Wendy Hammond
VP of Ministry Partnerships for Crossroads Prison Ministries
We want to hear from you.
Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job.
Add Your PostConnect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job.
Add Your Post
Posted in: Video Resources
Hi JT,
There are a lot of powerpoints on the CRCNA website:
http://www.crcna.org/pages/2min_ppoint.cfm but looks like they are sort of outdated.
This link will take you to more up to date resources:
http://www.crcna.org/pages/videoplayer.cfm
Here is a link to the current CRWRC DVDs:
http://www.crwrc.org/pages/crwrc_videos.cfm
One of our dilemmas as agencies is that video is more costly to produce than powerpoint, but churches seem to want videos. Any ideas? Any certain types of videos or powerpoints that are more helpful than others?
Posted in: Npr Story Re: Calvin College's "Most Unlikely Roommates"
My thoughts exactly, David. I have heard so many storeis over the years of missionaries and relief workers in Muslim contexts, who after many years of friendship have seen Muslims come to Christ.
Posted in: Discussion Starter: Child Sponsorship
Adoption can be life changing for children. Of course, it is best when they can remain in their own communities. I've been privileged to be part of discussions with Bethany Christian Services, as they are working to support churches in developing countries to encourage adoption within their own church communities. They will be doing a training in Haiti this fall. We hope to share more information as it becomes available.
Posted in: Discussion Starter: Child Sponsorship
I'm not a community developer, so I can't speak to that specific program. What I do like is "If one child has received a sponsorship pledge, all of the children in that family will also receive support." My question is, how are the children chosen?
One of the approaches CRWRC takes is if people want to give to school fees, for example, a "board" is formed that includes teachers and parents, and any money is given to the board. They then decide who needs the help most and are also encouraged to contribute to it, building ownership. That way it's seen as a community effort and not something that is coming from the outside.
Posted in: What is "Sonship"?
I took it as referring to "Son" as in Jesus and not referring to male children in general. I have to admit I did roll my eyes a little bit though - reminds me of singing "A Sonbeam, a Sonbeam."
Posted in: Small Groups and "The Least of These"
One resource that might help is When Helping Hurts. I think it does a good job of explaining why we are ALL poor, and why sometimes when the "haves" try to help the "have nots," they are actually hurting themselves and those they are trying to help.
Posted in: Downton Abbey and World Missions
Posting on behalf of John Rustenburg:
Very well stated with the harsh realities of our affluent times....and that is a very sad reality, namely, we are not a "poor denomination", but I believe that the emphasis on where even Christians spend their incomes is largely on self ,and kingdom causes no longer or seldom have priority as they might have been in previous times.
Regretfully we seldom hear from our pulpits the Bible standards for spending: that Christ's kingdom work must come first.When I see the wealth among God's people (homes,vehicles,earthly possesions, vacations with global emphasis, sports,eating out, and the list could go on.) When will we again hear the warnings of Deut. 6 & 8 that God gave to His people before they became wealthy in the promised land as well as the clarion observation of our Saviour in Revelation to the Ephesian church: "you've lost your first love".
John
Posted in: Downton Abbey and World Missions
Bill,
You raise a lot of interesting points. I can't speak to how CRWM finances its missionaries as I am not familiar with the inner workings, but I'm not sure what you meant by "The financial condition of CRWM and CRWRC must be at least five years old." World Renew (formerly CRWRC) finances its missionaries very differently from CRWM, particularly because we do not receive ministry shares. Our staffing levels were reduced in 2009 but are increasing as donations permit.
As for your comment about whether the money being spent is effective, and why you might have experienced negative outcomes as a result of trying to help your neighbor, I suggest you read the book When Helping Hurts. It will explain why handouts often hurt instead of help. And makes a case for integrated word and deed ministries. There is also a webinar in the archives.
Posted in: 6 Ways Your Church Can Use Facebook Better!
Janet, I would consider adding a facebook page in addition to the group that you have set up. The page is for public updates and is where people would look if they were looking for churches to visit/attend or if they want to quickly find event dates (if you are using that feature . . . which I recommend because that's how a lot of people keep their calendars these days).
The group could be clearly labeled as only for church members. You might also consider changing the settings to closed so that it doesn't show up in searches. That way you are not being elitist - if they are not a member, they don't get in.
Posted in: Most Read Global Missions Posts for 2013
Thanks Ben! I fixed it. Too many Joels over there at World Missions ;-)
Posted in: Are the Missions Organizations You Support Excellent?
Thank you for commenting, Larry! I have very similar sentiments about the Banner articles. What helps me is to take an asset based/appreciative inquiry approach (it works in the field, why not with our churches?)
I focus on the heart that is behind supporting those organizations. I am sure that their intentions are good. And, not everyone wants to learn about good development/missional practices. It is my job to serve those who do.
Hopefully the Global Missions Network and other communications that come from our agencies will reach those whom they are meant to reach.
Posted in: Funding Global Missions
The name has changed, but the mission has not. It is true that while we are funded primarily through the CRC, we have recently made agreements with the RCA as well. Internationally, we work with a number of denominations.
This article may help: http://worldrenew.net/about-us/news-events/name-change-exploration-update
If there are further questions, I encourage you to call the office to speak with someone. 1-800-55-CRWRC.