IN S IDE - International Ministries
INSIDE
Winter 2012
Children in Haiti Receive Gifts of Goats & Pigs
GLOBAL FOCUS: Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
IM Faithfully Advances the Kingdom of God in Latin America and the Caribbean by José Norat Rodríguez, Area Director for Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
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esus taught his followers to pray, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) In Latin America and the Caribbean, Jesus’ prayer is becoming a welcomed reality. Centuries ago flourishing, indigenous communities developed in this area of the world, but beginning in the sixteenth century they struggled for survival as they faced European colonial empires. In time, nations developed and won their independence from colonial powers and cruel dictatorships. American Baptist missionaries have been part of this transformation as they walk alongside those who have been gaining economic, political and social democracy.
Christ’s Call Is IM’s Call God has been transforming former victims of despair as International Ministries (IM) global servants bring Christ’s message of hope, the result of salvation through God’s son. In this way, they are fulfilling what Jesus outlined in his own call to ministry when he read from Isaiah 61:1-2—“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:16-21) IM missionaries hear that same call. Through them God offers liberation to those in Latin America and the Caribbean who have faced unjust structures that marginalize and deprive people of their dignity. This call includes training pastoral and lay leaders in the values of the Kingdom of God, which make possible a personal and social life filled with grace and fullness.
The Kingdom of God is advancing in places like Kukra Hill, Nicaragua, where IM missionaries Ketly & Vital Pierre have worked with Pastor/ Principal Joel Garcia (right) and volunteers, like Daniel from Illinois, in constructing a church/school building so that others might come to Christ.
Evangelism, Church Growth and Training in Mexico and South America One of the outstanding contributions made by IM missionaries in Latin America has been the ministry with oppressed indigenous communities, composed of people whose ancestors were the original inhabitants in this part of the world. These liberating efforts include introducing people to Christ, establishing dynamic congregations and training leaders in church and community life. Ricardo and Doris Mayol work with the Seminario Intercultural Mayense (Mayan Intercultural Seminary) in Chiapas, Mexico to provide courses in Bible and church & society. Their efforts in organizing and promoting economic projects and special issues in solidarity with indigenous women have resulted in the women being willing to voice their minds and hearts, value their Mayan heritage and increase their families’ income. For more information about the Mayols’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/mayol
Charles and Ramona Shawver also serve in theological education—through the Baptist Seminary in Mexico City. Chuck mentors the students and coordinates their pastoral work in nearby churches. Ramona is the academic advisor for continued on page 4
Executive Director’s
Message
How the Call to Missionary Service and Marriage Can Come Together
by the Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson
by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
The First American Baptist Foreign Missionary
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“I requested of my Lord and Master to give me a work. I did not care how mean it was, only to try and see how good I would do it.” — George Liele in a letter to Dr. John Rippon, December 18, 1791
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Vol. 4 No. 1 Winter 2012
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hen George Liele, who was born a slave in colonial Virginia, asked Jesus to give him “a work” to do, he could not have known God would call him to pioneer mission service. This issue of International Ministries ON LOCATION looks at ways that today’s missionaries discern their call to serve in Iberoamerica and the Caribbean. American Baptist mission in the area, however, started at the close of the American Revolutionary War! George Liele (c. 1750-1828) was taken from Virginia to Georgia by his master, Henry Sharpe. Becoming a follower of Jesus at 23, Liele (also spelled Lisle or Leile) began reading hymns to others enslaved with him on the plantation, explaining difficult phrases and encouraging them to sing. Soon, the Baptist church where Sharpe was a deacon recognized Liele’s call and licensed him to preach. Sharpe Liele’s portrait is displayed at the then freed Liele, enabling him to preach on other Georgia plantachurch he founded tions and across the Savannah River in South Carolina. in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. When the Revolutionary War began in 1776, the British offered freedom to slaves who would seek refuge behind their lines. When the British captured Savannah, Liele—though free—moved into the city along with many freedom-seeking slaves. Liele ministered there throughout the British occupation (1779-82). When they evacuated Savannah at the end of the war, thousands of former slaves followed the troops into Canada rather than risk being re-enslaved. Instead of going to Canada, George Liele indentured himself to a British colonel to buy passage on a sailing ship to Jamaica in 1782 for himself, his wife Hannah and their four children. Surrendering his freedom until he paid back the debt in less than two years, Liele followed his call to mission in Jamaica. There he formed the first Baptist church, Queen Street Baptist, and launched the Jamaican Baptist movement. Liele’s missionary service became trans-Atlantic when he sailed to England and ministered to London’s people of color (1822-26). He then returned to Jamaica and died two years later. The churches that Liele had organized were eager to share the gospel. By the 1840s Jamaican Baptists had sent more than 40 missionaries to Cameroon in central Africa. It is often said that “the modern missionary movement” began in 1792 when the English Baptists sent William Carey to India. But Liele had sailed to Jamaica a decade earlier and had already led some 500 Jamaicans to faith. Thirty years before Adoniram and Ann Judson sailed to Burma and 32 years before Baptists would unite to form the first foreign mission society in North America (now American Baptist International Ministries), George Liele had already become the first American Baptist foreign missionary.
s single individuals, Carlos Bonilla and Mayra Giovanetti were sure of their calls to become missionaries. But each wondered if they would have a spouse with whom to share their work. Mayra explains how an answer came: “I was part of the Latin Continental Singers when we performed for the church where Carlos was active. We met only briefly then in 1988, but through many letters that followed Carlos and I learned of our mutual interest in being missionaries. Looking back, we believe it wasn’t sheer coincidence that we met but a divine intervention so that God’s plan in our lives would be fulfilled.” Discovering God’s will about a marriage partner can have its humorous confirmations as Carlos shares: “I had been praying that the Lord would bring me ‘my Rebekah’ [in Spanish, ‘Rebeca’] even as he did for Isaac (Genesis 24:1-67). Only through those letters and some phone calls did I discover that Mayra’s middle name was… Rebeca!” Carlos and Mayra have been International Ministries missionaries since 2000, serving first in Chile and now in Spain. They presently work alongside the churches of the Baptist Evangelical Union of Spain as they minister to migrants, train lay and pastoral leaders and prepare curriculum materials for congregations. For more information about the Bonilla-Giovanettis’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/ bonilla-giovanetti
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American Baptists have been spreading the gospel in Mexico since 1870. It was not until 1988, however, that International Ministries (IM) began work on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Two couples now serving in northern and southern Baja received distinct calls that came as surprises.
U N I T E D S TAT E S
La Paz
The Birth of a Child with Disabilities Leads to a Call in Northern Baja by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
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im and Patti Long began a ten-year ministry in 1985 as the first IM missionaries in the Dominican Republic (DR). Their church growth work started with four small house churches, an association of congregations composed of Haitians in the DR and a core of committed leaders. When they left, there were more than 40 churches, two health clinics, a primary health care program and five grade schools serving more than 1,500 students! In the mid-1990s God had new ministries for the Longs. Six years after their son, Daniel, was born in 1989 with Down syndrome, Tim and Patti faced a dilemma. They wanted Daniel to receive a good education and health care, Patti shares the adventure and they desired to be true of math with one of her special students. to their missionary calls. In God’s providence, they were invited by the Baja Baptist Convention to serve the people of northern Baja. This meant they could live across the border in the U.S. to meet Daniel’s needs, while continuing as IM missionaries. Patti says, “Daniel’s situation was to add a truly beautiful dimension to my ministry. A Tijuana church started a small school and asked me to develop a special education program, where no special needs children would be denied. Today, these students are developing educationally as well as learning of God’s love for them!” Tim’s ministry has also expanded with an increased focus on church leadership development. “Each week through the Mexicali Baptist Seminary,” he says, “I have Informal discussions with about 50 students in seminarians add a vital classes. They in turn aspect to Tim’s ministry. are ministering in local churches and new church starts with more than a thousand in attendance. Of the 57 churches and 20 new church starts in the Baja Baptist Association, more than half of the pastors and church planters are graduates of the seminary’s programs.” For more information about the Longs’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/long
Four IM Missionaries Respond to Surprising Calls to Serve in Mexico Saying, “Yes!” to God’s Call in Southern Baja by Joyce Reed, International Ministries Missionary
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was with my husband, David, listening to former IM missionary, Rick Hill, at a 1999 winter conference in Massachusetts when I felt the call to missions surge up within me once more. I first experienced this call when I was eleven but had yet to see an opportunity to pursue it. That afternoon, I asked God either to bring David to a similar place in his calling or to remove this longing from my heart. Two hours later, as we drove home in the midst of a blizzard, David said to me, “I think God is asking me to consider a call to missions.” That was the fastest answer to a prayer I’d ever received! For the last twelve years, we have been serving with the Convention of Mexican Baptist Churches of Southern Baja. Based in La Paz, our focus has been theological education and new church development. Having spent our first year as missionaries trying to learn Spanish, we were surprised when the Convention asked us to begin a ministry to English-speaking people. Our Mexican colleagues realized that there was no worship service in the heart language of the foreigners who lived among them. Their vision is the reason Crossroads Baptist Church exists today, where David and Joyce (left) baptizes a joyful, new believer at Crossroads I co-pastor. Baptist Church. During these years I have also homeschooled our two sons while David has become the primary person involved with our ministry in theological education. The program has grown from simply conducting Bible classes to now being accredited with Lacey Seminary in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. As we reflect on that 1999 wintry drive, God continually affirms, “It’s not about you; it’s about me. Trust me.” David says, “Receiving a call from God is not about going to a foreign country and struggling to live in a different culture. It’s about being available, about saying ‘YES’ to God, wherever you are.” Our plan is always to step out in faith, one day at a time with our “YES,” and follow wherever God leads us. For more information about the Reeds’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/david_and_joyce_reed
Three Other Missionaries Serve in Northern Baja Mercy González-Barnes began her teaching ministry in 2002 at the Dios con Nosotros (“God with Us”) Seminary in Mexicali. Her courses include leadership development for new church planting, ecclesiology (from a Latin American perspective), pastoral ministry and discipleship. For more information about Mercy’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/barnes
In 2006, Adalia Gutiérrez and Ray Schellinger helped establish Deborah’s House, a ministry to victims of domestic violence in Tijuana. [Details about their calls
were featured in the Autumn 2010 issue of this newsletter, which can be downloaded at: www.internationalministries. org/download/38840-autumn-2010]
For more information about the Schellingers’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/ schellinger
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IM Faithfully Advances the Kingdom...
Health Ministries in the Caribbean and Central America
the seminary’s resident students. The Shawvers’ ministry includes working with more than 200 students beyond the seminary through extension programs. Their churches are seeking peace and social justice in an often violent and intolerant Mexico.
The values of the Kingdom of God bring transformation not only to the soul and intellect as seen on page 1 and to the left, but also to the body and mind. IM missionaries practice preventive, participatory and community health ministries, particularly in isolated areas of the Caribbean and Central America.
continued from page 1
For more information about the Shawvers’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/shawver
Bruce and Ann Borquist work with JAMI, the international mission agency of the National Baptist Convention of Brazil. Since 2004, the Borquists have trained 72 new Brazilian missionaries, who serve God worldwide. This training has focused on maintaining a healthy cross-cultural/ multi-national missionary team, developing church-based, self-help holistic development and evangelism, using basic English for mission, learning from one’s spiritual journeys and incorporating the Internet securely in open and limited access countries. For more information about the Borquists’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/borquist
In Cochabamba, Bolivia, Mario Morales is continuing the work with Aymara and Quechua indigenous families that he and his late wife, Iris, began in 2005. Mario serves at the House of Hope, where urban and rural families receive housing, food and Christian compassion. At the Bolivia Baptist Theological Seminary Mario teaches church-centered missiology and leads studies in religion-culture. As a result, new church leaders are now God’s instruments for transforming congregations and communities, whose ministries include serving children with disabilities and children born to prostitutes. For more information about Mario’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/morales
In southern Chile, Dwight and Barbara Bolick are encouraging a new generation of Mapuches to be proud of their culture and language as a people made in the image of God. The Bolicks have trained Mapuche leaders through Bible study to serve their communities, encouraging economic development that includes traditional weavings and beekeeping/ honey production. This, according to IM’s partner, the Convention of Baptist Churches—Chilean Mission, has brought the Mapuches what they have not had, a more abundant life (John 10:10) that is now apparent in personal dignity and love for their work. For more information about the Bolicks’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/bolick
In Haiti, on the western side of the island of Hispaniola, Dr. Steve and Nancy James work as medical consultants with local Christian health teams to provide physical, mental and spiritual health in Jesus’ name. Deliris Carrión Rosa ministers from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, as a pediatric occupational therapist. Kristy Engel serves as a pediatric nurse practitioner in La Romana, Dominican Republic and the surrounding sugarcane villages. God is using these IM missionaries as they continue to respond to the health concerns resulting from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake of January 12, 2010 in Haiti as well as to the daily needs of some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere. Dominican Haiti Republic For more information about the James’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/james for Deliris’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/carrion_rosa for Kristy’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/engel
Since 2001, Drs. David and Laura Parajón have been serving remote rural areas in Nicaragua. They work to increase health awareness and train community residents to offer deworming campaigns, disaster relief, services to people living with HIV/ AIDS and preventive health care programs. These ministries, accomplished by the power of the Great Physician, have brought liberation where once there was captivity to rampant disease and early death. For more information about the Parajóns’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/parajon
Volunteer Ministries in the Caribbean Wherever IM serves around the world, there are opportunities for volunteers. Examples abound as illustrated on page 7 and the following. Based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, IM missionary Madeline Flores-López serves as the coordinator of mission volunteers and groups throughout the Caribbean. In 2011 alone, teams in the Dominican Republic provided church programs for children. established medical clinics and worked on construction projects. For more information about Madeline’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/flores-lopez
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Education Ministries in Central and South America Throughout history, education has been one of the keys to addressing the needs of the marginalized. IM missionaries focus on both general and theological education so that the formerly forgotten are empowered with knowledge and hope. As a result of living on the Costa Rica-Panama border, Ingrid Roldán-Román has helped educate children in Sixaola, Costa Rica and Changuinola, Panama. Some have not only improved their grades but have also become mentors to younger boys and girls. Through Ingrid’s work at the Theological Center for the Caribbean in Limón, Costa Rica, churches are being renewed. Her students’ efforts go beyond congregational life as they also lead holistic outreach in their communities.
Working with the Costa Rican Baptist Federation, Gary and Mylinda Baits serve in pastoral and lay leadership development and theological education. Having prayer walks through communities served by Baptist churches is just one way the Baits “walk alongside” their Costa Rican friends. They also teach at the Baptist Seminary in the San José area and lead practical ministry workshops so churches increase their concern for people that have been scorned by society.
For more information about Ingrid’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/roldan-roman
For more information about the Baits’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/baits
Ruth Mooney serves on the faculty of the Latin American Biblical University in San José, Costa Rica. Her background in Christian education is reflected in her courses that help students in their transforming work wherever they go throughout Latin America. Ruth’s ministry also includes editing materials written by the university faculty so that curriculum can easily be used in extension programs offered at the students’ places of ministry.
With the blessing of the National Baptist Convention of Brazil, Corenne and Philip Smith minister through Hope Unlimited to boys and girls served by a residential program that rescues homeless street children and youth. After experiencing a safe, caring Christian environment, most of these children make decisions to follow Christ. The Smiths also oversee training that gives the young people a paid internship, which leads to employment before they complete the program.
For more information about Ruth’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/mooney
For more information about the Smiths’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/97-smith-corenne-and-philip
From Mexico in the north to Chile in the south, from Central America in the west to the Caribbean in the east, IM missionaries are answering the call to serve so that multitudes can experience the values of the Kingdom of God. The proclamation is clear: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
God Called Me to Be a Pastor by the Rev. Dr. José Norat Rodríguez, Area Director for Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
of my ministerial positions, I have always been a pastor. That Iactivenmayeachinseem natural since during my childhood and teenage years I was the church my parents and other laypersons founded in Puerto
Rico. However, my academic major at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico was political science because I was considering becoming a lawyer. That changed in my senior year when I heard a sermon by my pastor, Rvdo. Rafael Torres Escobar, through which God clearly called me to the pastorate. I knew then that it was necessary to give my life to God’s cause in Puerto Rico and the world. For me, being a pastor means encouraging people spiritually during all phases of their life journey. In every position I have had I have sought to understand the potential of each person, guiding them toward the life that is filled with divine grace (John 10:10) so that everyone can achieve God’s purposes in the world. My pastoral experience in Puerto Rico began in 1970 when I served churches in San Juan, Santurce and Aguas Buenas. From 1976 to 1983, I was the Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Puerto Rico. Everything that I did for the 90 parish ministers was based on my
pastoral understanding. After earning my Ph.D. in Salamanca, Spain, I returned in 1987 to pastor the First Baptist Church of Caguas. Although pastoral care was my primary focus, God guided me in using my pastoral vision to lead the José celebrates with IM missionary congregation in overcoming a Kim Kushner Dominguez, who serves in debt of $3 million and placing Latin America and the Caribbean, soon the church in a position for after her December 3, 2011 wedding day. future growth. In 1992, I began my ministry with International Ministries, cooperating with and motivating persons from different cultures. I am privileged to pastor wonderful missionaries, who honor the ministry and possess values that are critical in these times. Throughout my years of study and ministry, I am thankful that God has affirmed my call in this beautiful path of pastoral ministry. www.internationalministries.org 5
God Calls Volunteers to Serve by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
“I NEVER KNEW HOW MUCH GOD could use me—and challenge me!— until I became a volunteer in Nicaragua during 2010-2011,” says Natalie Carpenter. “I’d suggest that others volunteer to stretch themselves and find out what it is to rely on God fully.” Natalie’s volunteer experience mirrors that of many others who have ministered alongside International Ministries (IM) missionaries. As Natalie worked with Ketly and Vital Pierre, she became an effective houseparent for two months, even though she did not have many opportunities before her trip to Nicaragua to supervise children. Another new venture was teaching English. She came to love working with the young children in the daycare center, and they still talk about her and all they learned. Natalie also learned from that experience and shared her enthusiasm for this ministry with her western Pennsylvania church, which has started a program of in-home childcare. When an unexpected opening occurred at Safe Harbor, a home for children whose parents are gone for nine months working on cruise ships, Natalie was asked to step in. “She became an excellent mentor to the vulnerable Nicaraguan children,” observes Ketly, “and she mentored me as well, teaching me to use PowerPoint. She even left her laptop computer with us so we could use the many songs we developed for our worship service!” Since 2009, Ketly and Vital have served in partnership with the Baptist Convention of Nicaragua to establish three congregations and multiple ministries. Of their productive ministry, Ketly says, “God is a god of production, making us fruitful. So we pray to God that we will have a fruitful ministry. 6
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Christ is the vine, we are the branches.” Haiti, but she felt that would require reneging on her commitment to IM. (John 15:1-8) Vital faced the same problem with his Being a volunteer was also instrucommitment to the Haitian church. mental in how God called Ketly to this The dilemma was solved when work. She explains, “I Vital’s pastor blessed Vital’s plan to was born in Haiti and marry Ketly and later join her as an IM grew up in Puerto Rico, missionary. As Vital says: “Before I met taking my first mission Ketly, I received a call to preach the trip to the Dominican gospel overseas. Republic (DR) near In God’s timing the time of Christmas that happened. vacation in 1985. I had The Lord put already felt the call to Ketly and me tomissionary service, but I had no intergether to serve in est in going to seminary—not at all! As the DR and start I was reading Luke 14:28-30, God put it a new work in into my heart that I should go. Based on Nicaragua. When that passage about ‘counting the cost,’ I God calls, God’s said to God: ‘I’ll go to seminary, but I’ll hands are powerful enough to bring it have to be accepted in one, and it has to pass. I am thankful to God for givto be in the States, and I’ll need a full ing me Ketly as a partner for service scholarship.’ What are the chances of anywhere in the world!” all that?” Soon after her negotiation with For more information about the Pierres’ ministry, go to: God, Ketly completed her volunteer www.internationalministries.org/teams/pierre work in the DR and was planning to visit family members in Haiti over the New Year’s celebration. But she IM Iberoamerica Countries met members of another volunteer mission group, and they asked her to join them as a translator. She says, “I wanted to finish my vacation with my family in Haiti, but Luke 14:26 convinced me that I needed to make these people my family. Among those volunteers was a member of the board of Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Seminary, Dr. Ardell Thomas. Through my contact with him and support from my home church in Puerto Rico, I became a debt-free seminarian Iberoamerica refers to countries in in 1986!” the Americas that were once colonies Vital’s calling to join Ketly centered of Spain or Portugal. The root word on his dedication to his work in Haiti. of “Iberoamerica” comes from the At 19 years of age he had given his “Iberian Peninsula” in Western Europe, heart to Christ and served faithfully as where Spain and Portugal are located. an assistant pastor. When he met Ketly Those two nations are also considered in 1993 and their relationship became part of “Iberoamerica.” denotes serious, Ketly was an IM missionary in the countries of Iberoamerica the DR. Vital asked her to join him in where IM missionaries serve. Portugal Spain
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That Gets My Goat!
God Calls Three Missionary Couples to Central and South America
by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
Pastors, church leaders, youth leaders and teachers of children in central Mexico are eager to receive training so they can more effectively share the good news of Christ. God has called International Ministries (IM) missionaries Debbie and Keith Myers, through the invitation of the Council of Rural Indigenous Evangelicals of Mexico, to help fill this critical training need at six Mexico locations. The Myers were endorsed* for IM missionary service in May 2011.
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hen people say that something really “gets my goat,” they mean that they are extremely irritated. But goats—and pigs!—in Haiti are leading to joy! In 2006, International Ministries (IM) missionaries Nzunga Mabudiga and Kihomi Ngwemi were moved by God to begin the “Kids for Kids” program, a way for churches in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to work with churches in Haiti to help Haitian families. The churches in Haiti form a “goat committee,” receiving adult female goats purchased for $50 each by Nzunga at local animal auctions. When those goats have kids (baby goats), they are distributed to children in the congregations. The children must agree to give their goat’s first two female offspring to the committee, which Haitian children are joyous distributes them to other children in the as they receive their goats. church. So the kids are given to kids, who raise those baby goats and later sell them or use them for food. Another group of kids is also part of this program, the children in U.S. and Puerto Rico churches, who give to this project through their mission offering at Vacation Bible School or other church program. For instance, the children of the First Baptist Church of Cadillac, Michigan, contributed enough money to buy eight goats. Children’s Director Shelly Burkett explains: “We tried to find a creative way to inspire our 50 children to give their offering as part of their own worship service. The Kids for Kids program was ideal for teaching them to have a heart for others beyond Cadillac. In just four weeks they gave more than $400!” The goats can considerably boost families’ income, add protein to their diets and increase their dignity as they help themselves. Some of the children who first received goats have given back their two and now have dozens of their own. Under ideal conditions ten goats could become 400 goats in five years, valued at $16,000! There are documented cases where this simple gift has led to someone eventually graduating from college in a country where many children are part of families that have no means for them to attend elementary school. On March 16, 2011, the “Pigs for Kids” project was launched. In higher elevations of Haiti pigs progress much better than goats. Previously, pigs were the backbone Nzunga distributes pigs to eager of the Haitian economy, but in 1978 the children in the north of Haiti. indigenous pigs were destroyed to combat Swine Fever. Nzunga purchases hardy, adult female Creole black pigs at a cost of $60 each and distributes them in the same way as the goats. The money the children earn from selling piglets can pay for a semester of school, including fees, a school uniform, books, pencils and papers. God’s call to Nzunga and Kihomi, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is normally fulfilled as Nzunga teaches theology at the Christian University of Northern Haiti and Kihomi provides counsel to Haitian women on family planning and women’s health issues. For more information about Kihomi and Nzunga’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/kihomi_and_nzunga
For more information about the Myers’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/debbie_and_keith_myers
Children living in poverty in Azacualpa, Honduras are now being served by IM endorsed missionaries Dilia and Dagoberto Zelaya. The couple is developing the Ministries of Faith Children’s Home, which provides food and education, as well as responses to health needs. Dilia writes, “The children are also taught God’s Word because they require spiritual nourishment as well as physical.” Eighty 5 to 14 year-olds are experiencing God’s love because of Dilia and Dagoberto’s ministry. The Zelayas were endorsed* for IM missionary service in July 2010. For more information about the Zelayas’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/375-zelaya
Lay leaders and pastors in southern Bolivia want to gain greater theological understanding and learn of ideas for new church planting and new ministries. In partnership with the Bolivian Baptist Union, theological educators J.D. and Rhonda Reed will prepare Christian leaders to serve in a variety of church roles. Of God’s call, J.D says, “It is both mysterious and tangible. Praise God for the calling he gives us all—to be more like him and do his work in this world!” The Reeds were commissioned* for IM missionary service in July 2011. For more information about the Reeds’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/jd_and_rhonda_reed * During the endorsement phase of IM’s recruitment process, missionaries form a Missionary Partnership Network (MPN). An MPN is composed of more than a thousand individuals and congregations who subscribe to the missionary’s printed or electronic newsletters, host the missionary at local church and regional events and support the missionary through prayer, personalized giving and sometimes by becoming part of volunteer work groups in the missionary’s country of service. A commissioned missionary has completed the MPN formation.
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American Baptist Churches USA P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482 www.internationalministries.org
Cuba—the Country of Rapid Church Growth Cuba currently has the fastest church growth rate of all Latin American countries in which IM serves!
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od has been using two IM global servants, Sue Hegarty and Kim Kushner Dominguez, to help church leaders in Cuba meet the need for more trained pastors and teachers. Sue has worked with the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, with whom American Baptists have partnered since 1898. She has also served on the faculty of the Baptist Theological Seminary, which trains pastors and other leaders to serve more than 400 Cuban churches. Sue previously directed the convention´s editorial team in developing Bible study materials and leading teacher training workshops. She is currently on U.S./Puerto Rico assignment. Kim is a coordinator of regional assessment for leader development throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. She presently is collaborating with both the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention and the Fraternity of Baptist Churches of Cuba to help determine the leadership development needs that can be met through theological education. Sue and Kim’s combined efforts are essential as the Cuban conventions meet the exciting demands of new and growing Baptist churches throughout their island nation. A Santiago congregation has captured this great opportunity with its recent theme, God opens the door to a new decade, let’s enter with confidence! Revelation 3:8, “I have placed before you an open door….”
American Baptist International Ministries (IM) is a Christian mission organization connecting U.S. churches and individuals to holistic missions around the world. Organized in 1814, IM is the first Baptist mission agency formed in North America. IM serves more than 1,800 short-term and long-term missionaries annually, bringing U.S. and Puerto Rico churches together with partners in more than 70 countries to tell the good news of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs.
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INSIDE Jamaica Spain Baja Mexico Northern Baja Mexico Puerto Rico Nicaragua Haiti Central & South America
1 IM Advances the Kingdom of God Norat-Rodríguez 2 The 1st American Baptist Foreign Missionary Trulson Missionary Service and Marriage Bonilla & Giovanetti 3 Surprising Calls Long, David & Joyce Reed Other Missionaries in Northern Baja Barnes, Schellinger 5 God Called Me to be a Pastor Norat-Rodríguez 6 God Calls Volunteers to Serve Pierre 7 That Gets My Goat! Kihomi & Nzunga Three Couples Called Myers, Zelaya, J.D. & Rhonda Reed
Learning of God’s Work around the World This issue of International Ministries ON LOCATION concludes a series, which has taken you to the four corners of the globe, beginning with the winter 2011 issue. Newsletters can be downloaded on the International Ministries (IM) website at www.internationalministries.org/on_locations In this issue you will see how God is using IM missionaries in Iberoamerica (see page 6 for a definition) and the Caribbean. As with previous issues, you will be introduced not only to the work of IM global servants but also learn how they have been called by God to their present ministries.
Winter 2012
Children in Haiti Receive Gifts of Goats & Pigs
GLOBAL FOCUS: Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
IM Faithfully Advances the Kingdom of God in Latin America and the Caribbean by José Norat Rodríguez, Area Director for Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
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esus taught his followers to pray, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) In Latin America and the Caribbean, Jesus’ prayer is becoming a welcomed reality. Centuries ago flourishing, indigenous communities developed in this area of the world, but beginning in the sixteenth century they struggled for survival as they faced European colonial empires. In time, nations developed and won their independence from colonial powers and cruel dictatorships. American Baptist missionaries have been part of this transformation as they walk alongside those who have been gaining economic, political and social democracy.
Christ’s Call Is IM’s Call God has been transforming former victims of despair as International Ministries (IM) global servants bring Christ’s message of hope, the result of salvation through God’s son. In this way, they are fulfilling what Jesus outlined in his own call to ministry when he read from Isaiah 61:1-2—“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:16-21) IM missionaries hear that same call. Through them God offers liberation to those in Latin America and the Caribbean who have faced unjust structures that marginalize and deprive people of their dignity. This call includes training pastoral and lay leaders in the values of the Kingdom of God, which make possible a personal and social life filled with grace and fullness.
The Kingdom of God is advancing in places like Kukra Hill, Nicaragua, where IM missionaries Ketly & Vital Pierre have worked with Pastor/ Principal Joel Garcia (right) and volunteers, like Daniel from Illinois, in constructing a church/school building so that others might come to Christ.
Evangelism, Church Growth and Training in Mexico and South America One of the outstanding contributions made by IM missionaries in Latin America has been the ministry with oppressed indigenous communities, composed of people whose ancestors were the original inhabitants in this part of the world. These liberating efforts include introducing people to Christ, establishing dynamic congregations and training leaders in church and community life. Ricardo and Doris Mayol work with the Seminario Intercultural Mayense (Mayan Intercultural Seminary) in Chiapas, Mexico to provide courses in Bible and church & society. Their efforts in organizing and promoting economic projects and special issues in solidarity with indigenous women have resulted in the women being willing to voice their minds and hearts, value their Mayan heritage and increase their families’ income. For more information about the Mayols’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/mayol
Charles and Ramona Shawver also serve in theological education—through the Baptist Seminary in Mexico City. Chuck mentors the students and coordinates their pastoral work in nearby churches. Ramona is the academic advisor for continued on page 4
Executive Director’s
Message
How the Call to Missionary Service and Marriage Can Come Together
by the Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson
by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
The First American Baptist Foreign Missionary
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“I requested of my Lord and Master to give me a work. I did not care how mean it was, only to try and see how good I would do it.” — George Liele in a letter to Dr. John Rippon, December 18, 1791
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Vol. 4 No. 1 Winter 2012
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© The Gleaner Co. Limited
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hen George Liele, who was born a slave in colonial Virginia, asked Jesus to give him “a work” to do, he could not have known God would call him to pioneer mission service. This issue of International Ministries ON LOCATION looks at ways that today’s missionaries discern their call to serve in Iberoamerica and the Caribbean. American Baptist mission in the area, however, started at the close of the American Revolutionary War! George Liele (c. 1750-1828) was taken from Virginia to Georgia by his master, Henry Sharpe. Becoming a follower of Jesus at 23, Liele (also spelled Lisle or Leile) began reading hymns to others enslaved with him on the plantation, explaining difficult phrases and encouraging them to sing. Soon, the Baptist church where Sharpe was a deacon recognized Liele’s call and licensed him to preach. Sharpe Liele’s portrait is displayed at the then freed Liele, enabling him to preach on other Georgia plantachurch he founded tions and across the Savannah River in South Carolina. in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. When the Revolutionary War began in 1776, the British offered freedom to slaves who would seek refuge behind their lines. When the British captured Savannah, Liele—though free—moved into the city along with many freedom-seeking slaves. Liele ministered there throughout the British occupation (1779-82). When they evacuated Savannah at the end of the war, thousands of former slaves followed the troops into Canada rather than risk being re-enslaved. Instead of going to Canada, George Liele indentured himself to a British colonel to buy passage on a sailing ship to Jamaica in 1782 for himself, his wife Hannah and their four children. Surrendering his freedom until he paid back the debt in less than two years, Liele followed his call to mission in Jamaica. There he formed the first Baptist church, Queen Street Baptist, and launched the Jamaican Baptist movement. Liele’s missionary service became trans-Atlantic when he sailed to England and ministered to London’s people of color (1822-26). He then returned to Jamaica and died two years later. The churches that Liele had organized were eager to share the gospel. By the 1840s Jamaican Baptists had sent more than 40 missionaries to Cameroon in central Africa. It is often said that “the modern missionary movement” began in 1792 when the English Baptists sent William Carey to India. But Liele had sailed to Jamaica a decade earlier and had already led some 500 Jamaicans to faith. Thirty years before Adoniram and Ann Judson sailed to Burma and 32 years before Baptists would unite to form the first foreign mission society in North America (now American Baptist International Ministries), George Liele had already become the first American Baptist foreign missionary.
s single individuals, Carlos Bonilla and Mayra Giovanetti were sure of their calls to become missionaries. But each wondered if they would have a spouse with whom to share their work. Mayra explains how an answer came: “I was part of the Latin Continental Singers when we performed for the church where Carlos was active. We met only briefly then in 1988, but through many letters that followed Carlos and I learned of our mutual interest in being missionaries. Looking back, we believe it wasn’t sheer coincidence that we met but a divine intervention so that God’s plan in our lives would be fulfilled.” Discovering God’s will about a marriage partner can have its humorous confirmations as Carlos shares: “I had been praying that the Lord would bring me ‘my Rebekah’ [in Spanish, ‘Rebeca’] even as he did for Isaac (Genesis 24:1-67). Only through those letters and some phone calls did I discover that Mayra’s middle name was… Rebeca!” Carlos and Mayra have been International Ministries missionaries since 2000, serving first in Chile and now in Spain. They presently work alongside the churches of the Baptist Evangelical Union of Spain as they minister to migrants, train lay and pastoral leaders and prepare curriculum materials for congregations. For more information about the Bonilla-Giovanettis’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/ bonilla-giovanetti
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American Baptists have been spreading the gospel in Mexico since 1870. It was not until 1988, however, that International Ministries (IM) began work on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Two couples now serving in northern and southern Baja received distinct calls that came as surprises.
U N I T E D S TAT E S
La Paz
The Birth of a Child with Disabilities Leads to a Call in Northern Baja by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
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im and Patti Long began a ten-year ministry in 1985 as the first IM missionaries in the Dominican Republic (DR). Their church growth work started with four small house churches, an association of congregations composed of Haitians in the DR and a core of committed leaders. When they left, there were more than 40 churches, two health clinics, a primary health care program and five grade schools serving more than 1,500 students! In the mid-1990s God had new ministries for the Longs. Six years after their son, Daniel, was born in 1989 with Down syndrome, Tim and Patti faced a dilemma. They wanted Daniel to receive a good education and health care, Patti shares the adventure and they desired to be true of math with one of her special students. to their missionary calls. In God’s providence, they were invited by the Baja Baptist Convention to serve the people of northern Baja. This meant they could live across the border in the U.S. to meet Daniel’s needs, while continuing as IM missionaries. Patti says, “Daniel’s situation was to add a truly beautiful dimension to my ministry. A Tijuana church started a small school and asked me to develop a special education program, where no special needs children would be denied. Today, these students are developing educationally as well as learning of God’s love for them!” Tim’s ministry has also expanded with an increased focus on church leadership development. “Each week through the Mexicali Baptist Seminary,” he says, “I have Informal discussions with about 50 students in seminarians add a vital classes. They in turn aspect to Tim’s ministry. are ministering in local churches and new church starts with more than a thousand in attendance. Of the 57 churches and 20 new church starts in the Baja Baptist Association, more than half of the pastors and church planters are graduates of the seminary’s programs.” For more information about the Longs’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/long
Four IM Missionaries Respond to Surprising Calls to Serve in Mexico Saying, “Yes!” to God’s Call in Southern Baja by Joyce Reed, International Ministries Missionary
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was with my husband, David, listening to former IM missionary, Rick Hill, at a 1999 winter conference in Massachusetts when I felt the call to missions surge up within me once more. I first experienced this call when I was eleven but had yet to see an opportunity to pursue it. That afternoon, I asked God either to bring David to a similar place in his calling or to remove this longing from my heart. Two hours later, as we drove home in the midst of a blizzard, David said to me, “I think God is asking me to consider a call to missions.” That was the fastest answer to a prayer I’d ever received! For the last twelve years, we have been serving with the Convention of Mexican Baptist Churches of Southern Baja. Based in La Paz, our focus has been theological education and new church development. Having spent our first year as missionaries trying to learn Spanish, we were surprised when the Convention asked us to begin a ministry to English-speaking people. Our Mexican colleagues realized that there was no worship service in the heart language of the foreigners who lived among them. Their vision is the reason Crossroads Baptist Church exists today, where David and Joyce (left) baptizes a joyful, new believer at Crossroads I co-pastor. Baptist Church. During these years I have also homeschooled our two sons while David has become the primary person involved with our ministry in theological education. The program has grown from simply conducting Bible classes to now being accredited with Lacey Seminary in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. As we reflect on that 1999 wintry drive, God continually affirms, “It’s not about you; it’s about me. Trust me.” David says, “Receiving a call from God is not about going to a foreign country and struggling to live in a different culture. It’s about being available, about saying ‘YES’ to God, wherever you are.” Our plan is always to step out in faith, one day at a time with our “YES,” and follow wherever God leads us. For more information about the Reeds’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/david_and_joyce_reed
Three Other Missionaries Serve in Northern Baja Mercy González-Barnes began her teaching ministry in 2002 at the Dios con Nosotros (“God with Us”) Seminary in Mexicali. Her courses include leadership development for new church planting, ecclesiology (from a Latin American perspective), pastoral ministry and discipleship. For more information about Mercy’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/barnes
In 2006, Adalia Gutiérrez and Ray Schellinger helped establish Deborah’s House, a ministry to victims of domestic violence in Tijuana. [Details about their calls
were featured in the Autumn 2010 issue of this newsletter, which can be downloaded at: www.internationalministries. org/download/38840-autumn-2010]
For more information about the Schellingers’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/ schellinger
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IM Faithfully Advances the Kingdom...
Health Ministries in the Caribbean and Central America
the seminary’s resident students. The Shawvers’ ministry includes working with more than 200 students beyond the seminary through extension programs. Their churches are seeking peace and social justice in an often violent and intolerant Mexico.
The values of the Kingdom of God bring transformation not only to the soul and intellect as seen on page 1 and to the left, but also to the body and mind. IM missionaries practice preventive, participatory and community health ministries, particularly in isolated areas of the Caribbean and Central America.
continued from page 1
For more information about the Shawvers’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/shawver
Bruce and Ann Borquist work with JAMI, the international mission agency of the National Baptist Convention of Brazil. Since 2004, the Borquists have trained 72 new Brazilian missionaries, who serve God worldwide. This training has focused on maintaining a healthy cross-cultural/ multi-national missionary team, developing church-based, self-help holistic development and evangelism, using basic English for mission, learning from one’s spiritual journeys and incorporating the Internet securely in open and limited access countries. For more information about the Borquists’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/borquist
In Cochabamba, Bolivia, Mario Morales is continuing the work with Aymara and Quechua indigenous families that he and his late wife, Iris, began in 2005. Mario serves at the House of Hope, where urban and rural families receive housing, food and Christian compassion. At the Bolivia Baptist Theological Seminary Mario teaches church-centered missiology and leads studies in religion-culture. As a result, new church leaders are now God’s instruments for transforming congregations and communities, whose ministries include serving children with disabilities and children born to prostitutes. For more information about Mario’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/morales
In southern Chile, Dwight and Barbara Bolick are encouraging a new generation of Mapuches to be proud of their culture and language as a people made in the image of God. The Bolicks have trained Mapuche leaders through Bible study to serve their communities, encouraging economic development that includes traditional weavings and beekeeping/ honey production. This, according to IM’s partner, the Convention of Baptist Churches—Chilean Mission, has brought the Mapuches what they have not had, a more abundant life (John 10:10) that is now apparent in personal dignity and love for their work. For more information about the Bolicks’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/bolick
In Haiti, on the western side of the island of Hispaniola, Dr. Steve and Nancy James work as medical consultants with local Christian health teams to provide physical, mental and spiritual health in Jesus’ name. Deliris Carrión Rosa ministers from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, as a pediatric occupational therapist. Kristy Engel serves as a pediatric nurse practitioner in La Romana, Dominican Republic and the surrounding sugarcane villages. God is using these IM missionaries as they continue to respond to the health concerns resulting from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake of January 12, 2010 in Haiti as well as to the daily needs of some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere. Dominican Haiti Republic For more information about the James’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/james for Deliris’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/carrion_rosa for Kristy’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/engel
Since 2001, Drs. David and Laura Parajón have been serving remote rural areas in Nicaragua. They work to increase health awareness and train community residents to offer deworming campaigns, disaster relief, services to people living with HIV/ AIDS and preventive health care programs. These ministries, accomplished by the power of the Great Physician, have brought liberation where once there was captivity to rampant disease and early death. For more information about the Parajóns’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/parajon
Volunteer Ministries in the Caribbean Wherever IM serves around the world, there are opportunities for volunteers. Examples abound as illustrated on page 7 and the following. Based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, IM missionary Madeline Flores-López serves as the coordinator of mission volunteers and groups throughout the Caribbean. In 2011 alone, teams in the Dominican Republic provided church programs for children. established medical clinics and worked on construction projects. For more information about Madeline’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/flores-lopez
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ON LOCATION Winter 2012
Education Ministries in Central and South America Throughout history, education has been one of the keys to addressing the needs of the marginalized. IM missionaries focus on both general and theological education so that the formerly forgotten are empowered with knowledge and hope. As a result of living on the Costa Rica-Panama border, Ingrid Roldán-Román has helped educate children in Sixaola, Costa Rica and Changuinola, Panama. Some have not only improved their grades but have also become mentors to younger boys and girls. Through Ingrid’s work at the Theological Center for the Caribbean in Limón, Costa Rica, churches are being renewed. Her students’ efforts go beyond congregational life as they also lead holistic outreach in their communities.
Working with the Costa Rican Baptist Federation, Gary and Mylinda Baits serve in pastoral and lay leadership development and theological education. Having prayer walks through communities served by Baptist churches is just one way the Baits “walk alongside” their Costa Rican friends. They also teach at the Baptist Seminary in the San José area and lead practical ministry workshops so churches increase their concern for people that have been scorned by society.
For more information about Ingrid’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/roldan-roman
For more information about the Baits’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/baits
Ruth Mooney serves on the faculty of the Latin American Biblical University in San José, Costa Rica. Her background in Christian education is reflected in her courses that help students in their transforming work wherever they go throughout Latin America. Ruth’s ministry also includes editing materials written by the university faculty so that curriculum can easily be used in extension programs offered at the students’ places of ministry.
With the blessing of the National Baptist Convention of Brazil, Corenne and Philip Smith minister through Hope Unlimited to boys and girls served by a residential program that rescues homeless street children and youth. After experiencing a safe, caring Christian environment, most of these children make decisions to follow Christ. The Smiths also oversee training that gives the young people a paid internship, which leads to employment before they complete the program.
For more information about Ruth’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/mooney
For more information about the Smiths’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/97-smith-corenne-and-philip
From Mexico in the north to Chile in the south, from Central America in the west to the Caribbean in the east, IM missionaries are answering the call to serve so that multitudes can experience the values of the Kingdom of God. The proclamation is clear: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
God Called Me to Be a Pastor by the Rev. Dr. José Norat Rodríguez, Area Director for Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
of my ministerial positions, I have always been a pastor. That Iactivenmayeachinseem natural since during my childhood and teenage years I was the church my parents and other laypersons founded in Puerto
Rico. However, my academic major at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico was political science because I was considering becoming a lawyer. That changed in my senior year when I heard a sermon by my pastor, Rvdo. Rafael Torres Escobar, through which God clearly called me to the pastorate. I knew then that it was necessary to give my life to God’s cause in Puerto Rico and the world. For me, being a pastor means encouraging people spiritually during all phases of their life journey. In every position I have had I have sought to understand the potential of each person, guiding them toward the life that is filled with divine grace (John 10:10) so that everyone can achieve God’s purposes in the world. My pastoral experience in Puerto Rico began in 1970 when I served churches in San Juan, Santurce and Aguas Buenas. From 1976 to 1983, I was the Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Puerto Rico. Everything that I did for the 90 parish ministers was based on my
pastoral understanding. After earning my Ph.D. in Salamanca, Spain, I returned in 1987 to pastor the First Baptist Church of Caguas. Although pastoral care was my primary focus, God guided me in using my pastoral vision to lead the José celebrates with IM missionary congregation in overcoming a Kim Kushner Dominguez, who serves in debt of $3 million and placing Latin America and the Caribbean, soon the church in a position for after her December 3, 2011 wedding day. future growth. In 1992, I began my ministry with International Ministries, cooperating with and motivating persons from different cultures. I am privileged to pastor wonderful missionaries, who honor the ministry and possess values that are critical in these times. Throughout my years of study and ministry, I am thankful that God has affirmed my call in this beautiful path of pastoral ministry. www.internationalministries.org 5
God Calls Volunteers to Serve by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
“I NEVER KNEW HOW MUCH GOD could use me—and challenge me!— until I became a volunteer in Nicaragua during 2010-2011,” says Natalie Carpenter. “I’d suggest that others volunteer to stretch themselves and find out what it is to rely on God fully.” Natalie’s volunteer experience mirrors that of many others who have ministered alongside International Ministries (IM) missionaries. As Natalie worked with Ketly and Vital Pierre, she became an effective houseparent for two months, even though she did not have many opportunities before her trip to Nicaragua to supervise children. Another new venture was teaching English. She came to love working with the young children in the daycare center, and they still talk about her and all they learned. Natalie also learned from that experience and shared her enthusiasm for this ministry with her western Pennsylvania church, which has started a program of in-home childcare. When an unexpected opening occurred at Safe Harbor, a home for children whose parents are gone for nine months working on cruise ships, Natalie was asked to step in. “She became an excellent mentor to the vulnerable Nicaraguan children,” observes Ketly, “and she mentored me as well, teaching me to use PowerPoint. She even left her laptop computer with us so we could use the many songs we developed for our worship service!” Since 2009, Ketly and Vital have served in partnership with the Baptist Convention of Nicaragua to establish three congregations and multiple ministries. Of their productive ministry, Ketly says, “God is a god of production, making us fruitful. So we pray to God that we will have a fruitful ministry. 6
ON LOCATION Winter 2012
Christ is the vine, we are the branches.” Haiti, but she felt that would require reneging on her commitment to IM. (John 15:1-8) Vital faced the same problem with his Being a volunteer was also instrucommitment to the Haitian church. mental in how God called Ketly to this The dilemma was solved when work. She explains, “I Vital’s pastor blessed Vital’s plan to was born in Haiti and marry Ketly and later join her as an IM grew up in Puerto Rico, missionary. As Vital says: “Before I met taking my first mission Ketly, I received a call to preach the trip to the Dominican gospel overseas. Republic (DR) near In God’s timing the time of Christmas that happened. vacation in 1985. I had The Lord put already felt the call to Ketly and me tomissionary service, but I had no intergether to serve in est in going to seminary—not at all! As the DR and start I was reading Luke 14:28-30, God put it a new work in into my heart that I should go. Based on Nicaragua. When that passage about ‘counting the cost,’ I God calls, God’s said to God: ‘I’ll go to seminary, but I’ll hands are powerful enough to bring it have to be accepted in one, and it has to pass. I am thankful to God for givto be in the States, and I’ll need a full ing me Ketly as a partner for service scholarship.’ What are the chances of anywhere in the world!” all that?” Soon after her negotiation with For more information about the Pierres’ ministry, go to: God, Ketly completed her volunteer www.internationalministries.org/teams/pierre work in the DR and was planning to visit family members in Haiti over the New Year’s celebration. But she IM Iberoamerica Countries met members of another volunteer mission group, and they asked her to join them as a translator. She says, “I wanted to finish my vacation with my family in Haiti, but Luke 14:26 convinced me that I needed to make these people my family. Among those volunteers was a member of the board of Eastern Baptist (now Palmer) Seminary, Dr. Ardell Thomas. Through my contact with him and support from my home church in Puerto Rico, I became a debt-free seminarian Iberoamerica refers to countries in in 1986!” the Americas that were once colonies Vital’s calling to join Ketly centered of Spain or Portugal. The root word on his dedication to his work in Haiti. of “Iberoamerica” comes from the At 19 years of age he had given his “Iberian Peninsula” in Western Europe, heart to Christ and served faithfully as where Spain and Portugal are located. an assistant pastor. When he met Ketly Those two nations are also considered in 1993 and their relationship became part of “Iberoamerica.” denotes serious, Ketly was an IM missionary in the countries of Iberoamerica the DR. Vital asked her to join him in where IM missionaries serve. Portugal Spain
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That Gets My Goat!
God Calls Three Missionary Couples to Central and South America
by the Rev. James G. Layton, Senior Writer/Editor
Pastors, church leaders, youth leaders and teachers of children in central Mexico are eager to receive training so they can more effectively share the good news of Christ. God has called International Ministries (IM) missionaries Debbie and Keith Myers, through the invitation of the Council of Rural Indigenous Evangelicals of Mexico, to help fill this critical training need at six Mexico locations. The Myers were endorsed* for IM missionary service in May 2011.
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hen people say that something really “gets my goat,” they mean that they are extremely irritated. But goats—and pigs!—in Haiti are leading to joy! In 2006, International Ministries (IM) missionaries Nzunga Mabudiga and Kihomi Ngwemi were moved by God to begin the “Kids for Kids” program, a way for churches in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to work with churches in Haiti to help Haitian families. The churches in Haiti form a “goat committee,” receiving adult female goats purchased for $50 each by Nzunga at local animal auctions. When those goats have kids (baby goats), they are distributed to children in the congregations. The children must agree to give their goat’s first two female offspring to the committee, which Haitian children are joyous distributes them to other children in the as they receive their goats. church. So the kids are given to kids, who raise those baby goats and later sell them or use them for food. Another group of kids is also part of this program, the children in U.S. and Puerto Rico churches, who give to this project through their mission offering at Vacation Bible School or other church program. For instance, the children of the First Baptist Church of Cadillac, Michigan, contributed enough money to buy eight goats. Children’s Director Shelly Burkett explains: “We tried to find a creative way to inspire our 50 children to give their offering as part of their own worship service. The Kids for Kids program was ideal for teaching them to have a heart for others beyond Cadillac. In just four weeks they gave more than $400!” The goats can considerably boost families’ income, add protein to their diets and increase their dignity as they help themselves. Some of the children who first received goats have given back their two and now have dozens of their own. Under ideal conditions ten goats could become 400 goats in five years, valued at $16,000! There are documented cases where this simple gift has led to someone eventually graduating from college in a country where many children are part of families that have no means for them to attend elementary school. On March 16, 2011, the “Pigs for Kids” project was launched. In higher elevations of Haiti pigs progress much better than goats. Previously, pigs were the backbone Nzunga distributes pigs to eager of the Haitian economy, but in 1978 the children in the north of Haiti. indigenous pigs were destroyed to combat Swine Fever. Nzunga purchases hardy, adult female Creole black pigs at a cost of $60 each and distributes them in the same way as the goats. The money the children earn from selling piglets can pay for a semester of school, including fees, a school uniform, books, pencils and papers. God’s call to Nzunga and Kihomi, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is normally fulfilled as Nzunga teaches theology at the Christian University of Northern Haiti and Kihomi provides counsel to Haitian women on family planning and women’s health issues. For more information about Kihomi and Nzunga’s ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/kihomi_and_nzunga
For more information about the Myers’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/debbie_and_keith_myers
Children living in poverty in Azacualpa, Honduras are now being served by IM endorsed missionaries Dilia and Dagoberto Zelaya. The couple is developing the Ministries of Faith Children’s Home, which provides food and education, as well as responses to health needs. Dilia writes, “The children are also taught God’s Word because they require spiritual nourishment as well as physical.” Eighty 5 to 14 year-olds are experiencing God’s love because of Dilia and Dagoberto’s ministry. The Zelayas were endorsed* for IM missionary service in July 2010. For more information about the Zelayas’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/375-zelaya
Lay leaders and pastors in southern Bolivia want to gain greater theological understanding and learn of ideas for new church planting and new ministries. In partnership with the Bolivian Baptist Union, theological educators J.D. and Rhonda Reed will prepare Christian leaders to serve in a variety of church roles. Of God’s call, J.D says, “It is both mysterious and tangible. Praise God for the calling he gives us all—to be more like him and do his work in this world!” The Reeds were commissioned* for IM missionary service in July 2011. For more information about the Reeds’ ministry, go to: www.internationalministries.org/teams/jd_and_rhonda_reed * During the endorsement phase of IM’s recruitment process, missionaries form a Missionary Partnership Network (MPN). An MPN is composed of more than a thousand individuals and congregations who subscribe to the missionary’s printed or electronic newsletters, host the missionary at local church and regional events and support the missionary through prayer, personalized giving and sometimes by becoming part of volunteer work groups in the missionary’s country of service. A commissioned missionary has completed the MPN formation.
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American Baptist Churches USA P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482 www.internationalministries.org
Cuba—the Country of Rapid Church Growth Cuba currently has the fastest church growth rate of all Latin American countries in which IM serves!
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od has been using two IM global servants, Sue Hegarty and Kim Kushner Dominguez, to help church leaders in Cuba meet the need for more trained pastors and teachers. Sue has worked with the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention, with whom American Baptists have partnered since 1898. She has also served on the faculty of the Baptist Theological Seminary, which trains pastors and other leaders to serve more than 400 Cuban churches. Sue previously directed the convention´s editorial team in developing Bible study materials and leading teacher training workshops. She is currently on U.S./Puerto Rico assignment. Kim is a coordinator of regional assessment for leader development throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. She presently is collaborating with both the Eastern Cuba Baptist Convention and the Fraternity of Baptist Churches of Cuba to help determine the leadership development needs that can be met through theological education. Sue and Kim’s combined efforts are essential as the Cuban conventions meet the exciting demands of new and growing Baptist churches throughout their island nation. A Santiago congregation has captured this great opportunity with its recent theme, God opens the door to a new decade, let’s enter with confidence! Revelation 3:8, “I have placed before you an open door….”
American Baptist International Ministries (IM) is a Christian mission organization connecting U.S. churches and individuals to holistic missions around the world. Organized in 1814, IM is the first Baptist mission agency formed in North America. IM serves more than 1,800 short-term and long-term missionaries annually, bringing U.S. and Puerto Rico churches together with partners in more than 70 countries to tell the good news of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs.
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ON LOCATION Winter 2012 I379.PUB.02/12
INSIDE Jamaica Spain Baja Mexico Northern Baja Mexico Puerto Rico Nicaragua Haiti Central & South America
1 IM Advances the Kingdom of God Norat-Rodríguez 2 The 1st American Baptist Foreign Missionary Trulson Missionary Service and Marriage Bonilla & Giovanetti 3 Surprising Calls Long, David & Joyce Reed Other Missionaries in Northern Baja Barnes, Schellinger 5 God Called Me to be a Pastor Norat-Rodríguez 6 God Calls Volunteers to Serve Pierre 7 That Gets My Goat! Kihomi & Nzunga Three Couples Called Myers, Zelaya, J.D. & Rhonda Reed
Learning of God’s Work around the World This issue of International Ministries ON LOCATION concludes a series, which has taken you to the four corners of the globe, beginning with the winter 2011 issue. Newsletters can be downloaded on the International Ministries (IM) website at www.internationalministries.org/on_locations In this issue you will see how God is using IM missionaries in Iberoamerica (see page 6 for a definition) and the Caribbean. As with previous issues, you will be introduced not only to the work of IM global servants but also learn how they have been called by God to their present ministries.
