It was a joy to receive some of our international family at the Family Church Conference 2010. I was particularly glad that we could have a special event for these special people on Friday after the conference. This year we arranged for about thirty of our missionaries and international leadership to stay overnight at Bridle Creek Ranch just outside of Tulsa. Besides a taste of cowboy country, the participants were treated to an overnight stay in the rustic cabins, three delicious meals, practical instructions on partnership development in the morning, and an inspirational service at night. You helped to make this event happen for these ambassadors. I am so pleased that you, our Mission Partner, were able to bless them in a manner worthy of the work they do for the kingdom. Thank you!
I lead this month with a good report
from Europe. FCF International held its annual European conference in
Schwäbisch-Gmund, Germany, just a few weeks ago. FCF ministers came
from all over Europe. Romania, Ireland, Hungary, Switzerland, Holland,
and Turkey were some of the countries represented. Each of the
Relational
Representatives in Europe shared a word around the theme, “Glory in
the House.” I have heard good reports and praise to God for the ministry
that took place. Special thanks to Rev. Tony Sheard for coordinating
the team effort.
Let me introduce you to Pastor Oleg Kunin of Tula Christian Center in Russia. I first met Pastor Kunin in the early 90s, just after the Communist ideology came apart in Eastern Europe. He was my interpreter for a series of meetings that I did in the city of Tula (one hour south of Moscow). He wasn’t a pastor then. Today Oleg leads a dynamic missional church from this city of half a million, best known as the home of the Russian author Leo Tolstoy. Oleg also oversees six churches in the Moscow region, which are part of a larger network of churches throughout Russia. All of these churches have a great heart for reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Spring is in the air in Tulsa, and mission is always in the air here at FCF International.
Earlier this month, we sent Rev. Chuck Coggins with his wife, Connie, to Chennai, India, to minister at our Leadership Summit. This is the first meeting we have had for pastors in this region for many years. Fifty pastors and their wives attended the conference. Chuck shared with leaders that “Our God is Able” and also taught about the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
I want to begin this report by offering sincere gratitude on behalf of the FCF International staff and our ministry family in Haiti for all who have contributed to the relief of the earthquake victims. As you know, this catastrophe devastated this island nation, leaving many lives lost and the capital city of Port-au-Prince in ruins. FCF ministers, Jerry and Sonja Dickherber were present on the island of La Gonâve (approximately 45 miles off the west coast of the main island) at the time of the quake.
A very blessed and the best New Year to you! God measures time not by months and years but by the fulfillment of His purposes in the earth. We in FCF are consumed with His primary purpose—taking the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Because of you we have seen good success in 2009 and have good momentum going into the new year.
Last year you helped us to sponsor more than twenty Leadership Summits around the world and send more than thirty FCF ministers as speakers at these meetings. That is a significant increase from the previous year. Congratulations! We are raising the bar higher for 2010.
People often ask me if I like to travel. My answer is always the same. “No, I don’t like to travel, but I love to be sent.” What a difference! Being sent is to have a specific assignment, a divine appointment on the other side wherever that may be.
I just returned from a “sending” to Hermosillo, Mexico, where we conducted a three-day mission conference at Redimidos Inglesia (Redeemed Church). This congregation of nearly 3,000 persons represents great resources and opportunities to reach Mexico, Latin America, and the world. My assignment was to motivate, mobilize and release these people resources from the church into the world. We had an amazing time!
During October, my wife Gail and I spent four weeks in Europe
traveling and ministering.
In Sicily, Italy, Gail met with a new FCF pastor. A single woman and
a native of Venezuela, Sharlin Decorato was sent to Italy several years ago to
plant a church in obedience to God. Without the support of her denomination,
and facing adversity from the religious community in Italy, she has persevered
and built a solid full Gospel church. She heard about FCF through a friend in Venezuela
and connected with the FCF family in England where she was ordained in October.
I appreciate the wonderful diversity we have in our family and the inclusion of
different ethnicities, genders, and generations.
In 2009 FCF Int’l presented nine opportunities forshort-term mission teams. Four churches jumped on board and sent teams.For 2010 we have selected twelve opportunities for your consideration.We are publishing this information now so you have plenty of time toprepare. The summer dates were chosen specifically with youth in mind.However, the only age restriction for any team is 15 years of age andolder.
Pray about jumping on the mission’s wave of the Spirit. Send a group toexperience another culture and be a blessing at the same time. Ashort-term mission is guaranteed to change the lives and churches ofthose who go in a big way. Contact us immediately if you desire toorganize and send a team. We will walk you through to a successfulmission.
I’m writing to you from Germany in a rare moment of reprieve from
ministry and travel. Gail and I started out for Europe together on September
24. We landed in London where she proceeded onto Sicily and Italy and I went to
Poland and Norway. At each place we have walked through doors that represent
new opportunities for FCF International and have great potential for future
ministry.
Let me share some good reports from our recent activities together as
partners.
AFRICA
We sent Pastor Garfield Deans from Jamaica to minister in several African
nations. He wrote the following about his time in the nation of Zimbabwe:
“I spoke in many other meetings in
Zimbabwe to include pastors/leaders meetings, other church services and even a
ladies meeting. We did not leave the people of Zimbabwe the same way we found
them. There is a new enthusiasm about the things of God.”
Fulfillment is a by-product of following your passion. FCF
is passionate about reaching the world for Jesus. That’s why we have always
cultivated a sending culture throughout our family. Right now we are in the
midst of a sending season, and it’s exciting. You are helping us send people on
divine assignments and to divine appointments around the world.
Our particular passion in FCF Int’l is helping ministers of
the Gospel to fulfill their vision and call. I have just returned from South
America where we ministered to ministers in Chile and Peru during a two-week
period. Many wonderful things happened in these meetings. One of the most
encouraging signs I see in both countries is momentum in church planting. We
laid hands on several couples who have recently started or are preparing to
start new churches. New church plants almost always signal life and
fruitfulness in an organization. I was joined in Peru by my wife, Gail, and
Pastor Scott and Claudia Ross (Massachusetts). We ministered for four days on
the Gospel and grace. The Lord demonstrated both in a powerful way during the services.
I trust you are enjoying your summer months; hopefully taking some time away from the daily grind and having quality time with your loved ones. Some in our FCF family have taken a “vacation with a purpose” this month to share the Gospel cross-culturally.
FCF of Mattoon, Illinois sent a short-term mission team to El Salvador to assist our precious sister, Virginia Velasquez. Virginia leads Nehemiah Foundation which is a multi-faceted ministry to the impoverished families of Santa Ana. The team was trained in clowning ministry that they used to reach children. They reported salvations among the children, and fifteen adults were filled with the Holy Spirit. The team returned with a greater passion for ministry and the feeling that they had received the greater blessing from the people they went to serve.
Last month FCF ministers Tony Sheard (England) and Barry Cunningham (Ireland) traveled to Russia and held a ministers’ meeting for about 50 pastors and church leaders. The meetings took place at a Catholic Retreat Centre just outside Moscow. Tony and Barry ministered for three days on “The Presence and Power of God.” Tony reports:
“All the sessions were well received, and people responded deeply to the move of God in their lives as they received from the heart of God. Even though all the sessions had to be translated, there was no barrier in the Spirit. Many were prayed for and encouraged in their daily walk with God. Russia is not an easy place to be a Christian, and these precious people enjoyed the time apart to worship, pray, hear the Word of God and fellowship together in a tranquil setting, so different to their everyday experience.”
There remains an open door with the network of pastors who attended the Russia conference. It blesses me to see competent members of our family of ministers using their gifts to help others in ministry. You helped by sponsoring this meeting financially.
Malaysia and Thailand
In June our Asian Director, Terry Phillips, traveled to Malaysia and spoke with a group of independent pastors. This group of pastors and workers from Malaysia and Thailand had heard about FCF from a missionary who is part of this group. Since they wanted to learn more about us, they invited Terry to speak at their gathering.
Terry was very excited about this opportunity because this group is involved in services that reach out to their communities, as well as church planting. They have orphanages in Malaysia and Thailand. This was the first open door for Terry to speak about FCF to ministers from all over Thailand where church planting is difficult because churches must be officially recognized by the government.
Family Church
Conference 2009
It was good to have many FCF missionaries and national ministers in Tulsa for the conference. Our family came from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. As usual, we received anointed, relevant messages and enjoyed the fellowship with one another. Friday following conference is reserved just to minister to our international guests. They received practical instruction and inspirational words from our Canadian Directors, Bill and Duska Annis. Thanks, again, to you our partners for making this event a success.
Cuba
This month a team from the FCF church Montego Bay, Jamaica will travel to Cuba for ministry. The church has returned to Cuba consistently for years and has developed valuable opportunities in this restricted-access nation.
What is not known publically is that the Word of God is increasing greatly in Cuba. You may remember that we reported the influence that FCF Canada has there as well. The Lord is using every part of His Body to reach the world.
Future Ministry
We have a full slate of ministry activity beginning with three short-term teams traveling to Central America in the next several weeks. There are consecutive ministers’ meetings happening from August through December. I am asking that you hold these opportunities up in prayer. (See schedule on right.) Our prayers, together, will ensure success.
Thank you for your continued support. I want you to know that your participation is making a difference.
Bob Buse
International Director
Please pray for. . .
Short-term Teams
July 19-26 to Guatemala City
July 30- August 6 to El Salvador
August 8-14 to El Salvador
Ministers’ Meetings
August 21-22 in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic
August 29 in Antofagasta, Chile
August 26-28 in Ruiru, Kenya
September 1-3 in Johannesburg, South Africa
September 3-5 in Accra, Ghana
September 3-5 in Tarma, Peru
September 7-9 in Togo, Eastern Africa
September 26 in Krakow, Poland
October 12-15 in Lincoln, England
October 29-30 in Montego Bay, Jamaica
November in Katmandu, Nepal
December 16-18 in Guwahati, India
June Update
Greetings world changer!
Those of us with a Christian worldview understand that peace, prosperity, and physical relief don’t ultimately come through diplomacy, legislation, or coalitions of nations. These heavenly blessings only come through hearts that are changed with the Gospel message. This is why God’s Mission is our #1 priority. Thank you for being partners with FCF International in this great assignment.
Last month we made a significant investment which produced wonderful results from a Leadership Summit that we sponsored in Tarma, Peru. This meeting was unlike others that we have done around the world for ministers in that it was open to secular leaders in their field. Chuck Coggins, who serves as Director of International Development for FCF’s sister humanitarian organization, HELPS, traveled to Tarma with his wife Connie.
Chuck reports, "In attendance were many prominent business people and professionals including; teachers, doctors, nurses, government officials, lawyers, NGO leaders, pastors and even the sixth grade class of one of the local schools. HELPS prepared a leadership workbook and a certificate of completion for those in attendance.
The last day of the summit Mayor Luis Morales took the podium and spoke very favorably of the HELPS organization and presented an official document acknowledging the good contribution the conference has made to his city and the people of Tarma. He also awarded a gold medallion as a symbol of their great appreciation and a large bouquet of flowers."
The Coggins also ministered at several church services and a city wide event which brought five churches together. God has given us an open door in Peru through our precious brother and Relational Representative, Omar Oscanoa. Thank you for helping us to send Chuck and making this meeting a success.
This week we have also helped to send FCF Representative in England, Tony Sheard, and with him, FCF Pastor Barry Cunningham from Ireland to Tula, Russia. There they will conduct a week of meetings for a network of churches, Global Strategy Christian Association, in the Moscow region. This is the first opportunity we have to impact this huge nation and its spiritual leaders. I am confident that our prayers and giving will create a great impact there.
This past month we have made a large investment in airfares for upcoming meetings in South and Central America, Europe and Africa. Sending is a significant part of our Mission Strategy and Campaign budget. We are helping several FCF pastors get to different parts of the world to train ministers. Be excited with us. Every leader we help is multiplied exponentially because of their influence with others. We are sponsoring fourteen different Ministers Meetings around the world in the next six months. Let’s trust God together for lasting fruit.
To profile just one we are sending together: Pastor Garfield Deans pastors a successful church in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Garfield came know Christ, was discipled and mentored for leadership under the ministry of Rev. Randy Hansen, apostle to Jamaica in the 1980’s and 90’s. Years ago he did a ministry internship in Botswana with Rev. Enock Sitima. Garfield will return to Africa in August for four weeks to train leaders in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It’s exciting to me to see how people are established as believers and developed for ministry within the family of FCF, only to be released to be a blessing to the family down the road. You are making these testimonies possible.
Thank you again!
Bob Buse
International Director
May Update
I’m writing this month flying
high somewhere over the Midwest states on my way home from four weeks
on the East Coast. After many meetings with individuals and churches
in nine states, I’m ready to be home for a week before heading out
again. The travel and ministry in stateside churches is a valuable part
of our FCF International strategy as we impart a world vision. I want
to thank you for making it possible for me to go and make this valuable
investment into lives.
We continue our advance overseas.
This first part of May we are sending FCF minister Chuck Coggins and
his wife Connie to Peru where they will conduct a three-day meeting
for church and secular leaders in the city of Tarma. This is a significant
opportunity because Tarma’s mayor and other important dignitaries
and businessmen will take part. The Lord has given us great favor in
this area of Peru through our Relational Representative Omar Oscanao.
We are building on the success of last year’s pastorss conference
by initiating a medical clinic to service the region. This work will
be carried on by the humanitarian arm of FCF – HELPS International.
This month we also send a student
from Oral Roberts University to Cebu City, Philippines. Evan Hermann,
a fourth-year student studying to be a pastor, will serve as an intern
for ten weeks this summer with FCF pastor and Relational Representative
Dutch Manzano. Evan will also be involved with several new church plants
on the island of Mindanao. FCF is providing internship opportunities
for young people who have a call of God upon their lives. This is some
of the best hands-on preparation they can receive.
Together we contributed an
additional $5,000 to the Father’s House Church facility in Ruiru,
Kenya. We are half way through our commitment to this project. This
congregation is growing weekly, and so is their influence. The church
just hosted a second ministers’ meeting since last September. They
also run a Ministers Training Center throughout the year. So, we are
making a valuable investment in people and in the progress of the Gospel.
One last good report to share:
Earlier this year I visited with a couple in the Dominican Republic
who expressed a desire to start a church for Hispanics in the New York
Metropolitan area. I invited the husband, Antonio, to attend the FCF
East Coast Regional Meeting in Maryland in April. At the meeting Antonio
connected with many in our FCF family who desire to help him plant the
church. One FCF minister in New Jersey, who pastors in a city heavily
populated by Hispanics, has graciously offered the use of his facility
for the new work. It blesses me to see our FCF family step up and lend
a helping hand to plant a new church.
I appreciate the sacrifices
that people make to obey God in their lives! Antonio and his wife Emnia
are leaving their native land, family and friends to start over –
all for the sake of the Gospel. Your sacrifice in giving and prayer
is making these testimonies possible. We will never take for granted
your generosity and faithfulness. God blesses you in your labor of love.
Ever advancing in and through
Jesus Christ,
Bob Buse
April Update
CHINA
Each month faithful mission partners
help us to send finances to China that assists a humanitarian aid ministry.
Recently your support has made it possible to provide backpacks to poor
school children, food and medicines to the elderly at an Old Age House,
and lip and palate repair surgery for a four year old child named Li.
Here is a part of Little Li’s story.
“The Li family only has 0.33 acres of farmland on which
to plant corn and wheat… in hopes of earning enough money to buy food
for the year. However, when this hope cannot be realized, they have
to borrow money… so that ends will meet. [The family] live in a tiny
one room tile-roofed home where there are no electrical appliances or
good furniture. They have one light bulb dangling from a cord in the
middle of the living room which provides only a small amount of light
at night.”
The Li family was heavily indebted
because of repairs to their tattered house and unanticipated medical
expenses.
“In September, 2008, [our worker]
happened upon this village family and learned of Little Li, now 4 years
old. [He] explained our program to them and they followed through on
the requirements by taking her to the Dental Hospital for an examination
and family interview. Her surgery was successful.”
SERBIA
Last month we made good on a Faith
Promise to provide relief and a sound system for an FCF church in Serbia.
Our Relational Representative from Lincoln, England, Peter Ronald, traveled
to Hungary to be with the FCF family there. Two trucks filled with the
electronic equipment and clothing arrived with a team from an FCF church
in Prenzlau, Germany. Together the entourage left for Serbia where they
distributed the goods to the churches and ministered by the Holy Ghost
to the saints. This was another great example of how our family is working
together to bring blessing and hope.
KENYA
We are also following through on another
Campaign Project that we announced to the family last June. A second
installment of $5,000 was sent to Father’s House Church in Ruiru,
Kenya, for the large tent where they have church services. Construction
on a permanent facility has begun. We need only $10,000 more to purchase
this tent.
PERU
Omar Oscanoa in Peru reports that
the FCF church in Tarma is preparing to purchase a desperately needed
church facility in the center of town. This is a great opportunity for
Ebenezer church that has been meeting in cramped quarters for months.
Together, we were able to send $6,000 towards the down payment on the
building, which is 10% of what the congregation is raising to secure
the purchase. Next month we are sending FCF minister Chuck Coggins and
his wife to Tarma to conduct a three-day leadership meeting for businessmen,
politicians, and church leaders of the community.
The Gospel is free, but it costs to
deliver it to people. From one little girl in a Chinese village to a
large church congregation in the Andes of Peru, we are making a difference
in lives. We are so grateful to God for His faithfulness, and for yours
also, which makes it possible for us to reach the world for Jesus.
Receive every blessing of the generous
giver into your life.
Bob Buse
March 2009
Rejoice and be glad! In these difficult
and uncertain times we have opportunities to trust our God and see His
faithfulness.
I am reminded of the church in Thessalonica,
which the Apostle Paul held up as a model. In the midst of a “great
trial of affliction… [and] deep poverty (2 Cor.8),” they were outward
in their attitude and liberal in their giving. The testimony of this
church was their faith that was spread throughout the entire region
of what is today Greece, Albania, and modern Macedonia.
They simply would not allow anything
to stand in the way of their mission to preach the Gospel.
We are of this same conviction. And
thanks to your help we continue to reach and help people around the
globe.
In February we sent Pastor Jim McGaffin
to Nigeria for the second consecutive year to speak at a gathering of
FCF ministers there. Approximately 100 pastors were in attendance. Our
Relational Representative, Pastor Mon Igbinosa, hosted the meeting in
Benin City, along with our good friend Bishop Felix Omobude. Jim spoke
to the pastors about getting “God’s super involved in your natural.”
He reported that the times of relationship building with the ministers
was especially rewarding.
Jim went on to Malawi to visit and
work side-by-side with FCF Missionaries Jeff and Karin Rogers who are
involved with community development projects in the most rural areas.
Rev. Lonnie Hilton and I just returned
from Central America where we ministered to pastors in Guatemala and
Nicaragua. Although these pastors often work among the poorest of the
poor, they say that their greatest need is training and relationships.
We may not possess great financial resources, but we can and do offer
things they need the most.
In both countries the FCF ministers
are meetings regularly and cooperating in various ministry projects.
An example of this is La Iglesia Dios Es Bueno (God is Good church)
and Pastor Juan Carlos Eguizabal who are part of the FCF family. Each
December the church sends teams to evangelize and strengthen churches
in the remote areas of the country. This past December a large team
visited a region where there are three smaller FCF churches. They conducted
open air meetings and special activities for children and youth. La
Iglesia Dios Es Bueno celebrated their fourth anniversary while we were
with them. It’s no wonder that they have increased to more than 1000
worshippers each Sunday. They are a model mission church in Guatemala.
FCF minister D.K. Limbu in Nepal shared
this testimony with us last month, “We have traveled to West Nepal
mountainous area where we have started church last year. That church
[is] now growing very fast reaching other villages. They are going to
open 4 new fellowships in new villages. Two students are studying in
our Bible school and are ready to minister in their areas.” D.K. pastors
New Life Gospel Church in Kathmandu, another model mission church.
Thank you for helping us to stay on
the offense in building the Kingdom of God. We refuse to allow the circumstances
of the world around us to interfere with our #1 assignment – Reaching
the World for Jesus Christ. And we are doing it together!
February Update
February Update
By Bob Buse International Director
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matt 9:35
Directed by His mission to seek and save the lost and motivated by compassion, Jesus was a man in motion. He didn’t wait for people to come to Him – He went out among them. It blesses me to hear reports that members of our FCF family are reaching beyond the walls of their churches. These people are deliberately and strategically reaching cities and villages where the light of the Gospel is dim.
We reported to you last month on a “front line” ministry that we support monthly in Assam State, India. Balie Kirha pastors a church in Guwahati and oversees Harvest Bible Training Center. Just a few weeks ago Balie held a Gospel crusade in the remote area of Sikkim. He reports, “We had the crusade in the hill state of Sikkim where people groups of Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutias make up the population. Their religions are predominantly Hinduism and Buddhism. [The crusade was held in a] a small town with dozens of small villages surrounding it within a radius of 10 miles. It was initiated and organized by one of our graduates (working there as a school teacher) with a small and the only church of about 30 people. After the meetings, a few missionaries serving in the vicinity came and thanked us for "paving the way" for them. The first night we didn't [see] anyone respond to the alter call, [We were told] how we shouldn't expect any [response] since it's just ‘not their culture.’ We heard later from some believers how there were people sitting beside them… in tears but still wouldn't move from their seats, and neighbors telling them how they wanted to go up but were just too timid. But the following nights, it was like someone opened the flood gates. We ended up praying for hundreds of them.”
FCF Relational Representative in Cebu City, Philippines, describes a recent mission he took to a remote area. “I [went] to Lapaz Agusan del Sur for a 5-day visit to our newly supported FCF mission work. FCF pastors here in Cebu City [have] started to give support to 3 new tribal Pastors last October.The place is quite hard because the whole Barangay is floating including the church. The people there have no stable income, and it’s really a difficult place to live. Yet, there is a pastor living there to bring the message of salvation, hope.”
Doesn’t it bless your heart to hear that our FCF family, laboring in a difficult area themselves, is passionate about reaching unreached areas?We are privileged to be partners with these dedicated servants of God!
In January I traveled to the Dominican Republic. It was a privilege to minister at a couple of FCF churches in the capital city, Santo Domingo. There were two days of wonderful ministry to men, and we had some great church services. I also visited an elementary school pioneered by FCF ministers in the City of Monte Cristi on the north end of the island.
A highlight of this trip was traveling in the back of a pickup to deliver bananas to 26 people infected with HIV in a small village in the north of the island. Of course, we prayed and spoke the Word at each place we went. It is in those instances that I feel most identified with Jesus and His itinerant ministry in “all the cities and villages.”
Because of your financial support, last month we were able to send $4000 to our Regional Office in Europe to purchase sound equipment for a new church plant in Senta, Serbia. A team of people from Agape Faith Church in Prenzlau will travel in March to deliver the goods. In our Mission Campaign this year our goal is to raise $10,000 for this equipment and additional funds for humanitarian relief for the poor people in this region.
Please remain in faith with us to complete our Mission Campaign for this year. Our financial goal is $250,000. Thus far we have received $83,600. There are many who have made a Faith Promise towards our Campaign goal. I want you to know that we are trusting God with you for the seed to sow. When you make God’s mission to the world your priority, you can be assured that He is involved in the things that are important to you.
We are grateful for your love and support. May all grace abound to you in Jesus’ Name.
FCF Int’l offers four short-term missions trips next summer for youth and adults. Each team will work with FCF Missionaries, Jorge and Jennifer Galvan [Passion for Your Nation] in children’s crusades and church ministry. Team members will be trained in Clown School which prepares you to use clowning as a tool to reach children with the Gospel. Plan to take a team from your church or hook up with another church.
Team Profiles