Hello friends! So much has happened in the last month! A few weeks ago, we hosted a Prayer Conference at the RIC and I was able to sit and listen to the teachings even amid all the work of hosting 100 people. Dishes sure do pile high! During the conference we were given an opportunity to practice what was being taught and we split up into groups to pray throughout Columbus.  I was able to go on a prayer walk that targeted human sex trafficking. It was a cold and windy day and my group prayed for the ladies that were sold on the very streets that we walked. We felt a small taste of their plight as the wind chilled us to the bone.  Many people have not been exposed to the facts of this tragic issue. I myself have just recently become aware. To name a few statistics:

-There are around 800,000 people being trafficked in America. 50% of them are minors.

-1% are being reached or helped in some way

-For every 2 girls you see on the street, 8 are being sold elsewhere (internet)

-These girls are trafficked 365 days a year at an average of 5-15 times a day.

These are just numbers, very sad numbers, and they represent people; someone's daughter, or sister or friend. I pray that God would break my heart for these girls. Some are younger than me. Why am I so blessed that I'm not trapped in sex-slavery? I don't know. But I know God loves them and has called us to do the same.

Recently, the staff at the RIC went on a missions trip to Flint, MI. We partnered with a lady named Lynette. She lives in a neighborhood full of darkness and shines the love of Jesus to the homeless and poor. Her family is afraid to visit her because of the high rate of crime, but she has no fear because she knows that God has placed her there. Her neighbor, Liz, is always drunk, but she knows that Lynette loves her and that Lynette also loves Jesus. While we were in Flint, we had the privilege of serving a meal to some homeless in her backyard. I even got to sing and play worship songs on a small keyboard which was awesome! We handed out some clothes and talked with a few of them about life. It felt normal and easy and I know God was blessing us as we put ourselves out of our comfort zone.

Every morning we'd do a devotional with Lynette. One morning, she told us a story that I won't soon forget. She told us that there was a homeless woman that she used to see named Scrappy. Scrappy always stood at the corner of the same street begging for money so she could buy more liquor. Lynette would always stop and ask her if she was hungry. Often, she ended buying Scrappy a sandwhich and a coke. One day, Scrappy went to a different corner across town to beg. Lynette would remember her every now and then and wonder how she was doing. Some time later, there was a murder. Scrappy knew some information about it, and for five bucks, told someone what she knew. The next thing that Lynette heard about Scrappy was that she had been murdered for telling. Lynette then told us of her regret. All those times that she had shared food with Scrappy, she had never mentioned Jesus. It made her realize how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity. Her story broke my heart. Have I realized this truth? It's not enough just to serve others with love, we must speak the name of Jesus.  I have been challenged now. Am I willing to speak the name of Jesus in Columbus, Ohio? That's why Jesus called me here. I'm not here just to serve SEND ministries for a year and then go home. I want to be obedient to what He asks me to do. Please pray that we would be faithful as we shine our lights in the darkness.

Isaiah 61:1-4 -janae

Hey everybody this is Jared I am the Facilities assistant or as I like to call myself the manager of maintenance. I do just about anything around the RIC including cleaning up messes, taking out the trash, fixing the cars, and building things. Its a very wide range of things that I get to do but its fun doing it all. 

Hey ya'll! This is Denise Yoder typing this update! I am one of two Hospitality Assistants here at the RIC this year, along with my better half Janae Horst! :) Its hard to believe that we have been here for almost 3 months already! Time goes by so fast! The past 3 months have been filled with getting to know our outreaches, Bible studies, speeches, growing together as a staff, and for me and Janae, making many many beds! But, we (well at least I) have enjoyed our time here very much! God has showed Himself to me in so many ways already in the few months we have been here. And I am very excited to see how much He will continue to work through me, and the rest of the staff members, throughout this year! This year will defiantly be a growing year for all of us, and I am also very excited to see where He is planning on taking us!
I have really enjoyed my outreach! Ryan, Megan and I go to RTNI witch is Reaching The Nations International. The people that lead this outreach is a fun, energetic young couple! They have been with this program for about 7 years now. We have a Bible Study for kids around their neighborhood on Mondays and Thursdays evenings. On Mondays its for ages 12-16. This group was very intimidating at first. Its a hard group to get to know, and to relate with. But as time has gone on, we have made good relationships with some of the kids, and we are really enjoying it. On Thursday evenings its for kids 5-12. These are my favorite nights! We split the kids up in 2 groups, and I work with the kids that are 5-7 years old. These kids love to play and have a good time! Which is fun but sometimes can be very stressful. We have the Bible Studies inside the couples house, and it is kinda small, so having 13 kids in a small kitchen can become a little crowded and chaotic at times! But since the weather has been nice, we have been able to go outside to have the study! Which has been a nice change and makes it a lot more fun!
We have done so much here in the past 3 months, and there is so much yet to come! I know I am very excited for Summer to start so we can have City Challenge, and then for the Fall when all the awesome REACHers come!
God is so good! and His ways and timings are always right! We just need to continue to trust in Him in all that we do!!
God Bless,
Denise :)

Well, I must say that I am honored to be chosen as the author of this article, as well as the knowledge that my reflections of my time in Chile so far will be read by our most distinguished (and undoubtedly good-looking) City Challenge and REACH veterans. The Head Honchos back at the RIC have asked me to share a little about living the Chilean life, as well as where I've seen the Lord's light shine in the far southern reaches of South America. So, grab your favorite snack, curl up in a comfy armchair, and don't touch that dial... mouse... thing! You're about to experience second hand what it means to be a Chilean REACHer! Are you exited yet? Good...

It seems that in the sporting world as of late, Christianity has hit the mainstream with the likes of Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin openly praying before games and honoring the Lord for their sporting accomplishments. The world has been taken aback by these talented men who are not pastors, but yet talk about God as if he is a present reality in their lives. Some people would say "Keep your faith out of it and just play the game." Others applaud them for being the rebels that they are, expressing their individuality.

Every few months we put together a list of births, weddings, and other interesting alumni happenings to keep you up to date on what is going on.

Births

David Sonifrank (R 99, 00) & Parla (Cline R 05) welcomed their daughter, Brighton Noel, on December 29, 2011.

Renee (Miller R 99, 01) & Joe Byler welcomed their daughter, Finley Jane, December 31, 2011.

Crystal (Dornburg R 02) & Daniel DiGiacomo welcomed their daughter, Abigail Grace, on January 27,2012.

Please email any births, weddings, missionary appointments, or changes in your life that you want to let us know about to: send@rmmoffice.org