The OAFC
On Line
Crier
Updated December 08, 2008 - In This Issue:
Witnessing_Insights •
Ablaze •
Prayer and Praise •
SPECIAL GIFTS •
NEWLY COMMISSIONED •
2008 Statistics •
OAFC_NEWS
New Years Gatherings •
Weekend
Statistics • Board of Directors •
Spring Break Teams •
Personal Witnesses •
Financial Support
•
Gustav_Aftermath
from OAFC Alumnus Woody Keim
2008 Summer Training Report
"Agents of Christ -Secret No More" was chosen as our theme for the July 15-21, 2008 Summer Training at St. John Lutheran Church & School in Champaign, IL. The report is available. Plans are now being made for the 2009 Summer Training which we hope will be in Nebraska.
Witnessing
Insights
from Pastor Ruhlig
(These appeared in 2 parts in the Spring 2006 and 2007 Criers)
It is my delight to share with you some insights I have gained in witnessing for Jesus.
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I believe that regardless of the method (words used), of more importance is the love that covers us during our witnessing. We love Jesus because He first loved us. Filled with his love we are enabled to love our fellowman. As this love in us is recognized by the listener there is a greater willingness to listen to our words. 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts have deep respect for Christ as Lord. Always be ready to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have, but be gentle and respectful." The words gentle and respectful describe love in action.
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When calling on a stranger, the stranger needs opportunity to discern if we are loving people. In the OAFC witnessing form the first series of questions are primarily to give the stranger an opportunity to discern our love, the way we respond to their comments, the tone of our voice, etc
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All witnessing is "confrontational", in the sense that an unbeliever is in the kingdom of darkness. Our witness confronts him with the truth that he is a sinner deserving of the wrath of God eternally. It confronts him with the claim of Jesus to be Savior and Lord. Of course this "confronting" can be cruelly done in a very loveless manner, or by God's grace, in a very loving manner.
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In our witnessing we seek the opportunity to share the "gospel", Jesus is Savior and Lord. However, we recognize that God may not always provide an open door for our witness at the time we desire. We recognize that some people plant, some water, but it is God who plants faith in a human heart through the power of the "Word" of God. Therefore, it is my conclusion that we should not press forward with a gospel presentation unless we have permission from the listener to do so, that is, God has given us an open door.
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Ambassadors lead Sunday School activities |
Oklahoma weekend picture. | Altamont, IL Weekend | Fulda, MN creates
large circle |
Fulda, MN prepares
for worship |
4 St. Louis seminarians meet with Pastor Smith | Alumni following a recital at Concordia Seward |
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A Reformation Treat basket prepared for children of Trinity, Sawyer, MI |
OAFC NEWS
December 2008
The true light that gives life to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God---children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:9-14. Praise God for your prayers and financial support for the OAFC ministry.
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The Board of Directors of OAFC has scheduled its Annual (face-to-face) Meeting for January 8-10, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church of New Minden, IL where board member, Rev. Mueller serves as pastor. We praise God for the love of the people at St. John who provide as their gift to OAFC housing, meals, and facilities.
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Additional Witnessing-weekends conducted since Nov. 1, 2008 : (# of ambassadors) [# of calls]
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Good Shepherd, Lowell , MI (33) [88]
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Emmanuel, Kingfisher, OK (16) [47]
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Calvary , Lincoln , NE
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Faith, The Dales, OR
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St. James, Quincy , IL (33) [139]
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A letter was received from an OAFC alumnus who served during 1975-85 in MI as a guitarist. He has discovered the OAFC Web Site and shared many fond memories of OAFC activities. He is now married, is 42 years of age, has six children, and uses his guitar skills in worship services. His faith has continued to grow.
Also found On The Web
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Prayer & Praise – Updated weekly
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National Schedule of Scheduled weekends
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Weekend Statistics – updated as they arrive
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List of OAFC Contacts in various states
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New Years Gathering Information & Registration Forms
In Christ’s service, Erwin A. Ruhlig, Pastor-OAFC Business Manager
For God so loved YOU that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus
Christ, to suffer, die, and rise in victory for YOU, so that
believing in Jesus as the Savior from sin, YOU shall not perish, but
YOU shall have everlasting life! Refer to John 3:16
The personal e-mail address for Pastor Erwin A Ruhlig has taken place of his old address.
Resources Available
If you are looking for a special gift? Why not get an OAFC Songbook, Scorebook or set of CD's. They are available from our Office or from your local director.
Also available are two books from OAFC founder Pastor Fred Darkow.
Solid Rock Outreach & Stories from the Heart
Pastor Darkow also has a new DVD with the full Cross Witnessing Method
Both books and the DVD are available by sending an e-mail to Pastor Darkow.
OAFC & Ablaze
3318 counted by OAFC
On
May 26, 2004 OAFC Staff, met with the Ablaze staff to discuss a possible partnership
in this outreach effort. OAFC was able to present its mission observing
that during its first 34 years we have talked to people at about 700,000 homes
(now about 725,000 ed.) in addition many homes where we have left Gospel literature.
OAFC was welcomed as a partner in this outreach
emphasis.
OAFC worked with Apple of His Eye, Lutheran Student Fellowship and synod officials to plan special outreach event before the 2007 LCMS convention in Houston. As part of this event OAFC led a VBS survey for Immanuel, Houston on Friday evening, July 13. On Saturday evening OAFC was recognized as they entered the Opening Service for the LCMS convention. The events were part of our Summer Training at Zion, Pasadena, Texas.
Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ report our Ablaze visits or "Critical Events". So what is an “Ablaze visit”? Normally any prospect would be counted, but it could include many more of our visits. An “Ablaze visit” should include all of the following:
- The person you talk to is either unchurched or inactive in a church.
- You are able to present the Gospel to him or her. Ambassadors almost always do this using Sin, Separation, Savior and/or Good News and/or Assurance of Heaven. It could also include giving the person an Assurance of Heaven tract when you are certain that they have read it.
- The person has a chance to respond. This always happens on our visit. Usually at the end of Sin, Separation, Savior we get to ask “What do you think of what Jesus has done for you?” But it could include the rejection of the message as they close the door.
New forms with an "Ablaze" column should now be used. Our Weekend Report Form have also been changed to include a column to report your Ablaze visits. If you have an old Survey form you could just place a “Z” beside any call that meets these 3 criteria. Or put the number of persons you talked to at that home.
When Ambassadors come to a weekend each month take time to reflect on those with whom you might have shared the Good News during the past month These too we will seek to report if individuals have not done so personally.
Personal WitnessesAmbassadors and OAFC directors are encouraged to send new Personal Witnesses to Mr. Dan Barz. It is our desire to change these monthly, but that is only possible as we receive new ones. |
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Dear Friends,
Thank you all for your prayers and concern. We are blessed to be unhurt
and are eager to rebuild. The following is a link to some photos of our
home on Flickr-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30335406@N04/ . [His house was hit by a
120' tree. Ed.]
We are fortunate to have good insurance and we will be fine. But, there
are others in South Louisiana who are suffering. There are many hundreds
of people, just in the Baton Rouge area, who have also lost their homes
to wind damage or tree falls. If you are moved to help out in anyway,
please see info at
www.camprestore.org .
In His Passion,
Woody
I'd like to share a song by Casting Crowns that really has hit home with
me lately. If you listen to contemporary Christian music, you have
likely already heard it. Either way, just close your eyes and
contemplate the beautiful message here-
Remember, storms come into each of our lives in different ways- some
literally, some through sickness, family or financial crisis. It's hard
to hear God's voice over the gale sometimes. But, if you listen really
closely, you can hear Him say, "I am with you."
In His Passion,
Woody
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November 4, 2006; A day that changed my life forever. About nine
years before that day, my grandmother, my Memaw, was diagnosed with
breast cancer. She's lived with me since I was 3 months old, and
was a mother to me. She was the only constant female adult in my
life. We were blessed though her, and for many years the thought of
her being taken away by this disease didn't even cross my mind. She
was able to control the cancer, and being a little kid i never
worried about it. But, somehow, life always has a way of slapping
you in the face just when you think things start to get
comfortable.
I was away at my first summer training, and I remember getting a call from my dad while I was at my host home. He told me that Memaw was in the hospital because she hurt her back, but would be out by the time I got home. Well, she never came home. They found cancer all over the place. In her lungs, in her back, in her lymph system. I felt like my world was falling apart. This woman, who had once been there to make me breakfast every morning and be my constant source of love and strength, was now a small, frail body and a pale face in a hospital bed that I saw once a week. But she was still my memaw, and she never lost her fiery passion for what she thought was right. She was a stubborn old lady, and she was also an absolutely wonderful Christian. She was the definition of "living your life to the glory of God". She was always smiling and always witnessing to anyone she met. She taught me how to be the person I am today. Not only did she teach me how to live in God, but she taught me how to die by him too. I remember her saying, "now don't you feel bad for me when I'm gone. I'm in a better place honey. I'm with the Lord. and someday you will be too. Don't be afraid for me, for I am not afraid, because I have nothing to fear. and don't pray for me to stay, pray for me to go. I'm ready to go to heaven" Even on her deathbed, as my sister and I sang her "Amazing Grace", I could see the peace that washed over her as she heard the words that she knew were true without a doubt. The wonderful thing is, that peace, even in the face of death, is all of ours. "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me." It is truly amazing grace. Amazing that God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer the death that "a wretch like me" deserved. He paid the price, took the punishment, so now it really is a sweet sound. we can all take comfort in the knowledge that we don't ever have to be afraid of death, or anything else in this life, because our eternal life, the one that counts, has been won for us. And because of his mercy, God has granted us the gift of life, even in death. |
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Lions! And Other Mega Vertebrates By Jacob who was in South Africa |
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As a part of my preparation from my trip to South Africa I picked up a book titled Healthy Travel Africa, in it Peter Stroud of the Melbourne Zoo in Australia writes about safety around big animals; In general approach any wild creatures with respect, better yet don’t approach them at all. You don’t know it and it doesn’t know you! Avoid contact and only walk in the bush with an experienced, accredited guide. The mega vertebrates—all the big stuff like lions, elephants, an buffalo—are best regarded as not people-friendly, no matter what you may have seen on films or TV. For most animals the No 1 rule is: do not run away. Stand still and in most cases the animal concerned—lion, elephant or antelope—will not follow through on a charge. Most animals are as keen to avoid physical contact as you are. This generally as true of the meat eaters as it is of any other animals. In fact you are more likely to be injured or killed by the grazers and browsers. Basically lions and other animals can be very dangerous. But even more dangerous is our oldest adversary—Satan. This is what Peter writes in the fifth chapter of his first letter; “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” Satan is seeking us and sometimes we allow ourselves to be eaten. Judges 14:5-6 tells about when Sampson met a lion on his way to get married. Even though he was unarmed, “he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat.” As a judge over Israel his defeating this lion is similar to the way Christ has defeated our lion, the devil, by his suffering death and resurrection. Christ the bridegroom now seeks out his bride, us! He forgives our unfaithfulness and guarantees a life with him forever. |
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Spring Break TeamsSee pictures on the Spring Break Travel Team Page. March 5-12, 2006 a Seward based group toured Northern Illinois Southern Florida hosted a team the following week. In 2007 College and other Ambassadors joined either of the first 2 weeks March when they spent their Spring Break in Arizona. The 2008 team traveled to Pennsylvania and Michigan with stops in Tennessee and Indiana. Possible 2009 Spring Break Travel Team locations could include Ontario & New York along with another trip to the SW. Students interested in participating in Spring Break trips or churches & schools who like to host future teams can contact Mr. Dan Barz. Team times depend on the timing of college Spring Breaks. |
New Years Gatherings
A Western Gathering for 2007 was held in Riverton, Wyoming. The St. Louis area also hosted a gathering. The 2008 New Years Gathering was held at St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO along with a small gathering in South Dakota. 2009 Gatherings are being planned at Christ Lutheran Church & School in Stevensville, MI; the Oklahoma Bible Academy in Enid, OK; and St. Paul Lutheran Church & School in Ogallala, NE .
Financial Support with Thrivent
Thrivent Financial For Lutherans
“Matching-Gift-Program”
In the spring of 2003 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans approved the ministry of OAFC to receive matching gifts through their GivingPlus program. Other recipients are Lutheran seminaries, colleges, high schools, elementary schools, camps and other ministries.
Each Policy Holder with Thrivent can give 2 separate gifts annually, and each of the 2 gifts has maximum match of $600. (Thrivent will match 50% or up to $300. This has been raised from the $400 previously matched.) For those who volunteer 25 or more hours (anyone who has been on an OAFC weekend) Thrivent will add another $25 gift. OAFC can send to you a form which is to be submitted with your gift to the OAFC office. We in turn fill out that portion of the form that applies to OAFC and forward it to Thrivent. They in turn send a matching gift to our account.
If you are giving several gifts during the calendar year you would leave the Gift Date on the bottom of the form, right after your signature, blank. When your gift accumulated to the maximum of $600, or to the amount you indicated you would give during the year, we would fill in that date and then send the form in.
If you have any questions about using this form please call us at 217/636-7729 or e-mail . In 2003 Thrivent matched personal gifts with $3,642. Matched gifts in 2004 brought $5150 from Thrivent. We praise God for this avenue of support for the OAFC ministry.
Back to In This Issue:
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In Memory of: Nick Hopper by Connie & Jamie Louderback by Rev. John & Eileen Moyer by Rev. Thomas & Gwen Moyer Dorothy Jean VonDielingen by Rev. John & Eileen Moyer & Rev. Thomas & Gwen Moyer |
Robert Onnen Elmer Geidel Ray Vick by Rev. James & Irene Gruber Dean Dreher by Roger Schafer & Aaron Wood |
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NEWLY COMMISSIONED AMBASSADORS(2007) |
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Victoria Adamson AZ Jennifer Armand OK Rachel Brainard OK Eva Chant SD Alex Dewald OK Drew Dewald OK Laura Foltz TX Troy Gillis AZ William Glines IL Kelly Goede WY Sarah Hillenbrand MI Krista Hillenbrand MI Ashleie Hollenbeck TX |
Steven Juergensen WA Cami Kindsfater SD Peter Kirby IL Joshua Krepel OK Bailey Kruid OK Steven (Dylan) LaBorn MI Annie Link IL Rachel Matheny MI Joshua Meyer OK Guillermo (Bill) Moeller IN Carlos Moeller IN Brandice Nantt WY |
Michael Nantt WY Nicole Phelps SD Ian Quistgaard IL Taylor Rash OR Nicole Raymond MI Julie Rosebrock MI David Rush SD Nathan Sielk FL Nicolas Towers TX Bradley Wellik AZ Jacob Woelmer TX |
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Re-commissioned in 2007 Susanna Krepel, Daniel Mueller, Patrick Phelps, Jon Plucker, Chris Plucker, Joel Williams |
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Weekend Statistics
| WkEnd | Att | Trn | Com | Calls | NotHm | Pros | Ablaze | Gifts | |
| Total through 2000 | 4,051 | 32,280 | 8,369 | 611,767 | 66,870 | ||||
| 30 Year Average | 135 | 1,076 | 279 | 20,392 | 2,229 | ||||
| 2001 Totals | 130 | 3088 | 602 | 61 | 20,981 | 27,820 | 640 | $ 51,377.94 | |
| 2002 Totals | 92 | 3440 | 523 | 64 | 17,950 | 28,913 | 754 | $ 49,032.94 | |
| 2003 Totals | 89 | 2253 | 444 | 53 | 14,729 | 21,427 | 511 | $ 39,457.84 | |
| 2004 Totals | 103 | 2793 | 476 | 32 | 16,311 | 25,143 | 510 | 1142 | $ 34,282.14 |
| 2005 Totals | 91 | 2102 | 469 | 22 | 9,980 | 15,271 | 341 | 666 | $ 26,724.84 |
| 2006 Totals | 70 | 1720 | 335 | 16 | 7,931 | 11,694 | 294 | 558 | $ 21,103.58 |
| 2007 Totals | 76 | 1472 | 329 | 40 | 7,215 | 12,790 | 271 | 553 | $ 22,138.42 |
| 37 Year Average | 123 | 965 | 235 | 19388 | 1909 | ||||
| Total through 2006 | 4,556 | 8,087 | 35,711 | 8,687 | 717,346 | 86,325 | 70,644 | 2,919 |
Click for the Link to 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008 Complete Statistics
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