For Immediate Release
From Christian Aid Mission
Special to ASSIST News Service
NAPERVILLE, IL (ANS) -- In response to “a new wave of interest” in African native missions from pastors and leaders in the Chicago area, Christian Aid Mission is planning a special event for interested new friends there on May 19.
“This is the first time we have ever done something like this in Chicago,” says Bill Bray, who is serving on the communications staff at the mission’s Virginia headquarters.
“However, we have to respond to this new wave of interest – especially now with so many African countries in turmoil, revolution and unprecedented church growth.”
The month long outreach to Chicago will feature a reunion banquet for friends of the mission, churches, individuals as well as interested guests on May 19. The “all nations” fundraising event at the Omega Banquet Hall here in Naperville will answer questions and offer an opportunity for more people to get involved in the reformation in foreign missions. The celebrative evening begins promptly at 6 pm at the restaurant, 4S040 Route 59, Naperville.
Reservations are required. For advance tickets contact Dr. David Rhoads at 630-698-2020 or Ivy Bray at Christian Aid Mission, 800-977-5650.
An exciting presentation team from Christian Aid Mission will share the latest news from North Africa and focus on the amazing power of native missions in Africa. A special report is expected from Rae Burnett who will have just returned from a two-month inspection tour of ministries in Africa.
Christian Aid is the oldest and largest indigenous mission’s agency in the world, assisting over 800 indigenous ministries to 3,000 language groups in 122 countries. The mission aids projects in 54 of 55 African countries.
For over 15 years, Burnett has spent half of her time traveling hundreds of thousands of miles to visit indigenous mission leaders in Africa from Cairo to Lesotho. At great risk of being kidnapped, raped or robbed, she routinely distributes financial aid to indigenous missions in areas where foreign missionaries are no longer allowed.
“We are so thankful for friends in the Chicago-area who have underwritten this event,” says Bill Bray of Christian Aid. ”This banquet will tell the story of how God is using indigenous missions today. It is something every pastor and mission committee member should hear.”
Underwriters for the event include Central Dupage Vision Center in Wheaton and the Pastor’s Bible Study Hour heard over WYCA Chicago/Hammond.
During the team’s visit to Chicago, they will also make a presentation and exhibit at the National Black Evangelical Association Annual Convention in Oak Lawn; the annual Focus Pastors Conference at Moody Bible Institute, and the U-Turn 2011 Momentum Conference, Dyer, Indiana.
Because of global changes in missions and the economic effects of the Great Recession, many Bible-believing churches are looking for better ways to carry out their foreign missions programs according to Bray.
Bill Bray and his wife Ivy, who are leading the team, have worked with indigenous mission leaders for 46 years in 65 countries. They believe that they are helping mission-minded Christians fulfill the Great Commission of Christ in a new, more efficient way.
“It’s a new day in foreign missions,” says the 64-year-old retired foreign correspondent and missionary staff worker at Christian Aid. “Indigenous missions carry on where Americans are no longer allowed to go as missionaries.”
Dr. Bray is serving as Development Director at Christian Aid. To arrange for Bill and his wife to speak at local churches or schools, call 434-977-5650 or email info@ChristianAid.org
Besides speaking and meetings in the Chicagoland area, the couple will be representing Christian Aid at conferences and conventions this spring in Atlanta (GA), Cincinnati (OH), Gatlinburg (TN), Lancaster (PA), Montgomery (AL), Nashville (TN), Peoria (IL) and Dyer (IN).
About Christian Aid:
Editors Please Note: Bill Bray is available for interviews. To schedule contact him at bray.william@gmail.com
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