A Note From the President

It is a good thought to remember that our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think of. As we look toward the end of the year 2000, and consider the year 2001,1 am continually reminded of how much we depend on our awesorne and mighty God. As we have come faceto-face with one challenge after another this past year, we have realized that most things are completely out of our control. And in human terms, it is impossible for us to accomplish. Paul assures us that "all things are possible through Christ who gives us strength." We would ask you to pray for MMI as we make the transition in our leadership. Free Methodist Men's Ministries International has a great legacy that has been carried on for more than 40 years. We have been blessed by committed leaders such as George Delamarter, Charles Kingsley, and Lucien Behar. Now as Lucien passes the baton to Jeff Johnson, we must rally behind Jeff and give him our full support - prayerfully, spiritually, and financially.

MMI is a self-supporting ministry and does not receive any financial support from our denomination's UMC budget. We depend totally on the willingness of those who are faithful in financially supporting MMI, as we minister to people around the world.

Our annual partnership contribution is $25.00, our share partners give $15.00 per month, and members of the President's Club generally send gifts ranging from $250.00 to $1000.00. Thank you and God bless you for helping us minister to needy men and their families. Sincerely in His service,

Jim Stetler, MMI President

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Lucien Behar's Activities

To schedule a School of Evangelism, contact:Lucien Behar, Instructor (727) 546-471 6 john812@juno.com

Lucien is challenging men in the church today to cx~erience the higl1 adventure of winning men to Christ, and of using their time, talent, and treasures in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Lucien's activities this past year have included: ministering in 37 churches; participating in 21 MMI events; and completing 14 Schools of Evangelism. Besides ministering to churches in the U.S., Lucien has most recently ministered in Egypt, assisting in opening communications and improving relationships with the Egyptian Church. Molly Behar is working as coordinator of the new International Child Care Ministries program in Egypt. ICCM reports that tcn children have been sponsored and they expect 20 more to bc sponsorcd by the end of this year. Lucien also led a ministry team to Egypt, bringing Leadership Training to more than 150 people from 45 churches.

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PROJECT BARNABAS

Containerized shipments to mission fields
Robert Couch, Director (765) 963-5224, bnscouch@netus1.net

After several months in customs, Container#15, filled with humanitarian and medical supplies and equipment, was received at Kibogora Hospital in Rwanda. See the artitle in the World Missionary People magazine (Oct/Dec 2000) on the impact of this container.

Project Barnabas was able to assist the American Indian Bible Ministries in Farmington, NM, with Sunday School materials and the Malawi Bible School with four bags of literature donated by Light and Life Communicatlons.

Container#16 was shipped on July 24, 2000, and is in the process of clearing customs in Kigali. This container will be uscd not only in the work at Kigali, but as needed at Kibogora Hospital.

WMI and MMI are working together to ship containers to Kibuye Hospital in Burundi and Hope Africa University in Niarobi, Kenya, before the end of this year.

ATTENTION!

For many years Project Barnabas has been a means of sending educational and medical supplies into countries where the needs are tremendous. To date, 15 containers have been sent. We have always asked that any churches or individuals sending boxes to be included in the container also send a donation of $15.00 per cubic foot to cover the huge cost of this endeavor. Due to the probability of expanding the use of Project Barnabas (watch for upcoming announcements) and the rising cost of shipping, we are asking that the donation be increased to $20.00 per cubic foot. We do not want to work a hardship on anyone, but feel this is a necessary step in order for this ministry to continue. Thank you for all you do to expand God's kingdom around the world.

Jim Stetler, MMI President - Beth Webb, WMI President

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II TIMOTHY 2:2

A sponsorship program for "national" evangelists

Mark Whitlock, Director (217) 241-2050 whitlock@eosinc.com

In July Evangelist Zakayo Murumbi of Kenya reported that he saw 3000 plus people make a commitment to receive Christ in the first six months of this year.

Nibigira Ezechiel of Burundi, a student of Hope Africa University, will begin his work as an Evangelist in a local Free Methodist Church of Kirigu in September 2000.

Gerry and Kati McNamara, who have a strong passion for evangelism, will work in the Gyor, Hungary Free Methodist Church starting as of January I, 2001. Whilc working alongside the Gyor local fellowship with local leaders and becoming an active part of the local apostolic team, they will work closely with Missionary Jerry Coleman and their Evange]ism team.

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CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST

Volunteer ministry teams organized to use their building skills in construction

Keith Ivers, Director (316) 241-3669, keithpi@midusa.net

Keith Ivers, CFC Dircctor reported on activities of the McPherson CFC team work projects at the Durley Camp in the Gateway Conference, Oakdale Christian High School Kentucky, and the lndy First "Lyn House" project during this year.

Ernie Fisher and thc Michigan CFC work team completed work projects at several churches in Michigan, as well as the Covenant Hills Campgrounds during this year.

Roger Pratt and his East Michigan CFC team completed many work projects at the Oakdale Christian High School, both in the Spring and Fall 2000.

The New York Craftsmen for Christ work team has been working on projects at their campgrounds this year.

These CFC work teams are already making plans for 2001 work projects across the USA. Keith also indicated the need to refine policy on how services offered by CFC teams need to be coordinated with thc expressed needs of the receiving church or site.

Note: See article CFC Group Goes Urban concerning the LYN House project in Sept/Oct 2000 Light & Life Magazine - pg. 38)

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ON MMI'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

October 9-11, 2000 the MMI Board of Directors joined CFC Director Keith Ivers in working at the Indianapolis First FMC "LYN HOUSE PROJECT." They were able to complete installation of the insulation and sub-flooring tor both floors of the building. Keith was encouraged when nine of our fourteen Board members showed up to work, including Lucien and Jeff Johnson.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FALL 2000 BOARD MEETING

Thc Board unanimously approved a motion to show our heart-felt appreciation for Lucien's faithful service to Men's Ministries International (formally LLMI). In his devotional Lucien stressed how, in the move to new leadership, God does not repeat the past, and uses each person whatever his unique gifts and limitations are. He mentioned that when the church ceases to make an impact on the world, the world will make its impact on the church.
Friday evening at a dinner sponsored by the Board of Bishops for the FMCNA Board of Administration, Lucien was honored for his service to the church and MMI. Jim Stetler, MMI President was privileged to present a special tribute to Lucien "In recognition of 15 years of service to the FMCNA and Men's Ministries International." Bishop Joe James also gave Lucien a special gifl in recognition of his service to the denomination.
Jeff Johnson, MMI Executivc Director as of January I, 2001, challenged the MMI Board by giving them four things to think about:
- 1) We need a prayer-support plan for each MMI ministry.
  2) We need a strategic operational plan for the coming year - 2001.
  
  3) We need a ministry plan that includes connecting With pastors, laymen, families, and women through WMI.
  
  4) We need to develop a global plan that reaches out and interconnects with our Free Methodist brothers overseas.
John Ellis, MMI Treasurer presented a well-organized and easily-understood MMI Annual budget for 2001.
Jeff referred to Dr. David McKenna's book, A Future With a History, which suggest that evangelism and discipling are vital primary concerns of the men's auxiliary. Jeff reported that new Schools of Discipleship classes will be offered in the Spring of 2001.
Milo Kaufinann reported on Free Methodist Urban Ministries. He summarized the unusual sequence of events planned for the Los Angeles area in February 2001, including the FM Urban Summit to be convened by Bishop Haskins, and Blow the Trumpet in Zion (formerly CUE) to he held at Pastor John Richardson's Light & Lite Community FMC. The conferences will bring together the several strong ethnic components of the church in California, along with urban workers from around the country. These events run in tandem from February 15th-22nd.
David Gonzales reported on representing MMI at CUE in Evanston-Chicago and IYC in Colorado. A display was set up at each event, and at the latter more than 1300 cards were distributed and thirty tshirts given out. Dave was appointed as the MMI Promotion Committee Chairman, and is currently working on a Spanish version of the MMI video. Thc MMI Board of Directors served lunch to the FMCNA Board of Administration on Friday, October 13th.
The Board members planned the next MMI Spring 2001 board meetings in San Josc, CA, with Dr. Ray Ellis as our host.
Jim Stetler reported on the newly-organized Southern Mindanao Conference Men's Ministries in the Philippines and their request to partner with MMI in America.
Bishop Haskins was able to join the Board for a brief time. In his comments he stressed the importance of engaging the culture, capturing the hearts and minds of men.

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