GO InterNational News

2010-12-01T11:28:00.001-05:00

GO InterNational Prayer Calendar

December 2010-February 2011

Dec. 4-15 Larry Frick Medical Team to Uganda

Dec. 5 Larry Cochran Missions Sunday Robinson, IL

Dec. 10-20 Joshua and Jennifer Reynolds Florida supporter visits and ministry exploration

Jan. 3-9 Bert Jones, Larry Cochran Pastor conference, Bogota, Colombia

Jan. 4-11 Ron Houp Mission team, Lima Peru

January 2011 Joshua and Jennifer Reynolds, Mexico

January 11-17 Larry Cochran Pastor Training event, Sapasoa, Peru

Jan. 18-26 Bert Jones Perspectives Fayetteville, AK

Jan. 23 Larry Cochran Church of the Savior Lexington, KY

Jan 28-30 Bert Jones Christ Community Church, Montgomery, AL

Feb. 4-18 Ron and Bonnie Koteskey Missionary Conference Chiang Mai, Thailand

Feb. 5 Bert Jones, Larry Frick Discover the Joy Conference, Johnson City, TN

Feb. 6-9 Larry Cochran Revival Services Dayton, TN

Feb. 16 Bert Jones First Methodist Church, Johnson City, TN

Feb. 16-25 Larry Cochran Mission Team, Trujillo, Honduras

Feb. 24-March 4 Larry Cochran, Larry Frick Mission Team Trujillo, Honduras

International Partners

Jorge Ramirez, Mexico
Sarahi Beltran, Mexico
Carlos Mayorga, Nicaragua
Ivan Galindo Paz, Honduras
Elizabeth Zubiandi, Venezuela
Guillermo Parra, Columbia
Gerardo Guzman, Peru
Wilma Grandez, Peru
Darwin Hilario, Peru
Wilkinson Grandez, Peru
G. John, India
Dennis Philippov, Russia
Xolisani Dlamini, Zimbabwe

GO Prayer Requests Oct.-Nov. 2010

2010-10-11T15:13:00.003-04:00

GO InterNational Prayer Calendar

October-November, 2010

The supreme question of foreign missions is how to multiply the number of Christians who will individually and collectively pray for the conversion and transformation of people. Every other consideration and plan is secondary to that of wielding the forces of prayer.

There is nothing that can so closely link us to Jesus Christ as the yielding of our lives to the work of bringing the great redeemer into the hearts and lives of our fellow men.

Andrew Murray

Schedule

Oct. 13-29 Larry Cochran, Eddie Sapp Bible Conference, Nepal

Oct. 18-20 Bert Jones Missionary Church Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC

Oct. 20 Larry Frick University of Cincinnati CMDA

Oct. 20-24 Larry Frick Global Impact Celebration Brookside Church Chillicothe, OH

Oct. 29 Bert Jones Mt. Carmel High School Chapel

Nov. 3-5 Bert Jones Mission Conference, Asbury University

Nov. 4 Larry Frick Mission Conference Ohio Christian University

November 7 Bert Jones Missions Day Van Wert, OH

Nov. 7-14 Larry Cochran Revival Faith Evangelical Methodist Church, Fairmount, IL

Nov. 8 Bert Jones Revival Fairmount, IL

Nov. 11-13 Larry Frick Global Missions Health Conference Louisville, KY

Nov. 15-20 Larry Frick CHE Vision Seminar, Cuitlahuac, Mexico

Nov. 23 Bert Jones Chapel, CMDA Bristol, TN

International Partners

Jorge Ramirez, Mexico
Sarahi Beltran, Mexico
Carlos Mayorga, Nicaragua
Ivan Galindo Paz, Honduras
Elizabeth Zubiandi, Venezuela
Guillermo Parra, Colombia
Gerardo Guzman, Peru
Wilma Grandez, Peru
Darwin Hilario, Peru
Wilkinson Grandez, Peru
G. John, India
Dennis Philippov, Russia
Xolisani Dlamini, Zimbabwe

Special Needs
Jorge Ramirez will have surgery for prostate cancer in November

Sarahi Beltran is ministering in Uganda in October and November

Guidance for GO staff as we plan ministry for 2011

God changes lives in Nicaragua

2010-03-31T14:57:00.001-04:00

Larry Cochran's report from his recent team to Nicaragua:

Flor was her name, her business was witchcraft and her reputation was well known.

Our first day in Nicaragua found us praying with a woman who had been bound by Satan for years. Her reputation in sorcery had led one village to attempt burning her home down. She fled to Nueva Jerusalem a small rural village one hour from Chinandega where she lived for nine years and now found Jesus as her liberator and Savior.

Our GO team had come to complete a church building that had been planted a year ago in Nueva Jerusalem. Our first day of visiting led us to Flor’s home. As a new Christian she battled demonic influences, people still were pursuing her for special favors and her bar restaurant served liquor to the local populace.

Our pastor invited us to have services in Flor’s restaurant. God knitted our hearts together with Flor and her family and for three days our ladies led sewing classes
in a saloon restaurant. Our last day in Nueva Jerusalem we dedicated our last services
in Flor’s restaurant. People came from the village to celebrate in Christian worship. Lives were rededicated and the smiles on people’s faces were evident everywhere.

We also found the joy of the Lord in other places.

Children’s VBS, the time working with our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters in Christian love was a special experience. Evening services in three different churches and a pastor’s supper were filled with excited worshippers and a church that is definitely on the move.

It is a great blessing to see how far this part of Nicaragua has come since those early days following Hurricane Mitch in 1998. What once was devastation and despair has turned into hope and new found joy.

I give special thanks to God for you and your constant love and prayers in our behalf. A special word of gratitude goes out to our friends in Greystone UMC in Dothan, Al who generously gave of themselves and their finances to help sponsor this new church plant in Nueva Jerusalem, Nicaragua.

If you would like to know more how you and your church can help sponsor a new church plant and go yourselves to help in the ministry why not contact us at www.gointernational.org or write me at larrycochran@gointernational.org and we will help you connect in the right places.

In Him,

Larry

Mission Team to Cusco, Peru

2010-02-01T16:37:00.007-05:00

Mission Team to Cusco, Peru
January 2010

GO International’s servant team to Cusco, Peru accomplished a wide range of ministries during the team’s time there. We saw the advantages GO’s strategy of doing short term missions through long term partnerships. The team of 16 was led by Larry Cochran and ministered with longtime GO partner Wilkinson Grandez to the Quechua Indians in the area around Cusco. The team worked with Freddy Quintinilla of ATEC, a ministry composed of four denominations working together to reach the Quechua people around Cusco.
The team worked in two villages, each 2-3 hour drive from Cusco. The first village was Huanoquite and the second was Colquepata. The villages were both quite remote and needy, with little medical care available in either location. In each village the team worked closely with the indigenous church as well as the local government officials. The team based in the community center in each village and provided medical and dental clinics service 640 patients as well as distributing over 300 pair of eyeglasses. While people were waiting for medical care they received health education and had the opportunity to view the Jesus film. Local pastors were available for evangelism and counseling. In each village the team conducted VBS for children as well as evening evangelistic outreach for adults. The team included a construction team that helped with projects for the local church. There were also pastor conferences conducted in each village.
The impact on the community and the local church was apparent. Many came to Christ through the medical outreach as well as the evangelistic services. Community leaders including the mayor in each village were very appreciative for the team’s holistic ministry. The team was humbled when the church in Huanoquite even took up a love offering of large bags of rice, potatoes and wheat to show their appreciation.
This was GO’s first time to minister in this part of Peru. The partnership with ATEC’s ministry was inspiring as we were able to see a holistic approach to ministry which focuses on assisting the people with literacy training so they can read the Bible in their native Quechua dialect. ATEC also works in church planting, pastor training, community health education, and community development. GO InterNational is the first outside ministry to bring a team to assist ATEC in their ministry. It was a good partnership with plenty of opportunity for future ministry together in this region of Peru.
The experience also made a difference in the lives of the team. Lana West recalls “seeing the smiling faces on the children with such intensity awaiting a chance to win a prize by remembering a Bible verse. Later that night… these young ones were the first to arrive to view the Jesus film and two young boys were the first ones to come forward to receive Christ in their life.” Dr. Larry Frick recalls meeting Claudia, a little girl with a severe nosebleed. Her mother had died when she was little and her grandfather who was trying to care for her didn’t even know her age or birthdate. God was gracious in helping the team stop the bleeding, but we are pryaing for her and what will become of her growing up in such circumstances. GO InterNational has many more opportunities in 2010 for you to see how God is at work around the world, using people like you to help fulfill the Great Commission! Check out the opportunities today at http://www.gointernational.org/.

Uruguay Mission

2009-11-17T10:36:00.006-05:00

Jonathan’s Journal, August 19-26, 2009

The Road to Uruguay...
Proverbs 16:9 – In his heart a man makes his plans, but the Lord who directs his path.
Psalm 91:9-11 - If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.

I first want to thank the many of you who as much as even breathed a single prayer for me as I prepared, traveled, ministered, experienced and returned on my recent mission trip. As most of you know we were “suddenly” re-routed from Brazil to Uruguay due to issues w/ a major Swine Flu outbreak in Caritibo and unexpected Passport/Visa issues as well. Instead of canceling the trip we were invited to Montevideo, capitol and primary port city of Uruguay by John Hamilton, who had planned to attend the Brazil meetings. John is the pastor of an English speaking Christian church in Montevideo, one of only two Uruguay. John and his wife Lisa graduated from Asbury University with Wendy and also with GO President Bert Jones, and his wife Cheryl.
Uruguay was unlike anything the Hamiltons had experienced in the prior ten years that they served in Colombia. In Colombia they witnessed a great harvest of souls and a hunger for the Gospel. As well, they were serving with a large thriving church founded and still currently pastored by Lisa’s dad. In Colombia they were surrounded by family and friends, administrative help, and nationals receptive to Christian efforts. In comparison, life in Uruguay was like living on a spiritually deserted island, in the middle of an ocean of apathy and inhabited by distrusting and disinterested natives. We knew that John and Lisa, along with their three awesome kids, often struggled with spiritual attacks of discouragement from living in a culture with such an extreme contrast from their previous field of service.

For GO International, Uruguay was also an unchartered field, and with only a few days notice before our departure, there was very little time to make even a quick study of the country. We really had no idea what purpose the Lord had in store for us, but the doors were opened and the decision was made to go to Uruguay. All four of us sensed the Lord’s leading, booked our flight changes and set out on our faith journey strengthened by words of encouragement, Scripture, prayers and financial support from friends and family.

Obstacles and Trials...
1 Peter 2:9 - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
It’s really no secret to the Christian who walks by faith and obedience that steps of faith often lead us into immediate opposition and adversities that test and stretch our faith. Our trip to Uruguay proved to be no exception as we faced swine flu and visa problems that blocked our path to Brazil, flight delays, lost luggage in Uruguay in the midst of winter (they are south of the equator), no cell phone communications, and even family crises back home.
YET, IN THE MIDST...of challenges our mission team bonded together, we were accepted and trusted by our

National hosts, clothes were loaned to us, funds were provided to replace personal items lost in luggage, Uruguayan friendships were established, encouragement and testimonies were shared, we learned more how to be content with little and to experience the joy of simplicity, serving, sharing, worshipping, and abiding in Christ. We absorbed the culture and history and were able to assess the field from the Hamilton’s perspective and GO International’s potential vision.
AND IN THE END...our lost luggage was found with nothing missing, the cold, cloudy, windy winter days turned to warm and sunny days, multiple people expressed how they knew God had sent us to them and felt blessed and favored that God had chosen us and them and most importantly we found the “Lighthouse”: GO’s first official partner for Uruguay!

We all were incredibly blessed by the Uruguayan's gratitude and attitude in welcoming and embracing us. Our unplanned, God-directed path to their doorstep allowed them to know we had no pre-planned agenda or motive for visiting them. Thus, trust and friendships were established easy as they became overwhelmed that we simply wanted to know how we could bless them without being a burden. We were also able to be a blessing without being a burden to the Hamilton family. They shared with us how short term teams often are much more of a burden than a blessing due to lack of education and preparation by team leaders.

More Discoveries... Uruguay
We had no idea we were flying into a country that was considered economically stable, (current unemployment rate of 7.9%) and one of the safest places to travel and live in the world. Yet 25% of the population suffers from depression contributing to the highest suicide rates in all of Latin America and what some have said is one of the highest teen suicide rates in the world. Uruguay is also widely recognized as the most atheistic, secular and least evangelized country in South America. Since 1973 the country experienced 12 years of cruel military dictatorship,
followed by nearly 20 years of stabilizing democracy, four straight years of recession caused by Argentina’s banking and financial crisis that led to 20% unemployment, 40% poverty and in 2004 the election and acceptance of a president and political party comprised of socialists, communists and liberal social democrats. These discoveries gave me even greater concern for the Unites States as I saw how economically susceptible we are while politically and spiritually headed in the same direction.

Montevideo...
John Hamilton explained to us how the now famous Uruguayan Rugby players, whose airline crashed in the Andes and had to result to cannibalism to survive, lived in Montevideo and several within a few miles of his church and home. He said their story, known worldwide because of the book and movie “Alive,” brought great pride and notoriety to Uruguay and even more so to the Montevideo community and remains a current influence on local culture and psyche. Montevideo represents almost 50% of the entire population of Uruguay which places the mayor of Montevideo in a powerful position of national political influence. Feeling more European than South American, Montevideo is a port city where horse cart recyclers gain food credits for sorting through dumpsters, taxi’s are so small your luggage travels in one and you travel in another, and to my great joy...70’s and 80’s American pop music is everywhere. With no pop artists or culture of their own they seem to have made this era and genre the music of Uruguay. People are warm and friendly and it is common to see friends and family gathering for an entire evening at one of the local and wonderful restaurants that always served large portions of excellent food. But mostly it is a city full of individuals seeking a sense of purpose and meaning for their life.
Church

I was asked to be the main speaker on Sunday morning at Christ Church, Montevideo - one of only two English speaking churches in Uruguay. Although the request came unexpectedly and gave me great anxiety, I knew God had sent me and thus would work through my nerves and inexperience. I was able to share how poverty, a broken home and bad influences impacted my life as a teen and young adult in school, the armed forces and employment. I knew the story of how God saved me from self-destruction, transformed my heart, and changed my circumstances from broke and homeless to a wonderful marriage, family and business owner/operator.

Business leaders and professionals...
One of the greatest opportunities the Lord gave to me was in meeting with other leaders in the marketplace. They shared with me the frustrating challenges of trying to make a profit in a highly liberal and socialistic environment - and I thought it was tough in Ohio. We all shared the challenges of trying to operate our business by Christian principles - being true to our values, conscience and Heavenly Father. I was able to relate with them by sharing various tests of faith and trials I experienced via personal failures, economic changes, extortion/power plays by customers, and betrayals by friends and family. It was clear from subsequent individual conversations and material requests that many Christians in business or leadership are hungry for resources, books and anything else to help them use their business for the Lord. What we have immediate access to in America, stands in stark contrast to a large modern city where I am not certain there is even one Christian bookstore.

Friends For Life...
I have been able to make friends for a lifetime in Uruguay. The blessing of technology like Facebook and email allows us to continue to build relationships of friendship and support. Here are some of the messages I have received since returning from Uruguay:

Fernando Font...
Querido hermano en Cristo Jesus. Estoy muy contento de que El Señor nos haya presentado . Realmente este encuentro fue muy fuerte espiritualmente hablando , ojalá nos veamos mas amenudo
Dios te bendiga.

In English: Dear Brother in Christ Jesus. I am very happy that the Lord has made. Actually the meeting was very strong spiritually speaking, I hope we meet more often! God bless you!

Prayer Requests

2009-10-21T15:24:00.001-04:00

“Brethren Pray for Us”
1 Thessalonians 5:25

OCTOBER

11 & 18 > Bert Jones - Community Missionary Church (Wilmore, KY)

12 – 17 > Dr. Phil Thornton & Randall Morton will be going to Bolivia to re-establish contacts with the partner.

17-18 > Larry Cochran will be in a Prayer Conference, Henry Christian UMC Eminence, KY

21 > Bert Jones will speak at LEAD ON at Asbury College

25 > Bert Jones will speak at the World Gospel Church (IN) (Mission conf.

25 > Larry Cochran will be at Huntingdon, WVA UMC

29 > Bert Jones will speak at CMDA chapel.

29-30 > Bert Jones will speak at the Johnson City and Kingsport Districts Leadership conference. (TN)

Oct. 29-Nov. 1 > Bert Jones will be speaking at the missions conference at 1st Pres. Johnson City TN

NOVEMBER

8, 15, 22, 29 > Bert Jones - Community Missionary Church (Wilmore, KY)

15-19 > Larry Cochran will be in revival services at Faith Evangelical Methodist Church Fairmount, Illinois

Nov 29- Dec 2 > Larry Cochran will be at the Conecuch County Revival services.

18 > Bert Jones will speak at LEAD ON at Asbury College

Chihuahua, Mexico July 2009

2009-09-15T16:07:00.006-04:00

God Has a Plan in the Sierra

One of the blessings of our recent medical team to the Sierra Tarahumara of Mexico is seeing again how God always has a plan. His ways truly are higher that our ways. Only he could have put together the right combination of eleven Americans traveling with the Global Health Outreach medical team and 14 Mexicans ministering under the direction of GO InterNational partner Jorge Ramirez to do the work he had planned for the week.

Our medical outreach began in the village of Guacaybo. Although we saw many patients, we weren’t quite as busy as expected. A rainstorm kept many of the patients who have to walk a long distance from visiting our clinic. However, when Dr. Sergio Miranda, the regional medical director, asked if we could send some people to visit some of their more serious patients in their homes, we had an unexpected opportunity. It took God’s protection to keep our van on the nearly impassable roads, but the blessing we received was worth it. Included in those we saw were Eva, a 5-year old with diabetes, and Cherly, a pregnant 16 year-old who also has a serious congenital heart defect. We were able to be a blessing to the patients and their families and share Christ’s love with them, as well as be a help to the local medical personnel as they do their best to care for the people in difficult circumstances. God’s plans continued to unfold later that evening after we thought we were finished and had the clinic and equipment all cleaned up for the night when a truckload of additional patients from another village showed up. The team showed me their servant hearts as they eagerly went back to work sharing Christ’s love and concern with those in need.

God continued to surprise us later in the week as well. Due to some unforeseen circumstances our clinic in the village of San Ignacio had to be cut short. However this gave us an opportunity to visit an orphanage in Creel and provide medical and dental care to the children that the orphanage never could have afforded to provide. They team also showed it’s versatility in putting on a puppet show and sharing Christ through song and a gospel presentation with the Evangecube. As we gathered to pray for the orphanage workers before we left, they were truly grateful to the Lord for the blessing he provided through our visit. For some on the team this was the highlight of the week.

The change in schedule also allowed us to visit a small village called Ojitos. This was also a small remote village in a beautiful mountain setting. The church building we used didn’t have electricity, so Dr. Jeff Worley set up his dental equipment outside a small cabin that had electricity for an open air dental office as he worked to meet the dental needs that day. Again our team was able to minister to the village children as well as meet medical and dental needs. It was a special privilege to pray with Guadalupe, and elderly Tarahumara woman who received Christ that day.

We fully expect that we are not done seeing God work through this team. We expect great reports from local missionaries Carlos and Laura Ponce and Esther in Guacaybo and also from Theresa in San Ignacio and Creel as we see how the seeds we planted grow in the hearts of the people. We also expect to hear great things from those who went on our team as their lives change as a result of our time together.

Aguaytia, Peru 2009

2009-09-15T15:51:00.007-04:00

Aguaytia, Peru 2009

Our August 2009 medical team to Aguaytia consisted of 11 members. We served with GO InterNational partner Darwin Hilario and local pastor Lucio. We were there to provide medical care in support the outreach of the local churches. When we arrived, we were surprised to learn that our clinics were to be conducted in a local technical school which had a nurses training program. We had help evaluating patients from the faculty including two local OB-GYNs and two advance practice nurses. The students were a great blessing as well in helping with various aspects of the medical ministry. With all the help, our team was able to see 726 medical and dental patients and also apply fluoride treatments for nearly 300 children. We also had an opportunity to share in the nursing classes one day. Nurse Ann Litter, Dr. Cathy Bishop, and myself were all able to do some teaching as well as talk to the students about what Christ means to our lives and to our practice of our profession. While we were in Aguaytia we were also able to help encourage and build up the local church through our participation and preaching in local church services and the pastor training event for area pastors conducted by Dr. Phil Thornton.

One afternoon my interpreter Wanda and I were summoned to talk to a couple. It turns out Zoila had been seen at the clinic the day before. She said she had been a Christian, but for many years had been away from the Lord. When she was at the clinic the day before, she received treatment but also knew that we were Christians. She began to realize that something was missing in her life and that we had it and she wanted it. That night she couldn’t sleep and knew she wanted to come back and see us to ask Jesus back into her life. She came back and brought her boyfriend Dennis too because she knew he also needed Jesus. What a joy to be able to pray with this couple to commit their lives to Christ.

AMAZONIAN SURVIVAL TRIP

2009-08-17T15:51:00.003-04:00

“Unto Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling....Jude 1:24

I never claimed a verse more fervently than in our recent jungle trip to Mt Olivos, Peru.

You could never imagine a trail filled with more obstacles, roots, rocks, mud and creeks, and steep inclines, it was an unforgettable journey, and by God’s Grace no one “stumbled” and hurt themselves.

Mt Olivos founded ten years ago by Wilkinson Grandez is an Amazonian community of homesteaders. Families that have landed here are given parcels of land to farm and build their homes.

Nestled in the jungle it is a long way from civilization, nearly sixteen miles to be exact. But here we find a people humbled by their circumstances but joyous in their love for God.

Ramon and his family of nine children helped pioneer this village ten years ago. Today he is harvesting a healthy coffee crop and grows his own vegetables for his family. Regular trips to Sapasoa and Nueva Vida allow him to buy the necessary essentials.

You have an emergency here there is no where to go, no medical doctors or clinics just a nine hour walk to the nearest village. It is a hard life and for many their faith in God is what sustains them.

Our team held a medical clinic, eye glasses clinic and conducted VBS for the children. We were so blessed by the reception and the hospitality of everyone. We held evening services and were joyful to conclude one evening a reconciliation service. God moved us all in a special way.

On our return trip to Nueva Vida we rafted several hours in lashed together bolsa wood rafts. It was a blast and great to not have to walk another three hours!

We returned to Sapasoa for a three day youth conference. I was so pleased that the Peruvian youth led the entire conference and our young adults did such an outstanding job of sharing the Word and their testimonies. We are grateful once again for God moving among us.

Thanks for praying for us. You do not go on a trip like this to change Olivos. Olivos changes you.

“My heart was humbled by this experience, I had to learn that God is in control, not me” stated Sammie White.

We all returned with a renewed sense of awe of God’s beautiful creation, and a new respect for people who truly live on the edge everyday of their lives.

Their testimonies and lifestyles were a challenge and reminder that God truly is in control of our destinies.

Most Recent Report from Larry Cochran - Past President of GO InterNational

GO Knee Notes for March and April 2009

2009-03-10T12:33:00.002-04:00

“Every promise of Scripture is a writing of God, which may be pledged before Him with this reasonable request: ‘Do as Thou hast said.” C.H. Spurgeon

The GO staff has been very busy since January 1st, 2009. It is an incredible privilege to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. We count it all joy to be in His service. He is very gracious to open doors for us to minister in the harvest fields and in His church.

Please be in prayer for the following:

March 13 - 14 - GO INTERNATIONAL BOARD MEETING

March 15-19 - Bert Jones will be at Alum Bank UMC in Pennsylvania.

March 17 - 21 - Dr. Phil Thornton will take a team to Lima, Peru

March 14 - 20 - Bob and Diane Stanko will lead the Asbury Women's Soccer team on a trip to Mexico.

March 20 - 27 Larry Cochran will be leading a team to Chinandega, Nicaragua.

March 29th - Bert Jones will be preaching in Bristol, TN at Calvary Baptist.

March 31st - Bert Jones will speak at the CMDA Chapel in Bristol, TN

April 5th - Bert Jones will be speaking at Furnace Run in Kittanning, PA

April 16th - Bert Jones will be speaking at the Pensacola District UMC leadership event.

April 17th - Bert Jones will be speaking at the Bethlehem Camp meeting retreat.

April 19th - Bert Jones will be at the Christian Medical and Dental Association conference.

April 24 - 26 - Bert Jones will be speaking at First Methodist Church in Irving, TX

May 1-3 - Bert Jones will speak at the Mary Esther UMC missions conference.

May 14 & 15 - Bert Jones will be speaking at the Johnson City UMC district leadership training event.

Knee Notes January & February 2009

2009-01-06T11:09:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! We here at GO InterNational headquarters trust that you experienced the fellowship of the Lord in each of your situations this past Christmas and New Year. Why would I say a greeting in such a way? Each of our circumstances are different. Some spend time with family and or friends, others experience difficulty during holidays, others pain and some are just plain busy. In each of our circumstances we can still experience the fellowship which our Lord Jesus desires to have with us. My Granny Phipps, who is with the Lord, used to tell me "He'll never leave nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:8; Heb. 13:5) What a promise! What comfort! I trust that each of us in our different circumstances will 'draw near with confidence' (Heb. 14:6) and fellowship with the Savior who is always with us.

Again, we ask you to be praying for us in these coming days. We begin our travel season in earnest beginning the week end of January 10th.

January 9 - 18: Dr. Phil Thornton, his wife Jane, and Dr. Frank Wilbur and his wife Wendy, will travel to India to lead a pastor's conference.

January 8-10: President Bert Jones will be speaking at a GHO conference in Bristol, TN.

January 10th: Michelle Cravens will travel to Peru to begin a 6 week stay with our partner in Chincha, Peru.

January 10-18: Dr. Larry Frick, his wife Marissa, and Randall Morton will be leading a small team to Nicaragua.

January 22-31: Larry Cochran will lead a team to Puerto Maldonado, Peru.

January 29- February 14: Randall Morton will be leading a pastoral team to Ethiopia in partnership with Global Health Outreach. We will participate in a pastor's conference/medical mission.

February 10-12: Larry Cochran will lead a pastor's conference in Lima, Peru
February 12-21: Larry Cochran will lead a team to Yurimaguas, Peru

March 13 & 14 BOARD MEETING OF GO INTERNATIONAL in Wilmore, KY

March 20-27: Larry Cochran will lead a team to Chinandega, Nicaragua

Please, in your time of prayer fellowship with the Lord, lift us up here at GO InterNational.

Knee Notes November & December 2008

2008-11-03T09:52:00.006-05:00

John Piper wrote in his book LET THE NATIONS BE GLAD: "Life is war. That's not all it is. But it is always that. Our weakness in prayer is owing largely to our neglect of this truth. Prayer is primarily a wartime walkie-talkie for the mission of the church as it advances against the powers of darkness and unbelief."

Once again we at GO InterNational ask for your prayer support. We want to continue to provide specific prayer requests to help you pray more effectively for us.

November 2 - 9 - Larry Cochran is in revival meetings at Faith Evangelical Methodist.

November 3 - 6 - Emily Jones & Michelle Cravens will participate in the Missions Conference at Taylor Universtiy.

November 5-7 - Aaron Wilkinson, Zach Szmara and Randall Morton will be at Asbury College's Great Commission Congress.

November 7-9 - Bert Jones will be the keynote speaker, Marissa Phelps and Michelle Cravens will work with the children at a missions conference at Church of the Savior, Lexington, KY.

November 13-15 - Bert Jones will participate at the Global Health Conference at South EAst Christian Church, Louisville, KY.

November 18-21 - Bert Jones will speak at the Christian Service International retreat in Orlando, FL

Prayer Quote October 7, 2008

2008-10-07T10:52:00.002-04:00

What does our prayer life say about what we believe about God?

"He that expects little from prayer, will not be much in prayer." William Gurnall

Prayer Quote September 24th, 2008

2008-09-24T16:24:00.005-04:00

The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray. Samuel Chadwick

We could easily add to this that the devil does not fear prayerless missions. We need your prayer support. Pray for us as we plan the trip schedule for 2009.

Knee Notes October 2008

2008-09-23T12:41:00.007-04:00

We count it a privilege that you desire to pray for us here at GO InterNational and the ongoing ministry of advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world. We need your prayers daily. When you pray for us, please be specific, systematic, and steadfast in praying for definite needs. Pray that we will be filled continually with the Spirit. Pray that we will be filled with the knowledge of His will. Pray for our personal relationships with the Lord. Pray that we will be bold in our witness for Him. Pray for our safety. Pray that we will guard the precious unity of the Spirit in our office. Pray for the provision of the financial needs of each staff member and the organization as a whole. Pray for our families. Your prayers are vital to our ministry and we rejoice that the Lord has laid us on your heart.

Please be in prayer for those who will be preaching the Word in the U.S. in October:

1 - 5 - Bert Jones - 1st Church of the Nazarene, Mobile, AL
5 - Randall Morton - Calvary Baptist, Bristol, TN
12 - Bert Jones - 1st Baptist Church, Salyersville, KY
17 - 19 - Larry Cochran - Missions Conf. Kentucky Mountain Bible College
17-19 - Bert Jones - Missions Conf. - Narragansett, RI
17-19 - Randall Morton - Missions Conf. Family Life Bible Church, Conway, AR
21 - Bert Jones - Teaching at Asbury College
28 - Bert Jones - CMDA - Bristol, TN

40th Anniversary!

2008-09-17T15:40:00.002-04:00

GO InterNational marked its 40th Anniversary of ministry this last Saturday with an evening of celebration in Wilmore, KY. Friends and supporters of the ministry came to reflect on the past and dream about the future. We were honored to have Dr. Doug Carter, Senior Vice-President of Equip, challenge us to become investors instead of advisors, to get involved rather than talk about getting involved.

More news on the 40th to come later. For now, thank you to all who came out for the celebration! We loved seeing you.

Joni BesGrove | Stepping Out to Live Mission

2008-04-07T13:09:00.005-04:00

God called me to serve others when the first mission trip to Nicaragua was announced. But my worries and fears overcame me, and I could not commit to the trip. When the team returned, I saw the love and enthusiasm God had provided them. I felt that I had missed a great opportunity. So when the opportunity arose again, I knew that I wanted to go and experience God at work as that team had.

I committed to the mission trip, but struggled with fears: of leaving the United States and going to a poor and unstable country, the safety of the food and water, and the diseases.

As we prepared for the trip, I found myself questioning

“What am I capable of offering to others on this trip?”

I know no Spanish; I am not a teacher; I am not a Biblical scholar, I do not like to sew, and am I physically strong enough to work construction?

But in my heart I knew that I had to give my fears and worries to God and trust that He would put me to use doing whatever.

God gave me the strength and courage to leave my comfort zone. I opened my eyes and heart and could see God’s work all around me. He worked through me in ways that I could never have imagined. I was able to communicate my sewing skills with actions and a few Spanish words. A young Nicaraguan mother from the sewing group took my hand and led me into the village to her home, which was a three walled shack complete with a cot, strips of faded fabric hanging as room dividers, and a finely swept dirt floor. She handed me her 2 month old baby boy, and proudly showed me the beaded bracelets that she had made for him using the materials that we had supplied.

There were no barriers with lots of smiles, hugs, and laughter.

I thank my family, the team, Charlie, and the congregation for your prayers and support.

-talk given by Joni BesGrove to her local church family upon her return from Nicaragua

GO InterNational In the News!

2008-03-28T13:30:00.002-04:00

This week GO InterNational was featured as the cover story on the Neighbor's Section of the Jessamine Journal newspaper in Nicholasville, Kentucky. You can take a look at the article online by clicking here.

Peru | Just Do It!

2008-03-24T14:45:00.007-04:00

We all know the famous slogan for Nike commercials “JUST DO IT”

The GO InterNational missions team to Yurimaguas, Peru March 5-13, 08 was a golden opportunity to just do what God has commanded us to do – demonstrate His Love to people in need.

Through medical and dental attention, eye glasses clinic, VBS to children, leadership training and evening evangelism services God’s love was on display and praise God many came to know Him!

One our greatest joys was giving over five hundred Bibles to fellow Christian leaders. We were expecting fourteen churches to be represented at the leadership conference but word spread throughout the region and over ninety five leaders came together for the two day event. Mr. Bob Willis from the Greystone UMC in Dothan, Alabama presented the Bibles which the leaders in Peru eagerly received.

Missions can be exciting, come join us and discover the joy of just doing it!!

- Shared by Larry Cochran upon his return from leading a team to Peru

Nicaragua | What happens in Nicaragua DOESN'T stay in Nicaragua.

2008-03-20T10:20:00.004-04:00

Have you ever seen the commercial about Las Vegas? “What Happens In Las Vegas Stays In Las Vegas.” One of our team members challenged us all on our recent trip to Nicaragua with a play off of that commercial. “What Happens In Nicaragua Does Not Stay In Nicaragua. Let’s go home and tell others what God is doing here.” Our time in the village of Villa 15 de Julio was literally life changing for many. Our team of two different churches melted together as one just as it should be in the body of Christ. Team members who were at first hesitant about working in such impoverished and dirty conditions, embraced the conditions and the people. Most stepped out of the boat of their comfort and experienced life changing cross cultural ministry. To see our team work with the people, overcoming barriers of language, poverty, and culture to be the incarnate love of Christ. They worked side by side with their brothers and sisters in Nicaragua to build the kingdom of God together. They were His instruments to reach the people of this village with the gospel and this was an awesome thing to witness.

- shared by Randall Morton upon his return from an eleven day trip to Nicaragua

Peru | Recruits for the Community of the Redeemed

2008-03-10T16:50:00.003-04:00

Elias Sosa is a man under authority. As the Commandant of the military for Puerto Maldonado, Peru he trains new recruits and provides a military presence near the Bolivian and Brazilian borders.

Last Monday evening he attended a Transformations dinner sponsored by GO InterNational in Puerto Maldonado. City officials, pastors and their wives attended the dinner and following our planned program I gave the Commandant an opportunity to share, and his testimony for Jesus was straight from his heart.

Before leaving that evening he extended the opportunity for GO to come and speak at the army base and challenge the new recruits. Friday morning two hours before our team was to leave and return home we arrived to an audience of eighty recruits and trainers. They were young.

Memories flooded my mind as I remembered those early days in my military career. A long way from home living under duress I remembered the loneliness and homesickness. I knew our time was short here and following a few songs, I preached the simple Gospel story of Jesus and weaved in my personal testimony how I came to Christ while serving in the military in the Panama Canal Zone.

At the close of the service the simple invitation to come forward and surrender their hearts to Christ was given. To my amazement and to God’s glory sixty one recruits came forward and prayed to receive Jesus in their hearts! We sang and the Commandant came forward to share again his story and how God had called him first to help lead his company to Jesus Christ.

As a follow up the GO team donated funds to purchase seventy five Bibles, discipleship materials and a devotional guide to every recruit.

We are so blessed to know Jesus and share His love with the people of Peru. Would you remember to pray for the new life of Jesus in the hearts of these precious young men?

- Shared by Larry Cochran upon his return from Peru

Ethiopia | Will you be a Philip?

2008-02-21T09:46:00.002-05:00

“The church in Ethiopia is a mile wide and an inch deep.” That was the comment of the national director of a major ministry in Ethiopia. My mind went immediately to Philips encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts chapter 8. The passage describes the scene for us. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.' So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”

The question still haunts me “How can I understand, unless someone guides me?” It haunts me because the Ethiopian pastors are still asking that question. The purpose for our joining with Global Health Outreach in this trip to Ethiopia was to go and guide some precious men and women of God who have never had the opportunity to go to Bible school or seminary. God has plucked them out of the darkness of sin and put it in their hearts to go and preach the Gospel and be the shepherds of the people they lead. The church is growing in Ethiopia but they need training, encouragement and guidance to go deeper in the Word. The Ethiopian pastors are inviting us as an organization to continue what Philip did that day outside of Jerusalem… “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.”

-shared by Randall Morton on his return from 2 weeks in Ethiopia

Nicaragua | Building a Foundation of Hope

2008-02-04T14:04:00.000-05:00

This past week our GO InterNational missions team paused at the public memorial to pay our respects to the victims of Hurricane Mitch. Over three thousand rocks surround the memorial site symbolizing the death of each individual. As I looked at the mountain of rocks, the Holy Spirit nudged me to a simple truth. Jesus Christ is the rock of our salvation and He promised that those who obeyed Him would stand firm through the storms of life and in Him there was no need to fear an unknown future - only the assurance He would establish our lives in him and care for us for eternity.

During the week our team of twenty GO volunteers joined our Nicaraguan friends to lay the foundation for a new church building in a village near Chinandega. The work was both physical and spiritual. To help our evangelism outreach GO InterNational's partner in Mexico, Ignacio Martinez and his wife Sarah joined us to preach the Gospel each evening.

Night after night the altars were filled with people seeking hope in Jesus Christ. The sewing classes found unsaved women praying to receive Jesus in their hearts and receiving literature to help them grow. People sought out team members to be prayed for healing and the Lord did indeed respond graciously to touch lives including one woman who was dramatically healed from hearing loss. People came to receive reading glasses and again many received prayer for new spiritual insight.

The Jesus film was viewed the last evening in an outdoor campaign and over thirty people came forward to give their hearts to Christ. GO friends provided funding for feeding the most destitute, clothing for naked children that we witnessed daily and over one hundred Bibles, two thousand tracts, two hundred set of glasses, three sewing machines with materials, VBS supplies for over a hundred children and two thousand dollars to help build the foundation of the new church building.

Just as the foundation was being poured for this new church building we gathered around together the last day to dedicate the building and to consecrate our lives to living holy lives.

My heart and my team mates overflow with joy for the wonderful ways God revealed Himself to the people in Chinandega. He never leaves us where we are - but lovingly and patiently helps us build our lives on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ.

- shared by Larry Cochran upon his return from Nicaragua

India | A Changed Life...A Changed People

2008-01-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

As she stands before John and Theeba, she sings the song of her past. Listen quietly and you may hear it. Her high pitched voice mixes with her tears of joy.

She sings in Telagu, her native tongue. My people once lived in darkness. We thought we were less than nothing. We had no hope. We were at the mercy of the spirits. We lived in deep despair. We had nothing to eat. We were like animals. But then Jesus came. And all has changed.

As she sings the history of her people, she stands with a gift in her hand. No, it isn’t much. And yet it is everything. A gift presented to her spiritual parents with most profound honor, sincerity, and simplicity that I have every witnessed.

Mr. G. John picks up her story after she has finished her song. A strong Christian among her people, this simple lady has a prayer meeting once a week with over two hundred women. One account has it that in one of those prayer meetings a person was literally brought back from the dead.

I don’t doubt the testimony. The Spirit of God was too strong in her presence to doubt anything.

Tribal people generally have no concept of heaven and hell. But they are well aware of the spirit world which surrounds them. These spirits cause sickness and even death and must be appeased regularly through sacrifice. When the Gospel is presented, it is done through what we call “power encounter.” That is, people are healed or released from the power of demons.

Thanks to the ministry of COUNT and the Agape Fellowship (our partnership in India), hundreds of tribal people are coming to Christ each year. Children are cared for through the Agape homes; economic development brings life sustaining tools; education brings opportunity.

When the Lord sets you free, you are free indeed.

- story shared by Dr. Phil Thornton from his recent trip to India

Go International | Website Launch

2007-12-02T19:26:00.000-05:00

Wilmore, KY (December 15, 2007) - Go International is pleased to announce the launch of its new website as we head in to 2008. "Our staff is excited with the new look and feel and believe it gives our site visitors an easy-to-use and intuitive experience while they learn about our organization on the web." shared Zachary Szmara of Go International.

Visit http://www.gointernational.org