Surprise!

Guess what? I'm going to the Philippines this week! I'll bet that comes as a bit of a surprise! If you'd told me that before last Wednesday, I would have been surprised as well. Let me tell you how it all came about...

When I was at International Teams US office and training center, I met some guys that were doing some video work for IT, and they got talking about the need have missionaries in the field better equipped to capture good video. It seems that we haven't produced any good video since the 80's, and would like to have more of it to assist in our mobilization efforts, and to encourage people to pray for IT's various ministries around the world. When I began showing a bit of interest in what was being talked about, some people got excited, and saw an opportunity to get a missionary who would be traveling to various sites better trained in video.

They mentioned that they were working with Jim Larson, a professional video guy, and were hoping to send him to Cambodia and the Philippines at some point this year, although details were rather fuzzy. As of this past Tuesday, my impression was that Jim would be going to Cambodia sometime in July, and the Philippines was off. Then on Wednesday, it was confirmed that he was going to be in the Philippines from the 12th to the 15th.

I was a little shocked. Cambodia was going to cost too much to fly to, and the only purpose that would be served would be to learn more about video. As such, I had ruled out the possibility of getting to work with Jim. Philippines on the other hand was less than half the cost to fly to and provided the chance to discuss opportunities for Encounter Teams there. Not only that, but I've been there before, and know many people, so the prospect of planning the trip on such short notice wasn't nearly as daunting. If I had been paying attention, I would have been thinking "Wow! Isn't God great?" But that came a little later...

I began thinking, "I think I could do this." I started searching for good deals on airplane tickets. As I, and a travel agent looked, the prices began to climb (as potential tickets got sold off). My cost estimate started rising from $1600 + all my frequent flyer miles to over $1900. At one point, it was looking like I might have to leave on Monday (which would have been too short notice), and stay a fair bit longer than would have been appropriate. Ug.

Friday morning, it occurred to me that, rather than trying to do this on my own, I should be talking to God about it. I began praying that He would provide something, or make it clear if I wasn't to go. I also got people in the office praying. Shortly after lunch, I heard from the travel agent that she had found a flight for just over $1300 (without needing to use up my frequent flyer points) on reasonable dates. As an added bonus, I would get to spend a night in Tokyo at the expense of the airline.

Wow. I sensed God saying, "See -- I do hear, and can provide far beyond your expectations. As a special gift, I've even given you a free night in Japan." Quite a contrast to what I was able to come up with on my own.

So, that's the story. I leave for the Philippines on Wednesday July 9, and get back to Canada on Tuesday July 22. Lord willing, I'll be spending 4 days with Jim Larson learning all I can about getting good video (as well as getting some too!). I'll be meeting with IT staff to discuss what sorts of things we can do together with Encounter Teams. I'll be meeting with friends from my trip last year. And I'll hopefully be able to get involved in some ministry as well.

If you could be praying...

• Praise God for His incredible provision


• Pray that my time would be productive


• Pray that I would be an encouragement to the Filipino missionaries I spend time with


• Pray that I would be open to what ever else God has for me while I'm there


• Pray that I would have the health, strength, energy to accomplish all God has before me

Thanks so much for your prayer! I'll look forward to telling you more in the next week or two.

For His glory,

Steve.

PS: Thanks for all those who participated in the surveys I sent out recently. The feedback was quite helpful. I'll try to make the results of the surveys available online soon.

June 2003 Newsletter

June 2, 2003

Hello friends!

Friends are such a wonderful thing, aren’t they? I have been so blessed to have many friends! This past month has been quite a month. I’ve had to say goodbye to some great friends I’ve met over the last four months during my training in Elgin, IL. I’ve been able to begin reconnecting with the many friends I left behind in Canada. I even had the privilege to reconnect with Trevor, an old friend from high school who’s now working at Moody Bible College in Chicago.

God has certainly blessed in these last four months. The pictures here are of a few of the many friendships I’ve been able to develop in the US. I have so much appreciated all that I’ve been able to learn from every one of them (and many others as well). Through both the teaching and relationships with many here, I’ve learned so much, and feel much better equipped for wherever God is taking me next. All the people at both International Teams and Templo Calvario (the church I attended) have been wonderful. Thanks so much everyone!

The coming months should prove equally exciting. While the details have yet to be worked out, it’s looking like I’ll have two major areas I’ll be working on. Part of my time will be spent planning and preparing for the next Encounter Teams program.

As most of you have heard, things have not come together for the next team quite as expected. But God knows what He’s doing. I recall when I was first working through where God was leading me next, I got the sense that he pointed in the direction I’m now going, and said “Start heading that way.” There was no indication of where I’d end up, but only where my next step should be. It’s a scary thing at times to step out, not knowing where you’re going, but when God’s leading, it’s the safest place to be!

The other thing I’ll be doing is seeking to raise up friends to help meet the remainder of my needed support. Chris, the guy I shared an apartment with during training, is seeking to get 100 people committed to praying for him. He said, “with the landmines in [the country I’m going to] – both physical and spiritual, going without solid prayer support is tantamount to jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.” I may not have to deal with physical landmines but prayer is still vital to the success of this ministry. Would you consider becoming a critical part of what I’m doing in this way? Finances are another area of need. As things are changing to some extent in my ministry, the budget is also likely to change, but there is still a bunch needed to make this ministry feasible. Keep praying for those called to be a part of it in this way.

Thanks so much for your prayer and interest in my life! Keep praying for God’s direction and guidance. I’m confident He has some great things ahead.

Your Friend, Steve.

Back to Canada Soon!

Hello all!

Thanks so much for your continued prayer for me over these last four months while I've been in the Chicago area in training. You are all so much appreciated.

As some of you know, I'm almost done this phase of my ministry. I'll be driving back to Canada next Tuesday May 20. My first stop will be in the Waterloo area, and then I'll be heading up to Ottawa a few weeks after that.

It's interesting how things don't always work out as we expect. Many of you know that I was expecting to be leading a team beginning at the end of August. Unfortunately, it's kinda difficult to lead a team that doesn't exist. The deadline to sign up had been set for the end of April. At that point there were a few considering the team, but no one had signed up yet, so the deadline was pushed out a few weeks. However, that too has passed, so the August team has been postponed.

That means that we're gonna need to make a bunch of decisions both about what shape Encounter Teams will take in the future, and what I'll be doing in the meantime. Many of the key decision makers have been thinking and praying about this, but there's still lots of decisions to be made, and some other people to be brought into the process as well. Could you be praying for all those involved in this, that we would have wisdom, and that above all, God would be glorified. In particular, please be praying for the International Teams Canada leadership, leaders from the Met (my sending church), myself, and others who may be playing some role in this process. Thanks so much!

Once I'm back, I'll be looking forward to connecting with those of you that I haven't seen in a while. Be sure to keep a spot on your calendar open for me! Also, be praying for me as I try to balance all the many things that will be vying for my time when I get back.

In the next couple of weeks, be looking out for another update, when I'll try to give you a bit more of an update on what's been happening since my last letter, and hopefully more info on what's to come.

Thanks again for all your prayer. It is so valued, and necessary.

For His glory,

Steve.

April 2003 Update

April 2, 2003

Hello friends!

Hello Mr. Mom. Can I go play with Suzie?
No, I don’t want any more food – I’m saving space for ice cream.
I’m a picky eater. I don’t like vegetables.

In my last few letters, I’ve requested prayer that I would learn all God has to teach me – both in, and out of class. Well, this week, in addition to my regular classes, I get to learn more about parenting. Jim and Lina Miller, one of the couples that works out of the International Teams (IT) US office is down in South America this week, and has asked me to take care of their kids Nathan, Emily & Jared (left) while they’re gone.

The way the request came about indicates how brave they are. Over the last few years, a tradition has developed between Jim Miller, and the Canadian missionaries in training. At some point during the training time, these missionaries have a habit of decorating Jim’s office in all things Canadian – maple leaves everywhere, Canadian flags, having the national anthem playing on his computer, etc. This session was no exception – someone apparently managed to out-do the missionaries of previous sessions. They have yet to conclusively pin it on anyone, but I’m one of the highest suspects. Well, back to the kids. When they heard their parents were looking for someone to take care of them, their request was “that guy that decorated Dad’s office.” And they asked me. After Jim’s suspicion about my decorating work, he’s given me free and unfettered access to his house and kids. Brave parents.

I think some of their confidence in me taking care of their kids came from hearing about how much I like kids. I recall that when I first arrived here, I was disappointed to hear that none of the missionaries in training had children. I have managed to get a surprising amount of time with kids here though. Craig and Leilani Bauman, the couple I’ll be working with in the Encounter Teams program was here recently. Over the last year or two, I’ve managed to really connect well with their children Elizabeth and Katharina (right). They’ve even been calling me “Uncle Steve”. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to connect with them again (and their parents too!). A Missionary family that’s serving in Jordan came through here recently. Wendy was surprised to see how quickly Lindsay, her 1-year old warmed up to me. In fact, I’ve received comments like that fairly often. While I’ve always enjoyed kids, it has been exciting to learn more about how God has made me, and to see Him develop my skills with, and love for k ids. It will be interesting to see what He’s preparing me for.

There have been so many great opportunities both in and out of class for me to be able to learn and grow. We’ve had classes on Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, Cross-Cultural Communications (taught by Woody Roland, IT’s director over Latin America, left), Apologetics, Marriage and Singleness, Racial Prejudice & Reconciliation, Youth Ministries, etc. As a result of IT’s partnership with Sonlife (an organization that specializes in working with youth, and training youth workers), we had the privilege to be the first “beta test” a new training program they’re developing called “Encounter” (which is not related to the “Encounter Teams” program I’m a part of). The training we’ve received has all been quite helpful. I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved in a Spanish/English church here in Elgin. It has been a great place for me to be able to serve, and in the process, I’ve learned a bunch more too.

Thanks so much for your prayer and support. Having a team of people behind me is so crucial in making anything I’m involved in God’s success. Praise God, I’m currently at roughly 40% of my target budget, and have 45 people committed to praying for me. If you’d like to be a part of my team, I’d love to hear from you. Here are some things that you can be praying about:

• Praise God for all He’s been teaching me. Pray that I would continue to listen.


• Busyness continues to be a challenge. Pray that I would not lose focus on Christ in the midst of everything else.


• Pray that God would be preparing those He’s called to be a part of the next Encounter Teams program, and that they would have the courage to take the next step in the application process soon.

Thanks so much for continuing to pray. May God richly bless you.

Your Friend, Steve Van Bruwaene

February 2003 Update

February 18, 2003

Hello friends!

In a group or team, it doesn’t take long to build up impressions of people at times, does it? It’s fascinating at times to see how various groups of people can see someone so differently at times.

As you know, I’m currently one month into a four month Missionary training program with International Teams. In this time, I’ve been blessed with a great Canadian guy to share an apartment with (Chris); some wonderful classmates to learn with and from; fun, knowledgeable instructors; and a great group of staff here at the US office. I’ve learned so much already, and developed a number of great friendships.



I’ve managed to develop an interesting reputation as well. As you might guess, everyone seems to have identified me as the “tech guy”. For any of you who are familiar with my cooking (up until a few months ago, it basically amounted to heating stuff in the microwave), it will come as a big surprise to hear that Chris and I have developed the reputation for being the “best cooks” in the place. (Since I’ll be leading teams, it occurred to me that I should probably learn to cook, so I’ve been experimenting with stuff. So far, no one has gotten sick from it, so I guess that’s a good sign.)

One of the courses we’re taking is called “Second Language Acquisition”. This course attempts to deal with many different aspects of learning a new language, including phonetics (study of the sounds that go into making words in various languages); how to learn vocabulary, grammar, etc.; techniques to get by with limited language; and cultural impact on language.

I have found it fascinating to learn more about how culture is so much a part of communication. Getting something wrong can cause people to think we’re stupid, rude, immoral, etc. For example, by making eye contact, different cultures around the world might think I’m being sincere, am giving them my full attention, or that I’m morally quite “loose”, or I’m scolding them. Learning how to communicate appropriately in different cultures and contexts is so crucial.

This got me thinking about how miscommunication can happen even within North American culture. When surrounded by people who are “of the same culture” as we are, it’s easy to assume that they will all act by the same unwritten rules as we do. Then when people act differently than we expect them to, it’s easy for us to think they are rude, stupid, or just plain strange. What, for example, is the appropriate way join a conversation without intruding? People may be seen as bullish for jumping in, or creepy for quietly wafting to be invited. I’ve discovered that even in interacting with “Fellow North Americans”, I need to be aware of different personalities and cultural expectations. It should be interesting to add completely different cultures to the mix!



It has been quite a blessing to see God raise up people to partner with me in this ministry. At the moment there are 36 individuals committed to pray for me, some of them even daily. Financially, over 30% of my target budget is coming in. Praise God for His provision. If you feel called to become a part of my team, I’d be happy to talk with you about it.

Thanks so much to all of you for your continued prayer. God has been so good. If you could continue to pray for me:

• That I would be teachable – open to all God has to teach me


• That I would have the wisdom and discipline to balance everything vying for my time


• That God would be glorified in my life


• That those called to be a part of the next Encounter Teams group would respond

Thanks for your interest in my life. I’d love to hear from you!

Your Friend, Steve Van Bruwaene

Steve's latest update

For those of you for whom this is the first such email, welcome! I send out a prayer letter periodically to those whom I think might be interested in hearing what God has been up to in my life. If you know others who might be interested, please feel free to forward this to them, or let me know, and I can add them to the list. If you'd rather not receive this for any reason (or would prefer to receive letters less often), please let me know, and I'll be happy to update my list.

Tuesday January 21, 2003

Hello all! Sorry I've been so long in writing. A lot has happened since my November 25th email.

As most of you know, I finished my job in Ottawa at the end of November, to begin my new position with International Teams Canada. I arrived in Elgin Illinois (near Chicago) last Thursday (Jan. 16) to begin a 4-month training program International Teams offers for all their full-time missionaries out in the field.

It's been fun getting to know the wonderful people here, and interesting to start figuring out how to live in the United States. I was giving some Americans a ride after class yesterday, and they got a little nervous about my driving till they discovered my speedometer was in kilometres rather than miles. Trying to figure out miles, gallons, US dollars, etc. makes life interesting for me at times as well.

Yesterday was Martin Luther King day here in the US, so we spent some time looking at the issues surrounding him. It was an interesting time. My initial reaction was one of pride -- us Canadians are far superior to the Americans on the issue of racism -- we don't have the negative history the Americans do on that particular issue. As they had a time of corporate confession before God for the sins of their forefathers, the church, and themselves, I started thinking more about it. It hit me that while we may not have been as guilty in discriminating against African-Americans, there are many other people groups that we tend to marginalize, and not really want to spend too much time with. Anyhow, I don't need to go on too long about that, but thought you might appreciate hearing a taste of the impact another "culture" can have on on a person -- even if it be just across the border!

The last couple of months have been special ones. I've had the opportunity to see many friends and family, and have had some very special times with many of them. I was in Ottawa again in early January for a few days, and was hit by how special my friends are there, and how I'm going to miss the city. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people as you (both those from Ottawa, and elsewhere) in my life. Thanks so much to all of you for your kind words, prayer, and interest in my life over the last few months. I'll certainly enjoy hearing from all of you, and connecting more personally than in these "mass" emails. Please write to let me know what's going on in your lives!

In the last few months, I've been reading about Elijah, Elisha, many of the kings in the Old testament, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. It's been interesting to see the differences in the lives of those who listened, followed God, had faith that He Would keep His promises, and those who trusted in themselves and did what they thought best. The result of Abraham's obedience (God establishing the old covenant with Israel) was very challenging to me. Am I willing to do Anything God calls me to do? Oh that I would keep my trust placed firmly on Him rather than relying on myself.

It has been exciting to see how God has provided thus far in raising up partners in this ministry. I now have 26 people committed to praying for me -- some of them weekly or even daily, and there are many others that I know are praying. Financially, I'm at about 30% of my target budget, and along with my own savings, have sufficient funds to cover my training costs. Praise God for His provision! If you would like to be involved in this ministry in any way, please let me know.

Thanks so much for your faithful prayer. Here are a few things to bring before our heavenly father:

• Praise God for the great opportunity I have to learn a whole bunch of stuff that will be helpful in my new role. Pray that my heart would be open to ALL God has to teach me


• Pray that God would be guiding those He will call to be a part of the next Encounter Team, and that He would give wisdom to those considering applicants


• Praise God for how He as provided for all my needs thus far, and that He will continue to provide where He has called


• Praise God for those who have joined my team, and pray that God would bless them for their prayer & generosity

May God richly bless you!

Steve.

Christmas 2002 Letter

Christmas, 2002

Greetings in the name of the Lord!

Isn’t this an exciting time of year? There are Christmas Cantatas, Sunday school Christmas programs and decorations going up in many places around us. There are even songs about Christ being played in our shopping malls and on the radio. For many, it’s a wonderful time to be preparing for great family times – shopping for gifts, baking great-tasting treats (or at least testing – often repeatedly). I remember the great anticipation I felt as a child to see what was contained in those boxes under the tree with my name on them. Christmas is also a hard time for some, as they remember the loved ones they used to share it with.

This Christmas season is a special one for me. It has been a time in which I have had to say good-bye to many coworkers, friends, people I’ve had the privilege to serve along side of. I’ve been hit by how blessed I’ve been in the last few years. God has brought so many special people into my life, from many different places, and given me the opportunity to do so many different things. I’ve had the privilege to serve and work with many great people at my church, on the streets and with a great board of directors. I’ve enjoyed working for a great company, with great people, and doing lots of cool stuff. I’ve had a great time skating with my inline skating club, and have gotten to know many amazing people there. God has been so good!

This Christmas is also a special one as it is likely the last one I’ll be able to celebrate with my family here in Canada for a while. As many of you know, I am now on staff with International Teams Canada (ITC). I will begin 4 months of training in mid-January and then will begin my role as a Team Leader for Encounter Teams, with my first team starting near the end of August.

The last month has been an exciting time for me as I begin to prepare for what is coming. Since I completed my last job at the end of November, I’ve been packing, writing letters, meeting with people to share what God has called me to, and taking care of many other details that have needed my attention during this transition. Please be praying for me that these things do not distract me from having good times with Christ.

It has been exciting to see how God is providing. Several churches and a bunch of individuals have become a part of my team – praying for me and supporting me financially. It has been humbling to see the generosity of a few that have very little, and yet have still wanted to give. Thanks so much to all of you who have responded. You are integral partners with me in this ministry. At the moment, I’m at 24% of my target budget, with 57% coming from individuals. It will be exciting to see God supply as more individuals come on board. For anyone who would like to join my team, let me know, and I’ll tell you more about how you can go about it – or you can use that blue form that was in my last letter.

As you might expect, what sustains every ministry is prayer. I’ve included a “prayer card” with this letter. You can put it up on a bulletin board or attach it to your fridge, as a reminder to remember me in your prayers. Thanks so much for your intercession on my behalf. Here are some things you can bring before the Lord:

• Praise God for how He has supplied, and blessed in so many ways


• Continue to pray that I would be focused on Christ in everything I do, and recognize the attacks of the evil one

Thanks so much! May you have a wonderful Christmas, and a great New Year.

For His glory,
Steve Van Bruwaene