The Kerusso – March | 2019 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Exciting Days in Our Asia Pacific and Myanmar Conferences February is the time of year when our two Conferences in Asia engage in exciting and soul-impacting activities. The Myanmar Conference just completed their Conference Business session, which traditionally follows a weekend teaching seminar presented by the USA delegation of pastors and leaders. This year, two pastors who had not been to Myanmar before traveled with International General Superintendent, Max Edwards and his wife Judy to Yangon and Kalaymyo. The two “new” travelers were: Pastor Tad Stinson who serves Peninsula Evangelical Methodist Church in Moses Lake, Washington, and Pastor Alex Fonseca who serves as Pastor of Local and Global Outreach at Crossroads Community Church in Nampa, Idaho. Pastors Alex and Tad shared extensively with the men of the conference, teaching on outreach, missional strategy and Wesleyan theology. They did a wonderful job and were deeply appreciated by the pastors and laymen attending the all-day Friday and Saturday sessions. Pastor Alex also presented the Sunday school lesson on Sunday morning to about 70 children and shared the Gospel in a powerful and creative way. Judy Edwards spent the seminar days teaching, investing in, and relating to the women of Myanmar, enjoying a powerful spiritual time with these special ladies. They looked into the Word of God for guidance and comfort as they shared some of their personal challenges and individual needs. Pastor Max Edwards shared devotionals each day and shared the preaching responsibilities, specifically preaching the Ordination Service on Sunday, February 10th. The Myanmar Conference ordained one Elder, who was converted to Christ from Buddhism in the Paletwa mission field of Southern Chin State.
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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
After the delegations’ departure, the Conference convened their business session and re-elected the current General Superintendent to a second term. Rev. Dr. Lalduhawma is a gifted and deeply spiritual leader who is leading the conference well, and will serve his second and final three-year term as General Superintendent. One of the bright younger leaders in the Conference (who with Dr. Lalduhawma serves as translators for us) is Rev. Lalhmingliana (pictured above with Pastor Alex). He has been approved by the Myanmar Conference to pursue his Master’s Degree in India, and the USA Conference will be sponsoring him financially during his two years of intense study in which he will, of necessity, be away from his family for several months at a time. Please pray for Pastor Hminga (pronounced ming-ahh) and his family as he enters this intense time of ministerial preparation, and if you would like to be involved in assisting this sponsorship, we invite you to talk to Superintendent Edwards or Secretary Jim Coulston about how you or your church can continue to make this a reality for him.
M.E.D.S. 2019 in Our Asia Pacific Conference MEDS is usually a term associated as an abbreviation for medications. In the Asia Pacific Conference this is an acronym for Medical-EvangelicalDental-Surgical mission with a stronger emphasis on evangelism. The 2019 M.E.D.S. mission was concluded on February 14, 2019 with 40 volunteers 14 of which came from the USA, 14 from Australia, and 12 from the Philippines. Close to 5,000 people came through the “doors” of the mission, and our counseling team was able to share the gospel to almost everyone who came. As the founder and director of this humble mission project, I am always faced with this question – “So what separates the good deeds of Christians from the good deeds of others?” Simply put - it is the love of Christ in us. It is not the work being done but the heart of the volunteers doing the work. We do good work to show the lost and the hopeless the loving hand of God. We do good work to offer hope to others, so they can recognize the power that resides in our hearts – and realize that power is freely available to them. When the receiver of the assistance that we provide asks “Why are you helping me?” What benefit do they receive when the answer is “because we feel every person deserves a chance” or “because it is the right thing to do”? Not much in my opinion. But when the answer is “because Jesus loves you”, the hope is anchored to an everlasting truth that will never falter. This event may be history for now but at the end, it is His story. The glory is all for Jesus. ~ by: Asia Pacific Superintendent, Bishop Jun Mateo
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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
EMC Journey 2019
Copperas Cove, TX March 19-20 Tuesday, March 19th
Registration information Event Registration: $25 /person
Please register by: March 1st, 2019 kparsons@emchurch.org 252-339-1414
8:00am 9:00am – 10:15am
Registration opens Opening Worship & Welcome - Max Edwards
10:15am - 10:30am
Break
10:30am – 12:00pm L.I.F.T. - Laity Seminar - Bill & Lisa Walker Clergy Seminar - Colin Conner
Lodging (arrange on your own) Copperas Cove, TX (5 minutes away): Quality Suites - (254) 518-8840
12:00pm
Lunch On Your Own/Clergy Lunch Onsite
1:30pm – 3:00pm
L.I.F.T. - Laity Seminar - Bill & Lisa Walker Executive Clergy Session - Superintendents
3:15pm – 4:30pm
Seminars: Children’s Ministry - Shela Gilbert Taking the Next Step - Joe Miller
4:30pm 6:30pm
Killeen, TX (10 minutes away):
Hampton Inn - (254) 554-7110 Hilton Garden Inn - (254) 628-2900 Candlewood Suites - (254) 501-3990 Holiday Inn - (254) 690-5511
Dinner On Your Own Worship - Max Edwards
Wednesday, March 20th 9:00am – 9:30am
Welcome / Devotional - Kevin Brouillette
9:45am – 10:45am
Morning Seminar #1
10:45am - 11:00am
Break
Social Media - Samantha Wilson 11:00am – 12:00pm Morning Seminar #2
Cove Campus
Refuge Ministries
Legacy Building - Karen Parsons
Plan now to attend
12:00pm
Lunch On Your Own
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Tour of Refuge Ministry Campus Churches
3:30pm – 4:30pm 4:30pm 6:30pm
Tour Debrief and Q & A - Russ Cochran Dinner On Your Own Worship - Max Edwards
(See page 2 for additional information regarding sessions and speakers)
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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
JOURNEY 2019 - Do not miss out on the last two opportunities to attend Journey in 2019. Mark your calendar and be watching your email for registration information. You will be receiving a Journey invitation through CCB. Please use the RSVP button to register or even if you are replying with a, “No”.
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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Deeper In Christ Further In Mission
Thanks for reading! “May the Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance over you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26