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Appreciation Gathering
by Teresa Houchin
The overwhelming response of love, encouragement, and support was refreshing and uplifting for the Relevant Ministry team during our recent trip to Illinois. We had the opportunity to reunite with family members, supporters, sending churches, and friends. At the Appreciation Gathering, many partners of Relevant Ministry met together under one roof to celebrate what God is doing in the ministry. We were able to share where God is directing RM in the future, and the importance of everyone’s partnership. A reunion of various team members from past mission trips were a part of the evening as well. The response to the evening was more than what we expected.
One of RM’s board members, Lonnie Landess, who attended shared his experience of the special evening together -
"I thought the team coming to the heartland of Illinois was a very encouraging visit. Hearing the stories again of God moving in the midst of tragedy is always up lifting. Sitting next to Rose (a recipient of God's grace through this ministry) was quite refreshing. To see her contributing to the ministry and hear her story never gets old."
"The Saturday evening gathering with supporters and friends of the ministry was very informative and inspiring. To hear the contributions of each ministry family - Jeff and Angie, Brad and Teresa., Nelson and Pam - was the clearest explanation of what they do in that ministry I've ever heard. It was not the mere information; it was the heartfelt clarity of why God has them there. It was great."
In addition to the dessert fellowship, the RM team took part in attending several church gatherings during the week. They were able to connect with ministry leaders to plan upcoming trips, cast vision, and teach the core values of RM. We are so grateful for the partnership from the Central Illinois area and the opportunity to reconnect. Thank you for your investment in each of our families and in the ministry.
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RM's Vision
To equip leaders to minister relevantly in churches that will be healthy and thriving - that’s the Relevant Ministry vision and you’re invited to partner with us.
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RM Responding with the local church for Hurricane Isaac
by Jeff Hegstrom
A week after Hurricane Isaac, I received a call from a woman on the Coast asking if RM could check on her nephew because his home had some minor flooding during Hurricane Isaac and needed some assistance.
As I went to assess the damage, God reminded me of a man named James. A few months ago, I had the privilege to meet with James and hear his heart for serving others and his desire to see his church actively serving and ministering outside their four walls. As I connected with him about this opportunity, he was all in.
We met with the homeowner and after assessing the project, James took time to word a prayer of hope with the homeowner!
Then we made a materials list and plans to invite others to join us the following Saturday.
As the GCWC church team arrived on Saturday, we were ready to conquer the projects; but more than that, we were excited to begin building a relationship with the homeowner.
(Next Column)
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If you or your church would like to know how to get connected and respond to ministry opportunities in your own community or would like to schedule a short-term mission trip with Relevant Ministry on the Gulf Coast,
Contact:
Brad and Teresa Houchin
Directors of Serving Ministry
RelevantMinistry.org/Missions
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We reconstructed an outer wall to prevent future flooding and dropped three trees (one was 60 ft tall) and carried them to the curb. After only two hours, we completed the jobs and had the privilege to share with him Jeremiah 29:11 from God’s Word and prayed together.
I am amazed at how God can use trials and disasters in our own communities to bring the Body of Christ together to simply RESPOND to those in need giving the local church the opportunities to reach out and share the hope of Jesus Christ in a relevant and practical way.
The GCWC Team is excited about this new found relationship and we are looking forward to seeing how God is going to use it for His glory!
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The heart of Relevant Ministry is for the local church to be healthy and thriving in the way that God intends it to be. For RM, that means ministering in relevant ways that are Relational, Responsive and Reveals Christ.
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If you or your church would like to learn more about Internship opportunities with local churches through Relevant Ministry or if you are interested in leadership training either for yourself or your church,
Contact:
Jeff and Angie Hegstrom
Directors of RM
RelevantMinistry.org/Interns
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Fundraising events in Illinois
by Pam Roth
Exciting – faith building – grateful are some of the words to describe the two fundraising events for RM that happened in mid-August in Illinois. From God holding back the torrential rain for the Golf Outing once the golfing began to provision by a Christian businessman that provided all of the pork, hot dogs, and buns for a pulled pork sandwich/hot dog cookout.
After, all of our expenses were covered; RM saw an increase of $4,006.62 in proceeds for ministry opportunities along the Gulf Coast. We want to thank all of the volunteers and those that participated for making these events so successful. We are eternally grateful.
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Encouraging Words
Chuck Anthony
Missions Pastor, New Horizon Church
"Few mission organizations put as much heart and soul into their work as Relevant Ministry and the RM team. From pre-trip planning to post-trip follow-up, RM team members consistently demonstrate Christ's compassion, love and care for the team, the project and the processes. Their example is infectious and has resulted in ministry multiplication in the local Church here in the Midwest. And that is relevant."
Candi Hallam
Christian Counselor/RM Board Member
"The presentation, at the Appreciation Gathering, that was shared verbally and what was shown on screen, truly depicted all the good things that are happening on the Coast. It was so good to see and hear from all three families: Nelson and Pam, Jeff and Angie and Brad and Teresa. I think the important distinction for me was the conviction of the RM team that the many and varied activities truly are all about Jesus and sharing the Gospel. Nothing matters more."
Michael Swartz
Manager, McLean County Farm Bureau
"It’s been my privilege the past two years to work with the dedicated staff at Relevant Ministry to help meet the physical and spiritual needs along the Coast. I’m blessed to see how God is using me alongside the passionate RM staff to open doors and ultimately reach people and churches for Christ."
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