Haiti Journal

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We are immensely grateful for this trip.  The spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical impact of it cannot be minimized . . . we will be in the “sorting” process for some time to come.  The disparity between here and there is simply too great to comprehend . . . you cannot begin to compare the scope and depth of what we have been given (and allowed to have) with the scope and depth of what the Haitian people do NOT have.

I loved the time spent with those who are giving their lives in serving Christ in Haiti.  I loved the time spent with those who are being served.

This journal probably contains, for many of you, more “insignificant” detail than you care to read, but I didn’t want to miss a thing . . . nor forget it when the days and weeks have created distance between me and the days spent there.   It wasn’t  necessarily written with other readers in mind, but if you’d like to read more, click here.

Welcome, Ottos!

Dear SC District church family,

Greetings to our new South Carolina District church family!  We are the Otto family and will be one of your new missionary families being sent to plant a movement of churches in the Low Country beginning with the Charleston area.  We are so happy to become a part of the Wesleyan Church family in the South Carolina District and to get to know all of you in the years ahead.

To help you get better acquainted with us, I would like to share a little about our story.  Amy and I have been married for twenty years and have three children, Erin (17), Zachary (16) and Micah (14).  Erin is a freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University and is majoring in Social Work and Psychology.  Zachary is a junior in High School and loves to play basketball and any type of guitar.  Micah is a freshman in High School and loves to play the drums and listen to groups like Haste The Day and Chariot.  The boys are very excited about making the move into a new school and seeing what God has in store for them.  Erin is a little nervous about being 12 hours away from her family and having to say goodbye to the home she grew up in for the past eight years.

My wife, Amy is an awesome partner in ministry and is a sanguine through and through.  She loves children and enjoys bonfires, camping and being with her family and friends.  She has an Elementary Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and has used her gifts and skills by serving on staff at each of our church plants in the capacity of Children’s Ministry Director and in our most recent church as the Worship Director.  Amy loves playing the piano, bass guitar, singing and writing songs.  She almost always has a song in her heart.

I have an undergraduate and graduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and have been in the ministry since 1992.  I love hanging out with my kids, preaching, planting churches, hunting, fishing, sports and taking my wife on a weekly date.  We have been privileged to serve our Savior Jesus Christ and have been blessed to plant and pastor six churches.  The longest we have been at one of our church plants was eight years and the shortest time was one year, before turning it over to another pastor.  We are leaving our current church plant having pastored here for six years.

As we embark on this new journey that God has called us to, we welcome your prayers.  The journey that God has had us on has been remarkable and one marked with a clear call to go to the Low Country to proclaim the message of Christ.  One of the remarkable scriptures that God laid on Amy’s heart can be found in Psalm 107 where the words in the New Living Translation declare, “I will gather you from the North, South East and West…and will make a straight path to the city where you will settle.”  I can honestly say that we have witnessed the mighty hand of God making a straight path to the city where we should settle.  We put our house up for sale and within two weeks had two offers!  On October 24 we closed on the sale of our house.  That’s a time-frame that is unheard of here in mid-Michigan.  We have leased a house in Summerville and are leaving on Monday, October 31st for the 16-hour drive to the city where God has led us to settle.

In the months to come we will be getting jobs, settling into our home and getting acquainted with the community.  We will also begin speaking at the District churches to find prayer partners and to encourage churches to partner with us by sending mission teams to canvass, run backyard Bible clubs, sports camps and other evangelistic endeavors.   We will also be looking for partner churches that would consider taking up an initial love offering for the church plant and considering putting the church plant in their monthly missions or outreach budget.

With the Spirit’s outpouring and the partnership of all the churches in the South Carolina District, we will hopefully be launching official worship services by the end of 2012.  If you would like to have us come to your church to speak, please contact us by email at ottothechurchplanter@yahoo.com.  We thank you for your prayers.

Serving Christ Together,

The Otto Family

 

Rev. Wayne Otto and Amy, along with their three children, will be moving during the first week of November to prepare for a launch of a new congregation in the Charleston area during the Fall of 2012.  The Ottos are proven church planters, having planted six congregations during their ministry, and Wayne is a certified church planting coach.  He has also worked with the North Michigan District as an assistant to the DS with responsibilities of church health and multiplication.  He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and is widely respected in The Wesleyan Church as a leader in the church multiplication movement.
In March 2011, the DBA called the district to prayer . . .

prayer for a prevailing strategy to be initiated in order to:

  1. Recruit/mobilize high‐capacity planters, leaders and teams
  2. Identify highly receptive cities and contexts as strategic sites
  3. Empower robust Resources of Prayer, Revival, and Finances!

We truly believe that the fact that God has led the Otto family to South Carolina is a direct result of the prayers of our district family.  God has confirmed this action in remarkable ways during the past four months when this process began.

You will be hearing about opportunities to support this ministry through your prayers, work teams, finances, and even potential involvement in the launch team by moving to the area! You will be asked to help connect the Ottos with those you may know who are already in the area.  Continue to pray for a harvest of souls in the Low Country!

Pastor Buddy


Reminder: Ride for the Rock – Tomorrow!

Download PDF Registration Form: Ride for the Rock Registration

Or, contact Joy Bryant: jbryant@swu.edu

District News & Notes – October 10th, 2011

Summer has come and gone and it is now well into Fall. With the exception of the District Conference update and other District updates by email, some of the usual communication has been missing. I could recap the last three months and our personal and family journey (and I will share some of that later), but, suffice it to say, that has certainly had significant impact on the schedules and demands. We continue to be so very grateful to our Heavenly Father for His faithfulness and goodness.

Among the highlights of past few months have been our district conference and camps here at Table Rock. We want to express appreciation for the work of camp leaders and their teams for making possible a great summer of life change for our students and adults. The two youth camps–following the theme, Radical–provided a great setting for ministry to our students in middle and high schools. District Youth President, James Henderson, and the team of youth pastors/leaders from our district give much time and effort to make camps happen. Our children’s camp director, Cynthia Edge, has given several years on staff and for the past two years has been director. We had a maximum enrollment and maximum impact on the lives of the children through the efforts of the excellent group of counselors and staff. The theme for the camp this year was Road Trip ’11. Pictured at right is a scene from the rally time.

The 2011 edition of Family Camp proved to be a spirit-anointed and fruitful time in our district family. The attendance was good, especially in light of the intense summer heat and our services being in an “open-air” setting. The preaching by Rev. Ernest Mullins and Rev. Steven Wilson was powerful and anointed, centered in the Word and given with incredible passion and clarity. Praise and worship, led by Bob and Gail Kerstetter who were assisted by the SWU University Singers, lifted the congregation into the presence of

God as we joined in the singing. The breakout sessions led by our evangelists and Dr. Roger McKenzie and Rev. Tony Casey were of the highest quality and the obvious preparation was truly appreciated. Because of the faithfulness and commitment by our churches and individuals, we came very close to reaching our budget. We deeply appreciate the service of Richard Hall, Camp Director for the past three years. His passion for and commitment to this district ministry has been significant. The church he serves (Eden) has been a leader in camp participation under his leadership. Joy Bryant was elected as the new Family Camp Director and is bringing energy and excitement as we prepare for the future. Please be in prayer as we face the challenge of maintaining a strong tradition while, at the same time, remaining committed to relevance in this new day.

Since the summer camps came to a close, our energies and attention have been given to many exciting developments along with the usual challenges. Our district entered into a partnership with Rev. Phil Struckmeyer, Director of Nitrogen and also of Church Planter Training for The Wesleyan Church, to help us with our church planting efforts. We have had meetings and strategy sessions for three days each month for the past three months. In addition, he played a significant role in helping us with securing a church planter for the Charleston area.

Now to the big announcement. Upon recommendation of the Church Multiplication Team, the DBA approved our first “Jerusalem Church Plant” which will be in Charleston area. Rev. Wayne Otto and his wife, Amy, along with their three children, will be moving to Berkeley County during the first week of November to prepare for a launch of this new congregation in the Fall of 2012. The Ottos are proven church planters, having planted six congregations during their ministry. In addition, he is a certified church planting coach and has worked with the North Michigan District as an assistant to the DS with responsibilities of church health and multiplication. He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and is widely respected in The Wesleyan Church as a leader in the church multiplication movement. We believe that this decision by the Ottos comes as a direct response to your prayers. God has confirmed this action in remarkable ways during the four months since this process began. Additional information will be shared soon.

Our District Board of Administration met for a retreat September 16 and 17 at the Table Rock Retreat and Conference Center. The focus of our time together was church health and multiplication. We are still processing some of our observations and conclusions and anticipate that our regular meetings will include time to focus on resourcing our leaders and congregations.

Church visits during these past few months have included the following regular visits: FWC/ALIVE, Northeast (Columbia), True Life Christian Fellowship, and Spartanburg First. Pastoral Installations include: Easley First (Rev. Randy Clay) and Pleasant View (Rev. Randy Clour). There have been more than the usual amount of LBA meetings as well as numerous meetings with pastors. The News and Information section contains reports on other district events.

On the Saturday morning following the final summer camp, our lives and schedules changed dramatically with an early morning phone call that sent us scurrying toward NC for the birth of our 11th grandchild. Naomi Elizabeth Rampey arrived just after 8:00am. She is the daughter of Aaron and Liz Rampey and was welcomed by siblings, Ike and Marlowe. Unknown until the moment of her birth, Naomi had Down Syndrome and her parents and our family began a journey that will impact our family forever. To see what God has done and is doing in the lives of all those around her is truly a blessing.

We celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary on August 2nd by being present for the birth of Tabitha Ruth Miller, grandchild number twelve. This beautiful little girl (our 6th in 3 years!) is another wonderful gift to us. Her parents are Matthew and Emily Miller and her older siblings are Ethan and Cora Jane. Joan transitioned from NC to Newberry, SC, to provide assistance and give herself to being “Nana” for about six days – something she loves so much. She then returned to NC for two more days to provide child care while doctor’s visits began for Naomi, who was now home from the hospital. By the time Joan returned home, she had been away for 16 days. She came home just in time to help prepare for the biennial Rampey Reunion here at Table Rock. More than 50 descendants of Samuel and Marion Rampey gathered for a great time of reconnecting with one another and our roots.

We are delighted to report that both of the new granddaughters are doing well. On November 3rd, Naomi will have open-heart surgery to repair a congenital defect know as VSD (a hole in the heart). We appreciate all of your prayers and expressions of concern for her since her birth and ask that you especially pray for this surgery.

These blessed interruptions have impacted our schedules in a major way, including the usual follow-up from district conference and the publishing of the district journal. Thank you for your support, understanding and patience. Next week, Joan and I will travel to Albany, NY to receive training from Dr. Paul Borden, author of Assaulting the Gates and a leading church consultant, who is working with the Eastern New York/New England District. I will be a part of a team of assessors for an intensive weekend with a local congregation.

We are delighted for the progress that is being made in several of our churches and consider the Charleston “Jerusalem” Church project a potential game-changer for the future of the district. Please continue to pray for a fruitful harvest of souls for our district.

Believing in each other,

Pastor Buddy

Attention, all Laypersons . . .

Pastor Appreciation Month

October is designated “Pastor Appreciation Month,” a time to express special appreciation to the pastors God has allowed to impact our lives and give leadership to our churches. Local church boards and leaders are encouraged to take the initiative to help the whole congregation get involved.

On the Education & The Ministry page at the denomination website you will find a complete planning guide with a wealth of creative ideas you may have never thought about! And there are links to even more resources to assist you. “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (I Thessalonians 5:12‐13a).

“We are blessed with such a great pastoral team here in South Carolina. You are encouraged to let them know how much you appreciate them and their ministry.”

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE

On September 20‐22, more than 90 leaders experienced the first‐ever Global Leadership Roundtable which inspired “ends of the earth” synergy for 31 District Superintendents, nearly two dozen District Missions Directors, 15 Mission Pastors and the Leadership Council of Global Partners! Great Commission partnerships were motivated as we heard from our seven Area Directors and the JESUS Film. Our hearts were filled with the testimony of Rev. Juan de la Cruz Piñeros. Thirty‐three districts were represented as shown in this picture (including Michelle Bryant, District Missions Director, and Buddy and Joan Rampey.) We really are in the picture! 

Reiland Speaks at Growing Pastors Event

On Sunday, August 28, the district’s pastors and pastoral staff and their spouses enjoyed an incredible evening of worship, fellowship, inspiration and training. Trinity Wesleyan Church served as wonderful hosts for our bi‐annual Growing Pastors event, with a record attendance of 130. The worship band of FWC/ALIVE led a great time of worship and Dr. Dan Reiland (pictured at right), Executive Pastor of 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, GA, was our guest speaker. The lessons on Make the Most of Your Leadership Profile and Strategically Simple: A Lean Ministry Model that Makes Sense were challenging, stimulating, and inspiring. In the words of a text received from a pastor the following morning, “Last night cannot be explained, only experienced.”

It was also a delight to have Dr. Todd Voss, the new President of Southern Wesleyan University, and his wife, Julie, with us to bring greetings and to share the evening with us. Many committed to pray for Dr. Voss and the university.

We are deeply grateful to the staff of Trinity Wesleyan, the FWC/ALIVE worship band and its leader, Jeremy Palomo, and all those who volunteered to come early and stay late to make this event happen.

Our next Growing Pastors event will be March 4 at the Greenville First church.  Click here to add the event to your calendar:

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DS Schedule for October/November

  Congratulations to . . .

. . . Andrea Link and Tommy Dale Battles who were married on June 25 at the Trinity Wesleyan Church in Central, SC. Andrea is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Dale Link, Assistant Pastor at Trinity; and the granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. Wayne Tippey and Rev. and Mrs. Orvan Link. Andrea and Tommy Dale are both graduates of Southern Wesleyan University and are making their home in Hampton, SC.

Jody Reynolds and Sydney Buchanan who were married on August 6 at the East Gold Street Wesleyan Church in Kings Mountain, NC. Jody is the student ministries and worship minister at Oakway Wesleyan Church and a ministerial student in our district. Sydney is a student at Southern Wesleyan University and the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Scott Buchanan, pastor of CenterPoint Wesleyan Church.

Jonatan Camacho and Valentina Flores who were married on August 20 at the First Wesleyan Church in Greenville, SC. Jonatan is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Dumar Camacho and a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University. The new couple will make their home in Greenville.

Welcome and Congratulations to . . .

Rev. Randy Clour and his wife, Judy, who assumed the pastorate of the Pleasant View Wesleyan Church on August 1 and were installed on August 14. They are pictured, along with their children, Kate and Christian. Rev. Clour comes to us from the Penn‐Jersey District where he was ordained on September 25. Rev. Clour comes to the Christian ministry following a successful career in business, and Judy is a Registered Nurse. We are delighted to have this quality couple serving on our district team. 

DISTRICT‐WIDE PRAYER INITIATIVE

We are asking all pastors/leaders in the District to partner with us in the Final Friday Fast & Prayer. We are asking you to commit to pray and/or fast for our District on the last Friday of each month. The following prayer focus was developed by the DBA:

1) Pray that we’ll seek a renewed vision for the District. Seeing 10,000 lives engaged in 80 healthy, growing, multiplying churches. Believing in 5 “Jerusalem plant” projects in the next 3 years.
2) Pray that we will see a restructuring of the District into functional, productive zones/teams/or huddles. 3) Pray for a prevailing strategy to be initiated in order to:

  • Recruit & mobilize high‐capacity planters, leaders and teams.
  • Identify highly receptive cities and contexts as strategic sites.
  • Empower robust Resources of Prayer, Revival and Awakening, and Finances!

3) Dr. Todd Voss, newly‐elected president of Southern Wesleyan University
4) Churches/Pastors in transition
5) Pastor Zone Meetings in November (see #2 above)

Christian sympathy to . . .

. . . the family of Thelma McCool who went to be with the Lord on August 15. She had been in declining health for several weeks prior to her death. Mrs. McCool was the widow of the late Rev. Frank McCool, a pastor in our district. The funeral service was conducted on August 18 at the Eggers Funeral Home in Boiling Springs by Revs. Michael Stepp, Buddy Rampey and Jeffrey Wilson.

. . . Rev. Gail Kerstetter, whose father, Bob Dittman, passed away August 22. As was his wish, the whole family was with him and they were listening to the Gaither Vocal Band when God led him through the gates! Funeral services were August 25 at Florence Baptist Temple in Florence. Gail is an ordained minister in our district and is the Director of Music Ministry and Outreach at Southern Wesleyan University. Continue to lift up Gail and this family in prayer.

. . . the family of Mrs. Lucile Smith, a Licensed Special Worker (Children’s Worker) in the South Carolina District, who went to be with the Lord on August 23. She was the widow of the late Rev. Harry Smith, who served as a pastor in our district. She and Rev. Smith served churches in South Carolina, Alabama and Florida. The funeral was on August 26 at the Robinson Funeral Home–Downtown in Easley. Please remember this family as you pray.

. . . Glenda Hoyle in the death of her father, Rev. Joe Shockley, of Stuart, Virginia. The funeral was on October 9. Glenda is a former DBA member.

Table Rock Properties for Sale:

Lot 27 in Aldersgate Acres is for sale at the appraised price of $16,000. Please contact Pete Wood at (864) 639-2313.

Leased Lot at Epworth Hills with a 24 x 54 Clayton Double Wide: 3 RB, 2 Bath, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Utility, Fireplace (propane), ceiling fans, Electric Heat Pump. Appliances and Washer/Dryer furnished and other furniture available. Screened Back Porch, Extra-wide Covered Carport (paved) with covered front porch with Handicap ramp and Storage Building. Price: $39,500. Contact Esther Mullinax at (864) 552-1410.

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