Tag: Shofar Mission

Shofar Mission is a mission organization located in the Philippines where we operate internet radio, Word on the Street Magazine and Street Level Ministries.

January 25, 2021 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read what is happening with our mission work in Cebu, Philippines. Get the latest news from the branches of Shofar Mission.

As of this writing, we are two months shy of March 28, which in 2020 signaled the start of quarantine. In-person church services started again the first week of October. Many pastors suggested God simply wanted everyone to STOP and challenged their people to stop, listen, and spend time with Him. On January 24, our barangay reinstated a mandatory Sunday lockdown. No one goes out of the house and businesses must close except pharmacies. We are cannot worship in person at this time. Though in-person fellowship is limited we have been able to fellowship digitally! Since Believers Church West Duluth was playing Bingo digitally we were able to join in for a game.

Street Level Ministries

Weekly Bible Discussions have resumed after the holidays. SLM is a smaller group than last year at this time, but God continues to grow each of the students involved – specifically three ladies that are participating in an additional weekly discipleship group. This has been a chance to read through some discipleship material and have an in-depth discussion as we read. Another issue of Word on the Street will be printed soon and we are looking forward to the first in-person gathering since last year. Writers plan to come to the office for a collaborative workshop with WOTS USA next month! We also got to catch up with a former WOTS writer at church recently. Students continue helping produce teaching and promotional clips for Street Level Radio. In February, we are also looking forward to catching up with our friends from Burning Dog Radio for a group video call.

Above – WOTS distribution throughout the province (L); Catching up with one SLM member at the office (R)
Below – Happy New Year from SLR DJ’s Ruby and Atheena!

Exploring Creation Science

Semester two started the first week of January for many schools. Exploring Creation Science classes continue online via Facebook Live and Zoom or Google Meet upon request. We also had the opportunity to do a seeds lesson with the Believers Church Homeschool group. As always this is a neat opportunity and a way to connect with the kids. Many of them are also part of the Believers Church Children’s Ministry. They made cards for some of the local churches and schools last month here. Explore Booklet #2 about Life on Earth was passed out to students that are unable to receive their coursework online. Explore Booklet #3 for students in grades 4-6 and grades 7-12 will be printed and passed out the second week of March. We cannot share a meal or snack after lessons with teachers, administrators/pastors but can fellowship with them when we are able to attend church again.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  1. Please pray for the churches in our barangay as they revert back to online-only Sunday Services.
  2. Pray for the Street Level members that have recently found work or are looking for full-time work. That they would put God and the ministries he has called them to be a part of first in their lives.
  3. For all the churches and schools we have relationships with especially as semester two continues online. We would like to see some of them in person.
November 25, 2020 Shofar Missions Cebu

Get the latest ministry update from Shofar Mission Cebu!

STREET LEVEL MINISTRIES

As finals are approaching, many students are in “crunch mode.” Even though they are studying remotely, we have been able to connect digitally on Fridays for Street Level meetings. We have been studying the gospel of Mark during our Bible discussions. Most of the UV students who graduated last semester have been able to stop by the office for short visits after their trips to campus. There is always one more piece of paper, one more 2×2 photo, and a signature needed to process their graduation clearance. We had the opportunity to visit campus to update some of the SLR equipment… it’s quiet there. Very different than this time last year!

Working on SLR upgrades at UV

Issue 84 of Word on the Street Magazine has been sent to print and will be released digitally this week. We are planning to send out 500 copies of this issue to UV students with their modular learning packets next month. The members who volunteer for Street Level Radio have been producing teaching clips as internet and electricity allow. The connection can be unstable and some areas experience brownouts regularly.

Weekly SLM Meetings on Google Meet

SHOFAR CABLE TV

This month, Shofar Cable TV started broadcasting in Metro Cebu City! Shofar TV is channel 187 on Cebu Cable. We have been broadcasting in Balamban and Asturias on channel 37 through ATD Cable since 2012. Station programming includes Pastor Tim’s Sunday Services, local Filipino Sunday church services, along with various other programs. We are continuing to update programming.

Shofar TV Installation at Cebu Cable

EXPLORING CREATION SCIENCE

Exploring Creation Science virtual lessons continue. As of this writing, classes will remain online for Semester 2. Lessons with Grade 5 students at Banawa Nazarene School started this month. Next month students in Grade 6 will have a three-part series to end semester 1. As the “ber” months end and January rolls around we are hoping for a few more opportunities to visit with pastors and teachers at various churches/schools. Plans for Semester 2 also include curriculum for students in grades 6 or 12 that are moving up or graduating, along with four new curriculum sets.

Grade 5 students at Banawa Nazarene School!

PRAYER REQUESTS

  1. Many churches are meeting at 50%. Please pray that everyone attending would be mindful of the protocols including the mandatory use of face masks, face shields, pre-registration (this is to ensure attendance does not exceed 50% as required by the government), temperature checks, and health declaration forms.
  2. Pray for all the students and staff that we have had an opportunity to interact with. Pray that God would continue to work in them.
  3. We continue to take time to grill and spend time getting to know those in our compound. Please pray for those we have gotten to know.
July 25, 2020 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read the latest Shofar Mission Cebu update and learn what we have been up to!

As of this writing, the Inter-Agency Task Force along with President Duterte downgraded Cebu City to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. The wearing of face masks, social distancing, and quarantine passes continue to be required by law. Despite the government requiring students under the age of 21 to stay at home and mass gatherings prohibited, we have continued to minister.

STREET LEVEL MINISTRIES

We have had to get creative when it comes to reaching college students. On March 13, classes in all levels were suspended. Students rushed to the province before the borders to the city closed on March 28. The words “digital,” “virtual,” and “online” continue to be part of our vocabulary! At the beginning of June, we started a digital small group with three SLM members. Thankfully, we’ve been able to meet on a weekly basis, despite fluctuating quarantine statuses! The latest issue of Word on the Street Magazine has been written with all digital communication. 5 students from 3 cities / 2 islands collaborated to put the Philippines version of Issue 83 together! Stay tuned to the WOTS website for the digital release next month.

Friday Night Digital Fellowships with SLM Members
The SLM members find time to get creative during quarantine – check out this illustration created by Garie Mae!

EXPLORING CREATION SCIENCE

Virtual Exploring Creation Science summer classes have continued for students in grades 4-12. One lesson we have continued to learn is that students are night owls – the older students prefer to tune in for the afternoon lessons! This month, we also started Daily Bible Reading posts for students in grades 4-6 and 7-12 (different sets for each grade level). These are posted to the Exploring Creation Science Facebook page. Students have either watched the lessons and read the posts on Facebook, or school staff have grabbed the lessons and posts for students to view using their online platforms. Watch a preview of these virtual lessons on the Exploring Creation Science webpage.

Prerecorded microscope footage for use with virtual lessons
The heart is protected with a “double layered sac.”

COMMUNITY

Since we’re still under a pretty strict quarantine, we have been soaking up as much fellowship time as we can. We’re thankful for the small community God has put us in and have been seeking to get to know our neighbors better. The truth of Acts 17:26-27 is indeed a great reality for us right now… We’ve also taken advantage of opportunities to join Wednesday evening small group discussions with Believers City Church and video chats with fellowship ministries.

Wednesday evening Acts Rewind discussion – from two different sides of the world!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  1. We continue to plan for a digital start to the 2020-2021 school year at all levels. Pray that we would continue to get creative and seek out various platforms to help us reach students!
  2. Pray for wisdom and discernment for government leaders. They are still in the process of deciding quarantine statuses and possible hard localized lockdowns.
  3. For church leaders especially those that have moved into church compounds to be with the rest of their staff to make sure church services and online class preparations continue as the borders to the city closed.
November 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read the latest update about what God is doing through Shofar Mission in the Philippines.

Campus Outreach

Since our last update, we attended the student organization recognition and officer induction ceremony at the University of the Visayas. Street Level Ministries is now one of three recognized religious organizations on campus. We continue to be amazed at all that God has allowed us to do this year! He could do it all without us but He lets us be part of it all!

University of the Visayas Student Organization Recognition
Street Level Radio DJs Ed & John go live during a live broadcast

It has been neat to see the students volunteering for Street Level Ministries’ avenues of outreach. Students volunteering for Street Level Radio recently held a live radio broadcast and those writing for Word on the Street Magazine are currently working on their first articles.

Exploring Creation Science

Exploring Creation Science Lessons have ended for the semester. Since June, lessons have been taught at 5 schools, 3 different lesson sets have been used, and we have met with 2 schools and given information out to 5 different schools.

Southern Bethany Grade 6 students finish Exploring Creation Science lessons

Back for Thanksgiving

As we return for a short break we enjoy being able to fellowship with everyone. Brittany will join Street Level’s weekly meetings and a road trip to Minneapolis, and play the piano on the Sunday morning praise team. Laura plans to join a Kindred event in Minneapolis and help out in the coffeehouse. As always, we appreciate being able to join Sunday and Wednesday worship services and other opportunities for fellowship. We will also be joining a Sunday service at the Believers church plant in River Falls. Both of us plan to visit our families for Thanksgiving and enjoy the Wisconsin weather!

Sunday Service at Believers Church plant
Kindred Ministry Volleyball Event

Our time in Wisconsin also gives us a chance to reflect on the last few months. We take time to prep for the next few months – including scheming, dreaming and prepping materials we want to bring back to use.

Prayer Requests

  1. Christmas break for the SLM Students begins at the beginning of December, so we will have one last meeting before they leave. Pray for the students heading home to visit family over the holidays.
  2. We have been approved to teach Exploring Creation Science at the Visayan Nazarene Bible College (Basic Education Department) in January so we will try and schedule lessons before Christmas Break.
  3. Pray for Team 3 as they prepare to leave just after Christmas. We ask that you would pray specifically for people to register for the Ministry Training Classes and team preparations.
September 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

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

A Look Back…..

Since October is right around the corner, I cannot help but be reminded it is almost three years since our preparations to move to the Philippines to plant Street Level Ministries Cebu and continue publishing Word On the Street Magazine began and what a ride it has been.

Philippines, River Falls, and Menomonie WOTS Crew

It all began with a Bible study. When we arrived in Cebu, we began looking for a location to have a weekly Bible study while waiting to hear back from a university where we presented Street Level Ministries. In the meantime, we found a coffeehouse to meet at and began co-teaching a Bible study every Tuesday evening. We stepped into editing and writing for Word On the Street and started passing out the ‘zine to students outside university campuses.

After we were unable to meet on campus at two other universities, we decided it was time for a new approach. We planned a recruitment gathering using Word on the Street as our advertisement. After setting a date and printing 700 copies of the issue, we hit the streets to get the word out. Three students from the University of the Visayas attended and Street Level Ministries began. We started meeting at Elicon House for a weekly dinner and Bible study. Street Level Radio was also installed in February of 2018 at two locations. In June of 2018 we held our first Street Level Radio Live Broadcast.

July 2017 SLM Recruitment Gathering

In November of 2017, the first Shofar Creation Science class was taught. Preparations for this branch of Shofar Mission began in June of 2017 with curriculum development. We decided the science class would be every Wednesday. Lessons were taught at two different schools alternating weeks and once per month at another school on Friday. The February 2018 team was also able to attend a lesson.

November 2017 First Shofar Science Creation Class

We Have Much To Be Thankful For

In June of 2019, God provided an office space to serve as the headquarters for Street Level Ministries. This has allowed for two meeting times per week so the students can choose the time that fits their schedule. The office also allows for one-on-one meetings to take place and a chance to go through a book together with a student. We also started Street Level membership, which gives students the option to volunteer in either Street Level Radio or Word on the Street Magazine. Most recently, we were approved to be an official organization at the University of the Visayas. In light of this, we will be participating in Intramurals and having a recruitment gathering for UV students to learn more about Street Level Ministries.

June 2019 First Meeting at SLM Headquarters
Street Level Radio Live Broadcast

We had an opportunity to work with three new schools and maintain a teaching schedule at two others teaching Shofar Creation Science lessons during the 2018-2019 school year. Our schedule also allowed for classes to be offered twice a week. In June, a new name and logo were designed. The July 2019 team was able to attend a couple of lessons and engage with the students. At this time, information is being presented to public school staff offering the lessons to their schools.

August 2019 Exploring Creation Science class

We have also had the opportunity to prepare the way for missions teams to come over, like Shofar Camp and Ministry Training Institute classes.

It is neat to look back at all that God has allowed us to be a part of! It is also times like these that I am reminded, “Never forget where you came from!”

-Laura

January 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

Read the latest update about what God is doing in Cebu City, Philippines.

CAMPUS OUTREACH

In an effort to get the word out about Street Level Ministries Cebu, we
continue putting up posters in and around the “campus zone.” We also
plan to have more live radio broadcasts this year to get the word out about
Street Level Radio and promote SLM bible studies and events. A new addition to the radio is a weekly show called Simple Gospel Friday (SGF). This show will talk life, Jesus, college, & everything in between. A new issue of Word on the Street will be printed within the few weeks. We will distribute the magazine to various churches, youth organizations, and on the streets near universities. WOTS has proven to be a fruitful avenue to share the gospel and get students connected to SLM.

 

 

SCIENCE CREATION CURRICULUM

We said goodbye for now to the students and staff at the Inayawan Nazarene School earlier this month. Lessons have started at two new schools since we have returned to Cebu. The new curriculum continues to be put together – I am hoping to utilize the NUA Curriculum within the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to continuing to get to know the staff and students at the new schools. Last week, a student asked me why she learned in Science class that earth was formed millions of years ago. The Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) standards dictate what teachers need to teach each year.

 

A LOOK BACK

We spent some of our trip to Wisconsin taking a look at the last few months
and looking ahead to the future. It is always a good time to reflect on what
worked, what didn’t and what we would like to add to the ministries. Our time back in Wisconsin also provided an opportunity for us to join fellowship ministries and various church events. It was great to be back for them and we look forward to seeing how God will use JF Believers & Shofar Mission in 2019!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Street Level Ministries – for the Gospel In Life Series that will start
this week and that students would put Jesus first amid family pressure to go
home or spend the time doing other things.

2. Continued relationships with the new schools and for the staff and
students we will have a chance to meet. Along with continued curriculum
development.

3. 2019 Team Preparation. That God would be working in the hearts and minds of those we are trying to reach out to as we plan and prepare.

Thanks for the prayers and for stopping by to say hi on Skype…we
appreciate it. –Laura