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In This Issue

CRISIS IN KENYA - EFCA TOUCHGLOBAL MINISTRY PARTNERS RESPOND

In Kenya, widespread crisis following the recent electoral debacle has peeled away the truth of much of Africa - its peace is fragile. The history of Africa being "evangelized" does not measure up to its need for reconciliation. Underlying factions created by tribal affiliation, economic indifference, and political abuses are real. The only solution is to deal with the spiritual nature of these problems among community leaders and those directly impacted by these issues. Words from our TouchGlobal partners in Kenya: "We have found ourselves in very extraordinary circumstances, which require a very extraordinary response. As the love of power tears apart our country, we believe that the power of love can bring healing."
 
Please give to the TouchGlobal crisis response fund to help with the "reconciliation and reconstruction" steps of our response.  Donations can be sent to:
EFCA
Crisis in Kenya 21709-3988
901 E 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420
 
To make an online donation to this fund, go to https://www.efca.org/apps/giving/?designation=Crisis%20in%20Kenya%2021709-3988
 
For more information on the situation and response efforts, go to the TouchGlobal web site at http://www.touchglobal.org/

CHALLENGE 08 IS COMING

Registration is open now at http://www.efca.org/student/challenge.  March 15 is the deadline for lower cost registration. Your students won't want to miss this exciting gathering of 7,000 to worship, learn and grow in the Lord!

 

THE STATEMENT OF FAITH REVISION BLOG

At last summer's Leadership Conference, the Proposed Revision of the EFCA Statement of Faith was presented as a motion to the conference.  At this summer's conference, we will discuss and possibly vote on the Proposed Revision.  This is a reminder and an invitation to post comments or questions on the blog.  We hope to address many of your questions prior to the conference. Please go to the following Web site and join in the conversation. http://blogs.efca.org/sof/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

As a part of the EFCA family, we're asking for your help and feedback as we seek to refine and improve EFCA Today magazine. The magazine is in the midst of some exciting changes that will dramatically improve our ability to serve our readers.

As we consider these changes, your impressions are very important to us. Take a few minutes right now to click on the link below and complete the survey. Thank you. We know your time is valuable and appreciate your investment!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fFcSoktTmeNVJZyynYwVlQ_3d_3d

 

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY TITLES FROM NEXTSTEP RESOURCES

Church Is a Team Sport - A Championship Strategy for Doing Ministry Together
By Jim Putman
God led Jim Putman to use a Bible-based strategy for ministry revitalization that brought their church to the next level. Whether you're a burned-out leader or someone ready to tackle an active role in your congregation, Church Is a Team Sport will lead you to both personal growth and renewed spiritual strength. If you're ready to get the whole team in the game, this is the playbook that will show you how to make it happen.
http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=10080
 
The 2008 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff
Based on a national survey, The 2008 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff provides reliable church employee compensation breakdowns for part-time, full-time, church size, income budget, and geographical setting. With this information, you can compare your plan to other churches that have similar positions and demographics.
http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?cPath=3_1&products_id=9973
 
Free VBS Preview DVD
Planning a summer VBS outreach ministry? The NextStep Resources FREE Preview DVD allows you to view 6 programs along with the plan books. Call or email us today to request your copy!
(800) 444-2665 or nextstep@efca.org

WILLING TO SERVE? - CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

WANTED:  Persons with strong financial background and hearts for serving EFCA churches and ministries 
Do you know a man or woman that has current experience in banking, business, financial accounting or real estate that also has a heart to use those skills for EFCA churches?  CIF is looking for a few good people for the Loan Committee.  Ideally, these people would be able to attend monthly meetings in Minneapolis.  For more information or to pass along recommendations, please contact Paul Anderson at paul.anderson@efca.org or (800) 995-8574. 
 
This is a unique volunteer opportunity for talented business people to use their skills to serve within the EFCA.

REGISTER FOR BUMP BY MARCH 15

It's not too late to register your youth group for BUMP!  Return to your church after a BUMP week with reports like this:
- Junior high students taught Arab, Chinese or Latino children about Jesus at VBS.
- High school students conducted a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for urban junior high students.
- The youth group set up carnival games and grilled hot dogs for a block party in an inner city neighborhood.
- Students prayed with a child to receive Christ as their Savior.
Join us at BUMP - Bridging Urban Mission Project - the ReachNational summer youth missions weeks.  To find out more, go to http://www.efca.org/bump.

GIVING THROUGH RETIREMENT PLANS

Have you considered the ways to utilize IRAs and other retirement assets for your charitable giving?  There are ways to use this resource to make a "gift of a lifetime" while maintaining a healthy financial future for you and your loved ones.  For details, contact Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578, by email at foundation@efca.org or check out the Web site at http://www.efcafoundation.org.

 

 

CHALLENGE 2008 VISUAL ARTS SHOW - Repeat

Do you have a budding graffiti artist in your youth group? A secret notebook doodler while you're sharing God's Word? How about a young watercolor painter, digital photographer or promising filmmaker who wants it to be more than just a hobby?
 
Here's a ministry option at Challenge 2008: a student art exhibit in the Salt Lake City Convention Center. All art will be based on the "Sojourn" theme with a new category added this year: five-minute film shorts. For more information, go to http://www.efca.org/student/challenge/download.html and look under "Visual Arts Show."