Sergio Jerosimich is in the US. He will come to Minneapolis this Sunday and go back to New Jersey on Tuesday. This gives us a chance to talk about the work in Patagonia.
I am looking for stronger cooperation among the churches in Comodoro Rivadavia. Sergio's church isn't strong enough to maintain a program in the interior, but if he can get cooperation among the churches, we might be able to start quite a few works in the interior.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Uganda/Sudan
Mattsson-Boze
Security seems poor for Nimule, Sudan. It has deteriorated significantly in the past two weeks. But Labone, which is directly north of Kitgum, Uganda, is more secure.
We have decided to make the final decision on the trip on June 15. Ultimately, we have to hear from God. But we believe that one of the ways in which He speaks is through the situation on the ground.
I've never let security hinder me. The first time I went to Kitgum, about 1999, they had burned a bus on the road I traveled the previous day. I was there by choice during the ebola crisis in Gulu. We have driven through rebel territory several times, and once had a breakdown there. The last time I was in Kitgum, there was shooting right outside my room. Fear wants to get hold of you, but we have decided to do what we feel God has led us to do in spite of those fears.
We need prayer and we need wisdom.
Security seems poor for Nimule, Sudan. It has deteriorated significantly in the past two weeks. But Labone, which is directly north of Kitgum, Uganda, is more secure.
We have decided to make the final decision on the trip on June 15. Ultimately, we have to hear from God. But we believe that one of the ways in which He speaks is through the situation on the ground.
I've never let security hinder me. The first time I went to Kitgum, about 1999, they had burned a bus on the road I traveled the previous day. I was there by choice during the ebola crisis in Gulu. We have driven through rebel territory several times, and once had a breakdown there. The last time I was in Kitgum, there was shooting right outside my room. Fear wants to get hold of you, but we have decided to do what we feel God has led us to do in spite of those fears.
We need prayer and we need wisdom.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Sudan
Mattsson-Boze
Moses Okeny reports that he is visiting 3 places in southern Sudan regularly. He has good contact with the military, and has seen many come to Christ. He has about 120 people in his church (80 men, and 40 "female" in his quaint way of speaking).
He recently moved into Sudan (or rather "New Sudan") after the peace accords had been signed. His family is with him. But he still needs to travel by military convoy.
We are investigating the security situation because of our planned trip in August. Phil and I will go together with my nephew Joel Mattsson-Boze and possibly Milton McElvain. But we will give careful consideration to the security issues. We have good contact with the intelligence people in the Ugandan army, and Moses is known to the military in southern Sudan as well. Both groups are quite sympathetic to what we are doing in training village pastors.
When I was in Nimule, Sudan a few years ago, we heard the soldiers doing their drills at 5 in the morning, singing Christian songs.
Moses Okeny reports that he is visiting 3 places in southern Sudan regularly. He has good contact with the military, and has seen many come to Christ. He has about 120 people in his church (80 men, and 40 "female" in his quaint way of speaking).
He recently moved into Sudan (or rather "New Sudan") after the peace accords had been signed. His family is with him. But he still needs to travel by military convoy.
We are investigating the security situation because of our planned trip in August. Phil and I will go together with my nephew Joel Mattsson-Boze and possibly Milton McElvain. But we will give careful consideration to the security issues. We have good contact with the intelligence people in the Ugandan army, and Moses is known to the military in southern Sudan as well. Both groups are quite sympathetic to what we are doing in training village pastors.
When I was in Nimule, Sudan a few years ago, we heard the soldiers doing their drills at 5 in the morning, singing Christian songs.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Phillip
Today Phillip was one of the honorees at his high school, graduating with highest honors. The other day in the scholarship assembly he received two scholarships to help him go to the University of Vermont.
I'm pleased with the excellence at the Anoka schools. Phil is among the best, and has taken challenging courses. He's doing microbiology now. He's also on the soccer team and captain of the tennis team.
As I mentioned before, he is one of the graduation speakers.
I'm pleased with the excellence at the Anoka schools. Phil is among the best, and has taken challenging courses. He's doing microbiology now. He's also on the soccer team and captain of the tennis team.
As I mentioned before, he is one of the graduation speakers.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Friday, May 13, 2005
Latter Rain
Mattsson-Boze
I'm think a bit about the accusation that latter rain people are "neo-montanists." The Montanists were people in the early centuries of the church who relied on the Holy Spirit more than on the Scriptures. Certainly there are people like that around today, but our tradition has always been to let the Scriptures judge any prophecy or ministry.
The lists of things they accuse latter rain-ers of seems silly. I grew up in the revival and didn't see those things. I'm sure they existed, but my father stood against them. He had the wisdom to not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
I believe in prophetic and apostolic ministries, though I'm nervous about the titles that people are claiming for themselves these days. Especially the self-named group called the Supreme Council of Prophets and Apostles that Ralph Winter makes reference to.
The Scriptures are always in first place. Any current apostles cannot and should not hold a candle to the original 12. They certainly do not supercede them.
I'm think a bit about the accusation that latter rain people are "neo-montanists." The Montanists were people in the early centuries of the church who relied on the Holy Spirit more than on the Scriptures. Certainly there are people like that around today, but our tradition has always been to let the Scriptures judge any prophecy or ministry.
The lists of things they accuse latter rain-ers of seems silly. I grew up in the revival and didn't see those things. I'm sure they existed, but my father stood against them. He had the wisdom to not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
I believe in prophetic and apostolic ministries, though I'm nervous about the titles that people are claiming for themselves these days. Especially the self-named group called the Supreme Council of Prophets and Apostles that Ralph Winter makes reference to.
The Scriptures are always in first place. Any current apostles cannot and should not hold a candle to the original 12. They certainly do not supercede them.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Uganda/Sudan
Mattsson-Boze
Charles reports increasing violence in northern Uganda, and reports of another group opposed to President Museveni that is forming in Ethiopia.
We also have activity in Sudan that impedes the work somewhat. In spite of this, the churches move forward. People recognize that Faith is the only real security. We are watching the situation carefully.
Charles has been asked to raise up churches for the Foursquare movement in Sudan.
This weekend he will speak at the University on a Christian approach to business. In July he will speak at the principal military school on morality in the military.
Charles reports increasing violence in northern Uganda, and reports of another group opposed to President Museveni that is forming in Ethiopia.
We also have activity in Sudan that impedes the work somewhat. In spite of this, the churches move forward. People recognize that Faith is the only real security. We are watching the situation carefully.
Charles has been asked to raise up churches for the Foursquare movement in Sudan.
This weekend he will speak at the University on a Christian approach to business. In July he will speak at the principal military school on morality in the military.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Russia
It was so nice to get an email from Valery in Perm. He said he valued the teaching, and it wasn't like the "fast food" that so often passes for teaching overseas.
My general plan is to visit Russia every other year, but it makes you want to go back sooner when people send comments like this. I've been there 5 times now, mostly in the Ural mountain region. On the last trip I went as far east as Kurgan.
My general plan is to visit Russia every other year, but it makes you want to go back sooner when people send comments like this. I've been there 5 times now, mostly in the Ural mountain region. On the last trip I went as far east as Kurgan.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Road in Kitgum
Mattsson-Boze
On of the challenges in the center in Kitgum is the lack of a good road to the property. This affects people who might want to stay in our rooms. The town has approved it, but there is an individual with power who is opposing it. I don't know if he is waiting for a bribe or if he is simply being ornery, because the road will benefit him as well. We are not willing to bribe. We are praying the God will resolve the situation in such a way that He is glorified.
The center is beautiful. There are many people who come for lunch because we have good food. We actually had a guy connected with the Sheraton kitchen in Kampala come and give us advice.
On of the challenges in the center in Kitgum is the lack of a good road to the property. This affects people who might want to stay in our rooms. The town has approved it, but there is an individual with power who is opposing it. I don't know if he is waiting for a bribe or if he is simply being ornery, because the road will benefit him as well. We are not willing to bribe. We are praying the God will resolve the situation in such a way that He is glorified.
The center is beautiful. There are many people who come for lunch because we have good food. We actually had a guy connected with the Sheraton kitchen in Kampala come and give us advice.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Mattsson-Boze
Mattsson-Boze
It looks like we will have a breakfast for people in the Anoka area on June 4 at 7:30-9:00 AM at Anoka Covenant Church.
Steve Fitzpatrick will come in from California. We will talk about the ministry of teaching village pastors overseas. It's an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about my ministry.
It looks like we will have a breakfast for people in the Anoka area on June 4 at 7:30-9:00 AM at Anoka Covenant Church.
Steve Fitzpatrick will come in from California. We will talk about the ministry of teaching village pastors overseas. It's an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about my ministry.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Proud of Phillip
Our son Phillip was selected to be one of the graduation speakers at Anoka High School. He has done well throughout school, and now has decided to attend the University of Vermont in the fall. He isn't decided on career, but will start out in psychology.
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