Craig and Cheryl Cassel Local Church Relationship & Discipleship HOPIN & HOPIN
Hopin & Hopin
WOW!!! Where do we begin. Things have been hoppin for us over the past several weeks. We took the first bit of our time here in Green Country (Oklahoma) to just hang out with family. Our first Sunday here we spent the afternoon in the emergency room. Cody’s lymph nodes in his necked swelled up wicked bad. After four hours and many test, he was diagnosed with mononucleosis. After several weeks of rest he is doing fine.
Once we got settled into our “non routine” routine we have had many chances to partner with several churches in the area. We were the missionaries during VBS for three different churches. Twice we went to “Saddle Ridge” ranch and once we cruzed “Route 254”. Each time was a great time of sharing about missions to kids from pre-school on up to high school.
In the Churches
We have also had opportunities to share with several churches in the area what we have been doing in Indonesia and lay the challenge that God lays out in scripture, “Who will I send and whom shall go for us?” . We have a few more engagements before we begin our travels back east August 23rd. Pray that the LORD will raise up more laborers among our Native American churches to “go into all the world” and preach the gospel. Pray that the Lord will raise up more of these churches (and individuals) to partner with us through prayer, finances and encouragement.
Spiritual Refreshment
This week we are in the Arbuckle Mountains attending Indian Falls Creek (IFC) bible camp. Its a great time to get refreshed, connect with old friends and meet new ones. It has been 18 years since we have been able to come. It’s awesome to worship the Lord together with people from many tribes and tongues throughout North America. I (Craig) am definitely in the minority here. We are thankful to Euwasa Baptist Church for allowing us to hang out in their cabin and to Twin Oaks Baptist Church for paying the registration fees. Pray that the LORD will have his way in each of our lives, teaching us about HIM and what HE has for us.
Under the Knife
Our time will be cut short here at IFC. Thursday morning Cody will be going in for outpatient surgery. He will be having his tonsils and possibly his adenoids taken out. We will make our way to Talequah after the morning sessions on Wednesday. Thursday morning Cody will “go under the knife” and then we will take a few days of rest. We are thankful to the Lord for providing a place to stay close to the hospital. Pray that all will go well and for a quick recovery for Cody. He is looking forward to all the ice cream he gets to eat. I think we will all have to “suffer” along with him on this one. 
We will let you know how everything goes. By the way, today August 3rd is his 14th birthday. At least he won’t be in the hospital on his birthday.
Thanks for praying, giving and encouraging us in the ministry.
Craig for….
The 4 C’s
Craig, Cheryl, Cody & Cheyenne
PDF Beach Ministry
On Thursday, 13 May, the Ascension of Christ was celebrated here in Indonesia. We joined forces with the GIDI church of Papua located here in our town. Often on holidays like this many churches will have their services at the beach. It was about a 3 hour drive over the mountains and through the woods to this particular beach. When we arrived we found a secluded spot underneath the umbrella of a huge beringin tree. We had a great time of fellowship in the Word of God, while enjoying the creation of God. After the service we ate and had some time of games. Thank you Lord for your creation and thank you Lord for your salvation.
Cheryl and others intently listening
Our Horizons
Looking on the horizons
Dear Praying Friends and Family,
Greetings from the beautiful campus of PPMMP, our home of 16 years. In our New Years udpate we told you of and asked you to pray about possible changes in ministry. We would like for you to continue praying concerning this as it is closer on our horizon.
As I write this month the students have just finished mowing the main campus, have harvested the fruit trees, and cleaned around the others trees on the campus. Everything is so green and and alive because of rainy season being in full swing and I feel very blessed to be here enjoying it all!
The Present Horizon: Missionary Training Center
We have just finished out first full month of ministry for this new semester. This semester started on January 25 with 17 students in the Firm Foundations course and 7 students in the Missions 1 class. The students that graduated in December have gone back to their home churches for 6 months of relationship building. The Missions 2 class (10 students and their 6 children) is about half way through their pracitum in a Lauje tribal station where they are putting into practice everything they’ve learned in their 3 ½ years of training. Exciting days for all of us!
Craig, along with Chris Lahu, has been teaching the books of Acts to our 1st year students. He is also team teaching with Kasman Katino Church Phases (infancy to adulthood) to our Missions 2 class. It has been a fascinating time team teaching with these men. There is real freedom for interaction with both the students and teachers in the class. We find this style of teaching much more condusive to learning. The great thing about it is, not only the students learn, but the teachers as well.
It is so neat to see the group of staff God has put together here. One of my favorite times is sports time when the staff men get together and just have fun. We ladies are more free to get together and let our hair down but the men stay busy with various responsibilites so it means so much to me to see them laugh and tease each other. We also try to get in some friendly games of badminton on Tuesday nights. Most of the staff men are avid players.
The Kids Horizon: Home School
I have been pushing Cody and Cheyenne a bit harder in school this semester because we don’t want to pack their books to take home and finish school there. They are doing well and on schedule to finish the middle of May. Cody’s classes have taken a turn toward business math and geometry, which I love! Cheyenne continues to improve her reading skills and shows true signs of an artist with her many projects. Pray that I can continue to keep them interested and motivated. I am always looking for creative ways to enhance their lessons.
Near Future Horizon: Home Assingment
Our Home Assingment is quickly approaching. It is just under a 100 days before we fly. In our last update we told you we would share the various needs and how the Lord is working. Most times when missionaries come home they need to find flights, housing and cars. Often times they can save up for these and sometimes this is just not possible. We have been able to save some for these needs, but not all.
We have been looking into flights and it looks like we will be able to fly home the 1st week of June. We are still working the itenerary with several travel agents. The quotes we have been getting for four one way tickets have been running around $4,500. We will also be looking for a decent used mini van. Last time were able to locate one for $3,600. So far we have been able to put aside just over $3,000 for these needs. We ask you to pray for these needs as the Lord brings them to your mind. All gifts designated for Home Asignment will be used accordingly.
On the housing front, we may have located a missionary house in the Londonderry NH area. This will be available from September 2010 to March 2011. There will be a small monthly rental fee plus electricity. It is only about 8 minutes from our home church and 16 minutes from Craig’s parents’ house. There is rumor that there is a Dunkin Donuts across the street too. This could be dangerous, but delicious.
Mutual Horizon: You & Us
Please allow us to take this time to thank you, again, for your continued faithfulness to us and our ministry. We look forward to sharing with you what God has done through you as you’ve chosen to be a part of our lives. Know that we thank God for you daily and ask Him to continue to meet your needs as He uses you to meet ours. We appreciate you so much!
Love,
Cheryl for…
The 4 C’s. Craig, Cher yl, Cody & Cheyenne
If you would like to give financially, make checks payable to New Tribes Mission with a note attached designating it to the ministry of Craig & Cheryl Cassel and send to the business address below. We will receive 100% of the gift. All gifts are tax deductible. You may also give online.
New Tribes Mission
1000 E. First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
New Year, New Changes?
Extra Extra Read all about it
Often times when the New Year comes around we make resolutions for this or that. This year we are not making a resolution, but are looking to the Lord for direction during this New Year. We invite you to “read all about it” and pray with us. Click Here to Read and Pray
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas to all of you who come to visit us here. Please click our Christmas Update to read our latest update. Once you have read it come back an visit some more. We will put up some new pictures just after Christmas.
Check us out on Face Book as well.
Serving together with you all,
Craig for…
The 4 C’s
Craig, Cheryl, Cody & Cheyenne
Thanksgiving Update
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
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Have a great week in the Lord
The 4 C’s Nov 7 Update
Family News
Cody began this school year at a local Christian School. He quickly adjusted to the social aspects with no language barrier at all. He loved it! After 9 weeks or so it became evident that Cody was not learning as he should. This was according to his own admission as well as our observations. As the principle so aptly put it, “The atmosphere of the school is not condusive for Cody to learn.” Because of this Cheryl has started homeschooling him again, along with Cheyenne. He is happy and we are glad to have him home again. We are thankful that his 8th grade books never sold. God knew we would still need them. He sure looked handsome in his uniform though!
Day of Prayer
Each 1st Saturday of the month is Day of Prayer at our Missionary Training Center. Normally on Saturdays the students are doing physical work around the campus. On this day staff and students gather together for the morning. Time is spent in 4 different sessions praying for various ministries throughout Indonesia and beyond. Today the 1st hour was spent listening to a short devotional by one of our final year students. After this we prayed as a large group. In the 2nd session much time was spent praying for various countries with little or no Gospel witness. In the 3rd session we split up into small groups praying for needs of the students and staff of our missionary training center. In our 4th and final session one of our staff men shared on the meaning of communion or the Lord’s Supper. After some teaching and demonstrations we remembered our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection for our sins. We did this through song and partaking of the bread and drink representing Jesus’ body and blood. If you have a special prayer request you want us to pray for, just send us an email and let us know. We as a family would count it a privilege to take your need before the thrown of grace.
Praying together for the needs of Indonesia
Mid September Update
Students getting a brush up course in Indonesian
Dear Ministry Partners,
Mid September is here and we only have two weeks left in the first half of the semester. In our last several updates we were able to share our student body with you. We are excited what the Lord is going to do in and through them over the next several years. Recently in our 1 John class we looked at what it means to “walk even has He walked” (1 John 2:6). The “He” is speaking of Jesus. What a challenge, to walk even as Jesus walked. As the Lord reminds you, we ask that you continue to pray for them and us.
We also asked you to pray for our financial needs concerning the visas needed for Cheryl and the kids. Well, God is answering and we had a gift of $750 come in August specifically for this need. Thank you for praying and don’t stop now. We know the Lord will answer as we all pray together.
We were also blessed with several days of house sitting again during our school break. This house is equipped with an in ground pool and great scenery. Tomorrow it will be time to come back to reality. Starting at 1 PM I (Craig) will be involved in 3 days of area leadership meetings. Pray as our team discuss church planting strategy for our area as well as a few administrative things.
Cheryl, Cody and Cheyenne will all be back to school after this weeks break. Pray for Cody as he deals with the challenges of being in an Indonesian Jr. High School. Pray for Cheryl as she continues to teach Cheyenne 3rd grade.
We will send out another update after our area leadership meetings are finished.
Craig for the ….
4 C’s
Craig, Cheryl, Cody and Cheyenne.
