exciting to see that in these days of watering down the Gospel that there are many who are showing biblical discernement. You can read a review of the book over at Tim Challis' blog.

PPS I also was given an ESV Study Bible as a Christmas present :)
If you are looking for a new Bible then this is the one to get. Another very good alternative is the Reformation Study Bible which also uses the ESV translation. It may even be better (I'm still undecided)!

In my next post I will let you know what I am planning to read this year!

Lego fun

2009-01-03T17:00:00.000+01:00

How will it be in 2009?

2008-12-29T11:15:00.015+01:00

During the 28 years of my Christian life, I have had various seasons of success and failure when it comes to the vital discipline of a daily quiet time. My constant new years resolutions and then subsequent feelings of guilt and failure became a common pattern.
I also found it extremely unhelpful when those in positions of spiritual leadership sought to encourage us by saying that "it's not so important to have a QT every day". Surely the Biblical ignorance that prevails in our churches and youth groups today can be attributed to the lack of time spent reading the most important book of all "God's Word"!
Over the years I have tried many different reading systems; daily Bibles, reading plans, reading notes, devotional books, Bible in a Year, etc. (Some of the most popular notes used today are giving people a 'Happy Meal' when what they really need is a Christmas Dinner...)
This past six months I have been using 'Explore' Bible reading notes and they have blessed me more than anything I have ever used before. Here's why:

they are meaty and theologically reformed
applications are often for those in Christian leadership
there are no unhelpful anecdotes - just precious Bible
verse by verse exposition and application
they are written in a contemporary but reverent style
readings are based on the beautiful ESV text (the perfect companion to an ESV study Bible :) )
the 'Bible in a Year' chapters are listed below each page
the back flap can be filled in as a weekly prayer guide
a year's subscription costs only UK £12 / Overseas £15 (I have it sent to me in Germany, it always comes in good time and I find it great value!)

Several friends and colleagues have also started to use 'Explore' and have testified to it's helpfulness. Try it for yourself and let me know about your experience.

Download a PDF sample
Pick up your copy at Inspire Books, Lisburn, N. Ireland 028 92621133
Order now from the Good Book Company
Find out more

Christmas Greetings

2008-12-19T17:03:00.004+01:00

Gary, Claudia, Joel and David would like to thank you for all your prayers and practical support during 2008. Thank you to many of you who sent us Christmas cards and personal greetings.
We trust you will have a Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Clip recommendation for leaders

2008-12-19T08:54:00.000+01:00

Illustrations for new JYC manual completed

2008-11-22T10:23:00.003+01:00

These past two weeks I have been working in Kilchzimmer alongside Marek from the Czech Republic. He has just completed all the illustrations for our fifth and final manual - 'The World'. Marek has now redrawn all the illustrations for all 5 manuals in the JYC teaching cycle. We are so grateful that he has been willing to use his God given gifts in this way. It was also great that his wife (Veru) could travel with him this time.

Marek, Veru, me and Brent

CEF IN2 short-term mission teams 2009

2008-11-18T10:51:00.001+01:00

If you know any young people looking for short-term mission opportunities this summer. Then please let them know about this.

Enjoy your meal

2008-11-05T14:22:00.007+01:00

The following is an article I have written to be published in the next newsletter of the CEF European Headquarters (the Kilchzimmer Echo).
Around the Atlantic coastal waters of Europe, there has been a recent increase in sightings of the second largest fish in the world. Commonly known as the basking shark (because they move lethargically near the surface), these fish can easily be distinguished by their large, gaping mouth, which they use to filter seawater through their gills while feeding on the tiny plankton. Experts estimate that a single basking shark can filter enough seawater to fill a 50m Olympic swimming pool – every hour!
That’s a lot of water and perhaps a fair picture of many of us – spiritually speaking. We look back with thankfulness to God that we heard the Gospel right from our earliest years. We praise God for the regular teaching we received in church, Sunday Schools, Good News Clubs and Junior Youth Challenge groups. Week by week these teachers fed us good spiritual food from the Word of God and challenged us to repent of our sin and to give our lives completely to God and His service. Now in our adult years we continue to take in thousands of litres of good biblical food in our own churches. Truly we can say we have been well fed! But so often after we have eaten a large meal, we sit down in our favourite chair and nod off to sleep. I wonder are we in danger of becoming like the basking sharks – taking in so much and yet happy to just relax in the comfort and warmth of the calm waters? Have we neglected our calling to pass on to others what we have been taught?

The principle of multiplication
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2
Paul urged his young disciple Timothy, to make sure that he passed on the things he had learned to faithful people who would in turn teach them to others. In CEF we understand this principle of multiplication. The vast majority of the 220 million children in Europe have yet to hear a clear presentation of the Gospel. We realise that 570 full-time workers cannot reach them all on their own, so that is why we commit much of our resources to training others and providing them with quality teaching materials for the task.
Last year 17,000 people in Europe received some form of CEF training. During the past 12 months, 58 people from across Europe have attended our Junior Youth Challenge Instructors’ Courses in Ukraine, Romania, Poland and Russia. These people, many of them already CEF workers, have committed to take the teaching they have received, to train other teachers in the evangelism and discipling of 11-15 year olds. (Another course is planned for Kilchzimmer, 11-19 January 2009.)

Providing resources for the teachers
‘Following Jesus’ is our latest teaching resource to be published for use in our Junior Youth Challenge (JYC) Groups. Part of a 5–year cycle, these new eye-catching Bible-studies are packed full of solid doctrinal teaching and personal application for the junior teens. You can download a sample PDF lesson at www.cefyc.com.
We currently have over 300 JYCs in Europe reaching around 4,000 young people. Pray that many new JYCs will commence as our workers go out to train others, and that many of the junior teens will repent of their sin and begin to follow Jesus.

JYC Instructors' Course in Russia

2008-10-15T23:35:00.003+02:00

Photo album
I have just returned from Kursk, Russia where I was teaching a Youth Challenge Instructors’ Course. The 17 eager students and 5 staff traveled from Latvia, Azerbaijan and from right across the Russian Federation. Two young women even traveled from Vladivostock in the far east of the country (a flight lasting 10 hours). Another came from near the border with Mongolia. One of my co-instructors Tatanya came from Siberia. You may remember that in October 2007 she made the 4 day journey by train to be one of my students in the Ukraine!
It’s so thrilling to know that these students (mostly CEF full-time workers) are now going out across this vast country to train hundreds of people in the work of evangelising and discipling 11–15 year olds.

Preaching in Kursk, Russia

2008-10-15T23:16:00.003+02:00

Red Square

2008-10-15T22:58:00.003+02:00

Autumn clear up

2008-10-15T09:00:00.000+02:00

Hello from Russia

2008-10-09T10:03:00.002+02:00

<I have very limited access to the internet. I cannot receive email.>
The students are all highly motivated with a good attitude to learning. I have a good translator and my co-instructors are great to work with. So far we have had good weather.
When I get home I will share some more of my experiences. Thank you for your prayers for me and the family.

Following Jesus download

2008-09-18T17:14:00.005+02:00

A free sample of the latest Youth Challenge manual is now available for download as a PDF by clicking here.

More information on how to order is available here.