October brings pumpkin patches, sweaters, hot apple cider, and of course God showing us his beautiful creation in the Fall colors of the trees. At Bethlehem, October brings Global Focus. This year’s Global Focus theme is “All In That All Might Hear: How the Gospel Propels Fervent Discipleship and Mission” with an emphasis on ministry to Muslims. Pastor Afshin Ziafat will join us as our Global Focus guest speaker for events October 23–25. 

Guest Speaker Afshin Ziafat

Pastor Afshin Ziafat comes from an Iranian family who fled to Texas during the Iranian Islamic Revolution. In the second grade, he was given a Bible by a tutor who was teaching him the English language. Afshin read that Bible 10 years later as a senior in high school, and he came to faith in Christ. Ultimately, his family would disown him because of his faith in Christ, and he began to understand the call of Christ on each of our lives—to follow Jesus regardless of the cost. In this same vein, our Global Focus theme will seek to emphasize the “all in” nature of gospel ministry—“that whoever loses his life for the sake of Christ will find it” (Matthew 16:25). 

Ministry Trips Update

During Global Focus, we have traditionally announced the short-term ministry trips that Global Outreach will offer in the coming year. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unsure what opportunities we’ll have for short-term ministry trips in 2021. We’re tentatively planning trips starting in June 2021 but are holding our plans loosely. Thankfully, we have a sovereign God who knows all!

We covet your prayers as we seek God’s will for our ministry trips. Pray for wisdom as we consider whether to proceed with trips next year. Pray for clarity as we sift through information regarding open countries, travel insurance, and protocol for those going on trips. Stay tuned in January 2021 for an update on ministry trips. 

Global Focus 2020 Events

Over the course of October 21–November 1, we have several activities planned for you and your family to participate in during Global Focus. See details below. Please note that all events require registration for in-person attendance, and we are not able to host some of our usual events due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Week 1

Bethlehem College & Seminary Chapel 
Wednesday, October 21, Noon–1pm, Downtown Campus
All are invited to join Bethlehem College & Seminary students and faculty for a Global Focus themed chapel service. We'll worship together and hear from Global Partner Joe B. Register.

Global Focus Kickoff & Celebration With Your Campus

•  Global Focus Kickoff
  Wednesday, October 21, 5:30–7:45pm
  The South Campus will celebrate Global Focus with a global meal and a season of worship and global partner testimonies. The meal is served at 5:30pm, with worship beginning at 6:30pm. Registration opens Friday, October 16, at 8am (for the meal, register with the link in Pastor Dave's Oct 16 email).
  
•  Global Focus Kickoff
  Wednesday, October 21, 5–8pm
  The North Campus will celebrate Global Focus with a global meal and a season of worship and global partner testimonies. The meal is served 5–6pm and worship begins at 6:30pm. Registration for worship opens Friday, October 16, at 8am. For the meal, register by October 19.
  
•  Global Focus Celebration
  Sunday, October 25, 12:30–3pm
  The Downtown Campus will celebrate Global Focus with a global meal and a season of worship and global partner testimonies. After the meal at 12:30pm, the service begins at 1:30pm. Registration for worship opens Wednesday, October 21, at 8am. For the meal, register here.
  

Global Focus Events With Afshin Ziafat

• Q&A With Afshin Ziafat
  Friday, October 23, 1–2:30pm, Downtown Campus
  The Global Outreach Department will host a Q&A event with Global Focus guest speaker Afshin Ziafat. Register.
  
• Seminar: Ministry to Muslims Near and Far
  Saturday, October 24, 9–11am, Downtown Campus
  Global Focus guest speaker Afshin Ziafat will present a seminar on ministering to Muslims in our Twin Cities and among the nations. Register.
  
• Worship Services
  Sunday, October 25, All Campuses
  Global Focus guest speaker Afshin Ziafat will preach from 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10.

Week 2

Bethlehem College & Seminary Global Focus Service
Wed, Oct 28, Noon–1pm, Downtown
All are invited to join Bethlehem College & Seminary students and faculty for a Global Focus themed chapel service on Wednesday, Oct 28. We’ll worship together and hear from Global Partner Scott P. Register.

South Campus Global Focus Worship & Prayer Event
Wednesday, October 28, 5:30–7:45pm
The South Campus will use their Wednesday Connection time to hear from a global partner, pray for gospel advancement, and worship the God of the nations. The meal is served at 5:30pm, with worship beginning at 6:30pm. Registration for worship opens Friday, October 23, at 8am (for the meal, register with the link in Pastor Dave's Oct 23 email).

Youth Missions Night
Friday, October 30, 6–9pm, South Campus
All youth are invited to engage in a night of missions at the South Campus. Register.

Worship Services
Sunday, November 1, All Campuses
The Pastor for Preaching & Vision at each campus will preach.

Missions Call Follow-Up Events

At the worship services on November 1, there will be a “missions call” for those who feel led by God to undertake the call to engage in long-term, cross-cultural missions. Those who respond to this call and all others who are interested and involved in missions with Bethlehem are strongly encouraged to attend the gathering for your campus.

• South Campus (Online)
  Sunday, November 8, 11:15am–12:30pm, on Zoom
  Pastor Dave Zuleger and Global Outreach team members will host an online Zoom session for those who responded to the “missions call” and others engaged in missions with Bethlehem. Register.
  
• North Campus
  Sunday, November 8, 1–3pm
  North Campus, Gym
  Pastor Steven Lee and Global Outreach team members will host a lunch for those who responded to the “missions call” and others engaged in missions with Bethlehem. Register.
  
• Downtown Campus
  Sunday, November 8, 3–5pm
  Downtown Campus, Main Hall
  Pastor Jason Meyer and Global Outreach will host a gathering for those who responded to the “missions call” and others engaged in missions with Bethlehem. Register.