Outreach Ministry

David & Diana Stoddard

David and Diana Stoddard have had a variety of missionary experiences. Before getting married, David spent two years in Peru, and Diana spent almost five years in Haiti. Together they ministered in Church Development and Leadership Training in Colombia for 22 years with TEAM and there raised their three children, Jason, Rebekah and Amanda. Then God called them to begin a new ministry in Guatemala with the Central American Theological Seminary or SETECA (as it is known in the Latin American context). They both are serving as Assistant Directors in the Ministerial Program, a program designed for local pastors and lay leaders. Diana, along with some seminary students, is also developing an evangelistic puppet ministry.

Carol James

Carol has lived and worked at Mucajai Station among the Yanomami Indians of Brazil since 1967. Over the years, she has served in the medical clinic, translated Bible stories into the Yanomami language, and taught the people to read and write. Carol now devotes her time to teaching 7 literacy classes, using scripture based lessons. Pray specifically that a church would soon be established. Pray against the continuing problem (even among new believers) of spiritual ancestry (sacrifices to the dead) and drug and alcohol abuse.

Carol serves with the Unevangelized Fields Mission (UFM) whose ministry focuses on evangelism and church planting in 22 countries. She is a long time member of Ridgeland Community Church. E-mail Address: mucajai@maf.org (under subject, write: Carol James)

Rochester Family Mission

The Rochester Family Mission is a Christian organization called to serve and strengthen inner-city families by meeting their material and spiritual needs. Begun in 1927, the RFM seeks to: * meet short-term family needs for food and clothing
* provide spiritual support through a full program of church activities
* present to young people Christian standards for conduct and lifestyle through a year-round program of youth ministries
* offer a program of adult Christian education for pastors and lay persons through the Rochester Institute of Christian Ed. (RICE)
* provide tutoring and counseling for youth and adults

Young Life

Young Life is a nondenominational, international organization, purposes to show teenagers the love of Jesus Christ and His relevance to their everyday lives. Through Young Life Clubs, Campaigners, and Summer Camps, fun and challenging programs especially designed for them, Christian teens are encouraged to progress in faith and are given the opportunity to share the Gospel with their friends. Young Life outreach is carried out largely by volunteers. Christian adults sponsor YL in local high schools by supporting volunteer leaders and raising needed funds. We support Young Life missionaries Nathan and Joy Stoddard.

Short-Term Mission Projects

It is a goal of the Outreach Committee to make available opportunities for members and friends of RCC to participate in short-term missions projects here at home, in other areas of the USA or abroad. In summer 2000, twenty-five people took part in our first Appalachia Service Project, repairing homes and sharing love with families in eastern Tennessee. In spring 2004, eight youth and nine adult workers joined with several hundred others from across Monroe County who served through the Flower City Project, repairing homes, holding street Bible studies and more right here in Rochester.

Linda Gamlen

Linda has been sharing with international friends in the Rochester area since 1988. In 2000, she founded International Student Network, which assists and encourages foreign students, their families and visitors to our area. Under her direction, the ISN Core Team (a group of representatives from area congregations) coordinates programs designed to build bridges of friendship between Americans and international visitors and to help students with practical and spiritual needs at locations near the U.of R. and RIT campuses.

Linda, credentialed with Elim Fellowship, is a frequent speaker at churches and groups, sharing her vision, teaching God’s Word, or training laymen in outreach. Through her many activities, she has become an administrator, teacher, counselor and friend to many in the Rochester area.