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In This Issue

GODSIGHTINGS TELL YOUR STORY

When families gather, it is stories of the past and present celebrated together in laughter and tears that unify their hearts. GodSightings are the evidence of God's hand in action touching our lives. The goal of the GodSightings campaign is to unify the hearts of the EFCA family! Gather. Share. Celebrate God's handiwork across the EFCA! Email stories to Godsightings@efca.org (Please attach related pictures whenever available, and be sure to advise if the story should be communicated anonymously.)

There are places faithful EFCA servants are at work, where names cannot be shared due to risks encountered for the ministry and in certain situations, the people. In one such place where a Bible school is operating, there are five staff members. Given recent policy and governmental changes, the staff has been told that once they leave the country they will not be allowed back. Yet, the Bible school is thriving. Even though it is under government scrutiny, local leaders are rising to fill the potential gap. Recently, two staff members had to leave the country given a medical situation--not knowing if they would be allowed to return. What is the GodSighting? For reasons only we understand (and celebrate), both were allowed entrance back into this location. What is the blessing beyond this story? Another GodSighting - attempting to plan a trip to teach at the Bible school, another EFCA pastor applied for a visa not knowing if it would be approved. Prayers were answered. The visa was granted which is especially surprising during these changing times in this country. God's provision--another GodSighting.

EFCA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE REGISTRATION REMINDER

Don't miss out on the early bird discount registration fee.  On June 5 the registration fee goes from $185 to $200.  Great discounts on groups of three or more attending from one church and first time attendees.  Register today at http://www.bthetree.org. If you haven't previewed the conference DVD sent out in early April, it is a short glimpse of the conference theme that works great during the announcement time in your church service. 
 
EFCA Night at the Dome
Come to Minneapolis a day early and take advantage of the Minnesota Twins baseball game at the MetroDome.  Elim Care is sponsoring a free BBQ before the game.  Check out more details at http://www.bthetree.org 

GATEWAY THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

Urban and Intercultural Mission is partnering with the Board of Ministerial Standing and the Ministerial Association to launch a new initiative to help ethnic leaders gain greater biblical training, and provide a "gateway" to credentialing and ministry within the EFCA. This new initiative is called GATEWAY Theological Institute. GATEWAY will offer language-specific, practical, and accessible theological training for pastors and lay leaders, equipping them for effective ministry in their current contexts. It is designed for leaders who have a need for theological and pastoral training, but lack the time and resources to access traditional seminary education.  Look for more information about GATEWAY at the EFCA Leadership Conference.

MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON - GET CONNECTED

Thursday - June 28 (at the EFCA Leadership Conference)
Ministerial Association members will vote during the luncheon to establish an "Associate Membership."  The change recognizes the increasing number of individuals serving EFCA churches in a variety of pastoral roles who would like to be identified with the association, but cannot because they do not hold EFCA ministerial credentials.  The announcement of an exciting opportunity for members will be made by board member Alex Mandez.  For more information about the new level of membership, nominees for the Board of the Ministerial Association, and "Get Connected - Keep Growing - Take a Break - Address It Now" materials, go to the Pastoral Care Ministries page at http://www.efca.org/pastoralcare.  The book, For God's Sake, Rest by James Anderson will be given to all in attendance at the luncheon.

URBAN AND INTERCULTURAL MISSION MUST-READ

Being White: Finding Our Place in a Multiethnic World, by Paula Harris and Doug Schaupp
This is a book, quite honestly, written for white people. It's for those of us "white folks" who don't think much about race, feel ambivalent about our own identity, and sometimes get frustrated when a friend of another ethnicity shakes his head and tells us, "You just don't get it because you're white." From real-life stories, life-transforming insights, biblical study, and practical guidance, this book presents a Christian model of what it means to be white. The authors wrestle honestly with the history of the majority culture's abuse of power, but they also help the white reader understand that they have a unique cultural and ethnic identity with distinctive traits and contributions. When white people understand themselves better, they see the key role they play in the work of racial reconciliation and how they can forge a more just society. This book provides a road map for us as we continue on the journey of finding our place in a multiethnic world.
- Review by Dan Reeve, director of Urban Ministries

To order this book from NextStep Resources, go to http://www.nsresources.com

VISION TRIP TO LIBERIA

Following more than a decade of civil war, God is opening some amazing doors for ministry in the West African country of Liberia.  In order to help EFCA church leaders get a clear picture for ministry opportunities there, a vision trip to Liberia is being planned for September 20 - October 3, 2007.  On this trip, you will have opportunities to see what God is doing in a variety of ministries in Liberia and to explore ways that your church could partner with Liberian Free Churches to impact Liberia for Christ.  In addition, the trip will provide "hands on" ministry opportunities.  If you would like more information on the Liberia vision trip, please contact Kevin.Kompelien@efca.org or call (408) 644-0985.

EFCA TODAY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE

The Evangelical Press Association annually recognizes excellence by its member publications.  EFCA Today was recently awarded:

  • Award of Merit in the category of "Denominational Publications" - considering content and design
  • Fourth-place award for "Article Series" - ongoing coverage of hurricane-relief
  • Second-place award for "Original Art" - Fall 2006 issue cover

With 1,074 entries, from 131 different publications, it is an honor to have our publication recognized.

 

EFCA NATIONAL OFFICE POSITION AVAILABLE

Looking for employment that combines your skills with serving God's people? Christian Investors Foundation is adding an operations manager at the EFCA national office. Responsibilities include:

  • Manage CIF's daily financial operations
  • Provide oversight to the IRA program
  • Provide lending activity support
  • Provide supervision for customer service representatives

Great purpose, people, benefits, and work environment. For a detailed job description, go to http://www.efca.org/employment/national/index.html, contact jobs@efca.org, or call (952) 853-8443. (Local candidates preferred, no relocation assistance provided.)

FREE BREAKFAST AT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

NextStep Resources is hosting a free informational and networking breakfast for Adult Education Ministers on Thursday, June 28 at 7:00 a.m.  Learn more about great resources for small or large groups in your church, including H2O, great new Willow Creek resources and others.  This will also be a time to connect with other Adult Education Ministers from across the country.  Come and check out the best curriculum tools to help get your church excited and passionate about reaching out to your Samaria.

 

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL SAMPLER CD

Unsure about your current Sunday school curriculum or searching for new Sunday school curriculum?  The new NextStep Resources Sunday School Sampler CD is loaded with samples of over 17 lines of Sunday school curricula, and is packed with great information and valuable resources.  It will allow you and your Sunday school workers to preview the various curricula and make an educated decision about which curriculum is right for your church or ministry.  Call (800) 444-2665 for your free copy today!

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

Who doesn't like a good story, especially when it's true!  The stories and photos we share on the website are real, from real churches and real ministries. Churches both large and small, church camps, missionary housing and much more will be represented in our "Real Stories. A Real Difference" series. Christian Investors Foundation and Ministry Campaign Services are honored to come along side these ministries sharing their stories. We hope you take encouragement from the things God is doing in these lives and through these ministries. Visit http://www.christianinvestors.org/stories for examples of God's hand at work among us.  You can be part of the story too, please call (800) 995-8574 or visit the web to find out more. Go to http://www.christianinvestors.org

TANZANIAN INTERNATIONAL CHURCH PLANT

God is opening an amazing door for ministry in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania!   This year steps are being taken to launch an international church plant in this dynamic city of over 4 million people.  The church plant will focus on reaching educated, English speaking Africans along with ex-patriot business people and diplomats.  There is already a solid core group forming for this church planting ministry.  What is needed now is a church planting pastor with a heart to start and grow a healthy international church.  The leadership team in Dar es Salaam has a vision for this to be a dynamic and growing fellowship.  If you have a heart for international people, for church planting, and for ministry overseas this could be a great opportunity for you.  For more information, contact Kevin.Kompelien@efca.org or call (408) 644-0985). 

EFCA FOUNDATION

"Flexible Choice" Deferred Payment Annuities Now Available
 Do you like the idea of supplementing the income you will receive during retirement?  Do you want to lower your tax bill?  Do you want to provide future funding to your local church, district or camp ministry? Consider the "Flexible Choice" Annuity.  You provide a gift today, gain an immediate deduction, and receive funds in the future at a date best for you.  But, if you find the need for payments to start earlier or later than your target date, you can!  That's "Flexible Choice."  For details, contact Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578, by email at foundation@efca.org or on the website at http://www.efcafoundation.org.