Why does TITUS focus on national Christian workers?
#21-It is often easier to maintain and sustain national leadership than foreign leadership.Read More
Stories from around the world!
News from AzerbaijanBy Agshin and Ena, church planters in Azerbaijan
Dear Friends of Titus,
Well, Titus' financial transition to online giving has been a huge success! We were already processing automatic withdrawals from checking accounts, directly to Titus. Many of you were set up to give in that manner, and it was, and still is working great. Then, earlier this year we added online giving by credit cards and other ways. Scores of you have given that way, including over 25 brand new donors!
Gwen Lively has been responsible for implementing and facilitating all of that process. Don't even ask me any questions about it--I just give that way, doing what I'm told! Ha-ha. To have her set you up online, just call our office (423-867-7079) or email her.
While these good things were happening, at the same time, part of our donation process hit quite a few snags. Beginning in the fall, we began experiencing USPO mail problems. These problems affected those of you who receive paper receipts, either for donations mailed in, or through automatic withdrawal.
1. October and November bulk mail outs of receipts experienced a 10% rate (actual count) of being non-delivered. When you contacted us, we re-mailed your receipt first class. We had been bulk mailing receipts for over 5 years and had never experienced this.
2. Our January bulk mail out of end-of-year reports and Dec. receipts (nearly 400 envelopes), was delayed for a week by the USPO, and then rejected for mailing. I tried to show them that our forms and procedure hadn't changed in 8 years, but they cited "incorrect wording on your receipts." Our wording had passed 3 other inspections in the last 2 years. I was there for all 3
3.We had to mail it first class, but of course, it was late.
4. February mailing of 360 with first class postage was delayed due to our postage meter breaking down. The repairman assured us 5 days in a row, "the part will be here tomorrow." I finally went to the USPO and put stamps on the letters (it took an hour) and mailed them. Checking postmarks, we're noticing slower delivery of your mail to us, and we presume receipts are getting back to you more slowly also.
Please be aware that it is impossible to process your donations on the exact day that they come in. Sometimes, there are delays. Given all of these factors, please know that we are doing everything in our power to accurately, efficiently and quickly process and receipt all of your donations. All receipts are now mailed first class. But, emailing of receipts is also available. Please send us your email address. Also, donations made online produce an instant receipt that you can print, and a complete record of your monthly giving is accessible to you at any time, to look at or print. Shalom, thanks for standing with us, and God's best to you and your family,
Respectfully, Fred Bennett, Interim Director
Donate Online
Reaching Future Generations Around The World
How important kids were to Jesus! At the height of His public ministry, the 12 first showed their pride and prejudice, by blocking children from coming to Jesus. Matthew records (19:13) that they ... brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them and bless them. But, they (the disciples) rebuked (forbade, censured) them. His reaction and response were the first recorded words of anger and rebuke toward His men, for their bad treatment of kids. Jesus' command was firm: Suffer (allow, let, send forth) the little children (Greek word for babies through teens) to come unto me, and forbid them not. (Verse 14)
Using these same children as an example to the adults (Matthew 18), Jesus cited their faith, humility, belief in Him, and changed lives, as exactly what the adults needed. He proclaimed the kids to be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven (verses 1,2). A stern warning follows: His judgment and punishment on anyone who offends any of these little ones who believe in me (verse 6). Conversely, He commends those who receive one such little child in my name (verse 5), adding in 10:42 that even giving ...a cup of cold water in my name unto one of these little ones, will be rewarded by Christ.
During my 20th ministry trip to Ukraine in 2008, Pastor Vitali Kozoubovskii, Vlad's father, made an astute observation. He told us that since the Wall fell 20 years before, many methods of evangelism and ministry had run their course and were no longer effective. Massive Bible distributions, street evangelism, wholesale literature distribution, and some early church-planting strategies had been replaced with newer options. But, throughout the years, his experience had shown that two ministries had not changed in their impact—medical work and children's ministries of all kinds.
And so it is, not just in Ukraine, but in every country and region of the world where Titus missionaries are working. As you'll see in this Ministry Report, the Titus family (which includes you, our faithful prayer and financial supporters) is reaching future generations with the Gospel. Here are their fresh stories, with pictures. Thanks to all of you for making these stories possible!
-Fred Bennett, Editor (U.S. Jewish Evangelism & BI Teaching)
Creation Ministry to Kids - US and Haiti
As usual, the Lord gave us an exciting summer of ministry-mostly with kids. Our Creation VBS Summer Tour started in Dayton, TN, swung north to Hoopston, IL, south to Clarksburg, WV, and then back to TN for two more weeks. I taught over 200 kids during those exciting weeks. Many made lifechanging decisions. A mid-summer trip to Haiti gave me a chance to use my construction skills for a village church, and to teach a Friday Bible club loaded with kids.
End-of-summer was a great week, teaching 8 missionary kids during IBJM's Enrichment Week.
-Gerald and Cathy Whitely (U.S. and Romania)
VBS Summer Tour
A mid-summer trip to Haiti
25 Years Later-Still Reaching Youth!
Our early ministry experience working with young people in the US prepared us for reaching the next generation in France 25 years later. I was youth pastor at our home/sending church, Grace Baptist, when Janet and I met. After we married, she joined me in youth ministry. Since then, both of us have spoken extensively in youth camps, kids' Bible clubs, and Awana in North America, South America, and now Europe.
Here in southern France, during the school year we minister in the youth group of our French church, and in the summer we often speak at youth camps and retreats. This summer, during one of those camps, Janet and I taught different age groups--I had early teens (11-13) and she worked with 8's-10's. Camping trips, hikes and other outdoor outings with our youth group afford great mentoring and discipleship moments through Bible studies, one-on-one counseling, and participating in weddings of our young people, now grown. -Gary and Janet Goodge (France)
Training Our Replacements
Our goal here in the Central Philippines has always been to recruit, train, and mobilize young Filipinos as missionaries to unreached people groups. Obviously Southeast Asia is our focus, and young people are our strategic target-group.
This amazing young generation of Christian workers needs to be trained, to be trainers (2 Timothy 2:2). I'm teaching Intro to Missions, Missionary Life and Work, and Christian Life classes to over 100 students in two Bible Schools--Grace and Febias. Speaking in chapels and informal mentoring times (Sue with the ladies) are also valuable ways for us to equip this next generation of workers.
Practical field-experience is vital to transitioning them from classroom to mission field. That's why I'm leading my students on five missions/evangelism trips during this school year--four in Manila Region, and one to the Mangyan people in the Mindoro Mountains.
Internships also prepare Filipinos for future ministry. One single lady is in a 3-month internship, ministering alongside veteran missionaries to reach Filipino Muslims. -Tom and Sue Dennison (Central Philippines)
Summer and School Ministries
One of our church members, who is a former professional soccer player, leads a teen soccer club in his hometown of Lemanski.
In June, he brought 20 teen boys to our church for a one-week soccer/Bible camp (pictured left).
An American team from FBC in Alabama held a 3-day kids' Bible club, with over 40 coming on the last day! They taught exciting Bible stories, games, crafts, English songs, sports, and did a puppet show. The team also built a beautiful playground for our children. Thanks from all of us in our church, and from the parents of kids who came.
Our sending church, Kakogawa Baptist Church from Japan, sent a team Sept. 2-12. Together, we held a one-day Children's Bible Club, and visited two local schools, including School #100. The principal has asked me again to teach Christian Ethics twice a month! Please pray that this door will stay open. -Masato and Miki Funakoshi (Ukraine)
Effective Evangelism, Using an Unchanging Method
My father, Pastor Vitali Kozoubovskii, has always told me that evangelism, discipleship and Bible training of workers were to be priorities in our ministries. Also, that ministry with children is not only important, but still very effective, no matter how times change.
Dad has always treated his grandchildren, as well as church kids, in such a kind, respectful and compassionate way. His example has influenced my life and ministry today.
That's why my reports always include many pictures and stories of our work with kids. My brother and co-worker Victor and his wife Katya, direct our summer camps for smaller kids and help many villages with kids' Bible clubs and Sunday School work. My work with youth is mostly with teens and college-aged. Most of our camps for older kids are primitive, in the mountains, and we teach Bible studies around the campfires, relating to our outdoor activities (Alpininism/rock climbing, hiking and other sports). Then, we try to disciple and mentor those young people to be involved in ministering to their own age, to younger kids, and even to adults.
-Vlad and Julia Kozoubovskii (Kiev, Ukraine)
Moldovans Minister to Children
Our Moldovan National pastors, missionaries and Christian workers take very seriously their ministry to children and youth.
The majority of them, whether serving in Moldova, the Arctic Circle, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, or a closed country, are involved in one or more of these ministries to kids. Since most of them were originally brought to Christ when they were younger, they naturally reach out to that same age group.
Keeping street kids and other orphans in a loving, safe, Christian environment, complete with Bible training, good food, and warm clothes—is what our 3 Titus orphanages are all about. All are funded by Nationals and Americans, and staffed by our wonderful Moldovan brothers and sisters.
Camping has long been an effective way to reach young people. On most of their fields, camp ministry is a unique and effective setting for evangelism, discipleship and mentoring. Sasha Belev has been organizing camps for boys and girls from all over the former Soviet Union.
Kicking a soccer ball, shooting a basketball, and hitting a baseball are a few of the activities in our sports ministries. Our workers use these means to make friends and gather a crowd to hear the Gospel, teach the Word, mentor and disciple. -Dr. Loreen Ittermann (Moldova)
street kids and orphans
organizing camps in the former Soviet Union
A mid-summer trip to
Orphanage Half-a-World Away
We, the 52 children at the KidZ Sanctuary Orphanage, cared for by our dear Uncle Daniel & Aunty Sandy, with help from Titus International, express our gratitude and thankfulness to you friends at the Awana clubs at Grace Baptist Church for sending $1043, which bought Bibles for us. The remaining money was used to install a new water pump to draw water from 942' below the ground. We are thankful to the Lord and will continue to pray for you. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas 2011! -Daniel and Sandra Bhandari (India)
Reaching Romania's Future
Camp Eli summer camp season began with one of our largest camps ever -115 campers and staff! Berean (OH) Baptist teens, plus leaders Jason, Jodie, and Pastor Seth, served with our Romanian counselors and staff. Many campers professed faith in Christ or surrendered to the Lord's will. Michael and Corina were once again counselors, and did a great job.
Childrens clubs in Fundulea and four other locations were held during the school year. The reward for attendance and Bible memorization was a week at Camp Eli.
Children's Day Camp was held the week of June 27 in Sinesti, with 32 boys and 29 girls attending. They were taught using the Wordless Bracelets that were made and sent over by our US friends! Thanks to the makers, who gave us the tools of evangelism, and empowered us by prayer to do God's work! The harvest was yours.
Teen mentoring started after Children's Camp ended. Three teens came to stay with us--Skyler and Katie for 6 weeks, and Joel for 6 months. They were a blessing and encouragement in the ministry, plus a big help! The girls are now back in the States at college, and Joel is still here. God blessed their time, and deepened their burden for our people. -Gerald and Kristin Ziemer (Romania)
Reaching Kids in Different Places
Since beginning our ministry in northern Ukraine, we've seen the Lord give us many places to reach kids with the Gospel. Our first field of harvest was in the small village of Ivankiv. Since moving to the edge of Kiev and working within a growing local church, new areas of children's work have opened up.
Camps included a two-week camp near Agrostansia for public school kids, where we taught crafts, had sports activities, and taught Biblical ethics. Two Awana camps were held--one for our Awana kids from the church in Kiev (June), and a camp for kids in Agrostansia, the village where we're planting a church (July). Now, when we drive or walk through that village, we see kids who know us from camp!
Through youth group extreme retreats, our singles group has connected with other singles throughout Ukraine, and has done several rafting trips with Vitaliy. He is going for a week to Crimea with church guys for mentoring, Bible study, fun and fellowship.
The weekly activities in our local public school are starting up again. Some of our youth lead games and other activities with school kids who want to participate. It connects well with our Sunday afternoon Awana program, too. Kids are everywhere, and so are the rich opportunities to minister to them here in Ukraine. -Anne and Vitaliy Sokol (Northern Ukraine)
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Moving into our new home (Dale built it) in Itogon has been good for Daeana. She has made many new neighborhood friends and talks to them about ministry and the Bible as they play together. It is encouraging to watch her grow, mature and share her faith. Annabelle teaches the kids' Sunday School, and also teaches Bible stories to Daeana's friends.
Now a few words from Daeana: Hi again! How are you doing? I am fine. I have met some of the neighborhood children. Please pray for the family of one of my friends. Right now there is a typhoon. Their house is like one of the three little pigs' houses--you know, the one made of straw! Well, their house has some cement, but not enough. Also, pray for our safety. Some thieves broke into the house next door, a week or so ago. Thank you for your prayers. -Dale and Annabelle Barkubein (Northern Philippines)
Czech-Camp
Marek and I were very privileged to serve again this summer (5th time) with Word of Life Czech Republic Camp in Cerna Hora. 45 of the total 234 campers who attended made decisions to follow Christ! The girls and I ministered to young lady campers, plus the female counselors and staff. Marek's assignment began with counselor and staff training, teaching theology, evangelism, and the doctrine of salvation, including eternal security. Ministry to campers started around the teens' evening campfires, with devotions concerning growing in Christ and staying strong in your faith. He was also the main speaker for a teen week in July. That camp started just after the tragic youth camp shootings in Norway. So Marek's messages dealt with death. He shared God's Word regarding sin, Heaven, Hell, eternal life, and Godly living. Campers were filled with questions during their cabin small groups, and many decisions resulted.
-Marek and Julie Hancik (Czech Republic)
Austrian Youth Outreach Through English
Everyone wants to learn English-to speak it, understand it, and know how to read and write it. So, we have always used this as an effective way to minister, especially to Austria's younger generation.
This Summer's English Camp was wonderful! We served as a family, alongside many Austrian and American brothers and sisters. The 32 juniorhigh campers took giant steps toward the Lord, being very open to God's Word and seeking Him. In order to build a bridge between English Camps and our church, we had a well-attended English Camp church service on September 4, to celebrate what God did at the camp. We were able to meet many parents of the un-churched kids, and to introduce them to our youth groups in Innsbruck. One unsaved father said that he was amazed to see his son reading the Bible, since being at camp!
When our Middle School Youth Group started last week, 18 of 25 who came had attended English Camp this summer. God is working among the young people. And now, the parents and other relatives/friends want to learn English too!
-Daniel and Julie Kistenich (Austria)