Thank you and Merry Christmas!
December 14, 2011
Dear Friends,
THANK YOU!
Cathy and I want to express our thanks to you for your partnership in ministry this past year. We would not have witnessed the amazing things God did were it not for the prayers and financial investment of His people. He has sustained us because of friends and family like you.
As we head into the Christmas holiday season remembering why we do what we do, I would like to ask two things of you:
- Would you please continue praying for us? We cannot accomplish all that God has for us next year without your prayers. Pray for laborers for the harvest in Europe. Pray for the upcoming Urbana conference in 2012.
- Would you ask God if He wants you to make a special financial investment in our ministry this Christmas season? Often the special gifts given at this time of the year help sustain us throughout the rest of the year.
If you cannot give online, please send your donations preferenced for our ministry to this address before or on December 31, 2011:
ECMI-USA
P.O. Box 181
West Unity, OH 43570-0181
If you give after January 1st, please send and make your donations payable to:
ECMI-USA
P.O. Box 2217
Monument, CO 80132-2217
THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH US THIS PAST YEAR!
May the Lord bless you and your family this Christmas season.
With grateful hearts,
George for Cathy and the family
P.S. You can give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA
Check it out: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now
November Ministry Update – Portugal, Candidates, and VisionQuest Alliance
November 30, 2011
Dear Friends,
This past year you have partnered with us to take the hope of Jesus to a continent where the Gospel is hidden behind secularism and materialism. God is on the move. Here are three exciting things we have seen God do this past month:
In Portugal, Vitor Biscaia, found he had to respond to the economic crisis by laying off his only employee, Rui. Strangely, the closure of the business coincided with an upturn in the progress of the church plant in Mora. For the first time in ten years since ECM began work with Vitor and Bea Biscaia the group is able to rent a small facility. And among this small group are Rui, Vitor’s ex-employee, now a vibrant new Christian, and his partner, Zezinha. “While I was his employer, though I often shared my faith in Jesus Christ with him, he did not respond”, says Vitor. “But in all those years working together have obviously had an impact. Now he is so hungry to know more about God, it’s just amazing!” Praise God for what He is doing!
Two weeks ago we held another Candidate Orientation class with three more completing the course, for a total of 8 this year! Praise the Lord for the workers He continues to raise up. Pray for Jessie Sweeney (Ireland) and Jim and Lore Schwenk (mobilization) as they begin the support raising process.
The transition of our financial services to VisionQuest Alliance on January 1, 2012, continues to go well. Pray that this will go as smoothly as possible.
Thank you for partnering with us to reach Europe for Christ. Your prayers and gifts make you part of God’s transforming work in reaching people like Rui and Zezinha! Will you pray for us and with us that God will continue this good work which He has begun?
May the Lord bless you and your family this Christmas season.
With grateful hearts,
George for Cathy and the family
P.S. You can now give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA
Check it out: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now
Praise and Prayer Requests:
Ministry Prayer Requests:
- ECMI-USA Board Meetings Dec. 2-3
- Praise for new appointees
- Pray for the support needs of our missionaries
- Pray for the transition of our financial services to VisionQuest Alliance on January 1, 2012!
Family Prayer Requests:
- Praise that Michelle has been hired to do substitute work in the school district
- David returns from Belfast this Monday, 12/5
- Pray for Christopher and Cierra’s wedding plans in March 2012
October Ministry Update – Austria, Ireland and more . . .
October 27, 2011
Dear Friends,
Making our way from Belfast to Dublin, Cathy and I sat across from a gentleman on the train listening intently as he described to us the upheaval in the Republic of Ireland’s society over the past decade. The Irish, once devotedly Catholic, now bear the shame of multiple scandals that have rocked their society. The materialistic prosperity that came suddenly with the rise of the “Celtic Tiger” has been completely pulled out from under them. All of this has left the Irish questioning and spiritually hungry. For an hour and a half Cathy and I had the opportunity to plant seeds of the Gospel with him.
We arrived in Waterford later that afternoon to meet up with the team that is faithfully ministering there. That spiritual hunger I described above has led to the establishment of two churches, with one more on the way. Last summer the team began an initiative in Ferry Bank, a town across the river from Waterford. Kids clubs began last summer. They anticipated maybe a dozen children showing up, but when 60 showed up, they where completely taken by surprise. Currently they have two separate clubs meeting every week. Plans are in place to start mid-week meetings in November for the adults.
Pray for the team (see part of the team on the left) working in these three church plants. ECMI-USA appointee, Jessie Sweeny, is raising her support to join this team made of two couples from Australia (one currently raising support in Australia), two single women (one from Australia, the other from Germany), two Dutch couples, and two couples from Northern Ireland. God is doing something big in Ireland. Jonathan McCracken, Field Director, is now looking for the next area in the Republic of Ireland for ECMI to consider starting additional churches.
Thank you for your prayers while were gone. The trip was very productive, not only in Ireland, but also our time at leadership meetings in the UK and Austria. I have tried to capture in photos below some of the things we did while there.
With grateful hearts,
George for Cathy and the family
P.S. You can now give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA
Check it out: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now
Our trip in a few pictures . . . believe me, we took a lot more.
L to R: 1. Cathy and friend Diane Hakala at Cambridge. 2. Cathy and me in front of the Word of Life Center in Villach, Austria 3. The Leadership group during our prayer walk in Austria, Slovenia and shown here in Italy. 4. The group hard at work. 5. Cathy hard at work in the kitchen with Carrie. 6. Luke Bajenski leads part of the training. 7. We had 5 wonderful hours in Belfast with David. 8. Our hosts Charlie and Miriam Anderson leading the sending section in Northern Ireland. 9. First stop in the south, Waterford of the famous Waterford Crystal. 10. The town of Tramore and 11. Ferry Bank. 12. Our friends Jonathan and Nicola McCracken leading the team in the Republic of Ireland.
September Ministry Update
 Our mailing address: 8314 Ravenel Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Telephone: 719-598-3695 H 719-650-9598 C Email: george.brown@ecmi.org Donations can be mailed to: ECMI-USA P.O. Box 181 West Unity, OH 43570-0181 Or donate online at: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now On the web: www.ecmi-usa.org Our blog: brownsbyline.wordpress.com |
September 22, 2011 Dear Friends, One church, two teams . . . This past summer two teams from Carlsbad Community Church in California ministered alongside ECMI missionaries in Germany and Kosovo. The Kosovo team introduced new camp games, including  American football, which opened doors for sharing stories from the Bible of God’s love for them. In Germany, the team spent time in refugee camps (apartment blocks). Showing kindness to the stranger is the focus of this ministry where the team was able to talk to and share the Gospel with men and women from places like Syria, Iran, Cameroon and Sri Lanka. On their way home the team leader was even able to share the Gospel with a Japanese couple! At the end of the day, we pray that God will take seeds that have been sown in so many lives and transform them into fruit for Christ’s Kingdom. Could you see yourself on a team like these? As you pray for the effectiveness of our missionaries in Europe, ask God if He wants you to participate in such an experience. Cathy and I leave on Sunday, September 25th, for nearly three weeks in Europe. We will be involved in leadership meetings in England and Austria, as well as paying visits to ECMI missionaries and ministries in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Pray for effective ministry opportunities with our colleagues, but also for opportunities to share the Gospel along the way. With grateful hearts, George for Cathy and the family P.S. You can now give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA Check it out: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now |
Ministry Prayer Requests:
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June Update – belated
| Our mailing address: 8314 Ravenel Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Donations can be mailed to: ECMI-USA P.O. Box 181 West Unity, OH 43570-0181 Or donate online at: Telephone: Email: On the web: Our blog: |
June 20, 2011 Dear Friends,
Sebastian and Gloria’s ministry cannot take place without the partnership of those who send them. Here in the United States we continue this critical work of serving behind the scenes – identifying and engaging people who will pray, go, partner and give. You, too, share in the blessing of make that happen as you pray, go, partner and give. Thank you for helping us reach the more than 800 million Europeans who do not know Christ. Cathy and I head to Lexington, Kentucky, tomorrow morning for our Board meetings. Please pray for safe travels and that we will be effective in making decisions and carrying out the responsibilities God has given us. [NOTE: The board meetings and trip went very well.] With grateful hearts, P.S. You can now give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA
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Ministry Prayer Requests:
Family Prayer Requests:
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Brown’s Ministry Update
 Our mailing address: 8314 Ravenel Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Telephone: 719-598-3695 H 719-650-9598 C Email: george.brown@ecmi.org On the web: www.ecmi-usa.org Our blog: brownsbyline.wordpress.com Donations can be mailed to: ECMI-USA P.O. Box 181 West Unity, OH 43570-0181 Or donate online at: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now |
May 23, 2011 Dear Friends,  I love to watch the Lord raise up people who He is calling to work in Europe. Jessie Sweeney has heeded God’s call and will work with our team in Ireland. Right now she’s finishing up a mission trip to China, but her burden for the people of Ireland has led her to join ECMI.Vanthy has just completed her short-term trip to France and Austin is eager to do the same next summer. In addition, God has opened conversations with many others as we discern how God might be leading us together to reach the strategic, post-Christian continent of Europe for Christ. At least four teams from the US will be serving at ECMI ministry sites this summer in Kosovo, Germany and Romania. We cannot wait to hear back on what God accomplishes in and through them.  Partnership continues to be a key strategy for sharing the love of Christ in Europe. Recruited by Greater Europe Mission, UK citizens, Bryan and Tracy Doyle, along with ECM Britain are engaged in efforts to reach the world at the London 2012 Olympics and catalyze church planting in the UK. Bryan and I recently enjoyed some time together at the 2011 Exponential Conference in Orlando, Florida where some 4,000 church planters from around the world gathered to consider what God is doing and how we can be more effective in partnership with Him and with each other.As we continue to see God raise up people to pray, go, and partner, He also supplies our needs and the needs of those He is sending. Last year, Cathy and I only had 40% of our needed support committed. We rejoice that God has brought that up currently to 72%. Will you pray with us that we will be at 100% by the end of the year or sooner? With grateful hearts, George for Cathy and the family P.S. You can now give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA. Check it out: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now |
Ministry Prayer Requests:
Family Prayer Requests:
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April 2011 Ministry Update
| Mail donations to: ECMI-USA P.O. Box 181 West Unity, OH 43570-0181 Or donate online at: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now Our mailing address: 8314 Ravenel Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Telephone: 719-598-3695 H 719-650-9598 C Email: george.brown@ecmi.org On the web: www.ecmi-usa.org Our blog: |
April 23, 2011 Dear Friends, Cathy and I rejoice at the progress of the Gospel in Europe. Reports continue to come in of lives transformed by the Gospel. Klaus and Fränzi Libuda in Rostock, Germany, recently reported encouraging signs of growth and involvement in home Bible studies. They, along with Justin and Kristin Sismey, continue to develop good relationships in the community. ECMI-USA’s Alison Settle has shared encouraging progress in raising her support as she prepares to serve in Rostock. Pray for Alison that she will see all of her support come in soon. Our involvement in raising up resources for the work in Europe continues to go well (See pictures below). Clair Longuevan and I spent some time in California last month on several college campuses interacting with students interested in missions. Pray we will effectively follow up on the 50 or so new contacts we made from our time in CA. We also spent time at Carlsbad Community Church which is sending out two teams this summer – one to Kosovo and one to Germany. I really enjoyed my time with these teams in helping prepare them for their time on the field. Just last weekend Cathy and I had the wonderful privilege of assisting in Hans and Jennifer Anderson’s commissioning service. They left for Spain this past Tuesday, and by all accounts arrived in good shape with their two young children, Jack and Eliana. Pray for their adjustments as they get settled and start their orientation for field ministry. Praise God for the workers He continues raise up. Please check out the pictures below and remember to pray for us and the ministry of ECMI. With grateful hearts, George for Cathy and the family P.S. You can now give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA Check it out: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now |
Ministry Prayer Requests:
Family Prayer Requests:
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Brown’s Ministry Update – March 2011
Donations can be mailed to: ECMI-USA P.O. Box 181 West Unity, OH 43570-0181 Or donate online at: Our mailing address: 8314 Ravenel Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Telephone: 719-598-3695 H 719-650-9598 C
Email:
On the web:
Our blog: |
March 11, 2011
Dear Friends, The picture below is one of our new ECMI-USA candidates. Thank you for praying. Our candidate orientation (Feb. 20-24) was a real blessing as the Christian Fellowship Church of New Holland, PA, hosted our time together. Our good friend, former GEM missionary, and pastor of the church, Doug Bozung, also helped in some of our workshops and devotions.
Earlier in February, I had a very productive time with our Sending Section leaders near Valencia, Spain, and our Field Leaders near Madrid. Unfortunately, a 24-hour bug just about decimated our field leadership group in Madrid, but somehow we still managed to accomplish quite a bit. Thank you for your prayers. With grateful hearts, George for Cathy and the family P.S. You can now give online to our ministry with ECMI-USA Check it out: www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now |
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Ministry Prayer Requests:
Family Prayer Requests:
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A Merry Christmas Answer to Prayer
December 23, 1020
Dear Friends,
Cathy and I want to take a moment once again and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. May you know and experience the love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the coming year.
While I have shared the following information with some already, this week we received one of the most encouraging pieces of news in our 25+ years of ministry. God’s ways are mysterious, His timing perfect.
We asked you to pray about the fact that Cathy’s primary source of income was coming to an end December 31. Trusting the Lord, we pursued multiple avenues that came up short seemingly every time. I even explored the option of working part-time again in the Petroleum Industry. I approached a friend who owns a service company in this industry and we bounced some ideas around that we thought might work.
On Monday of this week, God answered your prayers. Our friend left a voice mail on my cell phone indicating that he and his wife had been praying about our situation. He had a better idea. They decided they wanted to pledge a monthly amount just in excess of the lost income we are about to experience when Cathy’s job comes to an end next week. I could not believe my ears as my eyes welled up with tears of gratitude. Cathy and I stopped immediately to pray and thank God.
Rejoice with us this Christmas as we celebrate His provision for our salvation and every other need!
With heartfelt thanks,
George for Cathy and the family
“20Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Ministry Update
December 2010
Dear Ministry Partners,
God is at work in Europe!
Lives are being transformed!!
Your prayers and financial investment have made the difference.
As we come to the end of another year, I am struck by God’s faithfulness in building in His church. The 800 million people in Europe who need the Gospel are hearing it for the first time because you have decided to pray and give.
“They put all the idols and some expensive ivory ornaments in the bags, got a hammer, and started smashing them in front of us.”
Writing from Lisbon, Portugal, Peter and Anna Crawford described this dramatic event in the lives of their friends. Following Armando’s and Liliane’s recent conversions, they did this without prompting from anyone, except the Holy Spirit. Armando took the pure gold idol to the kitchen and melted it in the oven. He then gave the gold to his niece, who was instrumental in their conversions, telling her to sell it and give the proceeds to missions.
“She realized then that she was not ready to meetChrist when He came back. She gave her life to Christ . . .”
Doug Groth, in Rabka, Poland, wrote this about Gienia who resisted the Gospel long after her husband, Staszek, had trusted Christ and found deliverance from his alcoholism. Doug’s wife, Lila, had invited her to Bible studies and eventually she started attending church. A series of sermons in the book of Revelation opened her eyes for her need to trust Christ. Today, Staszek and Gienia’s marriage has been transformed as they serve the Lord together.
You share in the blessing of transformed lives through the ministry of ECMI with your prayers and financial support. As you consider what the Lord might have you give this Christmas season, would you consider investing in the expansion of Christ’s Kingdom in Europe?
We are asking the Lord to provide $25,000 for the Ministry Opportunity Fund to help fund ministry projects for 2011 such as:
- Completion of “The Rock” church plant in Timisoara, Romania
- Investment in the Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Center vocational training program
- A strategic church planting initiative in Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia
- Mobilization of additional missionaries
- And more . . .
And do not forget our missionaries at this time of year. They serve at great cost and sacrifice.
Thank you again for your involvement in reaching Europe with the Gospel.
Yours for advancing Christ’s Kingdom in Europe,
George Brown
Executive Director, ECMI-USA
P.S. If the Lord should lead you to give, please visit our website and donate online at www.ecmi-usa.org/donate-now. Just follow the instructions for one of three ways to give.
About
David, Cathy, George, Michelle, Christopher
George and Cathy Brown and their family have been involved in international ministry for more than 25 years. Their service has included more than 20 years with Greater Europe Mission, co-founders of VisionQuest Alliance, and now George serves as the executive director for the US section of the European Christian Mission International.
Watch the short, 14 minute video where George shares his family’s journey that has led to their ministry with ECMI. Click on the picture to the right. Those interested in learning more about ECMI can check out the ECMI-USA web site. If you are interested in learning more about how you can invest in the ministry of George and Cathy Brown, click here.-
Recent
- Thank you and Merry Christmas!
- November Ministry Update – Portugal, Candidates, and VisionQuest Alliance
- October Ministry Update – Austria, Ireland and more . . .
- September Ministry Update
- June Update – belated
- Brown’s Ministry Update
- April 2011 Ministry Update
- Brown’s Ministry Update – March 2011
- A Merry Christmas Answer to Prayer
- Ministry Update
- Can I ask a favor?
- Brown’s Ministry Update – Thanksgiving Edition
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