Worldwide Ministry News
REPORTS Spring 2017 • Vol. 18, No. 1 S P E C I A L
I S S U E
2016 Annual Report
When God Leads
Twice
Nigel Torrens’ work at Cedarvale remains unfinished | 6
Latest News From: Costa Rica, Ukraine, Zambia, and More...
NEWSFLASH
News From OCI Ministries Around the World
It’s a Boy!
resulted in Bella Vista closing in 1995, devastating students, staff, and patients. The team currently trains 38 students in 12 grades and runs a bakery and carpenter shop.
David and Kristina from Eden Blossoms Ministry have watched their ministry team grow with the birth of a healthy baby boy! In a creative access country where Christianity is relatively unknown, and where most of the church members were not raised in Christian homes, the addition to the family opens new opportunities to demonstrate biblical parenting principles as these young parents serve their neighbors.
Special Delivery
Riverside Farm staff and student missionaries in Zambia provided food and a medical check for a local woman who runs a small orphan home. She is singlehandedly raising 18 children.
Beyond the Pain
The Hope of Survivors recently released a DVD for male victims of clergy sexual abuse. Betrayed Trust, Hidden Secrets is the true story of a young man’s struggle to move beyond his painful past. The Hope of Survivors team believes this resource will be an encouragement to victims and informative for the public.
Back to School
Bella Vista Clinic and School, a project sponsored by U.S.-based Mission Projects, Inc., recently reopened after 21 years. The Zapatista rebel uprising in Mexico
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Health by the Pallet
Health Education Resources, located in Tennessee, USA, has dreamed of sending Health Expo Banners by the pallet-load around the world at greatly reduced prices. The South Pacific Division
of Seventh-day Adventists just became the first to take advantage of this special offer and will soon have multiple teams equipped to reach out to their communities with the health message.
Extreme Makeover
The team at PATMOS Latin America in Costa Rica is transforming a farm originally intended for tourism into an outpost center dedicated to God. What was constructed to serve as an animal corral will eventually become a tranquil place of rest for future wellness guests.
A record 88 percent of guests were not members of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
Reaching the Neglected Class The Nicodemus Society held its first “Acceleration Program” on January 1-2, 2017, in Houston, Texas. Thirty-seven Adventists with a burden for reaching what Ellen White called the “neglected class” came together for an executive education-style training focused on winning souls among the wealthy, worldly, and well-educated. Participants represented a wide variety of professional backgrounds, including medicine, law, business, engineering, and more. The training was developed by Nicodemus Society co-founders David Kim and Cintia Nojima, in collaboration with Ty Gibson of Light Bearers.
Happy Anniversary
Our Home Lifestyle Center and School in Ukraine is celebrating its 15th anniversary! The past years have been challenging due to its nationwide economic downfall. Nevertheless, in 2016 the lifestyle center maintained full or, at times, more than maximum capacity.
Welcome to the Family! Four ministries recently became members of OCI. Full Member:
• Anchor Institute - Zambia
Associate Members:
• Centro de Vida Saludable Monte Vida - Guatemala • Christian Translations - Austria • Reaching Ten Forty - Thailand
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Touching Lives
From Winemaker to Worker in the Lord’s Vineyard by Sebastian Naumann
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“ will never become a Seventhday Adventist,” Violaine Herisson asserted. “I prefer a combination of Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and so on.” A French lifestyle guest at Country Life Institute – Austria,Violaine had accepted her cousin’s invitation to visit the ministry and hoped to find relief for her constant pain, caused by her career in winemaking. Little did she know she would also discover answers to questions that had long troubled her thoughts. Originally terrified by the spiritual atmosphere and the prayerful people, a mental health lecture on the relationship between the great controversy and the mind impacted her.Violaine began inquiring about God and the Bible. By the completion of the lifestyle session, she had confessed her sins and surrendered her life completely to Jesus. Violaine returned to the winemaking business in France with newfound joy in her Savior, but God was calling her to take a major step in a different direction.
She soon quit her job and enrolled at TGM, Country Life’s mission school, finally accepting the conviction God had placed on her heart.Violaine grew in Christ during her year as a student and was eventually baptized. Currently she serves with an Adventist agriculture project in the Philippines. Her testimony has encouraged other French young people to participate as lifestyle guests or students at Country Life, despite the language barrier. Even two of her friends accepted Christ during a lifestyle session, with Violaine serving as the translator. As Violaine recounts her experience at Country Life, her desire to establish an outpost center in France increases. And it’s contagious. A group of French students, who share her vision, soon plan to attend TGM to learn how to develop a similar ministry in their home country. Violaine once believed God had called her to serve Him as a winemaker. Now she knows that working in the Lord’s vineyard is a much better place of employment. Sebastian Naumann serves as the school leader for TGM in Austria. To learn more about Country Life Institute - Austria, visit www.outpostcenters.org.
Top: Violaine now works alongside the Master Gardener. 1: Violaine (center) makes her home with other missionaries in the Philippines.
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President’s Perspective
Looking Forward I
t was in early June 1904, that a small group of friends traveled down the Cumberland River. Riding on the missionary boat Morning Star, they were interrupted when the engine needed some unexpected repairs. Ellen G. White suggested that they disembark to visit a nearby farm. The proposal agitated E. A. Sutherland, who had recently resigned as president of Emmanuel Missionary College. Distraught, Sutherland exclaimed he had no interest in seeing that farm again. White’s comments indicating that she had seen the farm in vision, and that this was the very place God wanted Sutherland and his friend P. T. Magan to start a new school, filled Sutherland with consternation. Neither Sutherland nor Magan could foretell the results of their efforts to follow God’s instructions and establish a school called Madison. Looking forward, all they saw was uncertainty and obstacles. Looking back, one can see that the influence radiating out of Madison has been the inspiration for many lay people to become actively involved in ministry. The farm, school, and sanitarium at Madison became worldrenowned. Today, the call for the laity to engage in ministry is stronger than ever. None of us know what will be the results of our work, as we endeavor to follow the call of Christ. Looking forward, the view may be obscured by clouds of doubt. Nevertheless, God has promised to bless every humble effort made in His name. Where is He calling you to serve today?
About the Cover: Cedarvale staff and guests venture into the great outdoors.
REPORTS Spring 2017 • Vol. 18, No. 1
Steven Grabiner Executive Editor Naomi Jackson Editor Eric Hullquist Layout & Design Debra J. Hicks Copy Editor Printed By College Press, LLC Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, unless otherwise noted. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
OCI Reports magazine is published by Outpost Centers International. Send address changes to ocireports@outpostcenters.org, and please include both the old and new addresses. You may also use the OCI contact information below. Outpost Centers International is a nonprofit organization working in cooperation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church to network and nurture supporting ministries worldwide. OCI operates through the generosity of people like you and issues tax-deductible receipts to U.S. donors. Please direct correspondence to: Outpost Centers International 5132 Layton Lane Apison, TN 37302 Tel: 423-236-5600 Fax: 423-236-5650 Email: info@outpostcenters.org For further information, please visit us on the web at outpostcenters.org.
Steven Grabiner President Editor
naomij@outpostcenters.org
Copyright © 2017 Outpost Centers International
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When God Leads Twice Interview by Naomi Jackson Though Nigel Torrens was born into a Seventh-day Adventist family, the long distance to church hindered them from regularly attending. As he neared his teenage years, church attendance increased, and Nigel’s faith grew. He accepted Jesus as his Savior and Friend and was baptized at 15 years old. Today, Nigel serves his Savior at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat in Australia.
How did God lead you to Cedarvale? In 2011 our family visited Cedarvale for what we thought would be a sixweek period so our daughter could gain some work experience in a health center. There was an opening in the 1 maintenance department at the time, so I offered to help during our stay. Near the end of our trip, the leadership asked us to consider making Cedarvale our home. We met with the manager at the time and thanked him for the great opportunity, but we planned to return home to continue with my personal business. My wife and I both remember coming out of that meeting saying, “Did we really say that we would stay for the rest of the year?” In the end, we served two years. Then we returned home so our children could complete secondary school.
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However, God led my family back to Cedarvale in February of 2016. We had spent the previous year in the Solomon Islands managing It is Written Oceania’s Medisonship, a catamaran functioning as a medical clinic. On our return to Australia, we were contemplating where God would lead next when I received an email
2 inquiring if I would be interested in serving as Cedarvale’s manager.
How have you seen God at work in the ministry? We have plenty of opportunities to reach people here at Cedarvale. Many
Face to Face people have completely changed their lifestyles, which is extremely encouraging. The staff has also felt impressed to share some religious books with several guests. We send these books with prayers that the seeds sown will grow through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have also had the wonderful experience of seeing guests who arrived as outright atheists find the Lord.
How has serving at Cedarvale impacted your life? Working with people and seeing their lives change helps you understand that we serve an amazing and loving God. This has given me a passion to help people even more.
What does Cedarvale do to reach its community? The health center is a great place to share the health message with our community by meeting individuals’ physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Guests stay for 5-night or 12-night sessions, during which they participate
3 in the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP). Our chef runs cooking classes that feature health talks, exercise classes, and more. Guests also thoroughly enjoy their therapy treatments. Generally, spiritual discussions happen during this time, and the opportunity to minister begins. Some guests attend church on Sabbath or ask questions about the way we live and why we are so different. Our resident physician and head therapist have also trained local church members to present the Living Well health course in the community. Guests have visited the church as a result of these programs.
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What are some hurdles you’re currently facing in ministry? As a supporting ministry, finances are always an issue. Providing accommodations for staff is also challenging. Wages have increased, and the property and facilities need to be maintained. But even in the toughest times, God supplies us with what we need to keep running. We trust that He will continue to bless.
What is one of the most valuable lessons you have learned in your work? Be patient and humble.
To learn more about Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat in Australia, visit www.outpostcenters.org.
Previous Page: Cedarvale’s campus provides a place of rest for guests. 1: & 2: Lifestyle guests learn how to stay in shape. 3: Cooking classes provide guests with hands-on tools for a healthy diet. 4: Mouthwatering food and meaningful fellowship are served up at Cedarvale.
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Touching Lives
Changing the Game by Hae Soo Kim
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echnology advanced rapidly in post-war South Korea. And as a young person raised in Seoul during the 1990s, computers and video games were a part of everyday life. In fact, I excelled at video games. At times, I spent nearly the entire day in front of the computer. I lacked purpose, except for advancing one more stage in a game. Now I realize I was a video game addict. I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home with loving parents who patiently worked with and prayed for me. So, on Parents’ Day, May 8, 2007, my parents gave me a gift I would understand only many years later. They sent me to Oklahoma Academy as a junior in high school to learn English as a second language. It was literally a new world. With the language barrier, cultural differences, and environmental contrast, it felt like a blow to the head with a sledge hammer! At least every growing pain rewards you with growth. In place of video games, I was given the real farming game. I learned to enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. My taste and skills in music developed, and the hungry spiritual man was fed and well-nourished. But the people I met made the greatest difference. Due to my upbringing, I was privileged to know about the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. However, it
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Oklahoma Academy students study creation up close in biology class.
was only while attending Oklahoma Academy that I experienced the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy practiced in an organization. The dedicated staff members were instructors in the classrooms, co-workers in the field, music directors in the ensembles, spiritual parents in church and at home, listening ears, friends, and most of all, our examples. In their shared time, money, food, love, friendship, and energy, I saw Christ’s love for me. Although, compared to Jesus’ sacrifice, we can never truly sacrifice anything for God, the sacrifice made by these humble missionaries impacted me. I began to cherish a noble purpose for my life— to be His missionary. Hae Soo Kim graduated from Oklahoma Academy in 2009 and is currently serving as a medical missionary at Wildwood Lifestyle Center. To learn more about Oklahoma Academy, visit www.outpostcenters.org.
Touching Lives
Mightier
by Roger Stone
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Adventist pastors teach non-Adventist pastors and Bible workers the three angels’ messages.
y any chance are you men Christians?” Timothy and Kupa Rao had hardly entered the village, but their faith had already been recognized. The Seventhday Adventist pastors connected with Stone Valley Foundation had followed an impression to visit an Indian village. “I knew by the look of peace on your faces that you were Christians,” Ravi* continued. “I need you to come to my house and pray for my wife. She is demon-possessed!” The pastors exchanged glances in surprise. “I have taken her to many Hindu temples, offered chickens as sacrifices, and I even saved my money to sacrifice a goat,” Ravi explained desperately, “but none of the Hindu gods could cure my wife.” The pastors prayed silently and followed the man to his home. Upon arriving, they found Ravi’s wife, Geeta*, sitting outside, undressed. Timothy and Kupa Rao immediately knelt and prayed. Within minutes, they heard a shout; God had brought deliverance. Geeta, embarrassed to find two strange men beside her, ran to the well, filled a bucket with water, and disappeared into her shanty. Soon a radiant woman reappeared. She hadn’t felt so free in several years.
Dumbfounded, a female neighbor asked: “What happened to you? Which god did you pray to?” Geeta shared what little she knew. News spread rapidly among the village women, and they decided to inform the elders. Geeta shared her incredible story before the village women made their appeal. They wanted the strangers to tell them more about the Christian God, but the elders denied their request. Disappointed, the women departed. Still, they paid the elders a visit every day for six weeks until they wore the men out. When Timothy and Kupa Rao received the invitation to return to the village, they encouraged me to join them, as I had been their Bible teacher. It seemed like the entire village, elders included, had gathered to hear the gospel story. And though I had been given only one opportunity to share, the crowd asked me to return. They longed to learn more about the God who was mightier than all of their gods. *Names have been adjusted. Roger Stone is the president of Stone Valley Foundation in India. For more information, visit www. outpostcenters.org.
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Mission Snapshot
From Eden to Zion by Maikel Moncaleano
The staff and students at Vida Sana Redension in Colombia eagerly offer hope to their most vulnerable community members.
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fter more than 50 years of war, many Colombians are discovering what it means to live in relative peace for the first time in their lives. During the conflict, which cost the lives of an estimated 220,000 persons and displaced approximately 6 million others, Colombia was not reminiscent of paradise. But in 2008 in Fusagasuga, God brought together a team of humanitarians who believed that He could do something phenomenal in a country that had experienced great loss. Vida Sana Redension began with scant resources and little hope for success, from a human perspective. Like the early church, the missionaries “were together and had all things in common� (Acts 2:44). Their first venture was a bakery. However, under the difficult circumstances, some team members soon reached their breaking point and left. Reduced to just eight staff, the team added agriculture 1
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and an ecological walking path, which is considered a tourist attraction in the local municipality. They offered health emphasis weekends at area churches, sold products from the bakery, and established a wellness center. The first patient was a young woman suffering from Steven Johnson syndrome who was healed within two weeks! Due to her generous offering, the guest room was adapted to make more beds available for wellness guests. As families joined the team, parents grew concerned for the education of their children. So 2010 marked the beginning of the elementary and secondary school, as well as the medical missionary training program. The
Mission Snapshot elementary and secondary school began in a tent, while the cafeteria doubled as the classroom for the medical missionary students. Not for some time would student dormitories be built. In that same year grew a desire to take the counsel of Isaiah 58:6-7 to
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heart: “Is this not the fast that I have chosen…? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?” This served as inspiration behind Isaiah 58 vegetarian restaurant. Now those accustomed to living on the streets of the city—the elderly, prostitutes, and single mothers with children—have a place to enjoy a warm meal, to bathe, 3 and to wash their clothes. Most importantly, they are introduced to a loving Savior. In the spirit of Isaiah 58, the staff at Redension also began a restoration program for young people battling addictions. These youth work with their hands, study God’s Word, and prepare to serve as medical missionaries after completing the course. They find their true purpose as they develop a close relationship with the One who frees them from bondage.
Out of the trials, God has shown Himself to be a Miracle Worker. What used to be 42 hectares of overgrown land has been transformed. The old barn now serves as a church, the horse stable houses the bakery, and the pigsty has become a restaurant. The wellness center has the capacity to receive 12 guests, and two new mission schools have opened in other states, with 60 students graduating last year from the mission school on the main campus. As the war over this world reaches its end, Redension demonstrates Jesus’ plan of redemption in its community. Though the Earth no longer bears the full glory of Eden, hundreds of people are catching glimpses of Zion as God uses dedicated missionaries to turn Colombia to Christ.
Maikel Moncaleano is the director of Vida Sana Redension. Find more information about this ministry at www.outpostcenters.org.
Top: Staff and students commune together in nature. 1: Students rise in the early hours for the campus morning devotional. 2: Spending time with God motivates students to surrender their lives to Him. 3: Dozens of missionaries are equipped for service each year.
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No Man Is an Island God uses Christian community to bring His missing children into a relationship with Him. Compiled by Naomi Jackson
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o man is an island, entire of itself,” John Donne penned in his 1624 work titled Devotions upon Emergent Occasions. His words are timeless and true, yet even as a mild introvert, I’m surprised at how frequently I’m on the lookout for the nearest “island” escape. Complete isolation may be tempting on occasion, but God created community for our good. In fact, our well-being depends on it. Two OCI member ministries based in Africa have likewise found community to be a gift worth sharing with others. Blessed to Be a Blessing December 2, 2016, was a memorable day for the team at Dunia ya Heri, or Land of Blessing, in Tanzania. The previous 14 months had been devoted to the construction of a home to house 20 toddlers. Only a few days prior, Hilda, a welfare officer, had facetiously proposed sending her children to the developing orphanage 2
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to experience the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Howbeit, her kids would not be the first to call Dunia ya Heri home. One year prior some uninhabited huts near Dar es Salaam were being searched for individuals who had failed to evacuate the premises. The huts were to be demolished to build a dam. A malnourished 1½-year-old boy was found with a clinical report, a document needed to acquire a birth certificate. It appeared the 1 child had been intentionally abandoned. Neighbors cared for the boy and reported his case to the police. Though the parents’ names were on the clinical report, they were nowhere to be found. Soon the sisters at Missionaries of Charity – Mother Theresa’s Children’s Home opened their doors to him, where he resided for a year. But
Feature this was not a long-term solution. While searching for an orphanage, the sisters happened upon Dunia ya Heri. And on that December day, God placed a little boy in the loving care of the ministry’s mamas. Their dream had finally become a 3 reality. In Search of Peace Elizabeth Mwita longed for something better. The single mother of two was tired of the fighting, drinking, and prostitution. Life was a nightmare. Then Felix entered the picture. A regular customer turned admirer, he eventually became her husband. Her future seemed to improve. The team at Light Kenya, which makes disciples for Christ primarily through education among Kenya’s four main tribes, became acquainted with Elizabeth through its visitation efforts. On one such visit, Elizabeth heard a touching promise: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). After the visitors closed with prayer and invited her to prayer meeting, Elizabeth shared, “I feel a change in my heart.” Those words of hope had come right on time. A few days after prayer meeting, Felix was arrested for embezzlement. Elizabeth prayed earnestly for her husband. Meanwhile, unaware of 4
the situation, the church members were impressed to pray for her. The following Sabbath, Elizabeth had a testimony to share. “Felix was released from jail and had to pay less than expected,” she exclaimed. She now knows there is a God who loves her. She regularly
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attends church services and is entrusting her husband’s salvation with her Savior. A Community in Christ If isolation were the way of heaven, a little boy once alone in a hut wouldn’t be learning about Jesus’ love today. And Elizabeth might still be looking for peace in all the wrong places. “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind,” John Donne suggests, as he concludes his poem. Heaven would agree.Thus, Emmanuel— God with us—came to mend our broken community. But the implication of His divine intervention is that we would leave our island-living behind to invest in God’s community. After all, it’s the best place for orphan boys, prostitutes, and everyone else to be. To learn more about these member ministries, visit www.outpostcenters.org. Top: Thomas and Beate Kuesel, staff at Dunia ya Heri, welcome the first orphans. 1: Beate is eager to provide each child with a loving, Christian home. 2: Upon completion, Dunia ya Heri will be able to accommodate 60 children. 3: The children flourish in their new home. 4: Elizabeth’s countenance reflects a peaceful heart. 5: The local church plays an integral role in Elizabeth’s life.
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Food for Thought
Fight the Good Fight
by Robert Zizka
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woman decides for the 11th time to shed excess weight. A man resolves to visit his aging mother. School children aim to study harder, and adults strive to unlearn bad habits. Without exception, each resolution results in a battle, which doesn’t always end victoriously. It is a fight against our egos. With the surname Zizka, which was the name of a famous Czech warrior in the days of the reformer John Huss, I should be quite the soldier, right? Recently I listened to a sermon by Randy Roberts, who expressed that our emotions should not control our mental and spiritual health. Servants should obey their masters rather than take matters into their own hands.This is a challenging fight; selfdenial seems to be a never-ending battle. Sometimes I win, and sometimes I lose. However, one of my current fights is of a slightly different nature. These days I’m fighting for magazine subscribers to Springs of Health’s magazine. Approximately 100-200 subscriptions are cancelled the end of each year, and I can only hope and pray that we will recover our losses. I try to fight the good fight and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). As one of our homeless clients says, “I’m still breathing.”We must keep fighting until our last breath.
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The story of Desmond Doss, who saved 75 soldiers in the battle for Okinawa, deeply inspires me. Each time he successfully brought another man to safety, Desmond prayed, “Lord, give me just one more.” I pray, “Lord, give me just one more subscriber.” We all have our battles with varying tasks, according to our opportunities and capabilities.We must not run away from the battles we face, as King David did. “In the spring…kings go out to battle…” (2 Samuel 11:1a). David remained in Jerusalem instead of fighting the Ammonites during the time of war. David had to wrestle with the consequences of his decision for the rest of his life. It’s time we head off to the battlefront ourselves instead of asking someone else to fight for us, especially when you have the surname of a great warrior.
Robert Zizka serves as president of Springs of Health Prague, a ministry focused on health evangelism. To find out more about this ministry, go to www.outpostcenters.org.
Get Involved If you have a desire to serve God, prayerfully consider one of the following ways to get involved.
Service Openings Train Them 2 Fish, USA Fundraiser
Supporting Your Great Commission
PATMOS Latin America, Costa Rica
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rt
Carpenter
DayStar Adventist Academy, USA
al nu An 16 20
Male Lifestyle Educator Female Lifestyle Educator Maintenance/Mechanic
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Country Life Institute, Dominican Republic
Accountant/Bookkeeper Farm Worker
Kibidula, Tanzania
Communication Specialist Pilot/Aircraft Mechanic Avocado Farm Manager
Springs of Life Foundation, Poland English Teacher
The Hope of Survivors, USA Translators Canadian Division VP
Riverside Farm Institute, Zambia
Health Worker/Nurse Elementary School Teacher Construction/Maintenance
View the complete list at www.outpostcenters.org. OC I
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History of Supporting Work
1894 – Present
1894
The first significant self-financed, self-supporting Seventh-day Adventist enterprise was a school set up by James Edson White on the boat Morning Star. The Morning Star had a library, chapel, photography lab, print shop, and accommodation for staff. The mission built approximately 50 schools, leading to the establishment of the Southern Missionary Society, which became part of the Southern Union Conference.
1915
By 1915 students from Madison College have already established 39 schools after the pattern of their alma mater.
1924 1904
E. A. Sutherland and P. T. Magan purchase a farm near Nashville, Tennessee, founding the self-supporting institution known as Madison College.
1901
Ellen White encourages ministers to move into self-supporting ministry following the example D. T. Shireman, a carpenter who raised up several churches.
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Lida Scott establishes Layman’s Foundation, which sponsored such institutions as Little Creek School and Sanitarium in Tennessee, Fletcher Academy and Hospital in North Carolina, and Pine Forest Academy in Mississippi.
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1942
Following the example of Madison College, Neil Martin, G. B. McLure, and W. D. Frazee found Wildwood Sanitarium and Medical Missionary Institute, today known as Wildwood Lifestyle Center.
1972
Warren Wilson, president of Wildwood, recognizes the need for self-supporting work to expand overseas and collaborates with Riverside Farm Institute in Zambia.
1947
Under the guidance of the General Conference, E. A. Sutherland brings several of the self-supporting institutions together to form Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), first known as the Association of Seventhday Adventist Self-supporting Institutions.
1983 - Present
OCI incorporates under the leadership of Warren Wilson to promote supporting ministries worldwide. Today the OCI family is more than 115 ministries strong.
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2016 Annual Report
OCI Today
We are OCI
Our Mission Outpost Centers International is committed to inspiring and facilitating the development of a global network of sustainable lay ministries. These ministries support the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church through education, community service, health evangelism, and media, preparing the world for the second coming of Christ.
Our Vision To see a thriving network of lay ministries reaching every country of the world.
Our Core Values
Accountability — Showing responsibility through transparency
We are committed to being accountable in the areas of governance, finance, and personnel. We accept the responsibility to be transparent on every level of the organization.
Balance — Demonstrating a balanced approach to ministry
We are committed to being balanced on the foundation of the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White in the standards and approach we have toward ministry.
Diversity — Showcasing unity in the midst of diversity
We are committed to valuing the strengths, experiences, and perspectives of others. Recognizing the diverse ministries and people who make up OCI, we are committed to partnering effectively within the office, on the OCI board, and with OCI member ministries to further the united vision while accepting our diversity.
Excellence — Striving to bring glory to God
We are committed to constant improvement in order to meet and exceed the highest expectations of our board, member ministries, and others.
Integrity — Committing to the highest moral standard—God’s Law
We are committed to honesty and doing what is right under all circumstances.
Service — Serving unselfishly
We are committed to the ministries and the broader community, dedicated to serve as Jesus came to serve.
Sustainability — Demonstrating sustainability
We are committed to being a self-sustained organization and encouraging all of our members to establish businesses and means of sustaining their ministries.
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Faces of OCI
OCI is more than just an office. OCI is the hundreds of lay missionaries doing their part to answer God’s call around the world. So, what exactly is OCI from their perspective?
“As a founding member of OCI and its birthplace, Wildwood Lifestyle Center still appreciates the networking, camaraderie, and resources that OCI offers. The informative seminars, break-out sessions, and spiritual emphasis make the leadership retreats events to look forward to. Support from those who are more experienced in the work helps bring perspective to current challenges facing many ministries today. Our hope is that we can continue supporting OCI to expand the impact of its mission in 2017 and beyond.” Vaughan Sparrow — President of Wildwood Lifestyle Center, Georgia, USA “I am always excited to experience the beautiful connections with other ministries and leaders with years of experience, who give Godly counsel. Here’s where the world all around enjoys fellowship, love, and a sense of belonging. It’s a taste of heaven!” Shanniel Fisher — Inter-America Division Director of LIGHT, Georgia, USA “Likeminded, motivated, dedicated, visionary—just a few words to describe the web of professionals, doctors, educators, and workers that make up an incredible team seeking to hasten the Lord’s return, and I’m honored to call them friends. Debbie Baker — President of Heritage Academy, Tennessee, USA “To be part of the global movement dedicated and committed to fulfilling the great commission is an immense blessing—a sure source of counsel, inspiration, and empowerment.” Daniel Bett — Director of Kingsway Preparatory School, Kenya “I initially thought joining OCI was just going to be another business transaction, until I met the hard-working, dedicated staff and fellow ministries that make up the OCI family, who spring forth deep wells of compassion, love, and grace as His workers. I’m very thankful to be a part of this family of God and count it a privilege to have their support and prayers on our journey home.” David Caukill — Marketing and Donor Relations of AdVenture Fund Global, Australia It is a wonderful feeling to know that our ministry is part of a worldwide, mission-motivated team. John Stephen Sundaraj — President of Jeeva Jyothi Ministry, India
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Points of Light “Everywhere the light of truth is to shine forth, that hearts now in the sleep of ignorance may be awakened and converted.” —Ellen White, Evangelism, p. 19
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Much of the world has yet to be lit with the beauty of the everlasting gospel, but that doesn’t keep missionaries at OCI member ministries all over the world from shining the light they’ve received. Just as Madison College sparked a rise in lay-operated ministries, the influence of OCI ministries today inspires countless individuals to greater service.
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Growth Ensuring OCI growth is a joint responsibility. As the adage goes, “Many hands make light work.” Missionaries from member ministries share the benefits of OCI membership with others, encouraging them to join the family. In 2016 these combined efforts resulted in 13 ministries entering the ranks of the OCI family and led to more effective evangelism in a world in need of Jesus. OCI even had the privilege of establishing a lifestyle center to reach secular Jews in Migdal, Israel, near the home of Mary Magdalene.
OCI’s field vice presidents volunteer their time to nurture member ministries and visit projects applying for membership. In addition, some OCI staff and ministry leaders serve as board members to help other organizations fulfill their God-given missions.
Get Involved! Sponsor a field vice president’s ministry visit. Write to info@outpostcenters.org for more information.
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2016 Annual Report
394 students enrolled in academies
781 students enrolled in elementary schools
169 pioneer missionary Bible workers in the field
203,450 vegetarian meals served at restaurants 277 graduates from mission schools
13 new member ministries
318 days OCI’s president and vice president spent visiting ministries
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2016 Annual Report
Networking Since 1989 OCI has held a yearly leadership retreat to gather ministry leaders and workers for a week of spiritual emphasis, practical seminars,
29 OCI member ministries attended Portugal retreat and ministry reports. Attendees enjoy quality time for fellowship, exchanging ideas, problem solving, and catching up with friends.
The leadership retreat concept has been adapted in the form of regional retreats to raise awareness about OCI around the globe. Regional retreats have proven beneficial for growing the OCI family, as ministry leaders
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become more acquainted with the philosophy behind supporting work. 33 mission reports shared during Portugal retreat OCI also believes in partnering with other Adventist organizations to hasten Jesus’ soon return. We foster relationships with ministries such as Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), the E. A. Sutherland Education Association (EASEA), the Lay Institute for Global Health Training (LIGHT), and more, always striving to represent the best interests of our member ministries.
7 sessions for united prayer during Portugal retreat
2016 Annual Report
OCI family and friends enjoy coming together as often as they are able. It’s a way to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with likeminded believers. In 2016, OCI’s field vice presidents and office staff facilitated six retreats and conventions with countless hours of help from member ministries around the globe. 1,095 people attended a regional and/or leadership retreat
2016 Retreat Calendar • Southeast Asia Retreat
Jakarta, Indonesia: Mar. 4 - 6
• Leadership Retreat
Albufeira, Portugal: May 2 - 7
• South America Division Retreat
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia: Oct. 25 - 29
“Ministries from different parts of the world gathered together. Inspiring presentations filled us with encouragement and determination to stay in the Lord’s vineyard.Workshops conducted by experienced and knowledgeable leaders brought muchneeded counsel to be more fruitful in the operating field. Smiles, laughter, tears, old friends, new connections, prayers, exchange of ideas, and experiences; we were attending our first OCI retreat. Memorable moment.” Nadege Vande Voort
Co-Director of Eden Valley Foster Care Mission, Tanzania
• Inter-America Division Retreat
Fusagasuga, Colombia: Oct. 27 - Nov. 1
• Eastern North America Retreat
Haymarket, Virginia, USA: Nov. 18 - 20
• Mexico Convention
La Morita, Mexico: June 9 - 12
Get Involved! Sponsor a missionary to attend an OCI Leadership Retreat. Write to info@outpostcenters.org for more information.
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2016 Annual Report
Communications One of OCI’s burdens is to tell the story of God’s providence as demonstrated in our member ministries. In 2016 we mailed four issues of our 16-page magazine, OCI Reports.
27,738 OCI Reports magazines mailed
4,715 Commissioned newsletters sent via email
An addition to OCI’s publications included Commissioned, an email newsletter, which features a story from one member ministry as well as that ministry’s financial needs and prayer requests.
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Get Involved! Get your copy of Commissioned every month. Sign up at www.outpostcenters.org/newsletters.
2016 Annual Report
643 physical copies of Look Among the Lowly sold
OCI tapped into its musical side and released an album titled Look Among the Lowly. CDs are primarily sold at concerts to increase awareness of and raise funds for OCI. However, the album is also available for download via iTunes™ and Google Play™. With technology constantly changing, OCI’s website seemed due for a makeover. Plans were put to paper in the fall of 2016, with a launch date anticipated for the spring of 2017. Website translation also began in Spanish and Russian.
14 songs recorded at 3ABN studios in less than 3 hours
5 benefit concerts performed
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2016 Annual Report
Sustainability Philanthropy is on the rise, and that’s to be encouraged. OCI recognizes the importance of facilitating the needs of our financial contributors to make giving as smooth an experience as possible. The ability to process recurring credit and debit card payments has been in place for some time, but OCI is now able to accept recurring automatic check drafts. Supporters can also reduce the mounting pile of mail by receiving donation receipts via email. Providing year-end receipts is on the horizon in 2017.
OCI Field Map: 2016 Total contributions: $5,630,742.61
North America - West
Europe - West
$189,309.65
Russian Speaking
$110,783.26
$98,311.09
Korea & Japan
North America - East
$197.84
$484,972.61 Asia - East
$79,794.26
$105,204.72
Inter-America Division
$2,237,575.64
Africa
$263,997.09
South America Division
$116,096.11
Brazil
$83,422.81
Asia - Southeast
$1,561,647.92
Europe - East
$299,429.62
Oceania
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2016 Annual Report
Member Services Allocation: 2016 $238,933.64 of OCI’s 2016 expenses* were invested into member services such as retreats, donation processing, and ministry visitation. Of that, member ministries contributed $51,527.07 to OCI’s budget to defray some of the expenses in providing those invaluable member services. See how those funds were used to support ministries and missionaries OCI serves.
Fundraising & Donation Processing
$17,247.96
Sponsorship
$3,806.11
Retreats
$25,219.20
Visitation & Mentoring
$134,667.96 Marketing
$57,992.41
*Operating
expenses were appropriated to the corresponding member services.
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2016 Annual Report
Current Leadership OCI Office Staff OCI’s reach spans beyond its log cabin walls in Tennessee to the hundreds of missionaries around the globe. We serve because they serve.
“Friendships, cultures intermingling, boundless opportunities, common vision, dedicated leaders, committed teams, and a worldwide commission. These are some of the word pictures that come to mind when I think of why I enjoy working for OCI. The actual travel required by the job gets old quickly, but that is more than abundantly repaid by seeing God at work in the various ministries.” Steven Grabiner — President “The more unworthy a person feels, the greater the honor when chosen. Every day, I praise God for the privilege of serving with a people who minimize personal gain in exchange for the greater benefit of sacrificing with God for the salvation of others.” Frank Fournier — Executive Vice President
“I’m grateful to play a small role in the Lord’s work. It seems much of my time is spent fingering through mail, reconciling accounts, and sending donation receipts, but I know that below the surface of the obvious, God is using all of these resources to win souls through His servants.” Arah Gilbert — Accounting
“I may not be able to pack my bag and visit each one of our member ministries to see with my own eyes how God is moving, but it’s a joy to read the mission stories and share them with our worldwide audience. I’m thrilled to see people engaged in missions both near and far!” Naomi Jackson — Communication Director
“Working with people who are passionate about service, being in contact with ministries worldwide, contributed to the wonderful work culture and atmosphere, and having an opportunity to be part of an organization that makes a difference are all reasons why I’m blessed to work at OCI.” Tabata Scalioni — Administrative Assistant
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2016 Annual Report
Field Vice Presidents
Board of Directors
With approximately 120 member ministries in almost 50 countries, it would be impossible for the small OCI office staff to connect with all the ministries in a meaningful way without the aid of volunteers serving as field vice presidents. As an extension of the office, they provide counsel, encouragement, and accountability for our ever-growing family. And they bring the world to us.
Alain Bautista Alexey Ostapenco Alistair Huong Biser Yordanov Bill Dull Bradley Mills Charles Cleveland
Alain Bautista
Craig Harding
Asia – Southeast
Don Johnson
Alexey Ostapenco Russian Speaking
Charles Cleveland Asia – East
Dosung Kim Fredrik Lillback Jaime Espinal James Hartley Janell Hullquist Jason Fournier
Don Johnson Japan & Korea
Fred Flint Inter-America Division
James Hartley Brazil
Jeremy Zwiker Jesse Zwiker Jose Suazo Kim Busl Linda Bentancurt Mark LaVanture Mark Sandoval Michelle Doucoumes
Kim Busl
Africa & Europe – West
Linda Bentancurt
South America Division
Naomi Pirraglia Nick Dan Shanniel Fisher Sidney Sweet Steve Dickman
Nick Dan
Europe – East
Vaughan Sparrow Viriato Ferreira Wilbur Atwood
Marilene Stevenson Oceania
Patricia LaVanture North America – East
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“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
Outpost Centers International 5132 Layton Lane Apison, TN 37302
2 Corinthians 4:7
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