Beer isn't the only thing on tap at the local pub. It may be an unorthodox place for a theology group, but pastors who've tried it say a little libation goes a long way in having honest-to-God discussions on faith.

I hope everyone is having a great week with the back to school thing and increased volume in commuter traffic... everybody rested, excited and buzzing with a new passion for productivity... marvellous. J Anyway, I just wanted to make sure everyone got a reminder/invite for church this Sunday. It’s always awesome when everyone gathers back together in the fall. I’m really excited about it... can’t wait to have us all back and worshipping under the same roof on Sunday!! Please invite your friends.

What’s up this Fall at OVV? (Here’s a list of just a few things that are happening!)

We frequently remind ourselves that our ministry goal is not just to alleviate suffering and hardship...nor is it even just Christian conversion. While each of these is a step in the right direction, either one without the other is incomplete and only a partial response to the gospel. Our ministry goal is transformation: spiritual, material, and societal. Only this full-orbed transformation can release Jeremiah 29:11 “hope and a future” into a life or a community as the Kingdom of God begins to break through in its fullness.

I spent most of the 70’s going to universities, colleges and seminaries, several of which were in the United States. One fall, after working for a summer in Toronto, I had decided not to continue before I could make some more money. Then, at the last moment, I sensed a stirring from the Lord and decided to return to school in Colorado if all of my “fleeces” fell into place. 

Our orphan village residents took bags of candies and gave handfuls of treats in Jesus’ name to the many poor village children who had gathered around outside. The freedom to give to others is evidence that the spirit of poverty has been broken off our resident kids! Thank you, Jesus, for your presence in these children’s lives!

Greetings All,
Here is the “proverbs on prosperity” sheet I keep on my bulletin board. These principals... Righteousness, Humility, Wisdom, Understanding, Teach-ability, Generosity, Hard Work, Faith, Tithing, God’s Blessing all work together. Most of the unbalanced teaching on finances that we are uncomfortable with focuses on only one of these things and tries to make a formula out of it.
I use this list to give myself a spiritual check-up when I’m struggling financially. Usually I’m having a problem with one or more of these things when I’m in trouble.
Love to all,
Ahren

Our Mieze (pron. mee-ay-zee) project itself continues to be a source of great joy for its resident kids, staff, and visitors alike. Visitors use superlatives to describe their experience there…always focusing on the joy and inner beauty of the children and the palpable presence and peace of the Lord. One visiting businessman had tears in his eyes as he watched the children spontaneously sing and pray. “There’s a lot I’d like to say,” he told me, “but right now I’m too overwhelmed. I’m speechless!”

The sun was shining. The temperature was minus five degrees Celsius, Jack and I grabbed a couple of sandwiches, some cookies, a blanket, put on our snow pants and had a picnic in the snow… around the pee spot… celebrating the coming of summer.

When I get home at night, I often don’t feel like having a wrestling match over brushing Jack’s teeth or putting on his pajamas.  I do feel like I love this kid so much I’m going to try and do it anyway.