Missions
Philippines
Roble & Araceli Cortel
On February 25, 2019, New Hope Church (NHC) missionary Ellery Laquihon, who was at that time looking for a lot for sale in Roxas City and surrounding town to start a church, was offered by Engineer Erson Rotulo a 500 sq/meter lot that he owned in Panitan, Capiz, about 15 Kilometers from Roxas City. He had a condition: It must be used to start a church. A few days before, Ellery had met Engineer Rotulo at a Christian businessmen meeting, where Ellery was the guest speaker. Ellery accepted the offer and Usufruct agreement. After a 4-month renovation of an existing abandoned building, paving the lot and putting a cyclone wire fence around the property, Panitan Christian Fellowship of Barangay Salocon, Panitan, Capiz was dedicated to the Lord in a Thanksgiving and Dedication Service on September 8, 2019.
In everything that happened since February 25, to September 8, 2019, God definitely had a hand in each one of them, and He answered all our prayers for a new church in the Province of Capiz, and provided all our needs in connection with it. As a church planted by NHC Missionary Ellery Laquihon, Panitan Christian Fellowship (PCF) is the daughter church of New Hope Church of Oak Lawn in Alsip, Illinois.
Panitan Christian Fellowship called Mr. Roble Dapat Cortel to be their pastor. His wife, Araceli Cortel, is a retired guidance counselor (Capiz State University). They have three adult children, Jullien, Rapha and Jade.
Note: As of October 16, 2022, Panitan Christian Fellowship (PCF) has started a House Church in Pan-ay, Capiz called Pan-ay Christian Fellowship (PCF).
Ukraine
Dr. Richard Strahm and his wife Cheri work with Equippers Network International. This organization is a leadership training organization that equips qualified Christian leaders in areas of the world where few training opportunities exist, to serve as mission-aries and church planters. ENI provides qualified instructors, training materials and ministry equipment. Dr. Strahm is the executive director of ENI and an instructor in the Ukraine. His wife Cheri works with the wives of pastors to instruct and equip them for service as well.
Japan
Kevin and Kaori Laverman serve with WorldVenture as church planters in Japan. After being appointed by CBInternational (currently WorldVenture) for career service in 1997, the Lavermans moved to Japan in early 1999. Kevin spent the first two years in language and cultural study at the International Christian University. Meanwhile, Kaori watched their son, Justen Keiji, and began some Bible study groups for young mothers whose children attended a local kindergarten. After Kevin completed language studies in August 2001, the family moved to the Yokohama/Kawasaki area to begin a church planting work. The Lavermans are working with a core group of believers to multiply leadership and Bible study groups using believers’ homes. Kevin and Kaori have one son, Justen.
The group launched their first Sunday worship service as Denen Grace Chapel (www.denengracechapel.org) in November 2001. Kevin shares, “Slowly but steadily, God brought people to our church and to faith in his Son, Jesus. One by one, baptisms have added people to our small church which now numbers around 30.” This group of believers meets in a private hall for Sunday services. Twice monthly a relaxed “coffeehouse” style music service called “Sanbi Cafe” is also offered. A Gospel workshop and English classes attract community seekers. Small group Bible studies for ladies, men, and not-yet-Christians are also conducted. Believers are growing spiritually and becoming excited by the opportunities to reach their friends for Christ.
Germany
Igor & Vita Swiderski were born in the former Soviet Union to Jewish families, but grew up and met in Germany, where their families immigrated to in the early 90s. They both came to faith in Jesus at a young age through the witness of their Gentile friends. Since then, their passion for the Lord has increased, and the Lord has placed a special calling for Jewish ministry on their hearts. After completing their training at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, they served on staff with Chosen People Ministries. Upon completion of theological studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, they returned to Germany with their daughters Rosie and Sophie for full time ministry in a Messianic congregation in Dusseldorf, Germany, to continue the work that Igor’s family started there. Their vision and commitment is to do evangelism, discipleship, and planting of Messianic congregations among the widely unreached Jewish people of Europe and Israel. They are now serving the Lord in Munich to fulfill that vision.
