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The Hearth |
A Newsletter for the Friends of OMSC
Current newsletter
SPRING 2008
Newsletter / Executive Director's letter / Reply card / Address change & comments [PDF]
From the Executive Director: Enough for Everyone?
“Where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”
(Mark 8:1–10)
This question, in one form or another, has persistently recurred ever since the followers of Jesus were instructed by their Lord to feed a multitude—an undertaking that far exceeded their numbers, their capabilities, and their resources.
Here at OMSC, we are often similarly perplexed. The needs of those whom we are called to serve at times so overwhelms our resources that we are tempted to simply send them home with our blessing.
As I write, the staggering scale of the natural disaster that has devastated Myanmar is just beginning to be grasped: as many as one million people have been left homeless; 22,500 are known to be dead, and another 41,000 are missing. Thousands of homes, churches, and pagodas have been swept away.
Because five members of our community are church leaders from that country, what we read in the newspapers and watch on the television has a special poignancy. Rev. Mahn Than Tan, with tears in his eyes, reported that ten churches under his jurisdiction, and all of their members, are gone. Only one pastor survived. More bad news is sure to come.
We anguish with them as they anxiously await word of their loved ones. The tens of thousands of men and women, boys and girls, who have drowned are real people, our brothers and our sisters, who have suddenly been plunged into tragedy and ruin, and who now face the grim prospect of severe want and hunger. These are our people.
This tragedy is particularly poignant to my wife and me since we visited our alumni in that country in February. We were treated like long-lost family members, and hospitality was lavished upon us as we visited schools and churches, preaching, lecturing, and conducting seminars.
It was humbling to see our alumni—some sixty in all—leading congregations, directing seminaries, and administering denominations. Their ministries dwarf OMSC in both size and complexity. Despite this, they spoke gratefully and joyfully of the many ways in which their time at OMSC had renewed and refreshed them for ministry in that land.
The Myanmar Institute of Theology chapel motto reminds students and teachers that the Church in Myanmar is specially called to be a “Dynamic Christian Presence in Society.” Given the recent battering suffered by the country, dynamic Christian presence has never been more crucial.
In comparison to the overwhelming needs of these dear brothers and sisters, OMSC’s resources are distressingly meager. But we are resolved to do what we can. As this year’s residents prepare to return to their stricken land, they go with our community’s cash offering, and with the assurance of our ongoing support and prayer.
“Where . . . can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” We are determined to offer what we have to the Lord, confident that through him our little can serve many.
Also in the isue:
Holy Spirit Led Korean Family to OMSC
Nigerian Professor Finds “Friends and Colleagues Forever” at OMSC
Bonk Lectures at Global South Institute
Tanzanian Couple, Eager to Return Home, Made Many New Friends
Saw Sarsay Mookaw Known for Musical Ability
Korean Author and Family Enjoy New Haven and OMSC Life
Intern Graduates from Yale Divinity, Will Marry in July
Catholic Historian Brings Joy to Community Despite Injury
Missionary in Los Angeles Enjoys Renewal
Scholarship Will Be Named for MacDougalls
Gifts of a Lifetime: An Invitation to Partnership with OMSC Through a Planned Gift
Japanese Artist Paints as “Humble Response” to God’s Call
Host-Hostess Couples Depart This Summer
. . . AND MORE.
Fall 2007
Newsletter / Executive Director's letter / Reply card
From the Executive Director: Dandelions at OMSC
African Village Chief Writes for Dictionary
Chapel Founder Seeks OMSC Adventure
Central African Regional Coordinator Leads DACB Workshops
Ways the Dictionary of African Christian Biography Can Serve Your Church
"OMSC Has Become a Great Part of God’s Plan for Us"
Ad Manager Ruth Taylor Retires After 27 Years
Burmese Salvation Army Officer Enjoys Learning from Others
Doctoral Candidate Studying Worship
Scholar Researching and Writing on Caribbean Anglicanism
Brazilian Missionary Offers Infectious Joy
Intern Writes Profiles
OMSC Announces Senior Administrator Scholarship
OMSC News in Brief
Help Wanted July 2008
Thank You, Cosponsors and Contributors!
New Titles for Your Library
Artist’s Life of Obstacles Exhibits Testimony of Faithfulness
Plan to view an exhibition
Spring 2007
Newsletter / Letter from the Executive Director / Reply card
From the Executive Director: A Living Fellowship
Czech Couple Grateful for Community Life
Pakistani Thankful for Experiences as Intern
Dictionary Receives Enthusiastic Response in Mozambique
Departing Malaysians Will Remember OMSC for Community
American Priest Teaching in Australia Appreciates Hospitality and Solitude
Ray Sola Named Property and Facilities Manager
Other Staff Changes
Stebbins Explores Religious Sites in China
OMSC News in Brief
Help Wanted: July 2008
OMSC Art Books for Sale
Chinese Artist Expresses Faith Through Painting
Thank You, Cosponsors and Contributors!
Reception, Exhibition, and Silent Art Auction
Fall 2006
Newsletter /
Letter from the Executive Director / Reply card
OMSC Welcomes Missionaries, Church Leaders, Professors, and Artist
From the Executive Director: Eternity in Their Hearts
Study Center Staff and Families Blessed by Seven Weddings
Physician and Journalist Join OMSC Staff as New Resident Host Couple
Dictionary Seeks Portuguese Collaboration
Malaysian Expresses Faith Through Painting
Thank You, Cosponsors and Contributors!
Spring 2006
Newsletter / Make a scholarship gift
From the Executive Director: Children Welcome!
Hedmans and Perrys Leave OMSC Community
Eastmans Welcomed as OMSC Host/Hostess
Plans Develop for DACB Swahili Translation
Experiences at OMSC Became Reminder of God’s Unmerited Blessing
Buildings and Grounds Improvements
Thank You, Cosponsors and Contributors!
Newsletter / Letter from the Executive Director
International Residents Share Stories and Joy in Mission Community
From the Executive Director: Hospitality and Life Together
Katrina Victims Relocate to OMSC’s Doane Hall
Three African Scholars Writing for Online Dictionary
Introducing He Qi
Spring 2005
Newsletter
Residents Leave New Haven with a “Greater Desire for Missions”
Philip and Vicky Gerenia Welcomed Hundreds of Missionaries to OMSC
From the Executive Director: A Time for Farewell
Community Grieves Following Death of Cameron Stebbins
Trip to Egypt and Scandinavia Promotes Arabic DACB
Sasongko’s Art Infused with a Global Perspective
Fall 2004
Newsletter
Many Perspectives and Paths Represented by New OMSC Residents
Chinese Pastor Survived Because “Jesus Was in the Boat with Me”
Two Scholars Help Tell Stories of African Church
Children from Around the World Welcomed
The Hearth is a newsletter for the friends of the
OVERSEAS MINISTRIES STUDY CENTER
490 Prospect Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06511 USA
(203) 624-6672 info@OMSC.org