Stephoscope: November 2011 Newsletter

Hey, ya'll!

Here is the NOVEMBER 2011 version of my newsletter.  Do you know what that means???  I will be home next month.    So check out page 3 for my almost final schedule.

I am actually posting this from Manila, Philippines, where I have been attending the Missional Leaders' Conference.  I shared about the conference in the story on page 1.  The second page highlights our new effort in the fight against cervical cancer--a mobile pap smear clinic.

Enjoy!  And see you soon.

~ steph

Attachment: Stephoscope--November 2011 Newsletter.pdf

MLC Top Ten

The MIssional Leaders' Conference finished up today with a wonderful service and message by our GS, Dr. Duarte.  What an incredible week of worshiping the Lord with my brothers and sisters from all over Asia and the Pacific.  I have been encouraged, inspired, and challenged!

Here is my Top Ten list for MLC...

10.  Sometimes I really enjoy being just a normal American.

9.  Mission vs. missions vs. missional.

8.  Angry Birds are taking over the world.

7.  You can have too much of a good thing.  In this case, food.

6.  New stamp in my passport!

5.  Nothing makes me happy quite like purple toes.

4a.  The city of Manila has three times the number of people as the entire country of PNG.  A little overwhelming for a FOB.

4b.  Manila wins the global award for customer service.

4c.  But not for air quality.

3.  It is so good to be with old friends.  Making new ones is the next best thing.

2.  You never stop being a doctor, so don't forget to pack the stethoscope.

1.  God is doing awesome things around Asia-Pacific and the world.  I am so excited that I get to be a part of His mission!

"With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground.  And don't hold back.  Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort."

~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

Missional Leaders' Conference

Welcome to the Missional Leaders' Conference!  Missionaries and church leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered for the opening session on Wednesday evening.

Our Filipino brothers and sisters welcomed us with a program of traditional music and cultural dance.  It was spectacular!  This was followed by the parade of nations; twenty-eight countries were represented.  Dave is a PNG missionary, but also very proud of his Scottish heritage.  

The PNG choir presented an item on that first night--"In the Sweet By and By" in Pidgin.  (I didn't get the memo that we were supposed to wear a PNG flag meri blaus, so I was a bit out of style with my plane Jane meri blaus.  Oh well, I've never been one who was much concerned about style.)

Our regional director gave the opening address, challenging us to be a "missional church."  What does this mean, you may wonder?  Basically, God is on a mission to redeem the world.  And He wants us to be a part--to be salt and light in our homes, communities, and countries.  Here am I, Lord!  Send me.

The first two days of the conference have been wonderful--worship, fellowship, challenge, and inspiration.  There have been some excellent plenary sessions and workshops, on topics ranging from organic church planting to rekindling spiritual passion.

I have especially enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new ones.  I've visited with friends who serve in Thailand, Australia, the Philippines, and many other countries around the region.  Rusty (and his wife Diane) did pre-field training with me.  That was almost 3 years ago.  They work with Jesus Film-Harvest Partners.  We missed you, Diane!

Thank you for praying for this week!  The Lord has certainly been with us.

"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

~ Matthew 18:19-20