For those of us living here in the Miami Valley we have become accustom to a social phenomenon not universally experienced in the rest of the country. As Americans, especially American males, our identity is found largely in our work. It is quite understandable then that one of the first questions we ask one another as we are being introduced is, “What line of work are you in?” Here in the Miami Valley it is not considered rude to simply answer, “I work at ‘The Base’”. Whether or not you realize it, in most of America saying that you, “work across town” is considered standoffish and rude. We understand though, that it is in the best interest of our nation’s security to not ask too many prying questions related to what does or does not happen at Wright-Patterson AFB.
The other day as I was preparing to write this post I asked Craig Kordic what his responsibilities were and where he carried them out. When he told me that he works in countries from “Northern Africa through out the Middle East to Southern Asia”, I understand what he means. Like Wright-Patt’s secrets, that part of the world is simply off limits to the open proclamation of the gospel like we enjoy here in the Miami Valley. Craig can’t tell me where he goes and exactly what he does when he gets there. For his protection and the furtherance of the Gospel I have to be careful what I write.
For those of you who have been around Apex or in Christian circles for some time you will understand that the concept of House Churches is not original to Apex Community Church. We were inspired by our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who meet in house churches in areas of the World where the gospel has been under attack for quite some time. It was there, where the gospel could not be freely shared in brick and mortar churches, that the concept of meeting in individual homes originated. One of the questions we are only beginning to face in our house churches is the question of leadership training beyond the basics. This has been a huge hurdle for many house church networks in these “closed access” countries where the House Church movements first began. This is where Craig and Darlene Kordic and the organization of BEE World have found a place of out-reach and ministry.
Craig and his wife Darlene have three kids Amber (20), Seth (16), and Paul (12). Together Craig and Darlene work for an organization known as BEE World. “BEE” is an acrostic for Biblical Education by Extension. BEE World ministers in “closed access” countries to train House Church leaders. One aspect of their ministry is seminary level training for House Church and Regional House Church leaders. This training is done online and is available in seven languages currently with an additional five languages coming soon. A second and higher risk aspect of their ministry is the “facilitation trips” Craig and Darlene do. Typically, they take five or six trips a year lasting from two to four weeks each. These trips actually gather students to a central location for training in the areas of Doctrine, Theology, and Christian Living. Craig recently returned home to Colorado from one such trip to Northern India where the truth about Jesus Christ is being violently opposed. While there, his hosts had to work very hard to find a location safe enough for everyone to gather. Craig rejoiced that such a place was found and that the training was able to go on without incident. In my correspondence with the Kordics I asked them how we as a House Church network could be praying for and supporting them personally and in ministry. They have asked us to be praying for two more “facilitation trips” that are currently in the planning stages. Additional ministry related requests can be found at http://beeworld.org/pray.htm. What follows is a quote from the email I received from Craig. I think you will gain new insight into this father’s heart and the sacrifices he and Darlene are making for the furtherance of the Gospel. This was his only request for his family:
“Amber has significant special needs: autism, OCD, schizophrenia, and mental retardation. Amber “graduates” into the Adult Special Needs Community on Jan. 3, 2011 when she turns 21. A decision by the State (of Colorado) will need to be made at that time as to whether she will be moved to a “permanent” group home or be institutionalized. This is Darlene and my biggest burden and prayer request. Thanks for praying and your ongoing partnership in our ministry of training national church leaders…
Declaring His Glory Among the Nations,
Craig & Darlene”
When I asked Craig how the Apex network could help he begged me for one thing; the opportunity to communicate with more house churches. He mentioned that he has loose affiliations with one or two of the house churches, but that since he resides in Colorado he has no way of communicating with additional house churches. So if you or your house church have had your interest sparked by this brief introduction to Craig, Darlene and the ministry they are involved with at BEE world and would like to get more involved in any way, please feel free to email them directly at craigkordic@gmail.com. They would love to share more with you about what God is doing in the nations through house churches.