 Chris and Lynn Toney |
Both of our roles in YWAM continue to be personally gratifying, fruitful; extending the reach of the gospel. Chris is hard at work to bring the Bible to every person on earth in their native language and Lynn provides counseling and mentorship to those full time missionaries on and off the mission field. In addition to our primary ministry roles, we also are blessed to be involved in outreach to the community we live in. We often have opportunities to serve and connect outside of our Youth With a Mission family here in Kona and globally. In this newsletter we are excited to highlight some of these unique ministry connections. Camp Erin Camp Erin is the largest national bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Children and teens ages 6-17 attend a transformational weekend camp that combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support, free of charge for all families. For a couple of years now, Lynn has been able to bring her love of counseling to campers at Camp Erin. As part of the clinical team, her role is to connect with and make sure that all campers (as well as the 50+ volunteers) are emotionally healthy while processing their pain and loss. Grief workshops are held throughout the weekend long experience. As the main facilitator of what is called, “throw and let go”, Lynn helps grieving young people to let go and not bottle up extreme emotions. Campers are encouraged to connect with their emotional pain associated with their loss of a loved one. Writing out that “emotion or feeling word”, whether it is an emotion (anger or sadness) or the event in which someone died (car accident, cancer, suicide) onto a plate and then throwing and breaking that plate to help them release their pain due to the loss of a loved one. Campers come away having had a fun camp experience as well as tools they can use as they continue on the path of healing from the loss of a loved one.    Where is YWAM in the World: Mongolia We are including a new section in our newsletters that highlights where and what YWAM is doing in and around the world. YWAM is very diverse! The YWAM family is comprised of thousands of people from all over the world serving in every single country on earth. Our staff and students are a mixture of nationalities and people from many nations who serve side by side. We come from numerous different Christian denominations and speak hundreds of languages. More than half of our staff come from “non-western” countries such as Brazil, Korea, Indonesia, India, and Nepal. In addition to our full-time staff, many YWAM locations host short-term outreach teams made up of individuals, youth groups, families, and churches who participate first-hand in “making God known” both through word and action. We send out over 25,000 short-term missionaries each year. We love being a part of such a large, international missions movement! There is so much happening in the world of missions. Let us show you what is happening around the world. End Bible Poverty Now is a collaborative global ministry of YWAM, Wycliffe, SIL, SBC, CRU, Faith Comes by Hearing, United Bible Society, Tyndale, and thousands of ministries, bible translators, churches, bible societies, and others united with a mandate to enable every person on earth to be able to read or hear the Word of God in their mother tongue. There are still a little over 1500 languages on earth that have no portion of scripture translated and End Bible Poverty Now will bring this number down to 0! Not only is it vital to have scripture translated into every language, every person needs to be able to have access to it. Since there are so many oral cultures on earth, audio and video recordings of scripture must be available along with printed and digital bibles. This summer, scores of committed, willing and able YWAMers from around the world are joining with Mongolian churches in a collaborative effort to successfully offer a bible to every family in the nation of Mongolia. This monumental task is not only about distribution of bibles but seeks to promote engagement  with the Word of God, strengthening and growth of the church and the transformation of Mongolian people: individuals, communities, cities and the entire nation.  Snorkel Day, a ministry of Deep an Beyond, creates opportunities for the disadvantaged, handicapped and disabled person to explore nature in an adaptive community free event for people living with disabilities. Snorkel Day creates an inclusive atmosphere where everyone is treated equally, and a place for families and caregivers to rest while participants enjoy the water, and the sea life within; free from the confines of their limited mobility. Lynn has the awesome privilege of getting in the water with these amazing folks that live in the Kona community. By assisting them, those who can’t swim can be in the water, safe and able to connect with Gods beautiful creation and explore a world they would not normally get to explore.    The Book What was to be a role for Lynn as prayer intercessor for a short film, turned into much more for the both of us. In addition to prayer, Lynn assisted the AD (that’s movie talk for assistance to the director) prop gathering and set up for the various scenes of the film. Chris was asked to take on a role (the church official who oversaw the martyrdom of William Tyndale) in the short firm. Here is a brief overview of the movie and the time  we all had to share how the gospel was brought to the masses so many years ago. We are looking forward to the release of this short film and the impact it will have on those who watch it. The Book, is a short film about the trials, tribulations, and sacrifices that people have made throughout history to get the Bible to where it is today. Covering 2000 years, The Book begins with the transcription of the Gospels, moving through history, and ending all the way in modern day. For six days during June, YWAM Ships Kona became something Every day we shot between one and three scenes to help bring this story to life. It was an incredible time where people from all different departments and schools lent a hand where they could. From set dressers, to PA’s, camera operators and prop designers, the base rallied together and offered their talents to pull off something incredible. The film is officially in post production at this point. Ty, the director, is hopeful that it will be out late this summer, or early this fall, but there isn’t a determined release date yet. Check out some behind the scenes photos, and be on the lookout for an official release date .  .    Newsletter Code Words A friend from our Mercy Ships days and long term missionary Anisha Hopkinson wrote a brilliant blog post a few weeks ago. We cried, we laughed and felt strongly that this was literally so spot on for all of us who serve in missions long term we had to share it. Whether overseas, whether serving state side, missions work can be oh so amazingly crazy and joy-filled, but also challenging too. Thanks Anisha, you really shared well with how so many of us missionaries feel and go through. “Before moving overseas, I read newsletters of cross cultural workers and thought something along the lines of, Well, that’s interesting. Now that I live overseas, I realize newsletters are filled with code words. Or rather, ordinary words that take on a bit of ‘extra’ when used in the context of living overseas. For example: It’s been a year of transitions and adjustments. Is actually a neat and tidy way of saying: I’ve spent the last 12 months living out of a suitcase and making a ton of mistakes everywhere I go. Ahh, now we understand what’s actually going on. There are many, many more. In the interest of moving past the that’s interesting thoughts that may accompany newsletter reading, this post is devoted to decoding a few of our common words and phrases.” Code: Visa application proces Meaning: We’ve quit our jobs, given away our belongings, raised support, and are ready to go, but if this paperwork is denied all our plans are totally stuffed. Code: Health issues Meaning: This mainly means diarrhea. Code: Prayerfully consider partnering with us. Meaning: We really need people pray for us and donate money every month and are pretty sure if you just asked Jesus, he’d tell you to do it. Note: No? It’s just me then. Code: Rainy season Meaning: Thank God for relief from raging tropical heat, but now there is mud everywhere and my laundry won’t dry. Code: Graduating language school Meaning: HALLELUJAH WE’VE BEEN SET FREE!!! Note: For some of us, language school is also known as “Language She’ol”. Yes, as in the dark and lonely realm of the dead. Code: It’s been a difficult term Meaning: We are so completely stressed out and yelling at each other all the time and quite frankly surprised to still be here. Note: Respond to this newsletter and ask how you can help. Code: Tired Meaning: Utter exhaustion Note: Gift this person a vacation. Code: Multi-cultural team Meaning: We’re all from different countries and the Dutch are rude, the Germans are inflexible, the Americans are too sensitive, and the Australians are very, well… Australian. Plus, it’s hard to tell jokes everyone understands. Code: Thank you for praying!!! Meaning: Don’t forget us. We might die if you don’t pray. Note: Ok, I exaggerated…or did I? Code: We could not be here without you. Meaning: We could not be here without you. Note: Maybe it sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s totally the truth. So is this… Originally posted on https://www.alifeoverseas.com/newsletter-code-words/ Prayer PointsThe extreme personal hardship we continue to face as a result of the shutdown of YWAM DP essentially by the government of Belize remains a top prayer point. We have made a little bit of progress in repaying the debt but there is still a long way to go. For more information, if you have questions or would like to be part of the solution, please contact us. Thank you. Our sending church and the majority of the people who pray for and support us financially are in Washington State. We’re praying about a trip to see friends, family and supporters at some point this year – Please pray with us as we consider when and how we might be able to come. We’ve shared a few of the things we’re involved in here in Kona. Please keep these in your prayers along with our primary work with YWAM. |
Celebrate With Us!
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| This update is all about family and celebration. A number of you have asked recently, how are the kids? What are they doing these days? Well here is the fun information you all have been asking about. A ministry update is coming soon, but for now this update is about our family and a blessed time of celebration, a double celebration that is. It is rare that we can get all of our family together. We are in different countries and in different states. Our family gathered last month to celebrate our oldest son Cameron’s marriage. Here are some lovely photos of the ceremony, pictures of the family and a brief overview of what everyone is up to and where they are in the world.   Cameron has been living in the Midwest for over 5 years. He and Adrianne met at church in Kansas City Missouri. They married March 2nd in Estes Park, Colorado. The candle lit ceremony was unique and intimate with only a handful of guests. Hours before the wedding a fresh blanket of snow created a snow capped backdrop to two peoples love for each other and to their love of God. Cameron is 26. Cameron continues to work all things related to the tech world of computers. Over the years, he has had a number of jobs connected to the computer industry. His new job, just recently acquired, marries (pun intended) work in security, systems and coding. Adrienne his new bride, works as a vocal coach and does private music lessons. They are a perfect pairing for each other. We could not be more pleased to welcome Adrienne into our family.  Josh, 24 years of age, continues to have the itch for travel and living overseas. He currently lives in Mexico, just outside of Mexico City. Josh served in the US Marine Corp for 5 years, and has been doing various jobs since. On a trip to Belize to help Chris with the issues surrounding Belize, he met and fell in love to a lovely gal from Mexico. Here is what we mean by the double celebration… Josh is married!!! Sara a doctor and Josh studying Spanish and working as a ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. They felt they wanted to marry in Mexico. When time and money permit they will come to the US and have an American church wedding ceremony in addition to their Mexican wedding. Sara is a great match for Josh. They really are an amazing, lovely and strong couple. Are we surprised that Josh is creative in where he lives and how he got married? Not at all. Josh has always done life very much out of the box. Divine meeting in Belize? I would say so. We are excited to welcome Sara into our family too. See what we mean by the double cerebration we have had!?!?  Jessie, age 23, lives and works on the east side of Seattle. Jessie and her amazing boyfriend Garrett met while playing volleyball, Jessie’s one true passion. We love how they where brought together loving the sport of volleyball equally. Jessie has a new job as an assistant manager to a local private pool. After working as a manager at both Target and Starbucks for 5 years she was in need of a change. She had a brief stint working at a high-end camera store where her second passion, photography was strengthened. Jessie continues to take photos, but felt retail is in her past. Her new job helping run the pool is a great fit for her. She loves variety and has a great work ethic in whatever she does. She overseas the life guards, does scheduling and other admin and teaches private and group swim lessons. Now that her schedule allows more flexibility, she is also pursuing coaching volleyball to young girls. Chris and Lynn. We aren’t sharing how old we are. Ha. But we are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and our 23rd year in missions this year. We are blessed beyond measure by our three fabulous adult kids and two new daughter in laws. God has answered our prayers of having the right marriage partners for both our boys. Celebration and thankfulness abound.  Thank you for sharing in our joy. Thank you for partnering with us in missions. Be on the look out for a missions update. God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good.  |
A Work in Progress
As we usher in the New Year, it is easy to look over your shoulder at 2018 as a time of reflection while looking forward to what lies ahead. As many of you know, we experienced the dichotomy of two worlds in 2018 bringing a mixture of emotions, challenges and joy. Our ministry here in Kona and globally through the University of Nations this past year has been fulfilling, settling, and a testimony to God’s goodness as well as being life giving for us both. Yet, opposing all that, last year has been one of the most difficult, painful and trying years (minus Chris’s accident in 2010) of our 22 years serving in full-time missions- with 2018 bearing what was essentially a governmental shut down of YWAM DP in Belize, Central America.
The phrase “A Work in Progress” keeps rattling around in our minds of late. It is an interesting phrase to dissect as we process and debrief the whirlwind of activity that has taken place last year with these two ministry worlds colliding. On the one hand, the YWAM training center we founded in 2003, ran with much success for many years, transferred to great staff almost four years ago and agonizingly closed in 2018; and on the other hand, the awe inspiring season we have had since leaving Belize to follow God’s call to serve more globally within YWAM. The “Work in Progress” includes a challenging mixture of the closure of the base with the intense weight that falls so heavily upon our shoulders and the solid, kingdom calling, continuation of the far reaching work we are privileged to do.
Scripturally, the phrase a “Work In Progress” is so fitting for the journey we are all on as Christians: Not complete and not perfected. Romans 15:13 reminds us that hope, joy and peace come from Him. Whether in the midst of an arduous task, a painful season or when life is humming along with jump in your step; God is near. He can be trusted. We need only to rely on Him.
A “Work In Progress” we are. Sometimes we are battered and bruised, sometimes things are easy and not so hard- but we are always victorious- always looking to Him to sustain and to strengthen us giving us hope, peace and joy in times past, now and forever.
Summer 2018 Update
Chris and Lynn Toney
Summer 2018 Update
Dear Friends and Family, So far, 2018 sure has brought much challenge but also much joy. We hope you find our Summer 2018 Update interesting and informative – It will be great to hear back from you! All the very best, Chris and Lynn
Double Portion of Blessing
When is the last time you felt truly cared for? When was the last time you felt truly blessed? A few weeks ago, Chris and I felt and received both a sense of care and were blessed beyond measure. During our 22 years in full time missions our sending church in Bothell Washington, Canyon Hills Community Church have been right there, side by side with us, interceding for us, cheering us on and providing the much needed funds so that we can bring the gospel to the far corners of the globe. The first of two blessings is a video produced by the CHCC communications team, highlighting our journey as a young family, the call on our lives and the many stories of Gods faithfulness. Pictures of us from so long ago reminded Chris and I that we are not getting any younger (lol) but more so of Gods amazing love, provision and grace that has been extended and bestowed to our family. Thank you Canyon Hills, for wanting to show that an ordinary family can do extra ordinary things for the Lord. May our call to serve in missions, bring forth many to be released into the amazing journey of full time faith based missions.
The second blessing came in the way of retreat. A retreat is a place to get away, to leave the world of missions for a brief moment and to commune with the Lord. Canyon Hills blessed each of their supported missionaries with a 5 day retreat. We were pampered, loved, cherished, loved on well in those 5 days. A time to renew, refresh and remind each of us, our mandate. The theme was “ The Grove”. The idea of how does one cultivate that place in our hearts, in our minds to do the work we are called to do. How to nurture and protect what is precious to the Lord and to oneself so that we can go out again into this world and be at our best to bring Gods love, Gods peace and Gods light to those who do not know Him. A big thank you to our head pastor off CHCC, pastor Steve Walker and to our missions pastor Corey Mortimer who prayed and brought this retreat into being. You two and the team that supported us during the retreat have no idea the impact you have made for us all that are blessed to be a part of CHCC.
Seasons
Ecc 3:8 states: “To everything there is a season.” We have all been a part of seasons that provide revelation, clarity, unknown, character, hardship, joys and most of all growth. Seasons come and they go, much like the wind, sometimes swift and sometimes more in a calming way. YWAM DP the ministry and training base that Chris and I founded back in the early 2000’s and where we handed over the reigns 2 ½ years ago has had its fair share of seasons. The season of training and ushering in countless students and staff on a physical YWAM base has officially come to an end. Due to governmental issues, and other unique circumstances the doors of the base in Belize has closed. We are sad to say goodbye (again) but also are trusting the Lord for the possibly of new season, new vision, to potentially blow in once more. Thank you to DP’s amazing staff and to all students who have been and are yet to be a part of the many seasons of DP. A new season is beginning with the introduction of University of the Nations Online – a ministry of YWAM Destination Paradise. Stay tuned…
What Is Chris Up To?
If you ask me to summarize what I do in one sentence, I would say that I am working hard with many people from many ministries to end bible poverty. There are still over 1500 living languages that have no biblical witness at all and we are working hard to bring this number to zero.
I am currently hard at work in 4 primary areas: VerbView, Greek SourceView, Teaching Hebrew and Greek to students in the UofN Masters of Applied Linguistics in Bible Translation and putting the finishing touches on Biblical Hebrew Online course. I typically travel, teaching and speaking a great deal, but since the demise of YWAM DP’s campus in Belize and the many unpaid ministry debts that were left on the table (meaning… we get to cover them ourselves), finances have severely limited travel so far this year. In 2017, I was blessed to travel to, speak or teach in Nepal, India, Russia, Israel, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan, Turkey, Jordan, Cyprus, South Africa, The UK, Belize, and locations in the US.
VerbView is a soon to be added element to the SourceView Bible App which was produced by the Bible Innovation Team of which I am a part. VerbView looks at every verb in the Bible (yes, every verb) and identifies whether the action is something God did, does or will do – or is it the action of someone other than God. The idea is that if we want to know God, we look at what He has done and does. This very exciting project has already revealed some amazing insights about God and is defined to be the source of great discoveries about the Lord!
Greek SourceView If you are not yet familiar with the SourceView format of scripture (the first format change in Scripture in 500 years) it is quite innovative. I have completed formatting the Greek Scriptures into SourceView and am currently working on Hebrew. A number of other gifted folks are working hard on this and additional languages and tools will be included the SourceView Bible App soon.
MALiBT is short for Masters of Applied Linguistics in Bible Translation, one of a number of Masters level programs offered by the University of the Nations. I was asked to facilitate the teaching of both Hebrew and Greek to the students in this current program. What a privilege and joy!
UofN Online is a new ministry of YWAM Destination Paradise. I am nearly finished with our first University of the Nations Extension (online) Studies course, Biblical Hebrew Online and will have Biblical Greek Online available next. We plan to have many online course offerings in the future!
Teaching and Ministry Across 16 Time Zones
I have recently returned from a really great teaching and ministry trip – I LOVE what I am so blessed to do! (see photos below) The first stop represented the first time I was at YWAM DP in Belize for sixteen months. I had a chance to teach in their DTS on Leadership and Discipling the Nations. What a great group – and it was SO GOOD to see staff and friends I have spent so much time with over the years.
Continue reading “Teaching and Ministry Across 16 Time Zones”
Nepal – Discipling the Nations
I recently had a wonderful opportunity to teach in a bible school in Nepal. This was my second trip to this spectacular and highly spiritual nation. I taught the final two week module in a BSN (Bible School for the Nations) which is called Discipling the Nations. We spent a lot of time on the spheres of influence in society and ending bible poverty. We talked a lot about divine providence and walked through history from the perspective of the part God has played in history. The 8 Nepalese students were particularly blessed when we came to 1950 and began to talk about the fact that in that year, the Nepalese government recorded zero Christians in their country (although we are aware that there were at least a few there at that time but that’s another story). The reason this made the Nepalese students so excited is that today Nepal has the fasted growing Christian population of any country in the world with now around 2 Million Christians less than 70 years after the country was opened up to humanitarian assistance (medical and various other development) in 1951 by King Tribhuvan. Many of those who came to the aid of this poor nation were Christians with big hearts and lots of love. The Nepalese people began to be open to the God of the Christians and forsake their Hindu roots.
It was so good to be back in Nepal with good friends and doing really great ministry. Nepal is still getting back on it’s feet after the devastating earthquake less than two years ago but making great progress. The students in this bible school are smart, committed, energetic, enthusiastic and will continue on to work with many other Nepalese christians to see the message of Jesus come to every person in this beautiful country. Please keep Nepal in your prayers!
Chris
Ending Bible Poverty
It has been so good to be here in Kona and to get going on my part in the effort to end Bible poverty. The global effort by YWAM, Wycliffe, CRU, Faith Comes By Hearing, The Seed Company, The Billy Graham Evangelical Association, The Jesus Film Project and many others to end Bible poverty has two primary objectives, and I am blessed to be personally involved in both. Continue reading “Ending Bible Poverty”