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Funk Newsletter April 2008 |
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MINA: includes a time for everything !!
Minstry In North America began in December with a time to celebrate Hazel’s father’s 90th birthday. Family and friends gladly shared memories and gave thanks for his exemplary and godly life. Two months later it was time to mourn his death. He died two days after breaking his hip in a fall. We were privileged to spend the last days of his earthly journey with him.
A time to come and testify of stories of people whose lives have been transformed by God and a time to request prayer as we face challenges in ministry in the context of a secularized, post-Christian continent.
A time to listen and learn: a) we were encouraged by the strong missional thrust of “Harvest Saskatchewan” by the Saskatchewan MB Conference. We affirm our churches’ pastors and mission teams, friends and families. You have enriched our lives by modelling a dedication to God and each other. b) The MBMSI Country Team Leaders’ summit in Abbotsford inspired us to continue listening to God and the community of believers. Highlights from the one week event included a prayer time in a dozen different languages, reflections on Philippians, working together towards suitable country strategies, and the interaction with colleagues from around the globe. At this time we affirm our mission agency’s lead team and staff. They provide excellent care and leadership. We count it a great privilege to work together with them.
A time to give of ourselves to you, and in giving we received so much more from you. We enjoyed such delicious meals that Richard purchased special “furlough pants” (with an expandable waist)! We slept on many different beds but always awoke refreshed for a new day. For this we simply say, “Thank-you, may God BLESS you!”
A time to talk about finances as we make the final transition to relational funding: we are no longer subsidized from the “General Fund”, but look to have complete funding through pledges from churches and individuals. Upon reviewing our current status with our mission leaders this past week, we notice that there is opportunity for support of $16,000 annually by May 1st.
Please make this a matter of prayer with us. We do not want lack of finances to hinder our ministry and we desire to serve in a responsible manner. If God lays it upon your heart as an individual or church to increase your pledge or to begin a pledged support, we then gratefully ask you to inform MBMS International by responding with the tear-off portion on the enclosed prayer card.
The time to return to Europe is approaching. We will continue to serve in a multi-faceted ministry to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is to build up the body of Christ” Eph. 4:12. The Greek word used for “equip” has a two-fold meaning; firstly, to repair what is broken and secondly, to prepare or complete for service. We assist in healing broken relationships among lay leaders Phil. 4:2-3. We prepare lay leaders by mentoring, teaching and preaching. Another facet is “bind up the brokenhearted” Isa 61:1 through Open Hearts Ministry, which focuses on bringing restoration to abuse victims. The emails after an Open Hearts week always encourage us: people learn to set life-giving, healthy boundaries for themselves and thus were able to even enjoy Christmas within a dysfunctional family; someone quit an abusive job situation and trusted God to provide a new job. We need your continued prayer support to bind up and equip leaders in Europe.
A time to embrace – we received many hugs from family and friends. We were welcomed and honoured; we had opportunity to share our personal joys and struggles with you. There were many laughs but also times with tears as our lives intermingled with yours. Now the time to refrain from embracing is soon here as we return to Salzburg, Austria on May 6th. Following is a time to embrace Christie & Bart, Andrew & Silke, and many friends in Europe. In June our children Nathan, Daniel & Alisa will join us for a few brief weeks. The time of embracing and good-byes will continue to be part of our lives.
Richard & Hazel Funk
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