Month: May 2023

May 25, 2023 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read about what God has been doing through Shofar Missions in the Philippines.

Ministry Training Institute

The Ministry Training Institute classes are for pastors and church leaders who desire to increase their biblical and doctrinal knowledge and skills in order to grow themselves, their churches, and the kingdom of God. Pastor Tim and Ryan taught the sixth class “Biblical Theology” to students in three different locations: Cebu, Toledo, and Bantayan. There were many returning students, as well as quite a few new faces at each class! It was also the first time a class has been held at the Shofar Missions Centre in Cebu City since 2019. The next classes will be held in July and will cover Old Testament scriptures.

Street Level Ministries

At the beginning of May, we held a Summit for students from Cebu and Toledo. The topic was “AWAKEN” – addressing the need to be brought from spiritual death to life. Ryan opened and closed the day, while Pete, Abby, and Britt led small group discussions. On the Friday night before the Summit, we met with the members to talk through the goals and vision of both the Summit and Street Level as a whole. We also held two remote radio broadcasts – one in Toledo and one in Cebu – and gave away some cool new Street Level Radio t-shirts! The newest issue of Word on the Street Magazine was released, so we got to hit the streets and distribute copies to local cafés, eateries, and students. We will continue weekly meetings over the summer since many students will still be around.

Exploring Creation Science

The last week of April, a science lesson focusing on God’s creation of the human body was taught for students in grades 4-6 at Cebu Bradford Christian School – a school we previously ministered at. During the first couple weeks of May, there was an opportunity to participate in weekly staff devotions at Southern Bethany along with giving students that have participated in all Exploring Creation Science lessons at Inayawan Nazarene a Certified Creation Scientist Certificates during Quarter Three Recognition. We met a new school and taught four different lessons for students in grades 4-6 & 7-12 in two days. Word On the Street Magazines were given out to grade 12 students along with the info about Street Level meetings. Lessons also continue at six schools. Lessons for some schools will continue as we move into summer classes soon.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for the following:

  • All the pastors and leaders who attended the Ministry Training Institute classes… that they’d put what they learned into practice and continue serving the Lord faithfully.
  • That the students who attended the Summit and SLM meetings would be honest about where they’re at with God and have the Spirit-led desire and power to put Jesus first in their lives.
  • Please pray for the teachers and students as the school year comes to a close. Pray especially for students in grades 6 & 12 as many of them move on to new schools for high school & university.
May 11, 2023 River Falls Ministry

We wrapped up the spring semester by hosting various outreaches and events. During this time we met a few new faces and said goodbye to some recent graduates. We are looking forward to seeing what God has for us this summer. Want to know more? Keep on reading.

Street Level Ministries

  • Moriah Sharing at the Street Level Summit
  • A small group at the Street Level Summit
  • Packing up for the Summit
  • Friday Night of the Street Level Summit
  • Friday Night of the Street Level Summit
  • Friday Night of the Street Level Summit
  • Dinner for Street Level
  • Weirdo’s at Street Level

Throughout the semester, our Street Level meeting discussions surrounded service to God and practical participation in the Body of Christ. Our hope is to see people step forward in their relationship and service to God.

Also, in April, we hosted the other branches of Street Level on the UW-River Falls campus for a spring summit. We spent Friday night and Saturday together. Friday was a members-only meeting, and we discussed what is currently happening within our branches and what is ahead. On Saturday, a larger group met together and discussed the topic of True Christianity. Jonah, Jesse, and Ben taught and we followed up with small group discussions… I have been grateful for the summits. I think it’s been a good opportunity for everyone to grow closer together and for the River Falls students to connect with their peers who are also passionate about serving God.

During the summit, we also set up the Menomonie coffeehouse trailer for a coffee giveaway in order to meet people and bless the campus. Unexpectedly we ended up meeting a number of people in the community too due to a big Earth Day event on campus.

As we closed out the semester, we had a few of our people from the group graduate. We had the opportunity to pray over them and send them off at our last Street Level meeting of the semester.

UW River Falls Campus Church

  • UW-River Falls Campus Church
  • UW-River Falls Campus Church
  • Shiloh giving announcements
  • After service Fellowship
  • Last Campus Church of the Semester
  • Last Campus Church was at the Coffeehouse

Campus Church has been a good way to meet people due to our location. God blessed us this year with a room that is visible to all students coming in for dinner. Due to this we continued to meet new people throughout the semester, and hope to grow some of these relationships by staying in touch with these people over the summer.

This summer we will start meeting in Glen Park of River Falls, as soon as the weather allows. We also hope to be able to bring along the new coffeehouse trailer to the studies (Duluth’s old trailer). There is a little work we would like to do to it before we bring it out, but we are excited to use the new-to-us coffeehouse trailer! Our hope is to engage the people God puts in our path and invite them into our studies and discussions.

Thank you to all those who are praying for River Falls and all the Menomonie folks who have been able to help out on Wednesday nights and outreaches. We are thankful for your willingness to engage and support the ministry in River Falls.

Coffeehouse

  • Coffeehouse Outreach during the Summit
  • Coffeehouse Outreach during the Summit
  • Coffeehouse Outreach at Kinni Clean-Up
  • Coffeehouse Outreach at Kinni Clean-Up
  • Coffeehouse Outreach at Kinni Clean-Up
  • Coffeehouse Outreach at Kinni Clean-Up
  • Coffeehouse Outreach at Kinni Clean-Up
  • The Chosen

We were able to do a few coffeehouses outreaches this last month. Our neighboring business, Blooms of Happiness, had its grand opening ribbon cutting. They are located at the opposite end of our building. During the event, we offered free Italian sodas and coffee to anyone who came in and let people know about their new business. We’ve been getting to know the business owner since she moved in just a few months ago.

The coffeehouse was also invited to bring the trailer to campus for a UW River Falls Kinni clean-up. Some of the group participated in the clean up, and others helped sell coffee and engage those passing and those helping in the clean up.

We also completed watching season one of The Chosen at the coffeehouse this last month. During these events, students from campus typically join us including our regulars from Street Level and Campus Church.

Prayer Requests

  • Students in Street Level over the summer to stay connected and engaged with God
  • Transition to Summer outreaches and fruit from the opportunities God provides.
  • For the future of River Falls as students are transitioning out of Street Level due to their graduation.
  • For people with hearts to want to know God stepping into service, and desiring growth in their relationship with Him.
May 10, 2023 Pastor Jason Gilbert | Menomonie

The Miracle of Toothpaste

I’d turned into this parking spot hundreds of times. I had a full 10′ between my garage and the light pole. It was a sinch with my compact Chevy Tracker. I’d become so good at it, I could whip in there at 10-15 miles per hour, slam the breaks, and jump out with an extra 3 seconds added to my day… easy peasy.

Then it happened. I heard a deep metal scraping sound… What was that? My brakes? A wheel bearing? I jumped out and walked slowly to the other side of the car. Oh no! My car’s paint from front to back was now marred with dark grey streaks. I couldn’t believe it. What was I going to do? Faye was going to be home soon. What was I going to tell her? I felt like such an idiot.

The car wasn’t worth the price of any professional paint job. And anything I could do would just make it look worse. So I googled. The oddest result appeared. It said to put a little bit of toothpaste with water on an old toothbrush or rag and rub it in a circular motion over the scratched paint. So I did. I grabbed an old toothbrush, my toothpaste, and some water, and started scrubbing.

I couldn’t believe it. As I went, the scratches started to disappear. The paint was even glossy where there had been a scratch. What was happening? This was nothing short of a miracle! Seriously, I was aghast. As I finished up, Faye pulled in. I was the happiest guy in the world… And I couldn’t wait to tell her!

I’m sharing this true story partly to tell of the amazing benefits of toothpaste. I’ve since used this same trick on scratched screen doors, storm doors, and window frames. It’s worked on most painted metallics. I don’t know how it works. It just does.

God’s Grace

I can’t help but see the corollaries between toothpaste and God’s grace. We sin often. And many times unintentionally. Sometimes out of carelessness. Sometimes in our haste. Often in our impatience. We have a desire to do the right thing, but just can’t seem to carry it through. As Paul puts it…

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” – Romans 7:15

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” – Romans 7:18

We are embarrassed by our sins. We know better. We feel like complete idiots. And we know those closest to us can see our mistakes all too well. We need help. No, we need a miracle… So like David, we cry out to God…

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” – Psalm 51:2

And that’s exactly what God does… As we turn to Jesus, and apply His blood, His sacrifice, and His finished work on the cross… our marred souls are cleansed, and our stained consciences are washed…

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11

Our Response

An interesting thing happens when we experience a miracle. We are thankful. We are grateful. And we don’t take it for granted.

To illustrate, since that day I have not scratched my car on the light pole. I’m now a little more careful when I pull in. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to put this miraculous solution to the test. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad it’s there. I just don’t want to be careless with it… I don’t want to take it for granted.

The same can be said of God’s grace toward us. Let us apply Jesus’ work on the cross to our every sin, to our every flaw, to our every mistake. Let us rejoice and be glad in what He has done for us. But let us not abuse this great privilege, nor take Him for granted. He’s done the miraculous. And He is way too good for that.