| Missional Life: Community Outreach Update | |
... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. ~ Matthew 25:40
Children First Academy (CFA)
The school is a beehive of activity right now painting, cleaning, re-arranging and all the other things that are necessary to be ready for the return of students. As I write this, there are 214 children registered.
Several of you donated a lot of school supplies on July 17, and they were very excited to see them at the school. They still need a lot more of the usual back-to-school supplies (pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, glue, scissors, etc.) and, of course, clothing and shoes. Gift cards from Payless Shoes, Walmart and Target are always welcome (preferably $10 denominations). Children's clothing sizes 6-16 and non-perishable foods are always on the Wish List, which can be found on the school website at azcharterschools.com/cfatempe.html
Thank you to everyone who has been giving so generously to the school. May God bless and keep each of you for your support. Call me at 480.775.1771 with questions or comments, or send an eMail to me at montgomery49@cox.net.
In His Love,
Beulah Montgomery
IHELP
 Please remember that an IHELP representative is in the courtyard the first Sunday of every month to receive donations of any type. Donation receipts are available upon request.
The IHELP program has had a definite and positive impact on lives. Read the success stories on the web. Have you ever wondered how to become involved with the IHELP ministry? The following are just some of the possibilities (see the website for more details on each of these suggestions).
- Provide items necessary to make the event more beneficial to our homeless neighbors, such as small size toiletry items or new or gently used clothing
- Help to make a nourishing meal (by working with the meal facilitator)
- Provide items for the lunch bags
- Help with the background/facilities needs (laundry, set up, tear down)
- Visit with our homeless neighbors when they are at Bethany
- Make a financial contribution to TCAA (marked for the IHELP program). Donations may qualify for the Arizona Working Poor Tax Credit, as well as a charitable deduction on your Federal taxes.
- If you've never been to a hosting, come and check one out and see where God leads you.
If you want more information, or want to receive the monthly IHELP newsletters, please contact one of the following:
Cheryl Chamberlain (meals): cheryllynn2u@yahoo.com 602.293.6685
Gen Garan (operations): bggaran@cox.net 480.839.4674
Kathy Estrada(lunch bags): kajeane@cox.net 480.940.8539
If you haven't tried being involved with IHELP, please pray about it and see where God leads you. The hosting schedule and needs are online. Feel free to contact Gen Garan with any comments/questions. bggaran@cox.net or 480.839.4674
- Gen Garan
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Missional Life: International Outreach Update | |
Moofore's Enlightenment
 Moofore's house and garden is one of my favorites in the whole area. His steep yard drops away on three sides, showcasing a wild panorama of the surrounding mountains and valley rivers. It is still the only place I've been where both the village of Mibu and the village of Beng can be looked down upon from one single spot. It makes me happy to think of Moofore here, on top of his local world. Because of the severe deformity of both his feet, he seldom leaves his own yard.
When the Gospel was first presented here five years ago, we stood by and watched with amazement as God turned almost every adult to Himself. But there were some who did not believe. Moofore was one of them.
I've gone to visit with him twice since coming here a few weeks ago, and today the conversation touched on spiritual things. This was the first time I have seen evidence of concern for his own sin and status with God. He asked about overcoming the real problem of sin and its penalty. At that point, I asked if we could pick up the conversation again in a few days. I asked him to keep thinking about that very question and to ask others what their thoughts are. (After hundreds of conversations about this, I know there is a lot of good understanding out there.)
I told Moofore that I would visit him again in a few days, and I would like to ask you to pray with me for Moofore before we continue. Might this be his time to understand and believe the Gospel?
Thank you!
Joey and Brooke Tartaglia
Mibu, PNG
Growing Daily in Christ
Hi! I'm Dan Mains and I've been a part of Bethany Community Church for five years. I have volunteered in the MSM group almost the entire time I've been in this family and I have also been involved in other ministries, including the young adults' group.
For the past year, I have served as the intern to Bethany's Missional Life Pastor, John Wood. As the first phase of my internship came to a close last month, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what God has done in my life over the past year.
This Spring I finished my degree (B.A. in Anthropology) at ASU and I learned a lot through my studies there. I have also learned so much from working with John and other people through this outreach position at Bethany. God has been revealing more and more of His heart to me as I seek His will for my life. Much of this has come from the opportunities to grow in knowledge and skills through the internship.
 I have participated in many training seminars and classes, read books, and been able to work closely with John and some of our local and international partners. All of these things focus on a Biblical world view and how Jesus truly is the answer to all physical and spiritual needs in the whole world. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? ~ Romans 10:13-14.
God has used this passage, among others, to convict me to act on the knowledge and faith I have in Jesus Christ. The next step for me is to go to the Candidate Orientation Program for Pioneers Mission, July 31 through August 6. God willing, I will travel to Chad in the beginning of 2012 and begin working with a Pioneers team that is bringing God's living word to a Muslim people group that has not yet heard the news of hope: Jesus is Lord!
I still have a few months left in this Missional Life internship. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity to be a part of Bethany in this role. I know God is using this to prepare me for the things He has for me in my life.
Until the whole world hears,
Dan
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Partners In Prayer |
 Come to the Father
Have you ever noticed the difference between the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) in the approach and reaction to an encounter with God?
OT: I am ruined (Is 6:5); We will die! We are lost! (Num 17:12).
NT: When you pray, say, 'Father, who art in heaven' (Luke 11); How great is the love the Father has lavished upon us, that we should be called children of God (1 John 3); Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God...and by Him, we cry Abba, Father (Rom 15). Upon His death the temple curtain, which separated God from man, was torn in two (Mark 15:38).
Now we can come directly into God's presence (something not thought of in Old Testament times) through Jesus our mediator (Heb 9:15), as children come directly to their dad. We no longer have to be concerned as in OT times of being ruined or dying because we have seen the face of God. Rather, we are invited into His presence by Jesus as his beloved children! He awaits our visits!
When was the last time you simply stopped; crawled up into your heavenly Father's lap, and spent some quality time with Him alone? If it's been awhile, why not consider rebuilding that relationship now? He's anxiously waiting because He loves you as Abba.
Praying you keep in touch with the One who matters,
Your Partners-in-Prayer
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Join Us at the Upcoming Women of Faith Conference! | |
I would like to invite women of all ages to set aside time for a fun, entertaining and uplifting weekend conference in Phoenix.
This will be my sixth Women of Faith conference. Every year I have felt richly blessed throughout the conference. I have sung praise songs with the many wonderful artists on stage like Amy Grant, Sandi Patty and Mandisa. I have been uplifted by the testimonies of the conference speakers. I have also laughed and cried as I've been shown how much God has loved them and loves me, too.
It is so encouraging to see the U S Airways Center filled with women from all over Arizona and other states, seeking God and praising Him. And, attending with other women of Bethany and their friends gave me to opportunity to become closer to those I know and an opportunity to meet new friends. I personally have come away from the weekend knowing God's love for me and others is Over the Top.
Mark your calendar for Friday, September 23 (10am to 3:30pm and 7-10 pm), and Saturday, September 24 (9:00am - 5:00pm). Our group rate for tickets is $89 for both days (including lunches), as well as transportation to and from the conference.
We have 50 seats reserved, so invite a friend and register online today! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 480.326.4103.
Love, in His name,
Becky Cole
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| Upcoming Program & Event Highlights | |
Fall Programming Starts for Adults, Students and Children
Week of August 22
Monthly Open Elder Meeting - August 2
Adult Ministries
Fall Programs Start - Week of August 22
Women's GROW AM & PM Kickoff - August 24
Young Adult Ministries
High School Ministry (HSM)
Small Groups - August 3, 10, 17 & 24
Final CU @ the Pool - August 10
Children's Ministries
God's Critters & Company (Ministry-Wide) - August 19
Transformers (Grades 4 & 5)
Splash N Bash! - August 6
Wednesday Night Programs Start - August 24
Children Birth through Grade 3
Early Childhood Promotions - July 31
Wednesday Night Programs Start - August 24
Bethany Learning Center
Summer Day Camp Ends - August 5
Fall Kindergarten Begins- August 15
Summer Preschool Ends - August 19
Meet the Teacher Night - August 25
Fall Preschool Begins - August 29
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