ASK HIM - November 2011

This month, our church is having a special focus called “Global Focus 2010 - ASK HIM”, as the next step after our October Focus of the “Big Reach”. We are obeying the Lord to Reach our neighbors and the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We’re not saying it is one or the other, it is both! We know that the Lord has gifted and equipped each member of the church to do His work together (Eph. 2:10) and accomplish the great commission. Over the month of November we have many opportunities for you to meet and pray for direction and empowerment, just as the early church did. This will lead you to ask Him, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” We’ll give you a hint...the answer is not nothing. Then, in December we’re asking you make your commitment to the Lord regarding how much you will give (the Global Missions Offering), where you will go (which 2011 Project), and to whom you will tell the gospel (neighbors & nations)!

There are 5 points of engagement I want to highlight for you:

Friend Day - Sun. Nov. 7, all 3 morning services. Invite a friend to come to church with you.
Passport to the Nations - Wed. Nov. 10 & 17, 6:30pm. Come hear what God did in 2010.
Houses of Prayer for the Nations - Sat. Nov. 13, 6pm. More on this below.
Missions Thank You Banquet - Fri. Nov. 19, 6pm. Share a meal and give thanks to God.
Glorify Your Name - Sun. Nov. 21, all 3 morning services. Worship led by our Choir & Band
declaring his glory among the nations and his deeds to all people!

If you do nothing else in November, do not miss the Houses of Prayer for the Nations. These are hosted by our Adult Bible Study Groups. There will be plenty of homes for you to gather in. Whether you teach children, students, adults, or you’ve never been to one of our Bible Study groups, come and pray in one of these homes. You and your family will be blessed through this interactive time with God and your entire family as you seek His face for what He has for you in 2011.

Romania Update 5

The Romanian Mission Team is officially back.
Thank you for your prayers!

Romania Update 4

I must say that Lowell Dooley is really "bringin' it". He has been such a blessing to camp this week. It could be possible that he has ministered more to me than I thought.

I am doing well, camp is a lot like Centrikid! In EVERY way. Those of you that have chaperoned at CKid know what I am talking about!! Tonight is the ring ceremony at the bonfire where Daniel will present the campers with a tlw promise ring. Satan has reared his ugly head too many times to count and God has sent the Holy Spirit to stop him in his place, PTL.

Today, the God of this city broke the heart of the meanest/badest kid at camp...Isn't it amazing how God can take such a person and make him an example, I never saw this one coming as I had just had a run in with this young man right before lunch.

The crafts have gone over very well and the kids ar proud of their work, as they should be!

Lots of pics to show when I return...IF I return!!

Jane

Psalm 119:133
"Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil."

Romania Update 3

It's 10:40 on Tuesday night. Day two is complete. After the sun went down here in the mountains, it is COLD. About to dive in the bed.

Great day of worship and fellowship. As usual, Satan makes his regular visit to cause disruption. Fortunately, our God is greater.

The kids have been kind and respectful. Very loving. They seem to be listening to everything taught.

Nothing really new to report at this time. Keep praying for camp. Keep praying for the Roma that we love so. And keep praying for our little Roma friend that has been forced into a life of prostitution.

Lowell

p.s., you'd be pleased to know that I am eating things that I thought I would never try. It's not too bad. Then again, you never see a dead cat by a full bowl of food.

Romania Update 2

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display His craftmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night thay make Him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world. Ps 19:1-4

Although most people believe in a creator because of the evidence around them, they need to know about His love, mercy and grace. What are you doing to take God's message to the world.

Went to church at Mociu this morning for our 3 hour worship, again it was awesome to praise the same God in a different tongue. We observed the Lord's supper on our knees and enjoyed fellowship with the Romanian's and Gypsies...yes in the same church! We were certainly blessed! God has continually grown this church with more members and believers.

Camp Starts on Monday, the campers have attended week long bible studies to become eligible to go to camp, then must have a permission slip signed by their parents. The youth will start arriving at 3pm which will give us enough time to get crafts sorted and decorations up. Lowell Dooley will be introducing our program and will be our camp Director for the week. Vickie and I will be leading our small group devotion time with the girls and heading up the really cool crafts which Parkway VBS, IGO cell group in Suffolk and Southside Baptist have so generously provided.

Romania Update 1

We're here in Cluj...Our trip was uneventful other than the sneers we were so graciously showered with when we told the Romanians what we were doing here. Their responses were "we don't like those gypsies. By the grace of God I didn't jump over the counter at the airport and give this one lady a what for. No one is allowed to speak of my family in that manner!

We will be attending church with Oana Rognean on Sunday...can't wait to worship with our Romanian family!

Jane Nales - Romania Mission Project

Bangladesh Update 6

Finishing up a mission project in Bangladesh, Have 1 more day and will start for home, we leave at 4 am on 8/11. We have seen God work in many wonderful ways during our time here as if that should be a surprise. Thank You for your prayers during this project.

Bangladesh Update 5

I never thought I would have the chance to stand on the floor of the parliament chamber in bangladesh or outside the mosque within the walls of themain gov. Building and pray for the country but that is what happened today! denny and i were able to sit and talk with one of the ministers of education as well. The Father continues to open doors in this country to the truth. Many things to share!

Bangladesh Update 4

we enjoyed worship last evening with Williams church. It would have been about the same time as the 8:30 service at Parkway. We are planning to visit the national monument this morning to see what conversations can be had. Denny and I will be visiting Parliament this afternoon with Shankar which be interesting! Tomorrow we will be getting ready for the trek home on wednesday.

Tent the church plant has at the fair. Parkway mission team is taking opportunities to share the love of Christ with the community in Colorado.

Melissa Autry, Pastor Brian's daughter (right), and the Pastor of the Pursuit Church's daughter pose at the fair that Parkway is manning for the church plant.

Succession of Days from Bangladesh Team

August 5 early

we started the day today with a great time of fellowship as a team discussing the events of yesterday. We were not clear what today would bring forministry. We started by visiting a hindu temple in the town of Noahkali. Through discussion we have gotten permission to show the J film at the temple this evening at 630 pm our time. So from the muslim mosque to a hindu temple. Will update again later.
Thank you for your partnership in prayer.

August 5 afternoon

we will be starting the film in a few minutes even as the worshipers wail during their evening prayers at the temple. will update after

August 5 - right after film

the report from after the film starts with Our God is an Awesome God. There were about 150 or so that attended. The hindu worship started about half way through right next to where we were showing the film with loud music and singing Yet the movie went on. an interesting Clash about 100 feet from each other. There were many that asked for prayer And there may have been some decisions for salvation. Will send more later.

August 6 early

we are off to Shunapur today this is where it has reported that there are christians. We want to see what we are being measured against :). All are well and excited to see what God will accomplish today.

August 6 afternoon before film

we will showing the J film again in a small area of hindu homes in about 30 mins. We had a little problem at a mosque nearby a short time ago nothing serious but please pray that there will not be any disturbances and that the message can be heard unhindered.

August 6 evening

we are heading back to dhaka this morning we had another interesting day yesterday. Please pray for efficient travel on the roads for about 5 hours. We look forward to sharing everything that God has accomplished this week.

Sun. Aug. 7

we had a long, weary travel day yesterday back to Dhaka from Noahkli we are resting this morning some shopping this afternoon and the church tonight at william's church.

Bangladesh Update 2

an update on the J film. As we were setting up to show the film about 50 yards from the village mosque surrounded by about 250 People that had cometo see the film the immans decided that we could not show it although all wanted to see it. There was much discussion about showing it somewhwere else but we decided to leave. everyone was told that their own leaders would not let the foreigners do something for their village. All are safe but will have stories to tell.

Bangladesh Update 1

hello we had a great day today doing some touring in Dhaka in 2 groups Tim W and i spent the day with shankar and were able to directly share the gospel again. We visited 2 Hindu temples. The other group had lengthy conversation with the swami ended with sharing the gospel with an evangecard in the middle of the temple. Trveling south tommorrow so communication may be spotty for a few days.

Thank you for your prayers.

Peru 15

On our way to airport in Lima. Full week. We'll email full update while sitting for five hours in airport. Fantastic mission project.

Derek 6/25/10 8:04pm

Peru 14

It has been a full and awesome ride. We have taken the crazy and amazing love from our great God and reflected that to the people we have worked with. We have taken the gospel to 8 villages that are less than 2% evangelical. In all but 2 of the villages they are less than 1% evangelical. That is like 3 believers out of 450 people in most of the villages. You can imagine what an encouragement that is to the believers here.This week we've seen over 400 pairs of reading glasses given out, 35 teacher bags given out filled with teaching supplies, 60+ esl/bible stories told to children in classes, a daily radio show done at 11am that students have sung on and preached on (even Pastor Brian today), and evening services and bible storying done that has seen over 50 people give their lives to Christ across 5 villages.I could tell more and will when we return. Keep praying.

Derek 6/23/10 1:55pm

Peru 13

First full day of ministry at all 9 sites......Land clearing has begun at one site for a church and at another site roofing was done for a widow's house. The other 7 teams visited various schools in villages....... distributing aid, teaching bible stories and teaching English. The crews are all out this evening doing more ministry. The little "Flat Stanley" given to Mike Camire has had some interesting pictures taken already. Pastor Brian and Ben have arrived from Lima and Brian preached today......All of the Parkway team is doing very well and serving the Peru people.

Lou Lassiter 6/21/10 8:59pm

Peru 12

Pray for our first full day of morning and evening ministry tomorrow. Two construction crews and 7 crews going into schools doing esl activities and Bible storying. the evening ministry will be Bible storying through Acts. Be in prayer for the teams that they will share the love of Christ and the truth of salvation. Had seven give their lives to Christ tonight. Amen!

Derek 6/21/10 12:21 am

Peru 11

We've had a great day so far today. 4 teams went to Huaros (where 1 of 2 churches are in all of these villages) and celebrated a baptism and worshipped with the believers there.
The other 5 teams are going to 3 villages tonight to do Bible storying through the books of Acts. All is well. Had a couple (non-Parkway) get a little sick, but they've bounced back and are feeling better. God bless you all and I pray you have a great day! Pray for the daytime and evening ministry over the next 4 days. God has already and is going to move GREATLY!

The orphanage yesterday was an experience of a lifetime. 850+ kids getting shoes and toiletry items and the young ones got a beanie baby. It was amazing. But we know of 3 salvations as well and that is worth the trip as well. Wish we could explain the emotion of the day. Too much for words. We'll see you all in a week!

Derek 6/20/10 5;16pm

Peru 10

Folks we had a great day at the orphanage delivering shoes to over 750 kids. The group then came up the mountain and all teams are safe in Canta and at the hotel. Tomorrow we break into our ministry crews and begin working in ministry sites......all is well here in Peru

Lou & Derek 6/19/10 11:34pm

Peru 9

Are on our way up the mountain. Hopefully just 2 more hours. We'll let you know. Orphanage was amazing. Can't put into words. Some of you were accidentally deleted off the last few emails so if you notice some names missing from the last few days emails please forward them to them. All teams are here and working hard today. The orphanage was life-changing. Got to put shoes and give out supplies to 850 kids in one orphanage. Be in prayer for health and altitude tonight.

Bless you all.
Derek
6/19/10 5:50 pm

Peru 8

Hello Prayer Warriors, Churches, and IWC Peeps, We're all in the hotel. Only 1 piece of luggage that is still in Atlanta - EVERYTHING ELSE made it. AMEN. Everyone is happy, healthy, and hopefully sleeping which is where I'm heading in 5 minutes.

Be in prayer for tomorrow. Visiting an orphanage to distribute 700+ pairs of shoes, toothpaste/toothbrushes and other items, plus share the love of Jesus and some REALLY good news. Then off to Canta. Pray for the trip up the mountain - 4 hours up.

Thanks and God Bless,

Brother Derek
6/19/10 3:15am

Peru 7

Caught up on some needed sleep last night. Thank God for a bed and good rest. Today we go back down the mountain to Lima to pick up the 5 different teams and individuals and translators to make one incredible God called team. I get really excited when the Lord brings His children together who have never met and used them to impact and expand His kingdom. Pretty amazing Holy Spirit working type stuff. Be in prayer for the travel that they make it here with no lost luggage...Realized I never sent this email. Everyone landed. Delta flight going through customs. They're the last to go to hotel. Everyone else arrived. God bless and good night.

Derek
6/19/10 12:12 am

Peru 6

We are all at the hotel and safe.

Jon
6/19/10 12:16am

Peru 5

Just landed in Lima. Headed to our gate and then to Customs!

6/18/10 9:49pm

Peru 4

Parkway is on the plane and waiting to take off....to PERU!!!

6/18/10 1:54pm

Peru 3

Landed in Newark and headed to our new terminal. Should board around 1.30.

6/18/10 11:36am

Peru 2

The Parkway crew has made it thru security and is waiting to board the plane at RIC !

6/18/10 9:29am

Peru 1

We actually found everything we needed to purchase in Lima. Praise the Lord! On our way up the mountain. Sea level to 9000 feet in 4 hours. Woo hoo. Pray for the trip.

Parkway's Campus - Master Plan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctiM2eVC93w

This is the video that was shown in both morning worship services on May 23. This is an animation from the Barnes Design Group of Parkway's Master Plan for a future building. Unfortunately, the audio has been disabled.

BE THE CHURCH STORIES

Just comment here with your "Be the Church" stories, and read away to see what God is doing! Be the Church Parkway!

Philippines Mission Update 7

The Philippines Mission team arrived safely at the Richmond Airport last night. The plane was slightly delayed, but nothing major. Praise God for their safety. Thank you for your prayers. I know every member of the team greatly appreciates it!

Philippines Mission Update 6

Just wanted to drop a note to say we are safe and sound here in Manila at the IMB house. Going to bed now. See you all soon!

Your 2010 Philippines team

Philippines Mission Update 5

We are traveling via bus in the way to Manila. We'll be at the IMB house there and will see some of Manila tomorrow with a few of the pastors and leaders from the church in Maria, Aurora. It is about 8 hours from aurora to Manila. Then we catch the plane early wed. morning (Tuesday afternoon your time) and we'll arrive in Richmond Wed. afternoon/evening.

God has moved this week.

It is humbling to think back on th movement of God and how the One who called you is faithful and HE will do it. He has this week and we are grateful.

Thank you for reading these emails and for the responses and prayers, it has been a great encouragement to all of us.

Your 2010 Philippines team

Philippines Mission Update 4

we had the rally about 6:30PM each night after the days events. You must have been praying because God has brought in a mighty harvest.

813 people have made decisions for Christ total thus far. Praise Him! All who have accepted Christ have had counseling from the local pastors here...needless to say they've been counseling all day and into the evening.

This includes decisions at all 3 medical missions, sports camps, and 3 nights of rallies. We're about to start the closing rally and preach the gospel for the last time. We've combined our choir members with their singers and our bass player Steve Chumley has played from the worship band at the mother church in Maria. It has been fantastic. God has been praised.

Looking forward to more of what God will do.

We've been overwhelmed by the response...it is truly a work of God...we've been serving right alongside the local church here and they know how to work and serve each other. It is truly a picture of Acts 2:41 to the end. Amazing.

Your 2010 Philippines team

Philippines Mission Update 3

God is greatly at work. We're on day two of the ministry here in Aurora (a province - similar to a state), Philippines. Yesterday we were in a Barangay(like Chesterfield inside Virginia - except on a smaller geographical scale - like Midlothian inside Chesterfield county) called Belar, today we are in a Barangay called Diaat (pronounced ja-aat).
At the sports camp there is basketball and volleyball.
Rosemary (called Rosie) taught the character challenge at the sports camp just before Katie taught the Bible story of the four friends lowering the man through the roof(what she's doing as I write).
While the sports camp is happening, the medical mission is going on seeing 175 patients by the end of the day and the dental folks seeing over 100 (mainly tooth extraction of rotten teeth...typically two per patient. There is also a pharmacy that is giving out medicines the doctor prescribe.
While all this is going on, the local pastors from many Barangay's in Aurora are counseling and sharing the gospel with all who register with the medical and dental clinic including Pastor Jerry. He's the Pastor of Maria Aurora Southern Baptist Church - the 1st baptist church planted in Aurora over 12 years ago and the mother church who planted the other baptist churches in Aurora province (those pastors are here all working together to help the ministry in each other's Barangay). It is a beautiful picture of the church in Acts. They share everything in common and meet each others needs physical and spiritual. And you know...all their churches grow.
At the rally at night we lead in worship and are teaching through Acts.
By the end of the day yesterday we saw 283 surrender their lives to Christ in Baler when you combine the medical counseling, sports camp and rally decisions.
just like the book of Acts...God adds to the number daiily! It is overwhelming.
Even while preaching last night...we all experienced fire. Derek stepped in an ant bed and got bitten on his right foot multiple times experiencing fire in his foot, Ben sang during his preaching showing the fire of the healed man in Acts 4, and Ronnie experienced fire when he extended the invitation and people accepted Christ.
This is amazingly, interestly, and surprisingly good. Come on a project next year. Experience God.

We're grateful to God...

Your 2010 Philippines team

Philippines Mission Update 2

We arrived a few hours ago 7PM your time Tuesday night - 7am Wednesday here. the parkway team and clf medical team unloaded, had an awesome breakfast under an outdoor shelter prepared by the women in the church here - had the best bacon ever...sorry dad...and have organized for the sports camp and medical screenings. We're going to sleepp for a few hours then meet with the church leaders and have an introduction/orientation with everyone serving tomorrow (around forty) and pray. starting 7am tomorrow we won't stop until next Monday lunchtime (sunday midnight for you).

It is so encouraging to be serving alongside brothers and sisters in Christ in the Philippines. God is showing us how the body of Christ can really accomplish things we could never imagine when we work together toward a common goal...glorifying the name of Christ.

Your 2010 Philippines Team

Philippines Mission Update 1

The team has arrived safely to Manila and is currently on an 8 hour bus ride to get to their point of ministry. Here is an encouraging email from the team:

just a few praises to pass on:

On the plane in Richmond we were with Parkway's Daren Johnson - he was on his way to multiple locations across the world meeting with missinaries and encouraging their work.

On the plane to Tokyo we met a flight attendant named Kristie who lived in Oregon who was a believer and she talked with us about her faith and how the Lord was working and had blessed her life. She encouraged us to be bold in Jesus name.

On the plane to Manila we spoke with a male flight attendant who asked about what we were doing. He encouraged us and spoke blessings to the mission.

When we arrived in Manila the pastors and some leaders in the church were waiting with tony with the bus. They left Maria aurora at 4 this morning ...some pastors had already traveled 8 hours from dilasag just to get to Maria, then the trip here. We are overwhelmed by the unity of the three groups coming together and by the one and only Jesus who gives us a common goal. we're blessed by the love he's given us all for each other.

Now we're all making the 8 hour trip together. Pray for safe travel and rest. We're all doing well. praise Him!

Your 2010 Philippines team

Suprised By Hope - Haiti

Just weeks after the earthquake in Haiti, the secular media has seemed to have moved on, but the IMB and Christians in the US haven't forgotten. Click this link and see how the money you have given to through your weekly tithes and offerings have been and will be used to bring relief & the gospel to the suffering in Haiti and http://www.commissionstories.com/stories/566. One of our own Roy Burroughs was on the assessment media team who went into Haiti days after the earthquake. This link includes videos, stories, and info on how you can continue to help.