FARGO FLOODING

God has been faithful in answering prayers in Fargo, ND, as the Red River crested over the weekend without over topping levees. Many are investing in the 24 hour monitoring of the levee system over the next week as river levels stay well above flood stage, and concerns over waterlogged temporary dikes keep the city on edge.

EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response has staff on site networking through the EFCA Northern Plains District, local EFCA churches and other response organizations assessing the needs. You and your church can help by sending volunteers, donating online, or loaning heavy equipment to help with the process of clean-up and sand bag removal in the coming weeks. You can also help by praying for God's hand of protection and for those who weren't so fortunate to have the levee protection. Read more information and updates or contact crisisresponse@efca.org with questions.

THIS IS YOUR EFCA

The EFCA is alive. The EFCA is active. The EFCA is yours.
The Evangelical Free Church is one of the most dynamic movements within the Christian church in America. Yet most members and many leaders of our congregations lack a big picture of the depth, breadth and vision of what drives the EFCA today. Introducing the perfect "big picture" tool: This Is Your EFCA.

Built to last, this special edition of EFCA Today magazine will serve your congregation for the next two years--providing a sweeping view of the distinctive personality and diverse ministries of the Evangelical Free Church of America.  Check out www.efcatoday.org for a short video that is the perfect introduction to this magazine issue. Use the magazine and the video to educate visitors and new member classes. Copies of This Is Your EFCA can be ordered online from NextStep Resources or call (800) 444-BOOK.

UPCOMING ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The following are the upcoming online EFCA EQUIP courses now available. Click on the course names to register.

Existing courses:

• A Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God book course, April 13-May 10 - New Date
• Coaching for Fruitfulness, April 20-May 24 - New Date
• Getting Things Done book course, April 13-May 10
• Introduction to Adult Bible Fellowship, April 29-June 2
• Ministering in a Roman Catholic Context, May 4-June 7
• Kingdom Expansion 101, May 6-June 16
• Intentional Living, May 11-June 14
• Multiplying Light and Truth book course, May 27-June 23
• Coaching for Fruitfulness, June 8-July 12

New courses:

• The Leadership Baton book course, April 8-April 26
• High Impact Church Boards book course, April 29-May 26
• Teaching in a New Culture--Short Term, May 11-May 31

To view a list of dates these and other courses will be offered and to register, please visit www.efca.org/equip/calendar. You can also contact equip@efca.org for more information.

CHURCH PLANTING

Are you thinking about starting a church in the United States?
The EFCA ReachNational Church Planting Boot Camp is an intensive five-day training experience designed for church planting couples and their lay leadership. It covers the major issues a church planter faces in starting a new church in the United States. On May 18-22, 2009, we will conduct a national Boot Camp on the campus of Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL. Visit www.efca.org/planting to register or for more information.

BUMP

EFCA FOUNDATION

Are you one of the 70% or one of the 30%?
About 70% of Americans have no will document. Of those that do, about 70% have outdated wills. Have you made your will? Without a will, the State will "make" one for you. You and your family may not like what it says.

Now may be a great time to sign a new or updated will. We can provide you with a Will and Trust Planning Guide to help you protect your estate and family. Call (800) 995-8578 or e-mail lanny.harris@efca.org with "Wills Kit" as the subject line of your email message. We will promptly send you this helpful information.  For a great introduction to wills and estate planning, view the "Wills Guide" video at www.efcafoundation.org.

BREATHING FREEDOM: THE CHURCH IN TOUGH FINANCIAL TIMES

EFCA Today is looking for story ideas that offer hope for our churches in these tough economic times. What decisions need to be made in order for a church to be free of financial bondage? How can this be an exciting/ growing time for your church?
 
You can help us in 2 ways:

• Recommend a church that is encouraging a God-view of the situation, that's implementing specific changes regarding biblical stewardship, that's increasing its generosity - and, as a result, seeing an increase in giving, in volunteers, in visitors.
• Send us copies of sermons you've given over the past year, or lessons you've taught in your church - all geared to help adjust our mindset when others are preaching fear.

Please send your ideas to the editor at dianemc@journeygroup.com before April 16.

NEXTSTEP RESOURCES

HOLISTIC SHORT-TERM MISSIONS SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES (Repeat)

Live to the Power of Nothing this summer!
Opportunities include:

• Earthquake relief and development in affected area of Chincha, Peru
• Teaching English, micro enterprise, survey and medical work in Pacific Asia
• Teaching English and computer classes, and working with widows and orphans in Rwanda
• Working with street children and women, micro enterprise, discipleship and evangelism in India
• Several holistic opportunities throughout Asia

LIVE⁰ (a ministry of ReachGlobal) is currently offering short-term mission locations, training materials and coaching for local churches as they seek to fulfill their missions mandate and mobilize church members into international missions. In addition to helping churches with fields where they have existing connections, we are offering all-inclusive location, training, and ministry opportunity experiences in Peru, Rwanda, and several locations in Asia. For more information contact info@powerofnothing.org or call (952) 767-0557.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY - NEW EDITION (Repeat)