September 18, 2019

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Dear Friend,
Greetings from your new sister churches in Johannesburg, South Africa and Indianapolis, Indiana! What a joy to be reunited with our dear son & daughter in the faith Andrew & Patrique Smellie for the Johannesburg Inaugural Service on Sunday, September 8th! Our awesome God blessed them with 162 in attendance, two incredible baptisms and two heart-felt restorations!  
Then the following Sunday, we celebrated – with our dear friends Jeremiah & Julie Clark – the Indianapolis Inaugural Service where we witnessed 125 in attendance and one glorious baptism!
THE MCKEANS' MISSIONARY JOURNEYS
The Memorial Service of Bob Gempel
In mid-August, I received a phone call from Pat Gempel – my mom in the faith – that Bob her husband of 48 years had passed on to glory.
 
She asked me to speak at his Memorial Service to be held at the Temple Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia at 2:00PM on Sunday, September 1st. I immediately called Andrew, as the Johannesburg Inaugural had been scheduled for that day. Andrew understood how much I loved and respected Bob & Pat, so he graciously moved the Inaugural Service to the 8th.  
Bob became one of my two Elders in the early days of the Boston Movement, and therefore helped me to lead what became the International Churches of Christ. The following was my Tribute to Bob Gempel, which was spoken to a predominantly ICOC audience of almost 900:
 
Thank you Pat and all who put together this program for the honor to share about one of the greatest Christians I have ever known – Bob Gempel. Our last time together was dinner on March 3rd of this year, so I was shocked that Pat called saying Bob had passed after he had collapsed in their home and they held hands and prayed, "God, your will be done." This was at 9:15AM on Monday, August 12th. By chance that same day, I read in my quiet time Revelation 14:13, "Then I heard a voice from Heaven say, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'" And Bob has done so many great deeds for the Lord!  
In November 1978 when Elena & I interviewed to become the preacher and his wife for the Lexington Church of Christ, we first met this "older couple" – Bob & Pat Gempel! After all, Bob was 36 and Pat was 38! I was 24 and Elena was 23! I was immediately impressed with Bob's humility even though he had a Master's Degree from the Harvard School of Public Health, as well as having been the President of his Senior Class in both high school and college! That weekend, I sadly turned down the job, because the then elders did not want to take the radical stand for everyone – Campus, Singles, Marrieds and Teens – to be "totally committed" to the Lord! I turned down the Lexington elders at the end of December again for the same reason.  
However, in the first four months of 1979, Bob & Pat continued to reach out to Elena & me and in April 1979, Bob was baptized as a disciple! Come April 30th, the elders called and said they were ready to take a stand and were not concerned how many would leave with the radical call for commitment from the pulpit! On June 1st, Elena & I drove from Charleston, Illinois to Boston, Massachusetts where we stayed at the Gempels' house. That first night, the "30 would be disciples" gathered in the Gempels' living room each of us willing to pay the price for building a totally committed church! Though the congregation had only seen two baptisms in previous three years, that first year God blessed us with 103 baptisms!  
We lived for two months in the Gempels' basement as we "fixed up" our future home. It was then that Pat became Elena's and my mother in the faith. Bob became a trusted friend and mentor. The Gempels taught us "family" and in particular Bob set an example of "integrity in all things."
In fact when I asked Bob to become an Elder in 1981, he declined saying that he wanted to lead a fruitful Bible Talk first. Six months later, I appointed Bob an Elder in the Boston Church! Since he oversaw the church's finances, he "earned" the nickname of "Dr. No" because we did not spend anything in the church unless we had the money. As well, Elena's & my children became the Gempels' first spiritual grandchildren!  
By 1982, the "Boston Church of Christ" – as we changed our name when we moved from meeting in Lexington to downtown Boston – embraced the new dream of "the evangelization of the nations in this generation!" In retrospect – looking back 40 years and captured well in the Star Trek Series – I was the brash and arrogant Captain Kirk and Bob was the calm and wise Spock! By 1984, Al & Gloria Baird placed membership from an area congregation. In time, Bob and Al became the powerful Elders of the Boston Church of Christ. The three couples – the Gempels, the Bairds and us – met together almost every Sunday night for dinner and a discussion about the churches in the fast-growing "Boston Movement!"  
As the Movement grew, so we became more and more controversial. We were disfellowshipped by many Mainline Churches of Christ; as well, condemning articles came from The Harvard Crimson, The Boston Globe and even TIME Magazine, yet Bob never compromised or faltered.  
In 1991, I asked Bob & Pat to be the World Sector Leaders over HOPE (later renamed HOPEworldwide). Pat thinking that all I was asking of them was to administer our three small "HOPE Projects" said, "In six weeks, we will be done with this job!" However, Bob said, "I'm intrigued. Tell us more." In time, HOPE spread to 100 nations – wherever we had a Boston Movement (ICOC) Church! I served as the Chairman of the Board and Bob was the President of HOPEworldwide. (Elena was a Board Member and Pat was the Vice President of HOPE.) Through building HOPE Projects, the four of us shared in our greatest "adventures!" In 1994, we led a medical mission to Smokey Mountain in Manila where 10,000 people literally lived on a trash heap! Later this effort provided the thrust for us to gather 105,000 in Rizal Park for a HOPE Rally! In time, we personally presented the HOPE Unity Award to President Nelson Mandela and President Jimmy Carter! (The Hope Unity Award was presented to an outstanding individual who helped "to bring people together" around the world.)
 
In 1997, the Gempels, Elena & I "spied out" Jerusalem for the church planting and walked and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. As well, we dedicated and oversaw the building of such Signature Projects as the Village of HOPE in New Delhi for lepers and the Sihanouk Hospital in Phnom Penh that gave free medical care!  
Then in September 2001, God placed Elena & me on sabbatical. The toughest time in our lives; yet Bob & Pat did not forget us, as they invited us and our three children to be with them for Thanksgiving in Philadelphia. As family, they gave us shelter from the storm. Though our paths diverged (the Gempels chose to stay with what was left of the ICOC) our relationship remained strong. I am looking forward to seeing Bob in Heaven – where our paths will unite again. Bob will forever be my Elder, my mentor, my example of integrity and family, and in the words of Captain Kirk of Spock, "He was and always will be my friend."  
The funeral was very moving, as three videos were shown: The Early Days 1942 – 1989, HOPEworldwide 1991 – 2008, and Family 1971 – 2019. (The Early Days Video: http://icochotnews.fileburstcdn.com/Kidogo/2019/HOPE/Bob_Gempel/Videos_For_Memorial_Service/Bob_Early_Days_Memorial.mp4) At the end of Bob Gempels' Memorial Service, we sang, Great Among The Nations.
 
I will forever remember that Pat left her physical family in the front row in order to sing – my favorite "Kingdom song" – side-by-side with Elena & me. I wept.  
My son Sean and his wife Alex came for the funeral from New York City, as Sean had lived with the Gempels for a year after college while working in Philadelphia. That Sunday night, Sean & Alex and Elena & I quietly celebrated Elena's 64th Birthday – a day early!
The Johannesburg Inaugural Service
The next day, September 2nd, Elena & I flew from Philadelphia to Chicago to London and finally arrived in Johannesburg on Wednesday, September 4th at 7:00AM!
On Wednesday through Saturday, Elena & I spent great time with most of the disciples on the team! As well, we were very encouraged in our times with our spiritual grandchildren – Naomi and Isaiah Smellie!
On Friday night, Elena shared Good News From Around The World and I gave the mission team and the remnant group two charges. The first was: To no longer be the "mission team" and "remnant group" but to be "one in Christ" – the Johannesburg Church Family! The second charge was: Pray and work on Saturday to have the most visitors that they have ever individually had at church for the Inagurual!  
Then on Sunday, September 8th, God blessed the 21 Jo'burg Disciples – 11 on the Mission Team and 10 in the Remnant Group – with an phenomenal attendance of 162!   
The singing was fantastic as the Jo'burg Song Leaders – Nick Winn and Osas Atohengbe – were joined by LuJack Martinez of Washington DC! Elena & I were blessed to give the Welcome!  
The International Prayer was spoken in the three main languages of South Africa – Afrikaans, Zulu and English! This was so symbolic of the Johannesburg Church being one family in Christ! Presently, South Africa is gripped with xenophobia – the fear and/or hatred of foreigners, particularly Nigerians! And very interestingly, the Jo'burg Mission Team was made up of all foreigners – 8 Americans and 3 Nigerians!  
The Communion was powerfully led by Jacques & Jeanette Groenewald and the Contribution Charge was given by Chris & Lerato Wooden!
     
The sermon was – as I had prayed – Andrew's best yet! The title was, WHY GOOD WITHOUT GOD IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH! So many were inspired to start seeking God! We closed with the singing of The Pure Sounds of Katlehog Choir, as one of their members was studying the Bible!
 
However, the highlights of the day were the restorations of Tendayi & Blantinah Ngwerume and the baptisms of Micayla – a student at the number one African College Wits University – and a very dynamic young married man – Morgan!
It was a long journey home, as we traveled from Johannesburg to Frankfurt to Chicago to LA!
Let's keep this fiery congregation of now 25 sold-out disciples in our daily prayers!
The Yangon Inaugural Service 
On that Sunday night, September 8th, Blady Perez sent out this report about the Yangon, Myanmar ICC:

A few months ago, Kee Aung – a denominational minister – reached out to Kip on Facebook. Kip invited him to Manila for the Pac Rim Missions Conference where on June 16th he was baptized into Christ!
Kee Aung brought his wife Sel Ling and nephew Lu Tar to the Phnom Penh Inaugural Weekend, and on Sunday, August 4th, they were baptized!
 
Then I took four disciples with me from Cambodia to Myanmar to officially start the Yangon ICC Remnant Group!
 
We studied with the three Yangon Disciples' families and friends! Excitingly, we had an incredible 65 in attendance!
   
The Celebration Of Life For Lorraine Kirchner
On Tuesday, September 10th, Elena & I arrived back safely in LA at about 6:00PM. Wednesday, we prepared to leave early the next morning to fly to Iowa for the Memorial Service of Lorraine Kirchner – Michael Kirchner's mom who was 97 years old when she passed away.
So on Thursday, September 12th, Elena & I flew from LA to Sioux Falls, South Dakota through Denver. We then drove two hours to Estherville, Iowa – a town of 5,000 in the middle of Iowa's beautiful cornfields! We arrived on time to attend the "Viewing" of Lorraine Kirchner – Michael's beloved mother! At the Viewing, we came to encourage Michael & Sharon in their grief, but they encouraged us with their warmth and gratitude for all of the disciples that came to support them: Cory & Jee Blackwell of Chicago, as well as Nick Economo, Yelena Astanina, Ryan Keenan, Tim Kernan and Tony Untalan of Los Angeles!
Very early Friday morning, I sent the following message to the Kirchners:

Dearest Michael & Sharon, Good morning! Thank for the outgoing gracious host you were last night at the Viewing, as you introduced us to all of your incredible, extended family. This morning, I centered my quiet time on Job 33:14-22. I have studied and prayed over this for the last three days. I have used it in my talks with several brothers, as this Scripture teaches that dreams, nightmares and pain are ways that God speaks to us. Today will be painful, but listen to the voice of God. I do not know all that He is saying to you, but ask God for discernment and "for wisdom from above." (James 3:17)
 
This morning, I re-read the entire Celebration Program about your mom. What a beautiful tribute especially by your sisters – Barb and Carol. As I read their beautiful acrostic poem about your mom, I cried… So to a degree I do feel some of your pain. Then, I prayed for you and your entire extended family… Maybe next summer you can help plant the Minneapolis ICC and then drive south three hours and baptize a family member to start the Estherville ICC! Yes, this is a dream but that's how God speaks to us!
 
Thanks for always being there for us... even at 5:00AM to take us to the airport. Today we and many others are here for you as "a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17) With all our admiration and affection, Elena & Kip
   
Friday at 10:30AM was the Memorial Service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Interestingly, Lorraine was baptized as a baby here in 1922, married in 1946, and had her funeral all in the same building!
At the Memorial Service, Carol – one of Lorraine's eight children – read Proverbs 31 in tribute to her mom! Then "Merlin the priest" shared specifically how Lorraine fulfilled Proverbs 31 as he had known her for 40 years. To close the service, Michael was able to share for 3 minutes using John 13:34-35 as his text just how much his mom meant to him, his siblings, her 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren!  
During the course of our two days in Estherville, I was inspired when I learned that Lorraine was born as a two pound baby! She was kept in a shoe box and was placed on the oven to keep warm. She was happily married to Roy Kirchner for 63 years! We were also pleased to meet several of her great grandchildren – especially endearing was Heather "Lorraine" Kirchner!
Following was the Celebration Meal held in the building across the street from the church where Michael had attended the local elementary school from first to third grade!
The Indianapolis Inaugural Service
That afternoon, Elena & I drove back to Sioux Falls to catch a plane to Indianapolis via Chicago! We were blessed to be on the same flights as Cory & Jee Blackwell – the valiant Middle East World Sector Leaders and the Chicago Church Leaders! We were graciously greeted in Indy by Jeremiah Clark and arrived at our hotel a little after midnight. Even though it was quite late, I was very excited to arrive in my "birth city" where I had not visited since 1994!
Saturday, Elena & I spent three more encouraging hours with Cory & Jee discussing the practicals about achieving "forceful advancement" in the Middle East!
That evening, we gathered with Cory & Jee, John & Emma Causey (John is a fellow Hoosier!), and Jeremiah & Julie Clark – the Indianapolis Mission Team Leaders – to finalize all the details for the next day's historic Inaugural Service!
Sunday morning was cloudy, but not in our hearts! The Inaugural was scheduled to begin at 11:00AM, so we arrived at 9:20AM at the Biltwell Event Center to help get things ready!
The service was amazing as the Indianapolis International Christian Church is the OPERATION EAGLE #21 Church! With 15 on the Indy Mission Team, 3 previous baptisms, and 37 visiting disciples from Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco, God blessed us with a terrific attendance of 125 – of which 70 were non-Christians! As is our custom, Elena & I gave the Welcome sharing about the 12 SoldOut Movement Church Plantings in this our 12th Anniversary Year! Then, Nate Gibson delivered a powerful Opening Prayer!
John Causey introduced Julie Clark, who shared eloquently for Communion! This was followed by Manilyn Mae of Columbus singing a very touching song that she wrote, Lord I Need You.
Then, Jason & Sarah Dimitry gave the Contribution Charge, as San Francisco was the "sending church" which sacrificed so many disciples for the team!
The highlight for me was the phenomenal sermon by Jeremiah Clark entitled from Colossians 1:13, RESCUED FROM THE DOMINION OF DARKNESS! His three unforgettable points were: 1) Rescued From The Dominion, 2) Rescued From Powerless Religion, and 3) The Rescued Become Rescuers!  
The Indianapolis ICC received their OPERATION EAGLE trophies at the Celebration Dinner on Sunday night! Elena & I flew home to LA on Monday!
GLOBAL GOOD NEWS
Also on Sunday, September 15th: Apia, Samoa had their Inaugural Service!
The 8 on the mission team and 10 visiting disciples witnessed an astounding 111 in attendance and one amazing baptism!
More exciting news about growth in the Austral-China World Sector, as Pete & Paulina Wade welcomed "little Eliana" to their family on September 8th! She was 6 pounds, 6 ounces and 20 inches long!
In the Africanus World Sector, Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) continues to multiply disciples, as in the past two weeks, the Kinshasa Church – under the great leadership of Micky & Lyly Ngungu – has had 10 baptisms! Of those 10 baptisms, 6 were this Sunday and all were campus students!
Also good news in America: On Sunday, September 15th, there were 8 baptisms in Northern California – San Francisco had 6 and Sacramento had 2 amazing baptisms – giving the two churches a combined over 300 sold-out disciples!