Team Workers

TeamWorkers (TW) is a new practical missionary support initiative which is emerging from the Relief and Development Committee of MSC Canada. Point your browser to

http://www.teamworkers.org/




Be sure to check out the PROJECTS link to see current projects that are planned for 2008. On the site TW explains their purpose and goals...

Goals


To relieve/assist missionaries and full time Christian workers of their maintenance and building work
To encourage North American Christians by involving them in mission work


Services


To build new or extend existing schools, camps, church buildings, children's homes, hospitals to support the gospel work
To build homes for displaced people following disasters
To build homes for missionaries and workers
To assist with water wells and systems
Irrigation schemes
Agriculture
Saw Mills
Grain grinding mills
Electrical Generation – Solar, Wind, Micro Hydro
Solar-Thermal water heating
To provide more advanced technical solutions to enhance communications, reduce operating costs, reduce time spent on maintenance of equipment

Jonah the Pouting Prophet

Even people who have never read the Bible have laughed at a joke or two about "Jonah and the whale". I have been ejoying another look at the minor prophet and post a few thoughts now...

Jonah has 4 chapters but two main sections (See 1:1 with 3:1)

I. The Disobedience of Jonah (1-2)
II. The Obedience of Jonah (3-4).

Jonah has many layers. He is unique - only prophet sent to Gentiles; only Prophet whose prophecy consists in what happened to him, not what he said (see 3:8, only 8 words of prophecy); only prophet to whom Jesus directly compares Himself (Matthew 12:40). Jonah is a good Missionary handbook, reminding Isreal and us of the job to share God's love with all the world, even our enemies! Jonah is about the love of God and how we share it and the will of God and how we respond to it.

Jonah's experience reminds us that the LORD is the God of the second chance. Jonah's story is that of the prophet of a broken ministry. Jonah never really gets it right. Even when he obeys, he pouts and sulks. As you read the little book you will find yourself being drawn into the story.

OUTLINE – Jonah the Pouting Prophet

Chap.1 – Jonah Packing
Chap.2 – Jonah Praying
Chap.3 – Jonah Preaching
Chap.4 – Jonah Pouting

Baptism at Northside

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. (Matthew 3:13)
Humble opologies for neglecting you, our faithful blog readers... if you are reading this, it is testimony that you have faith that someday we are going to update it, and, lo, and behold (don't you love that word!?), we have!

The year is 'wearing away', and before we know it, we will be decorating trees (if you install the "pagan bush" as a friend once called it) and waiting in long lines to purchase gifts for our loved ones. When you find yourself in such a position, remember this: "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!".

Until then, allow us to update you on the Christianity Explored Course and recent ministry.

On Wednesday we will hold our tenth and final session of CE. About 20 or so of us (the children have thier own program in the "upper room") will sit down to enjoy another meal and then complete our study of Christianity from Mark's gospel. Some of the paricipants are counting the cost of becoming followers of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday there will be a baptism at Northside. One of the young people has decided to follow Christ in the waters of baptism. "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Please pray for these people and for the City of Barrie...

Afganada

A young lady who is the daughter of a lady at our assembly is working for Samaratin's purse in Afghanistan. Now and then she has visited our church and shared with us about the work that they are doing there. This time they brought some typical dress for the Sunday School to try on! Here are Jeremy and Rachel...well, we can tell it's Jeremy anyways. We thank God for what He is doing in the hearts of many in Afganistan.

Bibles for Belize

Do you have any old Bibles lying around that you don't use any more? If so, I'd like to make them a part of a something I'm calling "Bibles for Belize!" We are planning our next mission, an evangelistic Youth Mission, for August 13-22, 2008 (Aprox)and we'd like to emphasize the importance of the Word of God. So we are planning to take as many bibles as we can to distribute or sell at a very very low cost.

Please come back to learn how you can be a part of this mission...

Dr. Jones and Mr. Ford

Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones tells a story. One day he was driving to his church in his Model T Ford and it broke down. Dr. Jones had about as much mechanical aptitude as I do and, being late for an appointment, he was beside himself. He lifted the hood, but he didn't know where to start. People were passing by, but no one stopped. Finally, one couple approached him and asked, "What is the trouble?" He responded, "I do not know, it doesn't work."
"Do you want me to take a look?" the other man asked him. "Absolutely!" he replied. The man looked briefly, touched a wire, turned a lever and then said, "Give it a try."
Dr. Jones gave it one crank and it immediately started. "Thank you so much," he said. "My name is Martin Lloyd Jones."
The man smiled and said, "Good to meet you. My name is Henry Ford."

I really got a chuckle out of this story, but it makes us think too. Remember, God, our Creator, knows us inside out and we would be foolish not to ask for His help in this life. He even gave us the manual - The Bible!

Honk Honk!

Have you looked outside lately? The seasons are changing. I like the sound of Canada geese honking; it gives me a nice feeling inside. I don't know why, but some time ago I learned a facinating lesson about these amazing animals....

Think of migrating birds that fly in a formation. Those who study bird behavior tell us there is a reason for this. They fly faster because the ones in front break the wind for those coming behind. Those in the lead get tired sooner, but the ones that follow can fly with less effort.
You may have noticed them chattering along. Bird watchers say this is a way of encouraging those that are in the lead so that they keep up the swiftness and don’t slow down – “honk, honk, don’t give up!”
Now, there is something interesting that happens when one of those birds falls to the ground. Two of the strongest and healthiest birds fly down with it and keep it company until its full recovery. Once it is able to fly again, they catch up with the formation, which has reduced its speed for the benefit of those that had to stay behind. God teaches us a powerful lesson through nature. It is amazing to think that many times we who can talk, who can communicate do not make this principle work.

Christianity Explored (CE) at Northside Bible Chapel, Week 1

Last night was the first evening of CE, a ten week course that explores Christianity using the Gospel of Mark. The turnout was very encouraging as about ten guests came out. With the leaders and helpers there were well over 20 people who enjoyed the meal. Jeremy and Rachel and others helped with the Childcare and Homework club, so that participants can bring their children if necessary. Each Wednesday evening we will have group discussion, a DVD series and find out from Mark the answers to three basic questions: who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to follow Him. By the end of the sixth week participants will have read the whole Gospel of Mark!

Hurricane Update from Belize

Hi,
This just in from Belize...

"Hello Bro.Sean,

Christian greetings to you and yours,
Just these few words to give you an idea of what's happening here in Belize. Hurricane Dean did pass our way and Corozal was indeed hit hard. People lost their houses , had no food, lost power,lost jobsand were in bad shape generally. No loss of life,however.The Church put togeher some relief supplies in the form of food items and distributed them to the few Believiers in Corozal. No damage done to the structure you put up there in Corozal. Praise the Lord1

However, we are currently expecting another hurricane to hit possibly the center of the country or the southern districts of Belize by early Wednesday of this week. Hurricane Felix is now a category 4 hurricane and is expected to do considerable damage to at least the southern districts of Belize. People are presently being encouraged to seek higher ground before the hurricane makes landfall somewhere between Belize City and Honduras. There are long lines everywhere as people are desperately trying to stock up on food supplies building materials , fuel for their vehicles etc.

In the next few days we might be able to give you some real meaning ful details.

Yours in His service ,
Bro.Norman B Small Sr. "



Grace Chapel Church
14 Amara Ave. Belize City,Belize
Phone #: 501 227 0589
Elders:
Herbert Cain
Norman Small
Kermith Blades

High Power Soccer 07 Wrap-up

Thank the Lord for all High Power team members who gave of their time for all the children who participated in this year's VBS at Northside. Over 50 kids attended the mini-soccer camp held at the chapel and at a nearby school playing field. On Friday most of the parents came for the closing program and a "High Power" barbeque. After all the kids were awarded their hard earned prizes, Jim Comte reviewed what the children learned during the week. The kids learned about heaven from the Word of God and how to get there. Jim reminded everyone present that God sent His only Son to be our Savior and that if we recieve Him by faith we can be sure of sins forgiven and a home in heaven. After a slide show everyone stayed for a BBQ and some freindly matches of soccer, "Parents vs. Kids!" and the team leaders vs. the older kids. Vera who directed the VBS would like to thank everyone who helped and all of you who prayed.
Almost 100 people enjoyed a High Power Barbeque in the Chapel parking lot. The rain stopped during the VBS closing program and the sun came out just in time for the BBQ!
Bill, Aaron and Gary serving up delicious burgers!
One of the many shots on goal by the older kids against the leaders. By the end of the game it was 10-1 for the kids!

The younger kids chase the parents in a wildly entertaining soccer match.

The parents who didn't play enjoyed a bit of sunshine on the sidelines.

High Power Soccer Day 3

High Power Soccer at Northside Bible Chapel completed day three. 51 children participated on Tuesday and 51 today! Although the area really needs rain, we were glad it did not rain here in Barrie! Campers enjoyed more high power drills and skills and loads of fun. Thank you for praying for our team and for the camp.
Here is today's memory verse:

For the wages of sin is death;
But the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Corozal Update...

Here is the team from Canada in front of the mission house built in March 07.



This just in from Belize...

The Prime Minister has just this morning declared the
Corozal District a disaster area. Praise God however,
there has been no reports of any loss of life. Damages
include down buildings, roof tops gone, lucrateive
papaya crops wiped out plus other agricultural
business. Electricity and water, as we write has not
yet been restored for both the Corozal and OW
Districts. We will be visiting the are shortly to see
in what ways we may be able to help.

We will keep you informed.

Watch & Pray.
Benny H.

Hurricane Dean & Corozal Town, Belize

We are just getting reports now in the news about how poepled fared in Corozal after Hurricane Dean made landfall in Belize. CBC radio reports heavy equipment is clearing debris from the streets. No reports of deaths or injury yet. Just a few months ago a team of 15 from Ontario built a small mission house in Corozal. I'm sure all of us will be very interested to know how folks are there and if the building sustained any damage. Let's remember Belize in our prayers.

For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to thier prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against
those who do evil. (1 Peter 3:12)

An example of what fierce catagory 4 winds can do (This was from Hurrican Andrew some years ago)!



A boy walks through flooded area in Corozal today in the wake of hurricane Dean.

High Power Soccer: Day 1

High Power Warmup!!!


One on one coaching...


"Coach" goes over some drills


Look at this future soccer star!




Memory Verse!


Dear praying friends,

Today was Day One of Northside Bible Chapel's High Power Soccer Camp, 2007 here in Barrie. We praise the Lord as 43 kids came the first day! A team of about 15 are running the programe. We have a great coach and several assisstant coaches. The kids are divided into two groups, each having about 1 hour of soccer instruction, including skills and drills. The kids also have crafts and are working hard to gain points through memory work. Please pray for the leaders and for the campers as they have fun and learn about God's love in Christ Jesus.
Please come again later for updates.

In Christ,
Sean & Vera
Philippians 1:21

Countdown to Kickoff...

August is here and we are making final preparations for the High Power Soccer camp to be held at Northside Bible Chapel and Oakley Park school here in Barrie. Pictured here are Rachel and her grandma showing off the sign advertising the camp. My and mom helped us paint the sign. So far we have had aproximately 20 online registrations at www.northsidebiblechapel.com.

Family Camp 2 at Northland Bible Camp (July 2007)

The O'Byrnes enjoyed a fantastic week at Northland this past week. The sun was shining and the bass were biting! Bob Johnston spoke on the family and Peter gave a series of encouraging messages in the evenings. I'm posting a shot of the dining hall, built by Chester Donaldson ("Mr. D") who started the camp 50 years ago with his wife Marion. There is a 50 year reuinion planned for Sat., Aug. 11.

"Paganini…and one string!"

Today's message at Northside Bible Chapel was on Romans 12:3-8 - Our relationship to oursleves: honest evaluation of our gifts. We looked at the role of attitude. Below are a couple of facinating stories taken from Chuck Swindoll's book Strengthening Your Grip about attitude...

The colorful, nineteenth-century showman and gifted violinist Nicolo Paganini was standing before a packed house, playing through a difficult piece of music. A full orchestra surrounded him with magnificent support. Suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung gloriously down from his instrument. Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead. He frowned but continued to play, improvising beautifully.
To the conductor’s surprise, a second string broke. And shortly thereafter, a third. Now there were three limp strings dangling from Paganini’s violin as the master performer completed the difficult composition on the one remaining string. The audience jumped to its feet and in good Italian fashion, filled the hall with shouts and screams, “Bravo! Bravo!” As the applause died down, the violinist asked the people to sit back down. Even though they knew there was no way they could expect an encore, they quietly sand back into their seats.
He held the violin high for everyone to see. He nodded at the conductor to begin the encore and then he turned back to the crowd, and with a twinkle in his eye, he smiled and shouted, “Paganini…and one string!” After that he placed the single-stringed Stradivarius beneath his chin and played the final piece on one sting as the audience (and the conductor) shook their heads in silent amazement. “Paganini… and one string!” And, I might add, an attitude of fortitude.

Dr. Victor Frankle, the bold, courageous Jew who became a prisoner during the Holocaust, endured years of indignity and humiliation by the Nazis before he was finally liberated. At the beginning of his ordeal, he was marched into a Gestapo courtroom. His captors had taken away his home and family, his cherished freedom, his possessions, even his watch and wedding ring. They had shaved his head and stripped his clothing off his body. There he stood before German high command, under the glaring lights being interrogated and falsely accused. He was destitute, a helpless pawn in the hands of brutal, prejudiced, sadistic men. He had nothing. No, that isn’t true. He suddenly realized there was one thing no one could ever take from him – just one. Do you know what it was?
Dr. Frankle realized he still had the power to choose his own attitude. No matter what anyone would ever do to him, regardless of what the future held for him, the attitude choice was his to make. Bitterness or forgiveness, to give up or to go on. Hatred or hope. Determination to endure or the paralysis of self-pity. It boiled down to “Frankle…and one string!”

The single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my success or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude is that “single string” that keeps me going or cripples my progress.

If we’re honest we must admit that much of the time we spend concentrating and fretting over the strings that snap, dangle, and pop – the things that can’t be changed – than we do giving attention to the one that remains, our choice of attitude.

6.8 Earthquake off Guatemala

(CNN) -- A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday just off the Pacific coast of Guatemala, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Authorities were evacuating high-rise buildings and homes that might be vulnerable to damage if there were aftershocks, but none had been reported to the USGS so far, the agency's Rafael Abreu told CNN.

The quake struck at 1:29 p.m. (3:29 p.m. ET), about 70 miles from the capital, Guatemala City.

The quake's intensity, according to the USGS, was such that it was also felt in El Salvador.

The quake's epicenter was about 40 miles below the Earth's surface, the USGS said. Earthquakes centered closer to the surface generally can cause more damage.
____________________________________________________________________________________
I remember a quake hitting one day while we lived in Guatemala City. We ran outside and saw powerlines swinging and walls bending. The earth moving under our feet was the strangest sensation I've ever felt; reminded me of how frail we are and how uncertain life is. I think God can use these things to speak to us.

We will be following this story and be on our knees for all our friends in Guatemala.

Enoel Reports on Relief Effort in Bolivia

A short term mission to Bolivia in 2005 introduced me to Enoel Suarez, missionary from/to Bolivia, South America. Enoel and his wife Leisa (Canadian) serve the Lord in Santa Cruz. While on furlough in Canada his poeple suffered some major flooding. With the help of MSC and a couple of brothers he was able to organize a relief mission for a week in April. Northside Bible Chapel collected an offering to add to other funds and we helped him purchase some Physician Travle Packs (PTP). Below is his report of how it went.


Dear Partners in the Lord,

I was seeking a different word to address you; one that describes each and every one of you, but I could not think of another. I arrived from my trip to Bolivia on Friday afternoon and found the family well. I am so excited about how well the trip progressed that I would like to share some of the stories with you.
We ( Bill Letkeman, Len Venne, and I ) left on April the 23rd with four boxes of medicine and two boxes of clothing. Everything was going well until we arrived to Bolivia. As we went through customs, they tried to take the medicine away from us. Perhaps they thought that we might try to sell it, or they may have wanted to sell it themselves. After a long discussion, they finally let us into Bolivia with the medication. We knew that all of you were praying for our trip. We arrived to Santa Cruz on April 24th at nine o'clock in the morning. It took us seven more hours of driving to reach the affected area. I arranged for the purchase of food and clothing ahead of time, so when we arrived it was there. The next day, we sorted out the clothing and food to be distributed.

Our team had been planned out ahead of time, so all of the members met together in Santa Cruz. The team consisted of brother Brad Hallock and his wife, Dr. Placido Mercado, and two others. In Trinidad, three more young, local doctors joined us. They were Dr. Eric, Dr. Virgilio, and Dr. Dario. They accompanied us to the nine villages where we had the opportunity to treat more than five hundred people (including small children) with medication. All of the children received parasite medication, vitamins, and fungus creams. Many people were ill with fungus infections and rashes due to the dirty water. Some of the medical problems we encountered included heart problems, diabetes, and dengue fever. One lady named Rebeca needed heart surgery right away. We were able to help her financially. Another young boy, Sixto, needed some testing done on his heart right away. We were also able to help him. We also assisted a brother named Joaquin Ortiz with diabetes plus two others with dengue fever.


We were able to take almost three tons of food with us. This included main staples like rice, flour, beans, pasta, sugar, cooking oil, etc. We also took 1,200 items of clothing to be distributed. None of this would have happened if you were unwilling to share some of your own with those brothers in need. The help that I received from many of you was a true confirmation that the Lord was leading this project. We are so thankful because many of you, my brothers and sisters, were willing to share the blessings received from God with others. We are not able to find words to express how thankful we are to all of you. You were not just willing to pray, but also to take part by sending some money to those in need. 2 Cor. 8:3-5 says, "
Please continue to pray for those in need. Most of the people have returned to their homes, but they still have great needs. Many need to rebuild their homes and their lives. They are open to the gospel, and we were able to share the Word with them. They once had an evangelical church, but it was destroyed by the flooding. Many of us are busy trying to gain more material possessions, but they just struggle to survive and live day by day. The village people often have rice, so they will go and fish to complete their meal. Everytime we eat a good meal, we should be thankful for what the Lord has provided.

I could not go to Bolivia without passing by the camp. I was so pleased with the advancement of the facilities. The brothers had constructed one side of the diningroom and added a volleyball court for the young people and children. They also completed the construction of the kitchen. We praise God for using others for this purpose.
Now, we need to complete the other half of the diningroom, the washrooms, beds, and tables.

I went to visit Cynthia and Edilson....the ones in charge of the Fourth of February project. They are doing fine. They had a baptism service and an anniversary service. They are doing a great job.

Thank you for your lovely gift of money that was used for medication, food, and the camp. We appreciate your prayers on our behalf. We are very grateful for your interest in missions.

In Christ,
Enoel

The BLOOD of Jesus

A number of years ago while in Guatemala my wife was asked to donate some blood because she has the rare "universal" blood type. I could not help but think of that experience when I read the following article...

I once heard a story about a Nazi pilot who was shot down during World War II. The pilot was taken captive and brought to the hospital where a British doctor began dressing his wounds. As the doctor worked, he realized a blood transfusion was necessary due to the loss of blood.
When finished, and making use of his British humor, the doctor remarked to the Nazi, “This ought to go far in making a gentleman out of you. I have just put into your system two pints of Jewish blood.” The patient was horrified!
However, no scientific experiment can determine nationality by blood, for we read in God’s Word, that the Lord “hath made of one blood all nations.” (Acts 17:26).
Although there is nothing in the blood to distinguish the nationality, there is a blood classification determined by the presence or absence of certain substances. Before a blood transfusion can be made, the donor’s blood must be tested to be sure the substances are the same as the patient’s. If different bloods are mixed, clotting could begin and this could result in sever illness or even death.
The various blood groups are type A, B, AB or O. Type O is sometimes referred to as “universal” because it does not clump with other plasmas.
Reading about these different blood groups caused me to think of Someone who gave His blood for all – a “universal donor”. The effectiveness of His blood is available to anyone. Like the marvel of the filtering system of the blood, His precious blood has a cleansing effect. “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). It would be impossible for us to live without blood in our bodies. The Bible says, “The life…is in the blood” (Lev 17:11), and Christ’s blood is the source of everlasting life. Do you have it?