Tag: Word on the Street Magazine

Shofar Mission Cebu Update

March 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

Campus Outreach

For many university students, summer vacation is a week away. But that doesn’t mean we are taking a break – some universities did not start classes until August, so they will be in session until May. We continued to reach out to one or two universities per week to invite students to Street Level meetings and pass out the latest issue of Word On the Street Magazine. Live Radio Broadcasts have continued to be another way to promote Street Level Radio and SLM events. We were also able to do a student poll for the next edition of WOTS at the last live broadcast. We asked students if they could go anywhere in the world where would they go and why. It was neat to hear what they had to say and to interview them on the radio.

As the school year comes to an end, I am reminded we have known the core Architecture students from the University of the Visayas two years at the end of July. It is during these times, that I think about all that God has done in my life.

Science Creation Curriculum

For many years, March has signaled the end of the school year for students since classes normally start in June. This year, as schools move toward a mid August start date some students will be in class until May. Science Lessons wrapped up for the school year with a visit to Southern Bethany to reconnect with them and share a new curriculum with students in grades 7 & 8. Two new schools that we worked with the second semester have asked about the next school year. With classes out for the summer soon there have been a few possible summer options talked about. More curriculum continues to be developed and current curriculum edited as schools and class sizes change.

Relationships

Lately, we have been reminded of two phrases: “People, not projects” and Relationships matter.” On March 15, we had a pizza and movie night at Street Level. As I watched the movie and ate pizza that night I couldn’t help but remember where I came from. You see, I started walking with God after college. Often times, as we eat dinner and practice our Cebuano before the bible study I am reminded to never, ever lose sight of where I came from. Later that night I was thinking about friendship and life in general and was reminded how important friendship is. Earlier that week, I got coffee with a friend and we took a jeep home to make food and watch a movie. On our walk from the jeep stop to our apartment, we talked about books we have read, ministry and life.

I recently read a quote by Charles Spurgeon, “Friendship seems as necessary an element of a comfortable existence in this world as fire or water, or even air itself. A man may drag along a miserable existence in proud solitary dignity, but his life is scarce life, it is nothing but an existence.” The author goes on to say, “If you want to call friendship a luxury, that’s fine. But then make sure you also call air a luxury. There are few true necessities in life. Friendship is one of them.”

Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for all the students as they wrap up the school year. Pray that they would continue putting God first in their lives. Also, we have been working on several tasks for the two missions teams that will be here this coming May and August. We ask that you pray for all we have been in contact with in regards to the summer missions team plans. Also, for safety as we finish up our last couple weeks here before we join everyone again for a short break. –Laura

A World Without Snow Actually Exists?

February 25, 2019 Shofar Missions Cebu

Greetings from the Philippines! Read the latest update about what God is doing in Cebu. And if you need a break from all the snow, it’s just a short 24-36 hour trip to come and visit us…

Street Level Ministries

We continue to meet weekly on Friday nights for a free dinner and bible study with students from various universities throughout the city. We are currently working our way through Tim Keller’s Gospel in Life series, which has resulted in quite a few though-provoking discussions! Attendance at some meetings nearly fills our conference room, while other meetings are with only one or two students. Regardless of how many students attend, we continue to be faithful to what God has called us to, trusting that He knows what He’s doing and His plans are better than ours! Next month, we will take a break from our series on one Friday for a fellowship night – free pizza and an outdoor movie!

Word on the Street Magazine

In February, we released a new issue of WOTS and have been distributing at local churches, businesses, and schools. God has allowed us to put a magazine rack on campus in the library at the University of the Visayas, as well as at the Cebu City Public Library! As always, we are looking for new writers and Filipino content submissions. In fact, we recently had the opportunity to present WOTS at a local gathering of pastors and people who minister to young people throughout the city. We’re hoping new writers will come through this networking opportunity!

Street Level Radio

As the Philippines is becoming more and more digitally connected, our wi-fi radio station is turning out to be a great way to connect with students. We host live radio broadcasts on the streets about 2-3 times per month. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we gave away free heart-shaped donuts to students who would answer trivia on the air. We had a few students take us up on the offer! We have also started a weekly radio show on Fridays for students who may be looking for something to listen to during their lunch break. We’re always seeking to expand and make the station better, so we are on the lookout and praying for a place to install a third antenna array.

Science Creation Curriculum

Local primary and secondary schools have been very receptive to Shofar’s Science Creation curriculum. This week, lessons will end at one school and begin at another! In fact, for the first time ever, Laura will start teaching a 3-week series using the NUA curriculum to seventh and eighth graders. Summer school curriculum is currently in the ideation phase, since quite a few schools will be holding classes during the summer.

Prayer Requests

Pray that God would work in the hearts and minds of the Street Level students to put Jesus first in everything they do
Pray for the development of new science curriculum and plans for summer school
Please pray for open doors to minister and direction in planning for the teams that will come this summer

— Britt

And So It Begins…

September 25, 2018 Shofar Missions Cebu

Home Again

Britt and I returned to Cebu August 30 ready to hit it hard again! We appreciated the opportunity to return for the Ministry Retreat and Church Camp-Out! As always it is great to hear what God is doing in Menomonie, Duluth, and River Falls. Our trip back included spending 13 hours in the Chicago Airport but we did get some work done…a conference poster designed, lesson prep and various emails taken care of 🙂

Our first Monday back we caught up with the UV students for the start of intramural week. This was a great opportunity to spend some time with them and meet some of their friends. Before things actually got started for the day we were able to hang out with them in one of the Architecture classrooms.

Street Level

Since being back, we have continued setting up the bi-fold outside of a campus we are targeting. Rain or shine, we get out at least once a week with the intent of getting into conversations with students. On the days when its raining or we second guess going for one reason or another, we are reminded the students that attended the study would not have come unless they met us standing outside of their university! The month will end with a Live Street Level Radio Broadcast at Elicon House to promote the new BS Series and an upcoming movie night. We will pop some popcorn and watch “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on the Roofdeck at Teofel Hostel.

Science Curriculum

When we returned I continued Science Curriculum at Southern Bethany and started lessons at the Nazarene School.

Lessons with students at Southern Bethany will finish at the end of September and I am looking forward to starting at a new school the first week of October! Mid-October I will be prepping materials to leave at a few new schools that talk about the curriculum and offering to meet with administrators to further discuss an opportunity to teach the lessons at their school. As I continue teaching at various schools I look forward to seeing how God will use this and how it could connect to other Shofar Mission ministries.

Please pray for the following:

The SLM One-Day Conference on November 30. That students would attend, a guest speaker, and preparation.
SLM Office Space. That we would continue looking and seeking God and where He wants the location to be.
That we would continue meeting students to promote the Bible Study, Word On the Street, and Street Level Radio Station. Also, for the current students attending that they would continue to seek God amid the family pressures.
Science Curriculum. Starting at a new school October 3 and visiting potential schools mid-October.

As we continue the mission, each day I am reminded not only that time is short, but God can and will intentionally put people in our path that He wants us to meet. We often comment that today’s plans become tomorrows to do’s and nothing ever goes as planned, but God is always faithful to remind us of His timing.

–Laura

JFB Missionaries Return for a Visit

August 28, 2018 Shofar Missions Cebu

Party on the Roof

Street Level Ministries Cebu turns One! — Street Level Ministries Cebu turns one!

Since our last news update, Street Level Ministries Cebu celebrated our first birthday! We played games, distributed prizes, ate chocolate cake, and watched a short film. My favorite part was listening to stories told by each of the three original SLM members: KC, Atheena, and Manel. They shared their memories from our first meeting and the influence SLM has made in their lives. Fifteen people attended… most of them would not have been there if those three ladies did not invite them! The party was held on the Teofel Hostel Roofdeck, which is becoming SLM’s “party spot.” We’re planning to host more events there throughout the next year, including a movie night and one-day conference.

Return for a Visit to Wisconsin

Hello Kitty in Taiwan — You never know what you’ll find in a new airport…

A few weeks after the party, we flew back to the states for a visit. Since we traveled through an airport we had never been to, we ued our layover to explore (see photo) 🙂 Our trip to Wisconsin began in true summer style: camping! We spent a few days in the Chequamegon National Forest for the School of Ministry Retreat. The fresh air and peaceful quiet of the north woods did our souls and bodies good. I think it helped us get over our jet lag, too! Although, maybe that was the coffee… either way, the retreat was beneficial and helpful training. Many of the things we discussed at the retreat answered questions that were rolling around in our brains before we even left the Philippines!

Community Life

Word on the Street Launch Meeting — The gathering of Word on the Street Magazine writers from four locations!

In addition to camping trips and time with our families, we were thankful to join various ministries and fellowship groups! Laura joined Kindred Ministry a few times and got her hands dirty (with coffee grounds) in the Blind Munchies Mobile Coffeehouse. I enjoyed playing piano on Sundays and helping out at Street Level worknights for Music on the Hill. We also attended a Word on the Street Launch Meeting with writers from four locations: Menomonie, Superior, River Falls, and the Philippines!

The Great JFBelievers Church Get-Together

JFBelivers Church Campout — Saturday morning devotions at the campout

We closed out our trip with the annual church campout and baptisms at Camp Croix. This is one of our favorite JFB events of the year. The other is, of course, the great New Year’s Eve game night and junk food buffet! We enjoyed catching up with those in our respective fellowship groups as well as meeting new people from both churches. Highlights included hitching a ride (in or on) Faygo Canoe services and witnessing three baptisms! On Sunday afternoon, a handful of people gathered in our post-campout stupor – tired, dirty, and smelly – to unload the church van and coffeehouse trailer. As I was hauling a cooler downstairs, I couldn’t help but smile and think, “This is church.” Not the Sunday service, but rather, serving each other and God, joking, laughing, and being downright giddy just to be together. Thank you, JFB, for being my church… my family.

Prayer Requests

Safe travels back to Cebu (Aug 28-29) and quick recovery from jet lag
SLM students to grow in their relationships with God and to put Him first in their lives
God’s direction as we plan a one-day conference in November
Wisdom, courage, boldness, and love… the battle is fierce.

As we head back to Cebu, I think about the magnitude of what God has called us to. It can be overwhelming to consider the thousands of people who don’t know Him… or believe that their religiosity will save them. Then there are those who actively fight against us. It’s a warzone unlike any other, yet I know Jesus leads us in and through every battle.

“Fear not; be brave for Christ. Live bravely for him who die lovingly for you.” – Charles Spurgeon

– Brittany