Save the date - the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) has designated February 14, 2010, as Mission Sunday! As we prepare to begin Great and Holy Lent, all Orthodox Christians have the opportunity to learn about and become involved in the work of missions through the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Coin Box & Lesson Plan Program. Each household receiving a Coin Box can prayerfully fill it with offerings during the Lenten season; the funds collected will contribute to the work of making disciples of all nations. The 2010 OCMC Lesson Plans can be used on Mission Sunday or throughout the Lenten and Paschal seasons, according to the needs of your parish. We pray that this program will educate and inspire the children and youth of your parish about the work of making disciples; and that it will plant a love for missions in the hearts of our Church's future missionaries, priests, supporters, and leaders.
To order your 2010 OCMC Coin Boxes and Lesson Plans, use the attached form, visit http://www.ocmc.org/resources/order_coin_boxes.aspx, or contact OCMC at 1-877-GO-FORTH or coinbox@ocmc.org before January 29 to ensure a February 10 delivery!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Zimbabwe Celebrates the Baptism of 327 Individuals
On December 30th, with the blessing of Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All of Africa, Metropolitan George of Zimbabwe conducted three hundred and twenty-seven baptisms for catechumens in the parish of St. Nektarios in Harare. The majority of the converts were youth and young adults who had completed a catechism class over the past 12 months. Those who assisted His Eminence at the baptismal service were Protopresbyter George Saganis from Athens, and the African priests Fr. Raphel Ganda and Fr. Augustine Moketsi (supported by the SAMP Program of the OCMC) and the newly-ordained Deacon Demetrios Nyandebvu.
Zimbabwe, located just north of South Africa, has a population of 12 million people and is endowed with many natural resources. It has gone through many economic and social changes in the last three decades as it establishes its independence. In the last fifteen years the Orthodox Church has been active in bringing the Light of Christ to this country. Missionary centers are active meeting places for all age groups, offering catechism and the fullness of the liturgical life. In fall of 2009, the first OCMC Teaching Team traveled to Zimbabwe to offer catechetical lessons and offer a sign of love and solidarity to the faithful.
His Eminence George was elected as the Metropolitan of Zimbabwe on October 27, 2004; he has developed three mission centers and a vibrant outreach into the communities, encouraging the growth that has happened in the last few years.
Zimbabwe, located just north of South Africa, has a population of 12 million people and is endowed with many natural resources. It has gone through many economic and social changes in the last three decades as it establishes its independence. In the last fifteen years the Orthodox Church has been active in bringing the Light of Christ to this country. Missionary centers are active meeting places for all age groups, offering catechism and the fullness of the liturgical life. In fall of 2009, the first OCMC Teaching Team traveled to Zimbabwe to offer catechetical lessons and offer a sign of love and solidarity to the faithful.
His Eminence George was elected as the Metropolitan of Zimbabwe on October 27, 2004; he has developed three mission centers and a vibrant outreach into the communities, encouraging the growth that has happened in the last few years.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Building a Support Team: A Missionary Candidate's Perspective
The Call
Ms. Johnson (name changed for confidentiality) smiled at me. After several months of unemployment, she had just found steady work and would be able to make rent. But back rent was overdue. She and her children faced eviction. My new boss Jeanne had secured funds to pay back rent and prevent the Johnsons from joining the ranks of Los Angeles’ eighty thousand homeless.
This was my very first day as an AmeriCorps volunteer with St. Margaret’s Center, serving an impoverished immigrant neighborhood in Lennox, California. And my very first task was to deliver the check that would keep Ms. Johnson and her kids in their apartment.
It was a beautiful start to a tough year. For every Johnson family there were a dozen folks I couldn’t help much. But Christ crucified was on the wall behind me. As the poor of Lennox suffered, Christ our God suffered with them. And his Resurrection promised transformation to all who lifted up tear-filled eyes in faith. Standing at that counter in St. Margaret’s, participating in that transformation, I heard God’s call to lifelong Christian service.
Five years later—this week—I return to Los Angeles and will visit St. Margaret’s. I will hear stories of great success and deep failure. A succession of year-long volunteers like me have done good work. But it is Jeanne and her colleagues, dedicated to lifelong service in the same community, who make real and lasting change.
I write in the midst of preparation for my own lifetime, as God wills, among the peoples of northwest Tanzania. In this newsletter I will answer some frequently asked questions about preparation for long-term OCMC missionary service. And I’ll give a brief overview of the ongoing effort to build up a sustainable support team.
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania and James
Q: "How long is your term of service?"
A: As long as God wills. I have no plans to stop being a long-term missionary, and intend to serve in Tanzania indefinitely.
Q: "What is your budget?"
A: The estimated monthly budget for my ministry is in the neighborhood of $3,500/ month. This is the high end of a calculation that includes training, language school, ongoing education, transport, health care, insurance, support staff back in the States and communication with my large network of supporters, as well as a monthly stipend. To give some perspective, this is about one-quarter of what most non-government organizations spend to maintain American personnel in Africa.
This budget is best sustained by long-term commitments to regular giving. I'm asking God to raise up a team of about fifty faithful parishes, fellowships, families and individuals each committed to investing $20 - $100 per month. These are the partners who will sustain my service for years.
Q: "When do you arrive in Tanzania?"
A: God willing, this coming Spring. This date depends on a number of factors including finance. The first year of my service needs to be fully pledged before travel can be arranged.
Q: "How can I help?"
A: Pray for me. Every day. You probably have a card to place at your home altar as a reminder to lift me up to the service of our God. If you'd like a prayer card, just ask.
Pledge. The core of around fifty supporters committed to monthly giving will keep me in overseas ministry for decades to come.
Pray some more.
Be in touch! Your encouragement and friendship is invaluable.
Pray even more.
Q: "I have an idea!"
A: Glory to God! Thank you! But please remember that I'm not in Tanzania yet. By the spring of 2011 I will be better equipped to handle requests for penpals, donations of items, etc.
Q: "What will be your role with the Church of Mwanza?"
A: The first task upon arrival will be six months, minimum, of full-time language study. I hope to be enrolled in language school for the bulk of this time. Fluency in Swahili is absolutely necessary for me to work competently in the Church of Mwanza.
Once language allows, I will begin duties at the diocesan office in Mwanza in assistance to Metropolitan Jeronymos. My work will enable His Eminence to devote greater energy to pastoring a rapidly-growing local Church.
Many of you know about the idea for a theological and liturgical translation program. This is a very long-term goal. In my first two years of service, I hope to discern what resources are needed to build and sustain such an endeavor.
Q: "When will you come back?"
A: God willing, I’ll visit the US for a few months in the spring of 2012. Subsequent terms of service may last for up to four years. Travel is expensive, and frequent departures from the field of service can be very disruptive to long-term work.
Q: "Tell me about [Church or country that is not Tanzania]."
A: Forgive me, but I probably do not know much. For information about the Orthodox Church in your country of interest, contact OCMC directly.
Q: "Tell me details about your future housing, daily life, etc.”
A: Again, forgive me. I'm really excited about my future missionary life in Tanzania. I look forward to sending back stories filled with details. But I'm not there yet. Given six initial months of language school, it will likely be fall of 2010 before my permanent assignment even begins. I've heard a lot of really great things. But I do not know a lot of details.
Q: "What are you most excited about?
A: Singing the Trisagion in Swahili.
Q: "What are you most worried about?"
A: Myself. I am a sinner and my sins will cause damage and pain. The reason I'm going is the fervent hope and prayer that God's work through my willingness to serve will preserve me in his abundant grace and mercy, and that the glory of God will outshine the glare of my shortcomings.
Q: "I have more questions."
A: Get in touch! You can reach me at j.hargrave@ocmc.org, 239-464-6515 , or by mail at 220 Mason Manatee Way, St. Augustine, FL, 32086.
Building a Support Team
My goal since New Candidate Orientation in April has been to raise up a team of fifty faithful parishes, fellowships, families and individuals committed to regular monthly support of my long-term OCMC missionary service.
The Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of Florida played a major role in my spiritual development and calling. I’ve been honored to visit with OCFs at universities across North America. While college students probably won’t provide the bulk of my financial support this year, their prayers and friendship will sustain me for decades to come.
Over the summer I worked full-time and traveled in Florida as I was able. The support-raising campaign began in May at my home parish of St. Elizabeth’s in Gainesville. It was a great joy to begin my new work among the community that shaped and inspired me to service.
Autumn began with a whirlwind tour through Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky. I made dozens of new friends and had a wonderful experience discovering the Orthodox Christian South.
Late autumn and winter will take me to fewer places for longer periods. After two weeks in southwest Ohio, I joined colleague Felice Stewart for a week of training in Florida, and as of mid October I am spending two weeks in Southern California. November will find me doing linguistics training in Colorado and speaking in British Columbia. December will bring one week of Pre-Field Training at OCMC followed by final preparations for departure and Christmas with family in Cincinnati.
In the Spring, God willing, I will begin six months of Swahili language school in Tanzania. However, my first year of service needs to be fully pledged before travel plans can be made.
Ms. Johnson (name changed for confidentiality) smiled at me. After several months of unemployment, she had just found steady work and would be able to make rent. But back rent was overdue. She and her children faced eviction. My new boss Jeanne had secured funds to pay back rent and prevent the Johnsons from joining the ranks of Los Angeles’ eighty thousand homeless.
This was my very first day as an AmeriCorps volunteer with St. Margaret’s Center, serving an impoverished immigrant neighborhood in Lennox, California. And my very first task was to deliver the check that would keep Ms. Johnson and her kids in their apartment.
It was a beautiful start to a tough year. For every Johnson family there were a dozen folks I couldn’t help much. But Christ crucified was on the wall behind me. As the poor of Lennox suffered, Christ our God suffered with them. And his Resurrection promised transformation to all who lifted up tear-filled eyes in faith. Standing at that counter in St. Margaret’s, participating in that transformation, I heard God’s call to lifelong Christian service.
Five years later—this week—I return to Los Angeles and will visit St. Margaret’s. I will hear stories of great success and deep failure. A succession of year-long volunteers like me have done good work. But it is Jeanne and her colleagues, dedicated to lifelong service in the same community, who make real and lasting change.
I write in the midst of preparation for my own lifetime, as God wills, among the peoples of northwest Tanzania. In this newsletter I will answer some frequently asked questions about preparation for long-term OCMC missionary service. And I’ll give a brief overview of the ongoing effort to build up a sustainable support team.
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania and James
Q: "How long is your term of service?"
A: As long as God wills. I have no plans to stop being a long-term missionary, and intend to serve in Tanzania indefinitely.
Q: "What is your budget?"
A: The estimated monthly budget for my ministry is in the neighborhood of $3,500/ month. This is the high end of a calculation that includes training, language school, ongoing education, transport, health care, insurance, support staff back in the States and communication with my large network of supporters, as well as a monthly stipend. To give some perspective, this is about one-quarter of what most non-government organizations spend to maintain American personnel in Africa.
This budget is best sustained by long-term commitments to regular giving. I'm asking God to raise up a team of about fifty faithful parishes, fellowships, families and individuals each committed to investing $20 - $100 per month. These are the partners who will sustain my service for years.
Q: "When do you arrive in Tanzania?"
A: God willing, this coming Spring. This date depends on a number of factors including finance. The first year of my service needs to be fully pledged before travel can be arranged.
Q: "How can I help?"
A: Pray for me. Every day. You probably have a card to place at your home altar as a reminder to lift me up to the service of our God. If you'd like a prayer card, just ask.
Pledge. The core of around fifty supporters committed to monthly giving will keep me in overseas ministry for decades to come.
Pray some more.
Be in touch! Your encouragement and friendship is invaluable.
Pray even more.
Q: "I have an idea!"
A: Glory to God! Thank you! But please remember that I'm not in Tanzania yet. By the spring of 2011 I will be better equipped to handle requests for penpals, donations of items, etc.
Q: "What will be your role with the Church of Mwanza?"
A: The first task upon arrival will be six months, minimum, of full-time language study. I hope to be enrolled in language school for the bulk of this time. Fluency in Swahili is absolutely necessary for me to work competently in the Church of Mwanza.
Once language allows, I will begin duties at the diocesan office in Mwanza in assistance to Metropolitan Jeronymos. My work will enable His Eminence to devote greater energy to pastoring a rapidly-growing local Church.
Many of you know about the idea for a theological and liturgical translation program. This is a very long-term goal. In my first two years of service, I hope to discern what resources are needed to build and sustain such an endeavor.
Q: "When will you come back?"
A: God willing, I’ll visit the US for a few months in the spring of 2012. Subsequent terms of service may last for up to four years. Travel is expensive, and frequent departures from the field of service can be very disruptive to long-term work.
Q: "Tell me about [Church or country that is not Tanzania]."
A: Forgive me, but I probably do not know much. For information about the Orthodox Church in your country of interest, contact OCMC directly.
Q: "Tell me details about your future housing, daily life, etc.”
A: Again, forgive me. I'm really excited about my future missionary life in Tanzania. I look forward to sending back stories filled with details. But I'm not there yet. Given six initial months of language school, it will likely be fall of 2010 before my permanent assignment even begins. I've heard a lot of really great things. But I do not know a lot of details.
Q: "What are you most excited about?
A: Singing the Trisagion in Swahili.
Q: "What are you most worried about?"
A: Myself. I am a sinner and my sins will cause damage and pain. The reason I'm going is the fervent hope and prayer that God's work through my willingness to serve will preserve me in his abundant grace and mercy, and that the glory of God will outshine the glare of my shortcomings.
Q: "I have more questions."
A: Get in touch! You can reach me at j.hargrave@ocmc.org, 239-464-6515 , or by mail at 220 Mason Manatee Way, St. Augustine, FL, 32086.
Building a Support Team
My goal since New Candidate Orientation in April has been to raise up a team of fifty faithful parishes, fellowships, families and individuals committed to regular monthly support of my long-term OCMC missionary service.
The Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of Florida played a major role in my spiritual development and calling. I’ve been honored to visit with OCFs at universities across North America. While college students probably won’t provide the bulk of my financial support this year, their prayers and friendship will sustain me for decades to come.
Over the summer I worked full-time and traveled in Florida as I was able. The support-raising campaign began in May at my home parish of St. Elizabeth’s in Gainesville. It was a great joy to begin my new work among the community that shaped and inspired me to service.
Autumn began with a whirlwind tour through Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky. I made dozens of new friends and had a wonderful experience discovering the Orthodox Christian South.
Late autumn and winter will take me to fewer places for longer periods. After two weeks in southwest Ohio, I joined colleague Felice Stewart for a week of training in Florida, and as of mid October I am spending two weeks in Southern California. November will find me doing linguistics training in Colorado and speaking in British Columbia. December will bring one week of Pre-Field Training at OCMC followed by final preparations for departure and Christmas with family in Cincinnati.
In the Spring, God willing, I will begin six months of Swahili language school in Tanzania. However, my first year of service needs to be fully pledged before travel plans can be made.
A Nativity Greeting from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center
Christ is Born! Glorify Him! The staff, volunteers and board members of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) hope that you are having a blessed Christmas and Theophany. As we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, we are grateful for all of the prayer and financial support you have offered over the years. We look forward to the coming year and to the doors God is opening for the sharing of the Gospel. May God do great things in and through each of us in this time as we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God With Us, and as we seek to share His saving love with the whole world! May those who have never heard the Gospel in their own language hear in 2010! Show us Your Theophany, Oh Lord!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Spread the Word of Christ's Birth this Nativity Season!
"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Luke 2:16-18
Like the shepherds, the Lord meets each of us where we are at in life and asks that we invite others into the Body of Jesus Christ. This Nativity season, we ask that you prayerfully consider your own gifts, talents, and abilities and how you are able to use these to help make disciples of all nations. We invite you to begin this journey by becoming more engaged in international missions through your prayers for those serving in Christ’s name around our world. We invite you to consider your ability to personally serve, and/or make a financial gift, in support of the mission ministries of the Orthodox Church through the OCMC.
Like the shepherds, the Lord meets each of us where we are at in life and asks that we invite others into the Body of Jesus Christ. This Nativity season, we ask that you prayerfully consider your own gifts, talents, and abilities and how you are able to use these to help make disciples of all nations. We invite you to begin this journey by becoming more engaged in international missions through your prayers for those serving in Christ’s name around our world. We invite you to consider your ability to personally serve, and/or make a financial gift, in support of the mission ministries of the Orthodox Church through the OCMC.
Health Care Providers Needed to ‘Share in a Journey of Faith’
“I’m thankful to have participated in an OCMC Mission Team. It was a great experience. The Orthodox Church is the same worldwide. We all pray the same and worship the same. I feel a kinship to the Orthodox Christians of Uganda,” reported a participant on the 2009 Health Care Team that treated over 4,000 individuals in two weeks in the Gulu region of northern Uganda.
Biblical narratives portray the loving and compassionate Lord, Jesus Christ, healing blind men, lepers, and the woman suffering from an unceasing flow of blood. He traveled throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing disease and sickness. He healed a servant, a daughter, and the demon possessed. Christ’s love and compassion for His creation was made tangible as He combined caring for the physical needs of His Creation with preaching the Good News of salvation.
In this spirit of offering a tangible witness of love, OCMC will be responding to an invitation to send another Health Care Team to the Gulu region of Uganda. This is an opportunity for Health Care providers (doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and med students – just to name a few) to make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Africa.
OCMC invites you to help make this ministry possible. If you are a health care provider, please prayerfully consider applying to serve on this Team. If you are not, but know Orthodox health care providers, please tell them about this life-giving ministry and encourage them to get involved.
Team members not only make a difference in the lives of those they meet and serve, but their own lives are transformed as well. Giving of our time and talents to minister to God's people is an expression of our love for Christ. Our works speak without words, demonstrating Christ’s love for all the world and His desire that all come to know Him.
Make a difference this year: share in a journey of faith!
Biblical narratives portray the loving and compassionate Lord, Jesus Christ, healing blind men, lepers, and the woman suffering from an unceasing flow of blood. He traveled throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing disease and sickness. He healed a servant, a daughter, and the demon possessed. Christ’s love and compassion for His creation was made tangible as He combined caring for the physical needs of His Creation with preaching the Good News of salvation.
In this spirit of offering a tangible witness of love, OCMC will be responding to an invitation to send another Health Care Team to the Gulu region of Uganda. This is an opportunity for Health Care providers (doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and med students – just to name a few) to make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Africa.
OCMC invites you to help make this ministry possible. If you are a health care provider, please prayerfully consider applying to serve on this Team. If you are not, but know Orthodox health care providers, please tell them about this life-giving ministry and encourage them to get involved.
Team members not only make a difference in the lives of those they meet and serve, but their own lives are transformed as well. Giving of our time and talents to minister to God's people is an expression of our love for Christ. Our works speak without words, demonstrating Christ’s love for all the world and His desire that all come to know Him.
Make a difference this year: share in a journey of faith!
Friday, December 4, 2009
OCMC Board of Directors Gather at St. Vladimir's Seminary for Fall 2009 Board Meeting
Crestwood, New York – This year’s Fall Board meeting, held at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, was an opportunity for the Board of Directors of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) to discuss the many developments that have arisen since the Board’s last meeting in May in St. Augustine, Florida at the Dedication of the Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administration Building. Being on the Seminary campus allowed Board members to interact with faculty and students and dialogue about Orthodox Missions in general and service possibilities in particular.
Of note were the acceptance of three new long-term missionary candidates, the growth of the Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program, which now supports 400 indigenous clergy in 19 Mission countries worldwide, the continued expansion of the Ambassador program, and the hiring of OCMC’s new Major Gifts Officer, Amy Pierce - all indications that the intent of North American Orthodox Christians to make disciples of all nations remains strong. Over 200 individuals have expressed interest and are in some stage of being considered for Missionary service.
Positive news, however, was also met with a certain level of sobriety as the organization, along with most non-profit groups, is feeling the effects of the economic recession from which, some economists say, the world is only now just beginning to emerge. The year 2009 saw the lowest number of Mission Team member participants in years and donations in support of the work of OCMC were down. As a result, the Board discussed measures the OCMC would need to take in order to weather the lingering storm while expanding its mission ministries to meet the growing need for Orthodox Christian witness around the world. These efforts included detailed scrutiny of the 2010 budget and increased emphasis on enrolling individuals in the Friends of Missions program and other fundraising appeals. Also planned in the next few months are dinners and other events sponsored by local Mission committees in Chicago, St. Louis, Washington, DC, and South Florida. A dinner was held in Denver in November.
Graciously hosted by Seminary Chancellor the Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, OCMC Board Vice President, meetings began on Monday, November 16th, with sessions involving the Board’s Executive Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. The current Strategic Plan is midway through its five-year term and will be reviewed and updated.
On Tuesday, November 17th, between Matins and Vespers in the Seminary’s Three Hierarch Chapel, the Board gathered for a full report on the ministries of OCMC in 2009 and to discuss the organization’s goals for 2010 including individual departmental operational plans. OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi also shared his recent trip to Pakistan and Africa where he, on behalf of the OCMC, received the St. Mark award from His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. He also talked about the Church’s efforts to reach the Turkana people of Northern Kenya and the emerging Church in Pakistan.
Later that evening a banquet benefiting the OCMC was held at nearby Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, New York where former OCMC Board member Fr. Nicholas Anctil is the priest. The guest speaker was His Grace Seraphim, Retired Bishop of Sendai, Japan. His Grace shared his own missionary experiences in Japan and how he was inspired by St. Nikolai who was able to effectively make disciples of the Japanese people. He entreated those in attendance to continue the work of St. Nikolai among different cultures, but also among those we encounter in our daily lives. His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas, the Director of the Office of Church and Society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America also attended.
Following Matins on Wednesday, November 18th, the Board concluded the Fall meeting with reports from various committees. The Nominations Sub-Committee, chaired by President Emeritus Fr. Alexander Veronis, opened nominations for new Board officers starting three-year terms in the Spring of 2010 including President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. In the report from the Teams Task Force, Chair George Conopeotis shared with the Board new strategies for helping more of the faithful answer the call to missions by participating on short-term teams. Other committee discussions included Governance, Development, Health Care and wrap-ups on the new Building Construction and Dedication events. Though the future may hold continued challenges, it is a testament to God’s will that He desires salvation for all people and indicative of the deep faith of Orthodox Christians in North America that the work of missions carries on. In this hour, prayer, is needed for the staff, board, and missionaries of the OCMC, and all those called to serve as Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official mission agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) dedicated to making disciples of all nations by incorporating them into the vibrant Eucharistic life of the Church.
Of note were the acceptance of three new long-term missionary candidates, the growth of the Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program, which now supports 400 indigenous clergy in 19 Mission countries worldwide, the continued expansion of the Ambassador program, and the hiring of OCMC’s new Major Gifts Officer, Amy Pierce - all indications that the intent of North American Orthodox Christians to make disciples of all nations remains strong. Over 200 individuals have expressed interest and are in some stage of being considered for Missionary service.
Positive news, however, was also met with a certain level of sobriety as the organization, along with most non-profit groups, is feeling the effects of the economic recession from which, some economists say, the world is only now just beginning to emerge. The year 2009 saw the lowest number of Mission Team member participants in years and donations in support of the work of OCMC were down. As a result, the Board discussed measures the OCMC would need to take in order to weather the lingering storm while expanding its mission ministries to meet the growing need for Orthodox Christian witness around the world. These efforts included detailed scrutiny of the 2010 budget and increased emphasis on enrolling individuals in the Friends of Missions program and other fundraising appeals. Also planned in the next few months are dinners and other events sponsored by local Mission committees in Chicago, St. Louis, Washington, DC, and South Florida. A dinner was held in Denver in November.
Graciously hosted by Seminary Chancellor the Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, OCMC Board Vice President, meetings began on Monday, November 16th, with sessions involving the Board’s Executive Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. The current Strategic Plan is midway through its five-year term and will be reviewed and updated.
On Tuesday, November 17th, between Matins and Vespers in the Seminary’s Three Hierarch Chapel, the Board gathered for a full report on the ministries of OCMC in 2009 and to discuss the organization’s goals for 2010 including individual departmental operational plans. OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi also shared his recent trip to Pakistan and Africa where he, on behalf of the OCMC, received the St. Mark award from His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. He also talked about the Church’s efforts to reach the Turkana people of Northern Kenya and the emerging Church in Pakistan.
Later that evening a banquet benefiting the OCMC was held at nearby Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, New York where former OCMC Board member Fr. Nicholas Anctil is the priest. The guest speaker was His Grace Seraphim, Retired Bishop of Sendai, Japan. His Grace shared his own missionary experiences in Japan and how he was inspired by St. Nikolai who was able to effectively make disciples of the Japanese people. He entreated those in attendance to continue the work of St. Nikolai among different cultures, but also among those we encounter in our daily lives. His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas, the Director of the Office of Church and Society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America also attended.
Following Matins on Wednesday, November 18th, the Board concluded the Fall meeting with reports from various committees. The Nominations Sub-Committee, chaired by President Emeritus Fr. Alexander Veronis, opened nominations for new Board officers starting three-year terms in the Spring of 2010 including President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. In the report from the Teams Task Force, Chair George Conopeotis shared with the Board new strategies for helping more of the faithful answer the call to missions by participating on short-term teams. Other committee discussions included Governance, Development, Health Care and wrap-ups on the new Building Construction and Dedication events. Though the future may hold continued challenges, it is a testament to God’s will that He desires salvation for all people and indicative of the deep faith of Orthodox Christians in North America that the work of missions carries on. In this hour, prayer, is needed for the staff, board, and missionaries of the OCMC, and all those called to serve as Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official mission agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) dedicated to making disciples of all nations by incorporating them into the vibrant Eucharistic life of the Church.
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