AFCI World News

Christmas: At all Times and all Places

BY: Paul Hanak, International Director

I just returned from Cambodia - a predominantly Buddhist nation. But in all the hotels and stores they had Christmas trees and other symbols celebrating the birth of Christ. Even many societies that have only a minority of Christians still recognize the tremendous impact of Christ on history!

Before departing for Cambodia, I was shopping here in Atlanta the first week of November, and already all the Christmas decorations were up. I used to think, “Why can’t they wait at least until after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas displays.” Now, I have come to appreciate the fact that people celebrate the birth of Christ at any time of year, for whatever reason. It opens up opportunities to talk to them about the greatest gift God gave to the world – his only Son.

I am reminded of when I worked at the beach in North Carolina the summer after graduating from high school. I was not a Christian at that time, and a Christian group held some open air meetings on the beach in July that they called, “Christmas in July.” Even though I did not understand what it meant to have a relationship with Christ, it challenged me to think. A year later at the end of my freshman year at university, I bowed my head to ask Christ to take control of my life.

In this very busy season of parties and gift giving, I am thankful for the reminder wherever I go that Christ is alive and continues to seek a relationship with each and every person on this earth - whether in Cambodia where few know him, or in the USA, where stores use the season for commercial purposes. During this season, when Christ is brought to the attention of men and women, pray that God will use all of us who know him to help others take one more step closer to calling Him Lord.

“You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (Acts 10:36)

Courageous–The Movie

BY: Paul Hanak, International Director

Last night Barbara and I had a chance to attend a screening of the upcoming movie, Courageous, here in Atlanta at the Fox Theater. This movie is a critical look at the role of fathers. It is a great movie showing how important it is for fathers to invest in their children’s lives.

Courageous comes out in movie theaters in the USA on September 30, 2011. Plan to go see it. The movie will be released at a later date in countries around the world. One of the greatest needs in churches is to strengthen families. As AFCI seeks to “accelerate the spread of the Gospel through local churches worldwide,” films like this can help all of us to reconsider our commitments as we seek to model the life of Christ.

For more information about the movie, go to the following web address . . .

www.courageousthemovie.com

A Tribute to David Wilkerson, Evangelist and Pastor

AFCI wants to pay tribute to the life of David Wilkerson, a USA evangelist and founder of World Challenge Ministries. David went to be with the Lord when he died in a car accident in Texas on April 27, 2011. David Wilkerson’s life is an example of the kind of life all of us at AFCI strive for. We honor him as a fellow Christian and leader of another ministry who followed the Lord for over 50 years, and as someone God used to impact the world for Christ.

You can view a video of the impact of David’s life on the following YouTube World Challenge page . . .

Fifty years of ministry began with one act of obedience. As a young pastor David Wilkerson made the decision to turn off his television and give his time and attention completely to God. It was a decision that would have immeasurable impact on his life and ministry.

Working on AFCI Archives

Allan Gardner (AFCI former International Director) and his wife Pam are in the International Office this week to work on historical documents of AFCI. Allan and Pam have been collecting information and interviewing many of the ministers who were with AFCI right at the beginning when it all got started in Australia. Now, the Gardners are seeking to put together a more comprehensive accounting of events and the lives that have been transformed through the years. This is a big task for which everyone in the ministry is very grateful to Allan and Pam for their tireless efforts to maintain the history of our ministry. Allan served as International Director from 1991 to 2002. He continues to work with AFCI as International Ministry Advisor.

International Board Meeting in Rome, GA (USA)

This week the International Board is meeting at the WinShape Retreat Center at Berry College to strategically plan for the 26 AFCI nations around the world.  The Board of Directors come from Spain, Ghana, India, Cambodia, Australia, St. Vincent, and the USA.  Board members from different parts of the world reported this week on the number of ministries that are multiplying in their nations.  The diversity of nationalities on the Board gives us all greater potential to minister in our diverse world.  A world that greatly needs to hear the Good News.