Update from Bethesda at South Africa

The first photo is one of the newest house parents at Bethesda, Jack and Maria Msiza and a couple of their children, Jack and Alferd. The Msiza's have been at Bethesda for only a month. They came with 2 of their own children and God has blessed them with 6 more since they have arrived! This is what a major part of the Bethesda ministry boils down to. God has chosen to give these AIDS-affected orphans a mother, father, brothers, and sisters - a family who loves Jesus and will raise them in the truth of the gospel, equipping them for life and giving them the hope of eternal life! It has been a most humbling experience to share time with these house parents, our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are truly being the hands and feet of Jesus.

In the short time we have been away, while you have been watching 20 inches of snow fall in Porter County and see it melt away, we have experienced the power of the African sun. Mile-high elevation, being close to the equator, and working on a roof all day doesn't make for a good combination - neither does wearing high socks. The team just had to ask if you could figure out who this might be?

John and Lois shared with us that in their region, there are 3 cemeteries, and between the 3 of them, about 900 are buried every month!! HIV / Aids is devastating this country and the people seem to be clueless, careless, and unchanging. The government, the education system, the culture, the health care system and the lack of voice from the local churches have created "the perfect storm". It is overwhelming to think about. But in the midst of it all, God has raised up this ministry (among others) to show His great love and power in rescuing some.

This little (big) guy wanted to have Phyllis for lunch, unfortunately, after she screamed so loud that the rest of the Township probably heard, her shoe got the better end of the deal.

We have been able to complete many projects for the Mixon's at the Bethesda site. A major project has been watersealing, priming, and painting the entire roof to the team center and Mixon's home onsite. God has blessed us with wonderful progress, great weather, and encouraging fellowship. The Mixon's have been blessed by the efforts of our team to accomplish much for them, except they were a litte worried when we left Brad unsupervised on the roof one morning...oops!

Lunch is served - corn meal (mealie pop), chicken feet (not enjoyable), and mopane worms (chewy, salty, and not too bad, but for the gritty parts).

We will be worshipping today with Jones Phago, one of the houseparents who is also a pastor, and his church. They are celebrating the engagement of a couple in their church (both nationals, one of which is also on staff at Bethesda) and it seems to already be almost as big of a deal as our wedding celebrations. It will be interesting to have Jones's church over at the team house for this time of worship and celebration - it might be a long day - I better go get my socks off the window sill before they start arriving...

Much love from the team - we are so grateful for your prayers and support!!!

Until later,

Josh and the team

Calvary Team at Bethesda Outreach in South Africa

After a long flight from D.C. to "J-Burg", South Africa, the 8 person team from Calvary has successfully escaped the freezing temperatures for the warm and sunny 85 degree South African weather. It is rainy season here, so there is actually alot of humidity in the air. After the jet lag has worn off, the team has greatly appreciated getting to understand and learn all about the wonderful Bethesda ministry and all that John and Lois Mixon have seen God do over here. We were blessed to worship with one of Bethesda's house parent families at their township church as well as at Central Baptist in Pretoria on Sunday. Our eyes have been moved to tears several times already. We are looking forward to getting to work. God has blessed each of us and we are excited for opportunities to be a blessing to the families here at Bethesda as well as the staff. Paulette has been sick, so we would appreciate your prayers for her. I have attached a few photos for your viewing pleasure. More later...until then...

Introducing Cary Nack...

The Elders would like to announce that they are currently interviewing Cary Nack for the position of Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Calvary Church. Cary is a graduate of the University of Iowa (B.A. in Communications) and Dallas Theological Seminary (M.A. in Education and Leadership). He has served as an intern and staff member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas – one of the largest churches in the United States – where he worked with adult education and small group ministries. Cary has also served as a church planter with Harvest Bible Chapel Fellowship, an extension of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and a thriving ministry committed to expository preaching, vibrant worship and excellent small group ministries.

Cary is married to Maija (MY-ya) and they have four children: Gabrielle (9), Jonathan (7), Dillon (3) and Abbie (9 months). Some of Cary’s hobbies include basketball, football, golf, watching moves, playing drums and spending time with his family.

During an extensive interview weekend at Calvary Church, Cary will be preaching at both weekend worship services on Sunday, February 1 (9:30 & 11a). Please pray for the Nack family and for God to guide our elders in this important decision in the life of our church.

The Pastoral Search Has Begun!

The Elder Board would like to announce that they have officially begun the search for a new pastor to join our team. In partnership with The Shepherd’s Staf , a reputable church staffing network, a national search is underway to help us find the right person for this important position.

While we recognize that we have many needs, we believe that our next pastor needs to be a person with the leadership experience to help our growing congregation in several important areas. The Pastor of Spiritual Formation will be responsible for:

• Fostering spiritual growth and genuine discipleship for the congregation in the context of authentic community through the leadership of our Covenant Groups (Small Groups) ministry.
• Developing and overseeing intentional assimilation efforts in our body with the goal of moving people from attenders, to members, to active participants in the life of the congregation.
• Providing pastoral oversight and development for Care Networks (i.e., Deacon Care Ministry, Counseling & Recovery) for the purpose of providing spiritual care for members, and helping people who are struggling to a place of spiritual victory.
  

For the Biblical foundation of these important pastoral functions, see Ephesians 4:11-16, Galatians 6:1-6, and Titus 1:5-2:10.

Stay tuned for more information from our Elders . . .