JoAnn with Royal Ranger Leadership

JoAnn wRangers LR
Originally uploaded by nruda.

Stoic witnessing subjects!

JoAnn on bench LR
Originally uploaded by nruda.

Well, it sure looks like my attempts to witness to these two fellows fell on deaf ears...!

Royal Rangers in Finland!

I’m writing from Iso Kiro, the campus of the Pentecostal Bible School in Finland. The school has over 300 students enrolled and uses the Global University Curriculum for its degree program. It seems that every country I visit is using Global curriculum in one way or another.

In my role as director of International Service Ministries, one of the ministries which I have the privilege of overseeing is Royal Rangers International. I must admit that going into the meeting that I am presently attending here in Finland, I had little knowledge of the enormous impact of this program around the world. Admittedly I am the first woman to ever serve on the board, yet I find it fitting as I’ve learned that two thirds of the RRI programs worldwide have girls as well as boys as Royal Rangers.

RRI is now in 70 countries of the world and is having incredible impact on the lives of the boys and girls it reaches. Almost all who come into the program who do not know the Lord, accept Him as savior. Many are filled with the Holy Spirit at the camps. I am at the site of the Eurocamp that hosted 4,000 kids in 2003.

RRI is yet another wonderful tool that God has raised up to touch the lives of children for the Kingdom and, in my opinion, which has the potential to literally turn entire nations to Christ

Global Student Encounter

I wasn't sure what to expect as I traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to meet with over 1,500 student leaders and delegates from around the world. A group, of which I am now head, the Commission on Student Ministries, had organized this meeting with the goal of bringing students from around the world into the 'revival fires' of Argentina.

For some of the students, especially those in more restricted access areas, this was their first exposure to Pentecost as we know it.

Many of the students were filled with the Spirit and are taking a fresh and renewed vision back to their countries and the groups over whom they have influence.

For me, it was a beautiful time of spiritual refreshment, and I felt a God-ordained opportunity to prepare my own heart for the many challenging tasks ahead in my new role as Director of International Service Ministries.

HIV/AIDS Training

It is my privilege to be able to continue heading up the Global AIDS Partnership Team for HealthCare Ministries. We have developed some wonderful AIDS awareness and intervention materials, such as the Soccer AIDS brochure. Peg Johnson and I have trained several different groups in HIV/AIDS awareness and will continue to offer that type of teaching around the world.

I truly believe that the church is the most probable instrument to turn the tide of this tragedy around! Please continue to pray for our efforts and success.

Thank you for your continued support!

I am so grateful for our partnership. Though my role has changed somewhat, I am still a missionary relying on your prayers and financial support. Thank you for your faithfulness in both areas—you are vital to my work in missions!