spring 2013 christian - reataequinehospital.com journal.pdf · the world of practice, a team member...

Christianveterinarian

spring 2013

Guiding ValuesExplore the eight values that guide the work of CVM staff and programs in the U.S. and internationally.

2

Pray for His Spirit to guide us into living the truths of His

values through our service.

Pray for each staff member and volunteer to consider what

it means to live within the values of the organization to

His glory.

Dr. Kit FlowersCVM President

BeforeThe Throne

organizational values

The values of an organization will determine the framework upon which the organization

serves both internally and externally. As Christians we seek to live by Biblical values. These are truths from the word of God and the working of His Spirit from which we then respond to the challenges in our own hearts and those in the world around us. They should serve to determine how we live in our families, the workplace, our churches, and our communities. Organizational values can be nicely defined and written into our defining documents, yet not impact how we do the work we are called to unless we purposefully integrate them into our daily operational life.

Within CVM, we purpose to hold ourselves accountable to the CVM values. We ask staff members as individuals serving overseas each year to define how the CVM values will be demonstrated in their work and service. As a staff we also seek to use the values in making decisions.

The words that describe our values include:• Christ-Centered • Relationship and Partnership• Integrity and Accountability• Servant Leadership/Service• Training that Sustains• Veterinary Focus • Equitable Participation • Transformation through Holistic Sustainable Development

These words have further definitions to bring clarity and purpose to the values. We seek in this issue of the journal to share testimony of the working of these values in and through our work. We pray that as a part of CVM you find agreement in these values and pray with us as we seek to live them out to His glory. Your prayers, financial support, encouragement, and service are all a very important part of that process. We thank you for being a part!

truths to live by

Christian Veterinary Mission (CVM) exists to challenge, empower and facilitate veterinary professionals to serve others through their profession, living out their Christian faith. CVM was founded in 1976 by Dr. Leroy Dorminy who came to realize the impact that veterinarians could have by integrating their faith with their practice, both locally and around the world. The Christian Veterinarian journal is a quarterly publication. If you wish to unsubscribe, please send an email to [email protected] or call (206)546-7238. We suggest an annual donation of $40/year for United States mailing address, $60/year for Canada and Mexico residents, and $100/year for International residents to support CVM and cover mailing and publication costs. You may also request to receive the journal electronically.

SPRING 2013

beyond knowledge:knowing him

In this issue we highlight the eight values that guide CVM in our work and ministry

both in the U.S. and internationally.

Christian Veterinary Mission staff

PresidentDr. Kit Flowers

[email protected] • 206.546.7226

Program & Latin America Regional Director

Dr. Brad [email protected] • 206.546.7248

Training & Asia Regional Director Dr. Karen Stoufer


Africa Regional DirectorDr. Fred Van Gorkom


Development & Marketing DirectorDiana Baker


Short-Term Missions CoordinatorTracy Stone


Online Marketing CoordinatorMelissa Sims


Donor Services CoordinatorDr. Vicki Van Gorkom


U.S. Ministry CoordinatorKrista Forseth


Resource Development Admin. Asst.Colleen Conroy


International Missions Admin. Asst.Malia Drennan


Region Representatives

Dr. Melissa Cheeks • [email protected]

Dr. Roy Coolman • [email protected]

Dr. Glenn Gaines • [email protected]

Dr. Barry Schwenk • [email protected]

Dr. Lauren Spears • [email protected]

Dr. Denise Ward • [email protected]

Director EmeritusDr. Leroy Dorminy


For additional contact information, please check our website at www.cvmusa.org.

All rights reserved. All trademarks and photographs are properties of Christian Veterinary Mission in the USA and elsewhere.

Photographs may not be copied or used without first obtaining written permission from [email protected].

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Christian Veterinary Mission19303 Fremont Avenue N., MS 50 Seattle, WA 98133

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

Christian Veterinarian | spring 20134

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ht Greetings from the Tufts CVF chapter! This spring semester is very

exciting for us and we are eager to see God at work in our midst. Just two short years ago, Tufts CVF group was all but dissolved, being without student participation and lacking a faculty advisor. Since then, we are still small but growing both in fellowship with one another and in relationship with God. The new first year members have been an amazing blessing to our group, bringing new faces and fresh ideas to our meetings. We now have a wonderful faculty advisor who is a great leader and yet very humble; he is a source of constant encouragement for us students.

Since re-establishing CVF on Tufts campus we have strived to become more involved with campus events. So far this academic year we have had an information table at both the first year club fair and the annual Tufts Open House in addition to a bake sale at the annual Holiday Fair. The response we received from members of the community and numerous inquisitive first years, many of whom are now active participants

in our group, was exciting and encouraging. We also continued with the tradition established last spring semester of a weekly prayer meeting in the morning before class. This has become the cornerstone of our group’s activities and has enabled us to support and encourage one another while simultaneously praising and giving thanks to God every week.

Our plans for this current semester include the Campus Alpha video series, Real Life Real Impact, and a few lunch talks. We will begin Campus Alpha as a weekly lunch-time event in a few weeks, so please pray that as a group we can find an effective way of inviting our friends to join us for this awesome discussion-based exploration of Christianity. Thanks to the logic and brilliance of the CVM board, RLRI Northeast is now only three hours from Tufts, which has been an important factor in many members’ decision to attend. We are

excited for this great opportunity to grow closer as a group, to fellowship with other vet students and clinicians, and to deepen our relationship with God. Please pray that we are strengthened and renewed through our experiences at RLRI and that we return to campus with hearts ready and willing to serve God and shine His light to others.

Kelly McNulty serves as the CVF president at Tufts.

defining valuesby diana baker

In all we do, Christian Veterinary Mission holds to a set of values that define our priorities and keep our work on target. These are the standards and principles that

guide the way CVM strives to accomplish our mission. In this issue we explore how specific individuals live these values out in their own lives. When you partner with CVM in missions service, by prayer, with donations, and in ministry at your school or in your workplace, we hope you are able to see these values present in the way we interact with people and do ministry. If you have benefitted from engaging with CVM, would you consider making a gift today in the enclosed envelope?

Above: First year club fair

Top right:Morning prayer time

Christ CenteredAll activities have the primary purpose of proclaiming, modeling and glorifying our Lord, Jesus Christ as Savior to our world.

Relationship & PartnershipWe seek partnerships based on shared values, which empower all members toward building sustainable ministry.

Integrity & AccountabilityWe will responsibly use and manage all of the human, natural, and financial resources of our own organization and strive to build this strength in all of our relationships.

Servant Leadership & ServiceWe will model the servant heart of Christ through motivating, mentoring, discipling, empowering, and communicating with others within our organization, our partners and to those whom we serve.

Training that SustainsCVM promotes participatory training through which individuals work to identify their training needs and are empowered to ongoing physical and spiritual growth in their relationships with God, themselves, their families and their communities.

Veterinary FocusThe skills and knowledge of veterinary medicine are used to transform lives.

Equitable ParticipationCVM desires to work with all individuals who desire to be involved by encouraging their full commitment, recognizing their gifts and abilities, and seeking the most appropriate application of their skills to the Lord’s work through CVM.

The goal of our work is the transformation of individuals, groups, and communities through balanced ministry to spiritual, physical, mental, social, and ecological needs.

Transformation through Holistic Sustainable Development

5beyond knowledge:knowing him | www.cvmusa.org

christ-centeredby dr. skip jack

relationship & partnershipby dr. peter

“The future of missions is in partnership.” 30 years of service in mission-related partnerships

persuade me that this is a true statement. But believe me, I recognize firsthand the challenges of partnership. Just as in the marriage partnership, mission-related partnerships require good communication, a commitment to working sacrificially for common goals, and agreement with respect to the decision-making process. Good partnerships require hard work but they can also demonstrate a willingness to work together for the Good

News, a good use of the resources that the various partners bring to the table, and a healthy interdependency of the various groups involved.

As we work in partnerships, we need to always remember, “the ultimate owner of this work is God.” Each partner is a steward of the different tasks God has given them to do – the “good works that He prepared beforehand that we might walk in them.” (Eph 2:10). Our job is to walk with God, discern what He is doing in this ever-changing world, and then work with Him.

At the same time board members, field-workers, national (local) staff, partner organizations, and even donor partners, all need to feel certain levels of ownership. Together we are all stewards with different responsibilities and different contributions. Significantly local people need to take ownership and responsibility for the work that is started, especially if this work is to continue into the future. The development of partnerships with local partners needs to be intentional and to draw on the collective wisdom of all involved.

Travel is easier these days – but “access” is not. Mission work today often requires travel papers and resident visas that are difficult to obtain. However some agencies (local and international) have been able to obtain permission to work in such countries. In other places, believers have been able to register businesses which minister to local people and allow development of relationships and meaningful opportunities to share about life and faith. We in CVM are dependent on partnerships with such organizations to fulfill our mission to share the love of Jesus Christ through the veterinary profession especially in “hard to access’ and needy areas of the world. Of course we must pray for discernment to partner with organizations with similar mission, vision and values. One organization may have the agreement, another may have personnel, and another organization may have the necessary funding. By working together, we are able to effectively share the love of Jesus.

In the midst of it all, mutual accountability amongst partners is necessary. Such accountability, as per written agreements, clarifies expectations and responsibilities, and helps prevent broken relationships.

Summary – Partnership is essential for the work of CVM. In the midst of our partnerships we learn to treat each other with respect and to build up new leaders, we are accountable to each other as per our agreements and together we help each to be faithful stewards of the resources the Lord has given us.

Dr. Peter and his wife Mary have served as long-term field staff with CVM since 1980.

Are you Christ-centered? That is, does your existence/life focus on our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ? I suspect that your answer is like mine, i.e. generally

“yes, but there are circumstances . . .” Well, CVM as an organization can only be as good as its human participants. Gandhi said that he loved Christ and what He stood for, but that the witness of Christians left him lacking. So, with that YES, CVM is Christ-centered, but because we are humans, we still “miss the mark” (i.e. sin) both in our personal lives and in our corporate CVM activities. The good news is that we are forgiven!

CVM’s mission to challenge, empower and facilitate veterinarians to serve others through their profession, living out their Christian faith has never been stronger. CVM provides education and encouragement to those who wish to proclaim Him and glorify Jesus Christ as Savior to the world. Through many long term missionaries on the field, hundreds of short-termers (mostly veterinary students, remember they are our future) and those engaged in Christian outreach at home and work, CVM puts feet on the Great Commission, sharing the Good News. We are profoundly Bible based and aim to feed the poor (both spiritually and physically) and empower others to do likewise, just as He taught. Chances are, if you are reading this, you are already “plugged in” to a local church and participating in that Great Commission. So, be encouraged. You are not alone. “. . . behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20). Bob Dylan told us that “you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Who do you serve? “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,” (Mark 10:45). If you are looking for further ways to serve, you need look no further than CVM.

The author of Hebrews 12:1 states, “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” This is a challenge to each of us; will we focus on Satan’s attempt to “kill, steal and destroy” or on Christ’s promise of “life and life abundant.” Personally, I choose to be “Christ-centered.” How about you ?

Skip Jack, DVM, teaches at Mississippi State University and serves on the CVM Board.



integrity & accountabilityby dr. justin high

servant leadershipby dr. dean hendrickson

Core values are those things that we hold to dearly and use to define us. They are at the very center

of our behavior, and obvious to anyone around us that takes the time to really watch us. CVM has 8 core values. I’d like to discuss the core value of Servant Leadership/Service: “We will model the servant heart of Christ through motivating, mentoring, discipling, empowering, and communicating with others within our organization, our partners and to those whom we serve.”

Leadership means a lot of different things to people. I am fortunate to be working through a “leadership” study with my sons where we started by doing a study on humility. I have always felt that the key to leadership is humility. It’s not hard for me to want to take charge, but it certainly is a challenge to be humble. I think the best way to exhibit servant leadership is from the position of humility. This has been a real area of needed growth in my life, and if I had a few thousand words I could expand on my challenges, experiences, and examples of how God had helped me. However, in order to keep it short, I’d like to share some thoughts that God has given to me.

There is a big difference between “ servant leadership” and “dragging” or “driving.” I’ve probably spent more time “dragging” and/or “driving” than leading, causing great consternation to both myself and I’m sure God. “Dragging” for me can best be described as when I try to “drag” people along with me, regardless of whether they want to come along or not. I generally don’t spend much time listening to them, and honestly probably don’t really even turn around to see how they are doing. I just “drag” them along to accomplish what I want them to do. “Driving” for me is best described as standing behind people and “whipping” them to move on. The general premise is that I’m going to make you get done what I know you should do even if you don’t want to do it. You really don’t see anyone wielding a whip these days, but many look at their leaders as having one anyway. When I think of a “Servant Leader”, I see someone who is not afraid to be in front when prudent and not afraid to follow when valuable but really spends most of their time lifting others up, encouraging them. This type of leader doesn’t determine their worth by the position they are at in the group but rather how they can help the group to succeed. The satisfaction that comes from being a good servant leader comes not from what people see the leader doing or accomplishing, but what they see the people the leader is leading doing or accomplishing. Christ gives us such a great example when he washes the feet of the disciples (John 13:3-17). We have an amazing opportunity to impact the people around us by modeling the example of service that Christ provided for us. No matter what our role or title is, we have been placed precisely in the position that God desires us to be in, and we have an opportunity to serve and lead.

Dean Hendrickson, DVM, serves at Colorado State University as Associate Dean.

I am not an evangelist. I am a veterinarian just like you. I spend my days working on horses, talking on the phone, and trying to keep ahead of the ever increasing demands

that our clients, and competitive economy require. So, in many respects what we have chosen to do at Reata Equine Hospital in Weatherford, Texas goes against the industry norm. We have chosen to lead lives of integrity and accountability to our Savior Jesus Christ, not to a culture that worships the end regardless of the means.

About 10 years ago when my partner at the time, Dr. Britt Conklin, and I decided to buy into the clinic we started meeting for breakfast every Monday morning. We both had a strong faith before we met, and as our careers progressed we decided our faith in Christ would be the foundation of our business, just as in our personal lives. So, we specifically spent that time in prayer about the clinic - very little else. Every aspect of the business was brought before the Lord to seek His blessing, direction and hand in what we did. (Phil 4:6-7) There was not then, nor is there now, a decision made that is not brought before the Lord together, as partners. As the years passed, we added another partner, Dr. Cal Davis. Nothing changed. We were upfront with who we are and how things get done. Cal was a perfect fit.

As time progressed, we often discussed having a bible study at the clinic, but like many other Christian veterinarians I talk to we were reluctant to start. The office staff, technicians, and associate veterinarians have all seen us say and do things we would rather they not. “How can I start a bible study?”, we all ask. We asked the same question, because we struggle with sin like everyone else. But God does not make us timid, He gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7). So, we drew a line in the sand, and have never looked back. Every Monday morning at 7:30 we have a clinic bible study that is the highlight of the week for us all. It sets the tone, expectation, and standard for our practice. We get the opportunity to present Jesus to student externs, interns, employees, and an occasional client that unknowingly shows up early for an 8 a.m. appointment.

I can list countless ways the Lord has blessed, protected and guided us over the last 10 years. Through a world full of greed, lawsuits, atheists, and horses that kick without warning the Lord has allowed us to prosper with no smell of fire on us (Daniel 3:27). Like I said, I am no different than you. But I have chosen to use my personal and professional resources to honor God in, what is for most all of us, the great majority of the time and talents the Lord has given. Integrity and accountability are intrinsic values to our living out Matthew 25:14-30. The Lord has blessed us with opportunities, resources, and an education. We will all have to give an account of what we did while our master was away.

Justin High, DVM, is a Texas A&M grad and is co-owner of Reata Equine Hospital.


“The satisfaction that comes from being a good servant leader

comes not from what people see

the leader doing or accomplishing, but what they see the people the leader is leading doing or

accomplishing.”

training that sustainsby dr. page wages

Imagine you are in veterinary school and faced with your first spay. You have seen dozens of spays over the years and thought you knew all about them. You look at the shaved

belly in front of you, say a prayer and then pick up the scissors to cut…whoops, you meant the scalpel blade to cut. You make a cut, and there is blood…now what? What do you do? Fast forward to the point where you have somehow made it into the abdomen (though you can’t remember what you did to get there), you are fishing around, grabbing this is that, and tying things off so fast so it looked like you knew what you were doing, but you hadn’t even found the uterine horns yet. Ok, stop. This is getting scary.

Over the last 10 years, I have learned that missions are like a spay. You need to study and get some training before you even touch a scalpel blade. Otherwise, while you might think you are doing good, you could actually be doing harm to the people you are serving (like tying off important vessels you can’t even see). After participating in a few mission trips, I participated in the Perspectives on the World Christian Mission Movement course and was blown away by what I didn’t know about missions and all the different facets. I never really thought about the historical, strategic, and Biblical backgrounds. Nor did I know what an unreached people group even was! My eyes were opened - wide!

Following that course, I participated in the Chalmers Center Helping without Hurting online course and again my eyes were opened. I had no idea that by participating in mission trips in the way I knew, we were doing more harm than good. I wanted to live out the Great Commission, but I wanted to do it by growing the Kingdom, without causing harm to the people we were serving.

Through the years, though, I have never stopped reading about missions and learning. This summer, I was invited to the CVM Training of Trainers (TOT) event in Seattle. The training is set up to be a course to teach us how to train people in the areas we are serving. I learned new tools and ways to reach people that couldn’t read or write (and I have used some of the skills I learned in staff training with my clinic staff). That week in Seattle solidified my desire to develop a plan so other schools and trip leaders could train their short-term mission teams to ensure, while we are in the field and during trip preparation,

that we are doing what we are doing for the people, requested by the people, and with God’s blessing. If you are interested in long or short-term missions, or even if you have been on the mission field for the last 10 years, you need to take this course. It is mind-opening. There is more to learning than “banking”. You need to help people want to learn for themselves and enable them to do that. It isn’t about us teaching them, it is about them teaching them. That is sustainable.

At NCSU, we have started a Missions Preparedness course to help prepare students for the short and long-term mission field before they even set foot out the door. It is a mini-Perspectives/Chalmers/evangelism course intended to teach the students how to feel comfortable sharing their faith (like talking about cupcakes) as well as learning the culture of the people we are serving, and developing lesson plans and ways to reach and teach the people we will be serving that will sustain in the months we aren’t there.

Just like veterinary medicine, learning doesn’t stop when you graduate from school. You need to continue to dive into the Bible and use the materials CVM has developed to continue to grow and mature into the missional Christian God wants us to be. Dive in!

Sometimes you have to be a goatto teach others!

Dr. Wages (as goat) at the TOT training in June 2012

Page Wages, DVM, is a 2005 NCSU grad and serves as an advisor to NCSU's CVF,providing leadership to the group and in their annual mission trip to the Navajo Nation.

I have learned that missions

are like a spay.“

”

It isn’t about us teaching them,it is about them teaching them.

That is sustainable.

“”

Christian Veterinarian | spring 201312 13beyond knowledge:knowing him | www.cvmusa.org

veterinary focusby dr. keith flanagan

Almost 40 years ago when I applied to the College of Veterinary Medicine, I had hopes that if I was accepted (and graduated), I could use my newly learned skills

and knowledge to improve the health of animals and thus help the owners increase their income and hopefully mine. Little did I know the impact that these skills could have in a developing country such as Haiti!

There are three ways that I have seen transformation in the lives of people through applied Veterinary Medicine. First is through the direct treatment of animals. Just recently I had a call from a concerned Veterinary agent (Oleme Augustine) about the pigs of one of his clients. She was a single mother who was raising three children of her own as well as three of her brothers children. She had already lost two pigs and had a third one sick. Since I was not far from the area, I told Oleme that I would be there very soon. The pig was a gilt that she had planned to breed. Her life’s savings was lying on the ground with a high fever. She had already decided to butcher the pig so that she wouldn’t lose everything. After examination and taking a history, I determined that it had Erysipelas that a high dose of antibiotics could normally cure. She decided to take my advice and let me treat it. Cases like this sure improve your prayer life! The gilt lived and there is one happy family!

The second form of transformation is through passing on this knowledge to others. During the past 25 years I have trained more 2,000 Veterinary agents, most who have been able to make a meager living while helping their neighbors. Most recently I have been working with some of my Godsons to pass on skills and knowledge. Not long ago one of them (Wiltene) sent me a text message to call him; he had some “good news” for me. When I enquired what the “good news” was, he said that he had been asked at his school to start giving classes on animal health to the rest of his classmates. He had been

taking care of the school director’s animals and must have impressed him. I was proud, but also a little nervous. Wiltene is a sharp young man, but knows just enough right now to get himself in trouble.

The third type of transformation is the most important. Several years ago while visiting with a friend (who just happened to be a witch doctor), he ask me point blank, “Why did you come to Haiti?” I had never had the door swung wide open like that before! After a two week visit to Haiti, I had seen the need for Veterinary care, but also God showed me how I could use my profession to share His Word and Love with those I worked with. I told Erselius that God had called me to Haiti and that even though I couldn’t preach, I could use the skills and knowledge that God gave me to share God’s love to those I worked with and for. Erselius’ response was “se bon, se bon”. (that’s good, that’s good) I continued to visit Erselius when I was in his area and a few years later he finally accepted Christ into his life. The whole village where he lived threw a party in celebration. That transformation is eternal!

Keith Flanagan, DVM, and his wife Jan have served as CVM field staff in Haiti since 1997.

equitable participationby dr. susan stewart

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Jesus said inviting in the stranger to participate in the fullness of God’s love is, like caring for the poor, sick and those in prison, what marks us as followers of Christ. CVM embodies

this “invitation” into our value of Equitable Participation. I was a stranger and was invited in by CVM in 1980 while a veterinary student. All

are invited; whether it is to discover God’s love for the very first time or to find a place of utilizing the gifts God has given in service. “Equitable” means participation begins where you are – a student in vet school, a vet in practice at a meeting or at a university, a vet tech or animal health worker, a farmer, rancher, a villager, church or family member. You are invited in to study the word, to model Christ in your practice, to short or long term service, to write or share about CVM, to train to help others with livestock, to serve on a committee, the board or as a part of a support team for a long term worker.

You are invited to participate as you are called, sometimes as a member, but also as a shaper and former of these ministries. CVM asks, “What service is God calling you to?” And, “How can we work together to serve?” You are invited to participate in decision-making, a rare and precious invitation that, if accepted, can be transformational – personally and for many others.

Patty is a veterinarian in private practice in the US. CVM invited her to think about the values and vision of her practice. She invites her staff to participate in the dialogue of how they can better serve their clients. As a result, her practice models Christ to all who enter the doors. She is an encourager to veterinary students seeking to live out their faith as they enter the world of practice, a team member for long term fieldworkers and has served on the CVM board. She has been empowered to serve by her experience with CVM as she has also served and created who CVM is today.

Maria is a wife and mother. The CVM program invited her to participate in a cattle improvement program. Now she helps neighboring villagers with livestock care, improving the lives of poor farm families. She also encourages villagers to participate in their local organizations and churches to solve their own problems. She is often selected as a village leader. In villages from Nepal to Uganda to Bolivia, men and women farmers are invited through CVM to participate as village animal health workers and change agents who mobilize their communities for positive change.

In Nigeria, veterinarians, animal health professionals, veterinary students and their families joined together 10 years ago to form the Christian Veterinarians of Nigeria (CVN). CVM worked with them as they created a model of a national organization. Today they mobilize ministry in Nigeria as well as surrounding countries. CVM is affiliated with a growing network of veterinary organizations from Romania to Australia, Hong Kong to Kenya where local veterinarians invite others to participate in making the decisions that move the great commission forward. CVM models our value of equitable participation with our partners around the world.

Creating an organization that allows participation of the members and staff in shaping the organization is very challenging because the temptation is to control rather than to invite participation. CVM is so committed to this value that every project measures the results of participation every year. We grow toward what we measure, so each year we learn and grow in our understanding of not only the invitation but also the responsibility in participation that encourages transformation.

Dr. Susan Stewart participates joyfully with CVM in Southeast Asia.


holistic developmentby dr. bill janecke

We work in Bolivia with a people group that is steeped in animism. There is a spiritual battle raging here that is taking lives, destroying families, and sucking the life out of

communities. So it is not surprising that the church here is very focused on the spiritual aspect of people’s lives. They preach the Cross, Christ crucified; the message of salvation, the narrow way, the road to heaven. And we know that Christ is all of that…uniquely that…and so much more.

But Christ’s message of Kingdom; of hungry fed, naked clothed, blind who now see, the sick healed and children brought back to life, is some how lost. Not because those stories aren’t told, but because the church, the body of Christ, doesn’t give living testimony to it. Cross and Kingdom are separated. The church is cut off from community and creation and the gospel is not complete.

And, of course, this is not a problem that is unique to Bolivia. It is widespread through out the global church and manifests itself in many ways.

Life for rural Bolivians is very hard and the message of an eternal blissful rest is very appealing and many receive it. But then they return to their homes and appeal to the spirits to make the rain come, and the crops grow. They turn to witchcraft to heal the sick. The message that through Jesus, God is reconciling all things - that he is relevant in all aspects of our lives, in all times and all places - is not getting through.

One example of this is the arid, isolated Guarani community of Ityu. When we arrived there two years ago, the people told us they had heard of Jesus from mission groups that passed through now and then. They had seen The Jesus Film, heard the message, maybe some responded in some way, but life in the community didn’t change. Lack of water and food continued to split up families and left the community nearly abandoned at times. We talked to them about transformation; profound and sustainable change. They could all agree that something had to change.

Six months after we first arrived in Ityu, a drought brought famine so severe that there were no seeds to plant. We worked with the community to get seed, adapt new planting and storage systems, expand their acres in production, and plant family gardens. As we walked with the families in these areas, we met with them in the evenings and the mornings and during the days when the welcome rain made work outside impossible. We shared God’s word and answered their questions. They had lots of questions.

The harvest of 2011 was extraordinary. The reaction of the community was to give thanks to the God of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with whom they now had a relationship and a testimony. They knew who He was. They had witnessed how He works. 2011 was the first year in a long time that most of the families stayed together in Ityu all year long. Abundant life had started to take root.

For CVM and our partners here, holistic ministry that follows Christ’s example is not just a value; it is the complete Gospel message. Many churches are seeking us out to help them build

ministry that brings Cross and Kingdom together; building on the spiritual to better serve the social and physical needs of the people in their communities.

Bill Janecke, DVM, and his wife Heidi serve as long-term field staff in Boliva.

Shortcourse 2013

August 20-23Kansas City, MO

“My most highly anticipated

meeting of the year!”

“Excellent time of worship and fellowship w/Christian vets; good time to ask advice from godly men and women; REALLY convicted to make some changes!”

“This was a ‘wow!’ meeting!”

“This has been a time of needed respite to pray, read the Bible,

change worship styles.”

“The Shortcourse has been used by the Lord to grow me in my walk with the Lord, to equip me to share my faith, and live my faith 24/7.”

Plan now to attend!

Online registration begins May 1st. Find more information online at cvmusa.org/Shortcourse.

emails from africalong-term missions opportunities

volunteer your skillsshort-term missions opportunities

“I think (my trip) has made me more bold in general to talk to people about Christ/God and to move forward in deeper relationship building with specific clients. It is helping me live out my desire to glorify God in my actions/work each day and showing me practical ways that I can love my neighbor.” - Dr. Sheri Randell, Pine Ridge Indian ReservationWould you like to talk with someone about this opportunity? Contact Dr. Fred Van

Gorkom, Africa Regional Director, at (206) 289-7953 or [email protected].

We really NEED a vet out here to help with disease diagnosis and treatment, and to build relationships for spiritual ministry. I just visited a Fulani camp nearby. We asked them how they know how much drugs to give (and for what disease) and they said they didn’t know. They can’t really read the med package as it is in French and English! There are no vets in the area.

The Fulani would really look up to a vet, especially one concerned for all aspects of their lives, making it easier to minister spiritually. We have materials in their native tongues to help reach them for Christ. We missionaries have been in the area for 14+ years and have good relationships—only we still have no real converts. A vet could turn the tide!

Enough of the grass has burned to enable me to do what I like most: visit the seasonal encampments of the Fulani in the bush.

The Fulani are without peer in animal husbandry; however, they neither understand how to diagnose nor how to properly treat animal diseases. They can’t read the labels or instructions, so they dose according to hearsay. Most of their meds come from quacks in remote markets.

A veterinarian would be an enormous help to our team. Cattle are not only a Fulani’s most valuable possession but they literally define who he is. If we can significantly enable them to improve their herds, we will gain their trust and confidence to share the Good News. Pray with us for a vet.

“The interaction with the local people was just great. Seeing a vet is something rare for them and especially seeing women doing work was something that they did not understand culturally. But when they saw us vaccinating cattle they really were joking with us and showing more respect for our work.” - Hannah Shankel, vet student, Nicaragua

“After a day of poultry training with field workers we were invited to have tea with the class in the afternoon. One of the ladies was so sweet to motion me over and try to talk with me. She spoke no english but another girl did and helped us communicate… She asked me about my kid/s and told me she had 2 boys and a girl. She was so determined that we would communicate. She took my hand and smiled and said in broken English, “my Jesus...your Jesus.” I cry even as I type this. Sisters in Christ nine thousand miles apart. So different in many ways, but so much the same.” - Dr. Peggy Hobby, India

Use your veterinary skills overseas to serve and teach others. Stretch yourself spiritually,

explore another culture, form relationships in another language. Experience a short-term mission trip for yourself! Browse short-term mission trips online and sign up today!

www.cvmusa.org/STMtrips

19beyond knowledge:knowing him | www.cvmusa.orgChristian Veterinarian | spring 201318

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USADr. Kit and Jan FlowersDr. Brad and Angela FryeDr. Glenn and Kathy GainesDr. Barry and Colette SchwenkDr. Lauren Spears and Jonathan CharlesDr. Karen and Ron StouferDrs. Fred & Vicki Van GorkomDr. Denise Ward

ASSOCIATESDr. Wendell & Jann Cantrell, USADr. Melissa and Maurice Cheeks, USADr. Roy and Nancy Coolman, USADr. Tim and Cathi Emery, South AfricaDr. Mary McDonald, UgandaDr. Allen and Ann Pederson, HondurasDr. Tom and Diane Schiefer, Latin AmericaDr. Brett and Rachael Terhaar, ParaguayDr. Christina Tolman, USADrs. Tim and Paula Ulrich, S. AfricaDr. Don and Marilyn Wilson, Bolivia

AFRICADrs. Trent and Tabitha Cox, EthiopiaDr. Daniel and Rachel Graham, UgandaDr. Julie and Steve Henderson, MozambiqueDr. Cherie Igielski, EthiopiaDr. Troy and Rebekah Sammons, KenyaDr. Val & Waffle Lomilo, Uganda

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICASMs. Rhoda Beutler, HaitiDr. Jeff and Bethany Bracht, Nicaragua Dr. Kelly Crowdis, Haiti Dr. Rick and Mary Ervin, NicaraguaDr. Keith and Jan Flanagan, HaitiDr. Bill and Heidi Janecke, BoliviaDr. Scott and Diane Karper, HondurasDr. Coalson Lacey, BoliviaVetRed, Bolivia ASIADrs. Monty and Shelley, AsiaDr. Peter and Mary, ThailandDr. Mary and Richard Ballenger, MongoliaDr. Rachel Buffington, ThailandDr. Heather and Leon Heisey, MongoliaDr. Gerald and Frances Mitchum, MongoliaDr. Karen Smirmaul, MongoliaV.E.T. Net Team, MongoliaMs. Melissa White, CVT, Mongolia

LONG-TERM SERVICE CANDIDATESMs. Emily Arndt, CVT, UgandaDr. Kim and David Carney, Bolivia Drs. Jonathan and Leanna Dohanich, HaitiDr. Shad and Amy Wilkerson, Senegal

Veterinary JobsAre you a Christian looking for a job in the veterinary field? Or are you a practitioner looking to hire a Christian? Visit our online job board to search for or post an open position.

www.cvmusa.org/Jobs

staff raising deputationin support of

spring 2013 christian - reataequinehospital.com journal.pdf · the world of practice, a team member...

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