Sherry and I are in Springfield, MO for Missionary Training. Here's a photo of our Central Europe candidate missionaries. From left to right Michael & Jen Dant, candidate missionaries to Slovakia; Sherry and me; Micah & Melia Mann, missionary associates to Austria; Aaron & Julie Davis, candidate missionaries to the Czech Republic. Veteran missionaries arrive next week for missionary renewal.
One of the proudest days of Sherry's and my life, and the life of our family, was May 8, 2009. That day our son Philip graduated Magna Cum Laude from Valley Forge Christian College. We celebrated together with friends and family. He also received his ministerial credentials that same week. Congratulations Philip! We love you and are proud of you.
Pictured: Jonathan, Philip, Sherry and Jim: the proud Sabella family; and Philip's fiance Maria with Philip.
Just returned from 3 days in Madrid Spain. I was part of a tech stragety group with missionaries Mike Helin, Jonathan Cooper, Dave Goldschmidt, Doug Raught and Steve Turley. Our purpose was to discuss and outline a 5 year plan for intergating present and new technology into the Assemblies of God World Missions Europe Region missions program.
We met at the International Media Ministry facility in Madrid, Spain. The photo of me is taken in front of some of the equipment at the facility. I asked Jonathan--who took the picture--to make me look like a serious tech guy.
This past week I had the honor of hosting the annual Central Europe Superintendent's Summit in Prague. Executive leaders from the Pentecostal Churches in Central Europe gathered for a closed summit to discuss issues concerning the relevance of the church in our changing world, and faith within the context of the culture of Central Europe. Delegations from the Czech Republic (Bishop: Martin Moldan); Hungary (President: Albert Patakey); Slovakia (Bishop: Jan Laho); and Switzerland (President: Max Schläpfer) attended (see photo).
Our guest speaker for Tuesday evening was Mr. Daniel Raus. Mr. Raus is a journalist and the Editor of Religious Broadcasting for Czech Radio. He is also commentator on international politics. He spoke to us about the impact of media on culture. This summit takes place every spring
and is sponsored by the Assemblies of God World Missions Central Europe
Area.
Just got word that our article from our printed newsletter, about the Bratislava church, made the lead article on the Eye On Europe website. You can find the article here: www.eyeoneurope.com.
If you'd like to receive our quarterly printed newsletter (Spotlight Central Europe), simply email your mailing address to me at: centraleuropespotlight@gmail.com. I'll add your name to the growing list.
This is a view from our window in Prague. The top photo was taken a few days ago. The bottom photo was taken this morning 8:30 AM Prague time. What a difference a couple of days make!
I can't believe I let it slip by but 13 years ago, yesterday March 16th, Sherry, Philip and Jonathan and I arrived in Prague. I remember the day we arrived like it was yesterday, it was raining with mixed snow...a cold Central Europe day. And yesterday...the same weather! Somethings never change. But Prague is still a beautiful city...that hasn't changed either. In my recent email newsletter (Spotlight Central Europe) I highlighted some of the changes that have taken place in Europe in the last 13 years and how they impact us as missionaries. But in the end, it's still all about the call of God. That's another thing that never changes. If you'd like to receive the latest Spotlight Central Europe, drop me a quick note at: spotlightcentraleurope@gmail.com. I will send you a copy ASAP. Also, take a moment to sign up for the Spotlight Central Europe Newsletter. I will not bother you with loads of emails or forwards, just occasional updates on our life, ministry and happenings in Central Europe. You can find a link on the column on the right.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Sherry and I are heading out the door to return to Europe. We've been in the USA since June and are looking forward to our return back to Prague. This return is a bit different than the others; this time we're going back without the boys. And so, Sherry and I begin a new adventure. As Sam said to Frodo (loosely quoted, of course): When we take this next step we will be further away from home then we've ever been. Thanks for your prayers and friendship and your support. OFF TO THE AIRPORT!!!
I'm in Cincinnati, Ohio at the World Missions Summit. Twenty minutes ago we crossed over into the new year. I hope that you will have a great 2009 and that you will be blessed in all that you do. Happy New Year!!!!
Dear Friends,
I am writing this post just 10 minutes after midnight on December 25th, 2008, and though many around the world are already up and about this Christmas morning, allow us to be among the first to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Sherry, Philip, Jonathan and I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year 2009. We
pray that during this Christmas season you will find joy and rest, and
in the coming New Year we pray that God will bless you and your
families.
Thank you for all that you do; for your support, love
and friendship. We look forward to 2009 with great anticipation knowing
that this may be the year He returns.
Sincerely yours,
Jim, Sherry, Philip and Jonathan Sabella