An Inside Look at BCM Global Ministries
MINISTRY IN THE STREETS
DECEMBER 2023
BCM World | December 2023 | A Publication of BCM International
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BCM International 201 Granite Run Drive Suite 260 Lancaster, PA 17601 USA www.bcmintl.org Page 2 www.bcmintl.org 1-888-BCM-INTL
December 2023
Editor: Jeanette Windle Designer: Elizabeth McCutcheon Contributors: Dr. Rick Rhoads, Jeanette Windle, John and Dasia Abramovich, Tony Schaapman, Don Crowder, Lisa Biegert
IN THIS ISSUE 5
Stewarding God's Mission In Us and Others
15 Still Reaching Poland's Next-Gen 23 From Montreal's Streets to Poland's 31 A Pastor To Missionaries 41 A Unique Vacation Children's Program
In good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
BCM International is a global Bible-Centered Ministry dedicated to making disciples of all ages for Jesus Christ through evangelism, teaching, and training so that children are December 2023 www.facebook.com/bcminternational Page 3 reached and churches strengthened.
STEWARDING GOD’S MISSION IN US AND OTHERS Page 4
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December 2023
BC Co
CM Africa Conference at Emseni onference Centre - South Africa
By Dr. Rick Rhoads President, BCM International
We are a celebration of indigenous missional leadership. BCM International has ministry taking place in fifty-six countries on five continents with more than eight hundred fulltime missionaries.
December 2023
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BCM Hungary Elim Center
A dear mentor once said to me, "You can only take others as deeply as you’ve gone yourself. Principle being, you can’t offer to others what you haven’t experienced yourself." Page 6
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I’ve found this principle true in my personal spiritual journey as well as the discipleship and leadership development relationships I’ve lived. As I reflect upon this guiding principle, I am reminded of how God wants to transform each of us first, then through that transformation use us to impact others. The following are a few highlights and observations from this first year as president of BCM International. We are part of a larger BCM family. This year has encompassed six international journeys spanning five continents and over thirty countries (see also Reflections from the Road, BCM World, August 2023). My wife Naomi was able to join me on two strategic trips. As we’ve met many dear BCM ministry leaders, both Naomi and I have felt incredibly blessed, welcomed, and made to feel a part of this extraordinary global team. These relationships are priceless. Thank you! We are a celebration of indigenous missional leadership. BCM International has ministry taking place in fifty-six countries on five continents with more than eight hundred fulltime missionaries. As BCM Hungary Elim Center
we near the end of 2023, ninety-seven percent of all BCM missionaries are indigenous to the nations in which they serve. This is a significant answer to prayer, accomplishing the vision of leaders being raised up to make disciples and reach the peoples of their respective homelands. It has been an honor to witness this movement firsthand throughout this year and to be immersed into so many amazing cultures. Global revival includes a movement among teenagers. From the mountainsides of Sri Lanka and equatorial Africa to the jungles of Peru and the war zones of Ukraine, BCM ministries are witnessing significant revival-like movements among teenagers. They are coming to Christ in significant numbers. Making decisions to be disciples. Leading evangelistic children’s events. Even planting churches. A significant portion of BCM’s nearly fifteen thousand volunteer leaders are teenagers. I sense God doing something beautiful in this next generation and look forward to many of them becoming future leaders December 2023
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of BCM as well as with other kingdom-
Hungary’s Elim Center (see Here I Am,
oriented ministry organizations.
Send Me—to Hungary?, BCM World, March
With all that said, let me share some
2016). Though I was meeting almost every
specific reflections and experiences from
teammate for the first time, the evening
this first year of becoming acquainted
was filled with deep laughter, profound
with BCM missionary personnel and field
conversation, supportive prayer, and a
ministries.
renewed presence of how God brings
REFLECTIONS FROM THE UK/EUROPE
all of us together. And of course, an
TOUR
incredibly delicious meal. We finished
An evening meal in Hungary. On
the evening having experienced deep
the first leg of my fourth global tour,
community that fueled each of our souls
teammates from Ireland and Germany,
and profoundly ignited new vision for
including BCM Europe director Richard
future and ministry.
Thompson, accompanied myself and
BCM camps in Netherlands and the
president emeritus Dr. Marty Windle
British Isles. I am always struck by God’s
to meet our Hungary team at BCM
creation and how it declares His power.
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De Herikon Netherlands
Images from Top: Castledaly Manor, Ireland Mullartown House, Northen Ireland Dr. Rick Rhoads With BCM Netherlands at De Herikon December 2023
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We visited three BCM camps on this trip—
morning, teammates gathered in silence
De Herikon in the Netherlands, Castledaly
for Scripture reading, then prayed for each
Manor in the Republic of Ireland (see
of Africa’s fifty-four nations.
Historic Ireland Guesthouse Becomes BCM’s
Time was also given to developing the
Newest Camp, BCM World, Fall 2010), and
soul of a leader through collaborative
Mullartown House just off the shores of
discussion sessions, vision casting,
the North Sea in northern Ireland (see
prayer practices, and providing space for
Celebrating 70/40 in Northern Ireland, BCM
individual teammates to care for each other
World, October 2018). As I wandered camp
through listening and prayer. Through
grounds and took a prayer walk along a
these discussions, four regional working
North Sea beach, I drank in the beauty
teams were formed with at least three
of God’s creation and marveled at these
different countries represented on each
stunningly picturesque properties God
team. The goal for each team is to follow up
has provided to BCM. The “Emerald Isle”
with further work in a specific area, then
lived up to its reputation of greenness and
bring their recommendations to the entire
colorful foliage as did the magnificence of
BCM Africa team and its director Rev. Dr.
the historical estate that is now De Herikon
John Peter. The four team assignments are
(see A Look Back at BCM Netherlands,
Prayer Group, Funding, Promotion, and
BCM World, Fall 2007). More amazing
Leadership Structure for Africa.
was hearing many stories of how God is transforming children and teens through
REFLECTIONS FROM EUROPEAN
the ministry of these camps and our BCM
CONFERENCE
teams there.
Our sixth BCM Global Tour came to an end with the biannual BCM Europe
REFLECTIONS FROM THE AFRICA TOUR
conference held in Wisla, Poland (see Still
In mid-October, I had the opportunity to
Reaching Poland’s Next-Gen, BCM World,
fly to South Africa for the first Pan-Africa
December 2023). As teams from Hungary,
conference in the history of BCM ministry
Poland, Germany, France, Ireland, Poland,
on that continent. Teammates from Kenya,
Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Scotland,
South Africa, Madagascar, Uganda, Zambia,
and Ukraine came together for the first
and Eswatini were in attendance. The
BCM Europe conference since the COVID
conference schedule was a collaboration
shutdown, a significant communal spirit
that included worship music from Uganda and devotions by key leaders from Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, and Kenya. Each Page 10
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Top: Worshipping Together BCM Africa Conference Left: Daily Prayer Board - BCM Africa Conference Right: Madagascar Team Leads Worship - BCM Africa Conference
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was palpable. Some countries unable to
the area. Visiting over outstanding meals.
attend such as Russia, Spain, and Italy were
Each gave opportunity for conversation,
able to join through live-streaming.
laughter, reconnecting with BCM Europe
A special blessing was the arrival of all twenty-two adults and six children of the
teammates, and simply being present together in community.
BCM Ukraine team. They expressed what a
As I continue to reflect on all God
special gift it was to be in a place of safety
is doing throughout our world and
and respite from war even if briefly. The
specifically in and through BCM, I am
rest of us were equally blessed to spend
humbled and amazed at how He never
time with our Ukrainian teammates and
gives up on us, transforming us from
challenged by their ongoing faith and
the inside, then inviting us into the
commitment to continue carrying the
opportunity of transforming others. I am
gospel to conflict zones under fire.
grateful for the honor of serving alongside
An outing on Wisla’s famed “choochoo” tram. Touring the Polish president’s
each member of this remarkable global family.
summer palace. A guided historical tour of
BCM Europe Conference Outing - Wisla "Choo-Choo" Tram Page 12
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Castledaly Manor Sign, Ireland
As I continue to reflect on all God is doing throughout our world and specifically in and through BCM, I am humbled and amazed at how He never gives up on us, transforming us from the inside, then inviting us into the opportunity of transforming others. December 2023
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STILL REACHING POLAND’S NEXT-GEN Page 14
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Children's Outreach, Poland
By Jeanette Windle With John and Dasia Abramovich
Our goal personally is to continue being a bridge between one generation and the next in raising up the next generation of church leaders. Pray with us that God will provide new BCM Poland missionaries to carry on this vital ministry.
December 2023
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On October 22-28, 2023, BCM Poland hosted the first in-person BCM Europe conference since the Covid lockdown. Over ninety BCM personnel from Europe and the British Isles as well as leadership from Africa and North America met in beautiful Wisla, a resort town near the Czech border, for a week of Bible teaching, field ministry presentations, and fellowship. A major answer to prayer was travel visas and safe arrival for all twenty-two members of BCM Ukraine. BCM Poland under leadership of country director John Abramovich and his wife Dasia has partnered with a children’s Page 16
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Top: BCM Europe Conference Group Shot - Wisla, Poland Middle: John and Dasia Abramovic Right: Daniel Band
ministry organization, Miłość Edukacja
camps for children and youth as well as
Dojrzałość (English translation: Love,
an annual camp for special needs were
Education, Maturity, or MED), since its
held this past summer of 2023, reaching
founding in 1990 shortly after the fall of
more than four hundred campers. A band
communism (see Raising Up NEXT-GEN
of volunteer musicians called the Daniel
Leaders in Poland, BCM World, September
Band, which includes previous MED youth
2016). Poland has seven million children
campers, ministers to children, families,
and teens with only a small percent
and church congregations through a
attending Bible-based churches. MED’s
variety of MED events. The biggest is a
chief goal is to evangelize and lead to
summer evangelistic week in southern
spiritual maturity children and teenagers
Poland for about two hundred children
across Poland. This is carried out through
ages 7-11.
children’s evangelistic meetings, Bible
Another exciting MED program is
clubs for pre-school and school children,
entitled “Scouts on the Rock,” a Christian
summer camps, training courses in
scouting program led by MED workers
children’s ministry, and free Bible lessons,
and volunteers and carried out through
missionary stories, music, teacher’s books,
local church congregations. Scout troops
and other materials published and/or
hike into Poland’s beautiful forests, where
translated by MED in Polish.
they hear the gospel along with learning
While many MED ministries were put on hold during the Covid pandemic, in-person
practical skills typical to international scouting programs. A top focus is discipling
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scouts in Bible truth and application. Though moving technically toward retirement, neither BCM Poland director John Abramovich nor his wife Dasia are slowing down in ministry. Born and raised in Poland, Dasia has served as director of MED until recently, overseeing its eight full-time personnel and countless volunteers. She continues to work with MED as needed, including planning and directing the special needs camp. She also leads a counseling ministry to women and provides English-Polish translation for preaching and teaching. Only half of Polish churches have pastors. In consequence, John regularly preaches on Sundays and teaches during the week in six congregations. He has an English conversation ministry with students and teaches in youth meetings. BCM Poland is also active in providing humanitarian aid for conflict zones in Ukraine. The BCM Ukraine team provides a list of needs, which is shared with Polish
"Scout on the Rock" troup
congregations. The collection point is a garage owned by Dasia’s brother. Periodically, BCM Ukraine missionaries drive an industrial van to Poland to pick up the collection which is distributed to needy Ukrainians along with sharing the gospel (see Keeping The Faith in War-Torn Ukraine, BCM World, November 2022). In northern Poland, BCM missionaries Tony and Kornelia Schaapman minister to Ukrainian refugees through a BCM Canada Ukrainian relief fund (see From Montreal’s Streets to Poland’s, BCM World, December 2023). One such family is Luda, a single mother with two teenage children, and her mother, who took refuge in Poland when the war reached their town. This included sponsoring Luda through training as a dental assistant so she can provide for her family. Her mother was excited to receive greatly-needed hip surgery and dentures. While Luda has received Christ as Savior, other family members haven’t, an ongoing prayer request. After thirty-five years of ministry with BCM Poland, Page 18
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MED Children's Camp
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John and Dasia Abramovich see much
We have seen a number volunteering in
remaining need but are also excited at the
other BCM ministry fields such as Scotland
fruit of the children and youth ministry
and the Philippines. Our goal personally
and its promise for the future.
is to continue being a bridge between one
“We are seeing good leadership among
generation and the next in raising up the
the youth as well as adults in the churches
next generation of church leaders. Pray
with which we work,” John expresses.
with us that God will provide new BCM
“Among them are many who been raised
Poland missionaries to carry on this vital
and discipled in the MED ministries.
ministry.”
Youth are preaching in churches. They are growing their own peers in the Lord.
Poland Children's Camp Campfire
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Poland Home Bible Clubs
"Youth are preaching in churches. They are growing their own peers in the Lord."
Children's Outreach Program
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FROM MONTREAL’S STREETS TO POLAND’S Page 22
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Tony
By Jeanette Windle With Tony Schaapman
“There is still so much need here,” Tony summarizes. “But it is also a time of red-hot opportunity to share the gospel."
and Kornelia Schaapman
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In 2018, BCM Canada missionary Tony Schaapman traveled with his wife Kornelia to Poland to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral. Zofia Tataranian first heard the gospel from a neighbor when her daughter Kornelia was twelve. After accepting Christ, she became a powerful evangelist in a town where there were few believers. Her funeral exuded the depth of her faith and assurance of an eternity with her Savior. After the service, several locals who had attended expressed surprise to be encountering hope in the context of bereavement. “That they should be so surprised to find hope there broke my heart.” Tony shares today. “I don’t know why this had such a profound impact on me as though God was
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Pastor Piotr Singing With Blind Musician Daniel
Poland Park Youth Evangelism Outreach
...northeast Poland, famed for its two thousand lakes but also very few churches with just .01 percent believers. telling me, ‘Tony, you’re heading to Poland!’
ministry (see To the Streets of Montreal with
There was just one problem. My Polish was
Love, BCM World, 2008).
virtually non-existent.” Tony Schaapman has headed up a street
While Tony met his wife in Paris when both were studying French there, Kornelia
evangelism ministry in Montreal, Quebec,
is from the Warmia Mazury province
since 1998, training countless hundreds
of northeast Poland, famed for its two
of young people in open-air evangelism
thousand lakes but also very few churches
over the last quarter-century and seeing
with just .01 percent believers. Though the
hundreds come to Christ through his
Protestant Reformation reached Poland December 2023
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Church Elder Sharing Gospel with Youth in Park
centuries back, most notably through
gospel in both English and French. Tony
fifteenth-century Czech martyr Jon Hus
also took street evangelism to France (see
and Martin Luther a century later, the
God is not Dead in Bourges, France, BCM
Jesuit counter-reformation largely stamped
World, September 2015). They traveled
out the Reformation in northern Poland.
many times to Kornelia’s hometown of
Only half of existing churches have pastors,
Dźwierzuty to visit family and prayed
and there is little outreach to unbelievers.
consistently for the region and great need
Today’s youth is strongly atheist or agnostic
of Christian ministry leaders there. But
while some also dabble in witchcraft.
until his mother-in-law’s funeral, Tony had
The Schaapmans married in 2002, and
not once considered actually moving to
Kornelia moved to Canada, where for
Poland. A major motivator was that he’d
almost twenty years the couple shared the
struggled greatly to learn French. Polish
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would be even more difficult, and unlike many European nations, few people were bilingual in English. But Tony remained convicted that God
wonderful happened. Tony explains. “By the Holy Spirit's design, the ongoing Covid pandemic created an environment in Canada
was calling them to Poland. Kornelia
whereby Christians for the first time in all
had uprooted to his country. It was now
my years on the street were coming out in
time for him to move to hers. In 2019,
large numbers to preach the gospel. This
the Schaapmans took a sabbatical in
new and lasting wave of zeal provided us
Olsztyn. Tony studied Polish, and Kornelia
with a surplus of volunteers for the street
translated for him as he shared his faith
evangelism ministry. It soon became
and met with area pastors, churches,
evident the time had come to hand it over
and missionaries to better understand
and start a new ministry elsewhere.”
the needs there. Caught by the Covid
In December 2021, the Schaapmans sold
lockdown, they didn’t return to Canada
their home, made their goodbyes, and
until June 2020. With no clear sense of
moved to Olsztyn. Though still learning
how to proceed, Tony continued his street
Polish, Tony immediately began preaching
evangelism ministry. His greatest concern
in area churches with Kornelia and other
in considering a permanent move to
English-speakers as translators. This
Poland was that the Montreal ministry
includes a ministry to Ukrainian refugees.
would not survive. Then something
He also began training volunteers in street
Ministry Outreach Ukrainian Refugees
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evangelism, among them Piotr, pastor
those who have participated in the street
of the Olsztyn church, a blind musician
and park outreaches, especially after
named Daniel, and church elders Arthur
witnessing firsthand the overwhelming
and Mateusz. Outreach comprises of sketch
lack of religious belief among the youth in
art evangelistic presentations in public
a country once staunchly Catholic.
streets along with music, testimonies, and
“I don’t know what to make of this,” one elder expressed. “It is not the same Poland
preaching. This summer, the team also took a different program to the parks where
I was raised in!” Recognizing the enormous disconnect
young people congregate. They approached
between the church and today’s generation
teens and some adults through a survey
has made this elder and others realize how
containing questions like the following.
urgent it is to get their congregation out of
“What is the purpose of life? What do you
the pews to carry the good news of Jesus
think happens when you die? If God asked
Christ to those outside. Where once there
you why He should let you into heaven,
was reluctance, Tony now sees a flicker
what would you say? What do you think of
of excitement within the local Christian
Jesus?” If someone showed interest, they
community to participate in street and
shared the good news of salvation in Christ.
park evangelism. His prayer is that by God’s
Most were glad to continue on the topic.
Spirit this flicker becomes a flame.
“Sadly, we didn’t meet a single person
Meanwhile, Tony’s original street
who was already a believer,” Tony says.
evangelism ministry back in Canada
“One did identify as Catholic and was
continues going strong under its new
actually reading the Bible. She asked
leadership. And the Schaapmans have no
questions to clarify her understanding
plans to leave their new home.
of the gospel. What a joy! It shows us
“There is still so much need here,” Tony
how great the need is and the urgency of
summarizes. “But it is also a time of red-hot
evangelism versus just hoping unbelievers
opportunity to share the gospel. Which is
will walk into a church. That said, even
why it drives me crazy I’m still not fluent in
younger Polish teens will interact seriously
Polish! Please pray for me as I continue to
on these questions where back in North
learn.”
America they typically would shrug and say they have no clue.” Even more exciting for Tony and Kornelia has been to see a complete change of heart on evangelism among Page 28
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Tony Schaapman - Pastor Piotr Street Evangelism
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A PASTOR TO MISSIONARIES Page 30
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Preaching at Liberty for The Captives Church in Arua, Uganda
By Jeanette Windle With Don Crowder
It has been interesting to learn these last six years that people are often asking for member care without knowing it.
Their use of words and facial expressions indicate they need help, but there can be a stigma attached to asking for counseling or guidance. Many see it as a sign of weakness or disqualifier from ministry. But this shouldn’t be. We are all human. We all face challenges. We all need someone to come alongside us to encourage, pray, and advise.
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Teaching at Chapel International Academy of Suriname
Pastors Training Uganda
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What does a pastor to missionaries do? “Pretty well what I’ve always done,” explains BCM Ministerat-Large for Member Care Don Crowder. “The difference is that I now have a congregation of almost nine hundred scattered over five continents and the Caribbean.” Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Don Crowder’s first experience with BCM began as an elementary student sitting under the teaching of a BCM Canada missionary in a school Bible class. Though he’d felt God’s calling to be a pastor in his teens, he was forty when he finally attended Bible college. During his studies, he served one summer as head counselor at BCM Canada’s Millstream Bible Camp and Retreat Centre. For the next twenty-five years, Don pastored four different churches in southern Ontario. He and his wife Cherlyn maintained close connections with various BCM Canada missionaries, including those who taught their own twin sons at school and church. In 2012, Don was invited to join the BCM Canada board. Don was approaching retirement when he began praying over what God might still have for him in the future. Though his call to be a pastor hadn’t changed, he’d long felt two other callings on his heart—to travel internationally and to teach national pastors in countries where few pastors had Bible college or seminary training. He also had a burden for pastors and missionaries. While they served others, who pastored them? Sitting down with then-BCM president Dr. Marty Windle, Don asked bluntly, “Here is what is on my heart. Is there a place in BCM for someone like me and for this type of ministry?” “Definitely,” Marty replied. “I’ve had just such a role in mind to provide member care for our personnel around the world. In other words, to be a pastor to our BCM missionaries and pastors around the world.”
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Sendoff to BCM Don and Cherlyn Crowder at right
In 2017, Don Crowder attended BCM
Ministry team conflict. Cross-cultural
candidate orientation and stepped from
misunderstandings. Temptation and sin.
being a BCM Canada board member to
Persecution. Ill health, socio-political
fulltime missionary and pastor to the
upheaval, and other crises. All these are
global BCM family. His new title “Minister-
no more foreign to missionaries and
at-Large for Member Care.” As Don
pastors than the average citizen,” Don
explains, his role entails basically being
elucidates. “Yet there is often no one who
pastor and mentor to BCM missionaries
can walk with them as they navigate these
and national pastors so they in turn can
stresses. The result is that they can’t thrive
be healthy, happy, and productive in their
personally, infect those around them, and/
ministries. Missionaries may be seen by
or fall into temptation. In consequence,
many as Christian “super-heroes.” But
they can’t focus on their ministries and
they are also ordinary people who struggle
may end up leaving the ministry altogether
with the same life issues as anyone else in
with immense negative impact on God’s
addition to the unique challenges they may
kingdom. This is not unique to BCM but is
face in the cultures in which they serve.
characteristic of missions in general.”
“Marriage and family issues. Page 34
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Don has been serving as pastor to the
BCM global family for six years now. In
and resisting sexual temptation in France.
that time, he has pastored, taught, and
Spiritual development sessions for BCM
counseled at BCM regional conferences
candidate orientations in North America,
as well as one-on-one in Suriname,
Africa, South America, and Europe.
Panama, Spain, Germany, France, Poland,
Theology courses for students at Africa
Netherlands, Ireland, Uganda and more.
Renewal University, a Christian university
Thanks to modern technology, Don
in Uganda. All have given opportunity to
counsels and mentors BCM missionaries
exercise Don’s expository teaching gifts as
around the world from his own home
well as pastoral.
office in Canada through Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, email, or phone call. Don’s second calling of teaching and
Then in 2018, Don’s member care role expanded further. The International Academy of Suriname (IAS) is an English-
training national leadership has been
language Christian school located in
realized as well. Workshops on teamwork
the Suriname capital of Paramaribo.
Don Crowder with BCM Ireland Personnel
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Parents may be diplomats, United Nations
Christian teachers for the upcoming
personnel, employees of an international
school year and a new director with a clear
corporation, local government
Christian testimony. Stepping in as interim
dignitaries, as well as a small percentage
director, Don Crowder set immediately
of missionaries. Most students are not
to work reorganizing administration,
from Christian homes, making IAS school
recruiting new teachers, and ensuring
a mission field in and of itself. BCM
through Bible classes and weekly chapel
Suriname personnel have been involved
that all students regardless of religious
with IAS over decades, enrolling their own
background understood the gospel (see
children there and serving on the school
Reaching a Unique Community in Suriname,
board.
BCM World November 2019). When the
In 2018, IAS requested a partnership with BCM. Urgent needs were qualified
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Covid pandemic shut down in-person classes, Don returned to Canada, where he
Don Crowder Mentoring over Lunch - Uganda
Don Crowder TV Interview - Uganda
oversaw the transition to online classes and
“The people I was teaching serve in
continued to give oversight as director for
churches, mission organizations, and
the next two school years.
itinerant ministry. They are children’s
More recently, Don’s prayer to reach
leaders, trainers of children’s workers,
and teach national pastors also came to
pastors, and evangelists. Many came
fruition. With two others, he traveled
great distances walking, cycling, and on
to train more than two hundred pastors
motorcycles. They listened to my lectures
and church leaders in various regions
attentively, making notes and asking
of Uganda. Topics included the role of a
practical questions so they would know
pastor, spiritual development, shepherding
how to apply the teaching we provided.”
God’s flock, spiritual gifts, models of
Don continues to follow up with some of
church organization and growth, how to be
his students by Skype, Zoom, or phone and
an effective leader.
has already been invited by one Ugandan
Don discovered that most attending had
Bible college to teach some courses next
no formal theological or pastoral training.
year. He also emphasizes that he is always
But that made them even more eager to
available in his role of member care,
learn.
whether virtually or in-person. December 2023
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BCM Africa 2023 Candidate Orientation
"When you come into missions, specifically BCM, we want you to understand that we don’t just throw you out there to sink or swim but that there are people to walk through difficult periods with you." Page 38
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“It has been interesting to learn these
we want you to understand that we don’t
last six years that people are often asking for
just throw you out there to sink or swim
member care without knowing it. Their use
but that there are people to walk through
of words and facial expressions indicate they
difficult periods with you. If you are a BCM
need help, but there can be a stigma attached
missionary, pastor, and/or volunteer going
to asking for counseling or guidance. Many
through something difficult or just need
see it as a sign of weakness or disqualifier
someone to come alongside, lend a listening
from ministry. But this shouldn’t be. We
ear, pray with you, seek out a biblical
are all human. We all face challenges. We
perspective, or just offer encouragement, I
all need someone to come alongside us to
am here for you. Just email me at dcrowder@
encourage, pray, and advise.”
bcmintl.ca.”
Don concludes with an invitation. “When you come into missions, specifically BCM,
December 2023
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A UNIQUE
VACATION CHILDREN’ PROGRAM Page 40
www.bcmintl.org
December 2023
By Lisa Beigert
Even more wonderful was hearing about children who’d given their lives to Jesus as their personal Savior, especially those who responded from the far side of the planet.
’S VBC Craft Time
December 2023
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For a second summer, three BCM
known as Vacation Bible Club (VBC), was so
missionaries have organized an innovative
well-received that International Children’s
version of the traditional Vacation Bible
Ministry Coordinator Sophia Wong, Lisa
School (see Online + In-person + Vacation
Biegert from USA, and Shantal Odicio from
Bible School + Backyard Bible Clubs = Vacation
Peru expanded the program for August
Bible Club, BCM World, November 2022). The
2023. While Sophia coordinated with
first experimental program, which became
churches and Bible clubs, Lisa prepared
Page 42
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December 2023
Top: VBC Zoom Session Right: Children Participating in VBC Program
"Seeing them smile, laugh, or volunteer to pray was so rewarding!” Bible lessons, and Shantal created puppet
worship song videos, and puppet skits.
skits, crafts and music videos, print
Videos showing how to make the crafts
materials and more.
were distributed to leaders ahead of time.
Vacation Bible Club is a hybrid version
The entire program is distributed in
of summer five-day clubs, mostly carried
booklet form to the leaders while children
out through online tech. Meaning the
each receive their own handbook with
VBC team presents much of the program
daily activities, lyrics to the theme song,
over Zoom. Some of the program was
and memory verses.
prerecorded, including Bible lessons,
This year’s theme was “The Radical Life of Paul: Rescued, Restored, Refined, Remade.” Each day focused on a different story from the life of the apostle Paul. Groups from across Canada and the United States logged in to Zoom for singing, puppets, and a Bible lesson, followed by an interactive review time with the teachers and other participating Zoom groups. Once that hour was complete, local volunteers used the provided program guide to lead their children through the rest of the program, including games, crafts, memory verses, and snacks. On Friday, December 2023
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Page 43
everyone came back together for a closing
with local Christians making it an “English
missionary story, a longer review game,
as a Second Language” opportunity to
and a chance to show all the other groups
share the gospel. The children were still
something special from their week.
able to interact, answering questions over
Shantal recalls, “I enjoyed seeing the reaction of the children to the puppet
Zoom, then participating in the in-person portion once they logged off.
videos or the lesson. The question-and-
Much prayer went into this second
answer time was proof they were really
broadcasting as there could be risk for
paying attention. Seeing them smile, laugh,
families who chose to log on and join in.
or volunteer to pray was so rewarding!”
But God protected all involved, and the
The program ran each morning for five
club ran without incident the entire five
days in the western hemisphere. But the
days. One small adventure occurred the
three members of the VBC team taught the
second night when a heavy thunderstorm
entire program a second time at night for
rolled through the section of the United
about one hundred children in a “closed
States from which team members were
region” spread across several time zones.
teaching, disrupting internet connection.
This was carried out entirely in English
Providentially, the Bible memory passage
Joining VBC Worship Songs by Zoom
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December 2023
Lisa Biegert Teaching on Screen
included Philippians 4:11b, “I have learned
be content when things don’t go our way is
to be content whatever the circumstances.”
something all Christians will face. This was
Sophia explains how the verse tied
my personal reminder that VBC was not
into the evening’s drama. “I became very
just for kids to learn about God but also for
nervous when comments being posted in
adults to be reminded to trust in Him.”
the Zoom chat function included, ‘You’re
During the final day, each group was
freezing! We can’t hear you! Your Wi-Fi has
given opportunity to share with everyone
problems!’ Eventually, these comments
else something from their week. It was
became unkind and even angry in nature.
wonderful to listen to children reciting
As the situation began to get out of hand,
verses and see the team crafts they’d made
I was reminded that God is still in control.
during the in-person part of the program.
I thank God we had a chance to address
Even more wonderful was hearing about
the issue in a calm way and that people
children who’d given their lives to Jesus as
returned to the program the next day. To
their personal Savior, especially those who December 2023
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Page 45
responded from the far side of the planet.
couldn’t help but feel moved knowing that
Lisa shares, “So many hands went up
not only did children across the world hear
during the third night when we gave a
the gospel being presented clearly and
clear gospel presentation that we lost
some chose to believe in it, but they were
count. It was both exciting and a humbling
also challenged to share it with others.
experience to sit in my own kitchen
They get to be lights in their own country.
teaching children on the other side of the
I trust and pray God will use them right
globe, to witness the Holy Spirit working,
where they are to bring glory to His name.”
and to see these children respond to the message of God’s love and salvation.” Shantal adds her own perspective: “I
VBC In-person Class
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December 2023
"They get to be lights in their own country. I trust and pray God will use them right where they are to bring glory to His name.”
December 2023
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