On today's program, a church plant in Bulgaria, 00:00:01.06\00:00:03.83 global mission centers, 00:00:03.86\00:00:05.53 and how a little boy broke down barriers 00:00:05.56\00:00:08.31 with the help of some goats. 00:00:08.34\00:00:10.52 That and much more coming up, next 00:00:10.55\00:00:12.46 on Global Mission Snapshots. 00:00:12.49\00:00:14.46 Just before He went up to heaven, 00:00:26.02\00:00:28.58 Jesus gave us a command. He gave us a mission. 00:00:28.61\00:00:34.27 Jesus said, go, 00:00:34.30\00:00:36.66 go unto all the world telling them of His love. 00:00:36.69\00:00:41.62 This is our mission. This is our "Global Mission." 00:00:41.65\00:00:45.64 Hello, I'm Gary Krause 00:00:50.73\00:00:51.99 and welcome to Global Mission Snapshots. 00:00:52.02\00:00:54.41 Today we will be talking with two guests 00:00:54.44\00:00:56.38 who are at the frontlines of global mission. 00:00:56.41\00:00:59.11 For many years Richard Elofer has been heading up 00:00:59.14\00:01:01.72 the World Jewish Adventist Friendship Center. 00:01:01.75\00:01:05.36 Today, we will be talking with Dr. Elofer 00:01:05.39\00:01:07.32 about how Adventists can better relate 00:01:07.35\00:01:10.02 to their Jewish friends and neighbors? 00:01:10.05\00:01:12.36 We'll also be talking with Clifmond Shameerudeen, 00:01:12.39\00:01:15.66 from the Centre for South Asian Religions. 00:01:15.69\00:01:18.29 And we'll also meet a young boy in Portugal 00:01:18.32\00:01:20.85 who made a friend and shared Jesus. 00:01:20.88\00:01:23.43 Thanks, to some goats. 00:01:23.46\00:01:25.45 But first up let's visit Bulgaria to meet two women 00:01:25.48\00:01:28.99 who started with a group of six people, 00:01:29.02\00:01:31.58 meeting in a garage and ended up 00:01:31.61\00:01:33.60 with a church plant of more than 100 believers. 00:01:33.63\00:01:36.98 Kalinka Filipova, lives in southwestern Bulgaria. 00:01:44.34\00:01:48.67 She is a gypsy. 00:01:48.70\00:01:50.55 Her town Blagoevgrad 00:01:50.58\00:01:52.48 has a large population of Romani people. 00:01:52.51\00:01:55.68 Several years ago Kalinka met a woman on her way home. 00:01:55.71\00:01:59.28 They started talking about God's existence. 00:01:59.31\00:02:01.96 The two strangers connected instantly 00:02:01.99\00:02:04.67 and started exploring the Bible together. 00:02:04.70\00:02:07.49 As they studied they made a pact 00:02:07.52\00:02:09.40 to follow Jesus command and make disciples. 00:02:09.43\00:02:12.84 They prayed together and opened their garage 00:02:12.87\00:02:15.15 for Romani people to learn the way to salvation. 00:02:15.18\00:02:21.72 Initially we were five or six people, 00:02:21.75\00:02:24.60 and then the group grew to 106 people. 00:02:24.63\00:02:27.81 The garage could not hold us inside, 00:02:27.84\00:02:30.08 so we would put blankets 00:02:30.11\00:02:31.37 and carpet outside so that people could sit. 00:02:31.40\00:02:34.51 As the numbers increased, 00:02:34.54\00:02:35.97 some of the new believers were baptized 00:02:36.00\00:02:38.04 and have become proactive leaders. 00:02:38.07\00:02:40.34 So the Seventh-day Adventist Church 00:02:40.37\00:02:41.77 rented and renovated 00:02:41.80\00:02:43.01 a first-floor apartment in the Romani community 00:02:43.04\00:02:46.05 that would serve as a sanctuary 00:02:46.08\00:02:47.49 for worship and church activities. 00:02:47.52\00:02:50.58 The Romani congregation continued to grow 00:02:50.61\00:02:53.55 and now that number would crowd any house church. 00:02:53.58\00:02:56.83 But the visitors far outnumbered the members 00:02:56.86\00:02:59.32 and seats are at a premium for every service. 00:02:59.35\00:03:02.73 The greatest challenge for the church 00:03:05.66\00:03:07.32 is that there are many people we can reach. 00:03:07.35\00:03:09.79 It has plans and methods to do it 00:03:09.82\00:03:12.00 but our greatest concern 00:03:12.03\00:03:13.53 is that our guests have no place to sit when they come 00:03:13.56\00:03:16.43 because our sanctuary is too small. 00:03:16.46\00:03:19.38 Today some 160 members 00:03:19.41\00:03:22.12 and friends come seeking God's blessing 00:03:22.15\00:03:24.76 and offering their worship on Sabbaths 00:03:24.79\00:03:27.21 and nearly every day throughout the week. 00:03:27.24\00:03:30.17 Today every possible wall has been removed 00:03:30.20\00:03:33.19 to make room for worshippers. 00:03:33.22\00:03:35.43 Chairs stand in tight rows 00:03:35.46\00:03:37.33 with barely room for feet between them. 00:03:37.36\00:03:40.13 When the sanctuary fills, 00:03:40.16\00:03:41.99 more chairs are added to the narrow hallway 00:03:42.02\00:03:44.69 and when weather permits the children meet outside 00:03:44.72\00:03:47.68 so more adults can hear the sermon 00:03:47.71\00:03:49.36 by closed circuit TV in the children's room. 00:03:49.39\00:03:52.82 Still some must stand outside, 00:03:52.85\00:03:55.25 catching snippets of the worship service 00:03:55.28\00:03:57.12 through an open door or window. 00:03:57.15\00:03:59.33 Many of the children don't come to church 00:04:03.83\00:04:05.96 simply because there's no room for them. 00:04:05.99\00:04:11.86 We would like to have a separate children's room 00:04:11.89\00:04:13.76 because adults interrupt our activities. 00:04:13.79\00:04:16.34 At times they come 00:04:16.37\00:04:17.55 and find their room full of adults, 00:04:17.58\00:04:19.78 so they must return home. 00:04:19.81\00:04:21.67 The adults don't like the situation either 00:04:21.70\00:04:23.79 for they realize that children are important to God's family. 00:04:23.82\00:04:27.48 The Romani congregation is eager to share 00:04:27.51\00:04:30.02 its faith with fellow Romani. 00:04:30.05\00:04:32.11 They want to find a larger place to worship 00:04:32.14\00:04:34.32 but because they don't earn much as seamstresses, 00:04:34.35\00:04:37.22 street sweepers and construction workers 00:04:37.25\00:04:40.13 and because many have no jobs at all 00:04:40.16\00:04:42.75 due to the sagging economy they struggle to pay the rent 00:04:42.78\00:04:46.12 on the building they now occupy. 00:04:46.15\00:04:48.70 When visitors come members stay away 00:04:48.73\00:04:51.24 so the guests can have a seat, there is no turning people away. 00:04:51.27\00:04:55.33 The Romani can't get enough of God's Word. 00:04:55.36\00:04:57.78 Whenever there's a meeting, people come. 00:04:57.81\00:05:00.76 What an opportunity to evangelize. 00:05:00.79\00:05:03.96 Thank you, for helping advance God's work 00:05:03.99\00:05:06.41 in a fruitful region of His vineyard. 00:05:06.44\00:05:12.22 I'm delighted to welcome our guest 00:05:12.25\00:05:14.53 who is a colleague and a good friend of mine, 00:05:14.56\00:05:17.86 Clifmond Shameerudeen, 00:05:17.89\00:05:19.73 who works with the Global Mission Centre 00:05:19.76\00:05:22.30 for South Asian Religions. 00:05:22.33\00:05:23.89 Clifmond, glad you could join us. Me too. 00:05:23.92\00:05:26.79 You always have wonderful stories 00:05:26.82\00:05:28.99 because you are involved in frontline mission. 00:05:29.02\00:05:33.48 Now the work that you do is not really easy, 00:05:33.51\00:05:36.73 you are working on a long hours and you are based in Trinidad. 00:05:36.76\00:05:41.41 Working among people 00:05:41.44\00:05:43.65 who come form a usually Hindu background correct? 00:05:43.68\00:05:46.23 That's correct. Now Clif, let's back up. 00:05:46.26\00:05:49.34 How did you, you know, What's your testimony, 00:05:49.37\00:05:52.23 your experience, you grew up as a Seventh-day Adventist? 00:05:52.26\00:05:55.48 Yes, I grow up in the Seventh-day Adventist home. 00:05:55.51\00:05:59.29 My mother, you know, is mix. 00:05:59.32\00:06:04.39 Her dad was a Pentecostal 00:06:04.42\00:06:05.85 and she was a-- and my grandmother was a Hindu. 00:06:05.88\00:06:09.99 So, my mom grew up in a very mix environment, 00:06:10.02\00:06:13.18 mostly Hindu has the strongest influence 00:06:13.21\00:06:15.38 in my mother side. 00:06:15.41\00:06:17.41 My father was a former Muslim 00:06:17.44\00:06:20.56 and so, you know, he gave up Islam 00:06:20.59\00:06:22.28 when he met my mom 00:06:22.31\00:06:23.41 who became a Adventist few years before they met. 00:06:23.44\00:06:26.87 So you have a very rich background. 00:06:26.90\00:06:28.82 Yes and so here-- here I grew in a community 00:06:28.85\00:06:31.65 where there are very few Christians. 00:06:31.68\00:06:33.36 In fact we are probably the only Christian 00:06:33.39\00:06:34.72 that as far as I remember. 00:06:34.75\00:06:36.92 And all my parents are either Muslim, 00:06:36.95\00:06:39.70 I mean my relatives are either Muslim or Hindu. 00:06:39.73\00:06:43.44 And so we as a boy growing up 00:06:43.47\00:06:46.70 you are expected to attend these functions 00:06:46.73\00:06:48.08 because that's--that's such an important aspect 00:06:48.11\00:06:51.09 of culture in the family. 00:06:51.12\00:06:52.95 You know, when you are invited to a place, 00:06:52.98\00:06:56.03 you know, to a relative you are expected to be there. 00:06:56.06\00:06:58.87 And so and since, very few of my relatives were Christians 00:06:58.90\00:07:02.61 we were exposed to-- 00:07:02.64\00:07:03.99 you know, I was exposed to this type of environment 00:07:04.02\00:07:07.34 at a very young age. 00:07:07.37\00:07:10.06 And then you went to Andrews University 00:07:10.09\00:07:14.18 for further study. Yes. 00:07:14.21\00:07:15.71 What did you focus on? 00:07:15.74\00:07:17.17 Well, you see I'm like Jonah, you know, the runaway person. 00:07:17.20\00:07:22.52 Ever since I have been a young person 00:07:22.55\00:07:24.53 active in church and ministry and evangelism 00:07:24.56\00:07:26.97 and reaching out to different people 00:07:27.00\00:07:28.89 but I felt call to be a pastor. 00:07:28.92\00:07:32.16 Personally because they were so many baggage 00:07:32.19\00:07:33.81 that I had to deal with and one of it is that 00:07:33.84\00:07:37.51 the church never focus on the biggest need 00:07:37.54\00:07:40.64 which is to reach people of Hindu background 00:07:40.67\00:07:43.15 and so I didn't want anything to do with the church 00:07:43.18\00:07:45.08 in terms of ministry being a pastor. 00:07:45.11\00:07:48.27 And so, you know, I did everything else. 00:07:48.30\00:07:51.64 You know, I started to call a business 00:07:51.67\00:07:53.98 and that didn't work out 00:07:54.01\00:07:55.14 and finally I settled with computer science. 00:07:55.17\00:07:57.87 And so I was a web developer, after graduating from Andrews 00:07:57.90\00:08:01.80 and for number of years 00:08:01.83\00:08:02.86 but I wanted to be involved in ministry. 00:08:02.89\00:08:04.47 So I found an Adventist company 00:08:04.50\00:08:06.79 and worked for about seven years doing websites 00:08:06.82\00:08:09.95 and programming for churches 00:08:09.98\00:08:12.42 and conferences and unions and so on. 00:08:12.45\00:08:16.96 Well, God had-- God has its way, 00:08:16.99\00:08:19.52 you know, He has His way with me and finally He-- 00:08:19.55\00:08:21.76 He got you out of the field? 00:08:21.79\00:08:22.85 He got me out and told me that, 00:08:22.88\00:08:25.02 I want You to be back in ministry 00:08:25.05\00:08:26.88 because this is My church. 00:08:26.91\00:08:28.50 And no matter how broken it is 00:08:28.53\00:08:30.16 this is where I want you to be. 00:08:30.19\00:08:32.68 And so finally I said Lord you, 00:08:32.71\00:08:34.62 You have--You have Your way and I'll follow that. 00:08:34.65\00:08:38.08 And so I quit my career in 2008 and told my wife, 00:08:38.11\00:08:43.63 we were just married about three months 00:08:43.66\00:08:45.62 and you know, Emmy is from Oregon 00:08:45.65\00:08:50.02 and when I first met her she had no idea 00:08:50.05\00:08:51.94 where Guyana was, where I was born. 00:08:51.97\00:08:55.16 And so God just put us together. 00:08:55.19\00:08:57.78 Two worlds come together 00:08:57.81\00:08:59.92 and after three months she looked at me 00:08:59.95\00:09:02.38 and said you must be crazy. You gonna be a what, a pastor. 00:09:02.41\00:09:07.11 I said well, this is what God is calling me to do. 00:09:07.14\00:09:09.16 I don't know where this is gonna take me 00:09:09.19\00:09:11.26 but I'm willing to follow. 00:09:11.29\00:09:12.48 Why didn't you tell me before we got married? 00:09:12.51\00:09:16.57 Well, yeah she wished that I did. 00:09:16.60\00:09:20.40 But, you know, God has really 00:09:20.43\00:09:22.58 put us together for a specific reason. 00:09:22.61\00:09:25.27 And after a seminary at Andrews University 00:09:25.30\00:09:28.85 I was willing to go where God wants me 00:09:28.88\00:09:30.49 and that's when the-- when they came back to me that, 00:09:30.52\00:09:34.28 you know, the place that I came from 00:09:34.31\00:09:36.20 and the people there that needs the gospel 00:09:36.23\00:09:38.18 and I said this is where I need to return to. Wonderful. 00:09:38.21\00:09:41.66 And she--she you know, being a faithful Christian 00:09:41.69\00:09:45.20 she was willing to follow God's lead 00:09:45.23\00:09:46.90 and there hasn't been an easy road by any means. 00:09:46.93\00:09:50.09 But, how then our son Peter has made the, 00:09:50.12\00:09:52.21 the world of difference, 00:09:52.24\00:09:53.27 you know, he is to go this missionary 00:09:53.30\00:09:54.98 wherever we go in Trinidad 00:09:55.01\00:09:56.63 and the Caribbean he melts the hearts of people. 00:09:56.66\00:09:59.61 Breaks down barriers. Breaks down barriers. 00:09:59.64\00:10:01.33 How old is he now? 00:10:01.36\00:10:02.70 He is three and half and he is done a-- 00:10:02.73\00:10:05.80 he has more friends than we do. 00:10:05.83\00:10:08.04 Well, you know, the church plant let's talk about the fact 00:10:08.07\00:10:10.22 that the best way to get to know 00:10:10.25\00:10:11.62 people in the communities are that to have a child 00:10:11.65\00:10:14.51 or have a--walk a dog, dog of an evening. 00:10:14.54\00:10:17.17 We just start talking to people, right? That's right. 00:10:17.20\00:10:20.26 So, Clifmond what is your, 00:10:20.29\00:10:23.35 what is your goal in your ministry? 00:10:23.38\00:10:25.92 You know, my goal is, 00:10:25.95\00:10:28.22 is to do what Christ has asked us to do 00:10:28.25\00:10:30.39 and that is to share the good news 00:10:30.42\00:10:32.16 to each person that we meet. 00:10:32.19\00:10:34.28 And-- and I believe that this-- 00:10:34.31\00:10:36.58 this message that we have will be-- 00:10:36.61\00:10:38.82 will be reached to all the people in the world. 00:10:38.85\00:10:42.46 But it has to be done by the laypersons. 00:10:42.49\00:10:45.26 And so I make it my utmost mission 00:10:45.29\00:10:49.31 to train and equip the layperson, the people 00:10:49.34\00:10:52.28 who gets up in the morning 00:10:52.31\00:10:53.34 and say God help me to get through this day 00:10:53.37\00:10:55.27 so I can share the good news. 00:10:55.30\00:10:56.82 These are the people that makes a difference 00:10:56.85\00:10:58.95 and I have been empowering them 00:10:58.98\00:11:00.44 I said listen, you ask for the resource you will get it. 00:11:00.47\00:11:04.55 You ask for the time, you will get it 00:11:04.58\00:11:06.04 because this is what you need to share the good news 00:11:06.07\00:11:08.34 and I think this is what I have been trying to do. 00:11:08.37\00:11:12.28 And it has made a difference. 00:11:12.31\00:11:13.94 It has made a difference already. 00:11:13.97\00:11:15.65 Well, Clifmond, thank you so much 00:11:15.68\00:11:17.13 for the work that you are doing. 00:11:17.16\00:11:18.86 I know that God is blessing in 00:11:18.89\00:11:20.32 and He has great plans for the future. 00:11:20.35\00:11:23.90 Viewers at home, wonderful story 00:11:23.93\00:11:26.75 of Clifmond following God's leading 00:11:26.78\00:11:29.14 and I invite you to please pray for our Global Mission Centers. 00:11:29.17\00:11:34.53 Pray for Clifmond, pray for other centers 00:11:34.56\00:11:36.90 because its challenging work, 00:11:36.93\00:11:38.66 sometimes it can be very lonely discouraging work 00:11:38.69\00:11:41.13 and it's--and it's wonderful for them to know that 00:11:41.16\00:11:43.58 there is a world church that is praying for them. 00:11:43.61\00:11:46.81 And if you like to find out 00:11:46.84\00:11:47.87 more information about Global Mission Centers 00:11:47.90\00:11:50.60 simply go to adventistmission.org, 00:11:50.63\00:11:54.04 adventistmission.org 00:11:54.07\00:11:55.34 and there you will find much more information contact details 00:11:55.37\00:11:58.64 because they are there to serve the church to more effectively. 00:11:58.67\00:12:02.31 Build bridges to our brothers and sisters 00:12:02.34\00:12:04.88 who come from vastly different faith, 00:12:04.91\00:12:06.77 traditions than most of us. 00:12:06.80\00:12:08.78 It's my privilege and pleasure to introduce our guest 00:12:55.10\00:12:58.13 who is my colleague and friend Dr. Richard Elofer. 00:12:58.16\00:13:01.95 And Dr. Elofer heads up 00:13:01.98\00:13:03.67 the World Jewish Adventist Friendship Center, 00:13:03.70\00:13:06.87 which is one of the Global Mission Centers. 00:13:06.90\00:13:09.39 Richard, thank you so much for joining us. Yeah. 00:13:09.42\00:13:12.27 You are currently based in France. Yes. 00:13:12.30\00:13:15.83 Now, when I first met you, 00:13:15.86\00:13:19.15 you were speaking very good English 00:13:19.18\00:13:21.47 which you still do now 00:13:21.50\00:13:22.55 but that was not your native language. No. 00:13:22.58\00:13:25.88 But you have learned English pretty quickly, 00:13:25.91\00:13:27.91 how did that happen? 00:13:27.94\00:13:29.17 Oh, it was by I would say by force 00:13:29.20\00:13:33.29 because I had to. Right. 00:13:33.32\00:13:36.74 Yeah, I went six month at Noble College, 00:13:36.77\00:13:41.21 just to have the first basic things 00:13:41.24\00:13:45.13 and then I had to speak 00:13:45.16\00:13:47.64 and to learn by myself after that. 00:13:47.67\00:13:50.17 Wow, so you are preaching pretty soon after that. 00:13:50.20\00:13:53.17 Yeah, I had to, yes. Fantastic. 00:13:53.20\00:13:56.38 Richard, the ministry that we have with Jewish people, 00:13:56.41\00:14:03.09 where are we conducting this ministry 00:14:03.12\00:14:04.80 what parts of the world? 00:14:04.83\00:14:06.10 Well, we have this ministry in fact everywhere, 00:14:06.13\00:14:10.23 where Jews are living. 00:14:10.26\00:14:11.94 That means in Israel, in North America, in Canada, 00:14:11.97\00:14:16.74 in different country of South America 00:14:16.77\00:14:20.37 like Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay. 00:14:20.40\00:14:24.20 And we are looking to start new ministries 00:14:24.23\00:14:28.47 in Mexico and Puerto Rico. 00:14:28.50\00:14:31.71 And then we, we are looking 00:14:31.74\00:14:33.57 also to start a new ministry in South Africa. 00:14:33.60\00:14:37.49 We have some people interested by this ministry 00:14:37.52\00:14:41.07 in Pretoria and Johannesburg. 00:14:41.10\00:14:44.15 And also we have of course this ministry in France, 00:14:44.18\00:14:49.01 in Netherlands, in Germany, very soon in Italy. 00:14:49.04\00:14:53.68 And we have also this ministry in Ukraine, 00:14:53.71\00:14:56.69 in Russia, in East European countries, in Poland too 00:14:56.72\00:15:01.68 and right now we have started a new ministry in New Zealand 00:15:01.71\00:15:07.59 and I hope very soon in Australia. Excellent. 00:15:07.62\00:15:11.64 Now you just came back from the South Pacific, 00:15:11.67\00:15:13.84 what did you find there? 00:15:13.87\00:15:16.08 I found a very motivated leaders 00:15:16.11\00:15:22.02 of our Seventh-day Adventist Church's there 00:15:22.05\00:15:24.82 because I was in Brisbane, I was in Sydney 00:15:24.85\00:15:29.54 and in Sydney I met also president 00:15:29.57\00:15:33.21 of the mission conference and Union. 00:15:33.24\00:15:36.15 They were meeting in the South Pacific division office 00:15:36.18\00:15:40.33 and they gave a them a presentation for one hour 00:15:40.36\00:15:44.88 and they were very, very interested 00:15:44.91\00:15:46.64 and afterward they came to me saying that-- 00:15:46.67\00:15:49.67 some of them came to me say they are interested to see me 00:15:49.70\00:15:54.77 starting the ministry in Melbourne 00:15:54.80\00:15:57.05 in Sydney in the South New Zealand Conference 00:15:57.08\00:16:03.62 and also in Polynesia, French Polynesia, Tahiti 00:16:03.65\00:16:09.52 and New Caledonia. Wow. 00:16:09.55\00:16:11.89 All these territories are very interested 00:16:11.92\00:16:14.65 by this ministry. Good. 00:16:14.68\00:16:16.83 Richard, can you please describe for us 00:16:16.86\00:16:20.16 some of the congregations 00:16:20.19\00:16:22.04 that have been established in some parts of the world. 00:16:22.07\00:16:25.39 Okay, we call this congregation Jewish-Adventist Congregation 00:16:25.42\00:16:31.48 because in fact in this congregations 00:16:31.51\00:16:34.41 we would like make the Jews to be comfortable 00:16:34.44\00:16:39.12 in worshiping God 00:16:39.15\00:16:42.70 and that's why we use Hebrews songs 00:16:42.73\00:16:46.75 and Hebrew prayers 00:16:46.78\00:16:49.00 and we use also some artifacts like Tallit. 00:16:49.03\00:16:53.34 You know this shawl of prayer 00:16:53.37\00:16:55.98 and the Kipa that means this small hat 00:16:56.01\00:16:58.56 that Jews have to pray 00:16:58.59\00:17:00.91 and of course in each country 00:17:00.94\00:17:03.93 the sermon in their local language, 00:17:03.96\00:17:06.87 English, Spanish, France, etc. 00:17:06.90\00:17:10.46 But Jews like to seeing them to pray in Hebrews 00:17:10.49\00:17:13.60 because that reminds them 00:17:13.63\00:17:15.51 what they did in the synagogue before. Yeah. 00:17:15.54\00:17:19.33 Now, can you describe some of the-- 00:17:19.36\00:17:21.96 I mean different sizes and different places. 00:17:21.99\00:17:25.92 I know in South America 00:17:25.95\00:17:27.06 there are some quite large groups. 00:17:27.09\00:17:28.28 Oh, yeah, we have large groups 00:17:28.31\00:17:30.34 and just that the two weeks ago at the end of August 00:17:30.37\00:17:35.41 they had division meeting 00:17:35.44\00:17:40.63 With all the leaders from Brazil, 00:17:40.66\00:17:42.99 Argentina, Chile, Uruguay. 00:17:43.02\00:17:46.26 This meeting was lead by Dr. Dr Reinaldo Seiquera 00:17:46.29\00:17:50.32 who is a leader for the South America division 00:17:50.35\00:17:54.58 and that went very, very well 00:17:54.61\00:17:57.28 because we have this meeting 00:17:57.31\00:17:58.55 now regularly almost every year 00:17:58.58\00:18:02.03 and as people can't right. 00:18:02.06\00:18:04.99 And in North America we have a very nice ministry too 00:18:05.02\00:18:11.19 because we have about 25 congregations 00:18:11.22\00:18:15.14 in North America led by Ralph Ringer 00:18:15.17\00:18:20.77 who is a coordinator for North America Division 00:18:20.80\00:18:25.02 and we have every year in August 00:18:25.05\00:18:29.37 just before ASI Convention. 00:18:29.40\00:18:32.97 And you are talking language that people may not understand 00:18:33.00\00:18:35.78 ASI is like a lay Adventist organization. 00:18:35.81\00:18:38.61 Yeah. Yeah. 00:18:38.64\00:18:40.10 We have an advisory, North America advisory 00:18:40.13\00:18:45.13 and then we have the news on many things-- 00:18:45.16\00:18:50.56 many news about what happen in this ministry. 00:18:50.59\00:18:53.34 So you have basically a network of people 00:18:53.37\00:18:55.95 who are leading different congregations 00:18:55.98\00:18:57.80 and you come together to plan, 00:18:57.83\00:18:59.88 to learn from each other and see what can be improved. 00:18:59.91\00:19:02.45 Yeah, we had in May the World Advisory 00:19:02.48\00:19:06.48 and this World Advisory was held in Kiev in Ukraine 00:19:06.51\00:19:12.95 and we have about 50 people coming from all over the world 00:19:12.98\00:19:17.83 to attend this meeting and to give views 00:19:17.86\00:19:20.19 and to share what happening is in many countries. Fantastic. 00:19:20.22\00:19:27.10 I think for many of our viewers 00:19:27.13\00:19:28.55 this will come as news to them 00:19:28.58\00:19:30.29 of what the flourishing ministry there is, 00:19:30.32\00:19:32.05 but thank you Richard, for sharing. 00:19:32.08\00:19:34.28 Viewers at home, a wonderful ministry, 00:19:34.31\00:19:36.12 not an easy ministry 00:19:36.15\00:19:37.78 but one that we are called to do build bridges 00:19:37.81\00:19:41.16 because you know too often there has been a distance 00:19:41.19\00:19:44.33 between the Christian church 00:19:44.36\00:19:46.37 and our Jewish brothers and sisters 00:19:46.40\00:19:48.95 to whom we owe so much. 00:19:48.98\00:19:50.85 Christof and his family moved from a crowded city 00:20:05.13\00:20:08.02 in Germany to a remote community in Portugal. 00:20:08.05\00:20:11.49 They wanted to be closer to God and to one another. 00:20:11.52\00:20:15.15 Their new home looks out on to a beautiful mountain range. 00:20:15.18\00:20:18.78 Here Christof and his brother's 00:20:18.81\00:20:20.79 have the biggest play ground they could wish for. 00:20:20.82\00:20:24.00 When Christof's family arrived, 00:20:24.03\00:20:25.87 they had a tough time making friends 00:20:25.90\00:20:27.62 in their new community. 00:20:27.65\00:20:29.03 They didn't know the language 00:20:29.06\00:20:30.36 and it was awkward relating to people 00:20:30.39\00:20:32.07 from the completely different culture. 00:20:32.10\00:20:34.72 So, Christof and his mom decided 00:20:34.75\00:20:36.63 to simply help people in their village, 00:20:36.66\00:20:38.94 after all there are no barriers for lending a helping hand. 00:20:38.97\00:20:43.36 One day, Christof met a goat herder 00:20:43.39\00:20:45.74 and he asked the man 00:20:45.77\00:20:46.80 if he could help take care of his goats. 00:20:46.83\00:20:49.20 The man pleasantly agreed and he began to teach Christof 00:20:49.23\00:20:52.57 how to care for these playful animals. 00:20:52.60\00:20:54.98 After a bit of time spent together, 00:20:55.01\00:20:57.09 Christof learned that his new friend Antonio 00:20:57.12\00:20:59.74 Did not know how to read or write. 00:20:59.77\00:21:02.36 So Christof offered to read stories 00:21:02.39\00:21:04.32 to his new friend on his next visit. 00:21:04.35\00:21:06.93 Christof was eager to share the beautiful messages 00:21:06.96\00:21:09.54 he had learned in the Bible. 00:21:09.57\00:21:11.08 So he brought his favorite book with him. 00:21:11.11\00:21:13.14 As he read Antonio listened attentively. 00:21:13.17\00:21:16.69 He was happy to have someone read to him 00:21:16.72\00:21:19.15 and these were special messages from the word of God. 00:21:19.18\00:21:23.02 On one occasion, Antonio told Christof 00:21:23.05\00:21:25.55 that he believes there is a God in heaven. 00:21:25.58\00:21:28.11 Antonio also shared that years ago 00:21:28.14\00:21:31.54 his grandma believed in a Sabbath 00:21:31.57\00:21:33.27 as God's day for rest and worship. 00:21:33.30\00:21:36.14 Christof is really happy to find a friend 00:21:36.17\00:21:38.40 he could share the Bible with. 00:21:38.43\00:21:40.04 Today, Christof has his own goats. 00:21:40.07\00:21:42.65 He cares for them everyday with his brothers. 00:21:42.68\00:21:45.33 The goats are lot of fun. 00:21:45.36\00:21:47.71 Christof and his family 00:21:47.74\00:21:48.90 thank God for the wonderful blessing 00:21:48.93\00:21:50.97 He gives each one of us. 00:21:51.00\00:21:53.05 Why don't you try listening to God's voice 00:21:53.08\00:21:55.62 and sharing his amazing stories with others. 00:21:55.65\00:21:58.62 You never know what exciting gift 00:21:58.65\00:22:00.91 God will bring to your life. 00:22:00.94\00:22:03.19 If you enjoy these images of mission 00:22:10.50\00:22:12.57 you will be happy to know 00:22:12.60\00:22:13.63 that the new Adventist mission calendar, 00:22:13.66\00:22:16.64 this beautiful calendar will keep 00:22:16.67\00:22:18.09 the people in places of mission 00:22:18.12\00:22:19.69 in front of you everyday. 00:22:19.72\00:22:21.88 If you live in North America 00:22:21.91\00:22:23.11 please accept this free gift as a small thanks 00:22:23.14\00:22:26.34 for your prayers and support. 00:22:26.37\00:22:28.24 Just call toll free 1800-648-5824 00:22:28.27\00:22:33.27 or visit our website 00:22:33.30\00:22:34.68 and ask for the Adventist mission calendar 00:22:34.71\00:22:37.68 or offer 305. 00:22:37.71\00:22:40.33 Be sure to mention the calendar or offer 305. 00:22:40.36\00:22:45.48 Well I hope you have enjoyed today's program. 00:22:45.51\00:22:47.52 Thank you, again for your continuing support 00:22:47.55\00:22:50.16 of Adventist mission through your prayers, 00:22:50.19\00:22:52.45 personal involvement and finances. 00:22:52.48\00:22:55.15 As we close I hope You'll find inspiration 00:22:55.18\00:22:57.89 for mission in this music video. 00:22:57.92\00:23:00.67 For Adventist mission I'm Gary Krause 00:23:00.70\00:23:02.55 and I hope you can join us next time, 00:23:02.58\00:23:04.58 right here on Global Mission Snapshots. 00:23:04.61\00:23:07.20 Trust in the Lord with all your heart 00:23:59.75\00:24:05.15 Lean not on your own understanding 00:24:05.18\00:24:10.90 In all your ways acknowledge Him 00:24:10.93\00:24:16.06 And He shall direct your paths 00:24:16.09\00:24:22.16 Do not be wise in your own eyes 00:24:22.19\00:24:27.72 Fear the Lord and depart from evil 00:24:27.75\00:24:33.71 It will be health to your flesh 00:24:33.74\00:24:38.57 And it will be strength 00:24:38.60\00:24:40.60 to your bones 00:24:40.63\00:24:46.87 Honor the Lord Honor the Lord 00:24:46.90\00:24:51.63 With all you have to offer 00:24:51.66\00:24:58.53 Even the small Even the small 00:24:58.56\00:25:03.24 Is enough to bring honor 00:25:03.27\00:25:10.11 Trust in the Lord with all your heart 00:25:34.19\00:25:38.44 And lean not on your own understanding 00:25:38.47\00:25:43.04 In all your ways acknowledge Him 00:25:43.07\00:25:47.60 And He shall direct your paths 00:25:47.63\00:25:52.29 Do not be wise in your own eyes 00:25:52.32\00:25:56.91 Fear the Lord and depart from evil 00:25:56.94\00:26:01.49 It will be health to your flesh 00:26:01.52\00:26:05.83 And it will be strength to your bones 00:26:05.86\00:26:13.13 Honor the Lord Honor the Lord 00:26:13.16\00:26:17.82 With all you have to offer 00:26:17.85\00:26:24.25 Even the small Even the small 00:26:24.28\00:26:28.90 Is enough to bring honor 00:26:28.93\00:26:35.15 Honor the Lord Honor the Lord 00:26:35.18\00:26:39.63 With your humble service 00:26:39.66\00:26:45.92 Honor the Lord Honor the Lord 00:26:45.95\00:26:50.48 This is your purpose 00:26:50.51\00:26:57.06