World Focus Quotes “We were encouraged by being a part of World Focus in June. I think our last WF was in 1996. What a year to return!” – Ridge and Connie Orr, Cooperative Missionaries with OMF Feedback from our World Focus Conference this summer at Bonclarken in Flat Rock, NC, has been positive and encouraging. From missionaries, children, leaders and laypersons we have heard the good news that the Conference was worthwhile and to some, life changing. And we give God praise for this. Following are a few quotes from five of the many missionaries who attended the event. “We had a number of delightful and fruitful conversations during World Focus. One which was especially memorable was Sarah Ellen’s conversation with a young woman who is seriously considering God’s call on her life as a missionary. Sarah Ellen was able to encourage her by saying that we had two daughters who are in missionary service and was able to introduce her to Rebekah (Germany) and Emma (Scotland).” – John and Sarah Ellen Carson, MT3 “The Lord was gracious, and World Focus turned out a success. We ended our time at Bonclarken with a two-day missionary retreat [after World Focus]which included a lovely time of Bible study, prayer and fellowship with missionaries we’d only read about previously. We feel grateful to be a part of such an incredible group.” – Dariusz and Brooke Bryćko, candidates to Poland “In the Short-Term Missions booth, children were given the opportunity to “Go on a STM trip.” They selected their country, currency, language and what they needed to pack. With their little suitcase, they showed their passport and boarding pass, and found their seats on the plane. We talked about how long the flight would be and pretended to serve them their lunch. Upon “arrival,” we looked at pictures of previous trips and talked about what they would do on a STM trip. One boy said right away that he knew what to do.... ‘tell the children about Jesus!’ He got it absolutely right!” “I WILL NEVER FORGET” I recently had the privilege of reading a letter sent from a Pakistani pastor to Ron Brunson, one of our retired missionaries who, with his wife Pam, continues to provide invaluable ministry and service in volunteer missions for World Witness. The Brunsons were missionaries to Pakistan for several years. Rev. Sohail Sardar writes this letter to “Dr. Ron,” his friend and former co-laborer in Pakistan, and I share it as a reminder to you that our work for the Lord, our prayers and our support for missionaries bear ongoing, powerful, eternal fruit for the glory of the Lord. Here is that letter. “Hello Respected Sir! How are you Dr. Ron? I hope that you are fine in Jesus Christ. I am glad to writing you this letter after a long time. I never forget all that time which we have spent with you and indeed we learn a lot from you. I would love to mention that throughout of my ministerial career you contribute a big role. I still remember you took me as a volunteer worker for ARP Youth Ministry in 2008 and in 2009 you send me to ZBI and then with your encouragement and guideline you send me to Gujranwala theological seminary on 2011. “Respected Ron with your care and guideline, now I Rev. Sohail Sardar (seated left) am graduated (Master of Divinity) from Gujranwala the- and his father, Pastor Sardar (standing behind him) meet with ological seminary on 22nd March and presbytery ordain Mark Bhatti, Mission Property me on 28 June. Synod Exactive gave me responsibility of Manager, and Andy Howard, Field Director (both seated at right). ARP Church’s Christian Education. “Dr. Ron still you are in our Heart and we never forget your work, indeed it was marvelous. Still we appreciate your heart for Pakistan especially for Pakistani youth and Sunday schools. We have need still your guideline. We have need Christian Education program in our church more than before. . . . “We love you Dr. Ron and Pakistani Church have need you again with new tasks and goals for the spiritual revival and for the thousands souls. “In Prayers, Rev. Sohail Sardar” Scotland: Pray for God’s provision as the Pikes and Olsons prepare for service in Scotland. Pray for opportunities for both families to share their ministry vision with churches and small groups. PAID ANDERSON, SC US POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 400 Change Service Requested Short-Term Ministry: Pray for those children and youth who heard the Gospel during the various summer camps and outreaches. - Pray that whole families will come to Christ as a result of the Gospel seed sown over the summer. - Pray for Shelia Osborne and the fall events involving short-term missions. One Cleveland Street, Suite 220 Greenville, SC 29601 USA Chile: Pray for the English classes and the children’s Jesus Club and for the Youngs and Kings as they minister in these outreaches. - Pray for God’s comfort and provision for the children who attend the Jesus Club who seem to be often left alone, without proper care. - Pray God will send more students and children to these outreaches. NONPROFIT ORG. Asian: Pray for Cooperative Missionaries, Ridge and Connie Orr, as they teach children and adults in Bible studies. September 2014 – Juan Carlos and Ruth Bonilla, Spain GERMANY MISSION HIGHLIGHTS “I WANT TO BE A MISSIONARY” by Rebekah Carson “The reason I’m asking you all these questions is because I want to be a missionary!” said the young girl who approached me at World Focus. What a joyous time of seeing and celebrating what God is doing all over the globe, as World Witness workers from around the world gathered at Bonclarken in Hendersonville, NC, for World Focus. Speaking to this nine-year-old, who already feels called to full-time missions work, was a highlight for me. After sharing with her what I get to do in Germany, she even voiced interest in perhaps moving there one day! Praise God for sensitive hearts who hear His voice and willingly respond in faith. I have committed to praying for this girl weekly, along with others who expressed an interest in full-time ministry overseas. Is there a young, or not-so-young, person in your church who is interested in full-time Christian service? Would you commit to praying for and encouraging them as they pursue this call? May the Lord continue to raise up harvesters for the harvest! RETURNING TO BERLIN by Jeff and Suzanne Allers - Shelia Osborne, Short-term Ministry “World Focus was a wonderful reunion of many World Witness missionaries and all of the ARP agencies, where we were able to share what God is doing around the world. It was a blessing to spend time with so many families and pastors that pray for and support our family.” September 2 014 by Frank van Dalen, World Witness Executive Director An article from a German newspaper, “Die Welt,” in 2012, entitled, “Why Eastern Germany Is the Most Godless Place on Earth,” said that according to a recent study, atheism is very much alive and well in the eastern part of Germany. More than 60 percent of Berlin residents have no registered religious affiliation, and Berlin has been described as the “atheist capital of Europe.” For this reason, we return to Berlin, as of August 1. We are being sent to “pass on” the good news of God’s saving power and eternal plan for the Germans who have not yet heard. God’s face literally beams with joy as He considers His family and those who are coming to faith in Him. We are thankful for our time of refocusing and renewal at Bonclarken and for the support of the Reformation ARP Church families during our time of home assignment. At the World Focus Conference in June, we were overjoyed to see the Lord’s amazing work in all Allers at the airport the countries World Witness serves. As we return to Berlin, we rejoice to see our friends and renew relationships with our Philipp church. Jeff will be working with the church and local Christian school to begin a youth ministry partnership, while continuing to investigate partners and locations for a future multicultural ministry. We are thankful for your prayers and support. Please do not forward or post this information on any website without permission from World Witness. www.worldwitness.org ONE CLEVELAND STREET • SUITE 220 • GREENVILLE, SC 29601 • 864-233-5226 The Board of Foreign Missions of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church WOR L D FOCUS 2014 One Cleveland Street Suite 220 • Greenville SC 29601 864.233.5226 www.worldwitness.org The Board of Foreign Missions of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call,” -Acts 2:39