September 2005
Mosaic is the monthly news bulletin of Rosedale Mennonite Missions and is distributed through CMC churches. Because this publication may contain information about workers and ministries in sensitive locations, the entire content is not available online.

Youth Groups “Go Extreme”
Ninety-one youth from seven youth groups participated in the 2005 edition of City Challenge, RMM’s five-day, inner-city missions experience held at the SEND Training Center in Columbus, Ohio. City Challenge combines teaching (this year’s theme was “Go Extreme” and focused on the life of the Apostle Paul), worship, work projects and evangelistic outreaches. For many of the youth, a highlight of the experience was time spent with their group in prayer and confession. Seven youth accepted Christ for the first time and many others rededicated their lives to following Him.

Dates for the 2006 City Challenge program are listed at www.send-me.org.
Iraq: The Good News
Despite bombings, hostage-taking and political wrangling, some positive news has emerged about the growth of Iraqi churches. In Baghdad, 15 evangelical congregations have started since the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime in April 2003. Officially, only two existed before. Now local Iraqi pastors lead all congregations, and many Christians who fled the country have returned. "The people are open like never before," said Pastor Ghassan Thomas, adding, “Muslims too want peace. Many of them are frightened. When the hostages are killed, often a Quranic verse is used to justify it. So many Muslims are scared of their own God. When we preach that God is love, it is so liberating to them." In the northeast, Iraqi Kurdistan offers a haven for Christian activity as the two rival Kurdish governments reportedly grow in their toleration of Muslims becoming Christians. Kurds compose about 25% of Iraq’s population. Pray that the country’s new constitution will ensure freedom of religion. [from OM News Bytes, August 2005]
God’s Abundant Provision
RMM is delighted to report that God provided beyond our expectations in relation to the missions day offering. We were praying to be able to reach a goal of $220,000 through the offering. With gratefulness to God, we’re happy to report that the total missions day offering came to $276,000! A large piece of this was a pledge we received from one donor for a $100,000 contribution. We have once again experienced the truth of God’s word in Ephesians 3:20 in that God is not only able to, but he has done immeasurably more than all we’ve asked or imagined. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – from Keith Scheffel, RMM chief financial officer.
Recommended Reading: The Next Christendom
In this groundbreaking book, Penn State Professor Philip Jenkins examines the tremendous growth of the Christian church in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and proposes that, “We are currently living through one of the transforming moments in the history of religion worldwide…The era of Western Christianity has passed within our lifetimes, and the day of Southern Christianity is dawning.”

This book will challenge your assumptions about the global church (“by 2050 only one Christian in five will be non-Latino and white”) and inspire you with a glimpse of how God is establishing His church around the world.

The Next Christendom can be purchased from amazon.com and christianbook.com.
New RMM Map Posters
This 13” x 19” poster containing a world map and pictures of RMM’s workers, is available from the RMM office for a suggested donation of $2 (to cover shipping and handling). To request a copy email info@rmmoffice.org, call (740) 857-1366, or fill out this form.
This month in the Beacon
Long-time RMM worker Dan B. describes his pilgrimage in missions. Dan has served since 1973 in Nicaragua and Southeast Asia and his article testifies to the faithfulness of God throughout those years of service. Read this inspiring article in the October issue of Brotherhood Beacon or request an electronic copy by visiting the “Resources” section of our website.

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