Pray with Us
Giving Thanks:
Life-changing time for 55 pastors, theological students and leaders, and to congregations in 4 house churches, over 10 days, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
New vision and strategies for more adequately training pastors for the Baptist Church in Vietnam.
Slow, but continued, recovery for Jill after her pulmonary embolism on November 4, 2010. (You can read the story of what happened to her, and some of Tim's spiritual reflections on the experience at the following link: "To Live or to Die?") We have a new, part-time administrative assistant. Welcome Alice Loddigs! New volunteers are emerging to help in significant ways as well: · Ken Geoffrion (Photo Journal Project--Ukraine) · Andrew Lonsbury (Intern) · Potential co-worker to assist with the 2011 Africa Mission coming up (June) . Prayer Needs:
Complete healing for Jill over the coming months. She will make the trip back to France in April, Lord willing, but will only help with programs in France for this spring.
Significant learning, spiritual growth, and increased leadership capacity for students Tim will teach at the Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary, April 18-22.
Life-changing spiritual experiences for French participants during a four day spiritual retreat in the Chartres Cathedral, held in collaboration with the Chemin Neuf Community, May 12-15. New insight, vision, wisdom, and focus for archdeacons in the Shyira Diocese when Tim teaches and coaches these leaders in Musanze, Rwanda, June 1-3.Depth of scriptural and practical understanding for Congolese students and pastors as a result of Tim's course, "Philippians for Pastors," to be held in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 6-10. Successful launch of a Young Leaders Development Program in Vietnam--English, theological education, and ministry training for 8 promising young men and women under the guidance of Pastor Quoc with assistance from Tim.
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Jill's Website
Tim's books and web articles
...offer insights and practical advice to help you to grow spiritually and to serve Christ more effectively. Please feel free to download or share the articles and sample chapters from Tim's books with others.
Would you like to be notified each time a new article is posted? Just write "add me" in the subject line in an email to
tim.geoffrion@fhlglobal.org
See FaceBook Photos of Vietnam! Simply sign in to FaceBook, and search for "Faith, Hope and Love Global Ministries." Look for 2011 Vietnam Mission on the wall. 
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Select Photos 2011 Vietnam Mission
 
Board of Directors Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley Rev. Jill K.H. Geoffrion, Ph.D. Rev. Timothy C. Geoffrion, Ph.D. Mr. Mark Thompson
Board of Advisors Mr. Thomas Erickson Mr. Ron Hoffman Mr. John March  Tim and Jill Geoffrion
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Greetings!
Just 10 years ago in Vietnam, even meeting with foreigners to talk about the Bible and the church would have been impossible. This Communist country of 87 million people, 10 million of which are in Ho Chi Minh City alone (formerly Saigon), expelled all missionaries in 1975. Slowly, the government began to open to the West again in 1985. However, persecution of Christians has diminished only within the past decade.
 (Ho Chi Minh City typical street scene)
Up until recently, if I were caught teaching or preaching in the country, I would have been promptly deported. My hosts would have risked imprisonment or worse. However, three years ago, after several decades of worshiping underground, the Baptist Church of Vietnam finally received official permission to legally hold worship services. 
(Tim preaching at a house church)
Now, out of hiding, their first priority is to train the 150 pastors that serve its 500 house churches and 32,000 members. The Baptist church has no seminary and must rely on lectures imported from the U.S. for basic theological education. Korean missionaries teach a modified four year B.A. program. A smattering of American Baptist pastors and missionaries offer a modest, fledgling "Masters" program. So much still is needed.
(Tim teaching Spirit-Led Leader course)
To help address the great need for higher level, systematic theological education, I taught the intensive, 40 hour, Spirit-Led Leader course and lectured on discipleship. We translated our 63 page Student Guide into Vietnamese, introduced new spiritual practices, utilized small groups, and created a week long combination of spiritual retreat and workshop. Many individuals experienced God working in new and significant ways during the week:
"The students are active and willing to share their ideas-I've never seen anything like it in the other classes held here at the training center." (Pastor Quoc)
"I have never experienced the word of God in my heart the way I did today." (28 year old theological student, Luc)
"I feel the Holy Spirit leading me to start a new church."
 (Pastor sharing what he learned during the week)
On the final day of the course, many men and women stood up to express their gratitude. They also talked about what they learned during the course.
"I realize now how important a strong relationship with God is for a leader."
"I never knew how much I needed to practice silence."
"I learned about the importance of listening to God and to others."
"I learned what it means to be satisfied."
"I want to take my vision to others [as soon as possible]."
"I learned that, as a pastor, I don't have to take sides in a conflict between parishioners. Rather, I can help them to get together to resolve their problems themselves."
"Thank you. This course has been a wonderful gift to me."
(Tim coaching the Rev. Giam Khanh Nguyen)
While in Vietnam, I also coached Rev. Giam, General Secretary of the Baptist Church, who told me: "We are so grateful for all you did for us this past week.... Please help me in creating strategies for pastoral training for the next 10 years."
Already, we have been invited back again next year. I plan to teach New Testament Theology and will work with the newly created Young Leaders Development Program. Jill and I will also create a weekend retreat for pastors and spouses to address a significant felt need among Christian couples in ministry.
For those of you who are praying and giving financially to support Faith, Hope and Love Global Ministries. thank you. We are deeply grateful for your partnership with us.
Serving Christ with you,
Tim Geoffrion, President and Teaching Minister
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You can help! Pastors, theological students, and other church leaders "The Spirit-Led Leader" leadership training course Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, March 2011 Click here to contribute or to learn how you can join the ministry support team by making a tax-deductible donation to Faith, Hope and Love Global Ministries.
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For Your Inspiration and Reflection
Prayerfully gaze at this image taken during a worship service held at a house church in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Just 3 years ago, this service would have been illegal, and the pastors subject to arrest and imprisonment.
What do you notice?
What do you feel?
What is God communicating to you?
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Chartres Contemplative Pilgrimage September 26-October 2, 2011
This spiritual retreat is designed for English speaking Christians who feel a strong yearning to draw near to God and to listen for the Spirit's voice in an extended, week long format in France. Set in the extraordinary, worshipful Chartres Cathedral, join us if you are eager to meet with God and to be transformed by Jesus Christ.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL RUNS THROUGH APRIL 15
Click here for more information
or to sign up!
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