Taking the Gospel to the world, one Christian

2009 Annual Report
of Stewardship
Taking the
Gospel to
the world, one
Christian leader
at a time
PO Box 17368
Indianapolis, IN 46217-0368 USA
Tel: +1 (317) 788-7250
Fax: +1 (317) 788-7257
Toll Free: (877) 788-7250
Email: info@overseas.org
www.overseas.org
www.overseas.org
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the President
Page 2
“Now to Him
who is able to do
What is Overseas Council? Page 3 immeasurably more
than all we ask or
imagine, according to
A look back at 2009 Page 4
His power that is at
work within us.”
2009 Investments
Pages 5-10
Ephesians 3:20
Transforming lives, transforming communities:
What one OC scholarship can do
Africa Pages 11-12
Asia Pages 13-14
Europe Pages 15-16
Pages 19-20
Shaping institutions who shape leaders
Institute for Excellence in Christian
Leadership Development
Regional Directors
It was an eventful year at Overseas Council (OC) as we celebrated
35 years in ministry in 2009. A bit breathlessly and in spite of
considerable challenges, I can actually say that it was a good year.
I could share a thousand anecdotes to say why. Yet in this
reflective moment, one instance stands out in particular: a story
about the long haul, about faithfulness amid adversity and about
the satisfying serendipity of seeing a brother who never reached
for recognition receive the gift of a well-deserved pat on the back
when he least expected it.
Just after mid-year, we received news that our Pakistani friend
and brother Ashkenaz Asif Khan, principal of OC partner school
Zarephath Bible Institute (ZBI), had been recognized by the Philippines‟ Asian
Theological Seminary (ATS) as that school‟s alumnus of the year. Now Ashkenaz is one
of the most unassuming people you will ever meet. True to form, he was quick to give
credit to those who had built into his life the capacities that have made it possible for
him to become the kind of distinguished servant leader that earns this kind of notice: “I
am humbled by this honor which is actually for all those who have been praying for me
and also who guided and supported me [during] my Bible training at ZBI and ATS.” In his
special moment, he only knows how to say „thank you.‟
OC‟s calling is to build capacity in women and men like Ashkenaz and into institutions
like ZBI and ATS. As you read the pages of this 2009 Annual Report of Stewardship and
discern some of the stories and the grand story that lay behind its details, you hold in
your hands a distillation of flesh-and-blood drama. You are really reading about
thousands of Christian leaders in the Majority World who are walking Ashkenaz‟s path
with the help and encouragement of this organization. It‟s what we do: advancing
Christian leaders.
Latin America Pages 17-18
Middle East
Dear Overseas Council friends and partners,
Pages 21-22
Pages 23-24
Most of OC‟s partners around the world will never receive a citation as alumnus of the
year from a distinguished hall of learning. Many of them will spend most of their days
unrecognized and even un-thanked. Yet most will hear a better appreciation one day in a
moment that you and I, at the dawn of this new year, can only imagine: „Well done, good
and faithful servant.‟
The Lord who numbers our days, knows our sorrows, elevates our hearts and straightens
our minds will in that day and in his way be keenly aware of your and my contribution to
the servant who stands before him. That, at the end of one year and the launch of
another, is enough.
Thank you for walking with us in this redemptive adventure.
Financial perspective
Pages 25-26
The value of one OC scholarship Pages 27-28
Prayers for His people
Page 29
Every blessing,
David A. Baer, PhD
President and CEO
2
A LOOK BACK AT 2009
WHAT IS OVERSEAS COUNCIL?
See God‟s impact through
Overseas Council in 2009:
748 Student, faculty
35,000
Students training
worldwide
107 Partner
Overseas Council (OC) partners with seminaries, Bible institutes and other
3 strategic ministries by leveraging people, expertise and resources to
advance quality Christian leadership training, thus empowering churches
around the world to fulfill the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ.
OC pursues its mission in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the
Middle East by:
Providing
Facilitating
■ Student and faculty scholarship
assistance to emerging Christian
leaders around the world
■ Major funding for construction of
student/faculty housing, classrooms,
offices, existing structure
renovations and land acquisitions
■ Improved and expanded library
resources in both English and
primary educational languages,
library equipment and Internet
access
■ Local and regional ministry training
infrastructures and leadership
consultations, utilizing Regional
Directors and the Institute for
Excellence in Christian Leadership
Development
Mobilizing
■ Individuals, foundations and
churches in North America for
prayer, financial partnership and
commitment to the ministry around
the world
institutions in
5 regions
Africa - 33 schools
Asia - 35 schools
Europe - 15 schools
Latin America - 17 schools
Middle East - 7 schools
5 Regional
Directors
Offering Leadership Consultation
in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin
America and the Middle East
1 Senior Consultant
and staff scholarships
$993,000+
9 Campus
Development projects
$1.45 million+
8 Educational
Resource projects
$122,000+
11 Institutes for
Excellence in Christian
Leadership Development
Impacting 340 senior leaders, 179
institutions and 77 countries. 2009‟s
Institutes were held in Bulgaria, Zambia,
Argentina, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Kenya,
Côte d‟Ivoire, Singapore, Mexico, Lebanon
and Belarus with the theme “Spiritual
Formation in the Seminary.”
Offering Leadership Consultation
in China
Total ministry funding
for fiscal year 2009
$2.9 million+
4
2009 INVESTMENTS
The following are some of the strategic projects in which OC invested
during the past year, as well as a few additional highlights at partner
institutions. We thank God and our faithful donors as we seek to
provide funds to partner institutions that are committed to the Lord‟s
work in their regions.
China - Christian Studies Program at Peking University
The Christian Studies Program educates leaders at
three levels: the Christian Foundations College
Program, Master‟s Degree Program in Christian
Studies and PhD in Biblical Studies. Quietly
seeding this effort for years, OC is playing a key
role in bringing biblical worldview training to
Christian believers and non-Christians alike in
China‟s first university.
West Bank - Student Center (Bethlehem Bible College)
Construction is nearly finished on the four-floor
building that expands the crucial ministry of the
college, meets the demands of the growing
student body and provides a venue for
conferences and concerts for the community. OC
5 contributed to completing the skeletal works of
the building.
Egypt - Center for Middle East Christianity
(Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo)
OC has significantly contributed to the construction
of the center, which is in the final stages of
construction. Established to preserve and explore
the heritage of the Church in the region, the Center
aims to help Arab and non-Arab Christians better
understand the 2,000-year history of Christianity in
the Middle East in its native context.
West Bank - Relief Efforts in the Gaza Strip
(Bethlehem Bible College)
OC contributed to The Shepherd Society, a
charitable ministry of the college, toward the
purchase of food, medicine and home
reconstruction for over 1,200 families during the
Israeli-Gaza conflict in December 2008/January
2009. The society has aided more than 13,000
cases since its founding in 1996 through urgent
humanitarian help and long-term development aid
by helping families help themselves. Please see page 20 for more information.
Brazil - Mini Institute for Excellence in Christian
Africa - African Christian Writers‟ Workshop
Leadership Development (São Paulo Baptist
Theological Seminary)
Concerned for years that Africa‟s seminaries have
been largely dependent on books produced by the
West, OC‟s Africa Regional Director Dr. Bill Houston
came up with this workshop idea to encourage
aspiring African scholars to publish contextual
books on subjects relevant to Africa, including HIV/
AIDS, poverty, tribalism, missions to Muslims, bride
price and the role of the Church in social/political
issues.
From the vision of OC‟s Latin America Regional
Director Josué Fernández, the seminary held its first
mini Institute for Excellence, bringing together
leaders from 15 institutions for two days to focus on
financial management. OC plans to support future
Institutes in the São Paulo region for strategic
institutions focusing on critical development topics.
Cuba - Master‟s Program (New Pines Seminary)
“There are many faculty members who have doctorates today and are able to
write from an African perspective. All they need is the training and
encouragement to do so,” Bill says. The first workshop was held for 15 writers
in January 2009 in partnership with Langham Literature, a program of John
Stott Ministries. “[The workshop] exceeded my expectations,” Bill continues. “All
the writers left with a clear table of contents and a high level of commitment.”
One writer said, “You have helped us believe in ourselves and our potential to
write,” while another said, “It has transformed my understanding of publishing
and could not have come at a more appropriate time.”
OC and the seminary developed a Master‟s
in Biblical Studies Program in order to
address the need for formal training in
Cuba. Coordinated and administered by
the seminary and assisted by partner
institution ESEPA in Costa Rica, one week
modules began in May 2009 at three
participating seminaries in various parts of
Cuba, assuring the widest possible impact.
6
2009 INVESTMENTS
China - Key Role to Chinese-speaking Churches
Singapore - All-Asia Institute for Excellence in Christian
Years of careful planning and interaction
with key seminary and church leaders on
the part of Dr. Wilson Chow, OC‟s Senior
Consultant for China, and Dr. Manfred Kohl,
OC‟s Special Ambassador, have paved the
way for partner institutions of Chinesespeaking churches to send representatives
to OC‟s Institutes for Excellence. In addition
to two other Chinese Institutes, 2009 saw OC mini Institutes in Taiwan and
Hong Kong in which a total of 40 seminary leaders participated.
Leadership Development
Various Countries - Compassionate Care Projects: Following Jesus‟
Example of Caring for Those in Need
OC and the vast majority of its partner institutions
hold holistic mission and ministry as a core value,
addressing the spiritual, physical and emotional
needs of society. Through a generous donor, OC
will be able to fund close to 50 compassionate
care projects in 2010, including ministry to street
children, the elderly, the poor and mentally ill and
programs for literacy, medical care, counseling,
7 HIV/AIDS, prisoner outreach and drug rehabilitation.
Philippines - Center for Transformational Urban Leadership
(Asian Theological Seminary)
Among metro Manila‟s population of 12 million, one
in four live in slum conditions, thus the seminary
created the center to address the needs of urban
poor communities in the Philippines and Asia. Its
Master‟s and Diploma programs are designed to train
practitioners for holistic ministry and to learn
practical skills, such as starting preschools, church
planting, community advocacy and ministry to street
children. OC contributed to compassionate care projects through the center.
Africa - Common Understanding Regarding Degrees
ACTEA, Africa‟s accrediting agency, and CITAF, a group of French-speaking Bible
colleges and seminaries, met to examine the Bologna process (an agreement in
Europe to standardize the different higher educational systems). Africa‟s
colonial heritage left behind two different systems, whereas Europe has one
system now in place. The meeting, organized by OC‟s Africa Regional Director
Dr. Bill Houston, was to form a common understanding of the value and
standards for academic degrees.
OC‟s eighth 2009 Institute for Excellence took place in September at the
Metropolitan YMCA in Singapore. Sixty-three
leaders from 36 strategic training programs in
the region attended the Institute, representing
17 countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, China,
India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia,
Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, the
Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka,
Taiwan and Thailand). The seminary leaders
were equipped with a deeper understanding of
spiritual formation, so that it can be intentionally
integrated into the entire program, curriculum and culture of their seminaries.
OC‟s Asia Regional Director Dr. Ashish Chrispal says, “It touched the very nerve
of the schools.” One participant said, “The Institute has given me information to
be more effective. I was personally challenged to plan new avenues to improve
the existing spiritual formation ministry in the school,” while another said, “You
have renewed and reminded me of my responsibility…[and] made me think of
whether the whole program is spiritually integrated.”
Confidential Country - Unique Partnership with Bible Institution
Despite facing many pressures from the government, the Church in this country
is growing rapidly and is in desperate need of trained Christian leaders. OC‟s
Middle East Regional Director Dr. Riad Kassis has visited this country several
times to form the beginning of a unique partnership with a Bible institution that
runs a theological education by extension program for different villages in the
region.
Syria and Iraq - Ministry and Plans (Program for Theological
Education by Extension)
Founded in Jordan, the contextually relevant and strategic program has
progressively added extension centers in Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq
and Palestine to respond to the need for sound evangelical leaders. The unique
program is a thriving and growing ministry attracting quality students, despite
operating in restricted areas and in countries that have experienced decades of
war and extreme hardship.
OC‟s Middle East Regional Director Dr. Riad Kassis says the program‟s students
are bright, well-articulated and committed Christians and have found the
courses to be extremely helpful in their lives and ministries. “From an economic
perspective, this is the most efficient theological training program that I have
ever seen,…[and the program‟s] philosophy and concept are very relevant to
the Church context in the Middle East.”
8
2009 INVESTMENTS
9
Africa - Board Training
Latin America - Online Distance Education Programs
OC‟s Africa Regional Director Dr. Bill Houston had excellent times of training
three Boards in Angola, Zimbabwe and Central African Republic. Issues of
Board governance are of utmost importance in Africa, and this has formed the
basis of future training workshops.
OC began a partnership with the NET Foundation (Network Education Theology)
to provide resources and training for online distance education programs. The
foundation seeks to equip more people with the Word of God through its
programs.
Poland - “Days of Reformation” (Evangelical School of Theology)
Sri Lanka - Education by Extension
More than 300 people participated in the event,
which featured discussions, a concert, worship
service and a panel discussion. Money was also
collected for a children‟s hospice in Wroclaw, with
which the seminary hopes to start a long-standing
ministry through fundraising, trips and events for
the children.
(Colombo Theological Seminary)
Latin America - Bible School Networks
Indonesia - Book Publishing Project (Indonesian Bible Institute)
OC continues to develop its network of Bible schools in Colombia (25
institutions), Peru (20), São Paulo (25) and Northeast Brazil (17). Our partner
institutions are the leaders of those networks, and through them, OC provides
training (mini Institutes for Excellence), coaching and personal support to all
the institutions.
OC is helping to fund the institute‟s effort to collect faculty and students‟
research findings and publish them in journals and books annually in order to
become a theological research center for its graduates, churches and society.
Vietnam - Cooperation in Theological Education
The first ever consultation on The Cooperation in Theological Education for the
Church in Vietnam took place in October 2009, bringing together church
leaders from 20 denominations. The meeting was historic in many ways,
especially since it brought together open registered churches and the leaders of
house churches in an effort to foster collaboration, mutual encouragement and
the sharing of resources. reSource Leadership International (OC‟s affiliate in
Canada) played a key role.
Lebanon - New Curriculum (Arab Baptist Theological Seminary)
The seminary started the 2009-2010 academic year with the implementation
of its new curriculum, which is formational and intentional in its work to
produce leaders that the Church in the Middle East and Arab World need. The
curriculum themes focus on the nature and Kingdom of God, a redemptive
missional community of faith, personal growth, discipleship and servant
leadership.
The seminary conducts regular classes at its
extension center and two satellite centers in Jaffna,
which also functions as a resource center to the
region‟s Christians. The seminary says OC‟s
contribution “has financially strengthened us to
carry on the work…on an ongoing basis.”
South America and the Philippines - Holistic Child Development
OC partnered with Compassion International to develop Diploma and Master
level training in Holistic Child Development for the Southern Cone of South
America. In addition, the Asia Graduate School of Theology in the Philippines
successfully began their PhD program in Holistic Child Development. OC‟s Asia
Regional Director Dr. Ashish Chrispal played a key role in this collaboration.
10
TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
AFRICA
WHAT ONE OC SCHOLARSHIP CAN DO
Finding the hope they need: Changing the life story of
orphans in Kenya
As the AIDS pandemic ravages families, many children are
left in poverty, hunger and hopelessness. Since 2003, the
Gethsemane Garden Christian Centre (GGCC) has provided
AIDS orphans with their most basic life needs. “The
orphans that so many others have forgotten find a home.
They find a new life story, where food, shelter, education
and spiritual growth are provided.” Located on Mfangano
Island in the Lake Victoria region of western Kenya, the
Christian boarding school is currently home to over 424
students in grades K-9; over 80 percent are orphans and
among the poorest on the island. Before coming to GGCC,
many are sick, neglected or have been abused, and the
number of orphans increases each year as parents die from AIDS.
“The orphans that so many others have forgotten
find a home. They find a new life story.”
GGCC provides students with a home during the school year and Christian education,
equipping them with a firm biblical foundation for their lives. “While there, they excel in
their education, grow physically and mentally and develop visions for their future. Many
come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.” Founders Naphtaly and Nereah Mattah,
graduates of the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST) in Kenya,
hope to empower the children, through the Lord, to “break the cycle of poverty they
would have lived in and instead go on to be productive citizens in Kenya.” Dr. Douglas
Carew, NEGST Vice Chancellor, says, “It is such a privilege to see [Naphtaly and Nereah]
providing leadership for their community, as they care for AIDS orphans and translate
12
the Scriptures into the local Suba language.”
“The AIDS pandemic has presented the greatest opportunity to take
the Gospel to the people”
After graduating from the Evangelical Seminary of
Southern Africa (ESSA) in South Africa, Rev. Arumugam
Perumal “Albert” Chetty began working as Project Manager
for the ESSA Christian AIDS Program (ECAP) in 2004. The
program exists to see: a change in life choices regarding
human sexuality through education; local congregations
equipped to counsel and care for those infected; ESSA
graduates trained to initiate HIV/AIDS programs in their
ministries; and an integrated strategy among HIV/AIDS
organizations. “HIV/AIDS is the greatest challenge for the
Church worldwide. The love of Jesus becomes evident in
the way Christians respond with love and care to persons
infected or affected by this pandemic,” Albert says.
In the past 10 years, ECAP has trained students from over
100 churches and nearly 150 congregations in homebased care and ministry to AIDS sufferers. Forty-nine active
programs have been set up in communities. In addition, ECAP hosts pastors‟ HIV/AIDS
seminars and caregiver workshops, and Albert teaches “The Church and HIV/AIDS”
course at ESSA. “My studies [at ESSA] empowered me to pursue HIV/AIDS ministries.
Without these studies, I would not have been recognized in public circles to do HIV/AIDS
work,...[and] I do not know how the Lord would have brought me thus far to do His work.”
Please see page 27 to support future ministry leaders like these around the world.
TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
ASIA
WHAT ONE OC SCHOLARSHIP CAN DO
Christians working together to end sexual abuse and trafficking
Human trafficking. Commercial sexual exploitation. Child sex
tourism. Rape. Child labor. These are just some of the major
issues in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia that Chab Dai
is committed to ending. Founded in 2005 and meaning “joining
hands,” the coalition of 40+ Christian organizations “believes
that prevention and intervention at a community level are
essential…if we ever want to see change within Cambodian
society,” says National Facilitator Ros Yeng, a graduate of the
Phnom Penh Bible School (PPBS) in Cambodia.
Photography © Chab Dai
Hundreds of children have been helped as
more than 9,400 community leaders and
individuals have been trained, raising awareness
about the dangers of trafficking and abuse.
Through prevention, intervention, aftercare, advocacy and
research, the ministry empowers communities and their leaders
with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent and combat
these issues. Hundreds of children have been helped as more
than 9,400 community leaders and individuals have been
trained, raising awareness about the dangers of trafficking and
abuse, intervening on behalf of the vulnerable within Cambodian communities, and
changing society‟s attitudes and acceptance of these problems within their culture. In
addition, more than 10,000 prevention cards featuring helpline phone numbers on the
back have been distributed throughout Cambodia. Chab Dai is also committed to seeing
more safe places for victims with high quality aftercare and an emphasis on successful
reintegration. One of Chab Dai‟s member organizations also plans to start a small
community school and outreach center in a renovated former brothel.
Yeng feels his training at PPBS has given him the knowledge and compassion necessary 14
for his present ministry to children. He says success is seeing children rescued from
abusive lives and put into environments of rehabilitation and God‟s love, where they can
be transformed and take their place in society.
“Life-changing” education leads to the establishment of 12 house
churches and several literacy centers
Sushil Tyagi says his MA studies at the South Asia Institute of
Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS) in India, were “lifechanging” and “laid the foundation [for] my future ministry and
leadership.” With his heart‟s desire being church planting, he
began a new ministry establishing 12 house churches and
running literacy centers to educate over 400 children regularly.
Two medical projects were set up for community health and
mother/child care as well. Through these and further training
programs, over 50 people have been trained as community
mobilizers since 2005. Sushil‟s future vision includes a training
center for church planters. Currently, 16 full-time workers serve
alongside Sushil and his wife, Sarah.
Before planting churches, Sushil served with the Evangelical
Fellowship of India as the Regional Director for North India,
teaching seminars on personal evangelism and coaching over 4,000 pastors from
different denominations. He initiated translation, editing and printing projects,
curriculum development and leadership development seminars. In addition, he offered
leadership development mentoring in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and parts of
Southeast Asia.
Photography © Karl Grobl/Chab Dai
Please see page 27 to support future ministry leaders like these around the world.
TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
E U RO P E
WHAT ONE OC SCHOLARSHIP CAN DO
“Go and do likewise”: Bringing joy, hope and God‟s love to children in
the form of a shoebox
Since 2000, Marek Kurkierewicz has worked for Christmas
in a Shoebox (CIAS), a ministry of Samaritan‟s Purse that
“brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations
around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes and the
Good News of God‟s love.” As Operational Coordinator,
Marek is part of the National Coordination Committee in
charge of the entire Polish operation and is responsible for
staying in touch with all CIAS participants.
“[CIAS] was a practical application of all that we learned,
read, heard and discussed in our classes at the Evangelical
School of Theology (EST) in Poland,” Marek says. “Our
mission, evangelism, cannot be limited only to words but
must also be applied by showing mercy, acceptance and
help to all those in need.” He says CIAS is a great tool to go
out into the world just as Jesus did and realize that “people
live right next to us that need Christ and need help just as
much as we do.” Two associations were formed in Koszalin, Poland, as a result of CIAS,
and they continue working with children during the year through after-school activities,
camps and financial assistance. Marek is a 2002 graduate of EST.
Touching the lives of the elderly with the love of God
Marcel Fund (MF) employs 13 Companions of
Compassion in Ukraine in order to care for the elderly
in their villages. Every Companion visits clients weekly
in their homes or the hospital and reads the Bible,
prays with them, takes prepared meals, purchases
food and medications and attends to the needs of their
homes, such as light cleaning and laundry.
Companions provide much-needed friendship and
contact with the outside world for many elderly people
who have been housebound or bedridden for years. In
the 10 years of its existence, MF has ministered to over
900 elderly people, more than 300 of which have accepted Christ. Companions also
witness to families of those who have passed away.
Christmas in a Shoebox “brings joy and hope
to children in desperate situations
around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes
and the Good News of God‟s love.”
16
Julia Anastasina is the MF field director and
formerly served as a Companion since the
ministry began. She communicates with all
Companions and visits each annually, as well as
handles finances, makes presentations about
the ministry in local churches, trains interested
persons in elderly care and assists in preparing
for the annual Companion summer conference.
Julia is a graduate of the Ukrainian Evangelical
Theological Seminary (UETS) in Kyiv, who says
her participation in MF “is central to its success as she has experience in ministry and is
respected by Companions and leadership alike.” Most of the Companions have a
connection to UETS as well, either as current students or graduates themselves,
spouses to graduates or serve as lay leaders in churches pastored by graduates.
Please see page 27 to support future ministry leaders like these around the world.
TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
LATIN AMERICA
WHAT ONE OC
SCHOLARSHIP CAN DO
“We choose to...love gypsies”: Graduate plants churches to reach
forgotten group within Brazilian society
Using his Theology and Urban Missions training from
South American Theological Seminary (SATS) in Brazil,
Rev. Igor Shimura started Gypsy Friends Mission as a
holistic transformation tool for gypsies living as
outcasts in Brazilian society. Facing social rejection
and discrimination, the women walk the streets or sit
in parks to read the palms of passersby, but many
people ignore or shout at them out of fear and
prejudice. “In Brazil, gypsies are not respected,” Igor
explains. “Many people still think they should not have
any rights at all!” Most of the estimated three million
gypsies in Brazil live beneath the poverty level and are
illiterate; many are also victims of their own alcoholism or their husbands‟.
“Our churches are not yet ready to receive these people,” Igor explains, so Gypsy Friends
plants churches among gypsy groups and serves the women spiritually, offers medical/
dental care and provides literacy and citizenship classes, thus helping gypsies obtain
employment eligibility and government assistance. In addition to the church among
Brazilian gypsies, Igor planted a church among Portuguese gypsies living in Curitiba,
Brazil. Through love and the Gospel, Gypsy Friends has broken down the barriers of
discrimination, abuse and prejudice. “It is a great challenge,…[but] many gypsies have
chosen Jesus,...and through the Good News, we can help them…live in the peace of
Christ.” Gypsy Friends may also start a non-government organization specifically
18
designated to fight for gypsies‟ legal rights.
Vision to reach 2,000 remote fishing villages with the Gospel leads
to international missionary mobilization
Most of the estimated three million gypsies
in Brazil live beneath the poverty level
and are illiterate; many are also victims
of their own alcoholism or their husbands‟.
While enrolled at Word of Life Seminary (WOL) in Brazil, God
gave Marcio Garcia a vision to reach fishermen in the 2,000
remote fishing villages along Brazil‟s nearly 5,000 mile long
coastline. He and his wife, Damaris, traveled full time to 62
unreached fishing communities when they realized the clear
need for a missionary agency to help with their calling. The
couple was among the founders of the Evangelical Mission
for Assistance to Fishermen (EMAF) in 1986, which plants
churches, initiates social projects and establishes ministerial
bases in strategic places along the coast. EMAF also offers
children‟s centers, literacy centers, medical/dental care, a
rehabilitation center, schooling, better houses for those in
poverty and the provision of food and clothes. Marcio is the
Executive Director of EMAF, which has 70 full time
missionaries and over 1,000 believers who participate in
short term teams every year.
In addition, Pioneers, a missionary organization reaching 80 countries with the Good
News, made Marcio the Director of the Mobilization Office for Latin America in 2005. He
led a group of believers to found the Brazilian arm of Pioneers (Pioneiros), which
mobilizes Brazilian missionaries to help teams in nations that are least reached by the
Gospel. Marcio is now working to mobilize missionaries in all Latin American countries.
He and Damaris live in Brazil with their daughters: Caroline, Juliana and Angélica.
Please see page 27 to support future ministry leaders like these around the world.
TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
MIDDLE EAST
WHAT ONE OC
SCHOLARSHIP CAN DO
“Garbage villages” filled with love for God
through church-planting efforts
Since 1992, Rev. John Said has planted three churches in
Cairo‟s “garbage villages,” populated by approximately
30,000 to 50,000 garbage collectors who, as a group of
people, are looked down upon by Egyptian society.
However, many garbage collectors are filled with love for
God, and the villages have been changed into hopeful
communities. Although the villages are disease-prone and
poverty-stricken, many schools, health clinics and
churches have been developed in the vibrant Christian
community, including the largest church in the Middle
East called the Cave Church.
John‟s three church plants offer regular meetings and worship for all age groups, as well
as help for the poor in the area through financial support, medical outreach, literacy
education, a leaders‟ training school and other social services. Plans for the future
include starting a carpentry shop to train youth and provide church income. John serves
as Pastor of the three church plants and leads teams to minister in the garbage village
area, including church leaders and students from his alma mater, the Evangelical
Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC), Egypt. He also serves as the Missions Pastor of
Heliopolis Evangelical Church of Cairo, one of the city‟s biggest churches.
Shepherd Society provides relief and hope to thousands in Gaza
“The people of the Holy Land have witnessed much
turmoil over the centuries,” says The Shepherd Society,
a charitable ministry of Bethlehem Bible College (BBC) in
the West Bank. Alex Awad, a BBC faculty member and
Dean of Students, serves as the Director of the society,
which was established in 1996 when several Palestinian
pastors and Christian leaders felt called to extend
Christ‟s love in a practical way to those in great need
within their community. The society has aided more than
13,000 cases through urgent humanitarian help (food,
medicine, jobs, subsidized utilities, family sponsorships)
and long-term development aid by helping families help
themselves (business loans, buying and marketing products and crafts).
Photography © Menno Alberts
He has planted three churches in Cairo‟s “garbage
villages,” populated by approximately 30,000 to
50,000 garbage collectors who, as a group of people,
are looked down upon by Egyptian society.
20
A recent example of the society‟s humanitarian efforts
includes providing relief to families during the Israel-Gaza
conflict in late December 2008/January 2009. People
around the world and many local churches and
organizations, including OC, contributed to the purchase of
food, medicine and home reconstruction for over 1,200
families. In addition, the society sought a psychologist to
counsel those dealing with the trauma. Alex says, “Thank
you to all our partners! [Our] ministries would not have been
possible without your support. Our only request is that you
pray with us that those who receive your gifts will see the
love of Christ through them.”
Please see page 27 to support future ministry leaders like these around the world.
SHAPING INSTITUTIONS WHO SHAPE LEADERS
Institutional development is one of the most strategic elements of OC‟s
ministry around the world because it has a direct influence on students and
the kind of leaders they become. Through capacity building initiatives, such
as The Institute for Excellence in Christian
Leadership Development and OC‟s Regional
Directors (RDs), partner institutions become
more effective, graduates become better agents
of community transformation and OC donor
investments become more fruitful. Without true
excellence in the first step - theological
education - ministries and the Kingdom suffer.
The Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development
The Institute for Excellence is an international
forum developed to strengthen leadership
skills, organizational expertise and
accountability in OC partner institutions. Led by
Dr. Scott Cunningham, OC‟s Dean of Leadership
Development, the Institutes have become the
single most effective tool for building
organizational capacity, developing effective
leaders for the Church and improving the
21 viability of OC partner and non-partner institutions.
To read about past Institutes and see photos, please visit
www.overseas.org and click on Institute for Excellence.
Participant thoughts
“Thanks again for all you are doing for the sake of schools
such as ours. Let me assure you that OC is strategic in its
impact in a manner that will not be quantifiable this side of
eternity but truly remarkable.” (Ivor Poobalan, Principal,
Colombo Theological Seminary, Sri Lanka)
“The impact [of the Institute] was so positive that a new
leadership style started to form [at our institution]….When I
became Principal,…there was no training, and I was unskillful in many ways. The OC
Institutes were, for me, the only organized training.” (Rev. Dr. Devison Telen Banda,
Professor and Former Principal, Justo Mwale Theological College, Zambia)
“It is so encouraging to get to see the presidents and
personnel from other schools [at the Institute]….We have been
able to share so much over the years that our friendships have
grown. It certainly draws one close when you tend to have the
same struggles, challenges and joys.”
(Dr. Russell Penney, Former Principal, Hebron Theological
Seminary, Bolivia)
“The way the Institutes are bringing our seminaries
together is incredible. During every Institute, in formal sessions
and in one-on-one conversations, areas of partnership and collaborations are being
explored, and positive steps are being taken. We can see very clearly the fruits of these
growing relationships between our institutions.” (Rev. Elie Haddad, President, Arab
Baptist Theological Seminary, Lebanon)
“Emphasis on excellence, planning and vision-casting empowers our educational
institutions to produce the kind of servant-leaders that will be transformation agents for
the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world.” (Dr. Peter Kuzmic, President,
Evangelical Theological Seminary, Croatia)
2009 Institute Schedule
2010 Institute Schedule
“Spiritual Formation in the Seminary,” focused on how
seminaries can nurture the spiritual growth of their students
“Re-envisioning Seminary-Church
Relationships”
■ March 3-6: Sofia, Bulgaria - 12 leaders, 8 institutions, 6 countries
■ March 30-April 3: Lusaka, Zambia - 26 leaders, 16 institutions, 4 countries
■ April 20-24: Buenos Aires, Argentina - 25 leaders, 17 institutions, 7 countries
■ May 11-12: Kowloon, Hong Kong - 17 leaders, 9 institutions, 1 country
■ May 14-15: Taipei, Taiwan - 23 leaders, 7 institutions, 1 country
■ August 10-14: Nairobi, Kenya - 28 leaders, 15 institutions, 6 countries
■ August 31 - Sept. 4: Abidjan, Côte d‟Ivoire - 33 leaders, 17 institutions, 12 countries
■ September 21-25: Singapore - 63 leaders, 36 institutions, 17 countries
■ October 13-16: Puebla, Mexico - 33 leaders, 19 institutions, 9 countries
■ October 27-30: Beirut, Lebanon - 29 leaders, 14 institutions, 9 countries
■ November 9-13: Minsk, Belarus - 51 leaders, 21 institutions, 5 countries
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
2009 Total - 340 leaders, 179 institutions, 77 countries
April 13-16: Latin America
May 4-7: South and East Africa
June 29 - July 2: Middle East / Central Europe
August 10-13: South Asia
September 21-24: West Africa
October 5-8: Eurasia
November 9-12: Southeast Asia
22
SHAPING INSTITUTIONS WHO SHAPE LEADERS
Regional Directors
Middle East / Central Europe - Riad Kassis, PhD
Regional Directors (RDs) form the hands and feet of OC, giving the ministry
unparalleled global reach coupled with acute local expertise. These
experienced, proven leaders serve each region where OC works by providing
on-site coaching in areas of fundraising, curriculum design, management,
strategic planning and governance, as well as building relationships through
pastoral care to the leadership of partner institutions. They also research
strategic trends and the opportunities and challenges confronting
theological education in the region and make recommendations regarding
OC‟s assistance to partner institutions.
“Riad is a great resource to [our institution]
because he is always available, willing and able
to provide advice and counseling to the highest
level of senior administration. He connected the
seminary with the right people through whom
we are working on our accreditation. He also
helped as a consultant for improving the
administrative performance of the seminary….
[We] also requested his help [in regard to]
methods of evaluation for senior leadership,
and he provided many of the tools that were
used for that purpose.” (Evangelical Theological
Seminary in Cairo, Egypt)
Partner institutions discuss the impact of the RDs
Africa - Bill Houston, DMin
23
“[Bill] has benefited us by sharing initiatives and
trends in theological education. During his visit to
Sierra Leone some years back, he was a motivating
factor in the diversification of our curriculum and
programs by encouraging us to refocus our vision from
the traditional theological seminary of the 19th century
to the contemporary Christian college that looks
beyond the Church for Christian ministry.” (The
Evangelical College of Theology, Sierra Leone)
Philippe Emedi joined OC as the Assistant Regional
Director for Francophone Africa in November 2009.
He assists Bill Houston and enables OC to further connect with
Africa‟s French-speaking countries.
Asia - Ashish Chrispal, PhD
“[Ashish] visited [our institution] last November. It was a
great privilege for us to have him among the students,
staff and teachers. We felt that he was a part of our
family. We also felt that we were part of a bigger family
of brothers and sisters who are doing similar work and
have similar goals. He has been communicating
regularly, not only about the ongoing programs of OC but
giving us information and materials that could help in
our work in management and teaching. He has also
helped link us with other institutions and to have
communication with others in the region.” (Zarephath
Bible Institute, Pakistan)
Latin America - Josué Fernández
“Josué is always available to listen and help. We
appreciate his servant spirit. He is a great
encouragement to me personally, as well as others
on our leadership team. Strategically, he has played
an important role in facilitating our relationship with
sister seminaries in the region….As a result of his
leadership, we have been able to strengthen these
seminaries. I also appreciate the timely articles he
sends me on theological education or related
issues.” (Central American Theological Seminary,
Guatemala)
(Josué also brought together two key leaders for
reconciliation this year. “Sometimes as humans, we
have differences and misunderstandings that hinder great cooperation plans
for the extension of God‟s Kingdom,” Josué said. “We needed to bring them
together,…[and] I felt that God guided the entire meeting. I think this was a
hallmark in OC‟s ministry in Latin America this year, and I see it as part of our
ministry to facilitate a spirit of cooperation that does not necessarily have to
do with funding.”)
Wilson Chow, PhD, is OC‟s Senior Consultant for China.
His advisory position allows OC to tap into his rich wisdom,
knowledge and counsel on the region.
Thanks to our faithful donors, we praise the Lord for the work
He is doing through the Institutes for Excellence in Christian
Leadership Development and the Regional Directors!
24
FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE
2009 Financials At-A-Glance
As of September 30
Statement of Financial Position
2007
2008
2009
$4,443
$2,414
$928
■ Investments
$39
$1,109
$1,163
■ Accounts Receivable
$10
$7
$13
$69
$437
$362
—
$445
$104
■ Prepaid Expenses
$46
$71
$51
Current Assets Total
$4,607
$4,483
$2,621
Endowment Investments
$270
$239
$239
Building, Furniture and Equipment
$179
$240
$1,412
Total Assets
$5,056
$4,962
$4,272
Liabilities and Net Assets
2007
2008
2009
■ Accounts Payable
$89
$428
$247
■ Accrued Expenses
$70
$31
$66
$1
—
—
—
—
$141
$2
—
—
—
—
$416
$162
$459
$870
$488
$684
$683
$4,238
$3,651
$2,551
$168
$168
$168
$4,894
$4,503
$3,402
$5,056
$4,962
$4,272
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Total Support and Revenue
$6,159
$11,609
$10,033
$15,969
$4,603
Current Assets
Program Service Expense
$4,908
$7,210
$7,006
$14,146
$3,999
■ Cash and Cash Equivalents
General and Administrative
Expense
$551
$739
$1,368
$1,086
$1,105
Fund Raising Expense
$823
$1,113
$791
$1,127
$600
Total Assets
$1,603
$4,164
$5,056
$4,962
$4,272
Change in Net Assets
$(123)
$2,547
$868
$(391)
$(1,102)
Total Net Assets
$1,479
$4,026
$4,894
$4,503
$3,402
■ Foundations
8.8%
8.2%
14.9%
6.6%
19.4%
13.4%
9.6%
7.9%
7.1%
13.0%
Five Year Financials
General and Administrative
Expense (1)
Fund Raising Expense (2)
Units are measured in thousands, except percentages.
(1) General and Administrative Expenses are shown as a percentage of Total Functional Expense.
(2) Fund Raising Expenses are shown as a percentage of Total Support and Revenue.
(3) The above information was compiled from audited financial statements that are available
upon request.
25
Total Functional Expenses 2009
Total Support Revenue 2009
Administration
19%
($1,105)
Program
70%
($3,999)
Fund Raising
11%
($600)
Other
10%
($466)
Grants
60%
($2,776)
Assets
■ Contributions Receivable - net
■ Individuals
■ Current Portion of Annuities Payable
Contributions
30%
($1,361)
As of September 30
■ Current Portion of Debt
■ Present Value of Annuities Payable
■ Long-term Debt
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
$12,000
Contributions
0
Grants
Units are measured in thousands.
0
2009
2008
$1,000
2007
$2,000
2006
2008
■ Temporarily Restricted
2005
$2,000
■ Unrestricted
$3,000
2009
0
$4,000
2005
$1,000
2009
$2,000
2007
$4,000
$6,000
2006
$8,000
$3,000
2008
$4,000
2007
$5,000
2006
$10,000
2005
$5,000
Year-End Net Assets
■ Permanently Restricted
Total Net Assets
Totalare
Liabilities
and
Net Assets
Units
measured
in thousands.
(1) The above information was compiled from audited financial statements that are available
upon request.
26
THE VALUE OF ONE OC SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarships are the most essential way to partner with OC
OC support recipients express immeasurable gratitude
Right now, thousands of students and faculty
members are in need of scholarships. As a partner in
our scholarship program, you can play a vital role in
the advancement of the Kingdom. Your scholarship
gift trains leaders who transform communities and
minister to those in need around the world, as you
have read in this report.
“I am very grateful for our partnership in Christ. We as Palestinian Christians often feel
forgotten or ignored by other Christians in the West, but our partnership with OC reminds
us that this is not always the case. It also reminds us of
God‟s faithfulness to us….[I‟m also thankful that] my PhD
studies will help me address the issues of land and holy war,
as well as the hopelessness and insecurity of the young
generation, with wise and good biblical answers.” (Munther
Isaac, Assistant Academic Dean and Faculty scholar,
Bethlehem Bible College, West Bank)
We ask that you prayerfully consider partnering with
our ministry. God uses the prayers
and financial support of people
like you to accomplish the mission
He has given us. Make a difference in the Kingdom that
will last for an eternity by supporting student and
faculty scholarships. To become a scholarship partner
and join us in Advancing Christian Leaders , please visit
www.overseas.org/donate or mail the detachable
response card at the end of this report today.
27
We could not do what we do without the prayers,
financial support and involvement of our partners, and
we praise the Lord for the work He is doing through you!
Educational expenses at our partner institutions
vary widely; however, the average cost of a
student scholarship is $100 per month (or
$1,200 per year), and the average cost of a
faculty scholarship is $333 per month (or $4,000
per year). Such Kingdom-building capacity is an
investment that is unrivaled within today‟s
economic context, and your contributions will
change the lives of students who will impact
countless lives in their lifetimes. In addition to the
Kingdom value of your contribution in training
Christian leaders, you will have the opportunity to
learn more about what God is doing around the world through regional and
global updates and interaction with Christian leaders at OC events.
OC has many priority projects and funding needs for 2010, including
Campus Development, Educational Resources, Leadership
Consultations and Compassionate Care Projects. For a complete list,
please visit www.overseas.org and click on Current Project Needs.
“Our seminary appreciates its partnership with OC, and your
investment is seen in the lives of graduates and students,
the building and library, the advanced education of various
faculty, conferences and in many other ways as living
memorials to the work and effort of the men and women who
serve at OC and your donors. We are truly thankful and
blessed by the ministry of OC.” (Rebecca LeMaster, Scholarship Liaison and Coordinator
for International Projects, Evangelical School of Theology, Poland)
“I praise the Lord for the great work that He is doing through you and the other dear
friends at OC. It is a great encouragement for those of us who are involved in the
frontline of theological education to know that there are people out there who care for
us. May the Lord continue to bless you in your ministry as
you labor in training men and women of God who will take
His Word to the ends of the world.” (Frew Tamrat, Principal
and Faculty scholar, Evangelical Theological College,
Ethiopia)
“I am one of those students who were touched by the
ministry of OC. Indeed God put you where you are, not just
to be a beacon of light for those who are lost but also a
beacon of hope, inspiration and love of God to ministers
like us...globally. God bless OC.” (Israel Ian Hibionada,
Pastor and Coordinator for the Center for Continuing
Studies, Asian Theological Seminary, Philippines)
“Thank you for the scholarship funds for students and
faculty. It is a tremendous help!....I have heard testimony after testimony of students
who are grateful for those servants of the Lord who have had an important part in
making their studies possible. Thank you to OC for being the instrument of God‟s
gracious provision.” (Rev. Dr. Jim Adams, President, Central American Theological
Seminary, Guatemala)
“Thank you so much for the funds. It comes at a critical time in the history of the
school….Only a decade ago, there were essentially no well-educated Christians in the
region. It was next to impossible for a Christian to go to college in the USSR, but the
foundation has been laid on which to build something new.” (Gerry Hawkins, Fundraising
and Communication, Donetsk Christian University, Ukraine)
28
PRAYERS FOR HIS PEOPLE
Faithful to equip leaders in good times
and in bad: Moving forward in hope and
perseverance
OC Partner Institutions (as of January 2010)
The effects of the worldwide economic crisis have
been felt by all of our partner institutions, including
the Odessa Theological Seminary (OTS) in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr P. Shemchyshyn says one
million people have lost their jobs, many companies
have shut down or are not operating at full capacity and prices have
skyrocketed. In addition, “funds raised [for the seminary] through
donations have decreased significantly,” he says. “Many of our students
and their churches are unable to contribute their share of their tuition.
Some [students] are not even able to come to their sessions because they
can‟t afford the price of the train or bus ticket.”
Africa - 31 institutions representing Angola, Central African Republic,
A prayer of thanks for our faithful donors:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for walking with us in our mission
of Advancing Christian Leaders and for providing our invaluable
prayer and financial partners who, through Christ, are the source of
everything our ministry does. Bless these individuals, churches and
foundations in a way that only You can and encourage them with
the impact that their partnership truly has. Lord, we are especially
thankful for the gift of Your one and only Son, Jesus, whom You
sent to die in our place on the cross. He is the reason for everything
we do, and it is in His name that we pray. Amen.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the
first day until now.” (emphasis added) Philippians 1:3-5
Chad, Congo, Côte d‟Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia,
Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa,
Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Asia - 34 institutions representing Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South
Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Please detach this page and remember us in your daily quiet time.
Despite it all, the seminary rejoices in the admission of 99 new students
this year and contributes the high enrollment partly to diversified
programs, including lay leadership training, a sign language program to
train students in reaching the deaf community, distance learning and
Middle East missions. “Our desire as a seminary is to be faithful to equip
[leaders] in hard times, as well as in times of abundance. It is in times of
29 instability that we need servants of God who are capable of bringing the
Good News to people.” While many Ukrainians have felt hopelessness and
despair during the current crisis, Volodymyr says the seminary and its
students are committed to demonstrating to the world that there is a God
who loves and cares for those who are hurting, and they are putting their
trust in Him to provide for their needs as they move forward in a spirit of
excellence, hope and perseverance.
For the complete list of OC‟s 100 partner institutions, please visit
www.overseas.org and click on Operating Regions.
Europe - 14 institutions representing Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Moldova, Poland, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine.
Latin America - 13 institutions representing Argentina, Brazil, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru.
Middle East - 8 institutions representing Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan,
the United Kingdom and the West Bank.
Please detach this card and return with your
investment in the Kingdom work of Overseas Council.
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through biblical training!
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OC celebrated 35 years of Advancing Christian Leaders in 2009.
We are blessed and thankful for your support.