Southern Europe team expands
In mid-January Converge worker Kris F. began ministry in southern Europe. She joins a couple who began ministry in the same country last October. The team seeks to plant a church among immigrants.
10
Number of potential missionary candidates assessed at the January 19-21 Missionary Assessment Center, Global Collaboration Center, Orlando, Fla.
Groundbreaking in Bahamas
Converge president Jerry Sheveland and Converge Southeast church planting director Phil Phillips spoke at the January 8 groundbreaking service for Mt. Gilead Church, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. The church building was destroyed by Hurricanes Frances and Jean in 2004. Converge has provided funds to assist in rebuilding. Mt. Gilead affiliated with Converge Southeast in 2001; Reno Smith is pastor.
Southeast church seeks Honduras birthing centers
During a mission trip to Honduras, Tony Ponceti and Al Truman of Grace Church in Lakeland, Fla., discovered the need for birthing centers in rural areas. Fabio Lobo, son of the president of Honduras, traveled with the team and pledged to provide the land for eight buildings in the Colon province. The proposed birthing centers would offer basic medical care to mothers through trained midwives, sonograms and consultations with doctors and hospitals through Skype, all while providing holistic education in hygiene, health and nutrition in a Christian environment. Ponceti is seeking eight churches to help fund each of the eight proposed birthing centers.
382
Number of pastors, spouses, administrative assistants and Converge staff who participated in Transform 2012 Network Gatherings in Orlando, Fla.
Churches fund water projects in Cameroon
A Converge worker is proceeding with several water projects in Cameroon among least-reached peoples. One project will provide clean water for nine families that live atop a mountain. Water will be pumped to storage tanks via solar power, where it will be filtered. Another project provides highly effective water filters to scattered families in remote areas. Several Converge churches are funding these projects.