The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. - Matthew 9:37-38
To the Most Reverend Clergy, Venerable Monastics, and the Devout Faithful of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the Americas
Dearly Beloved in the Lord,
We greet you in the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Lenten fast that precedes the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha is upon us. Like the dawn of a new day, the beginning of this 40-day journey provides opportunities for us to recommit ourselves and our whole lives to Christ our God. The Sunday before Great Lent, February 14th, 2010, is Mission Sunday as designated by the hierarchs of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). Over the past two millennia, the work of making disciples has been a focal ministry of saints, and billions of people accepted life in Christ. Today, sixty-six percent of the world’s population is still non-Christian; thus missionary service remains a core ministry of the Church and a collective movement of the faithful.
Over the past 15 years, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), as the official missions agency of SCOBA, has provided the faithful of North America with opportunities to answer their call to make disciples of all nations. Over 70 people who serve as OCMC Ambassadors are taking this call to parishes across the country, and the mission ministries of our Orthodox Churches that are outside of America are growing as a result.
Today, through the prayers and support of the faithful, there are 20 men and women who are serving, or preparing to serve, as long-term missionaries in places like Albania, Romania, and Tanzania. Likewise, young, growing seminaries around the world are receiving support to provide theological training to over 250 local priests, catechists, and ministry leaders in places where the Church is newly emerging. With assistance from OCMC’s Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) Program there are 400 priests in 19 countries who are bringing the Faith to those who may never have heard the Gospel’s message of salvation. And, in 2010, OCMC plans to train and send over 100 Orthodox Christians from across North America to serve on 14 short-term Mission Teams, bringing a living witness to the Orthodox Faith in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, and Alaskan North America.
It is our responsibility to ensure that these efforts continue. There is no greater way to invest our abundant blessings than in the salvation and eternal life of others. Let us pray, give, and serve to welcome our brothers and sisters around the world into the open arms of Christ.
In urgent expectation of Christ’s awesome Resurrection, let us work boldly to make disciples of all nations. Truly, the harvest is plentiful, but we need the prayers and active support of all the faithful for OCMC, so that laborers will answer the call of the Lord and enter into His abundant and glorious harvest.
With paternal blessings and love in Christ,
Archbishop Demetrios, Chairman
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Metropolitan Philip, Vice-Chairman
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Metropolitan Christopher, Secretary
Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America
Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, Treasurer
American Carpatho Russian Orthodox Diocese in the USA
Archbishop Nicolae
Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas
Metropolitan Joseph
Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church
Metropolitan Jonah
Orthodox Church in America
Metropolitan Constantine of Irinoupolis
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
Archpriest Alexander Abramov
Acting Representative of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA
Bishop Ilia of Philomelion
Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
On the Frontier of Orthodox Missions: The Turkana of Northern Kenya
by Fr. Martin Ritsi
There are places that remain hidden to most - where no roads lead, where survival is a daily struggle, and where people live on the fringe of hopelessness. There are places where the light of the Gospel has yet to shine.
In October 2009, the small plane I flew on from Nairobi, Kenya, touched down in the small frontier town of Lodwar. Amidst this thirsty landscape, an OCMC Mission Team had worked to build a church for a community of Orthodox Christians from the Turkana tribe - a people indigenous to the region.
This was not the first time I had been among the Turkana. When my family and I served in Kenya as missionaries in the late 80s we had met several Turkana - distinctive from other Kenyan tribes in both appearance and custom. The expansion of the Church into Turkana lands, however, is a more recent development. Evangelistic efforts of charismatic preachers had planted the seeds of Orthodoxy among a handful of Turkana in Lodwar. Two of these men (Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Zachariah) attended seminary in Nairobi and are now serving as Orthodox priests in this arid northern region.
It was for the community, under the pastoral care of Fr. Vladimir, that the first OCMC Mission Team came to build a church. Inspecting the stone edifice of the structure that this Team worked so hard to build, I was stricken by how close we as the faithful of North America have come to the frontier of missions. This one physical manifestation of the Church was like a gateway beckoning us to take the Gospel to the thousands of people just over the horizon living without hope in Christ.
The following day I traveled out of Lodwar with Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Zachariah to meet with some of these people now within reach of the Church. The three hour jeep ride to the village of Loupala across the deserts of northern Kenya hinted at how far removed the Turkana are from the rest of the world and what struggles they face. The soft contours of the pale red earth were sun-baked with merciless intensity; the color green was conspicuously absent from the scenery I watched fly by through a film of dust that covered the windows.
In Loupala, we met a burgeoning community of Orthodox Christians evangelized by Fr. Zachariah. Before his arrival, 75% of the village was not Christian. Fr. Vladimir asked that we preach and teach, so under a shade tree about 200 people gathered as we spoke about the God’s plan for salvation and the importance of Baptism. Men, women, and children listened attentively, and some asked very good questions, even though many of them looked tired and weak.
Fr. Zachariah shared that some of the people who attended our catechetical seminar began the day with a fifteen-mile walk just to fetch water. Rain, as it turns out, is a very rare and precious resource for the Turkana people. They are plagued with cyclical drought. The fatigue of dehydration and starvation could be seen on the faces of malnourished children and parents feeling powerless to change the situation.
Many Turkana lose loved ones to these harsh conditions. Some have taken to violence and banditry among their own people as a means to escape the extreme poverty that surrounds them. Could Christ and His Church be an answer to these problems and a source of hope for the Turkana people?
In February 2010, I will lead another OCMC Mission Team to minister to the Turkana. This Team will continue the evangelism and catechism initiated by Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Zachariah and that I was able to participate in last October. This Team will also continue building the bonds of love that have begun to take hold, offering encouragement and fellowship as we are able.
I would like to invite you to track the progress and hear the stories of the Mission Team that is going to northern Kenya in February. Please visit OCMC.org and MyOCN.net daily from February 17th to March 1st to view pictures and read the Team’s blog from the field.
OCMC is committed to partnering with the Church in Kenya to share Christ with the Turkana people. We will continue exploring new ways of serving the people of northern Kenya in order to make the Gospel known and to address the significant spiritual and physical needs that exist there.
In our efforts to develop ministries aimed at welcoming people who, until now, have been beyond reach into the Body of Christ, the OCMC will be coordinating mission walks across the country this summer. A portion of the $100K we hope to raise will be used to bring water to the Turkana and broaden the evangelistic efforts taking place in the region. Please contact Kenneth Kidd at the OCMC by e-mail at Kenny@ocmc.org, or by phone at 1-877-GO-FORTH, if you and/or your community are interested in participating in bringing the light of Christ to the Turkana.
Please pray for the Turkana people, for the OCMC Mission Team that is serving them, and for the Church and Her ministries in Kenya. May the mercies of God the Father, the salvation of His only begotten Son, and the blessings of the Holy Spirit be with the Turkana.
There are places that remain hidden to most - where no roads lead, where survival is a daily struggle, and where people live on the fringe of hopelessness. There are places where the light of the Gospel has yet to shine.
In October 2009, the small plane I flew on from Nairobi, Kenya, touched down in the small frontier town of Lodwar. Amidst this thirsty landscape, an OCMC Mission Team had worked to build a church for a community of Orthodox Christians from the Turkana tribe - a people indigenous to the region.
This was not the first time I had been among the Turkana. When my family and I served in Kenya as missionaries in the late 80s we had met several Turkana - distinctive from other Kenyan tribes in both appearance and custom. The expansion of the Church into Turkana lands, however, is a more recent development. Evangelistic efforts of charismatic preachers had planted the seeds of Orthodoxy among a handful of Turkana in Lodwar. Two of these men (Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Zachariah) attended seminary in Nairobi and are now serving as Orthodox priests in this arid northern region.
It was for the community, under the pastoral care of Fr. Vladimir, that the first OCMC Mission Team came to build a church. Inspecting the stone edifice of the structure that this Team worked so hard to build, I was stricken by how close we as the faithful of North America have come to the frontier of missions. This one physical manifestation of the Church was like a gateway beckoning us to take the Gospel to the thousands of people just over the horizon living without hope in Christ.
The following day I traveled out of Lodwar with Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Zachariah to meet with some of these people now within reach of the Church. The three hour jeep ride to the village of Loupala across the deserts of northern Kenya hinted at how far removed the Turkana are from the rest of the world and what struggles they face. The soft contours of the pale red earth were sun-baked with merciless intensity; the color green was conspicuously absent from the scenery I watched fly by through a film of dust that covered the windows.
In Loupala, we met a burgeoning community of Orthodox Christians evangelized by Fr. Zachariah. Before his arrival, 75% of the village was not Christian. Fr. Vladimir asked that we preach and teach, so under a shade tree about 200 people gathered as we spoke about the God’s plan for salvation and the importance of Baptism. Men, women, and children listened attentively, and some asked very good questions, even though many of them looked tired and weak.
Fr. Zachariah shared that some of the people who attended our catechetical seminar began the day with a fifteen-mile walk just to fetch water. Rain, as it turns out, is a very rare and precious resource for the Turkana people. They are plagued with cyclical drought. The fatigue of dehydration and starvation could be seen on the faces of malnourished children and parents feeling powerless to change the situation.
Many Turkana lose loved ones to these harsh conditions. Some have taken to violence and banditry among their own people as a means to escape the extreme poverty that surrounds them. Could Christ and His Church be an answer to these problems and a source of hope for the Turkana people?
In February 2010, I will lead another OCMC Mission Team to minister to the Turkana. This Team will continue the evangelism and catechism initiated by Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Zachariah and that I was able to participate in last October. This Team will also continue building the bonds of love that have begun to take hold, offering encouragement and fellowship as we are able.
I would like to invite you to track the progress and hear the stories of the Mission Team that is going to northern Kenya in February. Please visit OCMC.org and MyOCN.net daily from February 17th to March 1st to view pictures and read the Team’s blog from the field.
OCMC is committed to partnering with the Church in Kenya to share Christ with the Turkana people. We will continue exploring new ways of serving the people of northern Kenya in order to make the Gospel known and to address the significant spiritual and physical needs that exist there.
In our efforts to develop ministries aimed at welcoming people who, until now, have been beyond reach into the Body of Christ, the OCMC will be coordinating mission walks across the country this summer. A portion of the $100K we hope to raise will be used to bring water to the Turkana and broaden the evangelistic efforts taking place in the region. Please contact Kenneth Kidd at the OCMC by e-mail at Kenny@ocmc.org, or by phone at 1-877-GO-FORTH, if you and/or your community are interested in participating in bringing the light of Christ to the Turkana.
Please pray for the Turkana people, for the OCMC Mission Team that is serving them, and for the Church and Her ministries in Kenya. May the mercies of God the Father, the salvation of His only begotten Son, and the blessings of the Holy Spirit be with the Turkana.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
OCMC Asks That You Support Relief Efforts in Haiti Through a Gift to IOCC
OCMC joins with all who are praying for those suffering in Haiti, already the poorest country in the western hemisphere, even before the 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th. The OCMC has worked in partnership with Orthodox parishes in Haiti in the past but does not currently have missionaries, SAMP priests, or Agape Projects on the island.
Therefore, we encourage all support for this immediate relief effort to be sent to our sister SCOBA agency which specializes in such ministries, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). You can learn more about the response of our Church to this disaster and donate directly by going to the IOCC website: www.IOCC.org
IOCC reported from their website that, “Since news of the earthquake came to light, IOCC staff have been contacting partners active in Haiti and attempting to reach Orthodox parishes on the island to coordinate our response to the growing need. Like many Haitians who have been struggling to reach their loved ones, IOCC is finding direct communication difficult – symptomatic of the widespread destruction and ruined infrastructure that is now beginning to be revealed.”
Therefore, we encourage all support for this immediate relief effort to be sent to our sister SCOBA agency which specializes in such ministries, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). You can learn more about the response of our Church to this disaster and donate directly by going to the IOCC website: www.IOCC.org
IOCC reported from their website that, “Since news of the earthquake came to light, IOCC staff have been contacting partners active in Haiti and attempting to reach Orthodox parishes on the island to coordinate our response to the growing need. Like many Haitians who have been struggling to reach their loved ones, IOCC is finding direct communication difficult – symptomatic of the widespread destruction and ruined infrastructure that is now beginning to be revealed.”
Involve Your Sunday School in Missions this Lenten Season!
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!
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!
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!
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