All Nations Ministries

Scattered, Gathered and Sent

2012-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

Scattered:

The story of the Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal is very sad. They are largely a forgottenpeople. These refugees fled to Nepalalmost 20 years ago. They were an ethnicand religious minority living in the southwestern part of Bhutan. They are ethnically of Nepalese descentseveral hundred years ago. They are alsoHindus in a land that is religiously Tibetan Bhuddist. In the early 1980's they began to experiencelosses; loss of land, loss of theirlanguage in schools, loss of legal rights, and eventually even loss ofcitzenship. They were beaten,imprisoned, raped, and forced out of Bhutan. As a people, most had never heard the name Jesus. They were unreached as a people with noexposure to the Gospel living in a land where Christianity is illegal. Over 100,000 were "scattered" tothe South Eastern corner of Nepal and set up in United Nations refugeecamps.

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Gathered:

As a result of severe trials, persecution and eventualrelocation in refugee camps, God has created a longing in their hearts for"true citizenship and belonging". Because they have been in U.N. camps, religious freedom is allowable. Over their 18years of unsettledness, God has brought the Gospel of hope and freedom in JesusChrist to them through relief workers. Slowly they have been responding to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Small churches have begun to spring up. Hearts and lives have been transformed. God has been preparing hearts to hearabout Jesus through their first ever Evangelistic festival. As we spoke to them about Jesus Christ, as thepastors and churches prayed, the Holy Spirit moved in power to convict of sinand draw hearts to Jesus. Thousandsresponded to the Good News of Jesus Christ. God is "gathering" the lost. They are no longer without hope in the world.

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To be Sent:

And now, in the preordained purposes of God - He issending them to the nations. The campsare slowly being closed. Although Bhutanwill not take the refugees back and Nepal does not want them, God Does! Over the next five years all the camps willbe closed and the refugees will be resettled as permanent citizens in variouscountries around the world. We wereabsolutely amazed to see how God removed them from their land and homes,brought them to a place to hear the Gospel and grow in their faith, and how heis now sending them into the world. Their testimony is powerful. Their witness to a lost and dying world is compelling. They have been commissioned by God throughvarious trials and sufferings to be "image bearers" of Jesus Christto the world.

They have been "scattered, gathered, and sent."

Where is God sending you?

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"It Is Finished!"

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Mike recently preached at Vast Church in Sisters, Oregon. His sermon was titled "It Is Finished!" as he wrapped up a series that had been focused on the 4 gospels.
Take a listen! http://www.vastchurch.com/wp/portfolio/1-15-2012-sermon-podcast/ Simply click on the play button and you should be in business!
Mike will be preaching at Sisters Community Church on February 26th.

Freedom for Sahara!

2011-12-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

On the day of the festival, I had just given the invitationto receive Christ as Lord and Savior. The crowd pressed forward –counselors began to counsel and we rejoiced as a team watching the miracle ofsalvation take place and witnessing so many Bhutanese refugees desire to receive Christ. Asthe counselors had begun to counsel we were startled by the shrieking of awoman near the front. Her body began to convulse as she screamed andwrithed back and forth. Instantly, two team members and severalcounselors went to her and placed their hands on her to pray. She hadsuch an angry posture and violently shook her fists. As folks began topray over her a couple counselors spoke to her. It was clear she was inbondage to a demon!

After about ten minutes there was a sudden quietness. She collapsed into the arms of two individuals but quickly recovered. Thelook on her face was amazing. From anger to beauty and lightness ofspirit. Through tears of great joy she told her story. Her name isSahara. Two years earlier her sister committed suicide by hangingherself. Life in the refugee camps had been too much for hersister. Sahara said that ever since discovering her sister hanging, shehad been plagued by very dark dreams of death. In fact, she told thosenear her that she often thought of death and had felt an overwhelming desire tokill herself. These dark thoughts, evil dreams, and a sense of being followedby death were a daily burden. Sahara then said that as people werepraying over her and she wanted Jesus in her life she saw a great light and aperson. It was the living Lord – Jesus Christ. Sahara said the evilpresence immediately went away and she was flooded with an inner peace. She told us her whole person felt lighter and that she had joy.

It was an amazing testimony of the power of the Gospel toheal, free, and save! Sahara gave her heart to Jesus and in the processwas set free from demonic affliction.

Blessings,

Mike Parker

An angry Sahara as she is first hearing of Jesus

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Sahara in the midst of her torment

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Sahara nearing release

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Hi! My Name is Rosa!

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On the second festival day, my good friend and partner, ReidSaunders, was preaching the Gospel. Reid and his organization, ReidSaunders Evangelistic Association (RSEA), had invited us to partner with themin Demak, Nepal to minister to Bhutanese refugees. The day before I hadbeen the evangelist. But on this second day, myself and two others hadstationed ourselves in the back of the crowd to pray.

Near the end of the message, a man walked up to me andintroduced himself saying “hi, my name is Rosa.” He had learned Englishover the years of bing in the U.N. refugee camp. Rosa then went on totell me he wanted to introduce me to his friend. He then shared that fortwo years he had been praying that his friend would come to a saving faith inChrist Jesus. His friend had suffered for a few years some sort of chestpain and shortness of breath continually. Rosa went on to tell me thatthe day before when I was preaching he brought his friend to thefestival. During the invitation time and a special prayer for healing,his friend had gone forward. His friend then said, through Rosa’stranslation, that his pain had instantly gone away. He then gave His lifeto Jesus. Rosa’s friend then went on to tell me that he had beenexperiencing great happiness in his heart.

For the next 15 minutes we were able to speak. Wediscussed the importance of church and growing in His new walk withChrist. I do not often see people healed from some physicalailment. I cannot say what the chest issue was with any medical definitiveness. I can only tell you that whatever miracle God had done, it was enough for painto go away! It was great enough for a friend to witness his prayers oftwo years answered and with joy want to thank and tell me. And I can saythat as a man gave his heart to Jesus -the miracle of salvation broughtboth a physical and spiritual healing. Praise God!

Blessings,

Mike Parker

Rosa and His Friend

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Mike and team had a very successful trip to India and Nepal! Thank you so much to those of you who helped to cover this trip with your prayers. The "prayers of the saints" were definitely felt! Overall, over 21,000 heard the gospel and out of this about 8,000 responded with decisions to follow Christ! Nearly 1,700 were treated medically, 5,500 school children were ministered to, and 14,000 attended the two festival days! Additionally, there were other outreaches, churches preached within and pastors who receiving training and encouragement. It was a very exciting time for those on the team!
In India, Mike and team caught a clear vision of ministry there and ANM will be taking a team back to Northern India in November, 2012. More on that to come!
The photo gives a glimpse of the many hands acknowledging hearts opened to Jesus.
Stories from Mike are coming in the next several days!!

India/Nepal trip wrapping up

2011-11-14T13:06:00.001-08:00

Mike and his team members are now on their way home after a very successful time in both India and Nepal. Mike is most anxious to get home and share of the amazing ways God showed up on this trip!! The time in India definitely kindled a desire to go back and minister to the unreached people in Northern India, near the border of Nepal. It is a very dark place spiritually and these people have never heard of Jesus! The team built a good relationship with the young pastor there and Mike looks forward to working together with him. We will have more to share soon!The time in the Bhutanese refugee camps was amazing as well. Thousands of refugees decided to put their trust in Jesus and many miracles happened! Mike's comment was that it was like those in the book of Acts. Communication has been sparse so please check back next week for details of the trip!!

Only 2 more weeks until India and Nepal!!

2011-10-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Only 2 more weeks until Mike and team leave for ministry in India and Nepal! They will start the trip in Northern India with a dynamic,young evangelist and church planter that Mike met one year ago in Cape Town, South Africa at the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism. They will strategize for the first three days to see how they can partner together in ministering to the unreached people in Northern India. Mike is hoping a thriving, multi-year partnership will result from this time together. Then it is off to the Bhutanese refugee camps in Southeastern Nepal. They will team up with the Reid Saunders Association from Salem, Oregon and KidStand from Dallas, Texas. There will be 5 days of treating the refugees in a medical clinic as well as 5 days of school and community outreaches. Additionally, there will be very engaging children's ministry events happening throughout the week. The week will conclude with a large pastor's conference and 2 evangelistic festival days over the weekend. Mike Parker will speak at one festival outreach and Reid Saunders will speak at the other outreach. Both of these men have a heart and passion to reach the lost and will powerfully bring the good news of Jesus Christ to this dark and lost area of the world. Would you please be in prayer for safety and protection for these teams, for individual gifts and talents to be poured out in full, for ready hearts and for a great harvest! God is good!

Planning for Nepal!

2011-10-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

In just one short month from now I and a small team will be heading to Nepal to join forces with two other ministries to share the love of Jesus Christ to Bhutanese refugees living in Southeastern Nepal. Our ministry team will consist of a medical team, a kid's ministry, and two evangelism ministries.
Situated between the emerging superpowers of India and China, the isolated Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, hailed by some as ‘the last Shangri-La’, has generated one of the highest numbers of refugees in the world in proportion to its population.
Since 1991 over one sixth of Bhutan's people have sought asylum in Nepal, India and other countries around the world. Sadly, it is estimated that 12,000 girls are abducted and taken from Nepal into India every year as part of the sex slave industry.
Our team departs November 3rd and will return November 16th. It is our intent to minister to these Hindu Bhutanese refugees over the next few years with evangelism, medical teams, pastor training (for the few small churches), and other physical aid. It is also our hope that we will partner with other ministries that focus on human trafficking.
We still need to raise nearly $5,000 for this ministry trip! Would you please pray that God would be stirring the hearts of people who would partner with us financially? The return on this kind of investment is truly immeasurable!

Mike

Recent Sermon from Joshua 5 & 6

2011-06-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Mike preached at Sisters Community Church again on June 5th. For this sermon Mike sensed a prompting to preach a reminder from church history about how God is moving even when it seems very dark to us. There is a much larger story that God is writing even when we can’t yet see it. It’s like creating a tapestry with all the individual threads being woven together to create a design of great beauty in the end. He referred to Joshua 5 & 6 to illustrate how we need to obey God’s leading even when it doesn’t make sense to us in the beginning. He can accomplish great things out of this obedience. Click here to listen to this sermon!

Healing and Psalm 84

2011-06-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mike recently preached at his home church of Sisters Community Church in Sisters, Oregon. This church is going through a significant transition with a launching of two separate churches. The pastor, leadership, and full elder board has been sensing for some time now a clear call to plant a new type of church in Central Oregon. The pastor recently resigned in order to pursue this new calling. As a result, Mike was asked to help the first few Sundays in the transition by providing messages to a dividing and hurting body. (Clearly, anytime something of this magnitude happens within a church, there will be mixed emotions on the part of the congregation.) Mike had a strong sense that the first sermon should point eyes up and be briefer and simple, yet not simplistic. As a result he preached from Psalm 84. Many of the congregation shared with him afterwards that it was just what they needed to hear at this time. We would like to give you the opportunity to listen as well. Just click here to hear Mike’s sermon from Psalm 84.

Mission America Coalition: Orlando 2011 A Leadership Consultation

2011-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am currently in Orlando, Florida for a very critical leadership consultation related to Cape Town 2010 - The Third Lausanne Conference on Global Evangelism. Mission America is the US arm of the Lausanne Movement. It expresses itself through three ideas - prayer, care, and share so that churches and communities are reaching out in prayer, deed, and proclamation of the Gospel.

The meetings this week are for US church and ministry leaders to pray, discuss, and Lord willing - initiate new strategies related to the major challenges and opportunities facing the US and Global Church. After the last Lausanne Congress in 1989 held in Manila over 300 new strategies/initiatives were launched - including new ministries.

Approximately 1,000 US church and ministry leaders are in attendance - many of whom did not attend Cape Town but are involved in the greater movement of Lausanne Mission America and/or are significant ministry leaders.

Our meetings this week are being wonderfully hosted by the international headquarters of Wycliff Bible Translators, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Vision 360.

I would really appreciate your prayers for the week. Each day, there are 20 affinity group consultations around the major themes discussed in Cape Town. I have been asked to help provide leadership to the affinity consultation "US and Global Evangelism.". It is a huge honor and blessing since we are such a small organization. The over arching prayer is that the results of this week will lead to strategies for the next 10 to 15 years.

My second prayer is for networking/partnerships. Pray that the Lord would open some significant doors of friendship and ministry partners with churches and other ministries.

My third prayer request is for the Lord to really show himself and speak to our hearts as a collected body what He wants for the US church in initiatives, partnerships, strategies, and the re-evangelizing of the US church and a move of the Holy Spirit in awakening the church.

Last, pray that God would show me how and where ANM can begin to minister in the US in equipping churches and communities for evangelism. Maybe this would mean an open door this week into a few churches or maybe it means partnering with others.

Lastly - pray for my wife and daughters that the Lord would care for them while I am gone - no one sick, no one injured, no appliances or vehicle trouble.

Blessings

Mike

Final Photos and Report from Jamaica

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Final Report from Jamaica

2011-04-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

We would like to share a final report of the Fun in the Son Festival in Jamaica as described by Randy Burtis, Festival Director with the Luis Palau Association. The following is his report!

It was a weekend of great victories! We had an awesome week in Kingston as our team spread out across some of the toughest neighborhoods on the Island. On Monday, our missions team from the U.S. and the UK drove up into the Blue Mountains to begin three days of ministry at the City of Refuge orphanage. In the morning, after a 90 minute bus ride, they did painting, cleaning and moving furniture so the next team could do some remodeling. Afternoons were filled with ministry to the 70 abandoned children at the orphanage. Then a 90 minute ride home on some of the narrowest, roughest, mountain roads you have ever seen. Meanwhile, our Alliance team of Mike Parker, Brett Butcher, and Jud Heald’s “Untitled” team of athletes ministered in 13 public schools to more than 5,500 students. At the end of school assemblies filled with skateboard & BMX demos, testimonies and gospel messages by Mike and Brett, 2,300+ students committed their lives to Christ.

Toward the end of the week, the team in the mountains came together with the Alliance team to finish out the school ministry, conduct two Good News Clubs, and to do an amazing evening outreach in Trench Town, one of Kingston’s most notorious neighborhoods where evening gunfire is a fairly common occurrence. When the crowds didn’t flow into the outdoor theater we had set up, Brett and Mike each took some athletes and did a Pied Piper routine through the housing projects. They invaded the public square in the projects unannounced with portable skate ramps, a small (but loud) PA system preaching the gospel and inviting them to the theater. Kids followed from project to project, and the theatre filled as we concluded the night with one last gospel presentation.

Andrew arrived on Thursday to do media interviews for Fun in the Son and to meet with the team for a time of sharing, encouragement and prayer. When Andrew stepped to the microphone at 7:15 on Saturday evening he was facing a huge crowd of very excited Jamaicans (conservative estimates were 55-60,000) . We were in a new venue and we needed every inch of it, as the crowd was much larger than last year. It was an amazing sight. The forecasted rain never happened. The early part of the day was clear and bright, and at night the same huge full moon that they saw in Phoenix was right over our stage in Kingston. Andrew gave the gospel out of John chapter eight. Much to the delight of the crowd little Sadie greeted them as Andrew talked about the fact that there is a heavenly father who is eagerly waiting to adopt and love everyone. When Andrew gave the invitation, hands went up all over the park. We are still waiting to hear how many responded. Andrew is clearly accepted here as “one of them”.

Fun in the Son Festival

2011-03-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Fun in the Son Festival was the largest attended event in it's nine year history. The crowd there to hear Andrew Palau preach was estimated at 65,000 or higher! They think over the course of the day 100,000 people came and went! Praise the Lord for hearts softened and lives changed. Please pray for the follow up work to be fruitful as well.

Rastafarianism, Gummy Bear and Teen Boys:

2011-03-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday night in Trench Town was a wonderful event. You may have read the story of God moving in the life of Jason, the drug/gang/murderer. Over the last couple years Joy Town Church has tried to make an inroad to the lives of the men who are Rastas. Rastafarianism is a religion that has drugs and violence as part of it. One man, Gummy Bear, has begun to come to church, attend certain activities, but has not yet embraced Christ. This week Gummy Bear shared with Pastor Richard, he was excited to come to the event on Thursday. He wore a Rasta hat with the vibrant colors of red and green and yellow, has dreadlocks, and very much dresses in the typical image of one involved in Rastafarianism.

Gummy Bear watched with great interest the Extreme Athletes as they performed. He then listened attentively to my message of how one can find Peace. At the end of the event, Gummy Bear told Richard that he was excited. Gummy Bear then told him he would come to the Fun in the Sun festival today. He is ever so close to embracing Christ. Please pray for Gummy Bear. As Richard said, “if Gummy Bear comes to Christ, other Rasta men will also then follow.” He said they have been praying for this type of breakthrough in Trench Town – a Rasta stronghold.

As we finished up in the open-air theater, Richard came up to me with a sheet of paper. On the paper were the names of four teenage boys whom he had just spoken with. Each of these teenage boys had just responded to the Gospel. Richard was excited because these boys were just beginning to involve themselves with Rastafarianism. Praise the Lord for the power of the Gospel for Salvation.

2011-03-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

“I am a Murderer but I now have peace.”

2011-03-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went into Trench Town - an area that even up to a year ago, gun shots would be heard throughout the night as gangs, drugs and territorialism ruled the night (and day). We worked with a local church to have two teams disbursed throughout the area. The extreme athletes performed on streets, street corners, and sidewalks. Each of the teams had a mini-portable speaker system in which to play music and announce the event of the evening as well as the Fun in the Son Festival. Small kids were everywhere. Also were older males – already drinking and smoking weed. The fruit of wasted lives on drugs was evident in the community. Poverty, kids without supervision, trash everywhere (compared to other areas) and so on.

Our team went into one busy street and set-up. The guys did skateboard tricks and drew a crowd. Then I began to share my story. Over the past few days praying about this early evening event, I felt the Lord wanted me to speak into on the subject of Peace in this area. One of the names of Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In John 14 Jesus tells us that “peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This area can only be described as an area that lacks peace and where fear has reigned. So, I shared my story and the storms in life I had faced. I shared my journey to find peace – through women, drugs, crime, and so on. I told them how many of the my friends (even close friends) are now dead (murdered) due to drugs or spent time in prison.

As I was sharing how Jesus made peace between God and Man and between men, one man was walking in our direction – listening intently. As he strolled down the sidewalk, in tattered clothes, thin from drug use, and looking as if he had not bathed in days – he stopped. He and l locked eyes and I knew the Lord was speaking to Him. When I asked who wants peace – he raised his hand (along with many others). He then prayed to the Prince of Peace asking forgiveness and inviting Christ into his life.

After our street event was over, he called me over to him. We sat on the sidewalk and spoke. He told me his name is Jason. He then shared that God had just now given him peace – he felt peaceful inside. Jason then told me a little of his story – he said “your words spoke to me, I am a drug user and dealer. I am also a murderer. Would you please pray with me.” So Jason and I spent time together, speaking of the Lord and praying. I then let the pastor know about him. He knows Jason and will begin to follow him up.

Amazing! If Jason is all that God brought me to Jamaica for – he was worth it. A new life, a redeemed life, a life that now can have meaning and purpose and Peace!

Jamaica, Day 3

2011-03-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

We spoke at two schools today to a total of 550 students. One was an elementary and one a high school. Again, half the younger kids responded and about a third of the high schoolers responded. Amazing! It’s really fun to have these school outreaches with the Extreme Sports Athletes.

The two outreaches to the prisons were canceled due to unrest in the prisons. They are not letting anyone in currently – kind of lock down mode. I am not sure what it is related to but one suspicion has to do with political/gang rivals. Political parties have helped support the gang leaders years ago in order to get neighborhoods to vote (by force). This in time helped the Drug Dons become powerful – leading to a downward spiral. Apparently, a couple months ago, a significant drug/gang “Don” was extradited to the US. It took a year for the extradition to take effect. Some 200 police went in to an area, not far from where I will preach Thursday, and open warfare took place. The gang tried to keep the “Don” from being arrested and started to open fire. Caught in the cross-fire were innocents – about 70 “civilians” were killed. There is a big open hearing right now where the government is looking into the political party involved and their tie with the “Don.” Very Sad! It is significant news here as the investigation/hearings are taking place.

I speak in a school in the morning and then we have the mini-festival in “Trench Town” tomorrow. Pray the Lord brings many to hear the Good News and many will turn to him in repentence, belief, and faith.

School Counselor moved by Testimony:

2011-03-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today we went to two schools in an area of Kingston known as “Trench Town.” This area is the heart of the drug, gang, and “murder capital of the world” here in Jamaica. As we drove into the area our host Millicent (national director of CEF)shared that even the drivers for hire tend not to know their way around this part of Kingston due to a fearfulness of the place. Millicent also shared that less than half the kids in this area are in school any given day. They are often neglected and not parented.

Yet, God is moving powerfully to redeem this part of the city. Many NGO’s are now working there and churches have begun church plants. As we arrived at one of the schools, the children were eager to see the pro extreme skateboard guys perform. With ooh’s and ahh’s they watched them skate and do stunts. They were engaged! They then heard, Judd, share a little bit of the Gospel.

When Judd was finished, I was able to share my testimony with these children. Of life lived without God. Of drugs, fighting, and death of friends due to crime. I shared how the Lord can heal their hurts and be family to them. I shared how God took my life and changed it and gave it meaning and purpose. When I finished – half of the kids responded to the Gospel. Wow!

At the end, as we headed back to the van and the kids returned to class, Millicent told me about the school counselor. She said she was very moved by what I shared. She told Millicent that it gave her hope that God does and can change lives. The counselor said she was touched by the Gospel and it’s power – that there is hope!

My team spoke to about 360 kids today and half responded to the Good News of Jesus Christ. I am always amazed at how God brings the children to Himself. The other team has had similar results. Thanks for praying. Keep praying! Tomorrow we will be in four more schools. I will speak in an elementary school and a high school.

Fun in the Son Festival

2011-03-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday I arrived in Kingston, Jamaica for the Fun in the Son Festival with Andrew Palau. The Palau team invited me to join them here when our festival in Liberia, scheduled for March, was canceled. I will speak in schools, possibly a prison, and also have an evening of street evangelism in one of the main gang areas of Kingston. Kingston is known as the murder capital of the world. High unemployment, Columbian drug cartel drugs and money laundering, corruption and poverty have impacted this nation over the past twenty years. Many of the kids see a life of crime – drugs and gangs as a way out. Think of urban areas like L.A. during the 80’s and early 90’s with the negative influence of drugs and gangs.

We will creatively share the gospel in many schools over the course of the week. Part of the creative sharing will be with professional BMX and Skateboard athletes. They will share their testimonies and do stunts/tricks prior to my sharing the Gospel. A national CEF director has opened the doors to the schools and will work with the kids that respond to the Gospel.

Please pray that the Lord draws many hearts to Himself. Pray that God would anoint our words in a powerful way and that the kids see there is a different life they can lead – one of hope and not despair. Pray that the fragrance of Jesus Christ would so powerfully draw the kids away from gang life so they could live transformed lives.

Testimony from Cape Town 2010

2011-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Please click on this link for a powerful and moving testimony from a young girl from South Korea/China.
This girl’s testimony was part of a moving night (during Cape Town 2010) focused on the persecuted church around the world. She gave an impassioned plea for missionaries to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to people in North Korea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KEFbo2tJ_8

Word Centered - Life Applied or Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy

2010-10-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

It is 4 a.m. on Friday morning. I have been awake due to jet-lag since 2 a.m. I have been home about 26 hours and find my head and heart still swimming from Cape Town. A pull to get up so early this morning was a longing to be in the book of Ephesians - studying, praying, and reflecting on the book and how much it intersected with our discussions over the past 11 days in Cape Town.

I also find myself missing the fellowship and discussion with my table group at Cape Town as we wrestled with Ephesians together every morning.

The book of Ephesians was chosen by the Lausanne Theology working group to be the word centered focus of our gathering. For one year leading up to the Congress there was a monthly study guide on Ephesians that all participants were asked to do. Each morning the congress started with worship and the word. It was church on a grand scale. A chapter from Ephesians was dramatically read upfront. Also a drama team acted out the daily theme. Then at our tables we were to read again to ourselves and reflect upon or look for certain things like key words or repeated words/phrases. Once this was done we had a time of guided table group discussion usually centered around a grand daily theme of the congress. One of the themes was: Truth or Reconciliation. The rest of the day would be geared to that major theme.

Lastly, we heard an expository message from great pastors and theologians on the passage of the day. Those who spoke included Ajith Fernando from Sri Lanka, John Piper from the US, Ruth Padilla DeBorst from Costa Rica and Ramez Atollah from Egypt.

The goal was that we would be saturated in Scripture together and able to think biblically, critically, and theologically as we discussed and made decisions regarding 21st century challenges facing the global church. This way, for example, we would not respond emotionally to issues such as human trafficking or suffering but bring the word to bear on our theology so that our orthodoxy informed our orthopraxy! Very important!

It was incredibly rich to receive input from truly global biblical scholars who are practitioners like Piper, a pastor, or Ajith, the head of Sri Lankan Youth for Christ.

I think this is a glimpse of eternity where word and worship powerfully combine with every tribe, tongue, people and nation. Where we will gather around the Living Word to worship and know the Word - Jesus Christ. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1: 1).

More to come about Cape Town in the next few weeks. For know, I want to get back into Ephesians before Stephanie and the girls wake up!

Blessings

Mike

I have Eaten

2010-10-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

In my travels over the years different cultures express how they are satisfied. Often the expression has food related stories.

For example, in East Central Africa the diet largely consists of Maize. When someone from Uganda or Kenya travels and returns the question is asked did they feed you? It means more than food. It means did they provide for you from a cultural context that is more hospitable than the west. It also means did they share their resources at the hosts expense in order to see their guest's needs meet. If they were not served Maize or taken care of they would respond "they did not feed me."

This week, we have been fed. Everyone feels full and satisfied. In fact, we feel so full we need to unbuckle our pants to have more room.
I am currently in the Cape Town International Airport waiting my flight. I came with others from my hotel. Others stated feelings of tiredness, a need to reflect and process, and also trying to discern where God would have them engage with one or more of the challenges we were presented with.

I too feel "full and satisfied." I need to have time to pray. I need time to reflect. I need time to interact with my board, staff, and others. I need time to determine what our role will be and pray over the opportunities presented. What would God have us do?

Please pray for these issues! Over the next two weeks I will share more challenges facing the global church, opportunities, stories from Cape Town, and how ANM may be involved.

Thanks so much for your prayers!

Mike

Final Evening

2010-10-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

We just got into the hotel and it is now 10:50 p.m. The final evening was awesome. The service and communion was as close as we will ever get to Rev. 7 when a people from every tribe, tongue and nation is gathered around the Throne of Jesus for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The service had a full orchestra, 200 voice choir, worship dance, video images of incredible art work from throughout church history of Christ or the Lamb woven with scripture related to the Lamb, Shepherd, sheep. Lots of responsive interaction in prayer, worship, reflection and so on. When it was time to serve the elements they were brought in with a formal dance and special way of being carried in.

It was indeed very special.

A Fire Hose of overwhelming challenges and opportunities!

2010-10-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a week it has been. The days have been long. Each day has been challenging and rewarding. We have discussed, processed and learned. Tonight much of the evening was geared toward prayer but heads were nodding asleep everywhere.

Today much of the focus was on the Prosperity Gospel. It was revealed for it's theological errors, the damage it has caused, the underpinnings of it's rapid and widespread influence, and strongly renounced as a different gospel. It appears the Lusuanne working theology group will produce a document that will be a clear call to what the Gospel is and the errors of prosperity teachings.

I have seen firsthand the damage done by prosperity gospel teaching as a missionary and in my travels. It really demeans the poor and negates the theology of suffering.

Well it has been a fire hose of challenges that face the church as well as opportunities. I am still processing.

Tomorrow I have been asked to give a very brief presentation of our ministry in Liberia as part of Mission Africa. This will happen during a special lunch with ministry leaders including Lausanne leadership. There is a desire to see this model in other continents. It is still in the prayer and discussion stage. Please pray for wisdom as to what to share that exalts Christ and what the Lord will do!

I have had some incredible divine ministry appointments. There are some neat relationships and opportunities. Pray for wisdom to know how to proceed. Some of the opportunities are very significant. I cannot share at this point because this is early and it would premature to announce.

Blessings

Mike

Suffering and Reconciliation Part 2

2010-10-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Monday night we heard a report on the state of the church in Asia. We also had as part of the evening focus a report on persecution. Then it was personalized.

A young woman strolled out to the stage. She is 18 and from North Korea. When she was a girl her father worked as an assistant to Kim 'Il Jung. They had a good home and lacked nothing though her fellow countrymen lacked everything. Then her father fell in disfavor. They had to flee the country into China. They lost everything and her dad had to find menial work.

Soon, they were exposed to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Her family was converted. Within months of their conversion her pregnant mother died of TB. Despite more sorrow her dad started a bible study to teach others about Christ with a special burden for his people - the North Koreans. Not long after her dad was found out by the government authorities, arrested, and returned to North Korea where he was sentenced to three years in prison.

Now alone in the world, she was taken in by a Chinese Christian family. She was treated as a daughter. But, this also was short lived. This family immigrated to the US. Soon though her dad was released from prison. They were reunited in China. A South Korean family sponsored them to come to South Korea.

Upon arriving in South Korea her dad felt the strong call to return to North Korea to preach and teach about Jesus so they would be reconciled to God. Not long after he was arrested. She has not seen nor heard from him since. It is believed she reported that "he was shot to death under the false charged of espionage and sedition."

And then, through many tears she gave a passionate plea for the church to join her in taking Christ to North Korea. She then told us how one night as she was sleeping Jesus came to her in a dream. In her dream Jesus was crying. He said to her "whatever happened to you in the past was because I love you." She then knew she had a heavenly father and a mission from God.

It was very moving to hear her story as we reflected that evening on the scale of persecution and suffering. So far she is the only one that has received a standing ovation.

The ovation was for her in love out of what she has suffered. It was due to her bravery and courage. It was in solidarity with her that the global church recognizes the need for Jesus to be know and worshiped in North Korea.
It was due to the fact she chose to love, forgive and wants to be an instrument of reconciliation.

Blessings

Mike

For a photo of her, you may go to this link:

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=hr96nzn6&v=001_bti-hHe0CxpNtIuStm504CX_HE_bHuPBMwyMmjAPEclLR7vMT2AygrHqio-WHyZgy0DrYUCdmWnQrI-WtM45iiqbrB-OrpadOCMn5p1TYY8dhAvfD3_bJNXZksT02jxLgynHQpPeluAriqjV7LNbArNmNGKAWMUVwGNK6axkusXX3GeL1oOgjdoRWuYhi6bBth6nbqD1McfI2zWtu3DuuW7S9m-Pd3VoR8KJo_d_MRjzddcuzh20NMsngOCwCs1Us020ukwyb0%3D
You will have top copy and paste this whole address. Then scroll down to the bottom right.

Tears for China

2010-10-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

As the Congress began there was excitement to meet the leaders of the Chinese church. We received word the first night that Chinese delegates were being stopped at the airports and having their passports removed until after the congress and were prevented from attending the congress.

The following night part of the evening focused on the persecuted church. Then the stage filled with the CT and Lausanne leadership team. We were informed that the Chinese delegation (over 100) was not allowed to leave the country and passports were taken. You could feel the air go out of the room - so many wanted to hear from them, learn from them, and have them join the global church. It was a great disappointment! One Asian leader said "to not have the Chinese church here is like not having Brazil at the World Cup." Obviously Brazil has been a dominant influence in soccer world wide.

Then the CT leadership read a moving letter from the Chinese church delegation to the participants at CT to encourage us - imagine that? We should be the ones encouraging them!

The letter read "we accept the decision quietly and with hope.". They sent their greetings with scriptures: Phil. 1:29; 2 Cor. 6: 3-10; Jas. 1:19; Job 6:10 and Ps. 42: 1 and 2.

Then they sent a recorded song for us. Some of the words were: "The withered trees revive in the Spring. The voice of the Cross is heard in the wilderness. With obedience they follow the footprints of the Lord."

At that point we were all asked to stand behind our chairs with the symbolism that the empty seats were for the Chinese and that they have a place at the table. It was also a show of solidarity that we were praying for them. Lastly, without being political, because the congress is being broadcast globally - the public statement upfront and in prayer was to the authorities that the global church means no harm to China but that we believe in religious freedom.

There were many tears for China.
Heavy night but also knowing that the Lord loves the Chinese church and will minister to His people.

On a personal level, I met a large ministry leader who has oversight of ministry in China. He and three others were able to get out of China due to the passports they have. But there is great concern now that they will not be allowed back into China. This ministry leader is the boss of dear life-long friends (couple) of Stephanie and me. They are all making contingency plans for evacuation of the families if they are refused entry because they were here at CT. Due to association, our friend and his family are also preparing in case they are forced to leave. We will pray and "station ourselves on the ramparts and wait and see" how the Lord responds.

Pray for China and our friends!

Mike

Suffering and Reconciliation Part 1

2010-10-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

As I have met so many from around the globe it is clear that suffering in some form has been common. Around my daily discussion group table is an example of a wider picture of the 4100 church and ministry leaders.

I cannot share a couple of their names nor photos for security reasons. Our table leader is Serbian and grew up in Bosnia. During the protracted Balkan war in the mid-90's she and her family had to escape and flee to Serbia.
She was in her mid-teens. They lost everything. If you do not remember, genocide was taking place in the Balkans. It was through this painful experience she found peace in Christ.

One man at our table is a pastor in Gambia, West Africa. He lives in a context that is 90 percent Muslim.

Another man is from a country in SE Asia. He has experienced a couple wars, communism and persecution of the church.

The other woman at our table grew up under Apartheid in South Africa. She experienced the brutilization of people because of skin color and government policies.

Another man had to flee his home in Southeast Asia during war. He was seperated from his family and did not know if they had gotten out of the country nor if they were dead or alive. It was four years before he heard and was reunited.

I have met those who have been imprisoned, lost family, been brutalized physically, live in contexts hostile to the Gospel and so on. Everyone I have met has a significant story.

The grand theme of the congress is "God in Christ, reconciling the world." (2 Cor. 5: 18-20). For everyone I have met this week that has suffered profusely - this passage is lived out daily. They are church and ministry leaders who have chosen to forgive and be ministers of reconciliation to man and to God in Christ Jesus.

It is pretty inspiring to be around those who "have counted the cost and count it all loss.". "He gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Cor. 5: 18-20).

Is there anyone you believe has unjustly hurt you? Is there someone you have suffered from? Have you chosen to forgive and try to reconcile?

Mike

Welcome!

2010-10-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Inside the Congress

2010-10-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Opening Ceremony

2010-10-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Opening Ceremony: Wow!

On Sunday afternoon the Cape Town 2010 Congress began with the official opening ceremony. It was incredible to walk into the Cape Town International Convention Center with so many people from all over the globe. So many were dressed in traditional formal costumes for the opening ceremony. This event is historic in that it is the largest gathering ever of Christians from around the world - literally about 200 nations. Never in history has this happened.

To enrich and maximize the experience they have everyone seated at tables of six for almost all sessions. By doing this the experience is more interactive, participatory, and relational. At my table we have a varied group from four continents. I will share later more about my group.

The opening ceremony was rich with colorful expressions of welcome from all over Africa. The music, dance, costumes, African drum group, video of sights and sounds of Africa was expressive, powerful and beautiful. Then we had a multi-ethnic global choir, orchestra, drama team and a multi-ethnic worship band.

The evening was a great delight as we lifted our voices and sang praises to the Lord in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, German, French, Zulu, etc..., etc... I honestly do not think I will taste again this side of eternity what is a reflection of Revelation 5 and 7 - "and I saw around the throne a people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation praising the Lord and saying..."

I am so humbled to be here! At the end of the day how do you express something so profoundly special, beautiful, meaningful, spiritual, personal?

All I can say is: WOW!

Blessings

Mike

Divine Apppointments

2010-10-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was able to head to the Cape Town International Convention Center to register for the CT 2010 Congress. Most of the delegates arrive today and tomorrow. That said, as I walked into the convention center I was immediately struck by the global nature of the event. I met young stewards there to help and delegates from Brazil, Australia, China, Finland, Sweden etc... Although I have spent time in some truly global cities such as London I do not think I have ever seen such diversity in such a compact place. Amazing!

Anyway, one of my prayer requests has been for divine appointments that would lead to future ministry. God is so funny in how He answers.

So right after I register I head to a empty table to put together all the congress paraphanalia they gave us. At the same time a young man joins me from a country in Asia. As we greeted one another and spoke I learned he was from the one country (not to be named) I do not like going to.

Sure enough we hit it off and his ministry has a very active outreach and pastoral training ministry to a border country that is unreached, closed and hostile to Christianity. As we finished our interaction he three times invited me to come to minister there! A little cross-cultural news is that in certain Asian contexts when something is said three times it is a strong affirmation either positive or negative so the invitation was a strong yes!

I left the interchange inwardly laughing. God knows I do not like this cultural setting and really struggle with it. But the first invitation and contact is from a place I do not like going to on a personal level. Yet, I promised the Lord when I first became a Christian that I would "go where ever, do whatever, no matter the cost." The cost of true discipleship requires this part of the cross.

Yet in American I hear far too often in the church "I am not wired that way." Or "that is not my gift, calling, expertise, etc, etc...".

Question: have you limited God's use of you because your not "comfortable" with what He has asked?

It appears I may again go where "I am not willing" at some point in the future because the love of Christ compels me. We shall see how the Lord develops this opportunity to an unreached people and a restricted access country in Asia.

Blessings

Mike

First Few Days in Cape Town

2010-10-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

The first two days I have stayed at a hotel called the Parliament. It was a clean three star hotel near the SA Parliament and in the heart of the Cape Town city center. There is a photo posted below of the view from the Parliament Hotel in the center of the city. The view is part of the famous Table Mountain.

I spent the first day walking around the city - exploring different sites such as the botanical gardens first established in the late 1600's.

Another interesting site is St. Georges Cathedral. It was the church Archbishop Desmond Tutu led. Inside is a beautiful work of art commissioned in London by the famous Tate museum and these special commissioned works of art rarely ever leave London. The work is a black African Madonna (Mary with infant Christ) carved from a special wood.

It was from this church that Tutu, after an all night prayer vigil, sensed the Lord leading him to call for peaceful marches throughout South Africa to end Arparthied in 1989.

Shortly thereafter he and the mayor of Cape Town lead a march of 30,000. This march was soon repeated all over South Africa. Check out the photo of the plaque commemorating this historic event that eventually led to freedom and equality to all South Africans.

Amazing how the church and people with deep love for Christ are always at the beginning of movements that fight to change injustice. "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly before your God?" (Micah 6:8)

I felt that I could do more to speak up for injustice around the world - how about you in the community you live in? I was challenged by this and the memorial in the church!

Blessings

Mike

2010-10-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

2010-10-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

2010-10-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Thoughts from London

2010-10-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

I am currently sitting in a British Airways lounge. It is a long day with a five hour layover in Seattle and a seven hour layover in London! It is so fascinating to walk around the airport since London is such an international global city. There are people from all corners of the globe reflecting various dress and languages.

Everywhere there are tv's tuned into the incredible rescue efforts of the Chilean miners. As I have people watched and even had brief conversations with folks caught up in the drama, heroic efforts and rescued lives I am amazed how people are in some fashion praying and thanking their version of a god or higher power.

As the historic rescue takes place I cannot help but think of the reason we are gathering in Cape Town - to launch a global church response to those trapped in "mines" - places of darkness, no light, lacking much (impoverished), in order to rescue those who Isaiah says are "hidden treasures in secret places."

Oh if only the global church would awaken and have the same intense effort at prayer and cooperation and then launch rescue efforts to those who have never heard. "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" who has come to set the "captives free", preaching and teaching the Good News and the Gospel of the Kingdom (ref. Mark 1).

Food for thought with approx. 2,300 unreached peoples left in darkness needing immediate rescue before they die and head into eternal darkness.

Mike
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Off to Cape Town 2010! Part 2

2010-10-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Well today I begin an incredible journey to attend Cape Town 2010. As Stephanie and I drove to the airport in Redmond we spent time in prayer. Stephanie prayed in a way that I had not thought about - that today, across the globe over 5000 people from 200 countries begin the journey to Cape Town. The significance of this gathering is immense.

As the participants fly in to discuss global evangelization and global challenges such as HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and poverty it is clear that the enemy of all that is true and right and good in Christ Jesus, Satan, wants to thwart and disrupt and discourage.

Please pray for the enormous logistical, governmental, and logistical challenges the Executive Leadership Team faces. Pray for those coming from countries and areas of the world that are hostile to Christians. We are already hearing of delegates from parts of the world where their government is threatening them that they cannot leave.

Today I learned there will be two gatherings of all the US delegates - at the beginning and end of Cape Town 2010. It will be a time to intentionally network with US ministry leaders. It is also designed to help determine the US role at CT and after CT. There will also be a post-CT gathering in Orlando sometime in 2011 to determine the US church's response to US evengelization and global missions after reflection and time home for several months.

Today on the flight to Seattle I read a 26 page case for Redeemer Presbyterian Church's view of reaching the largest global cities of the world. They have planted almost 200 churches globally in cities such as London, Rio, Mexico City, Tokyo, etc. A dear friend and former roommate is on staff with Redeemer and oversees the church planting strategy. It is an inspiring work of God to claim the largest cities of the world for Christ. It is an effective means of church planting movements and seeing cities redeemed. If you think about it, these large urban cities of the world are the global influencers today - no longer nation states. In an era of globalization these large cities are the cultural centers for art, media, technology, finance, education and so forth.

I will be meeting my friend, Mark, in CT to learn more about this significant strategy that is being mightily used by the Lord and has possible opportunities for ANM. Consider this fact - 150,000 non-christians move to large cities every day around the globe. This is indeed fertile ground for evangelism and new church plants. And as you read the book of Acts and early church history, the early church targeted the major or capital cities of the Roman Empire. Food for thought and prayer!

Off to Cape Town 2010! Part 1

2010-10-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Tuesday the 12th, I leave for Cape Town 2010 – The Third International Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. This will truly be an historic gathering. Please join us in prayer. We have heard that the representatives from China are having trouble with leaving for Cape Town. They have done much to prepare, raise funds, book flights and get visas. There are other reports from around the globe that make it clear the enemy of souls and global evangelization wants to disrupt, discourage, and thwart those who go and the congress itself. Pray for the Lord’s clear guidance of His people, our every step, thought, action, discussion – that all would bring Him great glory and honor and blessing.

Pray for my family – it has been an unusually intense and painful year. Pray that the Lord would grant my wife, Stephanie, strength, peace, joy, and courage while I am gone. Pray for the Lord’s covering over my kids and home – it seems the enemy often attacks the home front while I am gone. This will be my longest trip since we have had kids. Pray that the Lord would sustain my physical health – my neck and also immune system. With over 5,000 people coming from 200 countries it is clearly an opportune time for bugs to be passed around. Pray that I would not be exposed nor get sick. Pray that God would clearly lead me with divine appointments, new life-long friendships and ministry partnership. Pray that the Lord would settle His presence on Cape Town and that the delegates would clearly hear His voice and leading for the future of the global church.

I will send updates as I can.

Count Down to Cape Town 2010

2010-09-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

We are now less than 20 days away from the Third Lausanne Congress on Global Evangelization to be held in Cape Town, South Africa. This is indeed an historic global gathering of ministry leaders from around the world. Cape Town 2010 will have 4,000 delegates from 200 countries participating. I was one of the 400 US ministry leaders chosen to represent the American church and participate. This indeed is an amazing gathering for several reasons.

First, in this increasingly globalized world, global issues demand global perspective and input from the church. Some of the issues that will be discussed include: Secularism, Poverty, HIV/AIDS, Human Trafficking, and of course the remaining unreached and least reached people groups of the world.

Second, for the first time, the majority of participants are from the Global South where the church has grown tremendously since the last gathering in the late 1980’s. This means areas like Latin America, Africa, and Asia will have a much greater voice and influence as they are now launching global ministries and sending missionaries all over the world.

Third, one half of all participants are under the age of 50 with the majority of these 40 and younger. This is due to the significant change in leadership that is taking place all over the world. Ministries that were launched after World War II such as Campus Crusade for Christ, Navigators, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Youth with a Mission (YWAM), World Vision all have had changes in leadership as the original founders have gone home to the Lord or are too old to travel since the last gathering in the late 80’s. This means that God has raised up a new generation of leaders and given them to the church to lead in the coming decades. This gathering will inspire a new generation as well as lead to new relationships, networks, and friendships for the church globally and the advance of the Gospel.

Fourth, many countries that were closed due to Communism during the last gathering in Manila in the late 1980’s are able to participate. Those from former Soviet Union satellite countries such as those in Central Asia will attend. And, the Chinese church which has been closed and heavily persecuted for 60 years will now participate. It is a wonderful blessing to see that these nations will get to take the stage with the global church.

I will be sending out updates over the next four weeks prior to my departure. I want to ask you to pray through in this way. Each delegate has had a tremendous amount of material to read – including a year-long study of the book of Ephesians.

* Pray that God would prepare my heart and mind to receive and respond to what we hear, learn and interact with, and the decisions made.

* Pray that the Lord would make His presence known during Cape Town 2010 to all there in a powerful way.

* Pray that the Lord would prepare me to know in what ways ANM will accept, decline, and become involved in terms of future ministry.

* Pray for the new relationships, friendships, and networks of ministries that I, and therefore ANM, will become a part of.
* Pray for the remaining funds to come in. We need a total of $8,000 and have raised close to $4,000. Half of this amount is for a scholarship fund for those delegates in very poor areas of the world.

We will give you more “Countdown to Cape Town” updates and prayer requests over the next several weeks.

Gratefully,
Mike Parker

Rejoice Liberia

2010-06-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Rejoice Liberia 2010 from All Nations Ministries on Vimeo.

They were wild

2010-06-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

“They were wild, roaming the jungle destroying many lives and you have given them hope, healing and forgiveness.”

The last night of our Festival in Kakata was unusual in many ways. Many local Muslims were gathered near the site listening to the message. Previously, the Muslims had tried to keep people from attending. A heavy tropical rain had poured down all over Kakata and yet the Festival ground was completely dry. Various large flying bugs and bats that had swarmed over the site and stage and into the light and sound equipment the previous two nights were not as noticeable. The music and testimonies the last night were powerful about God alone as the one who can heal and provide hope and forgiveness. When team member, Julie Wright of OrphanAge and Grace Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota shared her testimony everyone in attendance was listening with rapt attention. Many of the people have known Julie from her several previous visits to Kakata.
As I finished my message I expected mostly woman and children to come forward based on the evening’s emphasis. Instead, something I have never witnessed before happened – mostly late teenage boys and men in their early twenties responded to the Gospel. Pastor Singbe, one of the lead pastors for the festival, shared that many of these young men had been child soldiers. He then said “they were wild, roaming the jungle destroying many lives and you have given them hope, healing, and forgiveness.”
Watching the counselors begin to minister to and pray for these young men, I found myself very quiet pondering what the Lord had just done. These young men come from very broken lives. They were used by adults to rape, burn, kill, smash babies and destroy. They had been forcibly drugged and pushed toward the evils of bush magic (traditional West African religion and demon worship). Many had never been to school and had no employment. Yet, here they stood, almost 70 of them, confessing, responding to Christ and the Holy Spirit, broken and yet being healed. And, more importantly, the local churches were engaged with them. So many of these young men were now about to receive love, forgiveness, counsel and help to move forward with their lives. Pastor Coastboy told them that they could “now be a part of helping heal their broken nation and have lives of meaning and productivity.” God is amazing!

"Lord, where are you?"

2010-06-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

“Lord, where are you? These orphans need food and they are your children.”

One repeat ministry from last year was to visit three orphanages that OrphanAge works with to provide food, medical exams and medicine. One of the orphanages is run by Peter and Marta Seclan. During the war, they began to collect children who had lost their parents and found them hiding in the jungle. Over time, the number of children grew to over 100. As the war in Liberia ravaged the country, Peter and Marta eventually found a nice area of land outside of Kakata to safely settle with the children. They have worked hard to farm for food and provide education for the children.
Our team arrived with a truck load of food, medicine, and soccer balls. Marta came up to greet us, excited to see us return for the third time in the past couple years. She was so excited to see the food and began to tell an amazing story. The children were hungry. They were between harvests and had run out of food and money. While hoeing the farm she began to desperately cry out to God saying “Lord where are you? These orphans need food, they are hungry and they are your children.” She then told us she felt the Lord tell them they should fast and pray with the children. Then God sent them an amazing sign!

Marta, the staff, and children began a three day fast and prayer vigil that the Lord would provide food for them. At the end of the vigil, Marta, several children and staff saw in the sky the words written “I love you and I love the children.” With great excitement they felt that God had heard their desperate pleas for food – especially for dried fish. So, they then held an all night praise and thanksgiving time trusting that God had given them an amazing sign that he heard their cries and would provide food. Just a few short weeks later our truck arrived with a three month supply of rice, cooking oil, and amazingly, dried fish. It was a privilege to be a part of an answer to prayer. In fact, my daughters’ school, Sisters Christian Academy, was used by the Lord to provide the food. The children in the school spent six months raising funds for the orphans. The Lord is good and he does hear the cries of the orphans!

"Can God forgive me?"

2010-06-15T11:47:00.001-07:00

As we entered into the men’s prison in Kakata, we could hear the men shouting at each other for a variety of reasons. Two local pastors that represent the local chapter of Prison Fellowship had arranged with the warden for ANM Board Chairman, DC Lundy, and me to speak to the prisoners and provide practical aid.
As we entered into the cell holding area, we were struck by the absence of any provisions for the men. They were living in a 20’ by 20’ cell with 25 men to a cell. They had no beds, mattresses, blankets nor even a toilet or water to meet basic needs. We were allowed to speak to the men through the cell door to each cell. DC, a Liberian pastor named Coastboy, and I each took a cell to speak to the men. As we began to ask questions and listen, one man cried out “can God forgive me?” What had been a very noisy prison just minutes earlier had become very quiet. The men in each cell crowded around the cell door and sat down to listen to the reply to the desperate plea of one inmate.
We began to share with the men how God can forgive them and how He can restore them and give them a sense of nobility and dignity. It was amazing to see their responses – from tears, to joy, to a profound sense of need for Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives. When we gave the men a chance to pray to repent and believe in Jesus Christ we witnessed a mighty move of the Holy Spirit – 95 of 99 men wanted to trust in Christ.
Later that night, as we reflected on the day and the experience at the prison we spent time thanking God. We thanked Him that Prison Fellowship will care for these men. We thanked him that so many wanted a new life. We also were greatly moved that for the first time in prison, these men had blankets to cover themselves and sleep on. The men had no idea we had a truck full of practical material aid prior to our speaking with them. Each man received soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, a blanket and the Gospel of John. They are now eagerly reading John and discussing what they read.

Rejoice Liberia Video Link

2010-06-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the new DVD for ANM created from Mike's March trip to Liberia. It is a great example of the work ANM is doing currently. If you would like a copy of the DVD, please contact us and we would be happy to send you one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfOo5YPzTLY

Lives touched in Liberia

2010-04-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Mike and his travelling partner Marc had a very successful trip to Liberia last month! There are many amazing stories of how God's hand was upon this trip and Mike will be sharing these with you in the next few weeks. Since his return he was hit with a nasty bug he picked up while in Liberia and it ended up being the final straw for his already compromised gall bladder. He had surgery yesterday to have it removed. Needless to say, he has been lying low since returning and hopefully will be back up to speed soon! He is excited to share the amazing ways God was at work on this trip.
In the meantime I will post for you more of an impersonal list of ways God was able to use them while there.

Orphans: 3 orphanages ministered to with a 3 month supply of food for each orphanage. 267 children medically examined and treated. One boy provided for a hernia surgery.

Pastor's Conference: 134 total attended. An average of 105 were in attendance daily. They were each supplied with two books and one bible.

Women’s Conference: 130 total attendance. An average of 115 attended daily and they received two books and a bible.

Children's Ministry Directors Conference: 40 attended daily. They also received two books and a bible plus children’s ministry tools.

Prison Outreach: the prison was built to hold 60 but had 105 men. The day we were there a few were working at a prison farm. There were 25 men to a cell that was 20 by 20 with nothing in the cell. 95 of 99 responded to the Gospel. We also provided one month of food, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, a blanket and the Gospel of John for every prisoner and guard. The prisoners did not see nor know about the gifts until after the gospel was given.

Children’s event on Saturday afternoon: 236 responded to the gospel. 900 attended!

Festival: 3 nights. Total attendance (conservative) was 3700. Total responses to the gospel accepting Christ was 340 adults/teens and 276 children. The last night it was 55 young men and late teen boys and the rest were a few women and then children. More young men responded as we left for the hotel - about 20 total so the final count was 70.

And then there was the 16 that responded to Marc Andresen’s message on Sunday in church!

Our total for all evangelistic events: 4699 (not counting Marc’s church attendance) and total responses including the church service was 963.

The Lord blessed in response to 2 years of praying, planning and preparation - even miraculously holding back the rain.

Ministries that partnered with us included SIM, OrphanAge, GEEF, Samaritan's Purse and Desiring God Ministries and Calvin!

God is good!

Rejoice Liberia!

2010-02-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

Mike leaves Saturday, February 27th for Kakata, Liberia to spend a week in ministry there! Included in this time will be children's ministry, a women's conference, a pastor's conference, prison ministry, providing food and medicine to several orphanages, and a 3 day outreach festival where Mike will be preaching! It will be a packed week of ministry! Mike will be telling you all about their time there upon his return so you can look for that in a few weeks!

A Difficult Loss

2009-12-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

It is with a heavy heart that we share with you that Mike's mother-in-law, Virginia Riggs, unexpectedly went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 20th. She had been battling breast cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy but apparently developed an infection that lead to her sudden passing. Fortunately Stephanie, Mike, and Stephanie’s dad and brother were all with Virginia in her final moments. They were able to have a meaningful time of prayer, scripture sharing, and singing with her prior. They are heavily grieving as Mike’s family has always spent significant time each week with grandma and grandpa. The significance of why Jesus did come to this earth for us is definitely being demonstrated for them, particularly during this time of year. It is a blessing to know that Virginia is “home” now and they will see her again. She did love the Lord with all her heart and was very involved with her church both as an elder and as a member of the missions board.

As Mike and Stephanie have been overwhelmed with all the details to be attended to, Mike has asked me to convey some information to folks in response to the inquiries he has been receiving. He has been asked if the family had any designated memorial funds set up in lieu of flowers as is often done. The answer is yes, two funds have been set up based on two of Virginia’s passions in life.

One of her primary passions, as many of you know, was music - having played a major role with the Central Oregon Symphony for 40 years. She was a gifted cellist and a passionate proponent of the Symphony. She was also an enthusiastic teacher who especially loved exposing young people to classical music. Because of this, one fund is set up to provide scholarships for young people wanting to study classical music.

Donations to this memorial fund can be given to:

The Central Oregon Symphony Association
Supporting Music for Children in Our Community
P.O. Box 7953
Bend, Oregon 97708
*Please be sure to mark on your gift that it is in memory of Virginia Riggs.

Her other passion was for missions. She and her husband Bob have both served on a number of missions boards over the years. In fact, she was still an active member of the missions board at their church right up to the time of her passing. Since Mike and Stephanie have dedicated their lives to mission work, the other opportunity for giving would be:

All Nations Ministries
P.O. Box 921
Sisters, Oregon 97759

Again, be sure to designate the gift is in her memory.

Please know there is absolutely no request for gifts being made here. It is simply in response to those who have inquired.

Virginia’s memorial service will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church of Redmond on Sunday, January 10 at 2:00. The church’s address is 529 NW 19th St, Redmond, OR.

The family has very much appreciated all the e-mails, cards, phone calls, etc. The outpouring of care and sympathy means a lot to each one of them and they are comforted by your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

Anne Rudinsky
Assistant to Mike Parker

Innovative Evangelism Conference

2009-11-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

Mike has asked me to post a little update regarding last week’s conference he attended in Portland. This was through the Luis Palau Organization and the Next Generation Alliance program that works with “younger” evangelists.

First of all, he had a wonderful time connecting with old friends and fellow servants. He said you wouldn’t believe the atmosphere! A gathering of over 300 evangelists definitely has a unique “flavor” to it. He was able to connect with an old friend who used to work in Jose Zayas’ ministry and now works with a relief development organization working in Mexico, Kenya, and Nicaragua. (Nicaragua is now considered to be the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere – even Haiti is better off!) Mike says that through this friend there may be a door opened up for ANM to work in Nicaragua!

He also connected with someone who is part of an organization called Faith Comes By Hearing. They are closely joined with Wycliff. They work on developing bible CDs in different translations for people groups that still work within a more oral form of communication. They use solar powered cd players that can broadcast to as many as 300 people at once! It looks like they will be donating 5 or 6 of these cd players to ANM for use in follow up ministry! They will be a great tool!

He also connected with Scott Lenning who is heading up the Mission Africa outreach that is part of the CapeTown 2010 event coming in October of 2010. The Cape Town 2010 event is the Third International Congress on World Evangelization. Evangelists from all over the world gather together to have the opportunity to establish new priorities for global evangelization. It is by invitation only and Mike is hoping to be included. Mike will be included in the Mission Africa piece for sure and his efforts in both Liberia and Mozambique will come under this umbrella. That will be a huge blessing! Prayers for these opportunities to come together and for guidance in each of these areas would be so appreciated!

The Parker family is flying out tomorrow to South Carolina for a long overdue visit with Mike’s parents and other extended family members. The family has not been back for a visit in about 3 ½ years now and are really looking forward to the family time together. While back there, Mike will be meeting with several of those in leadership at Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, N. Carolina. He is hoping to develop a partnership with S.P. in his work in Liberia. Please pray for their time together and that God’s vision for this partnership would be revealed.

ANM is deeply indebted to all prayer covering. Mike and Stephanie have sensed an increased amount of spiritual warfare this past year and it has been difficult. Satan is hard at work against ANM and the Parker family as he must hate the work Mike is doing in spreading the name of Jesus. The prayers of the saints are crucial in this warfare and the protection of the family.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you prayer warriors!

In His grace,
Anne Rudinsky
Assistant to Mike Parker

Mozambique Report - The Vine and the Vinedresser

2009-11-06T11:06:00.001-08:00

A common practice for ANM as we seek to minister in various parts of the world that are physically and spiritually needy is to determine what practical development help we can bring to a community. As DC Lundy and I entered Mozambique, one question we asked the Lord is “what would you have us do here?” Initially, I thought that we might try and find a water ministry we could partner with to install a bore-hole well or some other water system to help the local community as clean water is such a need in Africa.
After sending out e-mail inquiries to certain water ministries as well as nationals on the ground, we did not find a suitable water ministry to partner with. Two days into the trip, it was determined that we would minister in a village called Fidel Castro. That morning, I was reading in the book of John as part of a one year reading of the bible. During this time I was praying for the Lord to lead us in such a way to discover the practical ways ANM could help the people of Fidel Castro. While reading I noticed that that the Lord was teaching using illustrations from agriculture. Then I began to read in John 15 that Jesus is the “true vine and my Father is the vinedresser.” Something clicked in my spirit and I asked the Lord if we should do something related to agriculture and deep within me I sensed the Spirit of the Lord say “yes.”
I then shared this with DC and with the national director and outreach director of Circle of Light, Gildo Cuamba and Marcos Chambole. They each resonated with this idea. At this point, we were not sure what this might mean for the community of Fidel Castro. But, as always the Lord directs our steps. As we visited the Circle of Light energy store in Fidel Castro, the local district official – something like a cross between a mayor and county commissioner was meeting with a couple men about fifty yards away. Marcos asked if I would like to meet him. I said yes, and he went to introduce us but without mentioning anything about who I was and nor the reason we were there. I shared with the leader, Chiluvane, that my father-in-law had held a similar position of a similar size village (18,000). I asked him what some of the strengths of his community were and what some of the challenges were. Chiluvane shared a few strengths and then told me the community is 85% agriculture. He said they have a good climate and soil to grow various crops but that they currently cannot get seed nor hoes for the family farmers. I could not believe what I was hearing! For whatever reason he said, they are having difficulty getting seeds this year and are concerned about planting next years’ crop.
After we heard this, each of us was very excited. The last day of our trip, Gildo made some calls unknown to us and found an agricultural company in an industrial area of the capital city, Maputo. So, DC, Gildo and I went to this store prior to our departure from the airport. We found out what types of seeds are available, costs, what the people tend to grow, and also that this company sold hoes. During this time, the manager came out and spoke with us. He told us that if we were willing to purchase a certain volume then he would give us discounts. Amazingly, we can provide seeds and potatoes for a variety of vegetables as well as a hoe for a family for less than $20. This will not only help them with food for their own consumption but also for excess to sell to meet other needs as well as provide the seed for the next year’s crop.

God is good and He directs our path. So, in May we will provide many farmers and families with seed and hoes so they can meet the “True Vine and Vinedresser.”

Blessings - Mike

2009-11-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

2009-11-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Yet another departure screen...

2009-10-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

20/25 Vision

2009-10-19T12:04:00.001-07:00

I am currently in the Denver airport awaiting my flight to Germany and then Mozambique. As I try and use my Blackberry I realize my vision is not what it used to be! In fact, trying to read the departures screen to find my gate I realize a couple things. First I no longer have 20/25 vision and I need reading glasses. Second, I remember back 20 years ago August I took my first international flight and looked at the departure screen for Moscow - then part of the failing Soviet Union. My eyes were great then but not my spiritual vision.

It was an amazing trip! I went with my pastor and friend Chuck Kelley. We smuggled Bibles, preached publicly and evangelistically to Latvians, heard and saw first hand the persecuted chuch, and witnessed 33 specific answers to prayer. And amazingly we witnessed over 1,000 give their lives to Jesus Christ in a communist culture whereby people were told there is no God! In fact we were the first to be allowed to hold a public evangelistic event to Latvians in 50 years.

For me it was a pivotal event in my life. I had the incedible opportunity to give an evangelistic testimony in Tallin, Estonia to 6000 people just prior to Sheila Walsh of Women of Faith. I had only spoken a couple of times before this, in front of small crowds, And I had hated it! But here I was, wanting people who had never heard of Jesus to hear about Him. Shortly after I spoke I watched 100,s give their lives to Christ. It was awesome!

God did something supernatural that trip. Further, he placed in my heart a burning desire to tell others about Jesus around the world for the rest of my life.

God had given us two scripture versus for that trip. In Isaiah we are told God" will give us treasures in secret places that we may know I am the Lord" and in Joel 2 that in the last days "old men will dream dreams and young men shall see visions."

As I board this flight today I am humbled to be on my 90th international missions trip for the Lord. God gave me a vision, His vision, for every tribe, tongue, people and nation in "secret places" until every tribe has heard the Good News and has a representative around the throne of Heaven so then the Lord can return! My physical vision may be dimming but my hearts vision burns bright and clear for the Lord and the advancement of His Kingdom!

Thank you Lord for 20/25 Vision and the ability to serve you these past twenty years around the world. Thank you for changing my vision twenty years ago!

Blessings

Mike

2009-07-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sunset over Maputo, Mozambique

2009-07-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Maputo, the capital of Mozambique is a beautiful city. Situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean, it has a feel as if on the Mediterranean. This is due to the influence of the Portuguese when Mozambique was a Portuguese colony.
During our visit to explore future ministry opportunities with Community Uplift Ministries (Circle of Light), I was amazed at the beauty of the country in the South. As we drove north from Maputo to Xia-Xia, about four hours, I could not believe how beautiful the coastline and ocean views were. As we drove past small villages and towns, I also noticed how different it appeared than other African countries I had traveled to.
First, there was an effective sanitation system and so streets, roadways, and towns did not have the huge piles of rubbish smoldering everywhere. Apparently, this was one of the benefits of Soviet Communism the years they were involved there since every “comrade” was to have a job – including street sweepers and trash disposers.
Second, the southern portion of the country is experiencing an influx of money and job creation. This is due to several factors such as business opportunities, tourism, and the development of resort hotels along the coast line. Also, it is believed that 20% of the men work in South Africa in the mines or in seasonal jobs. They tend to stay for a year or more and therefore send money home. This has improved the lives of many in the southern portion of the country. But…
Despite the outward appearances, the country is very dark spiritually. The middle to northern portion is heavily influenced by Islam and what is called “Folk Islam” a mix of Islam and African Spiritism. The Southern part of the country is influenced by a cult known as Zionism. It is an indigenous South African religion that mixes Christianity, Old Testament rituals, and traditional African spiritism and ancestor worship. About 30% of the country is actively involved with Zionism, maybe more. I could not help but think how desperately they need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ clearly explained so that they would be freed from sin and bondage to Zionism, Spiritism, and Ancestor Worship.
As I look at this photo of the sun setting over Maputo, I can only think and pray for Mozambique Malachi 1:11 - “for from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My Name will be great among the nations; and in every place, incense and a pure grain offering will be offered to My Name, because My Name will be great among the nations.” May the Lord of the Harvest pour out His spirit in Mozambique so that the true Son will rise and set among the peoples of Mozambique lifting the veil of spiritual darkness over their hearts and minds.

2009-07-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

2009-07-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

2009-05-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

From Liberia to Mozambique!

During the first week of June, Mike and a companion will be travelling between Maputo and Xai-Xai, Mozambique in order to meet with national leaders, see their ministry, learn a little about their country, and determine if ANM will begin ministering there in the coming years. This opportunity may also be in conjunction with Cape Town 2010 and Mission Africa.
Mike has been asked to consider partnering there with Community Uplift Ministries, based out of Colorado. They provide programming in rural areas of developing countries to meet the physical, social, economic – and most importantly – the spiritual needs of the poor. They and ANM both share a holistic approach to ministry. Community Uplift has already begun ministering in this poor country and has made some good contacts among the nationals. For more information on this potential ministry partner, you can go to their website at www.communityupliftministries.org.
Mozambique is considered one of the least reached sub-Saharan African countries. The country was one of the very few African countries that were communist and therefore atheism was preached. In addition, they went through a brutal 10 year civil war and have been recovering from communism and the civil war for the past 14 years. They have also suffered through recurrent drought in parts of the land. These people desperately need the hope that a relationship with Jesus brings!
Please keep Mike and Jason (his travel partner) in your prayers as they prepare for Mozambique and pray that God will give Mike a clear answer as to whether he is to devote ANM to ministry in this country.

2009-05-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Coming up in June - Mozambique!

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"You would have thought it was a graduation!"

2009-05-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

On our recent trip to Liberia, one piece of our time there was a pastor’s conference to help provide some solid biblical training. We held the conference for just the key church leaders in the main part of Kakata, Liberia since they will be the main leaders for evangelistic festival Rejoice Liberia late fall. About fifty men and some women leaders attended the conference.
Pastor Marc Andresen, of Calvin Presbyterian in Corvallis, Oregon, and Brian DeVries, of Grace Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, jointly taught the sessions. On previous trips that Brian and I took to Liberia we learned that one of the great needs is for pastors to have bibles and other resources to help them learn to teach and lead the churches.
At the beginning of the conference, each of the attendees was given a new bible. On the last day, they lined up to receive books donated by Desiring God Ministries – the resource ministry of Pastor John Piper. As the pastors learned of this gift, they lined up to receive the books from Marc and Brian. Marc said “you would have thought it was a graduation.” The pastors were so eager to receive a rare treasure – books that would help them minister to their churches. What a blessing to give a gift that can be continually used!

2009-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

“The Hands and Feet of Jesus”

2009-04-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

One of the guiding principles of Sisters Christian Academy (SCA) is to see the children who attend develop a world view that includes dreaming what God would have them do for Him when they grow up. Peggy Miller, SCA’s Principal, said the staff and board has for two years actively sought for a way for SCA students’ and families to reach out to the world and “be the hands and feet of Jesus.” When Peggy heard about ANM’s ministry plans for Liberia which included orphans she felt this was a great opportunity for the students, staff, and families to be involved. SCA set a goal to raise $2,000 for food and medicine for the three orphanages in which ANM would minister. In amazing ways the children gave from their hearts, often sharing all of their allowance money or babysitting money or money earned from doing extra chores around the house. The students, staff and families raised almost $4,000! The result was that all three orphanages received enough rice, beans, and cooking oil to feed the children and staff for two months. In addition, the extra funds raised allowed each orphanage to have a six month supply of multi-vitamins for each child. From the smallest to the oldest children at SCA, they realized they could make a difference in a life—even in far away Liberia!

Murder and Forgiveness

2009-04-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

I trust you had a blessed Easter this past weekend. As you may still be reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus below is another story from our recent trip to Liberia. This story reflects much of why Jesus came to die—to bring peace, forgiveness and reconciliation between man and God and also between men.

Brian DeVries had traveled to Liberia once before to teach pastors. Brian, from Minnesota, joined the ANM team to help teach pastors again. With his wife, Kimberly, they also led worship and intercession at the evening meetings with churches in Kakata. From his previous trip, Brian learned about the impact the three civil wars have had in Liberia, including the tremendous amount of pain and suffering the people have gone through. As he prayed for the Lord to direct his messages, God placed in his heart a message on forgiveness. This message included the true story of the five missionaries killed in the late 1950’s by the Waodani tribe—including Nate Saint and Jim Elliot. Each day, Brian prepared to teach this message to the pastors and each day the Lord said “not yet.” Finally the conference for pastors was over. Brian wondered why God had so clearly placed this message on his heart and yet did not free him to teach on forgiveness.

On the last day in Kakata, Brian was asked to preach in one of the local churches. Finally, on this day, God released him to teach on forgiveness. As he shared the story of the missionaries, he then told the people how Elisabeth Elliot, Jim’s wife, and Rachel Saint, Nate’s sister, went to their husbands murderers to tell them of God’s love and forgiveness. As this story was shared, one woman stood up in church. She was visibly shaken, tears streaming down her face, the weight of the world on her shoulders. She came forward and asked Brian to pray for her to forgive her husband’s murderers. During the last war, while holding her wounded husband in her arms, a rebel soldier macheted her husband in half. She has been filled with anger and bitterness ever since. As Brian prayed for God to release her from anger, bitterness and the ability to forgive, the Spirit of God touched her deeply. There was a tremendous sense of a burden lifted, of a heart being filled with peace, and a profound touch of God that comforted her. Amazing! Brian’s message was not for the pastors (the many) but for the one God intended. Who knows how the Lord will use this woman in the lives of other women who have experienced so much pain as she tells the story of God’s healing touch and forgiveness.

2009-04-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

My Feet Hurt – Part 1

2009-03-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

As the orphan ministry team of DC and Pam Lundy, Kimberly DeVries, and Trokon Dennis arrived at Mother Whleh’s orphanage, the children excitedly ran with bare feet out to greet them. The team began a day of ministry to the orphans—many of whom lost their parents during the last war. They were there to provide medical exams, medicine, and ministry through songs, stories and crafts. Pam, a pediatric nurse practitioner from Oregon, began to examine the children. Many of the children had malaria and intestinal parasites for which they were treated. Pam soon began to notice that one third of the children had “hamburger feet.” Pam has been on several short term medical ministry teams with ANM. She described the feet of the children as “the worst I have ever seen and I have seen a lot of badly infected feet.” One of the little children as he came to be examined said “my feet hurt!” Pam was able to clean and provide medicine for the many feet that were infected from parasites, eating away at their skin.

2009-03-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

My Feet Hurt – Part 2

2009-03-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

“God told me to hand you $200 and that you will know what to do with it when you get there” so Pastor Marc Andresen was told just before departing for Liberia. Amazingly, although from a different church, Pam and DC Lundy were told the same exact words and were also given $200 for Liberia. As the team realized the condition of the children’s feet at Mother Whleh’s orphanage, it was clear that the Lord provided the $400 for shoes for the children. The team went to a Liberian market in search of shoes. After much haggling, the vendors initially wanted $800 for forty-three pairs of shoes. Then one of the vendors stepped forward and said he would take $400 for forty-three pairs of shoes. God’s provision is always perfect—as the exact amount to give all the children shoes was provided for. One little girl, so excited for her shoes, walked around holding her shoes close to her chest—as if the shoes were the best gift she ever received.

2009-03-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

ANM Ministry News-Rejoice Liberia

2009-03-20T14:18:00.001-07:00

In February, the birth of a vision named “Rejoice Liberia” began. Over the past year Mike has visited Liberia twice to explore how ANM can minister in Liberia and with whom. God has led us to identify key national leaders as well as mission agencies with whom ANM can partner to holistically bring the Gospel to Liberia. Liberia is recovering from 30 years of devastation due to three civil wars and corrupt governments.

Our recent trip, our third, was the beginning of ministry there. Mike led a team of seven to Kakata, Liberia for the purposes of: a pastor’s conference, preparation of the local church for an evangelistic festival later in the year, and to minister to three orphanages with food and medical care. Below are a few exciting stories of what the Lord did!

2009-03-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Rejoice Liberia

2009-01-15T16:35:00.001-08:00

In February, we will travel to Kakata, Liberia to meet with partner organizations and plan for Rejoice Liberia.

Kakata, Liberia

2009-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

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