Missions - Gulu, Uganda

Hand to the Plow
Action International Ministries March 2010
Dear family and friends,
of the world's population. This fact is of particular
concern in unreached areas where children are often
During the week of April 12-16, we will be at Action
marginalized not only by society but also the church.
International Ministries' (ACTION) headquarters in
In addition, a majority of these kids live in "at risk"
Seattle, WA, for orientation--a qualifying approval
situations. The UN reports that at least 50% of all
process of specific requirements used to determine
children around the world are impacted by severe
our acceptance as career missionaries. This will be
poverty, the AIDS pandemic, war and conflict, or
our second orientation but the first as a married
disease.
couple.
Most estimates by missions leaders place the
Aside from being an evangelical, nondenomi-
number of unevangelized people groups at around
national missionary-sending agency that works in
6500 which represents 67% of the 6.7 billion people
Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa, ACTION
inhabiting our planet who are "outside the fold" and
offers a critical evaluation and meaningful counsel
don't know Jesus as their Savior. In Daddy, Are We
as to our next steps in missions. We have anticipated There Yet? this figure serves as an illustration of the
and prepared ourselves for this series of questions
Lost Sheep parable (Luke 15:1-7). While ninety-nine
and exercises that measure our skills, knowledge,
sheep were "in the fold," the Shepherd left them all
capacities and aptitudes in ministering the Gospel
to search for the one who was lost. What might the
of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to possess under the
Shepherd do for so many who are lost today? Since
guidance of the Holy Spirit the same initiatives,
the Shepherd made this search for the lost a priority,
energy, goals and direction as other ACTION
should we not do the same?
missionaries with strong calls from the Lord to carry
Action International Ministries' prayer target is
out God-given responsibilities in fulfilling the Great
for 221 additional missionaries to join them in the
Commission as given in Matthew 28:18-20.
vital task of world missions, for the glory of God!
One advantage of being associated with ACTION
ACTION works in cooperation with local churches
is that from time to time we receive books that
and other national organizations to reach people for
challenge us to rethink the importance of global
Christ (evangelism), train them in Christian living
missions. Sylvia Foth's, Daddy, Are We There Yet?
(discipleship), and assist them in their physical and
gives us a "backseat perspective" of where we are
economic needs (development). Here's a more detailed
as the Body of Christ headed toward the day when
description of each category (from their Web site)--
Jesus returns for His people. Are we actually making
progress? Is our world being changed by the love of
EVANGELISM
Christ? Is everyone being reached in word and deed,
ACTION's evangelism efforts include:
including children? Do we have a clear idea of what
* Street outreach, especially to streetkids
needs to be done next?
* Rescue centers/homes
This worldwide check in of missions with children
* Camps for the underprivileged
in mind examines sobering realities revealed by
* Evangelistic feedings
statistical data and stories that present a compelling
* Prison work
call straight from the heart of God for the church
* International student outreach
to join them in their arduous journey to healing
* Community evangelism (especially in squatter
and help. Consider that barely 15% of church
areas and shanty towns)
spending goes toward ministry to children even
* Bible distribution
though children and youth represent nearly 50%
* Film evangelism

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DISCIPLESHIP

purpose for their lives. We believe that the Lord Jesus

Christ intends His Church to be a multi-national,
ACTION endeavors to make disciples through:
multi-cultural, and multi-ethnic body of believers.
* Bible teaching -- With individuals -- Group
We are thankful to be considered among God's people
studies (adults/kids)
to bear the name of Christ and we pray that by His
* Residential children's homes
mercy and grace He will enable and strengthen us to
* Vocational/discipleship training
be worthy of bearing that name.
* Follow-up camps
Your friends in Jesus,
* ACTION kids' clubs
* Church planting among the poor
Bob & Mary
DEVELOPMENT
Bob & Mary Oakes
ACTION seeks to meet physical needs through
robertoakes2@gmail.com
development ministries such as:
www.actionintl.org/oakes
* Vocational/discipleship training school

* Rescue centers
Mailing address:
* Feeding programs
Robert and Mary Oakes
* Disaster relief work
2020 Washington Ave
* Outreach to street kids and children at risk
Unit 511
St. Louis, MO 63103
ACTION also provides:
* Teachers for missionary children
To learn more about Action International Ministries,
* Assistance to national pastors
please visit their Web site at
* Bible study materials for local pastors
www.actioninternational.org
* Christian books and commentaries for
national pastors and Christian workers
If you would like to be removed from this mailing,
* Administrative services for missionaries (field
please email me at robertoakes2@gmail.com with
and home offices)
your request. If you do not have email access please
* Literature about ACTION ministries
post a note with your request to Action International
Friends, as ACTION missionary candidates, we
Ministries, PO Box 398, Mountlake Terrace WA
are simply responding to God's invitation to be part
98043-0398, Attn: Dusty Hanson
of what He is doing in Africa. God's heart is for a
future where the redeemed will be strong in the Lord,
planted in the work and calling He has for them,
and bringing glory to Himself as they flourish in His
"Knowing God, Taking action" (Daniel 11:32, NASB).
All gifts are used as designated and receipted for tax purposes. ACTION USA * PO Box 398, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-0398 * Tel. 425-775-4800
* info@actionusa.org; ACTION Canada * 3015A 21 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7T1 * Tel. 403-204-1421 * info@actioncanada.org; ACTION New Zealand
* PO Box 8928, Christchurch 8440 * Tel. 011-643-341-0933 * rob@brighthopeworld.com; ACTION United Kingdom * PO Box 144, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 5WE *
Tel. 011-151-630-2451 * info@actionuk.org * UK Registered Charity 1058661 * ACTION Web site: www.actioninternational.org

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