Chicago Metro Presbytery

Organization Service for Lincoln Square Presbyterian Church

2012-01-27T08:21:00.001-08:00

Please join us for the organization service for Lincoln Square Presbyterian Church:

Sunday, March 4 at 4:30 pm

Waters Elementary School

4540 North Campbell Avenue

Chicago, IL [Map it]

LSPC website: http://www.lincolnsquarepres.org/

New Music from Covenant

2011-12-14T07:20:00.001-08:00

Check out this music offered from Coveannt Presbyterian Church:

http://chicagometropreschristmas.bandcamp.com/

Looking Ahead at 2012

2011-11-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

TE Chad Lewis, Lincoln Square Presbyterian Church, has been elected the Moderator of Chicago Metro Presbytery for 2012; RE Tom Petroskey, Vice-Moderator; RE Choong Thio, Treasurer; and TE Nate Conrad, Stated Clerk.

The first meeting of 2012 will be held Wednesday, January 18th, 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Naperville Presbyterian Church
943 Sanctuary Lane
Naperville, IL 60540 (map)
www.npchurch.org
630-961-0579

Schedule:

12:00 pm - Lunch

1:00 pm - Business Begins

4:00 pm - Business Adjourns

Final 2011 Presbytery Meeting

2011-06-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Final 2011 Presbytery Meeting for your planning:

Wednesday, October 26, 12:00 – 4:00
Covenant Presbyterian Church
2012 West Dickens Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
http://www.covenantchicago.org/
773-486-9590

Audio: The Gospel Coalition National Conference

2011-04-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Please find the audio from The Gospel Coalition here.

PCA Response to the Aquila Report

2011-04-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

Many are perhaps familiar with the Aquila Report. Here is a response from the PCA's Stated Clerk regarding the new Administrative Funding Plan that was passed last year at General Assembly.

Click here for the response.

Update on New Hope Haitian

2011-03-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent newsletter from New Hope Haitian Community Church: Download Newsletter

Haiti Mission Trip - July 2011

2011-03-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

We are beginning the preparations for the next Haiti trip in July 2011. As you know these trips are an integral part in supporting the on going work of ESMI. The Chicago Metro Presbytery is sponsoring a medical missions trip this summer July 22-30. We welcome your support, involvement, and prayers as we prepare to serve the Haitian people.

Churches and individuals have an opportunity to get involved on different levels.

Download the promo flyer

Pray: We ask that you would be in prayer for the leaders of El Shaddai Ministries and this trip, for a strong team to form across the churches, for the collection of materials, funds, and necessary items be provided, and for the spiritual and physical needs of the Haitian people. While the team is in Haiti churches and individuals can receive daily updates and pray specifically for the challenges the team is facing.

Support: We are in need of underwriting the cost of drugs and medical instruments associated with this trip.

Pack: Each team member on the trip will bring two 50 pound duffel bag filled with necessary items--clothes, shoes, medicine, and hygiene items. Churches can collect items and help pack these duffel bags that are essential to our mission. An item priority list will be sent to you soon.

Go: Individuals who are interested in being a part of this team are invited to attend an informational meeting Friday, April 8 at Naperville Presbyterian Church at 7pm or Thursday, April 7 at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 7pm.

Attached is an informational flier that churches may use to promote the July trip. Please feel free use this information in your newsletters, bulletins, and email communications.

If you or your church would like to be involved please contact Chris Kerslake or AnnaMarie Stastny at cmphaititrip@gmail.com.

Midwest Connection - A Conference for the Midwest Region

2011-03-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Connecting for vision, encouragement, and equipping.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at noon
to Thursday, May 12, 2011 at noon
Chicago IL

Click here for registration information.
Questions? Please contact Ann Powers at apowers@pcanet.org

Why a regional conference?

The Midwest DOES have its own mindset, culture, and sensibilities. Live somewhere else for a while and then come back and you'll see that more clearly! A regional event can equip you to reach those you are ministering to - most if not all workshop facilitators will have deep experience in this region.
A regional event can provide exposure to church planting and church growth principles in an exciting teaching environment for staff and laypeople in an economical way. Bring a whole team!
To encourage the far flung and sometimes isolated planters and pastors in the Midwest and their spouses. It gets lonely out there sometimes!

You'll benefit in these ways:

Something for everyone - No matter your situation, you'll come away with valuable insights that will apply to your ministry. Some things in the lineup:

The Praying Life, led by Bob Allums of seejesus.net
Church Planting Strategies for the Local Church
Redemptive Preaching
Outreach and Ministry in

Campus Communities
Urban Contexts
Small Towns and Rural Communities
Effective Evangelism in a Postmodern World

Going the Distance: Thriving in Ministry Over the Long Haul
Serving the Community Through Ministries of Mercy, Service, and Justice

There will also be time for worship, sharing stories of God's grace, and casual interaction/free time. Special roundtables over meals for MNA Chairmen, church planters, and women.
Small numbers - so there's lots of interaction time with presenters and other participants who are in similar ministry positions. The teaching team will be anchored by Church Planting Coordinator/Midwest Regional Coordinator Ted Powers. Some of the content will be filled in as we hear of your questions and needs between now and the registration deadline - so register early and help us resource you!
Inexpensive - a minimal registration fee covers most meals. You cover two nights in a hotel room, one meal on your own, and all transportation both to Chicago and while in Chicago. There's even an option for complementary housing in a host home if that makes it easier for you. The lower cost and shorter timeframe also allow you to bring additional team members from your church, which we highly encourage.
Centrally located in a hub city- you can get to Chicago from just about anywhere in ½ a day. Our schedule accommodates same day arrival, saving most participants the cost of another night in a hotel. Our host church, Naperville Presbyterian Church in suburban Naperville, is equally convenient by car from either Chicago airport. (There are no airport shuttles; you will need your own local transportation for the duration of this event.)
Free time to relax, refresh, and pick each others' brains over a meal or some ice cream by Naperville's scenic River Walk or a jaunt into the city.

Click here for registration at $89 per person.
This covers 3 meals and snacks. Please register everyone in your group using this link. We encourage you to tell us your questions and issues. We will tailor the event to address the needs of registrants. There will be also be time for interaction, Q & A, and consultations with presenters outside of seminar times. You may list your questions and issues when you register at the link above.

Haiti 2011 Mission Trip

2011-03-02T14:53:00.001-08:00

Next Haiti Trip: July 22-30. Commitment date will be April 11; information meetings to be held very soon. Watch this space for more info…

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #9

2011-03-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

I have to thank you for your love, your strength and your determination to serve our Lord Jesus. You have demonstrated the heart of a genuine servant of Jesus among us. Our heart is overwhelmed by such a miracle. Thank you so much.

Sunday's services was incredible at La Savannes. The church was pact and their was no more room inside so people had to stand outside. Your last trip is a life changing experience in this community. They will never forget you. Pastor Mongerard and his wife are so happy. They cannot wait to see you in July.

Jude is doing well now. He is ok. His life is change for ever. Even thou we did not take the needle out, he can start to feel the changes in his life. He understood the word the Lord placed in your heart for him. He'll live with the thorn in his flesh, but it get no power over him anymore. His Lord is greater. Alleluia! He was at church on sunday worshiping the Lord by lifting up the hand that the devil used to use in the past.

Thank you for the money you'll send for the river at Cherette. It is amazing! We are going to act quickly because we would like to finish it before May. ESMI has no words to express its gratitude toward you and your brothers and sisters for such a blessing. We are so happy to be able to get this blessing to save our ministry in Cherette. With out this work, we would lose the church and eventually the school and the orphanage buildings. The whole community is happy. Not only you are going to save the ministry property, but also you are providing more than 375 new jobs. We are going to need that many people to dig, to place, to cary rocks and fill the gabbions. Cherette will never be the same.

Pastor Mongerard is so happy to know that God has answer the prayer of his congregation about the floor of the church. Now they'll be able to stand properly and worship all together, the whole Body of Christ at La Savannes. As soon we get the money, we'll have it done and we'll send all the pictures to you dear Brother.

Our joy is unspeakable. Please share our best regards with your lovely family and all the team members for their tremendous efforts to share Jesus' love with our nation. May His grace be with you all for ever and ever.

Blessings,
Louis

Living Hope Church Update

2011-02-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

February 25, 2011: Good news brightens a cloudy day in Chicago:

1. Last night the purchase of 6414 S Cottage Grove was successful, and it all cost just under $100,000. On top of it all, we now have conclusive evidence that the basement of the building functioned as a speak-easy during prohibition days, and that the building also is one of the pool halls in the movie "The Color of Money." I'm not sure that ten years ago anyone in our neighborhood would've imagined that this place as one day a house of Christ-centered worship and service in the community. Visit our Facebook page "Vision 2020" for more information.

2. We also received news that a sister church, Naperville Presbyterian, has raised $18,000 for us to purchase the new roof which is the repair most needed right now, to begin to protect the building, which is now God's gift to us to steward well. Thanks to Naperville for their generosity and God for his grace.   Please continue to pray for large and small acts of generosity to continue as we stand humbled and thankful at the Body of Christ helping to make Vision 2020 a reality.

3. Please enjoy the 5 minute video that gives a glimpse of what the building looks like, a bit of the demo work, and a few brief interviews with some of our younger members of Living Hope. Feel free to share the link with others who may want to partner with us and pray for us.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf3RcELCyS4

4. Please pray for the hope of neighborhood to be renewed by the hope of the gospel of Jesus. In the past week alone, three young men have been shot within 3 blocks of our home. Cornell is a 19 year old who played on a summer league basketball ministry team that I helped to coach. Last week he was shot in the knee one block from our home and is recovering in the hospital (in January, another young man who played on our same team was shot and killed). In the exact same location, a block from our home, another 19 year old was shot and killed just Wednesday. And three blocks away, another young man shot and killed while sitting in his car.    I've noticed that the news doesn't jolt me like it used to, but we continue to be burdened by the broken lives around us, and as God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to do for God's city of old, we continue to pray for the shalom of this city, for in its peace will be our peace.

Thanks for all your support and prayers, and may you find great joy in our living hope in the living Christ and set your hope fully on the grace of God yet to be revealed in Him,

Brad

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #8

2011-02-26T05:26:00.000-08:00

The week in Haiti culminated on an incredibly high note for the Cambry-based team today in Savanes.

It started months ago, when everyone on the team committed to going, began to pray and plan in the US. And it began in Haiti with Pastor MonChera in Savanes praying fervently for this week, as well as Louis, Dony, and everyone at ESMI. It continued this week as hundreds of people who requested daily updates on the team’s activity prayed.

And today, besides the excellent medical care provided to the residents of the wrong side of a poor town in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the tangible, pulsating, power of God was on display.

Amidst the non-stop work on people’s bodies, Haitian souls were touched as well. The team was asked questions like “How do I have Jesus in my heart?” and heard things like “I want to follow your Jesus”. At every station along the way providing medical care, the team prayed for people before moving them along. Towards the end of the day, a team member went looking for Pastor MonChera to introduce him to yet another person who had just prayed to receive Christ with him. Meeting Louis along the way and explaining why he needed Pastor MonChera, Louis said “ANOTHER one?”. It was truly a day of healing, answered prayer, and heart revival in this poor, dirty, heartsore corner of the world. The team’s prayer for Savanes is that this week of ministry might indeed turn the tide from darkness to light for this community. What a day for rejoicing!

The team is exhausted and exhilarated, clearly delighted at being used to touch so many lives in so many ways, and doing it with such a true team effort, where everyone had multiple roles to play and supported each other throughout. Praise God, all remained healthy this week, as well.

Tomorrow is a day of travel and “re-entry”. Life back in the US will seem surreal, no doubt, after the experiences of the week. Please pray for safe travel on Saturday; the Cambry based team will leave at 4:00 a.m. for the drive to Port au Prince (which should be a four hour drive), the team in Jeremie will rendezvous with them at the PAP airport. The plane for Miami leaves at 1:00 EST. Also, please pray for the opportunity to decompress over the next week at home after such an intense time. Lastly, please pray for Pastor MonChera in Savanes, Pastor Nerva in Cherette, and the 150 pastors who attended the workshop earlier in the week, for Dony and Louis St. Germaine and all of the ESMI staff. They are the modern day heroes of the faith in Haiti, the ones who are in it for the long haul against such great obstacles.

This will be the last team update unless a specific need for prayer pops up tomorrow. You’ll be hearing from team members in person very soon!

haiti 2011 Mission Update #7

2011-02-25T04:46:00.000-08:00

February 24, 2011: Just a few comments overheard back at the guest house in Cambry this evening…

“It just keeps getting better and better”

“That car ride is a total blast”

“Thanks for the prayers!”

Today was a wonderful day in Cherette with the children. Just a few good things to come out of the day:

All of the children were checked out by medical staff, washed in scabies wash solution and given new clothes.
The children worked laboriously on notes to send back to their US sponsors.
New pictures were taken of all of them for their sponsors.
ESMI staff has confirmed that several orphans who had been placed at Cherette following the earthquake have been found by their extended families and reunited. This is a good outcome for them!
A donor has come forward after hearing of the need to do some major construction for a retaining wall there to protect the village from the encroaching river. It is taken care of! ONE DAY after making the need known…God is great!
The team is tired, but happy. GREAT team chemistry and working together so well! They are laughing a lot together, and having great times of prayer during the team meetings.
All remain healthy.

About that car ride…the team left Cherette on the late side and had to do the entire trip in the SUV’s, not the bus, as the bus’s headlights weren’t functioning. But that made it even more fun. Watch for the pictures soon – rigged up by tying a camera onto a team member’s head to approximate a tripod. No one could hold a camera because they needed to hold on to their seats…necessity is the mother of invention.

A few pictures…

For those who are wondering, a picture of a scabies outbreak. Most of children have pretty serious cases. It is a maddening itch!
A community member mentioned in yesterday’s update with the serious ankle wound. This man has a gut-wrenching story…but more on that in the team reports!
Pastor Nerva, one of the orphans, and Erin F. This man is a former voodoo priest who converted and literally changed Cherette from a dark place to a place of hope. Let me know if you want more of his story…I can send it to you.

And prayers for tomorrow (Friday)…back in Savanes for most of the team.

Some will stay in Cambry at the orphanage seeing patients, doing dental training, and doing data input into electronic medical files that are being started on the children in Cherette.
The others will arrive in Savanes at about 9:30 EST to set up and see patients all day. “Community leaders” will provide crowd control, and Louis will be there overseeing everything. It will be a crazy day. Please pray as you are able throughout the day for calm and peace to reign.
Pray for the gospel to penetrate the hearts of those who are seeking medical care. Teams will share the good news and pray with each person coming for care.
Pray that this last day of ministry is enhanced by tremendous team work and unity of purpose by the team – a great end to a fantastic week.
Don’t forget our “satellite team” in Jeremie. No word on their day today, but prayers for them as they continue seeing patients tomorrow are appreciated.

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #6

2011-02-24T05:37:00.000-08:00

So much fun to report today!

First, a ride worthy of any amusement park into some of the most beautiful, lush jungle ever seen by our team members. The ride to Cherette started in a bus, switched to 4WD vehicles, and ended with a 200 yard hike when the trucks could go no further. The trip took two hours, winding through villages and using river beds as roads. The “greenness” and clean air was a welcome change from the setting of the day before.

But the biggest fun was the children of Cherette. When the team arrived in the village (a small hamlet, really) they went into the church. The children were brought classroom by classroom in to meet them until all were there together, and with some trepidation and shyness started to interact with the team. Slowly, smiles started to break out, then hugs, then songs, then joyful faces – then tears as our team reveled in the joy the children displayed and their lively singing together. Our team even did a rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” – first in English, and then in what was described as “pathetic creole” by one team member. But no matter! It was enjoyed by all. Eric P did a children’s message on the theme of the Body of Christ, telling the children they were all one body together with their friends from America as well as other Christians in Haiti and around the world. Katie F then took a few minutes to explain to the children that they each had a “special friend” back in Chicago or Las Vegas in America who was praying for them and helping to provide what they needed (food, clothing, school, etc.) – and that their friends had sent a picture and a note to them! Very soon after, children were seen walking around clutching pictures and notes. See the picture attached of the kids at Cherette.

The medical teams got set up then and started checking the children for overall health and dealing with situations as needed. Scabies is still rampant, so all were given a scabies wash and clean clothes. Overall, the health of the children is improved from the last visit. Tomorrow, the team will train the housemoms and Pastor Nerva in the use of the scabies wash and leave a good supply with them for frequent use as needed. They will also teach the children dental hygiene and give each a toothbrush and toothpaste. Pictures attached of scabies washing and a happy girl with new clothes J

Some adults from Cherette were seen as well, including one man with an old, unhealed wound on his leg which actually showed exposed ankle bone. Life is hard in many ways in Haiti; this man looked to be about 70, but was actually 41.

A few of the team members also did some planning on improvements that can be done to the village that will remove the threat of flooding from the nearby river. If nothing is done, the church will likely be gone within a year, the school and perhaps the entire village in two. The good news: clean water is now available for the first time ever via a long stretch of pipe from a newly dug well, and bathrooms have been built since the last visit by our team.

The California crew departed earlier today from Cambry for Jeremie. It was hard for the team to split up! They will meet back up at the airport in Port au Prince on Saturday. In Jeremie, the team will focus on seeing children displaced by last year’s earthquake who are now living there, as well as explore options for future joint projects. We hope to be able to hear from them and continue to update you on their work there.

Tomorrow, the remaining team members will go back to Cherette for the day. Medical needs of children not seen today will be attended to.

Please pray for these things:

For a joyful day of service with the precious children of Cherette tomorrow
For continued health for the team. There have been a few queasy stomachs, but so far all are doing extremely well
For good rest when possible. Adrenalin can only take one so far; people are tired!
Looking ahead to Friday – another day back in Savanes. Pray even now for calm and peace to reign so the team can work effectively for the benefit of the community.

Praise for:

Wonderful team spirit and smooth teamwork. They are having a great time together!
The improved conditions in Cherette and the work that has been done which will increase overall health. The well is a huge step forward!
Safe travels thus far
Fun had by all today!
The phenomenal impact the teaching team had on 150 very tired and spiritually hungry pastors over three days of teaching them and praying with them

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #5

2011-02-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

First of all, thanks to those of you who were able to pray today for the situation in Savanes, the slums of Cayes. Our team finished a tremendous day of ministry that not only impacted individuals in dire need of care (over 120 adults and children were treated for a wide variety of needs) but it really seems to have shifted the balance in that community. By their presence there “nan nom Jesi” (creole for “in the name of Jesus”) they were witnesses to the truth and power of the gospel. Even the residents with the hardest hearts have had to ask themselves why else the team would come! The press of the crowds threatened to overwhelm, but it was out of desperation and not anger or malice towards our team. Your prayers were much appreciated!

One brief, powerful story from Savanes today: Jude is a gang leader whose wife has been a believer for two years, but he wanted no part of it. Today, he saw Jesus in the work of our team and came forward to proclaim “I want to be a Christian”. With much tears and prayer, he accepted Jesus as his Savior and proceeded to hug the men on the team multiple times saying they were now brothers. His position in the community is such that this change in his life will make powerful ripples through the gangs. Jude’s picture is attached here. Please pray for him!

The teaching team is bearing tremendous fruit as well. It is not only teaching the pastors, but ministering to them as well. They seem exhausted and much time is spent in prayer for their churches, their families, and themselves. The training team says that “the Spirit has really shown up” to guide and empower their time together. They finish up with a half day session tomorrow morning.

The Cambry team was able to do several medical procedures today. Each medical trip there allows for deeper care, tackling more difficult things as doctors are more plentiful, supplies are available, and the general level of baseline care improves with each visit. Growths and abscesses were removed today that were not possible to deal with on prior trips. Also, one of the docs was able to remove sixth fingers on a baby’s hands today. One new element introduced on this trip is dental training – donated toothbrushes and toothpaste will be given to every child in Cambry and Charette, along with instructions on how to use them. We hope this will help, as our last team’s dentist found much tooth decay among the children.

After long and intense days, the team was grateful that the power was on and showers were a possibility! An extra guest showed up at the team meeting to add a little more excitement – a tarantula the size of a hand crawled across the floor. Kudos to Chuck M for being quick enough to dispatch it before it did any harm or caused any heart attacks.

Tomorrow, another three way split:
The teaching team will finish up in Cambry in the morning, and then have a bit of a break back at the guest house.

The California team (Jon, Rachel, Julie B, and Craig) will go to Jeremie with Dony St. Germain. A last minute change has them flying instead of driving, as the road conditions have deteriorated even further than previously thought. They will spend Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights in Jeremie, working there during the day as a medical team. Dony will escort them back to the Port au Prince airport on Saturday in time to meet the team for the flight home.
The other 20 team members will climb into the bus, then SUV’s when the roads won’t accommodate the bus, for the trip to Charette orphanage for the first of two daytime visits (on Thursday the teaching team will join them). The team has been practicing “Jesus Loves Me” in creole to sing to the children, and Eric P will give a children’s message. After spending some fun time with the children there, the medical teams will begin their work, including the dental hygiene training.

Some items to pray for:

For Jude, and for the spirit to move many in Savanes to turn to Jesus
Continued safety for the team in travel (by bus, plane, and SUV tomorrow!)
Electricity
Continued protection from sickness – all are well thus far. A few have had temporary symptoms of dehydration, but bounced back well.
That they would continue to mesh well as a team. They really have become quite a smooth operation and are truly enjoying each other.
That the supplies and clothes would stretch to fit the needs. So far everything is holding out well.
For Friday, when the entire team will once again tackle the huge needs of Savanes. Their last day of ministry in Haiti!

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #4

2011-02-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

The news from our team in Haiti is ALL good!

A fantastic team spirit has formed among our 26 travelers. So much so that even after a long, hard day, they are so pumped that getting off to bed is not their first priority. They are enjoying the camaraderie too much, and definitely need some time to wind down together after busy days. They are feeling energized by the ministry they are accomplishing.

The three teams (teaching at Cambry, clinic at Cambry, clinic in Cayes) all had a great day. Dony is excited about the teaching by Bob, Jeff and Jon Hori; the two clinics worked very well with Cambry seeing a lot of community folks as well as kids at the orphanage and Cayes seeing more kids but some adults as well. See the picture attached of Watson, 6, with Heather, at Cayes. Watson had to have some infected sores removed from his scalp, but he was a real trouper about it. The kids in Cayes were tickled to get new clothes and new underwear after a quick bath and scabies wash.

The team is feeling the prayer support – even going into Savanes today (the name of the neighborhood in Cayes) where the oppression is great and the needs staggering, there was a feeling of safety and even a lightness of spirit as they worked. Things were smooth as silk without the feeling of chaos that everyone was prepared for.

Everyone remains healthy, as well, and grateful for electricity which is on again tonight. It makes all the difference being able to shower and sleep comfortably. They are so thankful for these blessings thus far!

The routine will be the same tomorrow (Tuesday) for all three teams. On Wednesday and Thursday, most will go to Charette by bus and then 4 WD vehicles when the bus can go no further for two day trips (coming back to the guest house for sleeping). Four from California will go with Dony to Jeremie by SUV for two days.

Please continue to pray for

· their heath,

· their ability to work as teams in difficult circumstances,

· and for their safety as they travel via bus to their various (nearby) locations tomorrow.

Also, please pray for the many, many children they saw; some are in dire condition, including the week old child in the second picture (with Erin). There was concern by our doctors that this child needed a sustained level of care that is just not available in the slums of Cayes. Unfortunately, this is not a isolated situation in Haiti. Pray for God’s mercy on this child, this neighborhood, and this country where so many need so much.

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #3

2011-02-21T05:22:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2011: Sundays are joyful days for Christians in Haiti. Gathering together with God’s people to worship Him is the main focus of their day. Services are multi-hour events, filled with praise and much music and the preaching of God’s word. Nothing but their best attire will do, to show their respect for the Sabbath of God.

And then they come back and do it all again in the evening.

Our team worshipped first today at Bon Berger at 6:30. Breakfast followed that, and then the team went three different ways for a second worship service.

A slight change in the plans as they were made yesterday (which will become a common theme in their visit to Haiti) – because of translator issues, Bob Allums did not preach the second service at Bon Berger this morning. Instead, he preached at the “second site” work of Bon Berger in the Savanes community of Les Cayes – the new church plant in the slums of that city. A picture of that is attached. The new church building is not yet complete, but is already filled with 80 worshippers every week. Their pastor is Pastor MonChera, who said today he’d been praying every day for months for this week to finally come – when partners from America would come to preach the word and then spend two days meeting the medical needs of his community. And those needs are great.

Following the second morning services the team went back to the guest house for lunch, a little rest, and an afternoon of preparing for tomorrow – organizing, confirming the teams (three different ones), and organizing the on site pharmacy at Cambry, from which they will restock their mobile supply bags every night. There are also clothing donations to pack each time. Also, this time the team packed hundreds of fliers on proper handwashing and cholera prevention. They’ve been divvied up so that every place they go and every pastor attending the training in Cambry would get multiple copies. In this way, they hope to spread the information to people all over Haiti.

Then, the evening service at Bon Berger (at which Ted preached), a little dinner, more work on organizing the mountain of supplies they brought with them, and lights out to rest for a very busy day tomorrow. Breakfast at 7:00, team devotional at 7:30, and depart for their destinations at 8:00. Of course, it’s Haiti, and time is more fluid than most Americans experience.

Here are some specific things to pray for:

· There is often only electricity on a spotty basis at the guest house , which includes the ability to have running water as well as lights and air conditioning. Being able to shower and then sleep in a cool place is a huge blessing to our team; please pray that those things would be available all week, as they were this evening.

· The teaching team (Bob Allums and Jeff Owen) will be sharing materials on “The Person of Jesus” with pastors from the area Monday through Wednesday. They have been told that 140 pastors from all over Haiti will be there, some of whom will likely sleep out under the Haitian stars for a few nights in order to attend the training. Please pray that the teachers would connect with their students, even through an interpreter, and that the students would grow in their ability to lead their flock through this training as well as find personal great refreshment.

· A team will stay at Cambry Monday and Tuesday, which is the site of the oldest and most established orphanage/school. A “triage” system is set up, where children are checked out on vitals and then routed appropriately from there; all get vitamins and a scabies wash (scabies is a skin parasite that spreads rapidly, is extremely contagious and usually causes acute itching leading to skin infections if not treated); many get intestinal parasites treatment, and all are seen by doctors. Next stop is the pharmacy where medicines are bagged and tagged with their names and written instructions given to the housemoms for that child.

· The third team will go back to Savanes, the slum community in Cayes. Just a cursory drive through today on the way to church told the team that they will find the health conditions of the children (and adults) deplorable. Pastor MonChera prayed today at church that the team would be well rested for their work there Monday and Tuesday. He knows how badly off the children are in this community, where the unemployment rate is virtually 100%, many residents are earthquake refugees, and there isn’t even enough government infrastructure to provide a school for the children. Spiritually, Savanes is a place of desperate circumstances as well. Voodoo is active and those who practice it frighten and intimidate the community with their displays, including a table of food and wine set up in the middle of the street as a gift for the main demon of Savanes. Our team saw a parade through the street on their way to worship at the food offering this morning. It is indeed a community that needs the light of Jesus. The team will be set up in a “community center” with crowd control provided by local “leaders” (often the members of the most powerful street gang, willing to provide services because it benefits their people). ESMI staff will be there as well. Please pray that the team would work smoothly together, stay calm in the chaos, and be well protected from the crush of people who are desperate to see them – mostly moms who know they can help their children.

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #2

2011-02-20T04:47:00.000-08:00

There are many things to be thankful for today!

First, the team arrived safely with bags intact at the Port au Prince airport this afternoon. They were met by their escort, Dou Dou, and got on the road to Cambry at about 2:00 EST. They arrived there safely at about 7:00 CST. Getting out of Port au Prince is always slow, and today seemed especially so. Even there, though, was some encouragement – much looked different from six months ago, in a good way! Street vendors were back, a bit more rubble was cleared away; it was just the normal chaos of downtown Port au Prince!

They are now settling into the guest house at Cambry, having a late dinner, greeting the children who live there, and beginning the huge task of organizing the supplies they brought down into usable and portable portions.

They are excited to finally be there and are eager to get started!

This should be a good night of rest for them in the guest house, which will be their base every night (except for the California team, who are scheduled to spend two nights away at Jeremie later this week). And rest they will need…

Tomorrow starts at 6:30 with the first worship service at Bon Berger (Good Shepherd), where Bob Allums will preach. After a breakfast following that the team will split into three groups for a second set of worship services; one group will go with Ted, who will preach at the church plant in downtown Cayes, Bob and others will go back for a second service at Bon Berger, and Eric Phillips will preach in Cambry with a third group accompanying him. ESMI staff will escort all three groups and provide needed transportation, as is always the case when they are out and about.

Tomorrow afternoon will allow more time for organization and making final plans for Monday.

Please pray that they will indeed be able to sleep in a new environment. The guest house is almost lavish by Haitian standards –clean and neat, with running water from a well, electricity (spotty, but almost always on at night), good food and safe bottled water. Still, they are sleeping in dorm-type rooms and have had an exhausting day of airports, heavy bags, and non-stop sights and sounds.

Pray also for their ministry tomorrow, for as they share in worship with their Haitian brothers and sisters, their presence and their commitment to ministry among them speaks loudly!

The picture attached is of the team en route to Cambry, with Dou Dou. Dou Dou is the guardian angel of every visiting team, a man who seems to be able to manage anything, accomplish everything, and drive everywhere! The matching t shirts were invaluable in keeping track of everyone in the crowded Port au Prince airport.

Haiti 2011 Mission Update #1

2011-02-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

The team has arrived in Miami – from Chicago, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles – and everyone greatly enjoyed finally meeting! They enjoyed a meal of pizza together as they got acquainted, talked through the plans for tomorrow, and prayed for the trip.

Please pray for a smooth day of travel tomorrow – a mountain of duffel bags, customs, airports and a long bus ride to a destination very different than their normal environment await the team. Pray for safety and a good adjustment to demands of the situation.

Thanks to all of you who have made this trip possible through donations of supplies, support for the travelers, and who will sustain it through prayer this week. It really is a team effort!

New Hope Haitian Update

2011-02-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this link to read more about what's been happening at New Hope Haitian Church!

Special Needs Ministry Event

2011-02-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Hubach was with presbyters at a recent stated meeting sharing about the ministry to indivduals with special needs. This upcoming event is for:

Church professionals, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and all who wish to learn more about outreach with people who happen to have disabilities in their community.
Parents, family members, friends and neighbors of people who happen to have disabilities.
People who happen to have disabilities.

Voice of Care Education Event with Stephanie Hubach
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
St. John Lutheran Church
215 S. Lincoln St., Lombard, IL 60148

More information click here.

24th Stated Meeting | April 6, 2011 | Westminster

2011-02-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Our Stated Meeting for April 6, 2011 will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Presbyters will soon be sent an email with the agenda, last quarter's minutes and the request for RSVPs for lunch and business.

Location:

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2700 West Highland Ave

Elgin, IL 60124 (map)

www.wpchurch.com

847-695-0311

Schedule:

12:00 pm - Lunch, RSVP to clerk by Wed., March 30 (Yes or No)

1:00 pm - Business Begins

4:00 pm - Business Adjourns

Workshop on Biblical Exposition

2011-01-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Join others for this spring's Workshop on Biblical Exposition with Bryan Chapell and David Helm at College Church in Wheaton, IL. Click here for more information on the workshop and to sign up.

Workshop Information

College Church
332 East Seminary Ave
Wheaton, IL 60187

Women in Ministry Workshop

2011-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

David Helm at the most recent Stated Meeting drew our attention to Women of the Word, a workshop for women in ministry, offered through The Simeon Trust March 3-5, 2011 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Click here for more details and to sign up.

Workshop Information

Covenant Presbyterian Church
2012 West Dickens Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Haiti Mission Update

2011-01-26T18:06:00.000-08:00

The next Missions trip to Haiti is February 18-26. Twenty six travelers from 5 CMP churches, a PCA church in Las Vegas, along with 5 people from outside our denomination who are exploring ministry in Haiti will be doing medical work and children’s ministry in Cambry, Charette, and Jeremie.

Thanks to generous donations from a few presbytery churches and other charitable organizations, they’re well stocked with medical supplies and medicines. They are hoping to hand carry notes (translated into Creole by our friends at New Hope Haitian Community Church) for the orphans at Charette who just this month began receiving financial support from 132 donors among our presbytery’s church members in 4 different churches, as well as the PCA church in Las Vegas. That support will provide food, clothing, schooling, and improved medical care, as well as increased staffing for house moms and ongoing training for them in childcare issues.

Please pray for the team as they make final preparations and as they meet needs in Haiti next month. If you’d like to get daily updates on their work while they are there, please email Ann Powers to get on the distribution list.

Next trip is scheduled for July 22-30. The commitment date for that trip will be mid-April; watch this space for more information!

News from the 23rd Stated Meeting

2011-01-20T06:48:00.000-08:00

Actions of the 23rd Stated Meeting of the Chicago Metro Presbytery:

The newly elected Moderator of CMP for 2011 is TE Chris Hodge (Naperville Presbyterian).
The Standing Rules have been adjusted to reflect the decision of presbyters to move the time and structure of quarterly meetings to meet from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. More information and particulars of the structural changes will be made known to presbyters.
Voting on all BCO Amendments were pushed to the April 2011 Stated Meeting. Based on the discussion and the time remaining in the meeting, all voting was tabled in order to give appropriate time for discernment regarding the measures past at the 38th General Assembly in June 2010.

PCA 39th General Assembly

2011-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) General Assembly is the largest annual gathering of the denomination. Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders from the churches across the country gather to study, discuss, and decide biblical, theological, ecclesiastical and ministry issues, and programs. The agenda of the Assembly will include a wide variety of matters important to the life of the church and the progress of the gospel. As a GA commissioner or exhibitor, you must register on-line here:

GA 2011 Registration Web Page.

Additional activities of the Assembly include several worship services, committee meetings, seminars, programs for women and children, an exhibit hall, fellowship functions, and a variety of food events.

More about the meeting location.

The local PCA churches form a Host Committee who provide a warm welcome for attendees, plan the evening worship services, and organize the women and children activities, in addition to a multitude of behind the scene functions.

Visitors are invited to participate in the worship services, observe the business sessions of the Assembly, and visit the Exhibit Hall.

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

2010-12-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

For more information on the newly renamed campus of Bethel Christian Church which meets at the University of Chicago. LHPC meet for worship Sundays at 11:30am at 1212 E 59th St at the corner of Woodlawn Ave and 59th St in Ida Noyes Hall, in the beautiful first floor Library. Sunday and Thursday evening fellowship meals are in various homes. Check the website events and calendar for details.

http://www.livinghopechicago.org/content/directions

More on Living Hope Presbyterian Church: Click here

23rd Stated Meeting | January 19, 2011

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Our Stated Meeting for January 19, 2011 will be held at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church. Presbyters have been sent an email with the agenda, last quarter's minutes and the request for RSVPs for lunch and business.

Location:
Spring Valley Presbyterian Church
903 East Nerge Road
Roselle, IL 60172 (map)
http://www.springvalleypres.org/
630-980-4450

Schedule:
12:00 pm - Lunch, RSVP to clerk by Wed., Jan 12 (Yes or No)
1:00 pm - Worship begins, all are welcome
2:15 pm - Business Meeting
6:30 pm - Business Adjourns

PNI Youth Camp Updates

2010-12-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

With our plans to update the CMP website with stories from the churches and ministries we support, here is an excerpt from the PNI Youth Camp Update from Deedee Freemire:

Other news with the camp ministry is that my Assistant Director, Heather Cooper and I are in the process of getting a Board of Directors together and becoming a Non-for Profit Organization. PNI will continue to support this ministry fully until the end of 2011 and then support it with less funds after we are established. They are excited about the path that God is leading us on and we have their full support. Bob Allums is not only mentoring Heather and I, he has also agreed to sit on our Board. He has been a wonderful supporter and encourager.

You can read more here: one page update from Deedee

Called Meeting: Wednesday, 12/8, 11:00 am

2010-12-01T13:28:00.001-08:00

There will be a Called Meeting of Chicago Metro Presbytery on Wednesday, December 8, 11:00 – 1:00 pm, at the office of Jone Bone which is at 1 S. Wacker on the 38th floor. This location is at the intersection of Wacker and Madison. There are parking garages available in all directions from there on Madison, Franklin, Washington and Adams, all within a block or two. Please see email for content and purpose of this Called Meeting.

Haiti Mission Team Supplies

2010-11-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

Volunteers from 4 CMP churches, a PCA church in Las Vegas, and some friends from elsewhere will be traveling to Haiti in February. We ask the churches of CMP to distribute this list of priority supplies needed (all easily available) and donate what you can. If you don’t have a traveler within your church but you have things to donate, please contact Ann Powers for drop off suggestions. Details and deadlines are on the flier. Thanks for your partnership with this mission.

Click here

Update: Haitian Christmas Project

2010-11-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the six CMP churches who have committed to providing gifts for 187 of 200 children who's names have been provided by Rev. Hector Mardy of New Hope Haitian Community Church. These children will receive gifts this holiday season in our annual outreach and mercy ministry.

There are 13 names still to be covered, if you are interested and willing to help in this way, or would like to hear more, please contact Ann Powers for more information: apowers@pcanet.org

Vision 2020 | Living Hope Presbyterian

2010-11-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Vision 2020 is a blueprint for seeing the church of Jesus Christ on the south-side of Chicago strengthen its foundation and stretch the boundaries of its influence as Bethel Christian Church (Presbyterian Church in America) seeks to purchase and rehab a building in a prime location to expand a critical ministry.

Ministry in Asia

2010-11-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Paul Taylor shares this newsletter with us about the ministries in Bangladesh and Manila, here is an excerpt of the newsletter, you can read more here:

After these meetings, we traveled a couple of hours to Rangamati which is the central town for the Chakma people. The king lives there. It is the nicest town in the Hill Tracts. I had not been into the town before only passed by going between Bandarban and Khagrachary. This is the area where about 2000 have decided that they want to leave the Buddhist religion and become Christians.

They are doing this in a very organized way. Some key folks had the idea and decided that it would be best if a large group of them make the step at once. So they began seeking signatures of people who would like to make that move and had 2000 people sign. The reasons that they are giving for making the switch are:

Buddhism says that they are not to kill animals, but they have been doing it consistently for food, so they feel like they’re always sinning.
They didn’t have any way to “unload” the sin. Buddhism offers no way.
They consequently had no assurance of being able to be saved.
And they had heard that Christianity gives answers to each of these issues.

So they organized themselves into a committee and appealed to some Baptists to baptize them. They were baptized. They then began to look for someone to teach them about the Christian faith. The Lord led them to Bijoy, one of the pastors and leaders in the Presbyterian Church of Bangladesh, who offered to help them. That was about four months ago.

The PCB has now assigned their best missionary for at least one year, and a second fellow that is not supported by either the PCB or MTW. Those two have moved there and are being used to disciple these young Christians.

God is at work. His story of grace is being written on the hearts of men.

Haitian Christmas Project

2010-11-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Consider supporting the 2010 Haitian Christmas Project. Click on the link for more information on the opportunity. Please email Ann Powers with specific questions about this mission.

Fact Sheet

Ann Powers

apowers@pcanet.org

Called Meeting, Tue, 11/9, 11:00 am

2010-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

At the October 20, 2010 meeting of the Chicago Metro Presbytery, a quorum was not met. In accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, Chapter 11, article 40 on Quorums: "Proceeding in the Absence of a Quorum" the body present is allowed to proceed with business with the view to ratify the business of the meeting at a future date by the assembly. This suggestion was made and supported by the floor: to continue with the business of the day and have a called meeting at a future date to ratify the business.

Therefore, the Called Meeting of Chicago Metro Presbytery is set for November 9, 11:00 am. The purpose of the Called Meeting is approve the minutes of the 22nd Stated Meeting of CMP on October 20, 2010. This called meeting should last only a few minutes to establish a quroum and approve the minutes (forthcoming in another email). This is in accordance with BCO 13-12 regarding called meetings of presbytery. If you are in the area and can make the trip for this short meeting, please do so, especially any RE's.

The called meeting is at (map it):

Dillon Kane Group
1 N. Wacker Dr. Suite 4000
Chicago, IL 60606

Missions Weekend at Covenant Chicago

2010-10-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Please consider your prayerful support and possible attendance at the Covenant Chicago Mission Weekend with Dony St. Germain who will be sharing with the church and preaching the weekend of October 23 and 24. More information here.

Haiti Mission Team Meetings

2010-10-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 18 (7:00 pm, Starbucks at 294 and Ogden in Hinsdale)
- For local coordinators of the proposed presbytery-wide Haiti Orphan Project

to work on details needed for presentation to presbytery and individual congregations
if you are supposed to be at this meeting, you probably know it already
if you want to hear more anyway, contact Ann Powers at apowers@pcanet.org

Thursday, October 21 (7:00 pm, Spring Valley PC, Roselle)
- For anyone interested in ongoing presbytery-wide ministry to Haiti and Haitian people in Chicago – especially church missions leaders, pastors and elders

Dony St. Germain will be our guest
Hear about ESMI’s vision for work in Haiti
How CMP can partner together and with ESMI on specific initiatives like missions trips, gardens, orphan care, church planting, etc.
Details on the annually sponsored “Haitian Children’s Christmas” with New Hope in Chicago

Thursday, October 28 (7:00 pm, Covenant Presbyterian/Chicago)
Friday, October 29 (7:00 pm, Naperville PC/Naperville)
- For anyone interested in considering joining the team for a week-long missions trip to Haiti in February 2011

Deadlines, costs, dates
Needed personnel
Logistics, trip explanation
Hear from others who have gone on previous trips
Commitment date for this trip: December 1
Please RSVP to Ann at apowers@pcanet.org if you’re planning on coming to either meeting

Sandra McCracken

2010-10-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

http://sandramccracken.com/tour - with Derek Webb and Donald Miller, tomorrow night, 10/8, downtown Naperville at the Union of NCC, $5 student, $10 general

Lincoln Square Presbyterian Fundraiser

2010-09-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Square Pres is putting on a Fundraiser/concert to raise funds for the homes for Haiti project. Would you be willing to promote the event to your congregations? Here is the information:

Thursday, October 7th

6:30 - 9:00pm

Giddings Plaza

4731 N. Lincoln Ave.

Chicago, IL 60625

Concert: The Spares, Raffle, Bake Sale

Downloadable Flyer

If your interested in helping with the event contact:
Brian Geier | bgeier@lincolnsquarepres.org
Chris Kerslake | cwkerslake@gmail.com

22nd Stated Meeting | October 20, 2010

2010-09-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Our Stated Meeting for October 20, 2010 will be held at New Hope Haitian Community Church. Presbyters have been sent an email with the agenda, last quarter's minutes and the request for RSVPs for lunch and business.

Location:
New Hope Haitian Community Church
729 W Howard Street
Evanston, Illinois 60202 (map)
newhopehaitian@yahoo.com
847-475-4655

Schedule:
12:00 pm - Lunch, RSVP to clerk by Wed., Oct 13 (Yes or No)
1:00 pm - Worship begins, all are welcome
2:15 pm - Business Meeting
6:30 pm - Business Adjourns

Upcoming Meetings

2010-09-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

22nd Stated Meeting | October 20, 2010
at New Hope Haitian Community Church
Addison, IL

23rd Stated Meeting | January 19, 2011
at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church
Roselle, IL

24th Stated Meeting | April 20, 2011
at Westminster Presbyterian Church
Elgin, IL

White Horse Inn Conference

2010-09-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

White Horse Inn Conference and Radio Broadcast with Michael Horton this September 24-25. I know it is late in the game, but here are the details. I encourage you to consider this for yourselves and/or for the members of your church:

Conference has 4 sessions lead by Rev. Dr. Rod Rosenbladt, Rev. Ken Jones, Rev. Kim Riddlebarger, and Rev. Dr. Michael Horton; Live recording of White Horse Inn with usual cast of characters featuring a discussion on "The Sufficiency of Scripture" from 7:35 - 8:30PM. Time of Q&A from 8:30 - 9:00PM.

Chicago Christian High School
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue
Palos Heights, IL

Friday Evening (registration from 5:30 - 7:30)
7:30 - 9:00 PM

Saturday Doors open 7:30AM,
Presentations begin 8:30AM - 1PM

$30 Registration* Click here for form

*Conference will discounted to $25 for pastors, elderly (65+), students, military and veterans. Early-bird pricing of $25 if postmarked before Aug. 31, 2010. Group booking of 6 or more (per person) $25. Children under 10 free.

Checks payable to "Covenant OPC"

Mail payment to:
Covenant OPC
9340 West 147th Street
Orland Park, IL 60462-2712

Call 708.403.3404 with any questions or to register by phone

Haiti Promo for 2011

2010-09-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Check this flyer for more information on the February 2011 trip to Haiti.

The dates for the trip are Feb 18-16, 2011. Informational Meeting dates are on the handout which can be printed and given to congregants. you may also link back to this page and PDF link with an email to your church.

Click here for the handout, to save or download.

TGC 2011 Conference

2010-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Gospel Coalition 2011 General Conference is April 12-14 at the McCormick Center in Chicago. Registration is $200 ($300/couple) before 10/31/2010. Take a moment to consider this opportunity to encourage your faith and preaching.

The subject is "Preaching Jesus and the Gospel from the OT"

Click here for more information and to register.

Bike Ride Through the City

2010-07-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dan Adamson, Pastor of Cityview Presbyterian Chicago:

In the 9 months I have been at Cityview, my goal has been simply to get a group of people who will love God, love each other and love our city. We have seen growth in all three areas recently. In regards to loving our city, we have monthly gathered at a local bar/restaurant for Pint nights. These gatherings not only facilitate community with one another but it gives our congregation another chance to enjoy the neighborhood our church meets in.

Recently a group from our church went on a bike ride through the city. To watch our group ride down Washington street, on the lake front and then ending at a great Mexican restaurant in Pilsen was wonderful. To enjoy the beauty of our city as a church is a wonderful way to promote our vision for this church.

Ministry Postings

2010-07-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Job, internship and other ministry postings can be made using this website for CMP. If you, and/or your church, is interested in communicating with the larger community the opportunities for ministry in your church, please send an email to the address at right [chicagometropres@gmail.com] with documents and information that you would like to have posted.

Haiti Trip Update #7

2010-07-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

At the end of the day (Friday), residents of the Cayes neighborhood were standing in line not for medical care, but to shake the hands of our team leaders. In their words: “Even other Haitians avoid coming to our neighborhood. But you Americans came and took care of us today. You cannot know what it means to us to see that someone cares.” And they all knew the Americans were there in Jesus’ name – “nan nom Jezi” in Creole.

For once, the team was grateful for a torrential downpour. When it was time to begin to pack up, there were still masses of people. The rains came and the people started to scatter – and when it didn’t let up, they didn’t come back. It poured for at least an hour. It was a less painful way to finish than to just turn people away. Almost 200 people had been seen – an amazing effort by the team. The chaos of a large crowd threatened to overtake them at any minute for most of the day. Louis had asked several “community leaders” (aka gang members) to provide a cordon around our team so that they could work in relative order while masses of people waited for care. These “leaders” were effective in their tasks as everyone knew their street reputations.

During the day, the crowding made it hard for the children’s team to accomplish anything with the children, until they took refuge in the back of the pick up truck that had brought them there. From the bed of the truck, the team worked with whatever children gathered. At one point, the medical team moved to a less exposed location – inside a small room that was close and cramped. But it was easier to control access that way.

By evening, the team was back in the guest quarters at Cambry, packing up for the trip home. Excess supplies were returned to the pharmacy for use by the next team – the duffels that were stuffed with donated supplies (and purchased medicines bought with donated funds) upon arrival will come back empty.

To the exhausted team, cool showers were a blessing, falling into bed another! Their morning will come early – they intend to leave by 5:00 to leave plenty of time for the trip back to PAP. The flight leaves at 12:10.

Please pray that the trip by bus and by air are safe, smooth and timely. Pray also that their return home would not be marked by residual illnesses, and that their memories of Haiti would be not of those people that they could not help, but of the difference they could see themselves making in the life of every person they did help. Ask God to give them a sense of the specialness of their team unity and the deep friendships formed in the trying circumstances they have weathered together, for his glory and for the good of the people of Haiti. At the end of an experience like this, it is hard for them to fathom that they hadn’t even met every team member just a week ago! Also, praise God for the generous support that allowed this team to spend a week in ministry there, and be so wonderfully stocked with medicines, supplies, clothes to give away, and games to play with the children.

Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti, and for those who will come in our team’s place in the coming weeks and months. Ask God to bless the efforts of relief workers all over the island, and to remove any human barriers to effective service, care, and rebuilding. Pray above all for spiritual revival in these sorely trying times in Haiti, and for those who are the spiritual leaders there. Remember Dony, Louis, the pastors they are training, and the churches that are forming, nan nom Jezi.

If cell signals allow, there will be one more update tomorrow morning (Saturday) letting you know of their progress towards home, on American Air flight #1004, scheduled to leave Port au Prince at 12:10 CST.

Haiti Trip Update #6

2010-07-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Another busy and hard day at Charette. Again, it was cut short by the threat of rain. It was either leave early or perhaps not get out for two weeks while the rivers got back down to a crossable size. So, although frustrating to leave people who needed help (and had lined up early in the day) the team made the tough choice to leave when they were warned to. Lots of people were helped, some in heartbreaking situations. A common refrain was “children shouldn’t have to go through this”. Although this causes a lot of wear and tear on our team, they are buoyed up by each other’s encouragements and the sense that they are doing something together as a team that none of them could accomplish alone. They are calling this “extreme missions” – and each is rising to the collective and individual challenges.

Another need came to light today, this one a little closer to “home” – Louis’ home, that is. Louis, the St. Germaine brother who is the pastor at Cambry and co-leader of El Shaddai with Dony, has taken several young people under his wing when they had nowhere else to go. A young man in his late teens or early twenties, Serius, was in dire need of some attention to his mouth, and so a week or so ago they decided to take him to someone who claimed they could help him. Things went badly awry, and today Serius’ drove the team around in horrible pain and a face so swollen it was misshapen on one side. Our dentist, Brendan, and others took a look and tried to assess the problem and quickly determined that infection had seeped into Serius’s jawbone – likely life threatening if not dealt with given how far it had advanced. The only thing to do: get him to a hospital for long term antibiotic treatment and possible surgery.

Once Louis was made aware of the severity of the problem, a plan was set in motion. The only hospital deemed safe enough to send him to is in Port au Prince, so Serius will be going there tomorrow. As our team learned on their last trip just following the earthquake six months ago, hospitals in Haiti are very much a “pay as you go” proposition – in fact, you have to bring your own medicines and supplies with you when you check in. If you don’t, you don’t get checked in. Money is in short supply in Haiti, and El Shaddai staff routinely give what they have to feed, clothe, and help others in worse situations than they are in. Seeing the need, our team pooled their cash and gave it to Louis for Serius. No one knows if it’s enough, but it’s another way that the team made an immediate and concrete (although unexpected!) difference this week. It is likely that without a trained medical staff on site this week, Serius’ situation would have not been recognized as the dangerous one that it is. Louis is profuse in his thanks.

Tomorrow might be the most logistically challenging day yet – the team is going to a new church being planted in the slums of Cambry. The building is not even completed yet, but people are being gathered for worship. The team will be setting up shop in that building (without a roof) for the day tomorrow and throw open the “door” for ministry. The needs are expected to be great, probably in overwhelming numbers. So as has been typical, they will start their day, work as hard as they can, and leave with many hurting and needy people waiting to see them. But they could stay in that one location for a month or more and that would still be the case. Such is the heartbreak of Haiti.

Praise God with the team in that AnnaMarie is feeling MUCH better and is hopeful of putting in at least a ½ day tomorrow. If you’re going to get sick in Haiti, doing it with one of our medical teams is really the way to do it – she had every medical person “consulting” on her symptoms and determining treatment as a team. That’s a lot of medical know-how!

Prayer for tomorrow:

-For the chaotic situation the team will be working in tomorrow – that they will be equal to the task of focusing on what can be accomplished and do that well, and leave behind the frustration and sorrow of what they cannot possibly accomplish under the circumstances. Crowd control will be a big need; please pray that it is done effectively and safely.
-For Serius as he and Louis go to PAP to get him the help he needs, and that medical care would be given to him quickly and properly.
-For the heartbreaking needs left behind in Charette. Pray that God would meet them even when human efforts seem so inadequate.
-Pray even now that Saturday’s travel back to PAP would be smooth and timely. They plan to leave Cambry at 5:00 am, travel for up to 5 hours (it shouldn’t take that long!) and arrive at the airport in plenty of time for their flight out to Miami at noon, and from there home (Chicago, Las Vegas, Florida, and South Dakota)

Haiti Trip Update #5

2010-07-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Today was a wild day. Going up to a remote village in the mountains meant several things, including a clearer understanding of the word “remote”:

· Exciting travel opportunities, including changing vehicles midway up because the bus couldn’t navigate the roads any further.

· Four wheel drive vehicles with open truck beds to ride in when there were no more roads, only riverbeds and paths through trees.

· Beating the rain back down the mountain at the end of the day – because if it’s raining in the mountains, it’s flooding the aforementioned riverbeds down below. When the guides say “we’ve got to go” they mean “we’ve got to go or we won’t get back down tonight”. Lesson learned!

· Pushing vehicles through muddy water was a group activity at one point, as was shooting the riverbed before it got too deep. Our intrepid travelers got into the spirit of things and were whooping and hollering (much to the amusement of the watching Haitians) as each vehicle made it to the other side.

· After twists and turns, our team was surprised to find themselves on an expanse of beach – and at the ocean. Louis had decided they were wet and couldn’t possibly get any wetter, so an impromptu swim was offered. Again, the Haitians laughed as our team jumped out of the vehicles and raced each other to the water, fully clothed.

· And if that wasn’t enough adventure for one day, at the conclusion of the swim, a few realized they were standing on fire ant hills. A quick dip back into the water took care of most of the crawling ants, but a few team members wound up with welts. Hydrocortisone cream was liberally applied back at the camp!

And, sadly, going to a remote village was sobering as well:

There are 132 kids at the orphanage; all with rampant scabies, lice, fevers, and malnutrition. More than one medical person cried at the sight. These kids are so remote that teams cannot get to them except during the dry season – and most teams are not experienced or hardy enough to make the trip. It says a lot about our teams’ reputation with El Shaddai that they are willing to take them up there. Never the less, the conditions are hard to deal with. There seems to have been a general worsening of the orphans’ condition in the past year since the last team was there (only for one day and only a very small part of the medical team went last year).

Haiti Trip Update #4

2010-07-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

The team had a great day of ministry on all fronts.

The children’s team is finding that as much as the kids love to DO things, they just want to be noticed, played with, and hugged – all of which is fine with the children’s team J. The team is doing a great job keeping the kids occupied and happy while rotating through the medical stations.

The medical team saw about 150 people today (adults and children) including about 30 who got teeth pulled by our dentist Dr. Brendan. Also some unusual and more serious cases were brought for attention today, including one neglected wound on a child’s foot which required a great deal of cleaning and debridement with local numbing first. The second was a 17 year old girl who had been socially shunned because of extra digits on both feet – she had also never been able to wear shoes. After repeatedly being asked if she was sure she wanted to proceed, both extra toes were amputated by a team led by Dr. Zinna including Dr. Tricia and Nurse-Practitioner Erin. Although warned she’d be in a lot of pain for a while, the teenager left with a smile because she would no longer be shunned – and she left with a pair of (oversized) shoes on her feet – her first ever.

One thing difficult for the medical team, as always, is to see the effects of malnutrition – 8 year olds are the size of typical American 4 year olds; bloated stomachs and discolored hair are far too common.

The carpentry team has been successful in getting supplies to make 30 benches (really bench/desk combinations for several students to use) for the Charette orphanage/school. The wood will be taken by truck tomorrow to Charette, and they will be built over the next two days of ministry there. An ambitious goal for four carpenters, but they are up for the challenge!

Charette is a remote location about an hour away from Cambry. Most of that hour trip is up a mountain, so the school bus transporting the team can only go ≤ of the way – after that, the team will transfer to smaller 4 wheel drive vehicles for the rest of the trip. They will be there for two days, but will come back to Cambry to sleep tomorrow night because there’s not enough room, water, or food for them to spend the night in Charette. This is only the second visit Charette has had from a ministry team – the first was last year, and it was part of our July 2009 team. They are excited about going tomorrow!

The teaching team finished up two extraordinary days of teaching. Craig M and Phil G apparently connected so well with the participants that they were extremely appreciative. And at one point, they were enjoying things so much that many were doubled up laughing – including Dony the interpreter. Praise God for the gift of laughter for these Haitian leaders who are often in situations that are extremely trying and discouraging!

People are feeling well and none have had to slow down or stop their ministry due to illness. This is a huge item of praise!

Another praise – at some point tonight, something electrical blew at the compound just as sweaty hot people were thinking of cool showers and air conditioned dorms. Instead it was pitch black, with only flashlights for light. Unfortunately, no power means no water supply (electricity is needed for the water pumps) much less no air conditioning. And importantly, no way to re-charge medical equipment like scopes used for examining ears, etc. But within an hour, Louis had been contacted and from somewhere in Cambry found an electrician. Soon power was restored and cheers broke out! Please pray that the repairs would be permanent and a good (cool) night’s sleep would be had by all.

Please also pray that the visit to Charette over the next few days would be wonderfully productive and that the children (who are not used to visitors – many white people at that) would overcome shyness and enjoy the children’s ministry and allow the medical team to help them. Many have never seen a doctor – none have seen a dentist. Pray also for safety traveling up and down the mountain.

Haiti Trip Update #3

2010-07-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day for our team. There seemed to be less of the typical "Monday confusion" as the team began working together than is often the case and as a result about 160 people were seen at the clinic- 140 of them orphans. Our dentist pulled nine teeth and one very serious and neglected gash on a child's foot was treated. Shoes are depleted and clothes are going fast!

Children's team worked in tandem with the medical team today very well. The kids glom on to one and all and enjoy the play and attention to the hilt.

The teaching team also had a great day with 55 pastors, 18 of which drove 10 hours from Gonaives to participate. Our teaching team has named this group of pastors "heroes of the faith" for their sweet spirits, humility, and faith in adversity.

Most of the team is coping better with the heat today. The electricity did stay on last night to cool the sleeping rooms - in fact it got cold in the dorms overnight!

Tomorrow the teams will start earlier to allow more medical care to take place. Also tomorrow replacement trike wheels will be taken to Maxene, a man who doesn't have the use of his legs. On a previous visit he was given a specially designed wheelchair "trike" and he's worn out the heavy duty tires already!

Please continue to pray for safety and resistance to illness as the team puts in long hard days in the heat. Pray also that the team would be encouraged by the difference they are making even as they see the massive needs firsthand...so much of which they cannot meet.

Haiti Trip Update #2

2010-07-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

The team had a full day of worship today; approximately 8 hours spread over three different services for most.

Phil G preached twice at Good Shepherd this morning; Craig M at Cambry at 10:00 a.m., and David Y this evening at Good Shepherd. All connected well with the congregation and did an outstanding job. The services themselves were rollicking and lively, as is usual in Haiti.

Kids at all services attached themselves to our team and the team loved it! Kids are definitely a highlight of the time in Haiti for our teams. One fell asleep in Ted’s lap during this evening’s services.

Between services this afternoon, there was some time to visit the clinic that will be the center of activity tomorrow for the medical and children’s teams. This visit was a good introduction, and the team spent some time this evening organizing supplies from the duffels now that they have a better idea what will be needed tomorrow.

There was also some time of enforced rest this afternoon – after a 16 hour travel day yesterday for most of the team and the challenges of the heat (at least 100 today with high humidity) it was necessary to do so. Their sleeping rooms are air conditioned when the electricity is running. A blessing!

Twelve to 15 pastors were flown in from Gonaives for the seminar tomorrow and were at church this evening. The seminars will be held in Cayes, about 15 minutes away from the clinic in Cambry where the med and children’s teams will be working. Also on the docket tomorrow: finding the necessary supplies to build the benches for Charette. Our friend Philemon will take the construction team to secure the necessary items.

Please pray for patience and the ability to adapt tomorrow as the teams learn to work together and find a way to bring order into the chaos that is always the first day of ministry. Pray that the carpentry supplies will be found quickly and at a fair price. Also, please pray that the air conditioning remain on tonight so that all can rest well and recover from a very hot day. Some are struggling with the heat – Ted thinks it’s the hottest he’s seen thus far. Please pray that it not be a hindrance to health or ministry.

Cell signals seem okay in Cambry, so hopefully another update tomorrow night…

Haiti Trip Update #1

2010-07-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

…and are on their way via bus to Cambry after a brief driving tour of Port au Prince. They should be arriving in a few hours to unload, unpack, and get to bed before a busy day tomorrow.

First worship service is at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, with another in the evening.

As they get settled in, please pray for them to quickly gel into a team, for health and safety during a busy, hot week and that they would bring hope, encouragement, and physical comfort to those they will minister to.

There are four different ministry teams: construction (which will build desk/chair combinations for use in the orphans’ school in Charette), teaching (seminary classes for three days), children’s (VBS type activities to complement the medical team, keeping the kids occupied while they wait for their turn to be seen) and medical (made up of both medical and non-medical folks – the non-medical do admin type tasks and are on “scabies wash” for all kids; medical staff includes two family practice docs, a pediatric intern, a dentist, a nurse-practitioner, a nurse, and an EMT).

Assuming no difficulty with cell reception in Haiti, there will be an update sent each evening until the team returns next Saturday.

21st Stated Meeting | July 21, 2010

2010-07-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Our Stated Meeting for July 21, 2010 has changed location. We will be meeting at Covenant Presbyterian in Chicago for our meeting on Wednesday, July 21. Please update your travel plans as necessary. Presbyters have been sent an email with the agenda, last quarter's minutes and the request for RSVPs for lunch and business.

Covenant Presbyterian Church
2012 W Dickens Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

P: (773) 486-9590
F: (773) 486-9591
office@covenantchicago.org
Contact Info

12:00 pm - Lunch, please RSVP by Wed., 7/14 (Yes or No)
1:00 pm - Worship begins
2:15 pm - Business Meeting

38th General Assembly

2010-06-30T11:59:00.001-07:00

Follow proceedings of the 38th General Assembly here: click here

Seminar audio from the 38th General Assembly is available here: click here

Facebook Link Updated

2010-05-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

We can now be found at: [http://www.facebook.com/chicagometropres], no longer a need to navigate the long web address that we had before.

PCA Strategic Plan

2010-05-13T09:59:00.001-07:00

Here is the PCA's Strategic Plan for the coming year, take a look to see what we'll be focused on as a denomination. Videos, texts and files are here for your perusal. Click here for more information.

July 2010 Haiti Mission Trip

2010-04-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the shopping list of needs for the July Haiti Mission Trip. Find more information here, or email Ann Powers for more information: apowers@pcanet.org.

Click here for a brochure to be used for distribution.

Download Supply List

MNA Disaster Response Workshop

2010-04-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Spring Valley Presbyterian is hosting an MNA Disaster Response Workshop June 5 for anyone interested in exploring disaster response ministry. Attendees might include deacons, mission coordinators, mercy ministry coordinators, women’s ministries leaders, and lay leaders with a heart for helping people who have been affected by disaster.

Please click on the handout for more information. Please pass this along to your missions committee, diaconate and ministry leaders that might have interest.

Spring Valley Presbyterian Church
903 E. Nerge Road
Roselle, IL 60172
Directions
P: 630-980-4450

Click here for a handout

New Book by our own: Douglas O'Donnell

2010-04-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

God's Lyrics: Rediscovering Worship through Old Testament Songs
Douglas Sean O'Donnell

Are all the songs found in the Old Testament applicable to contemporary Christian worship? God's Lyrics answers with a resounding "yes!"

Douglas O'Donnell draws out the historical, exegetical, and theological significance of the songs of Moses, Deborah, Hannah, David, and Habakkuk. He then shows, in the light of the person and work of Jesus Christ, how the lyrics of God's Word apply to contemporary congregational singing.

The new hymns and music provided for each biblical text encourage pastors, lyricists, and church musicians to reengage with these ageless songs and their timeless themes.

"Doug O'Donnell has carefully and caringly unpacked the treasury of Scripture's songs and provided a rich resource."
—Neil Nielson, President, Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia

"This book is unique: it combines the careful exposition of God's Word with creative work in hymnody."
—Philip Ryken, President Elect, Wheaton College

"For the Christian who has become a bit numb to the grand realities of God's saving acts recorded in the Bible, Doug O'Donnell's prescription is a healthy dose of the Songs of Scripture."
—Greg Wheatley, Host of Moody Radio's Prime Time America and Sound of Majesty

"O'Donnell argues-passionately, humorously, challengingly—that we must compare our singing to the Scripture and take our cues from the Songs of Scripture."
—Chuck King, Pastor for Worship and Music, College Church in Wheaton

Douglas S. O'Donnell is the Senior Pastor of New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois.

More Information

Bethel Christian Church: Haiti Missions

2010-04-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this update from Rev. Brad Beier and Bethel Christian Church who recently returned from Haiti on mission. Another report of how God has been at work in his Kingdom:

Download Report

LinkedIn Group

2010-04-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Chicago Metro Presbytery has a LinkedIn group here. Network with others in CMP!

ESMI Update and Thank You

2010-04-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Please view this thank you from El Shaddai Ministries and recent updates on the work in Haiti. ESMI thanks you for all your labors, physical, monetary and spiritual contributions to the work.

View Haiti Report | View Haiti Video | More info

Dean Kucera, Licentiate

2010-04-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Dean Kucera: welcomed as a licentiate to the Chicago Metro Presbytery on April 14, 2010.

20th Stated Meeting | April 14, 2010

2010-03-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

Please note, our April 14 Stated Meeting will be at Naperville Presbyterian Church at 12:00 pm for lunch, with worship and business to follow at 1:00 pm:

Naperville Presbyterian Church
943 Sanctuary Lane
Naperville, IL 60540
Directions to NPC

630-961-0579 phone
630-961-0424 fax
npc@npchurch.org
www.npchurch.org

July 2010 Haiti Mission Trip

2010-03-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

The July 2010 Haiti trip (July 10-17) has a commitment date of April 16. Please distribute the attached information to your missions team and any individuals in your congregation you think might be interested. There is an informational meeting for those interested in hearing more on Wednesday, March 24 – just 10 days from now.

There are multiple ways for CMP congregations to get involved in this effort – sending people, sending donations (a strategic list of donations will be available within the next month), underwriting the cost of needed medicines, and committing to pray for the team while they’re there. Your participation in any way is a blessing to the team, to the people of Haiti, and – we hope! – to your congregation as well.

Please get back to Ann Powers with any questions at apowers@pcanet.org.

Downloadable flyer

Support for Tanzania Missions

2010-03-12T09:13:00.001-08:00

Isaac Challo is a regular attendee of Naperville Presbyterian Church. He and his wife will be returning to Tanzania to engage in open-air evangelism in Eastern Africa.

Please see the letter from Wheaton College requesting support for "Challo" as he graduates soon and will be engaging in ministry. If you are able to contribute something from the resource list, please use the contacts provided.

Download: July 2010 Haiti Mission Trip

2010-03-12T09:08:00.001-08:00

Please see the downloadable flyer for the July 2010 Haiti Mission Trip. Please download and duplicate this flyer for use in your churches, small groups or other ministry venues to publicize the coming trip.

Peacemakers Conflict Coaching | May 21-22

2010-03-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

Trinity Presbyterian, PCA (in Hinsdale) and Park Community Church (in the city) are excited to partner and bring Peacemakers Ministries to Chicago to provide Conflict Coaching training. The training will be at Park Community Church Friday evening, May 21 and all day Saturday, May 22nd.

I want to encourage the pastors and elders to seriously & thoughtfully consider this training. As God's shepherds you are often in the midst of some serious & sticky life situations. This training is indispensable for your leadership and laity in your church, your marriage, and even parenting. It gives you the skills and categories to help discern the heart issues underneath the conflict

Conflict is everywhere! It can start small, with a hurtful word, and can develop into a larger issue of damaged relationships and broken trust. Conflict can manifest itself in the church, workplace, and home, and if not properly handled can leave individuals feeling discouraged and hopeless. Attend Conflict Coaching, and learn how to coach others in their conflict by glorifying God and applying His principles of peacemaking to each situation.

Register by March 19th and save!

Download form and information.

MTW Facebook

2010-03-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

Perhaps many of you on Facebook are already aware that MTW has a page for updates and information...

MTW Facebook Page

Zambia 2010 Missions Opportunity

2010-03-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone,

Please find attached a short summary of a missions trip one of our ruling elder's wives (Theresa Thaete, wife of Larry) and others, are planning to take soon. Our session is in support of this, and were hoping the Lord may lay on the hearts of some in our Presbytery to participate in the prayer and funding for this. Please discuss with your Sessions/Missions Committees as the Lord may lead.

Thanks for your consideration!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rick Sutton, for the Lakeview Session

July 2010 Haiti Mission Trip

2010-02-27T14:47:00.000-08:00

The support of the February Haiti missions by the Chicago Metro Presbytery churches has been exciting and encouraging to see. The returning team will look forward to sharing with home churches about the trip and the benefits of these joint experience as we labor together for the cause of Christ here and around the world.

There will be an information meeting for the July 2010 trip on Wednesday, March 24 at Naperville Presbyterian Church at 7:00. If you are at all interested in participating, or coming as a representative from your church, this meeting is highly recommended. More information here.

The commitment date for this trip is April 16. See the information below for more details. Refinement of the details will be made after debriefing with the recent team members and our partners in ministry, ESMI.

Please let Ann Powers (apowers[at]pcanet.org) know if you plan to come on 3/24, or if you have any general questions about the next trip.

Haiti Mission Team | Update #9

2010-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

Hi, all…an unplanned update…

Please pray throughout the day for our team. Transportation issues have significantly cut into the time they hoped to have at Laogaonge, which they were greatly looking forward to. It is possible they have not yet left Cambry at this writing, which would be a 5 hour delay and counting.

Pray for their safety in travel and ministry, their spirits so that they would not become discouraged at the delays, and a timely arrival at the airport.

Haiti Mission Team | Update #8

2010-02-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hmm. Remember the “day of changed plans” on Wednesday? And that there was plan for Thursday? Well, scrap that plan, too!

Instead of a lighter day providing some rest by using a “split shift” approach in the community at Cambry, the team was roused with the news “we’re going to Cavillion today”. To their great credit as a game and servant-hearted bunch, the news was met with a willing spirit, and the team was once again split into three for long but different days.

One part did indeed stay and do clinic work at Cambry seeing the community, many of whom were refugees from Port au Prince.

A second part went to the other location, Cavillion, another ESMI site where they saw 83 orphans, using their triage system that had been perfected at Cambry during the early part of the week. The team saw 83 kids, many of whom were relocated from Port au Prince.

A third group stayed back to make practical provision for tomorrow – restocking and repacking bags of supplies that they anticipate needing, and making enough peanut butter sandwiches for 25 for lunch and dinner for tomorrow. Their meal on the road will be rounded out by some applesauce, their shared store of snacks brought from home, and lots of bottled water.

Midway through the day, a group of 4 representing the 4 Chicago area churches that contributed to a well in Dortue were taken there in the most nimble 4 wheel drive vehicle available. Dortue’s location makes the trip not for the fainthearted – it is at the top of a mountain. It’s very location was the reason the well was so strategic – villagers walked for hours to get clean water before the well was dug. Upon their arrival, the representatives were greeted with great joy and gratitude by the people who attest that their lives have been radically changed by the availability of clean water in their village. Kids sang and the well was officially dedicated. It was a stark reminder of how things we consider simple “givens” in life – like a reliable water source – can make an immense difference. It will transform the village in many ways for the better.

Some other praises:
Everyone is doing much better today healthwise.

It was agreed that today was everyone’s favorite day – folks were serving in their “sweet spot” and feeling in a groove. There is no flagging of enthusiasm for the tasks with this bunch!

The supplies are holding out beautifully. Praise God for the generosity of those who provided funds for purchase, donated items, and for His guidance in selecting the appropriate things.

Some prayer requests:
Friday will be a day for service in a brand new setting as well as long hours of travel. The plan (dare we say it?) is to leave Cambry early in the same coach bus that took them from the to Cambry on Saturday/Sunday. They’ll leave early in the morning with all of their belongings and supplies for the day with Dou Dou as guide. A trip to Laogaonge should take about 4 hours. After working there several hours, they will be on their way to the Dominican Republic and the airport at Santo Domingo. The goal is to arrive there about 4:00 a.m. Saturday; their flight departs at 8:00 a.m. Please pray for all of the elements of the day - from their ability to minister to the needs of those they’ll see in Laogaonge to the logistics of the trip to safety on the road – and a timely arrival in Santo Domingo and a safe flight home.

Pray for the team’s “re-entry”. They are exhilarated in many ways, but surely exhausted. They are mostly healthy, but some will need a few days to fully recover. They have seen and experienced one of the greatest tragedies in modern times. They have been of immense help to many, but seen the vast amount of need they could not meet. Please ask God to minister to their spirits over the next days, weeks, and months as they process the joys and frustrations of ministry in Haiti.

Pray for those who remain in Haiti to continue to faithfully serve where God has placed them for this time in their country’s history. Pray for encouragement, stamina, a reliance on God, and the partnership of Christians around the world to continue to sustain them.

Pray for our partners at ESMI – Dony and Sharon, Louis and Martine, Philemon, Dou Dou, Franklin, and the countless others who support the work of ESMI in

Haiti Mission Team | Update #7

2010-02-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, was a very good day. An unpredictable one, even by Haiti standards, but very good.

A plan for the day was made and changed no less than 9 times. Here are a few highlights…
The medical team saw community folks at Cambry because they just showed up knowing medical people were there, mostly people they couldn’t see the day before who came back.

The transportation plans had to be changed because the bus that could carry them all at once had brake trouble (fortunately, this was figured out BEFORE they went anywhere J)

One half of the team got to their morning medical destination about 12:30

The other half of the team left the place they planned to stay all day in the early afternoon

If changes in plans bother you, this would not have been a good place for you today! But the team of 25 handled it without missing a beat. They are embracing the “flexibility” requirement of ministry in Haiti with open arms.

Some highlights:
The Cambry Hospital medical team assisted a seasoned and well run team of Mexican surgeons in various kinds of surgery all morning. They really helped things along and the two groups enjoyed working together.

90 more kids at the Cayes orphanage got treated for scabies. They’re all done!

A team went to another place, “The Big House”, not too far away. The kids at that orphanage seemed to have never had underwear before and the young girls had the best time lifting up their new dresses to show off their new underwear – the squeals of delight and smiles were like a gift to the team! They looked adorable in the beautiful dresses hand made by our wonderful volunteers from various churches. Even the boys got into it by showing off their underwear – and didn’t seem to mind a bit when they ran out of boys’ underwear and they got girls’ instead! The delight was fun to see.

Some items for prayer:
Some on the team are struggling with health issues – typical “bug”-like symptoms that are slowing them down and tiring them, and the heat is difficult for some. All have started taking the “back up” antibiotics they travelled with as a precaution, as well as some pro-biotics that one of the pediatricians brought for them to help with troubled stomachs. As all have been working really hard, they will work a half shift Thursday in Cambry, taking the other half of the day to rest and recoup their strength for a full press on their last day, Friday. Pray that a lighter day of ministry will restore them, and that the electricity will work during the day to provide a cool place to rest.

In Cambry on Thursday, they will turn their combined attention to the community and those who are refugees from Port au Prince. Pray that their skills and supplies would match the needs, as has happened all week long.

Please begin praying now for their day on Friday. As things stand now, they will leave at 5:00 a.m. Friday for Laogaonge, arriving at 8:00 to set up a mobile clinic. They’ll work there for 12 hours, and then from there leave for the long trek back to the Dominican Republic and the airport. Their flight leaves Saturday morning at 8:00. While traveling at night has its challenges given the road conditions in some places, the traffic congestion around Port au Prince and the border during the day make this a good plan. Pray for the long work day and for safety during travel – and that they arrive in good order for their flight.

Haiti Mission Team | More Updates on NPC site

2010-02-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

More updates on the present Haiti mission trip are being posted here:

http://npchurch.org/outreach/haiti_Feb10_trip.html

Haiti Mission Team | Update #6

2010-02-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

It was a very, very productive day for our team in Haiti. The teams re-formed to better address the needs in three different clinical settings and the teaching team met all day with 40 – 45 men and women, spending the whole afternoon in a Q&A session. Everyone loved it!

The medical teams went three ways – back to the Cayes Hospital, where a variety of needs were met including setting broken bones and seeing many, many sick infants; the orphanage, where the sickest were seen by one of our pediatricians (at least 50 today) and 200 more were treated for scabies and lice and given new clothes; and the community setting at Cambry, where both adults and children were seen with lots of malnutrition and minor surgery needs.

Several praises:
The nebulizer that was purchased and packed at the very last minute saved an infant’s life today; one of the pediatricians was sure the infant would not have survived for more than a day or two without that simple piece of equipment being there today.

The team is working seamlessly together even though they were in a new configuration today. They are convinced that the teams were put together the way God wanted it all along – even though some “signed on” rather late in the trip planning! Bonds are being formed that only enhance their ability to minister.

Broken bones were set today – bones that had been broken for a long time, likely since the earthquake. Refugees from PAP since the earthquake have new needs as well as untreated ailments that they were afflicted with prior to the earthquake, including the malnourished kids.

So far, the supplies are holding out beautifully. As of today, about 400 kids have new clothes and most have new shoes. Tomorrow, the last 100-150 kids at the orphanage will be seen, and the team will not come home with one extra stitch of clothing. There is enough scabies wash to take care of all of them.

Organization was much smoother today as the team could anticipate the situations better and adjusted accordingly.

Pastors who are disheartened, tired, worried for their families and their flocks, and overwhelmed by the immensity of the task before them were encouraged by the teaching team. Questions abounded – on practical ministry, theology, translation issues, the second coming – to keep our team on their toes. A special challenge – keeping answers short and simple for the translator! Good practice for our guys J It is food for the soul of these pastors, who will be looked upon to lead their often times disheartened people through many long months of recovery.

There was an aftershock near PAP today – 4.7 in intensity – but nothing was felt where the team is. Some injuries were reported in PAP as people had moved back into buildings that were not as safe as they had hoped. But nothing major has been reported.

Some things for prayer:
A few of the team members have had some illness of varying kinds – some fevers, some digestive. But they have the best medical help on the island right there with them, and the proper medicines to help them feel better. Still, pray that return to full health would be swift so they can continue their important work at full speed. Pray for protection for the others from similar symptoms. Also pray for adequate rest under these demanding circumstances.

The electricity continues on a rolling cycle; water flow in the guest house is also off when the electricity is off. Since cool air to sleep in and water to shower in is a godsend to our workers, pray for the provision of these simple yet much appreciated things.

Haiti Mission Team | Update #5

2010-02-23T13:17:00.000-08:00

Whew. Today the team saw first hand how hard it is to be prepared for a situation like this. The big topic last night at the team meeting was “it will be overwhelming and chaotic”. And it was!

The day started with a little guy of 5 wandering into the guest house area from the hills with a deep and recent gash on his chin pouring blood. His face and shirt were soaked by the time someone saw him. He was alone. Typically, this kind of wound would be allowed to bleed out, and if it doesn’t get infected, he’s just left with a nasty scar. But since he wandered in to the guest house with multiple medical folks in residence, it took just a few minutes for them to get him settled on to a flat surface and get some stitches in. The little guy twitched his legs a few times, but never moved his head. You have to be tough to grow up in Haiti, and this precious little one exhibited that spirit today.

The medical team split in two so they could meet with the Cayes Hospital director to get set up to work there part of the time in order to help the community at large; this was arranged just yesterday. But that person never came today. So, without orientation or perhaps even official approval, they pitched in with the help of a Mexican doctor who sort of “knew the ropes”. By the end of the day, they had seen many people and literally saved two lives – people who would have died had they not received care today. In one case, two of our team members left the hospital to go to a “pharmacy” to buy a few needed supplies that neither the team nor the hospital had (right now in Cayes and probably most of Haiti, you are expected to bring your own medical equipment to the hospital for your procedures, but this patient had no one to buy for him and he was too sick/too poor to do it himself. For $20 of equipment and some care, his life was saved today.

The second part of the team stayed at the orphanage with a well laid out plan that had worked very well in previous trips. But not under these circumstances! The newly orphaned from PAP were anxious and could not wait patiently as the resident orphans had done in the past. Crowd control became as big an issue as providing care. However, at the end of the day, 200 kids had been seen (triage, washing station, new clothes, doctor check, meds given, and notes made) The team worked with a lot of tenacity in a tough, tough situation. Tomorrow – more crowd control by Philemon, who is an imposing presence as well as a Creole speaker!

And the teaching team? Forty men from as far away as PAP came for today’s seminar on “how Haiti will be rebuilt”. At the end of the day, one man shared his story through an interpreter. He had been in PAP; a pastor who lost his house and his church, and had to dig two of his children out of the rubble of the earthquake to save them. Now his whole family is living on the street in utter despair, ready to give up, and yet something told him to go to Cayes. He borrowed money and showed up on a bus yesterday morning, but not really knowing why or where to go. He was a stranger there. After talking to some people he was told “you need to go see Pastor Louis”. After meeting Louis he said “the Holy Spirit told me to come”; Louis told him “you must be here for the seminar” and gave him a bed to sleep in last night. Today, after being with the other pastors and the teaching team, his testimony through the interpreter was “ you’ve saved my ministry and my life”.

With all of the difficulties, there is a real sense that the team is witnessing the church as it must have been in the first century. No safety nets, no frills, just the gospel and its power, meeting needs as you find them with what you have available and a reliance on God to see you through.

One very cheerful scene – when the teaching team returned to the guest house, there were the kids in their new clothes and new crocs. Smiles all around!

Tomorrow – three teams. A smaller Cayes hospital team, a larger orphan team, and a small Cayes community team. All will have an interpreter; the orphans and community team will also have someone who speaks Creole doing crowd control.

Please pray for composure under difficult circumstances and that all will rely on God to see them through as they quickly see that their own resources are inadequate to the task. But praise God, His aren’t!

Haiti Mission Team | Update #4

2010-02-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

Most of the team spent the afternoon sorting supplies after catching up on some sleep. A few organized some games with the orphans.

There is a great team spirit and a lot of excitement to finally be starting their work. The tasks of organizing the supplies was attacked with great relish – a good thing, with 49 bags to unpack and sort!

It wasn’t until they unloaded the bus last night that they realized a bag was missing, but fortunately it was quickly located at the Santo Domingo airport, and American Airlines will fly it into Port au Prince before the week is over, where an ESMI staffer (the beloved and always present Dou Dou) will make a trip to pick it up.

A team meeting before a worship service at 6:00 set the plans for the next day. Typically there is one every evening after a 12 hour ministry day to re-group, catch up, and make plans for the next day. Which can often change by the next morning! Each day starts with a devotional.

The guest house at Cambry is comfortable. There are six people to a sleeping room with a bathroom for each room. Water is running and electricity is on its typical rolling blackout schedule for Haiti, which means it’s on sometimes and off sometimes. The sleeping rooms are air conditioned.

Monday the team will be split into three: one medical team will go to the hospital at Cambry for the day, taking needed supplies with them. Several other medical folks and the admin people will stay at the orphanage and begin the task of caring for the large group of kids there. The third, the teaching team, will start three days of classes at Good Shepherd, the church in Cambry. Pastors and seminary students will come from as far away as Gonaives (far to the north; Cambry is far to the south) for this learning opportunity. Each team will have an interpreter.

Please pray for the team as they will undoubtedly feel overwhelmed with the size of the task as they start tomorrow. As that God give them focus and calm and an awareness of his presence with them.

For those of you who like maps and/or visual aids, click on this link – it will show you where all of the ESMI sponsored church plants/orphanages/schools are located.

http://www.esmihome.org/Location-Churches-Orphanages.html

Haiti Mission Team | Update #3

2010-02-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

After 13 long hours in the bus, the team arrived safely at the guesthouse in Cambry, their base of operations for the week. The trip, though long, was smooth except for a slight hold up at the Haitian border – the troops guarding it had closed the gate and only some persuasive speech by Dony St. Germain, Dou Dou (an ESMI staffer), and the driver got them through.

Their trip took them through Port au Prince, where they saw some of the devastation first hand, including the tent cities that have sprung up and the flattened presidential palace.

Except for Ted, who is preaching, the team will be allowed to sleep in the morning, attending church in the evening only. During the day they will acclimate themselves and meet some of the orphans, whose number at Cambry alone has increased by 400 since the earthquake.

Their ministry will begin in full on Monday, February 22.

Haiti Mission Team Update #2

2010-02-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

(Saturday) will be a long day. After arriving in the Dominican Republic about noon CST, there will be approximately another 10 hours by bus to get to Cambry, near Les Cayes, their base of operations for the week.

Please pray for these things as they start their week of ministry:

1. For the health and safety of the team
2. For the ability to serve well as a team of 25 under difficult circumstances and long days in the midst of the ongoing critical situation in Haiti
3. That the supplies would get through customs without difficulty and arrive intact; that the supplies carefully considered, bought, gathered, and packed would be exactly what the team needs to meet the medical needs of those they will see
4. For those who will preach on Sunday and teach Monday and Tuesday; that their words would bring encouragement, comfort, and reminders of God’s love for those who have suffered so terribly over the last month

Haiti Mission Team Update #1

2010-02-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

The team has landed in the Dominican Republic, sailed through customs and is now loaded up into one large and comfortable van for the 4 hour trip to the Haiti border, then several more hours to Les Cayes, probably in a different bus.

In the Miami airport, 25 adults with the same T shirt on (a team T shirt is often donated by a supporter as a souvenir, but it also helps Ted in the airport when team members join us from other parts of the country that he does not recognize on sight) caused some attention. After answering several questions from other travelers, some were moved to donate to the team on the spot for relief in Haiti.

Please continue to pray for safe travel and for stamina on this very long day. By the time they arrive in Cambry, it could easily be 16 total hours of travel for the day. And there’s a 6:00 am worship service in the morning!

ESMI Update #10, February 17

2010-02-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

We are glad to report that the nebulizer needed (see attachment) will be brought in by our team! Praise God for his wonderful provision to meet this need. Our team of 25 will also be carrying 50 50 pound duffel bags literally stuffed with needed supplies of all kinds.

The team leaves on Friday. If you’d like to get updates, please send me back a quick email – I’ll add you to the list. They would be most grateful for your prayers.

Click here for attachment

Thank you once again for your continued prayers and support. One month after the quake, ESMI is still seeking to meet the immediate needs of food and medical care of so many who have been displaced and injured. At the same time the leadership is beginning to look to the next steps.

ESMI in Haiti has already brought Earthquake relief to:

1. 400 Pastors

2. 70000 church members

3. 5000 victims (injured people).

4. 941 families (directly around Port-au-Prince, Gonaives, Cayes,Miragoane, Petit Goave, Leogane and Gressier.

5. 2935 people homeless (providing sheets and help to buy big plastic covers (to serve as a roof).

Thanks you so much for your help and your great contribution. Without your help, your heart and your arms, it would be impossible for us to reach them. It is not easy. We have more plans for the next two months & will keep you posted as we are setting the draft in order to start some agricultural projects. We will need seed (beans and corn) which will be ready in two months to eat. We will need at least 4 big water pumps to irrigate the lands.

The ports are now open in Haiti. This past week, 3 box trucks were purchased. Two are being packed with food and the third will be packed with supplies to prepare for construction. God's willing, all three trucks should be in Haiti and cleared two weeks from now. Food items bought US side were 90,000 pounds of rice, 12,500 pounds of flour, 12,500 pounds of beans, 600 gallons of cooking oil and 2,400 boxes of spaghetti.

Many thanks, to our medical teams that have been making a difference in both the southern and northern Haiti. On February 5, 3 medical teams from St. Louis, North Carolina and the Grace Place Church, FL made the long and arduous drive from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Les Cayes and Gonaives. This was a medical team of 28. The team that headed to Les Cayes, met up with another medical team from the Florida Panhandle who were at the general hospital.

Here is a report from one of the doctors who served in the Gonaives area:"... There are many patients needing skin grafts w/wounds to the bone w/ exposed tendons. Lots of delayed care and improperly set fractures that have been casted after the quake. There is a big need for ortho supplies, splinting material, orthopedic OR hardware. Chronic wound care materials are also needed. Antistaph and broad spectrum abx for kids and adults both oral and parenteral.

One thing we don't have that neither hospital in town has is a nebulizer that works. A portable, possibly battery operated, nebulizer w/ meds, hose, chamber and mouthpieces would be great. Injectable steroids and antihistamines also good. We did use some of the prednisone, antiemetics and antibiotics you guys left. The hospital let us use an area all to ourselves that has a hall we placed benches in for triage/waiting. I had an exam room w/ stretcher and table to do procedures. The nurses shared a big room w/ 4 stations. An adjoining room was used to store extra supplies and we used shelves between the two rooms for pharmaceuticals. There is a nursery, delivery ward, and single operating room. The hospital is literally a converted warehouse with makeshift wood frame walls and plastic sheeting dividing the wards and rooms.There is an onsite pharmacy with very limited supplies."

Yesterday, Sunday, Feb. 14, a North Carolina Ortho team of 22 arrived in Les Cayes. You can follow them on their blog or twitter to read what they are seeing.

www.morethanmedicine.wordpress.com and on twitter www.twitter.com/morethnmedhaiti.

Continue to keep Haiti in your prayers as they finish up 3 days of praying and fasting for their country. We praise God for this time that was declared by President Preval. God's Church will prevail.

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven

and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

CMP Churches Map

2010-02-09T14:54:00.001-08:00

For a map of the churches in our presbytery, please click here.

March 2010 Haiti Mission Trip

2010-02-07T05:21:00.000-08:00

A trip is being planned in conjunction with Great Commission Alliance, one of the two major affiliates of the Presbyterian Church in America, that have been in Haiti pre-earthquake. The group would fly into Port-au-Prince, Haiti at the end of March to help with a food distribution site and orphanage.

The cost for all transportation, food, lodging, and expenses within Haiti are going to be $900-$1100 (after airfare a total cost of about $1400). This trip would not necessarily require skilled medical or construction folk, so if you're able to take the time and help pay/raise the funds, please pray about this.

The dates will be approximately March 20-27 or 22-29.

Please contact Brad Beier with questions or to RSVP: bradbeier@gmail.com

Please pass this on to local churches and let me know as soon as possible if you're interested and can purchase plane tickets (we'll have to do so as a group to all get the same flight into Haiti for transportation logistics.

ESMI Update #9, February 6

2010-02-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,"
Isaiah 54:10

These were the words of encouragement shared at the three pastor's meetings in Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes and in Gonaives this past week. In Port, the ESMI leadership met with 36 key pastors representing different denominations and each having several churches under their leadership. Then in Gonaives there were about another 100 pastors and leaders. The verse was used to encourage and to remind them of God's faithful love amidst a devastation that has affected the entire nation of Haiti.

Church and supporters in North America, thank you for making it possible for us to minister to these spiritual leaders. How encouraged they were as they gathered for prayer and to strategize how best to minister together. To encourage these pastors is to encourage their congregation. And to encourage the congregation, is to encourage the family members of each congregant. And to encourage the family is to encourage the neighbors. And to encourage the neighbors is to encourage that city or village. These men are not easily discouraged and to know that there are other saints wanting to love and support them, is a great uplift to their spirits as they do ministry. We praise God for your support which has gone to help these pastors. May the songs of praise heard through the night continue even in the daylight hours throughout the city of Port-au-Prince.

We praise God for the medical teams from Spanish River, New Covenant and C3 Missions that responded almost immediately to the January 17 letter. What a great week of ministry for the team members. Teams were able to work at the general hospitals in Port and Les Cayes, do mobile clinics in some of the worst hit areas outside of Port such as Leogane and Gressier. They gave out 17 wheelchairs and crutches to the elderly and those with broken limbs. Two new borns were delivered under their care. Lives were saved not only physically but for eternity. God's name was honored as these teams served tirelessly for one week under strenuous conditions.

We praise God for the commitments that have come in for:

15 of the 20 food containers,
4 box trucks
2 dump trucks
1 semi-truck for hauling containers

We praise God for the MNA assessment team: Arklie Hooten and Jordan, and Bryan, a building contractor from St. Andrews PCA, SC, who went down and saw firsthand that the devastation has affected not only Port but the entire country. While with Katrina in Louisiana, the tsunami in Asia and the earthquake in China, many were able to move away from those areas and seek refuge, not so in Haiti. There is no where they can go in their country to find better. Instead the influx of people is causing more strain to those areas. We praise God that these 3 men desire to keep Haiti in the forefront of the North American churches long after the media coverage has faded.

We praise God for your prayers, notes of encouragement, and prayers over the phone. Many of you do not know, but Louis found out one week after the quake that his own home was affected. With each passing week, he is seeing new cracks. He has built a wooden shed for his family and his household to sleep in at night. Louis and Martina have 7 biological children, 3 adopted children and shares his home with others. In the midst of ministering to the community at large, he is also trying to protect his family. Continue to keep Louis, Martina and the family in your prayers.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. There are 134 known pastors in Port who have lost their church buildings, homes and are now living on the streets with their families. You cannot imagine the stress level of these leaders. The dust, the lack of sanitation from living on the streets is disheartening. They didn't live like that before January 12. ESMI will help those pastors on your behalf. Pray that we can find tents and cots for temporary living for them. Pray for teaching elders/pastors to be willing to accompany medical teams and do one or two days of teaching with these men. There is nothing more refreshing that hearing the truths of God's Word over and over again.
2. The ESMI team visited Gonaives on Saturday, January 30. They learned that trucks have been taking the very injured from the streets of Port-au-Prince and dropping them off outside the general hospital where there is only one doctor. One pastor shared how his son lost both legs in the quake and is waiting for medical assistance on the floor outside. With your support, ESMI has opened the clinic in Gonaives on the Fayeton mission site, hired 2 Haitian doctors and 4 nurses to see as many patients as they can until medical teams arrive this Friday.
3. One goal this week is to purchase a piece of land in Leogan to put a tent church. Leogan is right outside of Port and 90% of that city was destroyed. An aerodrome type tent has already been purchased and it will seat 2000 people. The desire also is to have smaller tents to resume school for the children.

So much more to share and to pray about, dear friends, but it can get overwhelming. I hope these 3 requests will trigger other areas of prayer not mentioned.

May God's name be honored in all that is done and may the transforming word of the Gospel continue to be preached across the island of Haiti in the relief effort. He is the only One who can bring about the change needed. To God be the glory!

If you would like to send a contribution, please send to:

ESMI
13651 S. Biscayne River Drive
Miami, FL 33161
Or online: esmihome.org

Thanks to all who have already sent funds. Please know that 100% will go toward the relief effort.

Simeon Trust: Preaching Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom

2010-01-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Workshop on Biblical Exposition 2010 – May 5-7, 2010
Ancient Texts Today – Preaching Hebrew Poetry & Wisdom

This year’s workshop is designed to give you the tools to preach from these genres and to discover the connections between the poetic word and the Living Word, between wisdom and Jesus as Divine Wisdom. This year’s guest speakers include:

David Jackman, President of the Proclamation Trust in London, UK
Josh Moody, Senior Pastor, College Church in Wheaton, IL
Doug O’Donnell, Senior Pastor, New Covenant Church in Naperville, IL

Cost before April 21: $99
Cost after April 21: $124

Register today at the Simeon Trust Website

Also, if you know pastors who would enjoy and benefit from this upcoming workshop, please send their names and contact information to Susan Crickmore, scrickmore@college-church.org.

For more information on Workshops or the Simeon Trust, click here

Haiti: Wound Care Donations

2010-01-29T09:18:00.001-08:00

The team made up of CMP churches going to Haiti in a few weeks has been collecting supplies for months. Now, with the recent tragic events in Haiti, there is a bigger need than ever for medical supplies specifically for wound care. The list below has been developed by our medical team, and we would appreciate any and all donations even at this late date.

Wound Care Donation List

ALL kinds of dressings
wrapping bandage (also called athletic tape or bandage tape)
medical tape
suture kits
steri strips or butterfly closures
PPE ( Personal Protection equipment like disposable gowns, goggles/shields, masks)
curlex wraps/ stretch gauze 3 and 4 inches
ace wraps
4X4 gauze non-sterile
splints
slings
knee/ankle braces
disposable ice packs
spray wound cleanser
peroxide
alcohol
chuxs
pain patches
Neosporin larger tubes
Neosporin individual packets

If you are interested in gathering these things at your church or donating individually, please contact Ann Powers (apowers@pcanet.org) for drop off options. Time is short; bags will be packed within the next two weeks.

Haiti: Wound Care Donations

2010-01-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

ALL kinds of dressings
wrapping bandage (also called athletic tape or bandage tape)
medical tape
suture kits
steri strips or butterfly closures
PPE ( Personal Protection equipment like disposable gowns, goggles/shields, masks)
curlex wraps/ stretch gauze 3 and 4 inches
ace wraps
4X4 gauze non-sterile
splints
slings
knee/ankle braces
disposable ice packs
spray wound cleanser
peroxide
alcohol
chuxs
pain patches
Neosporin larger tubes
Neosporin individual packets

ESMI Haiti Update #8

2010-01-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

From Sharon… Dear Friends,

Tomorrow will make it 14 days since this devastating earthquake. The pressure and intensity to get aid to the people have not subsided. Time and resources continue to be our greatest challenges with still not enough food and medical care reaching the people with the greatest need. For example in Les Cayes alone, 150,000 refugees are now there from PAP. Louis wrote on Friday:

"I just talked with some key leaders in the south. The demand is so high and we don't have the means to meet it. The churches are crowded. People came from all over and they don't have anywhere to go. Most of the people, before they left the villages, sold their land and everything. So now they have to start again. Please continue to pray with us. We have so much medical need that a whole month of 100 doctors will not be enough to serve every body. So many people fled PAP with broken bones and severe, life threatening and infected injuries. We have a hospital at Bonne Fin which my father build. It has 300 beds. All of them are occupied and patients are on the floor. We have at Cite Lumiere another Medical Clinic equip with 75 beds. Same story."

Below is an update on the response that has come in to the immediate needs mentioned on January 17:

1. Containers with Food Supply via the DR-To date, ESMI has sent in 6 food containers and distributed with over 100 Haitian volunteers from the South helping.

2. Food Containers from the US- We have a container that will be ready to leave by this Wednesday from Miami to the DR. God's willing, it should be in Haiti early next week.

3. Medical Team- 47 nurses and doctors are currently in Haiti. Thanks to Lisa, Susie, Julie and Fabiana for coordinating this. They have medical teams lined up to go in and out up to the end of February. Please contact esmieletter@aol.com if you would like to be a part of a medical team.

4. Tents for Churches and homes- Thanks to Brother Ed who secured forty-five 10x12ft tents that can each house a family of 10 people. God's willing, these will be shipped by Wednesday to the DR and should be cleared by the end of this week to be given to the families most in need.

As ESMI continues to work on the above 4 needs, we will also begin to do the following:

5. ESMI has identified 400 pastors to begin a more intentional network of food distribution. On Wednesday, January 27, ESMI's leadership team will meet with these pastors in PAP. It is important that these leaders be empowered also to participate in the effort. This is a work that cannot be done alone. It is bigger than any one church or any one organization. With a unified effort, the church in Haiti can help meet the needs of her people.

2010 General Assembly

2010-01-22T07:06:00.000-08:00

2010 General Assembly information is available online now.

Please find the link below:

http://www.pcaac.org/2010GeneralAssembly/commissionerregistration.htm

PCA Stats Reminder

2010-01-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

A reminder to work with your session and your admins (if you are so blessed) to send in your church stats to the Stats Office by 2/12 (I have also received emails saying 2/19, but the earlier the better).

http://www.pcaac.org/StatsOnlineSubmission.htm

If you are having trouble, please contact:

Susan B. Cullen
scullen@pcanet.org
678-825-1000

Files in Acrobat Reader

2010-01-22T05:53:00.000-08:00

All files posted to the CMP Blog will be in PDF format. If you would like to view the files, you will need Acrobat Reader. We recommend you download the files, then open them from your desktop.

Download Acrobat Reader

Haitian Christmas Letter

2010-01-21T12:38:00.001-08:00

From Hector Mardy to those that encouraged and supported the efforts the Haitian Christmas Project in Chicago.

Please find the letter here. This file is a PDF. You may need to download the file before opening.

Giving to Haiti

2010-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

If you are considering giving to Haiti Relief efforts, please use this website to support our missionaries on the group in Haiti:
http://esmihome.org/

ESMI Haiti Update #7

2010-01-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

An aftershock of a 6.1 magnitude hit Haiti this morning I'm awaiting news from Dony on what the situation is. ESMI is so thankful to many of you who will remain committed as Haiti walks this very difficult path.

Praise God for the response that is coming in. Two 20 ft truckload of food and water were purchased and crossed into Haiti from the DR yesterday. Thank you all for making this possible. We are also partnering with other ministries to get food into Haiti. Today at noon, God's willing, a 17-seater plane from the Bahamas will fly into PAP filled with food, medical supplies, and water.

Next is the distribution of food. Louis was organizing 30 people from the south to head to PAP yesterday. ESMI needs to secure vehicles, preferably dump trucks to go into different areas to do this. We are setting up stations in Petit Goave, Carrefour, Miragaone, and Grecier for now. These are areas that have suffered substantial damage also but have received little to no aid. We will work with the pastors of these communities.

Today will also be a day of more strategic planning on distribution and coordination of those desiring to help at this crucial time. Pray for wisdom. The plan is to have two sites to host Haitians and US teams: Croix des Bouquets and Carrefour. The orphans will be removed from the latter area and the home turned into a guesthouse for now. At the moment, there are 2 medical teams desiring to go tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday. Pray for the logistics to be worked out and to see if this is still possible after this 6.1 aftershock.

Suggestions for Packing Containers for Food and Clothing:
Some of you are already collecting food to send in containers once the ports in Haiti open. We'd like to offer the following suggestions as you do so.

Food
As you collect, please pack a number of food items for immediate consumption- biscuits, chips, sardine, tuna sandwich mix, canned sausage, lots of small bottles of water, malta drink (Haitians love this drink-Floridians check Publix), Boost or other nutritional drink, evaporated milk, cereal, etc. and of course, rice, black beans, red beans, oil, canned meat, spaghetti, enriched fine yellow cornmeal, bulgar wheat, baked beans, canned soup, tomato paste, salt, sugar, black pepper, food seasoning, spices, etc. These are just some of the items the Haitians enjoy food-wise.

Clothing-Please,please gently worn clothing and shoes.

Tents- These are needed for temporary housing. Many, as you have seen, are sleeping in the streets with sheets as tents. We are also looking for large tents for churches to have their services. It rained yesterday in PAP. I leave the rest to your imagination.

To maximize the use of space in the containers, pack these items in boxes.

Again, we thank you for your prayers. We serve a sovereign God whose good purpose through all of this will one day be seen.

Blessings,
Sharon

ESMI Haiti Update #6

2010-01-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

From Dony St. Germain via Sharon…

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you for your prayers in such a difficult time as this for my people and my country. We, Louis and I, have sensed your prayers as we too are mourning the deaths of key leaders in our ministry. I lost 10 key leaders in PAP. One of these leaders died with his entire family.

Church, what you are seeing on the television, as difficult as it has been to watch, fails in comparison to what is really happening in Haiti. There are too many people who are still not getting the help they need, many are suffering. For example, the concentration of the relief so far is in PAP but there are a number of surrounding cities that have also suffered major damage that no on is addressing such as Jacmel, Miragoan, Leogan, and the list goes on. There are still aftershocks being felt. Two buildings that were standing and showed no signs of damage fell yesterday with people in them. We continue to be in desperate need of your help to minister. Ministry must not only be in PAP but also in the surrounding cities where many are returning. ESMI is already strategically based in some of these cities and sees this as an opportunity for future church plants and growth. However, at this time, the focus must be on the immediate needs.

These are the needs we must work on now:

1. Containers with Food Supply from the Dominican Republic (DR) - PAP was the main entrance of food for the entire country. They have run out. Soon the trickling effect into other cities will begin as these cities become overcrowded with people who have left PAP. We can get a 20ft container with $10,000 worth of food and transport it across for another $2,000. We need at least 20 of these right now. A team is already in place to do the purchasing and packing once the funds are received.

2. Food Containers from the US - Although rice, black beans, red beans, oil, canned meat, spaghetti, cornmeal, bulgar wheat, baked beans, canned soup, tomato paste are much needed items, other important items to pack are food for immediate consumption such as biscuits, tuna sandwich mix, canned sausage, lots of small bottles of water, etc., anything that does not have to be cooked. ESMI has the contact to have these containers cleared within 3 days in the DR.

3. Medical Team - Many, many people have not been treated for their injuries. Large numbers are sitting under sheets with swollen feet, arms, and face; untreated injuries with dried clots of blood; back injuries; some totally immobile because blocks fell on their backs or chest. Some are being fed by others that are too weak to feed themselves but it is only a matter of time before they are no more if no one sees them. The General Hospital is overcrowded, patients are outside waiting and the people are dying by the minute. This is just too much for the hospital to handle.

The Need:
i) Several mobile clinics with all the needed medical supplies to treat these patients in the different locations.
ii) Medical Team - We are ready right now to have medical teams come in to see patients. I have secured a clinic in the Croix de Bouquet area, 15-20 minutes outside of PAP. It is safe.

4. Tents for Churches and Homes - Most churches in PAP have collapsed but the body of Christ is very much alive. As the sun sets and night fallsl, PAP becomes a city of worship. Singing is heard everywhere throughout the darkness. We need huge tents that can accommodate the thousands of church members, and smaller ones for those living on the streets until other housing is found.

Thank you once again for all your prayers and financial support that has come in these last few days. We still need your financial support to meet some of these immediate needs.

By God’s grace, I know we will prevail as His people.

In His Service,
Dony St. Germain
Haitian Ministries Coordinator