Vol. 8: No. 12
December 18, 2019

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and
peace there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7

The Elwell Family Ministering in Music at the Boardwalk Chapel, September 2019

Short Term Missions
Year in Review

by David Nakhla

2019: A Year of Transitions

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Having come out of two hurricane seasons packed with intense sorrow, suffering, and ministry in and through our churches, what a blessing to experience a year free from a major regional disaster impacting our churches and families…a welcome transition! For many in the OPC, the completely unexpected departure of David Haney indelibly marks 2019 as a year of transition, considering his 30+ years of faithful service to the OPC. With the significant changes in the OPC’s missionary corps, we can anticipate some impact on the opportunities that will be available to short-term missions in 2020.

And even in the Office of the Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response Coordinator, we have experienced a transition. In November Janet Birkmann concluded her six years of service with us, and Mrs. Trish Duggan (introduced below) began work with us.

At this time of year, as we acknowledge the blessed hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ, what a comfort to know that in these times of transition with Him there is no change. He is and will be the same yesterday, today, and forever!

We look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for us in 2020!

Short-Term Missions 2019

We are glad to welcome Trish Duggan to the office!

Trish Duggan and her husband, Rich, have four children: Marisa (married in April 2019 to Tyler DeMuro), Rich, Jr., Faith, and Christopher. During her time as a full-time stay-at-home mom, she volunteered as a substitute church secretary for Faith OPC in Elmer, NJ and New Hope OPC in Bridgeton, NJ while homeschooling her son, Chris. Her previous work experience includes Eastern University where she worked as a communications assistant. Trish and her family are members of New Hope OPC in Bridgeton, NJ.

A Quick Look Back at 2019

Just some of the places OPC volunteers have served...

English Camp

Menominee Mission

Uganda

Hurricane Florence

English For Kids

Puerto Rico

Photos and Testimonials 2019

2019 STORM Reports

Plans Are Coming Together for 2020

Where would you like to serve this year?

Why Go On An OPC Disaster Response Trip?

A disaster (fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or the like) can lead to a tremendously difficult season in the lives of its victims. Sometimes the victims are members of the church. In these instances, by virtue of our belief in the doctrine of the Communion of the Saints, we are compelled to “relieve each other in outward things, according to (our) several abilities and necessities” (WCF XXVI:2). As we are able, we seek to relieve each other! Other times, the victims are not members of the church. These are opportunities for us to follow the Lord’s command that we “love our neighbor as ourselves,” and serve others as a reflection of the mercy and compassion that has been shown to us in Christ Jesus.

The video below was created by the Disaster Response office in order to capture the essence of these amazing opportunities for service and witness. As you watch, consider placing yourself on our list of volunteers, so that when the time comes, you can stand ready to come to another's aid. After watching, if you have any questions, please contact the OPC's Disaster Response Coordinator, David Nakhla.

Join The Disaster Response Registry

You Are Needed in the Czech Republic

English Camp 2020

Quick Facts

Trip Status: Applications Now Being Accepted
Date: July 8-20, 2020
Contact: Sherry Wagner
Trip Costs: $2,500 (mostly for flights)

The team is sent by the Presbytery of Southern California and coordinated by Sherry Wagner. If you are over 18 years of age and interested in participating in this unique opportunity, please contact Sherry at sherrylwagner@me.com.

Gorgeous sights to see while in the Czech Republic (above) and creating introduction boards for English Camp (below) from
summer of 2019

2020 English Camp

Spend A Month In Asia

Quick Facts

Trip Status: Plans are underway
Date: Month of July
Contact: Douglas Clawson
Trip Costs: Airfare and Spending Money (Room and board are included)

English House 2020

As a participant in the "English House" short-term mission opportunity, you will be part of a team that consists of volunteers from around the world. The team will teach English Conversation in a university classroom, and room with students in a university residence called "English House." Living with the students provides further opportunities for making friends, practicing English, and sharing the gospel if possible.

The Work:

You should expect to teach about one to two hours of English Conversation class every day (Monday to Friday).
This is not just a tutoring session. The job includes additional hours of lesson preparation, homework grading, student interaction, etc.

Learn More

Missionary Associates
Are Seeing the World!

Uruguay

The OP Uruguay Mission in Montevideo, Uruguay, is seeking Missionary Associates to assist with outreach, evangelism, and music in the worship service. Applicants must possess at least a "Limited Working Proficiency" in Spanish. Length of Term: 3 months or longer.

Quick Facts:

Trip Status: Open
Date: Year-Round (3+ month term)
Trip Costs: MA's must raise their own support

The OP Uruguay Mission in Montevideo, Uruguay, is seeking Missionary Associates to assist with outreach, evangelism, and music in the worship service.

Basic Requirements:

Applicants must possess at least a Limited Working Proficiency in Spanish.

Contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson douglas.clawson@opc.org

MA Needed in Uruguay

What Exactly Is An MA?

Asia

Missionary Associates are needed to serve as full-time instructors of interactive English conversation at a university near our missionaries in Asia. This is an exciting opportunity to invest in the lives of students who are uniquely positioned to impact this region of the world!

Quick Facts:

Trip Status: Open
Date: Apply by May 31, 2020, to begin in September 2020
Trip Finances: Must raise your own support

Basic Requirements:

Age range: two-years post-graduation to 64 years of age
At least a Bachelor’s degree from a liberal arts or science discipline
Two years of teaching experienceble to make a commitment of at least 1 to 2 years
Willing to accept a teaching contract at the university
Able to raise one’s own support/living expenses
Native/near-native English speaker

For full details on the opportunities in Asia, please contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson
douglas.clawson@opc.org

MA Needed in Asia

Year-Round Opportunities

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

More Information on Key West

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

More Information on Quebec

Uganda

There are many different ways to serve on a short-term basis with the OP Uganda Mission year-round!

Contact:
Rev. David Robbins
davidandrashel@gmail.com

More Information on Uganda

Disaster Response

Would you like to keep up with the OPC's Disaster Response Team's efforts? Signing up for the volunteer registry will keep you informed when a team is being gathered.

Disaster Response Registry

The Chapel Turns 75!

Boardwalk Chapel:
Summer 2020

Praise the Lord for Plans for Summer 2020! Check out our openings for Churches and for Staff on the respective linked pages. Stay tuned to find out more about opportunities for Summer 2020, our 76th summer on the Boardwalk and our 75th Anniversary Year!
Summer (May-Sept):
Location: 4312 Boardwalk
Chapel Phone: 609 522-2307
Mailing Address:
220 E. Hand Ave, Wildwood, NJ, 08260
Sign up to receive the newsletter:
boardwalkchapel@gmail.com

Boardwalk Chapel Staff, Summer 2019
Pastor Jim Zozzaro (bottom row, center)

Boardwalk Chapel Volunteer Information

The Boardwalk Chapel Band

The tour is right around the corner!

Friday 1/3/19 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
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