Dear Mariners’ Family,
If you aren’t currently on our prayer letter mailing list, you may be wondering what is happening with us and our ministry. If you’d like to receive our prayer letter updates, please contact us at ray@theleighthouse.org with your information.
As far as ministry goes, we are still deeply committed to one-on-one discipleship, as well as marriage mentoring. These two things remain the primary focus of our ministry, along with corporate and private prayer. So much is gained in the life of a believer by spending focused time on the Lord, learning to live by faith ratherDear Mariners’ Family,
If you aren’t currently on our prayer letter mailing list, you may be wondering what is happening with us and our ministry. If you’d like to receive our prayer letter updates, please contact us at ray@theleighthouse.org with your information.
As far as ministry goes, we are still deeply committed to one-on-one discipleship, as well as marriage mentoring. These two things remain the primary focus of our ministry, along with corporate and private prayer. So much is gained in the life of a believer by spending focused time on the Lord, learning to live by faith rather than feelings, circumstances, or the culture. It is our mission to make disciples who make disciples. We want to make disciples who are secure in who they are, authentic in their relationships, and available for what the Lord created them to do.
You may also be wondering about the church we are helping to plant. Downtown Hope is a new expression of church in the city of Annapolis. Since January of this year, Ray and I have been worshipping, praying, and dreaming with a core group of people, all called to reach out to downtown Annapolis specifically. Much prayer was invested in this before any of it took shape. God is definitely at work! So far our one core team has grown to become two communities, meeting at two different locations in the city. One meets at the Stanton Center, reaching out to the Clay Street community, and the other meets above Kilwin’s on Main Street, reaching out to the Naval Academy midshipmen, St. John’s College students, and business owners and employees downtown. These two communities also meet, at least monthly, for a large gathering. This will soon be held at Annapolis Elementary School because we’ve outgrown our current location.
We are seeing God connect believers in this city in amazing ways. He is definitely up to something in our midst. In the course of conversation recently, Ray told a local business owner about Downtown Hope. This past Sunday she and her husband came to our fellowship and were thrilled to see the movement that God is building. They often serve midshipmen and St. John’s students in their store, and they are looking forward to letting them know about our fellowship. Our heart is to reach those who aren’t willing to walk into a traditional church setting, so this type of contact is so important. It is this unity in the faith that will pave the way for many to come to faith in Jesus. We want to bring church to the city and engage the culture in a way that allows them to hear the gospel in relationship with a committed believer. Relationships take time, and much prayer! This is why the unity among believers is so vital. We need your prayers now more than ever.
During the week, much is happening in the way of meaningful relationships. Fellowship and discipleship are fostered during these intentional times. Those called to be a part of one of the Downtown Hope communities know that they must be intentional about making time to be on mission. It is thrilling to see God use simple times of fellowship for spiritual purposes. What a joy to witness a group of midshipmen spending time on a Friday night praying for their school! What a joy to know that Ray and several St. John’s students spent time this past week walking around the campus praying. These times matter, and we can’t wait to see what the Lord will do as the entire body of Christ in Annapolis joins hands and begins to pray! Greater things are coming!
We love you and we thank God for you! than feelings, circumstances, or the culture. It is our mission to make disciples who make disciples. We want to make disciples who are secure in who they are, authentic in their relationships, and available for what the Lord created them to do.
You may also be wondering about the church we are helping to plant. Downtown Hope is a new expression of church in the city of Annapolis. Since January of this year, Ray and I have been worshipping, praying, and dreaming with a core group of people, all called to reach out to downtown Annapolis specifically. Much prayer was invested in this before any of it took shape. God is definitely at work! So far our one core team has grown to become two communities, meeting at two different locations in the city. One meets at the Stanton Center, reaching out to the Clay Street community, and the other meets above Kilwin’s on Main Street, reaching out to the Naval Academy midshipmen, St. John’s College students, and business owners and employees downtown. These two communities also meet, at least monthly, for a large gathering. This will soon be held at Annapolis Elementary School because we’ve outgrown our current location.
We are seeing God connect believers in this city in amazing ways. He is definitely up to something in our midst. In the course of conversation recently, Ray told a local business owner about Downtown Hope. This past Sunday she and her husband came to our fellowship and were thrilled to see the movement that God is building. They often serve midshipmen and St. John’s students in their store, and they are looking forward to letting them know about our fellowship. Our heart is to reach those who aren’t willing to walk into a traditional church setting, so this type of contact is so important. It is this unity in the faith that will pave the way for many to come to faith in Jesus. We want to bring church to the city and engage the culture in a way that allows them to hear the gospel in relationship with a committed believer. Relationships take time, and much prayer! This is why the unity among believers is so vital. We need your prayers now more than ever.
During the week, much is happening in the way of meaningful relationships. Fellowship and discipleship are fostered during these intentional times. Those called to be a part of one of the Downtown Hope communities know that they must be intentional about making time to be on mission. It is thrilling to see God use simple times of fellowship for spiritual purposes. What a joy to witness a group of midshipmen spending time on a Friday night praying for their school! What a joy to know that Ray and several St. John’s students spent time this past week walking around the campus praying. These times matter, and we can’t wait to see what the Lord will do as the entire body of Christ in Annapolis joins hands and begins to pray! Greater things are coming!
We love you and we thank God for you!
Kathryn Leight
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
What is Missions?
Wondering just what Missions is? Well look here over the next few weeks and months as Nicole Picciotto explores that question based on her experiences from several short-term missions trips. Here is the first installment:
Mission trips:
What do you normally think of when you hear “Missions” or “Missionaries”? I would imagine most people think of people like the Pierces ( David and Annelise, Naomi and Quinn). Full time/Long-term missionaries, Those who have made a commitment to God to serve Him in a remote area for several years. But Missions means more than just the long-term trips.
Short term trips are also used by God to spread the message of Jesus Christ. I've been on several short term trips and it can be hard to feel as though you've made an impact on anyone's life.
Some trips are mostly or purely social. Most of the people who go on these trips are people who enjoy engaging people in conversation which leads to the sharing of the word of God. And then there are those who embark on these trips wondering “What on earth am I doing?”. People like me who faced with the opportunity to speak to strangers, run and hide. So for me I've always questioned my part in going. The disheartening part of these trips is they are really short (a week or less in some cases) you don't really form a strong bond with any one person you meet, which in some cultures in vital to leading a person to Christ. Even when you get the contact information life gets back to normal and you find yourself not keeping in touch like you imagined you would.
So then, why would God send you on such a trip? Well I have found in my experience is that God sends you to serve the Missionaries he has placed in the location you are visiting. Its a little awkward sometimes, when you go to Russia and visit the local church you support (Alexei Kotchan and family) or as Matt and I did when we went to The Dominican Republic to visit missionaries we support (Hugo and Sarah Liborio), and all the missionaries seem to want to do is show you around. You start to think “How am I going to serve God like this, playing tourist?”. Well you are.... but not the way you might think. You are spending time with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Just spending time with them, showing them you care and that they are not alone is just as important as spreading the word of God.
Many of the full time missionaries live on a spiritual battlefield, as where back home if you are well connected to a church its more like being at a home base, where supplies, fellowship and encouragement are all around you. So I'm sure you can get the picture of a soldier (missionary) out in the battlefield and you the “short-term missionary” are like a support troop. You may take no ground from the enemy, or witness someone come to Christ etc. But you are serving God by bringing supplies, fellowship, and encouragement to your brother/sister. In short that is what God has taught me. I'm not saying that is the only purpose God has in sending you on a short-term missions trip, but it is one lesson I have learned.
God gifts us uniquely and we must seek to serve Him in a way our gifts best enable us.
--Nicole Picciotto
Mission trips:
What do you normally think of when you hear “Missions” or “Missionaries”? I would imagine most people think of people like the Pierces ( David and Annelise, Naomi and Quinn). Full time/Long-term missionaries, Those who have made a commitment to God to serve Him in a remote area for several years. But Missions means more than just the long-term trips.
Short term trips are also used by God to spread the message of Jesus Christ. I've been on several short term trips and it can be hard to feel as though you've made an impact on anyone's life.
Some trips are mostly or purely social. Most of the people who go on these trips are people who enjoy engaging people in conversation which leads to the sharing of the word of God. And then there are those who embark on these trips wondering “What on earth am I doing?”. People like me who faced with the opportunity to speak to strangers, run and hide. So for me I've always questioned my part in going. The disheartening part of these trips is they are really short (a week or less in some cases) you don't really form a strong bond with any one person you meet, which in some cultures in vital to leading a person to Christ. Even when you get the contact information life gets back to normal and you find yourself not keeping in touch like you imagined you would.
So then, why would God send you on such a trip? Well I have found in my experience is that God sends you to serve the Missionaries he has placed in the location you are visiting. Its a little awkward sometimes, when you go to Russia and visit the local church you support (Alexei Kotchan and family) or as Matt and I did when we went to The Dominican Republic to visit missionaries we support (Hugo and Sarah Liborio), and all the missionaries seem to want to do is show you around. You start to think “How am I going to serve God like this, playing tourist?”. Well you are.... but not the way you might think. You are spending time with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Just spending time with them, showing them you care and that they are not alone is just as important as spreading the word of God.
Many of the full time missionaries live on a spiritual battlefield, as where back home if you are well connected to a church its more like being at a home base, where supplies, fellowship and encouragement are all around you. So I'm sure you can get the picture of a soldier (missionary) out in the battlefield and you the “short-term missionary” are like a support troop. You may take no ground from the enemy, or witness someone come to Christ etc. But you are serving God by bringing supplies, fellowship, and encouragement to your brother/sister. In short that is what God has taught me. I'm not saying that is the only purpose God has in sending you on a short-term missions trip, but it is one lesson I have learned.
God gifts us uniquely and we must seek to serve Him in a way our gifts best enable us.
--Nicole Picciotto
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Pigeon Forge, TN Mission Trip - Trip Report
Directly from Matt Picciotto:
With the door closing on evangelism and missions in Russia as well as many Muslim and Eastern European countries it has become necessary to shift the focus of "Missions". That is what 1st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge and Russia For Christ have begun in Pigeon Forge. And as partners in Pastor Alexei Kotchan's ministry it is what four people from Mariners' Church went to experience the week of August 25-28.
The “Work and Travel Program”
Every year approximately 2500 students from Russia and thousands more from Eastern Europe and Asia travel to Pigeon Forge to work in America under the Work and Travel Program of the State Department. These are the people group targeted by the "International Student Center". These students are very bright, often coming from top universities in their home countries, they have chosen to learn English and to learn about American Culture, travel and live here in the United States. They then return to their native countries.
The “International Student Center”
Unfortunately for many of the students it is the “work” part of the program they see the most of and not a lot of the travel. But that is why the 1 st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge joined by Russia For Christ is such a blessing! They take the students places they might not be able to go, provide them with a place to do laundry, use a computer, bikes have also been donated for student use (as the students do not own cars,) and a place to go to for help. The main volunteer Linda also helps the students with their English as well. It seemed no matter what time we were there there were always a few students there doing laundry, using the computers or returning/ borrowing a bike.
Our short visit was packed with activities typical of the ISC. Shortly after arriving we were blessed with the opportunity to see a musical “The Miracle”. A theatrical story telling of the birth, death and resurrection of Christ. We were joined by some 20 plus students. We also joined Alexei and Tanya as they held a “Borscht Party” for the students. After eating Tanya gave a presentation on abortion, and for many of the students it was an eye opener. The last thing we were able to do was join 30 students on a short hike at Great Smokey Mountain National Park. God blessed all of us during our short time in Pigeon Forge. Emory (the most extroverted of the four of us) had many opportunities to fellowship with students. Bobby and Nicole were a great encouragement to Alexei, Tanya and there two daughters. I was able to Learn more about the ministry and God revealed future opportunities in Pigeon Forge, TN.
The Future
With missions trips to Russia becoming more and more difficult and the opportunities for effective ministry limited. God has revealed an open door for us to preach the gospel to foreign students. And even beyond the planting of seeds but to actually disciple new believers over the course of a summer. The work and travel program has brought these students to us! Being young many are open to learning the truth about God and His people.
The 1st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge is looking into expanding their student center and it’s activities to include the creation of a travel agency to bring students here and place them in jobs and housing, offering the continued support through the summer that the typical agencies do not offer. Longer term plans include the leasing of an apartment complex or group of cottages with one apartment or cottage set aside for missionaries to live in close proximity to the students to provide guidance and be a Christian example. Pay attention to announcements as plans are made to expand our involvement in this ministry.
Foreign Missions is changing, the mission field is coming to us.
A few pics from the trip: click here
Great post, Matt!
With the door closing on evangelism and missions in Russia as well as many Muslim and Eastern European countries it has become necessary to shift the focus of "Missions". That is what 1st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge and Russia For Christ have begun in Pigeon Forge. And as partners in Pastor Alexei Kotchan's ministry it is what four people from Mariners' Church went to experience the week of August 25-28.
The “Work and Travel Program”
Every year approximately 2500 students from Russia and thousands more from Eastern Europe and Asia travel to Pigeon Forge to work in America under the Work and Travel Program of the State Department. These are the people group targeted by the "International Student Center". These students are very bright, often coming from top universities in their home countries, they have chosen to learn English and to learn about American Culture, travel and live here in the United States. They then return to their native countries.
The “International Student Center”
Unfortunately for many of the students it is the “work” part of the program they see the most of and not a lot of the travel. But that is why the 1 st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge joined by Russia For Christ is such a blessing! They take the students places they might not be able to go, provide them with a place to do laundry, use a computer, bikes have also been donated for student use (as the students do not own cars,) and a place to go to for help. The main volunteer Linda also helps the students with their English as well. It seemed no matter what time we were there there were always a few students there doing laundry, using the computers or returning/ borrowing a bike.
Our short visit was packed with activities typical of the ISC. Shortly after arriving we were blessed with the opportunity to see a musical “The Miracle”. A theatrical story telling of the birth, death and resurrection of Christ. We were joined by some 20 plus students. We also joined Alexei and Tanya as they held a “Borscht Party” for the students. After eating Tanya gave a presentation on abortion, and for many of the students it was an eye opener. The last thing we were able to do was join 30 students on a short hike at Great Smokey Mountain National Park. God blessed all of us during our short time in Pigeon Forge. Emory (the most extroverted of the four of us) had many opportunities to fellowship with students. Bobby and Nicole were a great encouragement to Alexei, Tanya and there two daughters. I was able to Learn more about the ministry and God revealed future opportunities in Pigeon Forge, TN.
The Future
With missions trips to Russia becoming more and more difficult and the opportunities for effective ministry limited. God has revealed an open door for us to preach the gospel to foreign students. And even beyond the planting of seeds but to actually disciple new believers over the course of a summer. The work and travel program has brought these students to us! Being young many are open to learning the truth about God and His people.
The 1st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge is looking into expanding their student center and it’s activities to include the creation of a travel agency to bring students here and place them in jobs and housing, offering the continued support through the summer that the typical agencies do not offer. Longer term plans include the leasing of an apartment complex or group of cottages with one apartment or cottage set aside for missionaries to live in close proximity to the students to provide guidance and be a Christian example. Pay attention to announcements as plans are made to expand our involvement in this ministry.
Foreign Missions is changing, the mission field is coming to us.
A few pics from the trip: click here
Great post, Matt!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Missions Trip to Pigeon Forge, TN
Matt Picciotto just led a short-term trip to TN to assist Pastor Alexei. He was accompanied by Nicole, his wife, and the Tamplins.
Matt's summary before they departed:
Pastor Alexei Kotchan of our partner church in Russia is spending the summer in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. His mission field is the Russian, Ukrainian and Moldovan students participating in the Work and Travel Program. Through a partnership with the 1st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge an International Student Center has been established providing free access to laundry machines, hosting "Borscht Parties" and other activities with foreign students for the purpose of evangelism.
In Russia evangelism is becoming increasingly difficult under government and Orthodox Church pressures. These students removed from the restrictions in their homelands are more open to receiving the Gospel and are then able to continue propagation in their home cities when they return in the fall.
We assisted them by the use of our own testimonies and personal experiences, coupled with the availability of a translator sending our messages in their native tongue. Persons who had traveled to Russia before on missions trips had the additional foothold or stepping stone of some understanding and shared experiences in Russia.
Alexei had suggested that we have a "meeting" where we can share testimonies with the students and if we have gifted speakers and/or a pastor who would like to do a sermon Alexei can translate the sermon into Russian for the students. He had also suggested an excursion such as hiking to give further time with the students to build relationships and open hearts for the Gospel.
Although the doors appear to be shutting in Russia on the Christian church, God has set in place the opportunity for Pastor Alexei to launch the Gospel into cities all over Russia. We have been invited to be a part of that opportunity.
Matt's summary before they departed:
Pastor Alexei Kotchan of our partner church in Russia is spending the summer in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. His mission field is the Russian, Ukrainian and Moldovan students participating in the Work and Travel Program. Through a partnership with the 1st Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge an International Student Center has been established providing free access to laundry machines, hosting "Borscht Parties" and other activities with foreign students for the purpose of evangelism.
In Russia evangelism is becoming increasingly difficult under government and Orthodox Church pressures. These students removed from the restrictions in their homelands are more open to receiving the Gospel and are then able to continue propagation in their home cities when they return in the fall.
We assisted them by the use of our own testimonies and personal experiences, coupled with the availability of a translator sending our messages in their native tongue. Persons who had traveled to Russia before on missions trips had the additional foothold or stepping stone of some understanding and shared experiences in Russia.
Alexei had suggested that we have a "meeting" where we can share testimonies with the students and if we have gifted speakers and/or a pastor who would like to do a sermon Alexei can translate the sermon into Russian for the students. He had also suggested an excursion such as hiking to give further time with the students to build relationships and open hearts for the Gospel.
Although the doors appear to be shutting in Russia on the Christian church, God has set in place the opportunity for Pastor Alexei to launch the Gospel into cities all over Russia. We have been invited to be a part of that opportunity.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Update from Alexei and Tanya (Partners from Russia)
See Mariners' website for more info on our Russian partner church at:
http://www.marinerschurch.com/ministries/missions/russia_christ/russia_christ.html
Update from Alexei:
Dear Friends,
We are happy to inform you that our family safely arrived to the USA and we’ll be in Pigeon Forge area this summer, sharing Christ with 1500 Russian-speaking students from the former Soviet Union. We scheduled to fly back to Russia on September 4th.
Last year while visiting friends here in the Smokey's we've discovered a huge number of Russian-speaking students (about 2500) working in restaurants, hotels and shops located on Parkway under the work&travel program. Young Russians lonely, far away from home, out of their comfort zone and open for changes - a tremendous mission field and though our time was limited I was able to share gospel with a group of 50 students and lead 2 of them to Christ.
August 2008, Sevierville TN: Denis and Fedor from Moscow, Russia just prayed to receive Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. The very next day they both flew back to Russia. I continue discipling them through internet and Skype.
As the political climate in Russia continues to decline toward Christians, and persecutions are beginning again it was not safe for us to share our ministry updates via internet and I have to be very careful with what I write from Russia and what I say over the phone. Oh, how much we enjoy the freedom of worship in the USA, this Blessed Land!
Unfortunately for the last few months we were limited to share gospel at the Shuya Orphanage. The good news is that my friend and disciple in faith Dmitry Rybin is working as a teacher at the Shuya Orphanage and we continue ministry to kids through him.
June 2009, Alexei and Dmitry with Shuya kids at the summer camp. Just a few days before we left Russia to go to the USA
Please, pray for Russia for Christ Ministry team as we continue sharing the Gospel with the college students, Orphans and young people visiting our bookstore. Please, pray for Alexander Vasilyev, as he helps to coordinate our ministry in Ivanovo this summer.
Welcome to our Christian Bookstore in Ivanovo! June 2009
Alexander Vasilyev is a dedicated Christian and he's been my friend and disciple in faith since 1999.
Please pray for me and Tanya as we share Christ with young people from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey and other countries. Our goal is to see them saved and discipled so they'll go back to their home countries as born again Christians.
June 2009, Golden Coral, Pigeon Forge. With students from Ukraine and Moldova last Sunday after morning service.
June 2009, Last Friday sharing with students from Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey
Tanya cooks the best Borsh in Russia (and in Pigeon Forge!)
"Borsh Party" for the students
Would you like to come and help us to minister to the international students this summer? We would love to see you! No need to go overseas to reach the nations! Please, come to Pigeon Forge! Yesterday we even had 3 Chinese students coming to our center and Tanya shared the gospel with one of them and gave him a Bible in Chinese.
Please, contact me at my cell number (865) 3685979 or email: russia4christ@yahoo.com
To All our friends in the United States we want to say: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! We pray God's blessings on you and this Great Nation!
With Love,
Alexei and Tanya Kotchan.
----------------------------------------------------------
Would You like to invest in the Harvest of the Nations?
Please Send Your Seed Gift to:
Life Fellowship Intl. “for Russian Mission”
c/o Mary Max, 1100 Crestview St.,
Covington, TN 38019-3002
Friday, June 19, 2009
Craig and Dick heading to bundibugyo
Just blogging mobile and I wanted to remind everyone that Craig and Dick were on their way.
Say a prayer for them and the pierces.
Good night
Say a prayer for them and the pierces.
Good night
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Prayer needed for Pierces in Uganda
From Michelle H.:
I just spoke with Annelise Pierce who asked for immediate prayer for their family. They are in the midst of student protests and there have been threats of possible violence against their family. Annelise shared that she believes there is strong demonic activity in the area.
Please pray fervently for their family’s safety and for the situation to calm down and be resolved.
Thank you Prayer Team! God Bless you for your faithfulness.
A prayer from Bill L. (please pray in a similar fashion, wherever God has led your heart):
Dear LORD - Your name is higher than any name. You are Holy and Mighty and King over all kings and dominions. You are also King of the angel armies.
I pray that your Kingdom will come to earth in Bundi and at CSB. That you will be obeyed there - just as you are in heaven.
I pray that you will send your angel armies to route out all demonic power - weather from devil worship or false religion - from CSB and our outpost in Bundi. I pray that you will send Rivers of Living Water to cleanse the students, faculty, staff, and workers at CSB and raise a standard of your Holy Spirit over that school. I also pray for the protection of all that are their and that you will deliver them from the jaws of the evil one.
For the Kingdom is yours, the Power is yours, and all the Glory is yours FOREVER.
Let it be so (Amen) in the name of your Holy Son Jesus..
I just spoke with Annelise Pierce who asked for immediate prayer for their family. They are in the midst of student protests and there have been threats of possible violence against their family. Annelise shared that she believes there is strong demonic activity in the area.
Please pray fervently for their family’s safety and for the situation to calm down and be resolved.
Thank you Prayer Team! God Bless you for your faithfulness.
A prayer from Bill L. (please pray in a similar fashion, wherever God has led your heart):
Dear LORD - Your name is higher than any name. You are Holy and Mighty and King over all kings and dominions. You are also King of the angel armies.
I pray that your Kingdom will come to earth in Bundi and at CSB. That you will be obeyed there - just as you are in heaven.
I pray that you will send your angel armies to route out all demonic power - weather from devil worship or false religion - from CSB and our outpost in Bundi. I pray that you will send Rivers of Living Water to cleanse the students, faculty, staff, and workers at CSB and raise a standard of your Holy Spirit over that school. I also pray for the protection of all that are their and that you will deliver them from the jaws of the evil one.
For the Kingdom is yours, the Power is yours, and all the Glory is yours FOREVER.
Let it be so (Amen) in the name of your Holy Son Jesus..
Friday, June 5, 2009
Picciotto trip to Dominican Republic
Guest Post from Nicole Picciotto!!
Nicole, take it away...
****
Just over a week ago we spent a week in the Dominican Republic. We left May 19th and returned the 26th. The purpose of out trip/mission was to visit a family we support financially - Hugo and Sarah Liborio and their 18 month old son Mattis. I had never met any of them before - Matt had served on Mercy Ships with Hugo and Sarah 6 years ago...and maintained on and off contact with Sarah. So for our anniversary we set out to spend a week with our missionaries.
When we arrived in Santo Domingo, Hugo and Sarah were quick find us - or rather I spotted them from a distance. I recognized them from their photo. Hugo was excited to show us around the area they live and served in. So he and Sarah took us for a driving tour of the Rawlings Sports complex before taking us to the first of the hotels we would be staying at, the Embassy Suites hotel less than 5 minute from the SCORE International Hotel. We spent 2 nights at the Embassy, considered the “overflow” hotel for SCORE when their facility is fully booked. The rest of the nights were spent at the SCORE Hotel.
We devoted some of our time to serving our missionary family. We had brought bath toys for Mattis and dimmer switches and some other things they needed. Mattis loved his toys, Matt was able to get the dimmer switches to work and they were able to put the items we brought them to use.
Sarah and Hugo were also moving and we were able help them with that. With some help from a few of the other missionaries there, Hugo, Sarah, Matt and I were able to complete their move to there new apartment. Just around the corner from their old one.
Some of our time was spent going out with teams; we visited two orphanages and helped a team from West Virginia start building a church in a remote village. The church there currently meets in a school building.
The remaining time was spent enjoying our vacation and getting to know our missionaries and the organization they serve with.
SCORE International hosts missionary teams to the DR, providing hotel and transportation as well as the very necessary translators for visiting teams.
Matt and I were also able to see some of the ministries that SCORE has. They do a lot of sports outreaches to the the youth in the area. Visiting orphanages seemed popular with some of the teams we worked with. They also have a medical clinic stocked with supplies and medications that the medical teams take out to remote villages. Some teams even save up/bring extra money to "Feed a village". For about 15 US Dollars per family the "feed a village" program allows a family to eat for 4 days. There is also a strong church planting ministry. In addition, they offer day trips to the capital and other tourist activities for teams to do on “vacation days”.
Visiting teams are blessed by the number of choice in areas to serve. You can spend each day doing something different.
We had a wonderful time down there. God blessed us with wonderful fellowship and a vision for future trips down to the DR, (with serving our missionaries as our main mission.) I am glad we went and hope to return one day. It is also my prayer that Hugo, Sarah and Mattis were as blessed by us as We were blessed by them.
Nicole Picciotto
****
Monday, June 1, 2009
Mission "Forums"
****Third post today, coming off the heels of the Calendar Planning meeting (see posts below for context).****
As mentioned in a previous post/email a week or so ago, I thought it was time to start having monthly updates/meetings/gatherings/Q&A sessions regarding missions (now that I am starting to see a bigger picture/vision while concurrently understanding the details of the week-to-week issues).
It most certainly helps that you read this blog, so that you are informed. However, not everyone will see these posts, so, in the interest of sharing info and developing a larger team, we will commence monthly Mission forums, beginning this Sunday, June 7 (1030-1100).
The schedule for the summer/early fall will be as follows (all will be at 1030-1100):
June 7
July 19
August 16
September 20
October 18
As mentioned, the June forum will consist of (but not limited to):
- Faith Fund/budget issues - updates!
- Communications plans - CCB, blog, website, physical board, church bulletin, etc.
- Small group linkages in the fall - ingrain Missions into church DNA
- Southeast Asia Mission - discussion of prayer, analysis, objective decision-making, difficulties
- Updates regarding partner churches and missionaries and local missions
- Discussion of summer goals
- Request for volunteers/volunteer manager
- Q & A
Please come. My stated goal is to expand Missions to where it touches everything we do as a church body. We have started with increased integration with church staff (to highlight the importance/necessity/relevance of Missions overall and within the various ministries), but, ultimately, we want everyone (as Mike alluded to in his sermon last week) to play a role.
We need you.
As mentioned in a previous post/email a week or so ago, I thought it was time to start having monthly updates/meetings/gatherings/Q&A sessions regarding missions (now that I am starting to see a bigger picture/vision while concurrently understanding the details of the week-to-week issues).
It most certainly helps that you read this blog, so that you are informed. However, not everyone will see these posts, so, in the interest of sharing info and developing a larger team, we will commence monthly Mission forums, beginning this Sunday, June 7 (1030-1100).
The schedule for the summer/early fall will be as follows (all will be at 1030-1100):
June 7
July 19
August 16
September 20
October 18
As mentioned, the June forum will consist of (but not limited to):
- Faith Fund/budget issues - updates!
- Communications plans - CCB, blog, website, physical board, church bulletin, etc.
- Small group linkages in the fall - ingrain Missions into church DNA
- Southeast Asia Mission - discussion of prayer, analysis, objective decision-making, difficulties
- Updates regarding partner churches and missionaries and local missions
- Discussion of summer goals
- Request for volunteers/volunteer manager
- Q & A
Please come. My stated goal is to expand Missions to where it touches everything we do as a church body. We have started with increased integration with church staff (to highlight the importance/necessity/relevance of Missions overall and within the various ministries), but, ultimately, we want everyone (as Mike alluded to in his sermon last week) to play a role.
We need you.
Missions Goals for next 3-4 months
In our Calendar Planning meeting (see earlier post below from today), we were asked to provide, amongst other things, 3 ministry goals that we desired to reach over the next 3 months.
I exceeded that in my response, but I felt they were all important, so I did not limit it.
I am putting myself "out there" by posting this, but here goes...
These were the goals that I presented (this is a bit raw, but I hope you get the gist of it - more as we formalize plans):
1) Military Ministry Phase I complete by Sept 1, 2009. Phase I includes (but is not limited to):
a) Vision clarification/definition – working with senior leadership
b) Stronger linkages of parachurches (CCC, OCF, Navigators, etc.) to Mariners/Mariners’ Missions
c) Implement CCB use for parachurch orgs and social network linkages
d) Tailgate Ministry Team formed and operational
e) More when solidify vision
(Phase II would include a formal/comprehensive/connected military discipleship program utilizing some current structures such as parachurches and perhaps Leights’ LifeBuilders, the acquisition of a bus, formal Missions Training specifically for military members, etc.)
2) Communications.
a) Complete Communications Plan by August 1. Stick to it.
b) Enable and train volunteers to implement full plan.
c) Continue to promote via blog.
d) Make improvements to Missions web pages, providing content to webmaster.
e) More specific when formalize plan.
3) Administrative progress.
a) Coordinate team to develop overall Missions’ Policy Doc (using past efforts). Obtain formal approval of finished policy.
b) Develop objective assessment criteria for Missions’ organizations and missionaries so we can make decisions on support levels in a holistic fashion.
c) Utilizing criteria, conduct zero-based review (find out what we want to support and at what level) for Missions program by Oct 1. Much coordination required to make this occur. VERY thorough process.
4) Develop support network/communication path for each mission.
a) Working with Pastor of Discipleship, ensure each mission organization is “supported” by at least two small groups.
b) Designate two key volunteers (one primary, one backup) as communication point person for each mission group or individual that we support. Train these volunteers.
c) Ensure each mission has a group active in CCB, especially long-term missionaries and partner churches. Can enable safe place to share prayer requests, support letters, misc. files, contact info, calendars, etc.
Please pray for Missions during this transitional/transformational time. In addition, please let me know if you are available to help or if you have a burning passion to work towards any of the aforementioned goals. I, as a volunteer myself, would most certainly appreciate the assistance (and need it)! Several folks have volunteered, or are going to be working in a few of these areas, but there is much more room...always!
Thank you again for your prayerful support, willing hearts, positive feedback, and gentle correction/advice.
I exceeded that in my response, but I felt they were all important, so I did not limit it.
I am putting myself "out there" by posting this, but here goes...
These were the goals that I presented (this is a bit raw, but I hope you get the gist of it - more as we formalize plans):
1) Military Ministry Phase I complete by Sept 1, 2009. Phase I includes (but is not limited to):
a) Vision clarification/definition – working with senior leadership
b) Stronger linkages of parachurches (CCC, OCF, Navigators, etc.) to Mariners/Mariners’ Missions
c) Implement CCB use for parachurch orgs and social network linkages
d) Tailgate Ministry Team formed and operational
e) More when solidify vision
(Phase II would include a formal/comprehensive/connected military discipleship program utilizing some current structures such as parachurches and perhaps Leights’ LifeBuilders, the acquisition of a bus, formal Missions Training specifically for military members, etc.)
2) Communications.
a) Complete Communications Plan by August 1. Stick to it.
b) Enable and train volunteers to implement full plan.
c) Continue to promote via blog.
d) Make improvements to Missions web pages, providing content to webmaster.
e) More specific when formalize plan.
3) Administrative progress.
a) Coordinate team to develop overall Missions’ Policy Doc (using past efforts). Obtain formal approval of finished policy.
b) Develop objective assessment criteria for Missions’ organizations and missionaries so we can make decisions on support levels in a holistic fashion.
c) Utilizing criteria, conduct zero-based review (find out what we want to support and at what level) for Missions program by Oct 1. Much coordination required to make this occur. VERY thorough process.
4) Develop support network/communication path for each mission.
a) Working with Pastor of Discipleship, ensure each mission organization is “supported” by at least two small groups.
b) Designate two key volunteers (one primary, one backup) as communication point person for each mission group or individual that we support. Train these volunteers.
c) Ensure each mission has a group active in CCB, especially long-term missionaries and partner churches. Can enable safe place to share prayer requests, support letters, misc. files, contact info, calendars, etc.
Please pray for Missions during this transitional/transformational time. In addition, please let me know if you are available to help or if you have a burning passion to work towards any of the aforementioned goals. I, as a volunteer myself, would most certainly appreciate the assistance (and need it)! Several folks have volunteered, or are going to be working in a few of these areas, but there is much more room...always!
Thank you again for your prayerful support, willing hearts, positive feedback, and gentle correction/advice.
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