Father & Son to serve in Central Africa

Tim & Nathan Harley are leaving for Africa. This is routine for Tim. But this will be Nathan's first time to go to the Central African Republic. They will serve in Bangui with Integrated Community Development International (ICDI). Please pray for safety in travels, stamina in serving, and opportunities to encourage the ICDI staff, the Central African children and adults, and one another. The Harley crew will be in country from July 3-20.

Amazon Adventure begins tomorrow

Amazon Adventure Team, July 4-18, 2012

As people in the United States of America celebrate July 4, a team of seven will depart to serve Jesus on the Amazon River in Northern Brasil. The team will conduct evangelistic events with churches along the Amazon River from July 4-18, 2012.

Pastor Ivanildo Trindade will return home to lead the team. Pastor Bob Doerr (RAD) will also co-leaad this team. Everyone on the team intends to develop into a more fully devoted follower of Christ on this trip. Poised to help in any way they can, the team will work alongside churches to do outreach starting in Belem, Brasil.

Please pray for the team:

• Ask God to give them strength as they travel many miles and hours from the USA to Northern Brasil.
• Pray for team unity, spiritual alertness, and godly character so that God is glorified in their interpersonal interactions.
• Ask the Lord to empower each team member to grow in depending on God for their stamina and safety.
• Pray for the outreach events to bring people to Christ.

You can read more updates here as well as on Pastor Ivanildo's blog www.ivanildotrindade.com/

Ag-Director Nanga gets training with tractor

The New Horizons Team is leaving this early morning for the Cleveland airport to embark on a short term missions trip to the Central African Republic. We praise God for this team of seven men. You can read about them on yesterday's post (October 14, 2011).

Tim Harley shared the purposes of the trip to build relationships, do construction, training, and projects with ICDI staff from Oct 14-29.  Follow their adventures on the short term blog www.woostercar.blogspot.com. (See detailed goals below as well as pictures)

Construct building like this one pictured

• continue partnership with ICDI(Integrated Community Development International) www.icdinternational.org 
• construct large building for new headquarters for ICDI well drilling and Ag ministries donated by local business
• train African staff to operate farm tractor and equipment donated by local individuals and businesses (see picture below)
• clear more land for farm fields
• construct second pond for raising fish
• repair dam in river
• electrical work for mechanics shop
• build shelving for storage containers
• continue to build relationships with African ICDI staff
• visit ICDI orphan care center

Pictures of Proposed Projects the team will pursue:

ICDI Agricultural Center

ICDI AG-Center Gardens

To excavate a New Fish Pond

Donated Farm Equipment for the ICDI AG-Center:

Seven Men Leave Wooster Grace

Departing tomorrow at 3am, Saturday October 15, seven men from the New Horizons ABF will gather to pray and to say farewells. The team will travel to the other side of the world--to the Central African Republic (CAR). These seven men leave Wooster Grace to share God's love in a real way. 

Tim Harley & Bruce Imhoff

The team is led by Tim Harley. Tim has been to Central Africa on many occasions to leverage his skills as well-driller and large machinery driver. By God's grace, relationships with Central Africans will be renewed and solidified.

Bruce Imhoff returns to the CAR for a second time. His first trip prompted him to help in any way he could. He partnered with a Central African to facilitate the start of a spirulina pool for harvesting the protein-rich product so that this CAR family could support themselves and help others.

Rick Ratzel

God has worked in Rick Ratzel's life each time he has spent time in Central Africa. The more recent time when Rick served he was able to bring a bicycle for Andre the head of Guest House Services. Rather than purchase a car or truck, the bicycle greatly enhances Andre's life.  To pedal to work or to do errands, maximizes getting things done.  Rick knows all about "African" time. But has a great attitude and a huge heart for the people.  Wooster Grace praises the Lord for those in our church who seek to make a difference in far away places with the limited vacation time they accrue. I can't wait to hear how the bicycle has improved the service and ministry in Central Africa.

Larry Wiseman

This is not the first time Larry Wiseman has traveled to Africa. I can't remember which North African country he visited. I'll have to get an update from him to post later.  But Larry has always wanted to return to Africa.
Larry attended the New Horizons ABF and heard about their passion to develop fully devoted followers in all the nations of the world through their group. He witnessed how men from the ABF went to the CAR to help last year.  Now he gets to go with a team of seven to minister in the CAR. He will surely recall his time in Africa to draw from those experiences and encourage the team to persevere despite unknown challenges ahead.  Wooster Grace praises God for ABFs who not only grow deep in community, but also reach out together to impact the world for Christ. I can't wait to ask Larry how his two trips to Africa compare. 

Craig Simmons, Dave Brenneman, &
Josh Weiser

The last three men have never been to Africa before.  By reviewing itineraries, cultural challenges, and health & safety concerns, Tim has tried to equip the team for what may await the team.  I guess the can meet and talk, but in the end, you got to get on the plane and disembark in Africa to feel the experience yourself.  I pray for the team now. Even though we commissioned them with prayer this past Sunday, the team covets your prayers.  Please keep in prayer these three men: Craig Simmons, Dave Brenneman, Josh Weiser. May the God the Holy Spirit empower them to glorify the Lord, to love one another, and to love every person they meet on the way to Africa and back home again. 

I want to pause here to ask, if you ever sense God prompting you to start thinking about going to the world to impact people for Christ, then please contact Pastor Daron (330) 264-9459 x 236.  I'd love to discuss why you'd like to go, what a successful missions trip might look like, and brainstorm how to help you discern God's will for a missions trip.  Tomorrow I will post their prayer requests, goals, and tentative work projects.  Please keep checking back to view pictures and comments from the team while they are in the CAR. 

Be on on-mission today by praying for the New Horizons Short Term Missions Team!

Adult Trip to Birmingham AL info

Please note those who are going on this team must receive from Pastor Daron the following pages of information:

1.  Student Ministries Info Page: This page succinctly summarizes the trip. Please keep for reference.  

2.  Luggage/Packing List: Please be sure to review the items listed. We will be staying in a church using their floor space for lodging.

3.  Volunteer Agreement & Release: Please read, sign, and return the Christian Service Mission  (CSM) volunteer agreement and release form. We are partnering with CSM to do ministry with them.  CSM requires your signed agreement. 

4.  Adult Application Page: Please complete application form—contact info; spiritual background; spiritual formation; and your commitment to be on this team.  Your  commitment is to be a high school leader and attend an adult orientation (TBD).  Most likely our orientation will be en route to Alabama. 

5.  Background Check Please sign the form so we can process a background check. All adults are required to get a background check to work with or to accompany students in a program of our church.  You may secure and submit a copy of your most recent background check if you get one done for work or other service organizations.

6.  Trip fees: Please make check for $175, payable to Wooster Grace placing in the memo: AL trip.  

Pastor Daron desires to facilitate your participation in the adult trip to Alabama with our student ministries.  Thanks for your willingness to serve others who need help so desperately.

If you have any questions, then please call me (330) 264-9459 x236.