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Volume 11 No. 7
June 21, 2022
"Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
— I Chronicles 16:24
Building Bridges in Quebec
by Allison Hill, Administrative Assistant for OPC Short Term Missions
Every year since 2003 Olivia Durham particularly anticipates one single week in July. Though her anticipation is hedged with excitement, it is preceded by hundreds of hours of preparation.
Olivia, member of Covenant OPC in Barre, Vermont, leads “English For Kids” (often referred to as E4K), a week-long children’s camp in Quebec, Canada. The camp, organized in partnership with The Reformed Christian Church of Beauce, is not only designed to teach local children English, but is primarily used to share the gospel. This camp incorporates Bible curriculum and activities, along with conversations borne out of relationships built with children, parents, and community members.
The Reformed Christian Church of Beauce (St. Georges de Beauce) is a congregation of the Reformed Church of Quebec, a denomination in partnership with the OPC. Located in the agricultural heartland of Quebec, this church is immersed in a predominantly French-catholic culture in a rural region. Most of the immediate community is rather apathetic, perhaps even averse, to the Christian faith, resulting from a historical divide between English Protestantism and French culture. More recently, some younger generations have come to perceive organized religion with suspicion because of the devastating reports of scandal within the Roman Catholic Church at large.
Since 2006, E4K has served as a means of outreach for the church, connecting the congregation to families and children in the community. Olivia explains the way in which the camp is breaking down the barrier between the church and local families, “The role of our camp has been to make a bridge by offering something that parents want, which is English, and letting them know that these are normal, healthy, nice people [in the church].”
Serve with Mission to the World
Mission To the World (PCA) continues to take applications to gather basic information from people willing to serve MTW Ukraine’s crisis response efforts. This form is only step one. No short term trips are planned at this time but they will be in touch as teams and trips develop. Mission to the World (PCA) is building a list of people with special skill sets and a willingness to help with efforts both in Ukraine and in bordering countries. They are also using this interest form to build and develop their crisis response teams.
Van Drivers are currently needed! If you are able to drive a manual transmission vehicle and would like to serve abroad by transporting vital humanitarian items, this may be the opportunity for you!
Crates for Ukraine
Mission To the World (PCA) has launched an initiative called, "Crates for Ukraine" with the goal of gathering and delivering basic supplies to the most needy areas in Ukraine. This is a practical and urgent opportunity to support the efforts aiding Ukraine and those who remain within its borders.
There is a great need to be met, both in donating supplies and in delivering them to Krakow, Poland. To register supplies and/or couriers, visit www.cratesforukraine.com.
Looking for Help in Tornado-Damaged Kentucky
Reformed Mission Services continues to send volunteers to come alongside those affected by the tornadoes that hit Kentucky back in December of 2021.
Teams or individuals are invited to help now, and a volunteer schedule is also being compiled for August. If you could consider assisting with response efforts in Kentucky, please contact Rob Brinks.
OPC Disaster Response Registry Update
We currently have 311 Disaster Response registrants! A special thanks to our most recent registrants: Matthew from Idaho, Stan from Florida, Josephine from California, Anderson from Texas, James from Wisconsin, and Bani from Michigan!
Keep in mind, everyone can be of use in this field of service. Whether you have a background in construction or have never touched a hammer, please consider registering to let us know you are willing when disaster strikes! And don't miss our most recent episode of The Reformed Deacon, where we talk all things OPC Disaster Response!
Opportunities and Updates
The Uganda Mission
Updated Opportunity—Full-time Facilities Engineer and short-term volunteers needed in Karamoja, Uganda
- An opening now exists for a facilities engineer for the OPC Uganda Mission. With the recent determination of Mark Van Essendelft and his family not return to Uganda, OPC Foreign Missions is currently looking for a full-time facilities engineer. A financial support package is included.
- Short-term volunteers to help with maintenance are also needed!
The Boardwalk Chapel
Staff Position Openings:
During the month of July, there are staff positions open for both men and women. If you would like to spend a portion of your summer at the Boardwalk Chapel, this would be a great opportunity to do so!
Evangelism Conference: Aug 29 - Sep 2
Cost: $400 if you sign up by July 29!
This conference is led by Rev. Al Baker and Rev. Christopher Byrd and is all about growing in evangelism! The week will offer classroom teaching, field training, and plenty of fellowship. This week is especially aimed at pastors and elders, but anyone with a desire to grow in evangelism is invited to come!
OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries Update
The Reformed Deacon Podcast Upcoming Episode: OPC National Diaconal Summit IV 2022
On the next episode of The Reformed Deacon, we showcase the OPC National Diaconal Summit, recently held in Wheaton, IL. The Summit welcomed nearly 200 men, deacons, deacons-in-training, along with some elders and pastors. Fellowship was the highlight of the time together, but training offered local deacons an opportunity to learn and to be energized in their service to the local church. Look for this episode on July 1. You can find The Reformed Deacon wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Coming Together As Deacons: NDS IV 2022
By Trish Duggan, Communications Coordinator for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries
As many of you know, the OPC National Diaconal Summits have always been an exciting time for the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries. This year was no different. Nearly 200 men (deacons, deacons-in-training, elders, and pastors) traveled to Wheaton, Illinois for our fourth National Diaconal Summit, June 2-4. The purpose of the Summit is straight-forward: training, encouragement, and refreshment to strengthen the brotherhood of deacons. I had the unique privilege of attending the Summit, as the OPC CDM’s Communications Coordinator.
The Summit agenda gave time for instruction during plenary sessions and then again in small group workshops. Mealtimes, where men sat with other deacons from their presbyteries, and end-of-the-day free time allowed for men to get to know one another in a casual setting. The entire experience has proven in the past to be a unique one. But this conference isn’t just about formal learning. It’s about building comradery, deepening relationships, and finding there is diaconal strength in numbers.
Distribute to your church!
Get the PDF summary of this STORM Report as a poster or bulletin insert.
Short-Term Missions
OPC Disaster Response
Committee on Diaconal Ministries
David P. Nakhla
Short-Term Missions and
Disaster Response Coordinator
215-935-1007
david.nakhla@opc.org
Trish Duggan
Communications Coordinator,
Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
trish.duggan@opc.org
Allison Hill
Administrative Assistant
Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
allison.hill@opc.org
