Benny’s Blog

A SALUTE TO SOME REAL HEROES

AGWM CaringConnection (www.caringconnection.net) conducts an annual Retirement Seminar for missionaries age 60 and above to help prepare them for retirement.

This year Sherri and I led one of the discussion groups for CaringConnection.  What an awesome group of husbands and wives who took their children to another country and dedicated their lives to serving the people there.

Several things stood out to us. Every couple wanted to continue their overseas work. However, health and other considerations were bringing them back home. These are people who gave themselves tirelessly for 30-40 plus years (per couple) to minister to people of a different culture. Their love for the people they labored among was quite obvious.

These dear friends still have a “fire in their belly.” They still have a lot to give and we must not let their giftings go to waste.  And, we certainly must not let them go unappreciated.

So, the next time you meet a retired, or soon to retire missionary, stop and say “thank you, soldier.” Give our real heroes a great big “SALUTE!”

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Here’s Why We Do It

I remember the day I received an e-mail from Dawn Amsler. She was a new missionary with an appointment to the Dominican Republic. Reading between the lines, she sounded discouraged. Then I came across a word that caught my attention. She said she was “stuck.” She went on to express the difficulties she was encountering during her itineration.

A couple of days later I called Dawn. I began working with her to work through her challenges and get her back on track. Dawn did get back on track, and she was able to complete her itineration. Below is a portion of an e-mail she sent me upon her completion of itineration.

“During the last six months of my itineration, I decided I would attend every event my district had where pastors would attend, including Women’s Ministries retreats, Light for the Lost banquets, pastors’ orientation meetings, youth conventions, Sunday School conferences, etc. At some events I was allowed to share in a five-minute window, but my main goal wasn’t so I could speak but to build relationships.

“I felt I was doing everything I needed to do, but time was running out. I had eight weeks left of itineration to be on the field by my January deadline. I had what seemed to be an impossible situation in my finances. I had $1750 in monthly commitments and $13,000 in cash I still needed to raise.

“This is when I started to fast and pray…to ask God for a miracle. During this time of fasting and praying, I came across a friend’s prayer card—Benny and Sherri Ferguson, AGWM Field Representative/Missions Awareness Team. I held his card in my hands for about two days, and I decided to contact Benny Ferguson. I expressed to him about my determination to press on even though I was feeling ‘stuck’ in my itineration. I had sent out letters beyond letters, and I was making phone calls beyond phone calls to every pastor I knew of, and I was attending every event possible, and I had received no positive responses. I was officially ‘stuck.’ I couldn’t bring myself to make one more phone call to a church or pastor for the sense of feeling extremely lost, and I needed help.

“That was when Benny suggested we ‘reevaluate.’ We talked through the process, and out of this, the sense of feeling ‘stuck’ and ‘lost’ started to fade. He gave me specific ideas and examples of what I could do to help finances come together. One of his ideas was to show up to churches I haven’t been to even when I don’t have a service scheduled. The thought of this was nerve-racking! I didn’t want to impose or be rude by showing up unannounced, and being a young, single woman didn’t help me with this thought either. For some reason, I decided I would try it anyway.

“The following Thursday I showed up to a church service. I said, ‘Hi,’ to the pastor, and we talked for a little bit, and I took my seat. As people were coming in, I introduced myself and before I knew it, the pastor asked me if I would like to share in a five-minute window about where I was going and what I know the Lord has called me to do! I gladly accepted and was very surprised at the same time. Following the service, I stayed for a little while, talking to some of the people and building relationships. In no time, individuals were asking me for my pledge form. I was amazed, blessed, and humbled all because I showed up.

“After that night, the sense of feeling ‘stuck’ started to fade even more! My phone calls became easier, my calendar started to fill up with church services, and before I knew it, I had received my financial clearance to meet my deadline.

“I appreciate so much the ministry of the Missions Awareness Team and Benny Ferguson. I know Benny and the rest of the Missions Awareness not only believe in missions, they believe in missionaries, and for me that made a world of difference! Thank you.”

What a great story from Dawn! Below is a statement from Kevin Stone, the Kentucky district missions director: “If it wasn’t for the intervention of the Missions Awareness Team, Dawn would not have made it to the field. Having Benny and the Missions Awareness Team working for Dawn made the difference. “If it wasn’t for the Missions Awareness Team, I don’t think she would have made it to the mission field.”

That is why we do it!

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MEN OF VISION

The setting is beautiful, Tapatio Springs Resort in Boerne, Texas. The golf course is well manicured and the weather perfect.

So, why were over 100 men setting in a conference room on Friday morning instead of playing golf? They had gathered to be a part of the annual Gulf Latin American District Men’s Retreat and it was my privilege to present the Light for the Lost ministry to them.

Join me in tipping my hat to Israel Flores, district men’s director, along with Tino Aguilar and Carlos Ramos who organized these meetings. Also, appreciation is owed to Amos Garza, district’s missions director.

Sitting there this past Friday morning were over 100 men who could have been golfing, but instead were listening to the call of missions. Why? Because they are men of vision! When the morning concluded these men had committed over $8,400 to spreading the gospel through Light for the Lost.

If we believe the end is closer than ever, and we do, then let’s join these selfless and dedicated men in committing to world evangelism!

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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Training is a part of every organized sport. Usually the more training results in better performance. Players who give themselves to proper preparation are able to play at a higher level. 

The same is true for our missionaries. They are not sent to their field of calling without first having been given proper training and preparation.

Annually, the Southern Missouri District missions department gives one full day to training the district’s missionaries. On May 05 James McHaffie, Southern Missouri District’s missions director, led this year’s training with twelve missionaries present.

They were given a good overview of a Missions Convention and what their role should be when they are involved in one. They were also instructed on attitude and behavior as they interact with churches and pastors. Rick Allen gave them a new perspective for networking and developing their donor base. There was also training in refining their communications with churches and pastors.

Investment of time and finances in these “called ones” is an investment in the eternal destination of a large and undetermined number of souls.

Doesn’t that make it worthwhile?

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SOMO DC

 Earlier this week, Sherri and I had the joy of attending the 95^th annual Southern Missouri District Council. As we were leaving the meeting Monday evening I said to her, “So many friends.” As we had exited the building, I realized how many friends I had seen in the meeting and had been able to stop and chat with several, even though just briefly.  

One such friend was a young pastor who had struggled in his pastorate for several years trying to “break through.” In 2008, this young couple attended the Southern Missouri District FlashPoint. On Friday evening and Saturday a team from the district spent time training 11 pastors in Joplin, Missouri and it was my privilege to be one of the presenters.  

Mark and Darla Lewis were one of the couples in attendance. Mark told me Monday evening, “I went home from that meeting and began to put into place the things that you brethren had taught us during the FlashPoint.” He went on to tell me that he had seen a remarkable turnaround in his missions’ ministries at First Assembly in Marionville, Missouri. He said they had a record year in missions giving in the church and in spite of the economic downturn in our economy; the church experienced its greatest year financially in all of the years that he had been their pastor.  

Does missions work? I’ll let Mark answer that question for you. He and his wife were beaming from ear to ear talking about what God has done and is doing at First AG. He went on to say it was because of their involvement in missions.  

If your church is not already doing so, let me recommend that you also become involved with missions. After all, it is God’s plan! 

Think about it. 

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We Did It!

It really happened! Just a few days ago the Missions Awareness Team conducted its first-ever teleconference. You may ask, “So what is the big deal here?” Well, for many of my readers this is a common occurrence, but for us it was a first. 

To keep it interesting, the internet program the Missions Awareness Team uses is capable of handling up to eight individual computers that are utilizing video. We had more than that trying to use it, but after some trouble shooting the teleconference went off without many additional problems.

So why is this all important? It opens up an avenue our team has not used until now. The obvious benefit is the financial savings. There were thousands of dollars saved by having a teleconference.

The bigger benefit is the value to the Kingdom of God. Our team members are all actively engaged in several areas of ministry. This system enables our team to have more frequent communication. It also allows us to conduct long distance training without incurring additional costs.

Every assignment the Assemblies of God World Missions has given to the Missions Awareness Team ultimately impacts the winning of souls. The hour is late. We, as believers, must be actively engaged in missions.

That is ultimately what the Missions Awareness Team is all about. Our team is involved with strengthening missions in each Assemblies of God district, empowering our missionaries and helping develop missions in the local churches.

The 12 year old Jesus said to his parents, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business (NKJV)?” We too must be about our Heavenly Father’s business!

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Why Are They Doing It?

Their lives are yet in front of them. Their lives hold promise and they have a myriad of opportunities they could explore. Are they following any of these “rainbows of promise?” No! They have decided to turn their backs on all of these dreams. They have decided to follow a path filled with uncertainty. Some will even face danger. 

Who are these that are making such unconventional decisions? It is the group of missionary candidates that spent last week in Springfield, Missouri going through candidate orientation preparing for a life of sacrifice and giving in missions. They are the future missionaries of the Assemblies of God. Many of these are couples with small children. Yet, they have decided to walk away from the “American way of life” to pursue the call that God has placed on their lives.

A few of these candidates have completed their first career, but they know God has more for them. They too are making the necessary sacrifice to follow their vision and heavenly calling.

Why will these willingly place themselves in a strange culture and environment? Why will some put themselves in harm’s way? They will tell you it is because they have sensed the call of God to go and take this gospel to the part of the world where God has called them.

What should our response be? It is three-fold. 1) We should faithfully hold them up in prayer. 2) We should support them financially. 3) We should be their friend and be there for them.

If our Lord has not called you to go, will you be one of those who helps send those who do go?

Think about it!

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No One Should Have Been Surprised

It went from a “what if…,” to a dream, to a vision and finally to reality. I am talking about this year’s Hispanic Fly-In. But there was one big difference. It was not hosted by the Assemblies of God World Missions, but completely organized and conducted by the District Missions Department of the Gulf Latin American District. By all standards it was first class. 

This Hispanic Fly-In was held at the Hilton Hotel in San Antonio, TX. There were 260 who attended the Friday evening banquet with missionary Rick Johnson as the speaker. The people gathered from across the country. There were district leaders from at least four other Latin districts. The enthusiasm could be felt from the very opening session. Pastors and church leaders gathered expecting to hear from God, and they did.

The leadership of the Gulf Latin American District is to be commended. Reverend Amos Garza, District Missions Director, led the way for the endeavor. Standing by his side was District superintendent, Reverend Gary Jones, and Reverend Freddy Vargas, district Secretary/Treasurer.

With all these elements in place you can see “no one should have been surprised” when those present gave in excess of $4,000 cash and faith promises of about $30,000 in monthly commitments to missionaries from the districts who were represented at the Fly-In. Above this, over $400.00 per month was committed to the Unsíon Network International Media Ministry. 

Someone might ask “why would people spend their own money to attend this meeting and then commit so much to missions?” There can be only one reason. The Great Commission is still in place, and we have been commanded to either go, or to send those who do go!

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A Banquet Done Right

When Sherri and I walked through the door we knew immediately this would not be just another church banquet. The banquet hall was abuzz with excitement! What was all the excitement about? Park Crest Calvary Temple Assembly of God in Springfield, MO was celebrating their annual missions banquet. Hundreds of people gathered for the single reason of promoting the church’s missions ministries that reaches literally around the world.  

The missions team of Park Crest Calvary Temple did an amazing job of decorating the hall. The food was delicious. (Including the roasted pig.) The Island Dancers wowed the crowd with their renditions of the island’s dances celebrating their life in Christ! Enthusiasm ran high! Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

You may ask, “How can all of this be?” The driving force of this missions banquet rising to such a crescendo is because of the passion that Pastor Ted Cederblom has for missions. He grew up overseas as the son of missionaries. He knows what it is to be on the mission field and thus understands how critical missions is to the evangelization of the world. Pastor Ted Cederblom, his wife Robbin, co-Pastor Alan Bixler, and his wife Heather are determined to do all they can for the spreading of the gospel.

Some would dare ask, “Why would a church go to this expense and people of the church invest this much time and labor into an event such as this?” There is only one simple answer: their love for the lost!

A soul-searching question for each of us, “What am I doing today to impact the eternal destiny of lost humanity?”

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Puerto Vallarta

When you think about Puerto Vallarta in February you think about “Fun in the Sun.” It is absolutely beautiful this time of year!

But Puerto Vallarta has a serious side. Well, at least two days each February. This past Wednesday and Thursday 80 folks gathered there to strategize and hear reports concerning missions from around the world. Those of us present heard stories of victories and amazing things happening in each of the six regions of the world.

Yet, there remains nagging questions. What will be done, and what will we do about the approximately one half of the world’s population who has never been confronted by the gospel of Jesus Christ? One brother in Puerto Vallarta righted stated it is not enough that a person hears the name Jesus. Hearing does not produce salvation. The church has the massive assignment of presenting the gospel to every human so that every person has enough knowledge so they can accept or reject Jesus as Savior.

Loren Triplett, former executive director of AGWM, rightly stated “The Great Commission has not been cancelled.”

Then I must ask “what are you and I doing to fulfill this command?”

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