tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67660633939139608962024-02-19T08:21:59.236-08:00Urbancrest MissionsDoss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-5031661809603487122014-05-27T19:28:00.001-07:002014-05-27T19:28:38.152-07:00It's Time! Re-Enroll in Kroger Community Rewards!<strong>Thank you for participating in the Kroger Community Rewards Program in support of Urbancrest's Faith Promise Fund! Last year we were able to earn thousands of dollars to impact the world for Christ! Now, it's time to re-enroll in order to continue earning Community Rewards funds.</strong><br />
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Did you know that you can support the Urbancrest Faith Promise Fund while shopping? It is true! Through the Kroger Community Rewards Program, you can be giving to the many ministries that Urbancrest supports through our Faith Promise Fund (FPF) every time you shop for groceries or anything else at Kroger! The Faith Promise Fund supports more than 50 missionaries around the world, as well as nationals in several countries. It also supports the many mission projects and church plant partnerships. The best thing about this rewards program is that there is no cost to you personally in any way! You will not lose any discounts or rebates that you are receiving. <strong>Please Note: Kroger now requires that all participants in the Community Rewards Program re-register their organization starting on May 1st each year. If you do not re-register, the Faith Promise Fund will no longer receive donations from your shopping. </strong><br />
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Regardless of where you live, I encourage you to complete the following steps to support our missions ministry:<br />
<ul>
<li>Go online to <a href="http://krogercommunityrewards.com/">krogercommunityrewards.com</a> and follow the directions below to register. <strong>In order for the Faith Promise Fund to receive funds, you must register under our Urbancrest assigned number which is 83466.</strong> </li>
<li>Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with our organization after you sign up. </li>
<li>If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger. </li>
<li>Click on Sign In/Register </li>
<li>Some participants are new online customers, so they must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box. </li>
<li>Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions. </li>
<li>You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email. </li>
<li>Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. </li>
<li>Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. </li>
<li>Update or confirm your information. </li>
<li>Enter NPO number (83466) or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm. </li>
<li>To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see our organization’s name on the right side of your information page. </li>
<li>Show your Kroger Plus card or enter your alternate ID at the checkout each time you shop so that our Faith Promise Fund will get credit for the purchase.</li>
</ul>
The registration process will take less than five minutes of your time but will make an eternal difference in the lives of thousands!<br />
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<br />Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-11915083077816241112014-05-03T08:29:00.000-07:002014-05-03T08:29:06.093-07:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm<br /> Contact Howard Pauley for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">937-671-5349</a><br /> <br /> Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br /> <br /> Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third & Fifth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br /> Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br /> <br /> Warren County Juvenile Detention Center (WCJDC) – Every Tuesday from 6:30pm-8:00pm<br /> Anyone wanting to serve at WCJDC must be pre-approved!<br /> Contact Bob Woods for more information: 513-383-3554<br /> <br /> <strong>May Calendar</strong><br /> May 6: WCJDC<br /><br />May 7: Kindred Care<br /><br />May 10: Missional Small Group Training from 9:00am-11:30am in Room 203<br /> For more information, contact Clint Otto: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br />May 13: Hope Gardens from 6:00pm-8:30pm; WCJDC<br /><br />May 14: Kindred Care<br /><br />May 18: Mexico Mission Team Meeting from 4:00pm-6:00pm in Room 207<br /> Contact Clint Otto at <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a> for more information!<br /><br />May 20: Hope Gardens from 6:00pm-8:30pm; WCJDC<br /><br />May 21: Food Pantry; Kindred Care; Laundry Ministry <br /><br />May 26: Memorial Day – Church Office Closed<br /><br />May 27: Hope Gardens from 6:00pm-8:30pm; Monthly Baskets of Hope; WCJDC<br /><br />May 28: Kindred Care; Monthly Baskets of Hope<br />
La Luz Outreach from 6:30pm-8:00pm – Canvassing, gathering, door knocking, and prayer walking at the La Luz apartments. For more information, contact Clint Otto: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br /><strong>Looking Ahead:</strong><br />June 7: Safe Travel Solutions Training (for mission teams departing June-December 2014)<br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span>For more information, contact Doss Estep: <a href="mailto:destepubc@gmail.com">destepubc@gmail.com</a> Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-18812266516102917482014-03-11T20:08:00.000-07:002014-03-11T20:08:51.308-07:00Urbancrest Global Impact Celebration <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Schedule of Events</strong><br /><strong>Wednesday March 12th</strong><br />5:15 – 6:05 PM – Church-Wide Dinner<br />6:30 – 8:00 PM – Kick-Off Celebration<br /> Speaker: Vernon Brewer, World Help<br />
<br /><strong>Thursday March 13th</strong><br />6:30 – 8:30 PM – Orality Conference with Jeff Singerman<br />6:30 – 8:30 PM – “Living Sent: Introduction to Missional Community” with Randy Chestnut<br />
<br /><strong>Friday March 14th</strong><br />6:30 – 8:30 PM – Church-Wide Home Briefings with Missionaries<br />
<br /><strong>Saturday March 15th</strong><br />11:45 – 3:00 PM – Mission Project – BGR Bucket Project<br />5:00 – 6:15 PM – Taste of the World<br />6:30 – 8:00 PM – Prayer Service<br />
Speaker: Jeff Singerman, IMB<br />
<br /><strong>Sunday March 16th</strong><br />9:30 and 11:00 AM – Worship Services<br /> Missionary Testimonies<br />9:30 and 11:00 AM – Missionaries Speaking in Sunday School Classes<br />6:00 – 7:30 PM – Life Commitment Service<br /> Speaker: Dr. Thomas White, Cedarville University<br />
Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-67236474567252489772014-02-19T19:33:00.001-08:002014-02-19T19:33:50.529-08:00Global Impact Celebration Prayer Vigil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year’s Global Impact Celebration kicks off with a Prayer Vigil, February 21 & 22 in Room 203/204. The entire church is invited to be a part of this important and exciting time of prayer.<br /><br />Friday, February 21: 6:00pm -11:00pm<br /> Saturday, February 22: 7:00am-6:00pm<br /><br />Contact Steve Persen at <a href="mailto:stevepersen65@gmail.com">stevepersen65@gmail.com</a> to participate with your Bible study, small group or Sunday school class OR just drop in when your family has an hour to learn about our missionary partners and to pray for them in our special prayer room.<br />
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Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-76844763850725876142014-02-07T20:23:00.002-08:002014-03-05T13:25:41.678-08:002014 Urbancrest Mission ProjectsMexico (1): February 15-22, 2014<br />
Contact: Jeff Crumbley/Mick Lovely<br />
<a href="mailto:jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net">jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net</a> <br />
<a href="mailto:Mick71050@aol.com">Mick71050@aol.com</a><br />
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Youth Beverly, West Virginia: March 26-30, 2014<br />
Contact: Aaron Taylor<br />
<a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Mexico (2): April 6-12, 2014<br />
Contact: Jeff Clem <br />
<a href="mailto:clemje1@gmail.com">clemje1@gmail.com</a><br />
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Youth Love Your City: May 2-3, 2014<br />
Contact: Aaron Taylor<br />
<a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Beverly, West Virginia: May 23-25, 2014<br />
Revival/Music team needed!<br />
Contact: TBD<br />
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Youth M-Fuge Nashville: June 9-14, 2014<br />
Contact: Aaron Taylor<br />
<a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Mexico (3): June 13-28, 2014<br />
Contact: Deanne Clem<br />
<a href="mailto:clemje@embarqmail.com">clemje@embarqmail.com</a><br />
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Mexico (4): June 21-28, 2014<br />
Contact: Gwen Forrest<br />
<a href="mailto:ohiotreehouse@gmail.com">ohiotreehouse@gmail.com</a><br />
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Key West, Florida: June 21-29, 2014<br />
Contact: Dave Bickers<br />
<a href="mailto:dbickers@urbancrest.org">dbickers@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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Beverly, West Virginia: June 23-27, 2014<br />
Danny & Wanda Mitchell<br />
<a href="mailto:wandam@go-concepts.com">wandam@go-concepts.com</a><br />
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Mexico (5): June 27-July 5, 2014<br />
Contact: Jeff Clem<br />
<a href="mailto:clemje1@gmail.com">clemje1@gmail.com</a><br />
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Mexico (6): July 4-12, 2014<br />
Contact: Jeff Clem<br />
<a href="mailto:clemje1@gmail.com">clemje1@gmail.com</a><br />
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Uganda: July 10-26, 2014<br />
Contact: Doss Estep<br />
<a href="mailto:destepubc@gmail.com">destepubc@gmail.com</a><br />
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Mexico (7): July 11-26, 2014<br />
Contact: Jeff Clem<br />
<a href="mailto:clemje1@gmail.com">clemje1@gmail.com</a><br />
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Beverly, West Virginia: July 13-17, 2014<br />
VBS team needed!<br />
Contact: TBD<br />
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Argentina: July 23-30, 2014<br />
Contact: Leah Busick<br />
<a href="mailto:lbusick@urbancrest.org">lbusick@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Beverly, West Virginia: September 5-7, 2014 <br />
Revival/Evangelism team needed!<br />
Contact: Joe Veal<br />
<a href="mailto:joetveal@mac.com">joetveal@mac.com</a><br />
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Thailand: October TBD<br />
Contact: Doss Estep<br />
<a href="mailto:destepubc@gmail.com">destepubc@gmail.com</a><br />
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Mexico (8): October 26-November 1, 2014<br />
Contact: TBD <br />
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For more information, contact Doss Estep at 513-932-4405 or <a href="mailto:destepubc@gmail.com">destepubc@gmail.com</a> .Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-2663397035514205092014-02-07T19:57:00.000-08:002014-02-07T19:57:03.202-08:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>February Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm<br /> Contact Howard Pauley for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">937-671-5349</a><br /> <br /> Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br /> <br /> Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third & Fifth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br /> Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br /> <br /> Warren County Juvenile Detention Center (WCJDC) – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Anyone wanting to serve at WCJDC must be pre-approved!<br /> Contact Bob Woods for more information: 513-383-3554<br /> <br /> <strong>February Calendar</strong><br /> February 6: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 6:30pm in Room 202<br /><br />February 11: WCJDC<br /><br />February 12: Kindred Care; Women’s Summit Planning Meeting from 6:45pm-8:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />February 15: Target Shooting Ministry from 9:00am-12:00pm<br />Contact Clint Otto at <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a> or stop by the lobby mission table for more information!<br /><br />February 15-22: Mexico UPG Mission Trip<br /><br />February 18: WCJDC<br /><br />February 19: Food Pantry; Kindred Care; Laundry Ministry<br /><br />February 21: GIC Prayer Vigil from 6:00pm-11:00pm in Room 203/204<br /><br />February 22: GIC Prayer Vigil from 7:00am-6:00pm in Room 203/204<br /><br />February 23: Small Groups Information Meeting from 12:30pm-1:30pm in Room 205; GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 5:00pm in Room 206; Mexico UPG Strategy Group Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 207<br /><br />February 25: Monthly Baskets of Hope; WCJDC<br /><br />February 26: Kindred Care; Monthly Baskets of Hope<br /><br /><strong>Looking Ahead:</strong><br />
March 9: Urbancrest Prayer Core Group Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />March 12-16: Global Impact Celebration<br />TotALLy His: Heart, Hands, Voice – Matthew 22:36-39<br />Go to <a href="http://urbancrest.org/special-events">http://urbancrest.org/special-events</a> to view the Schedule of Events!<br /><br />March 24-30: Youth Beverly, West Virginia Mission Trip<br />Contact Aaron Taylor at <a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a> for more information!<br /><br />June 7: Safe Travel Solutions Training (for mission teams departing June-December 2014)Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-37448065562479056442014-01-05T17:53:00.000-08:002014-01-05T17:53:45.096-08:00Mark Your Calendars
<strong>January Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm<br /> Contact Howard Pauley for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">937-671-5349</a><br /> <br /> Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br /> <br /> Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third & Fifth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br /> Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br /> <br /> Warren County Juvenile Detention Center (WCJDC) – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Anyone wanting to serve at WCJDC must be pre-approved!<br /> Contact Bob Woods for more information: 513-383-3554<br /> <br /> <strong>January Calendar</strong><br /> January 7: WCJDC<br /><br />January 8: Kindred Care<br /><br />January 9: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 6:30pm in Room 202<br /><br />January 12: Argentina Mission Team Meeting after 2nd service in Room 207; GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 12:30pm<br /><br />January 13-17: Mission College for Americas in Richmond, VA<br /><br />January 14: WCJDC<br /><br />January 15: Food Pantry; Kindred Care; Laundry Ministry<br /><br />January 18: Safe Travel Solutions Training from 8:30am-12:00pm in Room 203 (RSVP to <a href="mailto:dlynch@urbancrest.org">dlynch@urbancrest.org</a> by January 15th)<br /><br />January 19: Mexico UPG Strategy Group Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 207; Urbancrest Prayer Core Group Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />January 21: WCJDC<br /><br />January 22: Kindred Care<br /><br />January 24-25: Men’s Summit (see <a href="http://www.urbancrest.org/">www.urbancrest.org</a> for more information)<br /><br />January 26: GIC Team Leader Meeting @ 12:30pm in the Gym<br /><br />January 28: Monthly Baskets of Hope; WCJDC<br /><br />January 29: Food Pantry; Kindred Care; Monthly Baskets of Hope<br /><br /><strong>Looking Ahead:</strong><br />February 1: Short-term Mission Team Leader Training from 8:30am-4:00pm (lunch provided, RSVP required; Contact <a href="mailto:destepubc@gmail.com">destepubc@gmail.com</a> if interested in becoming a Short-term Mission Team Leader)<br /><br />March 12-16: Global Impact Celebration<br /><br />June 7: Safe Travel Solutions Training (for mission teams departing June-December)Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-49620677685693910532013-12-06T20:35:00.000-08:002013-12-06T20:35:37.419-08:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>December Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm<br /> Contact Howard Pauley for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">937-671-5349</a><br /> <br /> Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br /> <br /> Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third & Fifth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br /> Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br /> <br /> Warren County Juvenile Detention Center (WCJDC) – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Anyone wanting to serve at WCJDC must be pre-approved!<br /> Contact Bob Woods for more information: 513-383-3554<br /> <br /> <strong>December Calendar</strong><br /> December 5: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 6:30pm in Room 202<br /><br />December 8: Mexico UPG Information Meeting for February & April Trips @ 12:30pm in Room 207<br /><br />December 8-14: Mexico UPG Mission trip<br /><br />December 11: Kindred Care<br /><br />December 15: Middle East Trip Information Meeting (after 2nd service); Christmas Baskets of Hope @ 5:00pm for volunteers, 6:00pm service in sanctuary<br /><br />December 18: Kindred Care; Laundry Ministry; Lebanon Food Pantry<br /><br /><strong>Looking Ahead to 2014:</strong><br />January 5: GIC Coordinator Meeting from 4:00pm-6:00pm in Room 206<br />January 18: Safe Travel Training (for mission teams departing January-May)<br />January 26: GIC Team Leader Meeting<br />February 1: Short-term Mission Team Leader Training<br />March 12-16: Global Impact Celebration<br />June 7: Safe Travel Training (for mission teams departing June-December)Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-20527838078695788372013-10-17T13:21:00.000-07:002013-10-17T13:21:11.176-07:00This Gospel of the Kingdom <span id="goog_251351127"></span><span id="goog_251351128"></span><br />
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Sequestered high up in the Sierra Madres in Southern Mexico is an Unreached People Group (UPG) that Urbancrest recently adopted to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since this blog can be read by anyone on the internet, I cannot mention their name for fear of those who will not want us there. This people group is very religious and knows about Jesus Christ, yet they have no idea they can have a personal relationship with Him. They are told they must keep a set of rituals and regulations in order to earn eternal life. What a privilege we have to tell them that Jesus has already paid the full price for their sin through His suffering on the cross. They are only required to repent of their sin, receive the gift of salvation, and invite Him into their hearts!<br />
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Jeff Clem, Mick Lovely, and I made a trip this September seeking to work out logistics for our future teams. We were traveling with IMB missionary Jeff Holeman, two missionaries in the IMB Hands On semester program, a retired missionary that was helping Jeff connect churches like ours to UPGs, and a national pastor who was driving and translating for us. We had just a few days and much to accomplish. Although I had only been to the small village one time previously, I had learned then that in their culture the village leader’s approval was needed to do almost everything. Our hope was to find a place to spend three nights in the village, and in that time we wanted to meet with the village leaders to gain approval to be there long-term. Our goal was to return and bring teams to work and minister among the residents. If that approval was granted, we would need to find and rent a place to lodge our future teams.<br />
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It seemed nearly impossible to me that all of these goals could be accomplished in the short time we would be there. Even while I was in the U.S. asking people to pray for these tasks to be completed, I was having my doubts. After flying most of the day Sunday, we finally arrived in the city and stayed overnight. We experienced several delays after picking up the rental car early Monday, and when we finally started our journey the transmission went out on the vehicle. Therefore, we had to remain in the city another night and wait until Tuesday to head to our adopted people group.<br />
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As we finally began inching our way up the mountain early Tuesday morning, I quickly realized that the small car I had rented was not appropriate for this trip! A hurricane and a tropical storm had brought rain to the region every day for the past two weeks, therefore the gravel road was washed out in many places and the car was dragging bottom on every bump. I am sure it had nothing to do with the fact that Mick and Jeff were riding in the back seat! (Note to self: Rent a van or SUV for future trips!) What should have been a three hour trip turned into six hours. By the time we arrived at the picturesque little village around 1:00pm, I assumed that the likelihood of accomplishing our goals in the time remaining was slim. I felt certain I would be returning in early October to try again.<br />
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Elizabeth, the restaurant owner, remembered us and welcomed us once again. She had a chicken/salsa dish prepared, which she shared with us. We learned that the village leaders were meeting that very day to elect a new village president. Our missionary commented that it was best to stay away from those meetings due to the fact that the atmosphere could be contentious. I agreed with his wisdom, but wondered whether there would be another time to meet with them since we only had two days left.<br />
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After lunch we found that the building next door was a place that rented rooms. We met the lady who owned the building and she quickly rented three rooms to us. I think she even moved someone out of one of the rooms to accommodate us. It was fairly primitive for the area with an outside toilet (no seat of course), and everyone had to carry their own flushing water. We had air mattresses to make up for the shortage of beds.<br />
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We set up the rooms for our stay and then decided to take a walk around the little town. I took this walk on my first trip and already knew my way around. The main road sat on a ridge overlooking the tops of a few houses and other buildings. We passed a few stores, a bakery, and several homes as we explored. In the center of town, the most prominent building was the church. Behind the church was the community center and the primary school. Most of us ended up in the courtyard of the church at the same time, but Jeff walked past the church and straight up to a group of people who were gathered outside of the community center. He told them that he was a connector for groups in the U.S. who were interested in working in Mexican villages. After a few minutes, he walked back to us and asked if we would like to talk to the village leaders now. Of course, after traveling nearly 2500 miles, we were more than ready to talk with these leaders!<br />
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As we approached the group I could not tell which man was the leader, so I decided it was best for me to talk with the aid of Manuel, our translator. With his help, I told them of our desire to work in the area through humanitarian efforts. We were able to meet the man who had just been elected the new president of the village. We could not have been there and talking to them at a better time! They told us of some of the things they hoped we could help them with: medical teams, ESL, and programs for the children. They asked for more time to make a list, but gave us their blessing to be there and to return with the people that can help in those areas of need. Our next question was about housing: If we were going to bring in teams, would we have permission to rent a place to lodge them there? Once again they were quick to grant us what we asked for. We decided to go ahead and present our final request: Did they know of anyone that had such a place that we could rent? They all pointed to a little lady named Luz that had been standing a few feet away listening to our conversation.<br />
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Luz and her husband were building a hotel next door to the community center where we were standing. Her husband was out of the country, but she told us they had a new unit that was nearly finished except for installing the windows and doors. Half of the motel was completed and would be available at the regular rate. I had anticipated that we would be renting a house and sending construction teams to remodel it, wire it, and install bathrooms to make it suitable for American teams. To our surprise, these rooms were already complete with bathrooms and showers in each room! We made the offer to rent on an annual basis the six rooms that were near completion. Within three hours after arriving, God had allowed us to complete all of our goals! Seemingly impossible goals are very possible with our God!<br />
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The next morning we packed up and traveled back to the city. With our remaining time, we were able to get cost estimates on the furniture and equipment that will enable us to keep our team comfortable and safe. God amazed me once again as He answered your prayers for this UPG project! The Word of God is clear that we must reach across cultural barriers to preach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to tribes and families that have never heard. Please continue to pray that God will continue opening doors so that we can build relationships among this people group. Pray that many will accept His offer of salvation and become discipled followers of Him. Please pray that a church planting movement will be established among this group. Finally, please continue to give to the Faith Promise Fund as we send teams to proclaim His truth in love.<br />
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<em>"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."</em> ~ Matthew 24:14<br />
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~ Doss Estep, Minister of Missions</div>
Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-10036613471584309742013-10-05T10:54:00.000-07:002013-10-05T10:54:11.276-07:00Mark Your Calendars
<strong>October Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm<br /> Contact Howard Pauley for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">937-671-5349</a><br /><br /> Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br /><br /> Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third & Fifth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br /> Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br /><br /> School of Evangelism – Every Wednesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm in Room 205<br /> Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br /> Visitation Night – Every Wednesday beginning at 6:30pm in Room 202<br /> Contact Michelle Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:theottos@gmail.com">theottos@gmail.com</a><br /><br /> Warren County Juvenile Detention Center (WCJDC) – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Anyone wanting to serve at WCJDC must be pre-approved!<br /> Contact Bob Woods for more information: 513-383-3554<br /><br /><strong>October Calendar</strong><br />October 5: Church-wide work day at new Phase 2 Thrift Store (old skating rink at 762 Columbus Ave) from 8:00am-12:00pm. Painting project!; Resource Center open 10:00am-12:00pm<br /><br />October 6: Phase 2 Thrift Store meeting in Room 202 directly after second service. Leaders: Eric Gage & Deb Figary<br /><br />October 8: Resource Center open 1:00pm-4:00pm; FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202; WCJDC<br /><br />October 9: Kindred Care; School of Evangelism; Visitation Night<br /><br />October 10: Resource Center open 12:00pm-3:00pm<br /><br />October 12: Great Pumpkin Giveaway from 10:00am-2:00pm at Iron’s Fruit Farm; Resource Center open 10:00am-12:00pm<br /><br />October 13: Peoples/Killin Return Reception after AM service. RSVP required to Janna Coates <a href="mailto:coatesjl@yahoo.com">coatesjl@yahoo.com</a>. Bring side dish or dessert; GIC Coordinator Meeting from 5:00pm-7:00pm in Room 206<br /><br />October 14: Cincinnati Area Baptist Association Organizational Meeting @ 7:00pm<br /> Location: New Hope Baptist Church, Loveland<br /><br />October 15: Resource Center open 1:00pm-4:00pm; WCJDC<br /><br />October 16: Kindred Care; Laundry Ministry; Lebanon Food Pantry; School of Evangelism; Visitation Night<br /><br />October 17: Resource Center open 12:00pm-3:00pm<br /><br />October 18-20: Judgement House – Go to <a href="http://www.urbancrest.org/">www.urbancrest.org</a> for show times. Call 513-932-4405 to make a reservation.<br /><br /> October 19: Church-wide Prayer for the Billy Graham “My Hope” Opportunity from 8:00am-9:00am in Room 202; Resource Center open 10:00am-12:00pm<br /><br />October 22: Resource Center open 1:00pm-4:00pm; WCJDC; Monthly Baskets of Hope<br /><br />October 23: Kindred Care; Monthly Baskets of Hope; School of Evangelism; Visitation Night; Judgement House from 6:00pm-8:00pm (call 513-932-4405 to make a reservation)<br /><br />October 24: Resource Center open 12:00pm-3:00pm<br /><br />October 25-27: Judgement House - Go to <a href="http://www.urbancrest.org/">www.urbancrest.org</a> for show times. Call 513-932-4405 to make a reservation.<br /><br /> October 26: Resource Center open 10:00am-12:00pm<br /><br />October 29: Resource Center open 1:00pm-4:00pm; WCJDC<br /><br />October 30: Kindred Care; School of Evangelism; Visitation Night<br /><br />October 31: Resource Center open 12:00pm-3:00pm<br /><br /><strong>Looking Ahead:</strong><br />November 6-7: SCBO Annual Meeting in Toledo. See <a href="http://www.scbo.org/">www.SCBO.org</a> for more information!Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-62852538520751885072013-09-12T14:30:00.000-07:002013-09-12T14:30:06.028-07:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>September Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />
Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm<br />
Contact Rita Simms for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">rsims@swohio.twcbc.com</a><br />
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Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br />
Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br />
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Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third & Fifth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br />
Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br />
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School of Evangelism – Every Wednesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm in Room 205<br />
Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Visitation Night – Every Wednesday beginning at 6:30pm in Room 202<br />
Contact Michelle Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:theottos@gmail.com">theottos@gmail.com</a><br />
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Warren County Juvenile Detention Center – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br />
Anyone wanting to serve at WCJDC must be pre-approved!<br />
Contact Christina Woods for more information: <a href="mailto:christinawoods@roadrunner.com">christinawoods@roadrunner.com</a><br />
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<strong>September Calendar:</strong><br />
September 10: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202; SHBA Final Meeting<br />
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September 11: Kindred Care; School of Evangelism; Visitation Night<br />
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September 12: Advance Multiplication Center Prayer Retreat @ FBC Kettering; Prayer Walking from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Meet Sandy Huddleston in front of church!<br />
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September 14: Church-wide Work Day @ new Phase 2 Thrift Store (old skating rink at 762 Columbus Ave) from 8:00am-12:00pm. Drywall project!<br />
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September 15: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 206<br />
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September 18: Food Pantry; Kindred Care; Laundry Ministry; School of Evangelism; Visitation Night<br />
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September 19: Church Planter Network Meeting from 10:00am-1:00pm in Room 202; Prayer Walking from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Meet Sandy Huddleston in front of church!<br />
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September 22: Church-wide My Hope Training with Billy Graham from 6:00pm-7:30pm in the Upper Room<br />
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September 22-27: Mexico Mission Project to Sierra Chontal<br />
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September 24-25: Monthly Baskets of Hope<br />
Contact Kyleen Francis for more information: <a href="mailto:gkfran894@embarqmail.com">gkfran894@embarqmail.com</a><br />
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September 25: Kindred Care; School of Evangelism; Visitation Night<br />
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September 26: Prayer Walking from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Meet Sandy Huddleston in front of church!Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-65393219864901930212013-06-06T15:18:00.000-07:002013-06-06T15:18:17.708-07:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />Hope Gardens – Every Tuesday @ 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm for guests<br /> Contact Jill Young for more information: <a href="mailto:rjehyoung@aol.com">rjehyoung@aol.com</a><br /><br /> Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm <br /> Contact Rita Simms for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">rsims@swohio.twcbc.com</a><br /><br /> Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br /><br /> Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third & Fifth Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br /> Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br /><br /> Warren County Juvenile Detention Center – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Anyone wanting to serve at WCJDC must be pre-approved!<br /> Contact Christina Woods for more information: <a href="mailto:christinawoods@roadrunner.com">christinawoods@roadrunner.com</a><br /><br /><strong>June Calendar</strong><br />June 6: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202; Church-wide Evangelism Training with Andrew Trezona @ 6:00pm in Upper Room<br /><br />June 6-13: Key West Mission Trip<br /><br />June 7-9: Young at Heart Retreat at Long’s Retreat Family Resort in Adams County<br /> (see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br /><br />June 9: Argentina Mission Team Meeting - After services in Room 201<br /><br />June 11: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests<br /><br /> June 12: Church-wide distribution of door knockers for VBS including subdivisions (meet at UBC at 6pm); Kindred Care<br /> Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br />June 14: Young at Heart Gathering (see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br /><br />June 16: Uganda Mission Team Meeting @ 6:00pm (Persen’s house)<br /><br /> June 17-21: Urbancrest Vacation Bible School<br /> Visit <a href="http://www.urbancrest.org/">www.urbancrest.org</a> for more information!<br /><br />June 18: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests; WCJDC<br /><br />June 19: Kindred Care; Food Pantry<br /><br />June 21: VBS Block Party<br /><br />June 23: Argentina Mission Team Meeting – After services in Room 201<br /><br />June 25: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests; WCJDC; Monthly Baskets of Hope in Room 206<br /><br />June 26: All outreach activities begin at 6:00pm! Church-wide Challenge the Neighborhood in Revere’s Run subdivision; Visitation Night; Open House at Resource Center/Thrift Store; Monthly Baskets of Hope in Room 206; Laundry Ministry<br /> Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br />June 29: Fishing Derby from 10:00am-2:00pm at Urbancrest pond<br /><br />June 30: Argentina Mission Team Meeting – After services in Room 201; Uganda Mission Team Meeting @ 4:00pm (Persen’s house)<br /><br /><strong>July Calendar</strong><br />July 2: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests; WCJDC<br /><br />July 2-11: Argentina Mission Trip<br /><br />July 3: Church-wide work night at UBC @ 6:00pm (landscaping, cleaning, painting, etc.); Kindred Care<br /><br />July 6: Uganda Mission Team Meeting (w/families) @ 5:00pm (Estep’s house)<br /><br />July 9: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests; WCJDC<br /><br />July 10: Alabama mission team & Block Party @ 6:00pm at the Resource Center/Thrift Store; Kindred Care<br /><br />July 10-28: Uganda Mission Trip<br /><br />July 11: Back Yard Kids Club at Resource Center/Thrift Store<br /><br />July 12: Back Yard Kids Club at Resource Center/Thrift Store; Young at Heart Gathering (see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br /><br />July 16: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests; WCJDC<br /><br />July 16-20: Warren County Fair<br /><br />July 17: Kindred Care; Food Pantry<br /><br />July 23: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests; WCJDC; Monthly Baskets of Hope in Room 206<br /><br />July 24: Block Party @ 6pm in Pleasant Park; Monthly Baskets of Hope in Room 206<br /><br />July 30: Hope Garden – 6:00pm for volunteers, 7:00pm guests; WCJDC; Monthly Baskets of Hope in Room 206<br /><br />July 31: Challenge the Neighborhood @ 6pm in Silverwood Farms; Visitation Night; Kindred Care; Food Pantry<br /><br /><strong>Save the Dates:</strong><br />August 3 – Voice of the Martyrs Conference at Urbancrest!<br />August 17 – Car Show (Rain Date August 24)<br />August 21 – Dog Show<br />August 28 – Church-wide Family Night<br /><br /> Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-63729097208829820902013-05-11T05:46:00.000-07:002013-05-11T05:46:03.782-07:00Living Word Baptist Church Update Things are busier than ever, even though over the winter months (with all the bad weather) we didn’t have as many special events taking place. Our people have concentrated on going out and visiting those who have expressed an interest in our church. We have also been going out prayer walking neighborhoods while handing out door hangers and talking to as many as possible. A couple people from the congregation (primarily Dave Grove - one of our faithful deacons) have joined me in going door to door when weather permitted. As a result, God continues to add to our congregation! Since January our church roster has grown to fifty-seven. It was rough for a few weeks with attendance dropping off. I guess Satan didn’t like what was going on in our neighborhood! But, God rallied the church and things have gotten much better. Our weekly attendance last month increased to an average of forty-two. Most importantly, since the first of the year we have continued to see many souls come to the Lord. Praise God!<br /><br /> In February, Living Word hosted our first movie night that was open to the community. We had popcorn, chips, and candy for the concessions, as well as coffee and juice to wash it down. The movies that we showed were the animation UP and Faith like Potatoes. We had 27 people attend!<br /><br /> In March, we participated in the Global Impact Celebration (GIC) at Urbancrest Baptist Church. Living Word Baptist Church had its own display and I was blessed to be able to share what we are doing at LWBC with Pastor Tom’s Sunday school class. Many of our folks attended the GIC services for the first time. They thought it was great! The parade of countries (flags) and everyone in costume was greatly moving for them, and of course it was great to hear the speakers proclaim the Word. A couple of the children from LWBC even handed out literature for the GIC. Many enjoyed talking with missionaries one-on-one for the first time, but for some the Taste of the World was their favorite part.<br /> <br />
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<br /> In May, we were blessed to have the UBC hand bell choir come again to share with us their gifts in music. It is always as treat to have them in our services. We were also blessed to have Aaron Bogan and his family visit Living Word. He brought a wonderful and moving sermon that challenged the hearts of many. Some are still talking about how hearing Aaron has impacted them. <br />
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<br /> May also brought Innocent & Ruth Kiiza (national missionaries from Uganda) to our church. They gave their testimony of how God called them into missions, and what He is doing in their lives and the lives of the Ugandans they minister to on Buvuma Island. Innocent has insisted that when able, LWBC must send a mission team to Uganda.<br /><br /> It’s exciting to see what God is doing at Living Word Baptist Church, and how He is at work in the lives of many in our community. Pamela and I would like to invite anyone who would like to keep up with this exciting time to be on our mailing list so that we can share future events with all our friends and family.<br /><br /> Please pray! Pray for Living Word that God will continue to add to the church those who will be saved and those who will serve! Pray for Pam and me that God will provide for our needs!<br /><br /> Blessings to Everyone! <br />
Darrell & Pam Coley<br />
Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-75734001202731351072013-05-04T21:19:00.000-07:002013-05-09T07:38:57.709-07:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />
Kindred Care Nursing Home – Every Wednesday from 6:15pm-7:00pm<br />
Contact Rita Simms for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">rsims@swohio.twcbc.com</a><br />
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Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br />
Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br />
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Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br />
Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br />
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Warren County Juvenile Detention Center – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br />
Contact Christina Woods for more information: <a href="mailto:christinawoods@roadrunner.com">christinawoods@roadrunner.com</a><br />
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<strong>May Calendar</strong><br />
May 5: Argentina Team Meeting @ 12:30pm at L. Busick’s house<br />
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May 5: Disaster Relief Banquet @ 12:30pm in Gym (RSVP Required)<br />
Contact Wanda Lovely for more information: <a href="mailto:wanda.lovely@gmail.com">wanda.lovely@gmail.com</a><br />
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May 5: Key West Team Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 202<br />
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May 9: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br />
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May 11: Billy Graham My Hope Training from 9:00am-12:00pm in Sanctuary<br />
Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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May 14: Hope Garden @ 5:30pm (Rain Date May 16)<br />
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May 15-19: Beverly, WV Mission Trip<br />
Contact Joe Veal for more information: <a href="mailto:joetveal@mac.com">joetveal@mac.com</a><br />
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May 17: Young at Heart Gathering - Helping with Orphan Care dinner and then attending Crazy Love Celebration at Urbancrest (see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br />
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May 19: Argentina Team Meeting after morning services in Room 201<br />
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May 19: Haiti Team Meeting from 4:00pm-6:00pm in Room 205<br />
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May 19: Uganda Team Meeting from 3:00pm-5:45pm at Urbancrest (Room TBD)<br />
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May 21: Hope Garden @ 5:30pm (Rain Date May 23)<br />
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May 28: Hope Garden @ 5:30pm (Rain Date May 30); Monthly Baskets of Hope @ 6:00pm in Room 206<br />
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May 29: All outreach activities begin at 6:00pm! Church-wide Challenge the Neighborhood (Revere’s Run subdivision); Visitation Night; Work at Resource Center/Thrift Store<br />
Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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<strong>June Calendar</strong><br />
June 1: Safe Travel Training from 8:30am-12:30pm in Room 203/204<br />
This training is required every three years for team members of all international trips.<br />
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June 1: Church-wide Challenge Newspaper Evangelism Training<br />
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June 2: Argentina Team Meeting after morning services in Room 201<br />
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June 2: Key West Team Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 202<br />
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June 4: Hope Garden @ 5:30pm (Rain Date June 6)<br />
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June 5: Block Party (Location TBD)<br />
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June 6: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br />
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June 7-9: Young at Heart Retreat at Long’s Retreat Family Resort in Adams County<br />
(see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br />
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June 8: Block Party for Hope Church in Dayton (Randy Chestnut)<br />
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June 9: Argentina Team Meeting after morning services in Room 201<br />
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June 11: Hope Garden @ 5:30pm (Rain Date June 13)<br />
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June 12: All outreach activities begin at 6:00pm! Church-wide distribution of door knockers for VBS; Prayerwalking<br />
Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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June 14: Young at Heart Gathering<br />
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June 17-21: Urbancrest Vacation Bible School<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.urbancrest.org/">www.urbancrest.org</a> for more information!<br />
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June 18: Hope Garden @ 5:30pm (Rain Date June 20)<br />
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June 21: VBS Block Party<br />
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June 23: Argentina Team Meeting after morning services in Room 201<br />
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June 23: Haiti Team Meeting from 4:00pm-6:00pm in Room 205<br />
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June 25: Hope Garden @ 5:30pm (Rain Date June 27)<br />
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June 26: All outreach activities begin at 6:00pm! Church-wide Challenge the Neighborhood; Visitation Night; Work at Resource Center/Thrift Store; Monthly Baskets of Hope in Room 206<br />
Contact Clint Otto for more information: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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June 30: Argentina Team Meeting after morning services in Room 201<br />
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<strong>Save the Date:</strong><br />
August 3 – Voice of the Martyrs Conference at Urbancrest!<br />
<br />Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-586546916411270292013-04-04T15:07:00.002-07:002013-04-04T15:07:21.117-07:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>Weekly & Monthly Local Ministries:</strong><br />Kindred Care Nursing Home Ministry – Every Wednesday from 6:15pm-7:00pm<br /> Contact Rita Simms for more information: <a href="mailto:rsims@swohio.twcbc.com">rsims@swohio.twcbc.com</a><br /><br /> Laundry Ministry – Every Third Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Sandy Huddleston for more information: <a href="mailto:sdhudd1@yahoo.com">sdhudd1@yahoo.com</a><br /><br /> Lebanon Food Pantry – Every Third Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm<br /> Contact Barb Gregory for more information: <a href="mailto:sgregory73@embarqmail.com">sgregory73@embarqmail.com</a><br /><br /> Warren County Juvenile Detention Center – Every Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm<br /> Contact Christina Woods for more information: <a href="mailto:christinawoods@roadrunner.com">christinawoods@roadrunner.com</a><br /><br /><strong>April Calendar</strong><br />April 2-6: Beverly, West Virginia Mission Project<br /> Contact Aaron Taylor for more information: <a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br /> April 4: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />April 7: Uganda Commit-to-Go Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 201<br /><br />April 9: All Day Staff Retreat<br />
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April 9: Hope Garden Prep Day @ 5:00pm <br /><br />April 12: Young at Heart @ 6:30pm<br /> Location: Trezonas (see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br />
<br />April 13: Mission Intern Cookout @ 6:00pm<br /> Location: Estep’s house<br /><br />April 14: Intern Recognition in Worship Services<br /><br />April 14: Argentina Commit-to-Go Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 201<br /><br />April 14: Key West Information Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 202<br /><br />April 14: 2013 GIC Coordinator Debrief from 5:00pm-7:00pm<br /><br />April 14: Parent Support Group @ 6:00pm in Room 207<br /> For more information, contact Michelle Otto: 937.609.3633<br /><br />April 19-20: Sub Sahara Africa Mission Training in Mt. Orab, OH<br /> Contact Doss Estep for more information: <a href="mailto:destep@urbancrest.org">destep@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br />April 21: Uganda Team Meeting @ 3:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />April 21: Haiti Commit-to-Go Meeting @ 4:00pm<br /><br />April 26-27: Baptist Global Response Training (RSVP required)<br /> Contact Wanda Lovely for more information: <a href="mailto:wanda.lovely@gmail.com">wanda.lovely@gmail.com</a><br /><br /> April 28: Key West Commit-to-Go Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 202<br /><br /><strong>May Calendar</strong><br />May 5: Disaster Relief Banquet @ 12:30pm<br /> Contact Wanda Lovely for more information: <a href="mailto:wanda.lovely@gmail.com">wanda.lovely@gmail.com</a> <br /><br /> May 9: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />May 14: Hope Garden Planting Day @ 6:00pm<br />
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May 15-19: Beverly, WV Mission Trip<br /> Contact Joe Veal for more information: <a href="mailto:joetveal@mac.com">joetveal@mac.com</a><br /><br /> May 18: Uganda Team Meeting @ 6:30pm (location TBD)<br /><br />May 19: Haiti Team Meeting @ 4:00pm<br /><br /><strong>Save the Date:</strong><br />June 1: Safe Travel Training from 8:30am-12:30pm in Room 203/204<br /> This training is required every three years for participants of international mission trips.<br /><br />August 3: Voice of the Martyrs Conference at Urbancrest!<br /><br /> Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-62407598455237603322013-03-06T21:13:00.000-08:002013-03-06T21:13:10.690-08:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>March</strong><br />March 7: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />March 8: Young at Heart @ 6:30pm<br />Location: Trezonas (see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br /><br />March 9: Target Shooting Leadership Training from 9:00am-1:00pm in Room 207<br /><br />March 10: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 5:00pm at Haileys<br /><br />March 13-17: Global Impact Celebration<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoxXYtzB1eCkr_xVEZPtTEO-n8emwnZD4AdaNPeqAL1ZkwKKe3OmUb4XChyVKtl7E-uf7TTNI-OHmlmDEfocO3BJGydHVpSNcfoj9J7X8lCSFSEhHo_E9ju3nVSj_GciYZc6s5dvfjOUB/s1600/GICLogoSnip.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoxXYtzB1eCkr_xVEZPtTEO-n8emwnZD4AdaNPeqAL1ZkwKKe3OmUb4XChyVKtl7E-uf7TTNI-OHmlmDEfocO3BJGydHVpSNcfoj9J7X8lCSFSEhHo_E9ju3nVSj_GciYZc6s5dvfjOUB/s200/GICLogoSnip.PNG" width="144" /></a>Over 40 missionaries from all over the world will join us to share their ministries and stories! Plan now to attend every event!<br />
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Theme: <br />
"BE His heart, His hands, His voice" ~ Matthew 16:24-25<br />
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Featured Speakers:<br />
Aaron Bogan - Uganda Baptist Seminary<br />
Vance Pitman - Hope Baptist Church, Las Vegas, Nevada<br />
For more information, visit <a href="http://urbancrest.org/special-events">http://urbancrest.org/special-events</a><br /><br /> March 15: Hope Garden Work Date @ 5:30pm (rain date March 26)<br /><br />March 24: Information Meeting for All Summer Mission Trips @ 12:30pm in Gym (lunch provided)<br /> Please RSVP to Diane Lynch if you plan to attend: <a href="mailto:dlynch@urbancrest.org">dlynch@urbancrest.org</a><br /> To view the 2013 mission trips, visit: <a href="http://urbancrest.org/global-outreach">http://urbancrest.org/global-outreach</a><br /><br />March 24: Easter Baskets of Hope Service @ 6:00pm in Sanctuary<br /><br /><strong>April</strong><br />April 2-6: Beverly, West Virginia Mission Project<br /> Contact Aaron Taylor for more information: <a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br /> April 4: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />April 14: Parent Support Group @ 6:00pm in Room 207<br /> For more information, contact Michelle Otto: 937.609.3633<br /><br />April 19: Young at Heart @ 6:30pm<br />Location: Trezonas (see Urbancrest Young at Heart Facebook page for more information)<br /><br /><strong>Save the Date! August 3 – Voice of the Martyrs Conference at Urbancrest!</strong>Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-19704216943717313422013-02-13T13:53:00.000-08:002013-02-13T13:53:27.493-08:00GIC Prayer Vigil - February 15 & 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend, February 15th and 16th, Urbancrest Baptist Church is hosting a prayer vigil to seek God’s blessing, guidance and favor on the upcoming Global Impact Celebration (GIC). The GIC is a time for our church to celebrate global missions—to hear the stories of the great work God is doing around the world through the hearts, hands and voices of those whom we have sent to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. This celebration will take place on March 13 – 17, 2013. <br /><br /> The specific goals of the 2013 GIC are for 1) God to be glorified, 2) vision to be enlarged, 3) hearts to be touched, 4) finances to be committed and 5) lives to be surrendered. Needless to say, there is a tremendous amount of work and coordination that goes on behind the scenes to realize these goals (e.g. arranging travel and housing, promotion, printing, home briefing coordination, child care, decorations, cleaning, etc.). A great number of individuals have already spent many hours laboring to achieve a successful GIC. Yet, labor alone is not enough!<br /><br /> Psalm 127:1 declares, <em>“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.”</em> This passage is a great reminder to us that it is necessary to undergird every GIC-related activity with prayer. We must be on our knees seeking God’s blessing and direction, or we risk laboring in vain. <strong>We must come together as the body of Christ to call upon the Lord. </strong><br />
<strong><br /> </strong>This weekend we have the opportunity to come together in prayer for the GIC. The doors of the church will be open Friday night from 6PM to 11PM and Saturday from 7AM to 7PM. A leader will be in place in Room 203/204 during each hour. Materials describing our missionaries and their prayer needs will be provided. Any and all who desire to participate are welcome. Please join us during this time of corporate prayer for our upcoming missions celebration!<br />
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For more information about this weekend's prayer vigil and the upcoming Global Impact Celebration, please visit: <a href="http://urbancrest.org/special-events">http://urbancrest.org/special-events</a><br />
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Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-105214811553905922013-02-10T19:45:00.000-08:002013-02-10T19:45:11.877-08:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>February</strong><br />February 15: Young at Heart - Singles and young marrieds, college age & up<br /> Location: 6:30pm @ Trezona's house then bowling for those interested ($10)<br />
Bring a side dish to share!<br /> For more information, contact Clint Otto: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br /> February 15-23: Cuba Mission Project<br />If you would like to receive prayer updates for this team, please contact Jeff Crumbley: <a href="mailto:jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net">jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net</a><br /><br /> February 15 & 16: Global Impact Celebration Prayer Vigil<br /> Friday: 6pm-11pm; Saturday: 7am-7pm<br />
Location: Room 203/204<br />
For more information, visit <a href="http://urbancrest.org/special-events">http://urbancrest.org/special-events</a><br /><br /> February 17: Haiti Information Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 205<br /> For more information, contact Jeff Clem: <a href="mailto:clemje@embarqmail.com">clemje@embarqmail.com</a><br /><br /> February 23 AM: SCBO Mission Round Table – Grove City, Ohio<br /><br />February 23 PM: Elizabeth New Life Center Dinner at UBC<br /> For more information, contact the church office: 513.932.4405<br /><br />February 24: Beverly, West Virginia Information Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 203<br /> Trip Dates: April 1-7, 2013 (spring break)<br />
For more information, contact Aaron Taylor: <a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br /><br /> February 24: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 5:00pm in Room 206<br /><br />February 24: Parenting Support Group @ 6:00pm in Room 203/204<br /> For more information, contact Michelle Otto: 937.609.3633<br /><br /><strong>March</strong><br />March 3: GIC Meeting - Coordinator, Team Leaders, and Teams @ 12:30pm in Gym (lunch provided)<br /><br />March 3: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 4:00pm in Room 206<br /><br />March 7: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br /><br />March 10: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 5:00pm in Room 206<br /><br />March 13-17: Global Impact Celebration<br /> For more information, visit <a href="http://urbancrest.org/special-events">http://urbancrest.org/special-events</a><br /><br /> March 24: Information Meeting for All Summer Mission Trips @ 12:30pm in Gym (lunch provided)<br />
Please RSVP to Diane Lynch if you plan to attend: <a href="mailto:dlynch@urbancrest.org">dlynch@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
To view the 2013 mission trips, visit: <a href="http://urbancrest.org/global-outreach">http://urbancrest.org/global-outreach</a><br /><br />March 24: Easter Baskets of Hope Service @ 6:00pm in Sanctuary Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-7086129862374421672013-01-28T18:57:00.000-08:002013-01-28T18:57:48.798-08:00Support Urbancrest Missions While Shopping!Did you know that you can support the Urbancrest Faith Promise Fund while shopping? It is true! Through the Kroger Community Rewards Program, you can be giving to the many ministries that Urbancrest supports through our Faith Promise Fund (FPF) every time you shop for groceries or anything else at Kroger! The Faith Promise Fund supports 56 missionaries around the world, as well as nationals in several countries. It also supports the many mission projects and church plants that Urbancrest is involved in. <br />
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The best thing about this rewards program is that there is no cost to you personally in any way! You will not lose any discounts or rebates that you are receiving. Regardless of where you live, I encourage you to complete the following steps to support our missions ministry:<br />
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<li>Go online to <a href="http://krogercommunityrewards.com/">krogercommunityrewards.com</a> and follow the directions below to register. <strong>Please note: In order for the Faith Promise Fund to receive funds, you must register under our Urbancrest assigned number which is 83466.</strong> </li>
<li>Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with our organization after you sign up. </li>
<li>If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger. </li>
<li>Click on Sign In/Register </li>
<li>Most participants are new online customers, so they must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box. </li>
<li>Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions. </li>
<li>You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email. </li>
<li>Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. </li>
<li>Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. </li>
<li>Update or confirm your information. </li>
<li>Enter NPO number (83466) or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm. </li>
<li>To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see our organization’s name on the right side of your information page. </li>
<li>Show your Kroger Plus card or enter your alternate ID at the checkout each time you shop so that our Faith Promise Fund will get credit for the purchase.</li>
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The registration process will take less than five minutes of your time but will make an eternal difference in the lives of thousands! The first portion of the funds earned will be used to offset the expenses of our Kids Against Hunger mission project that will be held during GIC week on March 16, 2013. FPF monies will be used to purchase the ingredients needed to feed starving children around the world. To make a meaningful contribution to this project, we will need 400 people to register their Kroger Plus cards immediately. <strong>You can help us impact the world by registering today!</strong><br />
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Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-70746896143882933052013-01-05T10:38:00.001-08:002013-01-28T17:00:36.307-08:00Have You Been to the Cross?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The picture above is a picture of a very large crucifix in Uganda, Africa. There are no signs explaining why it is there. It is way out in the country along a major road, but if you blink you will miss it. It is a monument to those who died in the Ugandan wars during the 1970’s and 1980’s. I think nearly all Americans would miss it without a good tour guide. But, if you have been to Uganda with Urbancrest, you have been to this cross. I can never resist stopping, even though we are always short on time and there is no place to park. It is unique, and I enjoy watching our folks walk up to it and be reminded of why they are in Uganda serving: the Cross and Jesus our Savior.<br />
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I am not saying that everyone needs to go to Uganda to see this cross, although hopefully some of you will. I do believe that there is a “cross” – a life changing moment that becomes a monument in your life – on every mission project we go on. It may be the look in a child’s eye, the words of a national, or the encouragement of a team member. It is the point that every believer experiences when they obediently “go into all the world” and the focus of their life is forever changed. This is the point of greatest satisfaction when you know that you are fulfilling your purpose to love those for whom Jesus died.<br />
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We are planning many mission projects for 2013, and we need participants to go with us to work in each of these important ministries. I have included the list of mission projects below for you to pray over. Watch for the upcoming information meetings or contact the mission office for specifics about these projects. Is God calling you? Will you go, give, and pray for these mission teams?<br />
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<em> “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” ~ Matthew 9:37-38</em><br />
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<em> “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” ~ Matthew 16:24-25</em><br />
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<strong>2013 Mission Projects:</strong><br />
Israel: January 29-February 9, 2013 <br />
Contact: Mike & Darlys Bullock<br />
<a href="mailto:dbullock@urbancrest.org">dbullock@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Mexico (1): February 2-10, 2013 <br />
Contact: Jeff & Deanne Clem<br />
<a href="mailto:clemje@embarqmail.com">clemje@embarqmail.com</a><br />
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Cuba: February 15-23, 2013 <br />
Contact: Jeff Crumbley<br />
<a href="mailto:jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net">jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net</a><br />
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Beverly, WV (1): April 1-April 7, 2013 (spring break)<br />
Contact: Aaron Taylor<br />
<a href="mailto:destep@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Beverly, WV (2): May 15-19, 2013<br />
Contact: Joe Veal<br />
<a href="mailto:joetveal@mac.com">joetveal@mac.com</a> <br />
<br />Key West, FL: June 6-13, 2013 <br />
Contact: Dave Bickers<br />
<a href="mailto:dbickers@urbancrest.org">dbickers@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Argentina: July 1-10, 2013 <br />
Contact: Leah Busick<br />
<a href="mailto:lbusick@urbancrest.org">lbusick@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Uganda: July 11-27, 2013 <br />
Contact: Doss Estep<br />
<a href="mailto:destep@urbancrest.org">destep@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Haiti: August 3-11, 2013<br />
Contact: Jeff & Deanne Clem<br />
<a href="mailto:clemje@embarqmail.com">clemje@embarqmail.com</a><br />
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Beverly, WV (3): August TBD <br />
Contact: TBD<br />
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Mexico (2): September TBD <br />
Contact: Doss Estep<br />
<a href="mailto:destep@urbancrest.org">destep@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Mexico (3): November TBD <br />
Contact: Doss Estep<br />
<a href="mailto:destep@urbancrest.org">destep@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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<strong>Youth Mission Projects:</strong><br />
M-Fuge Mission Trip to Charleston, SC<br />
June 10-14, 2013 <br />
Contact: Aaron Taylor<br />
<a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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Super Summer @ Cedarville<br />
June 24-28, 2013<br />
Contact: Aaron Taylor<br />
<a href="mailto:ataylor@urbancrest.org">ataylor@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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<strong>You Turn Mission Projects:</strong><br />
Dominican Republic: January 8-15, 2013 (Evangelism/Church Planting)<br />
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Malawi, Africa: February 19-March 2, 2013 (Evangelism/ Leader Training)<br />
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Malawi, Africa: April 30-May 11, 2013 (Evangelism/Church Planting)<br />
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Cuba: May 14-20, 2013 (Evangelism)<br />
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Malawi, Africa: July 9-23, 2013 (Evangelism/Church Planting)<br />
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Malawi, Africa: July 27-August 10, 2013 (Evangelism /Church Planting)<br />
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Malawi, Africa: August 13-27, 2013 (Evangelism /Church Planting)<br />
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Cuba: November 12-19, 2013 (Evangelism)<br />
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For more information regarding You Turn Ministries go to <a href="http://www.youturnmin.org/">www.youturnmin.org</a> , or contact Joe Veal at <a href="mailto:joetveal@mac.com">joetveal@mac.com</a>.Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-50207105932759870252013-01-02T17:58:00.000-08:002013-02-03T14:06:18.060-08:00Mark Your Calendars<strong>January</strong><br />
January 5: Help Portrait Event at Living Word Baptist Church from 2:00pm-5:00pm<br />
Location: 500 West Mulberry Avenue, Lebanon, Ohio 45036<br />
For more information, contact Clint Otto: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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January 6: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 206<br />
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January 10: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br />
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January 11: Young at Heart @ 6:30pm (bring a side dish to share)<br />
Location: Trezona's House - 4759 Dewey Lane, Lebanon, Ohio 45036<br />
For more information, contact Clint Otto: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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January 13: Parenting Support Group @ 6:00pm in Room 203/204<br />
For more information, contact Michelle Otto: <span style="color: black;">937.609.3633</span><br />
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January 19: Short-term Mission Team Leader Training from 8:30am-3:30pm in Room 203<br />
If you are interested in being trained as a Short-term Mission Trip Team Leader, please contact Doss Estep for consideration: <a href="mailto:destep@urbancrest.org">destep@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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January 24: Urbancrest Church Planter Network Meeting from 10:00am-1:00pm in Room 504<br />
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January 25-26: Men’s Summit<br />
For more information, visit: <a href="http://urbancrest.org/mens-summit">http://urbancrest.org/mens-summit</a><br />
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January 27: GIC Coordinators & Team Leaders Meeting @ 12:30pm in the Gym (lunch provided)<br />
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January 27: Target Shooting Affinity Group Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 206<br />
This meeting is for those who may be interested in helping to lead this group. For more information, contact Clint Otto: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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January 29-February 9: Israel Mission Project<br />
If you would like to receive prayer updates for this team, please contact Darlys Bullock: <a href="mailto:dbullock@urbancrest.org">dbullock@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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<strong>February</strong><br />
February 3-9: Mexico UPG Vision Project<br />
If you would like to receive prayer updates for this team, please contact Jeff Clem: <a href="mailto:clemje@embarqmail.com">clemje@embarqmail.com</a> <br />
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February 7: FPF Stewardship Team Meeting @ 7:00pm in Room 202<br />
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February 10: Uganda Information Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 201<br />
Contact Doss Estep for more information: <a href="mailto:destep@urbancrest.org">destep@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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February 10: Argentina Information Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 203/204<br />
Contact Leah Busick for more information: <a href="mailto:lbusick@urbancrest.org">lbusick@urbancrest.org</a> <br />
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February 10: Hope Garden Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 206<br />
<br />February 10: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 6:00pm in Room 206<br />
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February 15: Young at Heart @ 6:30pm (bring a side dish to share)<br />
Location: Trezona's House - 4759 Dewey Lane, Lebanon, Ohio 45036<br />
For more information, contact Clint Otto: <a href="mailto:clint@urbancrest.org">clint@urbancrest.org</a><br />
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February 15 & 16: Global Impact Celebration Prayer Vigil<br />
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February 15-23: Cuba Mission Project<br />
If you would like to receive prayer updates for this team, please contact Jeff Crumbley: <a href="mailto:jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net">jeffcrumbley@centurylink.net</a> <br />
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February 17: Haiti Information Meeting @ 12:30pm in Room 205<br />
Contact Jeff Clem for more information: <a href="mailto:clemje@embarqmail.com">clemje@embarqmail.com</a> <br />
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February 23 AM: SCBO Mission Round Table - Grove City, Ohio<br />
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February 23 PM: Elizabeth New Life Center Dinner at Urbancrest<br />
For more information, contact the church office: 513.932.4405<br />
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February 24: GIC Coordinator Meeting @ 5:00pm in Room 206 <br />
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February 24: Parenting Support Group @ 6:00pm in Room 203/204<br />
For more information, contact Michelle Otto: <span style="color: black;">937.609.3633</span>Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-64577769969208460622013-01-01T20:40:00.000-08:002013-01-01T20:40:17.602-08:00Uganda Mission Trip Report - Part 2 Wow! What a difference a few years can make in a third world country! Michelle and I were a part of Urbancrest's 2009 mission team that said a tearful goodbye to Buvuma Island, leaving behind a very primitive Urbancrest Baptist School, mud huts, winding walking paths, and no electricity. As we piled into a wooden boat very similar to ones that Jesus traveled in, we did not know if or when we would return.<br />
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Three short years later, we were blessed to be a part of Urbancrest's 2012 team of fourteen members. While six team members remained in Jinja (see Uganda Mission Trip Report - Part 1), the other eight members arrived on Buvuma to find roads and cars, brick buildings with metal roofs, a movie theatre (still surreal in my mind), and a brand new building supported by the people of Urbancrest Baptist Church in Lebanon, Ohio. It was wonderful to be reunited with Ron & Darlene Whitmer, retirees from Urbancrest Baptist Church, who are serving full-time in Uganda to support the ministries on Buvuma island and in Jinja. There is no question how the Lord is fulfilling His God-sized plan through them.<br />
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It didn’t take our group long to realize that this (although very improved) island was still not the same as home. Outdoor showers, solar lighting, and the restroom facilities (I have promised to leave the specifics of that part out of this report!) were part of the challenges we faced while staying there for five days. As the week progressed, not only did the team galvanize as only the Body of Christ can, but these challenges were welcomed and integrated into our "new normal" lifestyle on the island. Complaining was non-existent. Love and grace became the common denominators of our team. <br />
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We had the opportunity to share Jesus with some incredible people. We loved them before we ever met them, because Christ loved them first and was already at work there. Our team focused on several ministries. Two of us taught pastors, two of us went from village to village and taught men, and four of us ministered to several overcrowded schools through a VBS program. We taught pastors how to make disciples through key biblical principles. Our men's ministry shared the foundational teachings of our faith, and the children's ministry personally touched the lives of nearly 600 children through VBS. We were able to bring the hope of Christ to what might otherwise seem like a hopeless situation.<br />
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Altogether on the island, we had over 30 decisions for Christ from adults and possibly hundreds of decisions from the children. The believers there strengthened us, and we hope in some small way we encouraged their work. The Lord created so many imprints on our hearts that will last forever from this part of the trip to a little island in the middle of Lake Victoria. The Holy Spirit blew the wind in our sails, returning us to the mainland in the same way that He led us across the world to reach a people who Jesus loves just as much as He loves us. Our hope is in the One who might someday choose to blow us in that direction again. Thy will be done.<br />
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~ Clint & Michelle Otto, Team Leaders</div>
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Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-22320551102198587982012-12-21T14:45:00.000-08:002012-12-21T14:45:36.061-08:00No Room for Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”</em> ~ Luke 2:7<br /><br /> We all have heard the Christmas story many times and are familiar with this account in the Gospel of Luke. It is such a beautiful account of Joseph and Mary, who made the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Shepherds on a hillside received the announcement from angels of the child that was born, and they found him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.<br /><br /> I can understand how that happened. The city was filled with people, and everyone had their own agenda. All of these travelers were trying to get into town, register their family, pay the tax, and return home as quickly as possible. Some were wealthy and could pay plenty to stay in a reasonably comfortable room for a night. A wise entrepreneur had to make the most of the situation! After all, he had a family, a business, and maybe employees. Times were hard, and it appeared they may get worse. Taxes were going up and that meant everything was going to cost more. A poor young couple from a place like Nazareth would not even register on the inn keeper’s radar. Besides, they most likely had family living in town or they wouldn’t be in Bethlehem. Mr. Inn Keeper’s attitude was probably, “Find a relative and stay with them, or if you must, there is a stable out back!”<br /><br /> I would love to condemn that inn keeper for his greed and insensitivity. His focus was short-sighted and myopic. His selfishness caused him to care only for himself, his wife and children, his business, and his own interests. This blinded him from the blessing of participating in the greatest moment planned from the beginning of time. Unfortunately, he truly represents all of us if we are not careful, especially this time of year.<br /><br /> Our schedules can get really busy during the Christmas season. Our priorities of family and work are honorable, but can crowd out the truth of Christ and the purpose of His birth as recorded in Luke 19:10: <em>“...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” </em>We can’t properly celebrate His birth without recognizing Him as Lord and joining in His purpose.<br /><br /> I believe our giving should go beyond those we love to those He loves and gave His life for. There are 1.6 billion people in the world who have not heard the Good News, and 6,400 people groups in the world that have no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They do not glorify Him, nor worship Him. How can we say we love Him and not care about those He loves?<br />
<br /> One of the ways we join Him in December at Urbancrest is to receive our Combined Missions Offering. This year our goal is $52,000. 40% of the offering goes to international missions to support the 4800 IMB missionaries around the world. 40% will go to support missionaries and church plants in North America, 10% will stay right here supporting missions in Ohio, and 10% will go to World Hunger. <br />
<br /><strong>Have you made room for Him in your life this Christmas?</strong> If so, please consider supporting this extremely important offering that reflects the very heart of who Christ is in our lives and why He came into the world. To reach our goal will require all of us to give sacrificially. I hope you will join Linda and me as we give our best gift to the Lord. After all, we are celebrating His birthday, and the salvation of souls was the reason He was born! Join me as we pray and give to reach this $52,000.00 goal.Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-2275519730559819672012-11-17T19:33:00.000-08:002012-11-17T19:33:54.242-08:00News from the Whitmers in Uganda<br />
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From the ashes comes new hope! As many of you know, when we were back in the USA from March – May 2010, we received word that our Bible school building on Buvuma Island had been burned down and nearly destroyed. It was a time of great disappointment, but also a time to rely on God and His vast resources to rebuild. <br />
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On Nov 4th, we had our first classes in the rebuilt Bible School! There is still work to be completed (windows, plaster, paint, and floors), but the roof is on and it is usable. This has been a reminder that at times, God has to do the same thing to us---take us back to our foundation so that he can rebuild or reshape us for His service!<br /><br /><br />
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God is so good! In October we moved into our new place. The IMB offered us a house since it was going to be empty, and we will remain in it until our return to the USA in November 2013! An IMB couple (James & Sonya) live below us and the compound is beautiful. This has been a blessing and a real answer to prayer!<br /><br /> God continues to work on Buvuma Island! As a result of the Urbancrest team that was with us this summer, we continue to meet weekly for Bible study with believers in the village of Bulima. Aaron Taylor and Matt Johnson taught two days in the village which resulted in 24 salvations and an interest in learning more from the Bible! Thank you Aaron and Matt!<br /><br /> Urbancrest Primary School in Butende is growing! We have hired another teacher and currently average 160 students per day. In addition to being taught the government curriculum, they are also hearing God’s word each day! We still have challenges there with finishing the construction on the new building and the new toilets (the old one collapsed).<br /><br /> The leadership development of some of the women at Muwanga (our main compound) has resulted in growth in the Women’s Prayer Ministry! We now have groups at five churches and will continue to identify women in each church and train them to lead these groups. Our goal is to have a group in each of our island churches.<br /><br /> We are also expanding the HIV Support Group to a second village to facilitate travel. The group at Muwanga has grown to over 40 and it is time to start another location. We have a monthly meeting which includes Bible study, prayer, nutritional information, a time to share personal challenges, distribution of vitamins and medication, and a meal. Johnson, one of our local pastors, has taken ownership of this project and administers it with our assistance.<br /><br /> On a personal note, we are doing great! Our health has been good and God has kept us safe on the roads, on the water, and most importantly on the motorcycle (ask Darlene). A lot has happened on the home front back in the USA. On August 16th, Damon (our oldest son in Texas) got married! On October 23rd we “officially” became grandparents as Eric and Caren finalized the adoption of Sarah Patience Whitmer! We are so blessed to have such a great family! Damon and Eric will be coming to Uganda for a visit in January! It will be so great to have them here for a bit and show them our African lifestyle and work.<br /><br /> It is so nice to have today’s media to keep up with what God is doing. A Wednesday night meal in the Urbancrest gym would be awesome! Please continue to pray for us and the ministry here in Uganda, George & Geraldine as they are on furlough in the USA until June 2013, and our pastors and their families on the island. We miss and love you all! <br />
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~ Ron & Darlene Whitmer</div>
Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6766063393913960896.post-62990793253984311292012-11-08T19:46:00.000-08:002012-11-08T19:46:11.516-08:00Uganda Mission Trip Report - Part 1Uganda Mission Trip ~ July 28-August 11, 2012<br />
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The mission trip to Uganda, Africa has drawn many participants from Urbancrest and other churches over the years. Two of our Urbancrest families, the Bogans and the Whitmers, are currently serving there in full-time ministry. This year's short-term team consisted of the following fourteen participants:<br />
<ul>
<li>Clint, Michelle, Lexi & Lauren Otto</li>
<li>Doss Estep</li>
<li>Mindy Howell</li>
<li>Matt & Jennifer Johnson</li>
<li>Heather Parks</li>
<li>Larry Picklesimer</li>
<li>Shela Smith</li>
<li>Aaron Taylor</li>
<li>Todd Tolliver</li>
<li>Marilyn Whitsel</li>
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Because we had a large team, we were able to split the group into two groups for the first five days of ministry. The group that stayed on land in Jinja with the Bogan family consisted of Doss, Todd, Mindy, Lexi, Lauren, and me (Michelle). We visited Good Shepherd’s Fold (an orphanage) on the first day of ministry. Dana Bogan and Mindy assisted medically, and Lexi, Lauren, and I got to hold babies in the newly opened baby house. We also played with preschoolers and colored with the older children. We were able to present the Gospel to those who were old enough to understand and encourage the caretakers. <br />
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The second and third day of ministry we visited a Christian school called Hannah Moshi. The school focuses on reaching Muslims in their area. Dana and Mindy helped in the medical clinic both days, while the Bogan children and the three of us taught kids the Bible and played with them. Doss presented the Gospel to people who had been helped by the medical team. Many families gave their life to Christ!<div>
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We also held a men’s seminar and taught women at Alfred Adundo’s church. Mindy and I worked together and had a wonderful time! The women really enjoyed getting together as a group, separate from the men. They said they got so much more out of having their own time versus staying with the men. We did a lot of discipleship with them and we encouraged them to continue meeting together and encouraging one another when we were gone. </div>
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We had a wonderful time ministering alongside the Bogans in these different areas. It was wonderful to do life with them, encourage them, participate in their church, catch up with them, and see where they live and work.</div>
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When the group came back from Buvuma Island, they were able to visit a hospital where they prayed with many people. There were several salvations as they worked their way through the rooms of the sick. After that, they headed out to Alfred’s school in Massese. Our team was able to love on kids and help the women by purchasing some of the products they make and sell to help their families and the school.<br />
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Later, we traveled to Masindi to visit Canaan Farm. This was a long, bumpy ride, but it was worth it! Canaan Farm continues to amaze everyone who sees what they’re doing. They have helped so many people by teaching them business and farming skills as well as providing them with clean water, medical facilities, and beds. We were able to help teach the Bible while we were there (although they already diligently do so). Aaron and Clint preached each evening, and men, women, and children were taught during these days.<div>
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As a side note, much ministry was accomplished during the time we spent with our drivers. One of the drivers, Bediru, has been our driver each time I have been on this trip. He is a Muslim and has expressed interest in becoming a Christian. Please pray that the next time a team goes back, we can request Bediru as our driver and he can bring his wife with him, “so the good Christian women can talk to her” (as Bediru said). Bediru has talked to his wife about him becoming a Christian, but she said she would leave him if he did. It is very hard for him to make this leap of faith without her.</div>
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This trip was different than the ones I have been on in the past. Discipleship was the main focus. I know that this is what the Lord wanted. So often, we see many salvations in Africa, but not enough discipleship. The heart of our trip was to make disciples just as Jesus told us to. People grew, were stretched, and I believe left with focus and vision for what God is calling them to do. I especially saw this as I was teaching the women at Alfred’s church. They were excited to see what God was calling them to and hearts were truly changed! Thank you all for your prayers on behalf of those that we went to minister to in Uganda, and for praying for us as well. We felt those prayers and know that the Lord honored them by keeping us all safe, healthy, and allowing many hearts to be changed or grown in their walk with Jesus!</div>
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~ Clint & Michelle Otto, Team Leaders</div>
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Doss Estephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857208471060899271noreply@blogger.com0