The Ultimate Sacrifice

by Branden: 

It was a cold snowy morning in Central Asia; we had gathered students that had been coming to our English classes from several universities around the city.  The students had the day off for celebrating the Muslim holiday Eid-al-Adha, which is their most honored holiday because it is the day they sacrifice sheep for the forgiveness of their sins they have committed over the past year.

As I walked into our English center I was amazed by all the students that had come that morning to meet with us!  They had two days off for the holiday.  The previous morning we had a "game-day" in order to lighten the mood for what we had planned for this particular morning, when we would be talking to the students about the five languages of love.

When men walk into a room it is cultural to shake all the other men's hands.  As I glanced around the room I recognized all the other guys, except one.  His arms were crossed and he was slouched in his chair with a light blue toboggan on; he seemed as though he had been drug their unwillingly.  I usually approach new people first to make them feel as comfortable as possible; so he was the first person I greeted that morning. 

As I made my way around the room shaking the others hands I ended up at a different table from the new student who had caught my attention.  When we transitioned into the main topic we realized the groups were too big.  After splitting up the groups, I ended up, unintentionally, at the table with the student who I had met earlier.  As we walked through the five different points each person in the group had a chance to share something in the last week where they had shown love or been shown love.  When the time came around to this young man he sad up in his chair and said "You probably won't believe me, but I killed fifty sheep on Sunday for Allah and we gave more than half of the meet away to the poor"

As he sat there in his self righteousness, I began to ask question as if I had no idea about this holiday.  After he finished, I felt the Lord pressing so hard that I couldn't keep my mouth closed when it was my turn to share.  Respect is a big deal here; so my first words were, "I respect what you did and giving to the poor is a great thing." Then I shared how I experienced the forgiveness of my sins on a daily basis because of the ultimate sacrifice for me when Christ hung on the cross and I no longer have to kill sheep to earn my way and favor with God.

Although there was some tension in the air, I was prompted by the Spirit to respond to what this student had said about his faith and forgiveness of sin.  Four students were able to hear about ultimate forgiveness and having a personal relationship with the living God.  Opportunities like these are bringing us closer to all the nations hearing truth.   

MMDR Opportunities!

Every month Mobile Medical Disaster Relief sends teams to Africa or Haiti.  So far MMDR has impacted on several areas accross the world. They focus on helping the oppressed, neglected, and medically vunerable. Currently they are in need of Nurses and Doctors to come on the trips to Haiti each month and have asked for help from Thompson Station.  For those interested in learn about getting involved with MMDR click here:

http://www.mmdr.org/

The Gospel is Worth the Danger

 

Approximatley 57% of all the personnel working for the International Mission Board live and worked in Security Level 3 environments.  (Level 1 is like Canada, Level 3 is like Afghanistan and China). Eric Reese is missionary who lives in a level 1 but his ministry is a level 3. 

Currently Eric Reese is taking many risks by ministering in the slums of Brazil to drug dealers and gang members.  Although he is serving in one of the most dangerous areas, he believes it is worth the cost.  He recognizes what the people need most is to hear the gospel. In this video one man gives a detailed experience of a night with Reese and captures a night where they encountered the leader of a gang.  You won't want to miss his story!  To watch this video and learn more about the work going on in Brazil click here: 

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36672

December Project 61 Prayer Requests

Sumer and the kids are all coming to the States for a few weeks.  Pray for safe travels as they leave on Friday.  Pray the boys will sleep and travel well on the flights.

Pray for Corey while they are away, he will be there alone for three weeks.  He is very grateful to have some good friends at the school that he will spend a lot of time with.

Pray for those who will be working for Project 61 and as they run things while Sumer is away.  Pray that it will be an uneventful three weeks!

Bibles For Africa

During the Global Impact Conference many heard about the lack of Bibles available for African Pastors.  Some are using Bibles that are missing whole chapters or more! Thompson Station church is privileged to partner with African Leadership by providing Bibles for these pastors.

How to Get Involved:

If you are interested in helping our fellow believers accross the world African Leadership would greatly appreciate any Bible donation.  More specifically African Leadership is looking for NIV Study Bibles. If you have bible's to be dropped off and need to be delivered please contact Bill Sullivan at:

Bill Sullivan

African Leadership

Adziwa Sponsorship Coordinator

(615) 533-2402

billy@africanleadershipinc.org

Bibles can also be dropped off at the World Cafe as long as they are labeled to Bill Sullivan and for African Leadership 

There is also a great need for NIV Study Bibles to be translated in several of the National Languages, these can be purchased for $20.00. Checks can be made out to:

African Leadership Inc.

PO Box 2888

Brentwood, TN 37024-2888

Payments can also be made securely online at http://www.africanleadershipinc.org/pastor-training by clicking on the “Donate Now” link and writing “Bibles” in the note box.

African Leadership is a Christian education and development organization that trains pastors and church leaders in Africa and funds relief and development projects in their communities. It is also the parent company of Mocha Club and Refugee Ministry. Currently, African Leadership is training approximately 11,800 students in 22 African countries and is supporting over 50 projects in 9 countries.

 

Global Impact Conference

To learn More Click Here: http://www.thompsonstationchurch.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=29599

First Time Experiences Bring A Burden For The Lost

by Zach Bridges

Wow, words cannot explain what this trip to East Asia taught me.. but I will try.  This was my first time for many different things.  I had never been on a plane and flying both ways was close to 40 hours!  That was an experience but that was not what mattered.  Another new experience was travelling overseas and being among an unreached people group.  I was told ahead of time that this people group was very lost and had little knowledge of the gospel. I knew that there would be people who did not know the name Jesus but, I had no earthly idea that almost EVERYONE did not know his name.

The fact that I had the chance to meet these kids and share what I could with them was a life-changing experience. There were several kids and one teacher that were already believers. One girl particularly stood out to me, for security reasons I will call her B. During an English Corner she pulled out her cross necklace and said " I believe in Jesus and so does my family." When she said that my jaw dropped.. I was honestly in awe. That would have been the last thing that I expected to hear from anyone.

We also had a teacher who had previously heard about Jesus. After several conversations he told us he had many questions about God and the Bible but NO one to answer them.  Although I had hoped to one day return, hearing him express his questions just made me want to stay even more.

Many people often ask after a trip" How many people were saved?"  Honestly, from our trip I have no idea. What does matter is how many seeds were planted in their hearts and how are we going to help in some way to water those seeds to help them grow. I know I'll be back for sure.  When you live in among a group of people that does not know Jesus' name it takes time for people to believe. This is the reason we as followers of Christ should help in some way, shape, or form. It really helped me realize how much I had and how selfish I was and how selfless I need to become. This trip was a life changing experience and I learned a lot. Thank you everyone who could help in any way and thank you to my team as well.

Student Center Opens in Central Asia

From Branden and Annie

Last week we said good bye to some wonderful friends. A group from TSC came and helped work at the student center. Click on the link to watch the video of our work here.  Last week was our official opening of the center. Also last Friday I taught them pumpkin carving. They had never seen it or made jack-o-lanters. We all had a blast! If any of you are interested they are planning trip in 2012 maybe in Feb we will keep you posted.

http://animoto.com/play/iHePDngWmzWFNjXxORc0zg

Blessings

Branden Annie

Be A Warrior

By Steve Chamblee:

Greetings from beautiful Vail, AZ!  

I hope this email finds you completely satisfied in Christ!  God continues to bless us out here in the desert.  Just a couple of weeks ago, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary as a church plant!  It just seems like yesterday that we pulled into Vail with no more than two families and a heart full of a vision from God.  We praise God for all He has done thus far...is doing...and will accomplish in His time for His great name.

In just over 2.5 yrs, we have seen God bring over 100 people to faith in Christ....we have baptized around 70 of those... we have seen many discipled and become potential leaders in His kingdom... we have experienced 2 international mission journeys...and seen many plug into community transformation in Vail, AZ!  We have also seen God provide us with a piece of property that will accommodate what we believe to be His vision of building a community center for Vail.   Speaking of which... one way you can continue to pray for us is that we would be able to pay off the remainder of our debt on the land - approx  $380K... our desire is to pay for this land and begin construction on the community / worship center. 

Several of our men just returned from our 2nd annual men's retreat where the theme was to be a Warrior.  We had 17 of us from Grace join up with 12 from Thompson Station Church  for a men's retreat just north of Tucson, AZ.  Boy did God move!  Below is a brief testimony from one of our guys.  Please continue to pray for us!  And thank you!  We rejoice with you b/c you are part of what God has done and is doing in Vail!  

Testimony: 

It’s amazing how God works. Just a few months ago I thought my marriage was over, my carrier was in shambles, my relationship with my children was anything but good and my walk with God was no where to be found.  He led my wife to Grace Fellowship. A few months after that God changed my work schedule (which I fought).  I no longer had the excuse that I had to work to keep me from going to church.  The moment I walked into the service I was convicted.  I knew that my life was in tatters and that I needed to call out to him.  I spent several of the services holding back tears or fighting with the Holy Spirit, knowing full well I would not win that fight. I knew that I had to make things right with God but I didn’t think I was worthy. I thought that I had strayed to far too ever be able to come back to him.   After a few more weeks I called out to God. He worked through Pastor Steve and Grace Fellowship which led me to repent and begin walking with him again. I didn’t tell anyone at first, pride was and is a monster I continue to battle.  A short time later, 2 weeks to be exact, God put me in a situation where I thought my life, as I knew it, was over. I had confessed my sins to God and to those needed and work things out (a miracle for sure).  God has given me peace and even at work things have gotten a lot better.  He is leading my children to follow God and involving them more and more in Godly functions. He has begun to open doors to other believers in my place of work and given me the opportunity to share with non believers. During this weekend I discovered that I was not giving God his due attention.  My quiet time with God was during my drive to work. While that was better than nothing, (my thinking) it was not what the God of the Universe deserves.  He deserves my full attention and in turn I will be able to receive his will for me with clarity. 

Global Impact Conference

To learn More Click Here: http://www.thompsonstationchurch.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=29599

Project 61: October Prayer Requests

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for the kids as they adjust back to school, and their families as the re-adjust to them being away
• Pray that this year those working with P61 can be very intentional about their counsel and discipleship of the children.

Praises:

• There are over 260 kids at two different boarding schools.  Also there are 70 students in the Bright Hope program and they are almost all sponsored.  Praise the Lord for providing for so many children so that they can further their education! 

Future Trips To Kosovo and Georgia

After returning from a Vision Trip in September, TSC is excited to include Kosovo and Georgia as future short term trips!  TSC hopes to provide these opportunities by partnering with International World Changers.  To learn more about IWC click here: http://thetask.org/iwc
To find out more about the possible trips to Georgia and Kosovo come to the Global Impact Conference November 16-20. 

Simple Gifts Reach Millions

Operation Christmas Child is a worldwide children's project of Samaritan's Purse that uses simple gift-filled shoe boxes to let hurting children know that they are loved and not forgotten. 
To read more about OCC click here:  Fact Sheet
For a list of what to pack click here: OCC Instructions

In 2011, Operation Christmas Child will reach more than 8.5 million children.  This year Thompson Station Church has a goal to collect 1,ooo boxes!  We will be collecting boxes starting October 9th.  All boxes need to be brought by October 30th or to the Fall Festival, October 31st. 

 

Operation Christmas Child began in the United States in 1993 with 28,000 shoe box gifts. Since then, this Samaritan's Purse project has collected and hand-delivered more than 86 million shoe box gifts to needy children in more than 130 countries, including:

• Young earthquake and cholera victims in Haiti (2010)
• Kids in China who were vivtims of the 2008 earthquake (2008 & 2009)
• Young children in the war-torn Republic of Georgia (2008)
• Hurting children stricken by poverty in war-ravaged Sudan (2007)
• Children in Iraq, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries (2006)
• Young survivors of the horrific tsunami in Southeast Asia (2005)
• School children attacked by terrorists in Beslan, Russia (2004)
• Ugandan children devastated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic (2002)
• Children in Honduras and Nicaragua left homeless by Hurricane Mitch (1998)
• War orphans in Kosovo (1999), Bosnia and Croatia (1995-1996), and Rwanda (1994)

A Young Girl In Search of An Answer

Recently members of TSC traveled to Europe to see about possible opportunities of partnering with families serving in European countries.  One man and his family have been faithfully serving in an highly Muslim area.  He has asked for prayer for a young lady who has been asking about Christianity.  Here is an update and prayer request from Georgia:

We have met a young girl who is a Georgian but she practices the Hindu faith. She came over Saturday and we shared with her the message of Jesus Christ. She is in need of prayer as she learns more.  Please read about this young lady and our visit with her at our ministry blog www.tellgeorgia.wordpress.com

Also, we started 4 new Bible groups this Sunday; find out where at www.tellgeorgia.wordpress.com

Report From Summer Guatemala Mission Trip

This past summer a team was able to travel to Guatemala and reflect the love of Christ people of all ages.  They loved on children in an orphanage, helped with a family day at a school, and encouraged local believers in a church.  To read more about this incredible trip click here:  Guatemala Update

Jacklyn Vanderpool... A Fearless Teenager

Jacklyn Vanderpool is an example of what it means to live by faith.  Few would know she is only 17 years old! She has been able to serve God through MMDR to those living in broken places and struggling through extreme poverty.  She is humble, willing to make sacrifices for the kingdom and an example for many. 

To learn more about about how God is usingJacklyn Vanderpool click here
http://laurakurk.com/2011/09/09/live-like-you-believe-with-jacklyn-vanderpool/

To read an article by Jacklyn click here:
KatharosNow

A Reminder Of God's Purpose

By Carrie Grace Congdon

A few weeks ago our group of five returned from our trip to East Africa in partnership with TSC and Project 61.  I wanted to share a little about each day that we spent there. The first day we arrived we went to visit the orphanage which was started by a friend. She explained how bad the conditions were when she first started, how the babies were starving and how they lay in their urine and feces for most of the day because there was no one to wash the diapers and bedding. There was little hope. Then God spoke to her and through her obedience people started donating items and money to bring these children to where they are today. Now most of the babies were very healthy, even chubby with smiles and giggles. 

There was a new baby that had come in the day before, they named him Levi. He was 4 months old and only weighed 6 pounds. He was sick with a terrible cough. I held him for most of the afternoon but it felt like I was holding an empty blanket.  He had an amazing story about how he was found that let us all know that God was using him even in his poor condition. We were blessed to see the work of God.

Saturday we went and met with several other non-profit organizations in the area. It was amazing to see how many different organizations were working with the orphans and widows to try to make their lives better. The most important was their willingness to share the hope and love of Jesus. We were humbled.  

Sunday we attended a local church and had our cups overflow as we experienced the Holy Spirit move in the worship service. It was wonderful to see these people who live in poverty that we cannot imagine, worship with all their hearts. For rows of single young men to sing and sway and cry without concern for what others might think. Oh....how they loved him so!

Monday morning we arrived in another city to find that most of the children had not come to the church due to the pouring rain, so we went to find them instead. We met most of them while walking along the streets and followed them home to see where they lived or were staying while home from the boarding school.  My heart breaks every time I hear one of their stories of  hunger, sickness, and loss. We prayed with each family before we left and heard many thanks for giving their children a future by helping them go to school. These visits are always a favorite of mine because I know God has a plan for each of these people. I am filled with hope and anticipation for what good He will bring to their lives.     

 

Tuesday and Wednesday mornings we spent teaching Bible lessons to the children in the summer camp program. I am amazed that in the year that Project 61 has been influencing how much they know about the Bible and Jesus. Often, when you meet a child for the first time, their first questions is "what is your name?", but the second question is "do you know Jesus?" How I wish that we were more like them.  What if when you met someone new you said, "Hi, my name is Carrie, what's yours? Do you know Jesus?" Isn't that how it should be?  

Thursday morning we traveled to the boarding school, to help the Ordinary Hero team paint and clean in the boys dorm. On Friday we finished painting what we could of the ceilings before the paint ran out, cleaned up and started the road trip back to where we were staying. A protest started so we took a detour.  It was a blessing to see the African landscape from the top of the mountains.  I was reminded of who God is and that He is always there in the big things and in the details. 

Saturday we had to say goodbye to everyone. We talked, played, held hands, kissed cheeks and finally waved goodbye one last time.  God called baby Levi home as we were traveling back to the states.  For a short time I questioned why... but God whispered that His plan was bigger than I can understand. Baby Levi had already made such an impact in his short life that it was time for him to be home in the arms of Jesus. Not my will but yours...

As always the team left part of each of us behind, we learned about God and ourselves and we saw God's plan and purpose being worked out in many ways. We were humbled to get to play a small part and everyone is looking forward to the changes that will occur in our lives as a result of this mission trip. I encourage everyone to listen and be obedient. Your blessings will be abundant! 

Two Teams, Two Trips, One Purpose

Recently a team from TSC returned from a 10 day trip to East Africa.  While there they spent a few days partnering with another team from Ordianry Hero.  Together the teams were able to paint the halls and rooms of a boys dorm at the boarding school.  Although it was a large amount of work they completed all that needed to be accomplished.  Members of Project 61 were also overwhelmed with the generosity of Ordinary Hero after they donated a significant amount of money to help supply the children with school supplies.  Thank you Ordianary Hereo for your support of Project 61!   For more information about these teams and the donation click here. 
http://ordinaryheroblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/our-power-team-in-ethiopia-day-2.html?spref=fb

Fundraiser Opportunity!

By Branden and Annie:

 

Dear Friends,

Our family is doing great and are excited about this short term team that will be coming in October to work with us!  This team will help us launch our new student center, teach English classes, coordinate recreational events and bring supplies. Here is some information on how you can help support our ministry, the team coming in October, and have fun while doing it!

There is a great local event called Sodium in Franklin.  This event will be a blast for the whole family - with live music, face painting, balloon artists, climbing wall, video games and more. Pizza, drinks and desserts will also be for sale. You can attend this event and also help with a fundraiser for the short term team coming in October. We hope that you can make it and thank you greatly for your support! Click here to see more details on facebook about the event:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161940827219088

September Project 61 Prayer Requests

1. The Y family kids will be going back to school the second week of September.   Pray for a smooth transition and that the Y family gets all that needs to be done between now and then.

2. Corey Y has started a new job and is still adjusting to the schedule and work.  Pray for him and the adjustment! 

3. Denae, who has come alongside the Y family to help serve has been a huge blessing.  Pray for someone else who can fill her role in November.  The Y family has grown to love her and it will be difficult when she leaves. 

Philemon House: A Vision Becomes Reality

The Philemon House is ready and soon this house will become a home!  TSC is excited to finally meet the missionaries from East Asia who have arrived and moved in.  The house has been stocked with a few staples for food and baked goodies to give it the final touches. 

This project’s vision was birthed last November and many members of TSC are glad to see an idea come to fruition.   TSC has watched God bless in a mighty way!  Here are some examples of the amount of the work done the past few months.  TSC had $800 of cash donations, $10,000 of goods and supplies, and free labor (we had a number of free professional services-painting, plumbing, HVAC) ranging around $5,000.  It is estimated that TSC's Philemon House was blessed with a benefit of around $15,000 to $20,000!

God gets all the praise and glory for all that has been done.  The family coming this week will hopefully be the first of many more families to come.  TSC's prayer is to bring about a place of “rest” for the many, many missionary families that will occupy this home.  Thank you to all the members who worked tirelessly to accomplish this task! 

Project 61 Ministries Child Sponsorship Program

As many of you know, Thompson Station Church has a child sponsorship program called Project 61.  This ministry started when 3 ladies from our preschool ministry staff (Sumer, Alicia & Angela) went on a mission trip to Africa in January of 2010.  While in Ethiopia their mission team visited children who spent their days searching for food at the landfill in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  It was a life changing moment and Sumer knew that she had found her calling…

From Sumer:  In the trash dump, there are fires burning and ash covers everything including the children. After leaving, God reminded me that in Isaiah 61 He says that He will bring beauty from the ashes. Those verses go on to say “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor.” That is my vision for these children who spend most of their time in the trash dump, and for the 100,000 plus people living in the adjacent community, that their lives would glorify God. That they would be a testament to His promise that He will not leave us as orphans, and that this generation would be a planting of the Lord.

She returned home with a passion and a hope to find sponsors for these children and Project 61 Ministries was born.  By June of 2010, Sumer and Corey sold their house, gave up great jobs, sold all of their possessions and moved with their 3 preschoolers to Africa.  God’s provision was evident in all the details and by September 2010, 250 children had sponsors and were headed to boarding school!  They have spent this last year sleeping in dorms, eating 3 meals per day and receiving a Christian education.

From Sumer:  I am blessed to interact with our sponsored children daily, and the change in their lives and hearts is tremendous.  I cannot imagine a more drastic example of God’s grace than moving from the trash dump to boarding school.  Thank you for loving a child and meeting a need!

The Y Family

Project 61 needs additional sponsors for the 2011/2012 school year and monetary donations to help purchase school supplies.  If you would like to sponsor a child or make a donation, please contact Erin Allen at erin@p61.org. 

Tizita

Lengero

Arizona Church Goes International

By Steve Chamblee: 

 

Greetings from beautiful Vail, AZ!

  

Wow... where do I begin?  God continues to bless and move in our city. As we continue to seek His face and make His name great in this place, He continues to move!  This October we will celebrate our two year anniversary as a church launch. God has certainly brought us a long way from the days of meeting in my living room, next to our garage and now moving to the Vail Middle School. The eleven that began in my living room has grow to an average of 160 meeting on Sunday mornings!  

 

We have seen God gloriously save over a hundred people  and we have had the privilege of baptizing over sixty of those new believers. In fourteen years of ministry experience, I have never seen the hand of God like I have here.  That is an absolute and complete testament to Him...not us!  

 

God has opened the door to a relationship with a church and an orphanage in Naco, Mexico.  Naco is a border town in Mexico which is about 1.5 hours from Vail.  We are working on a partnership with the orphanage and men's alcohol/drug rehab facility.  Working with a local church, we will be seeking to build the orphanage a new building.  The present building is in terrible condition.  The rehab facility wants us to come down on a regular basis and hold worship services for the residents.  There is also some opportunities to do some pastor training for local pastors.  Please be in prayer as we are seeking to extend our boundaries of His influence to Naco.   We have prayed from the beginning that God would weave within the beginning fibers of this church a missional heart.  It is exciting to know that you can drive an hour and be involved in international  missions.

   

We have begun our third semester of connection groups (small groups). We have eight this semester going on during the week.   Our students are now meeting in the library of the High School on Wednesday nights...we believe this new place and time will open new doors for our students.  

 

Please pray for our upcoming men's retreat (Oct 21-22).  I am very excited about our retreat this year!  Our theme is "Warrior"!  Pray for our men!  Continue to pray with us and our vision for a community center. We have leased to purchase 6.2 acres of land.  Our vision is to pay this land off and to construct a community center.  God continues to sharpen this vision.  This fall we will begin a capital drive to pay this land off.  Please pray that God would provide the partners to help us do this.  Thanks for all your prayers and please continue to keep these prayer requests in mind.