Missions@Parkway

Romania Team Update August Team

2011-08-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

We celebrate our first known profession of faith. Cristy (boy) came to us looking for Jesus. The preach for the week had the honor of introducing him to our Savior. Please pray for him. He lives a rugged life.

Also, pray for Pastor Ruben and the kids from his village. These kids showed up with only the clothes on their backs. Most have no parents, no money and no hope- none know Jesus (except Cristy now)

Pray for the team as they wrap things up over the next 36 hours and head home!

Peru August Team Update #1

2011-08-07T09:03:00.001-07:00

We are in Canta safely and will soon unload our bags and get settled. It has been a blessed trip already. We met up with three adults from "Parkway Wesleyan" from ROANOKE, Virginia while sitting in the Houston airport. One of them had noticed "Parkway" on our luggage tags and struck up a conversation. They were headed to Lima to do mission work in a church that has been started on the outskirts of the city. As we chatted, we realized that we are both doing almost identical VBS ministries! Travel has been very good so far!! Please pray for good health for all our team members, regardless of altitude and altered diet, so that we can effectively minister in Lachaqui and Carhua. We will continue to check in periodically.

FUSION & Peru

2011-08-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

George Chumley successfully made it to Kansas City, Missouri to begin his training with Fusion and our Peru team left today for Peru. Both had early am flights! Pray for Candi Sheppard, Josh Sheppard, and Elaina Kuper in Peru this week and pray for George as the Fusion program begins tomorrow for him. Fusion is a one year missions commitment. Follow his blog Jorgesfusionproject.

Africa June 24, 2011

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

The team is doing well and things are running smoothly. The VBS and soccer camp is over and they will be doing a True Love Waits conference tomorrow. God is using the team in a huge way and they have had great opportunities to share the gospel.

Romania June 23, 2011

2011-06-23T05:48:00.001-07:00

Hey friends and family.
God has been so good to us this week. It has been very busy. We have not had time for many updates as our days have started early and ended late.
Our SBC missionaries Bob and Gayle Hill have many Roma ministry sites and it has been exciting and rewarding to work alongside Roma & Romanian believers and translators and see how God unites brothers and sisters in Christ through our common bond of Him to accomplish His purposes.
This week we've had 5 teams (2 construction ministry teams and 3 people ministry teams) pouring concrete pads and walkways for two Roma churches, putting up a fence, doing home visits & evangelism, children's programs, student programs, and relationship building. Hundreds have heard the gospel and had their physical and spiritual needs addressed. Our prayer is God would continue to break the bondage of works based theology and they would understand and receive the grace and forgiveness of Jesus. Many believe if they drink and smoke they cannot be a "repenter" and feel they must clean themselves before they come to faith. The orthodox and evangelical churches are teaching this works based soteriology and our missionaries are doing everything they can to gently teach the Truth and turn the tide.
Pray for the servant acts of love and teaching of God's Word and stories to push back the darkness with the Roma.
Praise God for those who have come to Christ.
Pray that more would come and work with this rejected and despised people group.
Pray that might be you.

Praising God for His mighty hand and work.

Your 2011 IWC Braila, Romania team

Africa June 20 2:42pm

2011-06-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is to let you know that the Parkway team arrived safely. Everyone is well though a bit tired. They have had their field orientation, eaten supper, and are preparing for their first day of ministry. They will be meeting their interpreters early in the morning, then headed to 2 villages for the soccer clinic, VBS, and women's Bible study to share the love of Christ with Basotho. Thank you for praying. We'll keep you posted!

Romania 2011- Monday 6:00 PM

2011-06-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings Parkway Family! Just wanted to check in from Romania! Our team here is doing great! Today was our first day of ministry in our villages. We will continue going to the villages until Thursday. Please continue to pray for us as we continue sharing the gospel and meeting the needs of the Roma people.

Lesotho 2011 - Sunday 5:30 PM

2011-06-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

we have made it to South Africa....in the airport eating dinner and heading to the guest house...

Lesotho 2011 - Saturday 3:00 PM

2011-06-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

we are through security and are all checked in...waiting patiently at the gate....

Romania 2011- Sunday 6:00 PM

2011-06-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

it is after midnight here in Romania right now...going to bed to get some rest after at great day of worship and ministry! Pray for us tomorrow as we have our first day of ministry in the Roma villages!

Romania 2011-Sunday 8:00 AM

2011-06-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

in our ministry teams planning for the ministry that we are doing in the Roma villages this week! Had some great worship with our Roma brothers and sisters this morning...To God be the Glory!

Romania 2011- Sunday 2:00 AM

2011-06-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

Up meeting the other teams and getting ready to chow on eggs, bologna, ham, and some fresh bread! going to worship later this morning then doing some ministry training/planning for the rest of the day! Everyone from the Parkway team is doing great and is well rested!

Romania 2011-Saturday 6:00 PM

2011-06-19T18:03:00.002-07:00

Team is at the orphanage. Taking showers and resting.

Romania 2011- Saturday 11:30 AM

2011-06-19T18:03:00.001-07:00

Just landed in Bucharest...3 hour van ride to the orphanage now.

Romania 2011- Saturday 7:30 AM

2011-06-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

The team just landed in Frankfurt.

Romania 2011- Friday 9:00 PM

2011-06-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

Going to board the plane in the next hour and a half. Taking off around 11.

Romania 2011- Friday 6:00 PM

2011-06-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

sooooo we made it to Newark, NJ...our flight from here to Frankfurt, Germany is delayed due to weather...the earliest we are leaving Newark is 9pm...going to be a long night! the team is doing well and having a blast! continue to pray as we wait and converse with folks around us!

Philippines 2011 Update #3

2011-05-03T19:51:00.001-07:00

We have just arrived at the IMB house in Manila and after dinner and a short night will be heading to the airport for our trip home at 3:00 am tomorrow (3:00 pm Tuesday in US). All are well. We had a great day of ministry in Maria Aurora yesterday; we praise the Lord for His hand in the work and partnerships we enjoyed on the Project as over 500 decisions were made for Christ. We will all have much to share when we arrive home.

Philippines 2011 Update #2

2011-05-03T19:50:00.001-07:00

We arrived back in Maria Aurora about 8:30 PM last night after a long but rewarding trip North to Dilasag and Casiguran. Our team was tired but encouraged by what the Lord has done and provided. Some highlights are listed below:
We have had devine appointments! The charter bus could not make it all the way to Diliasag due to the rough terrain. After de-busing on three occassions so avoid or minimize the drag on the bus as it negotiated low dips in the rock and dirt Sierra Madre mountain roads, made worse by rains the night before, we finally had to stop and have a more durable bus to pick us up. Our 6 hour bus trip north ended up taking 12 hours. It was however the Lord's plan as we had opportunities to share with local Filipinos where we stopped near Casiguran; five prayed to receive Christ and others were invited to our Sports Camps and Medical Missions to take place later in Casiguran.
Our return to Casiguran was planned to be by another durable charter bus but ended up being on public buses. Again, it provided opportuntities to share Jesus with other local Filipinos, two young men professing to be 7th Day Adventists in particular. But because of the loud bus noise, the gospel ended up being shared to many on the bus. We were planting seeds for the Lord!
We had more than 100 children and youth attend each of our Sports Camps in Dilisag and Casiguran, and many more than that attend the medical and dental clinics. Our ParKway, CLF and Aurora Southern Baptist Church teams and have clearly demonstrated the body of Christ working together to share the love of Christ with others. Though hot and tired, and "our plans" frequently changing, no one is complaining but stepping up to embrace the opportunities.
We also held two worship rallies that were not as well attended as hoped but God's word were shared by our Teams and new believers have come to the Lord.
Through all our ministry efforts, more than 400 have prayed to receive the Lord! The pastors here will be following up with each to affirm their decision and disciple them.
We just completed morning worship here today. Brother Tony Sendaydiego preached and encouraged all not to miss the Lord's invitation to heaven.
Please pray for us as we have another Sports Camp, Medical and Dental Clinic and Worship Rally tomorrow in Maria Aurora, that the Team will get some much needed rest today to be refreshed for tomorrow, and that we will have safe travel back to Manila early Tuesday morning.

Philippines 2011 Update #1

2011-05-03T19:49:00.001-07:00

The team arrived safely in Maria Aurora, Aurora, our home base for our project just under 36 hours after we met at church to begin our mission. The flights were all on time and relatively smooth and the bus trip was good. Everyone is tired, as expected, but in great spirit. After a bountiful breakfast provided by our partners in Aurora, several of the team went for a walk to the downtown area of Maria Aurora and then crashed for a short nap. We will be meeting with all our Aurora Southern Baptist Church and Christian Light Foundation volunteers this afternoon for introductions, orientation and last minute planning for our project. We plan to depart for Dilisag tomorrow morning at 3:00 am and will be doing our first worship rally there tomorrow night.

The Lord has already had his hand on our project and answered prayers for allowing Elijah Chumley and Alyssa Wheeler to overcome last minute illnesses and join the trip and in providing safe travel. Tony and Fely had opportunities to witness to a seaman while on layover in Seoul and to workers at their hotel (they came a few days earlier than the rest of the team). Others shared about our Project as we traveled with our red team shirts on the planes and in the airports.

Please continue to pray for safety as we travel north tomorrow and that we will bold in sharing Jesus in our worhip rallies, sports camps and medical and dental clinics in the coming days. May the Lord be glorified in all we do!

God is working mightily in Romania!

2011-04-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

How shall I begin...My God is mighty to save, my friends, mighty to save!

My journey began on March 3rd, I had no idea what His plan was for me this time. Of course I was certain that whatever the plan, it is sure to be nothing less than phenomenal. He NEVER ceases to amaze me in ALL that He does. Words can't begin to describe the joy that fills my heart and soul when I return to my Roma families. I feel like I am right at home with family I didn't even know existed. My saviour lavishes me with unending love and joy when I am with my gypsies!

On the very first day of our project we headed straight into our mission, which was to encourage our Roma pastor in Sarata and fuel the fire that God went before us to light. While it was really cool to rekindle past relationships with "my people" it was exciting to make new ones too. I remember, during our home visits, sitting with a beautiful lady in her home,who resembled my grandmother "Meems". I had to sit and stare awkwardly at her and blink a few times before it registered that Meems is already in Heaven. Anyway, Berta (my grandmother look-alike), a believer but unsaved was on her stoop moving rocks and rubble around for what seemed like no apparent reason, stopped to wave and say Hi. I anxiously awaited this particular day to see Berta as God had burdened my heart for her. Pastor Paul (Sprout Springs Baptist) presented the gospel to her and she teared up as she gratefully accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour. As I listened intently to her say the sinner's prayer I found it VERY difficult to contain my excitement so I did my best to control myself until after we prayed, her in her native tongue, I in mine...I remember being so overcome with a plethera of emotions that all I could do was jump up and down and shout in the street where we were standing. Yes, the others in the village looked at me as if I had lost my mind (they do that when I am around anyway! LOL) Someone (a gypsy) said "Oh, it's just those crazy American's!" Crazy for Jesus I thought to myself!

That same evening one of my translators (Mihai aka Cheetah) handed his cellphone to me to talk to his girlfriend Manu, a girlfriend I became close with during the August True Love Waits camp. She was so excited to hear I was there and very upset that she wouldn't be able to see me. I didn't realize the impression I left on her back in August until she all but begged for me to come see her. I couldn't promise her anything which just tore me all up inside. Again, a burden was placed on my heart. I spoke with Daniel (our missionary) about getting to her...the chances didn't look good. You see, our team was in Bistrita, Manu lives in Turda, the two villages are three hours from each other. I cried out to Jesus to make something happen, make a way for me to meet with Manu. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Rom 8:28 As you all know...God answers prayer! Amen? Amen! I prayed the same prayer for 3 consecutive days. My prayer was answered when Reuben, a Romanian pastor and brother of Alex (my first friend made in Romania) offered to drive me and my roommate Pat to see her. I was overwhelmed with excitement again, I remember asking God what verse from Your Word shall I share with her? What if I say the wrong thing? What if she says this? How will I respond to her? By this time I had worked myself up into a frenzy and couldn't even think straight (Not new, I know!) I could hardly sleep that night. On our journey to meet with Manu Pat and I went over what we needed to share and prayed for the right words to come from our lips. As we sat and conversed as best we could with our limited knowledge of the gypsy language and Manu with her limited knowledge of english, I asked her what would she do if she were drowning and I threw her a rope. Would you grab that rope or would you wave me away and say, "No, no, I'll wait for a different way out". She responded with, "The rope". I asked her how she would respond if I gave her a gift, would you offer to pay me for this gift or would you gratefully accept it? She responded with "I would accept the gift". I explained to her that Jesus is that "rope" and that "gift" , a gift from God. I asked if she wanted to accept God's gift to her, she responded with " Well, yes!" Now I am REALLY blown away because the gospel had been presented to her numerous times and that day at that time she decided to say yes to God! I was so thrilled at how easy this was at the same time thinking why had I made it so difficult. God had obviously gone before me and had prepared her heart. All praise to Him!! He is good! And Bruce, the yellow ribbon was given as a bookmark for Manu's Bible with the date of her decision. (I'm glad I had it with me because this was a special day!)

By the fourth day of our project all 7 team members had been so spoiled (blessed) by God's amazing work that there couldn't possibly be anything that He could do to top what He had already done in the beginning of the week. Well, He did top these things. He grew His Kingdom by 16. Arcalia, a small village we served with in March of 2010 is on fire for the Lord. His presence was all up on that frigid little 10x10 room house. That place was PACKED. Triple the people from the year prior and still growing. He continues to draw more to Himself! "Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:47

I am no more special than any other believer and often think "How could God possibly use a person like me, I am not a theologan, I don't say eloquent prayers, and I'm a little on the quirky side!" I have never been used to reap the harvest and was settled to just be the sower, the tiller or the waterer. I praise Him for how He uses me to further His Kingdom!!

I can't wait to see what He has planned for our August discipleship camp!!

Peru Team Update #2

2011-04-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Okay - we're now in Canta. It has been wonderful and FREEZING! We got up Sunday morning and went to Wong's for groceries. Then we headed up the mountain to Lachaqui. That trip took about 6 hours. We had safe travels, other than a minor delay for a landslide that blocked a large part of the road. We stopped in Canta for lunch. The hostel in Lachaqui was certainly a different experience. More on that later. Even though the rainy season is supposed to be over, it poured that evening and most of Monday. We spent Monday and Tuesday in the schools in Lachaqui. The director, Dulia, gave us full access and is very excited that we are returning. We sang songs, played games, taught Bible stories, and loved on the children. We were also allowed to pass out a New Testament (with Psalms/Proverbs) to EVERY secondary student, along with a lesson on the Romans road! We gave out many pairs of reading glasses to the adults, as well as New Testaments, and sunglasses to the children. We met with the village nurse and president (each village has its own) and discussed community needs, who we were, and future visits. Everyone is very welcoming at this point. This morning, (Wed.), we headed down the mountain to Carhua. The school director remembered the Renshaws and Liesa Holeman, and welcomed us in immediately. We were again able to sing, play games, do Bible stories, and love on the kids. We passed out New Testaments to every child in both the primary and secondary schools, and the director gave them an assignment from Matthew to be completed by Monday. He is also excited about a return visit and is willing to let us use the school for any activities we may plan. We gave away more glasses, spoke with some of the ladies that had attended Bible studies in July with another IWC trip, and headed down the mountain to Canta. The schools are closed tomorrow for Holy Week holiday, so we are planning to head over to see the waterfall, then stop by Huacos to see the progress that has been made on the church there, and possibly see Pastor Jaime. Tonight we are having dinner with Pastor Miguel, who works with the Canta church, Pariamarca, and possibly Obrajillo. This has been a wonderful vision trip - we have had the opportunity to meet community leaders and persons of peace in both villages. We have heard the needs of the community and are bringing back ideas for what we can do in the future. God has blessed us at every turn! Keep praying!

Peru Team Update #1

2011-04-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

Peru Team arrived in Lima and then safely up the mountain to Canta and beyond to Lachaqui. Please, be in prayer for Candi, Kevin, and Brian!

Tim Deans Update #2 from Aurora, Philippines

2011-04-19T20:43:00.001-07:00

Tim Deans called last night to share that 400 people have given their hearts to Jesus after a week of medical mission points. Praise the Lord!

Tim Deans Update #1 from Aurora, Philippines

2011-04-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

The fist week I was in the Philippines, we camped out a the beach of Belaie while we taught a true love waits camp! That was so great we had so many people choose to stay pure until they are married. It rained every night so we got wet every night that was so fun! Another person on the NC team and I were sick now but with Gods grace we got better! On Wednesday the medical team from NC came to start the medical missions which includes vision and dental. Thursday we started the medical mission in Balair where we did vision and we had 150 people show up and registered. That doesnt seem like allot but it is hahahaha. While the people were waiting to be seen we had people sharing the gospel with them. By the end of the day we found out that out of 150 people 100 acepted Jesus as there Lord and savior! Can I get an AMEN!!!! God is so good all the time and all the time God is so good! Today we are going to another location for medical mission and we have 5 places to go so please keep all of us in your prayers! Next Tuesday the team from Parkway arrives and I can't wait!

Tim Deans

Romania Team Update #8 March 2011

2011-03-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

Romania Team made it home safe and sound late Friday night in Richmond. They are looking forward to worshipping with their church family tomorrow and telling them how the Lord has moved! Don't miss worship at Parkway tomorrow as we celebrate 9 years of ministry.

Romania Team Update #7 March 2011

2011-03-11T20:25:00.001-08:00

We are all tired but it is a good tired. We are excited to return home and see our loved ones and share what God has done. We saw another woman yesterday come to Christ when Jane and Pat had traveled a few hours to see a lady who had just lost her father. This lady, after speaking with Pat and Jane, surrendered her life to Christ. AMEN!!!!

We have much to share with our families, church, and all who have been praying for us. Please pray for our trip home that we would be safe and look for opportunities to share Christ with others.

God Bless
Steve

Romania Team Update #6 March 2011

2011-03-08T13:11:00.001-08:00

Another awesome day for the Lord. Team 1, Pat, Jane and Reuben the Pastor/Translator went on a journey to speak with a young lady named Manu, who had recently lost her father. She specifically had asked for Jane to talk with her. When she made the request, we had no means of getting Jane to her. So we prayed, and prayed and God provided a way. Pat spoke with the young lady about a recent loss in her family and soon after Jane led Manu to the Lord. Again we saw God work in only ways HE could do. Praise God

Team 2, went to the village of Camarasu and ministered to nearly 100 children. Tomorrow the whole team goes to the village Sarata. This is Pastor Victor's Church.

Thanks for your prayers and please continue to pray.

Romania Team Update #5 March 2011

2011-03-08T04:52:00.000-08:00

We started our day with home visits and PRAISE GOD we had 4 people accept Christ in their home. Then this afternoon Daniel, Steve and Paul went to a ladies home for a visit she accepted Christ also.

After a 2 hour children's program with 45-50 children at the program, we were all ANXIOUSLY anticipating what God was going to do during the evening service. Following the message during the invitation there were 10 people that accepted Christ.

So if you are good at your math you will see that the Kingdom of Heaven was expanded by 15 Roma's in one day. The team is EXCITED this evening and sleep will not come easily even though we are exhausted. Our minds are busy rejoicing. Tomorrow the team will split up. Some will be making a personal home visit to a young women whose father passed away unexpectedly. And has asked to see Jane. She has not accepted Christ as her savior even though she has heard the gospel many times. Please pray that we will be able to encourage her during her time of grief but also that God will soften her heart to the Gospel. The rest of the team will be visiting Daniels village where he works and lives and will be presenting a children's program.

Everyone is sleeping well and God has blessed the team with good health.

Thank You for your prayers. See attached pics of some of the Roma who accepted Christ today.

Romania Team Update #4 March 2011

2011-03-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

We had a full day of ministry and saw the Lord at work. This morning we were in the village of Arcalia. We visited homes and prayed/sang with the Roma families. In one home we encountered some Jehovah Witnesses who were also visiting the village. We ended up in a debate with them and they sone left. In the afternoon we had a VBS style ministry with the children. The joy on their faces said it all. This evening Paul and Pastor Brian preached and we all worshiped Roma style. It was amazing to see the holy spirit work. We were all touched and the Roma people were encouraged. One of the things we have noticed is the work our mission teams have done over the past 4 years. Some of the young people that have been led to Christ are now preaching and serving. Praise God. His work does not return void.

You cant help but be broken seeing all the needs here. Both physical and spiritual. I have attached some pics and hope they come through. Please keep praying.

God Bless.

Romania Team Update #3 March 2011

2011-03-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

t is 9:00 PM. We just finished some prayer walking where some of our ministry will happen. At the end we stopped in a dessert shop and had a surprise birthday cake for Pat Eddy. While we were there two gypsy children tried to come in from the street with us. The store mgr threw them out. We asked for them to join us and we shared our cake with them. This incident was a quick reminder of why we are here. To show the Roma people that Christ loves them.

We are turning in with great expectations of what God has planned for us tomorrow and much needed sleep. I will try to send some photos tomorrow.

Romania Team Update #2 March 2011

2011-03-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

Our team has just arrived in Romania. We met the Gypsy Pastor, Pastor Victor and the Missionary, Daniel Bird. We has our first Romanian meal and before we ate, the roma people and our team sang How Great Thou Art. Was a holy moment. We are meeting now to discuss our plans for ministry tomorrow and trying to stay awake after being up for nearly 30 hours. Will write more soon.

Romania Team Update March 2011

2011-03-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

Good Morning to you all!

Just a quick note to let you all know that we have arrived in Cluj (645 am your time---245 pm our time). We will grab a bite to eat and then drive two hours to our homebase.

All are well and excited to be here.
Keep praying for the work God would have for us these next few days!

We will try to update again today.
Steve and the Romania Team

Bangladesh Reflection from Steve Eddy

2011-02-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hope - it is a concept that we often cling to with little understanding of its source. Yet as we spent time imbedded in a subsistence oriented culture we found those who have hope because of the message of truth.

On previous projects our teams had been exposed to nationals who were somewhat reluctant to be actively sharing their faith. This reluctance can be a result of persecution from other established religions or from a cultural mind set that often views a persons religion as what they were born into and converting to a different religion brings dishonor to their family, especially their father.

During this recent project we were able to meet, work, and pray with men like Khokhon, Master, and Joe. who live in more remote areas of the country of Bangladesh. All three of these men come from a Muslim background but have found the truth of salvation in Christ. They all share a passion and zeal for sharing this message with those that they live with and meet on a regular basis. It was humbling to serve alongside these men and to be used of God to provide them some encouragement.

These men have a lasting hope that is found in the truth of the gospel and this is the message that they desire to share with others. This is the message that we endeavor to share as we look to strengthen our partnership in this country.

Bangladesh Reflection from Ben Cornatzer

2011-02-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

The day did not go exactly as planned. The drive from Dhaka to Noakhali took most of the day. We arrived after dark. But still—the gospel was being proclaimed in a Hindu village. As the people of the village watched the Jesus film at our roadside theater, I noticed a small oil lamp burning inside the nearby house. it was the only light in the room.

As I looked at the little lamp sitting on the table singlehandedly lighting the room in that house these words from John, chapter 1, came to mind: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

I thought about the handful of Christians living in the area standing firm in their faith. I thought about how the Word of God was being visually presented in the language of the people as the light from the projector pierced the darkness. And I thought about how God goes to great lengths to save even just one lost person. He had sent a team of American believers to join with their Bengali brothers to share Christ with the Hindus in this village.

As Derek shared the gospel after the film, our team was scattered throughtout the crowd praying. God was with us. We knew it. We felt His presence. That night the light shone in the darkness, and by faith we know that the darkness will not overcome it.

Video from Parkway South Asia Project 2011

2011-02-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

Click Here for a video from the Parkway South Asia Project. From the first 5 days of ministry. More posts to follow.

Bangladesh Mission Update 6

2011-02-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
The Bangladesh team has made it safely back to their homes. Thank you all so much for your prayers - they are greatly appreciated!

Bangladesh Mission Update 5

2011-02-16T05:21:00.000-08:00

The Bangladesh Team has landed back in America at the JFK airport. They are not completely home yet, but praise God for bringing them back to the United States safe and sound. They will be back in Richmond this evening. Continue to pray for them and their families, and check this blog out in the future for further updates and stories from the team!

Bangladesh Mission Update 4

2011-02-12T18:52:00.001-08:00

Hello prayer partners and families!!

I just had the opportunity to speak with Derek, and he wanted me to relay to you all that he and the others have arrived safely in Barisal. The launch ride went well, and they will be boarding a ferry very soon to cross to the other side of the river. (about a 20 minute ride). They then will take a bus for approx an hour to actually reach the village where they will set up the medical clinic. God has and is continually blessing them with safe travel. Praise the Lord!! Hopefully we will be hearing from them again in the next two days, while they are in Barisal.
Thank you all for the continued prayers for the four of them and for their families. I know I can personally feel the prayers you all have given in me and my family's behalf. We all are looking forward to a very sweet reunion on Wednesday. To God be the glory!

Melissa

Bangladesh Mission Update 3

2011-02-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

Update 3
Good morning to you brothers and sisters in VA and beyond. Wanted to let you know we arrived back from Noakhali late yesterday, and are preparing to leave by launch (big boat traveling overnight) in a couple of hours to Barisal for a 2 day medical clinic. We will most likely be unable to send any correspondance over the internet during that time. We'll be flying back via a float plane on Tuesday, a few hours before our flight back home, so it is likely that this will be our last email.
Here's a report on what happened in Noakhali.

We arrived late in the day on Thursday and after much prayer and creative directions we found the village we were showing the J-Film in (more appropriate to say - the pastor found us). We set up with headlamps alongside our company worker. About 200 Hindu's showed up to view the film. (I don't know that they know the word for "hundreds"...if you were to do the conversion of $200 American to Taka - it would be 1,400 taka...maybe that's what the local meant by thousands would show up - but it doesn't matter the number...the message was heard by many who had never heard the message before).

Afterwards people were given the opportunity to receive the gospel and some did. God be praised. The translater "Matthew" was amazing. Please, be praying for the Pastor of this small and now growing church in Noakhali. He faces much opposition. During the last Hindu festival, the Hindu leaders set up a small Hindu temple right beside his house, where he would have to walk through it to get to and from home. This pastor loves his community and his people, but he is one of less than 20 believers compared to 2.6 Million Hindus. These new believers are in need of discipling and for people to come and teach them the Word. Won't you pray about coming to Noakhali to teach them the truth.

The blessing of being there was more than seeing people come into the family of God, it was seeing the look on the Pastor's face and another believer's face and their encouragement to meet believers who were willing to come. They were so encouraged.

Be praying for the next two days of medical missions. Thanks guys. Ben, Steve, Daniel and Derek appreciate your payers.
Also, please continue to encourage people to give to the Global Missions offering so that we can support our workers in the field and also the projects that Parkway is partnering with the field to do.

Bless you all.

Derek & Team

Bangladesh Mission Update 2

2011-02-09T19:48:00.001-08:00

Update 2
Just a quick update today.
We're heading out right now to Noakhali.
Please, be praying for the 5-6 hour ride, and the showing of the Jesus film tonight to potentially thousands of Hindu's. (Should be around 6/8am Thursday morning your time - will be Thursday night for us).
Then, we head back to Dhaka on Friday morning (which will be late Thursday night for you all).
Thanks so much, and bless you all. Can't wait to be with you all again and share what the Lord is doing.

Derek and team.

Bangladesh Mission Update 1

2011-02-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We arrived safely in Dhaka yesterday/Tuesday morning around 10:30am (about 11:30pm your time Monday). Got out of the airport around noon (all luggage/supplies made it...yay), met two field workers, exchanged money, bought a local sim card, had lunch at the guesthouse in Dhaka that our friends help manage, did orientation to the Bengali people and went to a local University area here that has many young college students milling around. When we got to the area near a couple of Universities, we started engaging people in conversation (many spoke a little English, but understood most of what you said).
Very quickly a crowd gathered, and we had 75-100 people gathered around us, listening to our conversations. At one point, asking about our education, when it was discovered Derek was a music major they asked him to sing. He sang a couple of songs, the 2nd being Amazing Grace. One man, Raju said he had never heard Amazing Grace before and said it was his favorite song of those sung, but it sounded hard to sing.
This prompted a conversation about Grace, and what that was. At the same time, Ben was engaged in conversation about love, Daniel was talking about Christianity (about how Americans are not born Christian) with another man, and Steve sharing his background, each with a crowd of 10-20/30 people around each person. All were Muslim young men.
All of this happened in about an hour, and honestly we were leaving the guest house in order not to fall asleep, so we could sleep well that night. When we arrived, most of us had passed out in the van (in the 20 minute ride to the University), and were very groggy going out to talk. But amazingly, as conversations happened, the Lord gave us each much energy to carry on our conversations. To the point that none of us were tired (even though we had been awake for close to 48 hours by this point - Saturday night your time was the last time we had slept in beds and it was now around 5am your time on Tuesday morning). God gives you grace for the time you need it - because we came back to the guest house for dinner and passed out not too long after that.

TODAY AND PRAYER
We are headed out for our first full day of ministry. We are going to Dhaka University (different place from yesterday) and will be engaging college students. Zach is the strategist here working with collegiate students.
* Later this week (Thursday night - Thursday morning your time 7/8am) we will be showing the Jesus Film in the Noakhali region. We've been told by a local there that there could be thousands of Hindu who show up to watch the film. Be in prayer for this time. Just to give you some perspective of how many people are in this region, here are some numbers for you. Noakhali region has 2.6 Million People (343 Christians - most nominal Catholics). The geographical size is smaller than Chesterfield county in Virginia. So, to break it down for you, there are less than 30 Evangelical believers in this region which has 2.6 Million people (mostly Hindu). That is .00000115%. MUCH less than 1 percent believers.

Please pray that the Lord would go before us. (He already has, but that story is too long to tell, maybe we'll shoot a video and tell that and send it).
Pray for clear communication.
Pray for open hearts.
Pray for our families. We'll probably not be able to skype. They are working on the internet (under the sea) fiber-optic line from Bang. to Thailand. We are able to send email, and that's about it. Praise God for that!
So, we probably won't be uploading video, it would take 20 hours just to upload 1 video less than 5 minutes long.
Pray for the workers here to be encouraged while we are here.
Pray for vision to know how to plan future projects here.

Thanks & bless you all!

Your Parkway South Asia Bangladesh Vision Team
Ben Cornatzer, Daniel Dejarnette, Steve Eddy, and Derek Futrell.

ASK HIM - November 2011

2010-10-28T08:32:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

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

Romania Update 4

2010-08-19T11:49:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-17T18:58:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-15T15:49:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-09T21:04:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-09T06:52:00.002-07:00

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

2010-08-09T06:52:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-08-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-08-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-04T09:02:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

We are all at the hotel and safe.

Jon
6/19/10 12:16am

Peru 5

2010-06-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

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

6/18/10 9:49pm

Peru 4

2010-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

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

6/18/10 1:54pm

Peru 3

2010-06-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

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

6/18/10 11:36am

Peru 2

2010-06-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

6/18/10 9:29am

Peru 1

2010-06-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T10:34:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-04T20:09:00.001-08:00

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.

What we must be about

2009-09-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Listen to this sermon. We cannot ignore the lost world anymore.
http://www.vimeo.com/5514321

Missions Evening

2009-08-04T05:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone!

Don't forget to come out to the church this Sunday night (August 9) at 5:00 to hear more about the mission trips that took place this summer. The teams that went to Colorado, Bangladesh, and Romania will all have opportunities to share about how great our God is and how He is working all over this world! There will also be a time of food and fellowship. Don't miss out on this event... 5pm-7pm Sunday, August 9th, at Parkway!

2009 Romania Mission Testimony

2009-07-28T12:24:00.001-07:00

God is real. This truth is so simple, yet it’s so amazing to experience how real He is when on an international, overseas mission trip. Last year, when I went to Romania for the first time, God showed me how real He is and how powerful, compassionate, gracious, loving, mighty, and awesome He is. These truths came to the forefront of my mind as I went back to Romania this year, and I wondered what new things God would teach me. God taught me that He is not the only real invisible force in this world. The devil is real too.

God worked in incredible ways while we were in Romania this year, but the devil was not happy one bit with the movement of God that was taking place on his turf. The bible names the devil as the “god of this world” in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and he likes his world dark. Our team went to spread light and to share the gospel with Gypsy people who don’t know the good news of Jesus Christ. We shared and watched as the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of the villagers we came in contact with, and we were amazed as we saw God radically save people from an eternity in the pits of hell. Then the devil kicked into high gear and we watched in shock as spiritual warfare took place in a very visible way.

I was part of a team that led a youth rally for kids ages 10 to early 20s. We held the rally at a church where God is preached, but God is still teaching them new things. Some of the deacons believe that youth cannot be saved, and some of the deacons believe that the church should be a place of reverence (no loud games or playfulness). On the second night of the youth rally, a couple of the deacons complained about what we were doing and we were asked not to come back to the church for the other two nights. Disappointed, we left and decided to continue the youth rally at one of the villages. On the third night, we attempted to share the gospel like we had been doing, but distractions hindered us from being heard. Fights broke out among the youth, among married couples, and among parents and their children. Theft took place and all around us there was yelling and shrieking to the point where no one paid attention to the lesson we tried to bring. We ended up leaving, so that we could minister to people who wanted to hear the message we had to share. Many thoughts entered my head: “I can’t believe our time was wasted.” “I wanted to share the gospel with those kids.” “I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” “I can’t believe God would allow this to happen.” Then God knocked some sense into me that night.

Every thought that entered my head begin with the word “I.” I had been making the mission trip about me, when in reality I was there to serve God and minister to people for the sake of spreading HIS gospel. God taught us to wait patiently for Him. So that night we prayed, I asked for forgiveness and waited on the LORD. The next day was an incredible day of ministry as every person on the mission trip was united under one single purpose: to glorify God and let His name be spread among the nations.

Life is not about us. It’s so easy to get caught up in the distractions of this world, the temptations of the flesh, and the deceit of the devil. Don’t believe the father of lies when he tells you that it’s about you. God is in control and we are on this earth to glorify Him. And we can do that by proclaiming His name among the nations. The devil may be real, but God is real and much more powerful than the devil could ever hope to be.

2009 Romania Mission Testimony by Kathy Collins

2009-07-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

Romania was my first overseas missions trip. I went out of sheer obedience. I left the USA feeling like I had jumped off a cliff blindfolded with no idea whatsoever what I was doing or what I was getting myself into. My first lesson was that of obedience and faith. Trusting that God was in control and I was not to worry over details. The travel was exhausting. Our bodies were pushed to the limit and we had not even arrived yet! But in the 8 hr bus ride from Budapest to Cluj, Romania I fell in love with the country. It was beautiful. I saw God's hand of protection in action as we encountered Hungarian Police and crossed the Romanian border. I began to anticipate with excitement the many ways I would see God move during this trip. I began to sense that this trip was bigger than myself or this team. An urge to be used by God in whatever way He saw fit engulfed my entire being.

During the week I experienced worship in a way new and completely foreign to me. I experienced a worship service where voices were lifted in prayer and praise out-loud in both English and Romanian. Even though I could not understand what was being said I knew this: God was in that place. It was a humbling experience. I saw revival take place in a youth rally. I listened to a testimony given by a young man in his language and I was moved to tears. The Holy Spirit transcends language barriers. I had been nervous about interacting with many whose language I did not know. Again, I did not need to fear. These kids were starved for human touch and a love that is universal. We laughed, we played games, and told them that not only did we love them, but God loved them more than we did. We visited their villages and their homes. I saw poverty and despair. I saw living conditions that I could have not even imagined. I saw a people desperate for a hope they could believe in. God used our team in ways we had not anticipated. He put us in situations and places that allowed our talents to be used to bring the gospel to those who had been told they had no soul. They lived among a country that hated them. We brought the news of a God who loved them. The Holy Spirit transcended cultural barriers. Our God is mighty to save.

I stood on a hillside overlooking a village where the gospel had never been shared. My heart was broken. To imagine that the love I have through Jesus was not known to them brought me to my knees. All around me were wooden signs with Jesus on the Cross. They were at the entrance to every corn field and village. Turns out they are shrines to ward off evil spirits. These people did not know the Jesus on that cross. They did not know that He wasn't on that cross any longer. They did not know that He had purchased a place for them in heaven. They did not know that they could possess a Holy Spirit that was more powerful than any shrine built. How could they know? No one had told them. You must go. You must experience missions for yourself. You must be obedient to the command to go and share the gospel to the very ends of the earth. I don't know how God will choose to use you. It may be to impress upon your heart to give more generously to missions It may be a call to the mission field. He may open your eyes to the needs around you every day. But you owe it to yourself to go and see. Even if you do not understand now, go anyway, serve anyway, praise Him anyway.

I now understand more the scripture about how it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. We are rich. By Roma standards we are kings. We live in palaces. Our every need is met. We lack very little if any. Our richness has made us less desperate. We can walk into any church we please and worship God. Roma Gypsies cannot. We come to depend upon that which we have and depend less on God. It is an inconvenience to us to go without power or water. It is a lifestyle to them. We run through a drive-thru when we are hungry and throw out clothes they would clamor to wear.

The needs are great. There is 1 missionary to minister to 2.5 million gypsies. Let us use the riches that God has blessed us with to His glory and to enlarge His kingdom.

Luke 10: 2 "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to bring more workers into His fields. "

-Kathy Collins

Romania Mission Summary

2009-07-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

God is good. God answers prayer. God is mighty to save. God is powerful. God performs miracles. Our God is a great God. The members of the Romanian mission team saw God move, and they were able to experience God in all of these amazing attributes. The sick were healed, the lost were found, the hungry were fed, and God was glorified. It was a privilege to watch God move and be a part of God’s incredible work in a completely different area of the world.

While in Romania the mission team focused on working with the Roma/Gypsy people. The Roma are a rejected people group. Many Romanians believe that Roma do not have souls and therefore cannot receive salvation from the LORD. We, of course, know that all nations, tribes, and people groups alike are equal in God’s eyes. So the teams brought the good news of Jesus Christ into different Gypsy villages, and shared with them how they can know Christ on a personal and intimate level. God blessed the efforts of the team as many Gypsies came to Christ with the desire to participate in bible studies and to start a church. It was incredible to watch the Holy Spirit move in such a radical way.

This year, the mission teams in Romania participated in two daily ministries. In the afternoon, different teams went out to different rural villages and led VBS-like activities. They played games, sang songs, made crafts, but most importantly they read scripture and shared God’s word and its meaning to the people. The teams also went out in the evening (after dinner) and did a youth rally and home group bible studies in 4 different homes. These sites experienced some incredible God-moments as many received salvation and sought God.

There is nothing like going on an overseas mission trip. Those who went to Romania would be the first to tell you how great it is. If you have not gone, seriously pray about going on one soon. God will bless and provide for those who answer His call to go. And don’t forget to be mission-minded here as well. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:16. If we do not go and tell, who will?

2009-07-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hello from Romania!

God sure is moving in miraculous ways as we minister to the Roma people this week. I would like to ask you to specifically pray for a couple of things. Tonight, Parkway and three other churches teamed up and led a youth explosion/rally for close to 100 gypsies in a church in Mociu (Worship, testimonies, preaching) and teams taught Bible Stories in 4 overfilled homes in Balda, Romania where Orthodox priests do not allow Roma/Gypsy in their churches. Gypsies believe they cannot know God. Your Parkway team has told/will continue to tell them they can, and are giving them opportunities to know God. Keep these sites in your prayers this week as we continue to minister.

Those are the evening venues. As for the afternoon venues, we start those tomorrow in four villages: Tagu, Balda, Naiou, and Sambolie. Pray for these sites as well.

Also, there is a young man from one of the other churches who has strep throat this week. He is quarantined and it has not affected any other member of the trip, but pray that God would heal him quickly, and that he wouldn't be discouraged in the midst of this trial. His name is Josh Darrow.

Thank you all for your prayers! God has already answered many of your prayers. We miss you dearly, but are enjoying this magnificent opportunity we have to minister to this hated people group.

God bless!

2009-07-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Watch this sermon by Dr. David Platt at the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention. It will move you to action and gives a plea for Christians to obey the commands of God to meet the spiritual needs of the 4.5 billion lost people and meet the physical needs of the 16,000 children who die each day from starvation. Here is the link: http://viewers.316networks.com/viewer/viewerframes_parent.asp?b=&p=&WMP=1&WMPv=7&RPIE=1&sp=&networkID=3002236&gid=0&MsoID=3000005&CategoryID=1002208&rnd=705&odcid=6401101

2009 Philippines Mission Post by Ben Cornatzer

2009-05-15T20:37:00.001-07:00

It was early Sunday morning, my first day in Maria Aurora. I woke up early and went for a walk to explore my home for the next week. When I turned the corner to the front of the church building, I met Jerold.

Jerold was silk screening T-shirts for the sports camp that would start on Tuesday morning in Dilasag. He was finishing the last of them. Each shirt required at least four passes. 3 on the front side.
1 on the back. I know, because I designed them. And Jerold printed them all, something like 300 shirts in all. In the US we have machines to print our shirts. It never occurred to me that someone would be printing them by hand. I had used the same method with limited success in college and lacked the patience to master the skill. Jerold executed the printing with precision. I was very impressed and humbled. Jerold is 17 and a skilled artisan. (Later that day I saw the professional-looking banner he painted for the camp.)

Not only was I impressed and humbled, I was also inspired by Jerold.
I was up early because I hadn't adjusted to my new time zone. Jerold was up early to serve the Lord.

That same morning before church I met another saint. She introduced herself as sister Naneth. We talked briefly and I went on my way.

At lunchtime, it was sister Naneth and a crew of other women from the church that I saw preparing our meals. These dear ladies graciously cooked, served and cleaned up after our meals the entire time we were in Aurora. And the food they prepared was incredible. I learned 2 important words in Tagalog that week. Salamat—thank you; and masarap— delicious.

But the serving didn't stop there. The pastors, the praise team and other saints served wherever and whenever needed.

Jesus said, "the greatest among you shall be your servant." I spent a week with some truly great people devoted to Jesus living out his commandment to love one another as He loved us.

We left Maria Aurora the following Sunday. Although I was looking forward to coming home, it was hard leaving my new family in the Philippines. Our friendships were just getting started and it was time to say good bye. After a week of serving the Lord as one team, our hearts were joined together in Christ.

My prayer for the churches in Aurora is that they will continue to grow in their knowledge of Christ and in their love for each other; that many will come to Christ throughout the region; and that God would give them a heart for the lost beyond Aurora.

Missions Benefit Concert

2009-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Come out on Saturday, June 6 at 6:00pm to hear some Bluegrass music by the group Code Blue. Jonathan and Derek are going to open for them, so don’t miss out! Tickets are $5 each. You can buy tickets at the Missions table or through a Romania or Bangladesh missions team member or you can email Derek Futrell at dfutrell@parkwayfamily.org or Sarah DeJarnette at SDeJarnette@imb.org. Food and Childcare will be provided.

Great Commission Resurgance

2009-05-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

Take the time to watch this sermon by Dr. Akin, President of a major Southern Baptist Seminary (Southeastern Baptist Theol. Seminary, NC). Pay attention to how we advance the gospel through the world through our children!
http://www.greatcommissionresurgence.com/media/

Video on Demographics

2009-05-07T12:29:00.001-07:00

Check out this link about Demographics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3X5hIFXYU

May this video encourage us to persevere. In a changing world, there is only one God who does not change. And He is Mighty to save!

"Slumdog"

2009-05-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!

Check out the link below.

http://www.go2southasia.org/slumdog.html

"Slumdog" world...
They'd do anything to get out. His dream was to get in. Watch the true story of a man who dreamed about a shack by the sewer, and then moved into one.

Missions at Parkway

2009-05-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Parkway Missions Blogspot! Visit this page to stay updated on all of the information concerning missions.

As we gear up for summer, we are currently prepping for four summer mission trips:

M-Fuge, July 6-11 - This is our annual student mission trip. This year, almost 100 adults and students will be venturing to South Carolina for a week of serving Christ through five different venues... PCY (Painting, Construction and Yarkwork), Creative (Using talents such as singing and drama to spread the gospel), Children's (Working with kids in parks and doing VBS-like activities), Games and Recreation (Meeting people of all ages through means of recreation), and Social (Street Evangelism, Food Banks, Nursing Homes, etc.).

Romania, July 18-25 - Starting last year, our church has been involved in helping out the missionary, Daniel Byrd, with his ministry to the Roma people who live around the city of Cluj. We will be going to various villages evangelizing to the Gyspy/Roma people, giving out food and clothes, and leading a youth rally at the local church.

Colorado, July 25-31 - We are working with the local ministry reaching out to the people in the city. We will be teaming up with Gensis Church to share the gospel with people of our own nation who do not know the Lord.

Bangladesh, July 23-Aug. 3 - As a place that worships many gods and idols, many people in this area of the world have not even heard the name of Jesus. We will be working with a missionary familiy (Denny & Lisa C.) and helping them spread the good news of salvation through Christ.

We are excited to be a part of God's magnificent work around the world, and to be included in the expansion of his kingdom. Please keep these trips, and the people who are serving on them, in your prayers, and pray specifically that God would continue to radically save people who have not yet made a commitment to Him.

Until the Savior's return!