Let's Go Church Planting

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Dear Friends,

Operation Renewed Hope has worked with Keith Stensaas in Uganda for several years now.  Keith has been so faithful to allow ORH t help us reach his people.  There are two things that I wish to point-out concerning Keith.

The term “church planter” is true.  He has his ministry in Masaka, Uganda, but his ministries reach for beyond this one church.

Keith took an ORH Clinic to the Congo border area.  There, he introduced Pastor Stephen.  After the clinic, ORH purchased the land for Pastor Stephen’s church, and Pastor Stephen with his congregation built a building and a home for Pastor Stephen.

Keith took an ORH Clinic to a church just beginning in Lucaya.  This was a heavy muslim area, but the church pressed forward.  The last time we visited the church we sat in their newly completed building and the medical team and sang “To God be the Glory.”

Keith took a clinic to an Island in Lake Victoria.  Pastor Paul preached each day of the clinic.  He helped to reopen a church on the Island with his preaching.  Many came to Christ, and while we were there 26 people were baptized.  Several baptized were saved in the clinic time.

Keith took us to Mbrizi where we did a day of clinic.  Keith walked me to the site where the church hoped to build.  It was ½ acre of land.  ORH purchased the land and now the church congregation is building a building.

Our last clinic with Keith was at Equator Baptist Church.  People were saved and also added to the church.  ORH was able to help the church complete their building, and also help the pastor there to improve his home.

Keith, to me is a great “Church Planter.”  He now has a Vocational school and Bible college with 33 students.  The future is bright.   Please download the PDF for pictures.

Thank you Baptist International Mission for your great selection of Keith Stensaas as one of your missionaries. 

 

New Baby - Alex and Flor Peru Church Planters

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Dear Friends,

Alex and Flor have been faithful to continue our work in Peru.  Just recently, ORH was able to send money to purchase a vehicle to use in the jungle area of Pilcopata and Patria to follow up our clinic work with church planting.  However, they had to use the funds for something a little more important.  Please read the information from Buddy and Loren Fitzgerald.

“Alex just called. He and his family have been in the mountain area of Cusco for a couple of weeks awaiting the birth of their second. They had to travel out of the jungle because of the poor medical facilities there, which you already know about. Besides that, Flor will need a c-section because of placenta previa and some of prior need for an operation which means that she cannot have the baby naturally.

They had this confirmed by several different medical posts, but when they went today to set up the c-section the public hospital rejected all of the other sonograms (even the 4 done over the last few days) and did their own. They say that all the others were exaggerated, and rather than calculating her to be at 37 weeks and ready for the baby, they put her at 35. The public hospital apparently does not like working if they can get out of it, and they want to have a natural birth, even after they saw the history. They say that if things go wrong during the birth they can then try to shuffle things around for surgery, but that sometimes turns out very poorly here (We know several men who have lost their wife here during childbirth).

They have spent all their savings, and are not sure what to do at this point. A private clinic c-section will probably cost $800-$1000. I told him that if it was a question of life or death I knew you would want him to save her life, rather than holding the money for the three wheel motorcycle, but he still wanted me to check with you on what you think.

I just yesterday sent him this month’s funds, which he did not yet know, so he now feels much relieved, but of course, is still in a tight spot.

Please pray with us for him and for God’s work there.”

 

We confirmed with them to pay for the c-section, and ORH would raise more money for the Tri-motorcycle.  Please download the PDF to see baby Caleb and family.  God is good.

God bless,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope

1017 Sage Green Ct.

Raleigh, NC 27610

910-987-5072

Jan@operationrenewedhope.org

www.operationrenewedhope.org

New Children's Ministries

South Carolina Flooding Update

Friday, October 23, 2015

Dear Friends,

Below is a message from Pastor Tim Driggers of Congaree Baptist Church.  His church had 3 to 5 feet of water after the flooding in Columbia.  This brother needs our help.  Please read the following information from him. 

“Just wanted to drop you a note to update you on the recovery process at Congaree. The clean-up in the Education/Fellowship building is pretty much complete there is still a little "tear out" to be done in the kitchen area. We are now beginning to turn our attention to putting back what was damaged by the flood waters. The good news is that after some extensive cleaning our electrical systems were certified as safe to use, also our heating and air units in the E/F build seems to be working. We just purchased wall paneling today to put back in our office areas and several doors will need to be replaced. Eventually all the floor tile will need to be replaced and the carpeting in the offices and nursery. We will have to complete "redo" the kitchen with cabinets and counters and replacement appliances.

The Sanctuary is where the real work will be encountered. There was a large group from Bob Jones that came last week and was a great help; they were able to completely tear out all the walls in the Sanctuary so we are pretty much down to a shell in the downstairs portion of the building. The first thing necessary before we start putting anything back is to repair the foundation and make sure the structure is sound, to that end we have had one foundation service to look at the building and we are waiting on another to give us a second estimate.

We are extremely thankful to all those who have come out to help, to all those who have schedule to come in the near future and help, we are thankful to all those who have given towards our recovery. I have been overwhelmed by the out pouring of phone calls and message and all the prayer that are being offered for us. The work of Congaree Baptist Church continues as we served the Lord in our community just as we have been doing for 250 years; we praise HIM for HIS goodness and faithfulness, to God be the Glory. 

We are able to meet fairly comfortably in our fellowship hall for services. We have been able to continue to pray for and support our missionaries, we have had many opportunities  to reach out into our community through these events. Our office will soon be functional again, so all in all we feel blessed as we see how God has worked on our behalf; let us be faithful to work on HIs behalf!  With a heart full of Thanks:  Rev Tim Driggers.”

If you have a work team of 2 or 3 very good carpenters, please contact Dr. David Smith, dbs@gbcwc.org.  Plan on being able to buy your own food and pay for your own lodging.  Also, if possible, bring money to buy the materials you will install. 

Thanks so much for all of your giving.  This has made it possible to help those who really are in need.

If you have any communications, for the next 10 days communicate directly with Dr. Smith.  Our team of workers for ORH will be with Dan and Edna Cadavos of Mindanao, Philippines, conducting an evangelistic medical clinic for churches.

Please don’t forget this great need.  Please don’t forget the families who need help in Sumter, SC.

If you know of anyone in Mexico or Texas impacted by “Patricia,” please contact ORH at jan@operationrenewedhope.org.

If you wish to donate by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope and choose “Network for Good.”  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

If you wish to donate by check, please send to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

God bless you,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope

P.O Box 43242

Fayetteville, NC 28309

910-987-5072

jan@operationrenewedhope.org

www.operationrenewedhope.org

South Carolina Flooding

Friday, October 16, 2015

Dear Friends,

We have received pictures of the work done by the Bob Jones’ students.  They have been a wonderful blessing.  Bob Jones University is located in Greenville, SC.

Dr. David Smith, who is directing the work for ORH, spoke over the phone about the hard work of the young people.  He said they were stripping out the church damage and preparing it for reconstruction.  David said that their enthusiasm and hard work was great.

After the students are finished, the hard work to rebuild begins.  We want to say thank you to the students and Bob Jones.  Please download the PDF to see pictures of their efforts.

Gantt Street Baptist now has almost 52 pallets of food and water in their fellowship hall.  They will be distributing this to those still in need.  Pray for the good work of this church and Anchor Baptist Missions.  And thanks to all who have contacted ORH about trucks of supplies to deliver.

It is always wonderful to work with good people.  Trinity Baptist Church in Williamston, SC is one of those groups of good people.  Read Pastor Robbie Robertson’s report to ORH.

“Hey Brother Jan, Just wanted to let you know that a business man in our church (wholesale grocer) donated a tractor trailer load of water last week which was transported by Bro Barton's ministry to Gantt St BC.  Also a customer of the same grocery store donated a second trailer load of water which was delivered to Lykesland BC on Monday to the Hearts with Hands distribution team in a donated tractor trailer from Pulliam Trucking in Greenwood and it was driven by my Father.  Today he is taking a trailer load of water and supplies that have been collected at the trucking company to a Red Cross drop-off in Charleston after being contacted by them needing these supplies.    Also, several local churches have networked together (White Plains BC in Pelzer, Trinity BC in Williamston and East Georgia Rd Baptist in Simpsonville) have collected nearly 500 cases of water and distributed to the midlands through different work teams.  NO recognition needed just letting you know about these other efforts.  Robbie Robertson, www.trinity-bc.org”

Also, please read Pastor Westmoreland of Sumter Baptist Temple, Sumter, SC.  Although his church was not damaged some of his people have been evacuated from their homes.

“Both of the Burdick’s homes were completely flooded under several feet of water on 10/04/2015.  Ken and Tammy have flood insurance.  The parents (Jim and Evelyn) do not.  Ken and Tammy are shouldering the burden of rebuilding his parent’s home.

Ken and Tammy are faithful members of our church for many years.  They have a great testimony on our community.  Ken organizes and runs our men’s prayer breakfasts and is a police officer at SPD.  Tammy is a nurse at Tuomey Hospital in Sumter.  These are fine Christian folks, and Ken’s parents are very sweet people as well, though dementia affects them both.”

We want to help this family, if you make it possible.

If you would like to form a work team to help any of these people please consider the following.

Before making plans please contact Operation Renewed Hope at 910-987-5072 and Pastor David Smith at 803-665-2919.

We suggest the following course of action.  1. Please put together teams that can work with studding, insulation, sheetrock, and finishing of sheetrock.  2. Also, I would suggest that one person find out the length of time for the newly exposed studs to dry before covering them with new sheetrock.  3. I would also recommend that when the teams come that they attempt to help with the materials that the team will install.

Please, talk with Pastor Smith about your intentions and plans, ORH personnel will be in the Philippines with one of our medical teams from October 24 til December 1.  His email is dbs@gbcwc.org.

Again, thank God for those who are helping.  Please download the PDF for publication to the church.

If you wish to donate by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope and choose “Network for Good.”  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

If you wish to donate by check, please send to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

God bless you,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope

P.O Box 43242

Fayetteville, NC 28309

910-987-5072

jan@operationrenewedhope.org

www.operationrenewedhope.org

 

 

Help with South Carolina Flooding

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Dear Friends,

The work in South Carolina flooding is continuing.  Dr. David Smith, music pastor of Grace Baptist Church, West Columbia, SC, sent this report about a widow whose trailer was impacted by the flooding.  Her husband and she were faithful to God.

”Jan,  I spoke with Betty and also had a good talk with her pastor. He is a good friend of mine and helps several widow ladies that are in his church.

Her husband was a wonderful man that was known for his soul winning zeal. He was faithful to the end.  

The trailer is very old and the water has damaged the siding and back bedroom.   I am not sure the siding can be replaced without doing damage to the structure itself. The trailer may just need to be torn down and replaced.

She is a very deserving lady. She and her husband have served the Lord their entire lives.

 

We could try to replace siding and flooring and that may work.

"Sing" cerely yours,

Dr. David B. Smith”

We would like to help this lady if possible.

The pastor of Sumter Baptist Temple has called.  He has people around him who need help.  The situation of no flood insurance is devastating.  This is not an area where flooding is expected.  Please consider helping.

If you wish to donate by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope and choose “Network for Good.”  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

If you wish to donate by check, please send to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

God bless you,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope

P.O Box 43242

Fayetteville, NC 28309

910-987-5072

jan@operationrenewedhope.org

www.operationrenewedhope.org

Active Now - South Carolina Flooding Effort

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Dear Friends,

Please read the information about South Carolina flooding from Hurricane Joaquin.  The situation is not good for the people.

There are three of our groups working together, Operation Renewed, Hope, Anchor Baptist Missions, and Hearts with Hands.

Dr. Randy Barton, founder of Anchor Baptist Missions (missions@anchorbaptist.org) is in Columbia now with a team of people from his ministry.  Please read what he has sent to us yesterday.

“We are focusing on supplies out of Gant Street. My people are there, and the need has already overwhelmed the supply, and we were not even scheduled to open until tomorrow afternoon.

If we can refer the Restoration efforts for ORH to coordinate, it would help us greatly. We have all we can do and more with the Response aspect of this. Any help with supplies you can steer our way would be appreciated.”

Dr. Greg Lintz, director of Hearts with Hands out of Ashville, NC, www.heartswithhands.org, has a semi-truck headed into Columbia now with relief goods.  He will be coordinating with Dr. Barton’s team and help distribute the needed supplies.

We want to thank Dr. Bill Egerdahl, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in West Columbia, for supplying pastoral staff to coordinate the work of ORH in the flood zone.  Dr. David Smith of  the church pastoral staff will help ORH reach the people with help and the gospel.  Dr. Smith is in the flood zone now attempting to determine the local families’ needs for their homes and properties.  Pray for his safety.

There is much to do.  This is an opportunity for all of us to give the gospel thousands in the US.  Please help us to do this.  If you have supplies, a work team, or know someone in need, please contact ORH immediately.

We have included a PDF of the Congaree Baptist Church which had 3 to 5 feet of water in its facilities.  This church was preparing its 250^th year of existence.  They were chartered before the Revolutionary War.

If you wish to donate by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope and choose “Network for Good.”  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

If you wish to donate by check, please send to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please designate your gift as either “Domestic Relief” or “International Relief.”

God bless you,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope

P.O Box 43242

Fayetteville, NC 28309

910-987-5072

jan@operationrenewedhope.org

www.operationrenewedhope.org