Celebrating Easter with International Students

April 14, 2012

A few families from our church got together and hosted an Easter Dinner for several International Students from FIT.  Monica & Japheth Light graciously offered their home for this outreach.  The weather was beautiful and enabled the group to set tables outside in the shade of the Light's backyard.  Beginning the afternoon, Daniel Hedman presented the history of Easter celebrations, explained some of the pagan symbols, then transitioned into three reasons why Christians aren't crazy for believing that Jesus rose from the dead.

Following a delicious dinner,  guests played games of corn hole, Mexican train dominoes and even had the opportunity to go in kayaks and canoes along Turkey Creek.   There were a few young children there who had a ball playing "chase" , complete with light sabers and swords, running after several of the international guys.  Four-year-old Evan Light was a huge hit with the guys and definitely not shy about engaging them.

Since the event was not overcrowded, it provided opportunities to really talk to some of the International students.  Linda Condon said she got to meet a half dozen new students from Oman.   This is the first group of students ever sent by their country to America on scholarship.  They are all ELS (English Language Students) so they were all grateful to be able to have opportunities to talk to Americans.  A few shared about their country, families, and cultural values; one such value is the high importance placed on education.  Several of them expressed interest in going on the camping trip with Synergy, so we hope there will be more opportunities to build relationships with these International Students.

If you are interested in learning more about International Student Ministry or would like to become involved, click here or contact Jonathan Culley at jculley@covenantpalmbay.org.

Pregnancy Resources Education Program (PREP)

January 24, 2012

Pregnancy Resources provides classes to help support our clients’ life-giving decisions.  Helping them prepare for childbirth reduces fear of the unknown.  Practical parenting tools allow them to move forward more confidently with their decision to parent.  Teens (14 and older) are always needed to help with childcare, so that parents can attend class without distraction.  

(Monday-Tuesday evenings 5:30-7:30)

Baby bucks earned by attending class and completing homework serve as incentives and provide clients with a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose.  Earning baby bucks enables them to purchase much needed baby items, including diapers for their newborns.  Donations of newborn diapers are always needed, so consider picking up a package when you shop. 

After a client's baby arrives, our Meals for Moms ministry provides further support by delivering several meals.  Many of our clients are unchurched and not used to this kind of ministry, so it is a practical example of support they need given in the name of Jesus.  If you would like to help with meals, contact Ananda Elam, who leads this ministry at 321-726-0842 or ananda@cfl.rr.com.

Each time a client returns to the center, we have opportunity to further “touch” their lives and form relationships.  In addition to practical classes, we provide a basic Biblical Foundations class.  Our goal is to evangelize clients and direct them to local churches for further discipleship.  If you would like to lead a 5 week study (based on our Life Skills booklets) once or twice a year, contact Judy Miller at 321-752-5540 or director@melbournepri.com.

Come be a part of what God is doing at Pregnancy Resources!  

Three Men on a Mission: Trip Equips Believers in Ecuador

January 19, 2012

In November, three CPC members traveled to Pichiyacu, Ecuador to train the pastor and key leaders in leadership, apologetics, and mercy ministry. Associate Pastor Jonathan Culley, Elder Mark Diener, and Deacon Gaston Formisano, who served as translator, spent a week equipping leaders in spiritual and practical church matters.

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others"  2 Timothy 2:2

Once they arrived in the jungle village of Pichiyacu, the men conducted daily training sessions to equip the pastor and key leaders in how to set up a leadership development process where leaders know how to "make disciples who make disciples."  This included extensive training on why and how to raise up biblical elders and deacons as well as small group leader training. Mark explained, “By this time next year, they’ll have four elders who are trained in leadership.”   

Mercy Fund

Another unexpected way God used the three men to bless the Pichiyacu church was to help Pastor Bolivar Ruiz set up a "Mercy Fund" and a "Mercy Committee" where practical needs could be met by the church without overburdening the pastor. “Because the people will be contributing to the Mercy Fund,” Jonathan said, “the Fund provided a way for the people of the church – not just the pastor – to ‘own’ the solution to their own people’s needs.”

Pastoral Coaching

Mark said that, for him, the best experience was talking with Pastor Bolivar in the evenings. “It’s incredible to see the passion he has for his people. He and his family make sacrifices to be there – he’s a missionary pastor. He comes from a bigger city, and now he’s isolated; he has no one to shepherd him.”  Jonathan agreed, “We had numerous heart-to-heart talks with Bolivar where we were able to go deep and give him a ‘safe place’ to confess his struggles, fears, and pressures as a pastor.  Bolivar told us that he had never experienced this sort of ‘pastoral coaching’ before, and that it greatly energized him to keep persevering in his pastoral call on the River.”

While three CPC members went in person to support Pastor Bolivar and the believers in Pichiyacu, we as a church can also support them from afar by keeping Pastor Bolivar, his family, and the Pichiyacu church in our prayers.

Over the years, God has greatly used Ted Wareing, the Director of Life Changing Ministries (LCM) and one of our very own members, to establish this church in the jungles of North Ecuador.  We are honored to partner with LCM as we jointly envision many more church plants up and down this river.  Please pray that Jesus would continue building His church by raising up laborers who will lead the River People out of darkness and into the light of the Gospel.

Thanksgiving Nursing Home Outreach

January 4, 2012

End of the Road

The last stop in the lives of many elderly and infirm people is a nursing home.  This can be a lonely time for them, because the advancement of years has taken its toll on their bodies and minds.  Esther Kennedy, who went to a recent Nursing Home Outreach event, said they can be “a forgotten people, as many are feeble minded, unable to communicate, and so hidden within their exterior that it’s hard to ‘reach’ them.  But you never know what the Lord is doing.”  With a recent visit to Atlantic Shores Nursing Home (on Stack Blvd, less than one mile from Palm Bay Rd.), many CPC members felt like the Lord was working through them to bless the nursing home residents. 

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…”

The highlights of visits made to Atlantic Shores include music and hula dancing, which has touched the hearts of those that ministered as much as the residents.  Kaela Miller was moved when she and her brother Sam played an Irish fiddling tune for the residents.  “I realized that this wasn't a performance,” Kaela says, “and they were helping me more than I could ever help them.”  Sam was equally moved when they played for them.  “Seeing the people hum along with old familiar fiddling tunes or sing the words to Amazing Grace while [we] played these songs…was really cool.” 

“Where Two or More are Gathered in My Name...”

Alan and Jean LeStourgeon have been involved with trips to Atlantic Shores for the past six years and see God working in new ways with every visit.  Barbara Abbott has only been on two trips, but has already felt God is working through her to bless the residents.   “Although many of the residents are really not aware of what they are participating in, I believe they get the benefits of sitting in a service that worships our Lord and Savior,” Barbara says.  “’Where two or more are gathered in my name...’ so though we are not aware of what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing during these services we pray that much is being done for their salvation.”  If you feel like you want to become involved with the Nursing Home Outreach ministry, click here or contact Merlita Cote at hulamerlita@gmail.com. 

“Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” 

~Matthew 25:40

submitted by McCartney Diener

Angel Tree Shares the Love of Christ

December 19, 2011

Part of Covenant’s vision is to IMPACT God’s kingdom.  Here is how a few Covenant Groups were able to impact families in need this Christmas.  Michelle Culley coordinated the Angel Tree program, which is a ministry that gives gifts to children with a parent in prison.  In the past, CPC has taken the traditional approach where members individually deliver gifts to homes.  This year, Michelle decided to try a different approach; her ladies’ discipleship group invited recipient families to the church for a Christmas party and meal as well as fun activities and a family photo opportunity.  This allowed the families to see our church and get a taste of the ministries we offer, and by holding the party following our church service, it encouraged the families to try out CPC. The party option opened up multiple opportunities for several small groups to join together for a unified “kingdom task,” said Michelle.  Thirteen families attended with thirty children.

Jonathan Culley’s men's discipleship group volunteered to set up tables, chairs, and other prep.  Michelle's group organized all the food and mingled among the guests during lunch.  As the families were coming in to the Fellowship Hall, they were greeted by a family photo booth set up in the foyer for family pictures in front of the Christmas tree.  Once everybody got settled in, Jonathan opened with a welcome and prayer. Pizza was served to the kids and pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches to the adults.  As everybody was eating and socializing, other CPC volunteers joined in by mingling with the guests.  Rachel Van Buren served as the emcee for the event. Following dinner, kids participated in various activities:  decorating sugar cookies with Christmas-colored sprinkles, bean-bag toss for prizes, etc.   Leftover food was put into containers for the guests to take home.  As they left, they came up to the gift table to receive their children's Christmas gifts. These families seemed genuinely appreciative.  One of the mothers in attendance later sent this e-mail:

"Hi, just wanted to say thank you again.  

My daughter was very excited about her gift and with it saying ‘from Daddy’ was the best.  She was telling the family that ‘daddy knew just what I wanted.’  Also, for myself, that shredded chicken was very good.  Happy Holidays to all."

For the remaining thirteen, volunteers delivered the remaining gifts to their homes.  “It’s a good way to put hands and feet to the Gospel,” Michelle explained.  “Since these children are growing up with a parent in prison, this ministry also acts as the “hands and feet” of the incarcerated parent by giving gifts to the children on their behalf.  It seeks to reconcile families through the power of gifts and by pointing them to the true gift, Jesus Christ.”  

Change the World by Loving International Students

December 13, 2011

Did you know that over 100 countries are represented in the student body at Florida Tech, and that international students comprise over 20% of the student population? Many of them have been sent here on a student visa by their home country to study and then go back home with their newly-acquired education. What an opportunity to serve and love our international neighbors!

A group of people in our church comprise our International Student Ministry (ISM) Team, who have a big heart and a big burden to help and love these students. On a regular basis, they conduct "game nights" or "holiday meals" where they invite as many international students as they can to come and have fun, mingle, and build relationships with us Americans.

Game Night

The most recent game night was on Friday, October 28, in one of the Activity Rooms on the Florida Tech campus. Linda Condon, Daniel Hedman, Palmer Cash, and Tom Mlsek pulled this together, and they had at least 38 international students show up! They had a great time mingling with students from Saudi Arabia, India, Africa, the Caribbean Islands, and several other countries.

Tom led a rousing game of Pictionary with several Saudi students, and they had many laughs. Linda mused, "What was so funny was when I suggested a word to my team, many of them input the word into their smartphones to get the Arabic translation to find out the meaning of the word. Several of them told me it was helpful for them in learning English."

Thanksgiving Dinner

Another way we have been serving and loving these international students is by hosting holiday meals. This past year, the ISM Team has hosted an Easter meal and a Thanksgiving meal at Daniel's house. Both were a huge success!

At the Thanksgiving meal on November 24, over 30 international students came, hung out, had a huge feast, and built relationships. While dinner was still cooking, Tom started a game of (American) football out in the street. What a cultural experience for them!

When it was time to come in and eat, Daniel spent a little time explaining the history of the Thanksgiving holiday and talked about the plight of the Pilgrims when they came here, but also how they thanked God for the provisions He gave to sustain them. After the prayer, they all chowed down on turkey and all the fixings.

After the meal, everyone played a huge game of Crazy Uno (not your ordinary Uno, but Uno with a few "extra" rules thrown in, like whenever someone puts down a "9" everyone has to slap their hand on the center pile, and whoever is last has to draw a card).

A little later, Daniel met a few guys from Africa and a guy from India who had an interest in music. So they all shared songs they liked from YouTube and played around with the guitar. It was a fun day to connect with these students and build relationships.

If you are interested in getting involved with the International Student Ministry, contact Linda Condon at scottandlinda@hotmail.com, or Pastor Jonathan Culley at jculley@covenantpalmbay.org.

Pregnancy Resources Annual Fundraising Banquet Raises $109,000

November 29th, 2011

Pregnancy Resources’ annual fundraising banquet raised a total of $109,000.  More than 300 people attended the event held October 20^th at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place.  Proceeds benefit this non-profit organization that helps Brevard County women and families who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.

The event included a powerful personal testimony from a Pregnancy Resources client and informative presentations about the free programs and services offered as well as the vision for the future. “These faithful donors will enable our current programs to continue,” explained Linda Evans, Founder and Board President of Pregnancy Resources.  “An unplanned pregnancy can be a very emotionally charged situation.  Our clients receive compassionate and practical care from trained counselors and medical staff who help them through one of the most difficult times in their lives.”  

  

“Last year we had nearly 3,000 client visits at the center,” said Judy Miller, Executive Director of Pregnancy Resources. “Our free services include medical-grade pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasounds, peer counseling, pregnancy and parenting classes, post-abortion support and referral services.”

Pregnancy Resources provides free services, education and support in a compassionate environment to women and families facing unexpected pregnancy.  For more information about Pregnancy Resources, call the center at 321-752-5540 or visit the website at http://getinvolved.melbournepri.com.

Diapers Needed

By attending pregnancy and parenting classes as well as reading and completing homework, our clients can “earn” things” they need for their babies, such as diapers.  We are in need of newborn diapers for our clients.  If you could pick up a box of diapers when you shop, it would be a huge blessing to our clients.  Drop them by the center at 165 N. Babcock Street or contact Deana Green or Judy Miller at 752-5540 for pickup.

For more information about Pregnancy Resources, click here.

ROAR Flag Football & Free Hot Dogs

November 26, 2011

Autumn weather is a great time for football.  The ROAR flag football season wrapped up in November.  The program groups kids into teams of 5-8 year olds and 9-14 year olds who learn skills and play games on Saturday mornings.  This is a wonderful outreach ministry of Covenant that involved 45 families this season.

A few years ago, a CPC member brought and grilled hot dogs, offering them for free  to encourage parents to gather and develop relationships with other families.  This Hot Dog project became a great opportunity for small groups to serve families from the community.  Small groups sign up on a weekly rotational basis and use it as an opportunity to get to know families, build friendships, and invite people to church. 

“The season was a blessing and went very well,” said Warner Frye, the director for ROAR football.  Whether people serve as a coach or serve up hot dogs, “for such a small time commitment, the rewards are tremendous,”  shared Frye.  “We’ve had several kids come to know Christ in a personal way, along with families visiting our church.  Seeing a kid’s eyes light up when he catches his first touch-down pass, tackles someone, gets a high five from a team-mate on a good play‟ – these are the truly rewarding moments when I know we are making a difference in a kid’s life for a long time.”

For more information on ROAR sports outreach, see www.covenantpalmbay.org/ROAR.

Update from Papua New Guinea - The Tanners

October 23rd, 2011

Dear Friends,

We have been back in Papua New Guinea for 3 months now.  As we look back and see the road God paved before us to get us back to PNG, once again, we stand in awe that we have such an amazing God who not only loves us, but does beyond amazing things to accomplish His plan.  It has been hard adjusting to being back, however, we are finally getting used to thing again.  Some of the things that I’ve struggled with are silly, like creepy crawly things in my lettuce, cockroaches hiding amongst my bananas, and trucks barreling over giant potholes on the road in front of our house, making such a loud noise that it wakes me from my sleep.

Recently another one of the tribes we’ve been working in heard the gospel for the first time!  Here is a picture of some of the Siar people who have just begun their walk with God.  You can pray for them now, and then meet them one day in heaven!  

Our family is doing well.  Tom is involved in a variety of things this year, from helping out our fellow missionary’s with cultural issues, to working with the missionary teens on center, as well as keeping our center a safe place to live by overseeing our security team.  The boys are working hard in school.  Brett is attending the high school located on center for our missionary kids.  He’s enjoying sports and riding his motorcycle. JWes is being home schooled and is currently enjoying that more than being in the classroom.  Both of the boys are working on learning the national language, Melanesian Pidgin.

Thank you so much for supporting the work of bringing the gospel to the tribal people here in Papua New Guinea.

Sincerely,

Tom & Melanie Tanner

“For the Lord is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place.  He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos.  “I am the Lord”, he says, “and there is no other.  I publicly proclaim bold promises.  I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.” - Is. 45:18-19 

Reaching Out to Nursing Home Saints

August 27th, 2011

The nursing home outreach continues to flourish under the direction of Merlita Cote. Each month the love and gospel of Jesus Christ reaches many people at the Atlantic Shores Nursing Home. This ministry goes forth through CPC members who weekly make visits to disciple, pray with, encourage and minister to residents in a variety of ways.

Additionally, each 3rd Sunday of the month (3:00-4:00pm), a small group hosts a Sunday service. Hosting a Sunday service involves providing a short message, music/hymns, encouragement and prayer for the residents.

The NHO is currently praying for a regular preacher: someone with the gift of preaching and evangelism, with a burning desire to see the Word of God go forth in the nursing home. If you sense God is leading you in that direction please contact Merlita Cote at rhc.esq@earthlink.net.

"Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart, for consider how great things He hath done for you." (I Sam. 12:24)

Feeding the Homeless at "Street Life"

July 18, 2011

On July 17th, several volunteers from our Synergy Young Adults ministry and a couple of our small groups joined forces to feed over 100 homeless people downtown at His Place Ministries. We bought, prepared, and served the meal (spaghetti w/sides, brownies, and drinks), and had the privilege of building relationships with several of our homeless guests, offering the love, friendship, and hospitality that Jesus has shown us. This particular time, we also served alongside other volunteers who are residents of "Restoration House," which is an addiction recovery ministry run by His Place Ministries. I had the privilege of meeting "Ricky" (pictured to the right) whom I got to know a little while serving with him.  He is currently a resident of Restoration House and was so excited to tell me about his new faith in Christ.  He was baptized by Pastor Terry (of His Place) recently, and couldn't stop talking about how God had helped him overcome his addiction.  God is so good!

Click for more information about:

• Street Life Homeless Ministry
• Synergy Young Adults Ministry
• Small Group Ministry

Flip Flop Service Project for Serene Harbor Shelter

July 13, 2011

In late June, one of the members in Billy Bright's small group took the initiative to lead a service project for a local women's shelter called Serene Harbor, which houses female victims of domestic violence.  Another one of our small groups heard about it and teamed up with them.  Together, they were able to collect and donate 64 pairs of brand new flip flops for the ladies at the shelter.

In 2010, Serene Harbor helped 200 women and 77 children with 3,909 nights of shelter stay.  They provided these women and children with over 5,837 hours of counseling, as well as food, toiletries, and other necessities.  Click here for more information about Serene Harbor.

Click for more information about:

• Small Group Ministry
• Local Missions

Camping Trip with FIT International Students

May 31, 2011

On May 29, 2011, Linda Condon and Daniel Hedman took a van packed full of camping equipment, food, and friends, and headed to Princess Place Preserve in St. Augustine for a fun weekend camping trip and beach excursion. Linda and Daniel have built relationships with many international students from Florida Tech over the years.  Deep friendships have formed, and much love has been shared over coffee, game nights and numerous meals. International students at Florida Tech represent over 30% of of their student body, from over 100 different countries around the globe.  Many of them know just enough English to come here for school, and most of them have never been to the United States before coming here to get educated. There is a huge need for Americans like us to get to know these students, help them practice their English, and help them adjust to the inevitable "culture shock" of living in a completely different country, thousands of miles away from their family and friends. If you are interested in joining Florida Tech's International Friendship Program or simply getting involved with what Linda and Daniel are doing, contact Pastor Jonathan at (321) 727-2661 or jculley@covenantpalmbay.org.

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Parker Small Group Serves Children's Outreach

May 23, 2011

Don Parker's small group got a vision to serve the children in our church and neighborhoods.  When they heard about the need for our summer Neighborhood Backyard Bible Clubs, they kicked into gear to help Jennifer Reinecke (our Children's Ministry Director) put together teaching packets for the children that would be impacted through our summer Clubs during the week of July 25th. Neighborhood Bible Club's mission is to take the Gospel to the neighborhoods where children live.  Children attending will hear a clear Gospel message and be given an opportunity to receive Jesus as their Savior.  Because of the sacrificial service of the Parker Group, this task was made much easier. Click for more information about: Children's Ministry Small Group Ministry   View Full Photo Gallery

Synergy Open Gym and Game Night

May 18, 2011

On May 16, 2011, our Synergy Young Adults Ministry hosted an open gym and game night.  We had about 20 folks come out, some playing basketball, and others playing card and board games.

On this particular occasion, we had three Saudi Arabian students and one Chinese student from Florida Tech join us.  We had a great time getting to know them and building relationships with them.

We use these kinds of events to reach out to all kinds of people around us, offering the hand of friendship and love.  For more information about our Synergy young adults ministry, click here.

Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine (SCVIM) Grand Opening

May 4, 2011

On April 25th, 2011, Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine (SCVIM) held their "ribbon cutting" ceremony and open house.  With over 175 people in attendance, and with many distinguished guests, this was truly a God-glorifying moment in our community.

Among the distinguished guests were Pam Gillespie from Comgressman Bill Posey's office, Dr. Richard Roberts, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, Dr. Todd Sagin, Board Member from Volunteers in Medicine, Jim Barfield, President of Luke and Associates, Palm Bay Mayor John Mazziotti, and Dr. Heshmati of the Brevard County Health Department.

SCVIM is a local ministry that provides free health care for the working uninsured. This clinic is special because it houses very skilled Christian physicians, dentists, and dental hygieneists, nurses and others who volunteer their time and energy to help people in need, both physically and spiritually.

Covenant Presbyterian Church has joined other churches in providing both financial and volunteer help on a regular basis.  This is a great way for us to put "hands and feet" on the Gospel as we seek to make a difference in our community.

For more information, click these links:

• List of Volunteers Positions for SCVIM
• SCVIM Web Site
• SCVIM on Facebook

Photos by John Trudeau, Dream Team Events.  Used by permission.