JENKINS JAZZ

Ministry Starts Here

2012-03-06T14:42:00.003-05:00

We are all about evangelism in Proclaim. We put incredible amounts of time and effort into planning and leading overseas tours completely focused on that goal with all our energy and passion. Our Los Vecinos team has just finished such a tour in Belarus where every event and activity has been planned to maximize opportunities for the gospel.

But what about times when we are not involved in an organized tour. One of the concerns that we have felt is the importance of keeping this priority in focus all the time, in our individual encounters with people and in planned events. During the past year Kim Peterson has headed up regular excursions where Proclaim musicians and even others from our local Christian community can take it to the streets nearby -- playing music and engaging people in conversation. Lately St. Augustine has been the target area. Pray that we will keep finding creative ways to reach people locally.

PROCLAIM! GALA Another big focus for us right now is planning our April fund raising Gala. This year we are especially praying that God will bring people who have a passion for missions and will catch the vision for partnering with Proclaim in significant ways. We need to have a strong Jacksonville ministry base to provide resources for all that God is doing through Proclaim internationally. We are praying for people who through their partnership will fuel the fire and fan the flame!

OUR PART As we're working on addressing the needs in Proclaim, we are not forgetting our own support shortage. In fact, getting our personal support more stable through monthly donors or special gifts would have a positive effect on Proclaim overall. You can help with donations for our ministry through the DONATE link on the right sidebar. Contact us if you would like to find out more about Proclaim or our part in the ministry.

FAMILY

Jami just celebrated a big birthday. A milestone for all of us! She is busy finishing up a writing project between her church commitments, part-time care giving, and still looking for full-time work.

Jim has had a lot of playing opportunities -- men's retreat and Sundays at church, street evangelism, in addition to several private events. He has an interesting opportunity next month coordinating music and playing for a wedding where the bride and groom have definite evangelistic goals for the event.

Kathie's role of coordination and communication in the Proclaim office is challenging and fun as we are adding new members to Proclaim and gearing up for the coming tours this year. A recent project has been helping develop the new website which is up now. See it at www.proclaiminternational.com

Fall Update

2011-11-13T21:36:00.009-05:00

We didn't realize what a full month November is until we started trying to find a few days in a row to make a trip up to Indiana to pick up our car. Yes! we found the perfect deal right in Warsaw. The sale notice was posted on Facebook by a friend for her mom's car, a 2004 with 25,000 miles! Actually it's the same car we have now but 3 years newer with almost 200,000 fewer miles! It checked out mechanically so we sealed the deal. After Thanksgiving weekend we will attempt to squeeze a final 1,000 miles out of old faithful to get us there.

OLD CAR NEW CAR

We just hope we can adjust to the drastic change!

Proclaim has been challenged since the summer news that Co-director Bob Johnson had to leave the tour he was leading in Poland and was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. This meant a major change for leadership as the other two co-directors divided up most of the responsibilities. The US office is impacted as John Bowers took over leadership of the newly forming team in Germany and Bob McIntyre assumed responsibility for the US office. John and Diana are in Germany now, the first of some extended times they will spend based there through at least the next year. A lot of very positive things are happening there with our team and their ministries and local churches.

Bob McIntrye is making trips to Jacksonville and connecting in other ways to keep things on track at the home base. In fact, he and Vicki will be here this week with a full agenda checking in with our local Proclaim people and advising on ministry here. Bob Johnson has now made remarkable progress with his treatments and is optimistic about a full recovery. Thanks to all who have been aware of that situation and praying for Bob and Alyce and our mission.

It seemed that our December tour in Tunisia would be a go when we got word that a big hurdle had been cleared for getting our sound and video equipment into the country. Then within a few days we learned of changes in the economy there and outrageous airfares that would at least double the projected budget for the tour. So it was decided to postpone to a later date to adjust the planning. We had both been scheduled to go on that tour.

That does take some pressure off for the end of the year here. We would have returned mid December with all the year-end letters to be processed and mailed! So we can do that on a bit more realistic schedule. Other regular ministries continue -- Jim meeting with men - individuals and groups - and involved in the music ministry at church. We both have committed to help with a newly forming Mission Development Team at our church, taking young people who are interested in missions through an extended mentoring process to provide some deeper preparation in the process of getting to the mission application stage. And we have recently joined a family group that is just getting started. Jami is a teacher for the 1st grade girls in the mid-week Pioneer Club and working part time as a helper for a couple of elderly folks.

We are thankful for really good times we have been having together as a team in our Tuesday morning Bible study and prayer. We have been challenged with deep teaching as we spent time thinking through the disciplines of the Christian life and lately exploring what it means to be a community. It helps us keep things in perspective.

Pray for us as a family and Proclaim in general as we continue to face decreased funds with which to operate and carry on the ministry. By reducing our salary and cutting costs, our ministry fund had stayed in the black for several months, until the past couple months when we have gone in deficit. Please pray for wisdom to manage well our personal finances and the courage to continue to invite new people to join our team of senders. A note of praise is that Dave Wilbert, a former board member who has recently returned to the area, is helping us and other individuals, as well as Proclaim, in our efforts to raise the needed additional funds. We are thankful for this encouragement!

Summer Stretch

2011-08-03T00:03:00.007-04:00

We were not on a tour this summer, but it almost seems like we were there through involvement in recruiting, communication, logistics support, and lots of prayer for the two summer tours. We had a pretty exciting last minute challenge getting a sound tech for the Poland tour when the scheduled tech was not able to come. In a little over a week our replacement was able to raise his support and get a passport! See the Proclaim! site for some news on Adonai's tour in Croatia/Bosnia and the tour with Writing on the Wall in Poland.

INDIANA

We did some actual traveling the first two weeks in July to Indiana. We had a great time with family, especially the main event -- a family reunion in Michigan. Hard to have it without Kathie's Mom -- but time with her sisters and many of our cousins and their kids was really precious. We hadn't seen some of the cousins in MANY years.

My mom's sisters -- she was the oldest of the 6 sisters and 2 brothers

We had over half of the cousins (my generation) there plus spouses and kids/grandkids

Once again we experienced God's intervention in the timing and planning of the whole trip. We came away feeling like we'd had more quality time with family, friends and supporters than we could possibly have planned. We can never get enough of those adorable grand nieces and nephews -- it's such a gift that they (and their amazing parents) are all in the same town or nearby. (Facebook members: see pics) Going home increasingly overwhelms us with appreciation for God's tremendous blessings of our wonderful family and friends who are part of our heritage and who we are.

We were happy to get in on a gathering put on by our Europartners prayer support group that has prayed faithfully for us and our dear friends, the Hoberts in France, for 30 years. We actually were able to be back in town at the same time with them and catch up on each others' ministries as we shared with the whole group. We are anticipating possibilities for Proclaim members to provide support for some of the ministries in France that they are involved in.

Now back in Jacksonville summer tours are over and we will be moving into plans for the fall and 2012. Overseas we have 2 families -- one first term and one returning for their second term -- getting settled and forming a team in Germany. Please pray for a good transition for the Libertis and the Davises, and for a strong team to be established there.

Proclaim Gala in Jacksonville

2011-05-09T22:48:00.006-04:00

CLICK HERE

for Gala report and photos at the Proclaim site

Proclaim! in Belarus and Ukraine February 2011

2011-05-09T22:39:00.005-04:00

KIEV

February 21-March 6 Jim was with Next Exit ministering with Belarusian Christian band Spasenie to Proclaim Christ in Belarus and Ukraine. There was no chance to get bored! Spasenie makes use of innovative means of connecting with people for sharing their faith, and our team experienced that diversity of ministry opportunities.

BELARUS

Spasenie's concern for youth and the reputation they have in schools opened doors for our band to play in some of the schools and speak with students. They are the first American band to have this opportunity, and their efforts were enthusiastically received by teachers and administration.

Individual team members had other opportunities for ministry: helping Spasenie in their music studio, teaching music and audio classes in their music academy, and designing a coffee bar in a multi-purpose ministry facility.

Three of our band members spent a day judging 30 high school bands performing 2 songs each, competing to play in a music festival.

At the Saturday Music Festival the 6 finalists were featured with Next Exit performing at the end. All students at the public school performances were invited to this event.

At a music college where Spasenie and Next Exit performed together, the students loved the concert and many stayed after to talk.

The time in Belarus finished with a concert in a church that is small but very strategic with a history of launching many other ministry ventures.

UKRAINE

The final days of the tour were in Kiev, Ukraine. The two bands joined together leading worship at church services and had some more teaching opportunities.

Praise God for the opportunities in these venues to encourage believers and engage with unbelievers to build bridges and share. Praise for the endurance that God gave the team to continue strong to the end.

Belgium Follow Up

2011-04-01T00:39:00.001-04:00

Jim and Jami had a great time in Brussels and were impressed with the Serve the City ministry. This model not only reaches out to people through meeting felt needs, but very effectively encourages the involvement of the local church. Working with their events would be a good opportunity for a small flexible Proclaim ensemble or mime team.

Jami was there to explore possibilities for a short term mission or internship. She had a good experience that week and is interested in returning, but has decided that this summer is not the right time.

Jim and Jami had a day to see a few of the sights and had the special treat of spending that evening with our dear colleagues Jean-Claude and Miriam Thienpont from our time at the Belgian Bible Instititute when we first went to Belgium 30 years ago.

Belgium Bound

2011-02-16T23:22:00.006-05:00

Today Jim made his 4th trip to the airport in less than a week! The last three times he spent the day playing for travelers passing through.

(click for video link)

But today he was there as a traveler. He and our daughter Jami headed to Brussels where they will be spending 3 days with Carlton and Shannon Deal who are ministering in an international church and directing a global ministry, Serve the City. Through this ministry Christ's love is communicated in practical ways as volunteers are organized to reach out to those in need in their city. Serve the City, which started in Brussels in 2005, is now active or starting in 74 cities around the world.

Jim will be exploring the possibility of Proclaim partnering in a project to assist this ministry, and Jami is interested in learning about a missions internship that they sponsor in the summer. A couple of ministry events will be going on this weekend, so they will really have a chance to see the action first hand.

This will also be a time to reconnect in Belgium 20+ years after our time there at the Belgian Bible Institute and then with Anno Domini. Please pray for Jim and Jami during this time and for wisdom and God's leading about future ministry opportunities in Belgium.

On to Belarus

2011-02-10T21:43:00.005-05:00

From February 20 to March 7 a 14-member Next Exit team will be in the beautiful country of Belarus. There we will partner with and support the work of Spasenie, a Belarusian band whose name means salvation.

We have found no other group of musicians whose model for ministry so closely matches that of Proclaim. For years this band has regularly had hit songs on the pop charts of Belarus that boldly express God’s message of hope and faith. Through their work, churches have been established and strengthened, a community center has been built which services their city, and many other types of ministry have been launched.

Next Exit is invited to tour with them doing joint concerts in Belarus and neighboring Ukraine. Additionally, we will be helping with a music festival and teaching some master classes for young musicians and technicians with an eye toward eventually establishing a music training center.

One of the things Jim is doing to help raise funds for the tour is playing for tips in the courtyard at the Jacksonville airport. He is permitted to have a sign indicating that all tips are going for a mission project and display information about the project that people can take. Hopefully it will stimulate some interesting conversations!

If you care to add a tax deductible contribution to the Belarus “tip jar” you are more than welcome! Just click DONATE on this blog.

NEW(?) YEAR

2011-01-29T12:02:00.002-05:00

The new year is 1/12 over already, and it seems like it was just a few days ago we saw the pineapple drop in Sarasota!

We must start the year expressing thanks to God for his provision through our faithful monthly supporters and special gifts of generous donors, as we were able to end 2010 with a deficit of LESS THAN $2000 in our ministry account -- a dramatic improvement. In fact, all Proclaim missionaries who have had serious deficits ended December with their deficit erased or significantly reduced. This is confirmation that God’s resources are sure and he is not limited by this world’s economic climate.

Neither is he limited by this world’s political and social environment. We see the troubles in North Africa that greatly impact plans that are in process for ministry this year, but know that God will open doors and accomplish his work. In Proclaim we constantly have the challenge of making plans, but being prepared for those plans to change depending on world events, finances, or situations of our personnel or ministry partners. January is always a month of getting organized for the coming year and beginning to finalize schedules and plans, and it can be unsettling to not have more nailed down. But what we love is that we have no choice but to seek God daily for his direction and wisdom.

You can see why we treasure and depend on the partnership of those who seek God with us for his leading.

Contact us for an electronic copy of Jim's newsletter about ministry plans for February and March, or download at this link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?c4f9r6as8i16t3r

CELEBRATING OUR HISTORY

2010-12-15T00:48:00.004-05:00

Just a week after our return from Albania we were on the road to Norfolk/Chesapeake VA to help celebrate with Tabernacle Church of Norfolk marking their 75th year of ministry. We were part of Tab as a young couple and got our start in missions through our involvement there. With all the changes over these many years it is so encouraging to see how the ministry continues strong and vital.

We had a full schedule catching up with long time friends, involvement in music, speaking and sharing our ministry, talking to prospective musicians for Proclaim, and connecting with other missionaries on the possibility of coordinating efforts in the future.

This faithful group has prayed for us for many years.

We were able to relax too with our hosts in Chesapeake -- friends originally from Jacksonville -- including a day at North Carolina's Outer Banks and visit to Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers museum, and a fantastic evening at a Gaither concert.

On the way home, since it was on our route, we stopped to see where Kathie spent the first 6 months of life -- Bob Jones University.

An unexpected bonus was the amazing fall color we enjoyed in the Tidewater area and on the drive. This seems to be an unusually colorful year on the whole east coast, more brilliant than we remember seeing before. We are so thankful for this time and being reminded of what an impact the people and events of Tabernacle Church had on us through the years.

TALES FROM ALBANIA

2010-11-04T21:44:00.012-04:00

Well, the Proclaim tour to Albania is now history. The 20-member Mercy Street team was strong and unified. We came from Germany, France, Albania and the US with one purpose: to serve the church in Albania by providing a means of gathering people to hear and respond to the good news of God’s salvation.

And respond they did! Many gladly heard and discussed this “new” message of hope. A few responded immediately by accepting the gospel and praying to receive salvation right at the concerts.

Others indicated that they would like to have further contact with the local believers. And a few others responded by walking out of the concerts as soon as the name of Jesus was declared. This last response shouldn’t surprise us. There is power in the name of Jesus and those who live in darkness are afraid of the light. But those whom God had prepared for an encounter with the one true light responded by moving toward the light.

In 17 days we traveled to 6 cities performing before high school and university students, married couples, businessmen, diplomats and musicians and others.

Our venues varied -- concert halls, opera houses cinemas and clubs. We served those ministering on university and high school campuses. We assisted the efforts of 7 different churches and church planting efforts. In each case we were impressed with the boldness of the local believers to share their faith one-on-one after the concerts. Much seed was planted, some new “plants” were harvested and the name of our Lord was spread further in the hearts of Albanians.

We came back very tired. But it is the good kind of tired you get when you’ve worked hard and seen something really special accomplished. We thank you all for your sustaining prayers! May God richly bless you as you harvest in the fields God has placed you in!

See more photos of the tour:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=543665&id=544390283

ALBANIA MID-TOUR

2010-10-22T14:19:00.007-04:00

A refreshing dynamic in Albania is the openness of people to talk about spiritual things. Although there are very few true believers, almost everyone claims one of the three faiths -- Catholic, Orthodox or Muslim. In fact, one guy said he was a Catholic atheist. So we have had interesting conversations.

In contrast to previous tours in Albania, this time we are beginning to see the effects of entertainment overload. Typically it has been easy to fill a hall, even for an unknown band. This time, the crowds for most of these well-publicized concerts have been smaller than expected by the sponsors. But in spite of that, and even when many of those who did come leave when the message gets serious, consistently most of those who stay till the end engage in long and deep conversations.

At our last concert, in Vlore, the crowd was so enthusastic we thought the theater must be filled with local believers. But we found out later that at least half were new contacts! When the house lights came up we were surprised at how few people had stayed with us, but within seconds the front and aisles were crowded with people wanting to interact. One conversation was with 3 young ladies, each of a different faith. In another, several Muslim young men were genuinely interested in the information that the Qur'an instructs followers to read the Gospels. And three other young men became new believers.

The manager of the theater was very anxious to get the place emptied immediately after the concert and started shutting down lights to get people to leave. At first he was very antagonistic, but our translator from New Life, who is traveling with us, began talking to him, gave him a CD and was able to share the gospel with him. He evenutally made a complete turnaround and assured us we could stay as long as we needed to.

The next day we had no concert scheduled and were able to spend the day in Vlore beginning with a team meeting, then taking walks by the sea, stopping to eat at one of the local seaside restaurants, catching up at internet cafes, and just resting. It was a refreshing time of physical and spiritual renewal.

One of the examples of God's provision on this tour was at our arrival in Vlore. We went directly to our hotel to find that our rooms had been rented that morning to some one else. That is after our coordinator there had reconfirmed our reservations twice that week. So we all waited there while our tour director checked another hotel around the corner. He was back in 10 minutes with the news that they had room for all 20 of us for the same price as the original hotel, and the new hotel was nicer.

Today we returned to Tirana for the 5-day home stretch with a concert each day. We will travel out of town for 2 of those but return to our home base each night. Thanks for continued prayer. Several members have had illnesses or injuries but God has given the strength to go on with their parts in the concerts. We are so thankful for the opportunities here.

ALBANIA ADVENTURES

2010-10-13T04:12:00.008-04:00

It was a bit of a rocky arrival day, but God was definitely in control. The 2 vans with 3 occupants driving from Germany had to change plans at the last minute when they found out the ferry they were planning to take to shave kilometers off the drive changed schedules in October and would not get them here in time. That meant a 3-day drive, getting the equipment through unplanned border crossings and ending with the last few hours at night in rain on treacherous roads. But they pulled in at 10:45 pm in good spirits.
The last flight in was to arrive at 5:00 pm, but that flight was cancelled and replaced with one arriving at 11:00 pm. The bright spot in that was the long drive to and from the airport with hardly any traffic instead of at rush hour. And rush hour in Tirana is something you have to experience to believe!

If there's one item of baggage that doesn't make it, it will most likely be a large instrument that requires special handling. Yep, the bass was nowhere in sight when we arrived at noon Monday. At the 11:00pm airport run . . . still nothing. But it was here the next morning before the first note needed to be played. Big sigh of relief!

Then there was the guy on a motor cycle who pulled out unexpectedly right in the path of our van resulting in an unavoidable hit and a trip to the hospital for the biker. In God's sovereignty there was an English speaking witness to the accident who assured officers that our driver was not responsible in any way for the incident. The whole thing, although distressing, was wrapped up in a very short time and we were on our way again.

God loves to keep us aware that this is his tour. Before we had any idea we would be in this place for this ministry He knew every challenge that would be faced. No doubt there will be many more as we go through the next couple weeks.

Thank God for the reminder that we are totally dependent on -- and can have complete confidence in -- his care and provision for every situation. Please continue to pray for our alertness to see and boldness to seize every opportunity that God gives us.

New Life Christian Center - our home in Tirana

COUNTDOWN TO ALBANIA OCTOBER 10-27

2010-10-06T23:09:00.020-04:00

(Kathie) Was it just a week ago I was traveling back from Indiana? My sister and I spent 4 days there staying at my dad's and seeing as many family members and friends as possible.

The big event was a princess birthday party for the ultimate 4-year-old party princess! I am thankful for that short but intense time. Electronic communication is a wonderful convenience, but there's nothing like being there.

In the week since, we have been focusing on all the final preparations for the tour in Albania where we'll be heading this Sunday, October 10. We are overwhelmed with God's provision through many generous donations and now have over 95% of the support we need for our flights and tour expenses. It is such a confirmation to know these funds are here before we take off.

The timing was tight for the release of the new Proclaim CD -- Next Exit: Mercy Street, on which we were depending heavily as a tool for this tour. The finished product did make it in time to get a shipment out to Albania for use in promoting the concerts, and we will take over a quantity to get the content into the hands of concert goers. Click here to see more about the cd. See these links to hear samples of all the cuts:

iTunes CDBaby Amazon

Listen on Jango, rate our songs and help us expand our ministry.

Please pray for our 19-member team as we gather in Tirana. Here is the schedule:
OCTOBER 11 Monday - arrival
OCTOBER 12 Tuesday - rehearsal, Tirana
OCTOBER 13 Wednesday - rehearsal, Tirana
OCTOBER 14 Thursday - rehearsal, Tirana
OCTOBER 15 Friday - High School, New Life Institute (NLI), Tirana
OCTOBER 16 Saturday - Home Builders, NLI, Tirana
OCTOBER 17 Sunday - travel to Korca
OCTOBER 18 Monday - NLI University Ministry, Korca
OCTOBER 19 Tuesday - NLI University Ministry, Elbasan
OCTOBER 20 Wednesday - NLI University Ministry, Vlore
OCTOBER 21 Thursday - Day off, Vlore
OCTOBER 22 Friday - NLI Executive /Government, Tirana
OCTOBER 23 Saturday - Disciple's Church, Durres
OCTOBER 24 Sunday - Joint outreach of churches - Tirana
OCTOBER 25 Monday - NLI University Ministry, Shkoder
OCTOBER 26 Tuesday - NLI University Ministry, Tirana
OCTOBER 27 Wednesday - departure

Here are some things to pray about:

Safe and timely arrival of all team members
Team unity
Physical stamina
Boldness in witnessing
Spiritual vigilance (The enemy doesn't want us there!)
Electricity! This is a country that experiences frequent "brown-outs" to the power grid

SPASENIE BAND IN JACKSONVILLE

2010-10-03T21:32:00.008-04:00

September 30 Proclaim hosted Spasenie (Salvation), a Christian band from Belarus that shares with us a conviction of the call to proclaim the gospel with creativity, humility and boldness.

For over 20 years these men have been pursuing music full-time in

Belarus and across Europe. Their musical style has adapted to stay contemporary and relevant but the message remains constant.

In many places where Spasenie ministers there are restrictions on how and where the gospel can be preached. But their name recognition draws people to their concerts where personal testimonies and song lyrics point listeners to the Lord. Audience members are then invited to visit churches and Bible studies. Through their ministry in their hometown of Brest,

Belarus

, a city of about 300,000 near the Polish border, hundreds have come to faith. A church planted in 1996 now has 700 members. And in many other places believers have been encouraged and churches have been planted through their ministry.

On this visit they shared the amazing opportunities they are having as they are increasingly being invited into schools. In fact, they began receiving too many invitations to personally fulfill, so they are sending other bands from their church to be involved.

For some time Proclaim has been anticipating responding to the invitation of Spasenie to join them in an evangelism effort in Belarus. This is now scheduled to become a reality in February 2011. During their two days in Jacksonville we had a profitable time sharing together our common goals for working together and coordinating plans. At the concert people caught the vision of how strategic this ministry is that we will be involved in. On the tour our horn section will play with Spasenie, so on parts of this concert Jim joined them playing sax or percussion.

Please pray for Proclaim and Spasenie as we continue to plan for this ministry together in Belarus and Ukraine.

HEADED FOR ALBANIA

2010-09-16T21:49:00.018-04:00

Our family doesn't have anyone in school, but we still find our schedule ramping up as the school year gets underway. At the end of August we were both involved in Proclaim's International Council in Jacksonville. Then Jim has 2 men's groups that have started up again this week and he has been regularly scheduled for worship team in Sunday services.

Now a big focus for us is preparing for the Albania tour with Mercy Street band October 11-27. Most of the Proclaim-Jacksonville team will be part of that outreach as musicians or on service or tech teams. Jim is in the band, on tenor sax and clarinet. Kathie will help with administrative support and on the video team.

This will be Proclaim’s 4^th tour in

Albania

in recent years. Mercy Street band toured in October 2006 and again in July, 2007. Then Jim led the classical ensemble Virtuoso in the fall of 2007 concentrating in the city of Fier. Proclaim has developed a strong and positive reputation among the churches and believers in the country. They know that we want to serve them well and help them reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Our tour in the capital city of Tirana includes 2 concerts with local churches. Then 8 events are planned in partnership with New Life Institute (Campus Crusade) with a strategy of generating a national, long-term evangelism movement in the universities of

Albania

as the new academic year is gearing up. In past student concerts we have experienced significant numbers of students coming to faith in Christ. Also, hundreds of response cards have been filled out by students, serving as the core group for follow up by NLI workers in the weeks and even months following a Mercy Street concert. In preparation Campus Crusade is publishing a magazine to distribute to all the students at their five campuses. The concerts are the centerpiece of the magazine featuring five articles that were written by members of Mercy Street specifically for this publication.

A few days ago we put out an urgent prayer need for a sound tech for this tour -- now God has answered and that strategic position is filled!

Please pray for all the details of preparation. We also have a need of $3600 in special donations for airfare and tour funds for both of us. Because our regular support has not yet reached a level that covers ministry expenses, we are trusting God for additional provision for this tour. If you would like to have a part in helping with the funds for this ministry opportunity, you can respond through the donation link on this blog, or directly to Proclaim:

PO Box 56888

Jacksonville FL 32241

PROCLAIM TEAM IN UKRAINE -- END-OF-TOUR CHALLENGES

2010-07-17T10:48:00.037-04:00

July 17: Our team with THE OUTLANDERS band was delayed most of Friday night at the border from Poland to Ukraine with issues regarding the equipment paperwork. Bob McIntyre gave us a complete account of the border episode. Please pray for challenging weekend ahead:

It involved more than translating the carnet. The result was a whole new extensive document approved at higher levels and signed by us. The process required the full attention of 2 officials working their whole shift.

Besides the paperwork, they directed us to unload/unpack all vans and photograph each piece. After opening the door of the larger van packed to the full - we only unloaded 5 pieces in the parking lot and the officials pronounced it "Enough!"

Through all this some of our team took turns waiting in the hallway of the office crowded with truckers while the others waited in hot vans wedged between large semis. At 2:00 am the guy we most connected with showed mercy. He said one passenger van could go on to L'Viv and the other two would stay in the process. It was tempting!

We considered releasing one van, but in the end decided we all stay together. It proved the right decision. At the end of the 7-hour process our final Ukrainian carnet was presented for the signature of Peter (B-house) who had signed the original carnet in Germany. B-house had only decided at the last minute to join this tour, and he would have been in the van that was released 2 hours earlier had we decided to separate.

We had three very heroic but tired van drivers through the last lonely leg of the trip as most passengers crashed into silence and sleep from the stress and long wait.

A little after 4 am, as we approached L'viv, a large black SUV overtook us and waved us to the side of the road. It was not the mafia, but rather Pastor Valerie who had been alerted of our arrival. His assistant had insisted that we text-message him upon our release from the border. The pastor personally led us to the hotel.

Back to reality - we begin set-up in the center of L'Viv at 2:30 this afternoon for a 7:30 concert tonight followed by two services on Sunday and an evening concert at church planting site 70 kilometers away. Please continue to pray - this is not over yet! Now the work and ministry begins for two intensive days.
AND - we must recross the border to Poland on Monday in order to make our flight connections in Krakow on Tuesday. A matter for continued PRAYER!

Russ Speiser's follow up
Recrossing of the border at the end of tour
Coming back through the Ukraine border God smiled upon us and we found that the same young official who had spent his whole shift doing the paperwork for us was again on duty. Of course he remembered us, and we gave him a CD and some publicity for the concert, and he in turn not only waved us through after immediately signing our carnet, but radioed ahead to the other border guards which resulted in us getting VIP treatment right into Poland and on the road home.

SPARE ROD SPOILS CAR

2010-06-30T13:25:00.001-04:00

On each of our last two big road trips in our well used old vehicle we have been detained for a major car repair before ever making it to our first destination. In an effort to avoid that headache and wear and tear on our own fragile car, we decided to rent a car for our trip to Indiana. We set out yesterday and it was smooth sailing through Florida and Georgia.

Then north of Atlanta Jim came up behind a pick up truck pulling a trailer in the passing lane. Noticing that the open trailer loaded with tools and equipment was swaying a bit from side to side he mentioned that it was going dangerously fast and moved to the next lane. Just at that moment an object flew off the trailer directly into our path. We braced ourselves as it loudly hit the front underside of our car. The car kept going and we didn't sense any damage, but headed for the next exit just to check and be sure everything was ok. When we were able to inspect the car we discovered a 2 foot long solid lead spike sticking straight out of our bumper.

Fortunately there was no damage to the engine, so Jim pulled it out and we called our insurance agent to report it and get advice on how to procede. The claim is subject to our deductible and any additional charges by the rental company that aren't covered by our normal policy. We were able to get the license number from the truck but found out later that doesn't actually do any good unless the police are involved.

Our initial response as we were going through this process was a temptation to be impatient with yet another inconvenience and delay and expense, in spite of our attempt to take wise precautions. But as we continued back on our journey it occured to us how much worse this could have been. For example, a higher hit going through the windshield -- thank you God for your protection and reminding us that everything is in your hands. It also renews our thankfulness for the prayers for protection that are being made on our behalf. Thank you prayer warriors!

We continued on to Chattanooga and had a wonderful meal and evening with long time friends Wayne and Jewel Smith and Carole Adams who happens to live right around the corner. Now on to Indiana . . .

TRANSITIONS

2010-06-20T18:40:00.009-04:00

Moving around is nothing new in Proclaim -- our ministry is based on coming and going as most of us travel regularly to other countries. But this seems to be a time of several changes in longer term location as well. Our US office in Jacksonville is feeling the effects of these changes.

Todd and Terri Smalley who have been back in Jacksonville for over a year are able to return to Germany the end of June to give leadership to our team in Kandern. We will miss them and Todd's computer expertise which has benefited all of us immensely.

And Marty and Debbie Shilling, who have carried a lot of the responsibility in the office the last couple years, are following God's leading to return to Black Forest Academy in Germany to serve there as dorm parents. So, these positive moves present a challenge.

Now we are in the process of redistributing office responsibilities to cover the needs. Jim is one of those who will be taking on some of the areas as he balances coming in to the office 2 or 3 times a week with continuing support raising activities, music, tour preparation and local discipleship/teaching. Please pray for all of us as we adjust to new roles and processes. It's always exciting to see how God supplies the resources to meet the needs.

One of the positive changes that is giving momentum to many of our transitions is the movement of the US dollar to a stronger position. The recent and relatively sudden increase in the value of the dollar results in a substantial net decrease in the monthly support need of our Europe based missionaries, allowing them to raise their support more quickly or keep their ongoing support strong. Those of us based in the US are positively affected too as our dollars go farther on the evangelism tours in which we participate and the administrative aspect of the overseas ministries that the US office helps fund.

We continue to have new monthly and special donors and are progressing toward our support goals. In spite of still being well short of our monthly support need, our deficit as of the end of last month is only $4750 -- less than half what it was at the highest point just a few months ago. Thank you to those who have joined our support team and to you who have given faithfully for many years.

We are looking forward to a quick trip to Indiana June 30-July 8 for a family event. One of the benefits of our US base is that it is possible to be with family for some of those significant times and at the same time see friends there and along the way.

Jami will not be able to come this time as she has just recently been promoted to a full time position in seafood at her store -- an answer to prayer during the 2 years that she has been faithfully working the part time positions that were available. She and we are very thankful for God's provision.

Thank you for your prayers during this busy summer of transitions.

PROCLAIM! MISSIONARY GATHERING

2010-05-31T22:30:00.001-04:00

After our evangelism training and Gala, the celebration continued with a third event -- the Gathering of our Proclaim missionaries in St. Augustine. This annual event is usually held in Europe, but we planned it in the states this time as part of our tenth anniversary.

Adonai band led worship in our morning and evening sessions joined by other Proclaim musicians. It was such an uplifting time as mornings were focused on worship, challenge from the word and discussion together.
In the afternoons we faced the dilemma of deciding which of the many sights and activities to enjoy in historic and picturesque St. Augustine. Even though we live in the area, we never tire of exploring and relaxing there -- especially fun with friends who are experiencing it for the first time.

During our evenings together, after more music, we were led in reflecting on highlights of the past 10 years as God has blessed and grown the ministry and given us opportunities beyond our wildest expectations.

We were energized to get on with what lies ahead as together we relived war stories and victories and were reminded of God's faithfulness.
One item of business that is part of our Gathering is to appoint International Council members when there is a need. Members are affirmed by the community to serve a 3-year term, and a couple of our members had recently completed their terms. At this Gathering Jim was affirmed as a new member so we will now both be serving on the Council which meets twice a year to set policy and look at issues that affect the mission globally. Our next meetings will be the first few days of September.

Before the hills in order stood

Or earth received her frame

From everlasting thou art God
To endless years the same

O, God, our help in ages past
Our hope for years to come
Be thou our guide while life shall last

And our eternal home

Proclaim!'s Annual Gala - Celebrating 10 years

2010-05-06T00:31:00.059-04:00

Welcome Adonai

We didn't know until the last minute if our Croatian band Adonai would make it to play for the Gala. They were scheduled to fly on April 22 from Budapest, while early in the week airports all over Europe were closing because of the volcanic ash cloud. But the same God who parted the Red Sea cleared the skies just in time!

Some of these band members were little kids (or not even born yet) when we started going to Croatia in the early 90s. It was a long-time dream to have this band doing ministry with us over here after many ministry tours together in Croatia and other countries of Europe. They played for the Gala and then led worship the following week at the Gathering of Proclaim missionaries.

God was faithful to exceed our expectations for the Gala fund raising dinner. Three weeks before the event we were concerned with the low number of responses for the evening. But after a couple weeks of making phone calls, getting the word out online, and having a sign up table at our church (with musicians performing on site), we had reservations to fill all the seats for which we had contracted.

Normally we have many people who don't make it, and a few unexpected guests fill some of those places. This year, for the first time, we actually had more people than we had planned for! What a fantastic problem -- we managed to find places for everyone. We were really pleased with how the evening went, with a delicious meal, great music and a sample of our Proclaim Peru mime outreach ministry.

The focal point of the evening was a riveting and timely message by Stuart McAllister of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, challenging churches and believers to "make the main thing the main thing" in communicating the gospel, truly listening and responding to individuals at their point of need. Stuart's participation was especially meaningful since he was the speaker at our first Proclaim Gathering in 2002.


Many of our Proclaim staff invested a huge effort in the Gala and surrounding events. We were heavily involved in planning and onsite logistics -- Jim in helping coordinate stage, sound and lighting and oversee ground transportation for all the events / Kathie working with flights, hotel facilities, Gala registration, etc. What a beautiful team effort as so many Proclaim members and volunteers sacrificed to bring everything together. Through all the preparations and throughout the event we were acutely aware of our total dependence on God. He did indeed show himself strong in our weakness, overcoming our mistakes and things that didn't go according to plan.

All the efforts were rewarded as guests not only expressed appreciation for what they had seen and learned, but responded generously to the opportunity to support the ministry financially and be involved in other ways. We really had a sense that God was glorified, which is the point of everything. Thanks for praying.

MAKING PROGRESS

2010-04-04T17:48:00.011-04:00

CHRIST IS RISEN -- HE IS RISEN INDEED!

We are very aware of God's work on our behalf as people have responded in the last month to the need for financial support in our ministry. Our opening event of the missions conference at our church was an evening with a singles class from our church with a chance to meet new people and connect in a new way with many we have a history with. Then we were able to share with several groups on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. The ministry of Proclaim was new to many of these folks, so it was a good opportunity. Kathie enjoyed interacting with the 1st grade girls Pioneer club later that week. Their reaction was enthusiastic to the idea of using the arts to share the gospel.

Part of the church's strategy in this year's missions emphasis included an innovative way of challenging the body to begin or increase missions giving. The dramatic response has benefited many missionaries serving around the world in both special gifts and monthly support. We have personally had an increase of $360 per month in the past month -- a gain of over 5% toward our support goal, as well as some significant special gifts. It is interesting that some of these monthly commitments and special donations were not specifically prompted through the missions emphasis, having come from sources other than our church here. Especially encouraging is the return of some individuals who were part of our support team years ago.

We are thankful for the progress we've seen and continue to trust for the rest of the needed funds.

Proclaim as a ministry is also facing the most challenging year yet in funding. As we look forward to our Gala on April 24 celebrating the 10th year of Proclaim! International, we are sobered by the great need that we are experiencing as a ministry. In 2009, with God's provision, we did not have to cancel any planned ministry projects because of lack of funds. We pray that will be the case again this year. Please pray with us that the Gala fund raising event will result in a miraculous supply of needed resources to fulfill our commitments throughout the world.

Click here to see details of the Gala

RECOMMITING

2010-02-25T11:12:00.010-05:00

During times such as these recent months, when we are facing ministry support shortages and seeing very little net progress, we experience a couple things. First, we have an increased awareness of and amazement at how God provides miraculously and unexpectedly, way beyond any visible means. At the same time, we go through the process of re-examining our goals, our motivation, our purpose and our call. As we have done this once again, we have yet again been renewed in our conviction of the relevance of this ministry and our passion to continue investing ourselves in building and growing the kingdom. And we are strengthened in our confidence in God's timing and provision.

We have an opportunity this last weekend of February, Friday evening through Sunday evening, to participate in the annual missions conference at our local church, Christian Family Chapel in Jacksonville. Please pray for our involvement as we will be able to share our ministry in several contexts during this event. Pastor Doug powerfully set the stage with an overview of God's Mission as it is revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Our prayer is that we will communicate effectively and build on that with a challenge of personal involvement.

NEW YEARS PROVERBS

2010-01-01T23:32:00.009-05:00

How have those New Year's resolutions been working for you in past years. How about a couple New Year's Proverbs instead:

PROVERBS 30:4-5 (NIV)

Who has gone up to heaven and come down?

Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?

Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?

Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is his name, and the name of his son?

Tell me if you know.

Every word of God is flawless;

He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

PROVERBS 2:1-8 (NIV)

My son, if you accept my words
And store up my commands within you

Turning you ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding

And if you look for it as for silver
And search for it as for hidden treasure

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord
And find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom,
And from his mouth come knowledge and understanding,

He holds victory in store for the upright,
He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

For he guards the course of the just
And protects the way of his faithful ones.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2009-12-31T21:31:00.008-05:00

Link to our New Years letter

We trust you had a better Christmas than our kitties who were really not into the donning of gay apparel . . .

HOME AGAIN

2009-12-12T10:31:00.007-05:00

Our November trip was long (we covered over 4000 miles) but so worthwhile with all the significant connections we made with special people who have roots in our past but are still a big part of our life and ministry. What a rich and overwhelming blessing to get a megadose of encouragement to sustain us for some time to come.

We ended the time with a special treat -- being home in Winona Lake for Thanksgiving for the first time in many years.

If you haven't kept up with our blog as we added segments along the way, the post with photos below highlights stops in each area, ending with most recent.

Now we're back in Jacksonville, busy with December activities. Along with a mid-week men's Bible study that Jim leads at our church, he is part of the team leading worship for Sunday services this month and at the Christmas Eve service. In the Proclaim! office this is the busiest communications month with all the year-end letters.

We are also in the stage of considering the various invitations Proclaim! has received and firming up definite dates and plans for the 2010 evangelism tours. We need to put together this giant puzzle so we have concrete information for the musicians and support personnel that God is calling to be part of these ministries. Please pray for God's scheduling to be revealed -- we know that apart from God's wisdom we will miserably fail in this challenge.

ON THE ROAD - NOVEMBER

2009-11-12T09:38:00.068-05:00

THE WHOLE TRIP - MOST RECENT AT TOP

Thanksgiving with family in Winona Lake

Can't wait for dinner!

Brooke's gourmet apple pie

Zhenya serves -- gotta have ice cream with apple pie

Avery's after dinner tea party

Mini techno wizard Nate

Ginger, Jeremy and Lilli

Lilli with Great Grands

Avery and Gracie read

Jami visits Aunt Robin at work

NOV 16-22: CHICAGOLAND AND WISCONSIN

Our dear friends Ed and Earlene hosted us for several days that we had scheduled in the Chicago area. We have stayed connected since Ed, Earlene and Jim all taught at Norfolk Christian School in the 70s.

Ventured out on a blustery Chicago day and had a good time with Taylor, a friend from Jacksonville in his first year as a transfer student at Wheaton. Also took some time to look around the Billy Graham Center which has changed a lot since we first saw it in the 80s!

Our paths have crossed many times with Walt and Jane as we all worked together at the Belgian Bible Institute in the 80s, and during part of our time in France our family attended the Black Forest church in Germany where Walt was pastor. We spent the final weekend with them in St. Charles and were able to go to the church that Walt has pastored since their return to the states.

This wasn't planned ahead, but we found out Bax and Kathy, also teachers with Jim at Norfolk Christian School, were on our route between Chicago and Wisconsin. They were able to make time for us as were were passing through -- what a blessing to catch up on how God has led and used them in the past 25-plus years since our time together in Norfolk.

Since the last time we saw Randi she has married Art, and we had a wonderful visit with them over a meal. It has been almost 10 years since Randi was with us in Proclaim! in France, heading up the media department.

We were able to make a quick stop for lunch and a Saturday afternoon visit with Tom and Susan, church music ministers and long time friends who have always been such an encouragement to us.

Bob and Bonnie Jean -- BJ was also a member of the 1984 Sax quartet in Belgium. So much fun to get back together after all these years and to meet Bob.

We all got in on a jazz concert at the music conservatory where she works

And a side trip for us to the Harley Davidson museum . . .

NOV 12-15: MICHIGAN

Reunion with 2 members of our 1984 Eurocorps team to the Belgian Bible Institute and their families.

Jim played in Jim’s first Sax Quartet

(members were Jim, Jim, Jim and Eddie!)

Sue was a member of the workteam at the school and encourager of the sax group.

Norma and Jerry in Detroit treated us to a fascinating visit to Greenfield Village.

The off season gave the advantage of extra attention from the tour guides.

We enjoyed a sweet time with Kathie's Aunt Jeane and fellowship at the church where our cousin is pastor.

NOV 5-11: In Winona Lake we had precious time with parents and other family and reconnected with many long time friends at Jim's 35th Grace College class reunion.

It was a blessing to get to meet again with our faithful EUROPARTNERS who have prayed for us since we first went to Belgium in 1982!

A highlight for Kathie was lunch with 3 friends from jr. hi -- some of us hadn't seen each other in 45 years!

Judy, Kathie, Becky, Mom Miriam, Hannah -- 3 hour lunch!

NOV 3-4:

On to Indiana and a fabulous dinner with cousin Joan and Dan for Kathie's birthday.

A car breakdown just south of Indy gave us an extra day there and a chance to see most of the kids and grands (4 under 1 year!)

We were grateful for this surprise opportunity since we never have enough time to really catch up with them.

NOV 2: Enjoyed the hospitality of long time friends Ken and Becky in Nashville area. Our first visit since the early 90s. Jami will stay with them on her way to Indiana for Thanksgiving.

Beautiful drive with clear skies and fall color through Georgia and Tennessee

NOVEMBER TRIP

2009-11-01T20:51:00.000-05:00

This is the 3rd time we have attempted this trip and it looks like at last it's really going to happen. We look forward to renewing relationships face to face with many faithful friends and prayer and financial support partners in the next month.

Starting out with one week in Winona Lake, IN, we'll be able to get in on Grace College Homecoming for Jim's 35th class reunion. For two weeks we will travel around Michigan, Wisconsin and the Chicago area, ending up back in Winona for Thanksgiving week. The schedule has come together beautifully -- thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray that we will be available and sensitive to opportunities God give us to minister and serve.

FIRST US TOUR FOR PROCLAIM!

2009-10-28T19:39:00.045-04:00

We have often been asked "When is Proclaim! going to do a tour in the US?" That is just what we had the opportunity to do this month as our jazz/fusion band Next Exit was invited to Ft Worth TX to partner in evangelism with a church and a Christian community outreach organization. Proclaim! co-director Bob McIntyre, who is based in Ft. Worth, organized the tour.

Before the Next Exit concerts started up, some of the band members, forming a classical ensemble for the very first event, accompanied speaker Vicki McIntyre's presentation of The Tale of a Tapestry that explains the gospel through the significance of the veil tapestry in the Tabernacle and the Temple.

This powerful presentation to a full house resulted in good opportunities for interaction with friends who had been personally invited.

The sunny warming weather that had been predicted for the weekend did not materialize. It was chilly, but dry, for the Friday and Saturday events at a large newly renovated facility sponsored by Cornerstone Assistance Network, a cooperative ministry of many area churches, that meets spiritual and physical needs of the community.

Friday evening was a time for volunteers and supporters of that ministry to tour the facility and hear about ways God has been working in people's lives. Next Exit played for about an hour after dinner in a stiff breeze to give a preview of the next day's activities.

The Saturday focus was on reaching out to the surrounding community and making them aware of the services that are available. An all day festival featured carnival events, a free lunch, and 3 hour-long music sets.

In spite of the chilly and threatening weather more than 300 people came to some part of the event. We were able to give the gospel through the concert and speak to individuals throughout the day.

And the organizers were prepared to engage people in a way that would provide opportunities for follow up. We heard reports of several significant contacts of spiritual value that were made on that day or through follow up.

We looked forward to an exciting time on Sunday evening with our final concert at a park in a huge apartment complex where a local church has been working to start a new church. A very motivated and energetic team had done everything right in preparing -- beautiful high quality flyers delivered to each home,

staging set up, excellent gospel tracts to give, sharing teams ready to go.

But for reasons known only to God, after all the effort and sacrifice of so many, the concert could not go on. A few minutes before the concert was to start it began to rain. After an hour of uncovering and recovering, waiting, praying, hoping, it was evident that it was time to pack up.

It's at these times we have to rest in the assurance of God's wisdom and sovereignty and be satisfied that we were faithful and obedient in the part that we played. Our hearts were heavy, especially for the local team that had so many expectations for a break through in their ministry. We did find out the next day that one individual had prayed for salvation in a conversation with one of the team members under an umbrella waiting for the concert. Then in a follow up visit to the home of that new believer, another family member received Christ. A reminder that even when it appears that our efforts are in vain, God is always at work.

SEPTEMBER 2009

2009-09-27T16:39:00.012-04:00

A month after surgery Jim has almost completely recovered. Within less than 2 weeks he was able to do an 8-hour recording session with no set backs, and now is back to his regular routine with the exception of heavy lifting for a while longer.

OCTOBER: Next week we will be on our way to Ft. Worth TX for a mini tour to assist in outreach with a local Christian charitable community organization and a church reaching out to a neighboring apartment complex of 2200 people. The jazz/fusion band Next Exit will be made up of most of the US-based Proclaim! musicians plus Proclaim! tour regulars Patti Robertson (vocals) and Jeremy Good (keyboard). Our former sound tech Jon Thiessen will also come down from Canada to help out.

In addition to the Next Exit concerts, some of the musicians will perform for a home outreach event featuring Proclaim! artist/speaker Vicki McIntyre’s presentation The Tale of a Tapestry (see details here).

This is the first time Proclaim! has officially done an evangelistic tour in the US. We are excited about encouraging these local ministries by giving them more visibility in the community and increasing their contacts as we have done in hundreds of places in other countries.

NOVEMBER: We plan to finally make that trip north that we have had to postpone a couple times. We will be based in Winona Lake but will do some visiting in Michigan, Wisconsin and the Chicago area to catch up with friends we haven't seen in way too long. We're looking forward to getting to Grace homecoming for the first time and being with family for Thanksgiving. Jami is planning to also come up the week of Thanksgiving.

We would appreciate prayer for:

TEXAS OUTREACH

Oct 7-8 rehearsals

Oct 8 Tapestry presentation

Oct 9 Next Exit evening concert - Cornerstone Ministries

Oct 10 Next Exit all day music festival - Cornerstone

Oct 11 Next Exit church outreach concert

PLANNING OF NOVEMBER TRIP

Making contacts and arranging the schedule to see as many people as possible during this time

Jim's surgery update

2009-09-01T23:40:00.002-04:00

Jim had his hernia surgery yesterday (Monday Aug. 31) and things really went well, and more quickly than we anticipated. We walked in at 11:30, he got in quickly for prep, 30-minute surgery, an hour of recovery, and we were on our way home by 2:30! The pain med has kept discomfort to a minimum and a day later he is doing well, mostly following the doctor’s orders except for the 24-hour clear liquid diet. He managed that for about 3 hours and then decided to move on since he was starving. But the 11pm turkey sandwich didn’t seem to cause any ill effects. He was encouraged to get up and move around which he has been doing without any problem. He will have a follow up doctor visit in a few days. Thanks for the prayers – we have been very pleased with how things are going and very thankful for this provision.

Sorry, no photos for this event.

______________________________

They say laughter is the best medicine -- except maybe when you're recovering from abdominal surgery. Jim probably should have rethought his post-op viewing choices.

AUGUST 2009

2009-08-23T18:52:00.052-04:00

We know people were praying for this tour as we saw answers to all the requests we had made known.

Our team worked wonderfully together, in very challenging circumstances at times. All aspects of the concerts were excellent -- music, sound, lighting, and gospel presentation. The message was clearly and boldly presented from the stage, then team members and local sponsoring members eagerly sought out opportunities to speak with people, not only after the concerts, but even with curious onlookers who were around the stage during set up.

We were humbled and blessed to have the privilege of helping church leaders who are sacrificing much to be a light in some very difficult places. Some areas we were in have been hard hit by the devastation of war and people are still dealing with deep hurts and loss. It was so rewarding to leave concert sites with new contacts having been connected with the local church.

At our very first concert in Glina we worked with a church of about 12 members led by Jovica, a man we have known since we first started going to Croatia in the 80s. God called him to this struggling town that has lost 3/4 of its pre-war population. Team members had a conversation with one young man who that night was very close to becoming a believer, and with another who has the desire to study the Bible. It was encouraging to leave them in the care of Jovica who is especially burdened to reach men in the town.

We were all stretched in servanthood when 12 of our 16

members became sick during the time in Bosnia. Thankfully, we only had to cancel one concert due to sickness and we were scheduled to be in that location for 2 nights, so we were able to still do ministry there. For that 2nd night we were short a couple musicians and support members, but everyone pitched in so the concert could go on. God even provided a stand-in drummer -- Abi from our Croatian band Adonai made the 7-hour drive arriving in time to practice with the band for 30 minutes before going on. With God's enabling he and the other musicians adapted beautifully and no one in the audience would have known the drummer had never before played with this band!

It was a thrill for us to be able to be part of the ministry again in Croatia and for our first time in Bosnia. Kathie was busy all the time with the usual "tour mom" roles -- making coffee, getting food and water at the concerts sites and handling finances, along with new activities -- helping with lights and shooting video of concerts.

God enabled Jim to have stamina in spite of increasing problems he has had for the last few years with a hernia. We have put off treatment because of finances, but have known that it would soon be impossible for him to keep going on like this. The team was vigilant in protecting him from any lifting of equipment, but even playing proved taxing. We realized that putting off surgery is no longer an option. When we arrived back from the tour we learned that some friends who had heard about Jim's trouble on tour had already arranged to cover the cost. He is now scheduled for surgery on Aug. 31 to be done by the head of the National Hernia Network which is based in Jacksonville. We are praising God for the provision for meeting this long-time need!

GOD'S SCHEDULING: Shortly before the tour we requested prayer for filling 2 concert dates as the last 2 previously scheduled concerts had been cancelled because of venue permission problems. By the time we arrived in Croatia one date was filled with an additional concert in Bosnia. Then during the rehearsal days we were able to fill in the final date with a concert back in our Croatia "home town" of Cakovec.

The city had a festival planned during that time and needed a band for the evening after our last concert in Bosnia. We had a long day as we were on the road from Bosnia from 7am to 3pm and then set up and performed that evening. But energy was high as we had the opportunity to proclaim the good news once again in this city that we have come to love.

Our final day provided good closure as we were able to relax, have fellowship as a team with our hosts, and begin processing all we had experienced together. Once again we saw God's faithfulness, and, more than ever, his strength in our weakness. Thanks to all whose prayer sustained us and whose financial contributions provided the means. We are humbly grateful.

JULY 2009

2009-07-19T18:18:00.014-04:00

CROATIA AND BOSNIA: A TIME TO HEAL

We will be in Croatia and Bosnia July 26-August 13 as part of MERCY STREET RHYTHM & BLUES. As the name says, it will be a marriage of a particular style of music with a message of God’s great mercy – a message so desperately needed in this part of the world. Again we will partner with churches in Croatia and Bosnia who are dedicated to reaching their communities for Christ.

We have seen much fruit from our time spent in the Balkans but there is so much more to do! Although the area is relatively peaceful there now, recent wars have left deep scars in the lives of many. We want to come and bring the “Balm of Gilead” to dress these spiritual wounds.

Please pray with us that our team would be united in mind, spirit and body to do His bidding there. Pray that our music would be excellent and our message clear. Pray that we will be bold after the concerts as we step off the stage to engage people in conversations of eternal value.

Also pray about our financial needs for this trip. As our personal account is still deeply in deficit, we still need funds for this trip. Our current need for this trip is $3160.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: A TIME TO TRUST

We are still in need of ongoing financial support, currently receiving 54% of the funds needed for living and ministry expenses. Many of our long time supporters are older and live on fixed incomes. We currently have only one supporting church. We are in need of more people who will stand with us through ongoing financial support.

Through this we are seeing God move on our behalf. Here are a few examples: We have received some new or increased support from a handful of individuals. Also, God has shown us ways to economize, including better and less expensive health insurance coverage than we have had. Lastly, in an act of divine extravagance, God prompted some friends to give us a week’s vacation in a condo at Daytona Beach. It wasn’t until we got there that we realized just how much we needed the refreshment. We used that time to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary which takes place while we are on tour. We knew that this was God’s way of reminding us that He is the great provider.

Click here to donate through the Proclaim website

Link to July Jenkins Jazz newsletter

JUNE 2009

2009-06-14T13:34:00.024-04:00

The month of June is looking different than we had expected, but God has been giving us ministry opportunities right here in Jacksonville and even revealing ways that this would not have been a good time for us to be away.

We have been able to get involved in meeting some needs at our church and Jim is putting in a lot of time on music arrangements for the Mercy Street tour that starts the end of July. It has been a challenge to get all the musicians we were looking for, so some of the music has to be adapted for the changing instrumentation. We would appreciate prayer for this team that God is putting together, that all the necessary positions would be filled. Pray especially for tour leader Todd Smalley, and for Branko doing set up in Croatia and Bosnia.

photo by Lidija

FINANCIAL SUPPORT UPDATE

In recent weeks we have gained some support but have also lost about the same amount, so we are at a little over 50% of the monthly total needed. Please pray that we will stay motivated about sharing what God is doing through Proclaim and confident in His ability to provide the needed support. We also need to raise special funds for the upcoming tour, a total of $3400 for the tour plus airfare.

Other news -- A Proclaim team with THE OUTLANDERS band had the privilege of partnering with Sicilian believers in a project to help the local church launch new house churches.

Click here to read about the encouraging results on the Proclaim! website

MAY 2009

2009-05-27T21:33:00.020-04:00

This month we have been transitioning into summer activities, including Jim' s last performance with the First Coast Wind Ensemble.Unfortunately the 2-month drought ended just as the outdoor concert at the beach was starting so it was a damp evening for the audience, but an outstanding performance for those who endured the elements.

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL:

Kathie was involved in Proclaim!'s International Council spring session May 21-25 in Delray Beach, FL. For the first time in several years it was held in the US instead of Europe because of travel logistics. It was nice not to deal with jet lag this time for the first 3 days of meetings. Members of the council are Proclaim Co-directors, representatives from the boards in ministry countries, and individuals affirmed by the Proclaim! community, who address overall policy or issues that affect the entire community. An event we spent time planning at this session is the Tenth Anniversary of Proclaim! International which we will celebrate next year. This will include our community Gathering and a special event for Proclaim guests. Final dates and logistics for this are in process.

SUMMER CHANGES
We had plans for a midwest trip starting in June. But an unexpected complication put that trip in question a short time before we were to leave. Because of the complex schedule and all the people involved we felt it would not be wise to take a chance on having to rearrange or cancel the trip at the last minute, so we made the decision then to postpone it. We are rescheduling that trip to September.

We were so looking forward to seeing many supporters we haven't been with in some time, so this change is disappointing. But we are now seeking how God wants us to productively use this time to do other ministry, to challenge people to be part of our support team, and to prepare for the tour we will be on in Croatia and Bosnia the end of July and first of August.

PROCLAIM! GALA

2009-05-06T21:20:00.014-04:00

We had the Gala, our main fundraising/PR event for the year, April 24 with a good crowd and excellent evening. We have had responses of appreciation and encouragement from many who were able to join us.

Our local expression of Sax 4th Avenue provided great music and atmosphere and demonstrated the impact a versatile group such as this can have in a ministry setting. John used experiences from the recent tour in North Africa to effectively communicate the strategies that we use in cross-cultural evangelism ministry and how they play out in practical ways.

It was encouraging to connect with many new people as the network is expanding thanks to friends who are motivated to challenge others to be involved on some level. We are thankful too for many who sacrificed to give financially as Proclaim! along with other ministries, is being affected by the economy.

A special treat was a visit from our friend Sheila Blackler who surprised us and came out from Portland for the Gala. Michael and Sheila were with us in Anno Domini in Belgium in the 80s and later served in Sweden and Ireland. Sunday after the Gala all the former AD members here (Bowers, Petersons & Jenkins) got together to eat (of course) and relive lots of wonderful times. Jim got out some of the old slides of A.D. families, tour life, stage -- we had some good laughs and shed a few tears of nostalgia and of missing Michael who has been with the Lord for almost 5 years.

John, Jeanne, JP, Kathie, Jim, Kim, Sheila, Diana, Jami

Next stop: We're headed for Indiana and the surrounding area in June to connect with supporters in those areas. It has been many years since we've seen some of our faithful supporters in some places in Michigan, Wisconsin, and the Chicago area, so we want to get to as many of those as possible on this trip. We have been dealing with some vehicle challenges and uncertainty about what direction to go on that. But we decided to go ahead with a major repair on our car to try to keep it going for a while. We're trusting it will be in good shape for this trip. We're looking forward to renewing relationships.

NORTH AFRICA TOUR RESULTS

2009-04-15T21:21:00.005-04:00

The Proclaim! North Africa team made it back safely having been obedient and faithful to make the most of all the opportunities that God provided. It was one of those tours where some of what was accomplished was not immediately visible.

One of the biggest highlights was the training in the music camps. It seems that the kind of training we brought is almost non-existent in that country and the musicians were extremely appreciative. The team got a lot of feedback on how the training we did last year was so valuable and well used and the young people were eager to learn more. Pray that these young musicians will continue to have courage and an increased sense of purpose in their ministries.

One of the concert strategies that was accomplished was gaining visibility and establishing credibility for future ministry both for Proclaim and for the national believers. High profile venues included the American University and the national opera house at which the concert was sponsored by the American Embassy.

University

Opera House

The concerts were very well received musically and there were some good ministry opportunities where seeds of the Gospel were planted and seekers were open in their questioning about the truth.

Private garden parties were settings where the message could be more openly spoken.

Even when free expression from the stage wasn't possible, God showed through. As one musician said who heard us at the jazz club, “Your music touched me deeply on a spiritual level. There is something very different about all of you.”
We have confidence that God is accomplishing what he intended. We are praying for things that were set in motion, especially for the believers who carry on the ministry. Pray for our direction in the best ways to continue having ministry input there.

Photos by Bob McIntyre

PROCLAIM IN NORTH AFRICA

2009-03-20T23:06:00.007-04:00

The Proclaim! team in North Africa is off to a good start with 10 days to go. There was one flight arrival problem, but all the musicians made it on schedule by the 15th to rehearse and prepare for the challenging time ahead. Here is a photo of last year's team -- mostly the same personnel returned this year.

Even during these first days final details have been coming together for some opportunities that are new this year and for building on contacts from the past two tours in this capital city. One of the new opportunities is at the American University where the first concert was performed. It was that morning concert that confirmed to a potential sponsor the band's musical caliber for an invitation to two other key venues. As a result, they are booked for a second concert at the university at a prime time and location, and one at the prestigious National Opera House.

Please continue to pray for the team (Bob & Alyce, John & Diana, Kim & Jeanne, Bob, Jim, Greg, Steve, Maasej) -- especially Bob and Alyce as their leadership creativity and flexibility are stretched to the max. The next 10 days will be full and challenging both for our team and for the national believers who are pouring so much into meeting the spiritual needs around them. We are looking forward with anticipation to how God will use these efforts and develop opportunities for communicating the truth. Pray that the cultural exchange concerts at the university and the opera house will lead to contacts for more open sharing. And pray for receptive hearts at the private garden party concerts where the message will be more direct. Here is the upcoming schedule:

Sat 3/21 Training seminar for Christian musicians
Sun 3/22 Garden party concert at a large private villa
Mon 3/23 Jazz Club concert
Tue 3/24 Garden party concert
Thur-Sat 3/26-28 Seminar for Christian musicians
Sun 3/29 Concert at National Opera House
Mon 3/30 Concert at American University
Tues 3/31 Meeting with jazz musicians

TIDEWATER TRAVEL

2009-03-01T17:50:00.075-05:00

Even though we were anticipating with excitement our 12-day trip to Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Chesapeake, it far exceeded our expectations. We had a sense that it was going to be a significant time because of all the things that went wrong as we were preparing to leave and even while we were en route. We were right!

Cunninghams, dear friends from Jacksonville who now live in Chesapeake, lavishly shared their home and themselves for the entire time providing every necessity and comfort we could hope for.

We had three main goals for this time: to connect with faithful supporters who have prayed and given financially for the past 25+ years, to thank our sending church, Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, for the specific ways they prepared us as a young couple for ministry and have helped sustain us, and to convey what God has been doing through the ministry of Proclaim.

God enabled us to do all that and much more. He truly put together his agenda through the opportunities that opened up. We had 14 meals or meetings with long-time friends and supporters, including 5 pastors (2 of those are Jim's former students from Norfolk Christian Schools). We also met with the Tab Church missions executive committee, 2 Sunday school classes, and 2 home fellowships, and spoke with several people who are interested in coming with Proclaim! on tours.

On our last Sunday Jim was able to play with the Tab Church praise team in the morning services.

And a very exciting prospect is the possibility of Proclaim!'s cooperation in evangelism projects with other missionaries out of Tabernacle Church. There are four different contexts that have the possibility of developing as the Lord leads. One of those is already beginning to materialize. It is rewarding to see all the possible links between Proclaim! and our original sending base.

We ended the trip with a special treat - stopping to visit Kathie's sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Bob, in Asheville, NC. We enjoyed fellowship with them, the breathtaking beauty of that area, and a tour of the main local attraction -- the Biltmore estate.

Kathie & little sis

Thank you for your prayers for this strategic time. We look forward to what God is going to do through all that was set in motion.

Now on to the next major event: March 15-31 Jim will be part of the team returning for the 3rd time to the capital city of a North African country. Through performances in some high profile venues they will have the opportunity to plant seeds of the gospel and then invite people to privately sponsored concerts where the message can be openly shared. Please pray for preparation for this along with busy schedules the next two weeks. Jim would especially appreciate prayer for his musical preparation, both for this tour and for recording sessions with the local wind ensemble he plays in.

CLICK HERE to link to North Africa tour details on the Proclaim! website

HOT MUSIC ON A COLD NIGHT

2009-02-01T16:42:00.003-05:00

Jim and Kim plus Paul and Mike from our church have formed a sax quartet that has been playing together locally, and recently had an opportunity to perform at an outdoor venue for the monthly downtown Jacksonville Art Walk.

We had some real winter this year and that was one of the coldest nights on record. They say they were ok through the 3-hour performance as long as they were playing -- only cold when they stopped.

Some of us hearty souls went along for moral support and to enjoy the music, but we did have to escape to some of the indoor attractions throughout the evening.

This group will be playing at Proclaim's fund raising Gala in April. Click here for Gala details on the Proclaim! website.

JENKINS' JAZZ - JANUARY 2009

2009-01-08T23:42:00.011-05:00

Christmas lights went up and then all too soon had to come down again. We waited as long as possible to undecorate and, yes, we might have been the last in the neighborhood.

We had a good Christmas with friends here in Jacksonville, and then got away for a long weekend to visit long-time friends in Sarasota and then in the Orlando area on the way back.

What a different December it was for Kathie this year with Debbie Shilling back in the office. All the individual newsletter mailings plus the big Proclaim mailing were much less stressful – even fun – with the load lightened.

Jim had several opportunities to play Christmas music -- concerts with the First Coast Wind Ensemble that he has been playing with for a couple years, and a few other performances that he arranged around the area. For those he was joined this year by Todd Smalley, our Proclaim trombonist. Todd and his wife Terri are temporarily back in Jacksonville this year from their first term in

Germany

. One of the performances was at the airport where they played for Christmas travelers. They were allowed to put up the Proclaim display banner and put out literature.

Even though December isn’t the best time for making ministry contacts, through the music performances and other natural contacts, Jim was able to do a lot of interacting and set up times to meet with people after New Years. Many of these have also opened up good ministry opportunities. As our schedule is falling into place, we’re planning a 10-day trip to Norfolk, VA, area in February to reconnect with friends who were part of our lives when we first started in missions, many of whom are still faithful prayer and financial supporters after all these years.

Jami is still enjoying her work at Publix supermarket. She hasn’t been able to go on full time yet, but is being given more responsibility in cashiering and front service and is getting a lot of positive feedback on her contribution. Can you tell which department she would like to work in? She is involved in the college class at our church and a Friday night Bible study with some kids from other churches. We’re encouraged with her development in so many areas and glad for the time she is with us, knowing it won't be long before she is out on her own.

We are especially asking for prayer for Proclaim in this financially challenging time. We know that God will provide for what he wants to accomplish in this new year, but more than ever we, especially our leadership, need divine discernment. There are so many opportunities. Our desire is to step out in faith, totally obedient to God's leading, not shrinking back in fear of uncertain times, but not presuming on God's provision. Thank you for standing with us.

See more Proclaim! news on the website: www.proclaiminternational.com

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