Regional Synod of Canada RCA

ONTARIO YOUTH IN MISSION

Most people spend their spring breaks relaxing or playing in the sun. But on Spring Break 2007, seventy-one teens and adults from several RCA churches across Ontario spent it working in the elements, getting up early, sleeping in stuffy dorms, dealing with a shortage of hot water for showers, and loving every minute of it.

This was the second Classis wide youth mission trip to Neon, Kentucky to work with H.O.M.E.S, Inc. (Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service). HOMES mission is to provide affordable housing to lower income families in Fletcher County, Kentucky. Due to the uphea dry wall supports val in the coal industry in the 80s and machines replacing human labor, unemployment is extremely high in Fletcher County. There are many applicants for just one minimum wage job. Consequently, finding affordable housing on a minimum wage is difficult. HOMES, has work groups come in to donate their labor as well as a nominal fee to bring the cost of say a $90,000 home down to say $35,000.

trusses 1 The group in the course of one week, worked on three different houses plus some other local ministries such as at the HOMES Inc. complex and the local food pantry. Many of the teens had to learn carpentry skills before tackling a project, including how to hammer. Yet they landscaped, built a couple porches and ramps, wired, insulated, put in windows and doors, shingled, and managed to bring one house from the foundation slab and raise it to the roof. A great deal of work was done, but not because of skill or determination. Rather the group members were motivated by their love for God and for others.

But their week also included experiencing a different culture. A local church, which the group has connected with from their trips there, invited them over on Wednesday for some Southern cooking. The menu included kraut and weenies, beans and cornbread, plus other local favorites. However, the Canadians arent ready to add the cuisine to their menus just yet. They also were able to enjoy a concert by a local Bluegrass band. Much of the cultural learning came from just driving from one place to another and seeing the poverty and the difference in life style. They immediately noticed that almost all houses have lots of dogs and a big porch for people to sit and that family members cluster their homes together in the same holler. Experiencing a different culture encouraged them to think about different perspectives and priorities as well as the fact that God has called us to do justice for the poor.

Book ReviewThe Present Future
by
Reggie McNeal

Reviews
"This is the most courageous book I have ever read on church life. McNeal nails the problem on the head. Be prepared to be turned upside down and shaken loose of all your old notions of what church is and should be in today's world."
George Cladis, senior pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City and author, Leading the Team-Based Church

"With humor and rare honesty Reggie McNeal challenges church leaders to take authentic Christianity back into the real world. He's asking the right questions to help us get back on track."
Tommy Coomes, contemporary Christian music pioneer and record producer, artist with Franklin Graham Ministries

"Reggie McNeal throws a lifeline to church leaders who are struggling with consumer-oriented congregations wanting church for themselves. The Present Future will recharge you passion."
Rev. Robert R. Cushman, senior pastor, Princeton Alliance Church, Plainsboro, New Jersey

"Christian leaders will find great questions being answered in this compelling and motivating work that unwraps what he calls 'the realities of the present future' in the church today."
Kelvin Gardiner, district superintendent, Christian and Missionary Alliance.

"The momentum of God that allows visionary ministries to experience exponential growth stalls for the lack of great management (having the right systems and people in place to move to the next level). This is a must read for the young entrepreneur at the beginning of ministry or the seasoned pioneer!"
Mike Slaughter, senior pastor, Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, Tipp City Ohio

"I would highly recommend this book to any person interested in the current state of the Church in North America and the future of that Church. It is time that we pay attention to the realities of our ministry context and like David's 'Men of Issachar' discern the right path into the future."
Rick E. Morrow, pastoral care coordinator, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina

"This book is a rare find in which McNeal lovingly challenges the church with a spirit of adventure and rediscovery."
The Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana

Book Description
In this provocative book, author, consultant, and church leadership
developer Reggie McNeal debunks these and other old assumptions and provides an overall strategy to help church leaders move forward in an entirely different and much more effective way. In The Present Future, McNeal identifies the six most important realities that church leaders must address including: recapturing the spirit of Christianity and replacing "church growth" with a wider vision of kingdom growth; developing disciples instead of church members; prediction and planning to preparation for the challenges in an uncertain world. McNeal contends that by changing the questions church leaders ask themselves about their congregations and their plans, they can frame the core issues and approach the future with new eyes, new purpose, and new ideas.