Missionary Scribbler

# World Impact Bay Area… Here’s a group that finds a way to do meaningful sacrifice.

Asian Churches Serve Oakland from Enoch Magazine on Vimeo.

Great job on the video, Carter!

HT: EnochMagazine.com

Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale along with the Calvary Chapel Haiti Initiative (CCHI) is working to change conditions in Haiti. 40 churches have been involved in the effort, but more help is still needed. It’s been over a year and a half since the earthquake that flattened an entire nation and Haiti’s infrastructure is still in a shambles.

"When the Haitian people see that the house that represents government infrastructure is still broken down and is so poor, you can see why there are heavy hearts where you’d hope for optimism." —Pastor Bob Coy

Calvary has focused its efforts on the city of Jacmel, Haiti, and its churches because the church is the center of the local community. CCHI has helped rebuild churches, dig water wells and provide recreation areas for youth.

CCHI is working to equip and empower Haitians with life skills that will sustain them for generations to come. Carpentry, metal working, agriculture, English, and computer technology are some of the skills taught.

"They just don’t come here and give you something and leave. They create the support system that can be beneficial for the long term." —Franz Louis Pierre, Advocate for the Mayor of Jacmel

CCHI also hosts pastors’ conferences to encourage and teach local pastors so they can, in turn, teach and encourage their communities.

Here’s what you can do:

Come to Haiti

Give to the Calvary Chapel Haiti Initiative

Pray for changed lives

by: Matthew Ellison

Matthew Bradshaw is the Global Outreach Director at Sagebrush Community Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sixteen: Fifteen had the privilege of walking Sagebrush through the missions coaching process several years ago and continues to assist them as they further their vision. We recently helped facilitate a connection between Sagebrush and PHX 10/40 Interface, one of our newest ministry partners. This connection is quickly becoming a fruitful partnership for Sagebrush, PHX 10/40 Interface, and most importantly the refugees that God has brought to Phoenix.

Matthew Ellison:  Why has Sagebrush made engaging refugees (or as you like to say "New Americans") in the Phoenix area through PHX 10/40 Interface part of Sagebrush’s overarching missions strategy?

We saw an opportunity with PHX 10/40 Interface to give our people a cross-cultural experience in a local area. We saw the value of the 10/40 Interface and could not resist getting involved.

Matthew Ellison: What does that engagement look like?  What kinds of things are you doing?

With the 10/40 Interface, you are paired with a new American for one week, approximately 40 hours. In that time, you have certain tasks you must complete together to help teach your new American how to adapt and acclimate to their new environment. Basic chores like going to the grocery store or using public transportation can be very difficult when you are in a foreign country. Our goal is to ease that transition and show these people the love of Jesus is a real and practical way.

ME: Do you find that this compliments or distracts from Sagebrush’s global vision?  Please explain.

We believe this compliments our global strategy very well. We understand that many people in our church will never experience what life is like in a foreign country. However, this doesn’t mean they cannot have an impact on the nations. The nations have come to us; we cannot neglect their presence or ignore their need. 

ME: Can you share a brief story of how God has impacted people from your church as well as the lives of refugees through your partnership with Phoenix 10/40 Interface?

We had a volunteer in April connect with a New American on a deep level. She was able to break bread and build a relationship. Our volunteer even invited her New American into a family member’s home. Through their time together they forged a relationship and at the end of the trip, our volunteer received a gift from her New American. With big tears in her eyes, she told us that she had just given her a hug and was so moved. She couldn’t believe how generous her new friend was, and how much she cared for her. Our volunteer was changed, and her heart was melted all because they spent a week "doing life together". You can’t put a price on that!