PROCLAIM! BAND LOS VECINOS IN BELARUS

The first question we usually get about this tour is — “Why would you go to Belarus in February – again – during one of coldest winters on record in Europe?” Sure – we would love to enjoy this beautiful country sometime in more pleasant weather. But more importantly, this timing is strategic for helping our partner ministry there in a major annual event that is significant in their connection with young people and the community.

Other opportunities will be encouraging churches, building relationships through concerts in public schools and colleges, and teaching master classes for musicians and technicians.

We have already experienced great challenges leading up to this tour with physical issues and individual circumstances that affected personnel. Most recently, getting the entry visas approved for all 14 team members living in 3 different countries came down to the wire. The approval for the last two members was miraculous as God worked through demands and complications in the process that seemed impossible. As always, He has given us just a little taste of his sufficiency. A reminder that He alone is mighty to accomplish this and much greater things than we can imagine.

But even if the enemy can’t keep us from getting there he will certainly spare no effort to oppose the ministry in action. Please pray for our team in Belarus February 18 – March 5.

GOOD NEWS IN THE OLD CITY

Kim Peterson:  We saw God at work on last Saturday’s “fishing trip” in St. Augustine. And we know that he works on many levels. One that was apparent to us was His guidance to a better “fishing hole.” Soon after we five arrived at our customary spot, set up our easel pad and began to play, a St. Augustine “angel” came to redirect us to another location. We packed our things and crossed the street into a park where we thought we might continue. Instead, the Lord brought us a policeman and a couple dressed in colonial attire, demonstrating for freedom of speech. From them we learned of other venues, including one in front of the San Marco fort where people pass in large numbers all day long. We thanked them and thanked the Lord for this tip on a place where we could go and freely speak of His good news. This coming Saturday we plan to go to the fort to cast our nets.

Meanwhile, we spent the remainder of our day on a street about midway to the fort. As Jim and I played, people passing by read the words on our easel pad announcing Jesus’ love. Todd, Terri and Jeanne had a few conversations with folks who were curious. Every glimmer of light in this dark world gives hope and brings truth which God uses for His glory.

Next week we head to the fort to represent the mighty fortress that is our God.                  11:00 am    Saturday    January 28

THE MIMES ARE COMING! – DELTA MILES NEEDED

Rino Beretta and mime team from Proclaim! Peru will be in Jacksonville in April for our Gala fundraiser and ministry in the area — but they’ll never make it this way.

If you have Delta Frequent Flyer Miles, you can help us get the mime team here by donating miles to Proclaim’s Delta account. Contact the Proclaim office for information on donating mileage:

info@proclaiminternational.com
904.739.0065

8th ANNUAL MISSION CONFERENCE IN CROATIA

January 19-21: The 8^th annual mission conference for Proclaim!-Croatia / Ima Nade.  The conference is welcoming a record number of church members and their leaders from Croatia and surrounding countries. Speakers for the weekend are Proclaim Co-director John Bowers and Stuart McAllister of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.

Ima Nade Director Branko Kovacevic

Following the conference Stuart will continue with two more days of ministry in the area of Ima Nade’s home base Cakovec, beginning with encouraging believers at a gathering of evangelical churches. Then there will be opportunities to interact with high school students and teachers on the meaning and significance of Hope.  In a final public event Stuart will speak of Our Hope in Europe – a timely message, as it will provide perspective in context of the outcome of the previous day’s decision on a proposal for Croatia to join the European Union.

The potential impact of the conference and these follow up events is powerful as God works through the vision, faith and effort of these servants.

RECORDING PROGRESS – Kim Peterson’s CD

Latest update:  Only $2940 left to raise to complete the project!

Recording, done in Houston and Jacksonville, is finished and mixing in a studio in New York City is in the final stage.

To finish, the remaining $2940 of the $10,000 budget is needed for mastering, artwork and manufacturing.

Kim says: I believe we have glorified God thus far. We intend to finish in the same way. This recording will be used to encourage the church and to help us express our love for Jesus as we lift Him up around His world, drawing others to Him. As you pray, please consider giving. All folks who help will get a CD as a thank you, plus the satisfaction of blessing the Lord in joining hands in His work.

You can click here to make a tax deductible donation through Paypal or mail a check to:

Proclaim! International
PO Box 56888
Jacksonville FL 32241

Listen to a sample of what will be on the CD: http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_11476870

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen

Christmas Greeting

There is an inexhaustible supply of wonder at the coming of God-in-the-flesh to redeem fallen humanity. There is an understated majesty of humility in that the Lord of hosts should make, by human measure, a shabby and threadbare entrance onto the world stage.  The people of the earth are desperate for the trappings of grandeur and the comfort of riches. Human leaders want to surround themselves with props which bolster their desire to appear powerful and significant: the decorations of vanity.

God needs no such empty posturing. The son of man came as a human baby born to a
poor family in an insignificant village to be the savior of all mankind, not just for those of
society blessed. He came in the most commonly plain way imaginable. Torn cloth strips for
clothing, a borrowed feeding trough for his bed, lowly shepherds as witnesses. The plan of God, the heart of the Father of lights was for the redeemer to arrive quietly unadorned by the trappings of wealth and power. When human kings arrive on the scene they demand esteem, acquiescence and subservience . . . but the King of glory did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Gratefully and humbly we serve this King, and desire that all would come to worship Him.

John Bowers

Welcome Holmquists!

We are delighted to welcome Carey and Holly Holmquist to Proclaim! International. Their missions career of 31 years to date started with a short term commitment for each of them as single missionaries — Holly in Italy and Carey in Sweden. Together they have served  with Greater Europe Mission in Sweden, Belgium and Germany.

Although new to our community, Carey and Holly have worked with many of the current Proclaim staff in a variety of ministries. In Belgium Carey assisted Bob McIntyre, now a Proclaim Co-director, in forming EuroTeam, a ministry that recruited teams to assist in the physical building of churches in Europe. Under Carey’s direction EuroTeam grew into a multifaceted operation. Since 2006 Carey has been serving GEM as a regional director  developing new ministry in Eastern Europe and EurAsia. Holly worked with Vicki McIntyre in a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class in Brussels, eventually moving into leadership as BSF Area Advisor for Europe and the Middle East.

Holmquists are now living in Kandern, Germany, and will be involved with the Proclaim! resident team there. Holly will continue her ministry in BSF serving across Europe and the Middle East.  In Carey’s new role as EurAsia Ministry Coordinator with Proclaim! he will initiate, develop and coordinate Proclaim! International ministries in Eurasia with a focus on the countries of the former Soviet Union and China. Carey is also a valuable resource in recruiting for Proclaim! teams and ministries.

We go back a long way — here Carey is shooting video on one of the first Proclaim! tours – in Poland in the early 90s.