January 11th, 2012
Creasmans: What’s New(s) 2012
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"Let love be your highest goal..." 1Corinthians 14:1
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November 23rd, 2011
Thanksgiving 2011
When the Lord called us to Singapore in 1997, he gave us a vision for Singaporean Christian leaders building up leaders and churches in China and in the other countries of Asia.
For the past 14 years, we have been personally investing in dozens and hundreds of leaders, who have reproduced into individuals and churches and ministries. Praise the Lord, this has been fulfilling as we have seen many Christian leaders equipped and encouraged for more fruitful ministry!
Through the years, we have had occasional involvement in overseas ministries in other countries. But two years ago, we sensed the Lord saying it was time to expand from our base in Singapore and intentionally start pioneering mentoring ministries in other Asian countries. Jim has been making trips to Malaysia, China, and the Philippines to support three of our CRM Singapore leaders who have started mentoring groups in those countries.
Last month, our group in the Philippines formally registered CRM Philippines, with the intention of multiplying mentoring groups among Christian leaders there. One of the pastors will be the CRM Philippines staff to build the ministry. Praise the Lord for their vision and enthusiasm, but it is still an infant movement, and will need a lot of nurture to develop well. Jim and Singaporeans will continue to mentor them in their ministry development.
Jim also senses the Lord directing him to Vietnam next year. He is planning trips every two months to start mentoring leaders there, and has already translated our curriculum and made contacts with many leaders who are interested in partnering.
Please pray for the beginning of the Vietnam initiative, as well as the continuation of the budding Malaysia, China, and Philippines groups.
And thank you for your partnership – by investing in us, you are investing in Asian Christian leaders!
Jim & Kimberly
an overview of the ministries of Church Resource Ministries (CRM) our sending organization in US: Crmleaders.org
The extension of that in Singapore which is now multiplying in Asia: CRMS.org.sg
October 11th, 2011
Creasmans: What’s New(s) October 2011
Thanks for your prayers with us in September
Jim:
Pastors who are starting CRM in the Philippines have met for their 3rd retreat with individual coaching. One of them is pursuing a call to lead this emerging ministry focused on empowering with this mentoring model. In turn they empower others under their leadership to grow in intimacy with God and live out His unique call on their lives.
Kimberly:
Loads of emails, and prayers and phone calls have ensued following a blog post I wrote in August. For me it’s turning into a season of bridge building and encouraging Sending Churches in what their role can be in Missionary Care. As a case study, this experience is a remarkable model of processing conflict. This communication with my church leaders has built a stronger bridge. I’m really encouraged to know that I am part of a church where we call can respect one another, make apologies where needed and all be humble enough own our sin and move forward stronger in unity and purpose.
CRMS Annual General Meeting 2011: Thank you Lord for the momentum rolling with addition of new staff and expansion into neighboring countries.
Tyler:
Loving CPSLO after 2 weeks of classes and the week of orientation. He’s training with ROTC and really diving in (which is unusual for TCKs – they tend to stay on the fringe and observe for awhile). Said, “Even though it’s a large campus, nearly everywhere I go I see someone I’ve already met.” He had a great 6 weeks with grandparents…getting driver’s license, spending some fun time with them alone, helping them with some things around their homes (technical mostly). It’s a fun season to see him step into adulthood and manage his time and money on his own (all bills are going to HIM now!)
Cameron:
As always a joy to live with if we ignore the mess! Upon returning to Singapore, a few noticed a change over the summer. He’s more confident and stepping up as a leader with his peers. We stay positive that he’ll continue to learn how to apply his mind to learning, his body toward strength and fitness, and his heart to following Jesus.
Prayers for October:
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Singapore American Football League continues to be the Creasman’s Fall pastime (missing only the accompanying cooler weather and marching bands!). Cameron (#54 left tackle) is playing on Tyler’s former team in the High School league and we continue to deepen our friendships and influence in the expat community. Pray that we will have opportunities to share God’s love and hope – the Gospel – every week of football!
2
Praise God for the graduates of TCA College! Thank you Lord for Kimberly’s role as an occasional lecturer, equipping younger Christian leaders in their use of drama in ministry. Lead her to ways she can continue to use her expertise to inspire other young people who are passionate about the arts and ministry.
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Lord, guide us as we spend some time on Mondays making phone calls and connecting with supporters and potential donors to our life and ministry here in Asia. Give us discernment about knowing who to call, and a continued confidence in your faithful provision, as we need to raise an additional $3,000 in monthly donations.
3-7,31
We host visitors who are coming through Singapore. Lord, we pray through us you offer vision and insight into the strategic role this little island has on the Kingdom of God in this region.
8
CRMS staff, Andy Lim leads the inaugural “Run for the Nation” prayer run across the island. Lord, thank you for calling such inspiring and godly Asian leaders to join us in CRMS & building spiritual leaders, we pray for wisdom as we join potential staff this coming week in seeking your will for joining us in this movement.
15
Count Your Blessings! After meeting a few times this month with Kimberly, thirteen dormitory staff of a Christian High School will perform Playback Theatre for students on the theme of “Thankfulness.” Jesus, we pray that this outreach to international students studying and living in a Christian environment will draw them to a personal and lasting relationship with you!
17-19
Jim leads a mentoring network in Manila, and helps these pastors grow as mentors for others. Please pray for their own growth and for their vision and ability to empower other leaders.
18-19
Women’s Retreat in nearby Johor, Malaysia. God, thank you for making it clear that you wanted K! to pass on the CRM Women’s Leadership meetings in Spain (Oct 16-21). Hard to do it, but thank you for your guidance. In this short time away with her Singapore sisters, build us in unity, deepen our roots with you, and give us vision for your future for us as your daughters.
20
Jim teaches a seminar in Singapore on growing in spiritual authority - what it is, where it comes from, how to exercize it, and how to grow in it. We long for the evidence of God’s presence in our lives and ministries. Lord we pray that Jim & Kimberly would continue growing in intimacy with Christ and that his leading and providing for them would be evident to all around them.
22
Handmade #3. K! is participating in an outreach with Grace Assembly of God. Lord we thank you for how you are using the arts to communicate your message! Thank you for Namiko and her gifts in dance and love for you! Bless her as she builds a team using Hawaiian Hula as a worship dance for you.
27-28
Retreat for CRMS staff and board members to evaluate and ideastorm our ministry to help churches and spiritual leaders grow and impact Asia. Lord, we pray that you would raise up godly and gifted men and women to join CRMS as spiritual mentors, and to go as missionaries to other Asian countries. We pray for love and creativity as a team, and for your guidance and resources to grow in our spiritual impact.
Plus:
Please pray that i would have Joshua’s courage and Joseph’s dream and vision to pursue the establishment of CRM Phils! - Pastor Nathan, Manila
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| Mid-Autumn festival “mooncakes” with Yi Hui. She continues her frequent visits when Kimberly is home in the afternoons, and is slowly getting socialized and learning how to read. She’s a much happier little “stray” who is taking (and most certainly failing) the PSLE this week (Primary School Leaving Exam) |
How can we be praying
for you?
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. - 1 Peter 5:10
Jim & Kimberly Creasman
Charitable Giving thru CRM
Thank you for making our work here an extension of your heart for Asia.
We pray that you’d have great joy in these kind of investments,
whether is it with us or with other good work around the world!
Donation questions (in USA) 1 (800) 777-6658
you may add “preferenced for Creasman-acct 5651″
CRM- 1240 N. Lakeview, Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92807-1831
More photo highlights from September:
We’re keeping in touch via 21st century technology:
July 17th, 2011
July Gatherings in the South Bay
Let’s Get Together!
Come hear and experience* what God is doing through Church Resource Ministries Singapore.
24th Sunday, 7-9pm RHCC Dessert (location TBD)
27th Wednesday, 7pm Journey Covenant BBQ at Jim & Beth Stewart’s
29th Friday, 5pm BBQ / 7pm Sharing at Bob & Megan Moore’s
*PLUS 30th Saturday, 9am-12noon
Family Seminar on Transitions.
July 2nd, 2011
Get ready California here we come!
Checklist for July
X Arrange for House and Dog Sitter in Singapore
X Borrow a car in California
X Find someone who’ll let us hang out (live) with them in the South Bay
X Get U.S. Summer Cell Phone numbers (below)
Arrange meaningful get-togethers with friends.
So, Californians, shall we get together?
We’ll be staying in Redondo Beach and have a basic schedule below, but the details are missing.
Where do you fit?
Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? Coffee?
…A walk on the beach?Give us a call! We’ll make a date to see you!
3 July – 9AM through lunch…even dinner!
Fullerton Evangelical Free Church, Encouragement Inc Sunday School Class.
North Campus 180. Worship 2nd service. Lunch: Chipotle, OBO…
4 July – from 4PM
Orange County, Tri Cities Park for the fireworks. Contact us if you’ll be there too!
6-8 July – In the San Luis Obispo area
9-10 July – WORSHIP @ Rolling Hills Covenant
Voyagers Class, 9AM Sunday, Carlson Hall
13 July – Redondo Beach, Riviera Village 7-8:45PM
Grab a coffee with Kimberly and/or Jim while Cameron attends the HS Sunset Sing.
16-17 July – WORSHIP @ Rolling Hills Covenant
Homebuilders, 9AM Sunday, 301 N Campus. Jim teaching
Turning Point, 10:45AM Sunday, 301 N Campus. Jim teaching
18-20 July – San Diego area, including Mt. Miguel Covenant Village on the 19th
23 July – FEFC, Encouragement Inc. Social: Game Night
25 July – RHCC GO (Global Outreach) Commission Meeting, Community Centre
27 July – BBQ with friends from Journey Covenant, South Bay.
Do you attend Journey? Let us know, we’ll send some details.
28 July – Fullerton EV Free Missions Committee meeting/BBQ. Evening.
31 July – The River Church, Rancho Palos Verdes, 10AM.
1 August – LAX to Singapore
Kimberly & Cameron back to get ready for 9th grade.
3-5 August – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Jim & Tyler at Cal Poly Orientation
7 August onwards
Creasmans – minus Tyler – back in Singapore (More about ministry in another email!)
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Kimberly (310) 561-5282
skype: charminfullbloom
Jim: (310) 561-5382
skype: asiabruin
Sure hope we can see you this summer!
Jim & Kimberly
Please pray for the work going on in Singapore in our absence: www.crms.org.sg
If you’d like to congratulate our graduate Tyler, permanent US mailing address: c/o 5380 Via Maria, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Charitable Giving thru CRM
Thank you for making our work here an extension of your heart for Asia.
We pray that you’d have great joy in these kind of investments,
whether is it with us or with other good work around the world!www.crmleaders.org
Donation questions (in USA) 1 (800) 777-6658
you may add “preferenced for Creasman-acct 5651″
CRM- 1240 N. Lakeview, Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92807-1831
December 18th, 2010
Clementi Christmas
The first story of most Singapore apartment buildings, like ours, is open air for walking through. (We live on the fifth floor of a 25-storey building, and most buildings are between 16 and 26 storeys.)
Today, the neighborhood Resident’s Committee has planned a Christmas party and is setting up downstairs…
December 17th, 2010
CRMS Staff Lunch
We have our CRMS staff meetings on Fridays, and today we went to visit one of our volunteer staff who directs a community centre for the elderly. Three of our staff were traveling, but those in the picture (L -> R) are Rita our Intern from China, Jennifer the volunteer staff, K!Mberly, How Beng and Andy).
As we arrived at the community centre, we were surprised to see a fire engine pull up and saw smoke coming out of an apartment. This is the first time in 10 years I have seen a fire in Singapore. It seemed like everyone was safely out of the apartment, and the firemen quickly got it under control, but there was a lot of smoke!
December 14th, 2010
Cameron at 14
Today is Cameron’s 14th birthday!!! He will celebrate by playing a game with his basketball team after school, and then going out for pizza with some of the players and their families.
Lord, thank you for Cameron and the special boy that he is. Please bless him in every way this year, guiding him to grow up to be a man of faith and goodness, loving you and serving people, and discovering his gifts and calling.
November 28th, 2010
Tyler@work
This month Tyler completed his first round of college applications. There are a few more he intends to complete next month.
Here he is in his natural habitat in our living room, multi-tasking: computer, ipod, and textbook. I used to be able to work like that, too. Except back then it was TV, 8 Track, and textbook : )
November 25th, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
This year we had a nice gathering of 33 neighbors and friends at our house to celebrate Thanksgiving. We read from parts of Thanksgiving proclamations from the Pilgrims, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln; and then read a lesson in Luke 7:36-50 about where real thankfulness comes from.
November 21st, 2010
Signs of the Times
Saw the sign below in our neighborhood today. Some of the apartment buildings next to us do not have elevators that stop on every floor, they stop about every four floors. Now the government is upgrading these “lifts” in our neighborhood so that they will stop on every floor.
Singaporeans know what that means – when the government starts making a lot of public improvements, parliamentary elections must be around the corner…
November 19th, 2010
Day of Prayer
Today was a worldwide day of prayer for CRM. A few of our staff went to a park near our office and prayed for our friends, relatives, neighbors, nations, and governments. Several friends in the US sent requests to us through the CRM office, and we were able to pray together for them.
The Lord encouraged us through some psalms with words like these:
Psa. 33.20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
Kimberly with CRM Singapore staff Jeanne and Regina:
November 18th, 2010
Mentoring Leaders
Jim’s ministry is primarily with pastors in Singapore, mentoring them in small groups and one-to-one. Pastors are a source of wisdom and support for a lot of people, but often they do not have anyone to turn to for counsel about their own lives and leadership.
Jim serves as a pastor’s pastor, giving a listening ear, encouragement, asking questions to help them discern how God is speaking to them, and providing outside perspective for their own growth and leadership. He works with leaders from all kinds of churches – Presbyterian, Baptist, Brethren, Anglican, Assemblies of God, Methodist, Lutheran, independent – and on all kinds of issues – decision-making, church leadership issues, conflict resolution, counseling needs, pastoral skills, sermon preparation, small group curricula, community outreach….
The goal is not only to build spiritual leaders, but to empower them to reproduce their lives in others, so that their churches will be more fruitful in fulfilling God’s purposes for them, and reach lost people with his saving love.
November 17th, 2010
Char Siew Chicken
One of our favorite things about Singapore is the variety and convenience of food available. Here is Jim’s lunch today as he met with a group of pastors at an outdoor food court, which is his typical lunch (and usually dinner) venue…
November 14th, 2010
Father-Son Retreat
Cameron and I (Jim) spent four days together on a Father-Son trip talking about growing into manhood. We listened and talked about lessons from Dr Dobson’s CDs on “Preparing for Adolescence” including issues like puberty, peer pressure, relationships with girls, relationships with parents, self-image, etc.
We also had a lot of fun eating whatever we wanted and playing in the hotel pool and at the beach!
