No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith
PORT VILA, VANUATU — The journey begins 1,200 miles —…
Around the World: Teen moms ‘will always have Jesus,’ filling big needs in small churches and more quick takes
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Around the World is our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ all over the globe. Got an idea for this column? Email Erik Tryggestad at [email protected].
Featured image (above): Jauna Reeger hugs a newly baptized sister in Christ at Hacienda of Hope in Tabacundo, Ecuador.
Jauna Reeger hugs a newly baptized sister in Christ at Hacienda of Hope in Tabacundo, Ecuador.
The ministry, associated with Churches of Christ, launched in 2002 to provide for children who need a safe place to call home.
The Hacienda also offers education and spiritual formation to at-risk children. Recently, two teenage mothers served by the ministry decided to give their lives to Christ in baptism.
“These girls affirmed that they know that, wherever they are, they will always have Jesus with them now — and someone to help guide them as mothers to their daughters,” the ministry posted to social media.
Reeger and her husband, Justin, work with Hacienda of Hope. See haciendaofhope.org.
SPOTLIGHT
PARIKA, Guyana — Churches of Christ meet on both sides of the mighty Essequibo River in this South American nation. Getting between them requires a big, slow-moving ferry or a small, fast-moving boat.
They’re usually fast, anyway. The one Brian Hall was riding in had engine failure mid-journey.
“We drifted awhile … until a replacement boat pulled up beside us,” said Hall, director of Go Teach the Word Missions, who accompanied a team from Spring Hill, Tenn., led by Chris Keiffer.
As the passengers switched boats, the vessels “bobbed up and down and slammed into each other,” Hall said. He wondered how Peter felt as he attempted to walk on water in Matthew 14.
Moses Budhai
The team worked with Guyanese ministers at four congregations, including 22-year-old Moses Budhai, preacher for the Parika Church of Christ and a graduate of Good Hope Bible School in Guyana.
Hall makes visits to Guyana with ministries including Amerindian Missions and Guyana Christian Medical Missions. Hall’s ministry provides Guyanese churches with song books, class curriculum, workbooks, reading glasses, communion supplies and more.
“I feel a big need to help the small village congregations that do not have electricity, internet,” he said. Go Teach the Word provides materials for 81 congregations across Guyana plus three Bible schools and Hope Children’s Home.
WEBSITE: goteachtheword.org
AUSTRALIA
MELBOURNE — After a five-year hiatus, due mainly to pandemic restrictions and concerns, the fourth Asia-Pacific Elders, Deacons and Spouses (APEDS) forum brought 109 participants to Melbourne for fellowship, instruction, singing and prayer.
Attendees came from 27 congregations in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and the U.S. The Belmore Road Church of Christ hosted the event.
“It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many godly men and women from around Australia, New Zealand and Asia,” Kate Jennings, a member of the Canberra Church of Christ in Australia, told InterSections magazine. “The whole experience was incredibly refreshing and nourishing and also gave me so much encouragement about the future of the Lord’s church.”
Related: No phones allowed, but machetes OK: Global program aims to build teens’ faith
Justin Dauner
FRANCE
LYON — Justin Dauner returned to the city where he was born to preach for the Lyon Church of Christ during a recent open house event. Dauner, the son of missionaries Max and Prisca Dauner, and his wife, Alicia, serve as part of mission team in Marseille, France. Sixteen visitors attended the open house, said Lyon missionary Arlin Hendrix.
MONGOLIA
ULAANBAATAR — As a result of depression, alcoholism and a traditionally nomadic lifestyle, many children in this Asian nation grow up without stable, loving families, said Dale Taylor, executive director of Agape Asia. Some youths turn to crime and are incarcerated.
Agape Asia, a nonprofit supported by Churches of Christ, has served more than 100 children in Mongolia through its work in a correctional facility and through sponsorship of children in family-based care.
Recently, two visitors from Lipscomb University encountered a young man who had been served by the ministry while he was in prison.
“He expressed his gratitude for the support and encouragement he received during his darkest moments,” Taylor said. “With Agape’s assistance, he gained the confidence and strength to pursue his studies and successfully gained admission to a university.” The ministry helped to pay for his first year of studies. See agapeasia.org.
MALAWI
SALIMA — As they learn to sow gospel seeds in this southern African nation, preachers also learn to sew fabric. The Malawi International Bible Institute, which trains evangelists for Churches of Christ, recently launched training initiatives in tailoring and computer repair.
Across Africa, congregations struggle to support their ministers, so many preachers must work secular jobs — sometimes on Sundays, said Jim Dillinger, a member of the institute’s board. With vocational training, preachers “can go into business and set their own hours,” he said.
The school plans to send its students on evangelistic campaigns in April and throughout the summer months.
