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covid-19

Turning Hardship into Discipleship

The waves of human challenge in 2020 continue to pull many of us back to a place of sober-mindedness again and again. One response is to attempt to escape it by any means necessary. Another response is to press in and invite God into the brokenness. This naturally leads us to prayer and lament, and this is good. Another place that we can turn in this season of sober-mindedness is the place of spiritual discipline and even spiritual development. How can I order by life rhythms to keep my heart and mind in the place of health and growth? I

President Joseph Anfuso

Living on Purpose

by Joseph Anfuso A well-known 19th-century philosopher once said: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” So, what does that mean? It means that someone who’s found a purpose in life—a “why” to live for—can overcome any obstacle in his or her path. It means that if you know why your life matters—and have a positive purpose for living—you can suffer through almost any defeat without giving up or falling into despair. The vital importance of “knowing your why” is what inspired me to create the new online course: Living on Purpose / The Eternal Call

Community Development

A New Vision for the Villa

The Road to Today “Imagine a young girl forced to grow up inside a garbage dump, exposed to extreme filth and severe malnutrition, at risk of physical abuse, rape, drug abuse, pregnancy – and even being sold into prostitution by her family for first access to incoming garbage.” These were the words we first used to describe an unimaginable existence, but a reality for many girls living in La Chureca, the largest open-air landfill in Central America. Any chance of having a healthy childhood here was lost at a very young age. In 2008, Villa Esperanza (Hope Village) was established

Mission Trips

Proclaiming the Gospel in Word and Deed

by Joseph Anfuso I had no idea in the spring of 1980 that a two-day trip to Nicaragua would not only change the trajectory of my life, but cause me to reimagine Jesus’ commission in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” At the time, I was a leader in a church-planting ministry birthed during the Jesus Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jesus was coming back soon, we were convinced, so our highest priorities—perhaps our only priorities—were preaching the gospel and making disciples. That’s why my trip to Nicaragua was

Help Children

Medardo’s Story

Villa Esperanza, Managua, Nicaragua My name is Medardo Sánchez. I am 19 years old and I am currently in the 4th year of high school. I want to tell you that before I met Villa Esperanza, I was thirteen years old and studying third grade of primary school. If I look back and see what I was, I can see a nefarious and even a little perverted young man who liked to grope girls. I was someone aimless, without knowledge and without any foundation. At 12 years old I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior, but I

Churches

3 Quick Tips to Keep Pace with Global Partners During a Pandemic

Have you had to cancel or postpone a trip to serve in another country this year? Have you considered repurposing your investment rather than losing it or delaying the opportunity? 1. Repurpose your plan Is there a way to take the plans you have already made and modify them using virtual platforms? Can you offer other services or resources from your church that would not otherwise be available? 2. Repurpose your people What if you kept the proposed team intact and rallied them to redirect their time and effort to serve the same ministry in other ways? Could you involve

covid-19

Let the Wave Say Who We Are

Almost 20 years ago now, I was circling the 60-foot maple tree that stands just yards from my front door, talking to my Heavenly Father. Forward Edge needed to upgrade the training we provided for our short-term mission teams, and I was asking God for guidance. In a matter of seconds, the following concept poured into my brain like water from an open spigot: Imagine that God is an ocean, always sending waves toward the shore. Now imagine your mission trip as a wave. How do you “catch the wave” of God’s plan and purpose for your trip? You have

President Joseph Anfuso

It’s Okay to Be Angry

Our country is reeling right now. As if the global pandemic wasn’t challenging enough, the senseless murder of George Floyd has turned our country upside down. So how are we, as followers of Jesus, supposed to respond? First, it’s totally appropriate to be angry. Scripture confirms in Psalm 4:4 and Ephesians 4:26 that there are times when all of us become angry. Jesus Himself was angry at the money changers in the temple—an anger that could only be described as “righteous.” Anger is only constructive, though, when it motivates us to focus on a specific problem and offer a solution.

President Joseph Anfuso

Serendestiny During a Pandemic

If there’s one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has made abundantly clear it’s that none of us are fully in control of our lives. What we can control, though, are our choices. And those choices ultimately determine the story of our lives. Several years ago, I coined a word that conveys what I’m talking about here. The word is “serendestiny”—a combination of the words serendipity and destiny. Webster defines serendipity as “the phenomenon of experiencing things not anticipated or sought for, usually pleasant surprises.” I define serendestiny as “the phenomenon of discovering one’s destiny by responding with faith and obedience to

Community Development

7 Keys to Effective Mission Trips

For over 35 years, Forward Edge has mobilized more than 20,000 individuals on nearly 1,600 mission teams to many parts of the U.S. and 34 countries. Over this time, we’ve learned tried-and-true principles that allow short-term teams to help without causing harm. 1. Support programs that are directed, designed, and implemented by nationals. While there are worthy programs overseas directed by missionaries, it is best to support programs directed by nationals. Nationals know their own culture, and how to effectively function and minister within it. Indigenous church and government leaders, as well as program beneficiaries, also view programs directed by

Community Development

Helping Without Hurting

Have you ever experienced an offer of generosity from a family member, friend, or acquaintance that was well-intentioned, but…misplaced? Perhaps a friend making you a meal you’re allergic to or a parent buying you a piece of furniture you have no room for. Of course you say thank you, but in your heart you might be thinking, “I wish you had asked what I needed, instead of offering what YOU thought I needed.” Thinking we know what’s best for someone else is something we often encounter when serving cross-culturally. When we go to a foreign land with our own first-world

Resources

Lent and Lament

In the midst of Holy Week, we find ourselves in a unique season of self-isolation and deprivation that coincides with the religious tradition of Lent observed by many Christians. Lent is a time of preparation – a period of giving up or sacrificing something in preparation for something better that is coming. The major difference is that Lent ends on Easter Sunday; and, in the case of the current crisis we’re experiencing, we don’t know what is coming next or when it will end. One way to navigate this period of uncertainty is to turn our attention to what God

Child Sponsorship

Why Can’t I Instant Message My Sponsored Child?

1.86 billion people log into their Facebook account at least once a month–that’s almost 1/4 of the total global population! This number doesn’t even include other outlets like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. People in developing countries are no exception to this global trend, and chances are, the child you sponsor has a social media account too. Social media today is one of the main ways people build relationships with each other. As a child sponsor, or a mission team member who’s thinking about sponsoring a child, you probably have the desire to build a lasting relationship with a child in need, and

Resources

5 Surefire Ways to Live Joyfully

“Don’t Worry – Be Happy.” It sounds cliché and is easier said than done. Especially when we’re in the midst of something we feel is robbing us of our joy. Difficult times are an unfortunate part of life, but they are also opportunities for growth. Many of us believe, even if unconsciously, that our personal happiness is the result of our circumstances, but happiness is a choice – and it can be cultivated. Here are some ways to increase your everyday joy: 1. Accentuate your positives. Identify your strengths and try focusing on them daily. If you’re reasonably self-aware, you probably already have a good idea of what they

Mission Trips

4 Practical Ways to Prepare for A Mission Trip

Before embarking on your first mission trip, there are a variety of things you can do to prepare yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. This article will focus on some of the practical steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Here are four things to consider in preparation for your upcoming trip. 1. Raise Support If you’re in need of funds for your mission trip, one of the easiest places to start is writing an email newsletter. Many missionaries don’t realize that friends and family not only want to stay updated about your experience,

Child Sponsorship

New Uganda Children’s Program

We are so excited to be starting 2019 off with the addition of a brand new Forward Edge ministry location. Our newest Child Sponsorship program, Light A Candle, serves 400 children in some of the most difficult areas of Kampala, Uganda. Kampala comprises 3.5 million people within the city limits, including 57 slum areas where the poorest of the poor reside. Of those living within these slums, 50% are children under the age of 15. Slum life is one of abject poverty, poor sanitation and exposure to high crime. Most families have little to no income and have to try

Resources

Crazy Generosity

When you want something so badly – when you Love it, with a capital L – you’ll do anything to get it. Most of us can remember feeling like this at some point in our lives, whether it was a toy, a pet, a first car or a first love. Maybe you’ve heard the story of PK (Kumar) Mahanandia, a young Indian street artist in the 1970’s who fell in love with Charlotte, a Swedish tourist. He met and married her in the span of three weeks, and when she had to return home, he sold all he owned, bought

Mission Trips

4 Ways to Minister Across Cultures

Jesus calls us to step outside of ourselves—our own ways of viewing and doing things—if we are to follow him, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself” Matthew 16:24. The same is true when ministering cross-culturally. Ministering to those in a culture different from your own is not easy. It means leaving behind all your preconceived notions of how people should act and think. It also means entering the new culture like a child, ready to learn from those you intend to serve. 1. Learn the Language (Or at least some of it) Language is the key

Resources

The Privilege of Sharing

Living from overflow is not a theological prosperity concept like “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it”; it’s a perspective shift in regard to wealth. The attitude behind this mindset is, “since I am overflowing with what I need, who can I bless today?” In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Paul talked about the Macedonian church and their perspective on giving, even under extreme hardship, “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this

Resources

Financially Free

Conventional wisdom on wealth has been expressed throughout the ages. Ancient Greek philosopher Democritus wrote, “Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, but rather dwells in the soul. By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.” Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin stated, “He does not possess wealth that allows it to possess him. Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.” Nineteenth century Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran penned, “Money is like love; it kills slowly and painfully the one who withholds it, and enlivens the other who turns it on his fellow man.” And contemporary songwriters, Lennon

Resources

Living from Overflow

“Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.’ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will

Resources

Growing Through Trials in 5 Practical Ways

Though generally joy-filled, one of the difficult aspects of the Christian life are the troubles we encounter in the midst of following and trusting God. Jesus and the apostles tell us in God’s Word that this will be a common experience for us, and it raises the question of how we deal with such hardships when they arise. Recently, this truth hit very close to home for us at Forward Edge. Our program, Villa Esperanza, in Managua, Nicaragua has been deeply impacted by the current political and social unrest and violence in the country. Not only has the financial and

Child Sponsorship

How to Be a Child Advocate

What is Child Advocacy and how do I do it? “Child Advocacy”… such an official sounding term, isn’t it? Miriam Webster defines advocacy as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal”, and when broken down that way, it’s a pretty simple concept. Many of us are child advocates in our daily lives and perhaps not even aware of it. If you’re a parent who is involved in supporting or promoting your child’s education or extra-curricular activities, that is advocacy. If you teach Sunday school or help in your church’s nursery, that is advocacy. If you contribute financially

Child Sponsorship

Neighbors Near And Far: When you should or shouldn’t give to international missions

Why give to International Missions when there are people in need in our own backyard? This is a legitimate question. Sometimes conflicting feelings can arise about where our money “should” go. After all, most of us are familiar with the old adage that “charity begins at home.” There are many diverse opinions when it comes to charitable giving, but when help comes from the heart, there is no one cause less important than another. To discover the answer to this important question, here are a few questions to consider: 1. What does the Bible have to say? The Bible has

Child Sponsorship

Learning to Smile

Many of us have seen profile photos of children in sponsorship programs; they are often solemn, sad and sometimes down-right angry looking. I know I have thought at times, “Wow, that poor child must be so unhappy!” But then I come across a video from the same organization in which the children are playing and laughing, and I scratch my head wondering what the difference is. I recently had the opportunity to visit our children’s sponsorship program in Vernet, Haiti. In advance of the trip, one of the tasks I was preparing to tackle was taking updated photos of the

Mission Trips

Continuing Your Mission Back Home

I’m home from a life-changing mission trip. Now what? A short-term mission trip is an intense experience, in more ways than one. In the space of a week to 10 days, you’re immersed with a new group of people, develop a routine and learn new tasks and skills. You’ve also been thrown into (and pulled out of) a culture that may have been completely different from your own. Along with these practical changes, you’ve also probably experienced a range of emotions, from frustration to encouragement, to heart-wrenching realizations and encounters with God. Your values and assumptions about life may even

Child Sponsorship

4 Tips to Grow Closer to Your Sponsored Child

As a child sponsor for over 3 decades, and now as the Child Sponsorship Administrator for Forward Edge, I am often asked (and challenged myself) about how to best communicate with a sponsored child. In almost all cases, the children we sponsor live in other countries. We do live in a technologically advanced age with a myriad of electronic options and apps designed for communication, but for logistical reasons (and safety precautions) these methods are rarely viable or suitable for sponsor/child contact. Ultimately, the best way to communicate with our kids is through good old-fashioned letters (and e-mail, thank goodness).

Mission Trips

Presenting Your Mission in 5 Steps

When it comes to sharing with others about your mission, calling, or passion for a particular cause, your main objective should be to connect with your audience. Get them engaged emotionally and intellectually so that they are ready to receive what you have to say. Whether you are one-on-one or speaking to a group, considering in advance how best to accomplish this goal is important for a successful presentation. Here are some points to keep in mind: 1. Be Authentic This is probably the single most important element in relating to others. People will hear your heart before they hear

Stories

Team Shows Love After Hurricane Harvey

Three Team Members, a piece of cake, and Miss Bonnie It had been three days, and none of us had met Miss Bonnie. “We could see this small shed on the property as we were working, but weren’t sure if someone was actually in there. And then we heard that Miss Bonnie had gone through an entire night sleeping in that shed, without electricity or heat…on a night when it was below freezing.” That’s when the three youngest members of the Houston team from New York decided to pay Miss Bonnie a visit. A Fateful Trip to Houston Even before

Child Sponsorship

10 Ideas for Choosing a Child to Sponsor

Choosing to sponsor a child is a big leap of faith. Once you have taken the first step of saying “yes” to sponsorship and helping vulnerable children, the next step can be joyful…and overwhelming! It can be difficult to know where to start that’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 ideas to help you choose. 1. Decide based on how long they’ve waited Choose a child based on how long they’ve been waiting for a sponsor. Anyone who has longed for something knows this proverb to be true: hope deferred makes the heart sick. Many of the children

Mission Trips

4 Tips for Taking Photos on the Mission Field

The Forward Edge Blog In many ways, photography can be a vivid part of your ministry on the mission field. It can be used to break down cultural walls, build relationships, display respect, support team members, and share important aspects of a ministry with the outside world. Here are four tips for making sure your photography benefits your mission trip. Share Your Pictures Taking photos on a mission trip can be a great opportunity to bond with those you are serving. You don’t need to speak the same language to enjoy taking and looking at pictures together. Sharing pictures with those you are

Stories

AIDS Orphan Dreams of Being a Doctor

Imagine a child, seven years old, living in a garbage dump and watching both her mother and father die slowly of AIDS-related illnesses. This was reality for Erminia before she joined Forward Edge’s program for at-risk girls in Nicaragua called Villa Esperanza (Hope Village). If Erminia had continued to grow up living in the dump, she likely would have had a teenage pregnancy (one in four girls do in Nicaragua). That could have happened through rape, a drug-induced mistake, or even forced prostitution—all things not uncommon among girls living in the dump. One thing is almost certain: if Erminia had

Mission Trips

Fundraising Tips for Your Mission Trip

Forward Edge International has sent over 1,500 mission teams over the past three decades. During that time, we’ve gathered a few tips common among those who’ve successfully raised funds for their trip. Fundraising not only helps support your trip financially, it also provides a way for your friends and family to share in your service (and impact!) as well. Here are some of the tips we’ve gathered over the years: Focus only on one or two fundraising strategies or events and do them well. Sending a support letter is often most effective. Here you can find some tips and tricks

Mission Trips

Fundraising Support Letter

Letters are vital to raising support for your mission trip. If you have to choose between letters and events, choose letters. Here’s why: They work. People love to see others serve, and they will respond. Even if they might not go themselves, they can be a part of your experience. Send it to Christians and non-Christians alike. Share WHY this cause is important to you – WHY you want to go on this trip. It’s not just about money. It’s about prayer support. This is absolutely necessary. Any trip that has a spiritual component will have spiritual opposition and requires

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