THE COMPASSIONATE EDGE MARCH 2021

Hello Friends,

Ever notice how something can have both a positive and negative effect? Take for example pressure (or stress). Just enough can help our physical, mental, or spiritual muscles to grow. Too little can cause atrophy. And, as we all well know, too much stress can cause damage.

2020 was a pressure-packed year. At times, I felt frustrated and overwhelmed by it. But other times I've appreciated how we as a ministry (and a ministry couple) have grown because of it.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: A global pandemic challenged us to do ministry differently this year and I appreciate how CompassionLink rose to the challenge. In February, CompassionLink hosted a virtual missions trip (VMT) to Siberia. Registered participants from all over the US received an experience box (full of culturally relevant materials) and evenings filled with teaching and training by our host missionaries in Siberia (via Zoom) and our wonderful colleagues at CompassionLink.

WHERE COMPASSIONLINK THRIVES: Blessed to manage a huge compound in Costa Rica (that used to be the Royal Ranger campground), David and Amy Cartwright are all about equipping national pastors with Bible training and church planting tools. Likewise, the Cartwrights desire to empower indigenous pastors with sustainable community development techniques to help them be self-supporting. Of course, this is where CompassionLink thrives. For the last few months, Stuart has been working closely with the Cartwrights to make this a reality. Please pray for this continuing work and the opportunity to travel there soon. To learn more about what the Cartwrights are doing, click here.

Gardens are as varied as the cultures they grow in. 

Stuart and the sustainable development team help find creative solutions for all sorts of growing conditions.

ONGOING TRAINING: Recently, Stuart participated in CHE training. CHE (Community Health Evangelism) is another exciting and proven ministry strategy that integrates evangelism, discipleship, and church planting with community health and development. To learn more about CHE’s impact and purpose click here.

Tilapia eggs going into the tumbler are just a part of the circle of life.

PREPARING NEW MISSIONARIES: As IM's regional trainer, Wendy welcomed our new missionaries to International Ministries during our spring candidate orientation. At AGWM we expect our candidates to be fully versed in our core values and competencies, but we also recognize that this is a life-long process that only begins at orientation. Wendy continues the teaching throughout the year so that our missionaries are continuously equipped.

A YEAR OF LONGING: Lent is the season of longing and waiting. Giving up something to focus more intently on something (or someone) else. March 2020 began the longest season of Lent I've ever experienced, if you know what I mean. As I look back on the past year I wonder: How well did I wait in the longing? How steadfast was I in the discomfort? How patient was I with the disruption? I won't answer out loud, but God knows where I shined bright and where I stumbled in the dark.

In 2017, Stuart and I experienced a deadly and devastating earthquake in Mexico City. In a matter of minutes, hundreds of people lost their lives, and thousands became displaced. People didn't complain about staying home; they had no home to go back to. For months, many had no job to go back to. And too many others had no mothers or fathers or children to go back to, ever. 

Sometimes our fasts and sacrifices are intentional, like participating in Lent. Other times they are imposed, like during a pandemic or the aftermath of an earthquake. In either case, we have a choice in how we'll respond. We can face the challenge, grow through it with grace, and produce the fruit of the Spirit or we can curse the darkness, shrivel up with selfishness, and die on the vine.

Jesus calls his disciples to do hard things. As a US-born Christian, I find myself in the unenviable position as a citizen of two competing kingdoms. One calls me to love my country above all else and fight for my individual rights and one calls me to love God with my whole heart and lay down my rights to love my neighbor as myself. Why do I struggle with such an obvious choice? Only one kingdom will reign forever.

Like a roman centurion, the season of longing remains vigilant. The cross waits for me. Yet the dawning sun pierces the horizon and bids me to wait in hope.

Stuart & Wendy

GLOBALLY ASSIGNED /GLOBALLY ENGAGED

SERVING THE WORLD

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We, at CompassionLink, are a team of experienced, educated, and equipped missionary personnel who partner with missionaries, community leaders, and ministers across the globe. In a nutshell, we serve those who serve; we equip those who equip; and we train those who train to establish a strong indigenous church worldwide.

The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose . . . 

We are God’s servants, working together (1 Cor 3:8-9 NRSV).

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The Compassionate Edge SEPT 2020

Hello Friends

What a summer it's been; full of traveling, training, and transitioning!

Dwight and Heather McConnell congratulate Stuart for posting the fastest time in his age group at CompassionLink's Walk-Run-Roll virtual 5k earlier this summer.

Stuart and I are grateful to churches throughout Indiana who hosted us in-person and virtually throughout the summer. In October, Stuart heads to New England (I wish I could go!) to be a part of the Southern New England Missions Tour. We have an immediate goal to raise $1000 in monthly support and $45,000 in cash offerings. Although international travel is currently hindered because of COVID, your support frees us to plan future travel with CompassionLink to assist our missionaries and community leaders worldwide in 2021. 

We say it all the time, AGWM is a team. And at CompassionLink we are a team of experienced, educated, and equipped missionary personnel who partner with missionaries, community leaders, and ministers across the globe. In a nutshell, we serve those who serve; we equip those who equip; we train those who train. Your partnership helps us to strengthen relationships between missionary and minister, minister and community leader, and community leader and community. In other words, your support allows us to foster the proclamation and the demonstration of the gospel in tangible ways!

Our CompassionLink team includes educated, experience, and equipped cross-cultural workers eager to learn more to serve our missionaries and community leaders around the world more effectively. Recently, the team headed to the Royal Ranger campground for three days of shallow well training.

As you already know, CompassionLink is a part of International Ministries (IM); one of the seven global regions of Assemblies of God World Missions. As the new Regional Missionary Trainer for International Ministries, Wendy (me) is responsible for teaching and promoting our AGWM competencies. Recently, I met with our new Regional Training Team (leaders from all the ministries under the umbrella of IM) to discuss and plan our monthly competency focus in our respective ministry fields.

At International Ministries our AGWM competency focus for the month of September is Missionary Life & Work.

Check out the events planned for CompassionLink. 

If you're in the area, join us!

On Oct 6, tour our aquaponics-equipped greenhouse and enjoy a delicious tilapia dinner at our third annual Fish Fry! 

REGISTER HERE

Stuart and CL colleagues prepare the aquaponics-raised tilapia for the fish fry.

Cast for Compassion!  Join CompassionLink for a day of trout fishing on Oct 15 2020, at Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO. Your participation help CL provide first aid packs to international communities, and allows us continue to serve people with disabilities around the world. REGISTER HERE

THANK YOU for your kindness, consideration, generosity, and support. We can do what we do because of people like you!

PRAYER OF SELF DEDICATION Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP)

Grace and Peace

Stuart & Wendy

GLOBALLY ASSIGNED / GLOBALLY ENGAGED

SERVING THE WORLD

The Compassionate Edge ~ January 2020

HELLO FRIENDS,

It's a new year full of new opportunities!

LOOKING FORWARD:
After months of prayer, a year of volunteering with CompassionLink, and an invitation by director JoAnn Butrin, Stuart and I are looking forward to continuing our missionary career with International Ministries. As you know, making disciples in a compassionate capacity has always been near to our hearts; first as directors of New Vision children's home in Jamaica and then later as we served with Teen Challenge in Mexico City.

CompassionLink has a holistic, strategic, and sustainable approach to missions that empowers communities and churches to flourish. For us, joining CompassionLink just makes sense; it combines our compassionate missions experience with an ever-maturing paradigm of what successful missions should look like.

Stuart will continue working with the sustainable development team as well as train with the various ministries under the umbrella of CompassionLink. Likewise, Stuart is looking forward to a lot more global travel (like his recent trip to Burkina Faso). Wendy is also looking forward to coming on board as an educator to train missionary associates who join the ministry family.

Until then, Wendy is looking forward to Global Impact Week at Evangel University in the early part of March. Missionaries representing all regions will engage students in classrooms, chapel services, during hall take-overs and meal times. Wendy (missionary in residence), Darlene Robison (director for Missionary Church Planters and Developers), and Ron Maddux (regional director of No. Asia) will preach about God's global work and everyone's opportunity to participate.

Lastly, Stuart and I are looking forward to connecting with you very soon (especially this summer but also throughout the year). It's that season again to travel, share all the exciting opportunities God has in store for us, and raise the moolah to get it done. We'll be in touch!

Stuart with the CompassionLink team as they began their journey to Burkina Faso.

ASKING FOR PRAYER:
Please pray for Stuart and me. Although, Stuart and I are confident of God's will in this transition, it's still difficult. No one is more surprised than us at this turn of events in our lives. We appreciate your prayers as we, once again, navigate an unexpected change. Regardless, Stuart and I know from past experience, God is faithful in the unpredictable.

Please pray for Global Impact Week at Evangel University - that students will discern the voice and direction of God; for World Changers missions club - who have a lot of responsibility in making this hectic week happen; and for all the global workers who will share their experiences, offer their counsel, and encourage our future global workers.

Burkina Faso has been in our hearts and prayers since the trip.

OFFERING UP THANKS:
Stuart and I are thankful for our friends and families.
Grateful for the future generation of global workers we are mentoring at Evangel.
Pleased with our new ministry family at CompassionLink.
Thankful for your prayers.
Excited for our future.
And so very appreciative of all our faithful supporters.

Jack, our Schnauzer, is a resilient TCK (Third Culture Kanine); 

born and raised in Mexico City, he's adjusting to life in the US.

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The Merry Christmas Missive ~ December 2019

Hello friends,

It’s been such a wonderful year of new experiences, new challenges, and new family members!

Fall recap at CompassionLink:

In October, Stuart helped clean and fry about 150 fish for CompassionLink's 2nd annual fish fry to benefit their ministry. Local pastors, community members, and AG leaders toured the greenhouse, learned about the aquaponics system (where the fish were raised), and celebrated with the CompassionLink crew for another successful year of serving the worldwide church through partnering with missionaries, pastors, and community members.

At the invitation of the general superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Burkina Faso, CompassionLink visited (among other places) an Assemblies of God hospital and Christian school. The Christian school is available for those unable to afford their school otherwise. The leadership, therefore, needs sustainable solutions to pay their expenses which includes housing and feeding their students. This is what CompassionLink is all about. Partnering with Christian ministries like this to find sustainable solutions so they can minister long-term and effectively.

Stuart helped raise, clean, and fry 150 fish for CompassionLink's annual fish fry.

What a joy to connect with what God is doing in Burkina Faso.

Semester recap at Evangel University:
Wendy and World Changers missions club hosted one of their favorite events this semester: Secret Church. This year's experience focused on the church in Northern Asia. Guest missionary shared personal stories of life and ministry in China. Students listened intently, asked poignant questions, and prayed fervently for our guest and for our sisters and brothers around the globe.

Our end of year gathering included more lighthearted festivities. Students created gingerbread house churches, decorated ugly Christmas sweater cookies, and feasted on hot chocolate and goodies.

Next semester we bring the world to campus for Global Impact week. US and world missionaries will join us for five purpose-filled days of raising awareness and helping students find their place in God's global mission.

Evangel University's World Changers missions club hosted Secret Church: Northern Asia Experience

End of year festivities included decorating ugly Christmas sweater cookies.

Giving thanks: 
Stuart and I are thankful for our families.
Overjoyed to celebrate Olivia's recent wedding.
Grateful to welcome Brandon into our family.
Greatly satisfied to serve people in diverse and far-flung places.
Pleased with the future generation of missionaries being raised up at Evangel.
And last of all, but not least of all, appreciative of all our faithful supporters.

Both our son Wesley (bridesman) and Sophia (maid of honor) stood aside their sister Olivia at her wedding.

Stuart and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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The Missive ~ Summer 2019 (July - September)

Hello friends,

Ready for a recap of our summer?

Since we last talked, Stuart and I celebrated our son's wedding, traveled to Florida for General Council, and then enjoyed a "family reunion" at Together '19 (the largest gathering of Assemblies of God global workers we've ever had in one place, I believe). We are grateful for the many pastors and churches who made this time special for all of us. Thanks especially to The Caring Place (Jon Susa), River City Church (Robby Bradford), Grace Assembly of God (Wayne Murray), Realife Church (Adam Detamore), and Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (David M Wigington).

Katie & Wesley share their first dance.

And then their second. It was a fun wedding.

Ready for some exciting news?
During General Council, JoAnn Butrin (director of International Ministries) sat down with the general superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Burkina Faso. As it turns out, the general superintendent’s son runs a school and a children’s home in their beloved country. Furthermore, he has extended an invitation to CompassionLink to join him in Burkina Faso to talk about sustainable methods for long-term growth and health of the ministry. In turn, CompassionLink extended an invitation to Stuart to join them on this trip (October 28-Nov 5).

As you know, Stuart has been working full-time as a volunteer at CompassionLink since the beginning of the year. Although, grateful for the invitation Stuart and I wondered how we would come up with the necessary funds. Due to send out a newsletter, I began to craft a plea. However, would there be enough time to raise the funds? Or would Stuart have to pass up the opportunity for a later one? The answer came sooner than either of us expected when the very next day, Stuart received word that JoAnn Butrin and CompassionLink secured the funds on Stuart’s behalf and the trip is completely paid for!

Evangel University World Changers Mission Club prepares to raise awareness and encourage involvement in God's global mission.

In the garden center, CompassionLink also raises bunnies. These happy rabbits are relieved to tell you of the upcoming CompassionLink Fish Fry on October 1 to raise funds.

Ready to pray?
Please pray for ... the Burkina Faso trip: may it be a productive relationship-building time as the national church and the CompassionLink team find sustainable solutions together.

CompassionLink's Fish Fry fundraiser on October 1. May supporters and potential supporters be energized by all that the team is doing to develop, train, and provide compassionate and sustainable solutions worldwide.

a personal request: our daughter Olivia gets married in December. We'll all be traveling to North Carolina for the nuptials as soon as the semester ends.

Olivia and Brandon will be dancing at their own wedding soon.

Proud sister Sophia and friends look over the happy couple.

Thanks, friends, for your faithful support. Stuart & Wendy

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The Missive ~ Spring 2019

Hello friends,

Stuart continues to work with CompassionLink - an International Ministry with AGWM, as I (Wendy) prepare for my final year as Missionary in Residence at Evangel University,

Just recently, CompassionLink welcomed golfers and guests to a complimentary steak dinner on the eve of its annual Golf Classic. Specialty items from around the world helped to raise funds in a silent auction and exceptional door prizes surprised a few grateful attendees.

Donna Barrett, general secretary of the Assemblies of God, encourages donors at the CompassionLink golf classic.

CompassionLink partners with AGWM missionaries and the communities they serve to find and use locally available resources to create spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthier communities. In preparation, the CompassionLink team customizes seminars, clinics, and projects to adapt to unique environments.

For example, in our last newsletter, I described the aquaponics process of siphoning off fish waste to fertilize and grow vegetables - a sustainable project to feed a family or a village. As you can see (below), the hydroponically grown buttercrunch lettuce that Stuart planted weeks ago thrives in the greenhouse at CompassionLink.

Buttercrunch lettuce thrives in the CompassionLink greenhouse.

As handyman Scott looks on (and as I teased on social media), Stuart and MSU intern Marcus show off their current project - a rocket stove! This highly efficient stove requires much less fuel – imagine only needing small branches or twigs to cook a meal – while significantly reducing smoke to allow a healthier living environment. Materials used to make the stove can be found almost anywhere in the world which makes this a wise and sustainable option.

Stuart and company build a rocket stove

These are just a few of the many unique ways CompassionLink serves the world.

School’s out for summer, but as Missionary in Residence at Evangel University the fall semester promises two (very) full classes in New Testament Literature and Introduction to Intercultural Ministries. As faculty advisor of World Changers Missions Fellowship, I look forward to a great year promoting missions and mentoring the next generation of global workers. 

Even better than building rocket stoves and tweaking lectures, Stuart and I will celebrate with family and friends at the wedding of (our son) Wesley and Katie (Lafon) in July. Then we are off to General Council and Together '19 in August.

Wesley and Katie

Thanks, friends, for your faithful support. See you soon!

Stuart & Wendy

Stuart and I visited my family in Connecticut recently to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday.

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Mexico City Missive ~ Fall 2018

More than just lectures, papers, and exams filled our first semester as Missionaries in Residence at Evangel University. Stuart and I enjoyed our involvement with the WorldChangers Missions Club including Meal with a Missionary (with John and Dina Musacchio) and the annual Bonfire (with students, missionaries, and s'mores galore).

A wonderful Secret Church experience (with Paul & Lana Duda) and a Christmas party (not complete without little piñatas) rounded out our end of semester activities.

However, our responsibilities didn’t end there. Stuart and I also mentor two Evangel students headed abroad next summer as part of their EU studies. (Evangel University requires cross-culture experience for every student - whatever their major might be!)

Much more to come in the spring (including Global Impact week). But before we go, here's another update on the Teen ChallengeMexico project. Along with other improvements, your generosity has beautified the bedrooms with new mattresses, pillows, and bedspreads. ¡Gracias a todos!

Grace and peace,

Stuart & Wendy

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Mexico City Missive ~ summer 2017

A snippet of our life and ministry in Mexico City for the first half of the year, 2017.

Our new year began well with a Teen Challenge graduation in January. Testimonies and prayer highlight every ceremony, but a “thank you” dinner provided by the family always tops off the evening.

Weekly, Stuart meets with the guys to show off his mad soccer skills while Wendy leads a more low key gathering during her English class. However, the guys may have gotten a little rowdy during our Superbowl themed lesson in February.

On occasion, Stuart and I also collaborate with other missionaries like we did in Oaxaca this past March. Likewise, Wendy had the opportunity to speak at a breakfast for missionaries and other expat women living there.

One weekend in April, Stuart and I found ourselves ministering in two different countries. Stuart preached in our big metropolis at Luz a las Naciones, while Wendy preached in Greencastle, IN at the Live Fully women's encounter and the following day at The StoreHouse church. (Thanks, Pastors Troy & Teresa Trout for inviting and hosting me!)

Monthly, Wendy attends a leader's breakfast for Assemblies of God credentialed women. Our May gathering included Noemi Rodriguez (center, behind Wendy), the District Secretary of the Assemblies of God, Orfa de Perez (far left), the District Women's Leader, and Alejandra de Cerda (far right), co-director of Teen Challenge Mexico.

In June, we enjoyed our District Ministers meeting at a national park. Breakfast in the open air and group calisthenics followed by a leisurely hike in the mountains encouraged conversation and fellowship between ministers and missionaries.

                                         

Stuart & Wendy

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