UBC Mission Update - 2021, Issue 2
UBC Mission Update - 2021, Issue 2
Prayer Focus: South Sudan
South Sudan, with a population of approximately 11 million, became its own nation from Sudan in 2011. There are 78 people groups and 9% are unreached and only 11% consider themselves evangelical. Unfortunately, South Sudan has suffered internally from civil war that has led to around 2.3 million refugee seekers in neighboring countries with about 1 million in Uganda. There are also roughly 1.8 million displaced persons within South Sudan and close to ½ million have been killed.
Pastor Anthony, a South Sudan refugee in Uganda, sends these prayer requests and thanks UBC for standing in the gap for the South Sudanese. Please pray for:
• the government leaders to have open hearts and desire for peace
• unity in body of Christian leader
• spirit of tribalism that is causing more problems to end
• salvation for lost South Sudanese
• the many orphans and widows
• provision of food (there is crisis of hunger)
• spiritual awakening among Christians in refugee camps
• spiritual growth within churches in the camps
• Gods wisdom to be imparted on all especially leaders and pastors
• Students to desire an education
Recent Highlight: Bless Every Home
Here’s an update from Lorrie Gneiser, one of UBC’s members currently praying for her neighbor’s using Bless Every Home.
“I do love the app! I walk the dog everyday and pray for the neighbors. I used to think, ‘I wish I knew their names so I could pray by name for them’. Then the email came telling me about the app! It helps to put names, faces, and houses together with folks I see out and about each day, as well as giving me a fresh prayer focus. I’m planning a neighborhood gathering and am looking forward to meeting more people in person than has been possible because of the pandemic. The BlessEveryHome app will give me a place to keep notes and make connections when I meet new people. We’re new to our neighborhood and know God wants us to be lights for Him here. I pray many UBC folks will cover their neighbors in this way. I look forward to seeing what God will do in response!” -Lorrie Gneiser
Spotlight: Puckett Family (Dale, Taylor, Christa, and Tyler)
Like most, 2020 brought its fair share of challenges to life and ministry. One of those challenges was the inability of doing “ministry as usual.” It’s been a theme in the Church locally and globally, and our ministry has been impacted as well. Much of our in-person ministry efforts moved online and we are thankful for the opportunity and technology to do so. Yet, some ministry still is unable to happen due to the true necessity of being in person.
Christa was able to host and facilitate our new affiliate orientation in person in February 2021. In 2020, two of our orientations shifted virtually, so the transition back to an in-person format was such a blessing and an encouragement for missionaries preparing to deploy to the mission field later this year to proclaim Christ and make disciples globally!
Dale helped lead YouthHOPE through a week of strategic planning in February allowing intentional planning and preparation for 2021. Our team is continuing to find creative ways to respond to the changes in the world which are requiring us to adapt our current methods. We are also developing new resources to accomplish our mission of equipping youth ministry leaders globally who are impacting the lives of youth in their specific contexts. We are grateful for the technology to maintain connectivity, encourage, and disciple leaders all over the world.
Prayer Requests:
1. For Dale’s leadership on the YouthHOPE team and the development of resources for global youth workers so they might effectively minister to their youth, as well as, opportunities to travel internationally in order to return to the necessary “in-person” ministry with our global partners.
2. For Dale as he continues to invest and disciple High School senior guys, as well as, Married Couples.
3. For Christa’s continued wisdom and discernment in making decisions in HR, Mentoring Women, and Married Couples.
4. For our son, Tyler, as he continues to pursue a job in his career field - Biomedical Maintenance Technician.
5. For our daughter, Taylor, as she transitions to college this fall. She will be moving out of state to pursue a degree leading her into career missions.
Opportunity #1: Virtual Missions Trip - Peru
Over the past year, even with the COVID-19 pandemic, God has continued to share His grace and mercy with many. We have been blessed to see how God continues to soften hearts around the world. We have heard about the church body growing in places such as Iran as people faced with the pandemic have seen their need for a Savior.
UBC, we have an opportunity to participate in a “virtual” missions trip to Tarapoto, Peru on April 22, 24-25, 2021. Peru has been hit hard by COVID-19, and they are currently on restrictions as the country continues to deal with the pandemic. We will be partnering with local pastors as they take the gospel to their communities, as well as hand out food. We will not just be watching in real time, but will be participating with the Peruvians. Train with us and sit in your comfortable chair as we share the gospel and make disciples in Tarapoto, Peru.
To sign up, please click this link: https://e3partners.org/virtual-trip-list/?trip=4158
For any questions, please contact Jim Corbin either at jim@corbins4him.com or via text/phone at (937) 623-9434.
Opportunity #2: Dayton Soccer League
We have an amazing opportunity to serve our local community through the means of sport. We will be partnering with like-minded brothers and sisters to share the love of Christ with families in the Dayton area. Dayton Soccer is an organization that is looking for coaches and volunteers to help children in the Dayton area build Character, Courage, and Community. Many of the participants are inner city and refugee children and this is a great opportunity to love them and invest in their lives. Please consider being a part of this amazing opportunity right here in Dayton.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.” -Nelson Mandela
To find out more or to sign-up go to http://dayton.soccer/