Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SE 2020unleashed Digital
SE 2020unleashed Digital
Contents
10 Enemies and Friends
A Racial Reconciliation Story
18 Social Distancing
Everyday Life for an
Isolated Missionary
22 3Thirds
A Simple and Effective Tool
for Discipleship
26 Open Doors
How the Shutdown in Greece
Multiplied the Church
46 Late-Life Missionaries
Dunlaps Faithfully Work
in Field a Second Time
southeastchristian.org
One of the great encouragements to me in the midst of such a strange time has
been the clear evidence that none of this has caught God off guard. We have seen
again and again how God went before us; in fact, this is one of the ways God is
described in the Old Testament. He is the God who goes before you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Isaiah 45:2 says, “I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break
down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.”
As a church, we believe that there is no mountain that God can’t level. So, we
look back on this last year, and it seems there in front of us was one mountain
after another—the mountains of financial uncertainty, physical disease, and
racial division. Mountains of social distancing and family tensions. Mountains
of addiction and isolation, and even when we look ahead it seems like the path in
front of us is mountain after mountain.
But we worship the God who goes before us and levels the mountains. It’s not
just that He gives us strength to overcome the mountains—He levels them. He
is the way maker, the miracle worker, and the mountain leveler. This book is a
celebration of the ways that God has gone before us in 2020. It’s a reminder of all
that He has done and a proclamation of hope for Him to use us to do it again.
My prayer is that this book would empower the full force of the church to be
unleashed to love people one at a time. As followers of Jesus, may we never hold
back the sails when the wind is moving, may we never limit Him to our personal
preferences, and may we never put out the Holy Spirit’s fire.
Kyle Idleman
Senior Pastor
Southeast Christian Church
5
2020 Missions
Giving Impact
Each of you should
give what you
have decided in
your heart to give,
not reluctantly or
under compulsion,
for God loves a
cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
2020 Missions Giving Im
MISSIONARIES
17
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS
Local Churches 16
Local Organizations 45
Local Missionaries 18
LOCAL
60
ORGANIZATIONS
National Churches
13 National Organizations 15
National Missionaries 17
INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS
International Churches 4
International Organizations 32
8 International Missionaries 64
10
BE THE BRANCH
Enemies
and Friends
A Racial Reconciliation Story
I
nitially, Randy Stinnett resisted depression. I’d traded everything
joining the white supremacist that mattered for another high. The
gang at Northpoint Training only way to deal with something like
Center near Danville, KY, mostly that is by hating other people.”
because he didn’t want to shave his
head. But he changed his mind one Dave Thomas first saw Randy at Green
day when he was unpacking a care River Correctional Complex in 2010. He’d
package in his cell and three Black heard about Randy from other inmates.
prisoners attacked him and stole new As a Black man, he knew their paths
t-shirts and socks. “That was it,” Randy should not cross. He didn’t know that
said. “I told them to sign me up.” God was already working in Randy’s life.
Former enemies Dave Thomas and Randy Stinnett find common ground in Christ.
11
Continued from page 11
Of course, trying to follow Jesus didn’t mean violent prison in the U.S., it helps dads behind
there were no obstacles. “I definitely had a bars take responsibility and break the cycle of
major issue with white people,” Dave said. incarceration. He learned that his children
“I felt a lot of them were against me. I would were seven times more likely to end up
hear the term ‘the white man is the devil’ and incarcerated because he was, unless he could
felt a lot of white people were operating more make dramatic changes.
like the devil. That they were a stumbling
block to the African-American race.” Randy was alone in his cell the day he hit
bottom. He didn’t know much about faith, but
But while he was in prison, Dave began to he got down on his knees and prayed. “God,
look beyond skin color. “I saw that they were please give me something I can see the end of,”
lost. They didn’t have a relationship with he began. “If You help me survive prison, I’ll live
God,” he said. “I knew Randy’s gang was led my life for You.”
by hate. I saw them out in the prison yard,
doing what they do—mostly intimidating Making Changes
people, selling drugs, and gambling. I knew
Despite Randy’s new-found hope, there
I could not have a conversation with him.”
was another reality to consider: he was still
leading a gang.
While Dave was hanging out with his “God
gang,” an inmate asked Randy to try the Malachi
“I realized that the same people who followed
Dads program. Started in Angola, the most
me to hell would follow me to heaven if I had the
12
BE THE BRANCH
“I hated courage to lead them “Jesus is the key to racial harmony,” Dave said.
there,” Randy said. “I want to be the person who is hard to hate.
everybody, “So I started using my The greatest commandment is to love the Lord
but on the influence to lead men your God with all your heart, soul, and mind
inside, I hated in the right direction.” and love your neighbor as yourself. Start with
the one person you know. Loving your neighbor
myself. I was
His life changed so is the most powerful thing you can do. Only
filled with drastically from that Christ’s love will bring reconciliation.”
sadness, time on that Randy
was given parole
pain, and
the first time he was
depression.” eligible. He didn’t
Learn More
take that second
chance lightly. Before his release, Randy The work of the Spirit is always calling us to greater
became involved with Southeast’s Mission unity, not greater uniformity. We’ve not been called
Partner, Prodigal Ministries, a faith-based to look like one another, we’ve been called to look
prison care program for men and women. like Jesus. We pray that the Holy Spirit would work
in us so that we would be a church that reflects
After his release, Randy moved into the the fullness of God through both our diversity and
Prodigal house in La Grange, where he simultaneous unity. To learn more about how to
went to Bible studies, counseling, met with engage in the work of racial reconciliation, Senior
a mentor, and began attending worship Pastor Kyle Idleman wants to recommend the
services at Southeast’s Crestwood Campus. book One Blood by Dr. John Perkins, an incredible
He got married and began raising a family. pastor who has devoted his life to this work.
At a Prodigal fundraiser in 2018, Randy told his
story. Dave was in the audience, and after the Prayer Requests
testimony, he made his way to the stage. Both
• P raise God for being the source of all
men were different people than they had been
true healing, hope, and reconciliation.
during their days behind bars. Dave is a pastor.
Randy owns his own plumbing company. Both • P ray that God will bring healing, restoration,
are members of Southeast Christian Church. and reconciliation as His people learn to listen
and grow with one another toward His love.
In that first conversation, Randy told Dave
about burying his newborn baby boy, • A sk God to use people, programs,
about mentoring other young men leaving and ministries to break chains and
prison, and about chasing after Jesus. unhealthy cycles of sin and consequences
He asked Dave to meet him for lunch. in the lives of His people.
13
GRIP THE PLOW
BE THE BRANCH
15
BE THE BRANCH
Visiting speaker Albert Tate and Associate Pastor Matt Reagan engage with the SE Online community.
months, the digital team further honed their As the church moved online and away from
craft, adding more platforms and incorporating meeting in person, SE Online emerged on the
new technology to improve the user experience. frontlines of that transition. Online viewership
jumped more than tenfold overnight. A ministry
More important than the technological
that might have seemed like a luxury suddenly
advancements, however, were the relational
became a necessity. Though the church never
lessons the team learned. Connecting with
changed, the way we approached church had to
people isn’t always easy. It’s even more of a
be adapted.
challenge when you’re doing it across a computer
screen. Still, the SE Online team made it a point The transition to online ministry came with its
to keep relationship as their number one priority. fair share of challenges, but also brought some
SE Online Pastor Stephen Puricelli remembered, amazing opportunities. For Stephen, the greatest
“We learned a lot in those early days about what of these is how this season has refocused the
it looks like to engage people online and value church on mission. “Following Jesus is more than
them one at a time.” worshipping together in a building. Following
Jesus has so much to do with what we do while
16
BE THE BRANCH
of their local churches, they found a quick home week. No matter how ministry will continue to
within our digital family. The Bromleys’ journey grow and evolve in the seasons ahead, the goal
has taken them from viewers to participants will always remain the same: Connecting people
to leaders of an online group. They may be to Jesus and one another.
hundreds of miles from our campuses, but they
are united with us in mission.
17
Social Distancing
Everyday Life for an Isolated Missionary
solation often felt like my closest While studying the Word, Courtney learned
companion in the remote jungle that Jesus was a brother to her, taking on
location where I served for 11 years,” human flesh and emotions. He knows the
Courtney remembered from her experience as loneliness deep inside, He understands the
a missionary with her family in Southeast Asia. struggle with temptation, and He feels the
pains of this life. He offered comfort in His
During long nights, Courtney searched to
words in John 16:33, “In this world you will
understand the pain of human suffering and
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome
loneliness in her relationship with God. As the
the world.”
mosque call punctured the silence of her room,
she longed for a closeness with the Father. In As Courtney wrestled with loneliness, she was
the midst of her loneliness and desperation, continually reminded that God is with her and
she turned to Scripture for guidance. She knew has made her human home His home. Paul said
her priority was to connect with the Father. it well in 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don’t you know
18
BE THE BRANCH
that you yourselves are God’s temple and that remain in the vine.” She has remained in Him,
God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” not just in the intimate quiet time of Scripture
reading, but also in the communal body of
Whether Courtney is serving as a field worker
Christ. “Just as God lives in me, He also dwells
in another country or quarantining at her home
in the Christian brothers and sisters around
in the U.S., she knows that the Lord is dwelling
me,” Courtney reflected. She and her husband
inside her.
now regularly walk with, encourage, and care
for other field workers. What a beautiful picture
In Trials and Suffering
of God’s transforming work through Courtney’s
Being cross-cultural workers, Courtney and her surrender of her experience as a cross-cultural
family have faced crisis after crisis, from medical worker! May this be a reminder that the presence
evacuations to interrogations and flash floods. of God is within us, even through the depths of
Courtney recalls a particularly difficult event loneliness and the struggles of crisis.
concerning her son, who was napping upstairs.
As she prepared dinner, she suddenly heard a
loud crash. Concerned for her son’s safety, she
rushed upstairs only to see that, miraculously,
Learn More
debris from the ceiling had fallen everywhere If God is drawing your heart to the nations, learn
except his crib. It was as if a protective shield more at southeastchristian.org/missions/go.
had been laid as a barrier, leaving him unscathed
from harm. When she reflected on that moment, Prayer Requests
Courtney was drawn back to the presence
• P raise God that even when we are alone, He is
and powerful protection of the Lord. She was
enough to sustain and supply our needs!
reminded of God’s mighty control and the power
He holds in our lives. • P ray that God would sustain Courtney and
her husband as they continue to catalyze
In the stringent circumstances of life abroad,
the advancement of God’s Kingdom through
coupled with the struggle of loneliness as a field
training and equipping disciples among
worker, Courtney has continued to seek the Lord
unreached peoples.
in all things. She has sought to be the branch
through deeply abiding in the presence of Jesus. • Ask God to empower and encourage the local
believers in the midst of the persecution they
John 15:4 says, “Remain in me, as I also remain
face as a result of their faith.
in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must
19
New in 2020
See, I am doing a
new thing! Now it
springs up; do you
not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:19
New in
2020 Community Church
BABYLON, NY
City Church
CINCINNATI, OH
Through the
congregation’s generosity, Nation
Southeast is continuing 3 Church Pla
to help meet felt needs Renaissance Church
BOSTON, MA
1 Partner
wholistically in order
to make disciples and
connect people to Jesus.
GO Ministries
DOMINICAN REPUBLI
Dwight Gwinn Jennifer Roberts
FCA Barren Heights
CROSSROADS
MISSIONS LOUISVILLE
h
Helping Hands of Hope
ELIZABETHTOWN
Local
Highpoint Charitable Services
LA GRANGE
2 Missionaries
nal 6 Partners
ants Lifehouse Maternity Home
LOUISVILLE
Maya Collection
LOUISVILLE
International
5 Missionaries Veteran’s Club
2 Partners
Remaining missionaries are not named
LOUISVILLE
18
BE THE BRANCH
3Thirds
A Simple and Effective Tool for Discipleship
W
hat was started by two faithful
men five years ago in a small room approach allows for
at Southeast Christian Church
has grown to encompass 329 groups—70 at personal, Christ-like
Southeast—with more than 1,447 members
worldwide in attendance weekly.
growth and a deep dive
23
BE THE BRANCH
By studying God’s Word and holding one another that, had the church there not had the training
accountable, members are able to experience and the small group option available, they would
abundant life and the fullness of joy, as it is have had to close their doors like many of their
recognized this comes through obedience to neighboring churches.
God’s Word.
By employing the 3Thirds model and tenants,
the leaders in Brazil saw growth and renewed
3Thirds in Brazil hope. One church formed groups out to the third
In the Spring of 2020, before the COVID-19 generation in a matter of mere months. For them,
pandemic, leaders from Louisville’s 3Thirds team living the Word out and bearing fruit through
were able to go to Brazil and train leaders in the 3Thirds has been a life-changing reminder that the
Amazon to reach the unreached tribes as Christ Gospel still stands—even when the world seems to
commanded, as well as to train local pastors and be falling apart.
churches in the DMM process.
3Thirds at a Glance
12 local churches
329 groups
43 international churches
24
BE THE BRANCH
Learn More
If you are interested in joining the 3Thirds Disciple
Making Movement, text CONNECT to 733733 or find us
on southeastchristian.org/groups.
Prayer Requests
• Praise God for the abundant harvest
already created through 3Thirds!
More than
Open
Doors
How the Shutdown in Greece
Multiplied the Church
S
outheast volunteer Charles McKibben first
visited Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel
(AMG), Southeast’s Mission Partner in Greece,
in early 2016. On his last day, they made the hour-
long trip from the Athens area to the southern tip of
Greece. His hosts explained that he would not see an
evangelical church that day. At the time, there were
only 350 evangelical churches, with 30,000 members,
in all of Greece. The country’s 11 million people are
overwhelmingly Orthodox, and evangelical small
groups or home churches were not easily started.
26
BE THE BRANCH
Southeast joined the partnership to help open a Political tensions caused the flow of refugees
relief center in the port area. Laundry facilities, both in and out of Greece to virtually stop.
hot showers, and internet access were a big Those in Athens were now being given
draw, but primarily the center offered a safe permanent refugee status and other European
place to gather. There was even childcare. countries were no longer accepting them.
For many of the refugees, most of whom The relief ministry was quickly replaced
were Muslim, this would be their first with Homespot, a ministry center offering
face-to-face encounter with Christians. basic language and life-skill classes. Among
It was an ideal opportunity to give them other services, Homespot provided much-
a favorable impression. There were many needed help with the paperwork required for
questions and discussions about faith and housing, financial assistance, and immigration.
Christianity and the opportunity to connect. The biggest attraction, though, was van
rides to the different government offices.
These could be an hour long and provided
Although these refugees were “in transit”
uninterrupted time to share the Gospel
and moved through Athens fairly quickly,
and offer refugees a connection to God.
volunteers had the opportunity to introduce
the Gospel and follow up with some individuals
after they moved on. Mostly the prayer was Through these efforts, a regional worship
for the refugees to leave Athens open to service became multi-ethnic. It was normal
further discussions as they encountered to have people from two dozen countries in
Christians down the road. The volunteers attendance with translation into five or six
recognized their primary influence was languages. There was even a children’s choir and
to prayerfully intercede and connect to a special Arabic-language family camp. Bible
the Father on the refugees’ behalf. discussion groups began and grew rapidly.
The circumstances then shifted again.
Growth Through Distancing and the team had lunch and discussed the
dream of planting evangelical churches
The next shift was dramatic—the COVID-19
in this region. Now, in houses throughout
pandemic. All of Greece shut down immediately.
the region, groups gather for worship
No more large worship services in many
together and reach others electronically.
languages. No more classes. People could only
leave their homes for a limited list of specific
errands, and even then, they had to register The team in Greece has seen that
with the government when they went out. connecting with the Father has led to
impact they couldn’t have known to ask
for. The results are something only God
Like in the U.S., contact was limited to
could have accomplished. They’re just
electronic meetings with smaller groups.
following His lead and holding on!
Bible discussions could continue online and
regular meetings began to be held in various
homes, providing the opportunity to prioritize
connection over production. A few relief visits
to distribute food and other necessities were Learn More
allowed and provided brief times of fellowship. To keep up-to-date on short-term trips that serve
partners like AMG, text Mission Trip to 733733.
God’s plan wasn’t limited by government You can also get involved with refugees in our
restrictions. His work continued on His area with ministries like Hope Collaborative
schedule. The enemy may have intended (hopeccd.org) and Refuge (refugeintl.org).
gets individual attention and the ability to Gospel in Greece, that the seed planted grows
participate by prayer, learning, and discussion. into new and multiplying faith in their lives.
•A
sk God to equip and sustain the new
Remember the original dream for this area believers in Greece as the church continues
of Greece? The Homespot refugee center to multiply in that region and beyond!
is only a few blocks from where Charles
29
BE THE BRANCH
Pruning and
Purification
Encounter Online
Provides Platform
for Growth
T
he image painted through the words
of Jesus in John 15 is one of growth— Through Encounter Online, hundreds of
a deep inner work that produces a individuals were able to participate in Support
beautiful sweet fruit that reflects the goodness and Recovery groups over the three-and-a-half
of the Father. This is fruit the participants months of in-home quarantine. A large number
in Encounter know well. In the Encounter of these individuals, some of whom had never
community, any fruit reflects the strength stepped foot in a Southeast campus, continued to
and resilience it takes to endure the painful stay connected as Encounter began regathering in
“pruning and purification” necessary to remain in the first week of July.
relationship with Jesus and one another.
This community exemplifies what it means to do
the painful inner work required to stay connected
Encounter is a community of
to the life-giving, fruit-producing power of Jesus. people seeking healing and
hope through prayer, worship,
Encounter is a community of people seeking
healing and hope through prayer, worship,
testimonies, teaching, and
testimonies, teaching, and support and support and recovery groups.
recovery groups.
30
Through Encounter Online, hundreds of individuals were
able to participate in Support and Recovery groups over
the three-and-a-half months of in-home quarantine.
31
Catch
The
Wind
Acts 2, John 3:8
New Community
Campuses
Holy Spirit Moving in Diverse Neighborhood
That is Beechmont.
Truly Present
Cliff and Heather Beach love people. They love
being with people, to form friendships, to sit
and listen—to be present. And they love to help.
What started as a Summer outreach to help
newly-arrived refugees primarily from war-torn
Syria learn English over time grew into real,
deep, solid friendships. The kind of friendships
where someone calls and invites you over for
dinner on the spur of the moment, and you say,
“Yes.” The kind of friendships where you rejoice
when they rejoice over the birth of a new child,
and you mourn when they mourn over sickness
and the death of a loved one. That’s what Cliff
and Heather developed.
34
Beechmont truly is a home to many
languages and cultures from all
over the world. And it is where the
Holy Spirit has been moving.
were truly going to be present with their new A community campus. The SE Beechmont
friends, they were going to need to move. So, Community Campus.
following the Spirit, they did.
So, as Cliff and Heather continue to love on
their friends, sharing life with them and
A New Kind of Campus
telling them about Jesus as opportunities
In the meantime, God was leading Southeast to present themselves, the SE Beechmont
establish a new kind of campus—a community Community Campus is also looking for
campus. A campus focused on community opportunities to follow God’s leading in
transformation and geared toward groups reaching out to the community.
of people who encountered cultural barriers
in attending one of the church’s existing
regional campuses.
35
CATCH THE WIND
Tiny Homes,
Big Possibilities
More Than a Place to Live in Shelby County
T
ime seems to move quickly when you their areas of service to their local heroes.
are in the midst of doing ministry. That is when ministry began to move quickly.
Catching the wind sometimes happens
sooner than we might think. That is so
true for Dr. Pippin—or Doc, as he is fondly
A Sense of Home
referred to by many who know him—and a On October 1, 2019, ground was broken for
small group of fellow veterans serving the the Veterans Village, a small plot of land for
Shelby County community. This group of six tiny homes. Fast forward to October 1,
men founded Veteran’s Rural Outreach (VRO) 2020 and the first person moved into one of
and brought their vision of the Veterans the six finished homes. When you step on
Village to Awake Ministries, whose board and the grounds of this village, you get a sense
leadership embraced the ideas of expanding of home. Although the roads still need to be
36
CATCH THE WIND
The Veterans Village features six tiny homes that, through a partnership with Awake Ministries, help veterans in
the Shelby County community achieve self-sustainability.
paved and the Community Center is a well- When you while Doc was walking
thought-out plan moving toward completion, the grounds, he heard a
step on the
the feeling of true transformation in the lives loud noise. As he moved
of the men and women living there is obvious. grounds of closer, he saw a small
this village, group of men and their
John (not his real name) agrees. He is one of motorcycles planted in
you get a
the first residents and knows he still has many front of the building
challenges ahead of him. He also knows that sense of discussing the days they
God is faithful. He is proof the village is not home. used to visit The Palace.
just a place to live. It’s the partnership between Doc shared with them
the Veterans Village and Awake Ministries his dream of having a Community Center in
as they stand in the gap with wraparound the building where veterans could gather to
services for these men and women who gave hear the Gospel and get the help they needed.
so much that will help him achieve his goal When leaving, one of the men asked what he
of self-sustainability in the near future. needed. Doc mentioned TVs for the homes and
a projector and screen for movie nights at the
Also on the property is a building that used to Community Center. The next morning all of
be The Palace—a local nightclub where, as Doc the items were ordered and ready for delivery,
would say, “nothing good happened.” One day courtesy of the guys on the motorcycles!
37
CATCH THE WIND
One of the veterans who helped found Veteran’s Rural Outreach, Dr. Pippin—or Doc, as he is known to many—is pictured with
his granddaughter on the porch of one of the tiny homes.
Community Engagement
Awake Ministries and VRO are catching the wind
at every turn of this journey. One of their main
goals is to continue to engage community churches
to help with counseling, Bible studies, worship
nights, and fellowship at the Community Center.
38
CATCH THE WIND
Learn More
To learn more about Awake Ministries and the
Veterans Village, including how you can help,
visit awakeky.org. To take a mission trip, even
a local one, text MISSION TRIP to 733733.
Prayer Requests
• P raise God for the six homes being completed
in such a short time, allowing residents to move
in and relationships to begin being developed.
FLOYD
COUNTY
48
20
11
47 34
21 25
26
42 7 5 38 40
3
12 5 35
27 41
15 37
44 9 22
13 46
6 13
10 24
14
4 39
17
HARRISON 8
28 2
COUNTY
1
45
1 Antioch Church
2 Bethlehem Baptist, African Service
3 City Church Inc.
4 Evangelical Church for Winning All
5 Fountain of Faith
6 Greater First Timothy Church
7 Greater New Beginnings
8 Kentucky Myanmar Christian
9 Liberty Tabernacle
10 Mt. Hermon Baptist Church
11 Nomad Church
12 Portland Memorial Missionary Baptist
13 Senda de Luz
14 Taylorsville Community Church
15 True Believers
16 Victory Christian Center
15
7
31
16 9
OLDHAM
COUNTY 19
33 36
29
1 ALC Shelbyville
2 ALC Shepherdsville
3 Awake Ministries
4 Barren Heights
5 BsideU for Life
6 Choices New Albany
7 Clarity Elizabethtown
8 Crossroads Missions Office
9 Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center
16 11 12
10 Elevate Dance Ministry
18 30
1 11 Endeavor Office
32
10 12 FCA Metro Louisville Office
4 3
13 FCA UofL
8
14 Friends of International Students
15 Helping Hands of Hope
16 HighPoint Charitable Services
17 Hope Collaborative - Hope Place
18 Hope Collaborative - Public Schools Office
19 Hope Health Clinic
20 Hope Southern Indiana
21 Hosea’s House
22 Ignite the Ville
23 Isaiah’s House
24 KY Racetrack Chaplaincy
25 Lifehouse Maternity Home
26 Love City
27 Love Thy Neighborhood Office
28 Maya Collection
14 29 M.E.R.C.Y.
30 MCLA Clinic (various locations)
31 Mission Hope for Kids - Elizabethtown
32 Operation Care and Mercy Medical
33 Operation Parent
34 Portland Promise Center
35 Priscilla’s Place
36 Prodigal Crestwood
37 Prodigal Louisville
38 Re:Center Louisville
Legend
39 Refuge
40 Scarlet Hope House
Local Local
Mission Partner 41 Scarlet Hope Office
Partners Churches 42 Shawnee Christian Health Clinic
43 Shively Area Ministries
44 The Fuller Center
45 Veteran’s Club
23
46 Young Life Office
Southeast also 47
48
Youth for Christ, City Life
Youth for Christ - Southern Indiana
supports 18 Not pictured on the map:
families or Choices Corydon
Choices Salem
individuals Clarity Radcliff
Lifeline Christian Mission - Westerville, OH
as local Mission Hope for Kids - Leitchfield
Mission Hope for Kids - Radcliff
missionaries!
CATCH THE WIND
Shelby County Campus Pastor Max Semenick speaks during a worship service at Gallrein Farms
this past September.
CATCH THE WIND
Those attending the service at Gallrein Farms lift up their voices in worship.
Southeast initially focused on creating activity Having local programming made it easier for
among those folks, giving them opportunities— those connected to Southeast to invite their
from small groups to working with local Mission unconnected family, friends, neighbors, and
Partners—to engage with one another while co-workers. “We definitely saw that among
participating in Kingdom work. students,” Max said.
A key point came about three years ago when Feeling the unmistakable stirring of the Holy
The Brick Room in downtown Shelbyville Spirit, Southeast in late 2019 announced the
offered space so Southeast could host a local Shelby County Campus and that Max would
Man Challenge group. “That really turned the serve as the Campus Pastor. The campus—
corner from just kind of a loose connection of located in a former Tractor Supply Co. store
Southeast people to really an engine where we at 196 Midland Boulevard in Shelbyville—is
could start equipping people and turning out expected to open in late Spring.
leaders,” Max said.
“We feel like we have a fully functioning
The Holy Spirit wasn’t finished. At the campus right now,” Max said, pointing to the
beginning of 2019, Southeast signed a lease various programming already offered, including
to be The Brick Room’s only tenant, allowing the addition of Encounter groups last Fall.
the church to launch groups for women and “We just don’t have a building that we attend
students. All of a sudden, several hundred worship together in on Sunday.”
people were coming in and out of the building
each week.
43
CATCH THE WIND
Eastside Middle School in Mount Washington is transformed into Southeast’s Bullitt County Campus
each weekend.
Different but the Same Southeast opted for a different type of campus.
It opened its first portable campus—at Eastside
While it was announced after the Shelby County
Middle School just up the road from Pleasant
Campus, the Bullitt County Campus launched
Grove Elementary.
first—this past October 4.
“It allows us to move more quickly, it allows us
“It was just this great thing where it was clear
to be flexible, and it really allows us to respond
that God was working in Bullitt County,”
faster to what we feel like the Spirit is calling us
Campus Pastor Heath Barth said, pointing to
to do,” Heath said.
that Fall 2019 Watch Party at
Pleasant Grove Elementary The school is essentially
School in Mount Washington. transformed into a Southeast
campus each weekend. “Our
“In the first two hours that the
goal is to give you the Southeast
signup was (live), we had 200
experience and to make it as
people,” he said.
close to another campus as
possible,” Heath said.
More impressive to Heath—the
Community Pastor for the area at the time—
The Bullitt County Campus—announced in
was the number of people seeking to engage.
December 2019—was to launch on Easter
“What was fascinating was how many people
Sunday 2020. Just weeks before the launch,
were looking to connect and serve in their
however, in-person gatherings were suspended
community,” he said.
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
44
CATCH THE WIND
Campus Pastor Heath Barth and others, including many volunteers, work to ensure the Bullitt County Campus
provides the same experience as Southeast’s other campuses.
CATCH THE WIND
Dave and Carole Dunlap, left, who were called to become field workers a second time after having served for almost 15 years, continue
to build relationships while they serve.
Late-Life Missionaries
Dunlaps Faithfully Work in Field a Second Time
M
ost people as they approach their to record audio versions of God’s Word in the
late 60s are considering plans for native language of the people groups. The
retirement or at least winding Dunlaps’ work made it possible for people
things down a bit. But that’s not the case for to hear the name of Jesus and understand
Dave and Carole Dunlap, who packed their bags what the Gospel is for the first time. After
to become field workers a second time. Their almost 15 years, Dave and Carole faithfully
missions journey, however, began 20 years ago, completed their task of Bible translation in
when the Dunlaps took the Perspectives on the that community and humbly returned home.
World Christian Movement class at Southeast
Christian Church, sparking a desire in them
to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Far from Over
But the Dunlaps’ missions story was far
from over. They continued to pursue the
Helping Others Hear Jesus’ Name Lord and became an advocate for missions
Being obedient to God’s calling on their at their home church in Florida. Through
lives, Dave and Carole started serving as initiating a Perspectives class and sharing
missionaries in 2001, translating the Bible about the Global Missions Health Conference,
for language groups across North Africa. Dave and Carole created awareness about
While living in Mali, they worked with SIM God’s desire to reach the nations.
46
CATCH THE WIND
In 2018, an opportunity arose for another One at a time, Carole and Dave have invited
Bible translation project—this time in Spain. these young men to have a seat at their table.
Discerning individually in their time with
Jesus, they wanted to be confident in where the In demonstrating this sacrificial love, the
Spirit was leading. Together, they answered His Dunlaps have devoted themselves to the
call, saying yes to serving internationally again. advancement of the Gospel wherever the
Spirit leads through Bible translation and
Along with Bible translation, the Dunlaps are relationships with refugees. “I want God
also working with refugees at a community to squeeze every drop out of me,” Carole
center in Spain. They are walking alongside said. Even in “retirement,” the Dunlaps
five young men who are seeking safety and feel more fulfilled and alive than ever.
structure in the midst of their chaotic life.
Being unable to provide for themselves, these
young men receive job training at the center in
addition to learning life skills such as financial Learn More
responsibility and relational communication.
To learn more about the Perspectives on
the World Christian Movement class, visit
In demonstrating Furthermore,
perspectives.org or email missions@secc.org.
the Dunlaps are
this sacrificial working to instill
Prayer Requests
love, the Dunlaps value and dignity
• P raise God that the Bible is being
have devoted to these young
translated into the native language
men struggling to
themselves to of different people groups, making it
find out who they
the advancement are. Most of them
easier for the Gospel to be shared.
47
CATCH THE WIND
Planting
During a
Pandemic
Southeast Helps
Launch Pair of Churches
S
outheast Christian Church isn’t new
to church planting. Since 2001, it has
helped plant 60 churches in the U.S.,
focusing on large, densely populated cities with
few strong evangelical churches. Though some
planters have experienced frustration and even
depression because of limited connection to
new people during the COVID-19 pandemic,
their young churches have largely remained
healthy during this challenging time.
49
CATCH THE WIND
Southeast, it is
The lead church
truly a testament planter, Lou
to God’s power Pizzichillo, who
is from the area,
to launch and
recalled having to
sustain both in drive 45 minutes
the middle of a to attend a church
when he was
global pandemic!
younger. Studies
show that, on
average, there is one church for every 800 people
in the U.S., but in Long Island that number is one
church for every 4,300 people. This motivated
Pizzichillo to consider planting a church in the
very community where he grew up. As a native, his
understanding of Long Island’s unique culture has
od brought college friends Chris Marlin and Tyler Chenesky
G
back together years later to plant City Church in Cincinnati’s worked out incredibly well for Community Church.
Over the Rhine area.
Southeast’s Southwest Campus has adopted
this thriving church plant. In fact, members
Continued from page 49
were scheduled to go on a mission trip there this
building personal relationships, and these Summer before the pandemic hit, and still plan to
new relationships have been difficult to as soon as possible.
develop. Pre-launch outreach efforts usually
center on serving in large events, something
A Unique Story
that is almost impossible right now because
of social distancing. Additionally, securing a The second new church plant—City Church in
facility to meet has been hampered because downtown Cincinnati, OH—actually launched
schools and theaters have been closed and during the pandemic—on September 13—and has
hotels and other venues are restricting averaged approximately 50 people at its services.
groups. However, even with these limitations,
Southeast followed the Spirit and helped This plant also has a unique story. Co-church
launch two church plants in 2020. planters Chris Marlin and Tyler Chenesky met
while attending Indiana University. During
those college years, as they were growing in
Building Community their faith, they began talking about planting
The first—Community Church in Long Island, a church together one day. After graduation,
NY—launched on January 5. They were however, they went their separate ways, starting
50
CATCH THE WIND
Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, Community Church—which launched on January 5, 2020—has made a big impact in the Long Island,
NY area. In addition to averaging 256 people at its weekly services prior to the lockdown (bottom left), the church has hosted meetups
(bottom right) and conducted its first community baptism (top).
Southeast Church Plants and
National Engagement Map
Then I heard the
voice of the Lord
saying, “Whom
shall I send? And
who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here
am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8
56
40
Church Plants
57
35
12
15 60 20 28
5 Convoy of Hope
9 13
22 11 Springfield, MO
4 10
8
2
9 6 Cookson Hills
5
3 Kansas, OK
1 3
7
6
1
7
7 Crescent Project
Nashville, TN
8
8 Manhood Journey
Louisville, KY
5
9 Oakdale Christian Academy
Jackson, KY
11 Sojourn Collegiate
44
14
Boston, MA
12 Spire
61
Monument, CO
38
45 Pro Deo Church 50 The Gathering 55 SLO City Church 60 City Church OTR
Cape Town, South Africa Harlem, NY San Luis Obispo, CA Cincinnati, OH
Launched February 4, 2017 Launched September 17, 2017 Launched September 8, 2019 Launched September 13, 2020
Singing Praises
en Español
Awaken Worship Reaching Growing Population
O
ver the years, the Worship Ministry at Iroquois Amphitheatre. Leading worship
Southeast Christian Church has relied in both Spanish and English, the team got
on the Lord’s direction, continually a taste of where God was guiding them.
asking Him, “What is next?” God has repeatedly In 2020, the opportunity to serve with Mike Silva
responded by putting the need for the expression International presented itself again. COVID-19
of worship in Spanish in front of them. In forced the postponement of Festival Por La Vida
obedience, following through with how God in the Dominican Republic. The festival, however,
asked them to catch the wind, the team set out in moved to an online setting, making it a much
search of how to do this locally. But God’s ways bigger experience. Festival Por La Vida Global
are not our ways, and He instead wanted it to began airing this past October on Enlace TV and
start out globally. all Mike Silva International social media platforms.
Awaken Worship partnered with Mike Silva International a second time this past Fall, when it was part of Festival Por La Vida Global.
CATCH THE WIND
The very same songs the team writes, records, and sings at worship
services at Southeast will now also be available in Spanish.
and there was no way to Him. So, what did they do?
gone home, but they knew who Jesus was and that He
From the
Bottle to
the Bible
How Saramarie Combs
Found Faith in a Bar
in Elizabethtown
G
rowing up, Saramarie Combs felt like
religion was just one long list of dont’s. Don’t
do this. Don’t do that. And don’t even think
about doing that. For her, the walls of religion closed
in, leaving her with the sinking feeling that she had no
freedom or choice in her life. That all changed when she
went to college.
New Friends
Three years ago, everything began to change for
Saramarie. She moved to Elizabethtown and began
bartending at a local tavern. One of the bands that
played there on a regular basis was led by a father and
daughter, Southeast members JT McAdams and Alexis
Hurley. Their mission was to use music to take the light
of Jesus into places where it was rarely shown. Alexis
and Saramarie were about the same age and had a lot in
common, so they quickly became close friends.
58
WRECK THE ROOF
Saramarie loved movies, and it just so happened For the first time in her life, Saramarie began to
that Southeast was starting the At the Movies understand and wanted to begin that relational
series. Over dinner, Alexis extended an invitation. journey with God. She knew that it started with
Saramarie accepted, and for the first time since she being baptized. She turned to the person who was
was a young girl, she came to church. But instead always there for her—the person who saw her for
of feeling claustrophobic, she heard a message of who she was and not for what she did. She asked
God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness. her friend Alexis to baptize her. In January 2020,
Saramarie gave her life to God and was baptized!
Sobriety and Sanctification The next few months weren’t always easy,
While she loved the messages that she heard, including a move out of state. But Saramarie’s
she was still struggling with her addictions. relationship with God continued to grow and her
sobriety journey keeps moving forward!
On Christmas Eve of 2019, Saramarie’s sister
Jamie took the risk and confronted her about her Saramarie never expected to follow Jesus after an
alcoholism. Jamie was afraid for Saramarie, and if encounter with a family in a bar. But God found
she didn’t get sober, Jamie couldn’t be around her her just where she was through people who were
any more. willing to wreck the roof to bring even one person
closer to Him.
Saramarie started to
ask questions and Alexis
explained to her that Learn More
If you or someone you know is struggling with
following Christ wasn’t alcohol or addiction and looking for a Christ-centered
Prayer Requests
That was the motivation that Saramarie needed.
She made the decision that night to quit drinking, • P raise God for His kindness and grace, which
cold turkey. She knew that she needed help, so she shines through His Church when they wreck the
joined a Celebrate Recovery group at a local church roof for one person to be connected to Jesus.
and began her journey back to health and God.
• A sk God to equip His people to go outside the
walls of the church to reach those who are lost,
The first person Saramarie shared her decision
struggling, hurting, and alone. May His light
with was her good friend Alexis. She confessed her
reach into dark corners through the love of
struggle with alcohol and her decision to get sober.
His people.
That led to a conversation about God. Saramarie
started to ask questions and Alexis explained to
• P ray for those struggling with addiction,
her that following Christ wasn’t about religion,
trauma, and loss, that God’s Spirit will sustain
but a relationship. Alexis told her friend that God
and transform them through His power.
doesn’t want us to keep a list of unattainable rules;
He offers us forgiveness and love.
59
Baptisms in 2020
Number of Total Baptisms 711
Through November
Camp Since 2004, Camp Freedom has served as one
of the most anticipated and beloved events
for Southeast’s Shine Disabilities Ministry.
Freedom
The event has grown into an action-packed
weekend where campers with intellectual,
developmental, or physical disabilities
Revised
experience Summer camp in ways they
most enjoy. In 2019, Camp Freedom included
more than 110 campers, who were joined
by more than 100 volunteers and staff
A Shift in Community
for three days and two nights of worship,
fellowship, activities, and community
Outreach
at Country Lake Christian Retreat.
62
WRECK THE ROOF
The Camp Freedom Family Day Camps in July provided Shine Ministry students, families, and volunteers their first
opportunity to connect in months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
were altered in the Spring, the usual Camp for the students, families, and volunteers
Freedom format was canceled. However, rather connected to Shine Ministry since weekend
than closing the door on the popular Summer worship on March 8. On a beautiful weekend
event, that cancellation opened a new door in Southern Indiana, approximately 270 people
and a new way to experience Camp Freedom. converged on Country Lake for a few hours
Thanks to the efforts and commitment of the of the fellowship and community they had
staff at Country Lake, Shine Ministry partnered been missing for more than four months.
in hosting a pair of Camp Freedom Family Day
Camps during the same weekend in July as the Rather than having campers paired with
cancelled event. volunteers for a three-day weekend, the new
format allowed campers to be joined by their
families, while experiencing a snapshot of the
Family Day Camps Camp Freedom weekend during one action-
As nearly everything in our world came to a packed day. The Camp Freedom Family Day
halt, and opportunities to meet together ceased, Camps featured annual traditions like fishing,
the Camp Freedom Family Day Camps on July archery, crafts, outdoor games, swimming,
17-18 served as the first in-person gatherings wagon rides, and worship while also including
63
Campers and their families are all smiles as they enjoy an afternoon of swimming at Country Lake Christian Retreat.
64
WRECK THE ROOF
The Camp Freedom Family Day Camps featured traditional activities, like fishing, outdoor games, and swimming, while also
including a first-time event—the zip line.
65
The government Court Diversion Program, in partnership with Southeast Mission Partner Hope Collaborative, is helping
change the course of the lives of young people.
Second Chances
Court Diversion Program Offers Hope
If
a kid is in the government Court The Mentor Difference
Diversion Program for a chance
Each participant in the program is assigned a
to change course, something has
mentor who checks in with them once a week
already gone wrong. Not yet a big thing—
through the entire six months. The mentors
maybe trespassing, assault, intoxication,
give the kids a chance to see life in a different
or shoplifting—but there’s been some kind
context. Every participant needs someone who
of red flag that indicates there’s trouble
will do for them what the mentor wishes he or
ahead unless something changes.
she could do for everyone—give inconveniently
of their time and effort and love one at a time.
Southeast Christian Church member Jason
Allen works with the Diversion Program through “I believe change takes place when you
Hope Collaborative, one of the church’s Mission invite someone into a new experience,”
Partners that works to bring unity and healing Jason said. “This program gives kids an
to the community. The program includes kids opportunity to see an experience they’ve
in Jefferson, Oldham, Trimble, and Henry never seen before. We hear about the Great
Counties who have been offered a chance to Commission all the time. That begins with
expunge their record by completing the 6-month relationships. As kids go through the Court
program of education, civil engagement, and Diversion Program, we devote time into
service projects. those relationships to give them value.”
66
WRECK THE ROOF
Much of the impact is a result of one-on- support, treat the participants with respect,
one time and small moments of change: and expand their grasp of the possibilities.
And that can make all the difference.
• M inutes after sharing that he didn’t like
religion, one teen found out the meaning of
his name in connection with one of the tribes
of Israel. Later that night, he thanked the
volunteer for sharing that information. Learn More
• A fter multiple teens admitted that they There is always a need for mentors
did not feel as if they had any options and at Hope Collaborative. For more
would probably end up in prison, volunteers information, go to hopeccd.org.
were able to highlight some strengths
and gifts of each teen in the group. Prayer Requests
• A teen scoffed when a volunteer asked about • P raise God for the ways He’s already
his future, but later he admitted he had dreams using this program to change the lives
of becoming a musician. That hope came up of kids who need a fresh start.
in conversation many times afterward.
• P ray that the teens who participate in
• A fter the group ended one week, a teen
the Court Diversion Program would know
suggested they lock arms and end the night in
how deeply God loves them and would
prayer. That became a weekly tradition with
experience His total redemption.
multiple teens praying—some for the first time.
• Ask the Spirit to equip the mentors and
Often, Jason talks with kids who feel volunteers with wisdom, compassion,
trapped in the only life they know. “They patience, perspective, and grace
believe they’ll end up in prison. They’ve as they walk with the kids.
lost hope life can be different,” Jason said.
“Mentors listen and encourage, hold kids According to research, kids who have a mentor are
accountable, and help them navigate hard far less likely to use illegal drugs and alcohol, skip
situations, solve problems, and reach goals.” school, and exhibit other negative behaviors.
67
WRECK THE ROOF
Childlike Faith
Indiana Campus Kids Serve in Big Ways
he hope and excitement on December “It has been tough being away from family,
31, 2019 almost feels like a dream making friends and having to leave them. God
now. What first seemed like the start has really had to redefine ‘home’ and ‘family’
of a new decade of growth and opportunity for us,” reflected Meridith. In spite of their
quickly gave way to a level of isolation and loss circumstances, the Black family has continually
that many of us had never experienced before. found support and community in their various
Yet, none of this caught our God by surprise. church families. The kids quickly realized,
however, that during the season of COVID-19, not
Many stories began to flood in about how the
everyone had the same blessing of community
Spirit was leading Southeast Christian Church
their family experienced.
and its members, who faithfully followed
God’s call to be a Gospel presence. Some of Through prayer, the kids and parents felt called
the most powerful stories of wrecking the roof to specifically care for and love their immediate
to love and serve a hurting community came neighbors. Working with their mom and dad,
from the littlest representatives of Christ’s the kids assembled bags filled with candy,
hands and feet. Scripture cards, bubble wands, and their family’s
contact information in case their neighbors
Loving Their Neighbors needed anything like grocery runs, yard work,
One such story involved Indiana Campus homeschool tips, or simply a friendly face. The
members Stephen and Meridith Black and their kids played an active role in passing out these
kids Norah, Boaz, and Ben. Due to Stephen’s packages around the neighborhood, in addition
work, the family has moved eight times across to scavenger hunt guides for kids and flowers for
the country in the past six years. moms in their cul-de-sac on Mother’s Day.
Norah, Boaz, and Ben Black, with help from their mom and dad, assembled and delivered care packages containing
Scripture cards, candy, and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.
68
WRECK THE ROOF
The Grote children showed Christ’s love by passing out baked goods to their neighbors and utilizing their artistic
talents in partnership with the Indiana Campus’ initiative to feed local medical professionals and staff.
“The kids loved serving, meeting children along Jesus sought out the hurting and broken, they
the way, and seeing smiles. It didn’t have to cost had the opportunity to take something simple
much to bless someone else,” Meridith said. By and enjoyable, such as coloring, and use it as a
being willing to reach out to their neighbors in tool to help someone else experience Jesus’ love
the simplest of ways, the Black family was able to in a time of exhaustion and anxiety.
deepen relationships with their neighbors and be
Even the smallest members of the body of Christ
a source of joy and support for those struggling
are of incredible importance to the whole. In the
during this season.
words of the Apostle Peter, “Each of you should
use whatever gift you have received to serve
Treats and Art
others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its
The Grote family was similarly inspired to act. various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Brookston, Emerson, and Sutton, with a little
help from their parents, Mark and Nicole, and
two-year-old sister Leighton, passed out baked
goods to their neighbors and utilized their art Learn More
skills to partner with the Indiana Campus’ To learn more about how you and your family can
initiative to feed local medical professionals and engage with your community, visit your campus’
staff. Both the tasty treats and art projects were Community Engagement Facebook page.
perfect ways to share Christ’s love to those who
were struggling. Prayer Requests
During meal deliveries to a local hospital, the
• P raise God for the many ways He used His
kids provided homemade cards for the staff and
Church to care for the most vulnerable during
medical workers to encourage them and let them
this season of grief and anxiety.
know they were praying for them as a church.
“They loved knowing their thank you notes • P ray that God would continue to open
were chosen by the staff to be on display in the your eyes to those in your life like neighbors
break room as a way to bring smiles to those who or co-workers who He might be calling you
may feel underappreciated or overworked,” to engage.
Nicole said.
• A sk God to reveal the gifts and interests
The Grote kids recognized, through
that you and your family have that can be
conversations with their parents, that just as
leveraged for the Gospel.
69
WRECK THE ROOF
Human S
everal years ago, God swung
open a door for Southeast’s
La Grange Campus that they
Trafficking
didn’t even know was cracked. Southeast’s
Mission Partner, The Samaritan Women
(TSW), orchestrated a life-altering trip to
and the
Baltimore for the La Grange Campus. Six
participants came face-to-face with human
trafficking, specifically sex trafficking. They
Church’s
were immersed for five days in the dark,
evil culture that exists. Most of them didn’t
know anything about human trafficking,
Response
let alone accept it as real and close by.
71
WRECK THE ROOF
One at a Time
The La Grange Campus has had the honor to
serve and love a woman who was sold by a selfish,
sexually-deviant father, stepfathers, and uncles
since she was five years old. They cared for a woman
who was sold by her husband over Facebook and
Instagram on weekends and holidays to pay for
vacations, school bills, and other women. They’ve
served children who were sexually exploited
by strangers online and family members.
outheast Mission Partner The Samaritan Women
S
is leading the way in establishing survivor houses for
women who have been trafficked.
72
WRECK THE ROOF
• If you are reading this and wondering if you may have There are
been or are currently being trafficked, or someone
you know may be trafficked, please don’t hesitate
20-40 million
slaves worldwide.
to email us. We would be honored to talk with you,
as soon you have safe access to reach out to us.
73
WRECK THE ROOF
Ministering
in Crisis
Mission Partners Aid
India During COVID
W
hen COVID-19 began spreading
early last year, some of the world’s
most vulnerable communities were
hit disproportionately hard. This was especially
true in India. Communities that were already
struggling with food security and basic hygiene
found themselves in an even more difficult
situation. Add to that the high population density
and the lack of access to resources, and these
areas were almost instantly in a crisis situation.
74
WRECK THE ROOF
75
Despite obstacles, Southeast Mission Partners Caleb Rayapati and Shankar Pawawar
have worked to aid those in India disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Step of Faith This was all Caleb needed to begin his relief
efforts. Within 12 hours of hearing this call, he
Caleb, who leads Harvest Ministries, mobilized
mobilized his team, provided meals, miraculously
the few resources he had at his disposal to begin
moved through various police barricades,
helping migrants as soon as he could even though it
met with various police and community
would become uneasy and impractical. Some funds
leaders, and received many pledges to help.
began to come in for him to continue the work, but
the first step was certainly a step of faith for Caleb.
“I realized that when I obey Him—whether we
have money or not—and am willing to use the
Even when faced with available resources, He is more than willing to
use and multiply it. Certainly, when He guides,
government barricades and He provides!” Caleb said.
76
WRECK THE ROOF
Learn More
To learn more about Harvest Ministries,
visit harvestministriesindia.com.
Prayer Requests
• P raise God for using His people to
demonstrate His love to those in need.
77
Grip
The
Plow
Luke 9:57-62
Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and
stake to play it safe. Grip the plow, get your hands dirty
in the fields, get to work, and don’t give up. It’s not
to grip the plow with both hands and not look back.
God used small steps of obedience to forever change Marty and Lynn Willing.
Fostering the
Possibilities
One Step of Obedience at a Time
ifteen years ago Marty and Lynn at age 24. At that point, they decided to move
Willing were enjoying their life in back to Kentucky to connect and support
Texas. They had a young daughter, Marty’s adult daughter and her family. Life
some great friends, and a comfortable life was different, but they started to build a new
when tragedy struck. Marty’s son passed away foundation in Louisville.
80
GRIP THE PLOW
I want to use
you, but you are
living so safe.
81
GRIP THE PLOW
Sebastian and Gracie join their big sister Emily in the Willing family.
Marty decided to take the foster parent classes taking the next step—trusting God to show
and see what happened. They would just be them what was possible.
open to the possibilities.
Marty was still battling internally with his
The first class was overwhelming and they age and ability as a father, and his friends and
pressed pause for almost a year. And yet, God family were also raising their own questions.
kept bringing fostering back to their hearts. Nonetheless, Marty became convinced that
When they decided to restart, the closest God was telling him, “Quit fighting and just
training was in Versailles, Kentucky. They drove do it.” So, without looking back, Marty and
the hour there and back for five Saturdays to Lynn committed to become available and
complete the training. Five weeks later, they stepped toward the hard work of becoming a
had a lot more information, but still weren’t foster family.
certain what to do. They decided to just keep
82
GRIP THE PLOW
to be available for him. At four years old, the adoptive families in our communities.
83
GRIP THE PLOW
84
GRIP THE PLOW
Proem Ministries
30 Years of Service in Poland
85
GRIP THE PLOW
Exodus 15 creates worship music for the next generation of youth throughout Poland.
86
GRIP THE PLOW
87
GRIP THE PLOW
Joy in Suffering
When civil war broke out in Liberia, Tony and
his wife Beth watched neighbors kill other
neighbors they had known for years. Men,
women, and children were slaughtered simply
because they were from the wrong tribe.
T
ony is not a missionary, but he is the hunger, thirst, and carnage. Many refugees
result of a missionary’s work. A young were driven at gunpoint from their homes.
woman left her home and country to Others were betrayed by neighbors because
share the Gospel of grace with a people who they belonged to the opposing tribe. But
did not know the God of hope in Liberia, Africa. because the camp was for Muslims, the greatest
Her message was counter-cultural and brought suffering there was for those like Tony and
the truth of God against the strongholds of Folk Beth, who had forfeited everything for Jesus.
Her message about God brought about a great used their suffering to draw them closer to Him.
change for young Tony. Hope against hope, she His experiences resonate with the C. S. Lewis
presented the Gospel that helped him see the quote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures,
God of all comfort—not in spite of, but because speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our
of, His great mercy. She sacrificed her normal pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf
life by leaving her culture and people to share world. We are most keenly aware of God’s
the Gospel of grace, which unraveled Tony’s character in our suffering. It is when our self-
myth of hope in Allah and religiosity, and sufficiency is peeled away that we see how
weak we really are.”
88
GRIP THE PLOW
great mercy.
• P ray for new Christian believers from a
Muslim background, that God would grant
them courage and strength in their new faith.
God is working among the 1.7 billion Muslims in the
world. There are underground churches in many • A sk God to encourage the persecuted church
countries. Many are asking, “Who is Jesus?” Tony around the world, so that they will remain faithful.
sees this as the time to pour out all the knowledge
89
GRIP THE PLOW
ach child has the ability to thrive. Southeast Christian Church’s local Mission
Because they’re created in the image Partner, Hope Collaborative, provides many
of God, they have inside them the avenues for mentoring. Their Public Schools
capacity to create, to be kind, to learn, to show Outreach ministry connects willing adults with
compassion, to solve problems, to engage with vulnerable children and teens through local
others, and to pursue a goal. school districts. For a year, each
Unfortunately, many children mentor meets for just one hour
experience loss, poverty, abuse, every week with a student or
hunger, neglect, instability, and group of students. During this
other forms of trauma. These time, the mentor’s main tasks
struggles can rob children of are to show up regularly and
their God-given potential and care genuinely.
leave them struggling just to
Of course, like everything
survive their worlds.
worthwhile and meaningful,
That’s where mentoring comes mentorship can be difficult for
in. The primary way to combat the effects of both the student and the mentor. It’s hard to
trauma is through meaningful, stabilizing unwind years of disappointment and frustration.
relationships. When a mentor fully engages It’s hard to learn to trust and grow. It’s hard to
with a student, they can help reverse the mental suddenly have dreams and balance them with
and emotional damage. With their consistency, the fear that they could all be taken away again.
a mentor can give a child the chance to thrive. There could be days for everyone when the whole
Although it is risky, mentors personally engage in process seems like a waste of time.
the lives of the vulnerable.
90
GRIP THE PLOW
91
GRIP THE PLOW
Even the families of the students can be forever hopelessness and fear and a life lived with
changed through the mentorship opportunity. purpose and joy.
During the COVID-19 school shutdowns, one
Each child inherently has the ability to thrive.
of Hope Collaborative’s In-School Program
With a mentor, that ability can finally become
Coordinators got a chance to drop off a backpack
a reality.
of goodies to one of the mentees from his mentor.
When he was at the house, he met the student’s
mother, who shared some of the trials their
family had faced. She admitted that her son had
Learn More
“really, really, really, really needed mentoring.”
She loved knowing he had someone to talk to To learn more about personally engaging in the
when things were difficult for him. As she talked lives of vulnerable children by becoming a mentor,
about the difference it had made, she began visit hopeccd.org.
to cry. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I get emotional
about this.” Prayer Requests
• P raise God for connecting adults
Of course, the greatest impact is for the student.
with vulnerable children through the
Maybe for the first time, the student has someone
mentorship program.
who listens, who loves without condition, and
who encourages and believes in them. This kind
• P ray that the lives of the children in the
of healing relationship can take the baggage
program would be positively affected.
of trauma and transform it into the hope of
potential. For a vulnerable child, mentorship • P ray God would place it on the hearts of more
could be the difference between a life lost to people in the community to serve as mentors.
GRIP THE PLOW
Mentorship Testimonials
My kids need to know that people are genuinely interested in them. I had a lot of students
that talked about the fact that no one really cared about them. I knew that if I was going to
make an impact at the school, that I had to get some people in to help me do the work. So,
Hope Collaborative came, and we’ve had this partnership and I look forward to them being
here every year.
Miss Ronda is a lady that I love to meet with. She actually does inspire me to go ahead
and pursue my passions, and so do the other girls in there. Without her, I would be a very
unmotivated person to go ahead and pursue my passions.
Eleanor, Student
Something I would like to say to Jill is thank you for helping me through high school,
even though I’ve only been there for two years. It really does brighten my day, and I look
forward to seeing her every Friday. It’s like another form of therapy, to let all of my feelings
out at school instead of having to go to an office every week. She never lets you leave
unhappy. You have a smile on your face.
Lacey, Student
If another student asked me about being in a group, I would tell them not to be nervous
because they’re always going to be nice. And if you have anything on your chest, you can
talk to them and let it out.
Zayden, Student
My mentees have impacted me greatly. I am in love with them. I love them fiercely. And it
has also caused me to truly deepen my prayer life. You only have once a week together,
and it’s during school. I don’t have a relationship with them outside school, so really, I have
truly deepened my prayer life. It’s been amazing.
For any schools considering Hope Collaborative, I would say definitely do it, to put it
simply. We have had great success with the program. It’s something that we take pride in
having here. We have awesome buy-in from our students and parents and teachers and
admin. It’s been a wonderful program for the students. We’ve seen them grow a lot. We’ve
seen increased attendance. We’ve seen better behavior. We’ve seen students being more
successful. And for a lot of our students, it’s just been a great source of support that they
may be missing otherwise.
93
GRIP THE PLOW
GMHC
at 25
Continuing to
Equip and Inspire
T
wenty-five years ago, Southeast
Christian Church member and local
cardiologist Dr. David Dageforde
prepared to host a small conference on medical
missions. The goal was simply to engage
Southeast members who were involved in
some aspect of healthcare about medical
missions. Looking back, it is clear that God
had additional plans.
94
GRIP THE PLOW
The annual Global Missions Health Conference, which began 25 years ago, has grown from 220 attendees
to become the world’s largest medical missions conference, with more than 3,200 participants annually.
their long-term missions candidates right out sharpened their skills to better serve cross-
of the conference. There are literally hundreds culturally at GMHC. There are even stories like
of stories of individuals who have found their that of Eric and Rachel McLaughlin, who met at
calling into lifelong work in difficult harvest the conference and are now married and serving
fields while sitting in a classroom or the in rural Burundi together! The McLaughlins
Sanctuary at Southeast’s Blankenbaker Campus. even returned 15 years later in 2018 to teach a
breakout session titled Missions and Marriage.
Many partnerships between organizations
have been forged in the exhibitor space in the
Fellowship Halls. Thousands of missionaries have Continued on next page
95
GRIP THE PLOW
2020 GMHC
2,184 1,042
Attendees From Commitments to
67 133
Countries Countries
112 130
Breakout
Sessions Exhibitors
96
GRIP THE PLOW
Learn More
Needless to say, this chance encounter had the
whole team in tears and praising God for what He To learn more about the annual Global Missions
know about!” they care for those in need in the name of Jesus.
97
GRIP THE PLOW
GRIP THE PLOW
Life in
Abundance
Celebrating 25 Years of
Faithful Ministry
99
GRIP THE PLOW
Festus and Dr. Florence Muindi launched LIA in from the start.
Kenya in 1995.
100
GRIP THE PLOW
Crestwood Campus member Debra Rodriguez interacts with children during a service trip with LIA.
Established community
development program work in
14 countries in East Africa and
Learn More the Caribbean
101
Sent Out
Southeast’s Prepare Ministry connects
ministry-minded students with solid Biblical training
Makenzie Mullin
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: I just graduated from Ozark Christian College
(class of 2020), and in August I will move to Colorado and start grad school
at Denver Seminary.
MAJOR: Theology and Biblical Communication (Ozark) and New
Testament (Denver)
I want to faithfully and accurately teach the Gospel in whatever
capacity God leads me to. I have a deep desire to help people come face
to face with the truth of who Jesus is and help them see how that truth
changes everything.
Matthew McConnell
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Ozark Christian College
MAJOR: Theology
When I finish school, I want to be involved in church ministry of some
form somewhere in the country. I’m not sure exactly what kind of
ministry God wants me in as of right now, but I know He is sending me to
Ozark now to start preparation for ministry the next few years, and I’m
sure what specifically that looks like will become more clear later on.
103
Continued from page 103
Caleb Newman
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University
MAJOR: Urban Studies; Bible and Theology
I will be a full-time missionary. My first place is in Poitiers, France
serving with other missionaries for the next nine months. I’m
leaving in Fall 2021.
Devin Zabel
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University
MAJOR: Urban Studies; Bible and Theology
I want to be a pastor.
Morgan Kast
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University
MAJOR: Intercultural Studies
I hope to become a missionary or work for
a missions organization!
Jacob Foote
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Johnson University
MAJOR: Preaching, Youth Ministry, and Bible
105
Empty
The
Jar
Luke 7
against God.
esus gave His disciples a clear command for the global Church to step up, take Jesus’
to “make disciples of all nations.” Yet, command seriously, and finish the task.
more than 2,000 years later, there are
still entire people groups that have never heard A Life-Changing Trip
the good news of Jesus! This means there are
Doug Cobb, Louisville entrepreneur and Elder
still places where people will be born, live their
at Southeast Christian Church, has committed
entire lives, and die without ever having heard
himself to doing everything he can to see this
the name of Jesus or even meeting a Christian.
task completed within his lifetime. Doug wasn’t
Though it is clear in Scripture that no one knows always passionate and committed to missions,
the day and time of Jesus’ return, we are told though. When he was invited to see the need
that before that happens, the Gospel will be firsthand in West Africa in 1994, he did not even
preached to the whole world as a testimony to want to go. It was a trip, however, that would
all nations (Matthew 24:14). The good news is change the trajectory of his life forever.
generation has the potential to be the first to see trip, but made a special connection with one in
every tribe, people, and tongue reached with the particular, Brother D (name omitted for security).
good news of Jesus. After returning from Africa, Doug helped Brother
D establish an organization reaching some of the
Hundreds of people groups have no known hardest-to-reach Muslim scholars in unreached
Gospel exposure and no known missionaries parts of West Africa. This ministry has since
or ministries engaging those people. There become one of the most effective ministries
are many challenges to reaching these groups, at reaching Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus,
who comprise millions of people spread around discipling them into a deep faith, and training
the world. Some don’t have the Bible in their others to do the same around the world.
language, while others live in places where it
is illegal to share about Jesus. All are in need
108
EMPTY THE JAR
Seeing the Gospel Spread “The world can be very discouraging at times,
but to think we are actually getting close to the
Doug’s involvement with missions didn’t stop
finish line on this is a pretty amazing thing,”
there. Paul Eshleman, the man who had invited
Doug said. “I frequently tell Gena that I can’t
Doug on the trip to West Africa, was asked
believe I get to be a part of this! Having a ringside
to lead an organization called Finishing the
seat to hearing the stories of these brand-new
Task (FTT) with the goal of getting the first
believers in places that I’ve never heard of—it’s
missionaries to the last remaining people groups
just unbelievable.”
who were without the Gospel or engagement.
Doug loved the vision and found himself heavily
engaged in the ministry. He was challenged to
use his venture capital experience to raise funds
Learn More
for missionaries to finish the task, so they started
an organization called Issachar Initiative to focus For more information about Finishing the Task, go
on raising funds among business leaders and to finishingthetask.com.
established the Finishing Fund.
Prayer Requests
Doug and his wife Gena were both so convinced
• Praise God for the amazing work He is
that they personally funded the engagement of a
accomplishing through the Finishing the Task
number of different people groups in Nepal and
collaboration.
India. A year later, Doug found himself standing
in a large tent in India filled with 1,000 new • Pray that God would send workers to the people
believers, some of whom were the first known groups who currently have no access to the
believers from the people groups he and Gena Gospel, no known believers, and no churches.
had helped fund!
• Ask God to equip His global Church to fulfill
Since Doug started the Finishing Fund in 2017, His Great Commission, so that people in every
God has responded exponentially. They have nation may know and worship Him.
raised over $9.2M, funded the engagement of 445
people groups, and have seen new believers in
250 of those.
110
EMPTY THE JAR
2,000 languages do
more than 500 people have
no Bible, no believers, and no
not have a single verse of the churches. These are considered
Bible in those languages. unreached and unengaged.
3,096 P E O P L E G R O U P S E N G AG E D
111
EMPTY THE JAR
J
esus transformed Southeast member Instead of staying in a stable job and saving for
and supported missionary Jo when retirement, she sold everything and followed
she was an adult, and immediately she Jesus on a new journey.
had a deep desire to share the love of the Father
and be an advocate for the vulnerable. She Language was a challenge, but Jo persevered.
attended the Global Missions Health Conference She walked the streets and practiced with
at Southeast Christian Church and began food vendors and drank tea with new friends.
exploring opportunities to use her skills in She learned new ways of doing life. Her new
physical therapy. After several short-term trips, homeland is spiritually very dark, so she had
she moved to a country in Asia—leaving behind to pray differently. Time alone with God was
adult children and several young grandchildren. absolutely essential—not just a good practice.
112
EMPTY THE JAR
She Hopes
The pain, suffering, abuse, neglect, trauma, and Prayer Requests
hopelessness that she continually engages with • P raise God for sustaining and encouraging
are overwhelming. She gets sick because of bad Jo and other isolated missionaries
water. She can feel discouraged and lonely. But with His Spirit and His Word.
because of the Holy Spirit living in her, she has
the ability to look in the face of each person she • P ray for a female believer to join Jo as she
encounters and see them as God does—as His walks and ministers to those in need.
113
International Engagement Map
Sing to the Lord, all
the earth; proclaim
his salvation day
after day. Declare
his glory among
the nations, his
marvelous deeds
among all peoples.
1 Chronicles 16:23-24
Direct Engagement
Afghanistan
Australia
INTER
Belarus
Bosnia
Burkina Faso
China
Congo
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Djibouti
Dominican Republic
Egypt
England
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Laos
Latvia
Malawi
Malaysia
Mexico
Myanmar
Nepal
Nigeria
Poland
Portugal
Saudi Arabia
Scotland Southeast is
Somalia
South Africa engaged in
South Sudan
Spain
partnerships
Sudan
Sweden
with locally-led
Taiwan organizations
Tanzania
Thailand and Southeast
Turkey
Uganda
missionaries
Ukraine throughout
United States
Zimbabwe the world!
RNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Albania Lesotho
Algeria Liberia
Angola Lithuania
Argentina Macedonia
Armenia Mali
Austria Mauritania
Bangladesh Moldova
Belize Montenegro
Bengal Morocco
Benin Mozambique
Bhutan North Ireland
Bolivia New Zealand
Botswana Nicaragua
Brazil Niger
Bulgaria Pakistan
Burundi Panama
Legend Cambodia Peru
Cameroon Philippines
Directly Canada Romania
Involved
Canary Islands Russia
Indirectly Central Africa Rwanda
Involved
Chad Senegal
Chile Serbia
Colombia Sierre Leone
Costa Rica Singapore
Cote D’Ivoire Slovakia
Ecuador Slovenia
El Salvador Solomon Islands
Equatorial Guinea Somaliland
Fiji Sri Lanka
Finland Swaziland
Gabon Switzerland
Gambia Tajikistan
Georgia Togo
Guatemala United Arab Emirates
Honduras Uruguay
Hungary Uzbekistan
Israel Venezuela
Kazakhstan Vietnam
Kuwait Zambia
Kyrgyzstan Zanzibar
Lebanon
EMPTY THE JAR
hen Community Pastor Jon Weiner Tim led the trip to Cuba for the first time in
invited Tim to go to Cuba on his February 2020—still carrying the pamphlet
first mission trip more than five and several other items as he walked the streets
years ago, Tim immediately heard the Lord of Cuba. One of those items is a cross that was
clearly say, “Get out of your comfort zone and found in his dad’s pocket when he died that Tim
go.” Despite his willingness, he believed he was now carries wherever he goes.
totally unprepared for the mission. He was not
at all comfortable going out in groups of three Planting the Seeds
to four people to share the Gospel. But the Lord
Tim no longer has the same hesitations he
knew differently.
experienced on his first trip. “It’s easier to
On that first trip, Tim found a pamphlet of share the Gospel in Cuba. They are curious and
the Gospel of John translated in English and receptive,” he said. Using the items from his
Spanish at the Alamar church, and he has been past Cuba trips and his studies of apologetics,
using that pamphlet ever since to guide his it is now easier to reach out not only there, but
conversations on return trips. also here at home. “I’m studied up,” he said
with a smile.
EMPTY THE JAR
V
olunteer teams teach kids about Jesus in Cuba.
The conversations Tim and his team were able sacrifice, he thinks of all the people they get to
to have in Cuba in 2020 continue to humble him. see each year. He continues to empty the jar in
While walking in and around communities, they order to build on relationships one person at a
were able to share their faith journey or just talk time, one trip at a time. He even carries a paper
with the people they met. During this trip to map of Cuba with him wherever he goes. He
Cuba, at least 12 people confessed Jesus Christ as knows each part of the island where he’s visited.
their Lord and Savior.
Tim encourages others to consider a short-
The team’s role is to plant seeds. Watering and term trip, explaining that they will be teamed
harvesting will be done by Southeast-supported with experienced people. “We will educate
partner Eduardo and his team at Mission Partner and prepare you for your journey and most
Campo Amor after the team has gone home. importantly, the Holy Spirit will intervene and
give you the words!” he said.
Learn More
To learn more about Southeast’s short-term trips,
text MISSION TRIP to 733733.
117
EMPTY THE JAR
Feeding the
Community
When the Going Got Tough,
the Church Kept Giving
O
ne of the unbelievable in St. Matthews, to explain the need for
characteristics of the Southeast food for our community, they realized
congregation is the sacrificial they’d need help with the response. Alice
generosity of the people. In the midst called a close friend who lives in Bullitt
of the first worldwide pandemic in 100 County because she would need a bigger
years, with the economy shut down for vehicle to deliver the food to Southeast.
weeks, job loss rising to the steepest The friend not only provided the larger
levels since the Great Depression, and vehicle, she announced the food drive
personal suffering abounding, Southeast in her own neighborhood, and, in just a
responded by giving. Generously. couple of days, the collections grew!
The congregation gave $383,299.75 Before they delivered the food, they prayed
in-kind value of food and hygiene over the families who would receive it.
items in three Urgent Needs Drives
from March to June. These resources
blessed over 70 local churches and
A Legacy of Service
nonprofits, meeting unprecedented But, where did all that food go? To
need in their neighborhoods. churches and food pantries all over
the community! One recipient was the
Individuals and families gave deeply food and clothing pantry at Sunnyside
and sacrificially, as Alice and Rowe Assembly of God in Jeffersonville, Indiana,
Hamilton discovered. After they emailed where John and Sharon Williamson served
their neighborhood, about 37 families about 100 families each day until John’s
118
EMPTY THE JAR
119
EMPTY THE JAR
passing in September 2020. He loved and served Volunteers also delivered food to seniors who
his community faithfully until his death. could not come to the pantry. Each food box
contained about $200 worth of groceries,
John never doubted God’s call to open the including meat, vegetables, and treats.
pantry 17 years ago. He retired from his own
engineering firm in 1990 at age 55, then assisted John never asked for food to stock the
with a clothing ministry in New Albany, and pantry. About 60 to 65% of his food supply
120
EMPTY THE JAR
Learn More
Prayer Requests
121
Southeast members give generously to meet the needs of our community during COVID-19.
IN
Scripture and throughout church
“For you know the grace of history, we find people who followed
the sacrificial example of Christ as they
our Lord Jesus Christ, that
cared for others, and Southeast embraces that heart
though he was rich, yet for to empty the jar. Our church family regularly empties
the jars of time, talent, and treasure into the lives of
your sake he became poor, those in need—one person at a time.
so that you through his Even before the COVID-19 crisis, our church family,
poverty might become rich.” both collectively and individually, was driven
by deep generosity. When the pandemic hit, our
response was swift and sacrificial. As businesses
2 Corinthians 8:9 shut down, we were able to care for many people
122
EMPTY THE JAR
who suffered due to job furloughs and layoffs. Tens our benevolence fund, Southeast was able to
of thousands of pounds of food were donated and cover three months of mortgage payments to help
distributed to those in need. carry Beth and her family through their difficult
circumstances.
During this crisis, we
have helped many who
While many have lost their income
Relationship, Sustainability,
to afford their rent or
Dignity, and the Gospel
were fearfully
mortgage. Before the The body of Christ—the members of the Church—
hoarding, our middle of the year, we operates as the eyes and ears and hands and feet
had doubled the amount of mercy, proclaiming the Gospel individually
church family of financial assistance we and corporately through acts of kindness and
had budgeted for those in generosity. Southeast has heard countless stories
was eagerly
need. While many were of generosity—from members who donated their
donating. fearfully hoarding, our stimulus money to single moms to families who
church family was eagerly provided meals and assistance to neighbors or
donating. co-workers.
123
COVID-19 Relief in 2020
Carry each other’s
burdens, and in this
way you will fulfill
the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
EMPTY THE JAR
J
im Williamson worked hard to Jim logged onto the Southeast website to learn
build Power of Design Group, a about Mission Partners in the community
successful engineering firm. and made an appointment to meet Teresa
That meant sacrifice-packed days, a tight Oeschsli, founder of Hosea’s House. They met
budget with checks and balances, and a on a rainy day in the muddy driveway of a new
carefully crafted long-term business plan. transitional home in the Portland neighborhood.
When Jim, who attends the Southwest Campus, At first glance, they seemed quite different. Jim
heard Senior Pastor Kyle Idleman preach about is a CEO focused on business. Teresa’s business
what it means to empty the jar, it seemed like plan is faith. Just as the women come to Hosea’s
no one else was in the room. Kyle told story House one at a time, funds also come in one
after story of radical giving. A young couple dollar at a time. Sometimes at the last minute—
gave away the money they’d saved for a down what Teresa calls the midnight hour. It didn’t
payment on a house. Others gave up vacations take long, though, to realize they are more alike
and prized possessions to extend the reach than different: raised by single moms in the
of the Gospel. Jim had never done that. same neighborhood, attended the same schools,
126
EMPTY THE JAR
survived tough backgrounds, and passionate Jim emptied the jar for women who often feel
about helping single moms like their own. forgotten. That gift means a lot to Teresa,
but it also means a lot to the residents. “I
felt invisible my whole life. No one cared
Helping Women if I was OK. I now know that God sees me,
As they walked through Hosea’s House, Teresa and so do His people,” Amanda said.
explained how most of the women she helps
come from a dark place of abuse, addiction, In Jim’s world of strategy and wise
abandonment, and trafficking. The goal is to financial decisions, Hosea’s House is
walk alongside women as they learn to work, proving a great investment.
parent, and make good decisions. They attend
Bible studies, parenting classes, counseling,
and school or work. They learn about a God
who loves them and has a plan for their lives.
127
C O N F E R E N C E
Saturday, March 6
Just as those in the book of Acts were the
hands and feet of Jesus in their day, we want
to unleash the full force of the church to love
people one at a time! Join us in learning how,
when, and where you can be unleashed!