Missions Update from Chris Hardy

April, 2010

Hello Prayer Partners,

What a beautiful Spring day in Michigan. I hope you are enjoying the warm weather and a strong sense of the Lord’s presence today. Here’s an update of what has been going on with us and the ministry of Relational Life Ministries.

1) The number one prayer request this month is for the Lord’s favor with Ms. L the IRS worker assigned to RLM’s request for tax exempt status. I just answered her second round of questions regarding our application. I don’t know if she is being picky on her own or if it is increased scrutiny by the IRS in general on non-profits. In any case, please pray that this round of answers satisfies her and she rules favorably in RLM’s request.

2) Keep praying about the development of small groups. It has not been easy getting together with the guys I mentioned in the last two updates. I will be trying again soon and will also be advertising Spiritual Discovery Discussion Groups in the next couple of weeks. These would be advertised via the internet, posters, and word of mouth. Please pray that the Lord will bring the people he wants to be a part of that group.

3) Continue to pray for me as I develop an equipping seminar to help people learn how to engage in relational evangelism. Many of you have taken the survey I sent about Christians’ perceptions of Non-Christians. Thanks. If you have not taken it, please open the attached file, fill it out and email it back to me at http://www.blogger.com/ I am making good progress on the seminar and potentially have the first group who wants to participate in the training. I’ve pushed back the deadline a bit, but should have it completed in the next couple of weeks. I’ll let you know more soon. The new RLM website is in the works (I have found someone with a free content management program that will help me build the site, though I haven’t settled on a host or registered the domain name yet. I’ll be doing that this week. My RLM related blog is up and running. It’s called 21st Century Wineskins and can be found at http://www.blogger.com/ (it’s not case sensitive, I just wrote it that way to make it easier to read. Check it out and let me know what you think. You can sign up for email alerts when a new article is posted. I’m trying to write at least one new post per week. Hope you like it and are challenged.

4) Continue to intercede for our support. Nothing new has come since our last update. I’m now working part time to supplement our income. If you would like to make a contribution to our ministry please reply to this email and I’ll send you a donation envelope. Thanks.

5) Please pray for our kids. Ben & Angie have put an offer (which has been accepted) on still a different house than the one I mentioned last month. The last one I mentioned needed a $30,000 septic system repair that the seller didn’t disclose so the deal fell through. They like the new place even more than the first two they put offers on. Julia likes it too because it is in our neighborhood and she can (someday) be the grandma down the block. ;) Please pray the financing goes well and that they are able to close on the house soon. Nathanael has been accepted to Grace College (where Beth attends) and has gotten a pretty nice chunk-o-change for a financial aid package. He still needs to save some more to cover what financial aid doesn’t. So please pray that the company he works for gets a lot of construction/remodeling work this summer. If you live in Washtenaw or western Wayne counties and need some work done on your house I can refer you to an honest, competent Christian contractor who will do an excellent job. Beth has about two weeks of school left and then will be home for the summer. Ask God to give her a good summer job, she has a lead on one, but hasn’t been hired yet. Rachel is going to ballet camp this summer for a month and will a couple of sign language classes at Madonna University this fall. Please pray that she will adjust well to taking college classes, and that she will find a part time job as well.

Thanks again for your faithful intercession for us. We’ll keep you up-to-date as the Lord starts to answer these requests.

Blessings,
Chris

Missions Update: BEE World -Jody & Linda Dillow

February, 2010 Newsletter

Jody & Linda Dillow

Year End Ministry Summary

It is time for an annual accounting. What have Jody and Linda been doing this year?

Jody's Ministry with BEE World ...
*We have 32 Partner ministries involved in our Internet Biblical Seminary Project. Many of them are well known. This is a dream that we have had for over 10 years - to see partner missions and churches sharing the same e-Learning Web site and sharing courses with one another. This eliminates much duplication and is a more efficient use of donor money.

*We started a textbook project with Cook Communications. They want to put some of their training materials on the Web and decided to test out the IBS Web Site. We are developing a test course for them right now.

*The director of BEE Korea has committed to launch BEE on the Internet Seminary this year.

*Over 50 courses are now available on IBS in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic. Courses are in translation in Farsi, Urdu (Pakistan), Hindi, and Punjab.

*As of December 31, 2010, over 2200 students in 102 countries have registered.

*I finally finished the BEE course on the Family and it is now being edited for translation into several languages.

*Part 1 of my course on the Life of Christ is also finished. I am almost finished with Part 2 (lessons 13-24).



*Linda is doing much better, three years after her severe brain injury. She still cannot multitask and tends to drop details but much of her creativity is coming back, and this excites her. She is working on a new book called Marriage Matters: The Best Thing I Ever Did for My Marriage.

*She is still traveling and speaking nationally at many city wide conferences.

*Linda's books on marriage, living by faith and worship, have been translated into many East European languages.

*For several years Linda has been working some with dear friends and training them how to minister. To her joy, some recently made trips to Eastern Europe and had enormous impact.

If you have questions or comments for Jody or Linda you may email them at

jodydillow@mindspring.com or call 719-481-5997.

Mailing address - 4670 Limestone Rd., Monument, CO 80132

Frontline Fellowship

Frontline Fellowship Newsletter

February, 2010

Dear Team,

We are looking forward to getting back up to speak this year with a number of missionary projects in mind. Frankly, we were glad to see the last of last year with all the down time in hospital and three surgeries in the past five months. But it was not all negative. When you're flat on your back there's only one way to look-and that's up!

We rejoiced to look to the Lord and He taught us many lessons during this period; among them: the vital importance of handing over the title deed of our lives to Jesus Christ. That day in July, when I was wheeled into surgery to have the lower left lobe of my lung removed due to lung cancer, I was ready and eager to meet the Lord. I really thought it was the end of my life here. There was no fear, just a wonderful anticipation and assurance of seeing Jesus, face to face and being with Him for all eternity. In His sovereign mercy (and I believe) in answer to your prayers the operation was a success and my life has been extended. I praise God and want to make the most of it.

So 2010 is now a new page. In fact it looks more like a new book. My ministry with Frontline Fellowship is sheer joy. I am able to mentor younger men for ministry, preach the Gospel wherever the Lord opens doors and free to write - which I long to do more of.

Meantime our colleague, Jeff Black, went last month to South Africa to participate in the Biblical Worldview Seminar and Great Commission Course conducted by Frontline Fellowship under the leadership of Dr. Peter Hammond. Jeff stayed on for a few weeks to become fully acquainted with the practical procedures that will be a vital part of his new ministry as Frontline's Director of Communications.

Please continue to pray for our 14-year old grandson, Christopher Hammond. The kidney transplant from his donor Mom was a success, but there have been post-operative problems to be dealt with and further procedures indicated. We'll keep you updated on our blog. www.pennireef1west.wordpress.com

Harriet joins me in wishing you and all your family a very blessed 2010! We're looking forward to keeping in touch.

Yours in His grip,

Bill Bathman

(You can follow Bill's updates at: www.frontlinefellowship.net/billbathman)

Missions Update from Chris Hardy

March 16, 2010

Hello Prayer Partners,

What a beautiful Spring day in Michigan. I hope you are enjoying the warm weather and a strong sense of the Lord’s presence today. Here’s an update of what has been going on with us and the ministry of Relational Life Ministries.

1) Last month I mentioned the first of the small groups was in the process of starting. I met with the three neighbors I told you about in the last update and with a fourth neighbor a couple weeks later. As a result of the first meeting, I have started exercising with the guy next door and have been getting to know him better. He mentioned that his wife would like to get together with Julia and me to hear more about the outreach of RLM. Please keep praying for open doors for spiritual conversations and, eventually, to more in-depth Bible study.

2) I did attend the meeting of the folks in their 20s and 30s who are very interested in relational evangelism. It was an encouraging evening. I would like to go back, but their meeting time conflicts with another commitment I have on Monday. This commitment will be ending in early May and then I should be able to return to get and give encouragement and prayer with a like-minded group of people.

3) Continue to pray for me as I develop an equipping seminar to help people learn how to engage in relational evangelism. I have a better idea of the content, I just need to put it together in presentation form. I am hoping to have it completed by the end of April. I’ll send you all more information so you can attend and invite others from your church or small group to come as well. Also, be looking for more information about a new RLM website and blog.

4) We still need your prayers for our finances. Pledged support remains at 33% of our budget. I will be looking for a part-time job in the next couple of weeks both to supplement our income and meet people in the work place in order to seek opportunities to share Christ’s love with them.

5) Please pray for our kids. Ben & Angie have put an offer on a different house than the one I mentioned last month. They like it better and is out in the country about 8 miles from our place in Ypsilanti. Ask the Lord to guide the inspectors and lenders so all goes according to His plan for them. Nathanael has applied to Grace College (where Beth attends). The acceptance letter (we hope) is waiting for him on our mail table. Pray for him as he continues to go through this process, especially for good roommates and a nice financial aid package. Beth had a malformed tooth extracted today and is not feeling very well, but maybe a visit from her new boyfriend (a nice young man she met at our new church) will cheer her up. Please pray for her dental health - this is just the first step in a year long process of getting a dental implant to replace the malformed tooth - and for her relationship with Mark. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom as they seek His will. Rachel is graduating from our home school in May, but wants to take classes locally for a year before going on to Belhaven University in Mississippi to study dance. Please pray that we will have the wisdom to know which courses she should take next fall and at which local college.

Thanks again for your faithful intercession for us. We’ll keep you up-to-date as the Lord starts to answer these requests.

Blessings,
Chris

Downriver Christian Library Newsletter

Christian Library and Study Center

3755 Fort St., Lincoln Park, MI 48146

313-388-1748

http://www.christianlibrarydownriver.org/

January 13, 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Reading has long been an important part of my life. If you'll look around the building that houses the Christian Library, you will see that this importance is exemplified not only by the books, but also in the businesses here and the pictures scattered throughout the building.

It has been exciting to learn that books have been an important part of history, including the history of God's chosen people, the Jews. They have become known as the "people of the book." It's exciting to know that God revealed Himself through the written word as well as through His Son, Jesus, the Word incarnate.

We have a pamphlet in the library that was given to me a number of years ago entitled: Books, God's tools in the history of salvation. It contains fascinating stories of people down through the centuries who have been influenced to become Christians through reading books.

Thank you for your part in supporting the Christian Library this past year. Because of your donations, we have been able to continue. We are loaning books out, helping people who are studying for classes, providing a quiet place for study, and giving books to other Christian organizations including a homeless shelter and prison ministry.

May God richly bless you in 2010.

Joann Bowman

Hours:
Sunday, Monday & Friday - Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 1:00 - 7:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Join the people sharing Christian books!

Ask how you can support this unique ministry.
Volunteer - can you spare an hour?
Pledge - can you share a dollar?
Pray - can you share your heart?

New Beginnings Prison Ministry

Dear Pastor and Fellow Laborers in Christ:

It is because of folks like you that have a part in the financial support of New Beginnings Prison Ministries, we are able to go and reach inmates for the Lord and then disciple them as well. Following are a few letters from the inmates expressing what they feel about the Bible Study Course that they are now taking from us.

*(Thank Jesus). First I want to say that I am truly sorry for the act I committed which lead me to this correctional facility. I pray that Jesus forgives me for breaking a commandment. I know I am a sinner and I want to change, not only myself but my life style as well. This is easy to say but very hard to do. I pray for guidance every day. I pray to be united with my wife so that we can live our lives as the scripture says. These I have witness and I ask in requesting that you help me with prayer. In Jesus Name (AMEN).
J.S. - Inmate

*May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless all of you, always, for the work you do. For it truly was a blessing to get the lesson from you. At the time I was reading and studying the Word. (AMEN) I would like to say Thank You for loving us. May God open new doors for the Ministries At New Beginnings.
R.T. - Inmate

*Dear Sister Hubbard,
Hello, God bless you Sister. I understand now that Satan is the god of this world. I thank you for your help with these lessons. Because I want to help others understand the importance of being saved and living Holy lives unto the Lord. When I go home I am going to keep in touch with you. You have been a blessing in my life and I just want you to know that. Thank You Sister Hubbard.
Sincerely, Sister J.
P.S. May the Peace of Our Lord and Savior forever be with you!

Our Bible Correspondence Course has grown to over 1500 men and women involved that are incarcerated throughout the United States. The only text book needed for doing the study is the King James Bible.

We covet your faithful prayers and financial support, for that is what keeps this Ministry going. Thank You and God Bless.

Larry and Virginia Hubbard Sr.

Dan & Laurie Fuller

The following is the latest newsletter from Dan & Laurie Fuller, serving Christ as missionaries in Thailand. We are grateful we are able to be co-workers with them.

Westside Christian Academy News

Westside Christian Academy is one of the Missions Outreaches we support at Grace Bible Church. Daryl Ounanian and his wife Paula have ministered to children and families in Detroit for many years and we're pleased to present the following article:

All Tournament
The following Westside Christian Academy football players were named National Association of Christian Athletes Football Division II Championship All-Tournament Players:
*Senior linebacker and fullback Kelly Williams
*Senior wide receiver and defensive end Nate Bearden
*Senior linebacker Michael Jones
*Senior guard Kris Williams
*Senior center and defensive tackle Dwayne Denham
*Offensive player of the tournament: Junior quarterback Tora Anthony, Jr.

Daryl Ounanian's plan to use football as a teaching aid succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. The pastor of Mr. Lebanon-Strathmore Church is also the administrator for Westside Christian Academy, both in Detroit.


The Warriors delivered a 12-0 first-year record, bringing home state and national trophies. Westside won the National Association of Christian Athletes Football Division of Christian Athletes Football Division II Championship Tournament, earlier this month in Dayton, TN., with a 15-6 win over Florida Christian Institute of Fort Myers, Fla.

"It's one of those stories where we had a lot of obstacles to overcome," said Ounanian, who most call Pastor O. Getting $6,000 for uniforms was one hurdle and those uniforms didn't arrive until two days before the Warriors first game.

"Really we spent more like $12,000, with all the travel and everything else," said Ounanian on Saturday night, watching parents and some of the schools 160 students fill the gym for a celebration. Just outside the gym doors, nearly all 34 of the schools first-ever football players waited for the signal to dash, one at a time, through a gauntlet of pompom-waving cheerleaders while parents snapped photos. Christian hiphop music blared and joyful noises rose up from the cheerleaders.



The football players looked shy and happy while listening to speakers. But when Coach Sean Tarrant took the podium, he made little comment About the two glistening trophies or the row of medals intended for the players. Instead, he talked about character.

"Pastor O. is the only white boy that came into my Detroit neighborhood when I was a boy," he said. The two met when Tarrant was just 14, feeling the effects of living with his grandmother, mother and sisters. "Pastor O. said I would be a leader. He told me something no man had ever told me before."

Eighteen months ago, Ounanian hired Tarrant, now 42, to be dean of students and teach Westside's physical education, health and Bible classes.

"The Warriors are ... about building character so you can be the best fathers, best husbands and best men in the community," Tarrant said.

He promised that at least nine of the team's 12 seniors were eligible for some kind of college scholarship, partly because they set a goal early in the season to raise individual grade point averages to 3.0. Tarrant pointed to players in quick succession to rise as he announced their grade point averages. He singled out senior defensive end and offensive tackle Rodney Williams, who went from barely a 2.0 to a 3.8 "and he hasn't stopped. He's been grooving in class because his mind is made up," Tarant said.

William Mallory, president of Westside's booster club also praised Williams, who scored a nomination for a Rudy Award, given to inspiring middle and high school or college football players who inspire others. The award is named for Daniel.

"Rudy" Ruettinger, whose quest to play football for Notre Dame University resulted in a single play, but he sacked the quarterback. His dream is the subject of the film "Rudy."

Mallory became a Westside booster to support his son, sophomore wide receiver and corner back Nicholas Sweat-Alford, No. 28 on the team.

"Coach Tarrant taught me to never give up, to keep pushing myself," Sweat-Alford said.

Mallory said a $1,200 grant from the Detroit Lions lifted team spirits as well as the bank balance.

More importantly, he told the crowd, each player found in the Warriors a host of fathers and many brothers.

Mary Chavez-Thedford, junior quarterback, Tora Anthony's mother, read from a prepared statement, telling the crowd her son was so happy to finally play football because "he has six sisters at home, no brothers, and he was actually allowed to tackle."

But when she nearly died after a mis-carriage during the summer, Anthony got into trouble. She considered pulling him from the team. His coaches intervened, becoming "very strict dads that would help keep in check ... The burden of worry over my son's future has lifted," she said. "It's a good day to be a Warrior."

She said the young man who hadn't had a good review from teachers since fifth grade has turned around and is now sharing his parents' and coaches' advice with fellow students.

Guest speaker Steven McGhee, principal of The University of Central Preparatory High School in Detroit made a rousing speech, challenged the players to "be the light" for themselves, their families and community.

"When they tell you it can't be done, smile and think of Westside Christian Academy, because you saw something come out of nothing."


Article written by Peg McNichol, Detroit Daily Press sports writer

For more information about Westside, go to www.westsideca.org