Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Keeping in Touch with our Global Partners Submitted by, Rev. Bill Walker, GBWM Chairman How refreshing it was to return to Mexico! During 2020, the pandemic kept us all at home, and it felt like we hadn’t been anywhere in forever! Our trip to Mexico at the end of June was not without apprehension and significant precautions, but as the saying goes: “God is good all the time.” Officially, the occasion for the trip was the annual conference of the MEM (EMC Mexico). However, the deeper reason is not the event, but the connection and fellowship with God’s people. ZOOM has been a lifesaver during these times, and we’re glad for it, but nothing replaces personal interaction.
Updates From Around The World
Mexican Evangelistic Mission
Despite the hardship that Mexico has endured, we happily report that God’s ministry moves forward in the MEM. Rev. Isaias Flores, (General Superintendent) is leading the denomination to revitalize some old and faltering churches, with a desire to plant new ones. One such congregation is about 3 years old, located northwest of Monterrey, in the small city of Garcia (see map). To my knowledge, the EMC has never had work there. Pray for Pastor Jeronimo and his wife Neri as they follow God’s call to serve their community and plant this new congregation. Pastor Jacob Salido also plants churhes, and has several preaching points south of Laredo, Texas. One of these i n th e b o r d er town o f Reynosa, was affiliated last year. This is also a new area for the MEM to have an established church. The Life and Truth Bible Institute continues to train pastors and Christian leaders and workers for the EMC Mexico. Pastor Josue Perez is pastoring in the Sinai EMC in Monterrey, Mexico. A recent graduate of the LTBI, it should be no surprise that several of this years graduates are from his church. Marisol, as pastor’s wife, shares how she recognized her own need for theological development, and that her weak areas were opportunities for growth. “Every course helped me know God better and grow in my faith, and also understand the context of Bible passages. The Biblical Geography course was eye opening for me, getting a sense of the location and orientation of places mentioned in the Bible. I have a renewed desire to be a lifelong student of the Bible.”
Rosario, a lay person in the Sinai EMC says she feels a sense of satisfaction at finishing her LTBI studies, which she had abandoned 38 years ago! She wrote, “I thank God that now more than ever, I am
The Kerusso – August | 2021
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convinced that ‘He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it’. I am presently working in the women’s ministry of the church, and I encourage everyone to continue preparing themselves and working for God’s glory.” Please continue to pray for the work of the Life and Truth Bible Institute. It now operates virtually rather than on a campus, and continues to be an effective tool for ministry preparation for both clergy and laity in the MEM. Pray for Lupita as she tirelessly teaches and presses on. Stay tuned! There will be more to come about Mexico and our other sister EMC conferences around the world in upcoming issues of the Kerusso.
EMC CAMP SEASON 2021
Southwest Family Camp Estrella Community Church, Eloy, AZ Submitted by, Pastor Debbie Miller Camp 2021 is finally in the books. Our camp was originally scheduled and reserved to go to the mountains of Arizona. The hot dry heat and extreme fire danger did not allow us to do that. They closed all the national forests in Arizona four days before we were scheduled to depart. So, we put our heads together and decided to have camp at Estrella Community Church. We praise God for many things. One, that we had a large enough building to pull it off and 7 air-conditioners to be able to handle 106 degree heat. Two, that the adults were able to handle sleeping on the floor, on cots, chairs and other various places. Three, we praise God for a kitchen that could handle the cooking needs and seating needed. Our camp Evangelist, Shane White and his family came from Texas to be with us and powered through the different situations that we had to work through and still be able to bless our camp with wonderful encouraging messages of strength and hard hitting heart messages, power and purpose of each of the campers. We were able to secure a bowling activity for the campers and a swimming adventure.
We thank God for helping with that. What the devil meant to destroy and stop, God did not allow! Lives and hearts were changed and encouraged for the days ahead.
The Kerusso - August | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
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Indian Cave Youth Camp Submitted by, Pastor Brian Gordon After a year of COViD restrictions, social distancing, and disruption of all things normal it was wonderful to come back together and have normal camps at Indian Cave. Fourteen E.M.Churches participated in Kids Camp and Youth Camp at Indian Cave this year. This year’s theme was “Better Together.” We learned that we are Better Together with God the Father who loves us, Better Together with God the Son who redeems us, Better Together with God the Holy Spirit who empowers us, and Better Together with the church, Christ’s body on earth. Melissa Burks was the speaker for Kids Camp and did a fantastic job connecting with the kids on their level. Many decisions were made for Christ, and several kids expressed a call to ministry. Josh Brown was the speaker for Youth Camp. His unique style of communication kept the youth engaged each night. Youth were saved, sanctified, and called into ministry. It was a blessing to watch our kids and youth interact with each other. After a year of being apart it was obvious they were happy to be together. In addition to awesome small group times and worship services we had a blast playing games and competing for prizes. Lip sync battles are always a highlight of the camp week. We’re already looking forward to next year. We would like to thank conference superintendent Kevin Brouillette for his presence at both camps. He and his wonderful wife, Carolyn not only attended both weeks, but volunteered in a variety of ways. We are blessed to have them.
Refuge Ministries Youth Camp Submitted by, Claire Harper, Refuge Ministries, Copperas Cove, TX At the beginning of July, Refuge Ministries in Central Texas had 36 students, grades 6-12, accompanied by 6 adult leaders, attend church camp in Crocket, Texas. For 5 days we shared our respective dorms with a handful of other church youth groups and their leaders from around Texas. We all ate together, worshipped together, prayed together, and laughed together. We tried new activities, had personal reflection of what God is doing in our lives, met in small groups, and had competitions. Sometimes it was our church together, but mostly it was combinations made up of everyone, regardless of age, home church, or strength in faith. People listened intently as the camp pastor focused on the sacrifice Jesus made when He was tried, beaten, and nailed to the cross. Pastor led us through the process of how this happened and the importance of every single detail that was documented, all to help us understand the sacrifice Jesus made. And then we would sing. We would praise God for how great He is. We would pray. Some people fell to their knees, others approached the altar. People raised their hands in worship, while some would lay down on their face.
We witnessed salvations, growth and the Body of Christ in action. Since camp, we have continued to see God working on our campers, youth and adults alike.
The Kerusso - August | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
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The Circuit EMC, Gonzalez, LA Submitted by, Conference Superintendent Rev. Kevin Brouillette On Sunday, July 18, 2021, my wife, Carolyn and I met with our newest Evangelical Methodist Church in Gonzalez, Louisiana. We were warmly greeted by this beautiful body of believers. We officially signed documents to affiliate The Circuit EMC of Gonzalez, we took in charter members, and Pastor Trey Harris challenged us from Ephesians 2: 11-22. We then shared in Communion with the body followed by a wonderful dinner prepared by the ladies. We were able to visit and share together. The church consists of 20 followers who are meeting in a home. They are quickly outgrowing this home and have secured meeting space in the local primary school (which is strategically located for good growth). Pastor has no doubt that they will be running at a hundred next year. Pastor Trey is a wonderfully gifted preacher/teacher. His wife, Suzanne is an accomplished musician/pianist. She beautifully compliments her husband’s ministry. We were moved by God’s spirit!! How exciting it is for me and the EMC to visualize God’s moving in so many new directions. He is indeed opening many opportunities. Praise His Holy name!
The EMC Announces the Retirement of Rev. Ed Beatty Submitted by, Conference Superintendent Rev. Brian Hammond Rev. Edward Beatty has faithfully served in pastoral ministry for nearly forty-two years, nineteen of which were leading the Little Hocking EMC congregation with his lovely wife, Barbara. He and Barbara will celebrate twenty-two years of marriage this September. They have six children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren between them. Pastor Ed was bi-vocational while pastoring Little Hocking EMC, working for Cold Creek Distribution Center for nine years, and then for West Virginia University of Parkersburg (WVUP). Barbara worked for many years as the secretary of North Parkersburg Baptist Church. Pastor Ed is a gifted singer and leader. He and Barb have faithfully shepherded the church and community in the Mid-Ohio Valley for many years. They have decided to retire as they both are facing significant health issues. Pastor Ed says, "Barb and I are extremely grateful to the EMC for the opportunity afforded us to pastor. We will always cherish our time with the EMC." Will you join us in congratulating Ed and Barb on their retirement and commit to praying for them as they adjust to retirement and deal with their health issues? If you would like to send them a card, you can do so at: 146 Camp Hill Road Elizabeth, WV 26143 Thank you, Pastor Ed and Barbara, for your faithful service to our Lord and His kingdom. May you continue to sense His presence as you transition to this chapter of life. We love you!
Thanks for reading!
Numbers 6:24
“May the Lord bless you and keep you . . .”
The Kerusso – August | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”