Antioch Missions Blog

Uganda team | Update #3!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:58:00 GMT

Guess what?! Internet access!! Let's just say- don't try to run a .com business from Uganda! Good Lord... so, the team has been so busy, so willing, and so obedient to be used in any way God directs.

The men have been doing work projects, teaching bible study, leading discussion groups, doing soccer clinics, setting new posts for a new jungle gym, 'being' a jungle gym for these kids, and sampling live white ants, cow intestine, and the like.

The women have been having a powerful time with the house moms, experiencing times of honesty and openness that have been so sweet. The ladies are also doing crafts, teaching cooking and cake decorating, leading Bible studies and willing to do any small project Carol (queen bee here) requests.

We love you all. We cherish your prayers.

Oh, and praise God- Nathan is feeling better!!

Until our next update- may the God of peace and comfort fill you as you serve Him.

One31 | Storytime!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:33:00 GMT

Here's a little story and testimony from last month's One31 connections. Enjoy!

To stay connected with One31 and some really excited up-coming changes, keep checking back to the Missions blog and the One31 vimeo page!

Uganda Team | Update #2!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:32:00 GMT

"So far things here have been great. We all got in...some on time and some a little later (airlines are not particularly flexible.) Lira and Otino Waa have been greater than our expectations. We have already been able to spend lots of time with the kids and even attended a Ugandan wedding and ate traditional food. What an experience. We're short on time so we'll send an update later. Please continue to pray for us here as we continue to try and bless the people here any way we can. Pray for healing as Nathan has a cold he hasn't been able to kick and Sam still has a small one lingering, too."

Keep checking back for more updates and head on over to the Uganda team's Facebook page for news and updates as well!

Uganda Team | Update #1!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:32:00 GMT

The Uganda team (Sam Meier, Aaron Johnson, Darci Meier, Nathan Gerhardt, Brenda Jacobsen, Karie Reynolds, Mike Caston, and Aaron Wells) is well on its way into their days serving with PATH ministries in Uganda. They've sent us a short, but oh-so-sweet update:

"After all the days of travel, we're here! Limited to no access to wifi, so updates will be sparse. We thank you for your prayers! More stories and miracles to share shortly!"

Stay updated with the Uganda team by checking out this here Antioch Missions blog or by checking the team's Facebook page!

Uganda Team Wish List | Updated!

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:03:00 GMT

Hey, Antioch-ers! Here's an updated list of what the Uganda team still needs to fill up their suitcase to take with them to Otino-Waa. If you're able to help them out and grab something(s) from this list, please email sdmeier8@hotmail.com to let them know so this list can continually be updated!

The team leaves in about a week, so help them get these items while you can!

Spotlight | After School Buddies

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:51:00 GMT

Here's a video interview from a recently spotlighted ministry, After School Buddies! If you want to volunteer with them, check out afterschoolbuddies.org

One31 | Mother's Day Fundraiser

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:56:00 GMT

Hey, Antiochers! One31 is hosting a fundraiser to bring in some support for One31's ministry at Antioch and in Bend. There will be potted blooms and herbs for sale in the commons, with pre-orders starting on April 29th! There will be larger pots and smaller pots with variations in price, so check back in soon for prices. If you have any questions, contact one31antioch@gmail.com.

3:33 | Run-Walk for the Homeless

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:48:00 GMT

Bend, Oregon is a haven for outdoor activities and races of many kinds. This super fun, one-of-a-kind event will certainly challenge you and your friends! 3:33™ is a run/walk up and down Pilot Butte for 3 hours and 33 minutes. Run, walk, crawl, push your stroller, they can do it as a team or do it solo…we just want participants to join a bigger cause to help homeless children in Bend. All of the proceeds from the 3:33 Run/Walk for Homeless Children will go to our beneficiary, Cascade Youth & Family. Register at www.333bend.com or email 333@notaloneglobal.org to volunteer or sponsor the event.

Spotlight | Teen Challenge

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:07:00 GMT

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Our Spotlight table this past Sunday, March 25th, featuring the Teen Challenge, represented by the director of the pacific northwest chapter director, Terry VanAntwerp, as well as their Jason Koland, who works at the men's house in town. This ministry is compassionate and structured program for people of all ages that demonstrate a need for intensive help with life controlling problems. Teen Challenge has recently opened a thrift store last year as well, so stop by their shop at 201 SE Second St. on your thrifting adventures

Check out their website, teenchallengepnw.com, for more information on how to get involved and parter with them!

Team Uganda | PATH Wish List

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:46:00 GMT

Hey, Antiochers!

The team to Uganda is leaving in less than a month and they have asked us to come together to help them pack! This is no ordinary suitcase packing, however, as they need help filling a suitcase with all the items listed below, given to them by Bob and Carol Higgins at Otino Waa in Uganda. If you were at the Spotlight table this past Sunday and you picked up a list, awesome! Here is where you will be able to find what is still needed from that list.

Email sdmeier8@hotmail.com with anything you've purchased from the list so they can keep track of what is still needed.

Check it out!

Team Uganda | 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:34:00 GMT

When: March 31st
Where: Bend High School Gym
Beginning: 9:00 A.M.
Finish: When the winner gets their money!
Prizes: 1st place - $360, 2nd place - $90, 3rd place - $60
Entry fee: $60 per team, 4 players max, free t-shirt for each team member

If basketball is your thing (or even if it's not!) and you want to help the team headed to Uganda (in less than a month) raise some support, then this is definitely the event you have been waiting for. After you have completed the form on the registration website, please visit antiochchurch.org/onlinegiving to pay online. Check the 'missions' from the drop-down list and put 'basketball' in the memo line.

See you on the court!

Kilns College Event!

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:45:00 GMT

We have an exciting opportunity for Kilns students to join Kilns Board Member Dr. Randy Jacobs, serving the Central Oregon homeless community.

Dr. Jacobs will be holding an information session for Kilns students THIS Wednesday, March 21 at 5:30pm at the Kilns Bookstore. At the meeting, Randy will be sharing his involvement with Medical Teams International and the work he’s done serving the homeless of Central Oregon and planning for the service project on April 7th. April 7th Kilns students will be serving at Bethlem Inn, Sheperd's House And Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO).

If you are looking to get involved, Kilns student or not, do not hesitate: PLEASE show up and find out how you can help and be a part of the solution! And if you are a Kilns College student: I really really REALLY hope to see you there and help fill a need that is here in town, I know this an opportunity you will not regret being a part of!

For more info about Kilns College visit http://www.kilnscollege.org/.

Icon City | Move a City

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:48:00 GMT

Hey, Antiochers!

Hopefully you were at church a couple weeks ago to talk to Kenny LaPoint at the Spotlight table about his ministry Be Remedy. This is a sweet video from another ministry he is apart of called Icon City, which serves to shift awareness of social and economical issues by creating positive solutions. For the city, by the city, as the Icon City website explains. Check out their video and check out the website to find out more opportunities of fundraisers and volunteering.

A Call to Prayer | Middle East

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:52:00 GMT

From a fellow Antiocher and local, Bethany Scott, who will travel to the Middle East for long-term field work:

When considering living in a Muslim country, being female means something completely different. As a foreigner I not only will have to deal with conforming to cultural expectations, but stereotypes believed about my own country. Not to mention the misconceptions about Christianity.

Islamic law denies a woman’s basic human rights. Where it’s enforced, her freedom is reduced to whatever her father or husband allows. Her education is halted. Her court testimony carries half the value of a man’s. She cannot study what she wants, think on her own, worship according to her conscience or marry whom she wishes. Young girls are married off to adult men and often used to solidify family alliances.

In Islam a woman's primary purpose is to raise good Muslim men. And thus they have a great potential to pass on knowledge of Jesus to the next generation.

Pakistan has the world's second-largest concentration of unengaged, unevangelized peoples and the world's second largest muslim population. Christians account for 3% of the countries population. Although there is religious freedom promised by law, non-Muslim and non-Sunnis must practice their faith cautiously and under varing degrees of threat from Islamists.

Muslim women are the single largest unreached people group on the planet. As a single American woman, I have a unique opportunity that is not available to my male counterparts to be invited into these sacred spaces bringing a voice to social needs, offering encouragement and providing vital education. And most importantly sharing the Truth of a personal God that cares and loves each deeply.

Please join me in praying for the people of Pakistan.

Be Remedy:Bend | Spotlight!

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:57:00 GMT

This past Sunday, Kenny Lapoint presented Be Remedy to us at Antioch. Check out the video to find out more about how to be be apart of change!

Be apart of the remedy.

Recap | Justice Conference

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:36:00 GMT

The Justice Conference 2012 has come and gone and what a weekend it was! Many of you Antioch-ers were present for this incredible event, hearing from such great speakers as Francis Chan, Rachel Lloyd, Rick Mckinley, Miroslav Volf, Shane Claiborne, Walter Brueggeman, our very own pastor Ken Wytsma (see him bringing the truth above), and a host of other amazing individuals. Several booths featured some Antioch-ers as well, like the Mission Kids booth, the Antioch Internship booth, the Kilns College booth, and the Redux booth. Even The Kilns bookstore was blessed to be the conference bookstore through the weekend, while many volunteers stepped up to help all over the place!

It was a heart-swelling-and-bursting time for everyone present, as well as a blessing to see all of us come together with many from all over the US and the globe to make this happen and learn about God's heart for Justice and just how we as children and servants of God play a part in that.

Keep your eyes (and laptops) open for a digital download of the whole shebang on iTunes in the next few weeks! This is definitely something you will want a copy of to refresh your memory with in the future.

BONUS: Check out the Justice Conference site to register early for next year's conference in Philadelphia!

Antioch | We are Global

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:03:00 GMT

We, at Antioch, are committed to being Christ-centered, missional, having authentic spirituality and an inclusive community. This is part of our values because the gospel is not simply a message on paper but a calling in which to participate. We endeavor to put the calling of God above comfort and the growth of the Kingdom of God above our desires. We see the task of being missional as taking place in three spheres: living for others at home (in Bend), in our backyard (Central Oregon), and abroad (global). Out of this task, Antioch Missions was born to help enable the Antioch community to be agents of change and impact those globally and in our back yard.

Antioch’s global missions’ strategy is to partner with global ministries to help make an impact on the world through their recourses, connections and programs. Currently we are focusing on five areas of the world: locally, Uganda, Cambodia, Nicaragua, and Argentina.

For more info, check out the ministries' websites as well as the connection table at church in the Commons! Get informed, be involved, get connected, and give your life away!

Mission Kids // The Music Project

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:03:00 GMT

Is this real? Yes, indeed it is.

This fantastic project has finally hit our ears and we are all delighted! It is a collection of pop/folk tunes pieced together by Linda, Ben, Justine, Grace, Micah, and several others that collaborated with them. The songs are crafted with some sweet beats and lyrics that kids will absolutely love, while parents will find that the music totally suits their style, too. Its the combination that we've all been waiting for!

You can pick up a copy of the new CD at Antioch Church, The Kilns Bookstore or at the conference bookstore at The Justice Conference in Portland on February 24+25th.

(For more on Mission Kids or how your church can purchase a subscription, get a web page and unlock all the materials, visit MissionKids.us)

Spotlight:YD Adventures!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:04:00 GMT

Hey, Antioch-ers! If you were at church this past sunday, then you probably checked out our Spotlight Table and hopefully got a chance to chat with the awesome people with Youth Dynamics Adventures.

More than a typical outfitter, YD Adventures is passionate about seeing teens changed by the power of Christ. We provide the spiritual programming plus the technical guiding and equipment for white water acting, inflatable kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, plus high- and low-ropes challenge courses. Needless to say, YD is incredibly legit and wants to take people on some incredible adventures.

If you didn't get a chance to check them out this past Sunday, click here to see their website and watch a video that will give you a glimpse into the experience!

Antioch Global | Harris Family in Argentina

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:59:00 GMT

As the Harris Family gets settled and used to life in Argentina, they've been so awesome as to send us a little story of how this all happened and how they're doing now! The following is from Dylan:

Dylan and Cheri Harris got into mission work through their love for travel. God put it on their hearts to be bold with their faith and share the gospel with fellow backpackers in hostels and on trails as they moved about. Eventually they began traveling for the sake of specifically reaching those fellow travelers. They would pick a strategic location in India for example and spend two months ministering to those they met.

Now that they have three children they felt the time had come to settle down a bit. However, the passion to reach the lost remained strong, so the solution was to settle in a place that the travelers could come to them. In 2011 God lead them to partner with Life in Messiah, a sending mission agency, and relocate to Argentina. They are currently in the Andes Mountains working on starting a Backpacker/Youth Hostel which will be used for ministry. While wading through the red tape of starting a business and a new life in a foreign country, they are actively sharing the gospel with those they encounter.

Not a day goes by that they aren't having conversations and giving out gospel tracts and bibles in foreign languages to people from all over the world. They have already located two properties that could possibly work for a hostel. Please pray for wisdom to choose the best location and God to provide the means to obtain it. It's exciting to see such a unique ministry develop from our own church body. God is definitely at work here.

Mission Kids | website launch!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Have you checked out the Mission Kids website and blog recently? There are so many tools and resources available for families to learn more about other cultures and expand their worldview, with kid close-ups, and even one- to two-hour activities for parents and kids to do together.

Head on over to the Missions Kids website or the Mission Kids Blog to start!

Who doesn't like free hugs?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:16:00 GMT

Hey, all!

A Free Hugs Day is being organized at five different locations around Bend! A Bendite by the name of Currie Rose is organizing this hugging extravaganza by way of showing the community some love and joy during this wintery season.

She still needs about 15-18 volunteers, so if you would like to volunteer as a hugger or get the word when a date is set for this delightful event, contact Currie at currierose18@gmail.com.

A Dollar for Change | Update!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:31:00 GMT

We've been so blessed by sending out the Dollar for Change funds to several different needs that Antioch-ers have brought to us.

Some Dollar for Change money was used for the One Day Homeless Count, helping to provide over 50 propane tanks and power bars!
A few Antioch-ers approached us with some needs of their co-workers. One had been a victim of arson and needed help in saving up for a new car; another needed assistance with paying insurance and other important bills.

As you live life fully and compassionately, know that Dollar for Change is here to help! If you are an Antioch-er and have a need or a friend with a need, send the need in an email to brooklyn@antiochchurch.org to get more info.

And remember to drop a dollar in the Dollar for Change buckets in the commons or outside the auditorium! Being awesome and giving a dollar seriously creates some great change! So, thanks for being awesome.

More One31 goodness!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Update! Here are a few recent happenings in One31:

One31 volunteer movers showed up with vehicles to help Drs. Jack and Marilyn move, for which they were very thankful to One31 and its awesome volunteers.
One31 funds (raised by One31 volunteers!) helped pay for dog food for a One31 family donating dog-watching to Antioch woman staying at Bethlehem Inn.
A One31 woman donated an older working vacuum to a woman who needed one.
A One31 woman coordinates long-term help for an Antioch-er who's battling ovarian cancer. Help has included food from One31 meal volunteers, One31 tutors for her kids, and spending time with her in home, at her weekly chemo sessions, and even dinner out with her when she had the time.
One31 is delivering a huge 'thank you' basket this week to owner Mark and his team at Intermountain Truck and Auto Repair (Mark attends Eastmont Church). In November and December, Mark donated parts and and labor to completely repair two single moms' vehicles, and zeroed out the two bills, totaling over $1300. A warranty goes with the repairs in locations all over the U.S! The thank-you basket is jammed with donated goodies--from the One31 moms whose vehicles Intermountain repaired, and from another that an Intermountain mechanic helped earlier this year. More yummy stuff was given by a One31 pastor's wife and other One31 cooks. An artistic and organized One31 volunteer is pulling it all together with extra purchased goodies and perfect packaging, enabled by a generous cash donation from a One31 volunteer/Antioch elder.

Isn't a blessing to see Antioch-ers working together in the ministry of One31? Head to the One31 table in the commons before and after service to get signed up with your need, what you can do to help, or just to find out more about One31!

We are serving each other one day out of every month to see needs met and bless each other with what God has given us. Be apart of this awesome opportunity!

One31:Movement

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:38:00 GMT

When One31 learned of Antioch people's needs this fall, we checked the One31 database for folks with the needed skills who hadn't served one out of the last 31 days--(thus One31) AND who had time in their busy schedule to serve. Then we hooked them up with the person with a need, only utilizing the total service time for a given volunteer, which is 1 to 3 hours in that 31 days.

Here's just some of what they did:

Several volunteers helped a single mom move. Others fixed her car. Still others donated funds for used studded tires for her car. Another mounted them for her, and still another helped her decipher her rental agreement to help her in negotiating a refund.
A boy walked a dog several times for a single handicapped woman who was ill. A dog-loving single woman also walked the dog. A One31 volunteer called the handicapped lady to just check in and talk, and a woman visited and shopped for her. Several times.
One31 volunteers, along with folks from Antioch's Garden Group, sold wreaths and baked goods, netting nearly $500, to assist with funding costs that accompany requests for One31 volunteer help. Things like car parts for a repair, cleaning supplies after a move, tires, (see above.) other.
A One31 volunteer gave a couple of hours helping a single mom organize her kitchen. A good time was had by both...and the mom can find the mugs and the coffee now...a crucial kitchen requirement.
Meals were taken to a woman who had knee surgery; and also continue to be taken to an Antioch single mom with cancer. Other One31 volunteers help with things like tutoring her two elementary school boys and still another showed up at the hospital just to sit with her on chemo day.
A One31 man who volunteered in the category of 'computer help' spent time on a single woman's computer, getting it virus-free.
Thanksgiving dinner plus 3 bags of groceries were given to a couple just fresh out of Bethlehem Inn, but they had no way to get them. A One31 volunteer drove them to the pick-up spot and back on Thanksgiving Eve.

One day out of 31 days in the month, One31 volunteers do what they love to do and what they are gifted at doing when time allows so that they may help their Antioch neighbors.

Want to get blessings and give them, too? Get info at the One31 table in The Commons.
Or text 206 334 6234, email Kimberley McKaig. one31antioch@gmail.com

Dollars:Change

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:05:00 GMT

In November Dollar for Change funds went to:

an Antioch man to purchase grocery card for a local woman and her kids
an Antioch family that is watching a dog for a woman at Bethlehem Inn. The pooch is a big eater so Dollar for Change donors provided funds for the family to purchase dog food.
to pay the mailbox rent for a single woman so she could get her mail.
An Antioch man shared Dollar for Change funds with a friend who was having trouble making the rent.

Thanks for your Dollars...they really changed things in November for several families and individuals.

Keep the change coming!

Antioch:Send

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:28:00 GMT

We are sending out the Harris Family to start a Youth Hostel Ministry in Latin America (Specific location is undisclosed at this time due to security reasons)

Vision: Following God’s leading and with His enabling, we will develop and operate a backpacker’s hostel in Latin America. This hostel will provide a welcoming, safe haven to travelers while simultaneously creating an environment in which evangelism, discipleship and ministry training will be fostered, bringing glory to God as lives are impacted for eternity.

3 Year Ministry Goal:

Learn Spanish fluently and daily share the gospel with travelers
Equip the local churches to reach backpackers
Do the necessary research and acquire a youth hostel
Operate a self-supported business/mission model that can be duplicated in other strategic locations around the world

How can I be involved?

There are many ways you can be a part of this exciting ministry.

Pack up your stuff and move to Latin America to help get the hostel up and running
If you can’t go you can send the Harris Family through prayer and financial support
You may possess some special gift or skill that would benefit this ministry, some examples are: business administration, hospitality, music, evangelism, video production, Spanish language ability, outdoor recreation leadership.
When the Hostel is operational you can go on a short term trip!

Race for Congo Wrap-up!

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:21:00 GMT

On July 31, I rode out of Bend, OR with 7 other cyclists in an attempt to cross the United States in seven days to raise awareness and support for the D.R. Congo. I'm happy to report that all 16 of us (8 riders and 8 crew members) arrived safely in Baltimore, MD on time, in good health and in high spirits!

Along the way we met new friends who were eager to help the cause, like the many churches that prepared home cooked meals and did our dirty laundry. Or the restaurant owner in Haysprings, NE who invited us to breakfast and ended up hard boiling 4 dozen eggs for us to take on the road.

Here's a link to a photo slideshow for some highlights!

Other trip highlights include:

- Hearing word from my friend Marcel that hundreds of people in Congo were praying and fasting for safety.
- Doing life interviews across the country to spread the word about our brothers and sisters suffering in Congo.
- Raising more than $110,000 to support peace building in Congo.

Thanks for all of your support, encouragement and kind donations. To see pictures or read more about the trip please visit www.raceforcongo.tumblr.com

Matt Smith

A Hopeful Goodbye

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Joyful chaos. There is no other way to describe bowling in Cambodia with a dozen teenage girls, some of whom have never bowled before.

It's a race to find a shoe that'll fit. A ball to throw. And yes, I do mean throw. The rules of bowling don't necessarily change when you enter a new country, but in this case, there are no rules. No funny names are entered in the computer. If you bowl a strike, there's no need to wait for your next turn to finish it off, just take another.

Everyone adds their own flair and technique. Some run right up to the line and lob the heavy pink or blue or green ball toward the pins. Others have almost perfected palming the ball with two hands. Still some lack all patience to wait for the sweeper gate to finish before they hurl the ball down the alley. The ball clears the gate by only a matter of seconds.

It doesn't matter if you hit a strike or the gutter (and there was plenty of both), no one is keeping score. The only score to be seen is in the smiles of the girls as the pins go down. Their smiles are big. They are bright. They gleam. Their shrieks and shrills of laughter and delight drown out all other sounds. They are teenage girls after all.

Seeing the smiles. Cheering them on. Celebrating with high fives. That was the best goodbye to the girls of Transitions Global that we could imagine.

At the bowling alley they are any other girl. At the bowling alley their laughter and joy erase for the onlooker any hint of the lives they've lead.They are girls. Being girls. And Transitions Global is helping them to smile again. Teaching them to laugh again. To hope again.

As we head to the airport tomorrow morning, we won't be quite as whole as we were when we arrived. For the girls of Transitions Global have stolen our hearts.

Nicaragua Team Update #6

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 07:21:00 GMT

August 25th, 2011

Today was another eventful day. It was our last day at the House of Hope and there was still a lot to be accomplished. The Men – Peter, Mike, Rick and I went down to the dining area to finish off our tiling project. While we had made much progress from our tiling on Tuesday we did have several tiles to repair that had not set properly. Confidence was high that we could finish the project by lunch. At this point in the week we have established our pecking order. Pete actually has some useful handyman skills and served as our foreman. Through his direction we were able to finish by lunch.

The ladies led the house of hope staff through a team building morning, playing games, teaching, and focusing on effective team communication practices. The staff was grateful for the training and benefitted from working on strengthening their team as much of their time is poured into the Women and girls in their ministry.

While the men began the shelves (which we painted pink) and Aurora, Willow, and Mary played with the young children, Kelly, Liz, Janet, and Marlene led a workshop for the women. The workshop consisted of a game, a talk on the beauty and worth of women, and an exercise which allowed the women to dream of their future goals/hopes. It was fun to see them all laughing during the game and having the chance to let loose and be kids, as the majority of these women are between the ages of 10 and 14. Liz gave a talk to the women challenging them to think about inner beauty as opposed to physical beauty and what God thinks of them instead of what definitions of beauty society places on them. More importantly though is that these women understand their worth and begin to realize their potential and capabilities as individuals. Janet led “lectio divina” where she read Jeremiah 29:11 to the ladies multiple times with emphasis on different words and parts of the verse. They played a song and let the women sit with their eyes closed and dream of the plans that God has for them after they leave House of Hope. The ladies drew pictures of their dreams. This was an empowering experience for the ladies of the House of Hope and for the ladies of Antioch alike.

At lunch we had the privilege of hearing from Oscar at the House of Hope, however his testimony will be impossible to capture on this blog. It is amazing to see how God has used the unbelievably difficult circumstances of his life to prepare him for the work he is doing now. One of Oscar’s primary responsibilities is to rescue young girls who are being exploited by sexual commerce. He also preaches God’s word to women who feel like they have no other option but prostitution to provide for their families. It is always exciting to me to see someone living out there God given calling knowing that through their work, faith, and passion they are bringing glory to God.

As we left the House of Hope this afternoon it struck me that this would be our last day here on this trip. The memory of having smiling kids climbing on me and wanting their picture taken will be with me a long time. It is incomprehensible to consider the unspeakable evil that these young girls have experienced. Please continue to pray for them as they recover from their deep wounds.

Back at the house we enjoyed a relaxing evening eating dinner, playing games, and strengthening relationships within our team. Did you know Rick Gerhardt was on his High School Cheerleading squad?

-Dave Morton

Nicaragua Team Update #7

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 07:19:00 GMT

August 26th, 2011

A little soggy, but beautiful and entertaining!

After our stint working at the House of Hope this week, the team left today to talk a walk in the cloud forest of the Volcano Mombacho. All of us, minus Rick, Aurora, and Willow, boarded up the van and took a drive out to the volcano which was outside of Granada. The Gerhardts visited the young girl who they sponsor through the organization Compassion International.

A rather soggy day, our views of the surrounding valleys were skewed, but the foliage was impressive! In order to get to the trailhead, we drove in the back of a truck for 11km up a SUPER steep gradient (Probably near 40 degrees at some points). After the group was done, Dave and I decided to go back out for another walk while we waited for the bus to pick us up. During our short time out on the trail, we entered a torrential downpour and literally looked like we just jumped in a swimming pool. After a few games of screaming ninjas, silent ninjas, and fruit basket, we got out laughs out and dried out a bit. The Nicaraguan workers didn’t really know what to think about our circle games...

After our time on the mountain, we worked our way back down the hill and visited the old colonial town of Granada. Eric Loftsgard (out host) noted that Granada is said to be the oldest colonial town in Central America that is in its original place (has not been relocated from natural disasters or battle conflicts). We enjoyed pizza together as a group and scrambled around the market and tried our best at bargaining with the locals. It has been a great experience to get to know the Antioch team in social and serving situations. What a blessing it has been to be on this trip!

This evening we wrapped up with a time of reflection and laughter, recapping the week and seeing how God worked in and through the team. As each person went around and shared how they grew through serving this week, it was apparent how individual strengths were used to work with the women at the House of Hope. Kelly organized a second round of a group game and we ended the night with laughter and knowledge of more and more embarrassing things about people. Did you know that Dave wore a skirt to school in sixth grade? Did you know that Janet has a Chihuahua named Shaq? Kelly McElroy used to share lollypops with her dog! Did you know that Marlene once had shots up her nose with six inch needles? Random. We still aren’t sure if Eric Loftsgard was entertained or annoyed. Either way, we are better than a youth team 

Thanks be to God that we had the opportunity to come together and spend this time with the Loftsgard family, coming into their home and feeling a part of their presence here in Nicaragua. We all agree that our team, although last minute, was a collaboration of necessary strengths and giftings. We will miss this place and the individuals that we shared our lives with for this week. Pray for safe travels for the team heading back to the US and for those of us continuing our travels together...and that Kelly stays healthy though she has been sharing lollypops with the street dogs here in Nicaragua. Ugh... 

Hasta el proximo vez,

Elisabeth Morton

Nicaragua Team Update #5

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 06:58:00 GMT

August 24th, 2011

We visited a Young Life camp up in the highlands above Matagalpa, Nicaragua where they grow and sell coffee to support their sustainable youth camp!

Nicaragua Team Update #4

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 06:56:00 GMT

Aug 23, 2011

Janet did an amazing job today presenting to a packed house of women from the greater Managua area. Thank you for your prayers. Of the 400+ women today at the House of Hope, 80% have left prostitution and actively seek the word of the Lord. Janet gave a Salvation talk, focusing on forgiveness from God. She had Angela, a House of Hope resident, share her story as a redemptive example of how women CAN come out of prostitution and be welcomed into the kingdom of God. We were all blown away by Janet’s ability to relay this powerful message to the women in Spanish. Many women stood up at the end desiring God’s forgiveness and love. After the talk, we joined these 400 women in their one hour/wk work period making greeting cards and jewelry. A few of us joined in to help and converse while others walked around observing the joy these women receive earning an honest wage outside of prostitution. I became an expert at hole punching and tying knots in swing tag production and Kelly trims a sweet bumble bee. Buzz.

In the afternoon, the team visited the Nehemiah center to better understand this collaboration of mission outreach organizations. We heard from several employees about the new programs and got to visit the vocational training shop connected to the center. For more information on this center and to watch some of their promotional videos, visit http://www.nehemiahcenter.net/English/index.asp .

-The Nicaragua Team

Same Same

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:34:00 GMT

Tuk Tuks are our major mode of transportation this week. Opened-aired chariots. No A/C. No radio. No entertainment systems. A ride in a Tuk is an experience for all the senses. Bouncing around potholes. Through mud puddles. On the wrong side of the road. Cutting across and through traffic. The smells are strong, both good and bad. The exhaust and dirt stick to your teeth even after the ride is over. But there's a flip side.

At relatively slow speeds and no tinted windows, you get to see the city as well. The vehicles. The buildings. The animals. The food. The people. Especially the children.

A group of young ones stretch a rope between them and begin to play a game.

A group of girls in matching uniforms and pink backpacks hold hands as they walk home from school.

A boy spins helicopter circles in the drive of a storefront that's very likely his home too.

A teen blows bubbles for small children to chase and pop.

A mama wipes the nose of the baby on her hip.

A daddy reaches down to take hold of his son's hand as they begin to cross the street.

And among them a young man wears a shirt that reads, "Same Same But Different."

A ride through Phnom Penh in a Tuk might not look like a ride through any American city, but when you look a little closer it's easy to see that we're all the same, even when we're different.

Sponge Tree

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:47:00 GMT

Angelina Jolie stays at the Prison Hotel when she visits Siem Reap. At least that's what Sopanha tell us. It's not the real name of the hotel, of course, only what our tour guide calls it because you can't get close to it or see inside.

In between filling our minds with facts about the Angkor temples, Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism, and Cambodian history, Sopanha tells us his own story.

Sopanha is an orphan of the Khmer Rouge. His father a lawyer, his mother a nurse, the family was ordered to leave the city. Separated from his parents when they had to escape based on a tip that they would soon be arrested, at only 10, Sopanha asked his grandmother, why his parents left him behind.

"Because you are old enough to answer when the soldiers come." When they came, the soldiers took his grandmother away. He never saw her again. He was forced by the Khmer Rouge to work in the Children's Mobile Unit.

"I am not scared," he says.

Sopanha tried to escape many times only to be found and beaten in punishment. Eventually he did escape to the mountains. To the jungle. During the night he would sneak into the village.

"I stole for my stomach," he tells us. A smart boy, he found a way to survive. After the Khmer Rouge was overthrown, he came out of hiding, and eventually was reunited with his mother, who is still alive today.

At Ta Prohm Temple, Sopanha pauses to tell us about the Sponge Tree. A soft wood that would not be used for timber. The roots of the tree curl up from the ground and wrap around the temple in a snake like fashion. One tree has literally wrapped itself so tightly around another that the first tree is now entombed inside its giant tendrils.

Sopanha. The Cambodian people. They are like that Sponge Tree. Deep roots that cling tight to the land. Loyal. Unmoving. They find a way to survive in the face of extreme adversity. Like the Sponge Tree, they will find their way in this world.

Two by two

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:38:00 GMT

It's the rainy season here in Southeast Asia. The water is high on the Mekong and all over. It's hard to tell from the air where the land stops and the muddy water begins.

The rains typically fall once a day. Fast and hard. Last night the first drops began to fall just as we stepped out of our hotel to find dinner. By the time we'd reached the end of the block, our decision was made. We ducked under the nearest awning at the Herb Cafe to take refuge from the downpour.

It wasn't long after we ordered that the children started coming, two by two. A young boy, maybe 9 years old, approached the table selling books. On the opposite end of the table, a girl around 7 came with a basket full of bracelets. As the boy sang Justin Beiber songs, the girl began her pitch on me.

"Three bracelet for one dollar."

Not tonight. I tell her with a smile.

"You buy me a Coke." It was less a question and more a sweet demand.

I laugh a little uncomfortably at her persistence. And reach into my bag for some candy.

No. I won't buy you a Coke, I tell her. But offer her my candy instead.

She grabs all that I offer. One by one. Then looks up at me. Hold up her finger she says, "One more."

That's all I've got, I tell her.

She crooks her pinky toward me. "Promise?"

I reach my pinky out to meet hers. Yes. I promise.

She steps off the patio with the candy and her basket. Then she peaks around the bush, a mischievous look in her eye. After a quick scan, she pulls a bulb off the strand of white lights draped over the greenery. The entire strand goes black. And just as quickly as she appeared, she runs down the street and out of sight.

Some Recent Spare Change!

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:59:00 GMT

Thanks to you Antioch-ers, by sharing your blessings with Dollar for Change, we were able to meet a need this week!

An Antioch-er's neighbor is battling not only the struggle of dealing with her very recent divorce, but also cancer for about a year now. She desperately needed help with supporting her children as well as herself, as the radiation has gotten so bad, that her children can not stay at home with her. Thanks to you, she will have a little help during this very difficult time and will not be alone in her fight. Praise God for His faithfulness to us and his provisions to help those in need.

Keep giving to A Dollar for Change and we will keep you up-to-date with how that money is used!

It really gives me immense joy to see this being used and God mightily at work through you! If you are aware of a need and would like to present it to us, please email me at brooklyn.at.antioch@gmail.com.

Cheers,

Brooklyn Wagner

Nicaragua Team Update #3

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:22:00 GMT

Today was an emotional and physical day serving at the House of Hope.

While the men of Antioch (Rick, Mike, Dave, and Peter) worked tirelessly to place tiles inside the dining room, the ladies worked with the women and children of House of Hope in different capacities. To start off the day, we arrived at the House of Hope and listened to April, the director of the shelter, orient us to the ministry and focus of the program. She shared with us some of the grim details about the women and girl’s past, focusing on the societal problems within the country which perpetuate the horror of prostitution.

Our ladies broke into two groups: beading and card-making. Janet and Kelly worked hard creating new designs with all the materials Janet brought so that those cards can be mass produced by the women who come to work at the House of Hope on Tuesdays. Marlene, Willow, Mary, Aurora, and I worked to sort paper beads and prepare jewelry making bags. All of the necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cards, potato sacks, and Christmas ornaments that they make are taken on consignment by churches who visit and the money is mailed back to Nicaragua. The Gerhardt family will be taking a suitcase home to Central Oregon and selling the goods after church. Make sure to take a look at the great work these ladies do and support their growth in the House of Hope!

Each day during lunch, April arranged for us to hear a testimony of a woman or formally introduce us to others living there. Today, we met Angela and heard of her battles to leave prostitution and her dependence on the industry to feed and nurture her children. Angela’s biggest struggle was to manage her children and keep them out of prostitution. In Nicaragua, there are some families with four generations of prostitution occurring at one time. After at least three times of leaving and going back, she was able to permanently remove herself and seek refuge at the House of Hope. There, she formed a strong bond with the women and realized that even though she would have less income, the Lord would provide for her. She has been out for almost five years and is working at the House of Hope in a few different areas.

In the afternoon, the men continued tiling, the younger ladies of Antioch played for hours with the children. It is so refreshing to watch how the children entertain themselves and play so well with one another. Janet, Kelly, Marlene, and I participated in a workshop with the older girls and women. It was a very interesting experience to observe how they participated in the discussion and activity. While Kelly gave her talk, she focused on how God sees everybody as beautiful and values each and every person. She also emphasized that when hardship and struggles are present, that we have to turn to God and work through our issues. For these women, this talk is so pertinent, as many are experiencing anger and shame, in addition to being extremely competitive. After Kelly spoke, she led an activity where each woman received and gave an affirmation to another person in the circle. With each affirmation, the women threw a ball of hemp around the circle to symbolize that each is interconnected and dependent on the strength of the group. Kelly did a fantastic job of reaching out to the women through her speaking and Janet translated flawlessly.

Now we’re back at the Loftsgard’s house getting ready for a community dinner. There’s a high intensity game of “bump” going on in the pouring rain, Aurora and I just finished throwing around the water polo ball, the men are watching a football game in the family room, and I hear pounding from upstairs where some of the girlies are choreographing dances and playing around.

We are so excited to hear Janet speak tomorrow. Over 400 women will be bussed into the House of Hope from all over Managua. Many of the women are still in prostitution, some are on their way out, and many have successfully left. Pray for Janet and her effectiveness and courage as she speaks in reaching these vulnerable women who need to be rescued from bondage.

Gracias a Dios,

Elisabeth Morton

Just a Glimpse

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:03:00 GMT

Upon hearing the news that his daughter plans to move to Cambodia, sometimes a father won't speak to her for over a week. Sometimes a grandmother in anger and fear cries out when she hears those children will be raised in Cambodia. Protective brothers call little sisters constantly, concerned for their safety. The road to Cambodia is different for each of the people who work and are involved in Transitions Global. Whether the journey was inspired by a book, a film or a news special, there are obstacles to face.

Walking out of the hotel, even before 8 a.m., the air is a felt thing, like a fleece snuggie wrapped tightly around your body. Today's heat was oppressive. An obstacle that we had to press against throughout the day. One foot in front of the other.

For the Khmer people, the lotus flower is a major symbol of beauty and hope. It rises out of the muck and mire of the fields. First as just a plain old lily-like pad in the mud. Then the flower buds and blooms, bringing beauty to the landscape.

Our visit to the Transitional Living Center (TLC) at Transitions Global was the lotus flower we needed today. To see the faces of the girls whose lives are in the process of transforming and on the verge of blossoming - words cannot describe.

Imagine hearing the story of a 14-year-old. Sold at 7. First rescued at 12. She wouldn't speak. She refused to go to school. After 4 months in the TLC, she speaks. She remembers a sister, two years older. She draws a tree. A memory.

What chance do you think she has of finding her sister after at least seven years, based only on a repressed memory and a drawing of a single tree?

At the TLC, her chances just might be 100 percent. A staff member might remember that tree. It might just be possible to track that sister to five different places. Maybe even to rescue her. To reunite the two together providing a new future for both.

Miraculous things are happening at the TLC. Sisters are found. Girls blossom. Lives are restored. And the obstacles of the day melt away with just one glimpse.

Nicaragua Team Update #2

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:18:00 GMT

Today proved to be an immense learning experience for the team.

To kick off the day, we attended a church service with International Christian Fellowship. This congregation is compiled of different missionaries and foreigners living abroad. The church body is transient in nature and meets at the Nicaragua Christian Academy where guest speakers give sermons and worship in English. The ceiling fans buzzed as we gathered in the open air area eagerly awaiting our golden moment and performance of “Our God Reigns.” With Kelly, Aurora, and Willow leading our group with their vocal talents, we made it through the song with flying colors! When it all boils down, God is in control and we will be able to conquer all through him. The sermon on justice seemed appropriate and did not feel far from home for us “Antioch-ers.”

Marilyn Loftsgard proved to be a wealth of information, taking us on a brief tour of the Nicaragua Christian Academy and relaying how the school fits into a bigger picture within Nicaraguan Missionary workings. Being on the campus of the Nicaragua Christian Academy reinforced our perceptions of the natural beauty of the area and the hope that this country has of working toward achieving a higher standard of education.

After church, we twisted and wound through the streets of Managua en route to a lookout point with an excellent view of the city and Lago Managua. As we stood and looked out on the city, we learned about Nicaragua’s troubled past and messy bouts with civil war and corruption. Marilyn’s prerogative for teaching us about Nicaragua’s history was to help develop context and background knowledge that we might understand better how the society lives and why certain infrastructure and cultural situations exist.

During the afternoon, we made our first trip to the House of Hope to meet the women and children and engage in a playful game of baseball. We quickly realized how coordinated these tiny children were and how we needed to watch our backs from line drives to the face! The model of the House of Hope is encouraging and really provides the women with a model of strength and self-sufficiency. The women and children need a lot of love and it is wonderful to be there encouraging and supporting their physical and emotional growth through the Lord’s work.

We would ask for your prayers for tomorrow, as Kelly, Janet, and I will be working with the women on a self-esteem and group cohesion activity. In addition to this, a few of the team members will be helping finish up a tiling job for the facility in their dining hall. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with these women, children, and the Loftsgard family (our hosts). We feel blessed to be here in this beautiful place and look forward to see how this trip will evolve in the coming days!

Alas, Rick continues to be a wealth of information about the local bird population and his daughters Willow and Aurora resuscitated a hummingbird today. We have seen a few more large insects, including fireflies! We watched Dave dance around in a ring of girls encircling him, and Pete and Mike spinning around children like tops. Today was a beautiful day and I look forward to relaying more tomorrow!

Hasta pronto,

Elisabeth Morton

Navigating the Journey

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:58:00 GMT

Fruits in reds and pinks and greens are piled high in baskets in the roadside stands.

"That crosswalk looked like a game of blogger." Laughter filled the van at the comment, but we could expect nothing less from Brandon Simonds, a video game developer.

James and Athena Pond met our team at the Phnom Penh airport and got us settled in at the hotel. Lunch in an aircon room at a nearby restaurant gave us a chance to refresh and hear the Ponds story one more time.

What inspires a couple who helps at-risk teens in the States to pick up and move their family across the world to work on restoring the lives of young survivors of human trafficking? And how does one go about bringing hope to girls whose lives are shattered? Especially in a country whose memorable history is fraught with brokeness?

Today we toured the Killing Fields and the S-21 prison. The genocide of millions of Cambodians in a three year time span has resulted in a Post Traumatic Stress society. A nation of distrust. A nation of traumatized survivors raising the next generation.

But that is the old Cambodia. The ones who remember the Khmer Rouge.

But there is aslo a new Cambodia. The ones born after 1980. The young people are the bright spot in the troubled history of this country. They believe there is hope for their country, and they want to do the work to make it a better place.

Nicaragua Team Update #1

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:17:00 GMT

Hello, everyone! Here's the first update by Elisabeth Morton all the way from Nicaragua. Be prayerful for them as they serve others as representatives of Antioch! Check back for updates daily to read about the wonderful adventures that God has in store for this team. -Brooklyn.

August 20, 2011

Redmond to San Francisco. San Francisco to Houston. Houston to Managua.

Ten of us left Bend this morning and met up with our 11^th in Houston to embark on our journey to Nicaragua. Sitting in the Houston airport, we were surrounded by a sea of green and grey t-shirted short-term missionaries. There were groups planning to dig wells, teach about personal hygiene, participate in medical and dental health brigades, and us...working with the House of Hope and the Nehemiah center to serve the young girls and women involved in sex trafficking. We feel blessed to be with such a small and cohesive group in a wonderful place where God is in control. Our group has strength and diversity in our backgrounds, age differences, and prior experiences. As we boarded the plane in the oppressive Texas heat, we were excited to see what God has planned for our group. Each person on this trip will be uniquely challenged to leave their comfort zone and reach out to our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters.

The ladies at the House of Hope range in age from around 7 to 30. Some of these women have been rescued from the industry and each has a harrowing and horrifying story. Depending on individual situations, women are intercepted from brothels and taken to the House of Hope physically and emotionally scarred. Others are on a personal journey to try and leave their slavery, though it is not easy; their fidelity to the family and providing for their dependents is of utmost priority. Additionally, many of the women and girls have huge gaps in their education and literacy levels are generally low. The House of Hope provides the women with vocational training (jewelry making, greeting card making) to help them become independent and not rely on the income that their former lifestyle yielded. More than anything, the girls and women at the House of Hope need love, motivation, and a purpose for them to live by. The House of Hope strives for their women to not solely “survive” life, but to overcome life’s obstacles and work toward stability and normalcy...

So now we arrived in Nicaragua, and of course the power would go out in the Managua airport when we are in line at customs... just another reminder of where we are and the cultural differences that we experience on a daily basis. It was a balmy 82 degrees when we were standing on the corner waiting for our bus this evening. Now we are at the Loftsgard’s residence and are comfortably acclimating to the humidity in their wonderful indoor/outdoor home. We briefly shared our hopes about the week with each other this evening and learned about what tomorrow will hold for our group. Tomorrow morning, we will attend an international church service delivered in English and we are performing, yes performing, a song by our very own Justin Lavik, “Our God Reigns” in front of the congregation. We practiced for the first time this evening and, wow, was it special! After church, we will tour around the Nicaragua Christian Academy and the city of Managua. In the afternoon, our plans are to strike up a game of baseball with some of the residents of the House of Hope and share a meal in the evening.

All is well here down South. I just heard screams from the girls room and apparently there was a bird-sized dragonfly buzzing around. The rain just started to fall above me on the tin roof and I can hear a faint roll of thunder in the distance. It’s late and time for bed.

Our hopes are that:

-We would be truly effective and authentic in our ministry

-We would individually challenge ourselves

-We will listen and let God work through us

-We would grow together as a team and build strong long-lasting relationships with each other and with the people we meet here in Nicaragua

Keep us in your prayers.

Hasta manana,

Elisabeth Morton

The Journey Begins

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:27:00 GMT

The paths that brought us here wind and turn. Each different from the other. But now they converge. Tonight at the Seattle airport we ready ourselves for this journey. Where it will lead is still unknown. But we embrace this chance to change the trajectory of our lives. Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly. This is the refrain that binds us together.

One31 Strikes Again!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 06:46:00 GMT

We've received this email from One31 Coordinator, Kimberley McKaig, about a recent story through the One31 ministry at Antioch:

Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate PureCare Dental's blessing an Antiocher by dealing with her abscess and pulling her tooth. She was so grateful to you for volunteering your services through One31. She told me that since she is no longer in pain, she has realized how used to discomfort she had become for such a long while.

Meeting that sort of real physical need for a widow in the church is what Antioch and One31 are all about!

God's best to you!

Such great news! If you'd like to more about how to get involved with One31 or you would like to share a story or need with us, email me at brooklyn.at.antioch@gmail.com!

May your cup be filled to the brim,

Brooklyn Wagner

Vision Cambodia

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:31:00 GMT

In two weeks, ten Antioch members will board a plane in Redmond. Two days later (thanks to the International Date Line), they will disembark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Why? You ask.

Did you know that 12.5 to 27 million people around the world are enslaved in some form of bondage? Human trafficking takes many forms, from forced prostitution to domestic servitude and other methods of labor exploitation.

Some reports estimate that there are as many as 15,000 people prostituted in Phnom Penh alone. Some of the young women being trafficked in Cambodia come from other countries, like China and Vietnam.

Antioch has the unique opportunity to build a partnership with Transitions Global, a nonprofit who through its aftercare facilities provides a safe environment for victims of sex trafficking, a place where these young girls can heal and gain sustainable life skills and vocational training.

So we’re going, August 19 – 28. We’re going to jumpstart this partnership. We’re going to learn how Antioch can support the work of Transitions Global. We’re going to find a way to create, promote, and raise funds for a future vocational training center that will enable more young women to be served by Transitions Global.

Who has decided to make this journey? Bill and Leila Chiaravalle, Chris and Darcy Bridges, Carrie Kuba, Brandon Simonds, Erin Lytle, Melissa Sudduth McCreery, Megan Figgins, and Shelby Zacharias. We are committed to transforming the idea of the vocational center into a reality and to solidifying a long-term partnership between Antioch and Transitions Global.

The exciting thing is, you can get involved too!

On August 9, from 7-9 p.m., come out to Portello Winecafé at Northwest Crossing for a fundraising concert featuring our own Justin Lavik and Grace Laxon.

On Sunday, August 7 and Sunday, August 14, bring craft supplies, quality beads and simple board games to the donations table at Antioch for the team to take to the girls at Transitions Global.

Above all, you can pray. For Transitions Global, the girls they serve, and for all human trafficking victims. For the health and safety of our team. For the vision of the vocational center to take shape. For wisdom and provision in making this center a reality, and for ways everyone at Antioch can contribute to this partnership.

Keep checking back for more updates from our trip and for future opportunities to get involved in Cambodia.

submitted by: Shelby Zacharias

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Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:06:00 GMT

I know we all appreciate the occasional live music, but a Rock-a-thon is rare event that is certainly not to be missed!

But when I say old-fashioned, I mean old-fashioned.

This event will showcase a vast field of rocking chairs, hoping for volunteers to fill those and rock the day away! This coming October, Real Life Christian Church is partnering with the Christian Life Center and other churches to sponsor a Rock-a-thon fundraiser for The Giving Plate.

The Giving Plate is an incredible ministry, founded by Gary and Debra Kelso, who work tirelessly to serve 40-50 boxes of food for usually about six days a week to families in need throughout our community. And we're not talking about old or rusty cans of expired food, but fresh meat, dairy products, eggs, poultry, etc. The current demand for food is very high, so the volunteers admit to needing to wield a sense of humor to keep up with the people walking through the doors!

They are look for volunteers, an array of rocking chairs, This ministry is currently in need of some serious fundraising, so we invite you to attend the Rock-a-thon and show some support. In style, of course. As we have more information about this one-of-a-kind event, you shall certainly hear about it! If you have any questions, feel free to comment on this post and I will do my best to hunt down an answer.

Check back soon!

Brooklyn Wagner

Antioch's (new) Missions Director

Human Trafficking :: Someone's Child

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:34:00 GMT

The following blog post was written by Carrie Kuba. Carrie is a mother of two and the founder of Anti-human trafficking group, Someone's Child.

I remember the very moment my heart was broken over the plight of human trafficking. As a human being and an activist, I felt outrage. I wanted to - right then and there - do something to somehow make even a tiny dent in this insurmountable travesty. I started reading everything I could get my hands on. I started joining every abolitionist group I could find. I started talking about it, blogging about it, and on and on.

At that same time, something else happened. As Gary Haugen, Founder of International Justice Mission puts it, I found myself “paralyzed by despair.” I am a mother! And as a mother, I often connect the images I see of young trafficked girls with my own daughters. Quite honestly, sometimes that despair has kept me up at night. Sometimes, I thought to myself, “This is just too horrific. I cannot handle it.”

As I became involved in anti-trafficking efforts, attended conferences, and talked with friends who have chosen to combat trafficking for a living, I found that most of these organizations were targeting the college age audience. I found myself wondering - what is available for women like me? For moms?

It seemed to me that starting an organization geared toward moms was absolutely imperative. Moms are the ones whose hearts are broken on a much more personal and raw level when it comes to human trafficking. We, as moms, look at pictures of these child slaves, these child soldiers, these girls being trafficked for sex and we think - that is someone's child! I have a child that age! It is only a matter of geography, timing, awareness that my child is not in such a horrific situation.

This is where Someone’s Child comes in. Someone’s Child was founded by moms. All of us had our hearts broken upon learning about trafficking. And like you, we desire to go beyond just being aware - we want to be purposeful in combating it. And, we want to encourage one another in this endeavor.

Our Mission Statement says “Someone’s Child seeks to empower moms to use their unique gifting to combat human trafficking. Someone’s Child engages by providing educational tools, hosting events, and offering relational support.”

We believe moms are the most under-utilized group when it comes to combating trafficking. We also believe that moms play the most pivotal role as we raise the next generation of abolitionists.

A mom's voice is a powerful one. And Someone's Child wants to be the catalyst for that voice. We want to educate, empower, engage and encourage moms to use their unique gifting to combat trafficking and do all the legwork so that it is manageable for a mom.

We hope that you will consider joining us. You can contact us via email, Facebook (Someone’s Child page), and our web site, www.someoneschild.net. We would love to meet with you over coffee and find a way to support and encourage you in combating human trafficking.

Warmly,
Carrie Kuba
Founder, Someone's Child
someoneschild.contact@gmail.com

The Kilns: An Inside Look

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:52:00 GMT

This blog entry was written by 2011 Antioch Summer Intern, Amelia Rabelhofer. Amelia graduated in the spring of 2010 from University of Tulsa with a BA in Arts Management & Business. Over the summer she hopes to raise awareness in Central Oregon about Kilns College and Bookstore.

Walking into The Kilns for the first time 5 weeks ago, I was filled with excitement. Of course it was the first day of the Antioch Internship program, but that was shadowed by my enthusiasm to finally experience The Kilns. I had heard great words from others as I told them I would be spending my summer in this building and made it a priority to read up on it. No words, written or spoken, can fully explain the delight and energy of this place.

The Kilns is no ordinary bookstore. Yes, there is a delicious coffee bar. A myriad of books line the shelves. T-shirts and jewelry displayed on tables. But there is much more behind it. Every product in the store has meaning. A purpose.

With a focus on human rights, The Kilns sells items that teach about justice and give back money to humanitarian organizations that are doing good around the world. This type of bookstore and boutique allows the buyer to be a part of something greater than the simple act of buying a new t-shirt or pair of TOMS.

Jedidiah Clothing is one of the t-shirt lines currently sold at The Kilns. They are a humanitarian-based apparel brand aspiring to cultivate change with a mission to use sales as a vehicle to provide care, support and financial resources to those in need. Every quarter they pick a nonprofit in need and focus designs and sales around it.

Right now, Jedidiah is spotlighting Invisible Children, an organization full of story-tellers that use the power of media to inspire young people to help end the longest running war in Africa. Invisible Children implemented cutting edge education and economic programs in Uganda. Jedidiah makes it their mission to support organizations like Invisible Children through their creativity and passion.

It’s inspiring to think Jedidiah Clothing started as a single idea. One person, one idea can help change the world. And we get to be a part of that change. It’s not always our first inclination to give up time and energy to support organizations, but by shopping with a purpose we can give some of our resources to support justice around the world.

Stop by The Kilns this week and check out other great products in stock, including: Philanthropi Cambia Blend Coffee, Rise Up Clothing, TOMS Shoes and various books on human rights, history and religion.

Kilns Class :: Justice in the Modern Era

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:14:00 GMT

This fall, Ken Wytsma is back at Kilns College teaching a class called A People's History of Justice in the Modern Era. This course will look at the topics of justice, injustice, human rights, politics and society from historical, theological and philosophical perspectives. This course will also pay special attention to developments in the modern era and the viewpoint of disenfranchised and oppressed people.

For more information and full course list, visit the Kilns College Website!

Taking Hold of A Dream

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:28:00 GMT

Taking Hold of A Dream
Written by Shelby Zacharias

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?
An NBA star. A ballerina. A teacher. A firefighter. A nurse. Perhaps you were like me, and you wanted to do everything.

     Maybe your childhood dream came true. You worked hard. You went to school. You did the one thing you always imagined doing. Maybe your dream changed over the years and you became something else entirely. Maybe you’ve fulfilled lots of dreams. Done lots of things.

      Now imagine living in another place. Perhaps on the other side of the world. Where maybe no one ever asked you what you wanted to be.
     Maybe you try not to remember your childhood. Maybe you can’t remember it.
     Transitions Global provides aftercare serviced to victims of sex trafficking. At Transitions Global, they believe that the girls in their care can do and become anything once they learn how to dream again. In May, Antioch had the privilege of hearing James Pond, founder of Transitions Global, speak about the Transitional Living Center aftercare facility in Cambodia.
James said, “Rescue is not an event, it’s a process.”
     That process is ongoing. Transitions Global has a dream. A dream to give these young ladies more educational and career opportunities. And we here at Antioch are taking hold of that dream.
     In just two months, a small group of us are headed to Cambodia. We are going to see the work that Transitions Global is doing. To learn about the culture and the history that these young women have been brought up in. And to bring that dream back here to Antioch.

Along with Transitions Global, we dream of a vocational learning center. A place where the girls coming through aftercare facilities can be educated and trained in sustainable career fields. And that one day soon, these young ladies might be able to discover what it is they always wanted to do. And to not just dream it, but to become it.

Dollar For Change :: June 20

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:27:00 GMT

This week’s Dollar for Change funds went to an Antiocher’s co-worker in need of assistance to keep their house out of foreclosure, and to use in place of disability checks they were unable to receive. They also were burdened by expenses from several doctors’ visits and surgery for a member’s thyroid issues. This financial help was a true answer to prayer for this family. Thank you for your contributions to bless them in their time of need!

What can YOU do with next week’s dollars? E-mail Stephanie (stephanie@antiochchurch.org) with a brief description of who you want to bless, how you know them, and how the money will be used.

One31 :: May Update

Thu, 26 May 2011 18:55:00 GMT

Have you heard about the waves One31 is making here at Antioch? Over the last month, Antioch volunteers have taken meals to a new mom, provided weekly home cleanups to an unlucky skier stuck in a wheelchair for 6 weeks, helped a single mom move, provided the use of a truck for that move, used special skills to assist a couple in getting their new computer online and functional, provided fun activities for the kiddos while mom and dad had a date night, and more!

The single mom at Antioch wrote: "I just wanted to thank you for all the help moving. I really appreciate it! I really really really love the idea of the One31 ministry and can see how it can flourish into something really awesome. I am excited to see this be a huge thing to help people at Antioch."

Have you joined the One31 Team yet? Cruise by the One31 table in the commons, on Sunday, after either service to share a need, volunteer, or just ask a question!

Food Drive :: Last Chance!

Thu, 26 May 2011 18:32:00 GMT

This month, Antioch Missions is focusing on Local Food and partnering with the Giving Plate.

The Giving Plate is a faith-based, all-volunteer food bank that opened its doors in May, 2010. They are committed to providing food boxes to individuals and families in need. Bible studies, discipleship training, and encouragement are also provided.

This is the LAST Sunday Antioch is hosting the food drive! Let's help stock the shelves at The Giving Plate! Monetary donations are also welcomed. Can't afford to give food or money? No problem! Sign up to volunteer your time!

For more information, check out their website at www.thegivingplate.org

A Dollar for Change :: May 22

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:18:00 GMT

This week's recipient is a family whose 10-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Without health insurance, treatments and medications are getting expensive. They were able to use money saved for the down payment on buying a house to cover some of the costs, but are still struggling. This family was incredibly grateful to receive this week's money from A Dollar for Change.

What can YOU do with next week's dollars? E-mail Stephanie (stephanie@antiochchurch.org) with a brief description of who you want to bless, how you know them, and how the money will be used.

Uganda :: Trip Recap

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:27:00 GMT

The Uganda 2011 Missions Team is back in Bend! Below are a few pictures taken by Amanda Wingers and a summary she wrote of their time at Otino Waa.

"It is difficult to sum up into a few words the impact that our time at Otino Waa has had on us. We went to Uganda to serve and love with our time, talents and skills, bu truly, we were the ones who were served and deeply loved.

The widows who are now mothers to adopted children are living, breathing examples that God is a God who can make beauty from ashes. A God who makes good plans and gives hope for the future. The evenings we spent talking with and listening to Bob and Carol were filled with stories of lessons they learned, challenges and trials they faced and those precious victories captured in the innocence of a child's shy giggle.

We went to do things like soccer clinics, photography, video work, writing, singing and teaching computer classes, but I don't believe those are things we will always remember and speak of. I believe it's getting a sunburn while chasing 4 dozen kids around a soccer field, it's day after day of sharing porsho and beans with a unique family simply thrilled to have you joining them at their table, it's bright eyes, tiny hands in yours, and sleeping children in your lap. It's the crayon goodbye notes, crinkly with tears spilled at your departure, it's all these things and a million more moments wrapped into a place where things are going right. A place where the outcast, the abandoned and the desperate find a home, a family, an education, a future, and a God who is in love with them."

Local Missions :: Food Drive

Thu, 12 May 2011 17:09:00 GMT

This month, Antioch Missions is focusing on Local Food and partnering with The Giving Plate.

The Giving Plate is a faith-based, all-volunteer food bank that opened its doors in May 2010. Their motto, “We are committed to providing food boxes to any individual or family in need with compassion and hospitality,” describes much of the work they do. Bible studies, discipleship training, and encouragement are also provided.

As of March 2011 there were 1,500 clients, and that number has been growing by 130 families per month. Just under 20,000 pounds of food were provided in the month of March alone! Volunteers donated 250 hours to make that happen.

The Giving Plate also provides lunch for children on Saturdays when there is no school.

The Giving Plate is relocating in May to Scandia Plaza on Division Street, two doors down from the Jackalope Grill.

Funding for the Giving Plate comes from donations, mostly from individuals and churches. Most of the food comes from Neighbor Impact and local businesses, especially supermarkets. Week to week and month to month there have been just enough donations and food to keep the program running. As the need continues to increase, more monetary donations, more volunteers and more food donations are needed.

Let's help stock the shelves at The Giving Plate! For more information, check out their website at www.thegivingplate.org

A Dollar for Change :: May 1

Wed, 11 May 2011 17:31:00 GMT

This week’s dollars went to a single mom in the Antioch body. She is afflicted with multiple health problems and, because of them, is unable to work. She struggles to make ends meet as it is and, when her car unexpectedly wouldn’t start, was devastated to find that she needed a new engine. Your donations have helped repair this woman’s car and enabled her to get to her doctors appointments and transport her two teenage daughters. Thank you for your generosity!

Do you know someone in need? E-mail stephanie@antiochchurch.org with your A Dollar for Change suggestion. What difference can your dollars make?

Uganda :: Letters from Oregon

Tue, 10 May 2011 18:37:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, Antioch kids wrote letters to the children at Otino Waa Orphanage in Uganda. Last week, the team distributed the letters to the children at the Orphanage. The kids each got a piece of candy to go with the letter. It was explained to them that the children at Antioch in Bend, Oregon are praying for them. The message of love was well received. Below are a few pictures illustrating the distribution of the letters. For more information and pictures, visit Amanda Wingers' blog.

Uganda :: Update

Wed, 04 May 2011 21:11:00 GMT

The team arrived safely in Uganda and is doing well. Keep praying! For pictures and updates on their travels, visit Amanda Wingers’ blog at http://amandawingersimages.blogspot.com/.

A Dollar for Change :: April 25

Wed, 04 May 2011 21:10:00 GMT

This week’s dollars went to a single Mom who is struggling to make ends meet. She and her two sons are living with her brother. Not only is she struggling with bills and the costs of daily life, she is also trying to save enough money to move out and get an apartment of her own.

She was so touched by our gift and said it couldn’t have come at a better time. One of her boys is ill and because of the gift, she was able to get him medical attention. Let’s keep them in our prayers!

What can YOU do with next week's dollars? E-mail Stephanie (stephanie@antiochchurch.org) with a brief description of who you want to bless, how you know them, and how the money will be used.

Local Missions :: The Giving Plate

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:06:00 GMT

This month, Antioch Missions is focusing on Local Food and partnering with The Giving Plate.

The Giving Plate also provides lunch for children on Saturdays when there is no school.

The Giving Plate is relocating in May to Scandia Plaza on Division Street, two doors down from the Jackalope Grill.

Stay tuned for more information on how YOU can help. For more information, check out their website at www.thegivingplate.org

A Dollar for Change :: April 17

Wed, 04 May 2011 21:51:00 GMT

This week’s dollars went to Antioch’s Gardening Community Group. This group has found a way to use their skills and passions for gardening to bless the community of Bend. They plan to purchase flowers and supplies that they will use to update the garden at an Alzheimers group home. What now is a mass of weeds and dead plants will soon be a beautiful garden. What a blessing!

Do you know someone who could use a blessing? E-mail Stephanie (stephanie@antiochchurch.org) with a brief description of who you want to bless, how you know them, and how the money will be used.

One31 :: Message from the One31 Coordinator

Wed, 04 May 2011 20:55:00 GMT

Dear One31 Servers-

One31 has grown! Since our March launch, 76 of you have volunteered to do over 270 acts of service in upwards of 75 categories - you even added 23 more of your skills and passions!

Your talents included teaching fly-tying, instruction in snowmobiling, low-cost cooking and horsemanship. One of you will even hem pants and sew zippers! Now why didn't I think of any of those?

As we add people with a passion to share with others, we're beginning to meet needs of Antiochers. Someone signed up for One31 who loves kids (and their parents!) and is providing childcare so mom and dad can go on a 'date night'.

Several of you helped get a single mom's car repaired. And we're working on an engine for another mother of two. A One31 guy with computer skills is helping a couple get their new computer in sync with their old computer.

Other projects are in the works; a workday helping a single woman get her yard in shape for spring, helping a couple prep and paint the peeling trim on their home. More such events are planned when things warm up a bit more.

Needs are being met. Blessings are being shared. You might want to stop by the One31 table in the Commons after Sunday service to say hi and let me know what help you could use from One31.

Thanks for being 'early adopters' of the One31 idea!

Best!

Kimberley McKaig
One31 Serve/Needs Coordinator

Uganda :: Suitcase Drive!

Wed, 04 May 2011 21:04:00 GMT

There are many ways you can help the Uganda Missions Team have a successful trip. If you'd like to contribute to the suitcase drive, please bring the items to church on Sunday - there will be a drop off center outside the autidorium. This Sunday is the LAST day to bring supplies. There is still lots of room in the suitcases - so, lets fill them up! And, as always, keep praying!

One31 :: March Recap

Wed, 04 May 2011 20:48:00 GMT

Antioch Missions focused on One31 last month and it’s been an awesome March. Over 60 of you signed up to serve. You signed up for 237 different items in 55 different categories – you even added 17 new categories to our serve form!

So, keep One31 in mind when you need: A meal when someone is ill; a tutor for science, chemistry, math, elementary school subjects for you or your kid; help from a professional counselor; post-operative advice; and more!

Oh - and if you’re finally ready to learn fly-tying, hook up with One31!

It’s not too late to sign up! Whether you have a passion and talent to share, or need someone to share their skills and talents, visit us at the Missions Table in the commons after church on Sunday.

A Dollar For Change :: April 10

Wed, 04 May 2011 20:48:00 GMT

This week’s dollars went to Vital Provisions Program, a program that provides immediate impact to the lives of homeless individuals in Central Oregon.

Vital Provisions Program provides 525 packs, containing basic hygiene, first-aid and survival items to the homeless in Central Oregon on a quarterly basis. Through their involvement in the community, Vital Provisions Program has been able to see and hear first-hand the impact that these items have in the daily lives of those facing adversity.

For more information, please contact Wendy Evans at 541.610.9887, or e-mail vitalprovisionsprogram@yahoo.com.

A Dollar for Change :: What can YOU do?

Wed, 04 May 2011 20:49:00 GMT

Do you know someone who is having a tough time making ends meet? Are you looking for the opportunity to bless him or her?

Your time has arrived! A Dollar For Change gives mature members of Antioch the chance to invest in the people of Bend. If you know someone who needs a blessing, simply write your information (name, phone number, e-mail, and a brief description of how you would use the money) on your Connection Card and drop it in the offering bucket on Sunday morning or e-mail stephanie@antiochchurch.org.

What change could you make with this week’s dollars?

Uganda :: How can I help the team while they are in Uganda?

Wed, 04 May 2011 20:51:00 GMT

There are many ways you can help the Uganda Missions Team have a successful trip. Below is a list of supplies you can donate - just bring them to church on Sunday! The last day to bring items is April 24th.

If you don’t have the capacity to donate supplies, don’t worry! We have another opportunity for you: prayer. The itinerary for the Uganda trip is listed below and we can be praying for the team every day!

Print out the itinerary or get a handout at Antioch on Sunday and stick it on the fridge for a helpful daily reminder. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer – that’s where the real work gets done!

Thur. 4/28 11:55am Redmond-Seattle

2:15pm Seattle-Amsterdam (9hr flight)

Fri. 4/29 Arrive Amsterdam 8:30am

10:40am Amsterdam-Entebbe (10.5 hr flight)

Arrive in Entebbe 10:15pm

Pick up African Inland Mission missionaries- Stay overnight in Entebbe

Sat. 4/30 Pick up and drive to Lira (7-8hrs)

TRAVEL DAY - lunch on the road

Sun. 5/1-5/8 Otino Waa

Projects, clinic, classes, Sunday @ Illera Community Church

Mon. 5/9 Leave mid morning for Kampala

TRAVEL DAY (6hr)

Stay at Christian Guest House in Kampala

Tues. 5/10 Luzira Community church -photos, video, tour

Shopping for Otino Waa

Drive to Entebee 7:30pm for airport

11:30pm Entebee-Amsterdam (8hr)

(Amanda travels to Jinja)

Wed. 5/11 Arrive Amsterdam 6:45am

10:00am Amsterdam-Portland (10hr)

2:45 Portland-Redmond

Arrive in Redmond at 3:25pm

Sun. 5/15 Amanda Entebee 11:30pm-Amsterdam

10am AMS-PDX 11:20am

2:45pm PDX-RDM 3:25pm

Uganda :: Needs for Otino - Waa

Wed, 04 May 2011 18:20:00 GMT

On April 28, a team from Antioch will be traveling to Lira, Uganda to serve at Otino-Waa Children's Village, an orphanage which grew up out of the need to care for and shelter children whose parents were killed in the civil war between the Lord's Resistance Army and Uganda's government soldiers. Today, there are over 250 kids at Otino-Waa who receive education, health care and vocational training in a Christian context.

Bob and Carol Higgins, the couple from Bend who run the orphanage, have created a list of supplies they need. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community of Antioch to embrace and bless Otino-Waa. If you'd like to contribute to this need, please bring the items to church on Sundays - there will be a drop off center outside the autidorium. The last Sunday to bring items is Sunday, April 24th.

One31 :: In Action

Wed, 04 May 2011 18:16:00 GMT

One 31 – where Antiochers give one day a month using their talents helping others – is already making waves, in a good way!

A need came in from a single mom whose car quit running this week. We put the One31 process in gear and had her car up and running within 4 days. Her comment? “I feel like I have a brand new car!” To show her thanks to the mechanical types who did the work, she sent them away with a big bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Who knew that “being the church” and not just “going to church” actually could – just maybe – pay off in yummy cookies?

How can you use your God given gifts, talents, and passions to serve?

For more information, visit us at the Missions Table in the commons after church on Sunday.

A Dollar for Change :: March 27

Wed, 04 May 2011 18:18:00 GMT

This week’s beneficiary is the coworker of someone in the Antioch Family. They have known each other for a couple of years. His oldest son (in his early 20s) was killed in an automobile accident, and with all of the time off from work, as well as additional expenses related to the funeral, he fell behind in his rent and utilities. He's been able to get by with help from his friends, but every dollar counts right now. The money will help him either catch up with, or stay current with rent and utilities.

As you can imagine, he is really hurting right now. This expression of love will be helpful to him in many ways.

One31 :: Sign-up

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:06:00 GMT

It was a busy scene in the Commons on Art Sunday. Many who came to browse art were surprised to find themselves in front of the One31 table.

One man guessed One31 was some sort of complex math equation. Good guess, but no. One31 is a way to use your unique skills and talents to serve others one day of the 31 days of each month.

This week we had 10 more people sign up to serve through One31!

Stop by this Sunday for your chance to complete a Serve Form or a Needs Form.

Check out the One31 Coordinator, Kimberley McKaig hard at work!

Antioch 2011 Uganda Mission

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:07:00 GMT

Introducing Antioch's 2011 Uganda Missions Team!

On April 28, Amanda Wingers, Lauren Edwards, and Sam and Darci Meier will travel to Uganda on a missions trip for Antioch Church.

While there, they will visit Otino-Waa Children's Village in Lira, Uganda. Projects at Otino-Waa include a sports ministry through soccer tournaments and skills training; a video project where children will be able to send a message to their sponsor families; and a documentary project where children will have the opportunity to tell the stories of newly arrived orphans and widows through photography, video and writing.

In Kampala, Uganda, they will visit Luzira Community Church whose mission is to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, the educated and the simple, the churched and the unchurched. LCC is pastored by Alex Mutagubya, who has spoken at Antioch Church a number of times and graduated from Multnomah University in Portland, OR. Pastor Alex has asked the team to help Luzira Community Church communicate their story using photography and writing in order to give them the tools they need to reach out to this complex and socioeconomically diverse community.

The goal of this trip is to learn, listen and discern how Antioch can serve these two incredible ministries in the future through long-term, empowering relationships and wise, healthy involvement.

Feeding the Homeless

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:06:00 GMT

Antioch Home Church, It’s Not About Me, is making an effort to actively serve the community. This Home Church is service-oriented, and in addition to studying Focus on the Family’s video series, The Truth Project, they make it a goal to serve the community once a month. Last week they prepared and served breakfast for the 50+ homeless men, women, and children and Bend’s Bethlehem Inn. What a great way to serve the Lord!

One31 :: Official Launch

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Last Sunday, we officially launched Antioch’s One31 ministry! This month we are focusing on building up the database of people at Antioch willing to serve. After the launch, we now have 53 Antioch-ers signed up to serve through One31. Wow, what a blessing! We also had a few Community Group leaders take forms for their groups to fill out!

If you missed the launch, stop by the Missions Table in the Commons after Church on Sunday to fill out a form.

To learn more about One31, please contact Kimberley McKaig at one31antioch@gmail.com.

Transitions Global

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Have you checked out Transitions Global yet? Transitions Global is a non-profit charity organization working in Cambodia and India to empower the survivors of sex trafficking to become strong and independent adults.

Antioch is a partner and sponsor of Transitions Global. On May 8^th, we are proud to welcome Transitions Global founder, James Pond.

Visit their webpage for more information!

ONE31 Ministry

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:32:00 GMT

This month, at Antioch, we are launching a new Local Missions ministry:

ONE31 was developed by passionate people from the Antioch community looking to provide opportunities for the congregation to share their gifts, talents, and passions with one another.

The purpose of ONE31 is to enable people to serve with joy in the way the are gifted. The name, ONE31, came from the idea that each individual is encouraged to volunteer one day of the 31 days of a month.

ONE31 has partnered with a group of local health professionals who desire to share God’s love in a tangible way through promoting health and well being; serving as an advocate for physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of those served and to provide resources to aide in access to healthcare.

Applications and more information will be available at the Missions Table after service on Sundays.

For more information, contact Kimberley McKaig at one31antioch@gmail.com.

Nicaragua :: House of Hope

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:06:00 GMT

During the summer of 2010, a team of Antiochers traveled to Nicaragua and worked with the women and children at House of Hope.

Here are a few of their stories.

Women of House of Hope making jewelry. By selling this jewelry, the woman are able to make enough money to survive so that they do not have to live a life of prostitution in order to survive.

These are some of the girls who were victims of human trafficking and abuse. They now live at House of Hope and receive an education as well as counseling to help them heal from the violence they experienced.

This is Juana. She is one of over 400 women who come to House of Hope in Managua, Nicaragua to learn skills like sewing and jewelry making in order to get out of prostitution. Many women, like Juana resorted to prostitution in order to feed and cloth her children. Juana and her three children came to House of Hope desperate for a new way of life. Through the support of this ministry, Juana no longer works the streets and her children are receiving an education and hope for the future.

Uganda :: Amanda's Experience

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:09:00 GMT

Amanda Wingers, past Antioch Intern and current World Relief, Bend staff shares her missions experiences in Uganda.

Emma is a 13 year old boy who lives on Lingira Island. He fishes and takes care of his brothers and sisters-he is one of 11 children. Through the school that is being created and expanded, Emma now has access to an education, new opportunities and a hope for the future.

About 3 hours into Lake Victoria off the eastern shores of Jinja lies a tiny island called Lingira. These two children, Bazikua and Esema, live in a village called Choya where most families rely on fishing to survive. Education is one of the biggest challenges for islanders, but recently there has been a small school built called Living Hope School of Lingira Island.

Antioch Missions

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:20:00 GMT

In Matthew 28:16-20 Christ commands His followers to go out and make disciples of all the nations. This is the foundation for any venture into missions work. It’s all about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to those both near and far.

Here at Antioch, we’re passionately committed to this pursuit. However, in this day and age, it’s very easy for people to get caught up in the idea that missions work is something that happens in far off places and doesn’t really concern people here in Bend. However, nothing could be further from the truth!

Jesus calls us to go out into all nations and make disciples, which means this nation as well. Some people have a desire and calling on their heart to go to the furthest reaches of the earth proclaiming the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and Antioch supports that wholeheartedly! However, other people work 9 to 5 jobs here in town and are called to be a part of our local community.

But, this doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to be done here, quite the opposite is true!

We are called to be missional people, proclaiming Christ through our words and deeds, while we’re going about our daily lives. Whether it’s in Central Oregon or Cambodia, every Christian is called to missions in some manner. Antioch seeks to equip and empower believers to actively live out this call to missions. We do this in a myriad of ways both Globally, through partnerships with organizations like World Relief, and Locally, with ministries like The Giving Plate.

While some of us are being led halfway around the world to do kingdom work, that doesn’t mean the rest of us just sit idly by. Just remember, Central Oregon is just as much a mission field as Congo and being missional isn’t a calling for some, it’s a calling for all. The only question is, how are you involved?

For more information on how you can get involved with Antioch Missions, either globally or locally, please contact Brandon Reynolds (brandon@antiochchurch.org). Be sure to watch this space for more information on what’s going on Globally & Locally with Antioch Missions and how you can get involved!