Share in Our Christmas Joy!

 

Holiday Greetings!

 

 “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11

God carefully entrusted a few human messengers with the news of the coming Savior of the world. The angels foretold it. Elizabeth confirmed it. Shepherds were the first to receive it. Unassumingly, Jesus arrived by way of the womb of a teen mother. “And she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger.” Luke 2:7

And so God entrusts you and me, common human messengers with the Good News of His coming! The Good News hasn’t changed; in fact, telling others of Jesus’ birth is still the best gift we can give anyone. The arrival of Jesus marked the fulfillment of prophesy and promise plus the beginning of a new covenant. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Is. 52:7

May your Christmas season be filled with sharing hope, offering encouragement and giving joy.  I would love for you to join me and share my Christmas joy -- Christmas Wedding Reception and Open House for Ben and Megan Giesbrecht! Please join us!

 

Christmas Wedding Reception Open House

Honoring

Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Megan Giesbrecht – (Married 9/2/12)

Sunday - December 23

 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

His Refreshing Presence Sanctuary – 4201 Ardmore Ave, Suite 3

Bakersfield, CA 93309 – RSVP: sherylg@icmusa.org or text to: 661-204-7957

Merry Christmas – See you on the 23^rd! 

All my love,  Sheryl

Africa's Leaders Rise UP!

November 27, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

 Purpose Driven Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Sept. 2012

Thanks for your prayers for our Fall 2012 trip. I am home now and am in wonder of what God did. The Purpose Driven men’s conference in Ethiopia with Pastors James Ranger and Bill Cheney made a connection with the pastors in the audience; many were discipled. “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” Ps. 37:5

 Pastor Jeannette makes new friends at Addis women’s conference

Our women’s conference, Practical Tools For Women Who Lead –  Pastor Jeannette’s message on women friendships touched many women’s hearts. Habakkuk  3:2 says, “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known. In wrath remember mercy.”

Sheryl’s ATS students  are pastors changing their communities through John Maxwell’s Million Leader Mandate.

After Ethiopia, I went on to Kenya and taught on the campus of Africa Theological Seminary about Education Administration. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time, than investing in the lives of leaders. John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches, if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Sheryl prays for a widow at Revelation International Church in Kitalale, Kenya

Pastor Peter Ndiwa invited me to preach at Revelation International Church. At the end of the message, I opened the altar, many came forward for prayer, many decisions were made for salvation, rededication and healing.  I believe it was most effective because of your prayers.

Praying with those who came forward at Revelation International Church in Kitalale, Kenya

Thanks for praying for open hearts, submissive spirits and reception of the Holy Spirit’s direction. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Rom 8:6

 Sheryl prays for the children who came forward at Revelation International  Church

 Sheryl spent time with the orphans at Great Mercy Children’s Home 

 Judith Mutange is Great Mercy Children’s Home orphanage director is an ATS graduate

 

God affirmed my commitment to training leaders on this trip. He also showed me his heart for widows and orphans. Ps. 68:5 says “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in His holy dwelling.”

Thanks for your prayers and your support, Sheryl

Fall 2012 Ethiopia Team Departs 9/13/12

Ethiopia, Kenya & Uganda Team Fall 2012

Travel and Conference Schedule

 

September 13 to October 12, 2012

Addis Ababa & Hawassa, Ethiopia

Team Members: Dr. Peter Nalos & Pasqual Munoz – evangelizing Muslims in remote villages & ministering to pastors.  Pastors James Ranger, Bill Chaney – teaching in Purpose Driven Men’s Conferences. Dr. Sheryl Giesbrecht, Jeannette Mulhause and Karen Nalos teaching in Women’s Conferences. Pastor Ben Moore and Cali Ryan – technical support team & photography. Please pray unity, love, strength, protection as we minister God’s love through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thursday – 9/13 – 1 pm Airport Bus of Bakersfield to LAX 

6:50 pm Depart Turkish Airlines LAX to ISTANBUL Arrive  5:10 pm 9/14

Friday – 9/14 – Depart 6:50 pm ISTANBUL to ADDIS ABABA Arrive 12:15 am Sat Sept 15.

Saturday – 9/15 – Vacation Bible School presentation at Hannah’s Orphan’s Home

                Dinner at Yod Abyssinia (Ethiopian ethnic cuisine and experience)

Sunday – 9/16 – Pastor James Ranger preaches at Mekanisa Kale Heywet Church

                                Pastor Bill Cheney preaches at Ethiopian Church

Monday – 9/17 - 8:30 am – 5:50 pm – Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #1 – Intro Team to Seminar

Maintaining Your Spiritual Strength – Dr. Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

10:45 am Session #2 – Setting the Captives Free – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Finding Strength Through Women Friendships - 1:45 pm - Session #3 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent –Pastor James Ranger

How to Last in the Ministry -  3:30 pm – Session #4 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil. 3:12

Tuesday – 9/18 8:30 am – 5:00 pm –- Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #5 –

How To Prevent Discouragement in the Ministry –Dr.  Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

Binding Up the Broken Hearted – 10:45 am Session #6 – – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Resting in His Presence - 1:45 pm - Session #7 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

How To Deal with Disappointment – 3:30 pm – Session #8 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13-14

Wednesday –9/19  8:30 am – 12:30 pm Land Travel by vehicle to Hawassa, Ethiopia

Thursday 9/20 - 8:30 am – 5:50 pm – Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #1 – Intro Team to Seminar

Maintaining Your Spiritual Strength – Dr. Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

10:45 am Session #2 – Setting the Captives Free  – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Finding Strength Through Women Friendships - 1:45 pm - Session #3 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent –Pastor James Ranger

How to Last in the Ministry -  3:30 pm – Session #4 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil. 4:8

Friday – 9/21 8:30 am – 5:00 pm –- Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #5 –

How To Prevent Discouragement in the Ministry –Dr.  Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

Binding Up the Broken Hearted – 10:45 am Session #6 – – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Resting In His Presence - 1:45 pm - Session #7 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

How To Deal with Disappointment – 3:30 pm – Session #8 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 3:9

Saturday –9/22  8:30 am – 12:30 pm Land Travel by vehicle back to Addis Abbaba

Sunday – 9/23 Team Travels Home to USA

Ethiopia, Kenya & Uganda Team Fall 2012

Travel and Conference Schedule (continued)

Kitale, Kenya & Toro, Uganda

Sheryl will be teaching a group of pastors who are studying for their Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Africa Theological Seminary. Please pray for Sheryl’s strength and also for her heart to be touched as the power of the Holy Spirit transforms the lives of those she teaches and ministers to during the two weeks she is on the ATS Kenya Campus.

Sheryl travels to Kitale, Kenya – Departs Addis at 10:40 am Ethiopian Airlines arrives Nairobi 12:45 pm

Depart Nairobi 6:15 pm arrives Eldoret 7:00 pm – Transport by vehicle to ATS Kitale

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in His death and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Phil 3:10, 11

Mon – Weds 9/24 – 26           Preparation for ATS BA Class – BPM 423 Church Administration (Organizational Leadership)

Thursday 9/27          Teaching 8 am – 12 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm - BPM 423 Church Administration – Mid-term

                                7 pm ATS Alumni Conference with Dr. Phil Walker & Darryl Bowe

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil  3:12

Friday  9/28            Please pray for the me as I teach the Million Leader Mandate – hearts will be touched and changed.

7 pm ATS Alumni Conference with Dr. Phil Walker & Darryl Bowe

Mon 10/1 – Thurs 10/4           Teaching 8 am – 12 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm - BPM 423 Church Administration

Thurs 10/4 & Fri 10/5             International Council Meeting in Toro, Uganda – Pray for unity, wisdom & grace for our team

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3: 13, 14

Mon  10/8 – Thurs 10/11      Teaching 8 am – 12 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm - BPM 423 Church Administration  - Final

Thurs 10/11 -          Depart Kitale – travel by vehicle to Eldoret. Depart Eldoret Jetlink Express 7:20 pm to Nairobi

“Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Phil 3:16

Arrive Nairobi 8:05 pm to Turkish Airlines Flt 0608 Nairobi to Istanbul

Fri 10/12                                 Depart Turkish Airlines Flt 0009 12:45 am to LAX arrival 4:30 pm

                                Board Airport Bus of Bakersfield 7:00 pm  - Arrive in Bakersfield at 9:00 pm

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.

Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Phil 3: 17 - 21

 

               

 

Shout Out to El Cajon First Baptist - New Church Supporters!

August 15, 2012

Greetings Friends and Family,            

 Pastor Kevin, daughter Cloe and Alisa Rodgers get to know Ben during a recent gathering at the Rodgers’ home in Poway, CA.

Thank you for your prayers and support of God’s work in Africa and the Middle East. It is my joy to serve God alongside of you and our African partners. But I couldn’t do the work without the support of the local church. El Cajon First Baptist has now joined my monthly financial support team. Thank you to Alisa Rodgers, wife of Pastor Kevin, who initiated submitting my support needs to their missions committee. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 15:11

 

 Ben and Sheryl enjoyed an evening with the Rodgers’ -- Sam, Elijah, Cloe and Sophia – it was fun to be in a home filled with such joy and love, plus good food!

 Ben met Megan Vaughan his senior year at UC Davis, a fall wedding is being planned.

 

We are very excited for Ben’s upcoming marriage to Megan Vaughan. Thank you for your prayers during the time of preparation and planning. Pray for Ben and Megan’s relationship to maintain solid footing on the Lord Jesus Christ. After the wedding, the couple will continue living a long distance apart until Megan graduates from UCDavis in June 2013. Proverbs 18:22 says “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

 

 

I thank God for Megan Vaughan – I’ve prayed for a wife for Ben since his birth! 

 

 

Megan, Sheryl and Miriam (Paul’s mom) celebrate at Megan’s bridal shower – three generations of Mrs. Giesbrecht! Glory to God!

Thank you for your prayers for our ICM 2012 Banquet team as we finish the final preparations for the Africa  Rising banquet next week. If you would like tickets, please call our office 661-832-9740 as soon as possible. With the ICM 2012 Banquet budget fully underwritten, we look forward to raising $100,000.00 for the Hope of Africa Fund. You don’t have to attend the banquet to donate to the fund. Just call or email me at sherylg@icmusa.org.

Much Love and Prayers,

Sheryl

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 85:19

August 15, 2012

Greetings Friends and Family,   

El Cajon First Baptist joins my monthly support team!          

Pastor Kevin, of El Cajon First Baptist with his daughter Cloe and wife Alisa Rodgers get to know Ben during a recent gathering at the Rodgers’ home in Poway, CA.

 

Thank you for your prayers and support of God’s work in Africa and the Middle East. It is my joy to serve God alongside of you and our African partners. But I couldn’t do the work without the support of the local church. El Cajon First Baptist has now joined my monthly financial support team. Thank you to Alisa Rodgers, wife of Pastor Kevin, who initiated submitting my support needs to their missions committee. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 15:11

 Ben and Sheryl enjoyed an evening with the Rodgers’ -- Sam, Elijah, Cloe and Sophia – it was fun to be in a home filled with such joy and love, plus good food!

How's your love life?  Ben met Megan Vaughan his senior year at UC Davis, a fall wedding is being planned.

We are very excited for Ben’s upcoming marriage to Megan Vaughan. Thank you for your prayers during the time of preparation and planning. Pray for Ben and Megan’s relationship to maintain solid footing on the Lord Jesus Christ. After the wedding, the couple will continue living a long distance apart until Megan graduates from UCDavis in June 2013. Proverbs 18:22 says “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

 I thank God for Megan Vaughan – I’ve prayed for a wife for Ben since his birth! 

Megan, Sheryl and Miriam (Paul’s mom) celebrate at Megan’s bridal shower – three generations of Mrs. Giesbrecht! Glory to God!

Thank you for your prayers for our ICM 2012 Banquet team as we finish the final preparations for the Africa  Rising banquet next week. If you would like tickets, please call our office 661-832-9740 as soon as possible. With the ICM 2012 Banquet budget fully underwritten, we look forward to raising $100,000.00 for the Hope of Africa Fund. You don’t have to attend the banquet to donate to the fund. Just call or email me at sherylg@icmusa.org.

Much Love and Prayers,

Sheryl

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 85:19

 

 

A Defender of Widows

July 17, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope you are having a good summer. Earlier this month, I visited my daughter Sarah and husband Matt in Cody, WY.

 Matt & Sarah (Sheryl’s son-in-law and daughter), Sheryl and Dixie Hunter (Matt’s mom) enjoy a hamburger at Yellowstone Lodge.

Matt, Sarah and Dixie Hunter cool off at Yellowstone Lake. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1

Everything in the beautiful state of Wyoming is BIG – waterfalls, lakes, bison, even Old Faithful.

Sheryl (below)with Dixie Hunter in Yellowstone National Park - “For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Ps. 95:4-5

One of the most stunning sights of all was Old Faithful, a cone geyser in Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park, named in 1870 and called the most predictable geographical feature on earth. Apparently, Old Faithful’s eruptions are becoming increasingly more frequent.

Old Faithful shoots a spray of boiling water at least 125 feet almost every 66 minutes.Can you see the spiritual illustration coming?

As I walk this journey with you who desire to see the Gospel reach the uttermost parts of the earth, my prayer is for “Capax Dei: Increase My Capacity for God”. This doesn’t just happen. Capax Dei is the result of experiencing God’s faithfulness. Psalm 145:13, “The Lord is faithful to all of His promises.”

White water rafting with The Hunter Family and The Harrel Family (Sheryl's sister, Kathy from Colorado Springs) down Shoshone River.

God’s faithfulness is enough for me –Our great God is a defender of widows and a father to the fatherless (Ps. 68:4-5). He gives strength, hope, encouragement and wisdom to me in my widowhood and as a single parent. I depend on Him to deliver me from my disappointment and loneliness. I count on God for wisdom in working with our ICM USA office, national missionaries, African country directors, partners and local ICM 2012 banquet team. May you experience “Capax Dei” and an increase of opportunities to see God’s faithfulness.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support as we walk this journey together.

Glory to God! And much love to you - Sheryl

Prayer Requests: Africa Rising: August 21, 2012 – Fundraising Banquet

New Website: www.icmusa.org – check out - Sheryl’s Blog

www.FromAshesToBeauty.com