Kingswood students minister overseas during break
by Marilee Peed, Wesleyan Information Network | Mar. 26, 2012
Foregoing the chance to relax over March break, two teams of Kingswood University students spent the week serving others in ministries overseas.
Under the leadership of Dr. Bill Peed, a group traveled northeast of Moscow to Vladimir, Russia, one of the most picturesque cities known for its rich Russian history and architecture. During the week, they participated in ministries organized by Global Partner missionaries, Brian and Cara Burke. Students attended services in both Wesleyan churches in Vladimir, told their faith journeys, participated in prayers walks, and helped to strengthen relationships that are being built in the community by Wesleyan missionaries.
By a special invitation to the campus of Vladimir State University, Dr. Peed and several students spoke on religious freedom in North America at a seminar for religion and philosophy students. Afterward, they spent time developing relationships with their Russian peers at an English conversation group that meets weekly on campus.
The day before their departure, students joined Grace of Christ Church (Wesleyan) in Vladimir, Russia, for a meal to celebrate International Women’s Day, a national holiday honoring motherhood, beauty, and spring. With nearly fifty others attending, this major outreach event (funded by the Kingswood University team) was the largest gathering of the Wesleyan church plant yet.
“We caught only a glimpse of the ministry needs in Russia over the five days,” said Dr. Peed. “But what a glimpse! Through prayer-walking in two cities, witnessing on the university campus, and team members being asked the deep questions like 'Does God exist?’ and ‘Is there more than one God?', we saw numerous opportunities for ministry.”
As part of the associate of arts in evangelism and compassion ministry degree (Praxis), Professor Mike MacNeil took a second group of students to Guatemala. Praxis is designed to equip students to serve in evangelism and compassion ministry in a broad variety of settings, including ministry in another culture.
Working with a non-government organization called the Center for Christian Culture of Guatemala, second-year students assisted with giving spiritual, nutritional, and health developmental care to children living in Guatemala City, Antigua, the Rio Dulce area, and the Montericco coast. The group provided the funding and labor to lay cement floors in six village homes and donated soccer balls and jerseys, shoes, and toys. They also ministered in churches and on the streets, and served food at two breakfast feeding programs for poor children. On their free day, they climbed Pacaya, the most active volcano in Central America.
“In our ten days in Guatemala, I was struck by the spiritual hunger and openness of the people and by the incredible commitment of the church in Guatemala,” said Professor MacNeil. “The Church is alive and impacting the culture. What an honor it was to serve alongside young pastors and leaders who are willing to make great sacrifices to see their people become Christ followers.”
Foregoing the chance to relax over March break, two teams of Kingswood University students spent the week serving others in ministries overseas.
Under the leadership of Dr. Bill Peed, a group traveled northeast of Moscow to Vladimir, Russia, one of the most picturesque cities known for its rich Russian history and architecture. During the week, they participated in ministries organized by Global Partner missionaries, Brian and Cara Burke. Students attended services in both Wesleyan churches in Vladimir, told their faith journeys, participated in prayers walks, and helped to strengthen relationships that are being built in the community by Wesleyan missionaries.
By a special invitation to the campus of Vladimir State University, Dr. Peed and several students spoke on religious freedom in North America at a seminar for religion and philosophy students. Afterward, they spent time developing relationships with their Russian peers at an English conversation group that meets weekly on campus.
The day before their departure, students joined Grace of Christ Church (Wesleyan) in Vladimir, Russia, for a meal to celebrate International Women’s Day, a national holiday honoring motherhood, beauty, and spring. With nearly fifty others attending, this major outreach event (funded by the Kingswood University team) was the largest gathering of the Wesleyan church plant yet.
“We caught only a glimpse of the ministry needs in Russia over the five days,” said Dr. Peed. “But what a glimpse! Through prayer-walking in two cities, witnessing on the university campus, and team members being asked the deep questions like 'Does God exist?’ and ‘Is there more than one God?', we saw numerous opportunities for ministry.”
As part of the associate of arts in evangelism and compassion ministry degree (Praxis), Professor Mike MacNeil took a second group of students to Guatemala. Praxis is designed to equip students to serve in evangelism and compassion ministry in a broad variety of settings, including ministry in another culture.
Working with a non-government organization called the Center for Christian Culture of Guatemala, second-year students assisted with giving spiritual, nutritional, and health developmental care to children living in Guatemala City, Antigua, the Rio Dulce area, and the Montericco coast. The group provided the funding and labor to lay cement floors in six village homes and donated soccer balls and jerseys, shoes, and toys. They also ministered in churches and on the streets, and served food at two breakfast feeding programs for poor children. On their free day, they climbed Pacaya, the most active volcano in Central America.
“In our ten days in Guatemala, I was struck by the spiritual hunger and openness of the people and by the incredible commitment of the church in Guatemala,” said Professor MacNeil. “The Church is alive and impacting the culture. What an honor it was to serve alongside young pastors and leaders who are willing to make great sacrifices to see their people become Christ followers.”
Youth Leaders challenged to produce authentic disciples
by Wesleyan Information Network | Feb. 22, 2012
More than 230 youth leaders from The Wesleyan Church heard a “State of the Wesleyan Youth Movement” address during a February 16-18, 2012, FUEL training in Louisville, Kentucky. FUEL is the annual training event for Wesleyan youth pastors and volunteers.
Rev. Scott Simmons, director of youth ministries in The Wesleyan Church’s Spiritual Formation department, addressed eye-opening statistics about today’s youth culture and centered his address on one central question: Is the gospel you’re sharing producing disciples? Simmons focused on discipleship as Spiritual Formation prepares for the International Youth Convention, Follow 12, scheduled for December 28-31, 2012.
Kyle Idleman, teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and author of not a fan presented at two Friday sessions. “You cannot lead students where you are not going,” said Idleman, challenging all in attendance to “take their [relationships] with God to the next level.”
Idleman also stressed that, “What you win them [students] with is what you win them to”–if youth ministries use flashy or shallow products to attract students, their faith could potentially be the same.
“If we attract students with authenticity and discipleship, we will help create a sincere faith focused on serving the Lord,” says Idleman.
Round table discussions were held between sessions, led by some Wesleyan youth ministry veterans, where attendees talked about practical application within ministry. Many youth leaders also asked questions.
A-Town A-List led in music, while the band’s front man, Dustin, Ahkuio, emceed the event. The event closed with Rev. Simmons challenging Wesleyan youth leaders to be united through their calling in reaching teens.
“Our challenge, as ministers of the gospel, is to help students become more like Christ every day,” said Simmons. The session closed with a call for student ministers to live a life worthy of the calling they have received (Ephesians 4:1). Every youth leader in attendance signed the following covenant:
Our calling as ministers of the gospel is to help students follow the way of Jesus, not that they become “religious” or “more involved,” but that young people will become more like Jesus in their everyday life.
As youth ministers:
- We make a daily decision to die to ourselves and live for Christ (Luke 9:23).
- We will pursue Godly relationships over earthly possessions (Matthew 6:33).
- We will value holiness over hype in our ministry practices (2 Timothy 2:15).
It is our charge, our responsibility, and our privilege to live lives worthy of His calling.
More than 230 youth leaders from The Wesleyan Church heard a “State of the Wesleyan Youth Movement” address during a February 16-18, 2012, FUEL training in Louisville, Kentucky. FUEL is the annual training event for Wesleyan youth pastors and volunteers.
Rev. Scott Simmons, director of youth ministries in The Wesleyan Church’s Spiritual Formation department, addressed eye-opening statistics about today’s youth culture and centered his address on one central question: Is the gospel you’re sharing producing disciples? Simmons focused on discipleship as Spiritual Formation prepares for the International Youth Convention, Follow 12, scheduled for December 28-31, 2012.
Kyle Idleman, teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and author of not a fan presented at two Friday sessions. “You cannot lead students where you are not going,” said Idleman, challenging all in attendance to “take their [relationships] with God to the next level.”
Idleman also stressed that, “What you win them [students] with is what you win them to”–if youth ministries use flashy or shallow products to attract students, their faith could potentially be the same.
“If we attract students with authenticity and discipleship, we will help create a sincere faith focused on serving the Lord,” says Idleman.
Round table discussions were held between sessions, led by some Wesleyan youth ministry veterans, where attendees talked about practical application within ministry. Many youth leaders also asked questions.
A-Town A-List led in music, while the band’s front man, Dustin, Ahkuio, emceed the event. The event closed with Rev. Simmons challenging Wesleyan youth leaders to be united through their calling in reaching teens.
“Our challenge, as ministers of the gospel, is to help students become more like Christ every day,” said Simmons. The session closed with a call for student ministers to live a life worthy of the calling they have received (Ephesians 4:1). Every youth leader in attendance signed the following covenant:
Our calling as ministers of the gospel is to help students follow the way of Jesus, not that they become “religious” or “more involved,” but that young people will become more like Jesus in their everyday life.
As youth ministers:
- We make a daily decision to die to ourselves and live for Christ (Luke 9:23).
- We will pursue Godly relationships over earthly possessions (Matthew 6:33).
- We will value holiness over hype in our ministry practices (2 Timothy 2:15).
It is our charge, our responsibility, and our privilege to live lives worthy of His calling.
Wesleyan in the News
by Wesleyan Information Network | Feb. 17, 2012
Each week, both Wesleyans and Wesleyan churches are featured in online news publications. As we are alerted to those news items, we are privileged to pass them along. If you see a news item that relates to Wesleyans, please forward to[email protected]. The following are sample news items:
Roanoke church helping fight hunger
Elementary students in Roanoke, Virginia, know that Friday’s arrival means they will receive free snack packs courtesy of Emmanuel Wesleyan Church.
Perspectives on Kingswood University’s new name
A Canadian newspaper interviewed Kingswood University President Mark Gorveatte on the institution’s recent name change.
Each week, both Wesleyans and Wesleyan churches are featured in online news publications. As we are alerted to those news items, we are privileged to pass them along. If you see a news item that relates to Wesleyans, please forward to[email protected]. The following are sample news items:
Roanoke church helping fight hunger
Elementary students in Roanoke, Virginia, know that Friday’s arrival means they will receive free snack packs courtesy of Emmanuel Wesleyan Church.
Perspectives on Kingswood University’s new name
A Canadian newspaper interviewed Kingswood University President Mark Gorveatte on the institution’s recent name change.
Sports Day June 25, 2011
Youth Talent Extravaganza
The Youth Talent Extravaganza is an exciting event each year. This event allow youths from across the district to show off their talents in drama, singing, bible quiz, playing musical instruments, etc. Be sure to get involved in this event.