Proven Missions Convention Ideas

We especially thank our Assemblies of God Churches who participated in helping put this book together

Assemblies of God World Missions ©2OO9 Gospel Publishing House 1445 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802-1894

TABLE OF CONTENTS Lunch/Dinner with Seniors........................................................................................................... 1 Round Robin Missions Conventions ............................................................................................ 2 Ladies’ Tea ................................................................................................................................... 3 Convention Theme Art ................................................................................................................. 4 Annual 5-Sunday Missions Emphasis .......................................................................................... 5 VCR Missions Convention ........................................................................................................... 6 Home Fellowship Groups ............................................................................................................. 7 Missions Fair ................................................................................................................................ 8 All Nations Banquet ..................................................................................................................... 9 Candlelight Missionary Parade ................................................................................................... 10 Children’s Missions Convention ................................................................................................ 11 First Sunday Introductions.......................................................................................................... 12 International Celebration Day .................................................................................................... 13 Friday Night Fellowship Night ................................................................................................... 14 Missions Month .......................................................................................................................... 15 Letter Writing to Missionaries .................................................................................................... 16 Mini Missions Convention ......................................................................................................... 17 Curio Booths............................................................................................................................... 18 Missions Walk-a-Thon ............................................................................................................... 19 Missions Flight (Children K-6) .................................................................................................. 20 Friday Fast/Saturday Prayer Breakfast ....................................................................................... 23 Overseas Phone Call ................................................................................................................... 24 Missionary Wish Lists ................................................................................................................ 25 Buy Tables/Adopt Missionaries ................................................................................................. 26 Children’s Missions Volksmarch ............................................................................................... 27 Missions Banquet Theme: Serving Others ................................................................................. 28 Progressive Dinner ..................................................................................................................... 29 The PC Monitor Clone For Tabulating Faith Promises .............................................................. 30 Idea Bank .................................................................................................................................... 31 Using Video Clips for Missions Reports .................................................................................... 32 Missionary Support Chart ........................................................................................................... 33 ―Has Everyone Been Served?‖ ................................................................................................... 34 Gift Basket .................................................................................................................................. 35 A Prayer Card Per Place Setting ................................................................................................. 36 Missions Awareness Month........................................................................................................ 37 Eating Out at the Missions Convention ...................................................................................... 38 A Royal Missionary Welcome ................................................................................................... 39 This is Your Life: Missionary Last Name .................................................................................. 40 Making Missions Banners .......................................................................................................... 41 Global Celebration...................................................................................................................... 42 Flags of Your World Missionaries ............................................................................................. 45 Missionary Family Display ........................................................................................................ 46 Missionary Humor ...................................................................................................................... 47 Missionary Prayer Reminders .................................................................................................... 48 Ask a Missionary Kid (MK) ....................................................................................................... 49 Seeing the World With the Help of Internationals ..................................................................... 50 Music and Missions .................................................................................................................... 51 Whys and Hows of Missions? .................................................................................................... 52 From our Missionaries — Volume 1 .......................................................................................... 53 Drama ......................................................................................................................................... 54 ―Missions Recipes‖ ............................................................................................................... 58-66

LUNCH/DINNER WITH SENIORS OBJECTIVE:

To target senior citizens as a missions support group. Senior citizens often are or can be an integral part of the missions program in the church. They represent some of the most faithful church members in giving, praying, and contributing their time for the support of missionaries. A special event planned for these friends can serve as a time to honor them and to inspire and encourage other seniors to participate in missions.

PROCEDURE:

Include in your missions convention schedule a lunch/dinner for the senior citizens, pastoral staff, and missionaries at a local restaurant. Make reservations for a quiet room where missionaries can interact with the seniors in an intimate atmosphere, sharing their field ministry and needs. In a larger group, try to seat a missionary at each table with a group of seniors. Prior to the date of the event, ask one or two seniors to share examples, during the dinner, of how they have participated in the missions program of the local church and what that involvement has meant to their lives.

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ROUND ROBIN MISSIONS CONVENTION OBJECTIVE:

To enable churches in a particular city or area to participate together in a missions convention in an effort to expose each congregation to more missionaries and to share the expenses of the convention.

PROCEDURE:

First, the sponsoring church sets a date for the missions convention and elects a Missions Convention Chairman and/or Committee. Next, send a request to Assemblies of God World Missions for a list of missionaries who will be stateside at that time. Then mail letters of invitation to pastors within the section, area, or city, asking them for a commitment to participate. Once they respond, give them an opportunity to recommend three to four missionaries from the AGWM list. When the number of participating churches is known, make a final selection of the missionary speakers (1 missionary per church) and send a letter of invitation to each missionary. Decide which expenses will be provided by the missionary and which expenses will be provided by the church. For example, missionaries may pay for their transportation to and from the convention, but receive food and lodging once they arrive. Plan a rotation schedule so that each missionary visits several churches during the time allotted for the convention. Open the round robin missions convention with a banquet, inviting all participating pastors and their families. Introduce missionaries and pastors and ask the Convention Committee Chairman to provide an orientation for the convention schedule. After the convention expenses are met, divide the cash offerings equally among the missionaries. Each participating church will be responsible for the church and individual monthly commitments it makes to missionaries.

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LADIES’ TEA OBJECTIVE:

To provide an opportunity for women in the local church to have fellowship with missionary wives. In this setting, they can learn more about the missionary wife’s role and the needs of the missionary family.

PROCEDURE:

When planning the missions convention schedule, include an afternoon on Saturday or Sunday for a Ladies’ Tea at 3:00 p.m. (or whatever time is most convenient for the women of the congregation). Contact the wife of the missionary convention speaker and ask her to speak to the women of the church on that afternoon. Schedule the fellowship hall at the church for the event. Ask the Women’s Ministries group or a designated committee of women to decorate the hall, bring cookies, and prepare tea. Allow time for questions and answers following the missionary wife’s presentation.

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CONVENTION THEME ART OBJECTIVE:

To stimulate the thinking of children and youth about missions and missionaries.

PROCEDURE:

One month prior to the scheduled missions convention, share the convention theme with every Sunday school teacher, from nursery class (2-3-year-olds) to college-age class. Encourage the teachers to discuss the theme with their class the next Sunday. Ask them to allot time in class each week to help students develop artwork illustrating the theme. Provide any art supplies needed for each class. Collect the artwork samples on the Sunday prior to the beginning of the missions convention. Designate an area of the church where the art can be displayed for everyone to see, and solicit volunteers to prepare the display.

ALTERNATIVE:

If your local church has a Christian school, assignments can be made to classes within the school to prepare theme art for the missions convention.

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ANNUAL 5-SUNDAY MISSIONS EMPHASIS OBJECTIVE:

To raise the missions awareness of the congregation and to focus on world missions projects needing financial support.

PROCEDURE:

Designate five consecutive Sundays on the church calendar for a missions emphasis focusing on world missions project needs. Contact Assemblies of God World Missions for a list of project needs (Ex.: construction of a church, children’s feeding program, Good News Crusade teat, Bible school textbooks, etc.) Ask the missions committee and/or church board to select four projects (one per Sunday following the initial Sunday) from that list to present to the congregation. Decide on financial goals and set a date by which personal commitments are to be paid. Prepare commitment cards for distribution. Because these are commitments for projects, the funds should be collected and sent to the project in the shortest time possible. (Allow approximately 6-8 weeks for commitments to be paid.) Some churches make this a time of missions emphasis that does not tax the missionaries’ time. Therefore, they pre-record greetings (on cassette or video) from a missionary regarding the project need and present those to the congregation each Sunday. If you prefer, you may schedule missionaries and/or missions personnel from Assemblies of God World Missions to speak on each Sunday and present each of the four projects. On the first Sunday of the 5-Sunday emphasis, present the project needs and the goals that have been set for each. Distribute commitments cards to everyone present. Encourage the people to regard their commitments as faith commitments and to ask God for creative ways they can raise funds to meet their commitments–taking a part-time job, selling something, etc. Make commitment cards available every Sunday and publish a running giving total in the church bulletin each week of the missions emphasis. On the final Sunday, total the commitments for missions projects and rejoice with the congregation over the needs that are being met as a result of this missions emphasis. When the date arrives for commitments to be paid, take a few moments in the service that day to thank the congregation for their participation in the missions emphasis.

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VCR MISSIONS CONVENTION OBJECT1VE:

To provide a missions emphasis for the local church, using missions videos to present current news of missions around the world. This idea is especially useful for a smaller church or a church which has never had a missions convention. It cuts costs compared to a missions convention where missionary speakers are brought in. Also, it saves time for the missionary on his itineration schedule.

PROCEDURE:

Set dates for the VCR Missions Convention, from 3-4 days in length. Call or write the Division of World Missions U.S. Relations Department for a list of videos available and a missions convention packet and order form. Select one video for each night of the missions convention. Choose videos which emphasize missions in different parts of the world. Ask members of your missions committee or members of the congregation to preview the videos (one per person) when they arrive. Ask each person to prepare to give a brief introduction for the video on the night it is shown. Open the convention with the pastor speaking in the first service. Distribute faith promise cards (available from World Missions) to everyone present. For each remaining night of the convention, plan additional activities–praise/worship, special dinner, missions booths, etc,–around the showing of the missions video. If your church already has committed missions support to missionaries, review their names and fields and any new update of their current ministry you have received with the congregation. In the last service of the convention, collect the faith promise commitments to missions.

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HOME FELLOWSHIP GROUPS OBJECTIVE:

To provide opportunity for people to meet the missionaries personally and to learn more about their daily life, culture of their missions field, and ministry. This setting is ideal for a question-and-answer session between the missionary/missionary family and individuals.

PROCEDURE:

Appoint a member of the missions committee as coordinator of the Home Fellowship Group activities. Schedule the groups to meet on evenings during the week of your regular missions convention. Announce to the congregation the need for volunteers to offer their homes for these meetings. Once the number of homes has been established, place the list of homes in the foyer of the church and ask each member of the congregation to sign his or her name to the group they want to attend. Limit the number of people in each home to 10-15. Depending on how many people participate, you may have several groups meeting in different homes on the same night. You will need to schedule one missionary for each home meeting. The schedule at each home can include dinner (preferably) or coffee and desert prior to the missionary’s time of sharing and a question-and-answer session. The host/hostess at each home can determine the menu and how the dinner is prepared (by the hostess or potluck).

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MISSIONS FAIR OBJECTIVE:

To provide a visual display which gives information about and sparks interest in worldwide missions.

PROCEDURE:

Designate several rooms or a large area where displays can be set up. Allow plenty of space between displays for people to walk and look at each one. Assign each missions department of the church–Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade (BGMC), Men’s Ministries (MM), Women’s Ministries (WM), and Youth (Speed the Light)–the responsibility of setting up a display featuring their missions projects and financial goals. In additions, or as an alternative, you may ask these departments or individuals to set up displays featuring the four major areas of missions outreach–Africa, Eurasia, Asia Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean–or different nations of the world where you support missionaries. To learn about the culture, dress, etc., of a particular country, use the research materials at your local library. To provide information regarding Assemblies of God ministry in a particular country, write for a copy of Field Focus for that nation. Address correspondence to AGWM U.S. Relations, 1445 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802-1894. You may also request an order form for missions posters, brochures, videos, and other materials.

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ALL NATIONS BANQUET OBJECTIVE:

To provide an international experience to help people focus on world missions and missions outreach.

PROCEDURE:

Set the date for the All Nations Banquet within the time frame of the missions convention. Schedule the Fellowship Hall for that date. Divide the hall into four or five segments to represent certain areas of the world. Decorate the hall with flags from many nations (these can be reserved in advance with World Missions). Check your local library for books with cultural information on each area which can help you with ideas for decorating. Background music depicting the culture may also be available from the library. Prepare international foods known to each area.

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CANDLELIGHT MISSIONARY PARADE OBJECTIVE:

To help members of the congregation, those participating in the parade and those watching, to form a closer identity with the missionaries they support and with the broad scope of Assemblies of God missions endeavor.

PROCEDURE:

This parade is very effective during the closing service of a missions convention. Obtain a list of the missionaries, supported by your church, and their mission fields. You will need full names of husbands and wives, and single missionaries. Write on each slip of paper the name of a missionary or missionary couple and their field. Distribute the slips to people in the congregation, asking for their participation in the parade. Arrange for those people to attend a rehearsal, if possible. Prepare a script, to be read by someone, which introduces each missionary/missionary couple and their field. These may be arranged in alphabetical order by the missionary’s last name or by the name of the field in order to help those participating to know their correct position in line. Ask each missionary representative to dress in costume appropriate to their mission field. Purchase enough drip less candles for each individual to have one (with some extras available). To prevent wax dripping, slip a round drip paper on each candle. Dim the lights of the auditorium. Arrange for the missionary representatives to wait together at the back of the church with their candles (unlit). As their names are called, they will walk down the aisle (couples walk together) and light their candles at a single candle centerpiece at the front. As each one lights a candle, he or she will walk to a designated area of the church, forming a circle around the congregation or some other impressive pattern. Time allowed for the candlelight parade will depend on the size of your congregation and the number of missionaries supported. 10

CHILDREN’S MISSIONS CONVENTION OBJECTIVE:

To help children learn more about missions and to teach them about giving to missions.

PROCEDURE:

Plan a Friday through Sunday adult missions convention and conduct one simultaneously for the children. Decorate the area for the Children’s Missions Convention with a banner, posters, and literature. Prepare a list of the names of Missionary Kids (MKs), their ages, and their missions fields (those children of the missionaries your church supports). If this information is not kept by your church, send a list of the missionaries you support to the MK Ministries Office in the Division of World Missions, and they will send you the MKs’ names and ages. Plan activities centered around missions games, puppets, skits, crafts, etc. Devote one service to Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade (BGMC). Emphasize the importance of commitment by boys and girls to this ministry. Give some specific examples of how the children’s BGMC funds have helped missionaries on the field. In another service, ask the missionary speaker for the adult convention to speak to the children. Allow time for a questionand-answer session between the children and the missionary. Instruct the boys and girls how to make missions pledges. Give each one a faith promise card, the same kind the adults use. (Announce to the congregation a few Sundays before the convention that faith promise pledges will be taken among the children. Encourage moms and dads to discuss with the children the amount of faith promise they should pledge). In the last service, tally the faith promises with the help of the boys and girls. Have a celebration missions party!

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FIRST SUNDAY INTRODUCTIONS OBJECTIVE:

To kick off the missions convention. To offer a time of sharing information with the congregation about the missionaries who will participate and the activities that will take place throughout the missions convention.

PROCEDURE:

Prior to the first Sunday of the missions convention, decorate the auditorium with a missions banner, posters, etc. Update the bulletin board or area where missionary commitment forms/photos are displayed. Plan a presentation of flags of the nations. These flags may be reserved for your missions convention by contacting the Division of World Missions. You may have the flags already in place around the auditorium or you may plan a parade of flags at the beginning of the service. Ask choir members to participate in the parade of flags and dress in native costume to represent the nation whose flag they carry. Prepare a slide presentation introducing the missionaries and/or missions projects which the church is supporting. (This activity must be planned several weeks or months prior to the convention in order that the slides may be obtained from each missionary.) Print the entire missions convention schedule in the church bulletin or on an insert and distribute those to the congregation on this day. Announce these activities in detail to the congregation.

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INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION DAY OBJECTIVE:

To provide a special day during the year (perhaps at a 6-month interval after the annual missions convention) to promote missions awareness.

PROCEDURE:

Invite a missionary speaker for that day. Check with your district for missionaries on itineration in the U.S. Or, the pastor may speak on a missions subject. Decorate the auditorium with a banner that reads ―International Celebration Day,‖ missions posters, etc. Ask the choir to dress in international costumes and present a special missions song. Encourage Sunday school teachers to focus on missions in their classrooms at every age level. Following the morning worship service, plan an international feast with food from all nations served at various booths.

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FRIDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP NIGHT OBJECTIVE:

To provide an informal time of sharing about missions with adults and children together.

PROCEDURE:

On a Friday night during the regular missions convention, schedule a time of fun, food, and fellowship. Select a theme country (a field where one of the missionary convention speakers is from or any other country of your choice) and invite everyone to join in games popular in that particular country. These are available from your local library or you can ask a missionary for this information. Prepare snack foods native to that country. Assign someone to give a brief talk about the theme country selected. Follow that with prayer for the evangelization of that country, the ministry of the missionaries, and the health and happiness of missionary families.

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MISSIONS MONTH OBJECTIVE:

To provide missions emphasis over a longer period of time, allowing a congregation to hear from more of the church’s missionaries than they would in a short-term missions convention.

PROCEDURE:

Schedule missionary speakers for Sunday and Wednesday night services for an entire month. Promote this special missions month in the church bulletin for several weeks prior to the designated month, listing the missionary speakers and the missions fields. Decorate the auditorium, using a theme banner and posters (from the Division of World Missions) and set up a display table in the foyer with world missions materials–brochures, videos, etc. From the first Sunday, emphasize the importance of faith promise giving and introduce the idea of the faith promise card. Let the congregation know when faith promises will be taken during the month. Ask the choir/and or soloists to prepare missions theme songs for each Sunday service. Plan to bring in the children for some of the services during the month.

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LETTER WRITING TO MISSIONARIES OBJECTIVE:

To involve adults and children in personal communication with missionaries and missionary families.

PROCEDURE:

Insert this idea into one of the scheduled services of the missions convention. It works well in a more informal setting. Prepare a list of the missionaries and missionary kids (MKs), with the MK’s ages, supported by the church family. Be ready to distribute a copy of the list to each person present. Ask each adult and child to write a letter to one of the missionaries or MKs on the list. Children may write letters or draw pictures to send. Mail these letters and drawings the next day. As responses come from the missionaries and MKs, read some of those responses each missions Sunday throughout the year.

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MINI MISSIONS CONVENTION OBJECTIVE:

A Mini Missions Convention is an excellent method by which the smaller church with a limited budget can have a missions emphasis. Or, a larger church may host a Mini Missions Convention at a 6-month interval between annual missions conventions.

PROCEDURE:

Schedule the Mini Missions Convention for Friday through Sunday. On Friday, plan a potluck dinner. Ask each family to bring a food dish representing a foreign country. Make available international food recipes in the foyer or at another location. On Saturday (or Saturday evening), emphasize Assemblies of God missions outreach by showing a film or video. (A selection of films and videos are available from the Division of World Missions which focus on ministry in various areas of the world; write for a free brochure.) Follow the video presentation with a time of prayer for Assemblies of God missionaries in that area/areas of the world. On Sunday, feature a missionary speaker. Ask him to explain and encourage faith promise giving within the context of his message. Immediately following the missions message, distribute faith promise cards to every family or single person in the congregation. Give them the opportunity at that point to make a faith promise commitment to missions. Ask members of the missions committee or ushers to collect the faith promises. Once those are picked up, announce to the congregation that the remainder of the faith promises may be turned in during the evening service and the faith promises will be tallied at that time. During the regular services, for a few weeks following the Mini Missions Convention, remind people to turn in their faith promise cards if they haven’t done so already. (Some people will be unable to attend the Mini Missions Convention.)

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CURIO BOOTHS OBJECTIVE:

Providing booths where missionaries can display curios from their field gives people opportunity to be exposed to other cultures and to visit one-on-one with the missionaries. Children, especially, will enjoy this learning experience.

PROCEDURE:

The number of curio booths needed for your missions convention depends on the number of missionaries participating. Plan to have the booths ready at the beginning of the missions convention to stimulate interest among the people attending. Set up the booths in a location where people can walk by and look at the curios without blocking aisles or walkways. The booth itself can be in any format suitable to your situation. It may be constructed from large pieces of cardboard and decorated to represent an area of the world. Or, it may simply be a table with posters displayed on the wall behind it. Be sure to identify the nation each curio booth represents.

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MISSIONS WALK-A-THON OBJECTIVE:

What better time to promote giving to missions by way of a fund-raiser than during the missions convention? The monies designated to the walk-a-thon may be targeted toward a special missions project, the youths’ Speed the Light annual goal, a special need represented by one of the missionary speakers, etc.

PROCEDURE:

Schedule the walk-a-thon on a Saturday immediately prior to or during the annual missions convention. Several weeks prior to the convention, decide on the group of people who will participate in the walk-a-thon (youth, missions committee, etc.). Start them in the process of collecting pledges toward their walk. Depending on the setting of your church, the walk-a-thon may be scheduled for a nearby school track, a park jogging trail, or a little traveled county road. Schedule the event early in the day. Encourage members of the congregation to be present to watch participants as they begin the walk-a-thon. Plan a picnic lunch for walking participants and watchers at the end of the walk-a-thon. On Sunday, share interesting stories from the walk-a-thon and the results of the missions giving generated from the walk-a-thon.

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MISSIONS FLIGHT (CHILDREN K-6) OBJECTIVE:

Children receive an incredible ―hands-on‖ experience as they visit missionaries on the foreign field through this simulated mission flight.

PROCEDURE:

Prepare schedules for the missions flights (number of flights will depend on number of children participating). Order flight wings for each child from a local airline. Purchase peanuts and soft drinks to serve on the ―plane.‖ Prepare an authentic looking passport for each flight participant. (Information on countries for passports can be requested from the Division of World Missions.) Prepare Missions Flight Stations using cardboard background and All-Star Missionary Cards. Recruit teenagers to serve as flight attendants. Flight attendants will supervise and guide an assigned group of passengers from station to station. Stamp passports of children at each missions station. Serve snack during first missions station stop. Sample schedule: 3:45 - 4:00 Check-in time (auditorium) 4:00 - 4:15 Departure (from auditorium to Missions Flight #1) 4:20 - 4:45 Mission Station 1 4:45 - 5:05 Mission Station 2 5:05 - 5:25 Mission Station 3 5:25 - 5:45 Deplane children to church lobby (Parents pick up children) Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

4:20 - 4:45

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306

312

4:45 - 5:05

306

312

206

5:05 - 5:25

312

206

306

5:25 - 5:45

Deplane to church lobby (parents pick up)

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Missions Flight Script Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. We’re glad to welcome you aboard Missions Flight number ____. In a few minutes our captain will be moving us out onto the runway to put us into the takeoff pattern. At the present time we are cleared for takeoff. We ask that no one move about the cabin while the aircraft is taxiing to the runway. Since this is an international flight, the no smoking ban will be in effect during the entire flight. For your safety and comfort we will be making our flight today on a Boeing 747. Please observe your flight attendant as he acquaints you with the safety features of this aircraft. The Boeing 747 is equipped with emergency exits: two in the front, two over the wings, and one in the back. In the event of an emergency landing, either on land or sea, your attendant will instruct you to bend over, grasp your ankles, and remain strapped to your seat by your seat belt. Since this flight is a trans-oceanic flight, our 747 has been equipped with flotation devices under the seat. In the event it becomes necessary to land in the water, lift up on the flotation cushion, and place your arms through the straps. Your flight attendant will direct you to the nearest exit. For your added comfort and to save you any embarrassment, an air sickness bag has been placed in the seat in front of you. Should you become nauseous and have to vomit, place both hands on the bag and hold it between your legs. If the bag provided is not sufficient, please feel free to use your neighbor’s airsickness bag. After using the bag, fold the top and seal with the attached tabs. Your flight attendant will cheerfully dispose of your bag when you contact him by turning on the call button located in the console above your head. Your Missions Flight today will be at an altitude of 36,000 feet and we anticipate an airspeed of 600 knots. In the event of a

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sudden drop in elevation or decompression, an air mask will come out of the overhead console. Pull the mask down with one hand and place the elastic strap over your head and adjust the tabs. For those of you traveling with small children, we ask that you place their oxygen mask on first and then attend to your own. Once the aircraft has become airborne and the captain turns off the seat belt sign, you will be served a complimentary snack and beverage by your flight attendants. And now the captain has turned on the no-smoking sign and the fasten seat belt sign. Sit back and enjoy your flight and thank you for choosing Missions Flight number _____.

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FRIDAY FAST/SATURDAY PRAYER BREAKFAST OBJECTIVE:

Prior to the beginning of the missions convention, an emphasis on fasting and prayer will prepare the hearts of your congregation.

PROCEDURE:

Several weeks prior to the convention, announce the Friday Fast. Encourage the people to participate in a one-meal or allday fast. Keep the church doors open all day Friday for those who want to come in and pray. On Friday evening, conduct a special prayer meeting on behalf of world missions and the missionaries who will be participating in the missions convention. On Saturday morning, continue the emphasis on prayer at a special breakfast in a restaurant or during a catered breakfast at your church fellowship hall. Sunday morning worship service begins the missions convention.

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OVERSEAS PHONE CALL OBJECTIVE:

Only a small percentage of Assemblies of God church members make international phone calls. Their hearts are challenged and excited, and they can better identify with the missionary they support, when they listen to him talk from the field where he is ministering.

PROCEDURE:

Using your church’s P.A. system, set up a giant speakerphone. If your church does not have a P.A. system, an electric guitar amplifier will work. If needed, you may rent a telephone amplifier from a local electronics store. Call the missionary live during the Sunday morning service when the attendance is the largest. (Make arrangements prior to the service with the missionary regarding the time of the phone call so you will be able to reach him.) Be prepared with certain questions you want to ask him, but give him opportunity to share whatever current news or needs he has from the field where he is ministering.

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MISSIONARY WISH LISTS OBJECTIVE:

Missionaries often need items that may be a large expense to their budget. When people can help supply specific needed items like this for a missionary, they can more easily identify with the missionary’s needs on the field.

PROCEDURE:

Several weeks prior to the missions convention, contact missionaries participating in the convention and/or missionaries the church supports. Ask them to prepare a ―Wish List‖ of items needed and approximate costs that ordinarily would have to be covered from their personal budget. Prepare a list of these needs in printed format to distribute to the congregation during one of the missions convention services. Ask everyone to look over the list and check one or more items, indicating a pledged amount toward that need. Collect the lists of needs. Read the items on the ―Wish Lists‖ which have been marked paid for by pledges. This will generate excitement as the people experience the immediate meeting of needs. Explain that as soon as the pledged funds are paid for each item on the ―Wish List,‖ those funds will be transferred to the missionary with the need.

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BUY TABLES/ADOPT MISSIONARIES OBJECTIVE:

When a missions supporter is able to identify more closely with a missionary or a need, his or her sense of responsibility to missions outreach is increased.

PROCEDURE:

At a missions banquet during the convention, tag each table with the name of a missionary/missionary family supported by the church If desired, the centerpiece can be prepared to represent the country where the missionary serves. Set a certain dollar amount for which each table can be purchased by an individual or ministry group (Youth, Men’s Ministries, Women’s Ministries, Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade, Home Cell Groups, etc.) The purchase of the table is considered a pledge to missions. With the purchase comes the responsibility of the individual or group to adopt the missionary represented at the table for the next year. This may include commitments to the missionary such as praying for him, corresponding with him, and remembering special days (birthdays and holidays) with cards.

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CHILDREN’S MISSIONS VOLKSMARCH OBJECTIVE:

The Volksmarch (―people’s march‖) event began in Germany as people hiked from one scenic location to another. Young and old alike thrilled to the sights and sounds of Alpine vestas. Each ―trekker‖ received a badge at the end of the Volksmarch to signify they had completed the event. Now the Volksmarch comes to America, complete with sights and sounds from the missions field. Boys and girls will trek from one country to another, seeing missions at work.

PROCEDURE:

Decide which countries or ministries to include in the Volksmarch. Recruit helpers to create the setting and atmosphere from each country at certain points of the march (indoors and outdoors). Ask missionary convention speakers to be available for this event or ask an adult to dress in native costume and represent the missionary. Prepare border passes for each ―trekker.‖ Appoint border guides for each country. Make hats and make plastic badges identifying them as security personnel (Ex.: Border Guard World of Islam). Order theme pins from the Division of World Missions to award to each ―trekker‖ who completes the hike.

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MISSIONS BANQUET THEME: SERVING OTHERS OBJECTIVE:

Banquet participants will not only be ministered to but will sense a responsibility to minister to others as a result of the theme enacted throughout the setting of the banquet.

PROCEDURE:

Gather decorations and artifacts from countries around the world to use as decorations. Place the flag of the different country on each table, including the U.S. flag for the ―American table.‖ Construct a life-size ―thatched hut‖ out of brown paper bags and paint as a focal point from which the banquet speaker ministers. Recruit youth, dressed in ethnic costumes, to serve as ushers and waiters. Prepare dishes representing cuisine from several different countries. Youth will serve this variety of foods to the American table, while serving only bowls of plain macaroni and pitchers of water to the other tables. (The people seated at the American table should be informed ahead of time regarding your plans.) As the speaker begins the message, those seated at the American table begin to get up one at a time and take some of the variety dishes to other tables (which have only had macaroni and water). The speaker then begins referring to our responsibility to share the good news we have been given with those who have not heard. Special music may be presented at this time. An appropriate song to use is ―Thank You for Giving to the Lord.‖

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PROGRESSIVE DINNER OBJECTIVE:

This type of meal is a great way to have fun, food, and fellowship and at the same time learn about other cultures and countries. This idea works best for small to medium-sized groups, but can be adapted for use with larger crowds.

PROCEDURE:

A multi-course meal is served with each course being served at a different person’s house. The dinner party drives from house to house, having appetizers, then soup, then a main course or two, and a dessert. Each house is decorated to represent a different country, and the course served at that house should be from that country’s cuisine. Appetizers might be from India, soup from China, a main course from Spain, and a dessert from Mexico. The host at each house may dress in a costume indicative of their country. He or she should also be familiar with any eating practices that differ from our own in the U.S., such as using different utensils or sitting on the floor. Another option is to keep the progressive dinner within the church building. Use several Sunday school rooms, designating each one as a different country with a host assigned to it. This options is much simpler and more convenient, but does not offer the warmth and intimacy of members visiting each other’s homes. To use this idea in larger numbers, groups could be staggered (one starting every half hour) or rotated from country to country.

NOTES:

Start the dinner early in the evening; it can take quite a while to travel from house to house. Selecting houses close together helps the dinner flow more smoothly. A progressive dinner is even more meaningful if each country represented is one where you support a missionary. As you ask the blessing on each course, pray for the country, its people, and the missionaries.

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THE PC MONITOR CLONE FOR TABULATING FAITH PROMISES OBJECTIVE:

To communicate the progress of faith promise giving to the congregation in a unique and humorous manner while trying to meet the faith promise goal.

PROCEDURE:

Use a large cardboard box big enough to hold a small table and two people. Paint the box to represent a large computer monitor. Cut a slot in one of the panels of the box where faith promise cards can be inserted into the box. Cut another slot where adding machine tape can be fed out of the monitor. On the monitor’s screen, paint a gauge showing amounts smaller to and leading up to your missions goal. Attach a moveable hand with a finger pointing to an amount. As you sub-total the faith promises coming in, move the hand to the correct amount. When faith promises total the halfway point to the goal (or if response begins to slow), begin talking to the computer monitor. To the congregation, explain that computers are machines and cannot show emotion or get excited about what is happening. Then begin talking to one of the people inside the monitor. Explain the reason for missions and the urgency for reaching the multitudes of people who have never heard about Christ. Elaborate on world missions needs or tell about specific missionaries and projects supported by the church’s missions giving. Use this as a time to better educate the congregation regarding the church’s missions program. The person sitting inside the monitor should reply in a monotone voice. At some point the ―computer‖ should begin to show interest in the tabulations of faith promise giving. As the pastor or missions spokesperson continues to ad lib, the ―computer‖ gets very excited. Continue to receive faith promises, working toward reaching your goal. Call out amounts with no names so the person inside the computer can add the amounts and report to you occasionally on the adding machine tape coming out of the computer. Once the goal is reached and/or the total faith promises have been received, express appreciation to the ―computer‖ for a job well done.

OPTION:

Outline the computer screen with chaser lights (those in plastic tubes). Have them ready to plug in at the moment your missions goal is reached. 30

IDEA BANK OBJECTIVE:

To provide a video library to help people in the local church know their missionaries and be better informed regarding world missions outreach.

PROCEDURE:

Secure a video camcorder. Designate someone to do a 5minute (or longer) interview with each missionary speaker (and his family, if present) who visits the church. If the missionary’s family is not present, videotape pictures of the family at close range. Maintain a file of these videos in the church library or designated location. Each time missions is featured in a church service, remind the congregation of the availability of these tapes. Whenever a missions bulletin is printed, note beside the missionary’s name if a video is available for viewing. Encourage the people in the church to view the missionary videos at any time. These can help missions partners better know the missionaries they support, know how to pray for them, and know how to communicate with them on the mission field.

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USING VIDEO CLIPS FOR MISSIONS REPORTS OBJECTIVE:

To enable the congregation to better envision the missions fields and ministry of missionaries they support. To portray the person giving a missions report as an overseas correspondent talking to missionaries.

PROCEDURE:

Obtain a selection of two-minute Missions World Newsbreak videos from the U.S. Relations Department of Assemblies of God World Missions (417) 862-3420). Use these two-minute videos as background for on-the-spot reports given by the church’s overseas correspondent (a member of the missions committee). Project the video clips on a screen in the back ground with the reporter standing in front of the screen. Time each report to correspond with the video clip being shown. Have the reporter hold a copy of the report in one hand and a microphone in the other. If video tape clips are not available, project 35 mm slides in the background during the report. Keep each report brief, 15 minutes or less. Preparation for this idea and its implementation requires time and should be started several weeks before its scheduled use. This kind of missions report can be used effectively for the monthly missions report or on consecutive Sundays prior to the church missions convention.

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MISSIONARY SUPPORT CHART OBJECTIVE:

To illustrate the church’s long-term prayer and financial commitment to career missionaries.

PROCEDURE:

Create a display of missionaries supported by the church on the wall, bulletin board, or table. For each missionary, show a flag or map of the country where they minister. Display a photo of the missionary/missionary family. Prepare a chart showing the month/year when the church began supporting the missionary and the amount pledged at that time. Include a time line to the present, showing each year of support and the amount of the monthly faith promise given. This visual chart is significant in that it shows long-term commitment on the part of the local church to the missionary and on the part of the missionary to the call of missions. Charts may be displayed for each missionary during a monthly missions emphasis and/or during the annual/biannual missions convention.

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“HAS EVERYONE BEEN SERVED?” OBJECTIVE:

To provide a dynamic emphasis on unreached peoples of the world during a missions convention communion service.

PROCEDURE:

Prepare for a typical communion service during the missions convention. Designate several members of the congregation to represent various unreached peoples groups and to sit in various locations throughout the audience. After the communion emblems have been served, the person leading the communion service asks, ―Has everyone been served?‖ One of the designated members stands and replies, ―No, wait, please. I represent 1 billion followers of Islam (or 1 billion Muslims in the world) who wander in spiritual darkness. We have not been served. Please, please help us.‖ Immediately, one of the servers goes to this individual and serves him/her. Quickly another designated member stands and says, ―No, wait, please, I represent 1 billion Chinese. We have not been served. Please, please help us.‖ Again, immediately a server moves to this person with the communion emblems. Designated members continue to stand quickly, one after another identifying unreached peoples. Servers hurry toward them with the emblems. The key to this idea’s effectiveness is for each participant to move quickly and keep the interest of the congregation. Another designated person might say, ―No, wait, please. I represent the multitudes of millions of animists who worship the spirits of their departed ancestors. We do not know the one true God. We have not been served.‖ Another might say, ―Wait. I represent thousands in the urban areas of America searching for meaning and purpose in life. We have not received the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have not been served.‖ After all designated people groups have been featured and everyone is served, the leader says, ―God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should be served the glorious message of Jesus Christ and the message of salvation. That is our reason for being. May God help us to remember that today. Now, will the elders please come forward.‖ Continue the communion service in the usual manner. The song entitled ―We Have Not Been Served,‖ written by Margot Zilch, may be featured at the opening and/or closing of the communion service.

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GIFT BASKET OBJECTIVE:

To offer an expression of love, appreciation, and welcome to each missionary/missionary family ministering in the missions service or convention.

PROCEDURE:

Prepare or purchase a gift basket filled with small gift items and food. Suggestions: cheese, chips, fresh fruit, homemade cookies/candy, craft items, small recipe booklets, tea bags, gum, etc. Prior to their arrival, place these gift baskets in the motel room or location where the missionaries are staying prior to their arrival.

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A PRAYER CARD PER PLACE SETTING OBJECTIVE:

A banquet idea to help introduce people to the missionaries ministering in the missions convention. To encourage individuals to pray regularly for the missionaries.

PROCEDURE:

Write or call each missionary scheduled to speak at the missions convention and/or each missionary supported by the church. Request a supply of prayer cards from them. At the missions convention banquet, place a missionary prayer card at each place setting. To display the prayer cards in an upright position, prepare a simple holder. Take a note card similar in size to a postcard, and cut it in half. Fold one edge up about 1/2 inch, then fold the remaining length in half. Set the prayer card inside the folded 1/2 inch area. Encourage those attending the banquet to take the prayer card home with them, put it on the refrigerator, and pray daily for that missionary.

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MISSIONS AWARENESS MONTH OBJECTIVE:

To increase awareness of the need for believers to participate in both U.S. and world missions involvement.

PROCEDURE:

Designate one month of each year as ―Missions Awareness Month.‖ One month prior to the designated month, send a letter to each member of the congregation informing them of the exciting events planned for Missions Awareness Month. Ask them to pray for the missions outreach of the church and regarding their individual prayer/financial participation in missions. Order missions convention supplies from Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM). For four Sundays prior to Missions Awareness Month, present one of the four video segments available from AGWM featuring the four missions field directors and highlighting their fields of responsibility and ministry: Africa, Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia Pacific. Focusing on the missions theme named by AGWM, the pastor may preach messages based on the theme. For example: ―Let’s be the Generation to Reach our Family,‖ ―Let’s be the Generation to Reach our Community,‖ and ―Let’s be the Generation to Reach our World.‖ Schedule missions speakers (U.S. and world) to preach during each service of Missions Awareness Month. On the first Sunday, distribute missionary prayer cards. Schedule a missions banquet for the last Saturday of the month. Schedule a speaker for the banquet who also will speak the next morning in the Sunday service. On that Sunday morning, distribute faith promise cards. During the final service on Sunday evening, conclude with the AGWM video musical, a time of prayer for the missionaries, and the collecting of faith promises.

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EATING OUT AT THE MISSIONS CONVENTION OBJECTIVE:

To encourage attendance at the missions convention as well as to provide a time of fellowship and missions education.

PROCEDURE:

For each weeknight of the missions convention, plan to serve an evening meal. This enables people after a long workday to come and enjoy the missions service and their evening meal without cost. Appoint a Food Committee to plan the menus for each evening meal. The committee then selects a person to be in charge of organizing/preparing each meal. In order to know how many servings to plan for, post a sign-up sheet for each meal. To defray the church’s expense of providing the meals, post sign-up sheets for each meal on the church bulletin board. List the menu items and the food donations needed. Give the locations where donations should be brought (for both perishable and non perishable food items), when the items are needed, and the name of the person in charge of cooking the meal. This event blesses the congregation as the congregation blesses the missionary.

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A ROYAL MISSIONARY WELCOME OBJECTIVE:

To welcome the missionary/missionaries to the church’s missions convention.

PROCEDURE:

Invite the missionaries and their families to sit on the platform at the front of the church. Select members of the congregation to participate in a welcome parade carrying signs on poster board. Ideas for messages on the signs are: Welcome missionary’s name. We’re glad you came. God bless missionary’s name. We are praying for you. Thank you for being our missionary to name of the missionary’s field of service. Missionaries serve the King of Kings. Once the parade participants have walked the aisles, ask them to be seated on the first row of pews, holding their signs visible to the missionaries.

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THIS IS YOUR LIFE: MISSIONARY LAST NAME OBJECTIVE:

To help the congregation know the missionaries they support in a more personal way.

PROCEDURE:

Prepare a questionnaire for the missionary, including questions regarding background, preparation for the missions field, family life, field of ministry, needs, daily life, etc. Prior to the missions service, ask the missionary to complete the questionnaire. During the missions service, host a ―This Is Your Life‖ segment. Ask the pastor or a member of the missions committee to act as emcee and communicate the information on the questionnaire to the congregation. Music in the background to enhance the serious and humorous aspects of the questionnaire can be effective.

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MAKING MISSIONS BANNERS OBJECTIVE:

To provide colorful and reusable banners, from inexpensive fabric, for wall and table decorations at the missions convention.

PROCEDURE:

Fifteen yards of fabric will make 25 large and 40 small banners for wall and table decorations. Use various colors combined with white to identify the different missions fields represented at the convention. One yard of colored fabric and one yard of white will make three large banners. To make a large banner, divide a 1-yard piece of 45-inch colored fabric and a 1-yard piece of white fabric into 6 strips lengthwise. Each 1-yard strip will measure approximately 7-8 inches wide. Using French or flat felt seams, join three strips by using two colored strips and placing a white strip in the center. Hem the outside edges of the banner with a narrow hem. On the left side, turn and press a 1 1/4-inch hem. Stitch across the top and down the side of this hem to make a pocket to insert a dowel rod. Trace the letters needed for the name of the country on colored fabric to match the outside strips of the banner. Use permanent ―Heat-n-Bond‖ to attach the letters to the banner. These banners may be washed easily and will hold together for many years of use. Make small banners using the same method. For each small banner, use 2 1/2-inch wide strips measuring 8 inches long. You may choose to leave off the lettering on the small banner. This size banner looks attractive as a table centerpiece.

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GLOBAL CELEBRATION OBJECTIVE:

To educate about missions, to stimulate missions awareness, and to raise global consciousness through a celebration of sights, sounds, tastes, and feelings.

PROCEDURE:

Schedule a date for the evening of Global Celebration. Prior to that date, promote the event by mailing to each family or single, a passport and a letter (see sample letter) congratulating them on their win of ―a trip around the world‖ and giving them complete instructions regarding the night of ―Global Celebration.‖ As you can see from the letter, each family or single may choose 3 out of 5 destinations for their trip. Designate an area of the church to house these destinations and create them by involving missionary speakers and/or lay members of the church. Here are a few ideas for the destinations. Please adapt these to fit your missionary speakers and emphases. 1.

An International Marketplace. Build booths and decorate to represent different countries. Ask helpers to dress in native costume and prepare food representing the different cultures. If internationals are part of your congregation, ask for their participation as helpers.

2.

A Muslim Home and Tea Room. If you have a missionary speaker from the Muslim world, ask his help to portray a Muslim tent with Persian rugs, pillows, and other artifacts. Serve tea in the tent to world travelers and portray daily life in a Muslim home.

3.

A Chinese House Church. Prepare a sparsely furnished, dimly lit room. Reenact a Chinese house church worship service.

In addition to the people needed to help prepare the travel destinations, you will need a pilot and stewardesses. Decorate hallways (main concourse) of the church leading to the travel destinations with travel posters and international flags. Make clouds and hang with fishing line from the ceiling. Use special lighting to dim the walkways and place dark blue paper with stars on the walls. Suspend large silver Mylar helium-filled, star-shaped balloons in the ―sky.‖

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On the evening of the Global Celebration, ask everyone to gather in the church’s main sanctuary for instructions from the pilot (dressed in an airline pilot’s uniform). Kick off the event with the ―I’ll Fly Away‖ video (large screen) and soundtrack. Stewardesses, dressed in dark skirts and white blouses with ―wings‖ (obtained from an airline) pinned to their collars, will direct the crowd from one destination to another. Schedule each destination to take about 20 minutes and then stewardesses will direct them on to the next destination. SAMPLE LETTER FOR GLOBAL CELEBRATION Name of Church Address City, State, Zip To: Name of church member Address City, State, Zip CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! YOU ARE A WINNER!!!!! The _____________________ family has won a trip around the world. Your family has been chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime Global Celebration. You may choose three destinations to visit out of a possible five. You are guaranteed a life-changing experience beyond your wildest dreams. You will be flying an ABC (Use initials of church name) Flight No. 8556 which will leave at ______ p.m. sharp. To claim your exciting prize, you must follow the instructions below: 1. Read the enclosed ―PASSPORT‖ very carefully and make your decision about the destination you wish to visit. 2. Bring you family to name of church on day, date at ______ p.m. sharp. 3. Tickets are not required. Your reservations have already been made. It is very important that you read the enclosed ―passport‖ before you come to claim your prize. You need plenty of time to consider your options and decide which three destinations you wish to visit. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN ON BEING A GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!!!! Flying together, Name of Coordinators of Global Celebration SAMPLE OF PASSPORT Cover: Use photocopy of actual passport. Print name of church at bottom.

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Inside: GLOBAL CELEBRATION Date

Trip Around the World Destinations List all destinations here with a brief description of each.

Close with instructions: You will meet in the name of flight waiting room for instructions from the pilot. Stewardesses will direct you through the corridor of flags toward the two concourses which will take you to the destinations. You should wear comfortable, casual clothes–ready for travel. You will not need luggage. Close with instructions regarding the program for children.

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FLAGS OF YOUR WORLD MISSIONARIES OBJECTIVE:

To familiarize the congregation with the various countries where missionaries, supported by the church, are ministering.

PROCEDURE:

List all of the countries where your church’s missionaries serve. Choose the countries you want to represent with flags. Display them on the walls of the sanctuary or a room where the missions banquet will be held. Flags can be purchased from: Ozark Flag Distributors 500 W. Battlefield Springfield, MO 65807 1-800-288-3101 (417) 886-3524 FAX # 886-4680 or www.ozarkflag.com

Be sure to tell Ozark Flag Company you are an Assemblies of God church and you will receive a 15% discount.

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MISSIONARY FAMILY DISPLAY OBJECTIVE:

To better inform members of the congregation about missionaries supported by the church, nations represented, and faith promise already designated.

PROCEDURE:

Prior to the church’s missions convention, display missionaries’ commitment certificates and photos on the walls of the sanctuary or near the entrances of the church. Intersperse missions banners and flags from different countries on the walls around the certificates.

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MISSIONARY HUMOR OBJECTIVE:

To help men, women, and children become better acquainted with missionaries and their families as ―real‖ people. To enlighten the church family regarding the daily life of a missionary on the field.

PROCEDURE:

At the church’s annual missions convention banquet, insert humor into the evening. Invite each missionary and/or members of each missionary family to tell about their most embarrassing or most humorous moment on the mission field. These stories will help people identify with their missionaries and families and develop feelings of affection for them. People will remember these stories and retell them, which will also help them to think more often of the missionaries and their ministry.

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MISSIONARY PRAYER REMINDERS OBJECTIVE:

To remind and encourage each missions supporter to pray for missionaries on the field.

PROCEDURE:

Call the idea ―Laborers Together.‖ Create a certificate with that title. On the certificate type the missions supporter’s name. List the names of missionaries he or she supports, their addresses, birthday’s, and anniversary. Or, assign a missionary to the individual from the list of missionaries the church supports and list that information on the certificate. Each time a letter or newsletter comes to the church from that missionary/missionaries, give a copy of it to the certificate holder.

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ASK A MISSIONARY KID (MK) OBJECTIVE:

To better educate the youth of the church about missions and to heighten their interest by presenting missions from the viewpoint and experience of a person their age.

PROCEDURE:

Locate an MK willing to participate in the missions convention. An MK may be attending your church. You may be able to contact a college-age MK attending a nearby university or Bible college. The missionary convention speaker may have a teen-age MK willing to participate. Involve the MK or MKs in the missions convention by dedicating a time when the MK can share with the youth, Sunday school classes, and/or congregation about ―growing up on the mission field‖ or a particular experience he or she had. Ask the MK to set up a booth in the entrance of the church (alongside any other missions booths planned for the convention) to represent the country where he or she ministered with their family. The MK may display items of memorabilia or artifacts, wear the national dress, and perhaps prepare food dishes known to the culture of the country.

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SEEING THE WORLD WITH THE HELP OF INTERNATIONALS OBJECTIVE:

To help people (especially those who have never traveled to or lived in a country outside the U.S.) to become familiar with a few of the customs, cultures, and languages of people around the world.

PROCEDURE:

This missions convention idea will work best for those congregations which have International Christians in their local church body. Invite one or more Internationals (people residing in the U.S. whose nation of origin is outside the U.S.) to participate in the missions convention. Plan a time in the missions convention schedule when the International can share information with the people about his country’s culture, language, religions, foods, and life style. You may want to ask him or her to share their salvation experience, particularly if it relates to an example of missionary outreach. The International could set up a missions booth representing his country instead of, or in addition to, giving a verbal presentation.

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MUSIC AND MISSIONS OBJECTIVE:

To reinforce, through the ministry of music, the personal participation Christ commands from each of us in the work of the Harvest.

PROCEDURE:

An important part of any missions convention is the ministry of music. Prior to the convention, ask the music minister or worship leader to plan special music for each missions service. He or she may schedule soloists, ensembles, the choir, and/or congregational singing to present missions in song. Try to include people of all ages in this ministry. Available from the World Missions each year is a missions musical written especially for the missions theme of that year. Many churches throughout the U.S. present the musical each year during their missions conventions. The missions musical is one of many items offered by the Division to highlight the world missions theme, which can be ordered by calling or writing the U.S. Relations Department of the Division of World Missions. If the church does not have a music minister, appoint a person to select missions music from the church hymnal, books of choruses, musicals presented in the past, or the church’s file of music. That person may visit a local music store for missions song titles. Use music emphasizing missions in the main services, during the collection of faith promises, and at missions booth set up for display.

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WHYS AND HOWS OF MISSIONS? OBJECTIVE:

To provide an understanding of the Assemblies of God missions outreach for those who have questions regarding its purpose, its organization, and their participation. Although helpful to any congregation, this idea is especially beneficial for those churches which have never had a missions convention.

PROCEDURE:

Prior to a missions convention, invite a member of the missions staff from the Assemblies of God World Missions to speak to the congregation. Ask him to present information regarding the Assemblies of God worldwide missions outreach and the need for participation by every local church member. Conduct a question-and-answer session following his presentation and encourage member of the congregation to ask any questions they might have at this point regarding missions outreach, missionary support, and the local church member’s involvement. To schedule a speaker, contact the U.S. Relations Department of World Missions.

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FROM OUR MISSIONARIES ▬ VOLUME I OBJECTIVE:

To provide a notebook of missionary newsletters, representing every missionary the church supports, in order that missions supporters may read firsthand reports from those on the field. This will offer the reader information and inspiration regarding the work of missions around the world.

PROCEDURE:

Begin preparation of the notebook several months prior to the missions convention or special missions emphasis. Appoint a person or committee of persons to be responsible for collecting a newsletter from every missionary the church supports. If the church does not have on hand a recent newsletter, write to the missionary or missionaries and request one. Display the newsletters in a notebook with dividers indicating each missionary’s name and location of his newsletter. On the divider, place the missionary/missionary family’s name, photo, and country.

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DRAMA A Visit from Apostle Paul OBJECTIVE:

To use drama to demonstrate the biblical basis for missions outreach and to inspire men, women, and children in their participation in the local church missions program and in worldwide missions outreach.

PROCEDURE:

Schedule this drama segment during the time of the missions convention banquet. (Or, schedule it during a regular missions service of the convention.) The drama will be approximately one-half hour in length. Select someone from the congregation (with drama experience, if possible) or ask for a volunteer to portray the role of apostle Paul. For help with costuming, refer to pictures of the apostle Paul in biblical reference books and prepare what is needed. Or, check with a local costume shop. Prior to the presentation, ask the person portraying the apostle Paul to read aloud his script and record it on audio cassette. At the banquet the apostle Paul (the presenter) enters the room after everyone has been served their food. Begin playing the audio tape of the script over the sound system while he provides the dramatic expressions to accompany it. This is the script for the drama presentation: A Visit from Paul I, Paul, was yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord until the day I met Christ on the road to Damascus. Then returning to Tarsus, I spent a few years learning to hear and obey the Lord, as an apostle to the Gentiles. I want to say thanks to godly men like Ananias and Barnabas who were patient and wise in counsel, where by I was able to be used of God in many missions endeavors. Silas and I had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. After that we came to Mysia and tried to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit would not permit us. So we passed by 54

Mysia and came down to Troas. A vision appeared unto me in the night. There stood a man in Macedonia, and he asked me, ―Come over into Macedonia, and help us.‖ And after I had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:7-10). Arriving in Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, we stayed in that city for some days and created a stir by casting out a demon from a certain damsel. The religious leaders incited the people and we were arrested, beaten, and cast into prison. ―And at midnight Brother Silas and I prayed, and sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard us. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners and been fled‖ (Acts 16:25-27). But 1, Paul, cried with a loud voice, saying, Do (yourself) no harm: for we are all here. Then the jailer called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Silas and me, and brought us out and said, ―Sirs, what must I do to be saved?‖ And we said, ―Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house. And we (spoke) unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his (household)‖ (Acts 16:30-33). Then we visited Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Syria, and Ephesus where the word of God ―mightily grew...and prevailed‖ (Acts 19:20). After much travel throughout Asia, there came down from Judea a prophet named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took my girdle and bound my hands and feet, and said, ―Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles‖ (Acts 21:11). And when they heard these things, they besought me not to go up to Jerusalem. But I, Paul, answered, ―What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus‖ (Acts 21:13). After I had suffered much persecution from the high priest and religious leaders, the Lord stood by me and said, ―Be of good

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cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome‖ (Acts 23:11). As I was brought before King Agrippa, I shared my testimony. I said, ―At midday, 0 king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Acts 26:13-14). The voice told me it’s not so easy to kick against your own conscience. I said, ―Who are thou, Lord?‖ And he said, ―I am Jesus whom thou persecutest?‖ (vs. 15). He went on to say, But rise, and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared unto you for this purpose. To make you a minister and a witness both of the things you have seen, and of those things which I shall show you; delivering you from people, and from the Gentiles unto whom I now send you. To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:16-18). ―Whereupon, 0 king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision‖ (Acts 26:19). Then as a result of the decision of King Agrippa, I was brought to Rome and dwelt two years at my own expense and welcomed all who came to me. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence and without hindrance from anyone. (Acts 28:30-31). I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians; both to the wise and the unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome also. ―For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek‖ (Romans 1:14-16). ―For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!‖ (Romans 10: 13-15).

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Our Lord Jesus said that ―this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come‖ (Matthew 24:14). So I say unto you, ―Lie which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6) For there is a great opportunity of doing useful work, but there are many who will oppose you. (1 Corinthians 16:9). I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, by His appearing and His Kingdom, to preach the Word of God in season and out of season. Never lose your sense of urgency. Reprove, correct, and encourage, using the utmost patience in your teaching. For the time is coming when men will not tolerate wholesome teaching. They will want something to tickle their ears, and they will collect teachers who will cater to their desires. They will not hear the truth, but will wander off after manmade fictions. For yourself, stand fast in all that you are doing, meeting whatever suffering this may involve. Go on steadily, preaching the gospel. Carry out the commission God gave you. As for me, I feel that the last drops of my life are being poured out for God. The time for my departure has arrived. The glorious fight that God gave me, I have fought. The course that was set, I have finished and I have kept the faith. The future for me holds the crown of righteousness which God, the true judge, will give me in that day–and not, of course, only to me but to all those who have loved what they have seen of Him. (1 Timothy 4:1-8). So I must leave you with this admonition, ―Fight the good fight of faith by helping bring forth laborers into the harvest fields of the world. Go if you can! Give, you must! Pray, we all must!‖

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“Missions Recipes”

APPETIZERS Lumpia Shanghai (Egg Rolls) 1/2 lb. ground pork-beef 1/2 lb. shrimp, finely chopped 1/2 c. water chestnuts, chopped 1/2 c. spring onions, finely cut 1 1/2 c. potatoes, cut in strips 1 1/2 c. carrots, cut in strips

China 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 egg 1 tsp. soy sauce Lumpia wrappers

In a bowl combine pork-beef, shrimp, water chestnuts, onions, potatoes and carrots. Season with salt, pepper and MSG. Blend in egg and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly. At one end of lumpia wrapper, spoon 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll tightly. Brush end of wrapper with water and seal. Fry in deep fat. Serve with sweet-sour sauce or soy sauce. Note: Lumpia wrappers are squares of paper-thin noodles. They are available in Oriental groceries. They keep well when refrigerated. Cheese Pakora 1 c. sharp cheese, grated 1 1/2 c. flour 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. hot chili red pepper

North India 1 lg. egg 1 c. milk 2 c. oil

Mix beaten egg, flour, cheese, salt and pepper. Add milk, mixing well to a fritter batter. Use tip of fingers to drip small amount into hot oil, heated to 365 degrees. Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Serve with hot sauce. Croquetas De Batata (Sweet Potato Croquettes) 3 c. mashed sweet potatoes, cooked 2 T. butter or margarine 1 tsp. salt 2 eggs 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Puerto Rico 1/4 c. sugar 3 beaten eggs 1 1/2 c. fine dry bread crumbs Fat for frying

Add butter, salt, eggs, cinnamon and sugar to mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well. Shape into croquettes. Roll in bread crumbs, dip in salted, beaten egg, and then roll in bread crumbs again. Fry in deep fat. Drain on absorbent paper and serve hot with orange marmalade. Makes 10 croquettes. Bacon Delights 3 T. Minute Tapioca or Sago 11/2 c. tomato juice 1/2 tsp. salt

Taiwan 1/2 tsp. mustard Dash of pepper Bread, bacon and cheese

Add Minute Tapioca to tomato juice. Cook in double broiler 15 minutes stirring constantly. Season. Place six slices of bread on cookie sheet. Cover with grated cheese. Cover cheese with tomato mixture. Top with bacon slices. Bake in hot oven until bacon is crisp and brown. May use broiler for last few minutes.

BREADS AND ROLLS Jalapeno Cornbread 3 c. yellow cornmeal 1 c. cream style corn 1 tsp. sugar 2 tsp. salt 1 c. chopped onion 1/2 c. chopped jalapeno peppers

Mexico 1 1/3 c. grated cheese 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 c. vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 3/4 c. sweet milk

Mix the above ingredients. Pour into a 9 x 16-inch ungreased pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Mango Bread 2 c. Mangoes 2 c. flour 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. salt

Fiji Islands 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda 3 eggs 3/4 c. oil 1 tsp. vanilla

Beat the 3 eggs, pour oil into eggs and mix. Pour into dry ingredients and mix. Add mangoes and mix well. (Optional: Add 1/2 cup walnuts, raisins or coconut). Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves. Scones 3 c. sifted flour 3 tsp. baking powder 1/2 c. sugar

British Isles, Scotland 1 tsp. salt 3/4 c. shortening 1 c. buttermilk

Sift flour, baking powder, sugar and salt together. Cut in shortening. Add buttermilk and mix to a dough of plastic consistency. Roll dough out 1/2-inch thick and cut into rounds with a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Cook on well-greased moderately hot griddle for 4-5 minutes, they should be nicely browned and perceptibly risen. Turn over and cook other side likewise. They should rise to double original thickness. If you prefer, bake them in a 450 degree oven for 15 minutes. Serve still warm from cooking, split and generously buttered. This makes 18. Vasilopita (New Year Holiday Bread) 1 c. warm water 2 pkgs. dry active yeast 1 1/2 c. sifted flour 2 c. sugar

Greece 5 beaten egg 1 c. lukewarm milk 5-6 c. sifted flour, for easy handling 1 1/2 c. soft shortening

Combine in mixing bowl: water, yeast, and flour. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Stir in sugar, shortening, eggs, milk and flour. Turn out on floured board; knead until smooth and elastic. Cover. Let rise in warm place until double in bulk. Punch down. Form dough into large round loaf on greased pan. Brush top with beaten egg. Let rise. Bake in oven 350 degrees for one hour. Note: It is customary for the Greek people to hide a coin in the dough which means good fortune follows whoever gets it in his slice of bread on New Year’s Eve. Often the greeting ―Hronia polla‖ meaning may you have many years‖, and the date, are formed on top of the loaf with almonds.

SOUPS AND SALADS Potato Puree Chicken-1 piece per person-wh. meat 11/2 qt. of water 1 onion, chopped fine 4-5 springs parsley, minced

Colombia Rosemary (optional) Salt and pepper to taste 1 lg. baking potato, diced 4 med. boiling potatoes, diced

Wash and clean chicken, cover with cold water. Add onion, minced parsley, rosemary, salt and pepper. Simmer until chicken is tender. After first half hour, add baking potato so that it will disintegrate and give body to the soup. Add the rest of the potatoes about 15 minutes before the soup is to be served so that pieces will be tender but not too soft. Garnish with springs of parsley. Serves 6-8. Gazpacho 4 med. ripe tomatoes 1/2 green pepper 1/2 cucumber Salt

Canary Islands, Spain 1 garlic clove 3 T. olive oil 2 T. vinegar 6 c. water

Blend garlic, green pepper and cucumber in blender. Add tomatoes, salt, oil, vinegar and blend. Slowly add water and blend all thoroughly. Chill for 3 hours. When served in bowl, sprinkle 1 tbl. of the following on each serving: fine chopped tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber, hard–boiled egg, onion and bread croutons. No cooking necessary. Sopa De Albondigas (Meatball Soup) 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 2 eggs 2 onions, chopped fine 1/8 tsp. marjoram

Costa Rica 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Cornmeal or flour 2 qt. beef broth

Mix meat, eggs, onions, and seasonings together. Form into small balls and roll in cornmeal or flour. Heat broth to boiling point and drop in meatballs. Reduce heat and simmer until meatballs are done. Makes 8 servings. Avocado Salad 5 avocados 4 hard-boiled eggs

Israel 1 tsp. salt 1/4 c. lemon juice

Peel and dice avocados. Add sliced eggs, salt and lemon. Let stand a few hours in refrigerator before serving.

VEGETABLES Kartofler

Denmark

3 T. butter 6 cold boiled potatoes, peeled 2 tsp. vinegar 1/4 tsp. pepper

1 onion, sliced 2 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt

Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Slice the potatoes and add to the onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, turning the potatoes over to brown on both sides. Add the sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix. Cook 5 minutes longer.

Llapingachos

Ecuador

2 lb. potatoes 2 egg yolks

3/4 c. cheese (white) finely chopped 1/2 c. chopped onions fried in oil

Peel and boil the potatoes with salt. Mash them, add the yolks and onions and mix well. Make small cakes with cheese in center as a filling. Fry them until golden brown and crusty. Serve very hot. Serves 5 persons. Marinated Mushrooms 1/2 c. peanut oil 2 T. lemon juice 2 T. white vinegar 1/2 tsp. salt

Israel 1/2 tsp. tarragon leaves, crushed 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced Crisp salad greens

In jar with tight fitting lid, combine peanut oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, tarragon and pepper. Cover tightly and shake until well mixed. Pour over mushrooms in large bowl. Cover and chill one hour or overnight, stirring occasionally. Serve over salad greens. Makes 6 servings. Strata 12 slices white bread 12 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese 10 oz. (1 pkg.) chopped broccoli, cooked 2 or more cups of diced ham 6 eggs, slightly beaten

Canary Islands, Spain 3 1/2 c. milk 2 T. instant onion or fresh onion 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. dry mustard

Cut doughnut shaped bread, using cutter. Fit leftover scraps of bread (minus crusts) in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Layer the grated cheese on bread. Sprinkle ham and cooked broccoli on cheese. Arrange doughnut shaped bread on top. Combine eggs, milk, salt, mustard and onions. Pour this mixture over, be sure to saturate each piece of bread on top. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Bake for 55 minutes at 325 degrees. Before cutting, let stand for 10 minutes. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, parsley or olives. Serves 12.

CHICKEN AND SEAFOOD Nicaraguan Chicken 1 chicken fryer, cut up 1 c. catsup 1 c. water

Nicaragua 1/4 tsp. oregano 1 onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fry chicken without flouring in hot grease in skillet or in oven to set juices about 1/2 hour. Place in covered baking dish and pour catsup, water and spices. Salt and pepper to taste. Bake 1 1/2 hours in 325 degree oven. Chicken Curry 3 lbs. skinless chicken, cut 1 tsp. turmeric, ground 1 tsp. cumin, ground 1 tsp. coriander, ground 1 lg. can tomatoes

India 1 tsp. ginger, ground 1 tsp. garlic, ground 1/2 tsp. chili, ground 1 med. onion, finely chopped

Put 2 T. oil in skillet and sauté chopped onions until golden brown. Add spices and fry for 10 minutes, adding a little water at intervals (about 1/4 cup). Add tomatoes and cook until gravy is thick. Add water according to thickness of gravy required. Add chicken and cook on medium temperature for 25-30 minutes. Serve with rice. Lobster Creole 1 lobster, cooked & cut in half lengthwise 4 med. size chopped onions 2 fresh sweet pimentos, chopped 3 oz. grated Parmesan cheese

Haiti 1 tsp. mustard 1 T. catsup 3 oz. table butter Salt and pepper

Combine ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove meat from lobster shell and cut in small pieces. Add to the ingredients. Fill two lobster shells with mixture, add grated Parmesan cheese and place in broiler for 6-7 minutes. Serves two. Swahili Sea fish 4 lbs. whole fresh selfish 2 T. butter 1 T. chopped garlic 1 onion, chopped 1 tsp. turmeric

Kenya 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. saffron 3 tomatoes, chopped 3 c. coconut milk

Cut the fish into 6 equal portions. Melt the butter in a large pan and add the garlic and onions. Stir and fry quickly; add spices to coat the onion. Sauté the fish with the garlic, onions, spices and tomatoes. Stir in coconut milk and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Serves 4. Guide: Coconut milk is easily made by placing one cup of chopped coconut flesh in an electric blender and adding one cup of hot water. Blend at high speed for a minute or two until the coconut is reduced to a smooth puree.

MEAT DISHES Saice 2 lb. ground meat 4 med. onions, chopped 2 T. parsley 1 tsp. oregano, cumin, salt & pepper 1 clove garlic

Bolivia 1 tomato, peeled and chopped 1/2 c. peas 1 c. corn nibblets 3 c. water 1 green pepper

Fry onions and garlic in a little bit of oil, add parsley, green pepper, tomato and spices. Add peas, corn and water. Fry meat in another pan. Add to first mixture. Cook on low heat until the peas and corn are done. Serve over cooked white rice and raw salad (tomato, onion, green pepper and parsley). Milanesa Napolitana 2 lb. sirloin tip steak, thin sliced 2 cloves chopped garlic 1/2 c. chopped parsley 2 slightly beaten eggs

Argentina 3 c. bread crumbs 1 sm. jar Prego spaghetti sauce 3/4 lb. Monterey Jack cheese salt

Salt meat. Rub meat with garlic and parsley and refrigerate for an hour. Dip meat one piece at a time in egg and then bread crumbs, pressing crumbs into meat as for breaded veal. Fry in hot oil until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Spread each steak with Prego sauce. Place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top of sauce. Place steaks on cookie sheet in 350 degree oven until cheese melts and begins to brown slightly as for pizza. Accompany with mashed potatoes and salad. Layered Mexican Casserole Mexico Brown in large skillet: 1 lb. hamburger meat ADD: 1/2 c. chopped onion 1 can pinto beans (drained) 1 can enchilada sauce 1 T. chili powder 1 can cheese soup 1 tsp. garlic salt 1 can cream mushroom soup Corn tortillas Cheddar cheese 1-l6oz. can corn (drained) 1/4 c. chopped olives Stir ingredients well. Line bottom of crockpot with corn tortillas. Add 1/4 of meat mixture and 1/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Cool on low 6 hours. Veal Orloff 2 lb. veal roast 8 slices cooked ham 8 slices Gouda cheese 2 T. butter

Belgium 1 c. white sauce with some grated cheese in it plus a dash of nutmeg, bread crumbs, & parsley

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place veal in oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and cook 45 minutes. Carve veal and place one slice of ham and one of cheese between each slice of veal. Cover with white sauce and bread crumbs. Add bits of butter and return to oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Serves 4.

CAKES AND COOKIES Sweet Potato Cake 1 c. mashed sweet potatoes 2 sm. bananas, mashed 1 c. milk 2 T. sugar

Haiti 1/2 tsp. salt 2 egg yolks, beaten 3 T. raisins, cut fine

Combine sweet potato and banana. Add milk and blend. Add sugar, salt, egg yolks and raisins. Mix well and pour in a well-oiled 1-quart casserole. Bake in slow oven (300) for 45 minutes or until cake is set and firm to touch and top is a golden brown. Cut in pie-shaped pieces and serve on dessert plates. 4-5 servings. Vanilla Kisses 3/4 c. sugar 3 eggs

Germany 1 tsp. vanilla 1 3/4 c. flour

Beat sugar, eggs and vanilla for 45 minutes (in electric mixer, 10-15 minutes), gradually adding flour, a tablespoon at a time. Drop on greased baking sheet with a teaspoon. Bake in slow oven (300) until brown. About 25 minutes. Chinese Almond Cookies 1 c. shortening 1 c. sugar 1 egg 3 c. sugar

Okinawa 3/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. almond extract

Cut shortening into dry ingredients until is resembles cornmeal. Add slightly beaten egg and extract. Mix well. Make 1-inch balls and press down flat on ungreased cookie sheet. Press a halved blanched almond in center if desired. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees or 20 minutes at 325 degrees. Yields: 4 1/2. Portuguese Honey Cake 11/2 c. flour 1/2 c. olive oil 1/2 c. honey 1 c. sugar

Portugal Rind of lemon (put in flour) 1 tsp. cinnamon (mix in the flour) 7 eggs

Beat the yolks with the oil and honey. Beat the egg whites until stiff and add sugar and flour and other ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40-45 minutes. Put into Bundt pan or sponge cake pan. Khoa 1 pt. creamed cottage cheese 1 T. sour cream 1 T. sugar

India Flour Butter Brown sugar

Mix creamed cottage cheese with sour cream and 1 T. sugar. Shape into little cakes, dust with flour, sauté in butter and serve sprinkled with brown sugar. Serve with peaches or grapes. Serves 4.

PIES, PASTRY & DESSERTS Baked Apples 5 med. apples Filling: 3/4 c. walnuts, finely chopped 1/8 c. sugar 1/4 c. heavy cream (optional)

Austria 1 T. lemon juice 1/8 c. light cream 1 T. butter or margarine

Peel and core apples. Sprinkle lemon juice over apples. Prepare filling in this way: Combine all ingredients. Stuff apples and sprinkle with melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees until soft. Test with a fork. If desired, pour heavy cream over apples before serving. Ground Nut Brittle 1 lb. sugar 3 c. roasted groundnuts (peanuts)

Ghana 2 oz. butter

Melt sugar and cook in double boiler until a golden brown. Stir in butter. Pour in roasted ground nuts and stir until coated with sugar. Pour onto a ready greased surface and allow to set. When cold, crack into convenient sizes. If preferred, it can be dropped in spoonfuls onto a greased surface and allowed to set. This produces a glossy appearance. Rice Pudding with Fruit 4 c. milk 5 T. dessert rice 5 T white sugar 3 T. butter

Belgium 3 T. powdered sugar 1 can apricots 8 T. whipped cream 1 cinnamon stick

Put milk, rice and cinnamon in pot. Boil while stirring occasionally. Cook on low heat for 40 minutes. Add white sugar 5 minutes before ready. Remove cinnamon. Allow rice to cool. Add mixture of butter and powdered sugar and decorate with apricots and whipped cream. Chocolate Mousse 3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate 4 eggs 1 T. butter or sour cream

France 1 tsp. water 1 T. sugar

Melt chocolate over double boiler, meanwhile, beat egg whites to peaks in metal bowl, and add sugar. When chocolate is melted, add egg yolks, water and butter or sour cream. Beat until smooth. Add chocolate mixture to egg whites and fold in as gently as possible. Serve in individual dessert cups. Mashed Baked Bananas 3 bananas 1 T. butter

Taiwan Cinnamon or mace Slivered almonds

Peel and mash bananas. Spoon into small baking dish. Dot 1 T. butter on top. Shake cinnamon or mace on top. Add slivered almonds to top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serves 4.