April 2010

July 5th, 2010


Greetings dear family & friends:

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:” (James 1.1) This letter of James, brother of Christ in His humanity, is directed to believers (many were Jewish Christians scattered during the Diaspora) in contact with many different religions; belief systems like Judaism, the Asian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, and the Gnostic sects influenced by Platonic thought, etc. James addresses that religion which is an external facade, ritualistic, ceremonial and marked by outward observance with the Greek word “Threskeia” / θρησκεία in Ch. 1.26-27. In contrast that which springs from a true relationship with God, and the subsequent life or fruit which grows as a response to this communion is used with two different words (theosebeia / eulabeia); that is to say, a reverent and pious worship of God. The world is awash with false ideas and concepts about how to know and relate to God (Threskeia). Many have bought the insidious lie of “universalism” which suggests that there are many ways to know God, as if God were somehow schizophrenic, and couldn´t make up His mind. A popular definition of religion is man´s attempt to know God, while God´s initiative through the Cross of Jesus Christ is His merciful overture to man. Are we hopelessly embracing man-invented notions and ideas of knowing God (humanism), or are we trusting, resting and rejoicing in God´s way (Christianity)? When Jesus rejected man-made religion and presented Himself as the only Savior for humanity´s sins, the majority of the people wanted Him crucified. Why? We love our sins and our religious customs, and we proudfully disdain anyone who suggests that salvation is God´s gift of grace, not a work of man. We want to be in control, we want the credit, and we want to crucify rather than be crucified. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ´If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me,´” (Matthew 16.24). The offer is still good today…

MINISTRY THIS YEAR

Seminary Seban:
I have just finished teaching Evangelism and Discipleship for the first semester, and will rest the second semester. The course went well as we combined theory with practice. Generally speaking, I taught a proper definition of the Gospel, presenting the Gospel, and participation in the Gospel.  

Christian Missionary Alliance Church:
Our group of young professionals is named “Strong Tower”. We recently had a great camp entitled “COMMANDOS FOR CHRIST II” with 58 young professionals (PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PICTURES). Also, the challenges we confronted at the beginning of the year have by and large, been answered by the grace of God. I am working with seven house pastors (three are new), twenty-seven leaders, and approximately eighty participants. Here are some key dates to pray for:

  1. Saturday, May 1st: I will be preaching the Gospel to approximately 200 youth at an evangelistic service in our congregation.
  2. Saturday, May 15th: All our seven home groups (“Torre Fuerte” or “Strong Tower”) will have evangelistic campaigns.
  3. Thursday, June 3rd-Sunday, June 6th: Missions conference for our congregation (I may be translating for part of the conference).
  4. Saturday, June 19th: We will be having a competition, possibly with other congregations, where the creative expression by which God´s word will be spoken is theater!
  5. Thursday, August 5th: We all leave for a six month furlough!

The School of Fine Arts:
Melissa has finished her methodology course on teaching English, and is now preparing to sustain her thesis. Melissa is also involved in a fairly intensive Bible course for leaders (ETE), and has recently started her third cycle (out of ten) at the school of fine arts. Apart from this, she is also teaching English to two private students. She has been on an intense schedule, and is looking forward to some rest…

Little Nicky:
Nicholas is keeping busy with soccer academy, where he is determined to be the fastest runner; although only one of the older boys is a bit faster! In February, Nicky will start swimming lessons; and then in March, we hope to get him involved in chess. Despite being very busy, Daddy never misses an event…

PRAYER / REJOICE

  1. My father Charles Schuleit is free of lymphoma cancer, and can start golfing again!
  2. Melissa must sustain her methodology thesis in May or June.
  3. Little Nicholas´ continued physical, emotional and spiritual development.
  4. Our six month furlough and all the demands involved before, during and after the trip.

Click here for information on how to support Archegos financially or for Administrative and Contact information.

Thank you as always for all that you do,

—Nicholas, Melissa & Nicholas Jr. (Phil. 1:21).

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February 2010

February 17th, 2010


Greetings dear family & friends:

The year 2009 has winded down; I am now 41-years old, and according to Psalm 90, I have crossed over into the second half of the game! “The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). This verse should chasten us if we haven´t been doing the will of God; but for those faithful in the King´s work, Moses prays at the end of the Psalm: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us-yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).

That is my desire. Whatever would be done in Peru and beyond, may it be done in God´s will, timing, and for His glory alone; if so, He will establish the work of our hands. He will bear eternal fruit through temporal instruments! We must live the adventure for the Lord, and resist the rotting humanism of a self-centered life. It´s never too late to start the adventure; the writer of this Psalm began his journey in the desert of Midian at the age of forty, and was called by God at the age of eighty…

On the financial end, some of you may not know our status. Many may think that all is well with a missionary if they are not asking for support, etc. Our situation for years has been faith-building, as we have only two churches and a handful of friends that support us. At the present, we receive approximately $750 a month for support. Some of my missionary friends have asked me how we survive on this! I will briefly explain…

Five years ago, I realized a “financial stimulus package” plan was needed, one very different from Obama´s!!! So I emptied out my retirement and savings account, coupled with some gifts, and bought an apartment here for $27,000. Praise God for Peruvian prices! It was all we had, and they accepted; which of course, cleared us from paying rent. I also formed Archegos to administrate the finances, cut any international insurance, cut retirement, limited travel, worked in the seminary, and worked in a High School to complement the need (Melissa also sold paints); after leaving the high school, the church where I pastor is now helping at approximately $350 a month. God is good with His promise and supplied all our needs. The majority of the second masters is also on scholarship. In addition, we are trying to rent out a small room in our apartment. Our financial reality has caused us to streamline in significant ways, yet, we have never assumed a debt, or paid a penny of interest on anything; this is a rigid principle in our home. The long and short of it is that we are covered with the necessities, but very limited with travel, schooling, emergencies, etc. As partners in this ministry, both in financial support and prayer, it is important to keep you abreast of our ongoing circumstances. I maintain a sacred trust in my heart with those who financially support us to be frugal and diligent in the ministry. Thank you once again for all that you do, please pray for us as we continue to launch out into deeper waters…

Click here for information on how to support Archegos financially or for Administrative and Contact information.

MINISTRY THIS YEAR

Seminary Seban:
I am starting my Sixth year as a professor at the Christian Missionary Alliance seminary the same way as I began my first year, teaching Evangelism and Discipleship; I think this will be the fourth time I have taught the course.

Christian Missionary Alliance Church:
Our group of young professionals is named “Strong Tower”. We are being met with some challenges at the start of this year; one of our house pastors moved to Lima due to a different work assignment, another leader of the group fell to sexual sin, and some other issues are rearing their heads. At the moment, we have 6-house pastors, 18-leaders, and 75-members in the group which ranges between the ages of 26-40… Here are some key dates to pray for:

During the nights of February 4-6th, we will be having a “Three Nights with the Lord of the Rings” movie fundraiser for our yearly activities accompanied with a reflection after each movie. During the reflection on Tolkien´s classic work (which isn´t completely accurate in the movies!), I would like to engage the group both artistically and culturally.

  1. On February 13th, all our house churches will have evangelistic campaigns.
  2. On February 14th, I will be preaching an evangelistic message at three services on: “The friendship that is birthed in loneliness”.
  3. On Saturday, February 27th, Strong Tower will have a reunion based on the Song of Songs verse: “The little foxes spoil the vines”; in which I hope to challenge them to reject any little compromises of their faith, which in turn lead to greater sins.
  4. On March 11th-13th, the Christian Missionary Alliance denomination will be having a regional youth camp on leadership.

The School of Fine Arts:
Melissa has two months left in her methodology course on teaching English, and will then start her studies at the school of fine arts during the third semester in March.

Little Nicky:
Nicholas is keeping busy with soccer academy, where he is determined to be the fastest runner; although only one of the older boys is a bit faster! In February, Nicky will start swimming lessons; and then in March, we hope to get him involved in chess. Despite being very busy, Daddy never misses an event…

PRAYER
1. My father Charles Schuleit has lymphoma cancer, and is beginning chemotherapy.
2. Melissa has her methodology thesis in March.
3. The aforementioned areas of ministry in Torre Fuerte and the seminary.
4. Little Nicholas´ continued physical, emotional and spiritual development.
5. Our six month furlough and all the preparation involved before, during and after the trip.

Be faithful, —Nicholas, Melissa & Nicholas Jr. (Phil. 1:21).

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