2011 Delegates Meeting and European Christian Conference
"Christ Is All"
Over 700 disciples gathered in Budapest, Hungary, during the week of November 30 - December 4 to pray, preach, sing, fellowship and talk about Jesus, who is all and is in all (Colossians 3:11).
Starting on Wednesday, November 30, over 100 came together from around the world as delegates in our family of churches (now numbering 614 churches in about 150 nations). This group, along with several observers, heard lessons on faith, unity, discipling and the mission. They also discussed important kingdom topics like a united training curriculum, missions vision and finances, and more.
Speakers from across the globe like Koko Enrile (Philippines), Randy McKean (Northern Virginia), Justin Renton (South Africa), and Mike Taliaferro (San Antonio, Texas) pointed to our Savior as the one who can hold us together and change the world around us. Proposals were formulated and discussed in lively group discussions. Every age grouping was prayed for and talked about (from empty nesters to youth and family) and all kinds of plans were put on the table (worldwide days of prayer and fasting, conflict resolution scenarios, etc.)
Newly-esteemed prayer warrior, Justin Renton, even asked God for snow in one rash prayer request on the first morning of our meetings. He was answered the following morning by the flakes he so desired and is now seen as "the one to whom God replies." During breakfast, lunch and supper breaks, all kinds of pairings for fellowship broke off to continue to act as ligaments in the worldwide body of Christ. Languages from around the world were represented and friendships past and present reinvigorated.
The delegates meeting was certainly a spiritual high, but it was not to finish this memorable Hungarian happening. On Friday, the European Christian Conference began in earnest. First, leaders from across this great continent convened to hear from evangelists like Joe Silipo (Milan), Kevin Mains (LA) and John Louis (Singapore).
On Friday night, from England, Albania, Denmark and Romania they came. Disciples poured in from France, Switzerland, Germany and Croatia. Others arrived from the US, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Holland. Certainly this list is incomplete. European disciples filled the conference hall to praise God's name in song and hear Christ's name praised. Peti Szabad (conference chairman and evangelist in Budapest) and Maher al Hinn (Amman, Jordan, evangelist) were the keynote speakers for the first night. With English as the preached language, but multiple translators being used, each follower of Christ was convicted and inspired by the things we heard.
Saturday was full of classes and separate sessions for men and women. Special songs and videos moved our hearts closer to the cross. A multitude of brothers and sisters led us in courses on every theme imaginable - humility and vulnerability, an overview of Colossians, character development, etc.
Sunday morning was to be the grand finale as we all met together. It did not disappoint. With a German songleader surrounded by musicians from all over Europe, voices of gratitude and conviction filled the hall. Wil Horwood (London), Shawn Wooten (Kiev, Ukraine) and others shared short thoughts or lessons during the service time. Boston evangelist Douglas Arthur preached the word from Colossians and used his typical "make ‘em laugh and cry" approach while challenging us to pray for open doors, preach it clearly and share with the souls God sends our way (Colossians 4:2-6).
As the week ended, a massive scattering took place. Most traveled home. Many took advantage of the time in Europe to go by and visit a sister congregation (to preach, sight-see or just learn more).
There can't be too many other conferences that bring together this many different languages. Certainly cultures and lifestyles are very diverse in the examples of disciples we met, but we are bound together by Christ. And He is All. May we proclaim Him and love one another deeply in the process. Let's keep praying for all the hearts and souls living in Europe and all over this world, which now counts over 7 billion people as its population.
IMS Updates Leadership Teams and Casts A 2020 Vision
On Saturday, November 19, leadership teams, elders and wives and church representatives from around New England gathered in Framingham, Massachusetts, for the final board meeting of the year for the International Missions Society (IMS). The morning session began with an informal breakfast at 9 AM, where the board members and church leaders were joined by several European church leaders and representatives from the Midwest U.S.A. family of churches.
Following the fellowship and food, the day began with a presentation from Valdur Koha (IMS President), Douglas Arthur (Boston Board Member) and Jim Blough (IMS Treasurer). These three eloquently laid out the purposes, plans and proposals for strengthening and expanding our mission efforts in Europe and New England. The 2020 Vision video for New England, a project headed up by Chip Mitchell from Boston, was played for all in attendance. AT Arneson, lead evangelist for the Chicago church, also spoke and shared how their congregation is "all in" with their plans to help support churches in Europe emotionally, relationally, spiritually and financially.
As the morning session concluded, the board members moved downstairs for a quick lunch and then the actual dollar by dollar breakdown and 2012 plan for the donated funds from 2011. The needs are enormous (Europe has almost 500 million souls) and the potential for good is great (open doors for new church plantings, and more churches wanting to hire staff). Each New England congregation has a seated board member, and several European churches also have representatives serving the IMS.
Our desire is that each disciple in New England continue to give, pray and "go" for God's mission to be spread both regionally and globally for His glory. We are inspired by the $1 million plus amount God and His people have made available for the work. Not too many years ago, the donated funds were only allowing some churches and existing programs to survive. By His grace, our dreams and plans are much more in a mode of thriving now, as new churches have been planted in Storrs, Connecticut, and Portland, Maine, and new programs like the pursuit of a Mission Center in Berlin are being added each year.
(Peti and Virag Szabad from Budapest recently completed a two-week visit to several of the New England churches. These are some of their thoughts and observations from the trip.)
". . . no one will say, 'Look here!' or 'There!' For you see, the kingdom of God is among you." --Luke 17:21 (HCSB)
When people come to the United States, there are many things they can look at and be amazed. Everything is bigger, the cars, the roads, the meals, the distances, etc. You can look here, look there and see amazing things - and we did too. But that was not the highlight of our trip. We spent two weeks in New England visiting churches. We drove 1400 miles, visited five different churches (Southern Connecticut, Granit State, Boston-Metro, Worcester, Groton/New London) and spent time with a large number of disciples. What amazed us was the Kingdom of God and how truly international it is.
It is not the buildings, not the places (although we've seen a lot of beautiful ones) but it is the people in New England that are golden. Disciples everywhere gave us their hearts, treated us for meals, opened their homes to us and supported and loved us in many ways. It is quite an experience to see that we have family wherever we go. We also had a chance to send our son, Robi to the New England Preteen Camp. In our preteen ministry there are 4 kids. Robi got to see hundreds of kids growing up in the Lord. He had a very impactful camp and made some great friends. I envision them being the ligaments for the next generation of disciples.
We are very encouraged by the heart and willingness of the New England disciples to sacrifice for the European Missions. There is a great need in Europe (over 500 million lost souls) and your help is much needed. It was also great to see that many disciples (young and old) have the dream to go to Europe personally to help in any way they can.
Our goal was the same as Paul had in wanting to visit the church in Rome - to be mutually encouraged by each other's faith (Romans 1:12). From our part we go back to Budapest very encouraged. We met with disciples that got recently baptized or restored; heard stories of how God moved in lives of people that blew our minds away. We met with people that have gone through incredible challenges and yet stayed faithful, joyful and grew by it.
Dear brothers and sisters, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your faith, love and endurance; for your unceasing commitment to love and support the European missions and your inspiring faith. Please, continue to keep us in your prayers and hearts. We need you and we are grateful for you. God's Kingdom is the best place on this earth and it is the people and the relationships. That's what we've been able to experience in a very rich way and for that we are grateful.
From time to time, we receive emails asking us to "tell me more about the IMS!" Since many of our churches are in the process of collecting special contributions for missions, we thought we'd post a little overview of our history, our mission and our vision.
Prior to 2003, an organization called "NEEM" ("New England Europe Missions") collected funds from disciples in the New England churches, and used those funds to support mission work in Europe. When the churches reorganized in 2003, NEEM was dissolved and the International Missions Society was formed.
The Board of Directors of the IMS consists of 18 brothers and sisters representing four different worship centers of the Boston church, six other New England churches and four of the European churches. Any church contributing at least $10,000 for missions is given a seat on the Board.
The Board's function is to give strategic direction to the IMS, including reviewing funding priorities, monitoring expenses, and facilitating effective communication with churches throughout New England and Europe. The Board meets four times per year.
Here are a few of the core principles of the IMS:
1. We believe we are stronger together than individually 2. We believe in helping one another as God has blessed us 3. We believe in mutual respect as disciples and as churches 4. We believe God wants the world to hear the gospel 5. We value diversity of language, culture and perspective 6. We strive to be excellent stewards of God's money
The IMS is committed to "living within our means." To make sure we do that, we save each year's donations to support missions in the following year. For example, in 2010 our total revenues were $1,081,199, and we are using those funds to support missions in 2011.
In broad numbers, funding for 2011 goes to five strategic initiatives:
1. Support for Churches ($320K) Bucharest, Budapest, Tirana, Zagreb, Prague, Burlington Includes some funds for travel 2. Support for Missions Leaders ($380K) Fenders (Geneva), Silipos (Milan), Szabads (Budapest), Wootens (Kiev) Includes some funds for travel 3. Leadership Training ($150K) Evangelist Training, Elders Training, Women's Program, European Bible School (EBS), Muellers in Boston 4. Church Plantings ($170K) Storrs, Portland ME 5. Missions Projects ($30K) Summer Campus Campaigns, Training and Teaching, Travel to Europe
The IMS has recently approved a new strategy for missions, which involves establishing "missions centers" that can serve as centers of training, inspiration and support for other church plantings in Europe. Our first candidate for becoming a missions center is the church in Berlin, Germany. The leadership in Berlin together with the IMS are in the process of deciding about the pursuit of this exciting opportunity.
We are grateful for the partnership and support of so many disciples and churches throughout New England and Europe. If you have any questions about the IMS or wish to learn more, please don't hesitate to
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. Thanks for your interest in the IMS and your heart for missions!
This summer, eleven college students and two campus ministers were sent to Berlin, Germany for seven weeks by IMS. Students raised money, trained, and embarked on a seven week mission trip to the Technical University. Students stayed with families in the church, cultivating strong relationships that were inspirational and faith building for both the members of the church and the members of the team. On the mission field, students spent each day from 9am to 4pm involved in evangelistic activities ranging from cold-contact sharing, Bible discussion, Bible studies, evangelistic training, team building, and conversations with Berliners about God, faith, religion, purpose, and eternity. Thousands of students were reached out over the 7 week period and seeds of faith were planted in thousands of hearts that God can help to grow. God blessed the efforts of the team as more than 40 Berlin students came to the bi-weekly discussions throughout the trip and over 30 students studied the Bible during the seven week mission! At the time of the team's leaving, 15 students were still studying actively studying the Bible and continued to do so with members of the church.
The students were also able to bond with and inspire the church while they were living in Berlin. Countless dinners, conversations, and hang out times created strong relationships between the Berliners and Americans. The church demonstrated its love and affection for the group at the final going away dinner, as more than 20 people from the church came to eat with the team, share about how they were impacted and inspired, and send the Americans away with love. While in Berlin, the team was able to play volleyball every week with members of the church, eat in their homes, attend house churches, midweeks, and devotionals with different groups in the church, and even participate in its annual community triathlon and attend the 20th anniversary service for the church, helping and serving the church to make the celebration great. The team was invited to sing "Men Who Dream" at the 20th anniversary service, and was received with thunderous applause as the song moved the hearts of the Berlins to dream again and think about the next 20 years.
In summary, the overall purposes of the mission were achieved in great ways! God worked powerfully through the team to reach many students, and move their hearts toward a knowledge and love of Him. God also moved to bring unity and faith to the church through the students that came. Many brothers and sisters shared about how inspired, challenged, and edified they were by the Americans that came. A true family bond was created, as many tears were shed during the goodbyes at the final church service and dinner following. By faith, this team of thirteen Americans went to Berlin to go about God's mission, and God worked powerfully through it.
Six weeks in Italy. You're thinking good tanning, great food and lazy days by the sea or exploring the countryside, right? This summer, 10 young Americans took it to mean something a little different.
From mid-May through the end of June, students from Boston, Gainesville, Miami, Chicago and Nashville set their hearts and feet to work on the campuses of Milan, spreading the message of the kingdom of God. Only one brother had been there before, and no one actually spoke Italian, but they transplanted their lives on faith and the tremendous spiritual and financial support of their home churches, family, friends and the International Missions Society.
Once in Milan, the Americans spent about 6 hours each day, alternating between two campuses (Politecnico, a design and engineering school, and Statale, the liberal arts and philosophy state school campus), sharing their faith, having bible discussions, and meeting for personal bible studies. In the evening they organized evangelistic aperitivo (buffet-style social dinner, to be sure they enjoyed great Italian food!)
They took every opportunity to share the gospel-on campus, in the streets, on the Metro, in the open meetings of a powerful Catholic student movement on campus. They reached out with a passion to uncover open hearts and talked to thousands of people every week. Most days there were two bible discussions and over the course of the campaign nearly 90 people came out to hear God's word, and many more joined them for coffee, lunch, dinner, worship services, and cookouts with disciples from Milan. On any given week, 15 to 25 Italian students were meeting for personal bible studies with Americans and disciples from the Milan church. When the campaign ended, well over a dozen students were continuing to seek God and studying the bible.
When we thought about what the mission field would be like in Italy, we knew it was the home of Catholicism, but we had no idea what to expect. When I would ask people what they believed, I was shocked to find that many described themselves as atheists, but when asked about their reasons for not believing in God they would say "Oh, I believe in God, it's just that I don't believe in the Catholic church." Young people saw no way to God except through Catholicism, and when that failed them, they concluded they must not believe in God at all. What a tragedy! It was thrilling to show people that God teaches us who he is through his word, and that they could look for themselves to find out the truth about him. Truly, Italian students are aching to know God! Of all the discussions we had (the equivalent of three semesters in my home ministry), only THREE failed to have visitors at them!
The Milan church is a congregation that is ready for growth and ready to teach people how to be part of the family of God. Brothers and sisters from every walk of life-single, married, teen and preteen-all came out to join in the work. The teen disciples joined us many days, sharing their faith with boldness and passion.
We saw our prayers answered and met people who were praying for God to find them. Each morning we shared miracles and great news of God working from the day before. Seeing miracles became commonplace and we grew to expect God to do something incredible daily. During one afternoon discussion on John 3, two women came. One commented that it seemed crazy that infants could be "born again" when they have no life transformation to make. The other asked "what exactly do you need to do to be born of water and the Spirit?" Both women studied the bible after that.
Another day, when we had less than one hour before our first bible discussion of the day and hardly any students were on campus, we decided to entrust our limitations to God and did a rotation with one pair of people praying while the other 4 pairs were inviting and sharing their faith with people. After those short 50 minutes, we saw the greatest discussion attendance yet at Politecnico! Again and again, God moved to increase our faith and direct us to open people. One man, Maxwell, was met on the train, and again found on campus at Politecnico, and after studying for a couple weeks he let the brothers know that before he was met he had been praying to find someone who would teach him and help him understand the Bible in a deeper way.
The stories go on and on, and so I can only leave you with the encouragement that God moved in Italy this summer and, based on the Facebooking and emailing that has continued since our return, he continues to soften and move the hearts of the students in Italy!
Shawn Wooten has put together a tremendous video that we want to encourage you with. It’s only seven minutes long, and it highlights the diversity of the European churches in a very personal and inspiring way.
We are very grateful for your partnership in spreading the gospel to New England and Europe.
Feed Entries 
Starting on Wednesday, November 30, over 100 came together from around the world as delegates in our family of churches (now numbering 614 churches in about 150 nations). This group, along with several observers, heard lessons on faith, unity, discipling and the mission. They also discussed important kingdom topics like a united training curriculum, missions vision and finances, and more.
God for snow in one rash prayer request on the first morning of our meetings. He was answered the following morning by the flakes he so desired and is now seen as "the one to whom God replies." During breakfast, lunch and supper breaks, all kinds of pairings for fellowship broke off to continue to act as ligaments in the worldwide body of Christ. Languages from around the world were represented and friendships past and present reinvigorated.
On Friday night, from England, Albania, Denmark and Romania they came. Disciples poured in from France, Switzerland, Germany and Croatia. Others arrived from the US, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Holland. Certainly this list is incomplete. European disciples filled the conference hall to praise God's name in song and hear Christ's name praised. Peti Szabad (conference chairman and evangelist in Budapest) and Maher al Hinn (Amman, Jordan, evangelist) were the keynote speakers for the first night. With English as the preached language, but multiple translators being used, each follower of Christ was convicted and inspired by the things we heard.
surrounded by musicians from all over Europe, voices of gratitude and conviction filled the hall. Wil Horwood (London), Shawn Wooten (Kiev, Ukraine) and others shared short thoughts or lessons during the service time. Boston evangelist Douglas Arthur preached the word from Colossians and used his typical "make ‘em laugh and cry" approach while challenging us to pray for open doors, preach it clearly and share with the souls God sends our way (Colossians 4:2-6).
On Saturday, November 19, leadership teams, elders and wives and church representatives from around New England gathered in Framingham, Massachusetts, for the final board meeting of the year for the International Missions Society (IMS). The morning session began with an informal breakfast at 9 AM, where the board members and church leaders were joined by several European church leaders and representatives from the Midwest U.S.A. family of churches.
As the morning session concluded, the board members moved downstairs for a quick lunch and then the actual dollar by dollar breakdown and 2012 plan for the donated funds from 2011. The needs are enormous (Europe has almost 500 million souls) and the potential for good is great (open doors for new church plantings, and more churches wanting to hire staff). Each New England congregation has a seated board member, and several European churches also have representatives serving the IMS.
in many ways. It is quite an experience to see that we have family wherever we go. We also had a chance to send our son, Robi to the New England Preteen Camp. In our preteen ministry there are 4 kids. Robi got to see hundreds of kids growing up in the Lord. He had a very impactful camp and made some great friends. I envision them being the ligaments for the next generation of disciples.
both the members of the church and the members of the team. On the mission field, students spent each day from 9am to 4pm involved in evangelistic activities ranging from cold-contact sharing, Bible discussion, Bible studies, evangelistic training, team building, and conversations with Berliners about God, faith, religion, purpose, and eternity. Thousands of students were reached out over the 7 week period and seeds of faith were planted in thousands of hearts that God can help to grow. God blessed the efforts of the team as more than 40 Berlin students came to the bi-weekly discussions throughout the trip and over 30 students studied the Bible during the seven week mission! At the time of the team's leaving, 15 students were still studying actively studying the Bible and continued to do so with members of the church.
with thunderous applause as the song moved the hearts of the Berlins to dream again and think about the next 20 years.
From mid-May through the end of June, students from Boston, Gainesville, Miami, Chicago and Nashville set their hearts and feet to work on the campuses of Milan, spreading the message of the kingdom of God. Only one brother had been there before, and no one actually spoke Italian, but they transplanted their lives on faith and the tremendous spiritual and financial support of their home churches, family, friends and the International Missions Society.
When we thought about what the mission field would be like in Italy, we knew it was the home of Catholicism, but we had no idea what to expect. When I would ask people what they believed, I was shocked to find that many described themselves as atheists, but when asked about their reasons for not believing in God they would say "Oh, I believe in God, it's just that I don't believe in the Catholic church." Young people saw no way to God except through Catholicism, and when that failed them, they concluded they must not believe in God at all. What a tragedy! It was thrilling to show people that God teaches us who he is through his word, and that they could look for themselves to find out the truth about him. Truly, Italian students are aching to know God! Of all the discussions we had (the equivalent of three semesters in my home ministry), only THREE failed to have visitors at them!
were on campus, we decided to entrust our limitations to God and did a rotation with one pair of people praying while the other 4 pairs were inviting and sharing their faith with people. After those short 50 minutes, we saw the greatest discussion attendance yet at Politecnico! Again and again, God moved to increase our faith and direct us to open people. One man, Maxwell, was met on the train, and again found on campus at Politecnico, and after studying for a couple weeks he let the brothers know that before he was met he had been praying to find someone who would teach him and help him understand the Bible in a deeper way.