Project Isenhart

Distribution and ministry after the fires that burnt homes in...

Mon, 28 May 2012 15:31:12 -0700

Distribution and ministry after the fires that burnt homes in Myanmar.

The funds we were able to get into Myanmar were used in areas where outsiders cannot come due to government and security issues. The village was amazed that people from the US heard and even cared about their needs and the village that effected their homes. The local Pastor said that many were prayed for, and excepted the Lord due to the care and assistance that we were able to give. Praise God for the sacrifice of so many to help those in need in Myanmar, a country closed to outsiders, but open to the Gospel!!

Foursquare National Convention! Phoenix

Mon, 28 May 2012 15:06:44 -0700

Foursquare National Convention! Phoenix

FIJI RELIEF PHOTOS

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:29:22 -0700

FIJI RELIEF PHOTOS

Fiji Relief Video

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:55:50 -0700

Fiji Relief Video

Photo

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:35:00 -0700

Fiji Flood Relief

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:29:00 -0700

Following flooding that devastated the country in January, we, Foursquare Relief and Compassion have responded again to the floods that hit the country in March. The recent floods were the worst that Fiji could remember in history.

I arrived in Fiji April 8th to help with response and plan for relief. I arrived before Jerry Stott the area missionary and 2 pastors from Beaverton Foursquare Mark Nicklas and Rick Moyer. I had a bit of time before they arrived, so I took a taxi out to Nadi town and my taxi driver was a very friendly. I needed some lunch, and invited my driver to take me to a nearby restaurant. He took me to a Muslim restaurant because it was easter holiday in Fiji and most other places were closed. I invited him to eat lunch with me, and we were able to talk. A christian man and a muslim man. We spoke about our beliefs, as well as what Easter really means to me. We may not have had any conversion or change at that time, but I believe there were seeds planted.

The next day I met up with John Chand, National Leader to mainly Indo-Fijian nationals. We were able to visit the flooded areas in Nadi, Lautoka, Sigatoka, and BA. We visited many families effected by the floods, and saw their homes, and were able to talk and encourage them. We also brought them boxes of food stuffs, flour, canned meats, rice, oils, sugar that will help them to get through the next weeks. We prayed with them and encouraged them.

We visited homes for a few days in these areas, then I traveled to Suva city, the capitol city of Fiji with Joe Tamani. We again traveled to effected areas. He is the National Leader to Fijian nationals.

Both Leaders had a gathering of all the Pastors in their region on Saturday and Sunday. Here we did Pastoral Training where I spoke one session, and Mark and Rick spoke the other sessions. The Fijian church is growing rapidly, with over 40 churches in the country now and expanding.

The plan for overall relief in Fiji for us is 2 fold. We plan on continuing Pastoral Training, teaching and helping them to be better equipped. We also want to incorporate disaster preparedness into the teachings with them. Help them to be better equipped to help their churches both during, and before disasters.

Both Leaders specifically said that they didn’t want outsiders to “do for them what they could do for themselves”

What they really want from outsiders is to help them encourage families effected by the floods.
They would like teams to come and go home to home, talk to families, let them tell their story and then encourage them that the Foursquare Family globally cares.

We are excited to continue to work with the Fijian church, and strengthen the leaders in place. Continue to pray for the work in Fiji, and what God is doing.

Fiji Flood Photos

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:54:00 -0700

Fiji Relief Trip April

Click on Link to see album

Headed to Fiji to Respond to Floods

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 09:11:02 -0700

Most of you probably havent heard a thing about the floods in Fiji, and this is the second bout with flooding this year alone for Fiji.

I am headed to meet with Dr. Jerry Stott and Mark Nicklas from Beaverton Foursquare. Planning response to the floods, and partnering with Local Churches from the US. We are working alongside the Fiji National Foursquare Leadership, and helping them to reach their own people in this time of need. Please pray for wisdom, insight, and leading as we look to help this nation at this time of need. Keep checking in for updates, photos and video from the trip

Blessings

Chad

Fiji March Floods

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:15:00 -0700

Fiji March Floods

Foursquare Pastor John Chand in Fiji responded to a call for help from a widow in his church whose...

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:41:00 -0700

Foursquare Pastor John Chand in Fiji responded to a call for help from a widow in his church whose home was in the path of floods following the torrential rains that hit the island region in late January. He and another church member helped the widow and her children secure her home but when John tried to leave to go help other church members, he became trapped by landslides and flooded roadways.

“I was caught near a village,” Pastor John says, “because the river near the village got flooded and the road was inaccessible.” As he waited to consider what to do, he watched as a small bus carrying passengers tried to cross the flooded river and was washed away.

John says he knows of many others who have water in their homes and he has asked for assistance from Foursquare Relief and Compassion so that when he is able to get to these people, he will be able to help them.

Most important, Pastor John and other Foursquare leaders are requesting prayer during this time of trail for the people of Fiji. “We understand the whole world is going through pain and suffering,” writes Foursquare Pastor Shalenra Pillay. “But we believe that when we are standing in unity, we overcome by the Holy Spirit.”

There are thousands of others in need of our financial help and especially our prayers as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives following the floods that in some cases have taken away their homes and churches.

Foursquare Relief and Compassion constantly is at work behind the scenes in Fiji and around the world, identifying, assessing, and providing ministry resources and practical assistance for people who are suffering from natural disasters.

Fiji has been hit by floods twice this year, in January, and recently in April. We are continuing to assess the situation, send funds and resources. Please continue to pray.

Blessings

Chad

Midwest Storms

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:19:00 -0800

Midwest Storms

Photo

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:43:05 -0800

On Sunday I had to leave the Missions Conference early due to...

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:35:00 -0800

On Sunday I had to leave the Missions Conference early due to the storms in the Midwest. This is the latest update from what we are doing in Indiana and Kentucky through the local Foursquare Church and partnering with other churches to reach out to the community in this time of need

In response to severe storms and multiple tornadoes in the region, Foursquare Chaplains and our Foursquare Relief and Compassion team have been in the field assessing immediate needs and serving victims and their families.

Working with Pastors Jeff Lamont and Burt Moore from New Song Foursquare Church in Louisville, Ky., Foursquare disaster chaplains will lead teams of volunteers into affected areas. Teams will minister to emotional and spiritual needs of people as they help clean homes and yards, help repair homes, and serve food to residents.

New Song Louisville is about 30-minutes away from Henryville, one of the communities hardest hit by the storms. Foursquare Relief and Compassion in partnership with Convoy of Hope has arranged for a semi-trailer load of emergency relief supplies that are being delivered to families in the area from a distribution point at Henryville Community Church, a non-denominational congregation near the epicenter.

Foursquare Relief and Compassion is actively partnering with Pastor Rich Cheek and the congregation from Henryville Community to reach the surrounding area with the love of Jesus and to meet the practical needs following the tragic storms.

Foursquare leaders and volunteers who would like to help with clean up and personal ministry are invited to contact Foursquare pastor Burt Moore via e-mail or by phone at 502.640.5734 or 502.640.6003. Pastor Burt will mobilize teams from New Song Louisville as well as teams from other churches to provide effective service for the people of Henryville and the surrounding area. As space permits, Country Lake Christian Retreat, a retreat center 10 minutes from Henryville, will offer free accommodations and meals for volunteer teams.

Severe Storms Hit the Midwest A powerful storm system hit the...

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:49:00 -0800

Syria

Midwest Storms

Severe Storms Hit the Midwest

A powerful storm system hit the midwest early Wednesday morning. There were reports of multiple tornadoes hitting throughout Southwest Missouri just before 1 a.m. The tornadoes were started by heavy storm systems that blew down from the Rockies on Tuesday and went across to Ohio and theTennessee River valley, and finally toward the Mid-Atlantic region. Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning at least 16 tornado sightings were reported from Nebraska and Kansas across Southern Missouri to Illinois and Kentucky, according to the storm center, National Weather Service. We have contacted the Districts in the Area by way of the District Missions Representatives and are awaiting their response to what the needs are and who was effected.

Please Pray for the Mid-West, those effected by the storms, and that people would feel the hand of God during this time. We will continue to update on the specific needs, ways to Give and potentially Go

Syria-We’re standing by

The UN estimated that more than 7,500 people have been killed since the anti-Assad struggle that began in March 2011. Protesters, inspired by Arab Spring uprisings against dictators in Tunisia and Egypt, took to the streets in Syria. As Assad’s forces used deadly action to stop the unrest, protests spread and some Syrians took up arms. As the crisis in Syria continues to worsen, we continue to stand by until the doors open to be able to help reach the thousands in need. With over 80,000 refugees pouring into neighboring Jordan and Lebanon, we are also looking into reaching out to the refugees there.

Please pray with us that the violence would stop and that the doors would open for those who are ready to help.
Please pray that finances, resources, and supplies would be available so we can prepare to serve the people of Syria when the doors open.

Just a week before Christmas, Typhoon Washi dumped a month’s...

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:30:00 -0800

Just a week before Christmas, Typhoon Washi dumped a month’s worth of rain in 12 hours creating flashflood conditions on parts of Mindanao Island in the Philippines.

“The tragedy was unexpected and people were not aware of the flashflood as this happened around 2:00 in the morning,” says Foursquare Philippines National Leader Val Chaves. “I think this is the worst disaster we have experienced in Metro Manila.” Val says Foursquare people have lost homes in Cagayan de Oro. Foursquare leaders are awaiting reports from our Foursquare district supervisor in other provinces, including the Visayas, another hard hit area.

Overall, an estimated 338,000 people have been affected and more than 10,000 homes damaged following a flashflood that according to locals, is unusual for this part of the Philippines. The BBC reports that 40,000 people on Mindanao, many of whom were already desperately poor, are now living in evacuation centers after losing their homes and possessions. The death toll has topped 1,000.

The Foursquare Church in the Philippines took immediate action following the disaster and began responding to the needs of their communities. At the time of this writing, seven Foursquare families have been evacuated and are living with the other 40,000 evacuees in government provided centers where news reports indicate disease is beginning to break out. The greatest immediate need is water, food, and clothing for victims and their families.

Foursquare Greater Los Angeles District Missions Representative Remi Lawanson says the district has a close working relationship with Foursquare Philippines and is sending a team there in 2012. Foursquare Missional Leader, Rod Koop, has connected with many church planters in Manila and says that these leaders are responding to affected people where they live.

We have continued to stay in contact and assess the needs of the Philippine Church, and support and coordinate things as they are brought up. The fast action by the National Philippine Church to help their own people was amazing to see, and hear about the great ministry and relief they were able to give.

Chad

East Asia Flooding

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:59:41 -0800

East Asia Flooding

Bangladesh, Thailand and Cambodia

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:12:29 -0800

I just returned from my trip to Southeast Asia where there has been annual flooding that has been a lot more destructive than past years. My trip started in Bangladesh where I spent 7 days traveling from the North to the south with National leader Benjamin and his associate Jacob. I flew into Dhaka airport where I waited over an hour for Benjamin’s domestic flight to arrive. His flight was delayed, but I didn’t know that, and no one spoke English. To say the least my heart was getting a bit nervous that I was going to spend the night in the airport.

The next day we took a flight to Jessore, then drove 3 hrs to Khulna where Benjamin and his family live as well as the location of the National Offices for the Foursquare.

We traveled from there south to Mongla, and Bagherat where we visited many different churches and villages that had been flooded or were currently flooded.

We were able to talk to the local Pastors, Leaders, and residents about their needs. Hear stories of how God has provided and kept them safe, as well as see the local Pastors minister to their communities. Benjamin has started over 100 churches in the last 11 years, and has many churches in this area that are in communities entirely surrounded with Muslim and Hindu people. God has given them great inroads to these communities and great fruit is being harvested.

The southern part of Bangladesh has annual flooding that they are somewhat prepared for yearly. But this year the flood waters were more severe and the water stayed months longer, destroying more homes by damaging the foundations. 13 churches and 59 believers homes need to be replaced or fixed to severe damage.

We stayed in the south 2 days traveling.

We then took a 14 hour train ride from Khulna to Sultan Pur where we stayed for 3 days. This was a great experience. We again traveled to many different churches. This area is mainly tribal communities that are cast out from Bangladesh culture and society. Going to these area, and showing we care means so much to them, and shows Gods love.

We will be focusing on this area for our relief efforts by providing clothing and blankets to these needy families. Due to the flooding, these families have lost work. They survive only by working others land. With the land flooded, they don’t hire anyone. Families barely make enough to just survive, let alone buy things like needed clothing and blankets for their families. We have already been doing food distributions to these areas, helping them with food to get by until work begins.

I will attach a short assessment and financial report after this post.

I then headed to Thailand where they are also having severe flooding for over a month now. We have been helping Burmese families and Church outside Bangkok. They are living in the area that they work. They are Migrant workers, and only have papers like a visa that allows them to work, but if they leave the area they work, they will be deported. This is modern day slavery in my mind. With factories flooded and production stopped, these Burmese families can’t work, cant leave the area to find other work, and cant provide for their families. We have been sending them food, and will continue until the factories begin again.

We have also helped in Nakon Sawan and Lopburi were we recently did a huge distribution giving over 200 families packs with

Blankets

Pans Pots

Buckets for water

Flask

Spade of frying pan

Bibles

This was done with a team from Bangkok, evangelizing and sharing Gods hope and love to the flooded people. Great ministry

Next I went to Cambodia. They had flooding about 2 weeks ago, and since I was already in the region, we wanted to check in with them to see how things were going. Foursquare Cambodia has 105 orphanages with a Church combined. They sustain their orphanages through sustainable programs like fish farming, animal farming, factories, and rice farming. Due to the long floods recently, the water has destroyed over 30% of their harvest this month. This has caused a huge lack of useable rice for their homes. Because they use this food as a staple in their diet, and so many children rely on this, we are responding with financial aid to buy rice, and then re-plant for the next years harvest. Flooding like this hasn’t happened in decades and is not regular. We will continue to keep you updated on how things are going.

I was truly blessed by visiting all these countries and seeing these Pastors and leaders reach out to their communities. We are excited for the future work here, as well as continued relief to be raised. Please pray for these countries as they work to rebuild and get back to life after the floods, and pray that they would have the resources needed to rebuild their lives, homes, and communities.

Thank you for your prayers and support during this time! Without you I would not be able to bring relief to these countries that have been destroyed by floods,

The Isenharts

Kenya Relief Update from Pastor Joseph

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:25:00 -0800

Recent email I received from the National Leader of Kenya Joseph Michieka about the relief we gave to Kenya!

Dear Chad,
Greetings in the Name of Lord Jesus Christ.I am glad to write this email to you.First i want to thank the church in US for the great support they assisted some of our churches in Kenya in time of famine.This as caused a great impact to the affected areas.I visited recently Meru district and Nanyuki as follow-up their a great impact to church in Meru The people who received the cows for milk They could not hide their face of smile this changed their life style.This make me to appreciate of what the International mission is doing changing lives of many. on behave of the in Kenya we thank so much and praying for you may the Lord God shower you with heavenly blessing.

Your in Ministry.
Bishop Joseph O Michieka.

Asia Flooding

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:17:28 -0700

I want to keep everyone up to date on things. I am preparing for a trip to respond to the Asia flooding that has devastated the region, causing loos of life, loss of homes and personal items, destroyed businesses and crippled entire cities.

I will be traveling to Thailand, Cambodia, and Bangladesh to help respond to the needs. I will try to keep you updated on the progress while in the countries, but will have limited internet. I also need to keep some information about locations and people I am working with quiet for security purposes for them and the ministry as well as any problems it might cause me.

In Bangladesh currently there are 20 churches damaged, with 2500 foursquare families homeless. Cambodia has lost thousands of acres of rice fields that support their hundreds of orphanages, schools, and churches. Thailand, the needs are a little unknown still, but the National Church is currently helping 200 families with food and supplies on a weekly basis. The government of Thailand says it might take months for them to get the water out of the city and even longer to fix the damages caused by the flooding.

We are excited about the opportunity to reach out to this area of the world in their time of need, and the doors that this will open. Please keep us in your prayers as we go, and reach out to this region of the world.

Blessings

Chad

Proposal for Relief In Thailand

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:16:37 -0700

Here is the proposal that the National Leadership of Thailand has requested. Pray that doors would open, and funds would be provided to reach these people in need.

Proposal:

The Foursquare National Leader of Thailand, myself and a team from his church will travel to Nakhorn Sawan Province to help 200 families with physical/felt needs along with spiritual needs—the Gospel.

Below is the list of needed items for the outreach.

The Bible in Thai (200 x 320 Baht) 64,000 Baht

Book of Hope in Thai (200 x 20 Baht) 4,000 Baht

When I am Afraid Book in Thai (2,000 x 3 Baht) 6,000 Baht

Transportation costs 10,000 Baht

Basic Necessities: pots, pans, blankets, food (1,000 Baht for 1 set x 200 families)

200,000 Baht

Food for outreach team 16,000 Bath

Total 300,000 Bath <$ 10,000 >