Faith, Hope, and Love-and You

April 2013
In This Issue
Praise and Prayer Requests
Tim's Recent Essays and Sermons
An Indispensable Impact
Upcoming Schedule
For Your Reflection

See our ministries and experiences abroad from Jill's artistic vantage point by visiting her photo blog: 
 
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Read the latest news on the crises in Myanmar and  
DR Congo:

Praise God
  1. For the generosity of Alain Kilar who has once again kindly donated a number of finger labyrinths and beautiful labyrinth image postcards for our students around the world in developing countries
  2. For a very meaningful and fruitful time of connection with our colleagues from the Chemin Neuf Community both in worship and in preparation for the Cathedral Retreat in Chartres in April.
  3. For a United Nations Security Council decision to permit U.N. troops to finally take initiative to confront and disarm rebels in the D.R.C.
  4. For a special time of fellowship in Paris with Professor Lévi Ngangura, General Academic Secretary of the Free University of the Countries of the Great Lakes (ULPGL), Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Tim and Lévi in Paris
  5. For blessing on weekly coaching and advising of junior faculty members and other Christian pastors and leaders on location and via the internet 
  6.  For generous and timely donations   
    Praising God in the Congo
     Praising God in the Congo
Pray With Us
  1. For safety, strength, and courage to our partners and others suffering in Eastern Congo, and for peaceful resolution of conflict between rebels and government.
    Rev. Kambere Bolingo leading in prayer
    Rev. Bolingo leading in prayer
  2. For immediate cessation of all violence against Muslims in Myanmar, thousands of whom have been displaced and have had their homes burned, and dozens of whom have been killed.
  3. For peaceful conflict resolution throughout Myanmar, especially in Kachin State, where Kachin soldiers continue to battle government forces
  4. For scholarship funds for numerous faculty members seeking advanced degrees to better serve their seminaries and colleges. For a list of young scholars we know personally, see Jill's blog post, "If You Won the Lottery" 
  5. For Jill to return to full strength after three months of various health issues
  6. For God's blessing on the intensive Spirit-led leader seminary course, April 15-19, at the Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary
  7. For God's blessing on the Chartres Cathedral Retreat, April 29-May 5
  8. For God to protect the at-risk Muslim youth we have been reaching out to in Yangon (due to risks stemming from Buddhist-Muslim conflict throughout the country), and to touch their hearts and that they will want to seek God and want to make constructive changes in their lives
    Hom visit to Dalla
    Muslims and Hindus, living under the same roof, listening to Tim 
     
  9. For two months of intensive, Burmese language training for Tim that begins on April 22 in Yangon 
Tim's Recent Essays and Sermons

In the following essay, Tim talks about what's involved in learning how to listen to and cooperate better with the Holy Spirit from day to day:     

Are you struggling with confusion, doubt or disappointment from actions you've taken that you thought were prompted by God? Read Tim's most recent essay to find clarity and healing in the midst of your uncertainty.
    If you can read French, take a look at the sermon Tim preached on John 10:31-42 for the Chemin Neuf Community at Domes, France.

Missed our recent E-Newsletters? See them via our Archive Webpage!

  

March Edition - Ministry in Myanmar 

 

All Earlier Issues


Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries

 

Board of Directors

 

Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley

 

Mr. Thomas Erickson   

 

Rev. Jill K.H. Geoffrion, Ph.D.

 

Rev. Timothy C. Geoffrion, Ph.D.

   

Mr. Peter Strommen     

 

 

Board of Advisors

 

Mr. Jim Deanovic

 

Mr. Daniel E. Geoffrion 

 

Mr. Timothy Charles Geoffrion  

   

Mr. Ron Hoffman   

 

Mr. John March  

 

Mr. Warren Staley   

 

Mr. Mark Thompson

 

Staff

 

Tim

Timothy C. Geoffrion 

President and Teaching Minister

 

Jill teaching     

Jill K.H. Geoffrion  

Artist and Minister of Hospitality 

    Josias Formal

Josias Hansen  

Assistant to the President    

 

Bar Hso Gay 2
Bar Hso Ghay
Youth Worker and Volunteer Coordinator (Myanmar)

We deeply appreciate your prayers and financial support. We need your ongoing participation to both sustain and expand this important leadership development work.     

 

Thank you!   

 

 
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Greetings!

It's time for prayer. Of course, it's always time for prayer. But right now, many of us have a heightened awareness of major global issues ranging from North Korea's bellicose saber rattling to actual fighting and human suffering in countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. The more we become aware of our own limited power and ability to solve major human problems, the more we may be motivated to do what was needed all along: seriously ask for God's help.

At Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries, we are particularly concerned about what's happening in Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where we are working closely with Christian leaders:

* In Myanmar, Muslim homes are being burned, dozens have been killed, and thousands have been displaced due to rising animosity from Burmese Buddhists, who comprise 89% of the country. Such violence puts at risk the new freedoms in this fledgling democracy, and its rippling affect has already reached the Muslim orphans and street sellers with whom we work in Yangon.
Golden Buddha on Mandalay Hill
Golden Buddha
Mandalay Hill, Mandalay, Myanmar
* In Eastern Congo, the situation continues to be horrific for many thousands of people who are in the direct path of raping, pillaging, and murderous rebels in  small villages. In Goma, others are living in continual tension and fear of another invasion and must cope with ongoing ramifications of the rebels' threatening presence in the region.
Mural Against Sexual Violence
"No to Sexual Abuse and Violence!" (banner translated)
Goma, DRC
We need God's intervention. We always have, and always will, but at times like these we become more aware than ever of our dependence on God. We need the Holy Spirit to counter the forces of evil and to defend the powerless, the widow, and the orphan. The indigenous Christian leaders need wisdom, strength, and resources to respond effectively to these crises and to bring the light and love of Christ to those who who are suffering---- Christian and nonChristian.
Widow and orphans, Goma, DRC 2011
Widow with children orphaned from violence in Eastern Congo
Will you pray with us? Would you pick one or more of these prayer concerns, or take one from the prayer request list in the left hand column, and commit yourself to pray every day for the next 30 days? You may not be able to travel with us, but your prayers are needed and do make a difference.

Thank you for partnering with us as we come alongside Christian leaders in some very troubled areas in the world. God continues to bless our ministries on many different levels, but so much more is needed to spread the Gospel and build up the church.

 

Serving Christ with you,

 

Tim Geoffrion

President and Teaching Minister

 

"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well."

-2 Timothy 2:2, NRSV

An Indispensable Impact

Pastors and students who have been impacted by Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries often will write to us with excitement and gratitude for giving them an opportunity to grow in their leadership and faith. One of Tim's students at the Myanmar Institute of Theology recently wrote:

"I don't think that I can forget your encouraging words, your commitment and your friendly manner.  I would like to say thank you for giving me brotherly love and care. And then, fatherly guidance that you gave me is unforgettable and indispensable. I am very proud of being your student."

These types of messages act as an inspiration for us to push forward and continue to equip leaders to serve Christ more effectively. However, we cannot do this work alone. Those who feel led by God to be part of Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries must come together to ensure that the work continues and is able to respond to growing number of requests and needs.

As we prepare to conduct ministry in Ukraine, France, and Myanmar this Spring  
would you please consider making a tax-deductible donation at this time? Every dollar is used wisely and intentionally to accomplish the task Christ has given us.  Click the "donate" button below to learn about the various options for contributing. Thank  you!

Serving Christ together,  
 
Josias Hansen 
Assistant to the President
Josias Pic 1









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We greatly appreciate your support.

THANK YOU!
 
Upcoming Schedule (April-June 15)
  • Kiev, Ukraine (Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary)
  • Chartres, France (Chartres Cathedral, Chemin Neuf Spiritual Retreat) 
  • Yangon, Myanmar (Burmese language training for Tim, and leadership coaching)

Visit our online Program Calendar in order to follow our activity throughout the year.  


 For Your Reflection
 
View from the Hautecombe Abbey in France
From Haute Combe Abbaye, Eastern France 
  
Take a moment to contemplate this photo.

What comes to your mind?

 
What speaks to your heart?

What prayer comes to your lips?  



Photo Gallery 
Tim and Father Adam Strojney
Meeting with Fr. Adam Strojny
Chemin Neuf Community Head of Ecumenical Relationship

Haute Combe, France

Tim preaching at Dombes
Tim preaching at Domes Abbaye
(Link to the sermon in French in left hand column) 

Zawgyi in Thailand
Worship of Nats and Zawgyis predates Buddhism in Myanmar and Thailand
 
Professor Lévi Ngangura studying in Paris
Professor Lévi Ngangura, ULPGL, DRC
Studying in Paris