GLOBAL MISSIONS
Agua Viva Ministries (AVM) has a vision to reach Mexico for Christ. To accomplish this vision, there are four ministry strategies. First, AVM works with American partners through short-term mission experiences to share the love of Christ to the people of Ensenada and surrounding communities. Second, AVM hosts the Ministry Training Institute. This is where Mexican nationals come from all over Mexico to study in intense, 14-week sessions. These are dedicated leaders in their own areas who desperately need Biblical training to enhance their ministries. Many graduates plant churches in areas where they are intentionally going to encounter unreached people groups. Third, AVM provides Mexican camping experiences all year long at Rancho Agua Viva. Youth camps, retreats, conferences, seminars, and concerts all serve as refreshment for Mexican believers and tremendous outreaches for those who are not yet believers. Finally, AVM provides mission training for all full and part-time staff, along with daily mission experiences. Each summer, Americans come to the ranch to help with short-term groups; and many of these summer staffers are now in full-time missions work around the world.
When did this ministry begin?
AVM was launched in the early 1980’s and has grown from bare land with a few trees and cacti to a mature facility with a complete biblical seminary as well as dormitory spaces for 400.
Who does the work in this ministry?
Mexicans are being trained to go to many locations all over Mexico to take the Gospel to unreached people groups. Mexicans are also trained in leadership to go back to their local churches to be more effective in discipling and making disciples. American groups come to Rancho Agua Viva as a base to experience short-term missions as they are sent into communities to do ministry with local people in need.
Where is this ministry located?
Rancho Agua Viva (“ranch of living water”) is located in the hills, 12 miles outside of Ensenada, Mexico on a gated area of 140 acres. Over 400 people can be housed at the ranch.
How is New Harvest involved?
New Harvest Church has partnered with AVM since the church began. Groups from New Harvest Church comprised of students and adults go on short-term mission trips to AVM to experience cross-cultural missions and expand their Christian world view. Partnering with AVM enables churches to be strategic in ministry projects in Mexico as well as developing long-lasting relationships with Mexican nationals.
Since most students who come to the Ministry Training Institute are poor and cannot pay for the entire cost of their 14-week sessions, New Harvest raises funds to support them. New Harvest accomplishes this at its annual Harvest Bazaar in October. Many volunteers are needed to participate in the planning and executing of this huge event.
How can I get involved?
For more information, or if you would like to get involved, please contact Missions@nhclife.org
http://www.aguavivaministries.com
http://www.facebook.com/avministries
The vision of Belize Mission and Retreat (BMR) is to provide a multi-dimensional mission and retreat where traditional missionary service can be done alongside evangelistic outreach while also providing a retreat setting where local missionaries, pastors, and Christian workers can be physically and spiritually refreshed.
Partnering with short-term mission groups from the United States, the DeKlerks are meeting the physical needs of local villagers with the love of God. Strong relationships have been made with locals by investing time and resources, such as education, construction, healthcare, and spiritual guidance.
When did this ministry begin?
The BMR has been a thriving ministry since 2002.
Who does the work in this ministry?
After 30 years in business and banking in the Bay Area, Basil and Vera DeKlerk sold much of their material assets and founded the BMR under the Baptist General Conference (now Converge). They are joined by another staff couple, and many American groups come to minister in this areas on a short-term basis.
Where is this ministry located?
Located in Turtleshoes, Belize in Central America, the mission and retreat center is in a peaceful and natural setting. The mission and retreat center is located in close proximity to a village that is under-resourced; and, in spite of its natural beauty, sorely in need of the Light of Christ.
How is New Harvest involved?
New Harvest has been a financial supporter since 2002. Please join BMR in prayer to reach the local village for Christ. Pray for the children of the community, that they have hope. Pray for the men of the community, that they would not see following Christ as a sign of weakness. And please also pray for the church and local leaders to cling to their mission in spite of opposition from many in the village.
How can I get involved?
For more information, or if you would like to get involved, please contact Missions@nhclife.org
STK serves all denominations and Christian organizations in order to prepare, educate, and train every man or woman who has received God’s special calling, with the aim that they will be equipped with the abilities and skills needed to serve as pastors, evangelists, teachers, counselors, and leaders. This seminary is focused on advancing the Kingdom of God in Indonesia, which is the largest Muslim nation on earth. Over 200 churches have been planted in Borneo and other provinces in Indonesia by graduates of the school. 500 more churches are planned within the next 10 years. Graduates also lead in their communities with career training to develop each area economically where churches are planted.
When did this ministry begin?
The seminary was started in 1986 by Ronny Welong and Bob Williams. Williams, known as “Opa” by the people of Borneo, took his family with him to this remote nation in 1938 to share Jesus with the Dayak tribe.
Who does the work in this ministry?
Led by Ronny and Rit Welong, a dedicated staff of Indonesians teach and minister at this premier educational institution. Alumni from STK have come from more than 40 churches and church organizations and from 20 provinces of Indonesia. Over 500 graduates now minister in locations all over Indonesia. The Welongs have been dear friends of Pastor Mitch since 1989, when he led a mission trip to Borneo.
Where is this ministry located?
Borneo (also known as Kalimantan) is the largest island among the 13,500 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia. This is very far from us in California but beloved by our God.
How is New Harvest involved?
New Harvest has partnered with the Welongs and STK since the beginnings of New Harvest. Pastor Mitch is going to be traveling with a team there in January of 2011, when he will be the speaker at the seminary graduation. New Harvest has been involved as a friend, partner, and financial supporter of this ministry because we believe in God’s missional heart for the world. We recognize this ministry as one of the best investments of our resources with the goal of making disciples who make disciples.
In addition to praying for the faculty and students at the seminary as they go out each weekend to minister in local communities, you can also be a great support if you would like to donate Christian books to the seminary library.
New Harvest also needs help to organize and implement the annual Harvest Bazaar, which serves to educate our New Harvest family and raise additional funds for special needs in Borneo.
How can I get involved?
For more information, or If you would like to get involved, please contact Missions@nhclife.org