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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
3rd Annual Compassion Forum Results
The Forum and related meetings were a smashing success. From the terrific hosting by the Saint Louis Airport Hilton, to the many terrific speakers who made each of the 3 seminars such a success--we were blessed beyond our wildest dreams for the event.
It is amazing to hear story after story from fellow missionaries involved in ministries of compassion. Whether to children, addicts, persons affected by HIV/AIDS, etc., we heard wonderful testimonies of God’s faithfulness and how He uses people to accomplish His will, and to reach out with hands of compassion.
Next year’s event will be held at the same venue and about the same time of the year, so we’re already beginning to plan!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
3rd Annual Compassion Forum
Today we pack the vans with equipment and materials for the 3rd annual International Ministries’ Compassion Forum. This year the forum has an added one-day seminar, entitled Day of the Child. Once again we will also spend 3 days on compassion ministries and one day focused on persons affected by HIV/AIDS. Dozens of missionaries and national leaders are registered. The finely tuned schedule is packed with superb speakers, much interaction and the opportunities for missionaries to network with others who minister in related fields. We’ll report more after the forum has concluded.
Monday, July 14, 2008
”Unsung Heroes”
A week ago Monday I received one of the most shocking news of my entire lives in missions. I was asked to be at the annual School of Missions opening service; I had been told that the International Ministries team would be introduced. Little did I know that was simply a ruse to get me to the service. Instead, our leader, Dr. JoAnn Butrin, came up to me and asked me to come with her. I was led into a room, where I was informed that I had been names as 2008 “Unsung Heroes” for the entire International Ministries missionary group! To say I was in total shock is an understatement.
A little while later, we sat in the row about where I had sat almost 20 years ago and received My commissioning as a missionary. My name and photos of my life in missions were displayed on the huge PowerPoint screen, as JoAnn read our biography. Here’s the closing of what she said:
“Neil’s assignment since 2005 is providing support and resources for the International Ministries, using Neil’s expertise in graphics, audiovisual, technology and computers. Neil’s skills and consistent contribution to our missions efforts are recognized by leadership and missionary colleagues. As Director of International Ministries, I can’t believe all we’ve been able to accomplish as we work together. Neil and I have produced effective tools to communicate our message and needs. Therefore, it is with pride and pleasure that we name Neil Ruda our “Unsung Heroes” of International Ministries.”
With those words, I went forward and were presented with an incredible beautiful precious stoned globe. In my next newsletter I’ll have some photos. Needless to say, as I stood with JoAnn and our executive director of world missions, John Bueno and his wife, I was stunned. To think I stood in the footsteps of those heroes of the faith who had gone before me both humbled and blessed me.
But what struck me was that it was all of you, who so faithfully have supported us that made it possible for me to stand on that platform that day. Thank you for investing in my life, and allowing me to fulfill the call God placed on my life so many years ago.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
22 projects completed for the Center for the Blind!
A few days ago I asked the Center for the Blind how many courses or textbooks I had read for them, as I had lost track and hadn’t been keeping records. They sent back to me a listing—to date I’ve finished 22 projects! Here’s a quick list: 360 Degree, Preaching, Act, Beginning Ministerial Internship, Called & Accountable, Church Administration Handbook, Church Administration, Finance & Law, Corinthian Correspondence, Courageous Leadership (my favorite), Developing the Leaders Around You, Effective Leadership, Encountering the New Testament, Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come, Introduction to Assemblies of God Missions, Introduction to Hermeneutics, Introduction to Homiletics, Ministerial Ethics, Old Testament Survey, Pentateuch, Prayer & Worship, Prison Epistles, The Spirit Helps Us Pray, and Spiritual Leadership. Not too shabby for something I’ve been doing in my spare time at nights and on weekends.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
We still need your help!
It’s been a while since I’ve asked for your help—the last time was in October 2007. The past 2 months I’ve lost a great deal of our support. It’s my hunch that it’s due to the economy, high gas prices, etc. But all and all, I lost $562 in monthly support! I need to replenish these commitments and raise the remainder of my budget.
Without my budget raised, things are at a total standstill. WILL YOU PLEASE HELP ME? I need folks like you to step up, take a step of faith, and invest in my ministry each month.
I know that many missionaries are in need, and are worthy, of your support. It’s my conviction that if we all made a small sacrifice, we could completely fund the missions program of our denomination, as well as any other faith-based denomination. It’s time to step up, stop waiting, and make the investment. Strong words? No, I’m just asking you to make a commitment and see God work!
Friday, February 29, 2008
In Memory of My Aunt Florence
On Sunday, February 24th, my aunt passed away. She was 80 years old, and was a special lady. Growing up, I still remember when my parents would tell us kids, “We’re going to Uncle Wally and Aunt Florence’s house.” Oh, we would get so excited! First, they were so much fun to be around. In our families, food was always a major part of gatherings. You could always count on piles of food. My uncle would pull out the grill and make hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats until they were coming out your ears! He just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and have a good time!
But just as important, we looked forward to being with our four cousins. I have one male cousin that I got close to, and three female cousins that were also a blast to be around. When we went to their house, which usually seemed to be the case, we never wanted to leave. We just had too much fun!
In 1974, my family moved to Tampa, where my relatives had moved because my uncle was stationed in the U. S. Navy. I’ll never forget how they gladly opened their home to us — here 6 of us (my parents and four of us kids) descended on their home, where the six of them lived! For an entire month they hosted us with graciousness — feeding us everyday, lending us their station wagon so we could get our bearings, find a place to live, get settled, etc.
Over the years, I would stop in to visit them when I was down in the area. As always, they would immediately make me feel so welcome, and of course, pull open the fridge and start hauling out the food! Often I’d arrive early in the afternoon, and find myself begrudgingly leaving at 11:00 at night, only because it had gotten so late.
My one regret is that over the years, my cousins and I lost contact with one another. I’d kept up some through my aunt and uncle, but it wasn’t the same. When the news of my aunt’s passing arrived, I was able to call and we talked for at least 2-3 hours. How wonderful that call was, and now I’m looking forward to seeing my cousins again — after a break of perhaps 30 years!
All this to say, what a shame it was that we’ve lost all those years. I told a couple of my cousins, I take comfort in the knowledge that I know their mother would be pleased, knowing we’re rekindling our family relationship.
You know what it all really boils down to? One word — FORGIVENESS. We can hold onto bitterness, misunderstandings, miscommunications, unforgiveness, whatever; and thus allow the enemy to steal our relationships and loved ones from us. I’m purposing in my life that I’m done with that. No longer do I want to lose time and precious memories over things that can be resolved or talked through. So, if you’re someone who is reading this, and we haven’t talked in a while — let’s do something about it! Call me, e-mail, write, come over, grab me, shake me, whatever! Let’s just make up for lost time!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Starbucks Shutdown VS Life Shutdown
One evening earlier this week, Starbucks shocked the country by announcing that it was shutting every single store in the nation for several hours at the same time, to retrain their employees. Other outlets like Dunkin’ Donuts quickly jumped in to profit on this by offering free coffee (obviously hoping customers would also buy donuts). But that wasn’t the point — Starbucks was wanting to refine and retool their employees’ skills at performing the basic functions of their jobs, to go back to basics of being experts at the simple things that first made Starbucks a household name.
It’s the same in our walk with Christ. Sometimes we just have to shut everything down, and refocus on the basics — the things that first brought us to Christ and made us realize His love for us. It wasn’t anything complicated; it was the fact that “God so loved the world He GAVE [emphasis mine] His only Son so that we might have eternal life.” That’s it, plain and simple, God gave Jesus so that we could be adopted sons and daughters with the confidence that one day we’ll have life eternal in heaven.
Often, like many of the Starbucks employees, we get so wrapped up in the minutiae of life — the teensy-weensy details that frankly, don’t mean diddly in the light of eternity. The “my church is bigger/better/more musical” than yours competition means absolutely NOTHING if we miss the basics, the simple beginning point, that Jesus loved us enough to give His life on the cross for us.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Candidate Interview Reminiscing
Last week a new group of missionary candidates came through Springfield, hoping to be appointed as new Assemblies of God world missionaries. It is hard to be believe that it’s been 19 years since I was in the same position—arriving in the beautiful autumn scenery to seek missionary appointment.
God has been so good to me these past near 20 years. When I stop and think of the myriad of world missions ministries I’ve been a part of, the programs and ministries I’ve helped launch, and where I’m at now, making an impact in a dozen different ministries, I am at the same time thrilled, honored, and humbled. In my wildest dreams, I would never have been able to foresee the ways God would use our lives.
It all begins with something I share in all of my services—that of making ourselves available and being obedient to the call God places on our lives.
We’re Getting There!
I’ve slowly moved my monthly support up in the recent couple months. I’m now almost to 80 percent of my budget being raised. I still need your help!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Compassion Forum & HIV/AIDS Training Results
I had a superb week in Dallas, as approximately 75 missionaries gathered to be challenged, inspired, and trained in compassion ministry efforts and HIV/AIDS training. Our two guest speakers, K.K. Devaraj of Mumbai, India and Bishop J.H.K. Banda of Zambia, were God-ordained to minister to the gathering. What challenges and incredible reports we heard of how God is moving in India and across the continent of Africa—both being horribly impacted by HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
Numerous missionaries came to us through the week and after the event, telling us that they felt better prepared for the ministries God has called them to, especially to reach out with hands of love and compassion to victims of HIV/AIDS. Those of us staff felt especially rewarded—as that had been our prayer and desire. Thank you and God bless you for making it possible for me to be there.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I’m stuck
I am literally stuck—at 75 percent of my budget raised. I need your help, so I ask you to prayerfully consider helping me with a monthly pledge. That’s all I’ll say today, just let the Holy Spirit direct you.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
2007 Compassion Forum & HIV/AIDS Training
We are just days from our 2007 Compassion Forum and accompanying HIV/AIDS Training meetings in Dallas, Texas. Once again, as last year, dozens of missionaries, both veterans and candidates, as well as ministry and professional leaders from around the world, will gather to share knowledge, training and inspiration. We have spent several months preparing the materials that will be used at the events, and will be responsible for the audiovisual needs of the large gatherings and breakout sessions that will take place. We’re looking forward to seeing God challenge and inspire all those in attendance as they minister to souls needing to be shown His love and compassion.
Many of the lives touched as a result literally stand on the brink of eternity. Statistics show that millions are dying each year from AIDS, including hundreds of thousands of children under 15 years of age. If we won’t show them compassion and tell them that Christ gave His life so that they may have eternal life, who will? What an awesome task—but we are promised in God’s Word that if we have faith in Him, we can do great things.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Name Change & Ministries Added
I have been serving International Service Ministries for over three years now. Recently, the Executive Committee of Assemblies of God World Missions approved a name change for this group of ministries, to International Ministries, as it better reflects the myriad of avenues and directions these ministries operate in. Several ministries were also added to the list, such as Network 211.
What’s most exciting, and to me is a sign that God is moving us ever closer to His return, is that these ministries are doing phenomenal things through the use of media and technology. Literally, millions are impacted because we are able to use tools—often allowing the Gospel to be taken to countries where it is not physically possible to go! What incredible we are living in. What an incredible God we serve!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Coming Down To The Wire
I am very quickly coming to the conclusion of the allotted time for my itineration and raising my missionary support. If you have been delaying making a decision to support our ministry in missions, I need you very much to make the decision to stand with us and begin supporting me. My greatest need, of course, is for you or your church to begin supporting me each month. This is by faith. In other words, no one will EVER call or write you and remind you of your commitment. BUT, Assemblies of God World Missions requires me to have signed commitments for the necessary funding of my ministry. To be truthful, I am “stuck” at 76 percent of my needed budget. I am so grateful for all those who responded to my DVD, emails, letters and phone calls!
Now I am trusting God to speak to individuals, pastors and churches to make the necessary remaining commitments. But honestly, it weighs on me daily. Would you allow me to ask you to consider, even TODAY as you read this, to please pray, ask God what amount you can commit to each month, and then use the electronic form on the Support Me tab to the left, or call Nancy Dickerson (also listed on that tab)? It would be such a blessing to me.
I know there are so many areas that could you invest your gifts and offerings. And discretionary funds can go to so many things—a meal out once a month, a CD or DVD, and a myriad of other things. But I truly believe the work God has called me to is making an eternal impact in so many ways around the world. Please, give it some thought and prayer, and know that I would be honored to have you as part of my financial support base and team! God bless you for what you can do to help me! Could I be so bold as to ask you to do something TODAY, and let me know?
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