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Vol. 6: No. 3
March 29, 2017
Focus on:
English for Kids
by Janet Birkmann
Let the little children come to me ... Matthew 19:14 (ESV)
"English for Kids" is a phrase you are probably very accustomed to seeing and hearing in conjunction with short-term missions in the OPC, but do you know what it means?
French-speaking families in Quebec actively seek opportunities for their children to learn to speak English at an early age. St-Marc's Reformed Church has specifically targeted this demographic with its "English for Kids" and "English for Teens" camps.
This summer marks the 13th year that these popular, Bible-centered, English-immersion camps have been organized and promoted by St-Marc's, where OP Missionary Ben Westerveld serves as Pastor.
Teams of volunteers from Reformed churches in Canada and the US lead the kids' camps in cooperation with local bilingual volunteers. All camp activities (songs, Bible stories, crafts) are conducted in English, and children are sent home with a careful French translation of the Bible lessons. The final day of camp includes a barbecue and performance to which the whole family is invited, and the church follows up with the families after the camps.
The week-long camping trip for teens provides plenty of opportunity for practicing English and learning about the Bible while leaders and campers enjoy classic camping activities such as fishing, canoeing, survival training, and of course, campfires!
Since the congregation of St-Marc’s cannot absorb the costs of the camps, they are delighted and encouraged by the support of sister churches and the various costs that team members themselves cover!
There are still openings for kids' and teens' camp leaders this summer! We highly recommend this wonderful opportunity to serve alongside fellow believers and share your faith with lots of enthusiastic children!
News
30th Anniversary of Bill Welzien's Ministry in Key West
We are quite late with this "news" story, but want to share it nonetheless!
August 2016 marked 30 years since OP Pastor Bill Welzien began doing his open-air easel evangelism at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida!
In his article "Glancing Back and Forward" in a recent newsletter from Key West, Bill shares an inspiring glimpse into his life and work.
Click below to find a link to:
"I marvel that the Lord brought me to Himself. I marvel that He brought me into the ministry. I marvel that I know what I know about Him and His Word! I am astounded that He allows me to do the work I am doing."
Evangelism training with Bill Welzien is available to groups year-round in Key West. Scroll down to "Year Round Opportunities" for a link to learn more about receiving classroom training and practical experience in evangelism.
Summer Plans in the Czech Republic!
From the March 2017 newsletter of OP Missionaries Jerry and Marilyn Farnik:
"Preparations have begun for summer events here – the outreach English Camp (July 15-22) and the Biblical Counseling Conference (July 26-29) in the Šumava mountains, the mountain trip for youth to the White Carpathian mountains (July 31-August 4) and the Children’s Bible Camp (August 7-11) in Prague. We are thankful that both the English Camp team and Team Praha have been formed in the US and are now getting ready for these events, as well. We have given out many hundreds of invitations, but now it is important to pray that God would give people a desire to participate in the events and hear the Gospel."
Prague, Czech Republic (Photo from Google Images)
Team Praha 2017 is Filled!
This year's team of 13 includes:
- 9 young women and 4 young men
- Members of 9 OP congregations from 4 states
- 5 returning team members and 8 first-timers
Team Praha will travel to the Czech Republic to help OP missionaries Jerry and Marilyn Farnik with 3 weeks of ministry to children, teens, and young adults, July 24-August 14, 2017.
Team Haiti 2017 is Filled!
This year’s team of 10 includes:
- 7 young women and 3 young men
- Members of 8 OP congregations from 6 states
- 2 returning team members and 8 first-timers
Team Haiti will help OP missionaries Ben and Heather Hopp conduct VBS programs based on Reformed catechetical instruction on the island of Lagonav, June 28-July 6, 2017.
Current Opportunities
May 2017: Help the Boardwalk Chapel Prepare for Summer!
It's that time of year again! The Boardwalk Chapel is seeking teams to come to Wildwood, NJ, the first three weekends in May to help with annual cleaning, repair, and construction projects at the Chapel.
Electricians and plumbers are always welcome!
Another way to help: Donate gift cards, Bibles, food, paper goods, and other supplies to help stock up the Chapel before the summer!
Contact:
Ms. Elizabeth Horst
boardwalkchapel@gmail.com
June-July 2017: Help Lead English for Kids Bible Camps in Quebec City
See feature article, "Focus On: English for Kids," above, and click on button, below, for more details regarding curriculum, housing, costs, and more!
Dates:
June 26-30, 2017: A few people are needed to join an existing team.
July 3-7, 2017: A team is needed to lead this week.
2017 Openings at the Boardwalk Chapel
The Boardwalk Chapel is looking for young men to join the volunteer staff's Evangelism Team this summer!
Anyone available to work in August-September is encouraged to apply for "End of Summer" staff positions.
Church groups are needed July 1-8 and August 5-12 to serve as Ministry Teams.
Three weekends in September are open for youth groups to enjoy fun, fellowship, free concerts, and a bit of experience with evangelism on the boardwalk.
Contact:
Rev. Jim Zozzaro
Ms. Elizabeth Horst
boardwalkchapel@gmail.com
Learn more at the Chapel's website under "Short-Term Missions"
July 2017: Skilled Volunteers Needed to Join Team Utah
A few more skilled volunteers are needed to join Team Utah this summer! The team will help with ongoing construction projects at the large OP church building in Magna, Utah. This is the 3rd summer that Team Utah has traveled to Magna for this purpose! The team will also receive evangelism training from Pastor Jason Wallace and do some outreach among local Mormons.
Do You Cook? If the team is large enough, they may need a designated cook to join the team!
Dates: July 22-31, 2017
Reminder: If you are traveling overseas on a short-term missions trip, remember you'll need to obtain Travel Medical Insurance.
August 2017: Help Lead Bible Camping Trip in Quebec
Young men and women with camping experience are needed to help lead the “English for Teens” Bible Camping Trip for French-speaking youths from Quebec City this summer!
The main goal of the trip is to give the teens plenty of opportunity to practice English conversation and to discuss the Bible. Camp activities include fishing, canoeing, campfires, and survival training.
Dates: August 21-25, 2017
All camping expenses are covered.
Contact:
Ms. Janine Eygenraam
englishforkidsvbs.quebec@gmail.com
Learn more here:
Teach English to University Students in Asia in 2017-2018
Here is an opportunity to serve as a full-time university instructor of interactive English conversation in Asia in the upcoming school year!
This can be a great way to reach students who are uniquely positioned to impact this region of the world!
Basic Requirements:
- 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
For all the details and to request an Application Form (deadline May 31):
Contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson
Associate General Secretary, Committee on Foreign Missions
douglas.clawson@opc.org
Help Out Another OP Church
Skilled Volunteers Needed in Kentucky
A crew and funds are needed to rebuild the master bath in the manse apartment of Neon OPC in Neon, 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!
Contact:
Rev. Jay Bennett
neonopc@gmail.com
Missionary Associate Openings
Missionary Associates Needed in Uruguay
The OP Mission in Montevideo, Uruguay, is currently seeking individuals to serve as Missionary Associates in the following capacities:
To assist with outreach, evangelism, and music in the worship services (must possess at least a Limited Working Proficiency in Spanish)
To assist with missionary childcare, cooking, and cleaning (must possess at least Elementary Proficiency in Spanish).
What is a Missionary Associate?
- Click here to learn more about Missionary Associate service in the OPC.
For full details on the opportunities in Uruguay, please contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson
Associate General Secretary, Committee on Foreign Missions
douglas.clawson@opc.org
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
Year-Round Opportunities for Service
Key West
Bring your church group for a week of classroom training and practical experience in evangelism in beautiful Key West, Florida!
Contact:
Rev. Bill Welzien
welzien.1@opc.org
Keys Evangelistic Ministries
Quebec
Join in a "Cafe Anglais" (English Cafe), reaching out to French-speaking citizens in the parks and malls of Quebec City!
Contact:
Rev. Ben Westerveld
westerveld.2@opc.org
South Korea
The Missionary Training Institute (MTI) in Yeosu, South Korea, is seeking ESL teachers to serve for 10-week semesters starting in September and November 2017!
Contact:
Mrs. Mihyang Choi-Yoon
mihyangc@hotmail.com
www.mtikorea.org
Uganda
There are many different ways to serve on a short-term basis with the OP Uganda Mission year-round!
Contact:
Mrs. Sunshine Okken
okken.1@opc.org
STM Resources
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:
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