Vol. 8: No. 11
November 27, 2019

Click here for a printable poster or bulletin insert of this report

From Photo Gallery of Jonathan Walker, summer short-term missionary to Uganda

Thanksgiving in the Midst of Sorrow

by David Nakhla

Thus says the LORD: Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob... Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voices of those who celebrate... Jeremiah 30:18-19 (ESV)

The year 2019 has come with its share of sorrows in the life and ministry of our denomination, the OPC. History might prove it to be one of the most difficult years, at least in recent decades. Multiple OPC missionary families have come home from the field for various reasons, all unplanned. The news of both expected and unexpected deaths of loved ones in our denomination have stunned us, seemingly week after week. And these are just part of the sorrow. The difficult news seems to be unending. At such times, it can be difficult to find reason for thanksgiving.

The mood might have been similar at that first Thanksgiving at the Plymouth Plantation. That celebration followed an incredibly difficult year. History recounts that about half of their small community had perished the previous year from disease and exposure, such that the Pilgrims too might have identified that year as one of the most difficult in their lives. And yet, even against this sad backdrop, they were able to rejoice in the Lord's provision of a bountiful harvest that promised survival through the next winter.

In Christ we, too, find reason for thanksgiving. While our greatest treasure is in our Lord Himself, we also have assurance that He will restore the days the locusts have eaten. We know that He is in control of all things and in Him, all things will be made new. The Lord mercifully protected our churches from the impact of disasters in 2019, such as Hurricane Dorian, tornadoes in Dallas and Dayton, and fires in California, just to name a few. Plus, there are ample testimonies to the blessings of seeing God at work from those who participated in OPC short-term missions in 2019. You might be encouraged in re-visiting these moving testimonies at OPCSTM.org/get-inspired/.

May we give thanks to the Lord for his many blessings and his continued presence in our work, even in the midst of significant sorrow this year.

July 8-20, 2020
STM Opportunity

Applications are now being accepted for the “English Camp” team that will serve in the Czech Republic next summer.

"For many years, OP missionaries to the Czech Republic, Jerry and Marilyn Farnik, have found a family summer camp to be a very successful means of witness.

"The camp is advertised as an English Camp run by Christians. Families are invited to a hotel/resort for one week to attend classes, go on day trips, enjoy sporting activities, and put on skits and talent shows. The Czechs are familiar with summer camps, but the concept of a camp where the entire family can participate is rare and makes the format all the more appealing.

"Mornings are spent teaching English. Reading lessons are from Scripture and oral discussions revolve around the stories presented in the lessons. It is a tremendous opportunity to present the Word of God, and student response and interaction are usually energetic.

"In the afternoons, there are day trips, crafts, sports, or animated conversations. In the evenings, enjoy singing, skits, Bible messages, and bonfires....interacting with Czechs at all times.

"In order to minister to all ages and in diverse ways, it is important to put together a team to serve with boundless energy in multiple capacities. It is a challenging week so it should not be undertaken without a lot of preparatory prayer. Participation should not be based on the fact that you want to see Europe. You will be asked to do things that are out of your comfort zone, and it will be expected that you will respond willingly “as unto the Lord.” Before you even arrive in the Czech Republic, you will need to spend many hours preparing lessons and gathering supplies..." 

Get all the details and an Application Form here:

OPCSTM.org

Remember to visit the OPC Short-Term Missions website for opportunities and inspiration! 

The Boardwalk Chapel Band is Going on Tour!

About the Boardwalk Chapel:

The OPC's Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, NJ, offers a great opportunity for summer short-term missions!

• Individuals serve as Staff throughout the summer on the evangelism, music, drama, AV, or domestic teams. The staff members work and live together in Chapel housing.
• Church groups serve as Ministry Teams for a week at a time, receiving training and experience in evangelism, and participating in music and drama.
• All this in the classic New Jersey summer atmosphere of sun and sea and sand and boardwalk!

If you'd like to meet some Staff members and get a taste of what the Chapel has to offer, perhaps you could attend one of the following concert performances:

Concert Tour Dates and Locations:

Friday 1/3/20 7PM
Heritage PCA (7850 Millfield Dr, Warrenton, VA 20187)

Saturday 1/4/20 7PM
New Hope OPC (5305 Jefferson Pike, Frederick, MD 21703)

Monday 1/6/20 7PM
Faith OPC (545 Daretown Rd, Elmer, NJ 08318-2724)

Tuesday 1/7/20 7PM
Emmanuel OPC (1006 Wilson Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803)

Thursday 1/9/20 7PM
Mount Bethel Church (1270 Belvidere Corner Rd, Mt Bethel, PA 18343)

Friday 1/10/20 7PM
River of Life OPC (445 S Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865)

A Message from the Band:

Hello friends! The tour is quickly approaching and we are growing more and more excited to be able to share our gifts with you. If you have not yet, please check out "Events" at our Facebook page (below) to RSVP to the concert closest to you. We cannot wait to see you!

We are still in need of support in order to allow this tour to happen. We need approximately $3,000 to put on the concerts and share of the ministry of the Boardwalk Chapel. The $3,000 will cover gas, traveling expenses, food, marketing costs, and any other additional needs that may arise during the tour.

If you have questions, please contact us, we would love to talk to you. In order to support us, please send a check to the address below with "Boardwalk Chapel Band" in the memo line.

PNJ Missions
886 Belmont Ave., Suite One
North Haledon, NJ 07508-2566

Thank you,
The Boardwalk Chapel Band
boardwalkchapelband@gmail.com

Learn more:

OPC Disaster Response