Christian News Northwest, March/April 2023

Oregon church leaders will host National Day of Prayer events throughout the state including at State Capitol

PRAYER

Ready to Lead

ADVOCACY

Holt International’s Miles for Moms 5K honors women bridging the ‘love gap’

Jordan Love of Holt International Children’s Services will host the second annual Miles for Moms 5K race on Saturday, May 6, starting at 10 a.m., at Alton Baker Park in Eugene. The event will be followed by a postrace party at Holt headquarters located at 250 Country Club Rd., Eugene.

Abandoned in the streets of Korea at the age of four, Love was accepted into the Holt Orphanage Ilsan. During this time, he was cared for by Molly Holt, daughter of Harry and Bertha Holt, who pioneered international adoption in the mid-1950s and later founded Holt International, a Christian organization that provides care and support to many of the world’s most vulnerable children — those who are orphaned, abandoned or at serious risk of separation from their family.

Love was in the orphanage for six months before he was adopted by the Holt family in Eugene. After his adoption, he endured countless surgeries at Shriner’s Hospital that later enabled him to walk and prosper. The public can read more about his life story by visiting https:// www.holtinternational.org/a-love-story/. He is now a full-time employee at Holt, giving back to the cause which saved his life.

Missionaries may be amazing witnesses of the Lord, but they can do with a little support on their journey. And the better the support, the bigger reward for those serving God in this way. Enter Care Connexion, an upcoming seminar hosted by MissionWorks and its conferencebased branch Mission Connexion.

The two-day event, which is set for Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, at Village Church, 330 S.W. Murray Blvd., Beaverton, seeks to train those that care for those serving both on and off the mission field. And it’s designed for a wide variety of believers involved in differing ways in missions. And that means those serving as a missions pastor, a counselor or coach, a missions educator, a missionary care provider, a mission supporter, a friend or family member or a missionary, will all be enriched by the event.

With a theme of “Preparing and Caring for Beautiful Feet,” the event seeks to teach how to care for today’s global workers while on their journey. Featured at this year event will be keynote speaker Connie Befus, Ph.D.

She will present three talks, one on Friday evening and two on Saturday. Her Friday talk, set for 6:30-8 p.m., will be on

Wise Words

“Preparing Beautiful Feet for the Rugged Terrain of First Term: Helping Them Build Resilience So the First Term is not the Last.” And she’ll resume her teaching Saturday at 8:30 a.m. when she’ll present a keynote titled “What Takes a Toll Over Long Mountain Miles? Understanding the Injuries and Fatigue that Cripple Beautiful Feet, and How to Help.” Befus will present her final talk at 3 p.m. when she will present a keynote titled “Helping Beautiful Feet Come Down Off the Mountains Well.”

The conference will also feature four workshop sessions, the first at 8 p.m. on Friday, followed by two morning sessions at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday and concluding with a 1:30 p.m. workshop that afternoon.

Befus is a psychologist with 35 years of experience in providing for the mental and spiritual health needs of international cross-cultural workers. The daughter of career international workers, she grew up in Africa and served with her husband in Latin America for 17 years. Befus has also worked in private practice, as a psychological consultant for six sending organizations, and as director of Member Care for sending organizations for 17 years. She also has two adult third culture

kids. Her doctoral research explored effective assistance for people in the midst of cross cultural adjustment. She is also the author of “Sojourner’s Workbook: A Guide to Thriving Cross-Culturally.” Pricing for the conference is $85 per person (including lunch), and registration can be completed online at https:// missionconnexion.global/care/.

An additional enrichment opportunity for missionaries and their support network will be a pre-conference workshop featuring Lauren Wells of TCK Training on Friday, May 5, 1-4 p.m. Cost is $35. During the pre-conference event, Wells will present her talk titled “Standards for Missionary Family Care: Cultivating Healthy Families Abroad.” During this presentation, attendees will look at each flow of care stage (pre-departure training, on-field care, debriefing, home assignment planning, etc) and will learn ways to administer excellent care for both the parents and the children. The training will also examine ways to incorporate effective care into missionary practices, policies, and procedures, with the goal of improving the missionary family unit as a whole so that those serving can be healthy in both their ministry and homelife abroad.

“In 1989, my adoptive mother saw my picture in the Holt magazine and knew at that moment she wanted to adopt me” said Love, who is now the donor relations manager at Holt International Children’s Services. “This event serves as a celebration for the women who’ve bridged the love gap – the ones who made it possible for me to thrive.”

Last year at the age of 36, Love fulfilled a lifelong dream of hosting his first walking fundraiser – and his goal is to host this fundraiser annually. Love will be hosting this second-annual event for Mother’s Day in honor of the heroic mothers in his life. All money raised will help fund programs to assist children with special needs — children who need emergency surgeries, extra daily support and services, special equipment, caretakers, and even the loving care of a mom through adoption. Jordan’s fundraising goal for this event is $100,000. To register, visit https:// secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information. php?event_id=MTY3MTQyNDAxNjkyNzSgxZ msrz1any4M.

Sponsors are also needed. Those interested in sponsoring the event can email Love at jordanl@holtinternational.org. “I am so grateful for Jordan’s dedication to the mission at Holt” said Dan Smith, Interim CEO at Holt International. “Many children across the globe rely on us for support, and this is one of many

see 5K TO BENEFIT, page 3

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

John Mark Yeats named as Corban University’s 11th president and will take reins this June

‘Care

Connexion’

to help train missionaries and their support network

Stanton Healthcare parks mobile center in response to new Planned Parenthood in Ontario, Oregon

Dr. Virginia Philips will be the featured speaker at the Newberg Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on April 22

Jordan Love of Holt Int’l presents 2nd annual honorary Mother’s Day fundraiser

George Swanson, of Turner; Dan Harris of Tigard; Greg and Sharon Poitra of Eugene; Ted and Gini

Moreau of Albany; Mark Baseman of Portland; John and Judy Hess, of Salem; Barbara Greer of Forest Grove; Lee Wagner of Carlton; Bruce and Jane Quinn of Dallas; and Scott Spalding of Ashland

Lifting Our Country’s Concerns to the Creator

By TIM HIRSCH CNNW Publisher

Prayer. It’s an American right and a privilege. And even more so on May 4 when Christians gather all across the land — many in public places — to pray for the country and each other.

Events across Oregon are still being planned, but as has been the case for many years, an event at the Oregon State Capitol will be amongst them. This year the event will run from 7-8:30 pm. And new this year is a similar gathering in downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square, noon-2 p.m.

Both will pay homage to this year’s theme, “Pray fervently in righteousness and avail much,” inspired by James 5:16B, which in the NKJV says “the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

“We’re very excited that this will be an event that all of Portland, all of metro will be invited to, so we can pray together and be together as one praying for our nation,” said Pam Neighbor, co-coordinator of Oregon’s committee for National Day of Prayer. “I’m hoping it will set a precedent that Pioneer Courthouse Square will become known as a place of prayer and worship.”

Neighbor said one thing the committee learned from last year, when they first returned to a live event, was that people appreciated the chance to meet face-to-face at local events, yet be connected virtually to larger state and national gatherings.

“It seemed people really welcomed the opportunities to do both,” she told CNNW “They could meet face-to-face in-person in their communities and also have the ability to pray with people all over the state. What started out as necessary (virtual communication) because of COVID turned out to be quite an asset to prayer.”

With few communities in Oregon planning and posting their gathering as of press time, Neighbor says she encourages more to chime in.

“We want to encourage people to go to the National Day of Prayer website (nationaldayofprayer.org) and register their event,” she said. “That lets people know where the gathering are.”

As of press time, the cities listing events at nationaldayofprayer.org for May 4 were Gresham (8-8:45 a.m. at Gresham City Hall), Hillsboro (9 a.m.-7 p.m. at Bagley Park), Ontario (noon-1 p.m. at Lion’s Park Pavillion 4), and Tillamook (noon-1 p.m. at Tillamook County Courthouse).

She also urged churches to get involved.

“I’m hopeful that churches will really

join in prayer this year, and that pastors and membership will lead the way in establishing prayer gatherings.”

The Oregon NDP committee is also going to again do a conference call with time slots for 10 communities throughout the state. Tentatively, that will run from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be able to be assessed on Zoom with meeting ID: 5419997777, password 999777. The public can get upto-date information on the conference call by visiting prayoregon.org/ndp/.

No matter where you pray, Neighbor said it is something our country needs.

“Our nation is very divided right now,” she said. “We have a lot of difficult issues that our nation needs to deal with, and we need prayer for our nation. This is the only designated day of prayer for people (in this country) to come together and pray.

“Our hope is that we accomplish great things (through) prayer.”

She also said she hopes it leads to a lasting commitment.

“A goal is that people will want to continue to get together in prayer — that, in our counties, they would move to permanently get together in prayer and establish permanent prayer groups and

A NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER event will return to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on May 4, 7-8:30 p.m.. And, for the first time, there will be an event at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland. That first-time event is scheduled for noon-2 p.m., also on May 4.

times to pray.”

The national event will also serve as another opportunity to connect virtually with leaders including co-hosts Kathy Branzell, president of the National Day of Prayer Task Force; and Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, senior pastor of New Season Church, and the president of National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

It will be nationally televised 5-7 p.m. Pacific Time on a variety of networks and digital platforms in the United States, and around the world. For station and social media information, visit nationaldayofprayer.org.

“Our humble, fervent, heartfelt, and passionate prayers put God’s abilities in action,” said Branzell. “These are the prayers that we want to pray with our eyes wide open so we don’t miss a moment of God’s heart and hands moving. Even as our words hang in the air, He is already answering, touched just as Jesus was on earth by the faith with which someone asks and believes. He takes our intercession and impacts not just the course of time, but the course of souls and the Kingdom. God uses our prayers to write the history books of tomorrow.”

issues $33

o 6 issue $17

Oregon has many opportunities on the way for National Day of Prayer, May 4

Photos courtesy of Pam Neighbor

New memoir from Medical Teams International founder and Oregon native details how he went from abuse victim to saving lives around the world

In his new memoir, “Unchained: A Man’s Journey from Abuse to Healing to Saving Lives,” Ron Post readily admits he should not be the founder of a global medical humanitarian organization. He never envisioned receiving the National Jefferson Award for being a changemaker or being named one of “America’s Unsung Heroes” by Newsweek magazine. According to Post, he was a simple businessman with a family when an evening news story forever altered his life.

“My wife and I were watching news accounts of what we refer to now as the Killing Fields of Cambodia,” says Post. “We were watching them pick up a body out of a rice field that appeared to be a teenage girl. At the time, over on my couch, my teenage daughter was laying there, and I thought that could be her. I suddenly got the idea to put together a medical team and help those people. Mind you, I am not a doctor and have never been involved in medicine. I called the local reporter who had covered the story and told him my intentions. He told me to call another person at the television station along with our state’s U.S. Senator. His office put me in touch with World Vision. This all happened within 24 hours! A local reporter covered the story and minutes after the broadcast, we had doctors calling to volunteer their time. Two weeks later, we had over $250,000 in donations. The media played a pivotal role in the formation of Medical Teams International.”

Since then, Medical Teams International has saved countless lives in countries around the world, most recently in war-torn Ukraine and in Uganda as the Ebola virus reemerges. Post says while he has had many personal encounters on the mission field over the years, one is etched in his memory.

“We were in an Ethiopian camp with over 150,000 hungry people,” Post recalls.

“Every morning, over 1,400 mothers with starving babies and children would line up as we offered medical attention and grain every day. Our nurses would walk the line with heavy hearts, feeling between the babies’ fingers to determine the fat content. The number of ill people was so enormous that the nurses knew some unadmitted babies would die by the next day. One morning, as I watched the nurses moving down the line, two older women walked toward me carrying buckets, hoping to find grain. They stopped just a few feet in front of me and then one lady started trembling violently and fell to the ground. Nurses rushed to her aid, but she died right there. That moment is seared in my memory, and her empty bucket remains a powerful symbol. There are millions of empty buckets in our world, and Medical Teams International is still working to fill them to this day.”

“Unchained” also includes Post’s revelation of his early childhood abuse which he kept secret from his family for most of his life.

“Child USA published a study that concluded that the average age of people reporting child sex abuse was 52 years,” says Post. “In my case, 72 years would pass before I revealed to my wife the terrible truth festering inside me. I finally kind of woke up one day and felt they needed to know so

Women of Vision to host anniversary gala on April 16

they could see the difference between then and now in my life. It was a number of years later when I realized that maybe my story could help other people as well and that’s why I wanted to put it down in a book. Holding in that kind of secret can destroy your life. It nearly destroyed mine, but I learned how to forgive my abusers and that made all the difference.”

Ultimately, Post says he wants people who read “Unchained” to be inspired to find meaning and purpose in their own lives.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are. I’ve seen people who have retired from lifelong careers who later find meaning and purpose through a volunteer job,” says Post. “Helping people is one of the greatest ways to achieve meaning and purpose in your life.”

In 1979, Ron Post founded Medical Teams International which currently serves people in eight countries with a staff of more than 2,000 worldwide. He has received two honorary doctorates, was presented the 403rd Points of Life by President George H.W. Bush, received the World Service Medal from Kiwanis International, and the National Jefferson Award signed by founder Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. He has appeared on Good Morning America and was featured in Newsweek magazine.

“Unchained” may be purchased through Amazon or at www.ronpost.org where they can also read free devotions written by Post.

For more information visit http://www. ronpost.org or call 503-260-7282.

Christian women are being invited to the Columbia-Willamette Chapter Women of Vision’s “Share the Light Gala,” a 25th anniversary celebration at Multnomah Athletic Club on April 16, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The event will include a reception with passed hors d’oeuvres, a raffle, and an inspiring program with dinner, special music, and a keynote delivered by Margaret Schuler, chief impact officer and senior vice president of World Vision’s International Programs. Schuler has worked in the humanitarian development space for more 30 years —15 with World Vision. She knows what it takes to make sure every child is empowered to hope and dream.

Tickets are $85 and available by visiting https://www.cwwov.org

continued from page 1

5K to benefit Holt International Children’s Services

ways we can be proactive in child advocacy, providing much needed assistance for those with special needs.”

All parties interested in participating in the Miles for Moms 5K can do so from anywhere in the world. The event will be open for participation May 4-8. If you participate remotely, simply take photos or videos of your walk honoring a deserving mother figure in your life, post to social media, and tag Holt using the hashtags #Holtinternational and #MilesforMoms.

Redmond, Central Oregon

Region 8, Baker City, Hermiston

10-11am: Region 3, Salem

11-12am: Region 7, Lakeview, Klamath Falls

12-1pm: Region 2, Oregon City

1-2pm: Region 9, Ontario

2-3pm: Region 5, Grants Pass

3-4pm: Region 2, Portland

4-5pm: Region 1 Tillamook

“UNCHAINED” is

memoir by Medical Teams International founder Ron Post.

Refresher Course offers pastors free instruction on core ministry topics

Pastors and ministry leaders looking for encouragement and a brushup on core ministry topics are being invited to Corban University’s Refresher Conference, Thursday, April 13, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Corban University, 5000 Deer Park Dr., SE, Salem.

The one-day event will include a keynote session, plus breakout sessions, a panel discussion and worship. Lunch will also be served, and there will be networking opportunities. The event is free for those that RSVP by March 24. There is a $5 registration fee for those that sign up after that date.

To register, visit https://engage. corban.edu/register/Refresher2023.

Winter Jam to visit Portland on March 25

Some of Christian music’s biggest artists will make a stop in the Rose City on Saturday, March 25 when Winter Jam brings the likes of Jeremy Camp, We The Kingdom, Anne Wilson, Disciple, Andy Mineo and Austin French to Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Winning Way, Portland.

The star-studded line-up will begin worshipping in song at 5 p.m. Zane Black will be the night’s speaker. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information, visit https://2023.jamtour. com.

Central Oregon Prayer Breakfast features Soorin Backer, Mike Silva

The Central Oregon Community Prayer Breakfast will be held Friday, May 12, 6:30-9:30 a.m. at the Riverhouse Convention Center, 3075 N. Hwy. 97, Bend. Featured at the conference will be Soorin Backer, of the Power & Hope Conference and Mike Silva of Celebrate Central Oregon. There will also be worship music by Nashville recording artist Jackson Michelson.

To register, visit prayerbreakfast23. eventbrite.com. Seats are limited to the first 800.

Ready to lead Corban University

John Mark Yeats named as Corban’s 11th president, will take reins in June

The Corban University Board of Trustees officially announced on March 14 that it has named Dr. John Mark Yeats as the University’s 11th president.

His appointment follows a 7-month search conducted by the Presidential Search Committee comprised of select Corban University trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and students. Dr. Yeats will step into this new role as president after having previously served in a multifaceted role as vice president of Student Services, dean of Students and Student Success, Title IX coordinator, and professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College in Kansas City, Missouri.

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Dr. John Mark Yeats as the next president of Corban University,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees, Rod Hoff. “Dr. Yeats brings a passion for Christian education and a commitment to Corban’s mission and vision that excites us about the future of the University. Our unwavering desire is for Corban to achieve its mission to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. We believe that Dr. Yeats has the experience and capabilities to advance that mission, growing Corban’s influence for God’s glory. We enthusiastically welcome John Mark, his wife, Angie, and their four children to the Corban family.”

On June 1, Yeats will assume the presidency of one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading Christian institutions of higher education, stretching back to its founding in 1935. Since then, Corban University officials say leadership has sought to achieve its mission of educating Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ through a holistic approach to education that values well-rounded academic rigor through the liberal arts, personalized student-to-faculty relationships, hands-on career preparation, and a commitment to biblical truth.

“It’s very humbling,” said Yeats. “We are excited about the future. We are excited about who Corban is and maintaining faithfulness to the Gospel, to the Word of God, while training the next generation to make a difference in the

Dr. JOHN MARK YEATS has been named as Corban University’s 11th president. He will begin serving the university on June 1. world for Jesus Christ.”

Yeats brings with him an extensive background in Christian university administration and biblical scholarship. Having earned his Ph.D. in Church History from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Yeats also holds degrees from Southern Seminary, Oxford University, Criswell College, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the author of three books: “Franchising McChurch: Feeding our Obsession with Easy Christianity;” “The Time is Come: The Rise of British Missions to the Jews, 1808-1818;” and “Worldviews: Think for Yourself about How We See God.”

While he has worked in Christian higher education for nearly two decades in administrative and faculty roles, Yeats also brings significant experience as a lead pastor and church consultant. Yeats is married to his wife, Angie, and together they have four children: Briley, Sean, Cadie, and Jackson.

“Corban University is fortunate to welcome Dr. John Mark Yeats — a warm, relatable, and highly capable leader,” said Interim President Dr. Tom Cornman. “Having served with distinction in university and church settings, he is both a gifted scholar and a recognized Christian thought leader. I am confident that Dr. Yeats will lead and represent Corban well, continuing to enthusiastically advance its mission.”

Corban is a private Christian university, founded in 1935. Officials say it has a history of educating students who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. Situated on what Corban describes as a beautiful, forested hillside overlooking Oregon’s capitol, Corban is only an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon coast. Offering academic excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, and online, Corban prepares students for careers as business leaders, educators, medical professionals, politicians, ministry leaders, and more.

Courtesy photo

Prayer for the Community

Newberg Community Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast set for April 22 at Chehalem Cultural Center

Believers in the Newberg area are being invited to the annual Mayors’ Prayer breakfast, Saturday, April 22, 8:3010 a.m. at the Chehalem Cultural Center, where Dr. Virginia Philips, founder of Women, Men and Youth of Purpose International, will be the featured speaker.

The event has a long history as it has, for more than three decades, remained dedicated to its mission to “gather, inspire, and pray” for the local community.

Funded by event and table sponsors, as well as ticket sales and donations, the event seeks to “gather the faith community together” with a “common focus on Jesus” and “common purpose of prayer” and “caring for the community”; provide inspirational testimonies, music and encouragement; and pray together as a “caring community.”

DR. VIRGINIA PHILIPS, founder of Women, Men and Youth of Purpose International, will be the featured speakers at the Newberg Community Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast on Sa turday, April 22, 8:30 a.m., at the Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E. Sheridan St., Newberg.

Philips began WMYoPI in 1993 in an effort to “bring reconciliation, restoration and renewal to people of every cultural group, religious denomination or social status to represent a united body of Christ.” The organization’s vision is “to build a fellowship of women, men and youth bonded together in vision, character, value and

purpose to affect our world for Jesus Christ through prayer, worship and Christian services, creating a network throughout the nations.”

Individual tickets for the Newberg Community Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast are $15 per person. Table sponsorship (8 seats) is $200. For more information, contact Chairperson Di Endicott at endicottdiana@yahoo.com or 503-5224684.

Zach Williams to bring his award-winning inspirational music to Portland on April 1

Christian Country Music’s Grammy award winning artist Zach Williams, who carved a niche with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting with his 2017 debut album Chain Breaker, will bring his A Hundred Highways Tour to Portland on Saturday, April 1. Tickets to the concert, which will be held at the Moda Center at 7 p.m., are available to purchase at ticketmaster.com.

Zach’s hope-filled sophomore album, Rescue Story, pulls from the hard luck truths of outlaw country, the dirt-road grit of southern rock, the contemporary roots music of alt-country artists, and a firm grounding in classic and contemporary Christian artists that stretches back to his dad’s old Petra records. His songs enlighten and uplift, revealing powerful transformative moments and stirring affirmations to stay on God’s path.

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Suggested

events calendarof

JUNIE B. JONES, THE. MUSICAL

March 22, 7 p.m. Journey Theater, 1400 N.E. 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver, Wash. Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for youth and seniors. Visit journeytheater.org.

WINTER JAM

March 25, 5 p.m. Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Winning Way, Portland.

Featuring Jeremy Camp, We The Kingdom, Anne Wilson, Disciple, Andy Mineo and Austin French. $15 at the door. For more information, visit https://2023.jamtour.com.

UPWARD TRAILS BIKE RIDE

ALONG CLACKAMAS RIVER

March 25, 10 a.m. Ride a closed, paved road that follows a portion of North Fork Reservoir and upper Clackamas River. Visit meetup.com/upward-trails-christian-hiking-meetup-group/ to sign up.

JUNIE B. JONES, THE. MUSICAL

March 25, 2 & 7 p.m. Journey Theater, 1400 N.E. 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver, Wash. Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for youth and seniors. Visit journeytheater.org.

GOSPELS AND CHRISTOBIOGRAPHY

March 30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Western Seminary, 5511 S.E. Hawthorne, Portland. $15 individual admission, $10 each for groups of 10 or more. https://luispalauassociation.regfox.com/gospel-gatheringwith-craig-keener?fbclid=IwAR3UM3orp 5vzlJvJzo4JT-jgB8JCdybsoB1eMs4DZqnjvHMyJ5Ocd-_rWhU.

ZACH WILLIAMS

CONCERT

April 1, 7 p.m. Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland. Tickets at ticketmaster. com. For more information on his “A Hundred Highways” tour, visit zachwilliamsmusic.com.

UPWARD TRAILS HIKE AT DALLES MOUNTAIN RANCH

Number of months you wish ad to run:

April 1, 9 a.m. Meet at Target, Mall 205. Visit meetup.com/upward-trails-christianhiking-meetup-group/ to sign up.

EASTER EGG HUNT

NEWBERG COMMUNITY MAYORS’ PRAYER BREAKFAST

April 22, 8:30-10 a.m. Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E. Sheridan, Newberg. Featured speaker Dr. Virginia Philips, founder of Women, Men and Youth of Purpose International. Contact Chairperson Di Endicott at endicottdiana@yahoo.com or 503-522-4684.

REFRESHER CONFERENCE FOR PASTORS AND MINISTRY LEADERS

April 13, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Corban University, 5000 Deer Park Dr. SE, Salem. Includes keynote, breakout sessions, panel discussion and worship. To register, visit https:// engage.corban.edu/register/Refresher2023.

POWER & HOPE CONFERENCE

$85. Tickets available by visiting https://www.cwwov.org

NEWBERG COMMUNITY MAYORS’ PRAYER BREAKFAST

April 22, 8:30-10 a.m. Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E. Sheridan, Newberg. Featured speaker Dr. Virginia Philips, founder of Women, Men and Youth of Purpose International. Contact Chairperson Di Endicott at endicottdiana@yahoo.com or 503-522-4684.

UPWARD TRAILS HIKE AT SAVUIE ISLAND NURSERIES

April 22, 10 a.m. 3-4 miles of easy walking. Visit meetup.com/ upward-trails-christian-hikingmeetup-group/ to sign up.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER EVENT – PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE

May 4, noon-2 p.m. Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland. One of many events throughout Oregon and the nation. Visit https://www.prayoregon.org/ndp/ or nationaldayofprayer.org.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER EVENT – OREGON CAPITOL

May 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Oregon State Capitol. One of many events throughout Oregon and the nation. Visit https://www.prayoregon.org/ndp/ or nationaldayofprayer.org.

SALEM HOUSE OF PRAYER 20TH ANNIVERSARY

May 5, 7 p.m. Salem House of Prayer, 248 Liberty St. N.E., Salem. An event honoring those that have served Salem House of Prayer throughout the years.

CARE CONNEXION

May 5-6. Village Church, 330 S.W. Murray Blvd., Beaverton. Seeks to train those that care for those serving both on and off the mission field. Pricing for the conference is $85 per person (including lunch), and registration can be completed online at https://missionconnexion.global/care/.

MILES FOR MOM 5K

Ads reservations due April 20 for our May issue.

REMINDER: CHRISTIANnorthwest NEWS

Call 503-537-9220 or email us at cnnw@cnnw.com to reserve space for your business or ministry!

April 8, 11 a.m. Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave., Portland., Free Easter egg hunt for all children 12 and younger. Easter egg bags will be provided.

AFTER 5 CONNECTION: ‘SECOND TIME AROUND FASHIONS 4U

April 11, 6-7:30 p.m. Lebanon Foursquare Church, 470 W. C St. Lebanon. Special feature: Fashion show by 1st Hand Seconds Unique Boutique. Guest speaker: Cathy Rasley, of Walla Walla and owner of Hot Mama’s Espresso (two locations) with her daughter, will share “What Perks Your Life.” Special music by pianist Judy Stevens and soloist Janet Nortune, both of Lebanon. $18 inclusive cost. For reservations, contact Madel, 541-451-2586 or Nancy, 541-259-1396.

April 13-15. Embassy Suites Hotel, 9000 S.W. Washington Square Rd., Tigard. Featuring Soorin Backer, Darren Stott, Elisheba Haxby, Lindsay Coil, Ryan Pena, Julie Nowacki, and David Ramsay. $139; local pastors, ministry leaders and business leaders admitted for free. Visit https://soorinbacker.com/ power-and-hope-conference/.

UPWARD TRAILS HIKE

AT KLICKITAT TRAIL

April 15, 9 a.m. Meets at Lewis & Clark State Recreation Site. Desert wildlife and wildflower hike to a geocache. Slow paced for photography. Approximately 8 miles with 500 feet of elevation loss. Visit meetup. com/upward-trails-christian-hiking-meetup-group/ to sign up.

WOMEN OF VISION

ANNIVERSARY GALA

April 16, 5:30 p.m. Multnomah Athletic Club, Portland. Columbia-Willamette Chapter Women of Vision’s “Share the Light Gala,” a 25th anniversary celebration.

May 6, 10 a.m. Alton Baker Park, Eugene. Benefit for Hot International Children’s Services. Postrace party at Holt headquarters, 250 Country Club Rd., Eugene. Register for the race at https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id =MTY3MTQyNDAxNjkyNzSgxZmsrz1any4M.

CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY

LEADER’S PRAYER BREAKFAST

May 12, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Riverhouse Convention Center, 3075 N. Hwy 97, Bend. Featured keynote speaker Soorin Backer and special announcement by evangelist Mike Silva. Music by Nashville recording artist Jackson Michelson. $48 and up. Visit prayerbreakfast23.eventbrite.com.

To have your event added to Christian News Northwest’s calendar, email your information to cnnw@cnnw.com.

CCCU’s $10,000 donation assists in release of MAF Pilot Ryan Koher

Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot Ryan Koher, who had been in a Mozambican high-security prison since November 4, 2022, has, as of March 15, been granted a provisional release from prison in Mozambique according to MAF.

Koher, an American pilot, along with two South African men, W.J. du Plessis and Eric Dry, also detained, left prison late on the afternoon of March 14. They had been held for more than four months. They are required to remain in Mozambique and the case is still ongoing. MAF is reportedly continuing to learn more about next steps in the case from its legal counsel.

Koher has talked with his wife, Annabel, and his two boys multiple times now, and he is reportedly doing well.

The executive leadership team of MAFUS said it expresses its thanks for all those who have been praying for Ryan and his family. They ask for continued prayer that the final outcome will be a full release of Ryan from any charges and trial.

MAF also said it is grateful to the courts in Mozambique for this decision. Out of respect for the legal process in Mozambique, MAF said they would make no further comment at this time.

Koher was on a mission to fly supplies from southern Mozambique to an orphanage in the northern part of the country where there has been insurgent activity. Unfortunately, what should have been a

routine flight for the greater good, turned into false allegations. Police believed that the supplies were to support terrorists in the region, a belief that MAF officials say simply doesn’t align with the facts.

One organization that made a difference in the relief efforts was Christian Community Credit Union, which donated $10,000 to aid in Koher’s release.

“The donation from Christian Community Credit Union is helping to cover legal and other costs for Ryan,” said David Holsten, president and CEO of MAF. “CCCU is more than just MAF’s financial institution. For decades they have been generous ministry partners who have consistently invested in MAF and the isolated people we serve. We appreciate their prayers and assistance for our pilot, Ryan Koher, in his wrongful detainment in Mozambique.”

The funds for the donation come from

Journey Theater to perform

CCCU’s “Cards that Give to Missions” program, in which a portion of the Credit Union’s interchange income (fees merchants pay to card issuers) is donated when cardholders use their Christian Community Credit Union issued credit cards for purchases.

“We are deeply troubled by the unjust detention of Ryan Koher,” said Blair Korschun, president and CEO of CCCU. “Ryan’s work is a testament to his dedication to serving our Lord and the people. We stand in solidarity with MAF and Ryan’s family during this difficult time. For those asking how they can help, please take a moment, and pray for Ryan Koher.”

Prayers and messages of support can be sent to prayforpilotryan@ maf.org. Those that would like to follow Ryan Koher’s story can visit https://maf. org/press/an-update-on-pilot-ryan-koher/.

Mission Aviation Fellowship works to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ by serving together to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation.

Christian Community Credit Union is a faith-based, purpose-driven financial cooperative whose mission is to help Christ followers to live and give more abundantly. CCCU has more than $880 million in assets and 30,000 members nationwide. For more than 65 years, the Credit Union has provided individuals and ministries with the financial tools and knowledge they need to grow and thrive financially, so they can transform the world through their generosity.

Journey Theater, a faith-based, nonprofit theater arts program in Vancouver is putting on two more performances of “Junie B. Jones the Musical,” a story chronicling the challenges of a girl’s first day of first grade.

Upcoming performances are Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The story follows Junie B’s first day of first grade, where a lot of things have changed for her — Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.

Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360750-8550. Adult tickets are $17. Youth and senior tickets are $14. Tickets for all performances will be $2 more at the door.

Journey is a Jesus-centered, nonprofit theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world. Journey has been serving Clark County families and patrons since 2002 with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver. For more information, call 360-7508550 or visit journeytheater.org.

For the first time in the history of SXSW, a group of Austin-area churches were given approval to host an officially sanctioned evangelistic gathering at the famous SXSW annual conference earlier this month. Excited by the opportunity and committed to making it the best it could be, they asked Andrew Palau and the Palau Association, based in Portland, to help lead the charge.

For more than 30 years, SXSW has been a major driver of art and technology for our entire world. It is where trends have been set and new technology has been launched. SXSW is where Twitter first caught on, where ground-breaking movies have been debuted, and where Grammy Award-winning musical artists have been discovered. Past speakers at the conference have included the likes of President Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Edward Snowden.

Attendees from all around the world come to learn, launch, network, and dream. They are reportedly the best and the brightest in their fields, preparing to further influence culture. And earlier this month, through the efforts of Palau and several local churches, they also had the opportunity to encounter the Living God.

Taking over the iconic Stubb’s BarB-Q on Sunday, March 12, the Palau Association gave SXSW attendees an opportunity to experience powerful music, enjoy free BBQ, and learn from panel discussions with leading Christian tech industry experts. Throughout the day, Andrew Palau and others also shared the clear Good News Gospel and gave attendees the opportunity to commit their life to Jesus Christ.

Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel and longstanding friend of the Palau Association, joined in for the day, bringing great

interest and excitement to the program as he shared his testimony as well as thoughts on faith in the workplace. Also involved in the gatherings were Grammy awardwinning musical artist Lecrae, who gave a free concert, virtual reality expert Renji Bijoy, former Meta executive Nona Jones, and tech expert Mark McClain, to name a few. Each speaker brought their own experience and knowledge to the program, sharing clearly how their faith in Christ has impacted their work and influenced their trajectory in life. Many people responded to the Gospel as a result of the testimonies and messages.

In the days leading up to the Sunday events, hundreds of local believers hit the streets to promote the events and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The results were many great interactions with SXSW attendees — some even praying to receive Jesus right there on the street.

In the end, thousands of individuals were reached through the two main experiences and panel discussions, making it one of the larger SXSW gatherings of the year.

“The strategic impact of an evangelistic event like this is so powerful,” said Carl Grant III, CEO of Capital Raise and one of the early visionary leaders of the event. “SXSW attendees are influencers from around the world. And while a venue like this doesn’t attract the sheer number of a typical Palau festival, the impact is just as great. Those we reached earlier this month are the thought-leaders of our culture. They will take this new-found faith back to their areas of influence where it will go on to impact many more.”

As is the case in all Palau campaigns, a special emphasis was placed on local leadership. The Palau Association spent several months planning this campaign,

gathering pastors and believers from throughout the region and empowering them with tools and opportunities to use their own gifts to further the unity of the Church and the work of the Kingdom. While local leaders continue to follow up with each new believer, the Palau Association will move on to support similar campaigns in cities across the globe, including efforts later this year in San Jose, Costa Rica; London, England; Klamath Falls, Oregon; Nairobi, Kenya; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Cairo, Egypt.

For more than 25 years Andrew Palau has played a key role in the ministry of the Luis Palau Association (LPA), which was started by his father, evangelist Luis Palau. Andrew has been instrumental in building the LPA model for citywide outreach as an evangelist, director, and key team leader. He has guided campaigns, led church relations efforts, trained thousands of believers in friendship evangelism, and proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ in person to hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world through evangelistic campaigns. Andrew’s festivals have brought him and the Palau Association into partnership with thousands of churches in cities throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and the United States of America. Andrew’s weekly radio broadcasts are heard by millions of people on thousands of radio outlets around the world. He is also the author of multiple books, including “Secret Life of a Fool”, a retelling of his personal journey to faith in Christ, and “What is Christmas?” — a groundbreaking evangelistic book published in China in 2012.

To learn more about the Luis Palau Association and their worldwide work, visit palau.org.

The Body of Christ is not found in a building. It exists in the hearts and lives of those who accept the tenets of the Holy Bible and believe Jesus Christ sacrificed His Life for their personal sins.

etsy.com/shop/work2gather

‘Junie B. Jones, the Musical,’ March 22 and 25

MISSIONARY PILOT Ryan Koher with his wife, Annabel, and their sons in April 2022. Ryan Koher has been detained in Mozambique since early November. He was recently granted a provisional release.

Photo courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship

Evangelist Andrew Palau joins churches in Austin, Texas for historic SXSW outreach

For “Air -1”: Educational Media Fndn: 1-888-937-2471, Eugene, 90.3 or 90.7 FM; Newberg, 97.5 FM; Portland, 92.7 FM.

For “Boost”: Gateway Creative Broadcasting; 314-909-8569, Portland, 103.7 FM.

For “K-Love”: Educ. Media Fnd.; 1-800-525-5683, Coos Bay, 91.7 FM; Eugene, 100.9 or 107.3 FM; Hood River, 91.1 FM; La Grande, 88.9 FM; Newport, 89.9 FM; The Dalles, 90.9 FM; Tillamook, 90.3 FM; Centralia, Wash., 101.7 FM.

For “K-Love 90’s”: Educ. Media Fnd.; 1-800-525-5683, Medford, 96.5 FM.

For KBVM-FM, Portland: Catholic Broadcasting NW; 503-285-5200, The Dalles, 99.1 FM.

For KMME-FM, Cottage Grove: Catholic Brdcstg. NW; 503-285-5200, Eugene, 94.9 FM.

For KDOV-FM, Medford: “The dove” Radio: UCB USA, 1-800-373-5368, Ashland, 107.9 FM; Azalea, 102.3 FM; Central Point, 92.1 FM; Cave Junction, 106.5 FM; Grants Pass, 88.1 FM; Pinehurst, 105.9 FM; Yreka, CA, 106.5 FM.

For KHPE-FM, Albany: Extra Mile Media; 541-926-2233, Eugene, 96.9 FM.

For KCMS-FM, Seattle: Crista Ministries; 206-546-7350, Longview, Wash., 103.9 FM; Aberdeen, Wash., 92.1 FM; Chehalis, Wash., 104.3 FM.

For KTJC-FM, Kelso, Wash.: CSN Int’l; 1-877-422-5852 Woodland, WA, 102.5 FM.

For CSN Int’l: KAWZ-FM, Calvary Chapel Twin Falls, Idaho 208-734-4357 Ashland, 97.3; Baker City, 88.5; Brookings, 88.1 FM; Canyonville, 88.3

Support for the Unborn

Stanton Healthcare responds to Planned Parenthood’s new clinic in Ontario by placing Mobile Medical Clinic next door

After Planned Parenthood opened an abortion center in Ontario, Oregon, on March 9, reportedly in response to Idaho banning virtually all abortions after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Stanton Healthcare parked a 37-foot Women’s Mobile Medical Clinic next door to the new facility.

Ontario is located on the border of Oregon and Idaho and is just a 45-minute drive from Stanton’s flagship, life-affirming medical clinic in Meridian, Idaho, where they share a parking lot with the largest Planned Parenthood facility in Idaho.

Stanton Healthcare is a women’s healthcare clinic which specializes in serving women with unexpected pregnancies by providing professional medical care, practical and emotional support, women’s wellness care, and a special outreach to refugee and marginalized communities. Stanton is based in Idaho with affiliates across the country and internationally.

Stanton Healthcare officials say they are deeply troubled that the Ontario Planned Parenthood is engaged in “abortion trafficking” as it attempts to move illegal abortions across state lines.

“Planned Parenthood is aggressively continuing their profit-driven agenda of abortion as the solution for women facing unexpected pregnancies,” said Linda Thomas, director of community outreach for Stanton Healthcare. “They are actively sending Idaho women across state lines into the border town of Ontario, Oregon. But no woman wakes up in the morning and wants to have an abortion.

“Of the women we see at Stanton Healthcare who are considering an abortion, a full 90 percent report feeling pressured to do so by someone they trust. Abortion is not the option women choose when they have the support they want and deserve. That’s why we’re in Ontario with our mobile

medical clinic.”

And Brandi Swindell, CEO and founder of Stanton Healthcare voiced similar concerns.

“It is deeply troubling that Planned Parenthood is engaged in ‘trafficking’ abortion across state lines as well as supporting the violence of abortion against the women and children of Oregon.

“Stanton Healthcare could not remain silent or indifferent as we brought our 37-foot, state-of-the-art, mobile medical clinic right next door to Planned Parenthood to serve the women of Oregon and Idaho.

“Working with the pro-life and human rights communities in both states, Stanton Healthcare is committed to providing women with professional medical care, practical and emotional support, and wellness care.

“While Planned Parenthood treats women as a commodity for profit, Stanton Healthcare is dedicated to providing women with unexpected pregnancies hope and tangible support at no charge.”

Keener to present ‘Gospels and Christobiography’ at Western Seminary

Oregon Health Authority recently released its 25th annual report on assisted suicide in the state. The report reveals that physician-assisted suicide prescriptions increased for the 23rd time in its 25-year history.

The predominance of short patient-physician relationships and time between first request and ingestion continued in 2022. At least one physician knew their patient for less than a week, and at least one victim ingested the lethal prescription only one day after the first request. Over half of the victims had no health care provider or volunteer present at the time of their death. Fifty-one had no provider or volunteer when the prescription was ingested, an increase of over 7% from 2021.

“The physicians providing these deadly prescriptions hardly know their patients and are often abandoning them in the last moments of their lives,” said Lois Anderson, executive director of Oregon Right

to Life. “They have increasingly become absent even when the lethal drugs are ingested. That’s not care. That’s churning people through the ‘Death with Dignity’ machine.”

In 2022, 431 people received lethal prescriptions. In total, 278 people died from ingesting the lethal medication, including 32 victims who took prescriptions for assisted suicide acquired prior to 2022. Since the law was passed in 1997, doctors have written 3,712 lethal prescriptions, and 2,454 people have committed assisted suicide after ingesting the medications.

“The so-called ‘Death With Dignity’ Act continues to raise serious concerns, such as a lack of care demonstrated by the prescribing physicians,” continued Anderson.

“Of the 278 Oregonians who died by physician-assisted suicide in 2022, only three were referred for a psychiatric evaluation, and the majority had no health provider present at the time of their death.”

Asbury Professor Craig Keener will present a talk titled “Gospels and Christobiography,” on Thursday, March 30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Western Seminary, 5511 S.E. Hawthorne, Portland.

Sponsored by TogetherPDX and Western Seminary, the presentation will feature Keener exploring the character of ancient biography. He’ll also urge attendees to appreciate the gospel writers’ method and degree of accuracy in recounting the ministry of Jesus.

Tickets are $15 each or $10 for groups of 10 or more. Lunch is provided. For tickets, visit https:// luispalauassociation.regfox.com/ gospel-gathering-with-craig-keener?f bclid=IwAR3UM3orp5vzlJvJzo4JT-jg B8JCdybsoB1eMs4DZqnjvHMyJ5O cd-_rWhU.

Keener is a scholar on New Testament Bible background. His award-winning “IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament” has sold more than 500,000 copies.

For “Lifetalk Radio Network” based in Tennessee:

IN RESPONSE TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD opening a clinic in Ontario, Oregon, Standon Healthcare parked its 37-foot Women’s Mobile Medical Clinic next door.

Photo courtesy of Stanton Healthcare

Annual “Death with Dignity” report reveals decreased health provider presence with victims