On Saturday, April 27th, the Chaplains of Hope training in Ontario, California, was electric—this is the best way we know how to report it! Two conferences were represented: Acts2Day and Golden West. We had nine churches: four IPHC and five independent ministries.
The two church planters from Indonesia are working with Acts2Day Ministries. Pastors Johannes Tarigan and Yusak Ferry did a great job recruiting. Sister Vanity Ramos, a key leader in our church planting efforts in Los Angeles, hosted the event.
Thirty-nine individuals completed the training and received certificates. Many were from Indonesia and the Philippines. Two participants came from Casa Grande, Arizona, and five came from Bakersfield, California.
The class was so eager to receive and learn. They drew the ministry out of the instructors. The level of interest and encouragement was powerful and productive. It was a blessing to see God do what God does so often. When we go in obedience with a commitment to reach those who are overlooked and neglected, God always provides. Heaven will never allow a redemptive effort to go lacking.
One of the independent pastors generously offered $1,000.00, and others contributed another $800.00. This will cover the training expenses well.
A value of the Chaplains of Hope Lead Team is to provide these trainings at no charge for the students.
This group of chaplain students is excited to receive additional levels of training as they move toward full certification.
Chaplains of Hope is on a determined journey to partner with the local church in this fresh expression of ministry and Gospel effort to become demonstrations of love and depositors of hope.
On May 3 and 4, we were blessed by the Frontline Ministries in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, hosting our third Chaplains of Hope training. We had Bishop Garry Bryant joining us, as well as the Hispanic Ministries Director, Luis Avila, and Media Director, Mike Pickett, for the Global Ministries Center.
Our new administrative assistant, Cherrie Alvarado, was introduced for the first time! We are excited to have her on the Evangelism USA team, focusing on the Chaplains of Hope and Mission 25 ministries.
Pastor Debbie Burpo and Pastor Dustin did an amazing job hosting the event and providing great meals and snacks. We had 17 attendees from six different churches, a huge blessing. While our numbers were not as many as in the past, we had a large coverage of coverage and national ministries.
Pastor Craig Lawlis is making plans for a follow-up Level One training soon, increasing our numbers for Level Two training to be done soon. There was excitement, tears, and a spirit of accepting the challenge with four great action plans written. God is blessing our efforts to challenge and equip the local church to impact their communities for the Kingdom of God.
Moving forward!!
