Shannon's Itineration Trail

20/20 - The P.U.S.H to England!

2012-02-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

Twenty years ago this year - 1992 - was the year that I moved to the mission field. I had taken two different mission trips in 1989 & 1990 to Egypt, and it was during those summers that God solidified my call to full-time missions. In 1992 I surrendered my life & location to God and moved to Cambodia. I did not return to the USA for two years after my arrival.

Twenty years later, I remain a missionary and remain committed to the call on my life to make disciples of all nations. Since 1998 I have served in Europe training young men & women for full-time ministry. My heart is to train and mentor the next generation that will reach their world for Christ. I love what God has asked me to accomplish for Him and can't do it without His help.

As I celebrate this 20th anniversary of full-time missions, I am excited about the future and committed to God's plan. I will be moving to the nation of England where I will partner with the Assemblies of God of Great Britain and their Bible school, Mattersey Hall Christian College. My role will be Ministries & Mentoring Officer and I will assist the school in developing a mentoring program and overseeing practical ministry of the students.

The college would like for me to arrive by April 1st. Before I can leave for the field, I need your help and a PUSH to England! (PUSH = Pray Until Something Happens).

20/20 = 20 people @ 20 per month

British missionary and founder of the China Inland Mission, J. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), said:

“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.”

Partnership in missions is extremely important to me. For 20 years individuals and local churches have prayed for me, given finances, and entered into a mission partnership that has spanned the globe. To the current members of "Team Shannon" - those who are praying and supporting financially - THANK YOU!

For new members to the team - Here's the 20/20 Campaign...

As I plan to depart for England by the first of April, I need

20 CHURCHES or INDIVIDUALS to prayerfully consider giving

20 DOLLARS each month for the next four years.

That's $240/year, or $960 for four years. Yes - it may seem like a lot, but I believe that if God has called me to go, he will ask you, His church, to send me. Sending will come through your prayers (which are absolutely vital) but also through your giving.

How can you get involved?

If you would like to become a partner by giving $20 (or more if God leads you) each month - or with a one-time or annual gift - simply

1) Click this link to go to my commitment page on the AG World Missions site

2) Fill out the form, and you will then receive instructions on monthly giving in the mail, including a certificate of your gift that can be used as a prayer reminder.

3) If you would like to give via a credit card each month, you can download this form and mail it to: contributions@ag.org. Access the form by clicking here.

As I move to England and carry on the work of preparing students to be church-planters, missionaries, evangelists, pastors and teachers, I am reminded that it takes all of us to fulfill God's Great Commission. I also follow in the footsteps of many great men and women:

British missionary and the father of modern missions, William Carey (1764-1834), said: "Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God." I am going with expectations of what God will do.
British evangelist and author, Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) said: “Never lose heart in the power of the gospel. Do not believe that there exists any man, much less any race of men, for whom the gospel is not fitted.”

England, the United Kingdom and Europe are ready for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am ready to go and attempt great things for God. I am trusting God to send me.

Thank you for your giving, partnership and prayers.

In His Service,

Shannon L. Buckner

Missionary to Europe Serving at Mattersey Hall Christian College, Great Britain

Email: shannon.buckner@agmd.org

http://www.shannonbuckner.org

http://www.matterseyhall.co.uk

http://www.aog.org.uk/

Almost to England...

2011-12-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

My itineration is almost complete, however, I need a few more partners that are willing to stand with me through prayer and with monthly giving or one-time donations to help me return to Europe. At this point, I need the following:

Lots of people to pray! I am currently applying for my British visa and it's not an easy process. Will you pray for this, plus commit to pray for me during the next 4 years? If the answer is yes, thank you once again. Let me know you are praying by sending an e-mail. Simply click here to send me a message! You will be added to my prayer news that will be sent monthly via e-mail.
2 partners to give $100 per month - this is a full commitment of $1200 per year, or maybe less than what you pay for your TV/Internet bill each month.
5 partners to give $50 per month - that's just $10 a week or one restaurant lunch each week, for a total of $600 per year in charitable giving.
20 partners to give $25 per month - that's a sacrifice of 5 Starbucks coffees each month. Just $300 per year in charitable giving.

Would you like to partner with me on a monthly basis?

If the answer is yes, THANK YOU! To make a monthly financial contribution, go to the Assemblies of God World Missions site by clicking here and filling out the form. A monthly statement will be sent to you by the Assemblies of God World Missions, along with an end-of-year statement that records your tax-deductible donation. If you would like a form mailed to you, click here to send me a message.

Would you like to give a one-time donation or donate by credit card on a monthly basis? You can do that too! The Assemblies of God World Missions provides a secure donor platform where you can give directly to my missionary account. Click here to go to the secure donor portal that includes my name and account number. All credit card donations also receive tax credit receipts.

Thank you so much for your partnership in missions. With your help I will be able to move to England and train young men & women who have a call to ministry and will make a difference for Christ in the United Kingdom and Europe.

TOGETHER we can bring Hope to Europe!

Shannon

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2011-12-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you for following my itineration progress and the steps God is taking me on as I prepare to move to the United Kingdom. Although December is a slow month for missions service, I was privileged to share in a special service at Faith AG in Springdale, Arkansas earlier this month. I also enjoyed speaking to the ladies of Open Arms AG in Beebe.

I am continuing to raise funds and would LOVE to leave for England in January. However, I am currently waiting for my UK visa to be processed and for the remainder of my financial support to be raised. Thanks for your prayers and partnership. If you want to read more, click here for a link to my most recent newsletter posted online.

During this season of Christmas, I am thankful for each of you. Click here to read my Christmas greeting on my website.

May God bless you and your family abundantly during this advent season.

In His Service,
Shannon Buckner
Missionary to Europe
Training, Mentoring & Making Disciples at
Mattersey Hall Christian College
Mattersey, England, United Kingdom

So long...

2011-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

No, this doesn't mean I'm leaving for the field just yet. It simply means it has been so very long since I last posted. A lot has been happening, so let me catch you up!

Since my last post in July I have been busy with missions service and lots of travel. I had the privilege of driving 2000 miles on a round trip to Phoenix, Arizona, for the Assemblies of God General Council. It was a wonderful experience, taking me through states I have never seen before, all to be a part of what was a wonderful meeting of our church fellowship. You can take a look at some of the pictures from the journey in the slideshow below. In Phoenix I worked each day in the exhibition area to promote Europe World Missions. It was a great experience to partner with my Europe missionary colleagues & leaders in sharing about the need in Europe. Our theme was BREAK 3 - less than 3% of Europeans are evangelical Christian and we want to break past this barrier. If you want to know more about this, click here, and watch the video on the site.

Upon returning home I attended a week-long seminar on Compassion Ministries in Kansas City, Missouri. What an eye-opening experience! I learned much about the need to minister to the felt needs of people throughout the world, as well as about the growing epidemic that is human trafficking. My eyes have been opened to this tragedy, which is happening every day in Europe and every country of our world, and I hope to share the knowledge gained from this seminar with the students that I teach.

Although I had hoped to leave for England in October, I am continuing to raise funds and share about Europe in churches throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. I have currently raised 85% of my monthly budget, and well over 100% of my cash budget! Praise God! One of the reasons for my delay was because the request for a worker visa from the college was denied. Would you please pray that God will give me wisdom as to how to proceed in requesting a visa to live & minister in England at Mattersey Hall Christian College? I know God has a plan. I now hope to leave for England in January 2012.

Thank you so much for your prayers & partnership. Until next time we are...

Partners Together,
Shannon Buckner

The church & missions

2011-07-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! It's been a while since my last post. I've traveling lots, celebrating family birthdays, and sharing about Europe with anyone that will listen!

I have to say, we in Arkansas have some wonderful church congregations, with wonderful hearts for missions and a willingness to fulfill the Great Commission by going into all nations, teaching, baptizing, and making disciples. This is the ministry of training at Mattersey Hall Christian College, preparing 1000 students from 10 nations for full-time ministry. It's a ministry of multiplication and fulfilling the great commission!

I've had the privilege to share in many churches during the last 10 months, and am excited to share in many more through the end of September. I hope to leave for the field in October, and your prayers and support are making this happen. If you would like to become a prayer or financial giving partner, CLICK HERE to find out how you can get involved. Thank you!

If you want to read more about what's happening, and where I will be serving during my next missionary term, CLICK HERE TO READ MY SUMMER NEWSLETTER!

Have a wonderful summer, friends!
Shannon

Long drives, audio books, divine appointments

2011-06-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Missionary furlough involves a lot of long drives, many audio books, and special divine appointments. Last weekend I had the privilege to attend a seminar by a former professor. It was just what I needed. Divine appointments. I then took off for 24 hours of craziness, driving about 8 hours, speaking 3 times, and listening to one of my many audio books.

My morning service was in the southern part of Arkansas - El Dorado. My evening service was in the Northeast part of the state - Cash. With 3.5 hours of driving in between those two services, and the evening service starting earlier than most, it was quite the adventure.

But I made it! God was with me.

I believe that every opportunity that we have to share is a divine appointment. Each church brings new people to talk to, encourage, and pray for. Each drive not only brings a new audio book, but also time to pray, listen to God, and see new sights. Each crazy weekend is an indicator of God's provision. And in the midst of all of this, God can also speak to my heart directly, whether it be through a former professor, His word, new insights or unexpected interactions.

I'm enjoying furlough. Hope you are encouraged today as well. Remember...God loves you!

Busy week...

2011-05-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

Some weeks are busier than others...this week being one of those! I travelled 1000+ miles (that's 17 hours!) from the north to south of Arkansas, and spots in-between. Held 4 missions services in Monette, Crossett, and Jonesboro. I visited with some wonderful pastors and congregations and the team is being built as these churches pray for me and give generously so that I may return to Europe!

Along the way I had to sit out a severe storm on the side of the road (with thanks to my storm watching parents who were watching the weather for me). I also went to the Arkansas AG women's retreat where I served 70+ cups of tea, gave away over 100 bags of tea and 22 Europe testimony books! Then yesterday, after missions services I was able to attend a church Memorial Day picnic.

For all of these adventures, this is my navigation help. An itinerating missionaries friend is her GPS! Although James (name of my GPS) did try to make me drive through a cotton field at one point! Bad James!

And these are some of the sights along the way. Thankful for God's protective hand, His provision, and the opportunity to be in Arkansas for this time. Very thankful for the many churches, pastors, and people who are praying for me and the ministry of training & mentoring in Europe.

The White River in Northeast Arkansas - recently flooded area.

Wood Street AG in Jonesboro, Arkansas

Storm outside of Crossett, Arkansas

I just thought this was cool. ;-)

One of the fun names of towns in Arkansas!

Getting to know you...

2011-05-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

"Getting to know you, getting to know all about you, getting to like you, hoping that you like me."

I hope you are singing now...

These words, made famous in the musical "The King and I", tell the story of the formation of an unlikely friendship between the King of Siam and his British governess. This is one of my favorite musicals, probably because it is set in Thailand, but also because of the hilarity that comes when cultures clash. The most refreshing aspect of this film is that people from vastly different backgrounds can come to understand one another and ultimately have a wonderful friendship.

I love learning about different cultures and the challenge that comes along with that. What I find more often than not is that we are all much more similar than appears at first glance. I guess that's because we all have the same creator.

While itinerating, I have the privilege of interacting with people from my own culture, yet sometimes we are vastly different. Many cannot relate to my having lived in another country for most of my life, while its difficult for me to understand that someone has never moved from their hometown. I don't speak like a southerner any more, but it doesn't mean we can't communicate. As we interact together, we begin to learn about one another, accept our differences, and understand that God has placed us all on the planet for the purpose of working together. Unity. The body. We all have different purposes & plans for our lives, but if we are serving God and fulfilling His will for our lives in the place where He has us, we can be unified, we can understand, and best of all, we can be friends.

I'm liking you better and better every day. Here's hoping that you like me too!

Now I'm off to make some more friends....

Missions Convention & Sacrificial Giving

2011-05-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Mission efforts are about partnership. To everyone who has partnered with me over the years through prayers & finances I say a big THANK YOU! You can read more about partnerships by visiting my ministry blog (click here!).

I had the privilege of participating at the Arkansas Section 3 Missions Convention during this past weekend and enjoyed meeting many pastors and members of the congregations of several AG churches in this area of Arkansas. This area has been very hard hit by rains and flooding during the past week and many churches were unable to attend as roads were closed.

I especially enjoyed sharing with the congregation of Salem First Assembly of God. Pastors Kenn & Elizabeth DeShane have been friends for many years as Kenn and I went to Bible College together, and later, Kenn & Elizabeth spent time in missions in Cambodia. It was great to see them again, and to meet the members of this congregation. My evening service, unfortunately, was cancelled due to the weather, but I hope to meet with the church in Cash, Arkansas, very soon.

A highlight of the weekend was the opportunity I had to sit at a table full of teenagers from Salem. This "assigned" seating seemed to be divine appointment as I had a great time talking to these young people and watched as they responded and gave sacrificially to the missions offering. One young man said he "couldn't wait to give" as he had too much money in his wallet and wanted to give some away! Reminded me of the Macedonian church from 2 Corinthians! These youth will remain on my prayer list and I pray God uses this mightily in reaching their generation for Christ.

If you can't wait to give and would like to help me get to England, simply click here and fill out the form for a monthly commitment, or scroll to the bottom for credit card donations or one-time offerings. All donations are tax-deductible, and rewards are given in heaven!

Thank you for your partnership.

Budget news...

2011-03-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

As I sit this evening and drink a cup of tea (practicing for living in England where Brits drink more tea per capita than anywhere else in the world!), I thought I would write a little budget update.

I just received my new budget today and according to my calculations, I'm at 80%. I wasn't sure how the budget would increase moving to England, but it seems to be quite comparable. That's probably because I'm living in rural England, not in London! In fact I'll be living 3 hours north of London, pretty much in the middle of England. Mattersey, Doncaster, Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom. Yes - my address is going to be really long.

In light of this budget news, my new motto for my itineration hails from British history. During WWII, the British government wanted to raise morale of the public as invasion loomed. The slogan? Keep Calm and Carry On. It was the third in a series, with the first two stating "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory" and "Freedom is in Peril". "Keep Calm & Carry On" goes along with one of my favorite verses in the Bible: 2 Tim 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."

So that's my new motto: Keep Calm and Carry On - 20% more monthly pledges to raise, and quite a few cash offerings - but I'm confident that God is my great provider!

Arkansas Sectional Council

2011-03-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

It was a joy to participate in the Arkansas District AG Sectional Council tour earlier this month. After two weeks of traveling 1500-plus miles, attending 15 sectional meetings, eating 14 church potluck dinners (which included 6 briskets, 5 fried chicken and all had green beans - which I love!), 6 stays in hotels, and was able to travel with 9 amazing Arkansas missionaries and 8 district leaders (who are awesome). We met with all of the ministers in Arkansas and were able to not only hear the vision of the Arkansas District, but also what God is doing around the world in missions!

Here's a pic of the missionaries on tour (less one...sorry Heath!). Thanks for praying for these missionaries as we all raise funds so that we may touch the world for Jesus!

Terry & Babs Castleberry - Belize
Joe Butler - US - Special Needs
Carolyn Dorsey - Asia Pacific Media
James Wright - Asia
Mike & Charlene Peterson - Caribbean School of Theology
Shannon Buckner - England
Cecil Culbreth - Ark District Missions Director
Matt Carpenter - Chi Alpha UCA
Tom Hodum - Global Initiative
Maurice & Marcia Lednicky - Thailand
not pictured: Heath Graham - Chi Alpha ATU

Announcing: Third Term Missionary Assignment!

2011-03-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity

under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1

After 13 years of serving as a missionary on the campus of Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium, and after much prayer, fasting and counsel, this season of ministry has come to a close and I will not be returning to Brussels. It has been a joy to invest into the lives of hundreds of students over these many years. CTS alumni are serving in more than 70 nations of the world. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had to have a little part in preparing and sending them out into full-time ministry.

I remain an A/G Missionary to Europe and am excited about what God has planned. I have a call to train, mentor, and make disciples of the next generation of ministers. Therefore, my third term as a missionary with the A/G World Missions will take me 400 miles across the English channel from Brussels to the United Kingdom. I have received and accepted an invitation to serve as a missionary on the campus of the Assemblies of God Bible College in the United Kingdom: Mattersey Hall Christian College, in Mattersey, England. Mattersey Hall is a Christian College founded in London in 1909. At the heart of its mission, both the College and the Graduate School are committed to preparing men and women through an education that is innovative and marked by academic excellence for productive Christian service in vocations and ministries matched to the marketplace of the 21st Century.

I will continue mentoring and training students for ministry. Therefore my mission simply changes geographical location. I am thankful for this new opportunity to accelerate the spread of the Gospel in Europe through the formation of young lives called of God. I will serve on the campus as a missionary, and will NOT receive remuneration - so your continued financial support is greatly appreciated!

My goal is to arrive in England in the fall 2011. I am currently at 77% of my financial budget. If you or your church can partner with me on a monthly basis, this will accelerate my fundraising to be in England by Fall. Click here to find ways that you can partner with me financially. If you are already a monthly donor, thank you for your partnership. If you can consider a “cost of living” increase to this monthly donation, any amount is greatly appreciated.

I also have many open dates on my calendar for missionary services. Thank you for contacting me to schedule a service and hear about what God is doing in Europe through the Assemblies of God World Missions. You can find my updated calendar of services by going to my Online Calendar.

We are partners together in reaching the next generation of Europeans with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

In His Service, Shannon

Here are some photos of Mattersey Hall. To find out more about the college, click here to go to the website.

Travels to the great unknown...

2011-02-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of recent travels & ministry opportunities. I had the privilege in January to take a trip through three states that I had never been before....Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The purpose was to help represent Europe at the Great Plains SALT Conference (Chi Alpha University Ministries). I worked the Europe booth, and gave away lots of coffee (!) with veteran missionary David Buckley (Hungary & Europe Field office) and new missionary Bryan Elliott (Wales, UK). We are believing for many students to hear God's call to missions. This generation has the capacity to reach Europe for Jesus!

It was a great trip and nice to see new territory, plus meet with some great people along the way. I had the privilege of seeing old friends from my days in Cambodia - Susan Berke who lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Mary Kennedy and her family who live in Topeka, Kansas. Enjoy these pics!

A Season for Everything Under Heaven...

2011-02-09T08:12:00.001-08:00

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Change is inevitable. After 13 years of serving as a missionary on the campus of Continental Theological Seminary, and after much prayer, fasting and counsel, this season of ministry has come to a close. I leave CTS with such respect for my colleagues from around the world, and with a knowledge that the ministry of Continental Theological Seminary will continue for long into the future. It has been a joy to invest into the lives of hundreds of students over these many years - to see them enter as first-year students, prepare themselves, and graduate to go into full-time ministry. CTS alumni are serving in more than 70 nations of the world. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had a little part in their preparation for ministry.

As for the future, I remain an A/G Missionary to Europe and am excited about what God has planned. I will keep you informed of the details of ministry for my next term, but it's not quite "time" to post this information. PLEASE PRAY during the coming weeks as my mission assignment is finalized. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and God's divine direction.

I first sensed God calling me to full-time ministry when I was 13 years old. I tried to run away from this calling, but God continued to show Himself faithful to me. My call was further solidified in Bible college, and then, 20 years ago, I found myself involved in ministry as a youth pastor, short-term missionary in Cambodia, and for the last 13 years in Belgium. Now as I look at the next stage of life & ministry, I am excited to see how God will lead and guide.

At the end of the day, ministry is all about showing the love of God and leading people to Him so they can know hope and true peace. I pray that the next 20 years of ministry will be filled with God's wisdom, direction, and fruitfulness - but most of all, God's love.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's the Sunday before Christmas, and all through the house,

only one creature was stirring, and it wasn't a mouse!

It was me, in America this year for Christmas. I am very happy.

But Christmas is not just about being in the USA this year. And although I am so very excited to be with my family this year (last year we had Christmas via Skype), it's not even all about that. Christmas is about Jesus. This is a time to celebrate my Saviour. Jesus Christ. Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and my personal favorite name for God: Emmanuel - God with Us!

Isaiah foretold Jesus arrival in chapter 9 verse 6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

I don't deserve a saviour because my sins were too great, but God saw past my failures to my heart and said I was worth saving. He saw what He had created me to be...His! Every day I thank God for my salvation. What am I saved from? From my sins and failures, but also from an eternal hell. God's plan meant that He gave up His son, Jesus, and sent Him to earth to live a life so that He could relate to, of all people, me! Who does that? God does. Because He cares so much for us that he wanted to be WITH US!

And Jesus remains with us today. He lived, and yes, He died on this earth, but He lives today because He rose again (that's Easter!) and then sent the Holy Spirit (our comforter) to live in our hearts and guide us through life.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Wise men do still seek Him.

This year, let's keep CHRIST in CHRISTMAS and celebrate Him!

Merry Christmas!

Shannon

PS: You can read my Christmas newsletter by clicking here. Enjoy!

Fellowship Meetings

2010-11-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

Arkansas has a wonderful host of Assemblies of God churches (416 of them!). The state is divided in 15 sections for organization sake. Each month (or quarter) the various sections host fellowship meetings for the ministers, women, youth, etc. As a missionary, I have the privilege of attending these meetings to get reacquainted with the pastors, and on occasion share about what I've been doing in Belgium over the past 5 years.

And fellowship meetings always come with food. Awe...the wonder of the church potluck - a true New Testament tradition (sharing what you have with one another). It may not be great for my Weight Watchers quest, but it's wonderful to share a meal with these pastors and leaders. 80% of my missionary support comes from churches & individuals in Arkansas, so it's important to reconnect with these wonderful people.

Last night I spoke at the Section 8 Fellowship meeting in Wynne - at Rolfe Chapel Assembly of God church. It had been a rainy day and foggy night, so attendance was slim, but God spoke to us through the fellowship, worship, and message.

It was also a pleasure to sit across the table from Denise Baxley, a consultant working with Concepts of Truth - a local office affiliated with the National Helpline for Abortion Recovery. They have a wonderful ministry to women - offering hope to those that are hurting.

fellowship |ˈfelōˌ sh ip|- "friendly association, esp. with people who share one's interests"

Hebrews 10: ²⁴ "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

We are stronger together than apart. Keep the fellowship flowing!

A view from the road...

2010-11-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics from my recent travels.
What I see most during itineration:

but sometimes I get to stop and eat at cool places like this - the General Store in Oark, Arkansas. I had an amazing hamburger & onion rings!

I had the privilege of being in Paris on Saturday. It wasn't the one in Europe, but Paris, Arkansas.

Had the privilege of speaking at a FIRE Institute class (intense discipleship course) and was challenged by their commitment to God and going deeper in their relationship with Him.

Itinerating is fun. I get to meet lots of wonderful people, go to some great places, and see some beautiful parts of the US. Plus, I can share about Europe and what God is doing through the lives of students at Continental Theological Seminary.

Down the road...

2010-11-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

The life of a missionary on furlough is different than life on the field. For the coming year there will be a lot of driving down the road. I had a service tonight just a few miles down the road. Tomorrow night I'll drive about 5 hours (round-trip) for 10 minutes in a ministers meeting. This year I will drive thousands of miles to hundreds of locations. I'll share my testimony, talk about Europe, and hopefully raise awareness of what is happening across the ocean.

But I love it. Furlough gives an amazing opportunity to meet the wonderful people in our local churches that pray & give so that I can serve the churches in Europe. Driving these many miles gives me lots of time to pray about my future, reconnect with my home state, and see the beauty of my home country.

Thank you for getting involved in missions. Let's drive down the road together!

How you can partner with Shannon...

2010-09-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Would you like to partner with Shannon on a monthly basis?
If the answer is yes, THANK YOU!
To make a monthly financial contribution, go to the Assemblies of God World Missions site by clicking here and filling out the form.

If you would like a form mailed to you, click here to send me a message.

Would you like to give a one-time donation or donate by credit card on a monthly basis? You can do that too! The Assemblies of God World Missions provides a secure donor platform where you can give directly to my missionary account. Click here to go to the secure donor portal.

Would you like to commit to praying for Shannon and her ministry in Europe training young men and women for full-time ministry? If the answer is yes, thank you once again. Let me know you are praying by sending an e-mail. Simply click here to send me a message! You will be added to my prayer news that will be sent regularly via e-mail.

Thank you so much for your partnership in missions.

TOGETHER we can bring Hope to Europe!
Shannon

Watch the video to find out about the ministry of CTS!

2010-09-10T10:19:00.001-07:00

Watch the video below to find out more about the ministry of Continental Theological Seminary. Located in Brussels, Belgium (the capital of Europe), CTS trains students from around the world for full-time ministry. Graduates of CTS are currently serving in more than 70 nations of the world as pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, church workers, youth & children's workers, humanitarian & relief workers - they are touching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

If you would like to know more about the ministry of CTS, send me a message (click here). I am currently in the USA for missionary furlough and would love to come to your church to share about the ministry of training and making disciples of all nations happening on the campus of Continental Theological Seminary.

Missionary from a Distance

2010-09-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Even though I am currently in the USA for missionary furlough and fundraising, it doesn't mean that I am no longer a missionary! This time in my home country is part of the missionary life. Typically every 4-5 years Assemblies of God missionaries will return to their home country to share in local churches about what has been happening on the field. It is a great way to reconnect with the people who have prayed for us and supported us with finances during the previous term. Furloughs also help us to reconnect with family and friends, and allow a time away for perspective and prayer for the ministry we love so much. They are also a time to raise the necessary funds to continue serving on the foreign field for another year.

This week I am thinking of my friends in Belgium. Continental Theological Seminary is gearing up for a new year of training students from around the world for full-time ministry. The faculty & staff will be meeting this week for training, and classes start next week. New students. New courses. New Faculty. It is an exciting time of year!

But at the moment, as I am in the USA and CTS is in Belgium, I am a missionary from a distance and praying for my colleagues and the ministry of training students.

Thank you for praying for the faculty, staff and students of CTS as they start a new academic year. New students are arriving, returning students continue their studies, and God continues to raise up a new generation of young people to reach their world for Jesus Christ.

If you would like to hear more about this ministry in person, click here to send me an e-mail me!

Why do missionaries need to learn the language?

2010-08-28T07:45:00.001-07:00

If you have never learned another language or lived in another culture (or if you have!), read this article from the New York Times (click here to access) to understand why it is essential for missionaries to learn the language of their culture. But keep in mind that it could take a lifetime for one to understand all that the language implies. With language, my 11th commandment comes into play: "Thou shalt not assume!" In this case, assume that what someone says is what I understand them to mean. Enjoy the article and I welcome your comments!

Side note: This is why I believe that training individuals to go back to their home countries to share the gospel is so important. They don't have to take a great many years to understand the language or know the culture behind the language - they have learned this from birth. This is also why I see cross-cultural relationships as such an intriguing thing - especially when I have seen so many couples that have formed at CTS that are from different cultures, different mother tongues, communicate in a second language, teach their children their respective languages, and everybody gets it. Wow. That's all my limited vocabulary can say. Wow.

Calendar Updated!

2010-08-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

You can now view my Itineration Calendar of Events by clicking HERE, or using the link on the left sidebar. Now you can see what I'm up to, and also know if I might have a particular date available for a missions service.

If you have any questions, or would like to book a missions service or time to share over a cup of coffee, don't hesitate to EMAIL ME! I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Even Yard Sales Can Be Missions Moments!

2010-08-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

At 7:30 yesterday morning I left my parents home with mom & dad. We set out to conquer Bargains Galore on Hwy. 64 - a 160 mile long yard sale, spanning from Alma, Arkansas to Beebe, Arkansas. With a great many stops and 104 degree heat, we only made it about 40 miles in 7 hours, but we had lots of fun and came home with a few less dollars, and a few treasures.

One of my treasures was a fully complete audio version of the New Testament (KJV). The most interesting thing about this audio Bible was that it was on 45 LP Records!! For you young'uns out there, that's vinyl record! I purchased this little bit of history from a nice man in Knoxville, Arkansas, who I found attends the London Assembly of God church - one of my supporting churches. What a joy it is to run into precious people like this.

We also visited the Pottsville First Assembly of God church who, thankfully, held their yard sale in the air-conditioned gym. It was wonderful to meet a couple of the ladies there who were helping to raise money for their church to go on a mission trip to an American Indian reservation in South Dakota. Somehow we did exit the building without buying Krispy Kremes, but I'm sure that was a draw to the many shoppers travelling on Highway 64. Blessings on your fundraising Pottsville church!

Even yard sales can become moments for missions. Love it!

Tweet me...

2010-08-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Twitter, tweets, and other bird sounds. You can now follow me on twitter!

Click here and ask to follow my tweets! I'll be posting my travels & highlights of missionary furlough.

Have a great day!

Calendar trouble

2010-08-12T07:32:00.001-07:00

Having a little trouble with the publishing of my calendar. Thanks for your patience...it should be up and running soon!

:o) Shannon

Welcome!

2010-08-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Springfield, Missouri! I have been back in the USA since the end of June and what a joy it is to be back home for furlough. After a 5-year missionary term in Brussels, Belgium serving at Continental Theological Seminary, it is now time to reconnect with all of the wonderful partners in missions.

This blog is created so that you can follow my itineration progress, see my location each week, view partner lists and enjoy the occasional story and images of my missionary furlough and fundraising. So come back and visit often! Click on Itineration Calendar (left) to see my missionary service schedule. If you are close to one of these locations, I would love to have you visit the service and hear the message live!

You can sign up for updates sent to your e-mail on the right. Or bookmark the RSS feed for easy reading on your web browser. Tell your friends, family, church, pastor, sister, brother, dog or cat. If they are interested in missions and what God is doing in Europe, tell them to log on and get the news!

I am currently in Springfield attending the Assemblies of God General Presbytery meetings. I was chosen by my colleagues, along with Missionary Larry Henderson (Canary Islands) to represent the Europe region of the Assemblies of God World Missions at these meetings. It's a privilege to sit in these meetings.

Thanks for stopping by and may God bless you!!