Family Life Network

We are pleased to introduce the newest member of our FLN team, Jurgen Rausch. Jurgen’s main responsibility is to share what God is doing through the worldwide ministries of FLN with our friends and partners. He brings many years of pastoral experience, having ministered to congregations in Ontario as well as to Shepherd’s Village (home to over 1000 seniors) in Toronto. He also served with the International Office of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Toronto.

“As a minister to German-speaking churches, I have long admired what FLN is doing among Low German-speaking people. My interest further grew upon learning that FLN ministers in several languages, using creative media. I am thrilled to sense God calling me to come alongside Claude and his team in promoting this amazing ministry.”

FLN has many volunteers that come on a regular basis. They help in many different ways including the mailroom and building maintenance. Lillian Stobbe has volunteered for 15 years in the mailroom: "When I'm sitting here, I often think, where is this all going? It's going to hundreds of radio stations and many people who are listening to the stations... then I say a little prayer for them."

Many thanks to the Gauthier family for their help in providing the new BUgirl touring van that perfectly meets our needs.

Press play for Jesus on our Low German Gospel Players and hear the New Testament, Proverbs, Psalms, a sermon series on the Lord's Prayer, over 30 lessons on Christian living recorded by Jacob and 50 dramatized children's stories that Helen has recorded. The Gospel Players are in demand by Central and South American Low German speaking communities as well as those across Canada.

Our TBT Ukraine partners are true conduits for God's creativity, continually finding new ways to share His love with others. They offer courses on video production, a "Tea Club" as well as other creative, interactive and social activities designed for youth.

A radio station in Bolivia now broadcasts the locally produced "Tinkunapaj" program every morning, writes Diego Davila, who acquired his production skills under Ernesto Pinto's leadership. The station receives much positive feedback from listeners.

Helen & Jacob Funk develop new teaching tool for Low German speaking children….An illustrated children’s book of Bible stories from the Old Testament in Low German is being created that can be used in Sunday School classes. FLN animator, Girish Manuel, is designing the illustrations for the Bible stories.

Trip to Alberta: Recently back from visiting Old Colony Mennonites in La Crete and Two Hills, Alberta, Jacob and Helen Funk returned rejuvenated, knowing their efforts are making a dfference. “The Christian radio station in La Crete had invited us to come, giving us generous airtime and promoting our speaking engagements several times daily,” says Helen. “There is a lot of interest from South American immigrants to launch Low German services as they are hungry to hear the Word in their own language. We are challenging the local churches to consider this request because of the response.”

The Shelter-Plus programs are going strong, reaching 400 to 500 children and adults a week…..One such man, who attended camp a number of years ago, now pastors several churches in Prague and leads an organization that does outreach in the community. He invited the Shelter-Plus team to teach about organizing camps for children and young adults.

The Ukraine ministry partnership with the Roma people is progressing. Alex recently preached at a Roman (gypsy) church where 15 Romas gave their hearts to God. A new DVD featuring a compelling testimony and music in the Roma language will be used for outreach among the Roma people.

Congratulations to the winner of our "Find the Red Bug" contest in our last issue of Newsline. Lisa, from New York was the first person to spot the bug on our BUgirl website.

bugirl.com

Ernesto Pinto will be speaking at an evangelistic reatreat January 27-31 in San Miguel, El Salvador and the planning for the pastor couples retreat in Honduras from February 23-26 is happening right now.

Ernesto Pinto was in Peru for 2 weeks. He emailed: "Yesterday and today I spent time at Radio la Luz, where we did live radio and recorded 7 interviews for Encuentro, and the phones during these live broadcasts would not stop ringing. Tomorrow I will be heading early in the morning to Cusco, Peru with the rest of the team for another pastor couples’ retreat. At these retreats we have had people who speak 6 different languages: Quechua, Ashanincas, Marechinkas, Shipivos, English and Spanish! Pray that language will not be a barrier. Thank you for all your support.

Our new TV program “Just for Women" geared toward Arabic women ages 18-35 dealing with important topics such as marriage, parenting, caring for aging parents, friendships etc is ready to have its first 26 episodes filmed. The effects of what is being called the “Arab Spring” has caused our North African partners to postpone the actual filming until early in 2012 to ensure the safety of all involved.

Claude Pratte spent a weekend in October preaching and connecting with the people at the Christian Centre Fellowship in Thompson, Manitoba. Faith Pritchard, of Christian Centre Fellowship, wrote a song so they could remember how to pronounce "Claude"! But more than just a pronunciation aid, it is an ode to what FLN is doing.

Ode for Claude (Sung to the tune of Ode to Joy)

Gladly, gladly we invite you

FLN’s own Mr. Claude.

Softly, softly to delight you

We have penned this little ode.

Tell us stories of God’s glories

Sent abroad by radio waves;

We will join in glad thanksgiving

Lifting up our song of praise.

Tell us of the men and women

Sharing gospel far and near.

Teaching, preaching and recording