Lee Elementary

Last fall Lakeside paired up with Lee School in providing Thanksgiving Family Meals for some of the student families.  

PRAY:

1) For kids in low income homes who are under resourced and those living in neglect or abusive homes  

2) For teachers/staff who are serving children with a wide variety of needs and potentials 

3) For a good winter/spring for students and teachers in 2023.

4) Pray for safety for all of our schools.

Myanmar Hope

Visit Myanmar Hope Christian Mission on their Facebook page and their website at myanmarhope.org to view pictures and hear all the ways our brothers and sisters in Christ were blessed with your generosity in their time of need. Several times Lakeside has sent gifts to help with food, necessities, and some construction of churches and ministry spaces during the political upheaval faced by this ministry and many churches in the region. Pray for Palal and Kikim and all the national ministers who are serving in difficult times and for God's blessings on the many ministry initiatives they are establishing. May their faith increase and may God's Kingdom expand!

Political Situation Update: View the My Hope website for the newsletter with a brief history of government/military interactions and how the recent changes are affecting the Myanmar people. 

Pray:

• for godly wisdom for Palal and Kikim as they navigate mission priorities in unsettled circumstances
• for the Christian leaders facing difficult challenges in various churches and programs
• for how to operate schools safely and faithfully in the coming school year
• for continued resourcing of rice for those without work and hungry 

Myanmar Hope Initiatives: 

• Village Christmas meals were arranged. 
• Representatives from 21 villages gathered for a one day Bible training.
• A three day Bible Camp was held at Wetinpauk Christian Church where 25 Christian and 25 Buddhist refugees listened eagerly to the Good News preaching.
• Palal continues to mentor and encourage pastors and those in refugee camps.
• At the refugee camp 14 people were baptized in September. The refugee camp families are mostly Buddhist. 
  
• Tamu celebrated the completion of the Christian preschool/educational building and are holding classes. Pray for God’s protection over the little ones and their families as this is a delicate situation with the continued fighting.
• Additional  students have returned to HBS to continue their education!
• Aid distribution continues in northern Myanmar to widows, orphans, blind, disabled, elderly, & pastors.
• New Kanaan Christian Church has a new church building thanks to assistance Lakeside sent for materials.
• Lakeside gives $453 monthly to the Myanmar Hope general fund, $240 to help support four pastors, and $50 for one student sponsorship for a total of $743 per month.

If you are interested in receiving periodic updates on the ministry with photos and details, contact charles.cherry@mymyanmarhope.org Don't miss all the photos and stories on the Myanmar Hope Christian Mission Facebook page!

Lake Springfield Christian Assembly

Lake Springfield Christian Assembly is currently in their retreat hosting season while they prepare for summer 2023 camping season.  This year's summer camps will met around the theme of "Who Am I"?  The focus will be on who the Bible say they are, as they find their identity in Christ.

• Pray for the camp with Prayer Points at lscacamp.org/pray A special emphasis on prayer called "March Forth" will happen March 4th. Sign up for fifteen minutes of prayer on that day.
• Mid-Winter Retreat had forty high school students attend to investigate worldviews led by Rich Knopp of "Room for Doubt".
• Winter Blast for Jr. Hi. students is scheduled for February 3-5. Seth & Mallory Webster will be facilitating.
• Pray for funds for a replacement roof on the "steel tent" at $24,000
• Pray for funds to cover escalating costs for food and utilities
• Pray for the filling of open positions of Part time Maintenance Assistant, Discovery Camp Director, and the 2023 Summer Staff. see LSCAcamp.org
• Lakesider volunteers Lola Garrison, Norm Smith ,and George Ware spent the summer of 2022 keeping the grass mowed and the camp beautiful for ministry.
  
• Brad Owen serves on the Executive Board at LSCA.
• Serve at LSCA. Find opportunities at lscacamp.org/serve 
• Plan to serve with your family or small group during Spring Service Days (March 18, April 22, May 13). 

Thank you to each of the many Lakesiders who’ve helped at camp. Praise the Lord for all the campers who had the opportunity to become more like Christ, to learn how to lead in Christ-like ways, to develop Christian friendships and to simply have fun!  

Taking Christ to the Millions International

Would you like to know how to pray for TCM's efforts to equip men and women from 45+ nations for ministry? Visit www.tcmi.org/pray.

• Lakesider Kristen Spilman is serving at Haus Edelweiss in Vienna this month!
• There are 1,500 students registered and working toward Masters of Arts or Masters of Divinity degrees as they work to become effective kingdom leaders in their churches, cultures and countries.
• Also pray for the international student, Erion of Albania, who's schooling is supported by Lakeside. Pray that his example and testimony will touch many in his ministry location.
• Visit vimeo.com/showcase/tcm to view some short videos detailing the ministry of TCM. 
• Pray for Jozef as he shares Christian love between Romanians and Hungarians.
  
• Pray for Sergei who began a YouTube channel called Voice of the Church as he shares about morality, justice and truth with the Belarusian people.
• TCMI is increasing to 155 the courses offered in Austria, Training Centers around the world, and online. 
• Pray for TCMI's hopes and efforts to renew the Higher Learning Commission accreditation for ten more years.
• Pray for professors and students and all those who come to know Jesus through their efforts.
• Pray for the students who are serving Afghan refugees with food, supplies, and Christ's love.
• TCMI became the officially designated seminary for Polish Christians in September of 2022.
• Even through the war, classes continue in Hungary, Albania, Bulgaria, Russia, Moldova, Central Asia, Turkey, Kenya, Czechia, Indy, and Phoenix.

In addition to all that is happening through TCMI regarding the war in Europe and aiding refuges, they continue to provide teaching for more than 2,500 students from nearly 50 countries. The ministry has been working through past and current students help refugees with emergency supplies and transportation. Refugees are also finding shelter and help as they passing through Haus Edelweiss in Heiligenkreuz, Austria. Please PRAY for God’s guidance of the professors as well as for the students to receive and apply what they learn! Gifts for the Ukraine Relief Fund may be made online at www.tcmi.org/give. Utilize the dropdown arrow for designating your gift to the Ukraine Relief. Additionally, The TCMI 2022 Report in short videos at vimeo.com/showcase give excellent information! To learn more go to: www.tcmi.org/ukraine 

Love Packages Collection

Would you like to help Christians around the world while simplifying your life? Drop off your unneeded Christian literature to Love Packages, a local ministry fueling international missions work and sending the gospel to the ends of the earth by putting donated bibles and other Christian literature into the hands of people around the world. 

Below is a list of items you may drop off :

• Bibles (New or used, any translation, New Testaments or other portions, individual gospel booklets)
• Reference Material (Dictionaries, Bible dictionaries, concordances, commentaries, etc.)
• Books (All Christian books – adult or children, non-fiction)
• Magazines and Daily Devotionals (Any devotionals or magazine from a Christian publisher}
• Sunday School Materials (Adult quarterlies and teacher manuals from all publishers; children’s quarterlies with the teacher’s manual and full student manuals.)
• CDs, DVDs, BluRay (Music, movies, teaching from well known speakers [Billy Graham, Swindoll, etc.])
• Tracts  (All tracts) 
• Puppets, Nativity Sets, etc.
• Bible games, biblical puzzles (anything that helps teach the gospel, especially to children)

Visit lovepackages.org or call 217-532-6701 to find out more about the ministry and how you can donate or help process donations. Be sure to view the "Nickle Tour" video on the website. The ministry is located at 220 Union St, Butler, IL 62015. 

Missions Events & Opportunities

• February 3-5: Lake Springfield Christian Assembly JH Winter Blast for grades 6-8 at $135 per camper. Seth & Mallory Webster presenting.
• March 4: March Forth prayer initiative for LSCA. Sign up to pray for 15 minutes with provided prayer points. lscacamp.org/pray
• March 18: Spring Service Day at LSCA. Help prepare the camp for summer sessions. Coffee, cinnamon rolls, and lunch provided.
• April 15: Christian Student Fellowship Fundraising Banquet from 6:30-8:30 at Erin's Pavilion in Springfield.
• April 22: Spring Service Day at LSCA. Help prepare the camp for summer sessions. Coffee, cinnamon rolls, and lunch provided.
• April 21 & 22: Food Packing Event to provide meals to the hungry overseas through the International Disaster Emergency Service.
• May 13: Spring Service Day at LSCA. Help prepare the camp for summer sessions. Coffee, cinnamon rolls, and lunch provided.
• July 14-15: Inner City Mission Prayer Conference with a five-year plan. Anniversary of ICM conception.
• August 26, 2024: Inner City Mission celebrates it's 40th Anniversary of hosting the very first resident.
• November 16-18: International Conference on Missions in Oklahoma City, OK.
• Anytime: Pray for Lake Springfield Christian Assembly lscacamp.org/pray
  

Thanks again to 95 Lakesiders who donated approximately 215 volunteer hours in July 2022 to prepare 3,493 bags or enough for 20,958 servings of food! THANKS also to those who gave financially! Such a great opportunity to serve, to meet & work alongside other Lakesiders & friends. We had FUN!

Lincoln Christian University

The LCU Church Leaders Conference on The Danger of Mission Drift is February 18. Presenters include Dr. Gary Johnson, Dr. Jim Estep, Dr. Billy Strother, and Jill Dicken. The cost is $35. More info & registration ➡️lincolnchristian.edu/clc

Lincoln Christian University has been transitioning the way it carries out her mission due to a number of factors. Below is a breakdown of some of those changes and some prayer points to guide you in praying for the ministry. There are now three entities of LCU

• Lincoln Christian Seminary Continues on unchanged.

• Lincoln Christian Institute Non-Credit Option (see below).

• Lincoln Christian University Offers two BA Majors: Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry

Lincoln Christian Institute with Dean Dr. James Estep. LCI serves as the church’s “Easy Button”. Responding to the needs of the church through four Initiatives:

1. Research for the church. Biblically based answers to Biblical questions or concerns. LCI Website Institute Tab

2. Resources for churches (PDFs Called Lincoln Equip, Ministry Guide Booklets, Bi-weekly podcast on practical, Biblical issues).

3. Events on campus, off campus, webinars.

4. Instruction: Seminars and Certificates (prolonged seminar). Soon to be published catalog of topics. You can request a professor come to you. Purpose of LCI: To be an ally to the church in fulfilling the great commission Christ gave his church. Institute contact:institute@lincolnchristian.com or 217-732-7788 x2265

Master’s Degrees from Home

Six accredited degree programs available online include: BA in Christian Ministry, MA in Bible & Theology, MA in Organizational Leadership. Options to participate in on campus week-long intensives.

Campus Changes

• Married Student Housing sold to be renovated with some apartments available for students.
• Part of Campus leased to Open Arms Christian Fellowship. (Chapel, Gym, Dorms)
• Current Campus will include Library, Old Gym, Cafeteria, Restoration Hall, and Warehouse.

Prayer Points: President Silas McCormick suggests ways to assist through prayer

• First, pray for our students, faculty, and staff. We're all in a season of great change, especially in this upcoming transition year. For some that will be exciting, productive, and innovative, but for all it will produce anxiety and uncertainty.

• Second, pray that we follow our mission faithfully and that those who support us will give us the opportunity to demonstrate what that can look like. We've asked people to continue to support us for two years, and then assess whether they are willing to continue at that point. It's too hard for all of us to see all that is possible right now.

• Third, support us financially, even if it is a small amount, and encourage others to do so as well. Regular, unrestricted gifts will be more important than ever as we move to a model that has more of our faculty spending more of their time offering non-credit educational opportunities in churches and less teaching tuition-paying students.

• Finally, and I would say this might be the most important: We all have to be better about seeing and nurturing Kingdom capacity. Every one of us should be pursuing a life of ministry built on a solid biblical and theological foundation (albeit in a way that looks different for each of us), but we as the church have to do a better job of pushing gifted leaders, teachers, and the like, to deeply consider the idea of calling. I'm convinced we're letting too many people spend years in worship services never confronting them with a sacrificial call to ask how their unique gifting, experiences, and personality, could grow the Kingdom.

Visit the LCU website at lincolnchristian.edu and Facebook page at facebook.com/LincolnChristian 

Direction Church Plant

Starting in 2023, Lakeside became a monthly support partner for Direction Church in Des Moines, Iowa. The church plant is led by minister Jarrid Nassiff. Recently they have had several opportunities to connect with High School aged students and families in their community. The theme for 2023 is "Every Heart Matters". Check out Direction's Facebook page to see what they have been up to. Pray for this new body of believers...and consider a weekend in Des Moines where you could greet them in person.

Christian Student Fellowship

CSF exists to help students find their way back to God on the UIS campus. You can help by praying for the staff and the students they hope to reach this winter and spring. Check out the CSF Facebook page (www.facebook.com/uiscsf) to keep up to date and direct your prayers. CFS Staff includes: Samuel & Renee Nassiff, David & Lindsey Lasley,  Abigail Way, and Gretchen Magruder. Below are some ways you might help this important ministry in the coming days and weeks. Also visit their website at: info@uiscsf.org

• Snacks. A group of 20-25 students are gathering each Monday at 8:45 PM. Individually packaged chips, popcorn, sweet snack, candy, or 24 packs of bottled water will be much appreciated. Join in worship if you like.
• Supplies. collapsible cart, reams of paper, blue pens, name tags
• Gift Cards. These are used for prizes and student connections. $10 Door Dash, Walmart, Aldi, Steak N Shake, Starbucks and $25 for Walmart and area restaurants
• Funds. Consider a special financial gift.  
• Prayer. Pray for the students to remain committed to Jesus Christ and connect with small groups. Pray for the current school year and increased opportunities. Read 12 stories of ministry impact at uiscsf.org
• 154 new students received follow-ups from CSF Staff and Student Leaders.
• 21 students heard the Gospel through intentional meetings with staff and student leaders.
• 25 Student attended the CSF Fall Retreat.
• Other Ways to Bless: Check out CFS's Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1QXTH56ZYERZV/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
  

Inner City Mission

ICM is all about helping the homeless find lasting stability. They assist in assisting every person in moving from "shattered" to "shalom" by calming the chaos in the lives of the homeless, promoting their potential, and helping them realize the love of Jesus Christ.  

To help you can PRAY:  

• Mental & physical health of residents and for opening of deeper conversations for sharing the Gospel.  
• Request grace and patience for staff as well as the families.   
• Donations: ICM is accepting food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies at 720 N. 7th St.
• Pray for 200 Prayer Partners. 
• Pray for Luke & Carly Chitwood who serve there. 
• Pray for Lakeside's student ministry which is helping provide childcare monthly as parents are receiving training.

Scott & Connie Payne's book, Unlocking a Broken World gives a window into the homeless world and into the lives of the family and people working or volunteering at the Mission. The book now available. Contact the mission at innercitymission.net You can also read a multi-part article series on homelessness at: innercitymission.net/articles

Inner City Mission staff asks for your PRAYER on their behalf as they seek wisdom and direction in developing a 10-year expansion plan for the mission. 

Lewis Memorial Christian Village

Lewis Memorial Christian Village seeks to provide exceptional senior living and health care in a loving, Christian environment. LMCV strives to be a place where residents are honored and nurtured because every person is equally valued by God. LMCV is at 3400 W Washington Street in Springfield. You can visit their website at christianhorizonsliving.org/locations/lewis-memorial-christian-village

Lakeside has had a supporting relationship with Lewis Memorial Christian Village for many years and many Lakesiders have resided there for short-term recovery or long-term care.  If you would like to help in any way, please contact the church office and we will connect you with our Co-Key Auxiliary Ladies Linda Rhodes and Carol Smith. Individual serving opportunities can be scheduled through  the Activities Department or through the Volunteer Coordinator at 217-787-9600.  

Pioneer Bible Translators

Pioneer Bible’s worldwide is now a team of 573 working among 100.3 million people speaking 106 languages in 27 countries! Visit the PBT website at: pioneerbible.org

Pioneer Bible translators Jeff and Laura Wilhoit were able to visit Lakeside this fall. The long awaited Bible for the Toma people has been sent to the printers and proof copies have been received. Pray that 3000 Bibles are printed, packed, shipped, and reach the Toma people in time for the June 23-25 dedication. Pray for the literacy training and preparations for the dedication.  Jeff completed a trip to Africa to help work on an audio recording of the NT in early 2022.  PBT is also working on publishing 20+ books of the Toma Bible electronically by the end of this year, bringing the total number of published books to over 40. Laura reports that in the summer of 2022 they received the complete dramatized audio Toma New Testament that a partner organization Faith Comes By Hearing recorded when Jeff was in West Africa. Co-translators and several Toma speakers  voiced all the parts.

• Pray for all the people who will soon have the opportunity to hear and read the whole Bible in their own heart language and be transformed by doing so.
  
• Pray for the preparation and planning of a new Global Sending and Sign Language Center to be built on the PBT grounds in Dallas, TX through Jeff's leadership and oversight. 
• For more frequent updates from Jeff & Laura contact laura.wilhoit@pbti.org
• Some needs: a Smartphone for Toma translator to help with distribution, and external hard drive ($5,500) and 3,000 copies of the Bible at $19 each.

Ignite Church Planting Offering

The mission of Ignite Church Planting is to bring the hope of Jesus to Chicagoland by starting churches. On Pentecost Sunday, we collected an offering to help plant churches in the city of Chicago. Each year, on this day, Ignite invites individuals and churches to participate in their Pentecost Offering to help Ignite start more churches. Chicago is a world class city home to more than 2.7 million people who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. These people live in 77 distinct community areas across the city and most of these areas are highly underchurched. People who know the city estimate that two-thirds of the population have no connection to Jesus or his church. 

At Lakeside on June 5, 2022 you generously gave $1,714! For more information: ignitechurchplanting.com