Unleashed 2020

Unleashing the full force of the church to love people one at a time

Unleashing the full force of the church to love people one at a time

Table of Contents

BE THE BRANCH 10

Enemies and Friends A Racial Reconciliation Story

14

When the Church Went Online Finding Digital Connection and Community

18

Social Distancing Everyday Life for an Isolated Missionary

22

3Thirds A Simple and Effective Tool for Discipleship

26

Open Doors How the Shutdown in Greece Multiplied the Church

30

Pruning and Purification Encounter Online Provides Platform for Growth

CATCH THE WIND 34 New Community Campuses

Holy Spirit Moving in

Diverse Neighborhood 36

Tiny Homes, Big Possibilities More Than a Place to Live in Shelby County

42

Guided by the Spirit New Campuses in Shelby and Bullitt Counties

46

Late-Life Missionaries Dunlaps Faithfully Work in Field a Second Time

48

Planting During a Pandemic Southeast Helps Launch Pair of Churches

54

Singing Praises en EspaĂąol Awaken Worship Reaching Growing Population

WRECK THE ROOF

EMPTY THE JAR

58

From the Bottle to the Bible How Saramarie Combs Found Faith in a Bar in Elizabethtown

108

Finishing the Task An Effort to Share the Gospel with All Nations

62

Camp Freedom Revised A Shift in Community Outreach

66

Second Chances Court Diversion Program Offers Hope

112

Giving Her All A Missionary’s Commitment to the Kingdom

68

Childlike Faith Indiana Campus Kids Serve in Big Ways

70

Human Trafficking and the Church’s Response The La Grange Campus Learns from The Samaritan Women Ministry

74

Ministering in Crisis Mission Partners Aid India During COVID

116 Sharing the Good News in Cuba

A Short-Term Trip

with Lifelong Impact 118

Feeding the Community When the Going Got Tough, the Church Kept Giving

122

Meeting the Need Southeast’s Benevolence Response during COVID-19

126

Intentional Generosity Extravagant Giving as a Business Plan

GRIP THE PLOW 80

Fostering the Possibilities One Step of Obedience at a Time

84

Proem Ministries 30 Years of Service in Poland

88

INFOGRAPHICS 6

2020 Missions Giving Impact

20

New in 2020

40

Local Engagement Map

From Muslim to Ministry Tony Weedor’s Reason for Hope

52

Southeast Church Plants and National Engagement Map

90

The Value of a Mentor Helping Students Step into Their Gifts

60

Baptisms in 2020

102

Sent Out

94

GMHC at 25 Continuing to Equip and Inspire

114

International Engagement Map

124

COVID-19 Relief in 2020

98

Life in Abundance Celebrating 25 Years of Faithful Ministry

128

Unleashed Conference

Copyright © 2020 Southeast Christian Church All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Printed in the United States of America.

First printing, 2020.

Southeast Christian Church 920 Blankenbaker Parkway Louisville, KY 40243 southeastchristian.org

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011

by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan. com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

LETTER FROM KYLE One of the great encouragements to me in the midst of such a strange time has been the clear evidence that none of this has caught God off guard. We have seen again and again how God went before us; in fact, this is one of the ways God is described in the Old Testament. He is the God who goes before you.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Isaiah 45:2 says, “I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.”

As a church, we believe that there is no mountain that God can’t level. So, we look back on this last year, and it seems there in front of us was one mountain after another—the mountains of financial uncertainty, physical disease, and racial division. Mountains of social distancing and family tensions. Mountains of addiction and isolation, and even when we look ahead it seems like the path in front of us is mountain after mountain.

But we worship the God who goes before us and levels the mountains. It’s not just that He gives us strength to overcome the mountains—He levels them. He is the way maker, the miracle worker, and the mountain leveler. This book is a celebration of the ways that God has gone before us in 2020. It’s a reminder of all that He has done and a proclamation of hope for Him to use us to do it again.

My prayer is that this book would empower the full force of the church to be unleashed to love people one at a time. As followers of Jesus, may we never hold back the sails when the wind is moving, may we never limit Him to our personal preferences, and may we never put out the Holy Spirit’s fire.

Kyle Idleman Senior Pastor Southeast Christian Church

5

2020 Missions Giving Impact

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

2020 Missions Giving Im

Because of your generosity, Southeast’s cumu

MISSIONARIES

17

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

3

Twenty-one percent of all Southeast giving goes to Missions and gets spent from our community to the most remote areas around the world.

Southeast supports a organizations throu directly with vulne

mpact

At Southeast Christian Church, we’re excited about Connecting people to Jesus and one another. Here are some of the ways we did that through Missions in 2020!

ulative missions giving since 1999 exceeds $147M.

Local Churches

16

Local Organizations Local Missionaries

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

13

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

8

a variety of missionaries and ghout the world that work erable children every day.

45 18

60 National Organizations 15 National Missionaries 17 National Churches

International Churches

4

International Organizations International Missionaries

We walk with and support many churches, organizations, and missionaries!

32 64

Be the Branch

John 15 Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. This metaphor reminds us that we can do nothing of any real value apart from Jesus. When we know who we are, we will know what to do. We are the branches, which means that our job is to stay connected to the vine.

If Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, then fruit comes from Him alone. And, since we’ve been grafted into Him together, we can do nothing of any real value apart from one another. Because we connect as a community, we’ll constantly look to be the branch to others.

BE THE BRANCH

10

BE THE BRANCH

Enemies and Friends

A Racial Reconciliation Story

I

nitially, Randy Stinnett resisted

depression. I’d traded everything

joining the white supremacist

that mattered for another high. The

gang at Northpoint Training

only way to deal with something like

Center near Danville, KY, mostly

that is by hating other people.”

because he didn’t want to shave his head. But he changed his mind one

Dave Thomas first saw Randy at Green

day when he was unpacking a care

River Correctional Complex in 2010. He’d

package in his cell and three Black

heard about Randy from other inmates.

prisoners attacked him and stole new

As a Black man, he knew their paths

t-shirts and socks. “That was it,” Randy

should not cross. He didn’t know that

said. “I told them to sign me up.”

God was already working in Randy’s life.

Within a few years, the 21-year-old

Internal Struggle

was running the gang. He earned his reputation as one of the most powerful and dangerous men in the yard. Hatred simmered and boiled over on anyone not in his gang.

“I hated everybody,” Randy said.

“But on the inside, I hated myself. I was filled with sadness, pain, and

Dave knew allying himself with the right group would determine his future. “I got involved in what I called God’s gang,” he said. “I immediately started going to chapel, joined a Bible study group, and hung around them.

God was transforming my mind, heart, and perspective in life.”

Continued on next page

Former enemies Dave Thomas and Randy Stinnett find common ground in Christ.

11

Continued from page 11 Of course, trying to follow Jesus didn’t mean

violent prison in the U.S., it helps dads behind

there were no obstacles. “I definitely had a

bars take responsibility and break the cycle of

major issue with white people,” Dave said.

incarceration. He learned that his children

“I felt a lot of them were against me. I would

were seven times more likely to end up

hear the term ‘the white man is the devil’ and

incarcerated because he was, unless he could

felt a lot of white people were operating more

make dramatic changes.

like the devil. That they were a stumbling block to the African-American race.”

Randy was alone in his cell the day he hit bottom. He didn’t know much about faith, but

But while he was in prison, Dave began to

he got down on his knees and prayed. “God,

look beyond skin color. “I saw that they were

please give me something I can see the end of,”

lost. They didn’t have a relationship with

he began. “If You help me survive prison, I’ll live

God,” he said. “I knew Randy’s gang was led

my life for You.”

by hate. I saw them out in the prison yard, doing what they do—mostly intimidating people, selling drugs, and gambling. I knew I could not have a conversation with him.”

While Dave was hanging out with his “God gang,” an inmate asked Randy to try the Malachi Dads program. Started in Angola, the most

12

Making Changes Despite Randy’s new-found hope, there was another reality to consider: he was still leading a gang.

“I realized that the same people who followed me to hell would follow me to heaven if I had the

BE THE BRANCH

“I hated everybody, but on the inside, I hated myself. I was filled with

courage to lead them

“Jesus is the key to racial harmony,” Dave said.

there,” Randy said.

“I want to be the person who is hard to hate.

“So I started using my

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord

influence to lead men

your God with all your heart, soul, and mind

in the right direction.”

and love your neighbor as yourself. Start with the one person you know. Loving your neighbor

His life changed so

is the most powerful thing you can do. Only

drastically from that

Christ’s love will bring reconciliation.”

sadness,

time on that Randy

pain, and

was given parole

depression.”

the first time he was eligible. He didn’t take that second

Learn More

chance lightly. Before his release, Randy

The work of the Spirit is always calling us to greater

became involved with Southeast’s Mission

unity, not greater uniformity. We’ve not been called

Partner, Prodigal Ministries, a faith-based

to look like one another, we’ve been called to look

prison care program for men and women.

like Jesus. We pray that the Holy Spirit would work in us so that we would be a church that reflects

After his release, Randy moved into the

the fullness of God through both our diversity and

Prodigal house in La Grange, where he

simultaneous unity. To learn more about how to

went to Bible studies, counseling, met with

engage in the work of racial reconciliation, Senior

a mentor, and began attending worship

Pastor Kyle Idleman wants to recommend the

services at Southeast’s Crestwood Campus.

book One Blood by Dr. John Perkins, an incredible

He got married and began raising a family.

pastor who has devoted his life to this work.

At a Prodigal fundraiser in 2018, Randy told his story. Dave was in the audience, and after the testimony, he made his way to the stage. Both men were different people than they had been during their days behind bars. Dave is a pastor.

Randy owns his own plumbing company. Both are members of Southeast Christian Church.

Prayer Requests • P raise God for being the source of all true healing, hope, and reconciliation.

• P ray that God will bring healing, restoration, and reconciliation as His people learn to listen and grow with one another toward His love.

In that first conversation, Randy told Dave about burying his newborn baby boy,

• A sk God to use people, programs,

about mentoring other young men leaving

and ministries to break chains and

prison, and about chasing after Jesus.

unhealthy cycles of sin and consequences

He asked Dave to meet him for lunch.

in the lives of His people.

“Years ago, Dave would have been my worst enemy,” Randy said. “Today he is my friend.”

The two men tell their story in this time of racial unrest and division.

13

GRIP THE PLOW

BE THE BRANCH

When the Church Went Online Finding Digital Connection and Community

t’s no overstatement to say that the COVID-19 pandemic transformed American life. Restaurants abandoned the indoor dining experience to highlight their takeout options. Entertainment venues from movie theaters to bowling alleys shuttered up their businesses for months. Parents transitioned from the bus stop to the new frontier of NTI and virtual learning. Life as we knew it changed in a matter of days.

The Beginning of SE Online Back in 2018, Southeast’s leadership began investigating what it would look like to expand ministry into the digital arena. The desire wasn’t simply to live-stream a service; they wanted to find a way to truly do ministry online. So, a team began investigating the different platforms and tools the church might use to connect and engage with people across the globe through the power of the internet.

That includes the way we gather as a church.

On March 15, 2020, Southeast Christian Church made the decision to do something unprecedented. With cases of the novel coronavirus surging across the nation, Southeast held services exclusively online for the first time. Though circumstances required social distancing, our commitment to community as a Body never wavered. Changing times require the good news of an unchanging God.

In June 2019, SE Online officially launched.

Livestreaming across Facebook, YouTube, and

Thankfully, God had already been working to

SoutheastChristian.org, the launch brought the

prepare His church to deliver such a message.

Southeast experience home to people across the country and around the world. Over the following

Continued on next page

15

BE THE BRANCH Continued from page 15

Visiting speaker Albert Tate and Associate Pastor Matt Reagan engage with the SE Online community.

months, the digital team further honed their

As the church moved online and away from

craft, adding more platforms and incorporating

meeting in person, SE Online emerged on the

new technology to improve the user experience.

frontlines of that transition. Online viewership

More important than the technological advancements, however, were the relational lessons the team learned. Connecting with people isn’t always easy. It’s even more of a challenge when you’re doing it across a computer

jumped more than tenfold overnight. A ministry that might have seemed like a luxury suddenly became a necessity. Though the church never changed, the way we approached church had to be adapted.

screen. Still, the SE Online team made it a point

The transition to online ministry came with its

to keep relationship as their number one priority.

fair share of challenges, but also brought some

SE Online Pastor Stephen Puricelli remembered,

amazing opportunities. For Stephen, the greatest

“We learned a lot in those early days about what

of these is how this season has refocused the

it looks like to engage people online and value

church on mission. “Following Jesus is more than

them one at a time.”

worshipping together in a building. Following Jesus has so much to do with what we do while

Church Online Over the course of nine months, the SE Online team learned about doing ministry across

we are on our own, what we think, how we respond, and the wells we draw from to engage in our life.”

digital environments. The arrival of COVID-19

This renewed sense of mission has sparked

gave them a crash course in getting it done. “No

connections in unexpected places. Stephen

one was prepared for the pandemic,” Stephen

points to the story of Mark and Marina Bromley,

said, “but by God’s grace, we were able to not be

a couple from Alabama who began watching SE

caught scrambling.”

Online in the midst of the pandemic. Though they struggled to connect with the online experiences

16

BE THE BRANCH

of their local churches, they found a quick home

week. No matter how ministry will continue to

within our digital family. The Bromleys’ journey

grow and evolve in the seasons ahead, the goal

has taken them from viewers to participants

will always remain the same: Connecting people

to leaders of an online group. They may be

to Jesus and one another.

hundreds of miles from our campuses, but they are united with us in mission.

In a time when social circles were largely

Learn More

contracting, SE Online saw its reach expand.

To learn more and connect online, visit

With participants from Wisconsin to Nevada and

southeastchristian.org/location/seonline.

Africa to Australia, Southeast’s digital ministry has started to realize that original vision to engage people from different cultures and countries around the world.

While the online team’s footprint has grown, its focus has not changed. The emphasis on connection and community drives every aspect of digital ministry—from the chat hosts who converse with viewers during Sunday services to the online groups that meet throughout the

Prayer Requests • Praise God for going before us and preparing the church for this season of online ministry.

• Pray that God will use SE Online to reach new people and places.

• Ask the Spirit to empower new leaders to help the digital ministry expand.

17

Social Distancing Everyday Life for an Isolated Missionary solation often felt like my closest

While studying the Word, Courtney learned

companion in the remote jungle

that Jesus was a brother to her, taking on

location where I served for 11 years,”

human flesh and emotions. He knows the

Courtney remembered from her experience as

loneliness deep inside, He understands the

a missionary with her family in Southeast Asia.

struggle with temptation, and He feels the

During long nights, Courtney searched to understand the pain of human suffering and loneliness in her relationship with God. As the mosque call punctured the silence of her room,

18

pains of this life. He offered comfort in His words in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

she longed for a closeness with the Father. In

As Courtney wrestled with loneliness, she was

the midst of her loneliness and desperation,

continually reminded that God is with her and

she turned to Scripture for guidance. She knew

has made her human home His home. Paul said

her priority was to connect with the Father.

it well in 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don’t you know

BE THE BRANCH

that you yourselves are God’s temple and that

remain in the vine.” She has remained in Him,

God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

not just in the intimate quiet time of Scripture

Whether Courtney is serving as a field worker in another country or quarantining at her home in the U.S., she knows that the Lord is dwelling inside her.

reading, but also in the communal body of Christ. “Just as God lives in me, He also dwells in the Christian brothers and sisters around me,” Courtney reflected. She and her husband now regularly walk with, encourage, and care

In Trials and Suffering

for other field workers. What a beautiful picture

Being cross-cultural workers, Courtney and her

surrender of her experience as a cross-cultural

family have faced crisis after crisis, from medical

worker! May this be a reminder that the presence

evacuations to interrogations and flash floods.

of God is within us, even through the depths of

Courtney recalls a particularly difficult event

loneliness and the struggles of crisis.

of God’s transforming work through Courtney’s

concerning her son, who was napping upstairs.

As she prepared dinner, she suddenly heard a loud crash. Concerned for her son’s safety, she rushed upstairs only to see that, miraculously,

Learn More

debris from the ceiling had fallen everywhere

If God is drawing your heart to the nations, learn

except his crib. It was as if a protective shield

more at southeastchristian.org/missions/go.

had been laid as a barrier, leaving him unscathed from harm. When she reflected on that moment, Courtney was drawn back to the presence and powerful protection of the Lord. She was reminded of God’s mighty control and the power He holds in our lives.

In the stringent circumstances of life abroad, coupled with the struggle of loneliness as a field worker, Courtney has continued to seek the Lord in all things. She has sought to be the branch through deeply abiding in the presence of Jesus.

John 15:4 says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must

Prayer Requests • P raise God that even when we are alone, He is enough to sustain and supply our needs!

• P ray that God would sustain Courtney and her husband as they continue to catalyze the advancement of God’s Kingdom through training and equipping disciples among unreached peoples.

• Ask God to empower and encourage the local believers in the midst of the persecution they face as a result of their faith.

19

New in 2020

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Isaiah 43:19

New in 2020

Community Church BABYLON, NY

City Church CINCINNATI, OH

Through the

Nation

congregation’s generosity, Southeast is continuing to help meet felt needs wholistically in order

Renaissance Church BOSTON, MA

3 Church Pla 1 Partner

to make disciples and connect people to Jesus.

Oakdale Christian Academy JACKSON, KY

GO Ministries

DOMINICAN REPUBLI

Dwight Gwinn

Jennifer Roberts

CROSSROADS MISSIONS

FCA

Barren Heights LOUISVILLE

h

Helping Hands of Hope ELIZABETHTOWN

Local

Highpoint Charitable Services LA GRANGE

2 Missionaries 6 Partners

nal

ants

Lifehouse Maternity Home LOUISVILLE

Maya Collection LOUISVILLE

International

5 Missionaries 2 Partners

Veteran’s Club LOUISVILLE

Remaining missionaries are not named due to security concerns.

Justin & Lindsay Thomas UNITED KINGDOM

IC

4Africa

Josiah & Laura Martin

UGANDA & SOUTH SUDAN

JAPAN

3Thirds participants rely heavily on prayer and the Holy Spirit.

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BE THE BRANCH

3Thirds

A Simple and Effective Tool for Discipleship

W

hat was started by two faithful men five years ago in a small room at Southeast Christian Church

has grown to encompass 329 groups—70 at Southeast—with more than 1,447 members worldwide in attendance weekly.

The simple, replicable approach allows for personal, Christ-like growth and a deep dive into the Word.

What is 3Thirds?

3Thirds is a discipleship approach marked by prayer and obedience. The 3Thirds vision is to create a Disciple Making Movement (DMM) that is not dependent on people, but on the movement of the Holy Spirit. In obedience to the calling Christ gave in His final moment on earth, the mission statement is “To make disciples who make disciples who make disciples and thus to see God raise up a disciplemaking movement that will bless this church, this city, this state, this nation, to the ends of the earth.”

The simple, replicable approach allows for personal, Christ-like growth and a deep dive into the Word. You can step into any 3Thirds group and find the same three-portion format being used. Each portion is opened by prayer— asking the Holy Spirit to be present and to

speak to each individual. In fact, the study depends completely on the work of the Spirit in and through the lives of each participant.

1. The first third, the Look Back, focuses on the previous week. Each individual is asked about their personal relationship with God, how they obeyed what they learned the previous week, as well as who they shared and trained with.

2. The second third is the Look Up, in which members read and discuss a passage of Scripture.

3. The final third is the Look Forward, when members make commitments for the coming week in obedience to the passage read and to the Gospel.

Continued on next page

23

BE THE BRANCH Continued from page 23 By studying God’s Word and holding one another

that, had the church there not had the training

accountable, members are able to experience

and the small group option available, they would

abundant life and the fullness of joy, as it is

have had to close their doors like many of their

recognized this comes through obedience to

neighboring churches.

God’s Word.

By employing the 3Thirds model and tenants,

3Thirds in Brazil

the leaders in Brazil saw growth and renewed hope. One church formed groups out to the third

In the Spring of 2020, before the COVID-19

generation in a matter of mere months. For them,

pandemic, leaders from Louisville’s 3Thirds team

living the Word out and bearing fruit through

were able to go to Brazil and train leaders in the

3Thirds has been a life-changing reminder that the

Amazon to reach the unreached tribes as Christ

Gospel still stands—even when the world seems to

commanded, as well as to train local pastors and

be falling apart.

churches in the DMM process.

While there, they cast a vision of a multiplying

A Movement Fueled by Prayer

movement that would spread from Brazil to the

Every week, the Louisville DMM leadership

ends of the earth. Just weeks after their visit, the

team prays and fasts for the continued blessing

pandemic hit and international travel was halted.

of the Lord over every group and every member.

Brazil quickly became one of the hardest impacted

It is because of this dedication to prayer that

countries. People were thrown into turmoil, and

the movement has been blessed with such

churches were failing due to strict lockdown

exponential growth.

restrictions.

The Louisville DMM has branched out to 12 Through Zoom and international calls, the

countries and has groups out to the eighth

Brazilian branch stayed in contact with the

generation. It is a replicable model, as evidenced

Louisville DMM base and praised God for His

by the rapid growth, and welcomes both new

timing in aligning their community with the

believers and mature Christians.

3Thirds movement. The lockdown was so strict

3Thirds at a Glance 329 groups 1,447

Over members trained to multiply disciples 24

12 local churches 43 international churches 2 correction facilities

BE THE BRANCH

3Thirds Discipleship groups encourage community with others and communion with the body of Christ.

We strive to build one another up, to walk alongside one another in the journey to growing closer to Christ, and to fulfill His final command to make disciples of all the nations.

Learn More If you are interested in joining the 3Thirds Disciple Making Movement, text CONNECT to 733733 or find us on southeastchristian.org/groups.

Prayer Requests • Praise God for the abundant harvest already created through 3Thirds!

• Ask the Holy Spirit to use 3Thirds to multiply disciples who multiply disciples in our communities, cities, nation, and throughout the world.

• Pray that God would raise up obedient and faithful followers who will be transformed through the study of His Word.

Because Brazilian church leaders were trained in 3Thirds, the Gospel continues to spread during the pandemic shutdown.

More than

217

baptisms

12 countries 8 languages

Mission Statement: To make disciples who make disciples who make disciples and thus to see God raise up a disciple-making movement that will bless this church, this city, this state, this nation, to the ends of the earth.

25

BE THE BRANCH

Open Doors

How the Shutdown in Greece Multiplied the Church

S

outheast volunteer Charles McKibben first visited Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel (AMG), Southeast’s Mission Partner in Greece,

in early 2016. On his last day, they made the hourlong trip from the Athens area to the southern tip of Greece. His hosts explained that he would not see an evangelical church that day. At the time, there were only 350 evangelical churches, with 30,000 members, in all of Greece. The country’s 11 million people are overwhelmingly Orthodox, and evangelical small groups or home churches were not easily started.

Nevertheless, the dream of AMG and the Greek Evangelical Alliance (GEA) was to plant churches throughout the area. Recognizing the size of this task, the leaders committed to rely on the Father for unprecedented opportunity rather than their own plans or strength.

Prayerfully, they pleaded for a way to see the people around them have opportunity to connect to Jesus.

One Million Refugees Shortly after Charles’ visit, the circumstances began to change when one million refugees started pouring into Greece. AMG and GEA began offering meals, water, and tea to refugees when they arrived in the Athens port.

Continued on next page

26

BE THE BRANCH

Continued from page 27 Southeast joined the partnership to help open a

Political tensions caused the flow of refugees

relief center in the port area. Laundry facilities,

both in and out of Greece to virtually stop.

hot showers, and internet access were a big

Those in Athens were now being given

draw, but primarily the center offered a safe

permanent refugee status and other European

place to gather. There was even childcare.

countries were no longer accepting them.

For many of the refugees, most of whom

The relief ministry was quickly replaced

were Muslim, this would be their first

with Homespot, a ministry center offering

face-to-face encounter with Christians.

basic language and life-skill classes. Among

It was an ideal opportunity to give them

other services, Homespot provided much-

a favorable impression. There were many

needed help with the paperwork required for

questions and discussions about faith and

housing, financial assistance, and immigration.

Christianity and the opportunity to connect.

The biggest attraction, though, was van rides to the different government offices.

Although these refugees were “in transit” and moved through Athens fairly quickly, volunteers had the opportunity to introduce

These could be an hour long and provided uninterrupted time to share the Gospel and offer refugees a connection to God.

the Gospel and follow up with some individuals after they moved on. Mostly the prayer was

Through these efforts, a regional worship

for the refugees to leave Athens open to

service became multi-ethnic. It was normal

further discussions as they encountered

to have people from two dozen countries in

Christians down the road. The volunteers

attendance with translation into five or six

recognized their primary influence was

languages. There was even a children’s choir and

to prayerfully intercede and connect to

a special Arabic-language family camp. Bible

the Father on the refugees’ behalf.

discussion groups began and grew rapidly.

The circumstances then shifted again.

Refugees pass through a relocation center in Greece.

Refugee women find community and resources through AMG.

Growth Through Distancing The next shift was dramatic—the COVID-19 pandemic. All of Greece shut down immediately.

No more large worship services in many languages. No more classes. People could only

and the team had lunch and discussed the dream of planting evangelical churches in this region. Now, in houses throughout the region, groups gather for worship together and reach others electronically.

leave their homes for a limited list of specific errands, and even then, they had to register

The team in Greece has seen that

with the government when they went out.

connecting with the Father has led to impact they couldn’t have known to ask

Like in the U.S., contact was limited to electronic meetings with smaller groups.

Bible discussions could continue online and

for. The results are something only God could have accomplished. They’re just following His lead and holding on!

regular meetings began to be held in various homes, providing the opportunity to prioritize connection over production. A few relief visits to distribute food and other necessities were

Learn More

allowed and provided brief times of fellowship.

To keep up-to-date on short-term trips that serve partners like AMG, text Mission Trip to 733733.

God’s plan wasn’t limited by government

You can also get involved with refugees in our

restrictions. His work continued on His

area with ministries like Hope Collaborative

schedule. The enemy may have intended

(hopeccd.org) and Refuge (refugeintl.org).

to close the churches, but God opened the opportunity for a church in every house. This

Prayer Requests

has been the most effective time for their

• P raise God for using painful, difficult

ministry, with more people participating

circumstances to bring about growth

in those small groups every week than ever

and transformation as only He can!

participated in their church gathering.

Now no one is lost in the crowd. Everyone

• P ray for the refugees who were exposed to the

gets individual attention and the ability to

Gospel in Greece, that the seed planted grows

participate by prayer, learning, and discussion.

into new and multiplying faith in their lives.

•A sk God to equip and sustain the new

Remember the original dream for this area

believers in Greece as the church continues

of Greece? The Homespot refugee center

to multiply in that region and beyond!

is only a few blocks from where Charles

29

BE THE BRANCH

Pruning and Purification Encounter Online Provides Platform for Growth “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 opportunity to step out of the painful silence of

T

isolation and into community. he image painted through the words of Jesus in John 15 is one of growth—

Through Encounter Online, hundreds of

a deep inner work that produces a

individuals were able to participate in Support

beautiful sweet fruit that reflects the goodness

and Recovery groups over the three-and-a-half

of the Father. This is fruit the participants

months of in-home quarantine. A large number

in Encounter know well. In the Encounter

of these individuals, some of whom had never

community, any fruit reflects the strength

stepped foot in a Southeast campus, continued to

and resilience it takes to endure the painful

stay connected as Encounter began regathering in

“pruning and purification” necessary to remain in

the first week of July.

relationship with Jesus and one another.

This community exemplifies what it means to do the painful inner work required to stay connected

Encounter is a community of

to the life-giving, fruit-producing power of Jesus.

people seeking healing and

Encounter is a community of people seeking healing and hope through prayer, worship, testimonies, teaching, and support and

hope through prayer, worship, testimonies, teaching, and support and recovery groups.

recovery groups.

Encounter Online

30

The success of attendance in the Teen Support Group, for example, is a result of Encounter Online

Formed almost instantly out of the COVID-19

participation. Students participating in in-person

pandemic, Encounter Online provided the

gatherings have almost all been connected via

opportunity for many to maintain—or be

our online presence. A group that wouldn’t have

introduced to—this vital connection to Jesus and

developed otherwise has been formed and is

one another. With meetings available four days a

creating space for community and friendship in a

week via Zoom, participants were given the

season where isolation is so easy to fall into.

Through Encounter Online, hundreds of individuals were able to participate in Support and Recovery groups over the three-and-a-half months of in-home quarantine.

Grasping onto Jesus The stories of those seeking wholeness and healing through Encounter are all unique, yet they share the same strength and hope. As they grasp onto Jesus, they bravely allow the Father to work

those who are actively participating in groups of any kind to extend an invitation, because that invite may be what connects someone else to the life-giving, fruit-producing, abundant goodness of the Vine, Jesus.

through community to remove the pieces of their hearts and lives that prevent the production of fruit. This fruit is the evidence of a restored life that is in deep and constant connection with Jesus.

Learn More To learn more about Encounter and to get involved,

Tana Tomes, an invested group participant

visit southeastchristian.org/ministries/care or

in Encounter, has experienced more growth

text ENCOUNTER to 733733. You can also contact

via Encounter Online than she could have ever

the team at care@secc.org or 502.253.8400.

imagined. Tana explained that, by its nature, group work brings light to the things in life that

Prayer Requests

need to be pruned, through both insight and

• Praise God for the fruit He’s producing

encouragement from other group members. To

through the hard work of healing and

Tana’s surprise, Encounter Online provided a

restoration in the Encounter community.

consistent and safe outlet for this type of growth.

The pruning and purification required to remain

• Ask God to provide protection and

in Jesus and produce much fruit is, for Tana

healing over each group member and

and many others, cultivated deeply within the

facilitator involved in Encounter.

Encounter community.

• Pray that those seeking healing and hope would Tana encourages anyone who is considering

not feel isolated, but would find community.

becoming a part of the Encounter community to get involved. “Just do it! Jump in before your thoughts convince you otherwise.” She challenges 31

Catch The Wind

Acts 2, John 3:8 The Hebrew word for spirit is the word ruock, and in the New Testament the word for Spirit is numa. Both words have the root meaning of wind or a breath of air. In John chapter 3, Jesus helped a religious leader named Nicodemus understand how the Holy Spirit works in our lives, and He said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.”

If the Holy Spirit is the wind, then as a church, we must individually and collectively answer what our relationship with the wind of the Spirit will be. Will we hide behind big buildings and closed doors, behind traditions and tested theories? Will we place our trust in that which we can contain and control? Or will we choose another way?

The wind is what moves us. The wind is what directs us. Wind can’t be contained. Wind can’t be controlled.

You can’t capture wind, wrap it up, and stick it in a box. Wind blows where it pleases. The wind is not especially concerned with our 5-year plan or our strategic goals. The wind can come up suddenly and it can change directions unexpectedly. All we want to do is raise the sails and catch the wind.

CATCH THE WIND

New Community Campuses

Holy Spirit Moving in Diverse Neighborhood magine a place where dozens and dozens of different languages and cultures co-exist on an everyday basis. Now, imagine that none of those languages or cultures are native to that area, yet the people there must somehow navigate the native language and culture just to survive. Finally, imagine this whole dynamic takes place within a 6-block radius.

That is Beechmont.

Beechmont truly is a home to many languages and cultures from all over the world.

Truly Present Cliff and Heather Beach love people. They love being with people, to form friendships, to sit and listen—to be present. And they love to help.

What started as a Summer outreach to help newly-arrived refugees primarily from war-torn Syria learn English over time grew into real, deep, solid friendships. The kind of friendships where someone calls and invites you over for dinner on the spur of the moment, and you say, “Yes.” The kind of friendships where you rejoice when they rejoice over the birth of a new child, and you mourn when they mourn over sickness and the death of a loved one. That’s what Cliff and Heather developed.

But to be truly present, it’s best if you are near.

Cliff and Heather lived in Oldham County and attended Southeast’s Crestwood Campus, while most of their friends lived in Louisville, he SE Beechmont Community Campus is geared toward groups T of people who encountered cultural barriers in attending one of Southeast’s existing regional campuses.

34

specifically in the south side of the city. If they

Beechmont truly is a home to many languages and cultures from all over the world. And it is where the Holy Spirit has been moving.

were truly going to be present with their new

A community campus. The SE Beechmont

friends, they were going to need to move. So,

Community Campus.

following the Spirit, they did.

So, as Cliff and Heather continue to love on

A New Kind of Campus

their friends, sharing life with them and

In the meantime, God was leading Southeast to

present themselves, the SE Beechmont

establish a new kind of campus—a community

Community Campus is also looking for

campus. A campus focused on community

opportunities to follow God’s leading in

transformation and geared toward groups

reaching out to the community.

telling them about Jesus as opportunities

of people who encountered cultural barriers in attending one of the church’s existing regional campuses.

As Southeast’s Elders and Missions staff prayed about this new type of campus, one area of town became an obvious location—Beechmont.

God had already been at work in the South Louisville neighborhood for many years, with several ministries and churches located there.

God also began moving people to the Beechmont area, many of whom came without necessarily a specific goal or target in mind, but simply an

Learn More To learn more about the SE Beechmont Campus and the community transformation efforts, email beechmont@secc.org or southeastchristian.org/locations.

Prayer Requests • P raise God for the Beaches while praying

obedience to God’s leading to relocate to this

that more families will be willing to

specific part of town.

catch the wind of what God is doing in the

The wind was blowing and people were being obedient to go where it was leading.

When the Beaches decided to move closer to their friends so they could be more present, God opened a door for them to buy a house in the

Beechmont neighborhood.

• P ray for wisdom and discernment as specific community transformation action plans are developed.

• P ray the hearts and minds of community

Beechmont area. And after they moved in, they

members will be open to hearing the good

learned Southeast was about to open a new kind

news that Jesus loves them.

of campus right in their neighborhood.

35

CATCH THE WIND

Tiny Homes, Big Possibilities More Than a Place to Live in Shelby County

T

ime seems to move quickly when you

their areas of service to their local heroes.

are in the midst of doing ministry.

That is when ministry began to move quickly.

Catching the wind sometimes happens

sooner than we might think. That is so

36

true for Dr. Pippin—or Doc, as he is fondly

A Sense of Home

referred to by many who know him—and a

On October 1, 2019, ground was broken for

small group of fellow veterans serving the

the Veterans Village, a small plot of land for

Shelby County community. This group of

six tiny homes. Fast forward to October 1,

men founded Veteran’s Rural Outreach (VRO)

2020 and the first person moved into one of

and brought their vision of the Veterans

the six finished homes. When you step on

Village to Awake Ministries, whose board and

the grounds of this village, you get a sense

leadership embraced the ideas of expanding

of home. Although the roads still need to be

CATCH THE WIND

The Veterans Village features six tiny homes that, through a partnership with Awake Ministries, help veterans in the Shelby County community achieve self-sustainability.

paved and the Community Center is a wellthought-out plan moving toward completion, the feeling of true transformation in the lives of the men and women living there is obvious.

John (not his real name) agrees. He is one of the first residents and knows he still has many challenges ahead of him. He also knows that God is faithful. He is proof the village is not just a place to live. It’s the partnership between

When you step on the grounds of

while Doc was walking the grounds, he heard a loud noise. As he moved closer, he saw a small

this village,

group of men and their

you get a

motorcycles planted in

sense of home.

front of the building discussing the days they used to visit The Palace.

Doc shared with them

the Veterans Village and Awake Ministries

his dream of having a Community Center in

as they stand in the gap with wraparound

the building where veterans could gather to

services for these men and women who gave

hear the Gospel and get the help they needed.

so much that will help him achieve his goal

When leaving, one of the men asked what he

of self-sustainability in the near future.

needed. Doc mentioned TVs for the homes and a projector and screen for movie nights at the

Also on the property is a building that used to

Community Center. The next morning all of

be The Palace—a local nightclub where, as Doc

the items were ordered and ready for delivery,

would say, “nothing good happened.” One day

courtesy of the guys on the motorcycles!

Continued on next page 37

CATCH THE WIND

One of the veterans who helped found Veteran’s Rural Outreach, Dr. Pippin—or Doc, as he is known to many—is pictured with his granddaughter on the porch of one of the tiny homes.

Continued from page 37 As the Veterans Village website states, the Community Center will foster relationship building, help with job search and readiness assistance, on-site Veterans Affairs counseling, and food insecurity assistance. Or as better said by Doc: “A hand up, not a handout.”

Community Engagement Awake Ministries and VRO are catching the wind at every turn of this journey. One of their main goals is to continue to engage community churches to help with counseling, Bible studies, worship nights, and fellowship at the Community Center.

he Community Center— a renovated nightclub— will T foster relationship building, help with job search and readiness assistance, on-site Veterans Affairs counseling, and food insecurity assistance.

38

Southeast Christian Church Shelby County Campus is already highly engaged in serving alongside Awake Ministries and the many wrapround services

CATCH THE WIND they offer to the community. In fact, a group of individuals from the campus joined with other Southeast members on a local mission trip to help renovate the Community Center this past October 22-24. The team was briefed on community transformation, shared devotions each morning, and debriefed each night on how they saw God move during the trip.

Learn More To learn more about Awake Ministries and the Veterans Village, including how you can help, visit awakeky.org. To take a mission trip, even a local one, text MISSION TRIP to 733733.

Prayer Requests • P raise God for the six homes being completed in such a short time, allowing residents to move in and relationships to begin being developed.

• P ray that the lives of the men and women living at the Veterans Village will be transformed.

• P ray for God to continue to bless the partnership between Veteran’s Rural Outreach and Awake Ministries.

The first person moved into the Veterans Village on October 1, 2020, exactly one year after ground was broken for the six tiny homes.

Local Engagement Map

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12

CLARK COUNTY

FLOYD COUNTY

6 48

20 11

34 21 26 38 5 7 3 35 12 5 27 41 15 37 22 44 9 13 47

25

42

10

6

24 4

HARRISON COUNTY

8

39

17 28

2

45

43

2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Antioch Church Bethlehem Baptist, African Service City Church Inc. Evangelical Church for Winning All Fountain of Faith Greater First Timothy Church Greater New Beginnings Kentucky Myanmar Christian Liberty Tabernacle Mt. Hermon Baptist Church Nomad Church Portland Memorial Missionary Baptist Senda de Luz Taylorsville Community Church True Believers Victory Christian Center 15 7 31

46

13 14

1

Southeast engages deeply with partner organizations, churches, and missionaries throughout our communities.

40

16

OLDHAM COUNTY

33 36

9 19

29

16

10

11

12 18 30

1

4

32

3

8

14

Legend Local Mission Partners

Local Partner Churches

23

Southeast also supports 18 families or individuals as local missionaries!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

ALC Shelbyville ALC Shepherdsville Awake Ministries Barren Heights BsideU for Life Choices New Albany Clarity Elizabethtown Crossroads Missions Office Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center Elevate Dance Ministry Endeavor Office FCA Metro Louisville Office FCA UofL Friends of International Students Helping Hands of Hope HighPoint Charitable Services Hope Collaborative - Hope Place Hope Collaborative - Public Schools Office Hope Health Clinic Hope Southern Indiana Hosea’s House Ignite the Ville Isaiah’s House KY Racetrack Chaplaincy Lifehouse Maternity Home Love City Love Thy Neighborhood Office Maya Collection M.E.R.C.Y. MCLA Clinic (various locations) Mission Hope for Kids - Elizabethtown Operation Care and Mercy Medical Operation Parent Portland Promise Center Priscilla’s Place Prodigal Crestwood Prodigal Louisville Re:Center Louisville Refuge Scarlet Hope House Scarlet Hope Office Shawnee Christian Health Clinic Shively Area Ministries The Fuller Center Veteran’s Club Young Life Office Youth for Christ, City Life Youth for Christ - Southern Indiana Not pictured on the map: Choices Corydon Choices Salem Clarity Radcliff Lifeline Christian Mission - Westerville, OH Mission Hope for Kids - Leitchfield Mission Hope for Kids - Radcliff

CATCH THE WIND

Guided by the Spirit

New Campuses in Shelby and Bullitt Counties oon after Southeast leased space in early 2019, hundreds of people in Shelby County began engaging with one another and being fed spiritually. That Fall, when the church hosted a Watch Party in Bullitt County, 400 people attended.

Investment Bearing Fruit Max Semenick has a heart for Shelby County.

When he became the Community Pastor there in 2014, he and his wife, Sara, dove in head first, moving their family to Shelbyville and quickly working to develop relationships. That

There could only be one explanation:

investment has borne fruit, with the Holy

The Holy Spirit.

Spirit providing opportunity after opportunity, including the announcement of the Shelby

As a church, we’re ready to take risks to

County Campus.

follow the Spirit. It was clear He was moving throughout both communities, leading

“Our first several years, we just kept finding

Southeast to open a campus in each.

this recurring pattern where there were a lot of Southeast people here. They just were not connected to each other,” Max said.

Shelby County Campus Pastor Max Semenick speaks during a worship service at Gallrein Farms this past September.

CATCH THE WIND

Those attending the service at Gallrein Farms lift up their voices in worship.

Southeast initially focused on creating activity

Having local programming made it easier for

among those folks, giving them opportunities—

those connected to Southeast to invite their

from small groups to working with local Mission

unconnected family, friends, neighbors, and

Partners—to engage with one another while

co-workers. “We definitely saw that among

participating in Kingdom work.

students,” Max said.

A key point came about three years ago when

Feeling the unmistakable stirring of the Holy

The Brick Room in downtown Shelbyville

Spirit, Southeast in late 2019 announced the

offered space so Southeast could host a local

Shelby County Campus and that Max would

Man Challenge group. “That really turned the

serve as the Campus Pastor. The campus—

corner from just kind of a loose connection of

located in a former Tractor Supply Co. store

Southeast people to really an engine where we

at 196 Midland Boulevard in Shelbyville—is

could start equipping people and turning out

expected to open in late Spring.

leaders,” Max said.

“We feel like we have a fully functioning

The Holy Spirit wasn’t finished. At the

campus right now,” Max said, pointing to the

beginning of 2019, Southeast signed a lease

various programming already offered, including

to be The Brick Room’s only tenant, allowing

the addition of Encounter groups last Fall.

the church to launch groups for women and

“We just don’t have a building that we attend

students. All of a sudden, several hundred

worship together in on Sunday.”

people were coming in and out of the building each week.

Continued on next page

43

CATCH THE WIND Continued from page 43

Eastside Middle School in Mount Washington is transformed into Southeast’s Bullitt County Campus each weekend.

Different but the Same While it was announced after the Shelby County Campus, the Bullitt County Campus launched first—this past October 4.

“It was just this great thing where it was clear that God was working in Bullitt County,” Campus Pastor Heath Barth said, pointing to that Fall 2019 Watch Party at

It opened its first portable campus—at Eastside Middle School just up the road from Pleasant Grove Elementary.

“It allows us to move more quickly, it allows us to be flexible, and it really allows us to respond faster to what we feel like the Spirit is calling us to do,” Heath said.

Pleasant Grove Elementary

The school is essentially

School in Mount Washington.

transformed into a Southeast

“In the first two hours that the signup was (live), we had 200 people,” he said.

More impressive to Heath—the Community Pastor for the area at the time— was the number of people seeking to engage.

“What was fascinating was how many people were looking to connect and serve in their community,” he said.

Wanting to answer the Holy Spirit’s call as quickly as possible and having a good relationship with the local school system,

44

Southeast opted for a different type of campus.

campus each weekend. “Our goal is to give you the Southeast experience and to make it as close to another campus as possible,” Heath said.

The Bullitt County Campus—announced in December 2019—was to launch on Easter Sunday 2020. Just weeks before the launch, however, in-person gatherings were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our people were excited,” Heath said. “The week we wound up not hosting services because

CATCH THE WIND

of the pandemic, we were supposed to have a worship service that Sunday night. We had almost 800 people registered.”

Initial disappointment quickly turned to

Learn More To learn more about the Shelby County and Bullitt County Campuses and serving opportunities, visit southeastchristian.org/locations.

action: Volunteers delivered 600+ meals to area medical workers, joined other community churches in writing more than 1,100 letters of encouragement to graduating seniors, and called 60 elderly shut-in residents in Mount Washington to see if they needed anything.

“My favorite is one lady just wanted a Diet Vanilla Coke and some low-sodium chicken noodle soup,” Heath said, adding he was thrilled they were able to bring her some happiness.

The additional time ended up being a blessing, he said, as it helped foster a culture “that says we’re going to be a campus that invests in

Prayer Requests • P raise God for opening doors for Southeast to share His love in both Shelby and Bullitt County.

• A sk God to bless the efforts of the staff and volunteers at both the Shelby and Bullitt County Campuses to connect people to Jesus and one another throughout their communities.

• P ray that the people in both communities would be receptive to the life-transforming message of the Gospel.

people and loves this community in such a way that they recognize the presence of Jesus.”

Campus Pastor Heath Barth and others, including many volunteers, work to ensure the Bullitt County Campus provides the same experience as Southeast’s other campuses.

CATCH THE WIND

Dave and Carole Dunlap, left, who were called to become field workers a second time after having served for almost 15 years, continue to build relationships while they serve.

Late-Life Missionaries Dunlaps Faithfully Work in Field a Second Time

M

ost people as they approach their

to record audio versions of God’s Word in the

late 60s are considering plans for

native language of the people groups. The

retirement or at least winding

Dunlaps’ work made it possible for people

things down a bit. But that’s not the case for

to hear the name of Jesus and understand

Dave and Carole Dunlap, who packed their bags

what the Gospel is for the first time. After

to become field workers a second time. Their

almost 15 years, Dave and Carole faithfully

missions journey, however, began 20 years ago,

completed their task of Bible translation in

when the Dunlaps took the Perspectives on the

that community and humbly returned home.

World Christian Movement class at Southeast Christian Church, sparking a desire in them to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Far from Over But the Dunlaps’ missions story was far

Helping Others Hear Jesus’ Name

46

from over. They continued to pursue the Lord and became an advocate for missions

Being obedient to God’s calling on their

at their home church in Florida. Through

lives, Dave and Carole started serving as

initiating a Perspectives class and sharing

missionaries in 2001, translating the Bible

about the Global Missions Health Conference,

for language groups across North Africa.

Dave and Carole created awareness about

While living in Mali, they worked with SIM

God’s desire to reach the nations.

CATCH THE WIND

In 2018, an opportunity arose for another

One at a time, Carole and Dave have invited

Bible translation project—this time in Spain.

these young men to have a seat at their table.

Discerning individually in their time with Jesus, they wanted to be confident in where the

In demonstrating this sacrificial love, the

Spirit was leading. Together, they answered His

Dunlaps have devoted themselves to the

call, saying yes to serving internationally again.

advancement of the Gospel wherever the Spirit leads through Bible translation and

Along with Bible translation, the Dunlaps are

relationships with refugees. “I want God

also working with refugees at a community

to squeeze every drop out of me,” Carole

center in Spain. They are walking alongside

said. Even in “retirement,” the Dunlaps

five young men who are seeking safety and

feel more fulfilled and alive than ever.

structure in the midst of their chaotic life.

Being unable to provide for themselves, these young men receive job training at the center in addition to learning life skills such as financial responsibility and relational communication.

In demonstrating this sacrificial love, the Dunlaps have devoted themselves to the advancement

Furthermore, the Dunlaps are working to instill value and dignity to these young men struggling to find out who they are. Most of them

of the Gospel

come from Islamic

through Bible

backgrounds and

translation and

are wrestling with what it

Learn More To learn more about the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class, visit perspectives.org or email missions@secc.org.

Prayer Requests • P raise God that the Bible is being translated into the native language of different people groups, making it easier for the Gospel to be shared.

• P ray for Dave and Carole’s health and for them to continue to be learners of culture and open to God’s leading in their lives.

relationships

looks like to be

with refugees.

a Muslim apart

are working alongside will continue to

from their family

have open hearts and minds about Jesus.

• P ray that the five young men the Dunlaps

culture. Carole and Dave spend their time simply loving these young men right where they are.

Through the cultivation of trusting relationships, the Dunlaps are able to engage in conversations with the young men about faith and what it looks like to follow Jesus.

In Luke 14:13-14, Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.

Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

The Dunlaps’ mission work includes translating the Bible and working with refugees in Spain.

47

CATCH THE WIND

Planting During a Pandemic Southeast Helps Launch Pair of Churches

S

outheast Christian Church isn’t new to church planting. Since 2001, it has helped plant 60 churches in the U.S.,

focusing on large, densely populated cities with few strong evangelical churches. Though some planters have experienced frustration and even depression because of limited connection to new people during the COVID-19 pandemic, their young churches have largely remained healthy during this challenging time.

“At the beginning, I was pretty surprised by how well they were doing as things were shutting down,” Eugene DePorter, who leads Southeast’s church planting efforts, admitted.

“But church planters are usually younger and they tend to reach a younger audience. This demographic is more tech savvy than most, so the shift to online church was a fairly easy transition for these new churches.”

That’s not to say that launching a new church during a pandemic isn’t extremely challenging.

Developing a core team is highly dependent on Continued on next page

City Church opened in downtown Cincinnati, OH on September 13.

49

CATCH THE WIND

Though two church plants in a year is relatively few for Southeast, it is truly a testament

able to meet for 10 weeks prior to the COVID-19 lockdown and had an average attendance of 256.

The lead church planter, Lou

to God’s power

Pizzichillo, who

to launch and

is from the area,

sustain both in

recalled having to drive 45 minutes

the middle of a

to attend a church

global pandemic!

when he was younger. Studies show that, on

average, there is one church for every 800 people in the U.S., but in Long Island that number is one church for every 4,300 people. This motivated Pizzichillo to consider planting a church in the very community where he grew up. As a native, his od brought college friends Chris Marlin and Tyler Chenesky G back together years later to plant City Church in Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine area.

understanding of Long Island’s unique culture has worked out incredibly well for Community Church.

Southeast’s Southwest Campus has adopted

Continued from page 49

this thriving church plant. In fact, members were scheduled to go on a mission trip there this

building personal relationships, and these

Summer before the pandemic hit, and still plan to

new relationships have been difficult to

as soon as possible.

develop. Pre-launch outreach efforts usually center on serving in large events, something that is almost impossible right now because

A Unique Story

of social distancing. Additionally, securing a

The second new church plant—City Church in

facility to meet has been hampered because

downtown Cincinnati, OH—actually launched

schools and theaters have been closed and

during the pandemic—on September 13—and has

hotels and other venues are restricting

averaged approximately 50 people at its services.

groups. However, even with these limitations, Southeast followed the Spirit and helped

This plant also has a unique story. Co-church

launch two church plants in 2020.

planters Chris Marlin and Tyler Chenesky met while attending Indiana University. During

Building Community

50

those college years, as they were growing in their faith, they began talking about planting

The first—Community Church in Long Island,

a church together one day. After graduation,

NY—launched on January 5. They were

however, they went their separate ways, starting

CATCH THE WIND

jobs in different cities. Not finished with His work in them yet, God drew them back together years later to see their dream become a reality. They are now planting a unique church in Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine area, a neighborhood much like NULU in Louisville.

Learn More To learn more about Southeast’s church plants, visit southeastchristian.org/missions/explore.

Prayer Requests • P raise God for allowing the Gospel

Though two church plants in a year is relatively

to spread through new church plants

few for Southeast, it is truly a testament to

even during a pandemic.

God’s power to launch and sustain both in the middle of a global pandemic. The other good

• P ray for Community Church and City

news is that 2020 has served as a preparation

Church, along with the other churches

and incubation period for many new church

Southeast has helped plant.

plants, and it appears Southeast may have a record number of launches in 2021. These include church plants in Manhattan, NY; Miami, FL; Derry, NH; Oakland, CA; and a potential

• P ray that God will continue to use Southeast to plant churches in parts of the U.S. that have few strong evangelical churches.

for up to three more, which could mean as many as seven church plants in 2021.

Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, Community Church—which launched on January 5, 2020—has made a big impact in the Long Island, NY area. In addition to averaging 256 people at its weekly services prior to the lockdown (bottom left), the church has hosted meetups (bottom right) and conducted its first community baptism (top).

Southeast Church Plants and National Engagement Map

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

40

Church Plants

56

57 35

1

2

SOUTHEAST CHURCH PLANTS AND NATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

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Rehoboth Victory Church

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Discovery Church

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LifePoint Christian Church

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EastPointe Christian Church

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Live Oak Christian Church

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Winston Salem, NC Launched 2002

Simi Valley, CA Launched February 2003 Raleigh, NC Launched February 2004 Portland, ME Launched March 7, 2004

Bluffton, SC Launched September 1, 2004

Forefront Church

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Kinetic Christian Church

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Watermarke Church

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Manhattan, NY Launched September 18, 2005 Charlotte, NC Launched February 2005

Canton, GA Launched September 2005

Parkside Church

Kansas City, KS Launched October 2005

Ridge Community Church

New Berlin, WI Launched January 1, 2006

Velocity Christian Church

Richmond, VA Launched March 19, 2006

Momentum Christian Church

Cleveland, OH Launched October 1, 2006

Reunion Christian Church

Boston, MA Launched February 18, 2007

Common Ground

Tampa, Florida Launched September 9, 2007

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Mosaic Christian Church

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Velocity Christian Church

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Baltimore, MD Launched September 14, 2008 Cleveland, OH Launched April 5, 2009

Legacy Christian Church

Allentown, PA Launched September 20, 2009

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Church of the Incarnation

Manhattan, NY Launched September 27, 2009

Northpointe Christian Church

Providence, RI Launched October 25, 2009

Restore Community Church

Sterling, VA Launched October 25, 2009

Verve

Las Vegas, NV Launched January 1, 2010

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The Avenue

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Louisville, KY Launched October 10, 2010

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Revolution Christian Church

Annapolis, MD Launched October 24, 2010

SouthPointe Christian Church

Providence, RI Launched October 30, 2011

CityEdge Christian Church

Cleveland, OH Launched September 11, 2011

Village Christian Church

Buffalo, NY Launched October 2, 2011

Everyday Christian Church

Manhattan, NY Launched Fall 2011

Restore Christian Church

Silver Springs, MD Launched October 1, 2012

BridgePointe Christian Church

Providence, RI Launched March 17, 2013

Foundry Christian Church

Baltimore, MD Launched September 22, 2013

Redemption Church

San Francisco, CA Launched February 1, 2014

Oceanpointe Christian Church

Newport, RI Launched March 16, 2014

Renaissance Church

Harlem, NY Launched October 1, 2014

Renewal Church

Chicago, IL Launched September 7, 2014

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Church of the City

Portland, OR Launched January 25, 2015

Community Lincoln Square

Chicago, IL Launched March 1, 2015

Restoration Church

Philadelphia, PA Launched March 22, 2015

Miami Church

Miami, FL Launched September 20, 2015

Collective Church

Los Angeles, CA Launched September 20, 2015

Intrepid Church

Seattle, WA Launched October 4, 2015

Restore Church

Boston, MA Launched October 18, 2015

Epiphany Church

Brooklyn, NY Launched March 20, 2016

Mavuno Church

Nairobi, Kenya Launched September 1, 2016

Thrive Church

Lake Nona, FL Launched December 4, 2016

Partners 1

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Southeast also has helped launch churches in Nairobi, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Paris, France!

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Pro Deo Church

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City Church

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Eglise Saint Lazare

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Encounter Church

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Movement Church

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Cape Town, South Africa Launched February 4, 2017 Lagos, Nigeria Launched March 1, 2017

Paris, France Launched September 3, 2017 Washington, DC Launched September 10, 2017 Manchester, NH Launched January 1, 2017

The Gathering

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CU Church

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United Church

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Delaware Church

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Bay City Church

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Harlem, NY Launched September 17, 2017 Champaign, IL Launched September 17, 2017 Owings Mills, MD Launched October 1, 2017 Wilmington, DE Launched April 22, 2018 San Francisco, CA Launched September 9, 2018

Legend

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Church Plants

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Partners

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Ability Ministry

Louisville, TN

Bob Russell Ministries

Louisville, Kentucky

Christ in Youth

Joplin, MO

Christian Student Fellowship

Lexington, KY

Convoy of Hope

Springfield, MO

Cookson Hills

Kansas, OK

Crescent Project

Nashville, TN

Manhood Journey

Louisville, KY

Oakdale Christian Academy

Jackson, KY

Refuge for Women

Lexington, KY

Sojourn Collegiate

Boston, MA

Spire

Monument, CO

The Post/Lantern Network

Alton, IL

The Samaritan Women

Baltimore, MD

World Impact

Cincinnati, OH

SLO City Church

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Icon Church

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HIStory Makers Church

Generations Church

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Beacon Church

Renaissance Church

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Reunion Church

Community Church

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Oakland Project

San Luis Obispo, CA Launched September 8, 2019 Seattle, WA Launched September 8, 2019 Vancouver, WA Launched October 6, 2019 Boston, MA Launched January 5, 2020 Babylon, NY Launched January 5, 2020

City Church OTR

Cincinnati, OH Launched September 13, 2020 Miami, FL Launching January 2021 Derry, NH Launching Winter 2021 Manhattan, NY Launching Fall 2021

Oakland, CA Launching Fall 2021

CATCH THE WIND

Singing Praises en Español Awaken Worship Reaching Growing Population

O

ver the years, the Worship Ministry at

Iroquois Amphitheatre. Leading worship

Southeast Christian Church has relied

in both Spanish and English, the team got

on the Lord’s direction, continually

a taste of where God was guiding them.

asking Him, “What is next?” God has repeatedly

In 2020, the opportunity to serve with Mike Silva

responded by putting the need for the expression

International presented itself again. COVID-19

of worship in Spanish in front of them. In

forced the postponement of Festival Por La Vida

obedience, following through with how God

in the Dominican Republic. The festival, however,

asked them to catch the wind, the team set out in

moved to an online setting, making it a much

search of how to do this locally. But God’s ways

bigger experience. Festival Por La Vida Global

are not our ways, and He instead wanted it to

began airing this past October on Enlace TV and

start out globally.

all Mike Silva International social media platforms.

Leading Worship at Festival Por La Vida

Enlace TV is the most widely viewed Spanishspeaking Christian television network in the world, reaching every Spanish-speaking

In May 2019, Awaken Worship participated

country as well as Brazil and the United States.

in Festival Por La Vida hosted by Southeast

Mike Silva says this will “reach people in three

Mission Partner Mike Silva International at

linguistic groups—English, Portuguese, and

Awaken Worship partnered with Mike Silva International a second time this past Fall, when it was part of Festival Por La Vida Global.

CATCH THE WIND

The very same songs the team writes, records, and sings at worship services at Southeast will now also be available in Spanish.

Spanish—and that’s a couple of billion people around the world.” For Awaken Worship, again being part of the festival created a starting point for resourcing the local community with music in Spanish as almost the entirety of the team’s involvement was in that language.

The excitement of what the Lord wants to do with the songs birthed out of the Southeast community on a greater scale than imagined is here. Currently, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States. It is projected that by 2050, the United States will have the largest concentration of Spanish speakers in the world. While the number of people speaking Spanish in Kentucky is not as high as other states, it is rapidly growing. That means that the need for songs for the Southeast community in Spanish is here and it is real. God has given Awaken Worship the opportunity to resource the local and global community.

A New Chapter of Ministry Last Fall, the Worship Ministry at Southeast launched Awaken Worship en Español. The mission

A waken Worship performs from the stage at Southeast’s Blankenbaker Campus during Festival Por La Vida Global, which began airing in October. At top, Mike Silva addresses the audience at home. available in Spanish. Catching the wind of where God is leading can look as simple as leaning in to the very things that are right in front of us.

of Awaken Worship has always been to awaken generations to the glory of God through music, worship, and creativity. Each song is an extension of the heart of the church and all that God is doing in and through the people at Southeast to encourage, resource, and connect with Jesus. Now, they will be doing so in Spanish as well as English.

Learn More For more information about Awaken Worship en Español, visit southeastchristian. org/ministries/awaken-worship.

The work of translating songs, teaching non-

Prayer Requests

native Spanish speakers to sing in Spanish,

• P raise God for faithfully working ahead, putting

and growing in confidence to lead worship in

the people and tools in place to reach the Spanish-

Spanish was all done by the team as God had

speaking population through worship music.

faithfully gone before them, putting in place the people and tools to do so. From now on, the

• P ray for Spanish speakers in Kentucky,

goal will be to release worship music in Spanish

Indiana, and beyond to encounter

in tandem with worship music in English.

God’s love and receive Jesus.

In asking God what is next, Awaken Worship has launched a new chapter of ministry. The very

• A sk God for Awaken Worship en Español to be a ministry known by His presence and joy.

same songs the team writes, records, and sings at worship services at Southeast will now also be 55

Wreck The Roof

Luke 5:17-39 As Jesus preached in a full house, four men showed up carrying a paralyzed friend on a mat. They knew he needed to get to Jesus, but the house was packed and there was no way to Him. So, what did they do?

They climbed up the side of the house and made a way through the roof!

Why did they wreck the roof? One is why. The friends were willing to do what was impractical, inconvenient, cost-prohibitive, and messy because one is worth it. The four men could’ve turned around and gone home, but they knew who Jesus was and that He was their friend’s only hope. So, instead of playing it safe and waiting outside or giving up and going home, they climbed up and wrecked the roof. By faith, they refused to accept the limitations set before them and found a way to get their friend to Jesus, even when it seemed risky or impractical.

We’re called to do the same. We will do for one what we wish we could do for everyone. When we wreck the roof, we commit to doing whatever it takes to bring one more person to Jesus.

WRECK THE ROOF

From the Bottle to the Bible How Saramarie Combs Found Faith in a Bar in Elizabethtown

G

rowing up, Saramarie Combs felt like religion was just one long list of dont’s. Don’t do this. Don’t do that. And don’t even think

about doing that. For her, the walls of religion closed in, leaving her with the sinking feeling that she had no freedom or choice in her life. That all changed when she went to college.

With her new-found freedom, Saramarie fully embraced the college social life. Her pursuit for freedom mostly revolved around drinking and sex. She said, “For eight straight years, from the time I was 21 until I was 29, there was not one single day that I was sober.”

New Friends Three years ago, everything began to change for Saramarie. She moved to Elizabethtown and began bartending at a local tavern. One of the bands that played there on a regular basis was led by a father and daughter, Southeast members JT McAdams and Alexis Hurley. Their mission was to use music to take the light of Jesus into places where it was rarely shown. Alexis and Saramarie were about the same age and had a lot in common, so they quickly became close friends.

The McAdams family has dinner together every Sunday evening. It wasn’t long before Saramarie was invited to join them on several occasions. Alexis knew that

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WRECK THE ROOF

Saramarie loved movies, and it just so happened

For the first time in her life, Saramarie began to

that Southeast was starting the At the Movies

understand and wanted to begin that relational

series. Over dinner, Alexis extended an invitation.

journey with God. She knew that it started with

Saramarie accepted, and for the first time since she

being baptized. She turned to the person who was

was a young girl, she came to church. But instead

always there for her—the person who saw her for

of feeling claustrophobic, she heard a message of

who she was and not for what she did. She asked

God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

her friend Alexis to baptize her. In January 2020, Saramarie gave her life to God and was baptized!

Sobriety and Sanctification

The next few months weren’t always easy,

While she loved the messages that she heard,

including a move out of state. But Saramarie’s

she was still struggling with her addictions.

relationship with God continued to grow and her sobriety journey keeps moving forward!

On Christmas Eve of 2019, Saramarie’s sister Jamie took the risk and confronted her about her

Saramarie never expected to follow Jesus after an

alcoholism. Jamie was afraid for Saramarie, and if

encounter with a family in a bar. But God found

she didn’t get sober, Jamie couldn’t be around her

her just where she was through people who were

any more.

willing to wreck the roof to bring even one person closer to Him.

Saramarie started to ask questions and Alexis explained to her that

Learn More

following Christ wasn’t

If you or someone you know is struggling with

about religion, but

solution, check out Encounter Ministry

a relationship.

or text ENCOUNTER to 733733.

alcohol or addiction and looking for a Christ-centered at southeastchristian.org/ministries/care

That was the motivation that Saramarie needed.

Prayer Requests

She made the decision that night to quit drinking,

• P raise God for His kindness and grace, which

cold turkey. She knew that she needed help, so she

shines through His Church when they wreck the

joined a Celebrate Recovery group at a local church

roof for one person to be connected to Jesus.

and began her journey back to health and God. The first person Saramarie shared her decision with was her good friend Alexis. She confessed her struggle with alcohol and her decision to get sober.

That led to a conversation about God. Saramarie started to ask questions and Alexis explained to her that following Christ wasn’t about religion, but a relationship. Alexis told her friend that God doesn’t want us to keep a list of unattainable rules;

• A sk God to equip His people to go outside the walls of the church to reach those who are lost, struggling, hurting, and alone. May His light reach into dark corners through the love of His people.

• P ray for those struggling with addiction, trauma, and loss, that God’s Spirit will sustain and transform them through His power.

He offers us forgiveness and love.

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Baptisms in 2020 Number of Total Baptisms 711

Through November

Camp Freedom Revised A Shift in Community Outreach

Since 2004, Camp Freedom has served as one of the most anticipated and beloved events for Southeast’s Shine Disabilities Ministry.

The event has grown into an action-packed weekend where campers with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities experience Summer camp in ways they most enjoy. In 2019, Camp Freedom included more than 110 campers, who were joined by more than 100 volunteers and staff for three days and two nights of worship, fellowship, activities, and community at Country Lake Christian Retreat.

Like many things in the world around us, the plans for Camp Freedom changed in 2020. As the realities of health and safety for everyone

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WRECK THE ROOF

The Camp Freedom Family Day Camps in July provided Shine Ministry students, families, and volunteers their first opportunity to connect in months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. were altered in the Spring, the usual Camp

for the students, families, and volunteers

Freedom format was canceled. However, rather

connected to Shine Ministry since weekend

than closing the door on the popular Summer

worship on March 8. On a beautiful weekend

event, that cancellation opened a new door

in Southern Indiana, approximately 270 people

and a new way to experience Camp Freedom.

converged on Country Lake for a few hours

Thanks to the efforts and commitment of the

of the fellowship and community they had

staff at Country Lake, Shine Ministry partnered

been missing for more than four months.

in hosting a pair of Camp Freedom Family Day Camps during the same weekend in July as the

Rather than having campers paired with

cancelled event.

volunteers for a three-day weekend, the new format allowed campers to be joined by their

Family Day Camps

families, while experiencing a snapshot of the Camp Freedom weekend during one action-

As nearly everything in our world came to a

packed day. The Camp Freedom Family Day

halt, and opportunities to meet together ceased,

Camps featured annual traditions like fishing,

the Camp Freedom Family Day Camps on July

archery, crafts, outdoor games, swimming,

17-18 served as the first in-person gatherings

wagon rides, and worship while also including Continued on next page 63

Campers and their families are all smiles as they enjoy an afternoon of swimming at Country Lake Christian Retreat.

Continued from page 63

Camp Freedom is a pivotal evangelistic event for Southeast’s Shine Ministry, which seeks to equip and disciple children,

a first-time event—the zip line. All of the activities were conducted in a safe, sociallydistant way to ensure the health of everyone.

Reaching the Community Of the 270 people who attended this year’s Camp Freedom—which included campers, families, and

students, and adults

volunteers—about 50 of those were not regular

with disabilities into

attendees at Southeast and many in that group

the life and community of Southeast Christian Church.

were first-time guests for Shine Ministry and the church. Events like Camp Freedom and the Shine Gala allow the Shine Ministry team to reach and build relationships with numerous individuals who typically do not attend Southeast. This year’s Camp Freedom Family Day Camps allowed for even more personal connections for the Shine Ministry staff and volunteers—not only with campers, but also with parents, caregivers, and siblings, many of whom who do not have church homes.

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WRECK THE ROOF Camp Freedom is a pivotal evangelistic event for Southeast’s Shine Ministry, which seeks to equip and disciple children, students, and adults with disabilities into the life and community of Southeast Christian Church. The Shine team strives to empower individuals with disabilities to know and love Jesus and others with their

Learn More To learn more about Shine Ministry and get involved in future projects, visit southeastchristian.org/ministries/ deaf-and-disabilities-ministry.

unique abilities, and Camp Freedom allows

Prayer Requests

them to do that each year. Along with all of the

• P raise God for providing a safe,

activities and fellowship, the Gospel of Jesus

encouraging, inclusive way for campers

Christ was shared with all of the attendees

to experience Camp Freedom with their

at Camp Freedom, and the importance of a

families through Summer day camps.

personal relationship with our Savior is at the forefront of everything Shine Ministry does.

• P ray for the families who connect to Christ and Southeast through

Though Camp Freedom 2020 looked different than in previous years, it was no less memorable as God provided a way for the campers, families, volunteers, and staff to experience His goodness and provision in ways that can only be attributed to Him. He opened new doors and new ways for Shine Ministry to

Shine Ministry outreach events.

• A sk God to equip and sustain the Shine Ministry leaders, volunteers, and families as they grow in their relationships with Christ and find ways to serve and connect with the church.

continue reaching individuals and families in the disabilities community—one at a time.

The Camp Freedom Family Day Camps featured traditional activities, like fishing, outdoor games, and swimming, while also including a first-time event—the zip line.

65

The government Court Diversion Program, in partnership with Southeast Mission Partner Hope Collaborative, is helping change the course of the lives of young people.

Second Chances

Court Diversion Program Offers Hope

If

a kid is in the government Court Diversion Program for a chance to change course, something has

already gone wrong. Not yet a big thing— maybe trespassing, assault, intoxication, or shoplifting—but there’s been some kind of red flag that indicates there’s trouble ahead unless something changes.

The Mentor Difference Each participant in the program is assigned a mentor who checks in with them once a week through the entire six months. The mentors give the kids a chance to see life in a different context. Every participant needs someone who will do for them what the mentor wishes he or she could do for everyone—give inconveniently of their time and effort and love one at a time.

Southeast Christian Church member Jason

66

Allen works with the Diversion Program through

“I believe change takes place when you

Hope Collaborative, one of the church’s Mission

invite someone into a new experience,”

Partners that works to bring unity and healing

Jason said. “This program gives kids an

to the community. The program includes kids

opportunity to see an experience they’ve

in Jefferson, Oldham, Trimble, and Henry

never seen before. We hear about the Great

Counties who have been offered a chance to

Commission all the time. That begins with

expunge their record by completing the 6-month

relationships. As kids go through the Court

program of education, civil engagement, and

Diversion Program, we devote time into

service projects.

those relationships to give them value.”

WRECK THE ROOF Much of the impact is a result of one-on-

support, treat the participants with respect,

one time and small moments of change:

and expand their grasp of the possibilities.

• M inutes after sharing that he didn’t like

And that can make all the difference.

religion, one teen found out the meaning of his name in connection with one of the tribes of Israel. Later that night, he thanked the volunteer for sharing that information.

• A fter multiple teens admitted that they

Learn More There is always a need for mentors

did not feel as if they had any options and

at Hope Collaborative. For more

would probably end up in prison, volunteers

information, go to hopeccd.org.

were able to highlight some strengths and gifts of each teen in the group.

• A teen scoffed when a volunteer asked about

Prayer Requests • P raise God for the ways He’s already

his future, but later he admitted he had dreams

using this program to change the lives

of becoming a musician. That hope came up

of kids who need a fresh start.

in conversation many times afterward.

• A fter the group ended one week, a teen suggested they lock arms and end the night in prayer. That became a weekly tradition with multiple teens praying—some for the first time.

• P ray that the teens who participate in the Court Diversion Program would know how deeply God loves them and would experience His total redemption.

• Ask the Spirit to equip the mentors and

Often, Jason talks with kids who feel

volunteers with wisdom, compassion,

trapped in the only life they know. “They

patience, perspective, and grace

believe they’ll end up in prison. They’ve

as they walk with the kids.

lost hope life can be different,” Jason said.

“Mentors listen and encourage, hold kids accountable, and help them navigate hard situations, solve problems, and reach goals.”

According to research, kids who have a mentor are far less likely to use illegal drugs and alcohol, skip school, and exhibit other negative behaviors.

According to research by Big Brothers Big Sisters, kids who have a mentor are: • 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs • 27% less likely to use alcohol • 52% less likely to skip school • 33% less likely to hit someone “If you look at the world and our country, there’s a strong indicator that there are not enough people to sit with a kid and be curious about their lives,” Jason said. “My favorite part is seeing the good in their situations. We look for strengths in their parents, and we believe most parents are trying to do the best for that kid.”

Mentors show they care, challenge the kids to take responsibility for their actions, provide 67

WRECK THE ROOF

Childlike Faith

Indiana Campus Kids Serve in Big Ways he hope and excitement on December

“It has been tough being away from family,

31, 2019 almost feels like a dream

making friends and having to leave them. God

now. What first seemed like the start

has really had to redefine ‘home’ and ‘family’

of a new decade of growth and opportunity

for us,” reflected Meridith. In spite of their

quickly gave way to a level of isolation and loss

circumstances, the Black family has continually

that many of us had never experienced before.

found support and community in their various

Yet, none of this caught our God by surprise.

church families. The kids quickly realized,

Many stories began to flood in about how the Spirit was leading Southeast Christian Church and its members, who faithfully followed

however, that during the season of COVID-19, not everyone had the same blessing of community their family experienced.

God’s call to be a Gospel presence. Some of

Through prayer, the kids and parents felt called

the most powerful stories of wrecking the roof

to specifically care for and love their immediate

to love and serve a hurting community came

neighbors. Working with their mom and dad,

from the littlest representatives of Christ’s

the kids assembled bags filled with candy,

hands and feet.

Scripture cards, bubble wands, and their family’s

Loving Their Neighbors

contact information in case their neighbors needed anything like grocery runs, yard work,

One such story involved Indiana Campus

homeschool tips, or simply a friendly face. The

members Stephen and Meridith Black and their

kids played an active role in passing out these

kids Norah, Boaz, and Ben. Due to Stephen’s

packages around the neighborhood, in addition

work, the family has moved eight times across

to scavenger hunt guides for kids and flowers for

the country in the past six years.

moms in their cul-de-sac on Mother’s Day.

Norah, Boaz, and Ben Black, with help from their mom and dad, assembled and delivered care packages containing Scripture cards, candy, and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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WRECK THE ROOF

The Grote children showed Christ’s love by passing out baked goods to their neighbors and utilizing their artistic talents in partnership with the Indiana Campus’ initiative to feed local medical professionals and staff.

“The kids loved serving, meeting children along

Jesus sought out the hurting and broken, they

the way, and seeing smiles. It didn’t have to cost

had the opportunity to take something simple

much to bless someone else,” Meridith said. By

and enjoyable, such as coloring, and use it as a

being willing to reach out to their neighbors in

tool to help someone else experience Jesus’ love

the simplest of ways, the Black family was able to

in a time of exhaustion and anxiety.

deepen relationships with their neighbors and be a source of joy and support for those struggling during this season.

Even the smallest members of the body of Christ are of incredible importance to the whole. In the words of the Apostle Peter, “Each of you should

Treats and Art

use whatever gift you have received to serve

The Grote family was similarly inspired to act.

various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its

Brookston, Emerson, and Sutton, with a little help from their parents, Mark and Nicole, and two-year-old sister Leighton, passed out baked goods to their neighbors and utilized their art

Learn More

skills to partner with the Indiana Campus’

To learn more about how you and your family can

initiative to feed local medical professionals and

engage with your community, visit your campus’

staff. Both the tasty treats and art projects were

Community Engagement Facebook page.

perfect ways to share Christ’s love to those who were struggling.

During meal deliveries to a local hospital, the kids provided homemade cards for the staff and medical workers to encourage them and let them know they were praying for them as a church.

“They loved knowing their thank you notes

Prayer Requests • P raise God for the many ways He used His Church to care for the most vulnerable during this season of grief and anxiety.

• P ray that God would continue to open

were chosen by the staff to be on display in the

your eyes to those in your life like neighbors

break room as a way to bring smiles to those who

or co-workers who He might be calling you

may feel underappreciated or overworked,”

to engage.

Nicole said.

The Grote kids recognized, through conversations with their parents, that just as

• A sk God to reveal the gifts and interests that you and your family have that can be leveraged for the Gospel.

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WRECK THE ROOF

Human Trafficking and the Church’s Response The La Grange Campus Learns from The Samaritan Women Ministry

S

everal years ago, God swung open a door for Southeast’s La Grange Campus that they

didn’t even know was cracked. Southeast’s Mission Partner, The Samaritan Women (TSW), orchestrated a life-altering trip to Baltimore for the La Grange Campus. Six participants came face-to-face with human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking. They were immersed for five days in the dark, evil culture that exists. Most of them didn’t know anything about human trafficking, let alone accept it as real and close by.

After those five days, they came home determined and prayerful that God would give them ways to wreck the roof in order to bring trafficked persons to Jesus. They came home knowing God had called their campus to be in this fight.

At first, it was scary and overwhelming.

They had to resolve that the lives of the enslaved and oppressed are more important than their comfort, but also their safety.

As the campus actively sought out trauma training and learning, God answered them and brought women, literally, to their door.

Soon, God opened their eyes to a woman in a middle-class neighborhood, then another woman in a nearby apartment, then one at the truck stop at the next exit. Now they are partnering with law enforcement and advocating weekly for Continued on next page

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WRECK THE ROOF Continued from page 71 women who are current victims and survivors.

Many of them are crippled and hurting and have to be fully carried, like the man whose friends lowered him through the roof. And like him, they are worth any inconvenience of time loss or house destruction! It’s not easy work to carry someone who has no strength left to carry themselves.

Worth the Cost After the trip to TSW, the La Grange Campus had to decide if they wanted obedience to Jesus more than they wanted things to be easy. They realized that any of their discomfort was nothing compared to the suffering of the oppressed.

The trafficked women and children among us—literally among us—in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and online—need the Church to see them and carry them, even up a ladder or through a ceiling to get to Jesus. He may be the only safe man many of them will ever know.

TSW is being loud and clear about what is happening in this spiritual battle. They are leading the way in raising up and establishing survivor houses for women who have no other place to go. They are rapidly working for trauma-informed, wholistic care for women—women who have triggers, night terrors, consuming flashbacks, suicidal thoughts, sexual misconceptions, scars, and extreme mental and physical health challenges like few can comprehend. All of that damage was done to them because of the wickedness and depravity of sin.

One at a Time The La Grange Campus has had the honor to serve and love a woman who was sold by a selfish, sexually-deviant father, stepfathers, and uncles since she was five years old. They cared for a woman who was sold by her husband over Facebook and Instagram on weekends and holidays to pay for vacations, school bills, and other women. They’ve served children who were sexually exploited outheast Mission Partner The Samaritan Women S is leading the way in establishing survivor houses for women who have been trafficked.

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by strangers online and family members.

WRECK THE ROOF

The horrific situations are real and present.

Fortunately, there are Mission Partners to lead the way for the Church to care for these precious people like Jesus would. TSW even hosted an event in October to train Southeast and other churches in the awareness and care of victims of trafficking.

Southeast’s Mission Partners like TSW, Refuge

Satan wants to destroy people, and for far too long, he has used the easilyaccessible booming pornography industry, mixed with shame and silence. He has led millions into this underground sexual prison that has become a multibillion-dollar industry of trafficking.

for Women, and Scarlet Hope are reflecting the gracious hope of Christ. The love of Jesus to this population is transformational. He came to release captives and set free the oppressed (Luke 4:18). May we wreck the roof to get the trafficked slaves to Jesus.

• If you are reading this and wondering if you may have been or are currently being trafficked, or someone you know may be trafficked, please don’t hesitate to email us. We would be honored to talk with you,

There are

20-40 million slaves worldwide.

as soon you have safe access to reach out to us.

• If you have bought sex or sold someone else for sex, we would also like to talk with you.

Learn More Are you called to help with this ministry?

Learn more at thesamaritanwomen.org/ iamcalled. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact LaGrange@secc.org.

1 in 3 women is being abused before age 18, and

1 in 5 women is severely abused, which renders them more vulnerable

Prayer Requests

to a trafficker—or a Savior!

• P raise God for the women and children who have been rescued, cared for, and transformed by the love of Christ through His people.

• P ray that God would open our eyes to

1

see and love the oppressed and that He would provide more resources to grow the spectrum of care and mission for all of the ministries seeking to serve these victims.

• A sk God to unify His Church to move boldly against this evil.

Kentucky is currently

number 1 in the U.S.

for abuse and neglect of children. Indiana is second.

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WRECK THE ROOF

Ministering in Crisis Mission Partners Aid India During COVID

W

hen COVID-19 began spreading early last year, some of the world’s most vulnerable communities were

hit disproportionately hard. This was especially true in India. Communities that were already struggling with food security and basic hygiene found themselves in an even more difficult situation. Add to that the high population density and the lack of access to resources, and these areas were almost instantly in a crisis situation.

Mass migrations began as many people headed back to rural areas where they had family roots, filling the roadways with overloaded buses and trucks, though most were forced to walk. Many didn’t have food, water, shoes, or the means to buy them, leading to several deaths along the way.

Southeast Mission Partners Caleb Rayapati and Shankar Pawawar witnessed this crisis firsthand.

“The visuals that were beaming out from the media were agonizing, painful, heart-rendering, and deeply touching,” Caleb recalled. “A couple of times I was reduced to tears.”

Both Caleb and Shankar refused to sit back and do nothing. Even when faced with government barricades and police-enforced “stay at home” orders, they did what was needed in order to minister to those in crisis.

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75

Despite obstacles, Southeast Mission Partners Caleb Rayapati and Shankar Pawawar have worked to aid those in India disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continued from page 75

A Step of Faith Caleb, who leads Harvest Ministries, mobilized the few resources he had at his disposal to begin helping migrants as soon as he could even though it would become uneasy and impractical. Some funds began to come in for him to continue the work, but the first step was certainly a step of faith for Caleb.

This was all Caleb needed to begin his relief efforts. Within 12 hours of hearing this call, he mobilized his team, provided meals, miraculously moved through various police barricades, met with various police and community leaders, and received many pledges to help.

“I realized that when I obey Him—whether we have money or not—and am willing to use the

Even when faced with government barricades and police-enforced “stay at home” orders, they did what was needed in order to minister to those in crisis.

available resources, He is more than willing to use and multiply it. Certainly, when He guides, He provides!” Caleb said.

Since then, Caleb has ministered to thousands during the lockdown with food, soap, and transportation.

Seeing God’s Hand Move Shankar, who leads the Global Banjara Foundation

“I had no money in the bank, and the little that was

in Mumbai, was also thrust into the middle of one

to come had been delayed due to lockdowns in the

of the worst humanitarian crises. “I have never

U.S. and India,” he said. “Even as I was struggling,

experienced anything this bad in my whole life,”

a voice told me to look at the resources that

he recalled.

I already had—stock of rice that I had to

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sustain 40 people in the school campus, a

The slums of Mumbai were already very

kitchen, and a cook at our disposal.”

vulnerable before the virus, but now people were

WRECK THE ROOF

literally starving all around him. The church network that Shankar leads jumped in and began providing food for needy families and widows.

Though these have been some of the hardest times for Shankar and his churches, they have also seen God’s hand move in this difficult season.

“While distributing food to needy people, many of them have seen the love of Christ,” he said. “For the first time in our ministry, over 400 people accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior in three months!”

Shankar’s team is now working on programs to disciple these new believers while appropriately socially distancing.

In his book The Rise of Christianity, sociologist Rodney Stark talks about how Christians in Rome stayed to help their neighbors with the little they had as a horrible epidemic hit the empire and others fled. Christians, for the first time, were known for their selfless love and care for others, leading to great church growth. May future generations look back and be able to say the same about the church in India during the COVID-19 pandemic!

Learn More To learn more about Harvest Ministries, visit harvestministriesindia.com.

Prayer Requests • P raise God for using His people to demonstrate His love to those in need.

• P ray that God would bless the efforts of Caleb and Shankar to serve the people in India who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• P ray for others to also be called to take a step of faith to help during this and other humanitarian crises.

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Grip The Plow

Luke 9:57-62 Jesus didn’t mince words about the radical demands of living faith. As He walked along the road (Luke 9:57), He addressed three potential followers. When the third wanted to go and bid his family farewell, Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” These words are hard to hear, but they’re honest.

If you’re with Jesus, then you’re with Him. There’s no lukewarm faith allowed here. There’s too much at stake to play it safe. Grip the plow, get your hands dirty in the fields, get to work, and don’t give up. It’s not hard to imagine why so many people wanted to follow Jesus and learn from Him.

What is hard to grasp, though, is how hard He made it for them to come and follow: give up your house; skip your father’s funeral; leave home without saying goodbye. It can seem harsh, but Jesus knew that the high cost was worth the reward. We are called to grip the plow with both hands and not look back.

A follower is not someone who simply attends; a follower is personally engaged. As a church, we want to engage in a community that is committed to working in the fields and completing the mission.

GRIP THE PLOW

God used small steps of obedience to forever change Marty and Lynn Willing.

Fostering the Possibilities

One Step of Obedience at a Time

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ifteen years ago Marty and Lynn

at age 24. At that point, they decided to move

Willing were enjoying their life in

back to Kentucky to connect and support

Texas. They had a young daughter,

Marty’s adult daughter and her family. Life

some great friends, and a comfortable life

was different, but they started to build a new

when tragedy struck. Marty’s son passed away

foundation in Louisville.

GRIP THE PLOW

I want to use you, but you are living so safe.

A few years later, Lynn was searching for some parenting classes on the Southeast website when she came across a video titled Empty Bedrooms. An empty-nester couple shared their story about looking around their home at all the empty bedrooms and deciding to foster children. The video was confirmation of some ideas that Lynn had been thinking and praying about. She was inspired as she looked around her house at all the empty bedrooms, and she felt like God was saying, “I want to use you, but you are living so safe.”

Taking the First Step When Lynn shared her convictions with Marty, he felt similarly, but didn’t think it was practical. In his late 50s, Marty was concerned about what kind of dad he could be to a young child. Surely there was a better option out there—another family could step up. But God would not let the conviction go, so Lynn and

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Continued from page 81

Sebastian and Gracie join their big sister Emily in the Willing family.

Marty decided to take the foster parent classes

taking the next step—trusting God to show

and see what happened. They would just be

them what was possible.

open to the possibilities.

age and ability as a father, and his friends and

pressed pause for almost a year. And yet, God

family were also raising their own questions.

kept bringing fostering back to their hearts.

Nonetheless, Marty became convinced that

When they decided to restart, the closest

God was telling him, “Quit fighting and just

training was in Versailles, Kentucky. They drove

do it.” So, without looking back, Marty and

the hour there and back for five Saturdays to

Lynn committed to become available and

complete the training. Five weeks later, they

stepped toward the hard work of becoming a

had a lot more information, but still weren’t

foster family.

certain what to do. They decided to just keep

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Marty was still battling internally with his

The first class was overwhelming and they

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Foster Parenting Their first placement came and went in just a few months. Then, a few weeks later, a fourmonth-old, ten-pound baby was placed with them. From the first time he rocked Gracie, Marty was in love. But he was also afraid. Marty acknowledged, “It was going to feel like I lost another child if they took her away.” But Gracie

The journey was not easy or predictable. It had plenty of twists and turns along the way, but the Willings took each step, gripping the plow and moving forward. They tilled the soil and prepared the way, not knowing that God was planting the seeds for a beautiful family. Despite all our concerns and hesitations, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

never left and she was adopted by the Willings when she was two years old.

Even though they had a successful adoption, their fears were not removed. Marty and Lynn decided to protect themselves from feeling the loss of fostering by only taking respite or shortterm placements. That way they would know that the children were going to leave and they

Learn More To learn more about caring for vulnerable children through Foster Care or Adoption, visit southeastchristian.org/ministries/foster-andadoption.

could protect their hearts. But God knew that

Prayer Requests

something else was possible.

• P raise God for families who obey His leading

After a few short placements, the Willings met two-year-old Sebastian. Marty and Lynn got to know Sebastian’s birth mother and supported

to love and care for vulnerable children through foster care and adoption!

• P ray for the many children in Kentucky and

her even after Sebastian was placed back in her

Indiana who are in need of loving foster

care eight months later. They closed their foster

families, that God would place them with

home, believing that part of their story was over.

safe families.

However, when Sebastian needed to come back into foster care, they re-opened their home just to be available for him. At four years old, the

• A sk God to encourage and equip the foster and adoptive families in our communities.

Willings adopted Sebastian too.

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GRIP THE PLOW

Campers participate in Junior Mixer Kids Camp in Zakościele in August 2020.

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Proem Ministries 30 Years of Service in Poland

O

ften some of the greatest

partnering with them in a significant way. In

organizations in the world come

2000, Southeast joined the vision in a big way,

from humble beginnings. This

agreeing to donate the $300,000 needed to

was certainly the case for Southeast Mission

purchase the camp property they still use today.

Partner Proem in Poland. It was September 1994 and Polish nationals Maui and his wife Eva were living in Columbus, Ohio for several

Growth of the Ministry

months working to raise funds for a ministry

From its humble beginnings, Proem has

they had started in 1990. They had just spent

grown tremendously in its 30 years. “From the

$300, a lot of money to them at the time, to

beginning,” Maui recalled, “we were focused

send out 1,000 letters to churches introducing

on doing camps for youth. This changed as

themselves and their vision and simply asking

our campers grew older, started families, and

for a meeting to discuss possible support.

needed church communities to continue their walk with Christ. We wanted to do something

Maui remembered, “We honestly thought we

to help meet their needs, and we began

had sent too many letters and wouldn’t have

planting churches and focusing on families,

time to follow up with everyone that responded.”

which also led us into Christian education.”

So, they braced themselves for a busy few months. One week passed and nothing. Two

The camp property is currently used year-round

weeks, nothing. Three weeks, four weeks and

for camps, retreats, trainings, and other church

nothing. After traveling to the U.S. with an

leader gatherings. Their youth Summer Camps

exciting vision and a passion to share with

literally fill up within minutes of going live each

churches, they were very discouraged and

year. Proem planted churches in Tomaszów and

thought they might return to Poland early

Łódź and are preparing for more. They started

with no support from American churches.

a preschool, which has since grown into a full private Christian school, receiving some of the

Then, in January 1995, Maui received a

highest academic marks in the region. They

phone call out of the blue from a church in

put on experiential walkthroughs each year for

Louisville to invite him to come share what he

Christmas and Easter, drawing thousands of

was doing. Maui laughed as he recalled first

people by the busloads from the whole region.

arriving at the Southeast campus on Hikes Lane. “I drove right past the church looking

Proem also launched a worship band, Exodus 15,

for the address, thinking there is no way a

which is wildly successful in Poland. They have

church that large would invite us to share!”

started counseling and disability ministries.

Maui was even the chair of the committee that

It didn’t take long for the Southeast Missions

brought the Franklin Graham Crusade to Poland

Committee to fall in love with Maui and Eva,

in 2014!

travel to Poland to see the work, and start Continued on next page 85

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Exodus 15 creates worship music for the next generation of youth throughout Poland.

Looking Forward

Learn More

Even with all this growth and success in 30

To learn more about Proem, visit

years, Maui remains as humble as he was on that

proemministries.org.

first visit to Southeast in 1995. “If God had shown me at the beginning what Proem would be today, I would have run away scared!” Maui said with a smile. “God had to use progressive revelation with me. I started as a youth pastor and God kept opening up doors to new opportunities, and we kept walking through them.”

The partnership with Southeast has grown through the years as well. Southeast member

Prayer Requests • P raise God for 30 years of faithful and thriving ministry in the spiritually rocky soil of Poland!

• P ray that God would continue to equip the Proem staff and volunteers with wisdom, creativity, endurance, and grace.

• A sk God to open even more doors for the

Stan Franczek helped establish the U.S.

ministry to thrive and grow in Poland

office here in Louisville and is the current

and beyond.

board chair. Southeast usually takes five or six mission trips each year from several campuses to join Proem in ministry activities, including sports camps, outreach projects, and even a camp for kids from five different nationalities—including Jews and Palestinians!

Maui isn’t content just celebrating what God has done so far. “We see the phenomenal potential for growth in the future within our four areas of ministry, including camps, Christian education, church planting, and community help,” Maui said.

“Our hopes and prayers are that each area would expand into greater effectiveness over the next 30 years, believing as we always do—that the process is just as important as the product!”

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Proem sent a team to Greece, to serve on a mission trip in July 2020

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Proem’s Christian Education Center provides innovative education and traditional values for students in Pre-K through 12th grade.

Fellowship at Tomy Christian Church in Tomaszów helps build relationships.

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GRIP THE PLOW

From Muslim to Ministry Tony Weedor’s Reason for Hope

saved him from the jaws of Islam. Through her commitment not to look back, God changed Tony’s life forever and transformed him by reconciling him to God (Romans 9:9-10).

Joy in Suffering When civil war broke out in Liberia, Tony and his wife Beth watched neighbors kill other neighbors they had known for years. Men, women, and children were slaughtered simply because they were from the wrong tribe.

Teen soldiers armed with AK-47s forced Tony and Beth to leave their home on the mission compound. They grabbed a Bible and some clothes and fled in search of safety. They escaped and lived in a refugee camp in Ivory Coast for three-and-a-half years.

T

Everyone in the camp had faced violence, evil, ony is not a missionary, but he is the

hunger, thirst, and carnage. Many refugees

result of a missionary’s work. A young

were driven at gunpoint from their homes.

woman left her home and country to

Others were betrayed by neighbors because

share the Gospel of grace with a people who

they belonged to the opposing tribe. But

did not know the God of hope in Liberia, Africa.

because the camp was for Muslims, the greatest

Her message was counter-cultural and brought

suffering there was for those like Tony and

the truth of God against the strongholds of Folk

Beth, who had forfeited everything for Jesus.

Islam and the African religions.

During that painful season, Tony believes God Her message about God brought about a great

used their suffering to draw them closer to Him.

change for young Tony. Hope against hope, she

His experiences resonate with the C. S. Lewis

presented the Gospel that helped him see the

quote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures,

God of all comfort—not in spite of, but because

speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our

of, His great mercy. She sacrificed her normal

pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf

life by leaving her culture and people to share

world. We are most keenly aware of God’s

the Gospel of grace, which unraveled Tony’s

character in our suffering. It is when our self-

myth of hope in Allah and religiosity, and

sufficiency is peeled away that we see how weak we really are.”

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Reaching Muslims Now on staff with Southeast Christian Church, Tony is using his life experiences to share the Gospel with Muslims. Hungry for God, most Muslims pray five times a day hoping to find favor with Allah. They’re regularly asking, “What can I do for God to accept me?” They hope to get to paradise by doing all the

and understanding he’s learned since growing up in a Muslim family, coming to know Jesus, studying His Word, earning degrees, and teaching.

Tony’s desire is to help the church understand Islam in order to reach Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus.

right religious things.

God is using every piece of Tony’s story for others who have suffered and fear the future. Only Jesus has

Learn More

the power to drive out fear. Muslims are hungry for

To learn more about engaging Muslims with the Gospel,

the way, for the truth, and for eternal life (John 14:6).

email missions@secc.org. You can also learn more about Tony’s story through his book,

The Gospel helped him see

The Reason for Tears.

the God of all comfort—not in

Prayer Requests

spite of, but because of, His

• P raise God that the Gospel is spreading into

great mercy.

the spiritually desolate nations of the world!

• P ray for new Christian believers from a Muslim background, that God would grant

God is working among the 1.7 billion Muslims in the world. There are underground churches in many countries. Many are asking, “Who is Jesus?” Tony

them courage and strength in their new faith.

• A sk God to encourage the persecuted church around the world, so that they will remain faithful.

sees this as the time to pour out all the knowledge

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The Value of a Mentor Helping Students Step into Their Gifts ach child has the ability to thrive.

Southeast Christian Church’s local Mission

Because they’re created in the image

Partner, Hope Collaborative, provides many

of God, they have inside them the

avenues for mentoring. Their Public Schools

capacity to create, to be kind, to learn, to show

Outreach ministry connects willing adults with

compassion, to solve problems, to engage with

vulnerable children and teens through local

others, and to pursue a goal.

school districts. For a year, each

Unfortunately, many children

mentor meets for just one hour

experience loss, poverty, abuse,

every week with a student or

hunger, neglect, instability, and

group of students. During this

other forms of trauma. These

time, the mentor’s main tasks

struggles can rob children of

are to show up regularly and

their God-given potential and

care genuinely.

leave them struggling just to survive their worlds.

That’s where mentoring comes

worthwhile and meaningful, mentorship can be difficult for

in. The primary way to combat the effects of

both the student and the mentor. It’s hard to

trauma is through meaningful, stabilizing

unwind years of disappointment and frustration.

relationships. When a mentor fully engages

It’s hard to learn to trust and grow. It’s hard to

with a student, they can help reverse the mental

suddenly have dreams and balance them with

and emotional damage. With their consistency,

the fear that they could all be taken away again.

a mentor can give a child the chance to thrive.

There could be days for everyone when the whole

Although it is risky, mentors personally engage in

process seems like a waste of time.

the lives of the vulnerable.

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Of course, like everything

GRIP THE PLOW

But God often calls His people into hard things.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, mentors grip the plow and focus on what’s ahead, straining toward the work God has given them to do.

Public Schools Outreach also thoroughly equips and sustains their mentors for such difficulties.

They provide training, ongoing support, encouragement, and resources. They remind the mentors that these kids need them and that God can change everything for a child.

A Win for Everyone When a student finds acceptance and stability with a committed mentor, everyone benefits.

The schools that have mentors through Hope Collaborative are able to observe and document positive changes—like regular attendance, better behavior, and improved academics.

They feel like they’re offering a service to their students that will truly change the course of their lives without the additional burden of carrying that load alone.

The mentors also experience great satisfaction and purpose in their role. They come to love and care for the students they walk with, often growing in their knowledge and perspective. For each mentor, there’s a realization that they can’t save anyone, but with grace, consistency, and prayer, they can trust God to use them to create a new path for the students they love.

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Continued from page 91

Even the families of the students can be forever

hopelessness and fear and a life lived with

changed through the mentorship opportunity.

purpose and joy.

During the COVID-19 school shutdowns, one of Hope Collaborative’s In-School Program Coordinators got a chance to drop off a backpack of goodies to one of the mentees from his mentor.

Each child inherently has the ability to thrive.

With a mentor, that ability can finally become a reality.

When he was at the house, he met the student’s mother, who shared some of the trials their family had faced. She admitted that her son had “really, really, really, really needed mentoring.”

Learn More

She loved knowing he had someone to talk to

To learn more about personally engaging in the

when things were difficult for him. As she talked

lives of vulnerable children by becoming a mentor,

about the difference it had made, she began

visit hopeccd.org.

to cry. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I get emotional about this.”

Of course, the greatest impact is for the student.

Maybe for the first time, the student has someone who listens, who loves without condition, and who encourages and believes in them. This kind of healing relationship can take the baggage of trauma and transform it into the hope of

Prayer Requests • P raise God for connecting adults with vulnerable children through the mentorship program.

• P ray that the lives of the children in the program would be positively affected.

potential. For a vulnerable child, mentorship

• P ray God would place it on the hearts of more

could be the difference between a life lost to

people in the community to serve as mentors.

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Mentorship Testimonials My kids need to know that people are genuinely interested in them. I had a lot of students that talked about the fact that no one really cared about them. I knew that if I was going to make an impact at the school, that I had to get some people in to help me do the work. So, Hope Collaborative came, and we’ve had this partnership and I look forward to them being here every year.

Kym Rice, Executive Principal, The Academy of Shawnee Miss Ronda is a lady that I love to meet with. She actually does inspire me to go ahead and pursue my passions, and so do the other girls in there. Without her, I would be a very unmotivated person to go ahead and pursue my passions.

Eleanor, Student Something I would like to say to Jill is thank you for helping me through high school, even though I’ve only been there for two years. It really does brighten my day, and I look forward to seeing her every Friday. It’s like another form of therapy, to let all of my feelings out at school instead of having to go to an office every week. She never lets you leave unhappy. You have a smile on your face.

Lacey, Student If another student asked me about being in a group, I would tell them not to be nervous because they’re always going to be nice. And if you have anything on your chest, you can talk to them and let it out.

Zayden, Student My mentees have impacted me greatly. I am in love with them. I love them fiercely. And it has also caused me to truly deepen my prayer life. You only have once a week together, and it’s during school. I don’t have a relationship with them outside school, so really, I have truly deepened my prayer life. It’s been amazing.

Sherry Fields, Mentor For any schools considering Hope Collaborative, I would say definitely do it, to put it simply. We have had great success with the program. It’s something that we take pride in having here. We have awesome buy-in from our students and parents and teachers and admin. It’s been a wonderful program for the students. We’ve seen them grow a lot. We’ve seen increased attendance. We’ve seen better behavior. We’ve seen students being more successful. And for a lot of our students, it’s just been a great source of support that they may be missing otherwise.

Cour tney Swain, South Oldham High School Guidance Counselor

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GMHC at 25 Continuing to Equip and Inspire

T

wenty-five years ago, Southeast Christian Church member and local cardiologist Dr. David Dageforde

prepared to host a small conference on medical missions. The goal was simply to engage Southeast members who were involved in some aspect of healthcare about medical missions. Looking back, it is clear that God had additional plans.

From Local to International Of the 220 people in attendance that first year, 180 lived outside of Kentucky and Indiana, and many of those actually wrote letters about the

equipped, and inspired to find their place in healthcare missions. With world-class plenary speakers and over 150 breakout sessions, the conference has new things to offer—even for those who attend each year!

need for such a conference nationally. Today, as the largest medical missions conference in the world, the Global Missions Health Conference (GMHC) welcomes more than 3,200 participants annually, serving as a rallying point for medical missionaries, sending agencies, universities, and students to converge and be connected,

94

GMHC, which remains a ministry of Southeast Christian Church, has an important role in the medical missions community as a whole.

Though the large gathering is exciting, the true impact is measured in people’s lives.

Various partners recruit well over half of

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The annual Global Missions Health Conference, which began 25 years ago, has grown from 220 attendees to become the world’s largest medical missions conference, with more than 3,200 participants annually. their long-term missions candidates right out

sharpened their skills to better serve cross-

of the conference. There are literally hundreds

culturally at GMHC. There are even stories like

of stories of individuals who have found their

that of Eric and Rachel McLaughlin, who met at

calling into lifelong work in difficult harvest

the conference and are now married and serving

fields while sitting in a classroom or the

in rural Burundi together! The McLaughlins

Sanctuary at Southeast’s Blankenbaker Campus.

even returned 15 years later in 2018 to teach a breakout session titled Missions and Marriage.

Many partnerships between organizations have been forged in the exhibitor space in the Fellowship Halls. Thousands of missionaries have

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Continued from page 95

Though the large gathering is exciting, even when virtual, the true impact is measured in people’s lives.

2020 GMHC 2,184

1,042

67

133

112

130

Attendees From

Countries

Breakout Sessions

96

Commitments to

Countries

Exhibitors

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Why We Are Here We will never fully know the impact of GMHC here on earth, as many of the commitments that happen at the conference are lived out in the far corners of the world with unwavering commitment. But every now and then God gives us a story to encourage us to keep going. One such story happened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia many years ago, where a missions team from Southeast was staying in a guest house with an American couple for a few days. At one of the meals they shared, the couple asked a member of the team where they were from, and when they answered Southeast, the couple began to tear up.

“That church is why we are here,” the wife, through her tears, said. “We went to the GMHC one year just to learn more about healthcare missions, but were called to full-time missions there. We returned home from the conference, sold our practice, and are here in Ethiopia right now looking into an

Hundreds of people have found their calling into missions while sitting in the Sanctuary at Southeast’s Blankenbaker Campus during the annual GMHC.

opportunity to serve in missions here! Thank you!”

Needless to say, this chance encounter had the

Learn More

whole team in tears and praising God for what He

To learn more about the annual Global Missions

had done.

Health Conference, visit medicalmissions.com/scc.

“I love how Southeast diligently works to bring

Prayer Requests

this conference to life each year with very little of known impact,” Conference Director Will Rogers said. “It’s not until things like Ebola hits the world stage a few years back where you learn that all of the most influential people engaging this global

• P raise God for the impact the Global Missions Health Conference has had throughout the world.

• P ray for God to continue to use GMHC to connect people and organizations.

epidemic had made their connections at the GMHC. I love when God is up to things that we never know about!”

• P ray for medical missionaries across the globe as they care for those in need in the name of Jesus.

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GRIP THE PLOW

GRIP THE PLOW

Life in Abundance Celebrating 25 Years of Faithful Ministry

1995, Festus and Dr. Florence Muindi quietly resigned their established positions in Nairobi, Kenya and relocated their family to serve in a rural setting among the Maasai people. This small step of obedience 25 years ago was a seed that has since grown into Life in Abundance (LIA), a large multifaceted ministry.

LIA celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2020 and the more than 1 million people they have served through the years. “And that’s just what we’ve been able to record,” said Carley Buckingham, Executive Director of LIA Support Offices. Since the very essence of LIA’s model is for disciple-making, training and equipping, and reproducing, the full impact of their ministry cannot be fully known. Even with impressive growth, LIA has remained a ministry that cares for the “least of these”—one at a time, wholistically, and with care and compassion that is second to none.

Continued on next page

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GRIP THE PLOW Continued from page 99

A Long Partnership Southeast has had the privilege of walking with LIA in partnership for 21 of their 25 years, having started supporting Florence and Festus as missionaries in 1999. After Southeast Elder Russ Summay had a chance encounter with the Muindis in Ethiopia when he was visiting other Southeast missionaries in a nearby village, there was an instant connection.

transformation we use in our communities was adapted directly from LIA principles. In fact, Victor Mikebanyi, who is now on staff at Southeast, was a former regional director for LIA. Now he is leveraging his experience from Africa to help transform communities in Louisville!

Empowering Local Churches From the beginning, LIA’s goal was simple: To empower the local church to sustainably meet

In many ways, Southeast Missions and LIA have

the needs of the community. LIA questioned the

grown up together, constantly learning from

old dependent models of ministry where outside

and sharpening each other through the years.

resources are the only means of sustaining any

Reflecting on the relationship, Carley said, “From

work, instead believing in the potential that

growing various programs, establishing Ministry

exists within each community. While LIA works

Support Offices, starting clinics, launching training centers, advancing the underground church in closed countries, and launching a conference together, over the past 25 years, in every bold move the Father has invited LIA into, there is a thread where Southeast can be found.

Similar to Paul finding Titus, LIA has found Southeast and Southeast has found LIA—yoked, siblings, advancing together!”

Southeast has learned from LIA over the years as well. The model of wholistic community

at the local level, their impact has been felt far beyond the community—gaining national attention in several places where they serve.

“We’ve seen communities and regions transformed,” Florence said. “However, the Father has invited us into 14 nations, and we will stand, pray, and advance in aim to see national transformation.” This boldness comes from a deep and abiding relationship with the Father, a fervent prayer life, an unwavering belief in His Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit—never in her own strength and abilities. This type of Spirit-led leadership is what has brought LIA to where it is today, celebrating 25 years with an incredibly rich history of ministry, large geographic footprint, and an industry influence far beyond what Florence would have envisioned

Festus and Dr. Florence Muindi launched LIA in Kenya in 1995.

100

from the start.

GRIP THE PLOW

Crestwood Campus member Debra Rodriguez interacts with children during a service trip with LIA.

We will never fully understand the impact of the decision the Muindis made 25 years ago—a decision to obey God’s calling on their lives to step into the unknown. We can just thank God

Snapshot of LIA

for what He has done and for allowing Southeast to be a part of LIA’s beautiful story, both in the past and moving forward.

Learn More

Established community development program work in 14 countries in East Africa and the Caribbean

To learn more or get involved with Life in Abundance, check out lifeinabundance.org.

Prayer Requests • P raise God for 25 years of effective and fruitful ministry, and for the sustained partnership between Life in Abundance and Southeast.

• P ray that God would continue to sustain and equip the ministry of LIA. • A sk God to guide Florence and the LIA staff and

Ministry Support Offices in the U.S., the U.K., and Switzerland

Oversight of Multiple Entities: • LIA International • Blue Wings • Wholistic Community Transformation Training Centers in Jamaica and Kenya

volunteers who serve vulnerable people around the world.

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Sent Out

Southeast’s Prepare Ministry connects ministry-minded students with solid Biblical training he Prepare Ministry at Southeast is

Scholarships, we gather regularly with ministry-

for students who feel called to pursue

minded students to connect them to one another,

full-time, vocational ministry. Through

and we also seek to equip parents and students

our Prepare Scholarships, we are currently able

with college information to help families make

to help 58 Southeast students pursue a Biblical

the best decision to pursue God’s call.

ministry education. In addition to Prepare

Makenzie Mullin COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: I just graduated from Ozark Christian College (class of 2020), and in August I will move to Colorado and start grad school at Denver Seminary.

MAJOR: Theology and Biblical Communication (Ozark) and New Testament (Denver) I want to faithfully and accurately teach the Gospel in whatever capacity God leads me to. I have a deep desire to help people come face to face with the truth of who Jesus is and help them see how that truth changes everything.

Matthew McConnell COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Ozark Christian College MAJOR: Theology When I finish school, I want to be involved in church ministry of some form somewhere in the country. I’m not sure exactly what kind of ministry God wants me in as of right now, but I know He is sending me to Ozark now to start preparation for ministry the next few years, and I’m sure what specifically that looks like will become more clear later on.

Continued on next page

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Continued from page 103

Caleb Newman COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University MAJOR: Urban Studies; Bible and Theology I will be a full-time missionary. My first place is in Poitiers, France serving with other missionaries for the next nine months. I’m leaving in Fall 2021.

Devin Zabel COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University MAJOR: Urban Studies; Bible and Theology I want to be a pastor.

Morgan Kast COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University MAJOR: Intercultural Studies I hope to become a missionary or work for a missions organization!

I want to faithfully and accurately teach the Gospel in whatever capacity God leads me to.

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McKinley Harrington COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University MAJOR: Youth Ministry, Pastoral Care & Counseling, Bible & Theology After graduation, I am hoping to do a residency in student ministry somewhere to continue learning and growing before stepping into a full-time ministry role.

Jacob Foote COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University MAJOR: Preaching, Youth Ministry, and Bible When I graduate, I would like to find a church and be a youth pastor. I would also like to possibly one day start a church of my own, but that is very far in the future.

Through our partnerships with great Bible Colleges, Prepare tries to help students find the best schools to help them grow into the ministry calling God has for their lives.

We invite you to join with us in praying the prayer of Matthew 9:38 that God would raise up more workers for His harvest fields.

If you are a student who feels called to ministry or the parent of a student who does, go to southeastchristian.org/prepare for more information and to get in touch with our Prepare team.

105

Empty The Jar

Luke 7 When the sinful woman emptied her jar on Jesus’ feet, she embodied the true worship that He had come to find. The beauty of Jesus is only visible to those who’ve seen the ugliness of their rebellion against God.

Unlike Simon in the story, this woman knew she was unworthy to come into Jesus’ presence. Even so, Jesus didn’t just receive her gift—He affirmed it as an act of worship more precious to Him than whatever Simon may have laid out on his table.

Like her, the love of Christ compels us to become informal, expressive, and extravagant in the way we demonstrate our love for Him—even if it means offending a few religious people along the way. In our worship and service, Jesus is calling us to break open and empty out our metaphorical jars upon His feet. It’s not so much that He needs our gifts; He wants them. The gifts we bring don’t just glorify Him; they transform us.

EMPTY THE JAR

Finishing the Task

An Effort to Share the Gospel with All Nations

esus gave His disciples a clear command

for the global Church to step up, take Jesus’

to “make disciples of all nations.” Yet,

command seriously, and finish the task.

more than 2,000 years later, there are still entire people groups that have never heard the good news of Jesus! This means there are still places where people will be born, live their entire lives, and die without ever having heard the name of Jesus or even meeting a Christian.

A Life-Changing Trip Doug Cobb, Louisville entrepreneur and Elder at Southeast Christian Church, has committed himself to doing everything he can to see this task completed within his lifetime. Doug wasn’t

Though it is clear in Scripture that no one knows

always passionate and committed to missions,

the day and time of Jesus’ return, we are told

though. When he was invited to see the need

that before that happens, the Gospel will be

firsthand in West Africa in 1994, he did not even

preached to the whole world as a testimony to

want to go. It was a trip, however, that would

all nations (Matthew 24:14). The good news is

change the trajectory of his life forever.

that much progress has been made through the years. We are living in exciting times, where our

Doug met various amazing African leaders on the

generation has the potential to be the first to see

trip, but made a special connection with one in

every tribe, people, and tongue reached with the

particular, Brother D (name omitted for security).

good news of Jesus.

After returning from Africa, Doug helped Brother D establish an organization reaching some of the

Hundreds of people groups have no known

hardest-to-reach Muslim scholars in unreached

Gospel exposure and no known missionaries

parts of West Africa. This ministry has since

or ministries engaging those people. There

become one of the most effective ministries

are many challenges to reaching these groups,

at reaching Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus,

who comprise millions of people spread around

discipling them into a deep faith, and training

the world. Some don’t have the Bible in their

others to do the same around the world.

language, while others live in places where it is illegal to share about Jesus. All are in need

Continued on next page

108

EMPTY THE JAR

Hundreds of people groups have no known Gospel exposure and no known missionaries or ministries engaging those people.

EMPTY THE JAR

Continued from page 109

Seeing the Gospel Spread Doug’s involvement with missions didn’t stop there. Paul Eshleman, the man who had invited Doug on the trip to West Africa, was asked to lead an organization called Finishing the Task (FTT) with the goal of getting the first missionaries to the last remaining people groups who were without the Gospel or engagement.

“The world can be very discouraging at times, but to think we are actually getting close to the finish line on this is a pretty amazing thing,” Doug said. “I frequently tell Gena that I can’t believe I get to be a part of this! Having a ringside seat to hearing the stories of these brand-new believers in places that I’ve never heard of—it’s just unbelievable.”

Doug loved the vision and found himself heavily engaged in the ministry. He was challenged to use his venture capital experience to raise funds for missionaries to finish the task, so they started

Learn More

an organization called Issachar Initiative to focus

For more information about Finishing the Task, go

on raising funds among business leaders and

to finishingthetask.com.

established the Finishing Fund.

Doug and his wife Gena were both so convinced that they personally funded the engagement of a number of different people groups in Nepal and India. A year later, Doug found himself standing in a large tent in India filled with 1,000 new

Prayer Requests • Praise God for the amazing work He is accomplishing through the Finishing the Task collaboration.

• Pray that God would send workers to the people

believers, some of whom were the first known

groups who currently have no access to the

believers from the people groups he and Gena

Gospel, no known believers, and no churches.

had helped fund!

• Ask God to equip His global Church to fulfill Since Doug started the Finishing Fund in 2017,

His Great Commission, so that people in every

God has responded exponentially. They have

nation may know and worship Him.

raised over $9.2M, funded the engagement of 445 people groups, and have seen new believers in 250 of those.

Doug Cobb meets with leaders in South Sudan to plan for the engagement of the remaining people groups of that country.

110

EMPTY THE JAR

Finishing the Task Stats There are at least

12,000

7,067

people groups are unreached (populations of less than 2% Christian), which means most have not heard and will not have the opportunity to hear the Gospel.

people groups in the world.

142

of these people groups

still need a plan to be reached.

233

people groups of more than 500 people have no Bible, no believers, and no churches. These are considered unreached and unengaged.

2,000

languages do not have a single verse of the Bible in those languages.

There has been great progress toward finishing the task:

3,096

P E O P L E G R O U P S E N G AG E D

141,954

CHURCHES PLANTED

3,364,711

NEW BELIEVERS

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EMPTY THE JAR

Giving Her All A Missionary’s Commitment to the Kingdom

J

esus transformed Southeast member

Instead of staying in a stable job and saving for

and supported missionary Jo when

retirement, she sold everything and followed

she was an adult, and immediately she

Jesus on a new journey.

had a deep desire to share the love of the Father

112

and be an advocate for the vulnerable. She

Language was a challenge, but Jo persevered.

attended the Global Missions Health Conference

She walked the streets and practiced with

at Southeast Christian Church and began

food vendors and drank tea with new friends.

exploring opportunities to use her skills in

She learned new ways of doing life. Her new

physical therapy. After several short-term trips,

homeland is spiritually very dark, so she had

she moved to a country in Asia—leaving behind

to pray differently. Time alone with God was

adult children and several young grandchildren.

absolutely essential—not just a good practice.

EMPTY THE JAR

She Prays Jo serves in an official capacity researching the number of children in the region with disabilities.

She literally must go out and search for them on foot. The mountain trails to the small remote villages are rugged, steep, and particularly dangerous during monsoons. So, as she goes, she

grandkids, church family, air conditioning, and a less risky life because she is a good person.

Instead, she is pouring out her life as an offering in order to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom for the captives.

prays. She prays that she’ll connect with people

Because of the

of peace who are spiritually open. She prays that

Holy Spirit living

God will provide a place for her to stay at night.

She prays the enemy will not thwart her in new villages.

Jo also prays for the children she’ll find. She

in her, Jo has the ability to look in the face

“He continues to lead each day in unique ways, as I look to Him to direct my paths,” Jo said.

“He has been so faithful, and what a

of each person

joy to be able to be

are hidden away in shame, kept inside due to the

she encounters

under His care. His

stigma of disability. When she does find them,

and see them

prays that she will find those precious kids who

she tries to build relationships with their parents, assess the specific needs, model dignity and

Word sustains me here!”

as God does.

honor of human life, and give practical help. She can teach the families simple exercises or how to build makeshift walkers with local materials. She talks about Jesus and His love for them.

Learn More Explore missions opportunities through Southeast at southeastchristian.org/missions/go.

She Hopes The pain, suffering, abuse, neglect, trauma, and

Prayer Requests

hopelessness that she continually engages with

• P raise God for sustaining and encouraging

are overwhelming. She gets sick because of bad

Jo and other isolated missionaries

water. She can feel discouraged and lonely. But

with His Spirit and His Word.

because of the Holy Spirit living in her, she has the ability to look in the face of each person she encounters and see them as God does—as His creation. Jesus loves through her. Jesus brings hope into hopeless situations.

• P ray for a female believer to join Jo as she walks and ministers to those in need.

• A sk God to send people of peace to meet Jo and welcome her as she travels.

Jo knows this hope from her own life. She has received the love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy of the Father. She did not give up birthdays with

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International Engagement Map

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

1 Chronicles 16:23-24

INTER

Direct Engagement Afghanistan Australia Belarus Bosnia Burkina Faso China Congo Croatia Cuba Czech Republic Djibouti Dominican Republic Egypt England Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia France Germany Ghana Greece Haiti India Indonesia Italy Jamaica Japan Kenya Laos Latvia Malawi Malaysia Mexico Myanmar Nepal Nigeria Poland Portugal Saudi Arabia Scotland Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Turkey Uganda Ukraine United States Zimbabwe

Southeast is engaged in partnerships with locally-led organizations and Southeast missionaries throughout the world!

RNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Legend Directly Involved Indirectly Involved

Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Austria Bangladesh Belize Bengal Benin Bhutan Bolivia Botswana Brazil Bulgaria Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Canary Islands Central Africa Chad Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cote D’Ivoire Ecuador El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Fiji Finland Gabon Gambia Georgia Guatemala Honduras Hungary Israel Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lebanon

Lesotho Liberia Lithuania Macedonia Mali Mauritania Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique North Ireland New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Pakistan Panama Peru Philippines Romania Russia Rwanda Senegal Serbia Sierre Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somaliland Sri Lanka Swaziland Switzerland Tajikistan Togo United Arab Emirates Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Zambia Zanzibar

EMPTY THE JAR

Sharing the Good News in Cuba A Short-Term Trip with Lifelong Impact hen Community Pastor Jon Weiner

Tim led the trip to Cuba for the first time in

invited Tim to go to Cuba on his

February 2020—still carrying the pamphlet

first mission trip more than five

and several other items as he walked the streets

years ago, Tim immediately heard the Lord

of Cuba. One of those items is a cross that was

clearly say, “Get out of your comfort zone and

found in his dad’s pocket when he died that Tim

go.” Despite his willingness, he believed he was

now carries wherever he goes.

totally unprepared for the mission. He was not at all comfortable going out in groups of three to four people to share the Gospel. But the Lord knew differently.

Planting the Seeds Tim no longer has the same hesitations he experienced on his first trip. “It’s easier to

On that first trip, Tim found a pamphlet of

share the Gospel in Cuba. They are curious and

the Gospel of John translated in English and

receptive,” he said. Using the items from his

Spanish at the Alamar church, and he has been

past Cuba trips and his studies of apologetics,

using that pamphlet ever since to guide his

it is now easier to reach out not only there, but

conversations on return trips.

also here at home. “I’m studied up,” he said with a smile.

EMPTY THE JAR

V olunteer teams teach kids about Jesus in Cuba.

The conversations Tim and his team were able

sacrifice, he thinks of all the people they get to

to have in Cuba in 2020 continue to humble him.

see each year. He continues to empty the jar in

While walking in and around communities, they

order to build on relationships one person at a

were able to share their faith journey or just talk

time, one trip at a time. He even carries a paper

with the people they met. During this trip to

map of Cuba with him wherever he goes. He

Cuba, at least 12 people confessed Jesus Christ as

knows each part of the island where he’s visited.

their Lord and Savior.

Tim encourages others to consider a short-

The team’s role is to plant seeds. Watering and

term trip, explaining that they will be teamed

harvesting will be done by Southeast-supported

with experienced people. “We will educate

partner Eduardo and his team at Mission Partner

and prepare you for your journey and most

Campo Amor after the team has gone home.

importantly, the Holy Spirit will intervene and give you the words!” he said.

Learn More To learn more about Southeast’s short-term trips, text MISSION TRIP to 733733.

Eduardo loves the 100+ churches in Cuba he has started, and Tim admires how Eduardo speaks into the lives of his sheep. During one training, Tim noticed that Eduardo had a handful of rocks with him while speaking to his church leaders.

Eduardo was using simple rocks he had picked up

Prayer Requests • P raise God for the doors He has opened for the Gospel in Cuba and other previously resistant nations!

• P ray for the church leaders across the island

in the Holy Land years ago as an object lesson to

of Cuba, that God would grant them continued

equip his leaders in discipleship.

growth in their disciple-making movement.

Year After Year

• A sk God to send more workers on short-term trips locally and around the world, where they

Tim doesn’t doubt the value of going back to

can encourage missionaries, plant seeds for the

Cuba on the same trip year after year. While

Gospel, and experience God’s global church.

some may consider the time and expense a

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EMPTY THE JAR

Feeding the Community

When the Going Got Tough, the Church Kept Giving

O

ne of the unbelievable

in St. Matthews, to explain the need for

characteristics of the Southeast

food for our community, they realized

congregation is the sacrificial

they’d need help with the response. Alice

generosity of the people. In the midst

called a close friend who lives in Bullitt

of the first worldwide pandemic in 100

County because she would need a bigger

years, with the economy shut down for

vehicle to deliver the food to Southeast.

weeks, job loss rising to the steepest

The friend not only provided the larger

levels since the Great Depression, and

vehicle, she announced the food drive

personal suffering abounding, Southeast

in her own neighborhood, and, in just a

responded by giving. Generously.

couple of days, the collections grew!

The congregation gave $383,299.75

Before they delivered the food, they prayed

in-kind value of food and hygiene

over the families who would receive it.

items in three Urgent Needs Drives from March to June. These resources blessed over 70 local churches and

A Legacy of Service

nonprofits, meeting unprecedented

But, where did all that food go? To

need in their neighborhoods.

churches and food pantries all over the community! One recipient was the

Individuals and families gave deeply

food and clothing pantry at Sunnyside

and sacrificially, as Alice and Rowe

Assembly of God in Jeffersonville, Indiana,

Hamilton discovered. After they emailed

where John and Sharon Williamson served

their neighborhood, about 37 families

about 100 families each day until John’s Continued on next page

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EMPTY THE JAR

Southeast volunteers collect food for the community.

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EMPTY THE JAR

Continued from page 119 finally started one in Jeffersonville. At the time, John was already pushing 70, had two heart surgeries, atrial fibrillation, and carried an oxygen tank. He knew God kept him going.

As the pantry met needs, the focus was always on meeting the greatest need— knowing Jesus. Volunteers looked for open doors to share the Gospel. Because COVID-19 caused uncertain days, many people want to know more about God. ­­­ Before COVID-19, those who came to the pantry parked, then came into the building to fill out paperwork, pray with a counselor, and talk about where they stand with God. With the beginning of the pandemic, there was a drive-through line John Williamson leaves a legacy of service and compassion.

where volunteers connected through masks. ­­­

passing in September 2020. He loved and served

Volunteers also delivered food to seniors who

his community faithfully until his death.

could not come to the pantry. Each food box contained about $200 worth of groceries,

John never doubted God’s call to open the

including meat, vegetables, and treats. ­­­

pantry 17 years ago. He retired from his own engineering firm in 1990 at age 55, then assisted

John never asked for food to stock the

with a clothing ministry in New Albany, and

pantry. About 60 to 65% of his food supply

Southeast members gave almost $400,000 in food and hygiene items.

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EMPTY THE JAR

came from Dare to Care, but increased need often created gaps. Often, God used donations from LifeBridge to provide exactly when it was most needed.

Learn More To learn more about how to meet needs in our community, text RESPOND to 733733.

Prayer Requests • P raise God for using physical needs and lingering uncertainty to open doors to share the Gospel.

• P ray that those facing loss and hardship will get connected with those who can help provide physical and spiritual assistance.

• A sk God to equip non-profit ministries with strength and wisdom as they try to meet increasing needs.

121

Southeast members give generously to meet the needs of our community during COVID-19.

Meeting the Need Southeast’s Benevolence Response during COVID-19 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that

history, we find people who followed the sacrificial example of Christ as they

cared for others, and Southeast embraces that heart

though he was rich, yet for

to empty the jar. Our church family regularly empties

your sake he became poor,

those in need—one person at a time.

so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

2 Corinthians 8:9

122

IN

Scripture and throughout church

the jars of time, talent, and treasure into the lives of

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, our church family, both collectively and individually, was driven by deep generosity. When the pandemic hit, our response was swift and sacrificial. As businesses shut down, we were able to care for many people

EMPTY THE JAR

who suffered due to job furloughs and layoffs. Tens

our benevolence fund, Southeast was able to

of thousands of pounds of food were donated and

cover three months of mortgage payments to help

distributed to those in need.

carry Beth and her family through their difficult circumstances.

During this crisis, we

While many

have helped many who

were fearfully

to afford their rent or

Relationship, Sustainability, Dignity, and the Gospel

mortgage. Before the

The body of Christ—the members of the Church—

hoarding, our

middle of the year, we

operates as the eyes and ears and hands and feet

had doubled the amount

of mercy, proclaiming the Gospel individually

of financial assistance we

and corporately through acts of kindness and

was eagerly

had budgeted for those in

generosity. Southeast has heard countless stories

need. While many were

of generosity—from members who donated their

donating.

fearfully hoarding, our

stimulus money to single moms to families who

church family was eagerly

provided meals and assistance to neighbors or

donating.

co-workers.

church family

have lost their income

Southeast provides food and financial assistance

One Need at a Time

to members and to non-members who are referred by a member. We value relationship, sustainability,

While the numbers and percentages of our

dignity, and the Gospel as the high marks of

collective efforts might be impressive, the

Biblical generosity.

individual efforts of believers who are loving and caring for their neighbors are even more significant. The best kind of generosity embraces a partnership between the individual and collective efforts of the church family.

Learn More

David, a Southeast member, reached out to the

To learn more or get involved, call us at 502.253.8145 or email stewardship@secc.org.

church on behalf of his cousin Beth. Her baby girl had been born with a congenital heart defect that required two open-heart surgeries, ongoing

Prayer Requests

hospitalization, and, ultimately, a heart transplant.

• Praise God for the generosity of Southeast’s members in a season when

Though her prognosis is looking good, there were

it was more natural to turn inward!

deep financial struggles taking place. In addition to the overwhelming burden of having their newborn in that situation, Beth and her husband

• Pray for Beth’s family and that her young daughter would continue to heal and thrive.

had been unable to work because of furloughs and needing to be with their daughter.

• Ask God to continue connecting Southeast with individuals and families who need to experience

David knew the need outstretched his personal

the love and care of Christ’s generous people.

generosity. He hoped his church family would partner with him in assisting Beth’s family. From

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COVID-19 Relief in 2020

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

EMPTY THE JAR

Women find encouragement and support at Hosea’s House.

Intentional Generosity J

126

Extravagant Giving as a Business Plan

im Williamson worked hard to

Jim logged onto the Southeast website to learn

build Power of Design Group, a

about Mission Partners in the community

successful engineering firm.

and made an appointment to meet Teresa

That meant sacrifice-packed days, a tight

Oeschsli, founder of Hosea’s House. They met

budget with checks and balances, and a

on a rainy day in the muddy driveway of a new

carefully crafted long-term business plan.

transitional home in the Portland neighborhood.

When Jim, who attends the Southwest Campus,

At first glance, they seemed quite different. Jim

heard Senior Pastor Kyle Idleman preach about

is a CEO focused on business. Teresa’s business

what it means to empty the jar, it seemed like

plan is faith. Just as the women come to Hosea’s

no one else was in the room. Kyle told story

House one at a time, funds also come in one

after story of radical giving. A young couple

dollar at a time. Sometimes at the last minute—

gave away the money they’d saved for a down

what Teresa calls the midnight hour. It didn’t

payment on a house. Others gave up vacations

take long, though, to realize they are more alike

and prized possessions to extend the reach

than different: raised by single moms in the

of the Gospel. Jim had never done that.

same neighborhood, attended the same schools,

EMPTY THE JAR

survived tough backgrounds, and passionate

Jim emptied the jar for women who often feel

about helping single moms like their own.

forgotten. That gift means a lot to Teresa, but it also means a lot to the residents. “I felt invisible my whole life. No one cared

Helping Women

if I was OK. I now know that God sees me,

As they walked through Hosea’s House, Teresa

and so do His people,” Amanda said.

explained how most of the women she helps come from a dark place of abuse, addiction,

In Jim’s world of strategy and wise

abandonment, and trafficking. The goal is to

financial decisions, Hosea’s House is

walk alongside women as they learn to work,

proving a great investment.

parent, and make good decisions. They attend Bible studies, parenting classes, counseling, and school or work. They learn about a God who loves them and has a plan for their lives.

On that first visit, Jim met Amanda McKenzie, a graduate of Hosea’s House who has come a long way toward healing from the trauma of addiction and the

At first glance,

loss of a child.

She was finishing

they seemed

college classes on

quite different.

a full scholarship

Jim is a CEO focused on business.

Teresa’s business plan is faith.

and working part-time at a recovery center.

“A lot of us

The women at Hosea’s House gather for family dinner before Bible study together.

come from a

Learn More

place where we

To learn more about Hosea’s House,

have no family,

visit hoseashouse.com.

no support,” Amanda told Jim. “Hosea’s House gives us a sense of family and love. Here we learn about Jesus, who loves us without conditions.”

Prayer Requests • P raise God for how faithfully He uses His people to care and provide for

A Surprising Partnership When Jim left, Teresa had no idea if that meeting would lead to anything. She had one wild thought: maybe he’d help pave that muddy driveway. But a few weeks later, Jim gave Hosea’s House a check for

those who need to know of His love.

• A sk God to provide for Hosea’s House and other ministries that serve and care for vulnerable women.

• P ray for more men and women who will empty the jar for the sake of the Kingdom.

$25,000 and a commitment for even more over the next three years, with a promise to stay involved with the ministry.

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C O N F E R E N C E

Saturday, March 6 Just as those in the book of Acts were the hands and feet of Jesus in their day, we want to unleash the full force of the church to love people one at a time! Join us in learning how, when, and where you can be unleashed!

Learn more at southeastchristian.org.