Florida FREE | BIBLE MISSIONARY & WORK Training Center http://www.floridafree.org A Free Bible & Missions Training School Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:05:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Christmas in Uganda http://www.floridafree.org/2011/12/26/christmas-in-uganda/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/12/26/christmas-in-uganda/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:05:28 +0000 missgay http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2206  

My bag is packed and I am ready to leave for the Promise Land…Uganda, AFRICA.  My Christmas this year will be spent leading a national EV team. When you tell God you are willing, you’d better mean it! I will be eating African food and not seeing any other American till next year. How do I feel? A little bit of everything!! Please tell the students that if you obey God and do well in BMW,God will use you for things that you never thought of before! A month ago I was living in Canada, and now I am getting ready to lead a Uganda Team and to help run a Boot Camp. I miss Florida and my family BUT this is when I cling to my Savior and step off the cliff of faith into His mighty Hand!

 

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Josiah Frey

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/12/26/christmas-in-uganda/feed/ 0 The Book of Revelation and Ministry http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/15/the-book-of-revelation-and-ministry/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/15/the-book-of-revelation-and-ministry/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:38:53 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2187 Why the Book of Revelation is Important to the Ministry of a Christian: when asking this question, various other questions arise. Why is it important to MY ministry? Is the book important to the person who is unsaved? Why was the book written in the first place? What is its purpose today? The processes in which one would take to fully answer these questions would take an entire book, and even then one could never fully answer them. The reason for this is that the Word of God is alive. Hebrews 2:4 states: “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (KJV)”. Therefore, because the word of God is alive, it will speak differently to one person than it would to another. I will endeavor to present how this book has spoken into my life and how it should affect my ministry. The book of Revelation includes much more than just prophecy about the end times. It includes seven distinct letters to the seven prominent churches of John’s day. Any christian can look at these letters and find something that will convict them; these words cat truly cut to the heart. Any given church of our day can find at least one (or many) of these letters that would apply to them. Each of these letters starts out with the Spirit telling them that He knows the works that each one of them does. This should be testament enough that God does care what we do. It is not enough to just live a hunky-dory, happy-go-lucky Christian life; we really do need to be DOING ”stuff” for God. Just what is all this ”stuff”? According to the church at Ephesus it is, patience, defiance of those who are evil, and laboured for the sake of Christ. Some of the other letters include topics such as poverty, richness in Christ, steadfastness to Christ amid persecution, their love, service, patience, faith… and the list goes on. This should be enough to place a guilt trip on the the church. Actually, it is enough to give me the hebiegeebees. Looking at my life, I pale in comparison to the standard these churches (save for a few) set forth as an example of the Christian walk. This scenario gets worse the deeper I look into it. In contrast to the good the text says about these churches, it lists much of what they were doing wrong. Some of these churches have a seemingly good report, yet they have failed in so many key areas. How much worse am I? I am sometimes fearful when it comes to examining my own life; what will I find hidden deep in the crevices of my heart? Each of the letters end with, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches”(NKJV). Yes, I should examine my own life and search out what there is that is not pleasing to God, my Savior, the One who loves even me. These seven individual letters are written to prepare the hearts of the readers before they hear about the impending judgment that is coming soon upon the whole earth. The intent seems to be for the hearers to realize their wrongdoing, do something about it, and get their hearts right in the eyes of God before they can fully grasp the meaning of the prophecy which they are about to hear. This should spur us on in the ongoing battle of our flesh to become more like Christ. The book of Revelation is God’s Word to us about the things that will happen at the end of times. He is giving us a glimpse, a peak into what life will be like when He finally brings His program of this age to an end. The Christian must be aware of what will happen at the end times. We know from the history of the last 100 years and the prophecies contained in the Bible that the end is immanent. We know that some of the things foretold in Rev. 6 have begun to take place, proving that we are indeed living in the last days. We are called to be a light to the world,. This entails warning those around us that this end is near, much nearer that what many of them realize. How can we know whether or not the end is near if we do not apply ourselves to the study of the prophecies? Thus the study of Revelation is of utmost importance in our search for the understanding of what is going to take place at the end. If we do not know for ourselves what the Bible says about the end times, we will fall for any wind of doctrine that comes along our way. Many of the revered theologians and great thinkers of the past have set forth some preposterous theories about what will happen in the end times. Much of what is written in the Bible is allegorical, leaving much of the Scripture open to interpretation. Extreme caution must be headed when this approach is taken. If you take too much of the Bible allegorically you will end up not taking anything for truth. It is apparent, however, that some of the things mentioned in the Bible are allegorical. The description of the Woman, the Man Child, and the Dragon is evidently describing something else. But when you read about 1000 years when the great tempter is bound it is aparent that that really is what the Bible is talking about. When we have these things written on our hearts we will not be easly strayed from the truth. The truth that The Bible is the inspired, inherent Word of God. All of the prophecies in the Old Testament are vital to the understanding of the nature of God. When God spoke to the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others like them including Jesus’ own explanation of the end times, He is giving us a picture of what His nature really is. It is one of love and compassion to those who, in turn, love God. On the other hand, He is a God of wrath upon those who work iniquity. It is imperative to have an understanding of who God is before one can truly love Him and serve Him effectively. The book of Revelation sums up this mystery started back in Genesis. (The mystery of God can never be fully understood. Human reasoning alone cannot begin to unveil the mystery of God. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can have some insight into intricate nature of God). Revelation is the end of the compilation of the 66 books of the Bible, finishing the work that God started back in Genesis. We Get to know more about who God is and what He expects out of His creation. Looking at the book of Revelation we see that He is not entirely pleased with it all, and it will eventually be destroyed. The key theme in Revelations, is that God cannot stand sin. The long and short of it is just that. Our calling in life, should be to stamp out the darkness by shining the light of Jesus Christ to those around us. In what ways does this book affect my ministry? It should spur me on to reach the lost, the ones who are dying everyday without Christ. Knowing what Revelation implies about the nature of God, we should strive even harder for the lost. God is just. He will not let evil near His presence; therefor, He will punish the evildoer for his actions. Revelation 20 describes the lake of fire, burning with fire and brimstone. Such is the end of all who are not written in the book of life. If we truly love those whom we are commanded to love, then this should be appalling me as a Christian. Evangelism is a key component to the Christian life and no book is further apt to proving why this is necessary than Revelation. “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7) We, as Christians, should be greatly encouraged by this verse. We are will be blessed when we endeavor to study Revelations. The promise is that Christ will come soon and we must be ready. We ready ourselves by adhering to the commands in Scripture and, as mentioned in the verse above, keeping the words of this prophecy. This study on Revelations has affected my life in various ways. One of them being that God does care about His creation. First He cared enough to send His son to be the lamb that was slain for my sins, and second that He would care enough to give us this book of warning of what will happen to those who will not adhere to the teachings of Christ. Another way Revelations has made an impression on me is the worship mentioned within its covers. The worship of God is probably one of the main revolving themes in Revelations. The shear greatness of the songs sung unto God is a testament of its importance. Perhaps we, as Christians, do not apply enough reverence to this action that is required by God. I have been incredibly blessed to have the hand of a loving Creator on my life, directing my paths. The study of Revelations is vital to the walk of a Christian. By it we know the nature of God, His loving kindness and His Justice that uplift the chosen and condemn the wrongdoers . We are assured that the Bible is linked together through the prophesies mentioned in the Old Testament to the ones talked about in Revelations. We also know how our conduct as Christians should be. The book also shows the importance of personal evangelism. Wrapping all of this up. We should aspire to live out Word of God to our highest potential.

 

Samuel Drawbond

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/15/the-book-of-revelation-and-ministry/feed/ 0 Let the Children Come http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/08/let-the-children-come/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/08/let-the-children-come/#comments Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:48:11 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2184 Jesus of Nazareth: “but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” Kids are a blessing and I have the privilege of spending 2 hours with 20 kids on Wednesday nights. I am always shocked by the spiritual emptiness within children nowadays. The Bible tells us to have faith as a small child; today we are filling kids’ minds with empty trash! I praise the Lord for the time I can spend with kids. They are so hungry for God; they seek love in anyone they can find it. God is what they need and God has given me the opportunity to show them what God’s love truly is. On Wednesday nights I play with children at a church ministry. I also get to teach them about God and the love He has for them! I have been able to put much of what I have learned at BMW to practice.
-Joshua Adams, BMW-Fifth Term

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/08/let-the-children-come/feed/ 0 Sharing Christ in South Africa http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/07/sharing-the-gospel-in-south-africa/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/07/sharing-the-gospel-in-south-africa/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:25:31 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2179 BMW has prepared us for our ministry. We couldn’t see it as clear when we were going through it but God reminds us everyday of the ways He prepared us through BMW. May God bless you for your ministry to the students and thank you for your devotion. Lives are being impacted through your faith. God Bless.

     October has been a pretty busy month as we have all been gearing up for our national boot camp in December. Painting and fixing up obstacles for the O.C. such as: the Ten Plagues, the books of the Bible and the Ten Commandments were on our to-do list, as well as preparing Leader Seminar notebooks and folding brochures.

     Justin has been busy learning and taking over the overseeing of BMW work-time, scheduling, outreach and reporting. He’s also becoming a real Mr. Fix-It! Between trouble shooting and working on the river pump and bread printer – which often seem to be giving some fit or another, fixing the base washing machine and repairing blown out water pipes, he’s really been working on his maintenance skills. Justin also gave the “bakkie” (the base truck) a little makeover with an oil, air filter and fuel filter change. 

     Shannon has been staying busy with overseeing the KP and the kitchen inventory. She really enjoys spending that time with the students, and they sure keep her laughing – especially our male students who culturally do not cook (several of them never cooked a single meal before coming to Teen Missions!). Shannon enjoys trying to bring the “inner chef” out of them. She has also been doing some landscaping around the conference center and the rest of the base – planting, watering, weeding – working on that green thumb and trying to keep everything looking nice.  Another ongoing project has been helping out with office work, organizing paperwork and reports, etc. Shannon also photocopied all of the first year MSSM paperwork for the Zimbabwe base and has helped prepare the retreat center for our retreat guests. Missions II class has been going well; she just had her mid-term exams on the 31st of October and she’s enjoying teaching.     

     We had a couple visits to the Doctor to get our medical exams and x-rays for our visas. We are still waiting on our letter of no objection from our previous employers to arrive in the mail for our Malawi visa, but everything else should be ready to go and as soon as it arrives we’ll mail it all to Malawi. We applied for our volunteer visa for South Africa today (Nov. 3rd) and everything went very smoothly.

    This month we celebrated Shannon’s 28th birthday! Karen baked a delicious chocolate cake for everyone to enjoy. In his free time Justin has been practicing his gardening skills by planting a little watermelon patch by our house. He has put a lot of hard work and nurturing into it (hoeing it all up by hand, fertilizing, watering diligently, etc.) and we look forward to reaping a “sweet” harvest! :)

     Each Friday afternoon the staff and students have an afternoon of prayer from 1:30-3:00. This month we each had the opportunity to lead the prayer time – Justin led prayer for the base one week, and Shannon led prayer for the Middle East another. It’s a blessing to have that time set aside each week to intercede for needs, for the lost and for our brothers and sisters around the world.  

      Our Saturday outreach has been blessing us so very much! We spent most of October going on the “Samaritan Ladies Outreach”, which is our outreach to the local prostitutes. Our hearts break when we here so many of their stories: Pretty, a 15 year old girl who listened to us share, but kept saying she just needed money. A 38 year old widow with four young children let us pray for her after we shared one week, but the next week she yelled angrily that “because of our prayers” the police had come and pepper sprayed her and chased her away. Peggy Sue listened intently and said she wanted to accept Jesus, but the next day on our way to church we saw her on the same street corner. Pray for her. It’s so exciting to be able to offer these women Words of Life and freedom in Jesus Christ from the bondage of sin and death. We don’t go to condemn them; we know that without Jesus they are condemned already. We just go to love them and to speak the truth. Their sin isn’t worse than anybody else’s just because it’s more blatant; God’s transforming power can do amazing things and we look forward in anticipation to what He will continue to do through this ministry! Last Saturday (Oct. 29th) we had such an encouraging time sharing with Charity. We shared Jeremiah 29:11-13. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit was working on her heart. We then shared a salvation message. She said that she wanted to accept Jesus, so she prayed and then we prayed for her as well. She is Zimbabwean and has two small children back in Zimbabwe staying with her mother. She travels back & forth for a few weeks or a month at a time, and she comes to South Africa just to make money by selling her body. We prayed that God would lead her and guide her in her walk with Him, that she would be able to get involved with a good Bible believing church fellowship and that God would provide a good paying job in Zimbabwe so that she can be with her children. While we were talking to Charity, a lady named Vanessa came and she had an encouraging testimony to share. A few weeks before some of the BMW students had prayed that God would provide a different work for her. She was given a temporary job for two weeks, but afterward she was obviously back on the street again. The encouraging part was that she said that the money from the temporary job didn’t spend as quickly as the money she receives working on the street – she could see the difference. Pray that God keeps working on her heart and opening her eyes to His will for her life – that He wants her to trust in Him and He longs to be her provider.  

        As you can see it has been a good month and a busy month! We are continually reminded of God’s goodness and His faithfulness. We look forward to see what else He has in store for us and our ministry. God’s blessings be upon you all!

In His Service,                                                                                                                                      

Justin & Shannon O’Hara

Praises:

                *Good Health, Safety & Protection

                *South Africa visa is being processed

                *God’s Provision

Prayer Requests:

                *Spiritual Growth

                *Our Marriage – that God would be honored through it and that we would fulfill our spousal roles well.

                *Continued Health, Safety & Protection

                *God’s will to be done concerning our Malawi visa

 

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/07/sharing-the-gospel-in-south-africa/feed/ 0 Northern News http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/01/northern-news/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/01/northern-news/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:17:49 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2167 Greetings from the cold north! I can’t believe how fast the time is going by. Since coming to Canada I have traveled over 3,500 miles doing promotions. I am so thankful for the safety God has given me in all of my travels. I have gotten to meet many missionaries from all over the world. Hearing the speakers at the conferences has helped me grow in my faith.

I am adjusting well to life here in Outlook, SK. I was coming home from a missions conference after driving 11 hours it was good to be back in my little room in my own bed. I am getting to know people in my church and people in the community. I also am getting to know the mission reps as we go to different events. Friday I am heading to Millar Bible College for a youth conference. I am going to do two seminars. One of them will be on Islam and the other on being a missionary. I am a little nervous so please pray for me. I am learning to walk in the gifts God has given me.  God has given us each gifts and we need to follow what God has given us to do.

Being a missionary is not just going to the lost and sharing the light. It is being willing to clean the bathrooms while others fellowship; It is being willing to pray because you feel others burdens; Giving words of encouragement when others are down; Being an example in your community and to fellow believers. Being a missionary is coolest job in the world and I am so happy that God has chosen me to be one.

Blessings,

Josiah Frey

2 Cor 4:16-18

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/11/01/northern-news/feed/ 0 Grasshoppers in Cameroon http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/31/grasshoppers-in-cameroon/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/31/grasshoppers-in-cameroon/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:16:41 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2159 Teaching at the Bible School, sharing devotions in chapel, evangelizing in the nearby villages, and cookign achu (which is made from yams, similar to mashed potatoes) for the Bible school students are some of the events we have had the privilege of being a part of here in Cameroon this past month.
We are working on getting the Motorcycle Sunday School Ministry into full swing. We appreciate your prayers over the two men who are the circuit riders. They have been adjusting to riding the bike on bumpy, slippery roads. With the dry season upon us, we can assume that the traveling for them will be smoother.
Getting to know the local children has been a delight as we encourage them in the faith through the weekly “Good News Club.” Taking walks with Malachi in the stroller always seems to draw a crowd and it is an easy way to dialogue with the kids about who Jesus is and how he brought us salvation from our sins on the cross. This past Sunday, as a group of these children were vying for the opportunity to push Malachi in the stroller, I talked with them about the lesson from the Good News Club that day. They told me that they learned the importance of obeying their mom and dad, and loving one another. It was encouraging to know that these Bible lessons were not falling upon deaf ears.
One of the valuable aspects of the Bible, Missionary, Work School is the opportunity the students and staff have as we take part in weekly evangelism in local villages. In school, the students are gaining knowledge of the Bible and inquiring to know how to correctly apply it in life and ministry. They are enthusiastic in learning the timeless truths in evangelism, and through this ministry they are inspired to press on to know Christ more. Most recently, Taylor led the students through local housing compounds and shared the Gospel door to door. They were well received and were able to encourage and pray with many people.
When Taylor and I first came to Cameroon as teenagers on a summer Teen Missions trip in 2005, we met two little, twin boys who touched our hearts with their spirited laughter and sincere smiles. I, Rebekah, would sit with them and hold them on my lap, singing songs and telling stories – when I left Cameroon at the end of that summer, I looked at those boys, not knowing that I would ever see them again, and said a silent prayer over their futures. We have been reunited with them and though they are grown and much more reserved, we still enjoy eachothers’ company. They pass by the Teen Missions base everyday on their walk home from school to say “hello.” They have taken a liking to my baking, and so I have invited them and one of their friends (who is a Muslim) to come and bake with me once a week. Most recently we have baked pumpkin bread and read through the letter of 2 Timothy together. We are going to continue baking and studying scripture together weekly. This coming week we are each going to have memorized James 1: 2 – 3 and will be making cinnamon pancakes.
With the transitioning of seasons (rainy to dry) come the “mungwee.” The mungwee (as they are called locally) are a type of grasshopper that is eaten here. One boy exclaimed in excitement to us that they are “Manna from Heaven!” We have begun construction of a structure where there will be lights posted to attract the bugs and barrels to then catch them in. The students and staff will eat to their fill of the protein enriched “mungwee” and then they are planning to sell the excess to further support the Bible school.
Many other great things are happening here that we have the privilege to be a part of. Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do in supporting us prayerfully and financially. We pray that God blesses you richly this fall season.
In Christ,
Taylor, Rebekah, and Malachi White
Romans 1:16
]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/31/grasshoppers-in-cameroon/feed/ 0 Serving in the Sunshine http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/25/serving-in-the-sunshine/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/25/serving-in-the-sunshine/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:30:20 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2115 Since I have started my internship, I have finished many projects for Teen Missions: promotional videos, summer scrapbook videos, and other small projects. The Sign Post video devotionals are also projects that we are always busy doing here in the Video Department. Sometimes I have a few to edit or, when I’m not editing, I am supervising the editing or the production of our Sign Post videos. In some ways, I am now responsible for the Video Department. I help by supervising the work that goes on in our department, suggest and research better equipment or methodologies of work, and also train the students in the skills necessary to produce videos; or at least I teach them the little that I know.

Out side of Teen Missions, my life consists of my wife, a couple personal projects, and ministry with my youth group where I play piano with the worship band. I have been married for less than a year (Dec, 2010) and can say that marriage was created by God to bless and mold man to grow into his responsibilities. In my spiritual walk, I have been trying to learn how to dedicate more time to learning what it takes to be a godly man and how to have God in the center of all the things I do. I have been learning to control my temper and my mouth and to wait patiently, knowing that God will work things out for my good. I am learning through every step to trust God in all my decisions and in the way I manage my life and my family.

Akeline Santos

 

I began my internship working in the MSSM department, writing publications for Teen Missions. It was nice to work in that department because you learn a lot about the orphans and Motorcycle Sunday School circuits, which I knew little about. Before the summer began, I was moved to the Computer Department. I still help write some for MSSM, but mostly I do writing and work on Teen Mission’s websites.

I think one key thing God has given me during my internship is being well rounded in skills that I have been developing since I have worked in three different departments. And, as always, I am learning to be flexible and willing to be where I am needed most.

It has been a busy seven months and I know that I have grown spiritually, though some days it feels like I have grown more than others. I try to remind myself that whether it’s learning how to be humble, having a servant’s heart (especially pertaining to being a wife), or just having a willing spirit, that God is always shaping me closer to His image. I hold onto that, knowing that whatever I face, God has my best interests at heart.

Bobbie Santos

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/25/serving-in-the-sunshine/feed/ 0 Special Events http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/24/special-events/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/24/special-events/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:50:13 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2103 Here at Teen Missions, we have many different ways of equipping the students for ministry.  Some of these methods are inclusive of the students as we train them to be leaders and missionaries.  We also reach out into the community to teach skills in evangelism and in dealing with people.  These events are a time of learning, growing, and maturing into the Christians and missionaries that God desires them to be.

The Appalachian Trail

The Way of the Master

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/24/special-events/feed/ 0 Serving in Australia http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/17/serving-in-australia/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/17/serving-in-australia/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:25:10 +0000 Allie Kozlowski http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2053 Todd is currently working outside his recent jobs have been to fix obstacle course walls, watering trees, cleaning, painting the Jacob’s ladder. Rosemary has been placed in the office with Andrew and Rena, and Mike.  We are working on making lesson plans for the BMW program.We are still working on the final stages of accreditation. It has been granted accreditation, but because of auditing, there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be made and that is what Rosemary is doing from 8 to 5 with the rest of the staff and with Conner, a BMW student.

]]> http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/17/serving-in-australia/feed/ 0 Florida Free Promo http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/17/florida-free-promo/ http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/17/florida-free-promo/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:42:09 +0000 webmaster http://www.floridafree.org/?p=2043 http://www.floridafree.org/2011/10/17/florida-free-promo/feed/ 0