Serve The World

The Stories

Below are stories of how people are touching other's with the love of Jesus and how people are getting connected at Salem. If you would like more information on how to get involved at Salem, please contact info@salemchurch.org

Kudos to Salem Families from

the Go Be Do Reach Team -June 2013

Once again, the families of Salem were responsive in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. More than 70 participants united to work on several projects from 40 handmade cards to be sent to our partners and missionaries, to sewing for people in need. We also had many participate in the Walk for Life to support the Miami Valley Women's Center as they promote life as the only choice! (Click here to read a thank you letter from MVWC). A team of volunteers served meals to the hungry at the Gospel Mission in downtown Dayton. In addition, Salem families were extremely generous in donating household items to help teenagers transitioning from foster care into independence. The list goes on and on, but the most important part is that the serving culture is growing, and this we celebrate, and we give all glory to God.

Our Salem Story - January 2013

Our names are David and Beth, and we recently became followers of Christ. Since becoming believers, we have been looking for a church home. For the past two years we have visited many different churches. In some churches, Beth felt comfortable, and in some churches, Dave felt comfortable... but the one church that spoke to both of us was Salem Church of God. Initially, it was the music that reeled us in. Pastor Boots’ combination of contemporary songs along with traditional hymns is refreshing. The obvious shepherding of the pastoral staff keeps us coming back--Pastor Moss’ weekly message is inspiring, and we feel a special connection to Pastor Cookston after having been baptized by him in the pond. This church was the right place for us to

worship as new Christians, and we know we will continue to grow in

our faith here at Salem Church of God.

Robin and Faith Jelle

Missionaries to Navajos

On Sunday, October 21, 2012, morenthan 75 people were privileged to learn about Salem missionaries Robin and Faith Jelle, who are dedicated to the cause of Christ in northeast Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. Faith, known as the youth pastor, works with the young people, counseling them and providing activities which will lead them to Christ. She also works with families to help them solve problems with Biblical principles. Robin is a construction specialist and works to help cover their family expenses. He guides Navajo families as they learn to repair their homes and helps the Navajo men apply the Word of God as they make decisions. To be of help to the Jelles as they minister to the Navajo youth and adults, Salem Church has been privileged to assist with construction on the chapel, the water and tool storage building, and the bunk house on their ministry center. Please pray for hearts to be softened to join a team that will go to the Jelle ministry site and continue with construction of these buildings during 2013. Contact Jeanie at RarickGJ@gmail.com.

Our Salem Story (April 2012)

Our family began attending Salem in June of 2011. Our daughter Jackie expressed interest in finding a youth group that was encouraging to her faith but did not just consist of wild and crazy events, as some do. Salem was a great fit. In the same way she has enjoyed the youth ministry, we have found the services, staff and congregation welcoming and encouraging. The Welcome Luncheon and Starting Point Class have been just what we needed to get to know staff members and other new people at Salem. Salem is a place where we feel at home and able to use the gifts God has given us to serve others. - Tom, Janny and Jackie Kehr

Shoes for Orphan Souls

The numbers were exciting – Salem collected 355 pairs of shoes (71% of our goal) and 146 pairs of socks and we had a lot of fun packing everything. However, the deeper story is that new shoes matter. Dang Yuebo lived in an NGO orphanage just outside of Beijing, China. This organization had faithfully made the pledge to never say “No,” when a Chinese orphanage called asking for help with special needs orphans who would not receive proper care. Because of their great faith that needs would be provided, hundreds of children would be rescued and brought into their care. Little Dang Yuebo received a pair of donated shoes when Shoes for Orphan Souls visited The Philip Hayden Foundation in 2003. In 2006, The Philip Hayden Foundation changed its name to Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village, and Dang Yuebo became Asher David Bench. It is a great privilege to support, and be connected to Shepherd’s Field and Shoes for Orphan Souls, and the great work both organizations do in His wonderful name.

Our Salem Story (April 2012)

“We found Salem Church after moving from Tennessee, a couple of years ago. Music has been a very important part of our lives, so we found the best place to serve was in Worship Ministry. We’ve enjoyed the choir, and singing on praise teams. Connecting in a place of serving is vital in getting to know others and making new friends in a new community. We are thankful we have found Salem Church!” - Diane and Chris Steiner

Meet Pastor Nektali (April 2012)

Pastor Nektali is the pastor of our Sister Church in Robledales, Honduras. He has been serving this church for more than 4 years. When he began his service, the church had only five members. It now has 30 families who are regular attendees! I have had the privilege to watch Pastor Naktali grow as a pastor and a leader the past 3 years. With a passion for evangelism and spreading the Gospel, he is on the radio every week, which he pays for out of his money. Through this medium, he reaches people all over the region! Salem has provided Pastor Nektali with 52 Bibles to hand out to those who do not have one; this has been a prayer of his for some time. Please pray for this church and the community of Robledales, for Pastor Nektali and his family as we partner in Christ with them, united as one body. - Jody Curtis, Children’s Ministry Director

Our Salem Story

Our family has been attending Salem for two years now. One of the reasons we have fallen in love with this church and its people is their passion and commitment to teach children about the love of Jesus. We recently had the privilege of dedicating our youngest son to the Lord at Salem. It was truly an amazing experience to have so many of our church family gather around us and pray for our son and our family. We have been blessed with many great friendships in this congregation. The people of this church have continued to encourage us on this journey as we attempt to grow in our own relationships with Christ and lead our three boys to know the Lord as well. We are truly grateful that God has led us to be a part of this church!

Melissa and Kevin

Beyond the Walls

Love is a word that stretches across boundaries, reaching to the depths of the human experience. It goes beyond a simple feeling or action, but is the ultimate expression of life. At Salem Christian Academy (SCA), this expression has resulted in many wonderful and exciting projects that have impacted lives in this community and around the world. During the 2010/2011 school year, SCA students have collected 1,090 nonperishable food items donated to local food pantries, baby supplies for the Miami Valley Womens Center and Elizabeth New Life Center, school supplies and clothing distributed to children in Appalachia, Kentucky, and essential hygiene items for people in Honduras. Students maintained the spirit of generosity as they collected over 180 Christmas packages to be sent to needy children throughout the world, and have purchased 11 goats donated to families over seas. As a continued project, SCA students are sponsoring school children in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and by years end will have collected well over $400 for relief efforts in Japan. SCA students have learned much this year as they have lived out love both in our community and around the world.

Sewing For Jesus

Upon receipt of items from Salem’s Sewing for Jesus team, Daryl Fulp, Director of Hope for Home ministries in Guatemala writes: “They are a great success! You would think it was Christmas Day watching the children respond. They immediately put on their hats and clutched their blankets with huge smiles. I want to say a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who was involved in making these! They are such a blessing!”

Pilot Project Proves Promising

In 2009, the Missions Team of the Central Ohio Ministerial Assembly of the Church of God, under the leadership of Pastor Don Jackson (Salem Church of God, Clayton, Ohio), put into motion a pilot project for united missions support and involvement throughout the entire district. The idea was that congregations throughout the district could accomplish working together what no congregation could do on its own. On May 19, 2011, Pastor Don Jackson (Salem Church of God, Clayton, Ohio) and Pastor Rob Cope (Higher Impact Church of God, Columbus, Ohio) presented a check on behalf of the Central District Churches of God in Ohio to Bob Edwards (Coordinator, Global Missions) and Don Smith (Project Link Administrator). We give praise to God and thanks to the congregations in our district for enabling this project to happen and to progress. This year, our missions support in Ecuador continues through our partnership with Caring Partners International, Inc.

A Testimony ...

“Our family started attending Salem last December. Instantly there was something about Salem that felt like home. We immediately jumped in, out of our comfort zone, and joined the Starting Point Class. This class was vital to getting plugged in. We got to know the faces of the Pastors and Elders. Now we had a comfort zone. The first thing we jumped into was Target Dayton Ministries. We were hooked after the first visit. God has done amazing things in our lives. We now help lead the Target Dayton trips, are involved in the Children’s Ministries and participate in some of the many classes that Salem offers. We look foward to our continued growth for God’s Kingdom. It took that first step of trusting God and letting Him lead us. Thank you Salem team for your love and support.”

Navajo Outreach Trip

In June of 2010 a group of eleven dedicated travelers went to the second mesa of Arizona to help with building the foundation and deck floor of a two story bunk house. This project allows missionaries Robin and Faith Jelle to expand their outreach ministry with the Navajo church. The team spent four and a half days on the construction site. In addition, a Thursday evening gathering was shared with the Navajo people. With the direction of Faith Jelle, the Salem team and the Navajo people shared a “pitch-in” meal together. During the meal we had an opportunity to interact and share some stories. Following the meal, we worshipped together by singing songs and reading the word of God in both languages … the spirit of God was very evident! At the end of the service a circle of prayer was held so that the team could pray specifically for our Navajo friends. This team came home with a sense that hard work had been accomplished and the relationship with the Jelles and the Navajo church had been strengthened.

Beyond the Walls ....

“On October 18, 2010 a team from Salem Church of God went to Robledales, Honduras for the purpose of determining our next steps with our sister church. We visited with Pastor Naptali Pax and church leaders, visited homes of the sick and spent time with community leaders and the school director. At the Tuesday evening church service, I noticed a change at the beginning of the worship service. For the first time in all of the years I have been going to Robledales, I saw the men sitting in the front of the church. I wondered what happened! Pastor Naptali told us that 45 days before we came, the church had started meeting daily at 3:00 a.m. to pray for the church, the community, their marriages, the lost and Salem Church. They prayed until 5:00 a.m. and they also fasted on Saturdays and Sundays. Pastor Naptali went on to say that 34 people became followers of Jesus Christ. We wept together! The three days went fast for us. We believe we came away with some very clear steps to take in continuing our partnership with our sister church in Robledales.” - Pastor Don Jackson

Turkey Project

The Empty Nester Leadership Team would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Salem congregation and their generous support of the 2010 Turkey Project. This year we were able to provide a Thanksgiving turkey to 278 families in the Englewood, Clayton and Trotwood area. It is exciting to see God’s love shown through His people. Thank you so much!

Back to School Outreach

The Community Table is a collaboration of churches serving the needs within the Northmont Communities. On Saturday, August 7, 2010, 12 Salem volunteers joined hearts and hands with volunteers from 4 other congregations to provide kids with school supplies and back packs. There were 120 families served by these volunteers. 275 kids filled their back packs with all of the necessary school supplies. Future events are being planned through The Community Table, if you would like to be involved email the church at s.worldview@salemchurch.org.

Kids Against Hunger Food Packing Day

A team from Salem Church of God (all ages) traveled to the Kids Against Hunger Warehouse to pack life-saving food for the children of Haiti. This family opportunity inspired and nurtured our children as they learned of starving children and God’s call to care for widows and orphans. We then put their hearts, hands and feet to motion.

Click here to watch a video of the Kids Against Hunger Food Packing Day!

Sewing For Jesus

Sewing for Jesus ministry sent blankets to Peru via a Beavercreek, Ohio church mission team. They reported: “In the village of Vinac, which is located at over 17,000 feet, the blankets gave us an extra special blessing. We met a lady at the town’s medical clinic who is a midwife and a believer. We asked if there was a need for blankets. She was very happy to receive them saying that many times when she delivers a baby, they have to look around on the floor for a rag to wrap the baby in. We gave her all the blankets we had left, about a dozen, so that the next babies born in Vinac will have a nice blanket to be wrapped in. We were so excited that the Lord impressed upon your church in Dayton, Ohio to make blankets so that babies in the Andes Mountains of Peru could be warm. What an awesome God!”

Turkey Distribution

The Empty Nesters continued their outreach this year of reaching out to families in need with a Thanksgiving turkey. Here is their story ...“It has been exciting to watch God’s love through his people. We have exceeded our goal of 200 turkeys with the help of everyone. Thank you so much Salem Church! God definitely does provide even more abundantly than what we can ask. We called a local grocery store with our total and they were able to give the turkeys to us at a lower price, so we will be getting 263 turkeys!” On Saturday, November 21, over 40 volunteers delivered the turkeys to 263 local families. Praise God! Those involved definitely enjoyed the blessing of giving!

The Community Table

Salem Church of God has partnered with a coalition of churches from the Northmont Community to reach out to people in our community in practical ways. “The Community Table” is made up of churches from Concord United Methodist Church, Five Rivers Vineyard, Happy Corner Church of the Brethren, Northmont Community Church, and Salem Church of God. This organization is united by a common dream to help the people of the community. The foundational component of the Community Table will be to provide assistance to families of our community in need. On Saturday, August 15, The Community Table hosted a “Back to School Fair.” Over 220 children and youth from our community who were not able to purchase school supplies received backpacks, books, bike helmets and personal care items. Lunch and dinner were served and other services offered included free back to school haircuts. Salem is excited to be a part of this wonderful outreach ministry! For more information or to find out how you can help out contact s.worldview@salemchurch.org.

IYC Changes Lives

A Testimony from a young adult who attended the International Youth Convention ...

“Looking back on my six years in Student Ministries at Salem, the International Youth Convention trips were “life changers.” During my first IYC trip I was searching for meaning and purpose in my life. At one of the sessions, I felt God quielty nudging my heart when the speaker talked about missions. I was scared, because I had never felt this before, so I tucked it away. Two years later at the next IYC, I felt God tugging at my heart again towards a life of missions. I just had to wait for His direction.

Fast forward through college, graduating, getting married, and moving back to Ohio. I am now part of the Student Ministry Staff, and I know it is where God has placed me. I am able to see the students grow in their faith, and I cannot think of a greater priviledge than to be one of the ones that God entrusts with the task of helping students find their own calling.

Looking back now, I am very aware of how God uses those moments to speak to students during IYC trips. I was living for God before then, but doing it my own way. Those moments taught me that I needed to do it His way and trust Him, even when I was unsure of myself. Looking ahead to IYC 2010 as a Student Staff Leader, I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the students who were just like me.

Hugs Ministry at Salem

Below is a letter the Hugs Ministry received from a soldier serving in Iraq.

"Ma’am, Today we received the box of “hugs” from your group and we are all EXTREMELY grateful. Today’s temperature was in the neighborhood of 120 degrees. I can assure you that the hugs will be used starting tomorrow morning! It would be my pleasure to fly an American Flag for your church or organization and present it to you with a certificate. Please respond with the name of your church so I can start production of the certificate. I will personally fly it in my helicopter during a mission over Baghdad and mail it to you as soon as I can."