Together in 2021, our district granted $129,000 to pastors and churches. Now we want to report on how some of those funds were used to increase Gospel impact in our region:
Two Masters of Theology
Tim Shutes and Andy Resh completed their Master of Theological Studies at Grimke Seminary. Let’s congratulate them on graduating in December!
“I feel the collective weight of these studies in all of my meetings with church members—counseling them, guiding them through theological issues, and preaching,” Tim says. “I want to say I'm deeply grateful for the EPA District's contribution to these studies. They have made me a better pastor, husband, and follower of Christ.”
“The primary benefit for me was the relationships with other church planters and pastors around the country. I made some lifelong friends,” Andy says. “The most enhanced area of ministry is my preaching. I am a better preacher because of this program.”
Nationally Recognized Chaplaincy Certification
Peter Keady, who serves first responders, received official chaplaincy accreditation from the Spiritual Care Association, a national accreditation health care organization. “This has raised the level of awareness in my industry for first responder chaplains, and I have gained respectability and acknowledgment from the first responders I serve,” Peter says.
Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation
Jake Howard is continuing to pursue a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation. Through a continuing education grant, he was able to cover the cost of one course.
“The course has enabled me to dream again, as my eyes are opened more fully to who God is and what He wants to do,” Jake says. “Sunday school is a direct result of the program. We are doing more than information download. Because of the course, we discuss and seek ways to apply the material so that our passion, surrender, and obedience to God's Word is growing.”
Investment in Young Leaders
Jim Rudd was able to send two members from his church to the Christian Community Development Association Conference in Kansas City. The methods presented at the CCDA conference differ from traditional church outreaches in that they emphasize sustainable partnerships that contribute to community development.
“Participation in this conference (on behalf of our church) was viewed as an investment in this couple. They were exposed to resources that are more relevant to urban ministry than what is found at most conferences and training seminars,” Jim says.
Byron Zeigler was able to send a young leader from his church to Alliance General Council 2021. The young leader is also enrolled at Crown College online and was also able to use the grant to help cover the cost of books.
“I have watched him grow in the C&MA and in his knowledge of the Scripture as he is wanting to become a pastor. He leads our worship team and watching the worship team develop under his leadership has been a joy,” Bryon says.
Great Commission Engagement
A grant was given to support Daybreak’s 7th Annual Great Commission 5K Fundraising Event held on October 3, 2021.
The annual GC5K continues to be a great way to advance the church's involvement in support of the Great Commission Fund (GCF). This year many of their families were returning to church in person and this was a great opportunity to gather as a community to benefit Kingdom work. As part of this growing event, those who participated were given tools and strategies to spread the word and work of the Great Commission Fund and engage families, friends, and neighbors to join the cause. After all event costs were covered, Daybreak was able to raise $17,181.86 for the GCF.
“I just wanted to again extend our appreciation to EPA district for your generous donation to our event. Due to your generosity, ALL additional business sponsorships were given directly to the Great Commission Fund,” Robin Kaplin says.
Teaching English to Refugees and Immigrants
Immanuel Church in Mechanicsburg opened their church for English classes several years ago and now offers four classes a week to people from over 30 different countries. With a grant, they were able to hire Anna Halbersma who is working on her Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience (ALME). You can watch more on this story here.
“Anna has actively been engaged in the lives of immigrants which has opened up numerous Gospel conversations. She regularly shares the Gospel and finds opportunities to display Christ's power. She also launched a discovery Bible study with immigrants,” says Steve Wiggins, Pastor at Immanuel Church.
Continued COVID-19 Assistance
Due to the constant change in our world, Stroudsburg Alliance Church had to rethink its VBS program. With a grant, they were able to rent a tent to have sufficient space to host their program and purchase curriculum and materials.
El Camino, the Spanish-speaking ministry of Chambersburg Alliance, has been running an outreach program, since the pandemic started, by delivering grocery baskets, gift cards, and cash assistance to 30 families in their community. With the grant, the grocery assistance continued as did helping families access services like healthcare and immigration.
“We are very thankful to the Lord that despite this very difficult season in the pandemic, many open doors allowed us to share the Gospel,” Xavier Godoy says.
When the pandemic started, Mountain View C&MA focused on reaching out to children in their neighborhood. As a result, four children accepted Christ as their Savior! With a grant in 2021, the outreach continued by providing various distributions for their neighbors like hot cocoa, candles, and flowers.
Grants also helped improve technology and live-stream services for Stroudsburg Alliance Church, Shamokin C&MA, and El Camino.
Do you have a vision or a dream that would develop you, your church, and your community in 2022? Together as a district, we want to come around you to equip you and catalyze Kingdom work in the region God has placed you.
Apply for a grant by January 31, 2022.