March 10 — Jody Collinge

Prayer and Praise
Jody Collinge
February 24, 2026

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." 
Psalms 4:8, ESV

Zihuatanejo, near Plaza Kioto

 Prayer and Praise:

1. Zihuatanejo is normally quite peaceful. But on Sunday, after a drug cartel leader was shot, violence erupted in many parts of Mexico in reaction. In Zihua, cars and combis (public transportation) were set on fire. We were ordered to "shelter in place," and most businesses were closed. The streets were eerily quiet, with few pedestrians or cars.

Today, most normal activities have resumed, and there are no further reports of violence. Please pray for God's peace to reign in Mexico, and for the tyranny of drug cartels to end.

2. However, Mexico is a great place for a party! In February, we celebrated with an annual party at Suites María Inés, where I am staying; a birthday party for me (don't ask my age!); and the 50th anniversary of the panaderia or bakery next door. Of course, mariachis also add to the fun.

3. In my spare time, I have been enjoying water aerobics classes in a tiny pool nearby and am learning Hebrew. I hope this will lead to a greater understanding of the Bible. Our online Bible studies of Foolish Decisions of the Bible and the children's ministry are going well. And this time of year, the churches are full with visitors.

4. Here is a question for you: Why do up to 75% of Christian youths leave the church after high school? Could it be that they have learned Bible stories and songs, but have very little understanding of their faith? Please be praying for me. I am writing a series of stories and lessons called Bible Questions, encouraging youths to examine and grapple with their beliefs and how this impacts their everyday decisions. Let me know if you have ideas.

¡Muchas gracias!

Thank God for his protection and care. 

And many thanks to you for your prayers, encouragement, and support! Let me know how I can be praying for you.

Dios les bendiga. (May God bless you.)

Jody

February 17 — Corrie Schwab

Winter Holiday in Japan

Happy New Year, now that January is just about over! I realized a few days ago that 2025 was the shortest year of my life, because I began it in the US and ended it in Japan, 14 hours before midnight in US Eastern Time.

I don’t know what deep meaning that has, but I think it’s kind of fun.

My church had a special service the Sunday before Christmas, with special music, a guest preacher (who happened to be one of my coworkers), and a lunch afterward with sushi, pizza, and special Christmas cake. 

Caroling with some “coworkers” before Christmas

Instead of a Christmas Eve service, many Japanese churches have a New Year’s service, so Christians can gather for worship while most Japanese people make their first shrine visit of the year. My church doesn’t have a New Year’s service, but next year I’d like to plan ahead and visit another church’s service!

Outreach Opportunities

Now that January is almost over, I feel pretty settled in my new routine. Christ Bible Institute’s renovation is officially complete, and officewide routines are emerging, which makes it easier to get things done. My second Japanese course has been going pretty smoothly so far. The homework takes a lot longer this trimester, but I appreciate the extra practice!

Feeling more settled means it’s a great time to branch out and add something new. So I’d like to ask particularly for your prayers for some upcoming outreach opportunities:

• Last fall, I joined a hiking club with my friend Mayuko, and through that, we were able to have some good conversations with friends of hers. Please pray that the hiking club will continue to be an opportunity for deepening relationships.

• One of my teammates used to host a “Taco Tuesday” outreach event—a weekly party where Christians could mingle with non-Christians. We’re gearing up to restart this in March, dividing the hosting among four families. (I’ll be hosting the first week of the month.) Please pray that the friends we invite will be excited to come!

Testing a pulled pork recipe in preparation for Taco Tuesday

Additional Prayer Requests

Besides the outreach opportunities listed above, I’d appreciate prayer for a few personal things:

• Please pray that I will have a sense of God’s presence with me always, particularly on the days I feel lonely during this season of living alone!

• Please pray with me that God will provide the right housemate for me this summer.

• I’m dealing with some logistical challenges just now—chipped glasses, trouble with my bicycle, and some paperwork headaches. Please pray that all these things will work out smoothly.

• Praise God that I was able to take a prayer retreat day at the beginning of the month. It’s something my team leader encourages us all to do regularly, and it has really helped me to focus on the important things this month.

To Support This Ministry

I would be delighted to talk with you about how God has called me to ministry in Japan and how you can partner with me in this ministry. Please get in touch! You can reach me at SchwabCA1@gmail.com.

To give online to my mission fund for Japan, visit my page at Mission to the World.

November 25 — Max and Samantha Herbert

"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever.." Psalm 100:5

As we step into this season of Thanksgiving, we’re taking time to look back on the semester with truly grateful hearts. This Fall has been full—clubs for both high school and junior high, cheering at games and plays, a trip to Saranac, plenty of laughter and a few tears, and countless moments sharing the Good News of God’s love.

We are deeply thankful for your partnership in this mission. Your support genuinely matters. You’re making a direct impact on students and their families throughout our West Side communities. Thank you for your prayers, your financial support, and your faithful participation. As you scroll through the photos from this semester, we hope you see what we see: every face tells a story of God’s love and redemption.

As we approach Giving Tuesday, would you prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? To make a contribution, simply click the button below. And if any questions come up, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

For Christ and kids, 

Max 

November 18 — Jody Collinge

Prayer and Praise
Jody Collinge
October 15, 2025

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." John 15:4

International Wholistic Missions Conference
People from around the world gathered for the International Wholistic Missions Conference in Albania, where we met together and held trainings on many aspects of community health evangelism. The Albania team did a great job of hosting us. Despite visa challenges, Simon from Uganda, Sammy and Jo from Kenya, and Anila from Albania were able to join me in leading a track on CHE for the Next Generation. (Ben's visa was finally approved, but he was blocked at the Nairobi airport!) Anila, Jo, Simon and Sammy shared how God has been working through Children's CHE and CHE with Youth to transform lives in Albania, Kenya, Uganda and Mexico. Praise God for how he is working in and through children and youth! Pray that the gospel will continue to penetrate areas where there is persecution. Pray for the girls and young women, that they will be able to escape forced early marriages and FGM.

Jo sharing about Kenya

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Albania Vision Trip
After IWMC, several of us went on a vision trip to see CHE ministries in action in Albania. First we visited an urban area that had been transformed by Christ. Youths and young adults shared how they had grown up with Children's CHE, became leaders as youths, and now were strong both in their faith and in their work. The area went from a very low education rate to one where many finished high school and even went to college.

The next day, Agron (one of the Albania CHE leaders) took us to visit a farmer who used microenterprise (the loan of a small anount of money) to multiply a few chickens into a huge flock and a large business. We also visited historical and archaelogical sites and concluded by visiting a rural CHE project, where children, youth, and families were again being transfomed by the gospel. Please continue to pray for these ministries.

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Rochester and COVID
En route back to Rochester, to visit my family and friends, I learned that I had been exposed to COVID. At first I thought it was just a cold, so I took precautions but was able to go on a boat ride on the Genesee River and the Erie Canal with my sister Janet. We enjoyed the fall colors.

But then a second COVID test was positive, so I had to be even more cautious and postpone my flight back to Rochester. Thank God that it was not a serious case of COVID, and I am feeling better. Please pray that no one else is infected. 

¡Muchas gracias!
Thank God for his protection and care, through travels and adventures and COVID. And many thanks to you for your prayers, encouragement, and support! Let me know how I can be praying for you.

Dios les bendiga. (May the Lord bless you.)
Jody

October 28 — Corrie Schwab

Introducing Fushiya Christ Church

Here’s a photo of my church from late July:

On a typical Sunday, there are about 20 of us worshipping together.

A Muffin Story

My church shares lunch about once a month, usually when we have a guest preacher. This past Sunday, my missions team leader had been invited to preach as part of a special missions-focused service. So I knew we would have lunch, and probably a few extra guests.

For weeks now, I’ve been looking for a way to show my gratitude for how kind and welcoming the church has been to me. Recently, I’ve started experimenting with baking here in Japan, so baking something for lunch seemed like a good opportunity to give a gift to the church.

I had set my heart on pumpkin muffins—one of my favorite fall treats in the US. But there were a few hurdles to overcome. First, canned pumpkin, though available on Japanese Amazon, is ridiculously expensive here. Second, all-purpose flour is hard to find, so I had to research the proper combination of bread flour and cake flour to use for my recipe. Third, I had to mix up each batch separately and bake the muffins one tray at a time in my tiny oven.

Since church attendance has been hovering around 20, I decided to bring 30 muffins to the lunch on Sunday, expecting the extra 10 would be more than enough for guests. I was wrong! As the church began to fill up before the service started, I felt increasingly nervous.

Then I realized how self-centered my reaction was. The sanctuary was full for the first time since I’ve been attending, and instead of rejoicing, I was wallowing in embarrassment! So I quickly prayed, “God, you can multiply the loaves and fishes; I know you can provide enough food for our lunch. Please multiply my muffins!”

I don’t know whether God literally multiplied them—I didn’t have a chance to count! But I know we had mounds of muffin halves for every table, and people kept telling me that they couldn’t stop eating them, yet we had leftovers to pack up and send home with each of the guests. My church friends loved getting a “taste of America,” and the women who cooked the meal seemed genuinely blessed to have some extra food to offer.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for God’s blessing on Fushiya Christ Church. Pray that our recent missions-focused Sunday will inspire us all to share the beauty of our God and his gospel with those around us.

September 23 — Jody Collinge

Prayer and Praise
Jody Collinge
August 8, 2025

As the LORD told Joshua, "Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous," (Joshua 1:5-6)

Prayer and Praise:
This has been a challenging month. Thank God that He will never leave us and He is in control of all. Let me start with a praise.

1. First of all, we had a great group of missionaries and children for our Christian Health Service Corps orientation. They are preparing to go as medical missionaries to countries around the world. I enjoyed working with the kids.

2. Electronics! Remind me not to "trust in horses and chariots", but "trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7).

- First, the cell phone needed to be replaced. Pray that I may be able to get it in good shape to give to Jo and Ben in Kenya.
- Next, the computer had a major faulty repair. Finally, Apple agreed to replace it. I just sent it back today. Praise God! Thank God for their generosity!
- Finally, iPads and cement floors are not a good match! The iPad screen only has minor scratches, but it doesn't work well for drawing. Pray for wisdom in this. I may need to replace it, but I have a friend in Africa who would love to have it.
- Thank God for technology, but pray that we don't depend on it too much.

3. I am looking forward to the International Wholistic Missions Conference in October and will be leading a track on Reaching the Next Generation. But our team that is leading the track has had major complications. Please pray for each of them:

--Pray for Pastor D.J. He can't come due to family and financial challenges.
--Thank God that Anila has done well. She is in Albania making preparations for us. Anila and her team work with children and youth.
--Sammy was hoping to come a lead a workshop, but his visa was denied.
--Jo and Ben, and Simon hope to come and lead workshops. Pray that Jo and Ben can get visas. Pray for God's provision for plane tickets for each of them.
--Praise God that Ben Kijabe finished a Master’s in organizational leadership.
--Pray for the IWMC team, as they are working with all the logistics and with Vision Trips in several countries after the conference. They are doing a great job.
--Pray for strong connections with the participants and that the conference may bring glory to God.
Thank you! I really appreciate your prayers!

¡Muchas gracias!
Thank God for all the ways that He cares for us.. 

And many thanks to you for your prayers, encouragement, and support! Let me know how I can be praying for you.

Dios les bendiga. (May God bless you.)
Jody

September 9 — International Friendships, Inc. at RIT

International Friendship Incorporated is a national ministry that focuses on providing hospitality and welcome in Christ’s name to international students attending universities in the United States. IFI volunteers provide very practical service to our international students: rides to and from the airport, trips to the grocery store, visits to the doctor’s office, driving lessons. At the core, the mission of IFI is to invite our international guests into flourishing relationships with Jesus Christ so that when they return to their countries and gain positions of influence, they are able to share the Gospel and to open up their countries to the message of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, August 24, IFI hosted a welcome picnic for arriving international students at Ridgeland Church, near the RIT campus. We began with icebreaker games, then had a cookout, followed by games of volleyball, bocce, and cornhole. About 40 international students attended, along with 20 volunteers.

Mason Pell (m.pell@ifiusa.org) is the IFI campus minister at RIT and Tiffany Khamphoune joined this year to provide part-time administrative support (organizing events, keeping track of students and volunteers, etc.). In addition, Peter and Hannah Putz continue to provide leadership support for Mason and Tiffany.

How can I get involved with IFI?

1. You can learn more about IFI by watching this video (https://youtu.be/ebIyZkToFN8?si=_XolkD3H2HYMZOAf) or visiting the IFI Partners website (https://www.ifipartners.org/).

2. Please talk with Dave Beinetti or Paul Craig if you would like to attend an IFI event or host an IFI guest for a meal. We are particularly interested in hosting international students for holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter) or during breaks when the campus is very quiet.

3. You can attend IFI events and simply befriend the students. Dave and Paul can provide information about upcoming apple picking in the fall and a sledding event in the spring.

4. Please pray for IFI at RIT and around the nation.

• For good attendance and participation at the IFI Bible studies for men and for women.

• For upcoming on-campus meals that are designed to welcome and engage more international students

• That more international students would attend IFI events and that we would see five international students decide to follow Jesus

• That the IFI team, which is classified as a club at RIT,  would have effective communication with the Campus Life office at RIT, and especially that they would receive prompt responses to their emails and phone calls.

• For our student officers to be effective in leading the fellowship and in their interactions with the RIT administration.  

• That we would have enough volunteers to fully support the ministry and to host students for meals and events.

August 12 — Max & Samantha Herbert, YoungLife

Hey Friends!

We just returned from an unforgettable week at Saranac Village, and I can’t wait to share what an amazing experience it was!

Our students had the opportunity to parasail over the lake, hike through mountain trails, dive into classic camp activities, and most importantly, encounter the life-changing love of Jesus Christ.

Thanks to your generosity, prayers, and support, this trip was not only possible but deeply meaningful for so many. Here's a glimpse of what our students had to say:

“I truly did have the best week of my life at camp. I learned about and encountered God in new ways.”

“As a senior, this was my last camp trip—and it was one of the best ones. I learned more about God and grew closer to Him through the talks.”

These stories are just a few of the many hearts that were moved this week. Your partnership makes moments like this possible, and we are so grateful.

As we return home, we’re excited to keep the momentum going through Summer Campaigners—a time to gather, go deeper in faith, and keep building friendships rooted in Christ.

Thank you again for investing in the lives of these amazing kids. You are making an eternal difference.

For Christ and for kids,
Max

August 5 — Jody Collinge

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

1. Some areas have resistance to Christ and even persecution of those sharing the gospel. Please pray for the team that is traveling this weekend to northeastern Kenya. In that Muslim area, girls often go through a FGM initiation rite and are given or sold in marriage at a very young age to older men. Pray that these girls and their families and their culture may be set free in Christ. Pray for protection for the girls and for those giving Christ-centered training and preparation to them. Pray that those in danger may be safely cared for until they can be reconciled with their families. Pray for the resources that are needed for this. Contact me if you would like to support them.

2. Please pray for our Global CHE Network team in the midst of many challenges, changes, and opportunities. We have made major changes to make our training materials more available to teams around the world. Please pray for us as we are gearing up for the International Wholistic Missions Conference in October in Albania.

"Half the people in the world need access to lifesaving care.

Together we can change this."

3. Next week, the Christian Health Service Corps will be giving an orientation for a new group of medical missionaries who will serve in hospitals and communities around the world. I look forward to meeting them and will be working with their children. Please pray for practical preparation and encouragement for each of them and for energy and enthusiasm for all those hosting them.

4. I have enjoyed being part of a Hispanic church, Iglesia Bautista La Fe, in Grand Saline, Texas. Thank God for our lively vacation Bible school. Please pray for our outreach to the surrounding community.

That was followed by an excellent regional conference for women.

5. ¡Muchas gracias!

Thank God for all his protection and care. 

And many thanks to you for your prayers, encouragement, and support!

Let me know how I can be praying for you.

Dios les bendiga. (May God bless you.)

Jody

July 8 — Souls Winning Ministries

Seminary in Jacmel

Has be able to meet for a week of training 5 times so far in 2025. Most recently the Gospel and Epistles of John, then just finishing a week on Biblical Hermeneutics.
10 Laptops were recently sent for the 25 students, but they are hoping for another 15 to be sent by Shippex in the future. 

The New Joy House Orphanage

The leadership has been able to provide activities to the kids over the summer while school is out, and a VBS coming in August. Repairs being done to the solar panel system and a new generator will allow them to have electricity. 

The Presbyterian Church and School in Marin

Pray for the safety of the church in Marin and the associated school.

The Medical Clinic
Enough supplies have been able to be sent to the medical clinic that it is able to provide some care, to kids in the Orphanage, church and some from the surrounding community. 

People
Osseille Joseph
Reformation Hope is trying to find a way to get him to the US this fall to visit churches including Grace. Haiti is on the Trump Administration travel ban so that is presenting challenges, but they are looking for a way to make it happen anyway. They have lost their house to gangs, so are looking to replace items like a bed for their kids, etc. 

Wisnel Louissaint and family were again displaced by gangs in Mirebalais. His wife’s business was again lost, and they are trying to raise $1500 to restart it again in their new location. We are helping him in his supporting 5 students to go to school who would otherwise be unable. We were able 3 students take the Haiti National Exams, 2 on June 30, and one due July 14. There are a lot of opportunities to help Wisnel support students needing to go school if there are folks at Grace with interest in that. 

Ancelotti Pierre Louis that he be able to finish his law degree, and that his family stay safe and not displaced by gangs that have been threatening them. 

Presbyterian Church of Haiti Presbytery
There is a group meeting online monthly with a plan to formalize a Haiti Seminary once travel opens up enough to travel to formalize it. 

Other Prayer Requests:
Pray for a resolution to the gang problem in Haiti so that security and normal functioning can return.

Pray for Osseille to be able to come to the US, including Grace this fall, despite the travel ban.

Pray for funding and security to continue the teaching schedule of the Jacmel seminary, and for 15 more laptops which would greatly assist the pastors in training now and ongoing in the future.

Pray for the New Joy House kids to stay safe and grow.

See also most recent Newsletter
Link: https://mailchi.mp/7e080724a800/haiti-10148120?e=22e255267d 

June 24 — Max & Samantha Herbert

We are in full summer mode here. Luke is working at a YL Camp this summer, running the waterfront. We miss him, but we are grateful that he is getting to serve in this way.  Ellie is graduating this weekend from HS and is planning on attending Fisher for nursing. We are so excited for her and would love prayers for wisdom in covering that financially.  Madi is done with her freshman year of HS and enjoying her time with friends, looking forward to summer camp in July.  

Sam recently lost her job at Roberts. They had a number of layoffs, and her position was one of the vulnerable ones.  This has impacted our plan for covering college for our kids, and we are praying that an opportunity for her would open up quickly.  Ideally, we would love for her to be working in another position at Roberts or at Fisher as this would allow our kids to receive free tuition.  In the meantime, we are enjoying some time together at home!

Our camp trip to Saranac is July 15-20 and it is full. Praise God!  We would love your prayers for that week, that students would clearly hear and respond to the Gospel message.  One student coming with us - Andrew - has special needs, and I will be his buddy for the week.  I would love prayer for myself and Andrew. I have never been in this role at camp, and I am praying that God would give me wisdom in how I can help make this a special week for Andrew.  

June 17 — Jody Collinge

Prayer and Praise
Jody Collinge
May 29, 2025

"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." Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV 1984)

View from behind the cabin

Prayer and Praise:

1. Did I tell you that I am feeling spoiled in Texas? Hot showers! A dryer! Tap water that you can drink! Air conditioning! And a beautiful location! I think we often do not realize how luxurious our lifestyle is in America, and how many others are struggling with poverty, trauma, and even persecution. As much as I enjoy Texas, I also look forward to returning to Zihuatanejo from January to March each year.

2. I have become involved with a local Hispanic church, Iglesia Bautista la Fe, which is very friendly with solid Biblical teaching. I will lead a Bible study tomorrow, and we have a VBS and a women's conference coming soon. Please pray for our outreach to those living nearby.

3. Meanwhile, the Lord keeps on opening doors for our community health evangelism ministries. Today, I met online with leaders who are working in Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and other areas. Jo and Ben traveled 12 hours to work with families in a remote Muslim area. Janet and Rhodess are getting ready for a CHE training in Malawi. They also work with children and mothers and report, "As we are reaching the children, we are reaching the Moms." Sammy is heading to Tanzania for a children's ministry. Thank God for all his connections! Please be praying for each of them for fruitful ministries, strong connections, and safe travels.

4. Please also pray that we can expand and strengthen our CHE with youth ministries. In the United States, Barna reports that nearly two-thirds of those who regularly attended church as a child or teenager later dropped out of the church. But some remained as "resilient disciples". How can we build more "resilient disciples"? How can children and youth hold strong to their faith and grow to share Christ with others? That will be the main theme for our workshop at the International Wholistic Missions Conference in Albania.

¡Muchas gracias!

Thank God for his protection and care.

And many thanks to you for your prayers, encouragement, and support! Let me know how I can pray for you.

Dios les bendiga. (May God bless you.)
Jody

May 6 — Max & Sam Herbert, YoungLife

Hey Grace Family,

We are so grateful for all of your support and encouragement! We have been meeting with our High School students on Monday nights and will continue to do so into June. We would love for your prayer support on Mondays between 7:30 and 8:45.  We recently started a devotional on the gospel of John and we have been really enjoying it!

We have been meeting monthly on Friday nights with our Jr High Students for Wyldlife.  We have been having a great time and have seen a lot of growth in numbers!    

Our leadership meetings are Thursday nights, we have seen a lot of growth both in number and in depth from our leaders.  We are so grateful for them and all that they do to bring the love of Christ to our students!

Our camp trip this summer is July 15-20 at Saranac!  Our trip is almost full with 3 spots left.  We are so excited for our students to experience the love of Christ in a personal way during that week.  Would you pray for safety during the week as well as for our teens to be free from distraction to hear clearly the message?  

Thanks so much for all that you do to keep us going!

For Christ and kids, 

Max and Sam

March 11 — Jody Collinge

Malawi Ministry

1. We have been collecting stories of the impact of Children's CHE in different countries. Rhodess and Janet from Malawi wrote, "Before we received CHE training, we would not value our children. In many ways, culturally, we would think to wait for them to grow up and start trusting them. After CHE training, we saw that our children are also more important and to start now trusting them because they can also bring a change many lives in the society. Now we are teaching them to reach their friends and families. Good things are happening that these children are changing their families holistically." Thank God for how He is working!

Pray that we may also develop strong ministries of CHE with Youth. Please pray that the children and youth may continue to grow in Christ and reach out to their families and friends. Pray that we can work with and encourage CHE trainers and leaders around the world, and give strong follow-up to those who have received CHE training.

2. I also enjoy our Zihuatanejo children's ministries, especially when they surprise me with a birthday celebration! Pray that their families may come to know Christ.

3. Our online Bible study of Women of the New Testament is going well and will finish in a few weeks. In April, we will begin a new study of Foolish Decisions of the Bible. Let me know if you would like to join us. Pray that we may learn how to not to repeat their mistakes! In the meantime, I am starting to write a new study of Children of the Bible.

4. My apartment is getting emptier as I downsize! Thank God for providing good homes for the books, Greek books, medical books, household supplies, furniture, and clothes. And thanks to all the friends who are helping. In late March, I will be moving to the cabin at the Christian Health Service Corps base in Texas, and will spend part of the year in Texas and part of the year in Zihuatanejo (in addition to my other wanderings). Pray for the Lord's help with all the practical details. Pray that I may be able to take part in and encourage ministries in both Zihuatanejo and Texas.

¡Muchas gracias! Thank God for his protection and care. And many thanks to you for your prayers, encouragement, and support! Let me know how I can be praying for you. Dios les bendiga.
(May God bless you.)
Jody

March 10 — International Friendships, Inc.

International Friends Incorporated hosted a sledding event at Mendon Ponds Park that attracted more than 30 students and about a dozen volunteers for what seemed like the best day of sledding in Rochester this year. All of the students tried their hand at sledding and some were very adventurous, going down the hill many times and even trying their luck flying over ramps at the top and bottom of the hill. About 15 of them enjoyed chaining multiple sleds together and snaking their way down the hill.

These students are all eager for conversation and to learn more about our culture and opportunities in the US. It seems that they are all interested in learning about Christianity and discussing their own beliefs, some more than others. The mission of IFI is “to extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus.” This focus opens many doors for sharing the Gospel with young people who have not heard it before, including many Fulbright scholars who will return to their home countries and assume significant leadership roles. IFI volunteers provide hospitality in many forms: to and from airports, to and from supermarkets, helping students earn their driver’s licenses, hosting meals. Many international students participate in small group Bible studies. Young Christians in IFI are also given opportunities to serve and lead on the RIT campus.

Mason Pell (m.pell@ifiusa.org) is the IFI campus representative at RIT. You can learn more about IFI by visiting the IFI Partners website (https://www.ifipartners.org/). Please talk with Dave Beinetti or Paul Craig if you would like to attend an IFI event, host an IFI guest for a meal.

Please continue to pray for IFI

• That more international students would attend IFI events and that we would see five international students decide to follow Jesus

• That the IFI team, which is classified as a club at RIT,  would have effective communication with the Campus Life office at RIT, and especially that they would receive prompt responses to their emails and phone calls.

• For new students to serve in officer roles in the club on the RIT campus

March 4 — 441 Ministries

Hey, Grace Church!

Here are some prayerful and practical ways you can help 441 Ministries in this season:

Spring Cleaning/Maintenance Projects
I could really use some help with a number of projects around the properties in the next month. We need volunteers to replace some gutters, move old appliances to the trash, clear out and organize our basement, etc. We also need some handy folks willing to help us refresh TWO apartments - that might include drywall, painting, carpeting, cleaning, etc. These could be perfect projects for a small group to tackle in an evening or over a weekend. Anyone that is interested can contact me directly and I can coordinate project days!

Volunteer Orientations
We are going to offer monthly volunteer orientations so people can learn more about 441 and find ways to serve. These last about an hour and a half, and we'll try to offer zoom options as well.

We have an extensive list of volunteer serving areas, and a sign-up page for folks to register for an upcoming volunteer orientation here. We'll keep the dates updated for future orientations!

https://www.441ministries.org/get-involved

Kids Camp
We are looking forward to the return of Kids Camp this summer, and we are actively recruiting volunteers. We need folks interested in committing one day a week during the summer to come down to the neighborhood and help us run Kids Camp (the program is 11 am to 1 pm, but volunteers are there from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm). We'll have some info meetings soon, as well as training. Anyone that is interested can sign-up for a volunteer orientation or contact me directly and I can keep them on the communication list.

Cafe Operations Director
We are hoping to hire a new supervisor for New City Cafe that would focus on the operations side of things. If you know of anyone that might be a good fit and interested, have them check out the job description and apply here:

https://www.441ministries.org/cafe-operations-job-description

Volunteer Orientation at YOUR Church
If it's helpful, I'm always willing to visit you to provide an update on the ministry and help people figure out ways they can get involved. I can bring along Jaime, our new Mentorship and Teen Outreach Director to share about what's happening there and how people can get involved with teens and mentoring! Just let me know if that interests you.

Please share with those who might be interested in getting more involved. Thank you!

Joshua Horn
Executive Director for 441 Ministries

February 4 — Max & Samantha Herbert

Dear Grace Family,

Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and support! Here are some updates and things we would love prayer for.

We are starting up our spring semester this week with our first YL Club of the new year. Would you pray that our room would be full of teens and that they would experience the love of Christ?

Our volunteer leadership team is growing! We are so excited to add a few new members. Would you pray for our volunteers who give of their time to build relationships and share the Gospel? My hope is that our team will grow closer to Christ as they minister to our teens.

Our Jr High ministry, Wyldlife, is really starting to take off. Would you pray that as that ministry grows we would be able to increase that volunteer base? That club meets monthly at this point, but if we can increase the number of volunteers, we could increase the frequency of those meetings.

Our budget is always an area that could use prayer. We have a fundraiser coming up in March; our hope is that it will be a great opportunity to highlight what the Lord is doing through this ministry as well as financially support the area.

Thanks so much for all that you are doing to come alongside us!

For Christ and kids,
Max and Sam

December 31 — Souls Winning Ministries

A BIG thank you to Grace Church from Martin Hawley and the folks at Souls Winning Ministries’ New Joy House Orphanage for the generous special offering of $5446.59! 

View a video message recorded of thanks to the folks at Grace who provided for their Christmas meal and celebration and have helped them this past year.

A few photos of the kids of the orphanage…

Jacmel Seminary Update
The 22 Jacmel Seminary Students are finishing up their curriculum.

Samuel Charles, one of the students, president of the class committee, got married on 12/28/24. He made all the clothing himself! He is teaching tailoring to kids there. A new group of students will start after the current group finishes. 

Here is a link to the latest Reformation Hope newsletter.  

Prayer requests:
1. Praise for the safety of the kids in the orphanage in Marin, and pray for ongoing safety for all those associate with the various ministries.
2. Prayer for a stable government to emerge able to restore security and stability in the country.
3. Prayer for the Jacmel seminary and church under Maxito Raphael’s leadership.
4. Prayer for the development of the 2 other seminary sites, in Hinche and Cap Haitien. 
5. Pray for direction from the Lord for Osseille’s future ministry.

December 17 — Max & Samantha Herbert

Dear Grace Church Family, 

      As we reflect on this past year of ministry we are so grateful for all of the ways that we have seen and experienced God's faithfulness!  What a blessing it is to be able to share the love of Christ with teens in our community and see God at work in their hearts.  Thank you for partnering with us, you have been such a blessing to our family.  

      We have officially wrapped up our meetings for the year and will take a break from club until February.  Even though we will not be officially meeting in January we will still have some events to keep the kids together.  We will have a night out ice skating, a hot cocoa party, and of course leaders will still continue to spend time with kids.  

     We would love prayer for our leaders, kids, and our family as we continue to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ. 

     Specifically for the ministry we would love prayer for continued growth in depth and in number for our teens.  We would love prayer for an increase in volunteers so that we can expand our reach into surrounding towns.  We would also love prayer for greater involvement from adults in our community, for adults to jump in with us on committee and also for our donor base to grow. 

     For our family we would love prayer that we would draw close to each other in this season and that we would draw close to Christ.  We are planning a trip out to visit relatives in Arizona and would appreciate prayers for safe travel during that time.  

    Thank you so much for all that you do to walk along side us and support this mission of sharing Christ's love with teens on the West Side! 

For Christ and kids, 
Max and Sam Herbert

December 10 — Jody Collinge

November 30, 2024

Travels:
November 18- December 3: To Syracuse and Rochester, NY

December 4-19 To Kenya

Prayer and Praise:

1. We have much to give thanks for! First of all, I thank the Lord that he is good and his steadfast love endures forever. Thank God for all he is doing in Zihuatanejo, Kenya, and around the world. I thank God for my friends and family, and for their gracious hospitality in New York. Thank the Lord that he will guide us and protect us in our travels in Kenya. And I thank God for you--for your prayers, your support, your encouragement, and your friendship.

2. I have enjoyed visiting Syracuse and Rochester, New York--visiting friends, family, and a few churches. Thank God for your warm fellowship and ample food. (I will have to roll onto the airplane.)

3. Next stop: Kenya (Dios mediante). We will visit several ministries where Jo and Ben Kijabe have been working. Jo, Ben, Sammy, Simon and I have worked together for several years, both online and in person. Jenna and Guido Schmid will be sharing about disability ministries. We will be visiting several ministries--near Nairobi, in Nakuru, and near Narok (see the map). And the Bridge Ministry of Kenya has invited us to train their leaders in CHE/ Children's CHE/ and CHE with Youth, as well as GameLife training. Praise God for all he is doing in Kenya! Please pray that the Lord will oversee all of this--our travels around Kenya, building relationships, developing a vision for disability ministries, visiting the Kenya ministries, and our training and outreach with Bridge Ministries and GameLife. Here are some images of Jo's ministries in Kenya:

4. Finally, I thank God that we have finished the first part of the Women of the New Testament online Bible study. We will be starting again in January with Part Two. I hope you will join us! Let me know if you are interested.

¡Muchas gracias!

I thank God for each of you. Let me know how I can be praying for you.

Dios les bendiga. (May God bless you.)

Jody