Pastor Mike updates from Marseille, France
LBC’s vision of Good News for the World is all about partnering with local churches around the world to invite people to follow Jesus.
After wrapping up two weeks of vacation, Mike and Molly are encouraging the churches of the International Christian Community network.
Mike gives us an update, fresh off preaching at ICC - Marseille. He then introduces us to a few of our brothers and sisters in Marseille! As you watch, enjoy the people of the church talking and laughing in the background then pray for their work and witness among the people of Marseille. Even though they are small, their impact is great and far reaching.
Meet Nardous, whose family is living in Marseille and working with Ethiopian Airlines.
Meet Richard Chenette, current Pastor of ICC - Marseille and former elder from the Virginia area.
Meet Dan Painter, Founder and President Emeritus of ICC.
The Future of Global Missions
The Global Missions Team of Lake Baldwin Church has a clear mission: to partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.
by Mike Tilley, on behalf of the Global Missions Team
LBC member, Brita Zuelkhe, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua
Imagine a remote village in Nicaragua with no Wi-Fi, no Starbucks, and no access to the village except by river boat. Imagine that same village teeming with children and adults in need of medical and dental supplies and services. Several members of Lake Baldwin Church will partner with Team Nicaragua April 7-15 to serve the wonderful people of this remote village.
LBC member, Angela Robinson, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua
In a world of turmoil it’s encouraging to know that people are willing to sacrifice their time, talent, and treasure to bring gospel hope and to make a difference.
The Global Missions Team of Lake Baldwin Church has a clear mission: to partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.
While the challenges are daunting, the opportunities have grown because we live in a globally connected world with ease of travel, ease of communication, and fewer language barriers.
Thanks to trusted relationships with people around the world, our church has formed partnerships with missionaries serving in East Asia, Mexico, and throughout Europe. Beyond that, LBC members are connected to ministry efforts in Nicaragua, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. We designate a portion of our budget for missions support, and we are currently supporting missionaries in La Paz, Mexico; London (working with the Bangladeshi community); Toulouse, France; and a remote people group in East Asia.
What can we look forward to in 2018?
LBC sent a team to La Paz, Mexico in July 2017
- The medical mission to Nicaragua April 7-15, led by Brita Zuehlke, Angela Robinson, and Chris Kendall.
- Encouragement of LBC members preparing to serve in Bangkok, Thailand and Senegal, West Africa.
- Serving a Europe-wide retreat for pastors and families October 29-November 2 as part of International Christian Community.
- A return trip to the church-planting effort in La Paz, Mexico (2018 or 2019) which has just secured a full-time Mexican pastor to lead the work—an answer to prayer.
- Laying the foundation for work with international students right here in Orlando, led by LBC member and Jesus Film staff worker Don Dearing.
Why are we so hopeful as we take these steps? The first missionary, the Apostle Paul, spoke to skeptics in Athens and told them an astounding truth:
“And [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”
This truth can be seen vividly in today’s Europe, for example, where refugees and immigrants have come from Africa and the Middle East. These immigrants are “seeking God” in places like Athens, Geneva, Prague, Frankfurt, and other cities.
Whatever it takes, our dream is to work alongside front-line missionaries and pastors to plant thriving, gospel-centered churches among the nations.
Mission to Europe: On the Front Lines
Recently Mike and Molly Tilley participated in the annual Pastors Retreat for International Christian Community (ICC), a network of pastors and churches bringing the light of the gospel to the cities of Europe. Here is Mike's report.
Recently Mike and Molly Tilley participated in the annual Pastors Retreat for International Christian Community (ICC), a network of pastors and churches bringing the light of the gospel to the cities of Europe. Here is Mike's report.
Drew and Becky Stephens live in Prague, Czech Republic, where Drew serves as pastor of the International Church of Prague (ICP). The church of 280 draws people from many countries to its English-language worship service. Of the four elders in the church, two are American, one is British, and another is Chinese. The church began in 1990 as a Bible study for people working in the British and American embassies. Today, the church is reaching internationals (ex-pats from various countries), Czech nationals, and immigrants from the Middle East and Africa.
Drew and Becky Stephens (left) with Mike and Molly Tilley
To better reach immigrants from many countries, ICP began a ministry center right off the main square in downtown Prague. Refugees are offered a meal and a chance to shop for clothes in the basement. They can get haircuts, Czech lessons, and even access to a lawyer who is an advocate with the Czech government. New fellowships are being started for various sub-cultures within the church, such as Filipinos, Indonesians, and Chinese. Recent baptisms have included people from the Arab world.
The ministry center location is not for the faint of heart. The staff and volunteers walk past 500 sex workers each day. Drew and Becky are truly on the "front lines" of the gospel!
Drew Stephens is just one of many pastors who attended this year’s Pastors Retreat, held October 23-27 in Germany. Retreat attendees included front-line pastors from Moscow, Budapest, Nice, Marseille, Munich and other European cities. ICC's dream for all of these churches is the same: to be flourishing, gospel-centered churches reaching internationals, in-country nationals, and immigrants.
Molly Tilley with attendees of her seminar, "What Your Wife is Trying to Tell You."
Molly and I know how much stress pastoral ministry can put on a marriage. This stress is especially intense in Europe, and we have seen marriages struggle. That’s why Molly taught a seminar for pastors called, “What Your Wife is Trying to Tell You.” Molly should know. She has a lot of experience trying to get through to a stubborn husband!
My part was to teach a 3-part seminar series on “Gospel-Centered Leadership.” These pastors need tools to lead effectively on such a complex playing field. I also worked with the Euro Team, a group of pastors on the continent who guide the overall work of ICC. In addition to the strategic work we do together, I’ve enjoyed growing friendships with each of these guys.
I’m thankful that the LBC Global Missions Team has adopted this network (ICC) as one of our global partners. The partnership has grown as leaders from Europe have visited LBC, and as our church has freely lent expertise to the work in Europe. This has included Joel Pollard leading worship for the pastors the last two years, along with Katie Pollard designing and maintaining the ICC web site. And, we all can play a part through our prayers and investment in the vision of LBC, including “good news for the world."
2017 Retreat attendees at the Mirabell Gardens during a day trip to Salzburg, Austria
Mike is the Senior Pastor of Lake Baldwin Church. Along with preaching, pastoral care, and forward-thinking leadership, Mike loves to invest in developing leaders for the future. Since the beginning of LBC in 2006, Mike and Molly have worked to create a culture where people can grow and use their gifts.
Why Europe? 3 Surprises That Compel Our Mission
This week I'm joining with pastors in Europe to pray for the advance of the gospel in the "prodigal continent." This is one way that LBC partners with front-line churches in Europe, in line with our vision to bring good news to the nations.
This week I'm joining with pastors in Europe to pray for the advance of the gospel in the "prodigal continent." This is one way that LBC partners with front-line churches in Europe, in line with our vision to bring good news to the nations.
But why Europe? Here are three surprising things I've learned as I've worked with church mission leaders over the past few years.
1. The opportunity is greater than I thought.
The big surprise here is the opportunity afforded by the English language. I knew that English speakers living abroad needed churches. I did not realize that opportunities to worship in English could reach nationals, such as the Germans and the French. This week I'll be praying with Steve Henderson, pastor of the international church in Munich, Germany. The church is slightly larger than LBC, and 25% of the participants are Germans.
But the gospel opportunity has grown even more, as refugees are flooding into Europe from the Middle East. What do people from these nations have in common? Quite often, it's the English language. There is a growing missional niche in the cities of Europe, and international churches are seeking to fill that void.
2. Our front-line church partners are more effective than I thought.
At LBC we believe the gospel of God's grace is powerful. In the cold spiritual climate of Europe, the gospel is thawing hearts. Our partner church in Prague has seen their first professions of faith by individuals from Middle Eastern backgrounds. In Nice, Marseille, Athens, Geneva, and Istanbul, the love of Christ is compelling believers to reach out to refugees and to care for them.
Another visible sign of gospel power is the gathering and uniting of people from many countries and cultures. The international church in Geneva has 55 countries represented. In a world fractured by selfishness and strife, he gospel is breaking down walls and teaching love of neighbor.
3. The challenges are greater than I thought.
In this age of people on the move, church members can be short term and transient. In Europe, Christians are a small minority, with a church attendance rate of 3% in some countries. Laws are not always favorable to Christians. Some pastors feel isolated, and the rigors of ministry can take a toll on marriages and families. Churches can be blind-sided by sin and spiritual conflict, just like anywhere.
So our friends in Europe often need an infusion of hope.
That's why International Christian Community (ICC) plays a vital role in the lives of pastors and churches in Europe. Pastors' retreats and prayer events bring these faithful mission leaders out of isolation and into community. Prayer events like the one this week in Lyon warm the icy resistance on this continent. You can check out the mission of ICC HERE.
While these three surprises inspire our European partnership, we need not be surprised at God's gracious providence in orchestrating these gospel opportunities.
"The God who made the world and everything in it...made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him." (Acts 17:24-27)
Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.
Hannah Rader: With the Refugees in Greece
The refugees are in such a place of desperation and vulnerability that the hope and love of Jesus is the only truth that can impact their current situation in a positive way.
Over last Christmas break one of my good friends invited me on a missions trip to Thessaloniki, Greece. I was hesitant at first because of the risks involved with going to work with Syrian refugees, but after a few months of prayer and discussion I felt like God was calling me to go.
The trip was called Engage the Crisis, and thousands of college students participated in this movement by traveling to Europe to share the gospel to Refugees. My team was located in northern Greece and we spent two weeks this summer sharing the gospel, loving the refugees, and distributing food, water, and clothes.
It is amazing that of all the locations Engage the Crisis had to offer, my team was located in the area that contained the most refugees at the time. My team and I spent most of our time in two different refugee camps known as Echo and Diavata. Echo (which no longer exists; the refugees were forced to leave and join another camp in Greece) was an informal camp, which means it was not government-run. We were able to enter the camp very easily and speak freely.
In this camp in particular, our team was blessed with the opportunity to share the gospel daily. Muslim refuges were not only interested in, but also accepting of the gospel; they wanted to know Jesus on a personal level. It was amazing!
The refugees are in such a place of desperation and vulnerability that the hope and love of Jesus is the only truth that can impact their current situation in a positive way.
Many refuges that we had the privilege of speaking with communicated that they had been experiencing recurring dreams of a man in white coming to them in their sleep. My team and I firmly believe that the man in their dreams is Jesus, and we were able to share this truth and saw lives transformed because of it.
I am so amazed at the ways in which God is moving within these camps. He is present and His love for the Muslim people is unreal. I personally found the trip and experience to be very challenging. I had never spoken to strangers on the street, let alone Muslims, about Christianity before, but I quickly learned it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done; I had never felt so alive. Reflecting on my time makes me miss the relationships with the people I met, but it also encourages me to continue to pray for the refugees, and ask God to continue to make Himself known to these people who are so hungry for hope and life.
I am so thankful that Lake Baldwin supported me with their prayers and financial support. Many refugee lives have been transformed and many people have experienced the loving embrace of Jesus for the first time. Thank you for partnering with me!!
— Hannah Rader
Darkness in Nice, France
This weekend we lament yet another tragedy at the hands of darkness and evil. We stand with the French people and the churches in France. Pray for worship services on Sunday where the hope of the gospel will be preached. Pray for all of those who lost loved ones on the dark night of July 14 in Nice, France.
image: lovethispic.com
The beautiful city of Nice, France, suffered tragedy last night, when 84 people were struck and killed by a lorry. Citizens of Nice had just finished Bastille Day celebrations with fireworks on the beach. France and the world today are horrified by another terrorist attack.
When I heard the news, I thought of our ministry partners at two international churches in the Nice area. James Arnold serves as pastor of both churches, one in St. Paul just 25 minutes up the road from Nice, and the other in Nice itself. James preached at Lake Baldwin Church in June 2015 as part of our effort to highlight our connection with church partners in Europe. He reports that he and his team are safe. They had just completed a week of Kids Club, so were too tired to go to the Bastille Day fireworks.
This weekend we lament yet another tragedy at the hands of darkness and evil. We stand with the French people and the churches in France. Remember to pray for James and his family and team, as well as the two congregations in the Nice area. They are no doubt grappling this weekend for how best to respond. Pray for worship services on Sunday where the hope of the gospel will be preached. Pray for all of those who lost loved ones on the dark night of July 14 in Nice, France.
At LBC we have been forging bonds of partnership with international churches in Europe that are affiliated with International Christian Community. The vision is for each church to be a radiating center of light, bringing the gospel to internationals, immigrants, and in-country nationals. Please be praying for the churches of ICC, both this weekend and next month as they will be included in the August Prayer Initiative. Pray that the hope of Christ and his grace will radiate from the churches in Europe.
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14)
You can read an update from James Arnold on the ICC Blog.
Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.
Postcard from Wiesbaden
"What do you like about this church?"
I asked the question of Marco, a new believer from northern Italy. He was the first person who greeted me at Christ Church Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt, Germany.
"What do you like about this church?"
I asked the question of Marco, a new believer from northern Italy. He was the first person who greeted me at Christ Church Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt, Germany.
"First, I can understand the language," Marco replied. As an Italian working in Germany, and married to an Indonesian, the language he speaks when away from Italy is English. That's the power of the international church.
Phil and Nora Gelston with their children, Paul, Tommy, Johannes and Anna.
Christ Church Wiesbaden was planted by Phil and Nora Gelston in 2011. Phil is a young, energetic pastor from Central Florida with a love for the gospel fueled by deep theological roots in reformation theology. Nora was born and raised near Bonn, Germany, and came to faith while living in Spokane, Washington. Her heart longs for her beloved Germany to hear the good news. Their family has grown to six during the five years since they began the church.
"Why Wiesbaden?" I asked Phil, as we sipped coffee after church in his home in the Taunus hills outside of the city.
"It's the headquarters for the U.S. Military in Europe." So the church began with a vision to minister to military personnel. Sure enough, I met several people serving with our armed forces: Megan, from Virginia, who serves with Army Operations and "found a church home;" Jason, a Major who speaks fluent Russian and is an aide to a General; and Sam, a Microsoft engineer who works as a civilian and assists the army with technology.
But the church has expanded to include people from six countries, so the vision is now international. For example, Annika is from Berlin and is married to a Frenchman. Hee-Jae is from Korea.
One ex-pat family from Atlanta found the church they were seeking at CCW. "Attendance has doubled in the last six months," the wife said as we met during the greeting time.
In fact, Christ Church Wiesbaden has outgrown their current facility, so they will soon be moving to a larger worship space. And though Phil and Nora have raised financial support, the work is now 70% self-funding.
Phil is not ashamed to say that the strenuous entrepreneurial work of church planting has stretched him. But he likes how his leadership mettle has been tested and developed. God is refining his faith, and no day goes by without needing to depend on God's grace.
As I write this post, I'm on a train to Zurich, Switzerland, where leading pastors will be praying for pastors like Phil, and for the spread of flourishing, gospel-centered international churches in all of the 100 principal cities of Europe. This is the vision of International Christian Community, a growing network that is a partner of Lake Baldwin Church.
We all can rejoice in the progress of the gospel through churches like Christ Church Wiesbaden.
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.
8 Reasons to Attend the LBC Global Missions Festival
When we align our hearts with God’s heart, and follow up with steps of faith, we become part of God’s plan in a fresh way. “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
The first Global Missions Festival at Lake Baldwin Church is just around the corner (Jan 9-10). With all the Christmas excitement, this event may have creeped up on you. Or you might have heard about it over the past month through promos in worship, the weekly update, or Facebook, but you’re not sure if you want to put it in your calendar. Here are eight good reasons to be there:
1. Grow in Vision and Awareness: A number of people sitting around you in church each week are engaged globally. We’ve invited them to host tables at the Saturday night dinner. You’ll love hearing their stories!
2. Foster a Mexico partnership in the making: Do you remember the life-changing mission trip to Cabo, Mexico last summer? Our team got to know Peter Boling, a church-planting pastor in Baja, Mexico who hosted them. Peter will speak Saturday evening at the dinner, and he’ll also preach on Sunday.
3. Experience the life-changing power of short-term mission trips: Many at LBC have been transformed through mission trips to Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Europe, just to name a few places. We want to engage the whole church in either going, supporting, praying, or just cheering on these border-crossing initiatives. In fact, you might want to consider going on a mission trip this summer! (If you’re open to praying about it, follow the festival registration link and sign up for the Sunday information luncheon with Peter Boling after church on January 10.)
4. Support the team organizing this event: The Festival was conceived by our Global Missions Team, with leadership from Ravi Jain and TJ Sellers. Two members of the team, Sarah Madsen and John Hutchings, have been involved in spearheading the Festival. This is a great chance for all of us to rally around young leaders in our church.
5. Encourage Growth as a Global Citizen: It’s a crazy world out there. We know that the gospel is the only hope. To affect the world, we need to learn about it and become global citizens. This mindset will make an impact on your travels, your view of world events, and even your parenting (it’s fun when kids get a taste of other nations, and want to learn a language).
6. Participate in Our History: Global engagement has been a big part of the LBC vision from before we even existed as a church. We just knew that God has blessed us with global connections, and that this would lead to great things. Over the years, God has used the people of LBC to make a difference in other nations.
7. Build memories and relationships: If you grew up in a church, you’ll remember the fun of fellowship dinners and the exposure to world missions. This Festival has a theme—Sobre la Mesa: "At the Table." We’ll have great food! But that food and fellowship will be linked to Christ’s global cause.
8. Explore God’s heart for the nations: When we align our hearts with God’s heart, and follow up with steps of faith, we become part of God’s plan in a fresh way.
“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
One of the core beliefs of Lake Baldwin Church is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is...
Conclusion:
You may have wondered about the timing of the Festival, so soon after the New Year. There are two reasons for choosing this weekend:
One, we want to get way ahead in setting up mission trips for this summer. (If you're interested in going to Cabo in 2016, you're invited to an information luncheon with Peter Boling after church on January 10th! Follow the festival registration link to RSVP.)
Two, there’s a connection to the global church with Epiphany, January 6, when Christians celebrate the light of the gospel being brought to the nations.
So will you be there? Let us know you're coming by registering now!
Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.
Guest Post: Team Nicaragua Medical Mission, October 2015, part 2
At 5:55 pm Saturday afternoon October 24th Team Nicaragua departed from Atlanta to share The Gospel and serve the medical needs of the beautiful Nicaraguan people in the Bluefields area on the eastern coast. Two LBC members, Brita Zuehlke and Angela Robinson were part of the team. The following are excerpts from Brita's daily Facebook posts during the trip. We are thankful for the work that was done to advance God's Kingdom and for Brita's willingness to share her story with us.
From October 24th-30th, 2015 Team Nicaragua traveled to Managua share The Gospel and serve the medical needs of the beautiful Nicaraguan people in the Bluefields area on the eastern coast. Two LBC members, Brita Zuehlke and Angela Robinson were part of the team. The following are excerpts from Brita's daily Facebook posts during the trip. (Read part 1 HERE!) We are thankful for the work that was done to advance God's Kingdom and for Brita's willingness to share her story with us.
October 29th - Hospital Tour and Travel back to Managua:
We had the opportunity to tour the hospital in Bluefields. For several of us it was like a step back in time and for others (our younger providers) it was quite eye opening. One woman delivered a baby right there in the hallway and we were able to witness the baby's first cry. The equipment is old and supplies are low and patients bring their own linen and medicine before they can have surgery. Privacy, comfort and rest are not priorities here. The one similarity that stood out was the medical students who acted just like our medical students filing in behind their attending like little ducklings and writing patient notes.
At 10 am we were back on the pangas heading back toward El Rama and the long bus ride back to Managua. On the river we observed many shoreline dwellings, rusty but functioning fishing boats and small canoes. This was yet another day without rain and we were again amazed at the beauty of His creation.
During the bus ride and at the evening devotion we shared stories and reflections from the previous few days. Leith told us about a young family consisting of mom and 4 children who showed up as we were closing the clinic. Leith was tired, we were running out of supplies and all of the kids needed glasses and had respiratory problems. The children aged 8-15 and were very polite and answered all questions clearly. The youngest was a girl and was asked:
“Danielle, do you need glasses, too?”
“Yes ma'am, so I can read my Bible.”
“Well, do you have your own Bible?”
“No ma'am.”
We had just given away our last Spanish Bible, but Leith had a hunch that she had something in her bag and sure enough, there was the New Testament in Spanish that had been packed for another mission trip 5 years ago. The girl was beaming and her eyes lit up as her name was written on the front page. She was very proud to have her very own Bible. The mom winked a “thank you” with her beautiful brown eyes.
Craig and Jackie told a story about a mother and a daughter who came to clinic around lunchtime. The mother had a severe leg injury that required vascular surgery at the hospital or she would be at risk of losing her foot. We tried to convince her that she had to go there immediately but she said she could not go because she had no one to take care of her daughter. As a team we prayed for her, involved the church members to help take care of the young girl, then we called for a taxi to take her to the hospital. During the tour of the hospital we saw her in a bed awaiting surgery and her face lit up when she saw us and she thanked us for everything. Father David, Craig, and Jackie had a touching moment where they prayed over her bed in preparation for her surgery and reassured her that her daughter was doing well.
Dr. Tellez, Indira, and Vladimir all thanked us on behalf of all the patients and were commenting the fact that we all are willing to give up our own vacation, pay for part or all of the trip out of our own pockets, and then work long days to take care of los Nicaraguense—“their people.” They were all amazed that there can still be such kind and selfless people who give so much and get “nothing” in return.
October 30th - The Las Torres Neighborhood:
We spent a lot of time sitting on the school bus from Bluefields to Managua. But it was not until Friday, as we drove into Las Torres, that it was evident of something special. As our bus arrived at CALT, Christian Academy of Las Torres, we were greeted by the huge smiles and overwhelming excitement of children screaming with joy and laughter. This was quite a surprise!
When we started setting up clinic in the school, it was a culture shock to see dirt floors, poor utilities, and an infrastructure that didn't match the warmth and joy that all the children and teachers showed us. Before we saw our first patients, we toured the local neighborhood and housing arrangements of the people in the area. Often, small houses no larger than an American kitchen were home to whole families of parents and multiple kids.
One of the families invited us into their home and introduced us to Brittani, a 4-year old girl afflicted with cancer. Father David was asked to come in and lay hands on her and offer prayer. We would later see her in the clinic. Bordering between houses was a drainage ditch that emptied into Lake Managua and was full of trash and sewage. There were kids in the water collecting plastic bottles to recycle. It was truly an eye-opening experience to see the conditions people can live in.
In clinic, we saw a wide array of diseases ranging from chicken pox to congestive heart failure. Although the patients were all in need of medical care and prayer ministry, their spirits could not have been brighter. When Brittani arrived, she ran to us with open arms and began to “play doctor” with our stethoscopes and headlamps. She was playful and hopeful, as any 4-year-old kid should be. The group reflected on this patient encounter and were tremendously touched by how she was like any other kid, she just wanted to play! She demonstrated pure innocence.
Humbling. The one word that could describe the entire day for all of us. It was a reminder of morning devotion by Father David where we discussed humility and how God calls us to be humble so he can raise us up.
Final Reflections:
We have now all returned home to our respective families and friends and are processing and reliving all the stories and experiences from this past week. We are posting on Facebook and longing to share. But, how do you respond to a co-worker who asks how it was but only has 10 seconds to listen? We can talk for hours if you let us. What do you highlight? Which picture can sum it all up? We have all been changed by this trip, through the leadership from Ali, from the new friendships that were developed and by all the love that was showered upon us by the people of Nicaragua, young and old. God worked through and in each of us this week and we were all blessed by it.
Brita Zuehlke and her husband, Reed, live in Orlando and are members of Lake Baldwin Church. Brita is originally from Sweden but has lived in the US since 1983. She works as a physical therapist at Florida Hospital, Winter Park. Brita started traveling to Nicaragua in 2004 with the Medical Mission Team from Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta. She is also on the board of a Christian School in Managua for impoverished children where she has been able to develop deep lasting relationships with both teachers and students. She has a special place in her heart for the children of Nicaragua.
Guest Post: Team Nicaragua Medical Mission, October 2015 - part 1
At 5:55 pm Saturday afternoon October 24th Team Nicaragua departed from Atlanta to share The Gospel and serve the medical needs of the beautiful Nicaraguan people in the Bluefields area on the eastern coast. Two LBC members, Brita Zuehlke and Angela Robinson were part of the team. The following are excerpts from Brita's daily Facebook posts during the trip. We are thankful for the work that was done to advance God's Kingdom and for Brita's willingness to share her story with us.
At 5:55 pm Saturday afternoon October 24th Team Nicaragua departed from Atlanta to share The Gospel and serve the medical needs of the beautiful Nicaraguan people in the Bluefields area on the eastern coast. Two LBC members, Brita Zuehlke and Angela Robinson were part of the team. The following are excerpts from Brita's daily Facebook posts during the trip. We are thankful for the work that was done to advance God's Kingdom and for Brita's willingness to share her story with us.
October 26th - Clinic Day One:
Dr. Tellez's church provided us the biggest clinic space we've ever had which was both a blessing and a challenge. The first day of clinic is always a learning experience as new team members adjust to working with our translators, experienced team members and our local helpers. We were overwhelmed by how many wonderful church members came out to make our day run more smoothly.
Our providers set up in the main worship building. Our “dentistas”, Vania and Debbie, set up in what we called “the cage” with Mylinh as their assistant. We had some airy, covered spots to spread out glasses, happy feet, evangelism and pharmacy stations.
Gene led the group in singing on and off throughout the day including a rousing chorus of 'Days of Elijah'. Alvaro Jr. (a.k.a AJ) immediately took a liking to optometry and it was wonderful to have him and our bus driver Julio helping out there. This year we got our pharmacist, Pam, back. With her team of helpers, she got every one of our Nica friends taken care of. Mark “MacGyver” was also back this year and he built a zip line for the kids out back by the playground.
We were also blessed to have some U.S. missionaries who live in Bluefields able to help us out. And a major blessing, NO RAIN! Overall it was a wonderful first day and we've learned a lot to help us make our clinics flow better and keep ourselves and our patients happy and healthy!
October 27th - Clinic Day Two:
On our second day we left on panga boats to Rama Cay, which is a beautiful island about 20 minutes from Bluefields. God provided us with blessings to serve 350 people. Last January, several of our team members served this same area and were assisted by a man named Rau'l who helped make it so successful that we all wanted to return. Rau'l had asked if it was possible to get a Bible in large print if we ever returned. Not only were we able to fulfill his request but we gave him a leather bound monogrammed Bible and we had it blessed by Father David as it was presented to him.
During our day a mother brought her 4 year old daughter with cerebral palsy to be treated by our team. It immediately became clear that this loving mother spends all hours of her days caring for this child and carrying her wherever she goes, including the times she has to cook, clean and do laundry. The girl was unable to sit on her own and she cannot be placed on the floor or ground since she also can't crawl or control her head. Brita and Mark put their heads together and created a “buggy” from a suitcase that had been donated to Bruce and Barb by their church in Idaho. When our physical therapist and “MacGyver” visited the family they were able to make many suggestions as to how the family could utilize the buggy to improve the whole family's life going forward. We hope that the girl will now have a different view of the world and will hopefully have a chance to improve on her sitting ability, the mom will have her hands free to do her household chores more easily, and this will help save the mom's back for the future as the girl grows up.
Many team members have switched to roles totally unrelated to their occupation or even out of their comfort zone. The first example is Virginia who is a nurse by training but easily and eagerly jumped in to help in many other areas wherever she was needed. Bethany, who is our team photographer, put her camera down and brought out paint and paper for the kids to create some art projects that were finished off with fun stickers for all. Angela was our champion greeter and in charge of getting heights and weights of all 350 that came through the clinic, putting everyone at ease and smiling her way through the day. Father David and Pastor Danny washed the feet of many and Dave Neilson ended up helping in the “store”, distributing clothing to those in need, including handing out dresses to both girls and women!
Our last story of the day is about a small boy with Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and multiple deformities of both legs. His aunt brought him in a small wheelchair; his mother was unable to come because she is terminally ill with cancer. Carol (Swish) noted that the boy was dressed in very heavy garments and appeared to be overheated. She immediately went to our “store” of donated items and found him a whole new outfit with a hat that had been donated from Redeemer in Atlanta. Father David prayed over the boy and was able to fit the boy with a pair of sunglasses that once belonged to his own son. This little boy had the most radiant smile and blessed all of us with his joy.
October 28th - Clinic Day Three:
This day started out the same as every day in Nicaragua with a rooster crowing at 4:30 am, about an hour before any of our cell phone alarms were set to play our favorite wake-up melodies. Breakfast at 6:30 and bags and people loaded on the trucks by 7:30. The short open air back of the truck ride through town filled our nostrils with plenty of diesel fumes and other mixed fragrances, some better than diesel, others not so much. Our clinic was held in another church and we were again blessed with plenty of help from the congregation. Two young ladies manned the front area, others helped in our “happy feet” area which included both foot washing and new flip-flops, some served as translators and a couple of ladies controlled the flow through the clinic.
A middle aged woman with chikungunya and very unsteady gait came limping up to Ellen's table. She ached everywhere, all her joints were swollen, her feet, her ankles, her hands, her shoulders and her neck. She was one of at least twenty patients this day that had been diagnosed with chikungunya which is a virus similar to Lyme disease but it is transmitted by mosquitos. To date there is no medicine to prevent or treat this disease and it can take months or even years to recover fully from it. Ellen examined her, gave her some vitamins and pain pills and sent her to our therapy section to get something supportive for her wrists and ankles. Upon further examination we noticed that she needed some more supportive shoes than what she had. As we searched high and low for her size Ellen asked why her patient was still sitting there and when we told her she said: “Well, that's my size, she can have mine and I'll get some flip-flops.” So Ellen took her shoes off and gave them to her patient.
Our dental “office” was a smooth running machine by today and two nurses, Linda and Mylinh, who previously knew nothing about dentistry had quickly morphed into efficient and fast acting multitasking dental assistants who were able to sterilize instruments, set up the next tray, hold a flashlight and hand instruments to the dentists all while calming multiple crying children and explaining the medicine given to the previous patient. Our dentists, Vania and Debbie said they have never been as productive as today. Vania had a patient named Axel who arrived very afraid and crying so she sat down to just talk to him. After a minute he said he just wanted to hug her and so they hugged, and he held her tight and would not let go so Vania in her wisdom continued the session by placing the topical anesthesia, and after that she injected him and proceeded to pull the tooth, all while he kept his arms around her waist. Axel left happy stating that he didn't feel any pain and gave her yet another hug and a kiss to top it off. Vania shared that this was the first time she has done anything like that and yes, children often teach us new ways of doing things.
Here are a few reflections from our interpreters who stay at our side all day long, beginning with Devin who is with us for the 5th time and lives in Bluefields:
“I am a translator and I took my daughters to work today and my youngest, Abieli, asked if her grandfather was going to be there; she was referring to Bruce because she loves seeing his white hair and calls him grandpa. When I took her home she told her mom about every single person she met, she spoke about the dentist who gave her a toothbrush, she said a beautiful lady gave her sunglasses and another one gave her a toy (Bubbles) from the movie Home. Joshabeth, my older daughter shared with me that she was so encouraged by what she saw that she now wants to become a doctor."
Our second story comes from Cristiam who came with us on last minute notice but immediately fit right in and hopefully will be joining us in the future.
“A young lady entered the clinic with severe abdominal pain and came to Ali's station. It became apparent that this was much more than what we could treat and that she needed an ultrasound to properly diagnose her condition. She had tried to go to the local public hospital but their ultrasound machine is currently broken and she had no money to go to a private clinic. The ultrasound was going to cost 500 cordobas which is about $20. Our gracious leader, Ali, with her big heart quietly gave the woman the money and then they both hugged and cried. The woman was heading straight to the clinic and was going to share the results with us as soon as they were available.”
This last story comes from Alvaro, our trusted Nicaraguan partner who helps Ali get all the permits, arranges for our bus, and is always here for us.
“So this police officer came to the clinic to get a second opinion for his ear problems and leg pain since he heard the doctors from the US were here. He was seen by the providers and given a referral as well as pain medicine but he was still not satisfied and seemed unhappy. As he came through Father David's prayer station we simply asked what in his life we could pray for. The man slowly started sharing little by little about his pain, his family troubles, and also asking for protection for his family. As the prayer ended his body was relaxed and tears were rolling down his face and he thanked us and said he was really glad he came!!"
Brita Zuehlke and her husband, Reed, live in Orlando and are members of Lake Baldwin Church. Brita is originally from Sweden but has lived in the US since 1983. She works as a physical therapist at Florida Hospital, Winter Park. Brita started traveling to Nicaragua in 2004 with the Medical Mission Team from Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta. She is also on the board of a Christian School in Managua for impoverished children where she has been able to develop deep lasting relationships with both teachers and students. She has a special place in her heart for the children of Nicaragua.
Guest Post: 2015 ICC Retreat Wrap-up
I had a vague understanding prior to this trip that for many years Europe has been in a state of spiritual decline—that despite a wealth of rich religious heritage, the old traditions and monuments have become mere icons, and spiritual darkness is prevalent. But now, when I picture a map of Europe, I can see pinpricks of light piercing that darkness, scattered across the continent.
October 19-23, Mike and Molly Tilley and Joel and Katie Pollard attended the International Christian Community (ICC) Pastors' Retreat in Teisendorf, Germany. Our pastor, Mike Tilley, serves on the board of ICC, and the Pollards were invited to lead worship for this year's retreat.
This post, written by Katie, originally appeared on Joel and Katie's personal blog on October 23.
The majority of conference attendees at Mirabell Gardens during a day trip to Salzburg, Austria.
The ICC Pastors’ Retreat drew to a close [on October 22], and I’m struggling to wrap words around the experience we’ve had. If you’ve been following along on Facebook or Instagram, you can see that we’ve heartily enjoyed our travels in Munich, Teisendorf, and Salzburg. I’m sorry our posts have not included more substantive information about the retreat, but it seems that it takes more than a handful of characters in an expedient social media post to capture the powerful ways that God is working here.
There were pastors in attendance from Aix en Provence, Leon, Marseille, Toulouse, St. Paul, and Nice, France; Munich, Germany; Istanbul, Turkey; Iasi, Romania; Tblisi, Georgia; Toronto, Canada; and of course, Orlando, Florida. The keynote speaker was Tim Challies, a former pastor, writer, and blogger from Toronto. He preached from 2 Timothy, James, 1 Thessalonians, and Titus, and he covered a wide range of topics applicable to pastors, including the supremacy of Scripture, the dangers of envy, and the catastrophic effects of pornography and distorted sexuality in our culture. Although Joel and I didn’t participate in every session, we greatly appreciated Tim’s insight and his commitment to teaching the gospel candidly and clearly.
There were also a variety of breakout sessions which included presentations about the vision and future of ICC, doctrinal teaching, practical advice for assimilating into foreign culture, a panel discussion about the refugee crisis, and a special session on counseling techniques by Elizabeth Matthias.
Perhaps our favorite part of the retreat was the time set aside for “field updates” at the beginning of each session. All the pastors had the opportunity to give a 10-15 minute presentation about their particular churches and ministries. It was informative to learn about their common struggles and very uplifting to hear testimony of all the unique ways God is working to transform individuals, impact major European cities, and equip people as they travel to the far corners of the Earth with the good news of the gospel.
During one or two sessions each day, Joel and I led the pastors in a brief worship service. Joel designed these services to include several songs in addition to corporate prayer, confession, and readings from various catechisms and historic confessions. The meeting space was beautiful, with high ceilings and pine rafters, and the acoustics were perfect for voices and guitar. Joel’s worship sets were rich in gospel content and—as is often the case, thanks to the work of the Spirit—the themes aligned beautifully with the teaching each day. We were greatly encouraged by the feedback we received, and I do believe that God used us to edify these pastors as they rested and filled themselves with the Word.
We held a Communion service [Thursday] night, and it was a particularly poignant and moving time of worship. Because our group was small in number, we could face each other at a long table and share the elements in a uniquely intimate and communal way. The unhurried reverence was powerful, and I personally experienced very sweet personal worship. This is often a challenge as a musician and leader—and, I suspect, as a pastor—when the demands of facilitating a church service so easily distract us from the holy experience that is the Lord’s Supper.
We came here hoping to encourage the ICC pastors, but I think we have benefitted from this experience at least as much as they have. It has been so exciting to meet these leaders and hear stories of what God is doing all over Europe through the vibrant churches He has planted here.
I had a vague understanding prior to this trip that for many years Europe has been in a state of spiritual decline—that despite a wealth of rich religious heritage, the old traditions and monuments have become mere icons, and spiritual darkness is prevalent. But now, when I picture a map of Europe, I can see pinpricks of light piercing that darkness, scattered across the continent. I’ve had conversations with at least a dozen real people who are here on the front lines, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel is alive and active, and lives are being changed through the work of these men and their families. Thanks be to God!
I’m also very excited that in the coming months I’ll be able to participate in the ICC movement by helping redesign and invigorate their web presence. I’m thrilled to be able to use my writing skills and [a humble amount of] content marketing experience to help tell the story of what God is doing through this organization.
Update on October 30: It was a joy to lead at Bavarian International Christian Fellowship —one of the two ICC churches in Munich—on October 18th. On October 25th, our last day overseas, we also had the privilege of leading alongside the worship team at Munich International Community Church. Attending these two church services was a powerful experience, and we are thrilled that we were able to partner with the people of BICF and MICC by assisting with their worship services during our visit.
Worship at MICC on Sunday, October 25.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. We’re pleased to report that we raised 100% of our financial support shortly before we departed the U.S! We are humbled and grateful for this opportunity, and I’m very excited to see how God will continue to use the seeds he has planted in our hearts.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
– Ephesians 3:20–21
Katie Pollard is the administrator and communications director for Lake Baldwin Church in Orlando, FL. She is also a writer, musician, avid reader, craft guru, wife, and mother. Katie loves intelligent novels, a good cup of tea, and those complicated board games that only your nerdy friends like.