August 2021 Update
Hello Friends,
In this newsletter, we update you on our progress as we continue to find partners to come alongside us on this adventure.
In our team meetings every Wednesday via zoom Dr. Kendrick Lau leads us in a devotion to focus our work and discussion for the time.
I especially appreciated these words from Psalm 67:
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”
Psalms 67:1-2 NIV
Thank you, new partners! We are busy setting up meetings to share our story and work. I love hearing from those we meet what the Lord is doing in and through them. I am learning from their wise counsel and encouragement. Each meeting is a divine appointment and we are excited for every meeting. Since June we are now nearing 25% of our funding for 2022!
January 2022. That’s our launch date to start. Please pray for the Lord’s provision of resources as well as time!
Ruby and I have enjoyed catching up on life with you and are grateful for your prayers and support!
Please spread the word as we would love to meet with folks in-person to share what the Lord is doing through our SIM team.
A donor offered us a computer we needed as part of our home office-Thank you!
Team Meeting
Our team Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina at SIMUSA headquarters happened from Aug 29-Sept 1.
I was able to meet the team in person! What an amazing group. Each has expertise in their area along with hearts that provide compassion and care to those serving in difficult places. I am so excited to get started in the work!
Mission Healthcare Summit: Engaging Least-Reached Communities
In 2019 a joint conference of teams from SIM mission hospitals and Africa Inland Mission hospitals to discuss best practices and evangelism strategies was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
A new date is set for October 2-7, 2022. I (Brian) will lead the planning and delivery of the conference. This will be a major initiative of the HMT as we develop working relationships with each participating team and agency. Our hope is to create further excellence in patient care as well as recommit hospital leadership to the mission of the Gospel and discipleship through local churches.
What: An Evening with Dr. Foster
When: Thursday, September 23rd, 7:00-8:30PM
Where: Grace Bible Church (3715 Wilson Ave SW)
Dr. Stephen Foster from CEML Hospital in Lubango, Angola will be in Grand Rapids Thursday, September 23rd.
I will be hosting “An Evening with Dr. Foster” event Thursday evening, September 23rd, from 7pm to 8:30pm at Grace Bible Church. The evening dessert reception will include a time for Dr. Foster to share his work, a few stories as only Dr. Foster can tell, and a time for questions. Opportunity will be given to support Dr. Foster’s work.
Dr. Foster is a third-generation missionary doctor serving in Angola with many stories to tell. Being on the SIM Health Ministries Team, I have the privilege of serving Dr. Foster and his amazing team as they share Christ and bring healing to people who need healthcare and the Good News!
Visit hopeforangola.org to see Foster’s work in Angola.
Let Us Pray For You!
It is always a joy to pray to our Father for you.
Just send me an email at brian.vanderark@sim.org
Pray for Us
Pray with us as we find partners to join us. Our goal is to be funded by December 2021.
Pray for the Ministry
Pray for the Health Ministries Team as we meet in Charlottte, NC at SIMUSA this August 30
Will You Join Us on the mission
to bring hope and healing
in Jesus’ name?
Just click here and you will go to our safe and secure online giving page. You can give monthly or one time. Thank you!
To donate by mail:
Make check payable to SIM and send to SIM Donor Care, PO Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241. Please write my name and account #052555
Other options:
Some of you have asked about any specific one-time expenses, so here is a list!
- Shots-Rabies (Three shot protocol for outside US): $900
- Office expenses (literature and promotion, fund-raising expenses): $1,500
- Security Training Required Event at SIM Send: $500
- SIM Send Off Required Event includes Ruby: $1,400
- Health Ministries Team in-person planning, two meetings in 2022: $1,000 (includes travel)
If you are interested in supporting me through a one-time gift to cover any of these expenses, please email me.
Besides raising support for my position I will be raising funds for projects you might have interest in joining.
Key Projects 2021-2022:
1. Listening Tour to assess needs of hospitals
2. Pilot project with hospital-evangelism process assessment
3. Hospital Management cohort conferences for West and East Africa
Email me if you wish to assist with these projects!
