Alliance News

SPECIAL THANKSGIVING MESSAGE!

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:01:48 GMT

Editor’s Note: Chris Braun, regional director for Africa, sends a special Thanksgiving greeting that reflects the sentiments of Alliance workers worldwide. From our homes to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with the wonder of God’s blessings in your lives.

Our hearts are sobered as we look at the worldwide economic crisis and its effects on so many individuals. Yet at the same time, we rejoice over how God has cared for Alliance workers ministering around the world and for all that He is doing through them. God is using you to accomplish His work around the world. What the apostle Paul wrote expressing his gratitude to faithful Ephesians believers is our heart for you as well.

Ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers (Eph. 1:15-16).

Thank you for all that you do to enable The Alliance to witness of Jesus in Africa. Your prayers, financial support, and ministry through short-term teams and partnerships are making an impact. We understand that what you are giving and doing is sacrificial on your part, and we want you to know that we greatly appreciate it. This letter is meant to be a brief word of gratitude as it communicates some of the fruit resulting from your selflessness.

Gratefully, Chris Braun

Wife of Former alife Editor Dies

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:09:37 GMT

Darolyn Irvin, wife of a former editor of Alliance Life magazine, Dr. Maurice Irvin, died November 18, 2008. Darolyn was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and was a member of First Alliance Church there. She graduated in 1951 from the Missionary Training Institute (now Nyack College), was married that year to Dr. Irvin and served with her husband in C&MA churches in Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, California, New York, and Pennsylvania.

When Dr. Irvin became editor of Alliance Life (alife) magazine in 1983, the couple moved first to Nyack, then to Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the national headquarters move. The Irvins left Colorado in 1996to serve in short-term, interim pastorates in New Jersey, New York, Kentucky, Indiana, Connecticut, and Ohio. When Darolyn’s health began to fail, the Irvins moved to their home in Lexington,.

Darolyn is survived by her husband and two daughters, Rebecca Irvin of Geneva, Switzerland, and Leeann Irvin of Valley Cottage, New York, and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Daniel Warren and Timothy Brian.

Former Cambodia Missionary Dies

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:21:57 GMT

Rev. Joseph Paul Ellison, former missionary to Cambodia and Vietnam, entered into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was 79.

As a child of Alliance missionaries, Paul spent most of his younger years in Cambodia and saw the need of lost people at a young age. Paul met Vivian Eunice Hamilton at Missionary Training Institute in Nyack, New York, and they graduated in 1950 and 1948 respectively. Paul also received his bachelor of science degree from Houghton College.

Paul and Eunice were married in 1951 in Ottawa, Ontario, and served for two years in the Grace Gospel Church of the C&MA in Bound Brook, New Jersey. They were appointed as Alliance missionaries and sailed with their daughter, Elaine, for Cambodia in 1954. During their ministry in Cambodia, Paul assisted with translation as well as with teaching in the Bible school, evangelistic services and church planting. Their sons, David and Robert were born during this time.

Due to the fall of Indo-China to Communism in 1965, the Cambodian government declined to renew resident visas, forcing missionaries to leave the country. Because of this restriction, the Ellisons transferred to the work in South Vietnam, ministering to its Cambodian-speaking citizens. Despite losing their daughter Linda to encephalitis in 1968, the Ellisons pressed on the ministry. In 1975 they were reassigned to the Philippines to work in Manila with the Far East Broadcasting Company and daily transmitted the gospel in Cambodian to Southeast Asia. Paul also worked on printing and distributing a monthly letter to Christian Cambodian refugees in the United States. In 1980, the Ellisons began work with Specialized Ministries for Cambodian Alliance Ministries in Whittier, California.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Pointe in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Rev. Joe Kong, director for Intercultural Ministries, will represent The Christian and Missionary Alliance at the service.

MidAmerica District Pastor Dies

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:23:15 GMT

Bill Keller, Pastor of Missionary Alliance Church, Blairsburg, IA, passed on to his home in Heaven on Saturday, November 15, after a long battle with cancer. Bill has served as pastor in Blairsburg for 10 years, and during
that time, the church has doubled in size. Bill was a man of God who exercised great faith and perseverance. He is an amazing example of how to build relationships that draw people to Christ. He will be greatly missed in the MidAmerica District.

Bill is survived by his wife, Julie, and two children, Andrew and Leah.

Visitation will be held at the Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg on Thursday, November 20th, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The memorial service will also be held at the church on Friday, November 21st, at 11:00 AM. The church is located at 501 3rd Street. Cards and memorials can be sent to Julie Keller at PO Box 139, Blairsburg, IA 50034. Julie has
requested that memorials be given to the Great Commission Fund or Wright County Hospice.

Please pray for God's presence and peace to surround Julie, her children, and the church family.

Alliance Radio Celebrates 30 Years

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:04:23 GMT

On November 14, Alliance Radio in Hong Kong, a ministry of The Alliance, celebrated its 30th anniversary. “Throughout all these years, our gospel radio has become a vital spiritual mentor for many followers [of Jesus], especially those in remote areas,” said Lillian Lau, executive director for Alliance Radio.

After China was closed to active Christian ministry, The Alliance began preparing gospel messages to be aired over the facilities of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in Manila. “These broadcasts started humbly, with a few hours of programming that have significantly increased in number of hours and variety of programs,” said Anthony Bollback, a former C&MA worker in Hong Kong. “As a result, those programs have enabled faithful pastors and Bible seminary students to be spiritual mentors to thousands upon thousands of new believers.”

“During the 1980s, our recording studio headed into its golden age,” said Lau. “More and more Chinese people were seeking truth, and gospel radio became their close friend.” Several preachers regularly recorded their sermons in the studio, including Rev. Phillip Teng. “I personally feel that gospel radio is our top priority in ministry,” said Teng. “Broadcasting is the best medium to preach to more than 1 billion nationals without time, space, or [personnel] restrictions. The relevance and effectiveness of gospel radio can be witnessed by all.”

For an Alliance Life online exclusive about this ministry, check out www.alliancelife.org. Also, see an alife archives article by an FEBC missionary at www.alliancelife.org.

Alliance Radio Celebrates 30 Years

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:13:31 GMT

On November 14, 2008, Alliance Radio in Hong Kong, a ministry of The Alliance, celebrated its 30th anniversary. "Throughout all these years, our gospel radio has become a vital spiritual mentor for many followers [of Jesus], especially those in remote areas," said Lillian Lau, executive director for Alliance Radio.

After China was closed to active Christian ministry, The Alliance began preparing gospel messages to be aired over the facilities of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in Manila. "These broadcasts started humbly, with a few hours of programming that have significantly increased in number of hours and variety of programs," said Anthony Bollback, former C&MA missionary to Hong Kong. "As a result, those programs have enabled faithful pastors and Bible seminary students to be spiritual mentors to thousands upon thousands of new believers."

"During the 1980s, our recording studio headed into its golden age," said Lau. "More and more Chinese people were seeking truth, and gospel radio became their close friend." Several preachers regularly recorded their sermons in the studio, including Rev. Phillip Teng. "I personally feel that gospel radio is our top priority in ministry," said Teng. "Broadcasting is the best medium to preach to more than 1 billion nationals without time, space, or [personnel] restrictions. The relevance and effectiveness of gospel radio can be witnessed by all."

For an Alliance Life online exclusive about this ministry, check out www.alliancelife.org.

Also, see an alife archives article by an FEBC missionary at www.alliancelife.org.

Philippine Consul Prays with Alliance Pastor

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:13:49 GMT

Dr. Richard A. Mirpuri, pastor of Word of Grace (Alliance) Family Christian Fellowship in Chicago, Illinois, received a personal phone call from Philippine Consul General Blesila Cabrera requesting that he and his wife, Lillian, attend a meeting to pray for Philippine President Gloria Arroyo on her way to a session of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mirpuri was able to secure clearance for Dr. Angel Collazo, Midwest District of the C&MA director for Hispanic Ministries, who joined Dr. and Mrs. Mirpuri during the event. Also present were Mike and Estrellita Duquilla, lay leaders of Word of Grace and community leaders in Chicago's health-care industry, who received separate invitations from the Philippine Consulate.

Mirpuri had the privilege of leading Cabrera to the Lord during one of his visits to her office at the Philippine General Council in Chicago. "Please pray for her and her staff, including Vice-Consul Roberto Bernardo and Director for Philippine Tourism Vernie Morales," said Mirpuri. "Both were in attendance at Word of Grace's fifth anniversary celebration."

Alliance Dump Outreach Celebrates

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:05:24 GMT

Inca Link Peru, a compassionate outreach started by Alliance missionaries Rich and Lisa Brown, is celebrating one year of government recognition and an all-Peruvian board. This ministry was established to bring relief to families living in a local garbage dump near Trujillo. "We have a day-care center that cares for the kids while their parents work in the dump, and we are feeding and teaching 60 children with the help of a sponsorship program," said Rich and Lisa. "Every time we go to visit the day care, we are amazed at what God is doing!"

In the same way, Inca Link Ecuador was started and is now officially recognized by the Ecuadorian government. Recently, Inca Link Ecuador purchased a property with five finished structures (three of them homes) for the incredible price $300,000. It will be used to establish Casa Blanca, a ministry center for those in need of hope and healing.

"Casa Blanca will be a refuge for the hurting and vulnerable of society who need a second chance," said the Browns. "Women who have proven themselves faithful in prison will be given a chance to work in a legitimate manner once they get out of prison at a sewing factory being set up for them. This will keep them off the streets and give them dignity.

"Casa Blanca also will provide a secure home for young pregnant teens who have been abandoned by their boyfriends, family, friends, and, in some cases, the church."

To read more about this ministry, go to www.cmalliance.org.

Cambodia Fire Victims Receive Aid from C&MA Church

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:40:57 GMT

"The road to recovery is, in a word, slow," said C&MA missionary David Rebok, referring to residents of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, who are still homeless after a fire last April. Recently, members of New Jerusalem (Alliance) Church in Phnom Penh distributed rations of food relief to nearly 800 families at the site of the tent city where they have been living since the fire. The outreach was made possible by funds that had been donated by members of the U.S. C&MA's Western Great Lakes District. The Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia, The Alliance's umbrella organization in that country, has also been heavily involved in relief efforts.

"This was the first time that New Jerusalem Church members had ever done a project like this, so they were a bit nervous," said Rebok. "But their desire to do so with genuine spirit of serving God was never in question."

The village leader, Mr. Chanly, worked closely with the believers in organizing the event. "We thank him for his gift of management and for clearance to make the distribution possible," said Rebok. "It is easy to see why there has been so much pain here. There hasn't been any word yet on whether the government can provide land for these people to occupy. The monsoon season began in early June, making the land muddy and difficult to navigate on foot. The tent city is next to one of the busiest boulevards in Phnom Penh.

"In the midst of that sorrow, God took care of everyone on the day of the food distribution. Pastor David Bin spoke of God's love and compassion for those who are suffering. We at the C&MA Cambodia mission and at New Jerusalem Church ask that you continue to pray for these people. We know Jesus loves them, and we wish to pass on that love however and wherever we can."

Alliance Pastor Bikes to Mali Hospital

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:59:37 GMT

Sore and tired, Bruce Overstreet, the Alliance pastor who biked his way across the United States last summer to raise money for the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children in Mali, West Africa, arrived at the hospital on November 3. Overstreet rode his bike 300 miles from Bamako, Mali's capital, to Koutiala, where he was met by police and nearly 100 other people on bikes and mopeds to escort him the final few miles to his destination—Koutiala Hospital. Again, Overstreet was met by a crowd. "The mayor was there," he said, "along with many others who cheered me through the hospital gate."

The large gathering celebrated Overstreet's arrival under a big tent, where he delivered a check for more than $40,000 to Alliance missionary Craig Hanscome, the hospital administrator. The donation will enable Koutiala Hospital to expand its lifesaving, compassionate care, bringing hope to Mali's mothers and children.

For more about Overstreet's cross-country trek, don't miss the alife December issue. Visit alife now.

Crown Nursing Students Evacuated From DRC

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:49:17 GMT

Due to instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa, two student interns, Kate Manske and Benjamin Lawson, of Crown College’s nursing program are being brought home from the Heal Africa Hospital in Goma. Read Crown College press release on alife College News.

Alliance Chaplain Receives International Award

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:15:53 GMT

Alliance Chaplain Andy Kikuta received the prestigious John A. Price Excellency in Chaplaincy Award recently at the Annual Training Seminar of the International Conference of Police Chaplains in Mobile, Alabama. Kikuta has served with the Honolulu, Hawaii, police department for 23 years and currently is the senior chaplain of seven volunteer chaplains.

“My areas of responsibility involve caring for the Chief’s Office, Communications Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Human Resources Division, Media and Legislative Liaison Office, and our uniformed patrol district,” said Kikuta. “We primarily serve the officers, civilian employees, and families of our department in a supportive role, being with them especially in tragic situations. Upon request, we will assist the officers with cases involving the public.”

Kikuta, whose Japanese name translates to chrysanthemum field, has been planting seeds of the gospel on the island of Oahu for 28 years, beginning as an assistant pastor at Kapahulu (Alliance) Bible Church and then planting Hawaii Kai (Alliance) Community Church, where he continues his leadership today. Kikuta is married to his wife of 33 years, Claudia, and the couple has three adult children.

Retired Chile Missionary Dies

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:02:03 GMT

Mrs. Ruth Nelda Amstutz, retired missionary to Chile, entered into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. She was 92.

Before her marriage to Mahlon in 1941, Ruth was a high school teacher in Kansas. Both she and Mahlon attended Asbury College and Nyack Missionary Training Institute before their appointment as Alliance missionaries to Chile in 1945. They were stationed in Temuco, serving in teaching ministries at the Bible Institute and itinerant evangelism among the Chilean churches. They also produced a weekly gospel radio program and were involved in field leadership responsibilities.

In later ministry years, they were engaged in church planting and were the first Alliance representatives in the city of Antofagasta where they experienced fruitful establishment of churches. Most of their service took place in Chile, except for six months in Argentina overseeing the Bible Institute in Buenos Aires.

The couple retired in 1988, but continued to travel overseas periodically in various ministry capacities. Ruth was said to be sincere, earnest and desirous of God’s best in all things. She took care of their five children and household, but also played a vital part in ministries to young people and women. Whether it was Sunday School, VBS ministry, or women’s Bible studies, she was faithful to the mission of seeing Chilean’s of all ages come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Amstutz is survived by her husband Mahlon S. Amstutz; sons Mark R. Amstutz, Samuel W. Amstutz, and James Amstutz; daughters Carolyn R. Mizzau and Nelda L. Johnson (C&MA missionary to Ecuador); 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Saturday, October 25, 2008, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kansas. Memorial gifts may be made payable to The Christian and Missionary Alliance with “Ruth Amstutz Memorial” in the memo and sent to the attention of Donor Accounting at The Christian and Missionary Alliance, PO Box 35000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500. This will be used for the Chile national church women’s ministries.

Alliance Church Partners with CBN

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:21:18 GMT

In September, the Alliance national church in Guinea and the Guinean government-run television station signed a contract with Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) to begin broadcasting some of CBN’s French Christian programming, including The 700
Club. Alliance Pastor Marcel Telliano will be the CBN Guinea representative, helping to provide world-class programming to the television station. Pray for Pastor Telliano and for the church as it provides follow-up assistance to viewers seeking to learn more. Currently, CBN is broadcasting in 17 countries across Africa on more than 40 stations.

Widows Experience True Religion

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:35:02 GMT

It was a week when James 1:26–27 was put into action. The national church of Burkina Faso held its first widows conference in Bobo-Dioulasso in October 2008. Missionary Esther Schaeffer, working in conjunction with ACCEDES, the national church’s relief and development agency, and the church’s Alliance Women, organized this week of meetings, meals, fellowship, and encouragement for the widows of Alliance churches in Burkina. This is the first time the church has made a special effort toward widows. Read more»