Naomi Mohr
Ministry Special Report
SPCF - Feb, 2006
Maranatha Ministries - Bloomington, MN
Walter Choy, Yasmin Clara, Sergio R. Choy, Lead pastor
On March 18, 2007, God led me to Maranatha Ministries in Bloomington, MN. I met Pastor Sergio Choy and his wife Keren who are pastors of this vibrant congregation of Hispanic believers.
Then on April 29th, I attended Vino Nuevo, a conference in Juarez, Mexico with 20 members of Maranatha. We worshipped together with 5,000 other believers and received a mighty drenching in the Holy Spirit. It was a powerful time and I became aware that I was in a new adventure with the Holy Spirit.
Our God is so creative and what He desires most is to draw us closer to Himself. Of course, that is what I want so I willingly became a part of this exciting adventure.
Since that time I have seen my two neighbor gals begin to follow Jesus and become a vital part of this evangelistic work to expand the Kingdom of God!
Maranatha Media Ministries - Camera Class
Jose and Carolina - Media Team Leaders
Elly, Elia, Jose, and Lynn - special friends
Ashley, Naomi and Amber - My birthday 11-07
God is doing great things,
You are welcome to come and visit!
Maranatha Church meets at Kennedy High School
on the N.E. corner of 98th St. and Nicollet Ave. S. Bloomington,, MN at 6 p.m. Sundays
Services are in Spanish
English translation headsets are available
Everyone is Welcome!
Lake Geneva Christian Center
Family Camp
Vi and Bea
inside the worship center
Beautiful
Worship Center at Lake Geneva
Naomi, Vi
and Kari after one of our teaching sessions
Beautiful
flowers lined the walkways
Naomi and
Kari
What a privilege to serve the Lord!
Single Parent Christian Fellowship
Mary did a great job as
Spiritual Life Chairman
setting up the social at Westwood Lutheran
Church in St. Louis Park, MN
It was good to be with single
moms and dads who
invest time and energy raising their kids
to love God and become all they can be!
Peter, Mary, Joyce,
Mark, Janet, John
These great folks stuck around
and helped clean up!
What a nice time we had together! Thanks guys!
If you are a single parent you
are welcome to join this group every Friday for fun and
fellowship.
E-mail Mary at mtzbby@aol.com for info.
Our ministry trip to Nigeria , West Africa, began Nov. 7, 2005. God was faithful as we went to love and encourage our brothers and sisters in Nigeria. It was good to be a part of this amazing missions trip.
Naomi at airport - preparations finished, baggage checked and all is ready for this exciting adventure!
400 ball point pens ready for travel to Nigeria
100 New Testaments with Psalms, Proverbs were part of the ministry materials Mohr Ministries donated to our friends in Nigeria.
My neighbor and ministry partner Dorothy spent several hours helping staple hundreds of teaching outlines to bring along.
Mohr Ministry partners Dorothy and Cleone waving me off as I leave for Nigeria,
Dean Bjorlin, Tim Johnson, Naomi Mohr
We met at the MSP Airport and boarded our plane for Lagos, via Chicago, and Frankfurt, Germany
Bishop Success and a large delegation of pastors came to greet us at the Lagos Intl. airport. This photo is of Rev. Tim Johnson and Bishop Success.
Rev, Grace Success, Nigerian Women's Ministries Director gratefully received the Boom Box, cassette and CD player that Mohr Ministries provided along with numerous teaching tape series, music and worship tapes!
Naomi wearing one of the beautiful Nigerian dresses she received from our Nigerian hostess, Rev. Grace Success.
Thank you so much!
Rev. Grace Success, daughter Wilda - 2 yrs.
Some street scenes in Lagos by our hotel.
Broken down taxis and cars were everywhere. Mechanics and parts are
hard to come by.
Young men run through traffic to "catch" a free ride by hanging onto the outside of a passing vehicle. It seems as dangerous as clinging to a moving cliff!
School building with children outside in the center background.
Bishop Success and our driver who miraculously negotiated the treacherous traffic in Lagos! It is a great challenge to drive
a car in this city of 12 million people.
Outside the hotel in Lagos with Bishop Success, Rev. Grace, their daughter Wilda, Solomon, and Rev. Tim Johnson,
director of MCMA.
Rev. Tim Johnson, Executive Director of MCMA MN and Rev. Dean Bjorlin continued on to minister in Leadership Conferences in Togo and Nigeria. Rev. Success E. Samuel was the Nigerian host and is director of MCMA Africa.. Please keep these precious people in your prayers.
To get updates, photos and specific prayer requests you can e-mail Naomi at: African Update or you can link to MCMA MN at: mcmaonline.org
RETREATS
Peace Church
Retreat
Check it
out!
Marilynn
Rarick, Sharon Walter, Sue Rugemeyer,
Jo Weyrick, and Glenda Wissink
What a great time we
had with these creative gals! They worked hard to make it a
great day at the Embassy Suites Hotel for nearly 100 ladies!
Thanks so much!
God touched our hearts through the practical
teaching sessions with Naomi!
Music, messages and lots of fun and
fellowship!
These gals are riding motorcycles and singing . . .
Singing - "The Leader of the Pack!" Wow!!
MN Women
Bridging the Gap
Assemblies of God State Conference
Naomi
presented two messages to several hundred women. "You and
God's Gifts!" and "Children and Spiritual Gifts!"
Joy Jensen our gracious Conference Hostess,
and our terrific sound tech
Longtime
partner and friend of Mohr Ministries,
Ruth Coats at our Tape Table
Board members Ruth Osterhus, and Luisa Sikkink at our
ministry booth at the conference.
So many women were helped and encouraged through
Naomi's teaching ministry
New
Testament Church, Alexandria,
MN
A
day to remember!
Dyann
Schumacher and Naomi
It was great to be with these wonderful folks
for a time of ministry and encouragement!
Our new video projector was used for the first time to
present
the messages on "Power Point"
God surely blessed our time of ministry together!
The ladies enjoyed a delicious luncheon!
Wonderful food and fellowship!
Yes - these gals enjoyed the "hugs" too!
More Hugs!
Kori and her daughter sang a beautiful song together, and
Kori led us in worship throughout the seminar! Thanks
Kori - You blessed us!
The "Clergy
Cottage" was provided for Naomi by the wonderful folks at
Lake Geneva Christian Center, Alexandria, MN
Thank you so much!
Zion Lutheran Church, Clear
Lake, Iowa
An incredible day with over 100 ladies who are excited about Jesus! Their theme was Traveling with God, and we had a marvelous adventure together! Take a look!
These gals were our gracious hostesses welcoming us on our wonderful day of "Traveling with God!"
Julie was our retreat coordinator, and faithful servant, seeing that everything was done to welcome and involve everyone in this wonderful event! Thanks, Julie!
The "Chick Band" lead us in worship!
A sweet presence of the Lord touched us all!
Yes, It's the "Chick Band" again. You blessed us!
The "Power" of a hug!
And more hugs! These Scandinavians did good!
A "Sandwich Hug" with Naomi in the middle!
Jean Wistrom provided a haven for me before and after a long day of wonderful ministry at her lovely "Norsk Hus by the Sea" Bed and Breakfast!
Yummy! Thanks Jean!
Thanks Jean, Julie and all! I highly recommend
a visit to Clear Lake, Iowa!
Amsterdam 2000
I arrived with a heart full of excitement for all I would learn during this historic conference!
It was an awesome site to see 10,200 men and women from over 200 countries worshipping and learning together! The place was the RAI Convention center in Amsterdam Netherlands, and the occasion was the Billy Graham Conference for preaching evangelists.Our day began with breakfast at our hotels, and then a tram took us to the RAI Center where the first meeting began at 9:00 a.m. We had two plenary sessions in the morning, received a sack lunch and had a 45 minute break. Then it was seminars and workshops until 3:00 p.m. with dinner starting at 4:20 p.m. and the evening plenary session beginning at 6:00 p.m.
It was incredible to see how the 900 volunteer "stewards" from BGEA serve 3,500 persons at each of three meal sittings.
These volunteers helped with every phase of the conference and everything was done so orderly that it was a pleasure to be a part of this historic event!
The networking with fellow ministers from around the world was a real benefit of this concentrated time of learning. We are all committed to serving the Lord to the best of our abilities. This 9 day conference featured the "best of the best" who came to share, encourage and instruct us on how to reach our "worlds" for Christ! What a privilege to serve the Lord!
Saturday I met The Reverend Paul Doe from the Ivory Coast in Africa. He is the Academic Dean of an Assembly of God Bible College and has a vital ministry to couples on courtship, marriage, missions and theology. His wisdom and insight was refreshing and his invitation to come and minister is one I will sincerely pray about!
Tuesday the Assemblies of God Evangelists from over 35 countries met for a time of fellowship. It was a delight to hear what God is doing around the world and encourage each other! There were about 1,000 Assembly of God men and women in attendance here at Amsterdam 2000. I'm the short white lady in the middle of the second row!A special joy for me was the plenary session by Anne Graham Lotz on the Evangelist and the Bible, and her afternoon session on "How to Hear from God!" Her message was excellent, and she gave practical instruction on how to read the Bible and answer three questions that will help us hear from the Lord! Look for further explanation of this truth in a future article.
No, Billy Graham was not able to attend, but his written greeting given by his son Franklin, was a great encouragement and of course we are all trusting that this needed rest will only improve his health and ministry for the coming years.
Thanks for praying for God's work in the hearts of each one in attendance and his anointing on all those who teach and serve!
For daily updates and live web casts check out the Amsterdam 2000 official website at: amsterdam2000.org
Amsterdam 2000 - Update
September 1, 2000
It's hard to believe I've been home for three weeks and am just beginning to assimilate all I have experienced and learned!
On Wednesday, August 2nd, we had a little break. It was our only personal day and I took advantage of the opportunity to take a bus tour.
Along with hundreds of other Amsterdam 2000 participants, and my good friend Luisa, we went on a 4 1/2 hour tour of the Netherlands. In addition to the beautiful scenery, we toured a shop were they make those great wooden shoes, and a cheese factory where we had some of the best cheese I've ever tasted!
The evening service featured Charles Colson and was a powerful conclusion to this special day.
My friend and Mohr Ministries board member, Luisa is on staff at BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association). On Friday I had the privilege of going backstage with her. The T.V. production department is incredible! I am still amazed at all the details, and the fine coordination it took to pull off this incredible event in style!
Each participant received a back pack from Samaritans Purse, along with two shirts, and a tie. We also received a shoulder bag with notebook, books, a Bible and several other resources from BGEA. Billy Graham really invested in the lives and ministry of each one in attendance!
As I reflect on those inspiring days there are two things I would like to highlight.First - America is only ONE of over 200 countries that have men and women who love the Lord and are determined to tell others of God's love for them!
I know that seems insignificant to say - but my eyes were opened in a whole new way to the thousands of men and women that are deeply committed to sharing the love of Jesus in countries around the world. I met them, heard their hearts, their testimonies, and saw their zeal for the Lord. What a privilege!
Peter Ngong, from Cameroon, the Director of Media for the Baptist Association became a dear friend. Also, Grandma Doris, a 76 year old missionary to Kenya, and Ruth from Zimbabwe who has been ministering in Japan for 9 years. Seni Solo from the Kingdom of Tonga is with Campus Crusade for Christ. Another special friend is Josephine Ayers (Jo) who has an Evangelistic ministry in San Diego. It was my great joy to pray with and get to know these and many others!
Secondly - As a woman - I was re-affirmed in my calling and the need to continue developing the ministry God has given us!
Anne Graham Lotz has been called "the best preacher in the family" by her father Billy Graham. Anne says that God has given her a message and she feels compelled by Him to deliver it!
She is a wonderful example for us women in ministry. I encourage you to read the major address she gave. It was fabulous! You can read more about Anne Lotz and her ministry - just click here "Just Give Me Jesus!"
The closing session on Sunday, August 6th brought this remarkable conference to an end. It began with some music and a video greeting from Billy and Ruth Graham at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They both looked so good.World Vision presented 50 teens from 50 different countries that ministered in music - each one in their native dress. It was awesome!
Billy Graham gave an eight minute challenge to each of us as we return to our homes. He encouraged us to "Hold the light high, and with the light of thousands of other participants from around the world we can make a fire that will shine brightly." It was so good to hear from him.
We had a moving communion service with over 12,000 men and women. There were two phrases used that have new meaning for me. We were encouraged to "Take advantage of Christ's body" and "Take advantage of His blood."
What a good word! For it is Christ's death and resurrection that brings us forgiveness and eternal life! Let's take advantage of that and tell others!
They took down the beautiful banner of the Cross and it was carried out by people from every nation. We left Amsterdam 2000 with the words of Damaris' song ringing in our hearts - "Go Tell It On the Mountain."
What a privilege to serve the Lord!
Belgium 1999
Belgium is a small country bordered by France on the west and Germany on the east. The city of Antwerp is one of the top five shipping ports in the world and is known for it's fine diamonds, lace and delicious chocolate. Yum!!
Brussels, Belgium is the economic and political center of the world and regularly hosts world leaders who meet to discuss and find solutions to political problems.
Belgium is also a very dark country spiritually. Only 1% of it's citizens are Christians. The country is dotted with beautiful cathedrals that are primarily used as museums with little religious significance. There is a deep distrust of religious systems and an anger at a God who seems distant and unconcerned about them. The unemployment rate is very high and many are unable to find suitable work.
It is into this country that God brought us with a word of hope and encouragement. God showed us that He was "Softly and Tenderly" calling these dear people to Himself. What a privilege to serve Jesus!
Diana, Steve's wife, and I left Minneapolis, MN October 15th, 1999 for a 2 ½ week ministry trip that many of you were a part of. Your prayers and financial support made it possible for us to minister at 6 different locations to several hundred people. THANK YOU!
We arrived on Saturday, October 16th and began our ministry the next day at the International American Protestant Church of Antwerp at their Sunday morning service. I was happy to sing in the choir along with Diana, and Diana ministered as the special music for the service. This church is something like a Presbyterian Church where the gospel is clearly preached and the service is in English. People from all over the world who speak English come here to worship because the language is familiar to them
After a brief sightseeing trip to Brugge, we attended the International Christian Women's Club of Antwerp, where Diana was the featured singer for their women's brunch. About 65 women from several countries enjoyed a beautiful brunch and heard a clear presentation of the gospel. The final song Diana sang "Rain Upon Your Desert" was used by the Lord to especially touch several of the ladies. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, October 20th was our next time of ministry. I had the joy of speaking at the MANSE, which is the parsonage for the International American Protestant Church in Antwerp. We had a one day seminar on "Understanding Ourselves and Our Spiritual Gifts!" It was an exciting, motivational day as all those in attendance came to understand themselves and how their spiritual gifts could be used in the Kingdom of God. Ladies from several different churches attended and God used that 5 hour seminar in a marvelous way in their lives!
After the seminar we left for two days in Paris. . . returning home on Friday evening to prepare for ministry on Saturday.
The Philadelphia Church, a Dutch Pentecostal Church was the host for our ministry on Saturday, October 23rd. Since most of the ladies spoke very little English, I spoke through an interpreter.
Nina, a lovely Norwegian gal, faithfully interpreted my words into Flemish, a Dutch dialect. What I anticipated to be a difficult time of ministry turned out wonderful! My message was on "Surviving Seasons of Stress!" and God used us to minister to the deep needs of the women who were present. We had opportunity to pray with several after the service. Nina and I are praying about a possible ministry trip to Norway where she would be my interpreter! God is so good!
Sunday morning we worshipped with 250 Dutch Pentecostal people at the Philadelphia Church. This is considered a "mega" church in Belgium where average attendance is between 40 and 50 people. The service was entirely in Dutch, however, there were at least 3 other languages interpreted for those who did not understand Dutch. Our English interpreter was Mark Rykbosch whose family has become very special to me. There were also Interpreters in French, and Cantonese. What a marvelous message from Rev. Michael Williams on the topic of "Living Stones". It will be on our web site. www.mohrministries.org on the "Sensational Singles" page.
Our next ministry opportunity was at Waterloo Christian Center, in Waterloo, Belgium, which is an Assembly of God Church pastored by Terry and Ruthanne Hoggard. It is a huge church of 450 persons. It is a "Church of All Nations" and a hub of missionary activity in the Brussels area. Pastor Terry and his family are Assembly of God missionaries who have been in Belgium for 10 years ministering to the Belgian community in a powerful way.
I spoke at the Wednesday evening service on the topic of "The Power of Purpose!" finding and fulfilling God's purpose for your life! Pastor Terry said the message we brought, was "ordained of the Lord" for their congregation for this time. Speaking to an International group of people, my words were interpreted simultaneously into French and Dutch by interpreters in booths in the back of the sanctuary. Those who could not understand English had head phones which they could turn to their particular language.
The ministry time after the service was extended as many came up for prayer to hear from the Lord for their particular needs. It was a powerful time of ministry.
Ruthanne, Pastor Terry's wife, invited us back to present a Women Alive! Conference. What a joy it will be to come back again and minister there!
Our final ministry time was at the 1st International Baptist Church in Brussels. I presented a message on "The Power of Purpose" to a group of ladies who were deeply touched by the encouragement from the Lord! Diana led in a time of worship and closed the meeting by singing a song that God used in every setting to touch the hearts of these people. "I will Rain Upon Your Desert, says the Lord!" It was evident that the Christians there in Belgium needed refreshing and encouragement. How wonderful it was to be a tool of the Lord to do just that!
We had three special opportunities while we were in Belgium. One was a visit to a concentration camp just outside Antwerp where thousands were detained, tortured and killed during the holocaust. Fort Breendonk was a sober reminder of man's inhumanity to man and our great need for a Savior.
We spent a very special day on a train to Haarlem, Holland where we toured the home of Corrie ten Boom, which is still a watchmakers shop. I sat in tears as we listened to a Dutch lady tell the story of Corrie's father who was determined to suffer with the Jewish people, and their struggle to help, and hide Jewish people and others who were in danger. Corrie's life and ministry are a powerful example of what one person can do to spread God's love! Be sure to see the movie or read the book, "The Hiding Place".
The third event was a visit to the Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium. This school is operated by the Assemblies of God and is the only school in all of Europe where students can come to study for the ministry. There are currently 65 students from 25 different countries speaking 26 different languages. Many of these students, men and women, will go back to their native land and minister there.
The missionaries who teach at the seminary are living and serving in a difficult land, and sacrificing much in order to see the gospel go forth. We need to pray for them and support them financially. Please remember Jim and Maralyn, Tina, Shannon, Sharon, and Yana in your prayers.
Thank you for praying and caring. It is a privilege to serve the Lord
Joyfully Serving Jesus! - Naomi :-)