2011 Annual Report of Stewardship

IMPACTING
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the Church and society
2011 Annual Report of Stewardship
TABLE of CONTENTS
Letter from the PRESIDENT
1
Latin America
21
21--24
OVERSEAS Council
2
Middle East and North Africa
25
25--28
STRATEGIC Project
Project:: CUBA
29
29--30
SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS
3-4
OVERSEAS Council
To grow His Church around the world, Jesus invested in just 12 key leaders.
Overseas Council partners with organizations all over the world who train Christian leaders to make a
difference in the Church and society.
Lifting up the LEADERS of LEADERS
5-6
STRATEGIC Project
Project:: TEACH
31
31--32
“Overseas Council is a ministry that works to find where Christian leaders are being trained around the world in the most
effective possible ways and then partners with the schools and the institutions that are doing that,” says Dr. David Baer,
President and CEO. “We have some sort of influence or relationship with about 300 seminaries or Bible colleges worldwide.”
COMMUNITY Outreach
7-8
STRATEGIC Project
Project::
HOLISTIC CHILD DEVELOPMENT
33
33--34
We support these organizations through SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS, Lifting up the LEADERS of LEADERS,
COMMUNITY Outreach and STRATEGIC Projects (CUBA, TEACH and HOLISTIC CHILD DEVELOPMENT). You can read
FINANCIAL Perspective
35
35--36
Africa
9-12
Asia
13
13--16
Europe
17
17--20
Advancing Christian Leaders
Dear Overseas Council friends and partners,
Where does the greater impact lie?
In the crack of a bat that produces a walk-off home run in the World Series?
In the persistent lapping of waves against a sand bar?
In the late morning sunlight upon a tender, early-season stalk of corn?
I’m glad I don’t have to decide. Each of these examples holds potential for effective
and meaningful impact.
So it is with the development of Christian leaders and their highly leverageable
impact upon the Church and society. In this arena, too, impact comes in many
shapes and sizes.
The Annual Report of Stewardship you hold in your hands registers multiple ways in
which the Lord has enabled Overseas Council to exert impact upon its environment.
Occasionally, we are privileged to see change that happens almost with the
suddenness of a muscular batter’s swing of a bat that meets a 97-mph fastball,
reverses the ball’s direction and sends it soaring into the left-field bleachers. More
frequently, this organization’s impact comes when the Lord sends His blessing upon
shrewd and persistent engagement with change that produces further change and
ends up altering the landscape for Christ’s glory. Yet again, Overseas Council’s
work is sometimes like shining light bringing warmth upon growth that is already
occurring.
By means of these multiple angles of approach, the Lord continues to bless
Overseas Council’s work of advancing Christian leaders.
Letter from the
PRESIDENT
37
more about these in the report. Please see their respective page numbers in the Table of Contents.
We believe deeply in the effectiveness and promise of theological education; not for education’s sake, but for the promise it
holds to build leaders who have the vision, integrity and competence that the Church and the Gospel demand. “It is the most
potent, most long lasting, most enduring kind of involvement in the Christian movement that I can think of,” says Dr. Baer.
To grow His Church around the world, Jesus invested in just 12 key leaders. By investing deeply in leaders, we are following
the only model of church growth that has ever proven to be sustainable and fruitful. We invest into the students, faculty
and leadership, and these trained Christian leaders, in turn, invest out to the community to grow the Church.
Theological education is important. It bears fruit. Most importantly, it multiplies in the lives of everyone these trained
Christian leaders touch.
“Overseas Council probably doesn’t have a very big office in the US, but their real big office is spanning the globe,” says Ivor
Poobalan, Principal of Colombo Theological Seminary (CTS) in Sri Lanka. “Overseas Council is impacting the world.”
“I believe so much in the promise and possibility of the Christian
leader.
I believe it because my life has been shaped by Christian leaders
who were worth following. That sort of a leader will never grow
obsolete and, in my mind, is more needed every day.”
Dr. David Baer
Engage
Empower
Collaborate
God’s blessing, eternal impact. I like the equation. I’m glad you’re a part of it. Read with joy.
Every blessing,
1
David A. Baer, PhD
President and CEO
2
SCHOLARSHIPS for
the SHEPHERDS
Reeta Sudhirsimon, Student at
Allahabad Bible Seminary (ABSI), India
Bedrich Smola, Graduate of the Evangelical Theological
Seminary of Prague (ETSP), Czech Republic
The Problem:
Every day, students hope to train in a seminary or Bible institute but can’t because they lack the funds. Most of the students in
our partner seminaries are already ministering when they enroll, and they enroll out of a deep sense of felt need. The Church
is growing rapidly in the Majority World, and equipped leaders are rare. “He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers
are few.’” Luke 10:2a There’s nothing like trying to lead a flock and interpret Scripture with virtually nothing to rely on except a
Bible and a passionate heart. In that situation, hearts cry out for training, resources, wisdom and knowledge. It’s tragic that
someone seeking to become a shepherd – or a more effective, better-equipped shepherd – should have to worry about
financial barriers to a seminary education.
Oftentimes, faculty members do not have appropriate training themselves. They could be training, educating and empowering
students more effectively if they could receive further education and training.
The Need: Train a Leader
Did you know that, on average, offering a scholarship to a deserving student costs only $100/month and a faculty
member $333/month?* The scholarship program has proven to be a great success around the world. Consistently we
receive updates from alumni and faculty across all five of our regions highlighting the impact they are experiencing. Yet
there are still capable, eager leaders who could be significantly more effective with training. We are committed to
supporting the Church: raising up Christian leaders of vision, integrity and competence who make a difference in the
Church and society. Please see more information about the impact of scholarships and consider what your role might be
in fulfilling this exciting vision at www.overseas.org/GiveaLeader.
Consider the future of the Church. Think of the importance of leaders in your own faith journey and in your day-to-day life.
Contrast that with much of the Majority World where so many believers and would-be believers are truly “sheep without a
shepherd.”
The Overseas Council Solution: Scholarships
for the Shepherds
There are few more cost-effective ways to invest in
the Church’s future than through door-opening
scholarships to deserving students, while also offering
scholarships to faculty members, so we can in turn
equip the equippers. Investing in one leader can have
an enormous impact upon the Church in his or her
country. Hundreds and even thousands can be
ministered to as a result. We come alongside these
leaders and help them receive training in order to
multiply their influence through God’s work around the
world.
3
To read examples of SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS,
look for stories highlighted in green throughout the report.
Lona Mugenyi,
Graduate of Shalom
University of Bunia
(SUB), D.R. Congo
A look back at 2011
 665 student scholarships given
 38 faculty scholarships given
 Total $771,571
*The cost to train a student or faculty member varies based on region, program and other factors.
The average student scholarship is $1,200/year ($100/month), and the average faculty scholarship is $4,000/year ($333/month).
4
Lifting up the
LEADERS of LEADERS
Institute participants in Lusaka, Zambia
The Problem:
Every day, leaders feel overmatched, having been appointed into their positions because someone had to step up and lead. Many of them have never
led on this scale and feel inadequate and overwhelmed by the demands of their roles. These men and women look around for help only to find that,
truly, the buck stops with them. The reasons that leaders step down are many, but they ultimately boil down to the same things: little support, scarce
guidance and few resources.
The Overseas Council Solution: Lifting up the Leaders of Leaders
This ministry is built entirely around our Institutes for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development and our Regional Director (RD) network. By
means of these tools, we provide much-needed resources for those who lead seminaries, colleges and organizations. Through investing considerable
time and resources in the strengthening of institutions, we aim not only to build the capacity of the institutions but also build longevity into their leaders.
The Institute for Excellence is a regional, week-long executive retreat for
the core leadership of our partner institutions, developed to strengthen
leadership skills, organizational expertise and accountability.
Participating in the Institute for Excellence and interacting with leaders of
other schools can transform how these men and women address the
challenges that await them and implement best practices. They are
encouraged to know they are not alone and that like-minded brothers
and sisters can help.
Our work has a ripple effect: first to the faculty and staff of the
institutions, then the students whom they influence and then to
the individuals whom those students impact throughout a
lifetime of ministry.
“When I was asked to be the Principal
back in 1998, I had very little experience in that
kind of leadership….Six months after I took this job,
Overseas Council had its first Institute for
Excellence….I was just like a sponge, ready to soak
up anything I could find out about how to lead an
organization….In my own leadership
development, I have found Overseas Council
walking with me every step of the way.”
Ivor Poobalan, Principal,
Colombo Theological Seminary (CTS), Sri Lanka
5
In addition, our RDs come alongside the leaders of leaders in their
regions through one-on-one visits, addressing challenges and solutions,
praying with them and simply serving as a sounding board. The RDs are
deeply experienced in training Christian leaders of vision, integrity and
competence, most having served in multiple capacities of leadership in
seminaries, schools and other institutions. All of them are products in
some way of one of our partner schools. Whether they are encouraging
a leader whose institution is facing daunting financial problems,
conducting a workshop to better equip faculty for teaching or providing
training for a seminary board, these men work tirelessly to see
transformational theological education, the kind that produces leaders
who make a difference. Our RDs provide us with deep knowledge,
extensive experience and rich creativity. Please see pages 12, 16, 20,
23 and 27 to meet them.
The Need: Sharpen the Tools
We need to do more. For every leader who receives the support he or she needs in a timely way, there are many more of
God’s servants who are simply struggling to hold it together, feeling like they are in over their heads. To advance Christian
leaders, we have to start with those at the top who bear the responsibility for guiding and directing their institutions. By
investing in them, we improve the effectiveness of every other investment – as the quality of education improves and
becomes more connected with the needs of the Church, as institutions become more effective and efficient, as the vision
being put forth meets the needs going forward.
A look back at 2011
 7 Institutes for Excellence
 Theme: Organizational Change and Financial Sustainability
 400 participants
 162 institutions represented
 78 countries represented
 Total $429,519
Since the first Institute in 1999, more than
3,225 leaders from 250 institutions
representing 100 countries have participated.
Check out the Institute for Excellence blog for
current stories and updates: ocinstitutes.wordpress.com.
6
COMMUNITY Outreach
The Problem:
How
How
How?
do seminaries build relationships with their communities, local churches and non-believers?
are needs met?
When
theological education takes place inside and outside of the classroom.
The Overseas Council Solution: Community Outreach
Schools that truly make a difference care about the environment in which they’re in and meeting its needs. Thanks to the generosity of
anonymous donors, 56 Community Outreach projects were funded this year. Students aren’t simply reading books about how to minister;
they are personally experiencing it in the field. They are doing ministry while training for ministry. Nothing can upstage the hands-on
experience of transforming lives and communities.
When
is seminary training most relevant?
When it is lived out.
The Need: Living Out Compassion
These ministries are a powerful way to make a difference in many lives and open the door for the Gospel to be shared. We are committed
to seeing more schools deeply involved in their local churches and society, as well as Christian leaders trained to meet the critical needs
facing both.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one
another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
To read examples of COMMUNITY Outreach,
look for stories highlighted in orange throughout the report.
A look back at 2011
 56 Community Outreach projects
 Total $490,000
 Thank you to the donors who funded these
important ministries.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me,
I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me.…
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
7
Matthew 25:35-36, 40
8
Living Out COMPASSION
Diminishing the effects of malaria
Located between sewer ponds and a stream, the Justo Mwale Theological College (JMTC) in Zambia is in a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Several outbreaks of malaria have occurred in the surrounding community and on campus, disrupting students’ learning and the college’s
operations. Treatment can be received from nearby government health centers, but it is expensive and has not decreased occurrences. Malaria
kills about twice as many people as AIDS and tuberculosis combined. The cost of widespread prevention (largely through mosquito nets) adds up
to a mere fraction of the $12 billion+ lost in output each year, yet less than 5% of Africa’s children sleep under nets. Treatment-resistant strains of
malaria are emerging, making prevention all the more vital.1
TRAIN A Leader
Bridge builder: Uniting faith and medicine to fight AIDS
Around 500 HIV/AIDS sufferers die every day in Kenya, despite the halting of the infection rate.1 When combating the pandemic,
sometimes doctors and pastors work at cross-purposes instead of as allies. Dr. Peter Okaalet bridged the gap by going to
seminary, the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST), where he earned Master’s degrees in both Divinity and
Theology. As the Senior Director for Health and HIV/AIDS Policy at MAP International, a global Christian health organization, Dr.
Okaalet spent 15 years working with pastors and their congregations to redefine their response and attitude toward the disease
and those who suffer from it. Having lost three brothers to AIDS himself, Dr. Okaalet says providing accurate information helps
people in their response to the crisis, breaking the stigma and feelings of condemnation. His work has included establishing
seminars, curriculum and Master’s degree programs in pastoral care and HIV/AIDS at 14 seminaries and Bible colleges
throughout Africa.
Through Overseas Council’s Community Outreach funding, JMTC established a First Aid Unit on campus, staffed by a nurse and volunteers, for
treating the first stages of malaria for campus and community residents; conducted indoor spraying (to continue on a quarterly basis); and
distributed treated mosquito nets to their staff, students and neighbors. “As a result, day by day, there is a reduction in incidents of malaria in our
community,” says Dr. Edwin Zulu, Rector. Other plans include spraying outdoor areas; carrying out
an advocacy campaign in the community on prevention, care, treatment and the
importance of hygienically clean surroundings to reduce mosquito breeding places;
regular maintenance of mosquito nets with anti-malaria treatment; encouraging
people to take preventive anti-malaria medication; and providing nutrition
supplements to affected people. “It is having a great impact on the college and
surrounding community,” he says. “We sincerely thank you for the support and for
blessing us with this project…[as] we endeavor to meet the spiritual and physical
needs of humanity.”
Why pastors? “People forget that churches also have hospitals in Africa,” Dr. Okaalet says. “Most of the mission-based hospitals
are in the rural areas where governments cannot reach. Where the road for the four-wheel drive stops, the pastor gets on his
bicycle. Where the bike path stops, the pastor lays it aside and goes on foot.” Dr. Okaalet’s work was recognized globally in 2005
when he was named one of TIME magazine’s “Global Health Heroes” for leading the way for faith communities to join in the
battle against HIV/AIDS. “For a long time, the Church was very quiet,” he says. “We are beginning to respond, but we have to do
more.” His life continues to be devoted to fighting HIV/AIDS and helping others: he is a Member of the Global Council of MAP; Dr.
and Senior Director of Okaalet & Associates Limited (which includes HIV/AIDS ministry and leadership development); a faculty
member and part-time lecturer; author; and serves on several HIV/AIDS committees including UNAIDS.
Pray for greater attention to be paid to this disease
and for greater action organized, like JMTC’s efforts, to eradicate it.
Africa
9
1
Operation World
Pray
that the Church may rise up to lead in ministry in this area, like Dr. Okaalet;
pray for those who suffer from the disease and the hundreds of thousands of orphans left behind.
1
Operation World
10
MAJOR TRENDS IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN Africa

Theological education is moving toward a more holistic approach, hence
courses in HIV/AIDS, Christian/Muslim relations, working with children at
risk, etc., and the rise of the Christian university.
Dr. Scott Cunningham, Dean of Leadership Development

Africa is the world’s most rapidly urbanizing continent and has reached the
tipping point from being majority rural to urban. There are major mission
implications for theological education, since most of our partner schools are
in urban centers.
Rev. Dr. Victor Nakah, Regional Director for Africa

An increased reliance on local resources is evidenced by an increase in the
proportion of funding that is locally sourced and a decrease in missionaries
for teaching, administration and governance.
Dr. Cunningham and Rev. Dr. Nakah

SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS
Rev. Philippe Emedi, Assistant Regional
Director for Francophone Africa
“It made my dream of furthering my education come true”
Fatuma came from a Muslim background before receiving Christ at 13 years old. While she was teaching and ministering
to children within a Muslim dominated area of Nairobi, God called her into full-time ministry. She wanted to go back to
school for additional training for 10 years but couldn’t until she received a scholarship from Overseas Council to attend the
Nairobi International School of Theology (NIST) in Kenya. “It made my dream of furthering my education come true.”
Fatuma’s work with children continues while she’s training. “My main ministry is teaching in a Christian school where more
than 80% of the children are from a Muslim background,” she says. She runs children’s Bible clubs as well as Sunday
school at the church where she and her husband, Matthew, attend. “I thank God for the chance to also minister to the
mothers of street children,” she says. The majority of Kenyans are children,
so children and youth ministries are of utmost importance.1 Fatuma and
Matthew both have a passion for youth and are involved in high
school ministry, evangelism and discipleship programs to youth. She
says her training is teaching her the importance of the right
educational programs for different groups of people in the Church.
“Pray for us to always grow in our knowledge of God and to be in His
purposes and provision as we serve.” She hopes to graduate this
year with her Master’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies and
then get a PhD in Education. “I would love to keep teaching in
different forums…[and] equip God’s people.”
Pray for peace between the Christian and Muslim communities
and for those ministering to Muslims, like Fatuma.
11
1
Operation World
Africa
Few theological books have been written
from an African perspective, so there is a
major dependency on Western books. The
need is even higher in Portuguese and
Francophone Africa where libraries have a
very limited number of books.

Leadership training is recognized as the
critical bottleneck. Leaders are in short
supply at every level – for village
congregations, for the urban educated, for
theological training, for missionary
endeavors and for national-level
leadership. Africans must develop training
the works for them and deals with the
Afrocentric issues facing the Church.1

Islam is the major challenge for Christianity
today – both the 182 million Muslims north
of the Sahara and the 246 million in SubSaharan Africa. African Christians need to
make Muslims a priority for demonstrations
of the love of Christ, and culturally sensitive
approaches must be developed for planting
churches among them. The need to
develop programs in Christian/Muslim
relations is also high.1
1
Operation World
12
Asia
Living Out COMPASSION
Helping women help themselves
India has more human need than any other nation – largely by virtue of its massive population but also due to many areas of suffering
that must be addressed through sustained action and prayer. Lower literacy and education rates are one such need for women. 1 With
Overseas Council’s Community Outreach funding, New Theological College (NTC) is reaching out to these women with two projects.
They are empowering 25-30 illiterate women through their Adult Literacy Program. The women are very receptive and active, having
requested the program themselves. “[It encourages] the women for further development in their lives and also opens doors for
reaching out to them with the Gospel,” NTC says. Once they are confident in their reading and writing abilities, NTC will help them
partner with government agencies and other organizations, so they can use their skills to generate income. By becoming selfsufficient, their improved economic and social status will greatly impact their families. Overseas Council’s Community Outreach
funding provided for teaching materials, a classroom and facilitator.
They are equipping 8-10 women in sewing skills through their Tailoring Center. “The women in this area are very interested in
learning new skills and would like to earn a livelihood, so they can become financially secure and stand on their own two feet,” NTC
says. The women desire to contribute to the economic and social improvement of their families and the community. The college
hopes the Tailoring Center will be a means of blessing for the women and a place where they can come together to share ideas and
interact. “It is our hope that through the village women, we would also be able to reach [each of their] homes and share the Gospel
with [their families].” Overseas Council’s Community Outreach funding provided for five sewing machines, one interlock machine,
supplies and a trainer.
Pray that attitudes and practices in India’s society, especially toward those most vulnerable,
might be changed to reflect God’s care for women, and that ministry would widen to other needy sections of the population.
13
1
Operation World
SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS
Love your enemies: “I serve the people that I hated before”
As a soldier in the Philippine Armed Forces, John* spent many years fighting Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines. When he
left the military life to become a pastor, God put the love for Muslims in his heart. “From that point on, my desire was to bring
Muslims into a closer relationship with God,” he says. He and his family relocated to work in Muslim communities for five years. “As
a missionary, I served the people that I hated as enemies before, but I [came to] love them as friends.”
Today John is working on his Master of Divinity degree at the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS) in Quezon City, Philippines.
Having been married for nearly 20 years, John and his wife are leading a Marriage Enrichment project in an urban poor Muslim
community. He says the couples are thankful to learn how to strengthen their marriages. “The participants, especially the husbands,
find the discussion topics very interesting and enlightening….The changed lives and good example of family relationships displayed
by the participants continues to impact the community. As a result, eight more couples have joined the group.”
John says through the marriage seminars and other family-related teachings, “we endeavor for the Muslims to understand God’s
love through Jesus Christ whom God sent to reconcile the world to Him.” His biggest challenge is discussing with them who Jesus
really is. “Please pray that I can continue doing it with courage, wisdom and cultural sensitivity.”
Much work awaits John. Many Muslim families need counseling, so he is looking into the possibility of helping other communities.
“Muslim friends in Metro Manila have been inviting me to extend the Marriage Enrichment project in their communities,” he says.
“My ministry has really improved a lot through [my training]….There is no way I could finish my degree if not for this scholarship….I
know that behind this scholarship are people who sacrificed a lot of their time and money just to help others like me to be equipped
for more effective ministry….May God bless you all tremendously.”
*Name has been changed for security purposes.
Pray for trained leaders, like John, as they minister to Muslim communities with sensitive boldness and understanding.
14
MAJOR TRENDS IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN Asia

There is a growing need and desire for lay leaders to be theologically
trained. Seminaries must look at distance learning for the people in the
pew, especially in rural areas.
Dr. Ashish Chrispal, Regional Director for Asia
TRAIN A Leader

Asia is home to the three major world religions apart from
Christianity – Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. It is also the heartland of
other significant religions – Sikhism, Jainism, Daoism, Confucianism,
Baha’i and Judaism. Vast differences in wealth, technology, language,
religion and people groups exist in Asia. The wide variety makes it especially difficult to sow seeds in the region and a
very significant challenge for world evangelization.1

Church growth in Asia continues to be remarkable; for its sheer scale, for its unprecedented occurrence in previously
unevangelized nations and regions and, in many areas, for how long it has been sustained. Some of the greatest growth
in the past decade or two has been in China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and, although unverifiable,
North Korea.1

China is in the midst of amazing changes. Christians now almost certainly exceed 100 million. The government
recognizes the positive social impact that Christians can make and increasingly accepts the reality that the Church in
China is there to stay and will play a major role in shaping the country’s future. 1

The recent growth of the Church has largely been through the work of national workers, local evangelists and ordinary
believers. These churches are, more than ever, Asian in structure, style and leadership – taking forms relevant for those
they are trying to reach. Beyond the continent itself, Asian Christian leadership is assuming a much greater role in the
global body of Christ. This includes countries such as South Korea, China and India but also places such as Sri Lanka,
the Philippines and Indonesia.1
Women and children first: ministering in India
In India, women and children suffer disproportionately. Women and girls are affected by lower literacy and education rates, the dowry
tradition, widespread domestic abuse and the tradition of temple prostitution. In addition, up to 35 million children are orphans;
11 million are abandoned; three million live on the street. Child labor, physical abuse, sexual abuse and prostitution affect millions as well.1
During her studies at the Allahabad Bible Seminary (ABSI), Vanlalruati Sailo’s ministry to women and children began. She led a team that
shared Bible stories and the Gospel with children at a nearby school, and she was on the weekend ministry team at a nearby church,
helping to conduct service and Sunday school. At her own church, Vanlalruati’s pastor asked her to minister among women and children
as well. She visited every woman in the congregation and invited them to a Bible study and prayer time; more than 58 women came. She
taught Sunday school, helped organize a youth program and taught a few subjects to students at the church’s Hindi Bible school. “I not
only had the privilege of teaching them but also shared, counseled and built them up in their faith.”
Vanlalruati graduated with her Bachelor of Divinity degree in 2008 and was appointed as a missionary in her home state of Mizoram in
Northeast India. She started working among the Hindi-speaking community there, women and children first. She began a worship service
and visited residents regularly, sharing the Gospel. As a result of her efforts, a church has been established, and she baptized 78 new
Christians recently. Now she is planning a vocational training program for women. “If you had not come into my life, I would not have had
this opportunity to study His Word and prepare myself for this ministry. Thank you very much for your faithfulness,” she says. “I thank God
for sending me to ABSI....God has opened my eyes to see the vast need for training young men and women for the ministry.” Training
Christian leaders is an important need that is urgent and essential in the long term. The life and health of the Church depend on the proper
development of pastors, teachers, evangelists and missionaries.1
Pray that the needs of India’s women and children may be addressed
1
Operation World
through Christian ministries and trained leaders like Vanlalruati.
Asia
15
1
Operation World
16
TRAIN A Leader
Finding Christ behind bars
Dmitri Dukhovenko began drinking as a teenager. By 19 years old, he
was a drug addict. The next 11 years were a nightmare. At 30, he
was in jail for the possession and sale of narcotics. During the trial, he
attempted suicide by cutting his throat, but God marvelously
preserved his life. He was sentenced to 27 months in prison. While
there, believers visited and conducted services for the inmates; most
of the believers were former convicts themselves. Dmitri decided to
attend the services, and in a short time, he received Christ as his Lord
and Savior. His life was changed. After his release, he started
attending a church and was baptized. In 2006, he enrolled at the
Zaporozhye Bible College and Seminary (ZBCS) in Ukraine and
joined the prison ministry that had visited him. It was a poignant
moment in his life when he made his first ministry visit to the prison
where he had been physically and spiritually imprisoned to preach the
Gospel. His testimony was astounding to both the security guards and the prisoners, especially those who remembered him as a
prisoner. Now he has a Bachelor of Church Ministry degree and leads a weekly preaching ministry in the maximum-security prison.
Many prisoners have heard about Christ and turned to Him. A new believers’ group has been formed; they in turn will emerge to
freedom as Christians like Dmitri.
Fifteen years ago, Sergei Reus was invited to participate in a church service in one of Odessa’s prisons. Deeply inspired, he
continued attending. “The more I was there, the more God was opening me up for what He wanted me to do: to carry out a ministry
among the people staying in institutions of confinement.” Feeling he lacked enough biblical knowledge for the task, he attended a
one year missionary training program at the Odessa Theological Seminary (OTS) in Ukraine. “The program was just [what I needed].
What I learned in the seminary is still a very good knowledge base for my ministry.” In 2000, Sergei was ordained for pastoral
ministry among prisoners. “I always felt that I had to do something for people staying inside [the prisons].” Today, a team of
Christians from several churches assist Sergei in his ministry. They regularly visit men’s and women’s prisons and investigative
isolation wards. “I have seen many inmates accepting Jesus into their hearts, and after being discharged, [they] become members of
local churches, start families and raise children.” Some of the former inmates are even working on the team now. “As we do our
ministry, we trust that God would bring…many more people who are now in the slavery of sin.”
“…This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point
of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” 2 Timothy 2:8b-9
17
Pray that God’s Word would continue to resonate in prisons in Ukraine and beyond as people find Christ behind bars.
SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS
“God healed my wounds….He brought joy to every place where there was sorrow”
“I [want to] help women who are victims as well,” Renee* says. She can relate. She’s a victim of rape and psychological abuse by a relative. Feeling
the call to educate herself more in that area, she enrolled in the Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETS) in Croatia. “God really healed me, so I can
have compassion with others,” she says. “All that happened [to me], I can [use for] good and help other young girls who go through that while
struggling with addiction.” Renee was a heroin addict during that traumatic time. She says her whole world collapsed when her father died. “I stayed
lost in my pain….Soon I started using various drugs which led me to heroin.” Her life had no meaning without it. “All of my security was in it. I
destroyed myself so quickly.” That’s when the abuse started, and she blamed herself for it. Her joy and will to live were gone, so she attempted
suicide. “But God didn’t allow me to die.” Near death, her mother found and took her to a Christian drug rehab program. “That's where I saw for the
first time the life and truth in people that used to be drug addicts.” She felt understood and loved by them. They talked to her about God, and she
read the Bible and many books about Him while there. “I saw that this was something different....I had tried everything in my life, and [none of it]
brought me any good, but these people testified that God had changed their lives and that they were free….I decided to try God,….[and] He set me
free and changed me.” She resolved to focus on ministry to abuse victims and drug addicts. “My life and example could save someone else’s.”
Renee says God brought her “a wonderful husband that loves God and is ready to go wherever God sends him.” They study at ETS together while
leading youth group in their church. Renee is part of the worship team, leads a Sunday school class and is a home group coordinator, in addition to
her work at the rehab center. She says she didn’t come to ETS just to earn a degree. “I came to get an education that I could use in my further work
with people….The experience we get here is truly priceless.” The Overseas Council scholarship she received was a blessing. “It gives us the
chance to be here, live, study and get trained for the ministry….I study what I really love.” Their future ministry may be in helping people who are
completing the rehab program. “After that, they need someone to support them while they are readjusting to their surroundings….There is a great
need, and we see ourselves helping there.” Renee continues to be thankful for God’s transforming power in her life. “God healed my wounds,
taught me how to love myself and to give all the love He showed me to others….He brought joy to every place where there was sorrow….He has
given me a new life that I want to live in gratitude.”
*Name has been changed for security purposes.
Pray for young people in Croatia. High unemployment, little confidence in the future, functional godlessness and widespread drug use
(80% of teens) show that hope is in short supply. There is a strong focus by evangelicals, like Renee, on ministering to drug addicts.1
1
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Europe
18
MAJOR TRENDS IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN Europe
Living Out COMPASSION

A new generation of leaders must be raised up
and trained. This need has reached crisis
proportions in much of the Catholic, Orthodox
and mainline Protestant denominations with
the rapid aging of the faithful, the lack of young
people and the shift in culture. The need
remains urgent for committed, culturally aware
and biblically sound leaders who can pastor,
teach, evangelize and plant churches in places
where there are none. Bible colleges and
seminaries face a challenging task in
producing such leadership.1

The growth of secularism is a major concern
for both the Church and seminary. It has
resulted in the decline of church membership
and seminary enrollment. Seminaries in the
region are developing creative ways to reach
out to churches and communities by offering
training online, at churches in the evenings for
professionals and on campus.
Bringing hope to cancer children: “Their smiles mean
a lot to us”
“They come out of their rooms with a smile on their faces, one by one,
and greet us together. Their smiles mean a lot to us,” says the team of
students from the College of Theology and Education (CTE) in Moldova
as they visit the pediatric hematology department of the local oncology
hospital twice a week. The team gathers the children in the playroom for
art therapy. “It helps them forget about their disease.” The team has
formed a real bond and closeness with the children’s mothers and
grandmothers as well. One mother says, “When Thursday comes, my
daughter, Liuda, asks when you’re coming. I see that she really likes to
be with you. I’ve also begun waiting for you because I notice that we,
the parents, feel the need to tell someone that we are grieving.
Communicating with you brings us relief.” The group talks about
different topics: children, family and their journeys through medical
treatment. “Sometimes it is very difficult to talk about a loving God in a
hospital where children have severe cancer diseases, but God always gives us wisdom and words of comfort and encouragement.”
The team had a Christmas celebration for the children. They bought a tree for the children to decorate and explained the meaning of Christmas
through a drama. “The children’s joy was unlimited.” They also distributed gifts to each family. For one boy, it was the last gift and joy in his life.
“When we entered his room with a gift, he opened his eyes, held out his hand and smiled. A few hours later, he was gone to where there is no more
suffering or tears. His parents were very thankful to us, and we took part in his funeral….His father said, ‘If not for God, we would
have gone crazy [during this journey].’” A student on the team says, “We have such a boundless love for these kids....I am glad I
can be a part of the team….We see many miracles in reaching the hearts of children and their parents.” Another says, “They
can see that we are not indifferent to their needs and difficulties, and through this, they can come to Jesus.” Overseas
Council’s Community Outreach funding provided for art therapy materials, a summer camp for 30 children and 40 parents,
and 300 food packages for families who couldn’t afford to buy the food that the doctors prescribe; children going through
chemotherapy need very nutritious food as their antioxidant and micronutrient levels are down.
Pray
for the children and families on the journey battling cancer
and for the trained leaders, like the team at CTE, who bring hope to their days.
19
Europe
Dr. Abraham Najjar*, Regional Director for
Central Europe

Reconciliation remains a crucial issue for the
Balkan countries. As we partner with seminaries in Serbia, Croatia,
Bosnia, Bulgaria and others in the region, it is evident that theological
education needs to train future Christian leaders in reconciliation and
peacemaking.
Dr. Abraham Najjar*, Regional Director for Central Europe

Evangelical theological education has become more
interdenominational. Schools are learning more and more how to
cooperate together in training Christian leaders. For example, the
Euro-Asian Accrediting Association consists of 54 evangelical schools
(24 Baptist, 20 Pentecostal, 10 other evangelical denominations).
Taras Dyatlik, Regional Director for Eurasia
1
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*Name has been changed for security purposes.
20
Latin
America
Living Out COMPASSION
SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS
Taking Haiti’s kids back to school
“I have had many challenges but no regrets”
Two years after the 2010 earthquake, Haiti continues to rebuild. Over 200,000 people
lost their lives. 300,000 were injured. More than one million were left homeless. Homes
and buildings were destroyed, the country’s infrastructure and economy suffered a
heavy blow, and a devastating cholera epidemic broke out. Consequently, many
children were unable to attend school. Parents and leaders in the community requested
the seminary’s help with this problem. Thus the Evangelical Theological Seminary of
Port-au-Prince (STEP) began an initiative to help 100 children go back to school. The
project is executed in two phases: first, helping 30 children complete the current school
year; and second, helping 70 children begin the next school year. The goal is for the
children to advance a grade level.
Deborah* is using her life experience and personal benefit from counseling to help others through the same process. Currently she is
working on her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology (CGST) in Jamaica. She
says her courses “have equipped me to help people…[with] advice and guidance and to share in their life challenges.” She has had
plenty of those herself. She grew up in a single-parent, non-Christian home; her father has never been involved in her life. At 20 years
old, she was pregnant out of wedlock. A year later, she and her boyfriend came to Christ and were married. After 12 years of marriage,
Deborah discovered that her husband was having an affair. Despite individual and marriage counseling in an attempt to reconcile, the
couple separated and will ultimately divorce. She says she doesn’t think she could have coped with the demise of their marriage
“without the knowledge, resources and assistance that God provided for me through CGST.”
Now she raises their three sons on her own. Her mother, now a Christian, is unemployed, so Deborah supports her as well. Thus the
Overseas Council scholarship has been a real blessing to her and her family. “It has enabled me to continue with my studies, and it…
further confirms that the Lord provides for His children. Through this scholarship, I am being empowered to carry out God’s work and
to take better care of my family.” Despite her trials, she has remained faithful to the Lord’s work. She counsels inner-city students,
teaches adult Sunday school and leads worship. “I feel very privileged and blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in my
courses….The Lord has given me the gift of teaching, and I am using my gift to honor Him.” After completing her degree, she wants to
offer voluntary hours of counseling to people who cannot afford to pay for sessions. She’d like to teach adult literacy classes and may
pursue doctoral studies as well. “I believe that what I have learned from the challenges and experiences that I have had will equip me
to help people who have undergone or will undergo similar challenges.”
The project is transformational in several ways: it alleviates a significant issue in the
community; it allows STEP to demonstrate Christ’s love to the families and share the
Gospel; and it aids local churches in their fight against gang recruitment of children who
are not in school. Jean Dorlus, STEP President, hopes students, now equipped with a
model for community action, will implement similar programs at their churches on a
smaller scale. He says the project is possibly a step toward supporting or operating a
school for poor children in the future. The seminary intends to repeat this project every
year as long as the need exists and funding is available. Overseas Council’s Community
Outreach funding covers school fees for 100 children as well as the project’s operations.
*Name has been changed for security purposes.
Pray for godly leaders who will prioritize the Haiti’s wellbeing and address the nation’s massive problems.
Pray for the reformation and renewal of Christianity in Jamaica. The island nation enjoys one of the world’s highest number
Two centuries of misrule, tyranny and rampant corruption have immersed the country in hopelessness and despair. 1
21
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of churches per square mile, but the majority of self-proclaimed Christians neither attend church nor lead a Christian life.1
1
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22
MAJOR TRENDS IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN Latin America
Josué Fernández, Regional Director for Latin America

A growing number of schools and programs are being recognized
officially by their governments. This directly impacts the quality of
the programs, since the accreditation requirements are very
demanding.

The Holistic Child Development movement is
emerging: churches, organizations and schools are
awakening to the great need to prepare leaders to
reach the masses of children and teenagers in Latin
America that are cast aside by the system. Please see
PLEASE SEE
PAGES 29
29--30
TO READ ABOUT OUR
STRATEGIC Project
IN CUBA
pages 33-34 for more information.

23
Many schools understand the great need to reach leaders who
cannot attend theological training centers. In Latin America, many
strategic institutions are located in the capitals of each country,
meaning students have to leave their families, homes, churches
and ministries to attend. Distance education online is one solution
to this issue, allowing leaders to continue their lives and ministries
while receiving quality training.
Latin
America
24
SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS
Former drug dealer accepts Christ, now a church planter
Living Out COMPASSION
Meeting needs in the ‘Garbage City’ and beyond
As part of their practical field training, students at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC) serve in specialized ministries,
including hospitals, homes for the elderly and disabled, orphanages, drug rehabilitation centers, prisons and mission outreach in Sudan.
These experiences give the students practical skills to understand the real situations of ministry in their context. Church planting in deprived
areas of Egypt is a key emphasis of service. Many of the church plants are in shanty towns and poor areas. The Manshiyat Naser (‘Garbage
City’) church plant was started by the Outreach Ministry Team of Heliopolis Evangelical Church; ETSC students and graduates are
members of this team.
After taking garbage to the area where they live, the garbage collectors sort it to retrieve useful or recyclable items; they burn the rest,
resulting in pollution. Living in this environment makes them susceptible to various diseases and health problems. Those with chronic
diseases require monthly medications that they cannot afford. The team started a healthcare project a few years ago that offers medical
exams, surgical operations, prenatal care, medication and eye glasses. Patients pay only 25% of their expenses; ETSC covers the
remaining 75%. Overseas Council’s Community Outreach funding covers many of the healthcare expenses, as well as the students’
transportation. In addition to healthcare, the team offers food to unemployed widows, weekly meals for children and retreats for different age
groups. Communicating God’s Word and love is one of the main goals of the team’s service. They aim to communicate the message of
salvation and show people that they care for their needs. As future pastors, they will have experience in addressing spiritual,
physical and emotional needs in society.
Pray for the great need of trained pastors; many evangelical churches in Egypt have no
trained pastor, and as the Church grows and faces great trials, solid leadership is essential.
25
Middle East and
North Africa
Mojtaba was a drug dealer in Iran, England and Japan for years. His wife, Fatimeh, was one signature away from divorcing him. Now he is
a trained pastor, winning others to Christ and seeing broken lives restored…just like his own. In 1999, he left Fatimeh and their infant son,
Saeed, in Iran with a promise to send support home. As the years went by, she grew tired of the separation and spoke of divorce. In 2002,
a Christian friend shared the Gospel with Mojtaba. Feeling
like there was a better plan for his life, he asked Christ into
his heart and was completely changed. When he became
a Christian, it was the final straw – Fatimeh’s family
demanded she divorce him.
Much was changing in Mojtaba’s life. After serving as a
volunteer for Elam College in the United Kingdom, he was
accepted into their training program where he grew deeper
in faith and devotion to the Lord. He kept earnestly praying
for his wife and son. His testimony was the first to be
featured in Elam’s Persian evangelistic TV program,
Healing the Broken Hearted. It was viewed all over Iran
and impacted many lives.
Divorce was imminent, but when Fatimeh went to her lawyer’s office, she just couldn’t sign the papers. Mojtaba praised God and invited
Fatimeh to meet him. When they met for the first time in 12 years, she was shocked at his complete transformation – he was a godly
gentleman who loved her and his son deeply. Their dormant romance was reignited and their family reunited. “Just as God brought down
the walls of Jericho, He brought down the walls between us,” he said. “The work that God has done is not just a miracle – it’s more!”
Both Fatimeh and Saeed became Christians. For Christmas, the reconciled couple opened their home to other Iranians in town; 43 came.
Some were believers, and Mojtaba led seven more to faith in Jesus. Now 25 believers meet every week for worship. A new church has
been born, pastored by a man who used to be a drug dealer, and serving at his side is his wife who nearly divorced him. God truly heals
the brokenhearted and answers prayer. Leadership training and development are vital if the burgeoning Church in Iran is to continue to
grow and mature.1 Elam says they are “deeply grateful for the scholarship gift from Overseas Council that helped provide education for
those, like Mojtaba, whose lives have been transformed by God and now want to lead others to the same healing and joy they have
experienced.”
Pray for the development of programs like Elam that will cultivate many passionate,
capable and well-trained leaders like Mojtaba for the Church in Iran.
1
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26
MAJOR TRENDS IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN THE Middle East and North Africa
Dr. Abraham Najjar*, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

The Arab Spring is leaving its imprint on the Church in this
region as well as on theological education. The August
Institute for Excellence in Jordan will focus on this very
issue. I will also be offering help as I visit and communicate
with our partners on how to understand the Arab Spring and
its implications.

Theological education in this region must address issues
like Christianity as a minority religion, minority rights,
persecution, citizenry, democracy, human rights, Christian/
Muslim dialogue and effective Christian presence and
witness.

In the midst of everything going on in the region, it is important that theological education
focuses more intentionally on the theology of hope. Minorities feel a real sense of
isolation, so they tend to despair and lose hope. Theological education in this part of the
world needs to focus on hope in the midst of dark moments.

Trained leadership for the Church remains a challenge.
There are few institutions in the Middle East that can
provide it. Training structures for the underground and
Muslim Background Believer churches also need to be
developed further to meet the demands of these
growing groups.1
1
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PLEASE SEE
PAGES 31
31--32
TO READ ABOUT OUR
STRATEGIC Project
Project::
TEACH
*Name has been changed for security purposes.
“Regardless of where this changeful moment takes the Middle East and North Africa,
the Church will be there. The Church will have a need for leaders of
vision, integrity and competence to speak into the weather
of the moment, whether that’s springtime or winter.”
Dr. David Baer, President and CEO
Middle East and
North Africa
27
28
STRATEGIC Project
Project:: CUBA
A heart for Cuba: Training workers for the harvest
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to
send out workers into his harvest field.’” Matthew 9:37-38
Just 90 miles south of the United States lies Cuba, home to more than 11 million people and the most populous
island nation in the Caribbean. More than five decades have passed since the Revolution brought Communism
to power there. Yet the Church in this secular state is flourishing. Cuban Christians are responding to their
environment with inventiveness and adaptability.
“They are living their faith right now,” says Dr.
“I believe that every Cuban
David Baer, President and CEO. “They
has a vision for his country that
aren’t waiting for things to change. They
want to see a worshipping, evangelizing
is wide. This vision reflects his
church planted in every city, town and
own passion, his own desires,
neighborhood in Cuba; they are near to
accomplishing that with almost no resources.”
and these things have been
Latin
America
our network (see ‘School Network’ box). “In the past, most of these schools depended on professors from outside of the country to teach
biblical languages and classes,” says Josué Fernández, Regional Director for Latin America. “Now, at the end of this year, these schools will
have 22 well-trained professors. This is the first program of its kind being taught in Cuba, so we are providing a unique tool for the country.” It
provides training for the next generation of trainers that most likely would not be able to receive it otherwise.
Overseas Council is initiating a project to take study Bibles to pastors in Cuba. As church growth causes demand to exceed supply, “this kind
of material is tremendously needed,” says Josué. “There are many pastors in the interior of Cuba who have never had access to quality
material for Bible study, sermon preparation and other ministry tasks in the areas of teaching and discipleship.”
“I have been a pastor for 21
years….To have this
experience of shared life
with fellow ministers…has
been very special for me.”
Through the distance education program at NPS, more than 1,500 have graduated and gone on to
serve in house churches and other ministries. At one point, some 80 percent of denominational
leaders were NPS graduates. “Such rapid church growth has forced Cuban pastors to abandon
traditional
leadership models and delegate responsibilities to newly active lay leaders,” Christianity
Cuban Man
Today reports. Cuban seminary leaders say that although it’s a challenge, they’d rather have too few
workers for the harvest than an abundance of workers with no harvest.1
By investing in Cuban leaders, we can have an enormous, strategic impact upon the Church, for the sake of our Christian brothers and sisters.
held back for a long time….I
“What’s present in Cuba? A deep spiritual vibrancy,
evangelistic passion and multiplying churches….
believe that God is going to do
I never come home more spiritually energized than
great things among us.”
from Cuba,” Dr. Baer says. “What’s lacking? A way to train
Cuban Lady
thoughtful Christian leaders in a sustainable way for that
Church’s future.” Because Cuba has long been an isolated
country, its seminaries are under-resourced academically and financially. Cuban theological education is
hampered; faculty and libraries are archaic; and many Christian leaders choose to emigrate.
Pray for trained workers for the harvest to minister in innovative ways;
pray that the dynamic Cuban Church would be a light to the nation and have a powerful transforming effect on Cuba. 2
School network
New Pines Seminary (NPS)
Evangelical Methodist Seminary
Las Palmas Seminary
Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Leadership training in Cuba requires creative options. Through Overseas Council’s team and resources,
valuable initiatives have been created to prepare Christian leaders for the future of Cuba. The most significant
project is the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program that trains Bible professors from four Cuban schools in
29
With encouragement from Overseas Council, New Pines Seminary (NPS) partnered with a local
elementary school so that, together, they could upgrade their facilities. The four schools in our
network have received scholarship support as well.
1
Christianity Today
2
Operation World
Our vision for the future of theological education in Cuba:





Continue the Master’s level training for professors of the four schools;
Doctoral level training for professors, leaders and pastors;
Resourcing pastors and leaders with needed materials for ministry;
Facilitating collaboration between the four schools; and
Institutes for Excellence inside Cuba, concentrating on Cuba-specific needs
30
The impact of Christian satellite television and the Internet has been momentous, greater than in any other region of the world. It
has been highly effective sharing the Good News in restricted-access nations, offering sound defense of the Gospel in the face of
Muslim accusations and providing solid discipleship to believers.1
STRATEGIC Project
Project:: TEACH
In many ways, what we are seeing during the Arab Spring is unprecedented. We don’t know what the result will be or what shape
it will ultimately take, but every day, we hear of people embracing Christ in places where the call to prayer punctuates the air five
times a day, where sharing the Gospel is illegal and where conversion is punishable by imprisonment, torture or even death.
New Hope for the Middle East and North Africa
Every day, spiritual seekers throughout the Middle East and
North Africa seize on whatever tiny scrap about Jesus and the
Gospel they can find. It’s not enough. They want more. They
need more. This story is repeated all across the Middle East
and North Africa. People are embracing faith – sometimes through
unlikely means, such as dreams, visions, satellite television or the Internet
– and then desperately searching for discipleship. Unfortunately, in many cases discipleship
isn’t there because it requires trained leaders. This is why we’ve invested in educational
institutions in the countries where it’s possible to do so – Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Palestine and
Lebanon. God is also at work among trained leaders, ministering discreetly in their home
countries and providing much-needed shepherding to people who are genuinely seeking.
Despite oppressive governments, the dominance of Islam over every aspect of life and penalties for conversion, Christ is at work.
We have the great privilege of serving Him by raising up leaders, providing training that is so desperately needed and giving the
Church an opportunity to grow and mature. Our prayer is that with a carefully laid foundation, we may witness the rapid growth of
the Church in this challenging but key region in our lifetimes.
We have a new vision for combining satellite television and the Internet to
offer biblical and theological education in places where it is impossible to
teach a class openly. We call this our TEACH initiative, and it is already
bearing fruit. We partner with the Arab believers running the TEACH
program in the language and culture of the audience. Believers across
the region who will never darken the door of a traditional seminary will
enjoy access to quality training as they fulfill their calling.
“Knowing Jesus and following His way is
worth all the pain and trouble we have gone
through. We love Jesus so much.
His teaching is so different from
everything we were ever taught.”
Pray for the persistent growth of the Church in this region, that the Lord would continue using dreams, visions,
satellite television, the Internet, the TEACH initiative and the Arab Spring to lead Muslims to faith in Jesus.
Middle East and
North Africa
Kamal (he and his family are refugees in
Istanbul, Turkey)
Facts
The TEACH initiative is sometimes known as TEACH/LEARN. It is
one project with two major delivery systems.
 TEACH stands for Theological Education for Arab Christians at
Home, and its principal delivery medium is satellite television.
 LEARN stands for Leadership Education And Resource Network,
and its principal delivery medium is the Internet, using multimedia
instructional technology.
 Overseas Council is one of four organizations governing the project.

31
A look back at 2011
Total $535,300
1
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32
STRATEGIC Project
Project::
HOLISTIC CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Children matter: Ministering to the most innocent of all
A few years ago, Holistic Child Development (HCD) was an issue that many of our partner schools
said they were not adequately addressing in their curriculum. “There is a growing understanding
that leaders have not been trained to minister to children and teenagers that are in a situation of
total abandonment by society,” says Josué Fernández, Regional Director for Latin America. Almost
one third of the world’s population is under the age of 18.1 Many are at risk; suffering or dying from
preventable diseases; unwanted and living on the streets; and exploited through trafficking for
commercial sexual exploitation and child labor.
In collaboration with Compassion International, a movement has been created that goes beyond the
seminary and affects the Church. Many schools now have programs or courses on HCD and are
involved in ongoing conversations with other schools on the issue. By offering HCD programs, these
institutions can produce leaders who understand the importance of ministering to children and
training leaders who can work on behalf of children. Compassion International’s model begins in the
earliest stages of a child’s development and continues through young adulthood. This long-term
model benefits children today and equips
them with the skills they need to become
independent Christian adults.
Beyond school programs, annual
consultations raise advocates for this
movement, expose schools to what
others are doing in different contexts and
facilitate an atmosphere for potential
collaboration. “At the last consultation
held in Quito, Ecuador, we saw a new
group of leaders of organizations, churches and schools joining this movement that will play a
critical role in the future of the Church,” says Josué. Overseas Council is working on concrete
collaborative efforts with partners in Latin America, including assistance in curriculum
development, sharing of publications, assistance with financial resources and training at the
Master’s level. We have involved churches as well, challenging schools to work hand in hand
with church leaders to respond to this great need.
In Africa, significant progress has been made with our partner schools in terms of building
relationships. A number of schools have been involved in consultations, including the Now and
Next: Theological Conference on Children that Overseas Council co-sponsored in Nairobi in
March 2011. “As I visit schools, I always encourage them to think about children and theological
education,” says Victor Nakah, Regional Director for Africa. “We’re most likely to see an increase in the number of schools offering HCD-related courses in
[2012].” Besides Compassion International, we are developing partnerships with the Child Theology Movement, Petra College and ChildNet in South Africa,
and the Development Training and Research Center in Ethiopia. There is a growing community of African scholars researching and writing about childrenrelated issues as well, thus we have partnered with Langham Literature to provide training in writing and publishing.
“Whoever welcomes one of these
little children in my name welcomes me.”
Mark 9:37a
Overseas Council’s partnerships are perhaps our greatest contribution to HCD. Our role is to support, network and help build relationships with strategic
resources who are involved in this important ministry. We leave it to
each school to make use of our partnerships and determine how they
will address HCD. It’s a more sustainable approach in the long term.
Ministering to children
matters: they play an
important role in the
future of the world.
Through our collaborations, this movement emphasizes the
importance of HCD curriculum and addressing the realities having a
major impact on children growing up around the world. Working
together on this issue reflects our desire for schools to become
increasingly responsive to their contexts.
Pray
for the Church around the world to take children seriously
and that this movement would continue to gain advocates who will
minister and work passionately on behalf of God’s children.
33
1
United Nations
34
2011 Financials At-A-Glance
As of September 30
Statement of Financial Position
As of September 30
Two Year Financials
2010
2011
Assets
2010
2011
Total Support and Revenue
$6,592
$6,291
Current Assets
Program Service Expense
$3,684
$3,956

Cash and Cash Equivalents
$2,402
$2,859
General and Administrative Expense
$1,437
$1,434

Grants Receivable
$24
$25
$642
$558

Accounts Receivable
$23
$58
$4,438
$4,868

Contributions Receivable - net
$57
$52
$829
$344

Prepaid Expenses
$98
$171
$4,231
$4,575
Total Current Assets
$2,604
$3,165
Furniture and Equipment
$1,552
$1,446


$282
$257


$4,438
$4,868
2010
2011
Fund Raising Expense
Total Assets
Change in Net Assets
Total Net Assets
Units are measured in thousands.
Grants Receivable, non-current
Ministry Donations
Contributions Receivable, non-current
Assessment
16%
Endowment Investments
Total Assets
Program
84%
Liabilities and Net Assets
2011
Grants
Contributions
Year-End Net Assets
35

Accounts Payable
$150
$222

Accrued Expenses
$57
$70

Current Portion of Debt




$207
$292
Long-term Debt
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
2011
$5,000
$4,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
0
2010
Units are
measured in
thousands.
2010
$4,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
0
2011
$4,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
0
2010
Current Liabilities
All information was compiled from audited financial statements that are available upon request.

Unrestricted
$1,668
$1,773

Temporarily Restricted
$2,429
$2,709

Permanently Restricted
$134
$134
Total Net Assets
$4,231
$4,576
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
$4,438
$4,868
Units are measured in thousands.
36
Yes, I want to advance Christian leaders
to make a difference in the Church and society!
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
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City
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Zip
Mark Wheeler,
Vice President of Advancement
Phone
Email
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when we invest maximally in the people who are
out there at the tip of the spear,
driving, dreaming and building the Kingdom.”
PO Box 17368
Indianapolis, IN 46217-0368 USA
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SCHOLARSHIPS for the SHEPHERDS
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Lifting up the LEADERS of LEADERS: INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE
Lifting up the LEADERS of LEADERS: REGIONAL DIRECTORS
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In 2012, Overseas Council celebrates 38 years of Advancing Christian Leaders. We are blessed and thankful for your support.
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Photo Copyrights: Indian Girl Photo (Cover) © Jessica Samples; Cuban Man Photo (Back Cover) © JR Friesen; Chinese Man Photo (Back Cover) © Jessica
Samples; Indian Girl Photo (Page 7) © Jessica Samples; Mosquito Net Photo (Page 9) © Red Cross; Mother/Child Hospital Photo (Page 10) © Thomas Lee;
Indian Women Sewing Photo (Page 13) © Jessica Samples; Filipino Wedding Photo (Page 14) © World News, Inc.; Indian Women Photo (Page 15) © Jessica
Samples; Forbidden City Photo (Page 16) © Jessica Samples; Prison Photos (Page 17) © Jessica Samples; Teacher Photo (Page 22) © Jackson State
University; Cuba Photos (Pages 29-30) © JR Friesen; Girl Dancing Photo (Page 33) © Jessica Samples; Asian Girl Smiling Photo (Page 34) © Chab Dai;
Ukrainian Girl Photo (Page 34) © Jessica Samples; Two Little Girls Photo (Page 34) © Jessica Samples; Three Young Boys Photo (Page 34) © Jessica Samples
IMPACTING
PO Box 17368
Indianapolis, IN 46217-0368 USA
Tel: +1 (317) 788-7250
Fax: +1 (317) 788-7257
Toll Free: (877) 788-7250
info@overseas.org
www.overseas.org
the Church and society
2011 Annual Report of Stewardship