“We commit ourselves and the Movement to Him (Jesus) for the greatest evangelization the world has ever seen.”

These words are a part of a resolution passed by a group of 300-400 believers gathered together in 1914 in the Stone Church in Chicago to establish the values of the Assemblies of God.  This was not a wealthy or influential group of people; they did not have the means to fulfill such a lofty declaration.  Their faith is impressive, yet almost100 years later, the results are even more amazing.  Today, the World Fellowship of the Assemblies of God numbers over 60 million, and the Pentecostal Charismatic movement worldwide is counted at having approximately 600 million adherents.   This is not to say that all of these believers are a result of that one meeting in Chicago.  However, that group in Chicago was linked in to a much bigger force: the will of God to give out his Spirit across the earth and draw millions to himself.  Through their faith, they had a vision of something much bigger than their little movement.


Last month, we were privileged to participate in the continuation of that vision.  We met with around 120 new missionaries for Missionary Training and Renewal in Springfield, MO.  Literally every region of the world was represented in this group, and it was inspiring to think of the lives that will be touched through them.  This was also one of the final stages in our preparation for going to the mission field, so we’re starting to feel like it’s getting closer!

Another Milestone

It feels like during the last year we have been crossing one milestone after another. Charles returned from Belgium in June. We were married in July. We became fully-appointed missionary candidates in November. Just a few weeks ago we crossed another special milestone. Charles was ordained at the Louisiana District Council on April 19^th. Ordination requires several years of study and active ministry. Charles worked hard to get there, and I’m very proud of him!

A number of our students involved in Students for Christ come from Congo, and one of them recently passed on this video to me. It portrays Korean missionaries leading a Congolese assembly of believers in worship in their native tongue of Lingala. It is reported that within the next decade, S. Korean missionaries will number over 10,000. I loved the way these Koreans believers have embraced another culture for the sake of the Gospel, and I thought that this video was a wonderful preview of the diversity and worship that will go on one day in eternity, as described in Revelations.

We don't Mourn like those who Mourn

Working as we do with University students and young people, we rarely participate in funerals. When we do encounter death it is often tragic, since no one expects young people to leave so soon.

This would seem to be the case last week, when we learned of the death of Bernadette Tshibola, a member of the Students for Christ Liege group. She passed away in her sleep on a Saturday night, finally succumbing at age 34 to sickle cell anemia, which she had battled all her life.

However, Bernadette died as a Christian, and we are certain that her smile is ever more radiant today as she worships at the throne of God. My favorite memory of her was one Tuesday night, when we were setting up chairs for our weekly meeting. Our group numbered around 10-12 at that point, so I put out 15 chairs. Bernadette laughed, said, "Charles, where is your faith?", and put out another 15 chairs. Sure enough, a crowd of 30-35 students filled the room that night. She helped teach me not to be so "realistic".

Bernadette was someone who was always serving, always smiling, and loved Jesus. Because of this, the students and alumni of SFC who knew her decided to wear white to her funeral. They wanted to signify that they were there to celebrate her past life of joy and love, and her new life of being with her Savior. What a great representation of the fact that for those who live and believe in Christ, death has no more power, and the grave is a beginning, not an end, of true life!

Morality and Values of Euro Youth

MTV recently did a study in which they surveyed 7000 youth across Europe in order to "understand the values, hopes and dreams of young people in Europe." The results are quite interesting; for example, here are the Ten Commandments for youth in Europe:

1. Have faith in yourself.
2. Respect your parents.
3. Be honest.
4. Take responsibility for your own life.
5. Live life to the full and be passionnate.
6. Keep your promises.
7. Work hard to succeed but not to the detriment of others.
8. Be tolerant of others' differences.
9. Be happy and optimistic, even in adversity.
10. Create, don't destroy.

If you'd like to see more of what they came up with, including the "7 deadly sins" you can click here.

Students for Christ Liege

Here's a look at our group in Liege, Belgium. This video is one that we used to promote the group to new students coming in, so it is in French. It shows students worshipping at our retreat, out on campus sharing their faith to other students, and fellowshipping. They are a great group of students and friends!

 
We were excited to get to spend Thanksgiving in Colorado with my family. While we were there, we had a great time visiting with several members of our support team and sharing in the Sunday service at Chapel of the Plains in Stoneham. One of the highlights for me was spending time with the middle school girls at their Girls of Grace meeting on Monday afternoon. I shared with the girls how God called me into ministry when I was their age and the exciting adventure he's been leading me on.

It's always fun to get to talk to young people about missions. I'm thankful for the missionaries who shared their lives and calling with me while I was growing up.

Amanda

About Us

• Reached Through Campus Ministry
We believe in campus ministry because our lives were changed through Chi Alpha campus ministry. While students at secular colleges, Charles at the U. of Alabama and Amanda at the U. of Northern Colorado, we encountered what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

• From Students to Staff with Chi Alpha
After graduation, Charles interned with XA in Bellingham, WA in 1998-9 before serving as associate staff with XA at the U. of Louisiana-Lafayette from 2000-06. Amanda interned at UL in 2002-03 before returning as staff from 2004-09.

• A New Calling and a New Relationship
A new direction opened up when Jesus called Charles to Belgium to work as an MA with Students for Christ for 2.5 years in Liege, Belgium. We also began dating long-distance during this time, and were married on July 17, 2009.

• Our vision for reaching Belgium
We believe that reaching students during their years at the university is crucial to changing this country. Through contact and relational evangelism, and mentoring believing students, we want to create a community of believers that will lift up Jesus.

• Our Support Team
Due to our work with Chi Alpha, we already have a team of churches and individuals who support us. We are currently at 30 percent of our budget. It is our hope to raise this support in the next six months so that we can be back in Belgium by Fall 2010.