Missions Information

Help our Mission Committee collect Campbell's Soup labels and General Mills box tops to benefit the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. Click here.

Red Bird Mission newsletter with photos of our mission team at work, click here.

Faith Promise

The grace of giving is one of the most amazing blessings of the Christian life. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, God reveals that He intends that His redeemed people - those bought by the blood of Christ - are to be the channel for His gospel to be extended to all the nations of the earth.

"But how are they to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" Romans 10:14-15

It is both the privilege and the duty of the Christian to send missionaries by way of generous financial gifts. In ways beyond all human understanding of logic or of math, God takes our gifts, multiplies them, uses them, and repays the giver with blessings. As a spirit of selfless generosity is a mark of a healthy Christian, so the practice of collective benevolence is indicative of a vital church. The adage, "Show me your wallet and I'll show you your heart," is as applicable to the church as a whole as it is to the individual.

Funds designated for world missions are called by a variety of terms, the most commonly used being Faith Promise. However, the nomenclature used is far less important then the fact that these gifts flow from the hearts of God's people through the local congregations and denominations to the various ministries around the globe.

What is Faith Promise Giving?

• A method of giving which grows out of first giving ourselves to the Lord and then to His service. "They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will." (2 Corinthians 8:5)

• A method which encourages voluntary, purposeful giving. "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' (2 Corinthians 9:7)

• A method which encourages generous, sacrificial giving. "We want you to know about the grace of God that has been given to the Macedonian churches. Out of their most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability." (2 Corinthians 8:1-3) "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." (2 Corinthians 9:6)

• A method which encourages giving in which we trust God to provide our material needs and to give us spiritual blessings. "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ." (Philippians 4:19)

Where does the money come from?

Here are three possible sources to consider for Faith Promise:

1. Change your spending priorities - Look at your ex
penditures and ask, "What am I willing to give up, or
sacrifice, so that the Good News can be proclaimed
and churches planted?" This reordering of priorities is
likely to pinch, but it is fully biblical. The Macedonian
Christians gave out of their poverty and beyond their
ability.

2.  Be creative - You might make an investment and dedi
cate all the proceeds to Faith Promise. You might take
on a second job for a few hours a week or month. You
might use carpool income. You might make and sell
crafts. The point is that if giving for missions becomes
a priority, you can think creatively of ways to have more
money available for the purpose.

3. Through serendipity income - Many of us receive
income we didn't really expect throughout the year. It
may come in the form of gifts, overtime, an investment
that pays off beyond expectations, an inheritance or a
tax refund. This extra income could be committed, all
or part, to missions. Instead of using it to buy some
thing for ourselves, we commit to giving it so that we
may make Christ known.

How do I do it?

•    Pray about your desire to give more to the support of missions.

•    Determine what you would like to do for the Lord in the next year
in support of missions, and indicate that intention by filling out a
Faith Promise card.

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JOHN 14:12

" I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing."

Campus Outreach - University of South Alabama

Duane Baxter

Duane’s hometown is Ocean Springs. He graduated from USA in 2000 with a major in Biological Sciences. He has been with Campus Outreach since 2001. He is married to Kim and they have two children, Bailey and Owen.

College students are at a crossroads in their life, making lifetime decisions, and moving out to influence the world. Campus Outreach exists to help college students know Christ personally, and as they leave the college campus be equipped not only to build their careers but also help others know Christ personally.

Their vision is to send leaders of laborers from their campuses to communities and churches throughout the world to partner in the Great Commission. They desire to glorify God by influencing the world for Christ by exporting trained graduates who will provide leadership in every sphere of influence (the church, community, business, medicine, education, missions, etc.) on the Gulf Coast, the United States, and around the world.

Campus Outreach ministries bring together the college campus, the local church, and the mission field for maximum impact. Since its beginning in 1979, the ministry has grown to reach 65 campuses in the United States as well as campuses in Thailand, Central Asia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, and South Africa.

Campus Outreach Gulf Coast is committed to sharing the claims of Christ with college students and investing in their lives. The Biblical and proven method of lasting impact is through spiritual multiplication (2 Timothy 2:2). They desire to lay a foundation of faith and practical applications so that students will labor for a lifetime.

Good News Jail and Prison Ministry

Joe Collins

Joe is a native of Bristol, VA and a graduate of Belmont University, Nashville, TN. He served as pastor at First Baptist Church, Charlotte, TN before coming to Good News Jail & Prison Ministry in January 1997. He served as Chaplain for the Dickson County Sheriff's Department (TN) until May 2001. In 2001 he moved to Harrison County, Mississippi to begin the ministry at the Harrison County Detention Center. In 2000, Joe was named Chaplain of the Year by Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. Joe lives in Long Beach, MS, with his wife, Becky. They have one son.

Good News Jail & Prison Ministry was incorporated in December 1961 as a non-profit organization formed for the purposes of organizing a visitation program for the benefit of inmates of institutions in the State; witnessing to inmates and their families; aiding in a physical and spiritual rehabilitation of men and women upon their release from an institution; and provision of an educational program within the institutions to encourage continuance of formal education among the inmates, as permitted by said institutions. The practical application of these purposes is embodied in the provision of trained, ordained men and women to serve as staff chaplains in correctional institutions throughout the United States and abroad.

From its beginning with one chaplain in the Fairfax County Detention Center (Virginia), Good News Jail & Prison Ministry now provides over 425 staff chaplains, serving 361 institutions in 24 states, the countries of Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malawi, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Uganda, Ukraine, and Venezuela and one U. S. Territory, American Samoa.

Good Shepherd Community Center

629 Cherry Street

Vicksburg, MS 39183

Good Shepherd Community Center opened its doors on September 1, 1986 as an outreach of the United Methodist Church.

The fundamental philosophy of Good Shepherd is that of prevention. They believe that it is better to prevent bad things from happening to children, youth, adults, and families than to attempt the rehabilitation after they have failed. Good Shepherd provides a holistic program that will enable the very poor and disadvantaged of society to meet the demands of life on closer parity with other, more affluent and advantaged members of society.

This philosophy is accomplished through the following programs:

Even Start Family Literacy for the entire family

Daycare - for children six weeks through four years of age

Tutorial/After School Program Family Literacy Program (GED)

Free Medical Clinic

Saturday Enrichment Programs

Specific Aid to Individuals

Summer Programs

Community Center Activities

Emergency Food Service

Week Night Gym Program

629 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183

NOTE: This is one of nine community centers around the Mississippi UM conference that provides vital ministry to children, youth, families, and adults. The centers serve the poor and disadvantaged by offering affordable high-quality childcare and after-school care and other children's programs, training and educational opportunities, abuse prevention and intervention, summer enrichment, older adult services, health checks, and other ministries.

Mark 16:15:

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

The Gulf Coast Women's Center for Non-Violence

http://www.gcwcfn.org

The Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, is a non-profit agency that supports and serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and family members of homicide victims. They strive to educate the community, and act to reduce incidences of violence.

The Center supports and serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and family members of homicide victims through a comprehensive program. The Center encourages victims served to develop and/or strengthen responsibility for themselves, their family and their community.

The Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence opposes violence in word or action by any individual or group against any other individual and/ or group. The Center promotes equality in all relationships and provides services to individuals across all racial, social, ethnic, religious, and economic groups regardless of age, sex, or life-styles. Education, services, support, and leadership are recognized as critical factors in ending violence in the family and in the community.

Services offered include:

24-Hour Crisis Line Information

Temporary Shelter for Battered Women &Their Children

Community Education

Individual & Group Counseling

For Adults & Children

Therapeutic for Children Ages 3-5

Children's Services

Legal, Medical & Economic Referrals

All services are free and confidential.

Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence
PO Box 333
Biloxi, MS 39533
Crisis Free: 800-800-1396
Office: 228-435-0074
SERVICE AREA: George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone

JN 13:34,35

"As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Gulf Coast Women's Center Sav-A-Life Resources Center

MISSION STATEMENT

To uphold the sanctity of life, offer assistance to those dealing with the negative affects of a past abortion, promote sexual purity, and demonstrate the character and love of God by ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our clients.

The Women’s Resource Center cares for a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being by providing intervention, education, reconciliation, and prevention. It is a place of hope, empowerment, support, education, healing, and truth.

Hands and Feet Ministries

Hands and Feet Ministries’ purpose is to serve and empower others to serve as followers of Jesus and to make a difference in Mexico for Christ.

Hands and Feet Ministries provides mission trips for adults and youth throughout the year to Juarez and the Yucatan Peninsula. This ministry wants everyone to go on a mission trip. For only $350, a person can go on a week-long, community focused mission experience. An important part of the ministry is building homes. Many of the neighborhoods are filled with houses made from pallets. Another important part of the work is connecting with the Mexican children and creating relationships.

Hands and Feet Ministries hopes to combat poverty and hopelessness by building homes and loving kids. There is a long-term goal of building a youth center that will provide a fun and educational safe zone for the youth.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9 (NIV)

International Leaders Institute

Dr. Al Vom Steeg

http://www.iliteam.org

Dr. Al Vom Steeg serves as Senior International Director, training and mentoring leaders around the world. Alumni now lead in more than thirty nations. Each international alumnus commits to train 100 leaders within two years of training. Dr. Vom Steeg has a special gift for motivating and mobilizing leaders with a passion for the harvest. He has been with ILI for five years, first as director of training, and the last two years as the Senior International Director. Before that, he served in local United Methodist churches for 24 years, served seven years as a missionary to Brazil with the Board of Global ministry, and then served another seven years as president of the Mission Society for United Methodist.

LK10:2 He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

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The Lord is My Help

Located at 1205 Desoto Street in Ocean Springs, The Lord is My Help has been in operation since 1984.

Its mission is that no one go hungry. Monday through Friday, its Meals on Wheels program provides lunch for the elderly/shut-ins, and a hot lunch meal is served on site.

A food pantry is operated from 9-11 a.m., each weekday, when people can come get groceries.

Barbara Ruddiman is manager. Phone is 228-872-2331.

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Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth for Christ

Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth for Christ's Mission is "to communicate the life-changing message of Jesus Christ to every young person." This mission is accomplished through four types of gatherings:

1. Campus Life is a weekly program geared toward reaching high school and middle school youth who are disconnected from the local church through games, discussion times and a message from God's Word.

2. Youth Guidance is an effort to reach young people who are considered at risk on a weekly basis to share a message of encouragement and hope with those young people.

3. The Xtreme Sports Arcade and Cafe' is a faith-based community center open on Saturday night for middle and high school students to come hang out. We have basketball courts, skate park, pool tables, air hockey tables, a DJ that plays Christian
music, and video games. During the evening we gather all the students for 20 minutes (called Half-time) to share a message with them from God's Word.

4. Student Leadership - Each of our Campus Life programs has a student leadership team which is comprised of Christian students who become missionaries on their campus and help to reach the non-church students on their campus.

Rev. Brad Holt is Executive Director of Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth for Christ. He may be reached at:

1501 24th Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
Office: (228) 864-0788
Fax: (228) 822-2951
Email: youthforchrist@coastyfc.com
Online: www.coastyfc.com

JOHN 4:35

"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest."

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Moore Community House

Moore Community House, Inc. (MCH) is a local mission agency of the United Methodist Church related to the Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries. MCH serves low income families in East Biloxi.

Research shows that quality early care and education programs make a positive difference for all children, but they make the most significantly positive difference for poor and low income children. Yet poor and low income families have the most difficulty affording quality early care and education services for their children. Subsidizing quality early care and education for young children is the economic support that makes the most difference in moving low income families to self sufficiency. Therefore, with the support of the United Methodist Church and many other private and public resources, MCH provides our low income community with early childhood education, as well as comprehensive family services.

MCH suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina. Seven of MCH's eight buildings and three playgrounds were destroyed. Rebuilding is underway. In March, 2007 ,MCH resumed early childhood education services at interim space leased from the Biloxi School District at Gorenflo Elementary School. The first building to be reconstructed on MCH's main site was scheduled for completion in April, 2007, and the first newly-constructed facility will be completed within one year.

Website: http://www.moorecommunityhouse.org/

NOTE: This is one of nine community centers around the Mississippi UM conference that provides vital ministry to children, youth, families, and adults. The centers serve the poor and disadvantaged by offering affordable high-quality childcare and after-school care and other children's programs, training and educational opportunities, abuse prevention and intervention, summer enrichment, older adult services, health checks, and other ministries.

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Samaritan Ministry of Jackson County
Samaritan Ministry of Jackson County serves as an ecumenical relief agency for residents of Jackson County, Mississippi. The organization consists of various Jackson County member churches that share a mutual call to assist the homeless and needy of our community. These churches have pooled their resources and talents in order to provide the most efficient and effective assistance possible.

Samaritan Ministry provides one-time emergency assistance for the payment of utility bills for eligible clients. The ministry is occasionally able to provide a broader realm of assistance such as payments for rent or mortgages when funds are available. Because of the cooperative nature of the program, we are able to provide more assistance more efficiently to those who need it.

Samaritan Ministry has one paid employee, that being a part-time case worker. The case worker interviews the applicants, assesses needs, negotiates with creditors, counsels on budgeting, refers to other appropriate resources and disburses funds. This person is also responsible for researching resources, coordinating volunteers, record keeping, bookkeeping of all accounts, accounts payable and general promotion of the ministry.

Samaritan Ministry also provides emergency food assistance through the federal TEFAP program. The food pantry is operated Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The staff and volunteer coordination for this program is handled by the case worker as well as numerous volunteers of the ministry.

Matthew 9:37,38

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

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Seashore Missions
Reverend Elijah Mitchell

Seashore Mission Church pre-Katrina ministered physically, spiritually, emotionally, as well as academically, to the homeless. Though these things were washed away, the dream is to minister in these same aspects.
Presently Seashore is worshipping with Beavoir UMC, Biloxi, until we can secure a permanent home. The acquisition of land is the basic need in order to build an adequate facility to service the needs of the community.
All donations will be welcomed for the fulfillment of our dream to minister to our new post-Katrina homeless. Prayers are needed for direction and guidance.
The Seashore Mission church family appreciates all support and interest. Prayerfully consider partnering with us, won't you?
Address: P.O. Box 1279
Biloxi, MS 39530
E-mail: seashoremission@peoplepc.com Phone: 228-224-3278
Website: www.seashoremission.org
PS 67:2
"that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."
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Rock of Ages Ministries
Paul and Monessa Perkins

OUR VISION:

To influence every correctional/educational facility in the world for Christ by providing a ministry characterizing integrity and excellence, one that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the correctional/educational clientele.

OUR MISSION:

Rock of Ages Ministries is dedicated to:

The Praise of God and glorifying Him in all that we do.

The Pillar and ground work of truth, the local church.

The Proclamation of the Great Commission.

The Preparation of missionaries for Christian service.

The Production of Christians, dedicated to making a difference.

The Principles of God's Word and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

The Provision of Biblical based ministries and literature.

Psalms 96:3

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."

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Missionaries to Costa Rica

Will and Ella Faircloth

ISAIAH 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send Me!”

Will and Ella Faircloth are volunteer, non-salaried missionaries serving the Methodist Church of Costa Rica. Will and his family have been members of St. Paul’s for many years, while Ella is a member of Christ Community Church in Columbus, Georgia. Prior to moving to Costa Rica, they both had experience living abroad and working with short-term mission groups.

In 2003, while Will was working on a Masters of Theological Studies degree at Duke Divinity School, the couple first made contact with the Costa Rican church, meeting with the bishop and the dean of the seminary, who both expressed a need for help in theological training of pastors and laity in the Methodist Church there.

So it was that after much prayer and consultation, Will and Ella raised initial support throughout the summer of 2004, and moved to San lsidro, Costa Rica, that September. Will’s primary work was running two regional seminary centers, offering classes in Bible and Methodism to local church leaders. Meanwhile, Ella, among other tasks, directed a food ministry for homeless men and women in the city.

"As much as we were loved and nourished by the church in San Isidro, last year we began to feel God’s call to move to San Jose and work more closely with the central seminary," Will said. Again, with much prayer and confirmation from the Lord, we moved up to “the big city” in November 2006.

Will’s work now centers on classes at the main seminary, where pastors from around the country attend week-long sessions each month. Ella is working on the Methodist Children’s Home project, in partnership with another missionary couple and several churches in the United States. They are also involved in a children’s program in an impoverished area south of San Jose, providing food and Bible lessons to 60 children each week.

For more information about the Faircloths' ministry, visit their website, www.fairclothcostarica.com or e-mail them at fairclothcr@hotmail.com. As volunteer missionaries they rely on the financial support of many people in the United States. All gifts are tax deductible and may be sent to St. Paul UMC, P.O. Box 909, Ocean Springs, MS 39566. Please make checks out to the church, and designate "Costa Rica" in the memo line.

The couple requests your prayers for their health and for the growth of their ministry.

E-Mail Update from Will and Ella Faircloth, September 11, 2007:

Hello from rainy Costa Rica!

We hope you are doing well and being blessed. We wanted to let you know how things have been going down here, so we made some updates to our website (www.fairclothcostarica.com). We even threw in a few pictures as a teaser, although there are lots more new ones on the site.

Life here has been really good these last couple of months. Will's work at the seminary has been going well, and the Seminary itself continues to grow. Our Saturday children's center continues to be a blessing for us, and we've got a great ministry team to work with. We're also really excited that work has begun on the Methodist Children's Home project. Make sure to check out the pictures, and then call us to make plans to come down and work next year!

In all things, we thank God for His blessing and provision. And we thank you, all of you, for your friendship and prayers. Next week we celebrate our 3rd anniversary here in Costa Rica, and we can't wait to see what's next!

So go read and see more, and please call or write and let us know how you're doing.

In Christ,

Will and Ella Faircloth

Ephesians 3:20-21
www.fairclothcostarica.com

Wycliffe is a family of international and interdenominational believers, joined with only one intention: To take the Word of God to all the people of the world in the language of their heart.

Ron Lewis is a Wycliffe Bible translator who has served the majority of his time in Papua, New Guinea translating the Bible into a language that wasn't even a written language when he arrived. Wycliffe missionaries are all over the world helping people groups have a written language, and translating the Bible into languages that don't have Bibles in their own language. Ron may be e-mailed at ronald_lewis@sil.org.

"...translation is deeply related to the original conception of the Gospel: God, who does not have linguistic favorites, has determined that all of us have the Good News in our native language."

In Wycliffe we believe that every person, whether man, woman, or child must have the Word of God in their language, so that they also can know Jesus Christ.

"Yes, Jesus loves me..."

This is the belief, the essence.

"...the Bible tells me so..."

You know this because of the Bible. You also know about the truth, love, hope, wisdom, nature of God and the character of Jesus - all of which is in the Bible. You have it within your reach; however, for many the Bible has not yet been translated. They need the Word of God to be translated into their own language.

EX 9:16

"But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

To visit Wycliffe International's website: click here.

A thank-you from Wycliffe International to St. Paul:

"Thank you for your faith promise partnership with my Wycliffe ministry this year. It was a pleasure to be with you at the end of December, and Tamela Gartman made me feel very welcome with her kind introduction to the congregation. I appreciate so much your commitment to worldwide evangelism and discipleship, and your recognition of the important role that the Bible in the language of the heart has in fulfilling the Great Commission. It's such a blessing to have St. Paul as a whole on my team along with the faithful Genesis class. May the Lord enable you to serve Him well and give you His peace and joy."

With love in Christ,

Nita Flanagan

Hope House

Hope House is a vibrant and moving outreach ministry to teenagers from Jackson County's "inner city." Our purpose and goal is to see that all have heard of the Hope that Jesus Christ brings to a person's life. We believe, contrary to some, that there are absolutes in today's world. We also believe that these absolutes are found in God's Word.

The Bible clearly states God's intentions towards mankind. II Peter 3:9 states the Lord is, "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." It is still the Christian's and the church's place to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many today consider our young people untouchables. You can be sure they are "Jewels" to our Lord and they are, "fearfully and wonderfully made." As we are reminded of what Matthew 25 states regarding the hungry, thirsty, estranged, naked and the imprisoned, we can also be reminded that we should be about the business of reaching out to the "least of these, my brethren."

Hope House is under the direction of Rev. Gary and Teresa Pierce. They are joint pastors of Hope House. A board of directors, made up of seven individuals, assist and direct these pastors.

The weekly schedule at Hope House consists of three services. We meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m., serve breakfast before Sunday School, and then have a regular service. A second service directed to the teenagers is held on Tuesday nights at 6:30 where we serve the dinner meal, have Bible study, and recreation for the teens. Every Friday night is somewhat of an explosion of activity when we meet from 6 until midnight for a time of fellowship, worship and recreation.

Hope House considers all of our contributors as Partners. These partners are made up of individuals, businesses and churches. Each partner, whether able to contribute great or small, is vital to sustaining Hope House as a refuge of hope for the young people of inner-city Jackson County.

Hope House is located at 2807 Chicot Road, Pascagoula, Mississippi 39581. The office phone number is 228-696-2708. Gary and Teresa can be reached anytime at 228-217-0858. Their e-mail address is hopehouseofms@hotmail.com.

MEN - MINISTRY - MISSION

Chuck and Betsy Jack

Home Missionaries of the United Methodist Church

Red Bird Missions

For Chuck's and Betsy's Web Page, Click here.

For Chuck's and Betsy's Latest Newsletter, Click here.

606-598-5915

Rev. Chuck Jack is Superintendent of the Red Bird Missionary Conference and Betsy Jack is Director of Red Bird Mission Early Childhood Development.

The Red Bird Missionary Conference is "A Witness for Christ in the Heart of Appalachia."

Located in nine counties of eastern Kentucky and one county of Tennessee. This comprehensive work includes Henderson Settlement, Red Bird Mission and Clinic, the Bennett Center, twenty-three local churches, four outreach centers, Camp O' Cumberlands, the Appalachian Local Pastors School, and other related ministries.

The vision of the Red Bird Missionary Conference is to see Appalachian people living in union with Jesus Christ and empowered to transform their communities. The mission of the Red Bird Missionary Conference is to minister to the spiritual, physical, educational and economic needs of persons and to equip them to meet their God given potential.

The Early Childhood Development Program is a quality preschool program for children 3-5 years old. Our program provides activities and experiences for young children and their families that will aid the development of each child's mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth in order for the children to be prepared to begin their formal education experience. We serve children in four counties, meeting at four locations throughout our conference. The children are brought by bus to a center to participate in group activities one day a week. Each child also receives a home visit each week. The home visitor brings a lesson that helps the child develop in all areas at his or her developmental level. Parents are given a parent guide that has parenting tips, healthy snack ideas and learning activities they can do at home with their child. The children are also encouraged to choose a library book each week from our lending library. We also have a four-year-old program that meets three days a week at the Red Bird Mission site. Most of these children will go to kindergarten at Red Bird School.

Red Bird Mission

Nestled in the mountains of Kentucky, Red Bird Mission helps over 14,000 Appalachians every year to know the love of Christ. The areas of ministry include Education (Private Christian School K-12, Dormitories, Early Childhood Development); Community Outreach (Community Aid Ministries, Elderly Ministries, Family Ministries); Health & Wellness (Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Pharmacy); Economic Opportunity (Community Store, Craft Marketing); and Community Housing Improvement (Local Home Repair, Mission Facilities). Red Bird Mission, guided by Jesus Christ, empowers individuals and advocates justice by providing spiritual, educational, health, and community outreach ministries.

For additional information, log on to www.rbmission.org or www.redbirdconference.org

Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Thank You notes and news from our Mission Partners:

Newsletter from Duane Baxter of Campus Outreach, click here.

A thank you flyer from Compassion in Ministry, click here.

Dear Friends at St. Paul,

Thank you so much for your faithful support and prayers. We are so grateful for your blessings to us, so that God can use us to be a blessing to the people living along the North Coast of Honduras. May our wonderful Lord bless and keep you always.

Love in Christ,

Lisa Phelps and Joshua Bradley

Hospital Loma de Luz

Dear Partners, Family and Friends,

The fall season is in full swing north of the equator, with or without crispness in the air. ("Crispness" is a relative concept.) In our country, schools are back in session, and we have the additional excitement of the upcoming elections.

I hope all is well with you and your loved ones.

Every day I'm grateful to be able to serve Bible translation with the encouragement of your prayers, gifts and interest!

Love in Christ,

Nita

Oct. 14, 2008

Dear Praying Partners,

We’ve been very aware of your prayers many times during the interval since we last sent you an update.

You covered our travels and ministry assignments…(1) We had a great time with the Hispanic pastors in Dayton, 18 men and women from 6 different countries. I was “pumped” to see them excitedly engaging with the birth narratives and planning their Advent ministry. It was particularly thrilling to hear two pastors who share a building (Brazilian and Hispanic congregations) committing to bring their communities together for the Advent celebration and to share the teaching/preaching responsibilities. (2) That same weekend was a joyous reunion with our dear friends and faithful supporters in Huntington, IN. (3) Last weekend, Randy had safe travels to and from Michigan, and a wonderful reconnection with our partners in Delton. (He was very impressed that there was GREEN GRASS in Michigan, something we haven’t see in Kentucky for many long weeks.) (4) The OMS Student Cabinet retreat was a great blessing. It was a delight to watch the students explore God’s “Great Expectations” (Mic. 6:8) and to dialogue with them about ways to make this campus ministry even more effective.

An unexpected bump in the road since our last update: I’m on day 14 of 3 weeks in a compression boot, to stabilize a bruised tendon in my right ankle (softball injury). This experience has really sensitized me to the challenges of persons with physical handicaps—believe me, I am now very aware of where every elevator and ramp is in my day-to-day environment!

Ministry team update: The response to the planned teams to Ecuador and Spain has been so positive that we are looking at the possibility of a second team to Spain mid-summer. Each applicant’s initial assignment is to write a paragraph or two describing why they feel called to participate in this particular trip, out of the many options that are available to them. It has been amazing and encouraging to read how God is calling and forming these teams! Rebecca has agreed to be the co-leader of the spring break team with her dad. J

Ecuador news: Two young leaders from SHALOM Christian Fellowship were ordained yesterday! Give thanks for Pablo and Jimmy! I cried this morning as I saw the photos of familiar, beloved faces who were gathered for that celebration.

Prayer requests for the next couple weeks:

1. Health: In addition to the ankle injury, I’ve been battling a double infection for about 10 days. Due to allergic reactions, I’ve not yet been able to finish a course of antibiotics, and I’m feeling pretty yucky. Ask the Lord for healing and strength.

2. Ecuador connection at FNL: Tom and Susan Stiles will be sharing this Friday night. We’re discovering that students are eager to hear real-life stories of people who have learned to listen to God “over the long haul” and to respond in obedience. Pray for the Stiles as they share their faith journey with the collegians and seminarians, and as they meet with potential team members for the Cuenca spring break team.

3. Fall break: Next Friday is AC’s mid-term break, so we’re planning a weekend trip to Ohio to visit family and friends. Randy will preach at Shreve UMC on Oct. 26.

God bless each of you! Thank you for being such faithful partners!

Rachel, for the Colemans

Rachel

Dear St. Paul,

Kim and I wanted to thank you so much for your partnership in the Gospel. It is truly helping us bring the love of Christ to a very needy generation of college students. May God continue to bless your ministry as you are faithful with His Great Commission to love Him and love others.

Thanks

Duane and Kim Baxter

Dear Friends at St. Paul,

Thank you for your gift and love you have showered on us the past couple of years. I have been following the Hurricanes in the news and realized that you were in the flood path of Gustav. On the national news, Ocean Springs was pictured as a flooded area. We trust and pray that you all survived and had very little damage. With Ike bearing down on you, we continue to pray for your safety and well-being. When things settle down please write and let us know how the town church and people were able to survive. Thanks again for you gift and love.

With Our love in Christ,

Ron and Sandy Lewis, Wycliffe

St. Paul family,

It can be so rewarding to watch your child move into adulthood and begin to prosper by making good choices. My son began college this August and my phone conversations are encouraging as he shared some challenges and how he has handled them. I see the investment in his life paying off.

In the same way I am encouraged to hear from ex-offenders that I, and you, have invested in. Recently I received a call and then a letter from an ex-offender living in a neighboring state who carried back to his pastor some of the teachings he received in this jail. With the encouragement and support of his pastor, he has now secured the materials and is going into his community inviting men to come and experience the change he did as he worked through “Authentic Manhood.” His weekly reports to me of both victories and challenges assures me he is committed to reaching the men in his community with the same Life changing message God used to reach him.

I want to say thank you for your investment in John’s life. I know we will see bountiful return from him and other investments as well. Continue to pray for John to be fruitful as he reaches out to Memphis and South Haven with the same Gospel that transformed him while he was an inmate in the Harrison County Jail.

God bless,

Joe Collins

P.S. I am blessed to serve alongside a church like St. Paul!