November 27, 2012

Botswana Outreach 2012 Recap - "In that day the deaf will hear..."

"In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, 
and out of doom and darkness the 
eyes of the blind will see." 
Isaiah 29:18 


After many days of traveling, dirt, long days, and more dirt our Botswana team returned to the States full of amazing stories of all that the Lord did during their mission. It would be impossible to share each and every story, but hopefully by highlighting some of the major ones you will see a glimpse of what it is like to be on the field, and to see those who have never heard, hear for the first time and decide to follow Christ. 

It is important to highlight that this team did not fly overseas to work in a different culture completely unprepared. In fact, this team completed 6 months of missional training at the School to the Nations Training Center where they were trained in every aspect from cross-cultural living to storying the Bible with non-believers. The high quality training was evident once in Botswana as the team worked hard, stayed unified, and were prepared for the shock of being in a different culture. 

Here is a brief recap of their trip...

The first city they worked in was a smaller one outside of the capitol city, Gaborone. Here they shared the Gospel with hundreds of deaf children and teenagers along with teachers and staff members at a residential deaf school. Our team was creative with their presentation of the Gospel and shared in many unique ways. Not only did they share with the students but they also had a chance to bless and honor the teachers who sacrifice so much to work with these students each day. Our team included two educators and they were able to connect and relate in many ways in order to bring hope and encouragement in the Word of God. 

The next stop was in the city of Maun which is in northern Botswana. A school of 900 children (deaf and hearing) sat here, and the team was welcomed with a song from the students: 





During their time in Maun, the team met a 17 year old boy (far left in this picture) who was deaf due to the medication he was given to treat HIV. After hearing the Gospel message, this boy gave his life to Christ! Also at this school, the headmaster gave his life to Christ as well. He told the team that his family had been praying for him to receive Christ, and that prayer was answered and the team was honored to be a part of his decision! Our team also hosted a dinner to honor the teachers and staff members at this school and it was a special time of encouragement for each of these teachers. 

After finishing in Maun, they traveled a LONG days travel in 110 degree weather (missions are not for the weak!) on a bus to Francistown with no air conditioning. Once they arrived they were welcomed into Francistown Center for Deaf Education where they were able to share the Gospel and show the children's version of the Jesus Film. Many children heard the Gospel for the first time and many seeds were planted! One 23 year old man gave his life to Christ! 

Their next stop was back to the capitol, Gaborone, where at a bus stop they saw some men standing around playing pool. One of the team members started a conversation with them, shared the Gospel, and 11 of these men accepted Christ right there at the bus stop! What a wonderful picture illustrating that God orchestrates divine appointments! These men were not even from Botswana, they had crossed the border from Zimbabwe. Praise God for bringing our team to these men at just the right time. 
Overall SIXTEEN people came to Christ during the teams trip in Botswana and many seeds were planted among children, teenagers, and adults that will hopefully be the beginning of many coming to Christ among the deaf community. The future is bright for our partnership in Botswana. Our team met with the President of the Baptist Convention in Botswana, Benjamin Kabika, who is excited about the future partnering of School to the Nations and Ridgecrest Baptist Church among the deaf in his country. This trip established clear and strategic inroads for future work to evangelize and disciple the deaf. 



Thank you to our wonderful team, who worked hard, stayed positive, and made lasting impacts on the children and adults they met. Thank you to Ridgecrest Baptist Church for partnering with us in taking the Gospel to the deaf. Thank you to our prayer partners and financial supporters who were a part of this team as they lifted us in prayer each day! 





To God be the glory for all that He has done and will continue to do among the deaf around the world! 






November 9, 2012

Outreach Update: The deaf shall hear...

Our team is doing well and as of today have had three come to Christ through their sharing, storying, and showing the Jesus film! Praise the Lord for seeds that have been planted and for all that He is beginning to do among the deaf in Southern Africa. These are the most unreached of the unreached, and the Lord is beginning a new work among these people so in need of God's love. 

Please continue joining us in prayer for the team and that God will continue to grant them favor among the leaders in the schools they are working in and that many more will come to Christ as they tell students, teachers, and the community about Jesus for the first time. 

The deaf are hearing of God's love and gift of salvation!!



Students hearing the Gospel message for the first time! Pray that these seeds will take root and that mighty oaks of righteousness will begin to grow among the deaf in Southern Africa. 

For daily updates via email please email theabicopeland(at)gmail(dot)com. 

October 23, 2012

Training Report: Botswana Team

Last Saturday we spent the day training our team headed to Southern Africa (Botswana) to work with the deaf people in that area later this month! Our Extreme Adventure Challenge Course is a great way to build team unity, learn each other's strengths and weaknesses, and come together as one unit in preparation for the upcoming trip.

Many of our team members are deaf, and we are excited to see how God uses their gifts to cross cultural barriers and minister to the deaf in Botswana, who in many ways are just like them. We saw clearly as they conquered the ropes course on Saturday that communication comes in many different forms, and when a team has a unified goal, anything can be accomplished.

Please join us in prayer for the team as they prepare to leave. Pray for their families they are leaving at home, for their jobs, for their protection, and for their ministry while they are in Africa.

If you would like to join the prayer update list please email theabicopeland(at)gmail(dot)com or visit here for a specific prayer guide for the trip: Prayer Guide 

October 1, 2012

October Outreach Prayer Guide

Join us in praying for team partnering with us from Ridgecrest Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Midland, TX traveling to South Africa in October. 
If you would like to be on the email list for trip updates and prayer request please email: theabicopeland(at)gmail(dot)com


Click Here to View & Download the Prayer Guide 


“Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way, say
to those with fearful hearts, “Be
strong, do not fear; your God will
come … Then will the eyes of the
blind be opened and the ears of
the deaf unstopped.”
~Isaiah 35:3-5

September 28, 2012

Video Friday: Who We Are - Training

We desire to fuel the mission field with passionate people ready to share the Gospel with the unreached around the world. Watch this short video about the Training aspect of School to the Nations: 

Who We Are: Training 





Know a church or organization in need of training? Share this video and help us get the word out! 

Created and Edited by: 
Matt Douglas and James Copeland

September 24, 2012

Heart to Serve: Larry Stevens

Any missions organization must surround itself with people who not only have a heart for sharing the Gospel with all people, but also those who are experts in their field of work and excel at what they do. Larry Stevens, with his wife Melody, is a man that we are blessed to have as a part of our U.S. Home Base Camp Advance Team. 

Larry is a talented builder, as he runs and operates his own building company, Larry Stevens Building. Not only that, Larry has a heart to serve and see God's love taken across the world to those who have never heard. We are blessed to have such a talented man who knows the business, yet maintains integrity in the midst of the competitive business world. 

He and his wife, Melody have two sons and are members of Ridgecrest Baptist Church where Larry serves as a deacon. Larry has a heart to serve locally but is extending his reach to the ends of the earth by partnering with School to the Nations and sharing his gift of building with us. 

Thank you, Larry and Melody, for using your gifts to not only bless our ministry, but to be a part of God's global purpose and helping us reach the unreached! In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 


Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!

September 21, 2012

Video Friday: Who We Are - Prayer

Prayer is a huge aspect of School to the Nations. Watch a short video about the heart behind this aspect of praying for the nations: 

Who We Are: Prayer 




Like what you see? Share it with friends and family! 

Created and Edited By: 
Matt Douglas and James Copeland

September 17, 2012

Heart to Serve: Kristy Ogden

Kristy Ogden has been involved in missions for many years, her heart is full of love for all people and she is a key part of what goes on at School to the Nations. Currently Kristy takes care of our Leadership Development and has created an orientation for all new staff members and volunteers. She is crucial in helping these people become acclimated to our ministry, and learn the ins and outs of School to the Nations. 

Having travelled overseas herself to places like Brazil and Bosnia, she is very aware of the need for Christ around the world and is using her gifts to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. She and her husband Matt (our Director of Buildings and Grounds) are involved locally at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and have one son, Asher. Her heart to serve is played out on a daily basis as she works full time with the Missouri Baptist Children's Home caring for local children who are in need of God's love desperately. Not only is Kristy impacting people globally through her work at STN, but she is impacting people locally as well! 

Thank you for partnering with us Kristy! Your heart to serve is such an important part of School to the Nations and we want to honor you for using your gifts to serve the Lord. In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 


Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!

September 14, 2012

Video Friday: Who We Are - Compassion

Learn more about the Compassion aspect of School to the Nations in this short video. Share with your friends and family and help us spread the word...

Who We Are: Compassion 





Created and Edited by: 
Matt Douglas and James Copeland

September 10, 2012

Heart to Serve: Stu & Marry Lou Hulsebus

We are blessed to have had quite a few retired couples join us at School to the Nations from the Campers on Mission ministry out of the North American Mission Board. This month we want to honor one of these couples, Stu and Marry Lou Hulsebus. 

Stu and his wife attend First Evangelical Free church in Springfield, MO and also serve with Campers on Mission as mentioned before. For a few months now, Stu has been helping us with maintenance on our Home Base campus, whether it's carpentry, electrical, or simply being Mr. Fix-it for the day. We are so blessed by his service and partnership in taking the Gospel across the world. 

What a wonderful picture of the idea that God is never done using you, as Stu and Marry Lou are still serving even after retirement and plan to continue for as long as they can. 

Thank you, Stu and Marry Lou, for using your gifts to not only bless our ministry, but to be a part of God's global purpose and helping us reach the unreached! In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 


Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!

September 7, 2012

Video Friday: Who We Are - Discipleship

Once again, bringing you more about School to the Nations is a video about the Discipleship aspect of STN. 
Share with your friends and family and enjoy! 

Who We Are: Discipleship 




Created and Edited by: 
Matt Douglas and James Copeland

August 31, 2012

Video Friday: Who We Are - Evangelism

We are excited to share about the wonderful Evangelism aspect of School to the Nations! 
Check out this video and share it with friends and family: 

Who We Are: Evangelism 





Once again, thanks to our Media Team 
(James and Matt). Great job guys!! 

August 29, 2012

Thanks to Remington's!

Faced with a difficult decision to move International Day inside this year due to potential rain, the leadership team decided to move forward and avoid missing the chance to welcome international students by moving the event indoors to Remington's in Springfield, Mo. 

We cannot express enough gratitude to Geoff Steele and his crew for opening up the building on such short notice and displaying the heart and soul of Remington's in fostering an environment that promotes relational evangelism. "We don't have scripture stenciled on the wall, or tracts in the lobby.  We believe Jesus clearly modeled a servant existence, and if our mission is to be like Him, we MUST serve," said Geoff Steele, Venue Manager at Remington's. 

Geoff and his wife, Joy Bilyeu-Steele, together with their son Cameron (Assistant Venue Manager) and a large pool of what they call 'Essential Personnel' (volunteers) worked hard to prepare the building so that our International Day team could come in and make the building their own for this event. Not only does doing this have a huge impact on the local community, but for this specific event, a huge impact on people around the world. 

"We consider it a privilege, impacting students from across the globe, particularly as they first come to Springfield, was a tremendous privilege.  We also recognize all organizations and ministries are not created equal - some operate at higher levels of integrity than others.  The School to the Nations staff is well known to Cameron and I - and we knew it would work if given the chance." -Geoff Steele   

What an amazing group of people, dedicated to using the resources given to them, to make such a large impact on such a diverse group of organizations that utilize Remington's. Just a week before International Day they had hosted hundreds of local leaders in the Global Leadership Summit, a web conference hosted by Willow Creek out of Chicago. In less than a month they will host a huge consignment sale, Just Between Friends,  at which hundreds of local families shop and sell twice a year.

All this to say, at the heart of Remington's, is a desire to "provide a place for community organizations to  reach a greater level of effectiveness, profitability, and excellence," or in our case a DRY place to host hundreds of international students, and welcome them into our community.

Thank you Geoff, Joy, Cameron, and the rest of the crew for your incredible hearts to partner with us in welcoming and loving students from around the world, and in doing so, carrying out God's commission to "go into all the world..." (Matt. 28:19) 

Remington's is a ministry out of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. The church acquired the property in 2004.
For more information visit their website: www.remingtons.tv


August 27, 2012

Heart to Serve: James & Abi Copeland

Joining the vision that God gave his father for School to the Nations, James Copeland has served with School to the Nations since the beginning. After marrying his wife, Abi in 2007, the two entered into ministry together and share a calling on their lives to live a life committed to bringing the Gospel to all nations. 

"James and Abi have a unique commitment for the cause of Christ globally and within the local church," says STN Founder (and James' father) Randy Copeland. 
James has served in the local church since 2005 working mainly with students ranging in age from thirteen to twenty-five. He is currently on staff at Ridgecrest Baptist Church as a Student Associate Pastor where he serves junior high, senior high, and more recently college aged students. Both James and Abi have a passion for discipling young people and helping them develop a global vision. 

The Copeland's have been overseas numerous times with School to the Nations, and have led teams of students as well across the globe on short-term trips. They have been vital in our church plants in the tribal villages of West Africa and both witnessed the first baptisms among a people group in 2008. 

Currently, James is in the last year of his Global Studies degree at Missouri State University. Abi attended Evangel University where she graduated in 2007 with a degree in Mission Studies. They are parents to two little girls, Anabelle (3) and Mya (2). Abi serves as our Journalist for School to the Nations and James serve on our Frontier Advance Team and is our Media Director. 


Thank you for your heart to serve with us James and Abi! In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 

Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!

August 24, 2012

Video Friday: School to the Nations Introduction

Want to know more about School to the Nations? Do you have friends or family that want to know more about us? Check out this video and be sure to share it with them: 

Who We Are: Intro 




Thanks to our wonderful Media team (James Copeland and Matt Douglas) for shooting and creating an incredible video! 

August 21, 2012

International Day 2012 Recap

International Day 2012 looked a little different this year than in years past. Roughly eighteen hours prior to this year's event, our leadership team was faced with the decision to move locations due to a threat of severe weather hitting the Ozarks on Thursday afternoon. Tracy, Randy, and other leaders sought the counsel of local weathermen and made the choice to move the event indoors to Remington's in Springfield, MO. What could have been a stressful eighteen hours, turned into a wonderful picture of the body of Christ working together to show His love to all people and accomplish a goal.


We had hundreds of students come, and despite the darkness that loomed outside during the rainstorm, Remington's was lit up with new friendships and an excitement among students from all over the world.

The students enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by amazing volunteers.







Local businesses including the Springfield Police Force set up information tables to answer questions and inform the international students of what Springfield has to offer.





Also campus ministries were able to showcase their group and hopefully gain many more members for the upcoming school year!




Entertainment kicked off with the Red Bridge Bluegrass Band using their talents in Bluegrass music to give these students a little taste of the Ozarks through music!







Following the band a local ballet company, Petra Ballet, did a short performance featuring native dances from across the world. The students loved seeing the different types of dance!





Ending the evening, Real Encounter Ministries demonstrated the extreme talent of two of their BMX riders on an indoor ramp. These guys did flips, tricks, and jumps and were for sure a crowd favorite!




The event was a great success and we look forward to maintaining the friendships formed and seeing how God uses this event to energize the local church and community in welcoming all people to enjoy the Ozarks.

 Thank YOU for your prayers and support for the event. This event was not a success because of the efforts of man, but because of hundreds of prayers and amazing partners that allowed us to function underneath God's blessing!

Check back with us next week to learn more about Remington's and the amazing crew that allowed International Day to happen!


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(Photographs by Matt Douglas

August 15, 2012

Call to Prayer: International Day 2012

On Thursday August 16th, we are welcoming over 400 International Students from local colleges to our Home Base campus for our annual International Day event. We are so excited at this opportunity to host so many nations literally in our own backyard and hope that this event is a catalyst to many friendships and to many hearts turned towards Christ.

Would you join us in praying for this event? As with any event of this size there are a lot of details and energy that go into making it happen. We hope that this event will fan the flame among the church for the nations. Our prayer is that these students feel at home here and will become connected in some way to a local church or ministry throughout the school year.

Here are some prayer points. Will you join us in covering this event in prayer?

-Pray for great weather on Thursday

-Pray for all the preparations going into Thursday's event

-Pray for the students that will attend, that friendships will be formed and connections made that will outlast the event

-Pray for protection and safety

We truly believe that this event is crucial in the impact of School to the Nations in our local community!

****Look for a recap of this year's event next week here on the blog...complete with pictures!!****

August 14, 2012

Heart to Serve: Adam Chambers

What a joy it is to have such incredible volunteers join us in our mission to bring the Gospel to the frontiers around the world. This month we want to honor one of these people, for his dedication to serve in whatever way is needed and for his heart for the nations. Adam Chamber has served with us in many different ways over the past few years and we are so honored to watch him use his gifts to make a global impact. 

Adam and a friend in West Africa
Adam currently is serving as a volunteer on our Buildings and Grounds team and also as a Facilitator on our Extreme Adventures Challenge Course. He has also been on many trips overseas with School to the Nations and it is on these trips that his true servant's heart is visible. He has a passion for God's Word, and for sharing Scripture with those around him. This passion is unique among his generation and the Lord has great plans for Adam as he continues to serve and allow God to direct his paths. He is currently a member at Stonebridge Church in Nixa, Mo where he is involved in discipling young people. 

Adam's heart is truly the heart of a servant. He is loyal, not only to the Lord, but to his family, friends, and the ministries he serves. We are so blessed to have him on board to STN and look forward to all that God has in store for this young man's life! 

Thank you for your heart to serve with us Adam! In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 

Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!

August 3, 2012

Real Encounter: Taking the Gospel on Wheels

One of our core values at School the Nations is Biblical Partnerships. We are acutely aware of the importance of not just functioning as a single ministry, but instead coming along side other ministries and organizations who are also following the call to take the name of Jesus into all parts of the world. 


We spent some time this week with a group from Real Encounter  who are preparing for a trip to North Africa. The guys from Real Encounter present such a clear picture of how we each have unique gifts that can be used to bring glory to God among the nations. This team will travel overseas and once there, travel on BMX bikes into remote areas of Northern Africa sharing the Gospel along the way, literally taking the Gospel on wheels. 


After completing our Missiological Training course, this team is equipped and excited about all that God has in store for them as they travel and we are so honored to partner with them along with the International Mission Board


Join us in prayer for Real Encounter and for this team as they prepare to leave in September. May God richly bless each individual and the families they represent. May they be used to see many come to Christ in North Africa, and may all the glory and praise be given to Jesus, the "Author and Perfecter of our faith..."(Hebrews 12:1).


For more about Real Encounter click here!

July 31, 2012

Heart to Serve: Chris Dowdy


We were so blessed to have a few incredible interns this summer, including Chris Dowdy. Chris just finished his internship with the Building and Grounds grew at School to the Nations last week and we are so proud of the work that he put into partnering with us in advancing the Gospel. 

Chris just recently moved to the area after attending Bible College in Washington. He is finishing his degree at an area school in Theological Studies. He attends Emmaus in Springfield, Mo. He is also involved in various campus ministries. 

Chris truly has a heart to serve, and his love for Jesus is evident. He was a tremendous asset to our building and grounds crew this summer, and was willing to do whatever was asked of him. He desires to use his gifts to advance the cause of Christ among the nations. 

Thank you for your heart to serve with us this summer Chris! In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 

Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!

July 25, 2012

Biblical Partnerships: Raising up the Next Generation of Missions Leaders

School to the Nations is honored and excited when the opportunity comes to train young people on our Home Base Campus. We see the importance of raising up young men and women with a global perspective and a heart to serve ALL people.

Recently we were able to host students from two area churches and are excited to share that experience in hopes that we will continue to see churches encouraging their students to gain a global vision and a heart for missions across our world.

On July 11th, fifteen students from East Sunshine Church of Christ  in Springfield came out and volunteered on our grounds. They were a huge help in completing some maintenance work on our Kelunka Tribal Village and we are so thankful for their hearts and willingness to partner with STN in this way.

Following that, on July 12th, 184 students from Northpoint Church in Springfield took part in a variety of things including working on our Extreme Adventure Challenge Course and took part in a missions awareness event including the Prayer Trail where they were introduced to different unreached people groups and spent time in prayer for each group. We are thankful for churches like Northpoint who are building global missions awareness into the DNA of their student ministries.


Praise the Lord for each student and leader that came out and took part in advancing God's Kingdom into the unreached places of the world!

July 23, 2012

Heart to Serve: Jon Arnold

Not many high school graduates would choose to spend their first summer after graduation volunteering. Working outside, especially in the incredible heat we've had this summer, is not the easiest place to serve, but Jon Arnold decided that this was where God wanted him. Jon recently graduated from Ozark High School and is volunteering for us as our Extreme Adventure Challenge Course Intern. We are so blessed by the hardwork and compassion we see in Jon's life and are thankful for his partnership in using his gifts to have a global impact. 


Jon attends Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo and has plans to attend Ozarks Technical Community College in the fall. Not only is he interning on our challenge course, but he also is spending time shadowing our STN leaders learning the day-to-day details of running a missions organization. He has a heart that loves others and is willing to serve in whatever capacity to help other people. 



Thank you, Jon, for your heart to serve! 
In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 


Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!



July 16, 2012

Heart to Serve: Jenna Kilgallin


For those that know Jenna Kilgallin personally, you are aware of the amazing heart this young woman possesses. Jenna serves as our Cross-Cultural Training Director and is a Field Director on our Frontier Advance Team. Her heart is one full of hope and passion for all people to know Christ. She has traveled numerous times all over the world, including a five month stay in India where she finished her teaching degree from Missouri State University. 

Jenna has a wealth of experience and maturity, far beyond her age. She is "at home" overseas and has a huge heart for each person she meets along the way. Her authentic love for Jesus is evident and her deep love for all the nations of the world is contagious. She attends Emmaus in Springfield, Mo. 

Her heart to serve has an incredible impact on School to the Nations. From welcoming teams that visit for training, organizing trainings for church groups, or researching about future frontiers for STN to serve she has helped us in incredible ways and we are so thankful that the Lord called her to work alongside us in reaching the unreached for Christ. 

Thank you, Jenna, for your heart to serve! 
In the words of Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:21) 


Each of our Heart to Serve featured staff members/volunteers will receive a free 16oz. frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf in Nixa, MO. We are happy to partner with the wonderful people at Orange Leaf to honor these special people who are using their gifts to change the world!!