Volume 3, Number 3
May, 2005
Compassionate Mission - An Interview with Randy Uthe
Mission student and registered nurse Randy Uthe recently went to the state of Andhra Pradesh, on the eastern coast of India. He traveled between four different districts and interviewed preachers from another two districts, to cover a total of six districts in the state. eConnections recently asked Randy about his trip.
What brought about this trip to India and what motivated you to join the team?
I decided to get my theology degree to add to my nursing knowledge as a means of helping people who need it around the world--that is my mission. The Tsunami of December 26th, 2004 provided the door for this particular trip. The opportunity to learn in such a large scale relief effort was to great to pass up. My background with medical missions and the contacts that I have made through Healing Hands International provided me with the means to go to India. There is always a balance between academic knowledge and field knowledge. Those who are working towards a domestic ministry position often work for churches while in school. For me, these types of trips are the same thing, this is my field experience for the type of mission I see myself doing.
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Randy Uthe serving Tsunami survivors in India |
Since there was not a team from Abilene going for a specific relief effort, I joined a team of two that was already going to India to do other work. I in turn, integrated the medical and assessment portion of my trip into what they were doing. This allowed me to learn about the culture and form bonds and contacts there while doing the humanitarian work; instead of just focusing on what I wanted to do and then leave. Part of my missiology is to figure out how to best accomplish the humanitarian work in each individual field, working through local people, so that proper relationships can be formed through that work. I want to see medical missions have a greater role in mission work in general. Missionaries are having to learn what bridges to use in their respected areas as the non-Christian world is often not receptive to the gospel except through relationships that are built through other means first.
Share with us what your primary activities were?
As stated earlier, I was going to be traveling with two other individuals. First was Linda Egel from Abilene, who works with Eternal Threads and India's Child. The person whom we stayed with and helped with the entire trip was her business partner in India for these ministries, Johnson Medidi. The second person was Terry Cartright from Plano, who was going for a planned three day preachers seminar done through the ministries of Johnson Medidi. Before I left with them, Healing Hands and myself worked with Johnson to get some medical and food distribution camps set up for us while we were there. This was because Johnson and his ministries were near to many of the affected areas from the Tsunami. So while there, I worked with Johnson and Terry in teaching part of the three day preachers seminar. I taught biblical interpretation principles through the book of Philemon. I also worked with Johnson and Linda in assisting six different medical and distribution camps in six different Tsunami affected villages. In these, we handed out over 4050 Saree's for women, and over 2000 bags of rice, dal, and cooking oil for those in need. We also treated just under 2000 people with the help of local physicians and nurses.
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In many villages I traveled through, I also worked with local preachers and village elders assessing the damage caused by the Tsunami and what their specific needs were. From these assessment I have written a proposal for over $262,000 in relief for these areas. The monies will come from donations from Christians around the world who sent to Healing Hands International (as part of over $2 million in relief that will be spent in the different countries affected by the Tsunami). As part of Healing Hands, I participated with six different sub-teams in India alone. On top of the camps and assessments made, I worked closely with Johnson and local political officials to get a shipment of over $1.6 million worth of antibiotics approved to be flown into India to be distributed to different hospitals and clinics in the area. Other items that I worked on while there involved visiting many different new churches in the districts, preaching to and encouraging them, building relationships, and assessing future needs and ways that Healing Hands International could help local preachers bridge their ministries.
In the midst of such great devastation, what were some of the hopeful signs of grace that touched your heart?
There were many stories throughout the trip. Mostly, it was the warmth and resolve of the people I met. The more villages I visited, the more I started seeing amazing ways of how they work together to survive. Families that lost children strengthening one another. Villagers who's entire village was wiped out, taken in by nearby villages to live in. The fact that even though most of the villagers were having to scrounge for food, they were still closely working together to make sure no one was left hungry. One particular story I remember was of a preacher from the area who met us in one particular village he had heard we were going to visit. He had only been going to that village and ministering to those people for a short time. While there, that preacher met four widows who's husbands had been killed in the Tsunami and we worked with him to help these widows receive the items they needed to make a living for themselves in a cultural circumstance of being outcasts that was thrust upon them by a natural disaster. Another thing that really touched me was the opportunity to pray over people everywhere I went. I could see that God was using this tragedy for Him to become better known by those who were struggling through it.
If someone reading this story wanted to help, what avenues would you suggest?
The most important thing I believe is to work with missionaries that are already in the area you want to help. They not only know the territory, but also the culture and the people whom you can work through to accomplish your goals. They will be able to help with follow up after you leave as well. Also, work with those people and organizations who have experience in these types of trips. If you have the background to go on such a trip, go with those people. After such large tragedies, those people whom you are trying to help are in a heightened state of stress. Their survival mode has just been elevated way past that of their baseline survival mode. These types of relief camps can become dangerous quickly if not done properly. Many groups working in the Tsunami affected areas found themselves actually causing riots because they did not take the proper precautions. Lastly, just asking those organizations who do humanitarian relief what is needed will help. Each natural disaster is different and it is those organizations who are used to getting the needed supplies to the most needed areas. Many organizations are simply asking for money. This is because we are finding it easier and more culturally appropriate to get the items locally. It not only helps stimulate the economy faster after such an event, it helps the local preachers and ministers build the relationships they need with the people we are working with; instead of having items simply shipped to them that they don't need by people they don't know. The most important thing is simply working with those agencies who have a good reputation and track record and whom you can trust.
What next for you?
Right now, I am concentrating on finishing my current semester of school. I will continue to work on my M.Div. missions degree and work with Healing Hands International, which allows me to help missionaries in countries around the world with their local ministries. I will continue my annual medical trips to Mexico every summer and travel to different countries as opportunity for me to do so arises. I am still working through the relief coordination efforts for India even though I am back in the states. I will also have to do a follow up trip to India sometime in the next year to revisit the same villages and local ministers to evaluate the efforts that have been done. I will also be working with the churches who sent me in communicating the work that has been done on their behalf. Much of the work for these trips continues long after the actual travel is finished. But mainly, I pray that God will just continue to use me as He sees fit to do so.
On the Silk Road of Asia
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Uzbek village elders in the bazaar |
By Dan McVey, Mission Coordinator
During the recent Spring Break, I traveled to Uzbekistan to make contact with a house church movement in this Central Asian nation. I became aware of this movement through one of its leaders whom I met at an international conference last year. Due to security concerns, I cannot reveal his name or details about the believers, for the government of Uzbekistan is quite oppressive towards any Uzbeks or expatriates who engage in any form of evangelism or open expression of Christian faith. Uzbekistan is the modern nation state that has inherited the culture, languages and religion of the Central Asian empire of Amir Timur (Tamerlane, 14th century). Islam is the dominant religious and cultural influence, so as a teacher of Islamic studies, I was able to visit various madrassas (Islamic seminaries), mosques and historical sites.
I took along Bryan Harrison, an ACU graduate student (MDIV), and Bryan Hudkins, a graduate of Harding University and Wheaton College's graduate school of missions, both of whom have great hearts for the Muslim world. Our times with Uzbek believers and Muslims in their homes and on the way were filled with prayer, learning and building great friendships. Such journeys are not only for information gathering, but for lifting up the eyes of young, noble leaders who can take the spiritual initiatives to spearhead cross-cultural partnerships in evangelism. The number of believers in Uzbekistan is estimated at somewhere around 500,000 out of a population of 24 million (80% Muslim). We kept running into them here in addition to those we purposefully met and traveled with. The prayer times were very moving and powerful, and our own lives were blessed with by the humility, faith and willingness to suffer we found in the hearts of these great people. Uzbeks in general are very hospitable and kind, but the simple lifestyles and committed devotion of the Christians are a pure inspiration.
This nation with such a rich heritage and history is ripe for the Gospel. According to most missiological statistics, the Turkic world (from Macedonia to China) is being blessed with perhaps the highest response rate to the Gospel of any part of the world right now. We surely saw this in Uzbekistan. Since our return, not less than 6 new believers have been added to one small group of disciples we know of. Such groups are scattered throughout the land.
The ancient Silk Route of Central Asia is once again in use. This time, the news of Jesus is the commodity in highest demand.
Students Lobby Texas Legislature
"The mission of the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy is to train men and women for Christian service and leadership in the area of therapeutic services and ministry to families, couples, and individuals around the world."
As is portrayed by this statement, the mission of our department is two-fold. Our faculty and supervisors are people strong in the faith who endeavor to place Christ at the center of all their teaching. We offer what many Marriage and Family Therapy programs do not--a view of the field of marriage and family therapy through the lens of faith. Applicants typically choose us because of this lens and inevitably benefit from their faith-based training.
The other aspect of our mission is of equal importance. We train therapists "for service and leadership in the area of therapeutic services." The desire we have for our students is to train them to be exemplar as clinicians and to be equipped as leaders in the profession. We work toward this goal through the subject material we present, as well as through our involvement at the state and national levels. Our faculty has been and continues to be visible through presentations at the state and national level and through active participation on the state professional board, the state licensing board, and the national regulatory board. We talk of this involvement with our students and, when the opportunity presents itself, involve them directly.
An example of this involvement occurred on April 5. Every few years, the professional organization initiates a large-scale lobby of the state legislature. A call is sent out for volunteers and we offer the opportunity to our students to lobby regarding legislation that is coming up before the House and Senate. When the opportunity arose this year, many of our students chose to participate. They made the four-hour trip to Austin to spend the day having a personal impact on the outcome of the legislation. They rubbed shoulders with professionals in the field as they went from office to office talking about the bills that will have a significant impact on the profession.
The day began with an award ceremony for the attorney general. He made his way around the room shaking hands and meeting each of the 80-plus individuals. He spoke of his commitment to families and the impact our profession has on the health of families in the state. This ceremony was followed by an introduction to the process of lobbying. Talking points were discussed and the students were paired with professionals from around the state. Each pair/group was given a number of names of representatives or senators to visit. The day was spent making the visits with representatives and senators or, as was often the case, their aides.
The impact of the experience on the students was significant. The comment repeatedly offered was that they had their eyes opened to the larger profession. Rather than the typical focus of what is happening in the counseling room, they received insight into what is going on behind the profession. They realized that they have the ability to be part of the shaping of the future of marriage and family therapy and looked with anticipation to future involvement at the state and national levels. Thus as our mission statement implies, they can be the leaven of Christ to the profession of marriage and family therapy. It is no small thing to have Christians involved at this level around the country. God will use them as his instruments to shape the field in the way best suited to his kingdom.
ACU Summer Workshop: "Set Your Hearts on Things Above"
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This summer, please schedule Summer Workshop 2005 in your congregations' summer plans. Hosted at Abilene Christian University on Thursday evening through Saturday noon, July 28-30, 2005, the Workshop is intended to encourage and to equip Christian servants in a variety of teaching, ministry and missional roles in the church. As our workshop theme suggests, the classes, worship, and the fellowship are all designed to inspire us to "set our hearts on things above."
In addition to featured speaker Dwight Robarts of Dallas, exceptional presenters from churches around our fellowship will share powerful and practical ways to help us grow as servants in the Kingdom. Outstanding classes for Bible teachers from preschool, children, youth and adults are scheduled.
In addition to workshops focusing on Bible teaching for all ages, specialized tracks focusing on Older Adults Ministry, Small-Church Ministry, and Certification for using the Prepare/Enrich instrument for pre-marital guidance for engaged couples will also be featured. This is an excellent opportunity to equip your church for effective ministry.
This year, reduced cost for housing on campus is available. Please look through the schedule and registration details available through the link on this web site http://www.acu.edu/events/summerworkshop.html. If we can help with questions, please contact Kate Henderson in Ministry Events (hendersonk@bible.acu.edu) or David Wallace, coordinator of this summer's workshop (Wallace@bible.acu.edu).
Come join us this summer at ACU for Summer Workshop. Bring a group from your church. The classes and presentations will be outstanding. The worship and fellowship together will be a taste of heaven.
Senior Blessing
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| John Willis prays with students at the Senior Blessing. | David Wray holds his own in a competitive game of spoons. |
The annual Senior Blessing was definitely a blessing for all who attended. On April 14, 2005, graduating Bible students joined the faculty from the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry at Big Country Baptist Association Camp just north of Abilene to celebrate the students' accomplishments and growth at ACU and to bless them as they step out into the world of ministry.
The afternoon included lunch, a competitive game of spoons, and a time of worship including testimonies from professors about their most memorable experiences in ministry. This was followed by quiet time for students to reflect upon their time at ACU. Students also participated in group prayer stations that focused on various aspects of life and ministry. Before dinner, students and professors engaged in team building activities such as "Bind Us Together" and "Down to the River to Pray." After dinner, the actual "Senior Blessing" began, a time when everyone - students, faculty, and staff - gathered to express to each other how meaningful and impactful their short journey together at ACU had been and to challenge each other to keep growing and to keep glorifying God in all things.
The evening ended with a special surprise for Dr. David Wray, who will be stepping down from his position as department chair at the end of this semester. To honor Dr. Wray for his dedicated service as chair, the faculty and students presented him with a framed image signed by all of this year's graduating seniors. May God bless our seniors for their commitment to loving him by serving others.
Spring Break Campaigns
Spring Break Campaigns successfully sent out student-led groups to 33 different locations around the world with 26 domestic campaigns (including the states of Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) and 7 international campaigns (including the countries of the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Scotland, and Toronto). This year nearly 500 students paid to spend their Spring Break in service to one of these 33 locations. Our theme verse this year was simple: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). We wanted to carry the name of Jesus Christ into the world in practical and missional ways through which people could see the love of Christ in our acts of service.
Spring Break Campaigns had about 70 leaders take on the task of leading these groups to their respective locations. The committee specifically wanted to train our leaders to prepare and equip their campaigners for missional outreach and service by exemplifying integrity in preparation, organization, and character in order to establish an environment of prayer and Christ-likeness in a united focus to seek God's glory. Committee members and leaders intentionally tried to create a spiritually formative atmosphere in which campaigners could most effectively minister in their campaign environment. To accomplish this commitment, the committee met with leaders once a week to address any campaign needs and deadlines concerning the financial status, travel arrangements, and spiritual focus of each campaign.
Additionally, the SBC Committee requires that all leaders meet once a week with an ACU faculty or staff mentor. Because we send out student-led campaign, the committee sees the partnership between Campaigns and the university as essential, and therefore we seek out faculty or staff members who are willing to walk alongside of campaign leaders to provide mentoring. This year, ten faculty and staff from the university met the challenge to guide our student campaign leaders by praying and critically thinking through issues of group dynamics, case-study scenarios, and relevant campaign situations through which leaders might go. Our mentors were invaluable to the process of holding our leaders to maintain high standards of being intentional in leading their campaigners into the presence of God.
Spring Break Campaigns 2005 successfully ministered the gospel of Jesus Christ to hundreds of people. We were dedicated to our mission, which states that "the purpose of Spring Break Campaigns is to impact lives through student-led short-term missions that are dedicated to Christ-like service throughout the world." This is exactly what we accomplished!
University Scholars
Only 50 University Scholars are selected each year from students nominated by the ACU faculty. To be eligible for consideration, the student must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and must have completed at least 90 hours by the end of the fall semester preceding presentation of the honor, and plans to graduate in the current calendar year. Students nominated as University Scholars are some of the top ACU students who excel in scholarly activity in their disciplines. The 50 University Scholars are chosen by the University Scholars subcommittee of the Faculty Senate, and confirmed by the entire Senate.
University Scholars were honored at a special chapel service on Thursday, April 14 at 11:00 at the Chapel on the Hill. Provost Dwayne VanRheenen presented the awards to the students. Steven Moore, English, and 2004 recipient of the Trustees Teacher of the Year award, gave a charge to the class of scholars. University Scholars received a certificate and medal and will be designated as University Scholars in the commencement program upon graduation.
The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry University Scholars Nominees for 2005 were Collin Packer, Michael McFarland, and David Shaw.
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| University scholars Colilin Backer, Michael McFarland and David Shaw with their hosts Randy Harris, Jerry Taylor and Ken Cukrowski respectively | ||
Missions Focus: "Incarnational Ministry and Partnership"
Our world demonstrates the fact that we work better when we partner with others. Sending churches, missionaries, and mission teams need to intersect with the national church meaningfully. Supporting churches are no longer the primary catalysts for missions anymore.
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Sherwood Lingenfelter |
During May 24-25 Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter is going to help us capture a vision of how we can be both partners and incarnational ministers. Dr. Lingenfelter brings with him a wealth of experience and academic expertise. His topics will be: Tuesday: "Is Culture Positive, Negative or Neutral to the Gospel?" and "Incarnational Living, Learning and Witness." Wednesday: "Basic Values and Ministry" and "Cultural Bias and Pilgrim Living." Thursday: "Resources and Power in Ministry Partnerships" and "Power-seeing vs. Power-giving in Ministry Relationships."
Come and experience new ways of thinking about working with others. God's Kingdom demands that we have partnerships that model his own coming into our world (incarnational). Your church and your mission work will be blessed by these three days.
Another part of Missions Focus is equipping groups. In the afternoons you will sign up to attend one of these sessions presented by proven experts. Sessions include: The Work of a Missions Committee, Evangelism, Reaching the World of Islam, A Faith Response to Poverty, Managing Stress, or Financial Challenges for Missionaries (Taxes and Planning).
The costs for Missions Focus are listed on our website http://www.bible.acu.edu/missions/page.asp?ID=1186. The costs are minimal but the experience will be of great value to you and your church.
Course on Hispanic Missions in the U.S.
Have you ever wondered how to effectively reach the Hispanics in your area? Many wonderful churches reach out to this dynamic, growing segment of our nation. Yet, some efforts to reach this population struggle and find it difficult to have a vital identity separate from the Anglo church. This summer Dr. Dan Rodriguez from Pepperdine University will be teaching a significant course during the Summer Seminar in Missions. His class is called "Hispanic Missions in the U.S.: Missions to and from the Barrio." Dan brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this important subject. Come and increase the effectiveness of your church's outreach to your neighbors.
The dates for the class are May 16-26. This course can be taken for graduate academic credit or can be taken as a CEU (Continuing Education Unit). The CEU fee is $150.00. Check our website http://www.bible.acu.edu/missions/SummerSeminar for additional information regarding costs for Seminar and the course.
Salt and Light Resources
A new website has been launched dedicated to churches and leaders interested in missional innovation. There will be essays, articles, interviews, book lists, audio resources, and project pages. Most of these things will have blogging features so that we can be in dialog with each other. Check it out at www.saltandlightresources.com.
Atlanta ElderLink 2005 Completed
On Saturday, March 19, more than 200 church leaders from the Southeast U. S. converged at the Campus Church of Christ on the Greater Atlanta Christian Schools campus in Atlanta, GA for Atlanta ElderLink 2005. Presenters included Randy Harris (ACU), Terry Briley (Lipscomb), David Wray (ACU), Doug Foster (ACU), Stephanie Bell (Montgomery, AL), Jay Guin (Tuscaloosa, AL), Jerry Sherrill (Madison, TN), Jason Thompson (Nashville, TN), Charles Holton, Janice Massey, and Paul Watson (all from Durham, NC), and Charles Siburt (ACU). For more information about topics and sessions, click on http://www.acu.edu/ministry/elderlink/conferences/atlanta.html. The date for Atlanta ElderLink 2006 will be Saturday, March 25, 2006.
First Houston ElderLink Forum Launched
The first Houston ElderLink Forum was launched on Saturday, April 16, 2005 at the Bammel Road Church of Christ in Houston, TX. Approximately 210 registrants participated in the day of encouragement and equipping for church leaders from the South Texas area, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Presenters included Randy Harris (ACU), Rick Marrs (Pepperdine), David Wray, Jeff Childers, Ken Cukrowski, Tom and Sandra Milholland, and Charles and Judy Siburt ( all from ACU), and Hal Elrod, Virgil Fry, and Richard Fancer (from Houston). For more details about topics, click on http://www.acu.edu/ministry/elderlink/conferences/houston.html. The date for next year's Houston ElderLink will be Saturday, April 29, 2006 at the Bammel Road Church of Christ.
2005 Ministers Salary Survey Now In Progress
In 2004 ACU administered a nationwide Ministers Salary Survey for ministers in Churches of Christ in various ministry roles and in all 50 states. The results of that 2004 survey are available on ACU's Ministry Resources page at http://www.acu.edu/ministry/salarysurvey.html. The 2005 Ministers Salary Survey is now in progress, and at least 400 ministers have already completed the survey. If you would like to participate in the survey, either email siburt@bible.acu.edu or go to http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey.zgi?p=WEB2NCUGAKYH. It will take you to the link to complete the survey electronically. Results of the 2005 survey will be posted on the Ministry Resources page sometime during June.
Five to Receive Doctor of Ministry Degrees
Five candidates will receive their Doctor of Ministry degrees at ACU's Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 7. The five are Wyatt Fenno (Oklahoma City, OK), Doug Hall (Fort Collins, CO), Harry Hamilton (Santiago, Chile), John Siburt (Richardson, TX), and Greg York (Indianapolis, IN). Seven new students will enter the Doctor of Ministry program in June.
Alumni News
Alexander Kyrychenko has recently published The Old Slavonic Acts in Apparatus critici of the Greek NT: Observations and Suggestions, Novum Testamentum 47 1 (2005): 69-74.
Future Courses
Just Released
The Body Broken
Embracing the Peace of Christ in a Fragmented Church
By Jack Reese
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| Cover of The Body Broken |
From the publisher: "Writing with passion and great pastoral sensitivity, Jack Reese urges Christians to live together peaceably while dealing with their differences in ways that honor Christ and reflect the gospel."
"What to do about differences within the Body of Christ? Jack Reese shows us how to love and serve Jesus and, at the same time, faithfully love one another. In The Body Broken, Reese restores my faith that those who gather at the Lord's Table can be one."
William Willimon, author of Sunday Dinner: The Lord's Supper and the Christian Life, and Remember Who You Are: Baptism, A Model for Christian Life
"Every now and then a book comes along that demands our attention because of its compelling relevancy. This is such a book. With language that is tender, confessional, and candid, Reese examines the causes of our fragmentation and our inability to have meaningful dialogue. Christians who care about the condition of the church will want the guidance and encouragement found in this warm and personal book.
Joy McMillon, Associate Editor, The Christian Chronicle
220 pages, $13.99 paper ISBN 0-9748441-7-9
To Order: Leafwood Publishers, Siloam Springs, AR 877.634.6004 (toll free) ~or~ ACU Campus Store 325.674.2524
Special offer from ACU Press
Preaching the 8th Century Prophets, Volume 5 in the Rochester College Lectures on Preaching Series.
Regularly priced at $16.95, you can order this book at a special price of $14.95 by clicking the link below. Don't miss this chance to get a great book at a great price.
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Get all five volumes of the Rochester College Lectures on Preaching for 10% off the retail price.
Volume 1- Preaching Luke/Acts
Volume 2- Preaching Autobiography: Connecting the World of the Preacher and the World of the Text
Volume 3- Preaching Romans
Volume 4- Preaching Hebrews
Volume 5- Preaching the Eighth Century Prophets
Now available at a special price of $72.00
Click here to order:
http://aes.acu.edu:8080/store/detail.jsp?subcategory=dis&category=bks&-skipRows=3
