November STORM Report: Thankfulness
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Volume 10 No. 14
November 17, 2021
With Grateful Hearts
by David Nakhla
Administrator of the Committee on Diaconal Ministries
As we come to the end of hurricane season and into Thanksgiving season, it’s our privilege this year to give thanks to the Lord for his kind response to those pleas for mercy lifted up at the beginning of what was predicted to be an active hurricane season. 2021 was in fact an active season, yet the Lord, by in large, spared the OPC of the brunt of the storms. Of course, we are reminded to “give thanks in all circumstances”, and so we rest in the hands of our almighty God, reminded that the worst faced in this life is but a “light momentary affliction…preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (II Cor 4:17). This reminder was poignant in the OPC Disaster Response video released in 2019. (If you haven't yet seen it, you’ve really missed
something…check it out here.) What a gift to live day to day in that reality. We rejoice recently reaching the goal of 300 registered disaster response volunteers. If you have not yet registered, you could be within 5 minutes of clicking here!
Maybe you have been waiting in the wings for COVID restrictions to lift in order to serve in a short-term missions capacity. You may be excited to learn that the fields (and borders) are beginning to open back up. Praise the Lord for His provisions! Missionaries, serving near and far, have spent much of these past two years without the encouragement of regular visitors. Check out the STM opportunities now—and check back often, as more should surface in the near future!
And thank you for joining in the labors of both OPC Short-Term Missions and OPC Disaster Response in 2021 by way of your time, talent, and treasure.
Opportunities and Updates
Czech Republic —
Team Praha
What is "Team Praha"? Three weeks in the summer serving alongside long-time missionaries, the Farniks, to run a vacation bible school, share your faith with Czech teenagers, all while taking in the beautiful sites of the Czech Republic.
Summer Missionary Internship Program—Ukraine
This opportunity is a unique one! It offers:
- an intense cross-cultural missions internship
- personal mentoring
- identity in Christ
- a role in God’s world mission
The Leopolis Green Internship, offered by our L’viv Church Planting Team in beautiful Ukraine, may be right for you!
The Uganda Mission
Several opportunities are available for those with a desire to serve the Lord and a willingness to give up creature comforts. It's not for everyone, but it could be for you! Both short-term and missionary associate opportunities are available now!
The Boardwalk Chapel
The Boardwalk Chapel is currently taking applications for summer staff for 2022. Weekly church teams are filled up, but you can get on the waiting list or book for the summer of 2023!
Churches Helping Churches
Sometimes your church just needs a few extra hands to help, whether with a building project, vacation Bible school or other outreach. There are about 330 churches in the OPC! Let's get together to get things accomplished. Maybe you have been thinking a VBS in your church community would be a great idea, if you only had a few extra hands. We realize it's early to think about, but as you begin to formulate ideas, keep in mind the larger church family can help. In the months to come, we'd like to pair willing volunteers with churches in search of help. Email us and let us know your plans for the summer!
The Latest
COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund
Thank you for your continued support to the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund. The Committee on Diaconal Ministries continues to support those who struggle during this unprecedented time. To date, $104,574.19 has been received, and the CDM continues to keep this fund open for donations in the event of other dire requests. The CDM has disbursed $84,695.00 of that to brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you for your contributions and prayers!
On November 1, 2021, the OPC CDM's, The Reformed Deacon, made its way into the podcast world. Even though it's designed to speak to deacons, we hope that The Reformed Deacon will also benefit those of you who are not deacons. After all, as believers, we are all called to be servants—(little d) deacons. In listening to the podcast, you may learn more about what your board of deacons is doing—and you may learn how you could better aid them in their service to the church. Search on your favorite podcast player for, The Reformed Deacon or use the "Listen Now" button to listen on our website.
Refugee Ministry
The Committee on Diaconal Ministries desires to hear from OP Churches who are actively assisting Afghan refugees in order to determine ways to participate in and encourage these ministries. Please email us: diaconalministries@opc.org.
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
Sarah Klazinga
Administrative Assistant
Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response
Sarah.klazinga@opc.org
