atkin david brenda 2012 taiwan

David 6c

Field Address:David & BrendaAtkin67 Wen Hsin S. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 Taiwan011-886-42-381-8447DAtkinQteamexpanslon.orq

[email protected]

in Taiwan. It is not a battle for landor for wealth; something much more precious ~ for souls! Afew weeks ago, nearby our nativity, both Taoists (Matzu -the sea goddess) and Buddhists held very loud parades onour street. The picture, adjacent the nativity above, is astreet-side sacrifice for Buddha's bone as It past by in theparade. In Taichung, we estimate that only 2% of the people know Jesus; and the remainder follow folk-Buddhism orTaoism, which relies heavily on ancestor worship.

In 2012, the Come Christian Church will take the battle forsouls to our neighborhoods, schools and places of business" out of the building and to the streets. We want the ComeChristian Church to bring fame to God (also known as"glory') by being known as the church that was willing to"Go!" We want to multiply both disciples and churches in2012! To do this, and because it is a battle for souls; we willrely heavily on the power of prayer, the strength of the HolySpirit and the Word of Truth. After all, the Kingdom we seekto build belongs to the Lord! Though they are a smallminority, we're asking every disciple, every Christian to become an evangelist! What courage your Taiwanese brethren will need as they take their stand, one that many disciples of Jesus have taken before them. In the balance arethe souls of their family members, neighbors, co-workersand friends.

Thank you for joining with us in this battle. Your prayersand partnership are invaluable. Your fellowship in theGospel is an offering to the Lord ~ eternal and precious!To God be the glory! -Dave & Brenda

Forwarding Agent:Kathy Murrellc/o Team ExpansionPO Box 51Bement, IL [email protected]

[email protected]

We began 2012 with a new son, Emily's husband, DavidHarrison. Emily and David are living in Champaign. Davidworks for a construction company, and Emily has begunworking on her graduate degree in political science at ElU,in Charleston. Tabitha hopes to graduate from the Univ. ofIllinois in May (a year early), and continue on to law school.She has applied, and been accepted to several schools, buthas not made her final decision about which school she willattend. We hope it is the one that offers the most in scholarships! Both Emily and Tabitha continue to work at theARC (U of I rec. center). Noah is in 6th grade at MCA. Heloves sports, plays clarinet in band (that's what sisterplayed), enjoys learning about astrology and Greek mythology. He enjoys playing golf and bike riding with dad. He isbest in his class with the Chinese yo-yo.

Brenda, in just a couple years has turned the MCA cafeteriaaround. Her team now prepares and serves an average of2500 meals per week! The kids love Brenda, even whenshe makes them eat their vegetables! In 2011, Brendalearned how to be diabetic, making the transition look easy.She is a model of servanthood to the ladies in our church.This summer, she and her husband will celebrate 25 yearsof marriage! As for Dave, he still enjoys outdoor activitiesand being with people. He is facing a difficult transition in2012 as his role as the missionary preacher/teacher becomes more of a coach. Together, the Atkin family is looking forward to this summer's home service (furlough), andto sweet fellowship with YOU! Lord willing, see ya in 2012!

Summer 2012Furlough

We expect to finalize our summer home service schedule Inthe next month. Thank you forcontacting us to arrange a datefor us to visit you, as we consider it a privilege to visit youand share what the Lord is doing in Taiwan and among unreached people groups worldwide. Unfortunately, we cannotvisit all our partner churches inone summer, but we may stillhave a few dates available forthis summer, so if you haven'te-mailed us, NOW would be agood time! Thank you!

PRAY WITH US Monday Adult Eng. class Nan-tun Grade School Biblestory telling Tab's law school decision &Em's grad school Bridge of Life series in section two (11-20) Lance & Kim expecting #2on March 14 Church multiplication "Go"plans for May 6th & beyond Youth group CNY trip MCA Spring-break Japan trip Summer 2012 furlough 2013, Bike USA plans

Chinese New Year ActivitiesCNY is Jan. 21-29 this year, andushers in the year of the dragon!Our youth group, which has grownover the past year, will have a "lock-in" with our sister church in Taipei'syouth group, in Taipei. Also, Brendawill host our annual Team Expansionco-workers in Taiwan CNY overnight party here In Taichung. It'salway a great time of fellowship!

2011 in ReviewThis past year was challenging inmany ways: a crisis in Japan, giving a daughter in marriage, churchplanter training that examined "theway we've always done things,"breaklng-in a new forwarding agent,Brenda's diabetes, preparing thechurch for multiplication, etc.Throughout 2011, however, as inthe past 14 years; a few things haveremained constant: God's love andabiding presence with us, your faithful support of this work throughfinances and prayer, and our commitment to see the Kingdom cometo Taiwan! Thank you all as we startyear 15! What a blessing you are!!!

Ishinomaki / MCA Mission TripMorrison Academy will send a group of 10 juniors& seniors on a mission trip to Ishinomaki, Japan;March 29 - April 5 during MCA's spring break.Though the earthquake and tsunami that hit Eastern Japan's coastline was nearly a year ago (3/11/11); our Team Expansion church planting team,under the leadership of Chad & JenniferHuddleston, continue to work daily to assist victims and share the Gospel. The MCA team willassist the Ishinomaki team in relief efforts andGospel presentations.

David is the Team Expansion FC for Japan, andhas been asked to lead the MCA group to Japan.Brenda will feed the team in Japan, which insome areas still completely devastated by thetsunami, may prove to be a difficult task. Noahwill also be part of this team, whose principle taskwill be relief work. Noah will also meet the 5Huddleston children for the first time! As teamleaders for this group, David & Brenda's expenses are paid by the school. However, Noahneeds to raise about $1000 to be able to join withus. You may hear from him about this! Pleasepray for us as we plan for this trip to Japan!

December, 2011 - General Fund

Opening Balance $12,746.84

Received (Individuals) 846.21

Received (Churches) 9232.67

Expenses 7959.43

Ending Balance $14,866.29

Coast to Coast $ 100

20/20 Vision Fund 7614.87

2011 Year-end Totals

Received $109,084.94

Expenses $97,375.44

2011 Net Income $11,709.50

Detailed report sent to all supporters.All gifts to this ministry are tax deductible!

Georgia Sharpe

From: Mission Services [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 9:37 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (1/15/12)

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From; DAVID ATKIN Date: January 14, 2012 5:40:49 PM CSTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (1/15/12)

Greetings from Taiwan:

"Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs infront oftheir house; and next to them,Azariah son ofMaaseiah, the son ofAnaniah, made repairs beside his house." (Neh 3:23)Imagine Jerusalem under attack, and the section of the wall you have been

assigned by Nehemiah to rebuild is not complete. Where is that section ofwall? Right next to YOUR house! The wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt in only52 days, because the "work had been done with the help of our God."(6:16b) Church growth principles abound in Nehemiah!

Nehemiah's story is #16 in our Bridge ofLife series. And, it comes at the righttime - as the Come Christian Church will embark today on a path towardmultiplication, with what we are simply calling the "Go Plan!" During ourfellowship dinner, we will introduce the "Go Plan," and hope to put it intofull-swing by the first Sunday of May. Please pray for our "Go Plan!" (Moredetails in the January newsletter.)

Taiwan held only it's 5th presidential election yesterday. Pres. Ma wasnarrowly re-elected with only 51.6% of the vote. Please pray for the electedleaders of Taiwan, as very few know Jesus.

Pray for our co-workers. Lance & Kim, as Klmberly is due with their secondchild in March. Also, they are considering a move to the first floor of theirapartment building. A move that would give them more opportunity tointeract with their neighbors.

Chinese New Year break for most of Taiwan will begin on Friday, Jan. 20th.Most of our church family will return to their family homes, and many are

the only Christians in their family. Please pray for opportunities to let theirlight shine for Jesus.

Our faithful FA, Kathy Murrell, has been hard at work completing our year-end financial report. We thank the Lord for those who faithfully provide uswith the opportunity and privilege of serving here in Taiwan. What ablessing you are!

Our January newsletter will arrive In your In-box, Lord willing, early this week.Thank you for your partnership with us here In Taiwan!

In His Service,

David & Brenda AtkinTeam Expansion in Taiwandatkin@,teamexpansion.orgwww.teamexpansion.org/atkin

Georgia Sharpe

From; Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2012 7:38 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (1/22)

Sent from my iPhone


From: DAVID ATKIN Date: January 21, 2012 7:00:18 PM ESTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (1/22)Happy Chinese New Year from Taiwan:

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song ofthanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comesfrom the Lord," (Jonah 2:8-9) This is the conclusion of Jonah's prayer from the belly of thegreat fish ~ the fish that God had led to save the wayward prophet and ultimately a nation.These verses could not be more true today, for in Taiwan, at Chinese New Year, families will

gather to celebrate the lunar new year and worship their ancestors and idols. Furthermore, asymbol of the new year in Taiwan is the fish!

This Lord's Day morning is CNY's eve, and a travel day for most ofour church families as theyreturn to their family gatherings. Our Bridge ofLife series is on the story of Jonah, so we'vegiven it in advance to share with their families. Let us pray that our brothers and sisters will be alight to their families, and that salvation would come from the Lord for them.

Tomorrow, CNY, we will drive out toward the Taichung harbor, and visit and eat dinner withour old friends Ching & Jane, and their three children. You may remember Ching, as he was aninternational student hosted by Brenda's parents several years ago. This family is special to us,and we pray that salvation would come to this family too!

Mid-week, Brenda will host our annual new year gathering of Team Expansion co-workers.Our friends will travel from north and south to come and spend the night with us. It is always a

great time of fellowship. Please pray for travel safety.

Next weekend, we will take our youth group on a road trip to Taipei to spend the night withthe youth group of our sister church in Yung-ho (Taipei). There are 8-10 of us going up for theweekend. Several of these teens do not yet know Jesus. So, please pray that this time offellowship will be a blessing and opportunity to share Jesus with them.

Please continue to pray for our church multiplication plans. For the next three months we willbe preparing the church to begin multiplying.

Thank you for your faithful partnership with us in this ministry! Blessings to you and yours!1

Field Address:David & Brenda Atkin67 Wen HsinS. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 Taiwan011-886-42-381-8447

[email protected]

k

Forwarding AgentKathy Murrellc/o Team ExpansionPO Box 51Bement, IL 61813217-678-8258

[email protected]

The "GO" Plan slowdown! Doesn't the "COME" originate from Matt 11:28?If you wanted to start a new church in an adjacent suburb, Jesus invited the lost, "Come to me, all you who are wearyhow would you do it? Your Ideas might include: lots of and burdened, and I will give you rest." So, Jesus told hisprayer, asking the evangelizing association or neighboring disciples to "GO," so those who are lost might "COME!"churches to partner with you financially, doing a demographic studyof the target area, forming a church plantteam So, then, what if we were to train everyChristian to "GO andof professionals from the local seminary, recruiting make disciples?" What if, instead of asking the lost to comeChristians who live in the target area to join with this church to fh church, the church was willing to go to them? What if,plant, a series of mass mailings, maybe even dial-up calls in instead of thinking that the church is a place we come to; wethe target area, etc. These are allgreat ideas ~ tried &true! think of ourselves as the bodyof Christ, the church? What If

we stop thinking of the church as a pulpit and pipe organ.But, what if there was no evangelizing , q . . Hiscioles of all

tn nartnor na maKO OlSCipiSS OT ail In loeiic' namo9 AnHnations..." Though, in my cynical moments I

might have been heard to say, "Yeah, hesaid that, and then flew away!"

association, nowith, no viable seminaries to recruitprofessionals from, and few or noChristians living in your target area.And, what if it was cheaper to buy a room on the International Space Station than It is to buy or even rent property Therefore, beginning May 6th, the Come Christian Church isfor a new church building and parking lot? It would not be a going to do something unheard of, or, at least seldom seen,great surprise to most if we threw in the towel! Giving up we're all going to GO! We're going to take the church to ourseems like the only rational plan! The only problem with apartment buildings, neighborhoods, homes, shops, etc.giving up is, Jesus did say, "Go and make disciples of all The church is going to go with Jesus to whomever the Spiritnations..." (Though, in my cynical moments I might have ca"s. We wantto see disciples multiply disciples, the Comebeen heard to say, "Yeah, he said that, and then flew away!") Christian Church multiply the church throughout this mega-He then added, "And surely I am with you always, to the C'ty- We want to see the Kingdom come as we GO! Youveryend of the age." (Matt 28:19b,20b) might say, the "GO" Plan is about "blooming where God has

planted each of us."There is another problem, our name is COME ChristianChurch, and that's what we teach church members to do - Now, may I ask you to pray for The "GO" Plan as if the same"come" to church. Isn't that what most churches teach! Wait, was being ask of you? Thanks much! ~DLA

gathered" in Jesus' name? And,really cool, Jesus says, even if it'sonly two or three, "there am I withthem." (Matt 18:20)

www . T E A MEXPANSION.ORG/ATKIN

Summer

Only a few details are left to confirmas we prepare for home service thissummer. We appreciate every invite! Sadiy, we wont be able tomake it everywhere we'd like to go-- the summer is just too short!Perhaps, if we cant come to you,you can come and see us at a location near you!

We will publish our summer calendar in the fVlarch newsletter. Thankyou for praying as we prepare toreturn to the US for home service!

Dear Everybody:

Even though I am in 6th grade, Ilave been invited to join the highschool students on the mission trip;o Japan. My mom and dad are

^oing too! Please pray for me,iNoah, on the trip to Japan, i thinkGod has called me to go and tellthem the Word of God so that morepeople can go to the best place -Heaven. The people of Japan havebeen through a lot, and I hope tohelp them know the joy of Jesus.Thank you.

Your Friend,Noah Atkin

PRAY WITH USMonday Adult English classNan-tun Elementary SchoolBible story tellingTab's law school applications &Em's grad school

Bridge of Life series beginssection 3. #21-30Lance & Kim expecting #2, onMarch 14Church multiplication "Go"plans for May 6th & beyond

MOA /Japan mission tripSummer 2012 furlough2013, GloritrekMack, Brenda's dad, had hipreplacement on Feb. 13.

[t jg

You'll be hearing a lot more about Team Expansion's Gloritrek in the months to come! What isGloritrek? It is the desire to see every Christian/every church passionate about declaring God'sglory among the nations, and especially the peo-'pies who have yet to hear about Jesus.

As we wrote in our November, 2011, newsletter;during the spring/summer of 2013, Noah and I(David) are planning to bicycle from US coast-to-coast and church-to-church, more than 3,500miles. Every evening we hope to be in a differentchurch talking about declaring God's glory amongthe nations; every Lord's Day spent In worship,fellowship and rest -- searching out how we as the Body of Christ can be passionate about what God is passionate about.We hope and pray you will be with us with every revolution we make. Throughprayer, mainly! But, if you feel led, you might even consider financially participating in Gloritrek. We estimate Gloritrek might cost more than $10,000. Right

!now, we have $300 ear-marked toward Gloritrek. While on the road, we'd like tojbe able to give 100% of any offerings to Team Expansion, in Louisville, as it isthe purpose of Team Expansion to go where the Gospel has yet to be heard.We also plan to ride into Louisville, and be at the '13 NACC!

The Gloritrek web-site will be up and running soon. From it, you'll be able tostay informed about every aspect of this Gloritrek and how you or your churchcan be involved! So, please, stay tuned!

Lantern Festival

The word for "a crowd" in Chineseis literally "people mountain people sea." Actually, we thought thiscrowd at the Lantern Festivallooked more like a river of people!

The Lantern Festival begins onthe heels of the Chinese NewYear, on the 15th day of the firstmonth of the lunar year. This isthe year of the dragon, so lots ofpaper lanterns, in the shape ofdragons, are on display in our local park and around Taiwan.

January, 2012 - General Fund




Expenses 6930.77

Ending Balance 315,805.94

Gloritrek $300

20^0 Vision Fund 7614.87

Detailed report sent to all supporters.All gifts to this ministry are tax deductlblel

Noah's Mission Trip $300

Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2012 8:26 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (2/12)

Sent from my iPhone


From: David Atkin Date: February 11, 2012 5:59:26 PM CSTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (2/12)


Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; It Is proper for us to dothis to fulfill all righteousness." Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Name Aboveall Names, came to be Immersed In the Jordan River by John the Baptist.When John objected to baptizing the Son of God, Jesus said It was "to fulfill

all righteousness." Righteousness (dikaiosune), literally means "rightaction." Jesus, as he began his ministry, was not only willing to be obedientto do the Father's will In the flowing waters of the Jordan, but also on a hillcalled Golgotha a life lived to please the Father!

The Come Christian Church is on lesson No. 20 this Lord's Day -- thebaptism and temptation of Jesus. We will be completing the second set often lessons, meaning that we are just 10 weeks away from beginning our"GO Plan!" Please pray as we prepare to send our church to those who haveyet to hear the Gospel. May we live to please the Father!

These are busy days: preparing the church to GO, preparing for a homeservice (furlough), preparing to lead a group of 15 youth and adults to thetsunami zone of Eastern Japan, preparing for Gloritrek 2013...none of whichcan be accomplished without the hand of God's blessing upon them. Pleasepray with us! (More in our Feb. newsletter about these.)

Please pray for our co-workers. Lance & Kim, as they are entering the 9thmonth of pregnancy. Please pray for continued good health for Kimberlyand their second baby girl.

Brenda's dad. Mack, will have hip replacement surgery on Monday. Pleaselift him before the Lord.

Thank you for your partnership in this ministry with us. You should see ane-newsietter from us in the next day or two. May we ali live to piease theFather!

In His Service,

David & Brenda AtkinTeam Expansion in [email protected]/atkin

Christopherpowell, I RE: HORIZONS Page 1 of 1


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to beashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (II Tim 2:15) Paul's admonition to Timothywas not for him alone. It behoves each of us, who call Jesus our Lord & Savior, to "correctlyhandle the word of truth." Do you have a daily time in the Word?

This week, our Come Christian Church will review what we've learned over the past 20 weeks inthe "Bridge of Life" (BOL) series -- in the fomi of a TEST. Imagine walking into worship andbeing given a Bible test! How do you think you would do on it? Well, no need to guess how you'ddo - I've included it as a MS Word document attachment in this e-mail, so you can test yourself!Enjoy! (I'll include the answers next week!)

I've also included a picture of our youth group. Thanks to Tim Lee, one of our brothers in thechurch, we're all learning to play guitar so we can assist with GO worship.

Thank you for praying for Mack, his hip surgery was successful and he is home and doing well.

Thank you for your prayers, as these are busy days GO plans, mission trip to Japan, home serviceplans thank you for your prayers for us!

May you wield your Sword with wisdom and confidence this week!

In His Service,

David AtkinTeam Expansion in [email protected]/atkin

Printed for Georgia Sharpe ^ 2/20/2012

Bridge of Life

X^ Hr -KHt /r/

11-20 REVIEW TEST(Each answer is worth 5 points)True or False:

1) During Noah's flood, it rained for 70 days, until all the mountainswere covered with water.

2) Joseph hated his brothers for selling him into slavery.

3) Joshua asked God to make the sun stand still in the sky so Israelcould win a battle.

4) David, when he was a teenager, killed a giant, Goliath, with a bowand arrow, because Goliath had defied the God of Israel.

5) Jesus baptized John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

Multiple Choice:

6) "You will not surely die...you will be like God" was said bya) Moses b) John the Baptist c) the serpent d) an angel

7) Moses was (choose the one that doesn't work)a) a murderer b) not eloquent c) humble d) a priest

8) Gideon and his army of a) 300 b) 700 c) 7000 d) 32000, won agreat battle over the Midianite army of more than 120,000 men.

9) Was the wisest man who ever lived.a) Abraham b) Moses c) Solomon d) Daniel

10) Her beauty made her queen and her courage saved Israela) Rahab b) Esther c) Mary d) Elizabeth

Fill in the Blank:

11) God took a from man and made a woman from it.

12) Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son .

13) Elijah and the prophets of Baal had a sacrifice competition on .

14) The 01 prophets predicted that a "ruler over Israel, whose origins are fromof old" would come from .

15) The prophet thought he could run away from God, and gotswallowed by .

Short Answer:

16) "In the beginning God

17) The first generation of Israelites to leave Egypt refused to

18) In Babylon, three Hebrew slaves were thrown into _because they refused to bow down to a gold statue

19) Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in only 52 days because everyoneworked on a portion of the wall near .

20) Wise men (Asians) from the east followed a star for up tojust so they could worship Baby Jesus.

Bonus Question:

1) Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, wanted to marry Ruth, so he took off his, to make the decision "legal."

2) We, like , have been called to prepare our peopleto receive Jesus.

90-110 Pts. You rock! Keep up the good work!70-85 Pts. Not bad! Keep studying - you're going to make it!50-65 Pts. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, so go back and review!0-50 Pts. You need a tutor! Let's get you on the right bridge!

David & Brenda Atkin

Field Address:David & Brenda Atkin67 Wen Hsin S. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 Taiwan011-886-42-381-8447

L-^gL

SJON.ORG/ATKiN

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds amongall peoples" (Ps 96:3). Gloritrekis about declaring God's "gloryamong the nations" from coast-to-coast and church-to-church.From May 19 to August 4, 2013;David & Noah plan to bicycle thewidth of the US, sharing withchurches each evening aboutGod's passion for all peoples.

Here's a close-up of what's happening: 1) We're looking for aproject coordinator in the US (Ifyou know one, e-mail usi),2) We're building bikes that willstand up to 3,500 miles, 3) We'rebuilding a web-site that will helppeople travel along with us (WithGPS - in real-time!), 4) Gloritrekmaterials ready for home service,5) Praying and training - as we'reonly just a little more than oneyear away! Please pray with usfor Gloritrek!

New Teammate Soon to Arrive!We're all very excited about the baby girl soon to arrive here In

Taichung! Lance, Kimberly and Kayleigh are just a few days awayfrom welcoming their newest family member, and our new team

mate! Please keep them in your prayers!

LINSANITY, maybe evenmore so than in the US, hasswept through Taiwan! Ofcourse, we're speaking ofJeremy Lin, the NY Knickspoint-guard of Taiwanese descent, and graduate of Harvard.Did you know that Jeremy is aChristian who is not afraid to lethis light shine for Jesus? We'rethankful for this new role model,and are trying to work it out forhim to visit our 7th annualSports & English Camp! Pray!

Monday Adult English class Nan-tun Elementary School

Bible story telling Tab's law school applications& Em's grad school Bridge of Life series section3, #21-30 Lance & Kim expecting #2,on March 14 Church multiplication "Go"

plans for May 6th & beyond MCA /Japan mission trip Summer 2012 furlough 2013, Gloritrek Praise - Mack's hip replacement went well!

f

Mission Trip to JapanMarch 11 marks the one yearanniversary of the devastating9.0 earthquake and tsunamithat struck the East Coast ofJapan. Imagine the little girl inthe picture is yours. She lostclassmates and family in thetsunami. Her school was destroyed, several of her teacherswere killed. Her home waswiped out in the wall of water.She has experienced fear likemost cannot imagine.

A team of 16 from MCA, led byDave & Brenda, will be going toIshinomakI, Japan, from March29 - April 5. We hope to bringthe joy of Jesus to this little girland her family, and to manymore like her. Noah Is goingtoo! Please pray for us all!

February, 2012 - General Fund


Received (Individuals) 651.34Received (Churches) 8547.17Expenses 6254.94


Gloritrek $400



Noah's Mission Trip $335

their bi-bi (worship). Ho^^l^rerent is the lOve uoa nas lur us, miu UUI vfor serving! Lovecompels us: God's love for us, our love for Him and our love for ourneighbor! In fact, we are known by our love!

March 11 marks the one year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami the struckJapan. Won'tyoujoin me in praying for this nation. Howdesperately the people of Japan need to know Jesus!March 29 - April 5, we will lead a group of 16students and adults to the tsunami zone ofEastern Japan (north of the city of Sendai). Please pray for us.

The Come Christian Church had a "GO training" yesterday, as we prepare for May 6th, and thelaunch of multiple worship sites. For now, we want to see the Gospel spread all over S.Taichung City as we multiply the church, and every member becomes a minister of Christ Jesus.It is a daunting task, but we serve a Big God! Pray for us!

A young man, Jason, is making a decision to follow Jesus ~ the first in his family to do so!Would you pray for him?

Lord willing, Kimberly's folks will arrive tomorrow evening, and Kimberly will deliver their

Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2012 8:40 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject; Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (3/25)

Reggie HundleyExecutive DirectorMission Servicesthe missions network

Sent from my iPhone


From: David Atkin Date: March 24, 2012 8:25:00 PM EDTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (3/25)


" Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take yourmat and walk'?" [Mark 2:1-12) Our Lord &Savior, Jesus Christ, can do both - equally well!

This morning we are on Bridge of Life24 - Authority: over Creation, Sin & Death. Rememberthe Great Commission In Matt 28:18-20? What's the first sentence? There is no god like ourGod!

We're thankful to share that KImberiy and baby Abigail are both doing well. Kimberiy's parents,Jack & Tammy, are enjoying their time with the grandchildren.

The Sports & English web-site: www.sportsandenglish.com opened this past week, after acomplete overhaul of our registration procedures, for early-bird registration. Thetransformation of the web-site and registration was a true team effort. Many young people inour churches around the island are beginning to register for our 7th annual S & ECamp. We'repraying for 140 teens this summer, and our dean for camp, Chad Edwards!

Very early Thursday morning, our MCA team going to Japan, will depart for Ishinomaki. Lordwilling, we will be gone from Thursday thru Thursday. There are 11 juniors/seniors, 4 adultsand 1 Noah. We will be serving alongside our Team Expansion missionaries there in on-goingtsunami relief and church planting. Please pray for us!

Please continue to pray for our GO preparation for the Come Christian Church. Our first GOworship will be on Easter Sunday. On April 22nd, we are also planning a big outreach as we

rent a bus and go to a dairy farm for the day. Please pray for these events -- all leading up toMay 6th, and the official beginning of our multiplication GO plan.

Please pray for our home service (furlough) preparations -- there's so much to do! Brenda'sreturn to the US, to attend Tabitha's U of I honors activities, is now only one month away!Noah and Iare only 6 weeks awayl YikesI Prayers for wisdom and endurance would sure be

nice right now!

Please pray for a young man, Jason, who is wanting to make a decision to follow Jesus. Ifhedoes so, he will be the first in his family!

Thank you for your prayers & partnership in this ministry! That God is with us, that you arewith us, strengthens and sustains usi

In His Service,


Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2;33 AMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (3/28)


Sent from my iPhone


From: David Atkin Date: March 27, 2012 10:56:01 PM EDTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (3/28)


'^The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas havelifted up their pounding waves," (Ps 93:3) When 1 think of the events of March 11,2011,1 always think of this verse in Psalms. Boy, did they ever lift up!

Tomorrow morning, Lord willing, 16 youth and adults will departs Taichung at 5:30AM for Ishinomaki, Japan. Actually, we won't be alone, as there are other missionteams headed elsewhere, some south and some north. Please keep us in your prayersover the next week: four adults, 11 teens and Noah.

Keep our missionaries in Japan in your prayers, as they have labored a lifetime in thepast year! May we be a blessing to them.

Pray for the residents of Ishinomaki, whose lives and homes were literally turnedupside-down a year ago. Now, pray that Ishinomaki may be turned upside-down bythe Gospel!

There won't be a prayer update this weekend.Thank you for your prayers!

In His Service,



April, 2012Field Address:David & Brenda Atkin67 Wen Hsin S. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 Taiwan011-886-42-381-8447

[email protected]

A Historic DayEaster Sunday, the Come Christian Church decided toGO! "Where?" you ask. GO - to our neighbors,friends, co-workers and family members -- sharingwith them the Good News that Jesus is risen! Insteadof one worship service, in one place; we had several,in several places!

For the past year we have been praying and preparingfor this day - the day our church will GO! Withoutpastors to lead or pipe organs to play, with everymember being transformed into a missionary - theCome Christian Church, with God's help, will GO andmultiply!

One of our GO church leaders wrote, "What a wonderful Go church we had yesterday! We sang songs,shared God's Word, saw the last part of "The Passionof the Christ", and answered some questions of newfriend-my neighbor, Serena. We also laid our hands onVincent, Brady, and Enya and prayed for them because they're going to face their giants - the entranceexams for high school/college. Glory to God!"Beginning May 6th, Lord willing, GO worship will become a regular part of our DNA, with the majority ofour worship locations being OUTSIDE our ministrycenter, and in multiple locations, led by our members!

Church Planting in Taiwan!

Taste oTaiwan

VOL. XV, #4Forwarding Agent:Kathy Murrellc/o Team ExpansionPO Box 51Bement, IL 61813217-678-8258

[email protected]

M. (Jason Hu) Accepts Jesus

A

On Easter Sunday afternoon, Jason Hu gave his life toJesus! Jason, who lives right across the street fromour ministry center, is the first in his family to become aChristian. Several of his family and friends came tohear Jason share his testimony, and to witness hisimmersion into Christ. (We ask all our brothers andsisters to prepare and share their testimony.) It was ajoyous event, with not a few tearsiWe look forward to introducing you to Jason this summer, as he narrates our summer video! Please prayfor him, as he begins his walk with the Lord!

WWW.TEAMEXPANSION.ORG/ATKI N

New Teammate

Ablqail Hampton!

Abigail Elise was born onMarch 14th, to our co-workers,Lance & Kim. She's a wonderful addition to our team, andher big sister, Kayleigh, thinksshe's a keeper tool

4

PRAY WITH US Mon. Adult English class Nan-tun Elementary School

Bible story telling Tab's law school apps Bridge of Life series section 3. #21-30 Praise - Lance, Kim & Kay

leigh welcome Abigail Church "Go"plans for May6th & beyond Summer 2012 furloughpreparations, and Brenda'ssafe travel to US 2013, Gloritrek Praise - Jason's baptism

T

Recently, one of our newseekers, Miles Hsu, invitedJack Hageman (Kayleigh &Abigail's grandpa) and I tovisit his headquarters. Miles,like Jack (prior to retirement),is in law enforcement. It wasa rare glimpse behind thescenes! Pray for Miles!

Mission Trip to JapanThere are several encouragerswho have commented through theyears that I have a gift of beingable to communicate much withfew words. Though, I must admit,that my family would disagree!True or not, it is impossible toadequately express in words whatwe saw God doing in Ishinomaki,or about the amazing work that themissionaries are doing, or abouthow the Lord worked through ourteam to be a blessing. We hope afew pictures will suffice. Pleasecontinue to pray for Japan, andcheck out pages 3 and 4!

19 - ALJS. 'i, 9G3ISCOAST-TO-CZaAST

CMLJi=RCM--ra-a-n-jRdH

,

(zlt " CPa, ^6:3)

Home Service UpdateBrenda arrives in the US, Lord willing,on April 26th, to attend Tabltha's pre-graduation ceremonies. The Universityof Illinois has notified us that Tabitha willgraduate summa cum laude and be honored in a Bronze Tablet ceremony, signifying that she is among the top 3% ofcollege graduates. Way to go, Tab!

David & Noah, Lord willing, arrive in theUS on May 10th, In time to attend the Uof I commencement ceremony. We willbegin reporting to churches beginningJune 3rd.

Please pray, as we have much to get accomplished in the next month!

Team Expansion:David & Brenda Atkin

February, 2012 - General Fund




Expenses 9468.13


Gloritrek 2013 $500



Thank you for your partnershipwith us!

Our team from along with severalof the IshinomakI missionaries. Chad & Jennifer

Huddleston (next to David) are team leaders.

m I

'Beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News"

Missionaries tell us that 30 years of debris was created in one day by the tsunami!

Afour-story building knockedover by the 50' high wall fof water that hit a fishing village. >

A main goal - bring joy to children!What a blessing the children are!

Ogane family home repairs by MCAteam(Mrs. Ogane next to Noah)

Who IS that masked man?

Nearly 20,000people died in theearthquake and

tsunami, onMarch 11,2011,

Brenda fed this entire group on Saturday evening, and our team performed skits. Many of these families losteverything In the tsunami. Yet, they are hearing about Jesus!

IAndrew and a new friend! VBS for the children! / These sr. citizens are hearing about Jesus

Flowers and other gifts can be seen in many places - tributes to those who perished.

Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2012 8;54 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd; Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (4/15)


Sent from my iPhone


From: David Atkin Date: April 14, 2012 7:31:15 PM CDTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (4/15)


"Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, thatI mayfear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify yournameforever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered mefrom the depths ofthegrave." {?s 86:11-13) I believe It's important to see the resurrection as abeginning, rather than the conclusion of a matter. What I mean is, since wehave been delivered from death to life through the resurrection of JesusChrist, our natural response, individually and as the Kingdom of God, shouldbe a walk with the Lord that seeks to glorify Him in all we say and do. "I willpraise you"....is to testify in faith, welling up from the joy that is oursbecause of God's love!

Bridge of Life 27 - "The Church: Mandate and Mission " delves into the purpose of thechurch. It won't be long now until we ask our brethren to take this 30-lesson BOL series andmultiply the church throughout S. Taichung City. Please pray!

Last Lord's Day, Easter Sunday, we asked our church to "Go worship!" Theywere to share the resurrection story in small groups with their neighbors. Afew groups took the challenge and ran with it! We wrote about one suchgroup in our newsletter. Please pray that everyone will catch the vision andbe ready to "Go worship!" beginning May 6th!

Home service, also known as "furlough," begins for Noah and I In just 24 days.Brenda, Lord willing, begins home service in just 10 days! We have so much

to do! Please pray for wisdom and endurance, that we may budget our time

wisely! This week, our FC for Taiwan, Dana & Chris McCain will be with us.We will also have two mission meetings -- for Team Expansion and Formosa

Christian Mission.

Next Lord's Day morning our church will take a bus trip to Flying CowRanch. Itis a working dairy farm. We will have a worship time at the ranch. We have invited many ofour neighbors to join us. Please pray for seeds to be sown.

Pray for Jack & Tammy, Kimberly's parents, returning to the US this week. What a blessingthey are!

Our summer Sports & English Camp, which can accept 140 Taiwan students, was full in just 12hours when we opened the web-site to registration on April 1st. Not only was it full, but wehave a 50 student waiting list! Praise the Lord with us!

Thank you for your faithful partnership with us!

In His Service,


Today our church will go to Flying Cow Ranch. We've Chartered a bus, and have afun day planned. First, our youth group will lead us in worship and I willshare BOL 28 - Faith & the Holy Spirit. Then, we will have a BBQ. After lunch, we'll beable to go milk the cows (not the flying ones), feed the goats and make ice cream. We haveseveral visitors coming with us today. Please pray that the seeds planted, and the love pouredout will advance the Kingdom! There are more than 50 going!

Brenda, Lord willing, will board a midnight flight back to the US this coming Wednesday.Brenda is returning early to be a part of the Univ of Illinois graduation activities for Tahitha.Tab will graduate with honors, and there are several pre-gradiiation honors receptions forstudents and their parents. We are so thankful that it has worked out for Brenda to be able toreturn to the US to be there for our daughter. Please pray for dad and Noah in Brenda's absence.

Next Friday & Saturday, I, along with Jon Rails & Allen Messimer (Team Expansion co-workers). and Tim Lee (from our church here): will be going to Tai-tung (on the SE Coast ofTaiwan), to participate in a 113 KM triathlon. The race will take 6-7 hours to complete, and lastyear it was really hot. Please pray for safe travels, positive experiences, as well as opportunitiesto share faith in Christ for all of us!

Only 2 1/2 weeks before Noah & I are scheduled to.retum to US, and our GO Church kicks-off.Please pray. These are very busy days! Please pray that we finish/start everything well!

Thank you for your partnership with usl We really need your prayers!

In His Service,


Georgia Sharpe

From:Sent:To:Subject:


Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Saturday, April 28. 2012 9:07 PMGeorgia SharpeFwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (4/29)

Sent from my iPhone


From: David Atkin Date: April 28, 2012 7:24:35 PM CDTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (4/29)


"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making hisappeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."(II Cor 5:20) What a privilege is ours to become ambassadors of JesusChrist! What an awesome responsibility!

This Lord's Day morning marks a milestone in the nine year history of ourtime in Taichung and this church plant. This is the last Sunday I preach on aregular basis. From henceforth, as we multiply/ the church members will bedoing the leading, and I'll be coaching! Pray for our GO church, which kicks-off next Sunday!

Thank you for your prayers concerning the triathlon. Jon, Allen, Tim and Iall completed the 113 km/70.3 m. half-Ironman in Taitung yesterday. Itwas a good test of endurance and a great time of fellowship! As I type this,I'm not sure if I can find a part of my body that isn't sore! :-)

Brenda returned safely to IL, arriving on Thursday morning. Thank you forpraying. She is with Em & Tab in Champaign, and will be attending severalpre-graduation receptions with Tabitha. Noah and I will be returning to the

us in 10 days, Lord willing, In time for Tab's graduation. We still have somuch to do In the next 10 days. Please keep praying!

We look forward to seeing many of you soon! What a blessing you are tous! Thank you so much for your prayers!

In His Service,


Field Address:David & Brenda Atkin67 Wen HsinS. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 [email protected]

Our MothersYears ago, when we were getting ready to move toTaiwan, someone asked my mother, Juanlta, "Howcan you allow your son and his family to move overseas? Aren't you upset about It?" With Hannah-likefaith, my mother responded, "David doesn't belong tome. He belongs to the Lord, and they are in Hishands. The Lord will take care of David and his familyin Taiwan."

For the first time in many, many years; Brenda andwere able to be with our mother's on Mother's Day.Also, Brenda was able to spend the day with all threeof our children. What a blessing from the Lord! Truly,one of the hardest aspects of being missionaries Isbeing absent from family. And, that hardship goesboth ways, as our family here also sacrifices much tosee the Gospel advance on foreign fields.

Though we're sure it hasn't been easy for our parentsto let us go (and, It doesn't get easier with time), theyhave supported and been there for us every step ofthe way! Where would we be without their constantlove, encouragement and fried chicken! So, thoughwe do not say It nearly enough -- thank you for all youdo and we love you!

~Dave & Brenda

TN

W W WyT E A M E X P A N S I O N .Q fesy A T1

1

Corigraiulation* TaMflHiaiWe're very proud of Tabitha, whograduated with honors from the University of llilnois, on May 12th. Tablthacompleted here studies In just threeyears with a double major In politicalscience and psychology. By being Inthe top 3% of her graduating class sherecleved distinction as a James Scholar

and Is among a select few whose namesare etched on the U of I Bronze Tablet.

Tabltha has been accepted to the LawSchool at the University of Chicago.Please pray for Tab as she begins a newchapter In her life, may she ever glorifyGod with her life and ministry for Him.

Furlough travels and fellowship with churches

^ Come Christian Church andour GO Plan - pray for thechurch in our absence

qj Tabltha as she prepares forlaw school in Chicago

^Gloritrek 2013

"Declare his glory among thenations, his marvelous deedsamong all peoples" (Ps 96:3).

Gome Church.... Go Church! More than a yearago the Come Christian Church, in S. Taichung City, launchedan ambitious plan! With KAIROS training, and a 30 week lesson series entitled Bridge of Life; every member prepared tobe a missionary. The launch date was set for May 6th tolaunch the GO plan -- the day the Come Church becomes theGo Church. Instead of asking our neighbors to come to worship, we will take the church to them! Instead of one worshipservice, we plan to have several. Some will meet in homes,some will meet in the local park, some will meet in apartmentbuilding community rooms. Please pray for Go Church! ww.Q ontrek.com

I Know...She doesn't look

that old!Brenda may not lookit, but the truth

! is...she's the motherof three children andbeen married to thesame guy for 25

years this summer! This is the same guy who asked her to joinhim on the mission field - no simple task! So, two years ago,her husband, impressed that the mileage has yet to catch up toher, or that she's still willing to put up with him; began savingfor something Brenda has always wanted to do -- a cruise!

From May 18-27, Brenda and I, will celebrate our 25th weddinganniversary, on-board the Pride of America. Thank you. Lord,for the blessings in our lives!


April, 2012 - General Fund



Received (Churches) 5,820.92

Expenses "11,945.85


Gloritrek $600


"^Includes furlough airfare expense.Ail gifts to this ministry are tax deductible!

Thank you for your partnership with us!

Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2012 7:59 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (5/6)

Reggie HundleyMission Servicesthe missions networkSent from my iPad


From: David Atkin Date: May 5, 2012 7:26:31 PM EOTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (5/6)

Good Morning from Taiwan:

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to whathe has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and theEnd. " (Rev 22:12-13) Though we don't know when, we know for certain that Jesus will one dayreturn. We live expectantly, with a sense of urgency in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ,not desiring that any perish, but all come to faith in Jesus Christ. He is the hope of the world!

This Lord's Day morning our Come Christian Church will GO! We will take the Good Newsand the joy of worship to our neighbors in several new locations - all led by church members. Itis a big day in the history of the Come Christian Church - the day we begin to multiply! This isthe day we begin with the End in mind ~ the Second Coming of Jesus Christ! Please pray that aswe willingly GO, disciples will be made and God will be glorified through us. Please pray as thechurch moves forward even in our absence! Pray for our co-workers. Lance & K.im, while we'reaway.

Mack, Brenda's dad, has been in the hospital this past week with an bacterial infection believedto be caused by the chemo shunt for cancer treatments. It was good that Brenda could be therewith Mack & Elaine. He is home now, but taking strong anti-biotics. Please pray.

Noah and I, Lord willing, depart Taiwan this coming Wednesday night. May 9th. Please keep usin your prayers. We still have so much to do prior to departure, and don't really know how we'llget it all done.

Tabitha has a couple more final exams, and then she graduates on Saturday from the Universityof Illinois. We're very proud of Tab, who has completed her bachelors degree in three years!We look forward to being there to watch her receive her diploma. Tab is planning to attend law

school in the fall, but we still don't know where.

fcord willing and Jesus doesn't return this next week, our next prayer update will come from theUSA! We look forward to seeing many of you. Thank you for your prayers, your partnershipwith us!

In His Service,

David & Brenda AtkinTeam Expansion In Taiwandatkin(Q)teamexpansion.orqwww.teamexpansjon.orq/atkjn

Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Friday, May 11, 2012 11:33 AMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (5/11Attachments: missionsrvcs.vcf

Original MessageSubjectrTime for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (5/11

Date:Fri, 11 May 2012 10:23:44 -0500From:David L Atkin

To:David & Brenda Atkin

Greetings from the US:

Thank you for your prayers for us! It was a busy couple weeks in Taiwan, as we prepared the Come ChristianChurch for our absence, and GO church. Please pray for the church over the summer as we multiply!

Noah and I were reunited with family yesterday morning in Bloomington, IL; a 33 hour door-to-door trip fromTaichung to Newman, IL. The flight schedule actually included two of what we call "red-eye" flights. The firstwas the midnight flight from Taipei to San Francisco, and the second was the midnight flight from SanFrancisco to Atlanta. The only hiccup of the trip was a lost suitcase, which was all my clothes. Fortunately, ithas been found and is on its way to us.

Noah is excited to be back at grandma and grandpas. He's already had a comdog, and has his baseball uniformfor a game tonight. Since Newman is a small town, the Newman Little League team travels to nearby towns toplay their Little League teams. They still have more than a month of games left to play this season. Realbaseball it will be a first for him!

Tabitha graduates tomorrow from the University of Illinois, and has been accepted to the University of Chicagofor law school. U of C is one of the top law schools in the US, We're very proud of Tab!

Juanita, my mom, is on her way here from Ohio for Tab's graduation. It will be the first time since any of uscan remember that we've been able to be with our moms on Mother's Day! What a blessing!

It doesn't seem possible, but Brenda and I will soon celebrate a milestone ~ our 25th wedding anniversary! Tocelebrate, we're doing something we've never done before ~ taking a cruise! Thank you, Lord, for the blessingsof marriage and all those through the years who have been a blessing to us!

Our May newsletter will be coming your way soon! Thank you for your faithful partnership with us in thisministry! We look forward to seeing you soon!

In His Service,

David & Brenda AtkinTeam Expansion in Taiwan

Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 4:59 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd; Taste of Taiwan - Atkin May NewsletterAttachments: T0TXV5b.pdf; ATT00004.htm


Sent from my iPhone


From: David L Atkin Date; May 16, 2012 4:51:11 PMEDTTo: "David & Brenda Atkin" Subject: Taste of Taiwan - Atkin May NewsletterGreetings from Newman:

God does answer the prayers of His people. God will make a way, whenthere seems to be no way! The newsletter attached to this e-mail is ananswer to prayer! Praise the Lord!

Thank you for your partnership with us in the Gospel to Taiwan! What ablessing you are to us! Our cup runneth over!

Please don't be alarmed if you do not hear from us for a couple weeks.Brenda and I will be off celebrating 25 years of marriage! Thank you, Lord!

Hope you enjoy the May newsletter! Please pass it on to your congregation.We look fon/vard to seeing many of you soon! Blessings to you and yours!

In His Service,

David AtkinTeam Expansion in Taiwan

Field Address:David & Brenda Atkin67 Wen HsinS. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 Taiwan011-886-42-381-8447

[email protected]

Freedom"So if the Son sets ^ou free, ijou will be free indeed."(John One of the greatest blessings of being inthe ministry, and then in missionary worb, are the individuals whom the Lord has blessed us to Icnow andserve with. Through the eyes and exp)eriences ofourNation's veterans: Pearl Harbor, D-Day in Normandy,5-1/ flying fortresses, the 5atle of the 5ulge, islandbattles in the S. Pacif'c, the >5th parallel, the jungles ofVietnam, Desert Storm, and more have become a realand vivid part of who 1am as an American. Throughtheir stories I have seen a common thread - that freedom is not free. There are always sacrifices to be madetopreserve orintroduce freedom.

Similarly, being a missionary has allowed me to spendtime and serve with individuals who have suffered^eatly for the cause of Christ. True soldiers of thecross, their faith in the face of family pressure (common in Taiwan) has inspired and humbled us. Evenmore, we've had opportunity to meet individuals whohave been imprisoned and/or tortured because oftheir faith. Their testimonies send shivers down my

Forwarding AgentKathy Murrellc/o Team ExpansionPO Box 51Bement, IL 61813217-678-8258

y

[email protected]

spine, and cause me to re-evaluate the meaning of"sacrifice." (see www.per5ecuti0n.com/ toleam more)

Ereedom, friends, true and eternal freedom, the kindthat radically changes lives, can't be found from a flag.Ereedom from sin, from death, from fear look to theSon ofGod he alone can setus truly free!

Home Service Updatewhat a blessingyou are tous! Erom church tochurch,state to state, we have been welcomed and encouraged. Thank you for making us feel at home in everypartner church. Thank you for your prayers for us,and the opportunity toshare what the Lord is doing inTaiwan. Thank you for being excited about missions!what aJoy to have a child walk up to us and say, "1really appreciated missions time this week. 1think Iwant to be a missionary someday!" Wow! Praise theLord! In July, our last full month ofhome service, wewill mostly be in Illinois, including participating in threeV5S's! We, along with you, are praying for rain, asmost of the places we are visiting have sufferingdrought conditions. We hope tosee you soon! (DLA)

Home Service ScheduleHere's where we'll be this summer! We hope to seeyou at one of the following locations!

JULY1 River Valley Christian Church, Fisher, IL(AM)

Rantoul Christian Church, IL(AM)8 Petersburg Christian Church, IN (AM)

Pleasant Ridge Church, Lawrencevllle, IL (PM)15 First Christian Church, Montlcello, IL22 Central Christian Church, Charleston, IL23-27 VBS @ Central / Fisher/Brocton)29 Brocton Christian Church, IL

AUGUST2 Return to Taiwan

Several ways to contact us: by e-mail, at Brenda'sparent's home (217) 837-2981. Call David's cellphone: (217) 417-9694. Call Brenda's cell phone:(217) 898-4426.

riotrowicz Wedding

Rainbows &Pies in the Face

Memorial Church ofChrist, Livonia, Ml

nsio/TS

CLORITREKOfferings from VBS's this summer will help topave the way for Gloritrek. We are blessed bythe response and excitement Gloritrek Is generating. More important than the miles we'll be ridingare the unreached people groups that will behighlighted, and how every Individual can be Involved in sharing the Timeless Message.

THANKS FOR PRAY WITH US!

Furlough travels and fellowship with churches'j" Come Christian Church and our GO Plan - pray for

the church In our absenceTabltha as she prepares for law school In Chicago

v* 7th annual Sports and English Camp, July 8-14Home of God's Love orphanage - new building

y Gloritrek 2013 - Pray for receptive churches as webegin to confirm dates along the route


June, 2012 - General Fund




Expenses 9,692.64


Gloritrek $2,098.70

20/20 Vision Fund 7,614.87

All gifts to this ministry are tax deductible!


Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 11;05 AMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (6/30)Attachments: missionsrvcs.vcf

Original MessageSubJectrXime for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (6/30)

Date:Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:20:53 -0500FromiDavid L Atkin

To:David & Brenda Atkin

Greetings from Newman, IL:

Thank you for your prayer support and partnership in the Gospel for Taiwan! It has been a verygood home service (furlough) so far!

In the past month we've been in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Illinois. We've beenblessed by our partner churches in Georgetown, Wilmington, Arlington, Livonia and Kokomo. Inaddition, we spent a couple days this past week at Team Expansion's international headquarters, inLouisville. We spent time de-briefing and making plans for Gloritrek next summer.

We spent a week in Livonia, MI, with the children of the Memorial Church of Christ. What ablessing the church and kids have been to us! They raised nearly $1800 for Gloritrek, causing meand several others to get a pie in the face!

This Sunday, we'll be at Sunday School with River Valley, in Fisher, IL; and worship with theRantoul Chi'istian Church. These churches are only 10 miles apart. This next week, we'll be takingTabitha up to Chicago to see the Univ. of Chicago Law School and where she will be living. We'llalso visit Brenda's younger brother in Bourbonnais, IL, for the 4th of July.

GO church in Taiwan is moving forward! A new church start began last Sunday. We are prayingfor four groups by the end of the summer.

Sports & English Camp begins on July 8th. 140 Taiwan teens, as well as nearly 50 faculty(including three groups from the US, and one group from Hong Kong), will descend on Taichung'sMorrison Academy. Please pray for this 7th annual event ~ that many, many teens will come toknow Jesus!

Thank you for praying! We hope to see many ofyou as we have about one month remaining of ourhome service!

Georgia Sharpe

From; Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 8:21 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Taste of Taiwan - Atkin August newsletterAttachments: HSUP-2012-08-01-07-30.jpg; ATT00004.htm: T0TXV8c.pdf: ATT00007.htm

Reggie HundleyMission Servicesthe missions networkSent from my iPad


From: David L Atkin Date: August 1, 2012 10:43:38 AM EDTTo: "David & Brenda Atkin" Subject: Taste of Taiwan - Atkin August newsletter

Greetings Prayer Partners:

Thank you for your faithful partnership with us and the people ofTaiwan!

In just a few hours we will begin the trek back to Taiwan -- Bloomington, IL; Detroit,MI; Tokyo, Japan; and Taipei, Taiwan.

Please pray for us, as it is never easy saying good-bye to loved ones. Also, as you cansee in the sat image of E. Asia, there is a typhoon headed toward Taiwan. We've beenstranded in airports before, due to summer typhoons, and pray that this won't happenagain.

Also, included is our August newsletter. We appreciate Kathy Murrell so much,working late into the night to finish the financial report so we could get you thenewsletter before we board our plane.

Thank you for a great summer home service with you all! You all are such a blessingto us!

In His Service,

David & Brenda AtkinTeam Expansion in Taiwan

August, 2012Field Address:David & Brenda Atkin67 Wen Hsin S. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 Taiwan011-886-42-381-8447

[email protected]

The Value of V,B.S.Years ago, on impressionable and fidgety fifth gradeboy attended a VBS. He had just moved to town,friendless in his new "hood." His family wasn't

Iwealthy, and soon would have even less. They livedin a mobile home, behind a lively saloon, just westof town. Where the boy was from, or where he lived,mattered not at all to the teachers and helpers at VBS- they welcomed the new and rambunctious studentwith open arms. His favorite parts of VBS were crafttime, recreation and refreshments. Missions time....

The most intriguing fellow at VBS was MissionaryDon, all the way from Africa. He had a unique wayof keeping the kids' attention: his pet boa constrictorsnake! He would place the boa over the shoulders ofthe most fidgety kid in the class, and say, "Bettydoesn't like it when you squirm around or talk toomuch!" Betty, the boa, had an amazing calming effect on even the most boisterous boysl The stories ofGod's work in Africa inspired the children, and theseeds planted in youth would bear Kingdom fruit!

At least 38 summers later, a boa-less missionary fromTaiwan attempts to plant the same seeds thatMissionary Don planted! The children are just asfidgety, or dare we same, even more fidgety. Yet,these children, with simple faith that can move mountains and angels about them, who never cease to see

Forwarding Agent:Kattiy Murrelido Team ExpansionPO Box 51Bement, IL [email protected]

[email protected]

the Father (Matt 18:10); never cease to inspire us!What a blessing to have a child tug on your shirt andlook into your eyes, and with child-like humility andsincerity say, "Someday, when I grow up, I wont tobe a missionary just like you!" Wow....Praise theLord!

We've been blessed to be a part of four VBS's thissummer: Memorial Church of Christ (Livonia, Ml),Central Christian Church (Charleston, IL), River ValleyChurch of Christ (Fisher, IL) and Brocton (IL) ChristianChurch. What a blessing to spend a week withGod's people in these places! What an encouragement they each have been to us! And, how their offerings always left us speechless! And, often thesechurches had record numbers of children - many, likethe boy from 38 years ago, were new to the church!What an opportunity to reach out to new families!Yes, VBS is hard work, a true labor of love, thatleaves everyone completely exhausted! However,who knows but the Lord, what might result from allthose fidgety children, where the Lord might one daysend them!

Yes, as we prepare to return to Taiwan in just a couple days, we carry fond VBS memories! We're gladto say that the value of VBS is still tremendous! Thefruit from it will span continents and generations - allfor God's glory! - a STILL Fidgety Missionary

W W W . T E A MEXPANSION .O R G/AT K1

Home Service RecapIt would be impossible to recount the myriad placeswe've been, people we've visited or ways we've beenblessed this summer! All we can say is THANK YOUto each and every one! We return to Taiwan, Lord willing, on Thursday, Aug. 2nd. Thank you for yourprayers! We hope you enjoy a few pictures!

THANKS FOR PRAY WITH US!

Safe return to Taiwan from furlough=} Come Christian Church and our GO Plan - pray for

the church as we returnTabitha as she prepares for law school in ChicagoPraise for GREAT Sports and English Camp

Home of God's Love orphanage - new buildingGloritrek 2013 - Pray for receptive churches

GLORITREKThe Gloritrek fund has grown, thanks to generous VBSofferings! And, we have a Gloritrek coordinator! EmilyHarrison, our daughter, who does event planning for theU of I, has agreed to be the contact person in the US!Way to go, Em!

1


July, 2012 - General Fund


Received (Individuals) 2,420.00


Expenses j 6,259.33Ending Balance j $14,427.28Gioritrek $3,498.26

20/20 Vision Fund 7,614.87

I: : All gifts to this ministry aretax deductible!

Georgia Sharpe

From: Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2012 9:12 PMTo: Georgia SharpeSubject: Fwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (8/12)


Sent from my iPhone


From: David Atkin Date: August 11, 2012 8:29:38 PM EDTTo: David & Brenda Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (8/12)

Greetings from steamy Taiwan:

"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they neverstopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."(Acts 5:42) Long before there were church buildings, the church wouldoften meet "house to house." In fact, in the first century after the churchbegan, the Gospel advanced across the Roman world without a single churchbuilding! Hard to fathom, isn't it?

This morning we will attend another of our GO churches, meeting at thehome of James & Joanne. Please pray for our GO churches, as they meet inplaces where the Gospel has not previously been heard!

We've been back a week now, and it has been mostly spent cleaning up fromthe typhoon. Every fioor sustained water damage even the roof. We arenot 100% back to "normal" yet, but we are closer to feeling back at home.The basement and the roof, will be next to get repaired/cleaned up.Prayers are appreciated!

This past week, we also had a group of 6 stay with us overnight, from Jopiin.Bryan (who works for Good News) is wanting to produce a video about

Taiwan. We enjoyed meeting them, and look forward to seeing the video!

School starts tomorrow for Noah and MCA. Noah will be in 7th grade.Please pray for Noah, as it will be a busy semester for him. Noah wants to

be on the swim team and we will also begin training for Gloritrek.

We received news this past week that a good friend, 3im Coffin, from Fisher,passed away due to surgery complications. We remember baptizing Jim &Nadlne in a Missouri river many years ago. Please pray for Nadine and theCoffin family.

Bev Skiles, at the Home of God's Love, is battling very painful kidney stones.Please pray for her.

On Tuesday, our daughter, Emily, starts a new job at the University ofIllinois. She will do event planning for the Student Union. Tabltha ispreparing for her move to the Univ. of Chicago. Please pray for her.

Thank you for praying! Thank you for your partnership with us!

In His Service,

David & Brenda AtkinTeam Expansion in [email protected]/atkinwww.qloritrek.com

Field Address:David & Brenda Atkin67 Wen Hsin S. 1st Rd.Nan Tun DistrictTaichung 40876 Taiwan011-886-42-381-8447

DATKIN@TEAMEXPANS!0N.0RG

C?;I! C- f il Md

Forwarding Agent:Kathy Murrelldo Team ExpansionPO Box 51Bement, IL 61813217-678-8258

Batkin^teamexpansion.org

If the sun is behind a storm cloud, we'll often see a silver lining. If the storm cloud represents suffering, then the silverlining is the perseverance, courage and faith often found amidst the suffering. Note to self: The silver lining is a direct result of the sun's rays, just as the presence of Jesus lights our path; giving peace to the heart. Most of us understand the metaphor because we've all been through some kind of suffering.For the moment, I'd like to focus on the dark cloud itself: the suffering. Suffering can come in many forms ~ spacedoes not permit me to begin listing all the potential possibilities for suffering. Sometimes suffering can be self-inflicted, sometimes it is at the hands of others, sometimes endured by many in a moment, or, by a few. Sometimes Itseems directed toward those we deem "guilty," sometimes to the "innocent." Often, there is no rhyme or reason. Suffering most often defies prediction, coming as a complete shock!

Since Adam & Eve, we've understood that tears (pain) were/are the consequence for defying a Holy Creator. Theinnocent Abel died at the hands of a guilty Cain. I'm sure there were many tears as mom and dad buried their son,especially as they remembered the promise "...when you eat of it (the fruit) you will surely die." (Gen 2:17b) The"blameless and uprighf Job (God's own words - Job 1:8), after enduring suffering upon suffering, said, "Naked I camefrom my mother's womb, and naked I will depart..." (1:21a) I don't believe this is just literally "naked," for how many ofus have felt completely vulnerable, hearts completely exposed, laid bear by suffering. Yes, how we cope with suffer-^ing often exposes our true colors. It's just as a distance runner's level of training and stamina are completely exposedin the course of running a marathon. No faking your way 26.2 miles!

Often, Christians are surprised by suffering. We cry out, "What have I done to deserve this?" Often, we are quick toblame Satan for suffering, and our prayers are for a "hedge of protection" around us. To be sure, Satan, like a savage:wolf, seeks to devour. Yet, it was not Satan who ate the fruit, and we cannot escape the fact that we are a part ofmortal humanity in a world doomed to destruction! I say these things not to beat down those who already feel lowenough due to some dark cloud looming on their horizon. No, on the contrary, for me, and I repeat, "for me," sufferingis a not so subtle reminder that my hope is not found here, and the silver lining aint on this earth! Looking beyond thedark cloud, beyond the silver lining to the source of the Light, to the Son! Once, my situation was dire, I was a longway from shore with the tide pushing me away from safety! Panic and drown! Then, within my heart I was remindedthat out in that big sea I was not alone, "Keep your eyes on Jesus!" Yes, our Jesus, knows all about sufferinglll

www . T E A M E X P A N S i O N . O R G / A T KJ_N

On Sept 22, Noah and David will participate in a 25.75 KM triathlon withour friends, the Lee family. Tim is the director of a ministry for peoplewith disabilities, and they are a part of our GO church. Their ministry Includes a bakery, coffee shops and an equestrian center. The triathlonteam - Team MAKARIOS - Greek, for "Blessing" includes 30 individuals,

iand many with disabilities. Here is a video link about the event onYoutube (with English transcript below video:

"Don't be anxious about anything..." says Phil 4:6. It isn't easywhen you are looking at freshlypainted bike frames. The realityof next summer is beginning tosink in. We are making progresson the web-site and the route wewill take across the country ~soon new maps will be in place.Also, we've located the GPS system we plan to use, so you'll beable to track us in real-time nextsummer.

What to pray for? We have thepotential for 60 Gloritrek eventsacross the US - so far, 6 dateshave been confirmed. Pleasepray that churches will be open tohosting a Gloritrek event. TheGloritrek calendar has a listing ofwhere we hope to be each evening. Do you know anyone inthese places? If so, please e-mailus and we'll send them info.Thanks!

www.qloritrek.comU/'-.f -ri'-i'-i I c.'cniiJOC?'- w'.

Linda Chang, a Come Christian Church member and our neighbor formany years, just finished university studies and has decided she wantsto devote her life to Christian Service! On Sept. 10 she will begin a 5 imonth YWAM (Youth With A Mission) discipleship / missions trainingprogram in Taipei. Please pray for Linda as she begins this adventure!Would you like to help support her? Please e-mail us! Thank you!

Monday night Adult English class begins Sept 10thTabitha begins law school at Univ of Chicago in Sept 17th!Hampton family as Kim's achilles tendon heals (in a cast for

: the next 2 months). GO Church multiplication plans, including a new GO churchstarting in September 2013, Gloritrek churches across the country will begin to confirm dates! Linda Chang at YWAM training for 5 months Makarios Team triathlon event on Sept 22.


August, 2012 - General Fund




Expenses 10621.46


Gloritrek 3606.04




Dear Brothers and Sisters,

You may not know me, but I am a servant ofGod in Taiwan. My name is LindaChang. I am a member of the ComeChristian Church, that was started by David& Brenda Atkin.

God gave me a new life when I acceptedHim. He is the True God, and not an idolmade with human hands. When I became aChristian, my life was still like a rollercoaster to me. But I have been blessed formany years because I have an AwesomeGod on my side all the time. Last spring, Ihad trouble with my eyes, and couldn't seeanything at night- time. So, I went to seemany doctors, and they ran lots of tests. But, none of them could tell me what waswrong with my eyes. The church prayed for me, and God healed my eyes and tookaway my pain. God is an Amazing God. To heal me, to comfort me in my pain, tobe my light on the road; I always say to people that God is just like 7-11 ~ open 24hours for us. He provides us everything we need. He even gave his One and OnlySon that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. I amwilling to share my life story of God's love to everyone; and to serve God with mylife.

So, God made a way for me. I applied for Disciple Training School at YWAM(Youth With A Mission), in Taipei (it is on the north side of Taiwan). He gave mea chance to prepare myself to be a disciple maker who will go to the nations, serveHim and understand His Word.

The disciple training is five months (three months classes + two months missiontrips in Asia). It cost 126,900NT ($4,230 US dollars), which includes dorm roomfees, speaker fees and a mission trip fee. After the training, I am willing to spreadthe Gospel to all nations and serve the church of Taiwan. Therefore, I appreciatethat you are willing to support and pray for me. We know our life is in God'shands. He can make impossible things become possible. We just need to trustHim with our heart and soul. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to serveGod. Again, thank you so much for your support and prayers.

God Bless You,

Linda ChangSept, 7, 2012

Georgia Sharpe


Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Sunday, December 23, 2012 3:26 PMGeorgia SharpeFwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (12/23)



From: David Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (12/23)Date: December 22, 2012 7:02:51 PM ESTTo: David & Brenda Atkin

Seasons Greetings from Taiwan:

"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying: SovereignLord, as you havepromised, you nowdismissyour servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight ofall people, alight for revelation to the Gentiles, andfor glory toyour people Israel." (Luke 2:28-32) Simeon knew whoJesus was, and what his purpose for coming was to be! From Jesus, the Light of the World, comes salvation;and not only for Israel, but all mankind! "Glory to God in the highest!"

The First nightof our live nativity is complete, and it was a wonderful evening. There is no way to know howmany people viewed the nativity last night, but certainly the number was in the hundreds, and maybe

approaching a thousand people. Numbers were actually downslightly, because yesterday (Saturday) was aschool and work day to make up for next weekend (a four day holiday for New Years).

Our Come Christian Church did a marvelousjob of sharing the Christmas story with those who came to see thenativity. The animals (a horse and two goats) were well behaved, Baby Jesus (played by Evelynne Bell) waswonderful, and though the night was cool and windy everyone was happy to be a part of this unusual event.Praise the Lord!

Please pray for tonight, the second night, as we expect even more people than last night. Please pray that seedswill be planted in many, many souls as Jesus is the Light to the Gentiles!

As soon as we tear down the nativity this evening, we will drive to Taipei to pick Tabitha up at the airport. Shearrives at midnight from Beijing. Please pray for her safe travels.

Thank you for your partnership in this ministry with us! A Merry Christmas to you and yours!

All for God's Glory Among the Nations,David & Noah [email protected] / [email protected]

Georgia Sharpe


Reggie Hundley [[email protected]]Saturday, December 29, 2012 8:22 PMGeorgia SharpeFwd: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (12/29)



From: David Atkin Subject: Time for Taiwan - Atkin Prayer Update (12/29)Date: December 29, 2012 7:24:40 PM ESTTo: David & Brenda Atkin

p

Happy New Year from Taiwan:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me topreach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, toproclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, toproclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, tocomfort ail who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zionto bestow on them acrown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness Instead of mourning, and agarment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks ofrighteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." (Isa 61 :l-3)

As we look forward to 2013, we look forward to the opportunities God will place beforeus! We pray that those who do not yet know the Savior will find freedom in Him!

The Live Nativity at Tiger City Mall was a great success! Praise the Lord! Over the twoevenings visitors numbered over 1000. In fact, all of our Christmas cards were givenaway, and we had printed a 1000 of those. Many people filled out follow up cards,which we will be in contact with in the New Year. It was a great weekend! Thank youfor praying!

Tabitha arrived safely from Beijing late last Sunday night. Then, on Christmas morning,we were not a little surprised to find Emily waiting beside the Christmas tree! She hadarrived late on Christmas Eve, only telling Tabitha about her plans to surprise us! So, ithas been wonderful having our children here for Christmas!

We will host all our co-workers from around the island for our annual New Year's party.We expect about 50 people here on Monday! We are always delighted to see our

friends from around the Island what a blessing they are to us!

Today, my dad, Marvin, celebrates his 73rd birthday. He will begin radiation treatmentsfor prostate cancer next week. Please pray for him.

Thank you for your partnership with us! On January 1st we begin our 16th year of full-time missionary service and partnership with you! God has been so good to us throughyou! May your 2013 truly be a year of the Lord's favor as you serve Him!

David & Brenda [email protected] / [email protected]

atkin david brenda 2012 taiwan

Documents

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battle forsouls

disciples of jesus

balance arethe souls

difficult transition

david brendaatkin67

graduate degree

emilys husband