Missions Sunday

At Christ Community Church, missions have always been at the core of who we are. As part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance, we are committed to seeing lives transformed as people in every nation, tribe, and language experience the hope of Jesus. This Missions Sunday, we take a deeper look at what it truly means to do missions well.

Why Missions Matter

Right now, more than 700 international workers from the Alliance are serving in over 70 countries—many of which have less than 2% of their population following Jesus. These communities often have little to no access to a local church, making the call to missions more urgent than ever.

Jesus' final command, known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), calls us to "go and make disciples of all nations." But how do we do this effectively? Not everything done in the name of missions is equally impactful. This Sunday, we explored how we can approach missions wisely and with a heart aligned to God's purpose.

Doing Missions Well

Dr. John Stumbo, president of the U.S. Alliance, reminds us that not all mission work is equally effective. As we engage in missions, we must ask ourselves:

• Are we truly meeting the needs of the people we serve?

• Are we sharing the gospel in a way that resonates with different cultures?

• Are we supporting and equipping local believers rather than simply providing temporary aid?

At CCC, we believe in a holistic approach to missions—one that builds long-term relationships, empowers local communities, and ultimately leads people to a deeper understanding of Jesus.

How You Can Be Part of the Mission

Missions isn't just about traveling across the world; it's about being intentional with the opportunities God has placed in front of us. Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Pray – Lift up missionaries, unreached people groups, and those hearing the gospel for the first time.

2. Give – Support missions financially to help sustain long-term ministry efforts.

3. Go – Whether through short-term trips or full-time service, be open to where God may be calling you.

4. Support Locally – Engage in outreach efforts right here in Omaha, reaching those in need with the love of Christ.

The Call to Action

Missions is not just for a select few—it is a calling for every believer. Whether across the globe or in our own neighborhoods, we have the opportunity to share the life-changing message of Jesus with those around us.

Are you ready to be part of God’s mission? Visit cccomaha.org/missions to learn more about how you can get involved. Let’s step forward together in faith and bring the gospel to those who need it most!

Soul Rhythms: Trust

What if you could take a step today to grow in trust and experience greater peace in your life? Trusting God and managing anxiety are vital rhythms for a healthy soul, and they offer hope and strength for navigating life’s challenges.

Psalm 25 declares, “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. My hope is in you all day long.” Trust, at its core, is belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something. It shapes our decisions, words, and actions. Anxiety, on the other hand, often stems from potential threats rather than real ones, and it can disrupt our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is not the same as fear. Fear is a natural response to an immediate, real danger—it activates our fight, flight, or freeze system, which can save lives. Anxiety, however, arises from perceived or potential threats and can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure. While some anxiety can help prepare us for challenges, disordered anxiety creates excessive emotional responses that hinder our quality of life.

Recent studies highlight the growing prevalence of anxiety, both nationally and locally. The problem has been exacerbated by shifts in technology, parenting trends, and cultural pressures. Key contributors include sleep deprivation, social isolation, fragmented attention, and addiction to virtual platforms. These factors underscore the importance of addressing anxiety holistically.

Casting Anxiety on God

The message of 1 Peter 5:6-10 offers a powerful response to anxiety:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

This passage provides practical and spiritual wisdom:

1. Humble Yourself: Anxiety often stems from trying to control what is beyond our power. Trusting God requires humility, recognizing that his strength is greater than our own.

2. Cast Your Anxiety on God: The act of “casting” means intentionally giving your worries to God. It’s a deliberate choice to trust in his care, knowing that he is both able and willing to help.

3. Be Alert and Sober-Minded: Anxiety can distract us, but staying spiritually alert helps us resist the enemy’s lies.

4. Stand Firm in Faith: Community is essential. Knowing others share in similar struggles reminds us that we are not alone.

Practical Steps to Trust and Peace

Building trust in God and managing anxiety involves both spiritual practices and practical habits:

• Spiritual Practices: Spend time in prayer, Scripture, and community. The rhythms of worship and connection with others are proven to lower anxiety.

• Healthy Habits: Exercise, a nutritious diet, time outdoors, and expressing gratitude can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself, shows how consistent habits can reshape our thinking and responses. By forming intentional rhythms of trust, we can train our minds to respond to challenges with faith rather than fear.

A Rhythm for the Week

Here’s a practical rhythm to follow:

1. Breathe: Take intentional, deep breaths to calm your body and focus your mind.

2. Examine: Reflect on your relationship with God. Where do you need to trust him more?

3. Confess: Acknowledge areas of pride or fear and seek God’s grace.

Journal your worries each day and bring them to God in prayer. Declare the truth of Psalm 25 over your life: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. My hope is in you all day long.”

The Hope of the Gospel

Ultimately, the invitation to cast anxiety on God reflects the heart of the gospel. Jesus not only offers to carry our burdens but also transforms our lives with his peace and grace. Through him, we find a firm foundation to build a strong, steadfast life.

You are invited to take steps toward trust and health this week. Pursue rhythms that align your heart with God’s truth. Remember, you have permission to prioritize your well-being because you are deeply cared for by the One who made you.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Recap adapted from January 26, 2025, message by Minister Dan McClannan

October 20

• Reading Plan | Week 7

  Day 1 | Isaiah 24-27

  Day 2 | 2 Chronicles 29, 2 Kings 18

  Day 3 | 2 Chronicles 30-31

  Day 4 | Hosea 1-5

  Day 5 | Hosea 6-10

  Day 6 | Hosea 11-14

  As you read:

  • What do the passages reveal about God? What do you learn about him?

  • What questions does this passage raise for you?

  Full Reading Plan

• ROM Prayer

  Lord, would you open a door for me to connect with my friend this week and prompt great conversations that will be a blessing to your kingdom.

On Sunday, October 20, Christ Community Church welcomed Eric and Krisy, International Workers to Green City, to share how God is moving through their ministry. To learn more about their work and our ongoing partnership, visit cccomaha.org/missionsweek.

Introducing the 2024 Residency Cohort

---

CCC is thrilled to welcome our eighth cohort to the Church Residency program!

The residency is a two-year program focused on combining practical experience with graduate-level education. This year we’re welcoming six residents working in four different ministry areas. The goal is for each of the residents to complete the program fully prepared for ministry without further debt, which is why the church, along with a generous discount from Crown, will pay 100% of their tuition.

As we endeavor on such an ambitious and Kingdom-focused approach to leadership training, we would ask you to consider doing four things in the coming months:

Pray

Pray for residents as they receive their training. Pray for the staff who are mentoring and training the residents. Pray for the churches, missions, and organizations that will soon be hiring our residents. And most of all, pray that God gets all the glory and that the mission of the Church advances because more bright, young leaders are being sent out!

Give

Although the church is paying for the residents’ tuition along with a small monthly stipend, each resident is required to raise support to cover their monthly expenses. Because we want the residents to focus on their experience without overextending themselves to get a part-time job, this support is crucial to free them up to focus on their training. If you feel led to contribute to an individual resident or if you’d like to designate giving to the program overall, visit cccomaha.org/give.

Host

Each resident will live with a CCC member/attender for the duration of their residency. This is not only a great way to save them money, but also to connect them with caring people who can provide additional leadership and support in their lives. If you have the gift of hospitality, an extra room or basement, and would like more information on becoming a host home, visit cccresidency.org/hosthome.

Connect

We’ll introduce you to the new cohort of residents below. As you see them around the church, please approach them and introduce yourself. Say “hi” and get to know them. Perhaps you would want to bless them with lunch or coffee or giving them an occasional gift card. More importantly, bless them with your words of love and encouragement.

A program like this can only be realized and accomplished together. It’s not just our staff who can pull this off. We need everyone in the church to capture the vision and recognize that, in order to provide a great program for residents, we need to have a culture that values training and equipping young leaders for work in church ministry. They are the future—but to send them into the future with everything they need, the Church of today needs to get behind them, support them, and mentor them so they can lead us into tomorrow. The CCC Church Residency is a huge step in that direction. Thanks for taking that step with us!

Get to know the 2024–2026 cohort:

ethan marco
college Ministry

AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE
COLLEGE/DEGREE: University of Nebraska Omaha; Neuroscience
CALL TO MINISTRY: From the moment I was saved, God placed on my heart a prompting to share the same love that I was shown by him and the people he had placed in my life with others. This grew into a passion for evangelism and discipleship, and thus, through a lot of prayer, I began to take steps towards a lifetime of ministry, by which I can help others encounter the love of Jesus Christ.
FAVORITE FOOD: Any and all seafood
STARBUCKS DRINK: A London Fog or just plain black coffee

Marcus perrotto
spiritual discovery &
young adults

AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale, FL
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Toccoa Falls College; Global Engagement
CALL TO MINISTRY: God has given me a passion for serving those from other cultures who have not heard the true gospel.
FAVORITE FOOD: Thanksgiving turkey with stuffing and gravy
STARBUCKS DRINK: Hot chai latte with a shot of espresso

Nema Mijak
spiritual DISCOVERY &
Young adults

AGE: 24
HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE
COLLEGE/DEGREE: University of Nebraska Omaha; Science
CALL TO MINISTRY: Ministry has always been part of my life. I am joining God where he is at work to serve his people.
FAVORITE FOOD: I don’t have a favorite! I’m okay with anything!
STARBUCKS DRINK: Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

Katheryn winn
Worship Arts

AGE: 20
HOMETOWN: Massillon, Ohio
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Crown College; Psychology
CALL TO MINISTRY: Worship, music, and the arts have always been a part of my life, and the Lord has invited me to surrender my gifts to be used by him in whatever ways he wants. I also have a call to partner with the Holy Spirit in his work of healing people in the field of counseling.
FAVORITE FOOD: Texas Roadhouse Rolls
STARBUCKS DRINK: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

betsy wood
COLLEGE Ministry

AGE: 24
HOMETOWN: Blair, NE
CALL TO MINISTRY: I came to know Christ just a few years ago, and since then, he has put it on my heart to share his love to others through full-time ministry.
FAVORITE FOOD: Anything Mexican 
STARBUCKS DRINK: Iced Caramel Macchiato

joe wright
HIGH SCHOOL Ministry

AGE: 23
HOMETOWN: Omaha, NE
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Crown College; Youth & Social Ministry
CALL TO MINISTRY: The next generation is such an important asset to the life of a church. I want to be able to help raise the next generation of church leaders and point them to Christ.
FAVORITE FOOD: Pan-seared salmon
STARBUCKS DRINK: Iced Caramel Macchiato

To learn more about the CCC Residency program, to support a resident financially, or to apply for the residency program yourself, visit cccresidency.org.

Difficult Circumstances for the First Churches

When we think about the early days of the Christian church, we often imagine a thriving, harmonious community, united in faith and purpose. While that’s true to some extent, it’s important to remember that the first churches faced incredibly challenging circumstances. In this blog post, we will explore the difficulties they encountered and how these challenges did not hinder the unstoppable advance of the gospel.

Violence and Martyrdom

The early Christians were no strangers to persecution and martyrdom. The martyrdom of Stephen, as recorded in Acts 7, marked the beginning of this pattern. James, the brother of John, was put to death by the sword (Acts 12:2). House-to-house arrests and even the martyrdom of Antipas (Revelation 2:13) were commonplace. Yet, despite these brutal realities, believers remained loyal to their faith.

Opposition from Authorities

Opposition from governmental and religious authorities was a constant threat. Early Christians faced public insults (Hebrews 10:33), were driven out of towns (Acts 17:10), imprisoned (Hebrews 10:34), and even stripped and beaten with whips and rods (2 Corinthians 11:25). The story of Paul and Silas being severely flogged and imprisoned in Acts 16:22–23 is just one example of this opposition.

Difficult Travel

The apostles and early missionaries traversed rugged terrain, faced dangerous seas, rivers, and bandits (2 Corinthians 11:26), and experienced shipwrecks (Acts 27). They even had to contend with snake bites (Acts 28) while on their journeys. These hardships were part and parcel of spreading the Gospel.

Economic Hardship

The early church in Jerusalem required benevolent support (Acts 15:25–27). Paul often went without food (2 Corinthians 11:27). Remarkably, the Macedonian churches, despite their extreme poverty, gave generously (2 Corinthians 8:2-4). Believers faced property confiscation, but their faith remained steadfast (Hebrews 10:34).

Church Disagreements

Disagreements were not uncommon within the early churches. For instance, Peter faced criticism from Jerusalem church members (Acts 11:2). There were sharp disputes and debates between Paul and Barnabas and Judean believers (Acts 15:1–2, 15:39). Paul even had to confront Peter directly (Galatians 2:11).

Spiritual Attack

Spiritual attacks came in various forms, including a demonized slave girl (Acts 16:16–18) and slander from “the synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9). The early Christians were not unaware of Satan’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11), and they faced Satanic hindrances (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

False Teachers

False teachers, like Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17–18), the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6, 15), and “Jezebel” (Revelation 2:20–23), infiltrated the church. Paul warned of “false brothers” who sought to undermine the faith (Galatians 2:4).

Illness

Even illness was not uncommon among the early Christians. Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23), Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25–30), and even the Apostle Paul (Galatians 4:13) faced health challenges.

The Unstoppable Advance

Despite these seemingly insurmountable challenges, the gospel advanced relentlessly. The early Christians were resilient, faithful, and unwavering in their commitment to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Their experiences serve as a powerful reminder that ideal circumstances are not essential for the gospel’s advance.

In the final words of the Book of Acts, we find the Greek word akolutos, which means “without hindrance” or “freely.” The gospel continued to advance unhindered, regardless of the difficulties the early churches faced. As we reflect on their example, may we be encouraged to persevere in sharing the message of Christ in our own challenging circumstances, knowing that the gospel is truly unstoppable.

Blog adapted from November 5, 2023 message by Dr. John Stumbo

Called to Faith

Photo by Dani Gabel

“I would kind of do whatever I wanted or whatever I’d feel without any repercussions.”

A freedom to live however he wanted marked Nick McShannon’s high school and young adult years. Nick’s involvement in church was infrequent up through his middle school years, mostly attending services on Christmas and Easter. Once he hit high school, Nick stopped attending church completely. Yet God was not finished with Nick, even if Nick felt finished with God. Through the loss of both his grandfather and his brother-in-law, God never stopped pursuing Nick, inviting him back into relationship. 

Nick’s life changed with the birth of his daughter Nevaeh with his then-girlfriend. In his early twenties, Nevaeh’s arrival signified a need to embrace the responsibility of being a dad. Although his relationship didn’t work out, Nick continued to be an involved parent.

When Nevaeh was three years old, Nick attended a party that his mom hosted at her house in Council Bluffs. Peggy Hattam, friend of his mom, shared that she had a daughter his age that who had just moved back to Omaha from South Carolina. Nick decided to call Heather to invite her to the party so that they could meet. Heather decided to meet him at the party. Nick shared that since that day, they haven’t left each other’s side. In 2012, after two years of dating, Heather and Nick were married.

Photos provided by Nick McShannon

---

Nevaeh was eight years old when she started attending church with her great-grandmother. A foundation of faith was slowly being built in her life, the desire to be baptized growing in her heart. Despite Nevaeh’s growing faith, Nick remained distant from God. In 2016, after suffering a significant stroke, Nick’s grandfather passed away. Nick felt like his grandparents were the ones who raised him and made him the man he is today. He and his grandfather shared a special bond, and after his passing, Nick was angry with God. He shared, “I didn’t want to go to church or even hear about church.”

God continued to call Nick back to himself through the faith of Nevaeh. Nick and Heather enrolled Nevaeh in a catholic school, where she began catechism classes. The school encouraged Nick and Heather to start attending the church. They were told that if they became members, they could receive a scholarship for Nevaeh’s education. When they talked with the priest about becoming members, they were met with obstacles that felt insurmountable. Nick left feeling discouraged, a bad taste in his mouth.

In 2020, just as the world began to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nick and the rest of his family suffered a devastating loss. His brother-in-law, Josh, who had dealt with a drug addiction for many years, died from an accidental fentanyl overdose. The family grieved in different ways under exceedingly difficult circumstances. Nevaeh, who was being homeschooled at the time, was searching for a community in which to belong. Peggy, Nick’s mother-in-law, found Christ Community Church and began bringing Nevaeh to CCC Middle School. Peggy began attending GriefShare, one of CCC’s Renewal Groups, and began healing from the loss of her son. Blossoming in her faith and love for Jesus, Nevaeh She decided it was time to get baptized.

---

Photos by Tara Pierce

The first time Nick stepped into CCC was to support his daughter’s baptism on November 21, 2021. He felt blinded from his past church hurt when he walked into the atrium. “It was a lot, I felt out of place, like I was being judged.” Lead Minister Mark Ashton’s sermon that week was part of the Experiencing God series. Mark listed off different people in the Bible and some of their shortcomings to show that they were imperfect people, but they were still used by God. Hearing how God used these people began to change the way Nick started to see God’s character. Mark invited anyone who wanted to be baptized to talk with someone out in the atrium. Feelings of being judged or the fear of being judged fell away. He realized he wasn’t being judged; he was being invited into something new. Nick surrendered his life to Christ, telling his wife: “We are definitely coming back here!”

---

Since then, Nick has experienced a hunger to know more about who God is. The more he has learned about him, the more his anxiety lessened. Nick set a goal to read through the entire Old Testament before he got was baptized. Nick began to read his Bible starting in December 2021, explaining everything he was learning to his Heather and Nevaeh. After he finished reading the Old Testament, Heather encouraged him to start reading the New Testament. Nick finished reading the entire Bible in six months. When Mark announced upcoming baptism opportunities, Nevaeh would nudge him. “It’s your time to be baptized,” she said. After the baptisms in February 2023, Nick decided it was time. But baptism wasn’t just on Nick’s heart—Peggy also wanted to be baptized but needed a little nudge too. Nick deciding to get baptized encouraged Peggy to step out in faith too.

Photo by Dani Gabel

Nevaeh baptized Nick in March 2023, a special moment of what God has been doing in the McShannon family, starting with Nevaeh’s faith. Nevaeh shared that before her dad came to know Jesus, she couldn’t talk about her faith with her dad without upsetting him. She wanted to share what she was learning about Jesus, but he was closed off from God. Since Nick came to know Jesus, not only does Nevaeh get to share her faith with her dad, but they are excited to watch The Chosen together, which is something that would have never happened before.

Though Nick and his family have suffered losses that have tested them, the journey toward knowing God has been transformational. Nevaeh has even noticed that Nick has been is filled with so much joy since she was baptized. As Nick looks toward a future filled with following God whole-heartedly, he has a strong Nick has shared that he has grown in a desire to share his faith and what he has learned through life’s trials with others. He now and desires to serve the Lord with whatever opportunities God has in store for him.

Story by Wendy Bornmann
Edited by Rachel Bebee

Charles Williams

A national evangelist, Charles was the field representative of the C&MA in charge of Black Ministries (now known as the African-American Pastors’ Association).

Charles Williams was born December 7, 1923, at the little mining town of Logans Ferry, Pennsylvania (now known as Logans Ferry Heights). His father and mother were the late Mr. Jeremiah Henry Williams and the late Mrs. L. K. Cook.

[Jeremiah] Williams was a graduate of Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, and a tailor by trade. He also was a veteran of World War I. Charles was age three when his father died, and it became his mother’s responsibility to raise him, his brother Jeremiah Henry Williams Jr., and his sister Rosa Williams. This was not an easy job, especially during the Great Depression years.

Some years later, Charles’ mother married the late Mr. Colonel Cook. Charles’ sister, Rosa Williams, died at eight years of age.

Time of Growth

Mrs. Cook was a hard-working widow who successfully raised her two sons and taught them how to work even from an early age. In time, the family moved from Logans Ferry, Pennsylvania, to New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and from there to Lincoln Beach, Pennsylvania.

Charles and his brother, Henry, delivered the Pittsburgh Post Gazette during the early mornings of those formative years in sub-zero temperatures, which was good training in teaching them responsibility.

Charles attended the Stewart Grade School along with our late missionary Rev. Edward Thompson of Viet Nam. He attended high school at New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1940. He worked hard and in 1942 entered the Missionary Training Institute at Nyack, New York, and graduated in 1945.

He was converted to Christ at the Community Church at Lincoln Beach, Pennsylvania, around 1937 under the ministry of an Alliance minister named Pastor Peterson and received much spiritual help under the later field representative, the Rev. J. D. Bell. He was a spiritual father to Charles and was used by God in involving him in the Christian ministry.

Rev. Bell founded Lincoln Beach Camp, which was later called the John Davis Bell Camp. It was there that Charles, along with many others, found special help and inspiration through the various evangelists and missionaries.

Evangelistic Ministry

Upon graduating from Nyack, Charles went on to hold pastorates at Twinsburg, Ohio, and Birmingham, Alabama. These were very difficult pastorates with few members in attendance, and Charles had to trust the Lord for his livelihood, but God graciously sustained him.

While at Twinsburg, Ohio, he was ordained into the Christian ministry by the then District Superintendent Allen and the late Pastor Zeimer of the Toledo Gospel Tabernacle. He also journeyed to Birmingham, Alabama, and married Miss Rosalia Bernice Oliver on October 22, 1947.

To this union was added three boys and a girl: Charles H. Williams Jr., Smith E. Williams, John D. Williams, and Lois Williams. The eldest son served in the United States Coast Guard, and the second son attended the Concordia Junior College at Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Williams is the Lutheran sister of the Revs. Douglas and Herbert Oliver who also were students at Nyack along with Charles.

Upon the completion of the Twinsburg and Birmingham pastorates, Charles entered full-time evangelistic ministry and traveled extensively both in and out of the country. He made some 10 evangelistic tours outside of the country which carried him to Liberia, Ghana, England, Haiti, Trinidad, Tobago, Jamaica, Mexico, South America, Canada, and South Africa. Many souls were won to Christ through these various meetings in conjunction with various churches and mission boards.

Charles was the president director of the National Negro Evangelical Association of Oregon, the president of the Evangelical Holiness and Missionary Association, which was an affiliate of the C&MA, and a national evangelist and field representative of the C&MA in charge of Black Ministries (now known as the African-American Pastors’ Association).

He resided in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and family until his death in 2008. Charles’ dear mother died at the age of 76, and Charles was eternally grateful to God for having given him a devoted mother who lived a dedicated Christian life before him and taught him how to be responsible in life and supported him during his years of schooling.

Story provided by The Alliance News

E. B. Nichols

E. B. Nichols graduated in 1896 from the Mission Training Institute (now Nyack College in New York). In God’s providence, he became superintendent of the early African-American ministries of the C&MA.

E. B. traveled extensively holding meetings and overseeing his team in the establishment of many Alliance branches throughout the United States. He reported the following in The Alliance Witness July 13, 1989:

Our Third Annual Convention commenced on Friday morning, June 2, 1898, in the Wylie Avenue A. M. E. Church of which Dr. J. W. Gazaway is pastor. The Convention opened with a meeting for prayer and humiliation before our Father, who graciously showered upon us an “earnest” of what was to follow, praise be to His name! From the very first, the Holy Spirit wonderfully manifested His presence and power in saving, sanctifying, and healing. Many were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.

On Wednesday, June 8, Dr. G. D. Watson gave very helpful and instructive messages on “Our Blessed Hope, the Lord’s Second Coming.” The Lord wonderfully used our dear brother, Rev. R. H. Shirley of Coxsackie, New York. The noble corps of workers from Ohio, namely Sisters Bowles, Smoot, Brown, Johnson, and others were very effectually used of the Holy Spirit in spreading the joyful message. May the “Lord of the harvest” give us many such Spirit-filled hearts to labor for Him.

Thursday, June 9, was given to the ministry of divine healing—brief messages showing Jesus Christ as not only willing to heal our sicknesses but also to be to us our very life, health, and strength. Bless His name! After the messages many were anointed, after which some wonderful cures were testified to, namely, sight restored, internal ailments of long standing cured, and some were brought back from sick beds and went away healed. Praise God! “He is just the same today.”

Marvelous Light

The interest increased steadily, and we believe there has been a great and effectual work accomplished by our Father through this branch of the C&MA among African Americans, who, because of past oppression, feel somewhat backward, and will not press their way into Conventions where these truths are taught, and learn of Him “more perfectly.” And because of this we are working to obtain and praying that the Lord may give us means and workers to carry this marvelous light of the Fourfold Gospel into some of the much needed localities of the South, and so the close of the Convention we started a side fund apart from our regular missionary offering for the purpose stated above.

Our dear sisters Bowles and Smoots of Cleveland, Ohio, came to us directly from Kentucky to assist in the Convention. They were trying to establish a work but failed owing to the above needs. Therefore, as soon as the dear Lord will enable us to sufficiently increase the said fund we expect to send a party of four or five workers in His name to these very same places. We are sure that after they shall have heard and seen examples of His marvelous work they will readily welcome messengers and support their work. Do pray that God may order our steps.

Sunday afternoon, June 12, we gave especially to the subject of missions which lay so near to the heart of our dear Lord and which He has placed so near to some of our hearts, but owing to that day being a day set apart by that denomination for missionary purposes, etc., we were not allowed to take our usual missionary offering, which is always the chief feature and most joyful time of an Alliance Convention, when we can give Him back part of what He has so freely given us.

Above All

The winding-up was Sunday night, June 12, when the church and neighborhood rang with our late brother Macomber’s “song.” “We’re bound to take the Congo for Jesus.”

Dr. Gazaway did his utmost for us to make the Convention a success. God will bless him for the same. May the dear Lord give us more pastors who are not afraid of the truth.

We are much indebted to many of the liberal merchants of Pittsburg for their hospitality, Messrs. Marvin & Co., Lutz & Co., Dilworth & Co., etc. Last year our late brother Conley gave our workers a luncheon in the Alliance Rooms on Penn Avenue. In his stead the dear Lord has given us a friend and brother in the person of Mr. J. T. Gilbert, of the Hotel Anderson, whom the Lord so wonderfully delivered through the Convention last year. He sent us a whole dinner and a waiter to serve it, besides giving most liberally of his means. May God indeed give us many such people who love Him above all!

The people could not understand how our dear members, who are Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and converted and sanctified Catholics, could work so peaceably together, but many learned the secret by receiving the Holy Spirit.

Our beloved president, W. P. Robinson, did his best, and now everybody is longing for the next Convention. Pray that our Father may keep us low at His feet.

Story provided by The Alliance News

Carrie Elizabeth Merriweather

The first female African-American missionary to be sent by the C&MA

In 1890, The Christian and Missionary Alliance established a mission post in Sierra Leone hoping that it would provide a gateway into what was known as “French Soudan”—a vast expanse of land stretching from present-day Mali to the eastern highlands of Ethiopia. The French government stonewalled the missionaries’ entrance to the Soudan for nearly 30 years. In that time, our missionaries faced hardship and death from disease and tribal conflict.

When recalling the treacherous conditions that these early workers encountered, R. S. Roseberry, pioneer missionary to French West Africa, wrote in his book The Niger Vision, “It is doubtful if any effort to open a road into the Dark Continent surpasses the heroism of the early pioneers of the Soudan Mission.”

On the trail from Freetown to the highlands, one may find the last resting place of men and women who had a vision and followed on to the end. Some sleep in unmarked graves in the long grass. More than 30 lives were laid down in those years of trial, when the strongest hearts were tried.

At a point of desperation, the field sent out a call in 1912 for more missionaries. Carrie Elizabeth Merriweather, a second-year student at The Missionary Training Institute (now Nyack College, Nyack, N.Y.), heard that call and decided to respond, ultimately forgoing her graduation. She arrived at Freetown, Sierra Leone, in November 1913, becoming the first female African-American missionary to be sent by the C&MA.

Born July 28, 1881, in Carthage, Indiana, Merriweather moved to Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 17 to attend Friends’ Bible School. While there, she befriended Mrs. B. H. Smoot, ardent supporter of the foreign missionary effort. At Smoot’s encouragement, Merriweather enrolled at Nyack in 1910 with only $50 to cover her expenses. She spent the next two years studying and paying for her tuition by faith and hard work.

At the beginning of her second term in Sierra Leone, Merriweather was forced to leave the field because of illness. Although she continued to suffer from her condition after returning home, Merriweather still managed to travel and invite people to her house when she was too sick to leave. She spent the rest of her life stirring interest for Africa and encouraging others to follow God wherever He might call them.

Carrie Merriweather went to be with the Lord March 20, 1931. She left a tremendous legacy as over the next two decades, seven more African-American missionaries—Eugene M. and Sadie Thornley, Montrose and Ella Mae Waite (and later his second wife, Anna Marie), Mr. R. H. Wilson, and Mrs. A. A. Fitts (neé Bolden)—followed in her footsteps to spread the gospel in Sierra Leone and the regions beyond.

Story provided by The Alliance News

Introducing the Newest CCC Residency Cohort

Photos by Marie Dufour

CCC is thrilled to welcome our fourth cohort to the Church Residency program!

The residency is a two-year program focused on combining practical experience with graduate-level education. This year we’re welcoming seven residents working in five different ministry areas. The goal is for each of the residents to complete the program fully prepared for ministry without further debt, which is why the church, along with a generous discount from Crown, will pay 100% of their tuition.

As we endeavor on such an ambitious and Kingdom-focused approach to leadership training, we would ask you to consider doing four things in the coming months:

Pray

Pray for residents as they receive their training. Pray for the staff who are mentoring and training the residents. Pray for the churches, missions, and organizations that will soon be hiring our residents. And most of all, pray that God gets all the glory and that the mission of the Church advances because more bright, young leaders are being sent out!

Give

Although the church is paying for the residents’ tuition along with a small monthly stipend, each resident is required to raise support to cover their monthly expenses. Because we want the residents to focus on their experience without overextending themselves to get a part-time job, this support is crucial to free them up to focus on their training. If you feel led to contribute to an individual resident or if you’d like to designate giving to the program overall, visit cccomaha.org/give.

Host

Each resident will live with a CCC member/attender for the duration of their residency. This is not only a great way to save them money, but also to connect them with caring people who can provide additional leadership and support in their lives. If you have the gift of hospitality, an extra room or basement, and would like more information on becoming a host home, visit cccresidency.org/hosthome.

Connect

We’ll introduce you to the new cohort of residents below. As you see them around the church, please approach them and introduce yourself. Say “hi” and get to know them. Perhaps you would want to bless them with lunch or coffee or giving them an occasional gift card. More importantly, bless them with your words of love and encouragement.

A program like this can only be realized and accomplished together. It’s not just our staff who can pull this off. We need everyone in the church to capture the vision and recognize that, in order to provide a great program for residents, we need to have a culture that values training and equipping young leaders for work in church ministry. They are the future—but to send them into the future with everything they need, the Church of today needs to get behind them, support them, and mentor them so they can lead us into tomorrow. The CCC Church Residency is a huge step in that direction. Thanks for taking that step with us!

---

GET TO KNOW THE 2020–2022 COHORT:

MARY CLAIRE JOHNSON

AGE: 22
HOMETOWNS: Lincoln, NE and Dallas, TX
COLLEGE/DEGREE: University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Leadership
CALL TO MINISTRY: I was a nursing student feeling unsatisfied with my future career. I knew I had a passion to care for others and it was through varying mentorship/discipleship opportunities in college that I recognized my passion of long-term development and healing in both myself and others! 
FAVORITE FOOD: Chick-fil-A!!!
STARBUCKS DRINK: Decaf White Mocha

MATT CLURAGHTY

AGE: 24
HOMETOWN: Milaca, MN
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Moody Bible Institute; Bachelor of Science in Ministry with Leadership Emphasis
CALL TO MINISTRY: Since God brought me into relationship with himself my senior year of high school, he has placed a deep passion in my heart for the lost. God proved that he would equip me for whatever he would call me for, and in my case that was full-time ministry. My passion is to be used by God to draw people close to Jesus.
FAVORITE FOOD: A rare steak
FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Hot White Mocha

ISAIAH LACKEY

AGE: 24
HOMETOWN: Roanoke, Virginia
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Toccoa Falls College; Cross-Cultural Studies & Bible and Theology.
CALL TO MINISTRY: My call to ministry has been a journey of going through doors the Lord opens for me and to using the gifts of the Spirit that he has given to me. The Lord has given me a heart and a passion for serving others in any capacity, especially those of different cultural backgrounds.
FAVORITE FOOD: Any kind of Asian food, or Chick-fil-A. 
FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, or just a plain black cup of coffee.

CAITLIN FETTIG

AGE: 23
HOMETOWN: Portland, OR
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Social Work; George Fox University
CALL TO MINISTRY: My call to ministry stems from my desire to leave people better than I found them by being the hands and feet of Christ to everyone I meet.
FAVORITE FOOD: Cereal… just any and ALL of the cereal.
FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Matcha Latte

LOTTIE ELLIS

AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: Columbia Falls, MT
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Crown College; Youth & Family Ministry and Christian Studies
CALL TO MINISTRY: God is continually revealing to me the beauty of himself, and the beauty in those around me. I feel called to empower people, through the love of Jesus, to share their stories and pursue him with their whole lives. 
FAVORITE FOOD: Fried Chicken
FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: The caffeinated kind

MATT JOHNSON

AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: Lutz, Florida
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Florida Southern College; BA in Religion
CALL TO MINISTRY: My call to ministry has been more of a fall to ministry. God has faithfully ruined all of my plans that did not align with his, and with my future freed of obligations, God made it clear that I was to build up the Church with the gifts I have been given.
FAVORITE FOOD: Meatloaf or Tuna Casserole
FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Salted Caramel Crunch Frappuccino

SETH RENICKS

AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: Grove City, PA
COLLEGE/DEGREE: Toccoa Falls College; B.S. in Ministry and Leadership
CALL TO MINISTRY: Right now I’m called to be in the Residency program and learn as much as I can to be ready for where the Lord has me next!
FAVORITE FOOD: Steak 🥩
FAVORITE STARBUCKS DRINK: Pineapple Matcha Latte