Profile:

Name: Rich Shattenberg

Mission: WorldVenture

Address: BP 55, Mahajanga 401, Madagascar

Phone Number: 480 393 0553 when connected to Internet or my cell 261 328 660 0572

e-mail: shatts@worldventure.net
Address for Support: WorldVenture, 1501 W Mineral

Ave. Littleton, CO 80120_
Memo/Account: Missionary account number: 676

Family/Personal:

1. People are interested in the life of my family. What have been the joys, challenges and/or concerns in the last year?

Life of my family: It is completely different as a single person than when Bonnie was with me. I have enjoyed the support of my 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Jamie and his family are here in Madagascar. My other 3 children and their families are living close together in Phoenix, AZ.

Joys: This last year was my long awaited return to Madagascar. It was a great delight to return to so many Malagasy friends and to minister and be a witness for Jesus Christ here. It feels like home.

Challenges: The greatest challenge is living the single life. I miss the companionship of a wife who can be a confident in every aspect of life. Learning to cook and taking care of my needs is a necessity that is self-learned, but finding a companion who can be a confident and partner in life and ministry is challenging. Finding a life partner who is willing to live in Madagascar, able to speak the Malagasy language in order to serve our Lord here, and be able to understand me as a mixture of American/Malagasy culture is not an easy task, plus there may be few who would be able to meet these qualifications.

Ministry:

1. What was my most rewarding achievement this last year?

I am most rewarded in the thrill of being able to teach God’s Living Word in Malagasy at BAO School, and numerous Baptist Churches. But a close second to that is seeing the maturing of the leaders in churches who are able to explain God’s Word in a clear and understandable way. There are many churches here using gimmicks and thrills to attract people but it is exciting to see leaders who present a solid good clear presentation of the Word of God which is applicable to the Malagasy people. I suppose I am so excited by it because I have had a small part in helping to bring it about.

2. How has my ministry and/ or responsibilities changed during this past year?

When I left Madagascar in July 2007, Bonnie and I were the only WorldVenture missionaries in Madagascar. When I returned in Nov. 2010 there were 3 single women mid-term WorldVenture missionaries here. On January 1, 2011, two new families joined the Mad Team in Madagascar. One of the single ladies returned to the States. So now we are a WorldVenture team with 3 single units and 2 family units having 5 small children among them. One of the family units is my son Jamie with his wife and 3 small children.

This has caused a big change in the dynamics of the Mad Team. Before it was Bonnie and I. Now it is 12 people. I have now resigned as Field Leader realizing that trying to be a Dad, Grandpa, and Field leader to my family can be awkward and sometimes strain our relationships. This also frees me up to be involved in the ministry of teaching the Word in Madagascar. I now no longer have to concentrate on Team as the field leader but as an elder statesman of the field.

However, the transition of the Field Leadership to another man who has just recently arrived in Madagascar also has its unique aspects. So, please pray with me that I can have a good positive mentoring affect.

3. What are my projected goals and/or objectives for the next year?

1. Direct and teach Bible at BAO School where we train young people is life skills of Computer, English, and the Bible. School starts on Oct. 11th.

2. Continue to oversee the renewal of the Fitiavana (Love) Center where handicapped and hardship children are given the opportunity to go to grade school.

3. Teach in a pastoral training center that will start evening classes 4 days a week on Oct. 4th.

4. Work with Pastor Tovo travelling to visit and encourage churches.

5. Prepare a presentation of the work of WorldVenture in the world and here in Madagascar to be presented at the August 2012 Annual meetings of the Baptist Church where they will be celebrating 80 years of ministry in Madagascar. I am attempting to place every Baptist church in Madagascar on Google Maps.

6. Here is our WorldVenture Madagascar vision statement: Partnering as servants of Jesus Christ with a holistic approach to sustainable, and transformational healing in Madagascar.

4. What are some one-time needs or projects in my future ministry?

We are redoing the BAO School computer center so that computer skills can more effectively be taught. We have 7 functioning computers at this time. We would like to have 18 computers in the lab. A used computer (Pentium 4) with a flat screen monitors can be bought here for around $250-$300. It is less expensive to buy them here than to ship them from the States and then pay duty. Eleven computers are needed. This will cost between $2,750 to $3,300.

I find it amazing as I travel in Madagascar. People come up to me and say “I went to BAO” and they relate how their lives have been changed and how the skills they learned at BAO enabled them to get a good job that brought about this change. Some have found good jobs, some have become pastors and leaders in their churches, and some are doing amazing ministry as they serve our Lord.

If anyone would like to help, gifts can be sent to WorldVenture and designated to the following account: Special project: MADAG-COMPUTERS BAO SCHL 906.

You may give electronicly to this Special Project by going to the following address:

https://worldventure.com/GiveNow.aspx?id=4727&aliaspath=/Give/G...

under give to projects: choose: Madagascar Computers for Ministry

5. In what ways can a church or individual continue to be of help to me personally and/or in my ministry in the next year?

1. Help in the request above (number 4 aboutneeded computers) would be fantastic.

2. Send people who want to find out what it is like to serve God in another country.

3. What have you read or seen lately that has made the Word of God come alive in your life?

4. Would you like to Skype (my address: mahajanga7) or I can call you sometime to talk if you send me your phone number?

5. What is happening with churches in the States ? What is happening with you ? What are the new theological tensions this year in the States ?

6. I am just finishing reading “5 different views of sanctification” and now am beginning “The meaning of Jesus – two visions” that looks at Jesus from two viewpoints – one conservative and one more liberal. I am also reading “How to be a better listener”.

6. Has my support level been adequate to meet my needs this year? If not, how so?

Here is my present support standing stated in yearly support.

Total Yearly Support package: $89,992

Total Yearly committed $85,846
Total tearly needed: $  4,146 or $346 per month

Percent Support Needed: 5%

Percent Support committed:  95%

God continues to provide my support. I am amazed and thankful to God and to you.

7. Is there any additional information you want the Missions Commission to be aware of / consider regarding your ministry?

I have the opportunity of retiring in a little over a year if I want. At this time it hasn’t even entered my mind. I have more opportunities and more effectiveness than I have ever imagined. It is just too much fun to want to retire and leave all this.

I am so thankful for the many many years of financial and prayer support from so many of you. I can never thank you enough.

Prayer request: as you read this report I am sure you can see many ways to pray for me. However, I have just one request. Sometime in the future I am finishing. I want to finish well as a man of God. So pray I will be the man of God that He wants me to be – sensitive to the Spirit, grounded and excited with God’s Word, and loving all people.

Thank you,
Rich Shattenberg