WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO SERVE GOD?

“Over the last two years Reign Ministries has had a monumental impact on my life. In fact I now want to become a full-time missionary in the Middle East.”
 – Nick R.


Dear Friends,

Meet one of our students, Nick! He is twenty years old and lives in Canada. Matt meets with Nick regularly over Skype as he prepares to serve on the mission field in the Middle East.

Nicks journey into missions all began with one pressing question. From there God slowly revealed the path for him to take. Hear from Nick in his own words;

“What are you doing to serve God?” This question challenged me. Even though I had thought about serving God, I had no motivation to seeing my intentions through. My Missions Pastor then suggested that I look at a Royal Servants mission trip.

So off to Nepal I went! Besides the incredible outreach I got to be a part of in Nepal, I was also a small group leader to four young men throughout the summer.

I saw God work in unbelievable ways through all of us. The experience left me wanting to grow more in my faith. So I then applied to Kairos, an 8 month discipleship training school
through Reign Ministries.

Kairos is a very small, humble and personal school. It taught me the importance of honesty, determination and reliance on God, all of which I would need later on.

After eight months of Kairos, I set out on my second mission trip with Royal Servants, this time in Uganda, with Matt as my trip leader.

It was a growing experience to be sure, my small group presented much more of a challenge. I found I needed to go out of my comfort zone to effectively lead them. However, God used the difficulties I faced. He grew me towards Him and furthered my heart for his global Kingdom.

Over the last two years Reign Ministries has had a monumental impact on my life. In fact I now want to become a full-time missionary in the Middle East. That would not have happened had Reign Ministries not discipled me and given me a vision for what God wanted to do through my life.”

As you read about Nick’s journey, know that many more students like him are being equipped to minister to the world because of your partnership. We are so incredibly grateful for you and your willingness to be part of our team. We pray you continue to serve Christ in all you do.

CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”   Psalm 34:18-20

I will never forget her name, “PEACE-PATIENCE.”  She was a shy, yet determined 16 year old girl.  She attended a well-known, “A level,” girls boarding school just outside of Kampala, Uganda.  She was just one out of the 300 girls that came to our outreach that morning.

I could tell that our message of Christ’s forgiveness had touched a nerve by the way she anxiously approached me.  When I asked her what she wanted she hung her head and struggled to speak.  She just stood there. She gripped her rolled-up notebook as her eyes filled with tears.  Sensing her heavy burden I quickly motioned five of our students over for prayer.

She slowly opened up and shared her heart, “When I was just 8 years old, I was sexually abused by my cousin.  At that time I was also introduced to pornography.  Since then I have been trapped in this sin and I can’t stop myself.  I want to be free.”  She then threw her hands over her face in shame and burst into tears.

All six of us huddled around Peace-Patience and placed our hands on her to pray.  Instantly, she dropped to her knees out of complete brokenness before the Lord.  While each team member passionately prayed over Peace-Patience, I began to sense an overwhelming presence of the Fathers love and that deep wounds were being healed in our midst.  Romans 8:1 came to mind as we prayed, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

As we prayed, the Holy Spirit impressed on me the need to speak to her as if Jesus himself were speaking.  I spoke the words, “You are my beloved daughter and your sins are forgiven!”  Immediately, Peace-Patience fell to her side and began to sob uncontrollably—tears of joy mixed with pain.  At that very moment, the rest of us began to weep with her as the love of the Father engulfed us all.  “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

After sometime of shedding tears, we introduced Peace-Patience to one of the female staff of our partnering ministry who will be available for ongoing follow-up and counsel. Her willingness to share brought freedom from the enemies tactics to keep us in shame. We rejoice that the Lord heals the brokenhearted and the power of the cross is greater than our sin!

SUMMER MINISTRY PRAISE POINT...

Our summer mission trips are engaged in serious kingdom work in order to maximize the gospel impact and to be good stewards of the gifts that are contributed. Here is a recap!

· 17 Schools Ministered to

· 5 Community Outreaches

· 2 Slums (Widows & Children)

· 2 Sudanese Refugee Camps

· 2 Orphanages (Serving)

· 5000+ Gospel exposures

Thank you for your support!

ONE FAITH, ONE LORD, ONE MISSION

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 4:4-6  

Every summer we have students who join our mission teams from various churches all over the US and even the world! Now I am sure you’d expect it to be quite a challenge to unify such a diverse group of students to have a singular focused mission? However, I am continually amazed at the fact that even though we have different backgrounds (and may even talk a little different), JESUS is the common bond that brings us together for we are all ONE under him. It is a beautiful picture of harmony and unity within the body of Christ—unlike anything this world can offer.

This summer, our Uganda mission team represents participants from fourteen US states and four countries. Yet, we all have ONE faith, ONE LORD, and ONE mission this summer!

7 WAYS TO PRAY FOR OUR UGANDA TEAM

I realize that it can be a daunting task to pray regularly for us during the summer but please know that it makes all the difference! Missions is more than God’s people serving him. Missions is all about God at work. If He isn’t working in and through our team to accomplish His purposes, than nothing eternal is getting done.

With 7 days in a week, here are 7 ways you can pray for our Uganda Team!

Day 1—RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD—Loving and studying God’s word, Strong prayer life, Filled with the Holy Spirit, Maturing spiritually, Progress over sin.

Day 2—PHYSICAL/EMOTIONAL—Adaptation to climate and culture, Health in the midst of disease, Safety in danger, Victory over negative emotions.

Day 3—TEAM RELATIONSHIPS—Team leadership to staff disciplers to student participants, Team unity as a witness to nationals, Unity with ministry partners.

Day 4—ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE—Language barriers, Interpreters, Cultural adaptation/understanding, Value for nationals and long-term ministry.

Day5—EFFECTIVE MINISTRY—Teaching, Preaching, Witnessing, Boldness, Open doors, Prepared hearts, Fruitfulness, Follow-up.

Day 6—VICTORY OVER DARKNESS—Satanic or demonic oppression, sinful and worldly desires, eyes to spiritually see the schemes of the enemy.

Day 7—UGANDA—Government–national and local, Political situation, Continued open doors, Outreach in Kampala, surrounding villages and beyond.

I hope that this short list will help give you some ideas because it is easy to resort to “God bless so-and-so in Uganda. Amen” Ask for God to help as you pray intensely, intelligently and with His Spirit’s power! Your prayer and partnership mean so much!

FROM HEAD TO HEART

Pictured Top Center; SEND missionaries and missionary kids (MKs) with Matt at our Royal Servants Training Camp in 2017

Over the past few years we’ve had a handful of MKs join us on a Royal Servants mission trip. This year we’ve increased our effort to recruit more MKs! Why? Besides the challenges of cross-cultural life and ministry, every missionary family has a goal of raising up their children to serve and follow Christ. Most MKs can quote scripture and know—at least in their heads—all the “Sunday School” answers. But no matter how much they know, every single child has to at some point in time take all the teaching they have had and make it their own… not just know it in their heads, but really claim it and apply it to their own heart and lives.

Tenna Embaugh (MK Care Coordinator of SEND International) had this to say; “Growing up as an MK myself, I had the opportunity to be very involved in the ministry my parents were doing and it was great to be able to do that.  But, it was when I had my first opportunity to “DO” it for myself on a short term summer missions trip, that I really started to apply what I knew in my head to my own life.”

When MKs really begin to own their faith and beliefs for themselves and apply them to their hearts, it is absolutely remarkable what can take place. MKs have tremendous potential in that they are familiar to adjusting to new cultures, learning languages, and developing friendships quickly. These are all amazing qualities for future candidates for the mission field to help reach the nations! Please pray!

THE CHANGED LIFE OF AN MK

MEET TOMMY  

“I grew up as a missionary kid (MK) in Poland. In 2012 a Royal Servants team came to work with my church in Poland. I noticed an excitement about Christ in the students that I had never experienced before myself. So in 2013, I decided to go on the China mission trip. God used Royal Servants so powerfully in my life. Not only did I come to accept Christ, but he also used this great missions trip to build in me a very solid foundation for my faith that still affects me today. Honestly, I could see so clearly God using all these amazing experiences that set my life in a Christ-centered direction and for that, I am so grateful.”

MN, WI, IA Speaking Blitz

For the past couple of months, Jenni and I have shared about missions in churches and Christian schools throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. A highlight for Jenni was sharing about the revival that took place in the early 90’s at the Central College Intervarsity chapter. With prayer and a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit, God grew the ministry from a small group of students to more than 200! 

KAIROS—HONDURAS & COSTA RICA

Kairos Minneapolis and Kairos Seattle have both recently returned from serving in cross-cultural missions in Honduras and Costa Rica. Both schools emphasize the importance of serving in the local church and in the community. Some of their ministry included orphan care, church construction, hosting a soccer camp, teaching English classes in local schools, leading seminars in churches, and sharing personal testimonies.

UPDATING PRINT MATERIALS

One of Matt’s roles at Reign is coordinating all the print material needs for the ministry. For the past couple months he has been updating a number of ministry materials, including brochures, banners and the Royal Servants Sponsor’s Guide (pictured here). The Sponsor’s Guide goes in every support letter our student participants send to their supporters!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE HALSETH FAMILY 2017

Nathan is in 9th grade and is our first high schooler! He is officially permitted driver, so watch out local drivers—LOL! He has plans to get a job in order to acquire a car in the near future.  Nathan is all about basketball, basically year-round.  This year he also played baseball, is in choir, and enjoys youth group.    

Abby is in 7^th grade and has really grown up this year. She keeps on top of her academics while pursuing a social life (of course) and multiple activities: basketball, cross-country, and theatre.  She is helpful and a joy to be around.  She plans to go as a student on a Royal Servants Mission trip next summer—2018.

Joshua is in 4^th grade and is really enjoying Boy Scouts. He likes having Daddy help coach his basketball team. He loves the outdoors, animals, camping and secret hideouts. When all of these things come together over a weekend, he is in heaven! We appreciate his sense of humor, kindness and independent spirit.  

Rachel is in 1^st grade and loves learning to read. She is oh-so-excited to finally be old enough to be on a basketball team like all of her siblings!  She looks forward to Awana, swimming lessons, soccer, or any activity.  A highlight for her this year was snuggling with the baby orphans this summer in Uganda.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017

This past summer Matt lead a Royal Servants trip to Uganda. He loved it and can’t wait to go back and serve there in 2018!

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Matt completed his first Adventure Triathlon this past May in Grantsburg, WI — 29 miles (19m bike, 2m kayak & 8m run).

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Matt enjoyed a late summer trip to northern Wisconsin, exploring lost waterfalls by foot and the Namekagen River by kayak.

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The highlight this year for Jenni was fulfilling an unspoken dream of serving as a family in Africa this past summer.

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Jenni loved Uganda and left part of her heart with the many orphans we served. She remains connected to the ministries there.

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In Jenni’s free time, she reviews the family calendar, trying to develop a strategic plan to get many kids to many places J

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May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace. Merry Christmas!

THE MIRACLE OF ANSWERED PRAYER

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy…”  Psalm 82:3-4 

Meet baby Grace.  This summer in a Ugandan orphanage we held her. We snuggled her. And we fell in love with her.  Daily, we’ve been specifically praying for her.  This fall our missionary friend  wrote us.

“Please pray for beautiful baby Grace.  Her needs are deep and have gone unmet for too long. Lately there are tears streaming down her face all day long.   Her cry is gentle, it doesn't demand comfort.  She is just quietly begging for it.  But she gets overlooked, forgotten.  Amongst the many strong personalities at the orphanage, Grace is often left in the background. When she sees me, her eyes follow me. It's like she is asking me "do you see me, I know you do, please help me."  I pick her up, determined to focus on her and only her. But by this point, five other children are crawling all over my legs. Three others are now also crying...

But today I knew where I need to focus my attention. I put on worship music and I begin to slowly pray over baby Grace. She falls asleep almost immediately. I turn her so I can see her sweet face. I feel a mothers love come over me.  I sense she has never been held like this. I feel her pain. I see into her soul. I pray the comfort of the Fathers love for her. She is frail, sensitive, and deserves all the love she needs. 

There are 50+ children under age five in this orphanage. So the focus has to be on taking care of the physical needs.  Often the overwhelmed hired staff only have the time and energy to feed, diaper and bathe.  And then it’s off to a crib the kids go… and stay. Grace needs a family. However international adoption is illegal. And Ugandan families hardly ever adopt.”

But our God is a God of miracles.  We are SO EXCITED to share that on 11.10.17 we received word.  A local Ugandan family is adopting baby Grace!  May we never underestimate the power of prayer! This is truly a miracle as the concept of adoption is foreign to most Ugandans. 

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

James 5:16

JONATHON’S STORY

“Good night mummy. I have now reached home safely. Thank you for your care and being concerned, no one has ever been so I am really grateful.” This phone text spoke to my heart, as I felt I had given very little. Jonathon grew up in an orphanage and at age seventeen, he “aged out.”

“It was so hard when I had to leave the orphanage. I didn’t know where to go. I found a friend who had already moved out from the orphanage. He let me stay on his floor in his one room. It was bad. It was hard. I was hungry. I couldn’t find a job. I couldn’t afford more education or training.”

Today, Jonathon would say his church is his family. He has found a part time job, although it only pays $28 monthly. But in many ways Jonathon has already beaten the odds. For youth who “age out” of care, statistics predict a heart-breaking road ahead. Their likelihood of experiencing virtually any ill known to humanity is dramatically higher than for their peers who have families. This includes everything from homelessness, human trafficking, unemployment, prostitution, crime, incarceration, physical illness, etc.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to minister to young people like Jonathon all around the world. Join us in praying that Christ would encourage Jonathon, and meet his needs.

THE CRY OF THE ORPHAN

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy…”  Psalm 82:3-4

SANYU BABIES HOME is a place I will always remember. The beautiful children aged 0-4 are precious beyond words. Praise be to God that the children’s physical needs were met in many ways.  There are scheduled feedings, diaper changes and a daily bath. These children are safe and even have medical staff available. Without an orphanage, these children would literally face unimaginable abuse or even death. The orphanages of Uganda are a huge blessing, a place to find refuge.

My heart went out for each child’s deeper needs, beyond the physical. Who will hold this child again? When will that be? Will they receive their full feeding, or will they get lost in the mix of so very many children? Who can this child bond with?  When this child has a nightmare, who will comfort them? 

Leaving the orphanage was very difficult. The youngest infant would whimper when you put them down.  The toddlers would try to look appealing to get you to pick them back up.  The preschoolers would literally physically attach themselves to you.  But the one who haunts me most was when I would have to return six month old Esther to her bed.  The look of longing and confusion in her eyes stays with me. 

Several orphanage managers approached Matt and I to ask us if we would please adopt a child.  However, the Ugandan laws make international adoption nearly impossible. While rare, Christian Ugandan families are now beginning to adopt, which is grateful news. Join me in praying for God’s provision of a family for Esther, and the many orphans in Uganda. “God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:6

EMMA’S STORY

“When I think about our ministry in Uganda, Sanyu Babies Home stands out to me most. Many of the babies in the orphanage are found in garbage heaps, on road sides, or simply left at the hospital. I was able to care for two little girls, named Abigail (2 yrs) and Joanna (4 mos). It is hard to believe that someone wouldn't want these adorable girls.  While holding Joanna as she slept, I was struck by how helpless she was.  I was heartbroken to leave.  But being there was an amazing chance to love these children. I hope I made an impact on them.  But I do know for sure, that they made an impact on me.”

PRAISE POINT... Summer 2017

During our time in Uganda we ministered on busy streets, showed compassion in several orphanages, and presented Christ in more than a dozen crowded school assemblies.
The results were 2,323 young people reached with the hope of the gospel and 407 children and teens indicating a decision to say yes to Jesus. Praise the Lord! He is mighty to save! Thanks for your support!

FOR THE LEAST OF THESE

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me...” - Matt. 25:35-36

Hey Friends… We have just finished up at our training camp and our team is ready to serve! We are so thrilled to be the hands and feet of Jesus among the least of these in Uganda. Much of our ministry will take place among the poor; serving orphans, street children and disadvantaged young people. Ultimately our service is unto Christ and we are all eager to experience his compassionate heart and make him known everywhere we go to serve this summer.

Please Pray for Matt—for wisdom in leading the team and for decision making with our partners. Also Pray for our Team—for unity, spiritual growth, physical strength, safety in travel, protection from illness, courage in sharing the good news of Jesus, and changed lives in our outreach and service. Lastly, Pray for our Family—this summer is an awesome opportunity for our kids to be exposed to ministry in Africa. We are excited to see what the Lord will do in all of our hearts!

Your prayer and encouragement truly makes a difference. It means the world to us - Thank you!

A HEART FOR AFRICA

“A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul...”  Proverbs 13:19

God has given me (Jenni)

a heart for Africa for as long as I can remember. As a student my first exposure to African culture was in the country of Haiti (right). I was only 14 and loved it. This summer Matt has been assigned to lead the Royal Servants mission team to Uganda. Our whole family will be joining him and I can't wait! 

My first memory of wanting to go to Africa was when I was five years old when I saw a documentary about sponsoring children in need. I’ve been blessed with the chance to serve in Africa four times, including Zimbabwe for the summer of 1989, and living in Mozambique for a year in 1998. I was also able to work with African refugees in Minneapolis full time in 1999-2001.

Having served the last several summers as a family in Scotland, Uganda will be a huge change for us! We will have the opportunity to serve and do outreaches with our partners; “Youth for Christ” and “Pathways to Hope.” Ministry will include discipleship and evangelism in schools, slum areas, orphanages, through sports and with street children, teen mothers and women coming out of prostitution. Some of the impact we will make are in areas of educational, vocational and agricultural training.

While the whole world is in need of Jesus, I have dreamt about the opportunity to bring a team of students (and our own Halseth children) to Africa.  This summer will be the fulfilment to that dream. The strong physical needs on this continent are surely close to the heart of Jesus. We pray that our students (and our children) will be able to experience that heart of Jesus in a powerful way this summer. Thank you for your partnership. Your gifts and prayers make a difference in countless lives!

UGANDA—CHALLENGES FOR PRAYER

UGANDA STATISTICS
FAST FACTS—Please Pray!

· The average Ugandan lives on less than $1.80 a day.

· 38% of children chronically undernourished or stunted.

· 30% are illiterate.

· only 25% of young people remain in school past grade 6.

· There are 2.5 million orphans, including 1.2 million orphaned from AIDS.

CHILDREN IN CRISIS
Did you know that nearly 50% of the population in Uganda is under the age of 14? Children are the most vulnerable victims to corruption. Thousands have been abducted for use as child soldiers in occult-powered militia groups or forced to become sex slaves. Also numbing poverty deprives many children—including up to two million orphans—of care, finances for education and hope. Pray especially for street children, who are most numerous in Kampala, and for children living in the north where wide-spread terror and countless atrocities have occurred.

CHURCH UNITY
The Church in Uganda has seen both wonderful breakthroughs and immense obstacles. There are numerous divisions in the Church, and the proliferation of independent and single-congregation denominations makes true unity a massive challenge. Syncretistic practices and false teachings are multiplying even as the Church grows. Pray for reconciliation amoung churches and that the Holy Spirit might lead Christians into all truth and that all falsehood might be cast aside.

SUPERFICIAL CHRISTIANITY
The majority of Ugandans identify themselves as Christian, but materialistic attitudes, polygamous practices and non-biblical worldviews – all affecting lifestyle – are common. For many, being “Christian” simply means not being Muslim. Pray for renewal that would turn nominal Christians into true disciples of Jesus Christ.

*Above info from; Operation World—7th Edition; www.operationworld.org

PRAYING FOR LABORERS

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”  Matthew 9:37-38

We are in the middle of our busiest time of the year for recruiting student missionaries for our summer international outreach. As we have shared with students in churches, Christian schools, and online, we are keenly aware of the fact that “the Lord of the harvest” is in charge of sending out these laborers. The nations must hear the gospel. Yet, the Lord himself teaches us to plead with him to call, equip, and send out laborers. The task in near impossible. But it is our responsibility as believers to pray, put our faith in action, and depend on Jesus to see it happen!

Please pray earnestly with us as we work to raise up a generation of laborers who will go and bring the good news of Jesus to a world in need. Lord, we plead that you will burden and convict students to fully surrender their lives to your call:

· Enable them to have a deep and intimate relationship with Christ.

· Mold them into powerful witnesses for the sake of the nations.

· Grant them to have a clear and definite call to missions.

· Remove anything that would hinder their service for the summer and beyond.

As you pray, ask the Lord to put a young person in mind (ages 13—26), who you can share our brochure with (enclosed) and talk to about possibly serving with us this summer. Thank you for your partnership in sending out laborers for the harvest!