Hurricane Gustav Update

EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response is rejoicing in God and thankful for your prayers! We have seen His hand of mercy in sparing the region from overwhelming devastation from Hurricane Gustav. Yet, there are hurting people in need of hope and love.

Crisis Response is currently working in the town of Houma which experienced heavy winds during Gustav and possibly some rogue tornados. As the team works to bring relief and support to the many people impacted, God has opened doors for incredible ministry. We constantly hear people ask, "Why are you here? Where are you from?" Crisis Response is actively sharing the love of Christ and demonstrating that love in very practical ways. For regular updates and pictures of the work taking place in Houma, read the EFCA Crisis Response blog.

Needs are greatest for:

• Volunteer teams
• Financial donations
• Supplies

For updates regarding the team application process, supply needs and contact information, review the EFCA Crisis Response blog. To support the work of EFCA Crisis response with a financial donation, give a gift online.

As work continues in Houma, EFCA Crisis Response watches and prepares for the impact and devastation that Hurricane Ike may bring. Please keep this important ministry in your prayers.

New EFCA Web Site

Whether you're interested in national or international projects, finding a church or learning about national office ministries, you can quickly and easily find ways to be equipped and involved in the EFCA through its stories, resources and opportunities. In addition, our new Web site reflects a focus of church health and church planting, reconciliation for all people, and compassion and care for each other. On our new site, you can learn about EFCA opportunities, churches, ministries, and more. In addition, learn about us--a movement of 350,000 people across the U.S. and 550 missionaries around the world doing their best to serve Jesus.

Explore and discover what the EFCA is all about--http://www.efca.org.

FCMM Retirement Plan Changes

• No program investment percentage limits
• Annuity offered, but no longer required
• Mutual fund investment options added

FCMM provides EFCA churches a retirement plan that complies with new IRS laws and the flexibility desired by pastoral and support staff. Read more or contact Rev. Bud Smith (bud.smith@efca.org or 952-853-1772) for details.

Surprised by Faith Book Course

New Edition of "This is the EFCA" Brochure

Men's Discipleship Opportunities

From NextStep Resources

New for pastors
He Is Not Silent - Preaching in a Postmodern World
By R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

In He Is Not Silent, Mohler reveals the state of preaching today. "Contemporary preaching suffers from a loss of confidence in the power of the Word... from an infatuation with technology... from an embarrassment before the biblical text... from an evacuation of biblical content... from a focus on felt needs... and from an absence of gospel." In this new book, Mohler lays the groundwork for preaching, fans the flame on the glory of preaching, and calls out with an urgent need for preaching. "Mohler at his best. Chapter 7 alone is worth the price of the book!" - Alister Begg, pastor at Parkside Church, Cleveland, OH.

Order online to receive the special price of $16.97.

Keep up on new releases!
Sign up for the NextStep Resources Leader's E-newsletter and automatically be entered for a chance to win 1 of 5 free copies of He Is Not Silent.

EFCA Foundation

A gift that gives back

Do you have CDs or CIF certificates about to mature? Consider rolling them into a Charitable Gift Annuity through the EFCA Foundation. You can gain an attractive return, tax savings, and the opportunity to ultimately support the EFCA ministry of your choice. It's a great way to provide support for local churches, districts, national and international ministries. ($5,000 minimum.) For details, contact Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578, by email at lanny.harris@efca.org or check out the Web site at http://www.efcafoundation.org..

GodSightings Tell Your Story

GodSightings are the evidence of God's hand in action touching lives all across the EFCA. Let us share and celebrate God's work together! Many GodSighting stories and videos are on the EFCA Web site, and available to download in both iPod video and Windows Media Player formats. These stories are great to use in worship services, new member classes, and Bible studies. To find out more, visit http://www.efca.org/godsightings.

In Windsor, Vt., Trinity EFC had been prayer walking the town and in particular, one of the neediest areas infiltrated with drugs and prostitution. Church members prayed regularly for a large apartment complex in that vicinity, building relationships as they walked. A Sunday morning in January 2008, just before the church service was to begin, the congregation learned one entire unit of the apartment complex was engulfed by fire. They quickly mobilized into 3 groups. One stayed to worship and pray. One group turned the fellowship hall into a first aid crisis center and began to prepare food. One group was on the scene of the fire helping people, and shuttling them back to the church. Eight families lost almost everything. Church members gave out a lot of food and clothing, as many from the building arrived in their pajamas and bare feet. The result…one person gave their heart to Christ, and several families began attending the church and Sunday school. Trinity EFC was able to be a blessing in the community, and everyone who helped that long day was also greatly blessed seeing the Lord at work.

- Pastor Dave Jones, Trinity EFC in Windsor, VT

Reach Asia Summit - Repeat

What: Mobilizing the whole church to reach the whole of Asia
When: September 19-20, 2008
Where: First EFC of Fullerton, Fullerton, CA
Cost: $20.00

You are invited to attend the first Reach Asia Summit, an exciting event focused on mobilizing the church to bring God's glory among the nations of Asia. The ReachGlobal Asia Division International Leader will bring challenging and relevant messages on what is happening in Asia today. The entire ReachGlobal Asia leadership team will be at the summit to represent each area and answer questions. Participants will be able to choose workshops designed to equip them to actively engage in God's work among the people groups in Asia. Saturday lunch will be a "Taste of Asia" and an opportunity for networking. This event is geared especially for churches in the Southern California area. Others interested in Asia are also invited to attend, but will need to make their own housing arrangements. Register online now. Contact Liza at reachglobal@efca.org with questions.

National Pastors Convention - Repeat

Global Outreach Summit - Repeat