fellowship! magazine - dec/jan 2015

CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon

CBFfellowship COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP | WWWTHEFELLOWSHIPINFO

DECEMBERJANUARY 2015 Serving Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission

IT WAS AS a teacher that I was first awakened

to hunger A student in my class became a real nuisance taking pencils from the other kids and begging them off me every day until I went through a yearrsquos supply I had no pencils left In frustration I went to put a stop to this mdash only to find out that he was taking pencils for the most unlikely reason to eat the erasers Every single day he was coming to school hungry

That was the day I quit being blind to the need around me

When did you see him hungry What is your story of hunger ministry Join the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in the Offering for Global Missions highlighting hunger ministries by giving and by telling

your story CBF is also partnering with the Baptist World Alliance to address the Ebola crisis in Liberia providing emergency support for food in the wake of this devastating epidemic Will you join us

The work of Christian mission and compassion through hunger ministry is a priority for two reasons

1) We follow Christ who chose among all the miracles of the universe the miracle of redemptive compassionate feeding to show to humanity the nature of a loving God

At first Jesus is tempted in the wilderness to ldquoturn stones into breadrdquo for show mdash for pride and power He turns away from the use of food for pride and power Jesus shows the nature of compassion for a hungry crowd when he feeds the multitude from a single lunch basket Feeding also becomes a rite of holy remembrance and beckoning when in the last days of his life he transforms a meal into a remembrance that carries on for generations After the resurrection scripture says he is revealed on the road to Emmaus in a common meal and to his beloved disciples over charbroiled fish Feeding is a sign of the reign of God

2) We work collaboratively for collective impact As Christrsquos followers in a global network of related ministry and service we can join others to create the collective impact to end hunger In the Stanford Social Innovation Review the seminal periodical on cross-sector solutions to large-scale global problems researchers determined that the scale of collective impact needed to end hunger requires a mind-shift from seeking a silver bullet solution to creating silver buckshot solutions

Like all creation people everywhere are born hungry and we stay hungry as long as we live Providing food for our family is a primary responsibility of adults and communities worldwide The goal of ending hunger is families providing food In recent days we have seen that

global hunger is declining because there is genuine collaboration toward this goal of self-sufficiency CBF hunger missions and ministries provide emergency feeding in some areas and also provide channels toward self-sufficiency with gardens in villages and city communities

In order to have collective impact to scale many organizations and ministries work together toward

1) A common vision for change that includes a joint approach through agreed-upon actions

2) Shared measurement through agreement on the ways success will be measured and reported with a short list of common indicators

3) Mutually-reinforcing activities from a diverse set of stakeholders typically across sectors through a mutually-reinforcing plan of action

4) Continuous communication through frequent and structured channels to build trust and motivation and to assure mutual objectives

5) Backbone support by an independent staff that provides ongoing support for vision strategy aligned activities and mobilizing resources1

These are great principles for effective missions and ministry at every level from a simple food pantry to a community-wide hunger intervention ministry

In a world of uncertainty I am very sure of two things 1) I have yet to find or meet a silver bullet As good as any one thing can be mdash it is not enough to tackle hunger 2) I look out across our CBF network and see plenty of SILVER BUCKSHOT There are miraculous gifts a remarkable overabundance of gifts right in front of us every day

We all need to eat to live Ending hunger is doable and in the doing of it we will become more authentic Christ followers in service to the world

Suzii Paynter CBF Executive Coordinator

1 John Kania and Mark Kramer ldquoCollective Impactrdquo Stanford Social Innovation Review Winter 2011 Fay Hanleybrown John Kania and Mark Kramer ldquoChallenging Change Making Collective Impact Workrdquo Stanford Social Innovation Review January 2012

ENDING HUNGERwith silver buckshot

CBFfellowship

2 | f e l l o w s h i p D E C E M B E R J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5

A PUBLICATION OF COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP

VOLUME 24 NUMBER 6 DECEMBERJANUARY 2015

EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR

Suzii Paynter

ASSOCIATE COORDINATOR FELLOWSHIP ADVANCEMENT

Jeff Huett

EDITOR Aaron Weaver

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Travis Peterson

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Carrie Harris McGuffin

ASSISTANT EDITOR Candice Young

PHONE

(770) 220-1600

E-MAIL

fellowshipthefellowshipinfo

WEBSITE

wwwthefellowshipinfo

fellowship is published 6 times a year in FebMarch AprilMay JuneJuly AugSept OctNov DecJan by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Inc 160 Clairemont Avenue Suite 500 Decatur GA 30030 Periodicals postage paid at Decatur GA and additional offices USPS 015-625

POSTMASTER Send address changes to fellowship Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 160 Clairemont Avenue Suite 500 Decatur GA 30030

From the editorEVERY DAY 842 million people in the world suffer from hunger Thatrsquos more than twice the size of the United States population This issue explores what Cooperative Baptists are doing to EndHunger through the Offering for Global Missions the foundational means of support for the CBF missions enterprise

CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter writes on the preceding page about ending hunger with collective impact or silver buckshot mdash the miraculous gifts of individuals churches partners and stateregions from across the Fellowship CBF Global Missions Coordinator Steven Porter reminds us on pp 14-15 that Jesus devoted a significant amount of his public ministry to feeding the hungry Will we be faithful with the resources which God has entrusted us

We learn on pp 10-13 of CBF field personnel Greg and Sue Smith who are restoring hope and helping to EndHunger among Latino families in Fredericksburg Va and on pp 16-19 we read about the ministry of Chaouki and Maha Boulos field personnel who are sharing Jesus and feeding hungry Syrian refugees in Lebanon The Offering for Global Missions makes this life-changing work possible Will you join us

Aaron Weaver editor aweaverthefellowshipinfo Carrie Harris McGuffin associate editor charristhefellowshipinfo

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship works to EndHunger both in the United States and abroad Support CBF hunger ministries and impact CBFrsquos global missions work meeting other needs worldwide by giving to the CBF Offering for Global Missions Learn more on pp 14-15

9 Advent ResourcesHow will you wait

10

16Syrian refugee crisisCBF field personnel celebrate Jesus feed the hungry in Lebanon

Restoring hope in the midst of struggleCBF field personnel help EndHunger among Latino families in Fredericksburg Va

22CBF CARESCooperative Baptists donate $25000 to help refugee children and families

24A lsquoborderrsquo ministry far from any borderNorth Georgia church serves immigrant children from Central America

28CBF Ebola ResponseCBF encourages financial support for its Ebola crisis response

Affect January 2015CBF hunger ministries31

Affect December 2014CBF CARES30

Contents

f e l l o w s h i p D E C E M B E R J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5 | 3

Praying the Great Commission By Bo Prosser

Matthew 2816-20 is one of the foundational passages of our faith This passage has continually

reminded me to go with intentionality to share with purpose and to be comforted by the presence of Christ Many of us might rather ignore this commission and the evangelistic tone of Jesusrsquo challenge Yet the message is clear reach and teach with the authority of Jesus

This month pray this commission as you begin your prayer time Read these verses

CBF Ministries Prayer Calendar CH = ChaplainFP = Field PersonnelFPC = Child of Field PersonnelGMP = Global Missions PartnerPC = Pastoral CounselorPLT = Church PlanterS = CBF Staff

DECEMBER

1 Joseph Farry Greenville SC (CH) Phil Miller-Evans St Petersburg FL (FP)2 Connie Madden Kirkwood MO (CH)3 Rosemary Barfield Jeffersonville IN (CH) Ed Beddingfield Fayetteville NC (PC) James Heath Dry Prong LA (CH) Shane McNary Slovakia (FP) Travis Peterson (S-Decatur) Gennady Podgaisky Ukraine (FP) Rachel Gunter Shapard (S-Florida) Jim Tillman Swansboro NC (PLT) David Wilson Chapel Hill NC (CH)4 Jose Albovias Louisville KY (CH) Elizabeth Richards Emeritus (FP)Mary Thompson Greenwood SC (CH)5 Chuck Gass Gainesville FL (CH) Kenn Lowther Columbus OH (CH)Chris OrsquoRear Nashville TN (PC) Judith Powell Whiteville NC (CH)6 Joe Mills Roswell GA (CH) John Norwood Houston TX (PLT)7 Phil Hester Emeritus (PLT) James Jones Sierra Vista AZ (CH)Robert Wilder Jacksonville FL (CH)8 Tommy Deal Dalton GA (CH) Edward Erwin Pensacola FL (CH)Shane Gaster Deland FL (CH) Virginia King Columbia SC (CH) Donald Kriner Canton GA (CH) Robert Pitts Greenville MS (PLT)Stephanie Glenn Los Angeles CA (FP)9 Julie Brown France (FP) Wayne Hyatt Spartanburg SC (PC)10 Cecelia Beck Shelby NC (FP) Terri Byrd (S-Alabama)Beth Roberts Chapel Hill NC (CH) Gary Strickland Sioux Falls ID (PC)James Williams Montgomery AL (CH)11 Zechariah Maas 2008 Belize (FPC)13 Tom Cleary Emeritus (FP) Rick Landon Lexington KY (PC)Jim R Smith (S-Decatur) Frank Stillwell Lexington KY (PC)Robin Sullens Dallas TX (PC)15 Anna Anderson Scotland Neck NC (FP) James Close Louisville KY (CH) Sheree Jones Winston-Salem NC (CH)16 Cayden Norman 2000 Spain (FPC) Ina Winstead Emeritus (FP)17 Perry Carroll Anderson SC (CH) Craig Cantrall Louisville KY (CH)Buddy Presley North Augusta SC (CH) Josh Smith South Africa (FP)Ronald Wilson Northport AL (CH)18 Joel DeFehr Oklahoma City OK (CH)

of challenge and encouragement out loud Feel the strength of Jesus and the focus of Jesus guiding you Thank God for the energy and opportunity to do good works and to share good words with those around you Focus on one person who needs a good word from you Go in confidence share in confidence Leave the results to Godrsquos Spirit

Next identify what yoursquore feeling and pray for God to make you aware of Godrsquos blessings to you Regardless of what you may

be feeling pray something similarly ldquoGod today guide me to someone with whom I can share a word of grace Irsquom trusting that you will bless me with the presence of Christ todayrdquo Sit silently wait focus on your prayer and Godrsquos commission for a few moments

Now choose one of the names from the prayer list Pray ldquoGod guide (speak their name) today that they might also share a word of grace with someone on their pathway Bless them today with the same guidance that you will bestow on merdquo Pray also for their families their safety and the place in the world where they serve

Close your prayer time with another minute of sitting quietly Place your hands in your lap and feel the blessings of God

19 Anna-Grace Acker 2005 Uganda (FPC) Bernard Morris Chester VA (CH) James Palmer Pensacola FL (CH)20 Robert Brasier Queen Creek AZ (CH) Melissa L Dowling Austin TX (CH) Larry Glover-Wetherington Durham NC (PC) Kyle Kelley (S-Louisiana)Bruce Minett (S-Decatur) Jan Thompson Cornelia GA (CH) Alan Willard Blacksburg VA (PC)21 Lynn Hutchinson Togo (FP) Bethany McLemore Roanoke VA (PC)22 William Thompson Los Alamitos CA (CH) Eli Williams 2011 South Africa (FPC) Sarah Wofford Mooresville NC (CH) Candice Young (S-Decatur)23 Frances Brown Surfside Beach SC (PC) Robert Elkowitz Cumming GA (CH)23 Steven Ivy Indianapolis IN (CH) Hal Lee Clinton MS (CH) Linda Strange Denton TX (CH)24 Michael Carter Dallas TX (CH) Bogdan Podgaisky 1997 Ukraine (FPC)25 Taylor McNary 1993 Slovakia (FPC)26 Robert Marsh Fredericksburg VA (CH) Scottie Stamper Charlotte NC (CH)27 Larry Austin Fredericksburg VA (CH) Juan Luiacutes Barco Raleigh NC (PLT) Steve Clark Louisville KY (FP) Solon Smith Louisville KY (CH)28 Claudia Forrest Cordova TN (CH) John Halbrook Pound Ridge NY (PC)Thomas Holbrook Berea KY (PC)29 Maner Tyson Waterbury CT (FP) Art Wiggins Triangle VA (CH)30 Shay Crenshaw Raleigh NC (CH) Revonda Deal Emeritus (FP)James Garrison Arden NC (CH) Kenneth Kelly Black Mountain NC (CH)Ramona Reynolds Orlando FL (CH) Lex Robertson Oklahoma City OK (CH)31 Nathaniel Newell 1998 San Antonio TX (FPC) David ldquoTodrdquo Smith Farmington NM (CH)

JANUARY

1 Sam Bandela Atlanta GA (FP) Andy Cowie Haiti (FP)1 Noy Peeler Cambodia (FP) Christina Pittman Summerville SC (CH)2 Misael Marriaga Greenville NC (PLT) Gabriella Newell 2002 San Antonio TX (FPC) Jon Parks Slovakia (FP)Daniel Sostaita Rural Hall NC (PLT) Tammy Stocks Romania (FP)3 Christopher Bowers Powhatan VA (PC)4 Joshua Hickman Newnan GA (CH)5 Richard Durham Mount Pleasant NC (CH) Charles Kirby Hendersonville NC (CH) Kevin Lynch Spartanburg SC (PC)Calvin McIver Sacramento CA (CH) Linda Serino Memphis TN (CH)6 Tarryl Daniels (S-Decatur) Larry Hardin Topeka KS (CH)7 Denny Spear Dunwoody GA (CH)

8 Rachel Hill Shelby NC (CH) Gerard Howell Lexington KY (CH) Ethan Lee 2009 Macedonia (FPC)9 Bill Cayard China (FP) Paul Hamilton Lodge SC (CH) Patrick Moses Mansfield TX (PLT) Jonathan Myrick 1994 Kenya (FPC)Jeffrey Perkins Knoxville TN (CH) Bella Smith 2010 South Africa (FPC)10 Melody Harrell Kenya (FP) Kenny Sherin Mitchell SD (FP)11 Ed Waldrop Augusta GA (CH)12 Neil Cochran Greenville SC (CH) Larry Connelly Decatur GA (CH) Scott Smallwood Englewood FL (CH)13 Dianne McNary Slovakia (FP) George Pickle Marietta GA (CH)14 Thomas Cantwell Paducah KY (CH) Steve Graham (S-OklahomaKansas)15 Keith Ethridge Yorktown VA (CH)16 Merrie Grace Harding 1995 Orlando FL (FPC) Jerry Hendrix Abilene TX (PLT) David Hormenoo Durham NC (CH)Mary Lynn Lewis San Antonio TX (CH) Michelle Smith Woodruff SC (CH)17 Matthew Hanzelka Round Rock TX (CH) Donna Manning Fort Worth TX (CH) Aaron Norman 2005 Spain (FPC)Glenn Norris Sherwood AR (CH) Neal Sasser Chesapeake VA (CH)18 William Beaver Fort Benning GA (CH) Jeanell Cox Camden NC (CH)Justin Nelson Mount Airy NC (CH)19 Kaelah-Joy Acker 2008 Uganda (FPC) Amoreena Jasper 1997 Somerset KY (FPC) Jackie Ward Goshen KY (CH)20 Marcia Binkley De Soto KS (FP) Marshall Gupton Smyrna TN (CH)Kevin Morgan Pisgah Forest NC (CH) Paul Tolbert Scott AFB IL (CH)21 Jim King Newport News VA (CH)22 Jim Hylton (S-North Carolina)23 Richard Atkinson Bastrop TX (CH) Brent Raitz Cleveland OH (CH)24 Heather Kaye Lee Austin TX (CH) Judy Strawn (S-Decatur)Stephen Reeves (S-Decatur)25 Mich New Jersey (FP) Chris Nagel Houston TX (CH)26 Sandy Hale Lebanon NH (CH)27 Darrell Bare Charleston SC (CH) Ben Sandford Hampton VA (CH)Eric Smith Willow Park TX (CH)28 Chuck Ahlemann Des Moines IA (CH) Griselda Escobar Tyler TX (CH)Kristen Taylor Morgantown WV (CH)29 Christopher Bowers Powhatan VA (CH) Glen Foster (S-West Region)Darryl Jefferson Charlotte NC (CH) Bill McCann Madisonville KY (CH)30 Hal Ritter Waco TX (PC)30 Nathan Rogers Anchorage AK (CH)31 Rebecca Adrian Irving TX (CH) John Manuel Fort Benning GA (CH)Paul Smith San Diego CA (CH)

Bo ProsserCBF Coordinator of

Organizational Relationships

prayers of the people


For more information about CBFrsquos chaplaincy and pastoral counseling ministries visit thefellowshipinfochaplaincy

CBF celebrated Pastoral Care Week (Oct 19-25) with a special serices on the CBFblog Read the series at wwwcbfblogcomfeatured

I love the spirit of adventure expressed in Dr Seussrsquo poem ldquoOh the Places Yoursquoll Gordquo It is a fitting theme for chaplaincy

and pastoral counseling ministries There is such a rich variety of contexts in these ministry fields Chaplains serve in each branch of the United States Armed Forces medical centers correctional institutions hospice organizations police fire and rescue departments colleges and universities businesses and industries retirement communities the Department of Veterans Affairs and Civil Air Patrol as well as in many other specialized settings Similarly pastoral counselors serve in counseling centers interdisciplinary settings and on church staffs

My journey into chaplaincy is one of Godrsquos serendipities in my life While in seminary I had no plans to become a chaplain My first full-time ministry position was in Jacksonville NC mdash the home of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base There I served on the staff of the New River Baptist Association as the director of church and

community ministries In Jacksonville I became acquainted with many active and retired military personnel and their families Military personnel filled the pews of our churches and served in various community ministries The relationships that I formed with these men and women put a human face on the military for me

When I moved to my next ministry position a co-worker was a US Navy Reserve chaplain Upon learning I had lived in a military community he immediately urged me to consider becoming a chaplain too I was not interested

Over the course of several months each and every time he saw me he said ldquoYou should consider being a Navy chaplainrdquo After almost a year of his continual casting a vision of chaplaincy I thought to myself ldquoYou should at least consider itrdquo

Consider it I did My wife and I discussed and prayed about it I talked with my endorser and eventually I sought and received endorsement and a direct commission as a Navy Reserve chaplain

In May 2014 I retired after almost 26 years in the Navy Reserve I served 17 of those years with the US Marines mdash the Navy provides chaplains medical and dental personnel to the Marine Corps When I joined the Navy their recruiting motto was ldquoNavy Itrsquos not just a job itrsquos an adventurerdquo That certainly proved true for me as chaplaincy duties took me to 15 states and 10 countries I was recalled twice to active duty to Afghanistan and to the Horn of Africa

I ministered to military personnel and their families by planning and leading worship baptizing and teaching believers providing counsel conducting funerals and memorial services and offering pastoral care while serving alongside Marines Sailors Soldiers Airmen Guardsmen civil contractors and foreign nationals I ministered to Admirals and Generals and

US Ambassadors I also led humanitarian efforts to local populations in a number of countries where I served

While traveling to a variety of places around the world to do ministry there were also places in the heart I touched as well through worship counseling and simply being present with fellow military members Chaplains and pastoral counselors reflect Godrsquos love and remind people that they are not alone during lifersquos periods of challenge and change

I urge you to be open and obedient to Godrsquos continuing call on your life The staff of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowshiprsquos chaplaincy and pastoral counseling ministries is here to listen inform assist and encourage as you explore Godrsquos call CBF affirms the ministry of chaplains and pastoral counselors through endorsement Currently there are 750 CBF-endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors

Is God calling you into such a ministry

ldquoSohellipbe your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray

or Mordecai Ali Van Allen OrsquoShea

yoursquore off to Great Places

Today is your day

Your mountain is waiting

Sohellipget on your wayrdquo

ndash Dr Seuss

By Gerry Hutchinson

Capt Gerry Hutchinson CHC USNR (Ret) serves as the endorser for chaplains and pastoral counselors for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Ministries


Paynter challenges anti-hunger advocates to join lead and lsquolive your callrsquo

WACO Texas mdash Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter called on anti-hunger advocates meeting at a summit Oct 1 to ldquoaccept the unfinished businessrdquo of their lives as they work together to end hunger in the United States

ldquoThe inspiration and arc of our lives is in Godrsquos hands toward the kingdom of Godrdquo Paynter said ldquoWersquore not alone Wersquore held in a great fertile hilarious imagination of God hellipJoin something lead someone be contagious love with unimaginable love Live your call without the credit because God isnrsquot finished with you yetrdquo

Paynterrsquos challenge came during the opening night of Together at the Table Hunger amp Poverty Summit a three-day gathering of anti-hunger and anti-poverty leaders and practitioners from across the country at Baylor University Attendees focused on addressing food insecurity Now in its sixth year the summit co-sponsored by the Texas Hunger Initiative Texas Food Bank Network and USDA Southwest Region offers an opportunity for the sharing of evidence-based research and best-practice models among organizations working to end hunger

In 2009 while director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission Paynter partnered with the Baylor University School of Social Work to launch the Texas Hunger Initiative a project to end hunger in the state of Texas through public policy education community organizing and community development Texas Hunger Initiative now has almost 500 congregations serving as summer meal sites across Texas and has connected with more than 2400 churches through its community partner program

During her plenary address Paynter shared how she awakened to the problem of hunger after as a reading teacher discovering that one of her students was collecting pencils to eat the erasers

ldquoThatrsquos the day that I quit being blind to hungerrdquo she said Paynter said that she works to end hunger because ldquoitrsquos the kind

of redemptive act in the world that echoes the kingdom of Godrdquo She emphasized the importance of collective impact as another primary reason for working to end hunger

ldquoWersquore all born hungry in creationrdquo Paynter said ldquoHunger feeding growing living mdash this is the essence of life In every city in

every age we need to eat to live Ending hunger is doable and in the doing of it we become a better state a better nation a better worldrdquo

Citing recent research from the Stanford Social Innovation Review Paynter highlighted five conditions needed for successful collective impact to solve large-scale problems such as hunger mdash conditions she noted are present in the daily work of the Texas Hunger Initiative These include the need for a common agenda shared measurement and mutually-reinforcing activities

ldquoI know this community mdash the hunger and social service communityrdquo Paynter said ldquoYou are not competitors You are collaborators You hold a tremendous gift to this state and our countryrdquo

She emphasized the importance of collaboration noting that out of this commitment to collaboration CBF launched a rural poverty initiative called Together for Hope in 2001 to work with people in 20 of the poorest counties in the United States to affect change and break the cycle of economic disparity

CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter addressed the 2014 Hunger and Poverty Summit at Baylor University in Waco Texas challenging anti-hunger advocates to live their call and commit to collaboration to end hunger

PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F BA

YLO

R PH

OTO

GRA

PHY

By Aaron Weaver


Paynter said that continuous communication and a well-developed support system or ldquobackbonerdquo are necessary elements for collective impact

ldquoWhile everyone is doing their job itrsquos very hard for you to do your job and think about the big issue of ending hungerrdquo Paynter said ldquoThere has to be a backbone an organization that is doing just that is working in Washington DC or in your state legislaturerdquo

In achieving collective impact structure is as important as strategy she added

ldquoJust having a good idea and a list of things to do is a very great starting placerdquo Paynter said ldquoBut if you donrsquot have the structure behind it it will have a hard time being as effective as it was dreamed to berdquo

Collective impact requires anti-hunger advocates to learn from each other ldquorather than just following a linear planrdquo she said

Paynter reminded the group that there is no ldquosilver bulletrdquo to solve the problem of hunger but that together they are all ldquosilver buckshotrdquo

ldquoThere is no silver bullet There is no one thing that is going to make [hunger] disappear But you know we are a pretty darn good collection of silver buckshot In your jobbeing able to look across the town across the county line and see another glimpse of silver right over there mdash thatrsquos where we get our strength Thatrsquos who we are together at the table mdash not trying to be somebody elsersquos silver bullet When I look out at this room across our network I see plenty of silver buckshot There are remarkable miraculous gifts an overabundance of gifts right in front of us every dayrdquo

Jeremy Everett (pictured above) director of the Texas Hunger Initiative (THI) introduces CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter on the opening night of the three-day Hunger and Poverty Summit In 2009 while director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission Paynter helped launch THI a project to end hunger in the state of Texas

Now in its sixth year the Hunger and Poverty Summit offers an opportunity for the sharing of evidence-based research and best-practice models among government agencies and faith-based and other nonprofit organizations working to end hunger


CBF produces engaging missional formation curriculum for all ages Form and Spark for preschoolers and children are available through the CBF Store Free E3 and Affect lessons for youth and adults are offered online in addition to Affect resources at the back of each issue of fellowship

Did you know

Joshua M SpeightCBF Missional Congregations

Services Manager

bull Everlasting Light by Sandy Dixon mdash This collection of litanies candle lighting services a hanging of the greens service and more offers worship resources for the three years of lectionary readings for Advent including the Sunday after Christmas

bull Celebrate Advent by John Hendrix Susan Meadors and David Miller mdash With exciting original artwork creative orders of worship and a wealth of educational material including sermons and intergenerational activities Celebrate Advent is a valuable resource for local church leaders regardless of the size of the congregation or experience with the season

bull Simply Wait Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent mdash A printed resource available through the Upper Room

The season of Advent a Latin word that means ldquotoward the comingrdquo serves to help the church look toward the coming of Christ to earth It is a season meant to shift our focus off of our

own agendas It is a season focused on waiting

But how many of us truly enjoy waiting A quick scan of the faces of people waiting in the checkout line in the grocery store or of drivers next to you in traffic will tell you that waiting is never high on the priority list Checking off the daily to-do list rules our lives Yet it is precisely in the waiting mdash in the midst of lighting Advent candles and listening to sermons on hope love joy and peace mdash where we discover the importance of waiting

Advent is the moment in the church year that we hopefully slow down enough to wait and listen for God to be with us Preparing to wait is a troubling task for many of us yet it can also be extraordinary In the words of Frederick Buechner ldquoThe extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens Advent is the name of that momentrdquo

bull d365 is an online devotional website produced by Passport Inc and sponsored by CBF Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Episcopal Church Geared toward students but visited daily by adults as well d365 features an Advent Devotional series each year called Following the Star Starting the first week of Advent it will be available at wwwd365org

bull Maryrsquos Story an Advent Bible study on maternal and child nutrition from Bread for the World is available for download at wwwbreadorghungermaternal-child-nutritiondocumentsadvent-marys-storypdf

bull Seeds of Hope Publishers has a collection of Advent worship packets that aim to help congregations creatively engage the issues of poverty hunger and justice with an attitude of hope in the Advent season Learn more at wwwseedspublishersorgworship

bull A CBF Advent sermon series is available online featuring Jim Somerville at wwwcbfblogcom20121029four-sermons-for-your-advent-journey

bull Textweekcom is the premier online worship preparation site (especially if your church follows the Christian calendar) For Advent resources visit wwwtextweekcomadventhtm

bull Cloth for the Cradle by John Bell and Wild Goose Worship Group mdash This rediscovery of the stories of Christrsquos birth through adult eyes is for use in group and worship situations The material is drawn from the work of the Wild Goose Worship Group known for its innovative style of worship

John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming Christ telling those who would listen that someone extraordinary was to come Advent is the season that we slow ourselves down physically mentally and spiritually to wait upon the coming Christ How do we prepare How do we wait Where do we give space for ourselves and for others to experience the extraordinary moment that is Advent

Waiting is an important reminder the church can gift us as the world instructs us to consume and buy our way to happiness As you and your congregation celebrate the blessing of God with us at Christmas be sure not to move too quickly past the celebration of Advent mdash the extraordinary moment in which we wait upon the Lord

How will you wait this Advent

by Joshua M Speight CBF Missional Congregations Services Manager

HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources


Many Latino families in Fredericksburg Va struggle to find adequate work housing medical care and food mdash along with a language barrier this turns hope for a better life into a desperate hope for basic dignity

By Emily Holladay

CBF field personnel help EndHunger among Latino families in Fredericksburg Va

Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle


Imagine moving to a new town because you are trying to flee extreme poverty in your home country in hopes of providing for your family

You travel far from home because yoursquove heard of a town with a booming economy where jobs are plentiful

But when you arrive in the town you are met with barriers that prevent you from building a life Fortunately you are able to find work but no one speaks your language and you are unable to find affordable housing medical care or even readily acquire food that you know how to cook

For many Latinos in Fredericksburg Va that story is all too familiar In addition to these struggles many Latinos in Fredericksburg find themselves unemployed and fear deportation Walking into a new town and a new culture full of hope for a better life they are faced with confusion skepticism and eventually desperation

In the 1990s Fredericksburg a small town located between Richmond and Washington DC experienced a significant influx of Latino residents due to a surge of construction and service-oriented jobs Today Latinos make up nearly 10 percent of the cityrsquos population but the same jobs

Fredericksburgrdquo Greg said The Smiths assist in numerous ways including providing Latino families with access to food medical care and interpreting for clients who do not feel comfortable speaking in English

ldquoMost of our clients find themselves in a time of crisis where they have lost their jobs or are suffering from an illness that has caused them to be out of work for a period of time so therersquos much economic needrdquo Sue Smith said ldquoWe provide food for people when they are suffering or going through a rough time We take them to the doctor the dentist or help them find affordable healthcare We go with people to interpret a lot of times because they donrsquot feel comfortable interacting in English They donrsquot really know what kind of questions to ask or where to find help when they need itrdquo

The Smiths encounter families every day who are desperately trying to navigate through their new culture Most do not qualify for government resources for the unemployed or for other forms of

are no longer available due an economic downturn

When Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Greg and Sue Smith moved back to Fredericksburg in 1999 after more than a decade of mission work in Costa Rica their hearts broke for the challenges facing the growing Latino community Knowing that the magnitude of these challenges far outweighed the church and communityrsquos capacity to respond adequately the Smiths created a cross-cultural ministry to serve their new Latino neighbors

In 2003 the Smiths partnered with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia to become the first CBF field personnel appointed in the Old Dominion The couple then formed LUCHA Ministries which they co-founded with two United Methodist colleagues Victor and Heather Goacutemez

ldquoLUCHA is actually the Spanish word for strugglerdquo Greg Smith explained ldquoIt is also an acronym meaning lsquoLatinos unidos por Cristo en hermandad y apoyorsquo or in English lsquoLatinos united through Christ in solidarity and supportrsquordquo

ldquoThe aim of LUCHA Ministries is to provide a holistic Christian response to the needs of the Latino population in

LUCHA Ministries seeks to assist struggling Latino families by providing access to food medical care and interpreting for clients who do not feel comfortable interacting in English The Smiths will accompany families to the doctor or dentist and help them find affordable healthcare and ask the right questions


assistance Limited proficiency in English makes it difficult for them to seek help in the community Many fear that they will face discrimination or even be reported to immigration officials and deported if they seek help

ldquoLUCHA in Spanish means lsquostrugglersquo or lsquofightrsquo and unfortunately that is what a lot of our Latinos have to dordquo shared Dan Trementozzi a local pediatrician and LUCHA partner ldquoThey have to fight for their rights They have to fight for opportunity and a lot of them are too scared to do that and donrsquot know how to get from A to B to C Thatrsquos what LUCHA has donerdquo

When these families do find shelters or food donation centers that are willing to serve them the food offered is not the most appropriate for their dietary needs Not only is the food often inadequate in terms of nutrition but it is also unfamiliar to them and thus many of the families do not know how to cook the food

Providing food that can meet the needs of Latino families is a vital service that LUCHA

ministries offers to the Latino community Greg and Sue are passionate that the ability to EndHunger stems from intentionally upholding the dignity of each individual experiencing life-altering hunger

ldquoFood ministry is not only about filling empty stomachsrdquo Greg emphasized ldquoOur food relief and hunger relief ministry is about upholding the dignity of the individual and the family If we provide them with food that they donrsquot know how to prepare or that they are not comfortable eating that might fill their stomachs but that also makes them dependent upon us

ldquoIt seems to be more Christ-like to give them what they are used to what they can prepare what they enjoy and therefore uphold the personal dignity of each individual and familyrdquo

ldquoItrsquos very hard for a mom to be able to provide a meal for her family if she doesnrsquot know how to cook the food that shersquos been given or if she doesnrsquot believe itrsquos healthy for her childrenrdquo Sue added

In the Latino community a lack of access to food results in much more than hunger pangs For Latinos fellowship and community is often built around food and the ability to share meals together Taking

away that ability not only removes a physical necessity but it also eliminates an avenue to connect relationally and spiritually to their neighbors

ldquoThe meal is not just about eatingrdquo Greg said ldquoFood is the prop for the fellowship that you share with each other Itrsquos not just something that you do over a 30-minute or 45-minute period With the Latino people sharing a meal is an event itrsquos an event where you stay long enough to participate in each otherrsquos livesrdquo

The food pantry that LUCHA facilitates meets people where they are Because of their deep passion for preserving human dignity and providing holistic ministry the Smiths know that the food they offer and the ways they minister meet an entire communityrsquos emotional physical and spiritual needs

ldquoJesus was focused on relationships and for me that is whatrsquos most important mdash how we treat others and how we minister and go about our livesrdquo Sue said ldquoIrsquove been able to be the presence of Christ in our community as I work alongside people and listen receiving their stories without judging And through those stories Irsquom learning more about them and how to meet their

CBF field personnel Greg and Sue Smith (pictured bottom right) share a meal and fellowship In the Latino community fellowship and community are often built around food and the sharing of a meal ldquoFood is the prop for the fellowship that you share with each otherrdquo Greg said


Much of CBFrsquos global missions impact is funded by the Offering for Global Missions The Offering is the foundational means of support for the CBF missions enterprise and provides access to a wide array of tools and resources to serve people and equip churches When you support the Offering for Global Missions you make ministry possible by supporting all CBF field personnel

All field personnel receivebull Support for technology and travelbull Member care and wellness servicesbull Exploratory conferences and the discernment

process for candidates seeking missions as a life call

bull Annual retreat for children of field personnelbull Support for travel to team meetings

To make a donation to the Offering for Global Missions visit wwwthefellowshipinfogive

needs and how to respond in a Christ-like way to what theyrsquore experiencingrdquo

The Smiths are working to EndHunger in Fredericksburg Va one family at a time And through their ministry they introduce a community of suffering people to a loving savior who meets needs and restores hope

ldquoItrsquos very hard for us as field personnel to be able to think about the ministry that we do and the work that wersquore doing every day and also try to keep the financial resources that we need to stay on the fieldrdquo Sue Smith shared ldquoI think itrsquos really important for people to remember that field personnel canrsquot do their work without a consistent source of support and a foundation for being able to do what we do Giving to the CBF Offering for Global Missions is really important so that we can focus on actually meeting needs and doing our workrdquo

The CBF Offering for Global Missions is the foundational means of support for

the CBF missions enterprise and provides access to a wide array of tools and resources to serve people and equip churches CBF is committed to working with field personnel to help EndHunger both in the United States and abroad Your gifts make this vital work possible

ldquoOur calling is to respond holistically to their needsrdquo Greg noted ldquoLUCHA Ministries cannot do everything We are a small organization with a small budget We cannot do everything but that doesnrsquot mean that when someone presents themselves in front of us we say lsquoOh we donrsquot have budget for hunger so we canrsquot do thatrsquo

ldquoThe CBF Offering for Global Missions is extremely important to the work that we do among the Latino community because it provides us with the resources and support we need to reach out and be the presence of Christ among the Latino community Without the Offering for Global Missions we would not be able to do the work that we do so wersquore grateful to all CBF churches and individuals that give because it helps support our ministry in Fredericksburgrdquo

LUCHA Ministries seeks to uphold the dignity of every person through providing vital services for the Latino community in Fredericksburg Through support from the CBF Offering for Global Missions field personnel like the Smiths can focus on the work that they do and the hunger that they alleviate every day

f e l l o w s h i p D E C J A N 2 0 1 5 | 13

1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population

Join CBFon mission with Christ to

ENDHUNGERthrough the Offering

for Global Missions

The numbers are staggering 842 million people in the world go hungry every day To put that into perspective the current population of the United States is roughly 320 million If we are not careful the sheer scale of this crisis can overwhelm us to the point of inaction And in the face of such need we wonder if we truly can make a difference

What can I do What can my church do What even can a network of 1800 churches do Fortunately we serve a God who multiplies modest gifts A few fish and loaves can feed the multitudes if we break through our complacency and allow God to bless the gifts that have been given to us The question is not whether we will wipe hunger off the face of the earth but whether we will be faithful with the resources we have been entrusted

Not only does Jesus devote a significant amount of his public ministry to feeding the hungry but he also bequeaths the church two gifts to advance Godrsquos kingdom on earth as it is in heaven mdash and one of them is a meal We spend a lot of time talent and treasure seeking the kingdom that Jesus continually made visible in the breaking of bread Perhaps Godrsquos mission is not so difficult to discover and fulfill as we sometimes make it out to be Perhaps it is as simple as setting the table for a feast and inviting those on the highways and byways to come in The Offering for Global Missions supports the efforts of 123 field personnel in more than 30 countries to set such tables around the world Wonrsquot you bring your gifts to the banquet

Steven Porter CBF Coordinator of Global Missions


CBF engages in Godrsquos mission with and among the most neglected and least evangelized people on Earth Through the work of field personnel and through CBFrsquos rural poverty initiative Together for Hope the Fellowship is helping to EndHunger with partners across the United States and around the world CBF works to EndHunger with partners such as the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering as well as with CBF state and regional organizations such as Alabama Arkansas Florida Heartland North Carolina South Carolina and Tennessee

Your gifts to CBFrsquos Offering for Global Missions help EndHunger and impact CBFrsquos Global Missions work meeting other needs worldwide

Urban farming and rural economic development

If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday ndash Isaiah 5810

Food distribution and feeding programs Emergency food assistance

Partnerships with schools and food pantries

wwwthefellowshipinfoOGM

2014-15 Offering for Global Missions emphasis

CBF Hunger Ministriesexist in 20 countries on 4 continents

15

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus tells the crowd ldquoYou have heard that it was said lsquoYou shall love your neighbor and hate your enemyrsquo But I say to you

love your enemies and pray for those who persecute yourdquo

For all Christians loving onersquos enemy is no easy task Jesusrsquo command seems impossible to fulfill For Chaouki Boulos being able to love his enemy forever changed his life Living out this revolutionary command took transformation mdash it took a relationship with Jesus

Chaouki has spent the past 30-plus years celebrating Jesus with anyone willing to listen Today the Lebanon native and his wife Maha who serve as Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel find themselves sharing Jesus and feeding the

hungry in the middle of the worldrsquos biggest humanitarian emergency mdash the Syrian refugee crisis

ldquoThey were the real enemy to merdquo It was 1977 Chaouki was an 18-year-old

teen in Beirut the capital of Lebanon One afternoon his father made a routine trip to a nearby store to pick up some medicine Chaouki and his mother waited for Mr Boulos to return They waited and waited He never returned

Chaoukirsquos father had been murdered on his way to the store by a Syrian soldier It was a massacre mdash a brutal slaughter of everyone in sight His father was left to die in the street for hours with the other victims slowly bleeding to death

ldquoWhen that happened I was extremely sadrdquo Chaouki shared ldquoIf you asked me lsquowho is your enemyrsquo I would tell you Syrians are my enemy They were the real enemy to merdquo

Prior to the murder of Chaoukirsquos father sectarian fighting in Lebanon had erupted into a full-fledged war The Lebanese Civil War witnessed the Maronite Catholics who held the presidency and other key government positions pitted against a coalition of Sunni and Shiite Muslims including the forces of the Palestinian Liberation Organization The complex war would last 15 years and leave more than 150000 dead and nearly a million displaced

The murder of his father had transformed the soft-spoken Chaouki into a hardened person trying to survive in the midst of chaos Several years later Chaouki found

By Aaron Weaver

SYRIANREFUGEE CRISIS


Jesus at a revival He became a Baptist believer and enrolled at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut Chaouki also fell in love with Maha the daughter of a successful Lebanese businessman Maha was a graduate of Beirutrsquos American University where she majored in English and discovered her talent as a translator The couple soon married

Celebrating JesusIn 1989 Chaouki and Maha left war-torn

Lebanon for the United States For almost a decade Chaouki worked to establish Arabic-speaking congregations in North Carolina and South Carolina During that decade Chaouki never once returned to his homeland But he never stopped praying

for a great revival to sweep across the Middle East Then in 1999 as the world was planning to celebrate the new millennium Chaouki sensed a call to return to Lebanon He had a dream mdash to celebrate Jesus

ldquoI called one of my best friends and told him that I had a dreamrdquo Chaouki explained ldquoI wanted to come to Lebanon and gather all the Christians invite all the Muslims the Druze and everyone to celebrate 2000 years since the birth of our Lordrdquo

His friend questioned how Chaouki could pull this off Chaouki didnrsquot know He did know however that Lebanonrsquos embrace of religious freedom might offer ldquothe open door to reach the peoples of the Middle Eastrdquo

Since the Taif Accord that marked a beginning to the end of the Lebanese Civil War mdash forming a government

jointly-controlled by Christians and Muslims Lebanon has been regarded as one of the most democratic nations in the Middle East Religious groups exist side-by-side with mostly amicable relationships where Muslims account for an estimated 60 percent of the population and Christians make up 39 percent

Chaouki and Maha returned to Lebanon and connected with Operation Antioch a non-denominational ministry to organize a high-powered evangelistic service in July 2000 in downtown Beirut Around 500 people showed up for the first night of lively music and preaching Attendance doubled the second night By the fourth night the crowd had topped 2300 surpassing the eventrsquos seating capacity More than 200 professions of faith were made that night

A bedouin refugee community in the Bekaa Valley Lebanon

CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon


refugee families Every four-to-six weeks the women distribute more than 350 packages comprised of rice sugar lentils beans oil and milk

ldquoYou see what is going on You cannot just sit and watch Jesus told us to love everybody to help everybody in any way we can regardless of where a person comes fromrdquo Maha said ldquoWe have to respond to the needs of peoplerdquo

What started as a small gathering of 15-20 women in the apartment of a refugee has become a group of more than 350 women The group now has a leadership team responsible for ensuring childcare for infants and toddlers and Sunday school-like activities for kids ages 4 to 12 The grouprsquos response to the refugee crisis that surrounds them has not been limited to passing out food They have also distributed blankets to the Syrian refugees mdash and medicine when they have the resources to do so

The Bouloses helped organize a medical and dental clinic in November 2013 and again in February and September of 2014 to give much-needed check-ups to refugee families many of whom suffer from poor health due to a lack of safe drinking water and proper medical care as well as unsanitary and overcrowded housing conditions

ldquoWhen we help refugees they are seeing Christ doing it Because any time we do it we tell them this is from the hands of Jesusrdquo Chaouki said ldquoItrsquos not from the hands of Chaouki Boulos or anyone else It is from the hands of Jesusrdquo

Feeding the hungry is about bringing the Kingdom of God to Lebanon Itrsquos about following Jesus Maha said

ldquoThe Kingdom of God on earth would be a peaceful world with no people trying to kill and hurt others It would be a world that has no hunger and no hungry people on itrdquo Maha explained ldquoSince Jesus taught us to feed the hungry and take care of people I think the church is the first place where people should care for othersrdquo

This is what the Bouloses have devoted their lives to doing mdash feeding the hungry and caring for others caring for refugees like Claudia from Aleppo the largest city in Syria Three years ago Claudia migrated to Lebanon with her husband and children but the war has kept Claudia separated from the rest of her family

ldquoOur task is to reach the unreached the poorest of the poor This is our goalrdquo Chaouki emphasized ldquoBut sometimes we have to think about the rich We have to think about the president of the country We have to think of the key leaders in every place Because if you win them to the Lord big changes happen for everyonerdquo

ldquoThe biggest humanitarian emergency of our erardquo

In March 2011 peaceful protestors took the streets of Syria to call for the release of political prisoners and demonstrate against human rights abuses The situation in Syria soon spiraled out of control exploding into a full-blown civil war as many civilians armed themselves and organized into rebel groups Three years later there have been more than 200000 deaths And at least 65 million people have been internally displaced according to United Nations estimates

More than 3 million Syrians have fled to the neighboring countries of Lebanon Jordan and Turkey creating a serious refugee crisis that is creating a crippling economic impact on the region Lebanon has received more than 11 million Syrian refugees mdash 38 percent of all refugees far surpassing the totals of any other country The refugee count in Lebanon is expected to rise to at least 15 million (359 million in the region) by the end of 2014 Syrian refugees now make up one-fifth of Lebanonrsquos population and more than 50 percent of these refugees are children

ldquoThe Syrian crisis has become the biggest humanitarian emergency of our era yet the world is failing to meet the needs of refugees and the countries hosting themrdquo said Antoacutenio Guterres the UNrsquos high commissioner for refugees in a statement in late August marking the milestone of 3 million refugees

Feeding the hungryWhile the world may be failing the

Bouloses are working to meet the needs of their new neighbors in any way they can The Syrian refugee crisis took their ministry in a different direction In October 2012 Maha started a group for women which included Syrian refugees to pray and study the Bible together With food in short supply the women began preparing food packages for

according to Maha inspiring the Bouloses to continue organizing ldquoCelebrate Jesusrdquo rallies

In the 14 years since that July 2000 event the Bouloses have helped coordinate close to 30 different celebrations in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East They have celebrated Jesus with thousands in Egypt and Jordan The couple even crossed Lebanonrsquos northern border into Syria to hold three separate celebrations

ldquoNo one can believe you can do a celebration thererdquo Maha said ldquoBut we did and we were welcomedrdquo

Their love for Jesus is what drives the Bouloses who were commissioned as CBF field personnel in 2002 especially Chaouki who preaches a simple message of Jesusrsquo radical love to the ralliesrsquo diverse crowds mdash crowds that have included Chaoukirsquos former enemy

ldquoI tell them that Jesus came for everyonerdquo Chaouki said ldquoI donrsquot say this is a Christian celebration I say this is a Jesus celebration Jesus loves all of usrdquo

For the Bouloses evangelism isnrsquot only about bringing others to a transformative relationship with Jesus Evangelism is also a means to affect much-needed social change in the Middle East

Chaouki Boulos (right) speaks to the womenrsquos Bible study and prayer group that his wife Maha (left) started in October 2012 What started as a small gathering of 15-20 women has become a group of more than 350 women Every four-to-six weeks the group distributes food packets to refugee families


join hands together to be able to do what our Lord has called all of us to dordquo

ldquoThe Offering for Global Missions is very importantrdquo Maha added ldquoIt allows us to have the support we needrdquo

As the Bouloses continue to feed the hungry refugees in Lebanon they seek to remain faithful to Jesusrsquo revolutionary command in the Gospel of Matthew And they do so remembering Chaoukirsquos dream that led them back to their homeland almost 15 years ago to celebrate Jesus mdash more convinced than ever that a great revival will sweep across the Middle East

ldquoI believe this is the Arab Spring regardless of what people believerdquo Chaouki said ldquoI believe this is the Arab Spring I believe itrsquos our visitation time here in the Middle East Our Lord is visiting our areardquo

The Bouloses have provided assistance to the Syrian refugees since 2011 in partnership with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship which funds their ministry in Lebanon In February 2014 CBF allocated $25000 to provide emergency food support to Syrian refugees through the work of the Bouloses

Offering for Global MissionsThe CBF Offering for Global Missions

makes possible the work of Chaouki and Maha Boulos

ldquoThe Offering for Global Missions affects our work 100 percentrdquo Chaouki said ldquoWe live in a globe We are related to each other in one way or another We always need to

ldquoWe have been here for several years and I havenrsquot seen my familyrdquo Claudia said ldquoEvery once and a while I talk to them on the phone but I hear the sounds of bombs and shells I hear them say there is no gas no water no electricity no foodrdquo

Now Claudia serves as a volunteer at the center where the womenrsquos group meets She helps Maha and the other women pack and distribute food to families like her own who have escaped the violence and bloodshed in Syria and now struggle to find adequate food and medical care

Ibtisam another volunteer identifies with the Syrian refugees Twenty years ago her family was displaced from their home in south Lebanon

ldquoWe feel the pain the Syrians are feeling because we were refugees in our own country before them We suffered and lacked everything We came here homeless withhellipno shelter nothing We come to [these meetings] with Sister Maha to help our Syrian brothers and sistersrdquo

Since 2013 the Bouloses have helped an Armenian congregation to provide food packages to Bedouin and other refugee families in Lebanonrsquos Bekaa Valley where more than 400000 refugees reside They also partner with an Armenian church planter in Damascus who teaches discipleship classes in Syriarsquos capital Maha and Chaouki provide their trusted friend with food packages each month to distribute to Christians in Syria suffering from hunger

Chaouki Boulous (right) comforts and prays with a woman attending the weekly Bible study and prayer meeting The Bouloses have devoted their lives to feeding and sharing the love of Jesus with their new refugee neighbors

After leading a devotional Maha Boulos (pictured center third from right) poses with a group of women that attend a home Bible study Most of the women who attend are refugees

CBF allocated on Nov 14 an additional $30000 to support the Boulosesrsquo response to the Syrian refugee crisis These funds will provide emergency food support for refugees in Lebanon including students at a Bedouin school in the Bekaa Valley and will also support food distribution projects in Damascus Syria


theology mattersWORKSHURCH

February 23-25 2015First Baptist ChurchDecatur Ga

Find out more and register atwwwthefellowshipinfochurchworks

Events activities programs late night conversations Bible studies shared

meals VBS and much more make up the components of education ministry

but why do we do them Theology Matters is a reminder that the ldquowhyrdquo is

of great importance not only to what is happening in our ministries but

also what has and is to come Come spend a few days as we think about why

Theology Matters and matters of theology in education ministry

bull Meet advocacy partners including Baptist Joint Committee and Bread for the World

bull Discuss how faith informs issues like immigration hunger and poverty payday lending and more

bull Learn how to become an effective advocate

bull Visit your elected officials

Advocacy in ActionCONFERENCEMarch 9-11 2015Washington DC$25 registration fee

Find out more and register atwwwthefellowshipinfoadvocacy

DECATUR Ga mdash The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has raised more than $25000 to provide emergency support to unaccompanied children and immigrant families from Central America In July CBF launched CBF CARES (Children and Refugee Emergency Support) an effort to raise funds to meet the needs of children crossing into the United States from Mexico seeking refuge from poverty and violence in their home countries of El Salvador Guatemala and Honduras

Cooperative Baptists have contributed $2537355 to the CBF CARES effort To date CBF has distributed $18000 in emergency support to assist these children and their families including $5000 to the Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association to cover the acquisition and operation of a mobile medical clinic that the association purchased earlier in the year Since May the mobile clinic has operated in the city of Brownsville Texas where it has served as a medical screening and treatment facility for the refugee relief process

The Rio Grande Valley Food Bank received $3000 to support its efforts at the US southern border The food bank has been used as the collection and distribution point for all donated goods coming into the Rio Grande Valley providing clothes and food for thousands of immigrants CBF CARES funds are being used to help offset the expenses of operating this massive relief project

An additional $1500 was allocated to the Salvation Army of Hidalgo County CBF sent an initial $5000 donation in June to the Salvation Army to purchase pallets of bottled water to supply its mobile kitchen with drinking water The kitchen has provided food and water to thousands of refugees over the past four months

First Baptist Church of Dalton Ga a CBF-partner congregation located in north Georgia has received $3500 from the CBF CARES fund to cover the costs of shoes and coats for Central American

immigrants relocated to Dalton Ga FBC Dalton has also supported the ldquoNewcomer Academyrdquo of the Dalton Public Schools district where these children are enrolled with reading materials printers and other school supplies The church contributed an additional $5300 for these and other needs

Courtney Allen minister of community ministry and missions expressed her appreciation for the support of Cooperative Baptists and partnership with CBF to make a difference in the lives of these immigrant children

ldquoThis Fall FBC Dalton has had the unique opportunity to engage some of our newest neighbors often referred to as lsquounaccompanied minorsrsquo FBC Dalton and CBF have directly impacted 45 children ranging in age from 11 to 19 by partnering with the Newcomer Academy a specialized learning environment to meet the needs of students who have had little to no formal educationrdquo Allen said ldquoThe most basic things mdash socks underwear and new tennis shoes mdash have helped these students know they are loved welcomed and beloved by the people of God at FBC Dalton and our larger Baptist world

ldquoWe give great thanks for the support partnership and affirmation of a ministry opportunity we didnrsquot expect but thankfully have been able to respond to and engage in We are excited about the relationships our congregation continues to form with our newcomer neighbors through mentoring reading together and volunteering in the classroomsrdquo

Stephen Reeves associate coordinator of partnerships and advocacy for CBF praised the efforts of Cooperative Baptists to help meet the needs of these newcomers

ldquoThe compassionate response by the CBF community to these children and their families shows that our love of neighbor extends across borders and beyond legal statusrdquo Reeves said ldquoThese gifts will be used to help not only the first responders meeting immediate needs but also those far from the border trying to adjust to life in a foreign land We should all be encouraged by the model of FBC Dalton to reach out and find new ways to minister to the strangers in our midstrdquo

Tommy Deal CBFrsquos US Disaster Response director commended Diann Whisnand who serves as one of CBFrsquos field personnel in the Rio Grande Valley for her role in facilitating the distribution of CBF CARES funds at the border to partners in the region

ldquoDuring the summer we all were inundated by the news of these children crossing the border after long arduous and dangerous journeysrdquo Deal said ldquoWhat was lsquojust a border problemrsquo became real to us as faces of innocent children seeking life and freedom were seen We have had a great representative in place in Diann Whisnand as well as incredible partners throughout the region with whom we have workedrdquo

Diann Whisnand CBF field personnel serving in the Rio Grande Valley presents a check for $5000 from CBF CARES to Rev Robert Cepeda director of the Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association to support a mobile medical clinic

PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver

Cooperative Baptists donate $25000 to help Central American refugee children and families

CBF CARES


In addition to the CBF CARES effort Cooperative Baptists have also made generous donations of gift cards to Whisnand who has focused much of her time on ministering to refugees and connecting with aid volunteers and agencies in McAllen Texas to determine where CBF can best make a long-term impact to support these immigrants Whisnand said she has been overwhelmed by the compassion and generosity of individuals and churches from across CBF

ldquoI am so grateful to be a part of the Fellowship a fellowship of people who are quick to ask how they can help Thanks be to Godrdquo Whisnand said

Terri Drefke executive director of the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank which received $3000 from CBF CARES to help fund its relief efforts at the United States southern border

Donations to CBF CARES will continue to be distributed to organizations and churches ministering with these immigrant children and their families Donations may be made online at wwwthefellowshipinfocbfcares or by mailing a check payable to ldquoCBFrdquo with Acct 17027 in the memo line to

For more information on how you or your congregation can help please contact Tommy Deal at tdealthefellowshipinfo

Cooperative Baptist FellowshipPO Box 102972Atlanta GA 30368-2972

23

You donrsquot have to be anywhere near a border to minister to ldquoborder childrenrdquo mdash the unaccompanied immigrant minors currently fleeing

violence and poverty in Central America Just ask the folks at First Baptist Church in Dalton Ga a manufacturing town in the Appalachian foothills mdash more than 1200 miles from the nearest border

An estimated 65000 unaccompanied children have crossed the United States

southern border this year 13 times the annual average of 5000 children Even more come with their mothers or other family members Most of the newcomers are fleeing Guatemala Honduras and El Salvador where poverty violence drugs and gangs pose a lethal threat especially to children

The flood of immigrants was largely in reaction to rumors that the US government was planning to stiffen its laws that grant certain immigrants legal rights making it

A lsquoborder ministryrsquofar from any border

North Georgia church serves immigrant children from Central America

FBC Dalton supports the young Hispanic community of Dalton Ga through volunteering time and goods to the Newcomer Academy and through fostering relationships with its students

By Greg Warner


harder to stay if they enter the US without proper documentation The door they thought was closing

ldquoWe are talking about large numbers of children without their parents who have arrived at our border mdash hungry thirsty exhausted scared and vulnerablerdquo said Craig Fugate administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in testimony before Congress in July

By then however many people in Dalton were already aware of the plight of the border children After surviving the dangerous trek through Mexico a small group of older children had found respite in April with family members already living and working in the town The immigration crisis was hitting home But unlike some communities Dalton which has a large Hispanic population welcomed the newcomers

ldquoThey are children of Godrdquo said Courtney Allen minister of community ministry and missions for First Baptist Church of Dalton ldquoThese children traveled thousands of miles and experienced terrible things They came across the desert Some were raped Some had seen dead bodiesrdquo

This yearrsquos 65000 unaccompanied minors overwhelmed the federal network of permanent childrenrsquos shelters so the Department of Health and Human Services set up temporary shelters at military bases in Texas Oklahoma and California where the youngest children (under 10 years old) are given unprecedented legal assistance to prevent their exploitation and determine if they qualify to stay in the US

Older children (ages 11-17) and those coming with family members have been sent to immigration centers across the country Many are eventually returned to their native countries But if they can prove returning is dangerous and if they have a family member already in the country legally many are allowed to stay

Although the nearest international border is 1240 miles away in Matamoros Mexico Dalton is one of the places to which the

newest immigrant families are flocking joining relatives already working in the regionrsquos massive carpet and flooring industry Because of those earlier immigrants Daltonrsquos population is more than 48 percent Hispanic and a likely destination for those immigrants allowed to stay

Allen who has served at FBC Dalton for four years knew in the spring there was an influx of border children coming to Dalton but the missions minister didnrsquot see the connection with the cityrsquos long-established Latino population until an article in the local newspaper pointed it out

ldquoOnly in the summer did I connect the dots mdash the newcomers were there to live with family members who were already part of the Dalton communityrdquo

FBC Dalton already had a history of ministering to the Hispanic community dating back two decades Allen said So finding ways to minister to the newest immigrants seemed natural

Dalton Public Schools which has a reputation for excellence and innovation has started a Newcomer Academy for the immigrant children between the ages of 11

and 17 The purpose is to accelerate the teaching of basic English Allen said and give the 45 children enrolled a ldquofunctional cultural understandingrdquo for living in Georgia

ldquoMany didnrsquot have even the most basic living skillsrdquo Allen said and little more than the clothes on their backs

Along with other local faith groups the First Baptist volunteers asked the academy ldquoWhat do you needrdquo

ldquoThey said lsquowe need reading buddiesrsquordquo who will tutor the children for 30 minutes a day she recalled So they began a partnership

ldquoWe were starting with the most basic reading and writing skillsrdquo she said ldquoMany had not even been in a school before We literally did not know if they could hold a pencil But they were so eager to learn and grateful to be hererdquo

Approximately 30 people from First Baptist have volunteered in the program

Annual average 5000

Number of unaccompanied children crossing the United States-Mexico border annually

Estimated 65000 so far in 2014

PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN

ldquoWe were starting with

the most basic reading

and writing skills Many

had not even been in a

school before We literally

did not know if they could

hold a pencil But they

were so eager to learn

and grateful to be hererdquo

ndash Courtney Allen


Another 40 people have donated money or goods

ldquoItrsquos been remarkablerdquo Allen said of the response from First Baptist ldquoI just made a phone call in response to something I heard of in the community I give so much credit to the teachers and administrators of the school for thinking creatively about how we can be of helprdquo

Not all communities have welcomed the newest refugees many of whom fled gang violence and intimidation only to be greeted by public protests in their new country

In July in Murrieta Calif buses carrying immigrants to a Border Patrol facility were blocked by flag-waving protesters A rally in Oracle Ariz protested a rumor mdash started by the police chief mdash that some of the unaccompanied minors would be housed locally Rallies in Michigan and Massachusetts voiced similar concerns Americans for Legal Immigration a controversial political action committee helped organize nearly 300 anti-immigration demonstrations for one weekend in July

ldquoWe havenrsquot experienced it that way at allrdquo Allen said of the protests Most Dalton residents have welcomed the children and families And First Baptist has benefitted from investing in their lives she added

ldquoWe are a better church and better people of God because of these relationships and

the acknowledgement of who our neighbors arerdquo Allen said

Meanwhile the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship launched its own strategy to deal with the border crisis enlisting financial support for its Children and Refugee Emergency Support fund or CBF CARES More than $20000 was raised in the first few weeks

FBC Dalton the only CBF grant recipient not working on the border received $3500 to buy shoes and coats for the immigrant children arriving in northwest Georgia

ldquoWe got a new pair of tennis shoes for every one of the children with the money from CBFrdquo Allen said But even that wasnrsquot easy Two teachers had to spend a whole day measuring the childrenrsquos feet ldquoThey would say lsquosize 5rsquo when really it was size 7rdquo Allen said ldquoThey never have had shoes that fit We had to convince them they could have shoes that really fitrdquo

First Baptist itself contributed more than $5300 to supply the Newcomer Academy with reading materials school supplies and computer printers The congregation also provided medical care for seven of the schoolrsquos children and dental services for several others Allen said

Now the church is looking for ways to help the children deal with the ldquocoyotesrdquo the human traffickers who smuggled them into

the US Allen said Some of the teens have been working at night to earn money to pay off the smugglers

ldquoThe studentsrsquo families back home are the collateral for the debtrdquo Allen said ominously ldquoWe are currently thinking about ways to offer [the students] economic opportunity that is safe and non-exploitativerdquo

Perhaps the most rewarding experience so far for the First Baptist volunteers she said was hosting an American-style luncheon for students of the Newcomers Academy giving the volunteers and others a chance to socialize with the children and their families

Luncheon participants shared stories of their involvement in the partnership and how it has changed them mdash students and volunteers alike

ldquoIt was mutual and reciprocalrdquo Allen said ldquoThere were tears from both sides at that table Despite all the ugliness and vitriol around immigration we were just sitting there as children of Godrdquo

Two First Baptist members who spoke at the luncheon were Candi Cruz and Rosa Vasquez both of whom had their first contact with FBC Dalton through Soul Food

The volunteers from FBC Dalton shared time with the students of the Newcomers Academy by hosting an American-style luncheon at which the students and volunteers could share stories and fellowship


the congregationrsquos seven-year-old feeding program for families in need Soul Food also includes a community garden medical clinic and childrenrsquos ministry Eighty-five percent of its clients are Hispanic After becoming a client of Soul Food Cruz and her husband and three children were the first Hispanic family to join the church in its 166-year history

Vasquez a facilities worker at First Baptist told the border children at the luncheon about her experience fleeing from civil war in El Salvador years ago Vasquez serves as a volunteer at the Newcomer Academy prompting one of the schoolrsquos teachers to declare at the luncheon ldquoYou have been the epitome of grace to these studentsrdquo

Allen said First Baptist laid the groundwork for the current school partnership through its earlier ethnic ministries such as an Hispanic mission

church begun 22 years ago and English-language instruction started even earlier

ldquoHopefully the community sees us as a welcoming placerdquo she said of the congregation The personal relationships that have developed between the volunteers and Academy students give the partnership its authenticity she added

CBF Disaster Response Director Tommy Deal said the Dalton church is ldquoa great modelrdquo of a long-term strategy one that should inspire other congregations He said CBF churches elsewhere are just starting to find out what needs the new immigrants bring as they are resettled in other cities

Describing the current immigration crisis as ldquoa man-made disasterrdquo Deal said ldquothe response in Dalton mirrors what we try to

do in natural disastersrdquo Immediately after

a disaster strikes he said ldquosome groups go in and do some wonderful thingsrdquo Rather than competing with those efforts however CBF looks for long-term recovery and development projects in which to invest their effort ldquoThatrsquos where CBF finds our strengthrdquo

The disaster-response specialist lives in Dalton where his wife serves as minister of music and worship at First Baptist After visiting the Newcomer Academy classrooms Deal praised the schoolrsquos three teachers mdash a reading specialist a middle-school specialist and an adult education and English-language specialist

ldquoEach one of these educators has a deep passion care and love for these young people well beyond their professional expectationsrdquo Deal wrote after his visit

Courtney Allen said all three teachers are believers who ldquowalk a fine linerdquo careful not to impose their beliefs on the impressionable newcomers As with the teachers Allen said the commitment from FBC Dalton is deep and abiding ldquoAll of us see this as ongoing relationshiprdquo she concluded

ldquoI am grateful for CBF collecting and sharing resources for this kind of ministryrdquo Allen concluded ldquoThey have empowered and enabled us to do more with these students than we would have been able to do otherwiserdquo

The group of Newcomers Academy students and FBC Dalton volunteers gathered around each other through a luncheon to celebrate the partnership share authentically and deepen personal relationships

ldquoWe are a better church

and better people of

God because of these

relationships and the

acknowledgement of who

our neighbors are These

are children of Godrdquo



DECATUR Ga mdash The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is partnering with the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) to address the Ebola crisis in Liberia and other West African countries providing emergency support for food medicines medical equipment educational materials prevention training and sanitation supplies to help stop the spread of the deadly disease

CBF has created an Ebola Response Fund to encourage Cooperative Baptists to support the Fellowshiprsquos response to this global crisis Gifts can be made to the fund at wwwthefellowshipinfoebola

CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter emphasized the importance of linking arms and supporting Baptists in West Africa including the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention (LBMEC) and its president Olu Menjay who is a graduate of Mercer University Additionally CBF-endorsed chaplain Col Charles Reynolds recently served in Liberia as Senior Chaplain for US Army Africa mdash the command that is coordinating the Armyrsquos Ebola response operation

ldquoThere is heartfelt compassion and connection for many in CBF mdash students leaders and churches mdash to Liberia Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary and the Baptist union led by Dr Olu Menjayrdquo Paynter said ldquoIt is a privilege to give and in a small way join all those who are truly being the presence of Christ in West Africardquo

The Ebola virus has killed more than 5000 people A total of 9936 cases of the Ebola virus have been reported in five affected countries (Guinea Liberia Sierra Leone Spain and the United States) and two previously affected countries (Nigeria and Senegal) as of October 19 according to the World Health Organization Liberia remains the country worst affected by the Ebola outbreak with 47 percent of all reported cases (4605) and 55 percent of all deaths (2705)

In August CBF contributed $5000 to the BWArsquos effort to raise $35000 to provide food educational materials and sanitation supplies to 100 pastors and 100 communities across Liberia associated with the countryrsquos Baptist churches and institutions Since the outbreak began many government offices were forced to close to prevent the virus from spreading A 90-day state of emergency was declared on August 6 by Liberiarsquos President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf ordering that all schools close including the Baptist-affiliated Ricks Institute Lott Carey Mission School and the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary

CBF Global Missions Coordinator Steven Porter emphasized the need and responsibility to extend healing to those affected by the crisis

ldquoWhile the scale of the Ebola crisis in West Africa makes any response feel inadequate we must remember that healing and the multiplication of humble gifts were central to Jesusrsquo public ministry and as his disciples we are called to follow suitrdquo Porter said ldquoWith longstanding Baptist partners on the ground especially in Liberia we have a concrete opportunity to extend the healing ministry of Jesus in our world todayrdquo

CBF encourages financial support for its Ebola crisis response

Donations to CBFrsquos Ebola Response Fund may be made online at wwwthefellowshipinfoebolaor by mailing a check payable to ldquoCBFrdquo with Acct 17028 in the memo line to


By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

There are 28 open field personnel positions around the world with CBF

THEFELLOWSHIPINFOSERVE

CBF CARES In Small GroupsMissions Education Resource

The outline below is designed for adult mission groups Bible study classes and other small groups Share copies of fellowship with group members prior to the meeting and have extra copies available These suggestions are for a 45-minute time frame

1 This session explores CBFrsquos emergency response to unaccompanied minors from Central America Read the article on pages 22-23 in this issue of fellowship and gather copies for participants If anyone in your congregation or area has experience with refugee ministry you could invite that person to join the conversation

2 Arrange for someone to read aloud 2 Corinthians 520 Ask ldquoWhat does it mean for us to be ambassadors for Christrdquo Allow time for discussion

3 Say ldquoLast summer many of us learned for the first time about children from Central America crossing the United States border often unaccompanied by an adult These children make this dangerous trek north to escape violence and extreme poverty in their homelandsrdquo

4 Explain that while legislative leaders policymakers and the courts work on addressing the causes of this problem these vulnerable children are already here with needs from food to healthcare to safety to education

5 Invite participants to think about what they would want for their own children grandchildren or young loved ones to have if they were far away from home and alone

6 Ask ldquoAs followers of Jesus what might it mean for us to be ambassadors of Christ to these children and familiesrdquo Allow for

MORE RESOURCESVisit thefellowshipinfoaffectonline for additional Opportunities to Affect including

Around the Table At HomeIn Worship Childrenrsquos Sermon

LEARNLearn more about CBF CARES at thefellowshipinfocbfcares

PRAYPray for the work of CBF field personnel churches and partners serving the needs of immigrants and refugees Prayers of the People is a great resource for your daily prayer thefellowshipinfopray

NETWORKConnect with other CBF churches and ministries focused on refugees and immigrants through CBFrsquos mission communities Visit missioncommunitiesorg

GIVEDonations to CBF CARES will continue to be distributed to organizations and churches ministering with immigrant children and their families Donations may be made online at thefellowshipinfocbfcares

Opportunities to

Cooperative Baptists have raised more than $25000 to support children and refugee families through CBF CARES

December 2014

discussion guiding away from political issues and toward reflection on our call as Christians

7 Say ldquoWith the launch of CBF CARES (Children and Refugee Emergency Support) Cooperative Baptists have raised more than $25000 to support these children and refugee familiesrdquo Emphasize that the money has gone to provide medical screenings as well as water food and clothes to those in need

8 Invite someone to read paragraphs 5-8 about FBC Daltonrsquos outreach to unaccompanied minors settled in their area Ask ldquoHow are the people of FBC Dalton living as ambassadors for Christ What message are these children receiving about Godrsquos loverdquo

9 End with a prayer for these children and families for our political leadership to make wise and compassionate choices and for our churches to truly live as Christrsquos ambassadors to these people in need

CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon



30 | f e l l o w s h i p D E C J A N 2 0 1 5

CBF Hunger MinistriesIn Worship EndHunger ChallengeMissions Education Resource

The giving challenge below can be incorporated into a worship service or other missions emphasis time

For this event you will be asking members of your church to participate in CBFrsquos campaign to EndHunger by thinking about the food they eat and responding in ways that help others find the food they need

To prepare for the EndHunger challengebull Read the article about Greg and Sue

Smithrsquos work through LUCHA Ministries on pp 10-13 in this issue of fellowship

bull Download and preview the ldquoCBF Hunger Ministriesrdquo video from this link vimeocomalbum3113639

bull Ask two volunteers to make the EndHunger challenge at the end of the video

bull Provide enough CBF Offering for Global Missions envelopes or blank envelopes for each person in your congregation and enough pens to pass around during the event

At the beginning of worship pass out blank envelopes and pens to each person present or put them in the pews before people arrive During the service show the video and end it with the following EndHunger challenge

CBF field personnel Greg and Sue Smith work through LUCHA Ministries to help EndHunger in Fredericksburg Va

Opportunities to Opportunities to


In Small GroupsAround the Table At Home

LEARNLearn about CBF field personnel Greg and Sue Smith and LUCHA Ministries at thefellowshipinfogreg-sue-smith

PRAYPray for the work of CBF field personnel and partners who are addressing hunger and poverty worldwide Prayers of the People is available in multiple formats at thefellowshipinfopray

NETWORKInteract with field personnel and other missions and ministry leaders active in hunger ministries at missioncommunitiesorgpoverty

GIVEYour generous gifts are vital to the work of CBF field personnel and other Fellowship ministries Find out more at thefellowshipinfogive

January 2015

Speaker 1 One-in-eight people in our world are hungry But this is a reality that we can change We can each give a little to help build a great feast Right now Irsquom asking you to think about one item that you eat or drink that you could easily give up without going hungry Maybe itrsquos a cappuccino on the way to work or the cookies from your favorite bakery Think of one item mdash then decide to give it up for one week or maybe a month Write on the front of the envelope what yoursquore giving up and then put the money you would have spent inside the envelope Wersquoll pool our money together and turn it into a great feast that feeds the hungry Your little bit will become a bountiful harvest when we pool all our resources together

Speaker 2 Read Matthew 2537-40

Follow the appeal with an offering inviting each person to contribute to the EndHunger feast After the service count up all of the money that was given and announce the total You can also make a list of all the things people chose to give up and share this with your congregation

Be sure to ask those who use Twitter to tweet about your churchrsquos campaign by using the hashtag EndHunger Also consider blogging about your churchrsquos EndHunger campaign by contributing an article about your experience to the CBFblog (wwwcbfblogcom) Submit your article to Aaron Weaver at aweaverthefellowshipinfo

CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon




INSPIRATION to find and continue your God-given mission

Sharing BEST PRACTICES and resources for meeting

ministry needs

Casting a VISION for the future of the Fellowship

Finding REST AND FELLOWSHIP in opportunities for both collective

and individual renewal

Worship and CELEBRATION through stories of missions ministries and Godrsquos work

Wersquove got big plans for the 2015 CBF General Assembly

YOU SHARED WE LISTENED At the 2015 General Assembly in Dallas wersquore delivering some new and improved elements to help you get the most out of your experience Here are just a fewhellip

bull Offsite workshop excursions with field discussions of issues like payday lending

bull Simplified onsite registration with a self-check-in kiosk

bull Return of the Silent Auction

bull Increased number of spaces in the age level assemblies

bull Childcare available for the Wednesday night service

bull WE (Welcome Everyone) lunches on Thursday AND Friday

JUNE 15-19

The whole event is still under one roof Assembly will be hosted and held at the

Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas Texas

Pre-register now thefellowshipinfoassembly

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship160 Clairemont Avenue Suite 500

Decatur GA 30030

wwwthefellowshipinfo bull (800) 352-8741

IT WAS AS a teacher that I was first awakened

to hunger A student in my class became a real nuisance taking pencils from the other kids and begging them off me every day until I went through a yearrsquos supply I had no pencils left In frustration I went to put a stop to this mdash only to find out that he was taking pencils for the most unlikely reason to eat the erasers Every single day he was coming to school hungry

That was the day I quit being blind to the need around me

When did you see him hungry What is your story of hunger ministry Join the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in the Offering for Global Missions highlighting hunger ministries by giving and by telling

your story CBF is also partnering with the Baptist World Alliance to address the Ebola crisis in Liberia providing emergency support for food in the wake of this devastating epidemic Will you join us

The work of Christian mission and compassion through hunger ministry is a priority for two reasons

1) We follow Christ who chose among all the miracles of the universe the miracle of redemptive compassionate feeding to show to humanity the nature of a loving God

At first Jesus is tempted in the wilderness to ldquoturn stones into breadrdquo for show mdash for pride and power He turns away from the use of food for pride and power Jesus shows the nature of compassion for a hungry crowd when he feeds the multitude from a single lunch basket Feeding also becomes a rite of holy remembrance and beckoning when in the last days of his life he transforms a meal into a remembrance that carries on for generations After the resurrection scripture says he is revealed on the road to Emmaus in a common meal and to his beloved disciples over charbroiled fish Feeding is a sign of the reign of God

2) We work collaboratively for collective impact As Christrsquos followers in a global network of related ministry and service we can join others to create the collective impact to end hunger In the Stanford Social Innovation Review the seminal periodical on cross-sector solutions to large-scale global problems researchers determined that the scale of collective impact needed to end hunger requires a mind-shift from seeking a silver bullet solution to creating silver buckshot solutions

Like all creation people everywhere are born hungry and we stay hungry as long as we live Providing food for our family is a primary responsibility of adults and communities worldwide The goal of ending hunger is families providing food In recent days we have seen that

global hunger is declining because there is genuine collaboration toward this goal of self-sufficiency CBF hunger missions and ministries provide emergency feeding in some areas and also provide channels toward self-sufficiency with gardens in villages and city communities

In order to have collective impact to scale many organizations and ministries work together toward

1) A common vision for change that includes a joint approach through agreed-upon actions

2) Shared measurement through agreement on the ways success will be measured and reported with a short list of common indicators

3) Mutually-reinforcing activities from a diverse set of stakeholders typically across sectors through a mutually-reinforcing plan of action

4) Continuous communication through frequent and structured channels to build trust and motivation and to assure mutual objectives

5) Backbone support by an independent staff that provides ongoing support for vision strategy aligned activities and mobilizing resources1

These are great principles for effective missions and ministry at every level from a simple food pantry to a community-wide hunger intervention ministry

In a world of uncertainty I am very sure of two things 1) I have yet to find or meet a silver bullet As good as any one thing can be mdash it is not enough to tackle hunger 2) I look out across our CBF network and see plenty of SILVER BUCKSHOT There are miraculous gifts a remarkable overabundance of gifts right in front of us every day

We all need to eat to live Ending hunger is doable and in the doing of it we will become more authentic Christ followers in service to the world

Suzii Paynter CBF Executive Coordinator

1 John Kania and Mark Kramer ldquoCollective Impactrdquo Stanford Social Innovation Review Winter 2011 Fay Hanleybrown John Kania and Mark Kramer ldquoChallenging Change Making Collective Impact Workrdquo Stanford Social Innovation Review January 2012

ENDING HUNGERwith silver buckshot

CBFfellowship


A PUBLICATION OF COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP

VOLUME 24 NUMBER 6 DECEMBERJANUARY 2015

EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR

Suzii Paynter

ASSOCIATE COORDINATOR FELLOWSHIP ADVANCEMENT

Jeff Huett

EDITOR Aaron Weaver

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Travis Peterson

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Carrie Harris McGuffin

ASSISTANT EDITOR Candice Young

PHONE

(770) 220-1600

E-MAIL

fellowshipthefellowshipinfo

WEBSITE

wwwthefellowshipinfo

fellowship is published 6 times a year in FebMarch AprilMay JuneJuly AugSept OctNov DecJan by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Inc 160 Clairemont Avenue Suite 500 Decatur GA 30030 Periodicals postage paid at Decatur GA and additional offices USPS 015-625

POSTMASTER Send address changes to fellowship Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 160 Clairemont Avenue Suite 500 Decatur GA 30030







10








Contents







DECEMBER








JANUARY

























Today is your day



ndash Dr Seuss

By Gerry Hutchinson


















PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F BA

YLO

R PH

OTO

GRA

PHY

By Aaron Weaver













Did you know


Services Manager


















HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030








10








Contents







DECEMBER








JANUARY

























Today is your day



ndash Dr Seuss

By Gerry Hutchinson


















PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F BA

YLO

R PH

OTO

GRA

PHY

By Aaron Weaver













Did you know


Services Manager


















HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030







DECEMBER








JANUARY

























Today is your day



ndash Dr Seuss

By Gerry Hutchinson


















PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F BA

YLO

R PH

OTO

GRA

PHY

By Aaron Weaver













Did you know


Services Manager


















HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030




















Today is your day



ndash Dr Seuss

By Gerry Hutchinson


















PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F BA

YLO

R PH

OTO

GRA

PHY

By Aaron Weaver













Did you know


Services Manager


















HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030
















PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F BA

YLO

R PH

OTO

GRA

PHY

By Aaron Weaver













Did you know


Services Manager


















HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030













Did you know


Services Manager


















HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030



Services Manager


















HOW WILL YOU WAIT

Advent Resources



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030



By Emily Holladay


Restoring hope

in the midst of

struggle














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030














































1 in 8 suffer from

hunger

842 million people

globally

More than

Twice the US

population



for Global Missions















15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030











15












By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030













By Aaron Weaver













CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030












CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030







































































PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F D

IAN

N W

HIS

NAN

D

By Aaron Weaver


CBF CARES








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030








23









By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030










By Greg Warner




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030




















Annual average 5000



PHO

TOS

CO

URTE

SY O

F C

OUR

TNEY

ALL

EN


































































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030
























































By Aaron Weaver


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030


Is God calling

you to serve

















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030
















Opportunities to


December 2014





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon





















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030



















January 2015





CBF field personnel

celebrate Jesus

feed the hungry

in Lebanon






ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030




ministry needs













JUNE 15-19





Decatur GA 30030


fellowship! magazine - dec/jan 2015

Documents

global hunger

hunger ministries

cbf hunger missions

story of hunger ministry

scale of collective

global missions

emergency feeding

hungry crowd