The Journey Continues

Our missionary updates will continue on our new blog.

http://thebrownmissionaries.blogspot.com/

From Whom All Blessings Flow

Growing up in the Episcopal Church, the Doxology was an oft-sung hymn of praise. Even now, its sacred refrain and familiar melody provide a place of center and focus in my ever-changing world. I recall a heavenly moment in Jamaica when a visiting team gathered in our new dining hall in the building below our apartment to conduct their morning devotions. Concluding with the Doxology, their unaccompanied voices resonated in the unfurnished hall, and the celestial sound echoed out of the open windows of the cement-blocked building. It seemed as if heaven itself joined their voices, as praises to God rang out across New Vision’s acreage. It was a holy moment.

At New Vision City of Refuge, we enjoyed the diverse ministry teams of college students and youth groups, construction workers and homemakers, teachers and mechanics. Although most teams were from our own fellowship, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Baptists, and Methodists were also among our visitors. Interestingly, even though each group preferred a particular style of music, the one song that everyone knew was the Doxology. Seemingly, when personality and preferences may conflict and divide, sacred anthems effectively transcend and unite.

I have been devoting much of my time recently meditating on the Doxology. When I consider the changes and transitions God is leading my family through, I need the Doxology to focus my attention on praise and adoration of the Holy One who transcends time and eternity. Recently, the Lord has made it clear to us that our season of ministry in Jamaica has concluded. I pray you understand what a difficult time we have had accepting this; we are grieving our loss.

However, the Lord has not left us without hope or direction. We are now preparing to reach the orphans and students of our neighboring country as missionaries to Mexico. I fervently ask that you continue to pray and support us through this challenging transition. We have much to accomplish before language school starts on August 26, in Costa Rica. Within the next few days, we are traveling to Jamaica to retrieve our personal belongings, sell our furniture, and say goodbye to our beloved New Vision family. Upon our return to Indiana, we will only have two days to pack for language school. We need you now more than ever.

I am so thankful for the magnificent God that we serve and for the Body of Christ; for no matter where we are in the world, right now we can all join and sing:

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow

Praise Him, all creatures here below

Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost

No April Fool

Stuart and Wendy, Paul and Dulcie, Jordan and Becky

When Stuart and I returned to the States to raise our support, the Lord provided two exceptional couples to continue the ministry at New Vision City of Refuge. Jordan and Becky Yoder served as farm manager and registered nurse, respectively. On April 1, Jordan and Becky will complete their term of service and return home. Thank you Jordan and Becky for your hard work and sacrifice. You have been a tremendous blessing to us, the Bushhorn family, and the staff and children at New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home.

The World Missions Summit 2

We had a wonderful experience at the World Missions Summit in Cincinnati this past week. A variety of speakers challenged over 3500 students to give a year to missions and pray about a lifetime. Many responded and prepared to go anywhere and do anything for God.

One especially challenging directive came from an unassuming servant of God shepherding the underground church in a sensitive country. He and his family’s determination to pastor their local congregation in spite of imprisonment and threats of violence humbled us all.

A missionary in one of the most volatile areas of our world today, implored us to try (don’t give up), to cry (proclaim the gospel), and to die (to self). He also reminded us that fear hinders missionary service and impedes the progress of the gospel.

At the Summit, we met many wonderful people like Nureka (pictured above). A native Jamaican, she blessed us with her joyful spirit and willing heart. Although, you may have missed the Summit, you have not missed your opportunity to serve. Please consider giving a year to missions and praying about a lifetime.

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BOCP)

Them Are Fighting Words

Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist. -Oswald J. Smith (1889-1986)

And I wholeheartedly agree. What do you think?

In 1928, Oswald J. Smith started the People's Church for the expressed purpose to send out missionaries. He also instituted faith promise missions giving to facilitate the preaching of the Gospel around the world. To learn more about Oswald J. Smith or the People's Church please visit the following links: http://www.swordofthelord.com/biographies/SmithOswaldJ.htm; http://www.thepeopleschurch.ca/default.asp

Welcome to the Family

“Just because everything is different doesn't mean that everything has changed.” Irene Peter

As parents, we know change with its accompanying growing pains is inevitable, but ultimately rewarding. Our family prepares for yet another change as we return to the States in June for a time of missionary renewal and itineration. Anticipating this transitional year, we have welcomed two couples qualified and called of God to fill in the gap at New Vision City of Refuge.

Paul and Dulcie Bushhorn will act as interim directors at New Vision City of Refuge. The Bushhorn family ministered at another children’s home in Jamaica a couple of years ago and are eagerly anticipating their return to Jamaica. Their love for children, years of ministry experience, and humble hearts will be a welcome asset to New Vision City of Refuge.

Jordan and Becky Yoder will also lend their expertise at New Vision City of Refuge. Graduates of University of Missouri, Jordan earned a degree in Plant Science and Becky is a registered nurse. Jordan will oversee our sprawling farm and care for our growing animal family. Becky will assist our medical teams and oversee the children’s health needs.

Life is full of changes and transitions, but the Lord remains faithful and his foundations firm. We are confident the children and staff at New Vision City of Refuge are in very capable hands.

"The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11

Apply Your Heart To Instruction

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach." Romans 12:6-7
I am just finishing up my first year of teaching at the Assemblies of God Bible College in Christiana, Jamaica. My class of first year students is the largest class the Bible College has seen. They have been exceptional, vibrant and exciting students to teach. Thanks to the encouragement of the General Superintendent of Jamaica, Reverend Conrad Pitkin, education is getting the positive push it needs. Students from all over the island, including graduates of Teen Challenge and members of other denominations, are coming and receiving not only a great education but also ministerial experience in the Pentecostal tradition. In December, fellow missionaries Reverend Steve and Pam Livingston and Academic Dean Reverend Margaret Mills are hosting a missions team to Curacao and taking as many students that are able to go with them. Plans are also in the works to expand the Bible College to allow more students the opportunity to recieve a quality education. This is an exciting time for the Assemblies of God Bible College in Jamaica.

The Love Connection

Olivia and Brittany participate in a team led devotion.
Carrie and Matt Love are fellow Assemblies of God missionaries currently on the itineration trail. They are raising their first term funds to go to the Dominican Republic to work with Latin America ChildCare. Please follow the link below to their website and view the video, "What is a Missionary?" I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it. http://thewaytheyshouldgo.org/media.htm

Here's to Your Health!

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 2
Thirty active children with fiesty personalities means that we deal with a lot of bumps and bruises and colds and flu. So we invited our friend and fellow missionary, Peggy Pyatt, a Registered Nurse, to join us yesterday to teach a First Aid Training Clinic for the staff of New Vision City of Refuge.
More Jamaicans per year die of AIDS than cancer, heart disease or murder. In the Caribbean HIV/AIDS is growing at a staggering rate (the secondest fastest rate in the world) so Peggy and her husband Gary led an HIV/AIDS Awareness class for the staff and teen-agers. They have done similar awareness training at PTAs, public schools and churches all around the island.
Gary and Peggy are the LACC co-ordinators in Jamaica and you can visit their website at www.jamaicachildcare.com.