Year End Reflections & Resolutions 2011

End of Year Reflections is a tradition of mine with creative friends... the guest list isn't exclusive. 

I learned to…
I grew most in…
Another way I saw myself growing was…
One of my best adventures was…
I saw/knew God was doing something when…
A real gift from God was…
Something I really enjoyed doing more of was…
One of the happiest memories of 2008 I’d like to freeze in my mind…
I was really brave when…A Scripture passage that meant a lot to me was…
I’m still trying to learn what God wants to teach me through this hard experience…
The best word of advice or encouragement I can remember is…
One thing I’m looking forward to in 2012 is…

RESOLUTIONS
I use post it notes to brainstorm the resolutions. It is my way of saying, "they're just ideas, so if you don't do them, you don't have to feel guilty about it." When we do this in a group, after sharing some of the reflections above, we take a break to individually do the brainstorming, then come back together to share a few. It's fun because we find that some of us have the same goal, and realize that we can do it together. I have 6 categories for brainstorming resolutions:

• Physical
  
• Spiritual
  
• Service
  
• Important Relationships
  
• Professional/Intellectual
  
• Adventure/Risk

On the afternoon of the 2nd, we'll tackle the Post it Note Resolutions. Consider posting a resolution on the wall here to inspire the others!


If I don't get to see you, here's wishing you a blessed Christ focused Christmas, and a wonderful New Year!


Kimberly

Creasmans: What's New(s) November 2011

October Highlights:

Jim:

Outstanding spiritual authority seminar! It was the 3rd time he had led it, and he's learning more each time.  Lord we pray that our lives and ministries would be characterized by your living presence.

At our Staff/Executive Committee retreat there was good open and heartfelt sharing about the vision and growth of CRMS and ministry planning for 2012.  Out of a dozen ministry intiatives we discussed, there was unanimous enthusiasm for starting new monthly learning groups for leaders to gather and discuss/digest quality books together over lunch meetings.

We also were unanimous about initiating mentoring ministry in Vietnam through five weeklong trips during the year.  Lord, thank you for the joy we have working with a common passion for empowering spiritual leaders. We ask that confirm that these are your plans for us by bringing spiritual fruit through them.

Praise the Lord for a fantastic time with the mentoring network in the Philippines!  At the October meeting, the group formally formed CRM Philippines, electing a President and VP and Secretary and Treasurer.  They are very enthusiastic, and I look forward to staying in close touch with them to help them establish and grow the ministry.  We have a three-day training set for December, to continue equipping them as mentors.

Kimberly:  

A couple of events were delightful opportunities to watch younger leaders step out and take risks into their calling as artists or being more creative. Thank you God for the joy of seeing others blossom in serving you with their unique gifts!

We are also thankful for God's gracious provision as friends both here and abroad partner with us in tangible ways. Emerging from a time of "lack" we are so humbled to see an encouraging trend in our CRM and Singapore bank account! Thank you for your prayers about this need, and thank you to those who are partners in the ministry through your gifts! As the resources grow, we can advance with the opportunities!

TCA College Graduation. Student Jaqueline Khoo graduated in Creative Arts. She is a professional social worker and also serves in the Chinese Ministry, music and creative arts of Grace Assembly of God, Singapore. She and her husband have a dream to be full time Christian workers someday...somewhere.

Tyler (18): 

Diagnosed last week with mono, he's not letting it slow him down much. Enjoying school and ROTC and new friends! Lord we pray for restored health and strength, and that by your Spirit, Tyler would follow you in all his ways, in all the new directions you are giving him opportunities to explore.

Cameron (14):

Football season is over and grades are out for first quarter. We are all so thankful Lord, for teachers at his school who work together with parents to give the students what they need to be successful and grow in godliness. 

Our Prayers for November

3-5 Facilitator Training

One of the most important events of the year for CRMS. We have twelve graduates from our mentoring networks joining Jim for three days of training on group facilitation and personal coaching. In order to become new leaders for our mentoring networks. Lord, for Jim and for the participants, we pray that they would catch more of the passion and vision and skills for personally investing their lives in other spiritual leaders, for the sake of your glorious name!

10-20 CoNext Meetings

Jim travels to London for meetings with CRM country leaders around the world. CRM is a fraternal organization rather than a multinational organization, so each country has a separate entity that relates to the others on a peer level, rather than USA being the worldwide headquarters. This will be an important time for the dozen country leaders to grow closer together, to support each other and find out how we can learn fro each other and collaborate together. Lord, we pray that you will guide the agenda and use the discussions to strengthen the working partnerships that have been birthed from CRM - for the grown and multiplication of your church around the world!

14-18 

An Invitation to Peace

From the CRM website:This fall we are honored to invite you to participate in CRM’s annual Week of Prayer.

From over 27 countries around the world, CRM staff and ministry partners will join hearts and minds together as we focus our attention on the Lord, who is the source of our peace and all good things. Through a daily email devotional, we will reflect on God’s invitation to be known and loved by Him, to be redeemed, to be still, to observe His provision, and to journey with Him.

If you would like to receive this shared reading and reflection every day from November 14 - 18, you can sign up on our prayer page at crmleaders.org/prayer.

We will also join together in more focused prayer on the annual Day of Prayer, on November 17. On this specific day, staff and ministry partners will pray for the requests of each other and for the movement of God around the world. We invite you to participate in whatever way you feel led, whether as a recipient of prayer or as one who might intercede for others.

Please reply to this if you want us to be praying for you. CRM also has offered to pray as a staff in our offices in Anaheim, CA. To submit a prayer request, simply send an email to donorservices@crmleaders.org or submit your request online at crmleaders.org/prayer.

If you would like to be involved in ministering to others through prayer, please contact Sheri Price at sheri.price@crmleaders.org.

We hope that this coming season will be one of deeper intimacy with the Lord, leading to an abundance of fruit and ministry in our lives and the world around us!

*All prayer requests are handled with the utmost care and privacy.

24-27 Thanksgiving!

Jim and Cameron will take a father-son trip locally while Kimberly cashes in on frequent flier miles to be with family in California. Lord God, we can't thank you enough for all you've done for us by giving us salvation and hope through Jesus and his sacrificial death for our sakes: to make a way to know you and live lives of purpose. And for those "secondary blessings" when good things come our way, or you provide peace and comfort in the midst of hard things, we are also grateful! Bless our friends and supporters this Thanksgiving with abundance and joy.

I have not stopped thanking God for you. 

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the 

glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

to give you spiritual wisdom and insight 

so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light 

so that you can understand the confident hope 

he has given to those he called—

his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand 

the incredible greatness of God’s power 

for us who believe him. 

This is the same mighty power 

that raised Christ from the dead 

and seated him in the place of honor 

at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms

Ephesians 1:16-20 (New Living Translation)

Please let us know how we can be praying for you!

Blessing. Joy. Humility. Gratitude. Grace.

Jim & Kimberly Creasman

Charitable Giving thru CRM

Please consider 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

CRM Week of Prayer

Having trouble reading this email? View it on our website.

Dear Friends of CRM, One of the most powerful ways we can minister God’s love and truth is through praying for each other. For this reason, CRM sets aside a special day each year to pray for our staff, our partners in ministry, and the work that God is doing around the world. Please join us this year on  November 17, 2011 as we come before the Lord together. We invite you to share your prayer requests with us or send them via email to prayer@crmleaders.org so that we can pray for you more specifically. Also, as an important member of CRM's community, you are invited to join us for a weeklong observance of prayer. FromMonday, November 14 to Friday, November 18, we are offering a short daily email featuring a Psalm and prayer points centered on God’s invitation for us to know His love, be still before Him, and surrender ourselves to His providence. Please join us as we draw together to reflect on the past year and all that God has accomplished in our midst! You can subscribe online at crmleaders.org/prayer. (If you received our Lent mailing in the past, you will automatically be added to the list.) We hope this ministry of prayer will be a blessing to you and that you will be encouraged by spending a few moments with the Lord as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday together. We look forward to joining you as we give praise and thanks to our Creator. Happy Thanksgiving! CRM Empowering Leaders www.crmleaders.org Pass It On: If you know someone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, feel free to forward a copy. To find out more about CRM or to send us your prayer requests, send us an email or call 800-777-6658. For more information, visit www.crmleaders.org.

©2011 CRM Empowering Leaders , 1240 N. Lakeview Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807. Unsubscribe from this newsletter.

YaYa Seasoned Sisters of Singapore- Amazon Link to What We're Reading This Fall:

I love my group of Seasoned Sisters and look forward each week to Wednesdays. If you're in Singapore, have Wednesdays 1-3PM free, don't yet have a circle of trusted girlfriends, and need a spiritual home, come join us. Author Pam Farrel's a perennial cheerleader with encouraging and mature spiritual insights. THough this book is called The 10 Best Decisions a Woman Can Make, it's really more like The 10 CATEGORIES of Best Decisions a Woman Can Make. That's why my group of YaYas agreed with me to read it over again after we'd tried to make this book our summer reading!

Samples: Cost of Living, Singapore

Once in 1998 we published a list like this; some samples of costs for living in China. 
Someone was wondering recently what costs of living are for us in Singapore. This might be more financial info than my Western friends are comfortable talking about! I've become so Chinese about these things. Hardly a week goes by when I don't have a neighbor ask me how much I pay in rent!

So this morning I did a quick look at my records. I've been using this simple but great little phone app: Moneybook, just have to have the discipline to put the expenses in as we go and it does the calculations and syncing with an account online.

For those who are on our support team, or are considering it, here's a concrete way to think about what you might be supporting. A representation of some ministry & some of our personal expenses.

[US>SG$ calculated in current exchange rate]

Singapore dollars
$80 [US$62] /monthly transportation allowance for Cameron
$175 [US$134] approx cost for hosting last year's Thanksgiving Party/open house for 30 neighbors.
$300 [US$230]  average monthly gas for the car.
(Never a day goes by that I am not immensely thankful to have a car!)
$250-$550 round trip ticket to mentoring w/pastors in neighboring countries (1/4ly)
$834 [US$640] /mo Singapore income tax
$1150 [US$883] food costs in September
$1200 [US$921] gifts sent to current donors at Chinese New Year 2011
$1400-$1800 [US$1047-$1381] one round trip plane ticket SINGAPORE>LA. Or to bring Tyler back for a holiday.
$2400 /mo rent [US$1842]
$4000 [US$3071] TOTAL monthly household expenses
$5,300 [US$5069] Total medical expenses so far this year

(we'll make our $5000 deductible for the first time, so we'll get some back!)

$8,500 [US$6525] Total receipts for our family trip to visit missionaries March 2010.

$16,000 [US$12,283] Annual School expenses for Cameron (blessed w/ 40% discount as an Mkid. With Tyler in a Cal State School, and having managed to maintain residency through home ownership and some California State Tax over the years, college costs less than school in Singapore!)

Weekend Update: I'm on an insulting streak!

Saturday Evening:

I get to the announcer's booth after the first of the three High School football games for my "DJ" gig while Jim announces. Between games this is also where the officials cool off and get some refreshment in the airconditioning. Trying to figure out what time he'll be getting home, one of the refs asks,

"So, how long are these games lasting?"


I answer in jest, "I think it depends on how many yellow flags are thrown on the field."

Later I found out that the first game had an uncommonly large amount of penalties called.

Ooops. It surely sounded to that ref like I was being sarcastic rather than just joking.

Sunday Evening:

I was attending the TCA College graduation. Since 2006 I've been teaching college level theatre courses to those who want to use drama/creative arts in ministry. At the reception, I meet and get into conversation with a Board Member and a Richard Goetz professor of Theology, who comments about the power of the arts, and how Christian Churches are missing out on embracing the arts for worship and outreach. I feel like we're clicking in this conversation, so I make a comment along these lines:

I struggle sometimes with the paradox of generating excitement for practicing arts as ministry, because there will never be any income in it to speak of. I've spent my entire life devoted to exploring how to use arts in ministry, and though the thanks and praise were abundant, only on one hand can I count the years I was remunerated more than $500. That's what some churches will pay a one time guest speaker. And yet, they'll ask me to work longer and harder preparing a sketch for worship that supports his message.... 

Still, God has given me this passion and calling, so I keep having to put such facts at his feet. He has always provided for me, in other ways, but it's harder to have faith in his provision for my students, when I know they are destined to have the same sense of being devalued for the gifts in ministry God has given them and I am fanning into flame.

I went home last night and saw an interview with this faculty member in the Graduation Booklet:

"My passion is for the classroom...I told myself that this was so great that I will do this even if they don't pay me. When you find your passion you know it, because you can honestly say I will do this even if they did not pay me."

Ooops. I now imagine that he thought my comments were in critical response to his interview. Duh. Nope, I was just being guilelessly honest about my experience and what I wrestle with as an artist.

eNews>Praying for the Creasmans in October

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

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!

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

More photo highlights from September:

We're keeping in touch via 21st century technology: