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Vol. 6: No. 4
April 27, 2017
Pastor Steve Igo and members of the Cedar OPC Youth Group traveled to Key West in April
Youth Group Short-Term Missions
by Janet Birkmann
. . . that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith . . .
(Rom. 1:12)
Here in the OPC Short-Term Missions (STM) office, we often hear from youth group leaders who are looking for an STM destination that is within the USA and is suitable for a group. We are happy when we can respond that there are some OP churches and church plants that do provide short-term service opportunities that are a good fit for youth groups!
Current examples include the invitations from our church plants in Naples and San Antonio to bring a team this summer and help with service projects that will enhance their testimony in the local community.
Last summer, the San Antonio church received a team of youths from the OPC in Hatboro, PA, and in his report on this, San Antonio Pastor Andrew Moody concluded, "I think this is a very healthy model for more churches to pursue in the OPC. There are many church plants that can benefit from the love, generosity, and energy of more established churches."
The Cedar OPC Youth Group, pictured above in Key West for evangelism training, has also done church building renovations at the OPC in Magna, UT, and local outreach at the OPC in Queens, NY.
We encourage churches and church plants to consider these examples and perhaps create opportunities for a visiting youth group to come and help them on a short-term basis!
We also encourage youth group leaders to investigate the opportunities for youth group STMs that already exist, such as year-round Key West Evangelism Training, spring Boardwalk Chapel Work Weekends, and summer Boardwalk Chapel Ministry Team Weeks.
We are here to help put youth groups and STM opportunities together! Please contact us at OPCShortTermMissions@opc.org if we can help you!
NEWS
Cedar OPC Youth Group in Key West!
Rev. Steve Igo reports that he took members of the Youth Group of Cedar OPC (Hudsonville, MI), on a short-term missions trip to Florida over Spring Break "to both learn and serve in 'Bible Bill's' ministry of evangelism at the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square in Key West."
Key West: Bill is Mr. Encouragement
Rev. Mark Sumpter, Regional Home Missionary, Presbytery of the Southwest, says of his evangelism training with Rev. Bill Welzien in Key West:
"The experience of the training was overwhelmingly positive. Bill is Mr. Encouragement. He taught me and mentored me along, step by step. His example and pace-setting ministry is wonderful!"
English for Kids and English for Teens Teams Filled!
The short-term missions teams have been filled for 2017 for 4 weeks of "English for Kids" Bible Camp, and a 1-week "English for Teens" Bible Camping Trip, in Quebec!
Are Short-Term Mission Trips Valuable?
" ... it might cost a church over $5,000 for instance, to send a pastor to an area of Africa . . . But when that pastor comes back to his church, his visit might bear the fruit of hundreds of thousands of dollars given, many hours of prayer, and an ongoing relationship with fellow believers overseas that otherwise wouldn’t have happened."
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
May 2017: Bring Your Work Team to the Boardwalk Chapel
The Boardwalk Chapel is seeking teams to come to Wildwood, New Jersey, on weekends in May to help with annual cleaning, repair, and construction projects to prepare the Chapel for the summer! Electricians and plumbers are always especially welcome!
Summer 2017: Bring Your Team to Naples, Florida
Rev. Eric Hausler of Christ the King OPC in Naples, Florida, welcomes a team of 8-16 people to come to Naples for a week this summer to participate in various outreach projects to increase the church's testimony in the local area!
Summer 2017: Bring Your Team to San Antonio, Texas!
Rev. Andrew Moody of San Antonio OPC in San Antonio, Texas, welcomes a team of 8-16 people to come to San Antonio for a week this summer to participate in various outreach projects to increase the church's testimony in the local area!
July 22-31, 2017:
Join Team Utah
A few more skilled volunteers are needed to join Team Utah this summer! The team will help with ongoing renovation projects at the large OP church building in Magna, Utah, and do some local outreach among Mormons with OP Pastor Jason Wallace.
Deadline May 31: Teach English to University Students in Asia in 2017-2018
- Begin in September 2017 or February 2018
- Commitment of 1 to 2 years
- Ability to raise one’s own support/living expenses
- At least a Bachelor’s degree from a liberal arts or science discipline
- Teaching/tutoring experience
Contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson
Associate General Secretary, Committee on Foreign Missions
douglas.clawson@opc.org
Summer 2017: Evangelism Training at the Boardwalk Chapel
The Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, New Jersey, has announced its lineup of ministers who will provide training in Evangelism, Apologetics, and Gender/Sexuality Issues this summer. All are welcome to attend!
Summer 2017: Openings at the Boardwalk Chapel
The Boardwalk Chapel still has openings for 4 young men and 1 young lady to join the full-time summer Volunteer Staff!
The weeks of July 1-8 and August 5-12 are open for church groups to serve as Ministry Teams.
Help Out Another OP Church
Skilled Volunteer Needed to Install Laminate Flooring in Key West
A skilled volunteer is needed to install 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring and finish molding at the Keys Evangelistic Ministries facility that houses Keys OPC in Key West, FL. Previous experience installing laminate flooring is required.
Skilled Volunteers Needed in Kentucky
This church plant meets in a store-front with an apartment manse on the second floor. Extensive renovations have already been accomplished thanks to many volunteers who have come to help over the past four years!
A crew and funds are still needed to rebuild the master bath in the manse apartment.
Missionary Associate Openings
Missionary Associate Needed in Quebec
OP missionary Rev. Ben Westerveld is currently seeking a young man or woman who desires to assist in the outreach and discipleship ministries of St-Marc's Reformed Church in Quebec City, where Rev. Westerveld serves as Pastor.
Please consider applying if you:
- are a professing believer of Reformed conviction
- can speak French or desire to learn the language
- can make a commitment of at least one year
- are available to start in 2017 (or any year!)
What is a Missionary Associate?
- Click here to learn more about Missionary Associate service in the OPC.
For full details on the opportunity in Quebec, please contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson
Associate General Secretary, Committee on Foreign Missions
douglas.clawson@opc.org
Other Missionary Associate Openings
There are also openings for Missionary Associates on our fields in Asia and Uganda.
Click below for more information.
Year-Round Opportunities for Service
Key West
Sunset Celebration, Mallory Square, Key West
Bring your church group for a week of classroom training and practical experience in evangelism with Evangelist and OP Pastor, Bill Welzien, in beautiful Key West, Florida!
Quebec
Join in a "Cafe Anglais" (English Cafe), a popular way for French-speaking citizens to practice their English in the parks and malls of Quebec City ! Great opportunity for outreach!
South Korea
ESL Teachers are needed at the Missionary Training Institute in South Korea, to serve for 10-week semesters starting in September 2017 and November 2017!
Uganda
There are many different ways to serve on a short-term basis with the OP Uganda Mission year-round! Visitors always welcome!
STM Resources
Reminder: If you are traveling overseas on a short-term missions trip this summer, you'll need to obtain Travel Medical Insurance!
Can Your Church Use a Team?
Is there a project that your church could undertake if it had the help of volunteers from another OP church or presbytery? Need help with:
- Vacation Bible School?
- Community outreach?
- Making improvements to your church building?
In making such a need known, your church actually provides an opportunity for those who seek to share their time, gifts, and skills with others in the OPC!
We can help you get the word out and look for a team. Click below to complete a request form:
Download a
PRINTABLE
Bulletin Insert
or 8.5 x 11 Poster
of this
S.T.O.R.M. Report
David P. Nakhla
Short-Term Missions and
Disaster Response Coordinator
Contact:
Cell 562-760-7606
david.nakhla@opc.org
Website:
www.OPCSTM.org
Facebook:
OPCShortTermMissions
OPCDisasterResponse
Questions and comments regarding the S.T.O.R.M. Report may also be directed to:
Janet L. Birkmann
Administrative Assistant, Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
janet.birkmann@opc.org