Antwines 2007 Missions - December 12
posted in Missions, Europe |Clyde & Gwen Antwine
2600 Shady Tree Lane
Edmond, OK 73013
(405) 478-3614
December 12, 2007
Dear Supporters and Co-Workers,
What an amazing 12 months we have experienced! Shortly after the beginning of the New Year our first great-grandchild, Ethan, made his entrance into the world …and truly he is great! His sweet smile would melt the coldest heart. God has also blessed us with various travel opportunities to visit supporters, to encourage workers, and to be personally involved in “hands on” mission work – teaching and preaching.
Ohio
In mid-April we visited two congregations in Ohio who have partnered with us in the German-speaking work in Europe for many years. Sunday morning, April 15, Clyde spoke at the Harmar Hill congregation in Marietta. That evening he spoke at another fine congregation in Groveport (a suburb of Columbus). We always look forward to our annual visit to the “Buckeye State” and visiting with these fine brethren.
Caracas, Venezuela
The first of May we flew to Caracas, Venezuela, to visit with our H.I.M. Worker, Jonathan Hanegan. Because of his dedication to God and his unusual Spanish language skills, we were not at all surprised to observe how useful he is, not only in Caracas, but also in other congregations in Venezuela, as well as other Spanish speaking countries such as Columbia and Bolivia.
What we did not expect was deeply bonding with the Christians in a short 5-day visit – this, in spite of our inability to personally converse in their language with them. We were warmly received, and felt so welcome in their assembly. Sunday morning, Clyde preached and Jonathan translated. And then, almost on the spur of the moment before we left the States, we were asked to do a Sunday afternoon marriage seminar. We were told that in Venezuelan culture, being married 50 years to the same spouse is almost unheard of – even among believers. The seminar went over well, and some stayed around afterwards to ask questions.
In August, a sister from Caracas visited us. Upon her arrival at the airport, one of the first things she said was, “When can you two come back and do a longer marriage seminar?” Who knows? Perhaps another trip to Venezuela just might be on our itinerary in the not too distant future.
Dresden, Germany
The end of May we left to begin our month-long stay in Dresden, Germany. We do not like to be negative, but in all of our almost 50 years of travel, we have never experienced so many flight delays, resulting in missing flight connections. In many other ways, Murphy’s Law was running rampant – both going and coming.
In spite of the nightmare travel experiences, the time in Dresden was both pleasant and profitable. Clyde taught the midweek Bible class and preached 3 of the 4 Sundays we were there. We also visited with contacts made in past years. We also spent time with the two missionary families – Randy & Brianna Carroll and Steve & Kristi Martin. And yes, we did a lot of loving on their sweet children. That may not seem to be such “a big thing,” but remember, missionary kids don’t usually have many opportunities to enjoy “Grandma and Grandpa loving attention” – and they need that! However, the parents of Kristi Martin were also in Dresden to help welcome their 2nd grandchild into the world and give some extra loving attention to their 5-1/2 year old granddaughter. If all goes as scheduled, Lord willing, we will spend a month in Dresden again next year assisting in the work..
Pan European Lectureship, Berlin, Germany
The end of July we returned to Germany, this time to Berlin to attend the Pan European Lectures. Clyde was asked to speak on the topic: “Developing Churches.” Renewing fellowship with Christians, some of whom we have known since we first arrived in Switzerland 48 years ago, was just wonderful. For us, the icing on the cake was getting to spend an afternoon with a wonderful couple from Dresden we met four years ago with whom we have been having Bible study through e-mail, and have developed a close friendship, They made a special effort, along with their grandson, to visit us one afternoon in Berlin. These two wonderful people certainly defy the stereotyped concept of Germans as cold, and hard to get to know. It was Gwen who initiated the first meeting with them, and we seemed to “click.” Our relationship has now taken on spiritual dimensions. Respecting their privacy, we will not mention them by name. We just ask that you pray for them.
Kigali, Rwanda
During part of October we spent eight days in Kigali, Rwanda, our first time to visit the continent of Africa. The primary reason for this extra long trip was to counsel with our two HIM workers, Caleb & Jenny Beck. Since their arrival in late April they have been diligent in learning “Kinjarwanda” – the official language of Rwanda, and surfacing contacts. We were amazed at the number of friends they have made in the short time they have been there, and doors continue to open for them.
We were very impressed with the people of Rwanda – they were so friendly to us. Due to the 1994 genocide, the average age, we were told, is between 30-35. This means that Gwen, with her beautiful silver hair, and Clyde, with his “lack” of hair, were celebrities. Seriously, there is an evident respect for age, and this was instrumental in engaging several in conversation.
One of the young Christians in Kigali, Charles Kabeza, has developed a way to reach out to orphans this Christmas providing gifts they otherwise would not receive. Charles, himself an orphan from the genocide, has a deep passion for orphans, and is hopeful of making this an ongoing ministry. For more information go to his website: http://xtramiles.org/
Teaching
During the spring semester at Oklahoma Christian, Clyde taught one course – The Local Church and Missions. In the fall semester, which just concluded, he taught: Biblical Mission Methods. Since the classes were small, he especially enjoyed personal interaction with the students. From this semester, one of his students, and her husband, have been recruited to serve two years with the HIM Program (Helpers in Missions) in Honduras.
HIM Program
Most of Clyde’s time now is spent directing the Helpers in Missions Program. This involves recruiting, interviewing and training those accepted into the program. It also involves keeping close contact with those on the field, including on-site visits – all of which is very time consuming. At this writing five have been accepted into this year’s group scheduled to go out next summer and that number could possibly increase. It should also be mentioned that Gwen does a lot of volunteer, behind-the-scenes secretarial work, which contributes to the program functioning more smoothly than it otherwise would.
And so, we continue to plug along. We are constantly amazed at how God continually opens doors of service in our lives. But, without support and prayers of many, we could not go through these doors. Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel.
Gwen and I wish you a very “Merry Christmas” and God’s richest blessing throughout the New Year.
clyde.antwine@oc.edu
gwen.antwine@oc.edu
Clyde and Gwen Antwine