Missions Catalyst e-Magazine
Practical Mobilization - August 13, 2008
This week: Befriending International Students
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Missions Catalyst e-Magazine is a free, weekly electronic missions digest designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry. It includes missions news, practical ministry ideas, and helpful resources. Use it for your prayers, and pass along what you learn to anyone you think would be interested!
Practical Mobilization, by Shane Bennett, appears monthly. Email Shane here.
Connecting to the Globe, Locally
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Source: Shane Bennett
A few days ago a roadside bomb killed nine soldiers in Eastern Turkey. Soldiers get killed every day all around the planet. It's indicative of some deep sin and sickness in our species, but it's also an occupational hazard of soldiering.
The headline caught my eye because of a friend of mine. A couple of years ago we shared some fun times with a handful of Turkish students from the university in our town in Colorado. One of them returned home at the end of the term to complete his military service so he could get married. I wonder if he was on that patrol? My care for him makes this headline jump out at me.
We have now moved to rural Indiana. In the woods a half mile down the road from us lives an octogenarian couple who have changed the world by reaching out to people like my Turkish friends. In 1967 they began to welcome international students from Ball State University into their home and lives. Forty years of caring won them with friends around the planet. They know global leaders in politics, business, and academia. They inspire me.
International student have got to be one of the coolest things about the world today. Imagine flying halfway around the planet to get educated! For most people throughout most of our species' history it was unthinkable, and for some it still is. But here in the U.S. more than half a million students are showing up every year. And I would guess the dynamic is at work in many other countries as well.
For people like us who are eager to see God's kingdom grow, international students provide a rich opportunity to delight in God's creation. We have a chance to learn firsthand about some of the winsome peoples and cultures God has created. We can show people who have never seen it before how a follower of Jesus lives and loves. And perhaps we can build relationships of sufficient depth that we can discuss the deep things of God, life, and the world. (If along the way, you get to enjoy some baklava or a great curry, well, that's just a little preview of Heaven, isn't it?)
The other reason I'm big on international students is that it gives us (who are also eager to pass on our passion for the nations) a way to show our friends that world even if they never leave their town. In fact, if it works right, the world comes over to their house for dinner and a game of cards.
People will work with great vigor for a vision that has captured their heart. When you've cried with a Chinese girl, halfway through her first semester in the U.S., because she misses her mom, you lose your heart. When you pray with a young Jordanian man because his father passed away in Amman and he was here, you lose your heart. When you drop your friends at the airport to return home at the end of the term, your heart goes with them to India.
Many of the people we go to church with will, for good or bad reasons, never leave their home country. But some of those might be willing to open their heart and home to an international student. How can we facilitate that?
1. Model it.
I can't do everything I encourage other people to do. Oh sure, some of it I'm just afraid of, but there's also the reality of limited minutes. Even so, I've lately felt challenged by the importance of modeling. My family and I are not great at hosting international students, but we're giving it a go. I'd encourage you to do so as well, if you're asking others to. (In the immortal question posed by Rob Bell, "Are you smoking what you're selling?")
2. Connect with International Students Incorporated, or your country's equivalent.
What a great organization! Even if you don't live in the U.S., I encourage you to check out their web site. These guys have been walking the talk for more than 50 years.
Check out ISI's Affiliate and Associate Partnership. Don't be put off by the name! This program could prove timely help for your effort to connect with international students. Check here and here to see if an ISI staff member lives near you.
Check this page to buy some helpful resources.
3. Decipher the sponsorship/hosting process at the local university.
I've tried to figure out how it all works at two schools so far, and in both cases it was more difficult to navigate than I thought it would be. This might indicate a couple things: One, that I'm a little slow on the uptake, which is likely. And, two, that unless people are very determined, they'll give up. Will you take on the role of figuring out the process and making it accessible to interested folks? I'm all for participants demonstrating commitment, but not with an 18-click-deep message that instructs you to call and request a form that you then fill out and mail back. Yikes! [Just a minute ago, a co-worker asked me about the program at our local university. I grabbed the school's application from a file folder and tossed it on her desk. Once she's filled out the form, I'll get it in for her.] How can you make it easy for Lou and Sue in the pew to connect with Nazir from Kashmir?
4. Befriend the international student program staff at the nearest university.
You could file this under "subversive mobilization." The woman who heads up international student efforts at the school near us is sharp and I like her. I've made an effort to get to know her. She's worth that on her own merits. But, just between you and me (oh, she knows it too), I want her to know me. I want to be the go-to guy when Muslim students who come to our school, and I want her to feel good whenever the name of my church comes to her mind. I want to serve her purposes and make her job easier. The easier her job is, the more likely it is that international students will be made welcome and cared for.
5. Set a goal for the number of families from your church you want to connect with international students.
As you've heard maybe too many times: "If you set a goal, you might not reach it, but you will reach farther than you would have without a goal." For me, this fall, the goal is 20 families. I'm a part of a large church and 20 families is sort of lame. But it will be four times as many as we had last year, and I'm still a novice at this. It will also mean 20-30 students will get to hang out with some people who love Jesus.
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1) Don't speak the problem. Speak the solution.
2) People can have what they say, but instead, most people say what they have.
3) Don't spaeak what you do have that you don't want, speak what you don't have that you do want.
4) We have to speak what we want, not what we have.
5) Don't speak to God about how big your problem is, speak your problem to your problem about how big your God is.
6) Speak your future right into your presence. Don't speak your present problem into your life.
We have a great opportunity for anyone over 18 years old who is interested in a short term, practical ministry experience. Logos Hope, OM Ships' newest vessel, is offering a three month option for volunteers to come and serve alongside crew and staff. This will give participants practical work experience, spiritual input and an opportunity to be a part of a community of around 300 people from more than 45 different countries. Find out more at: http://www.omships.org/links/click.php?id=14 Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested!
"Do not change yourselves to be like the people of the World, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect. You have been chosen by God Himself" - Romans 12:2
Please note that the prayer request for the Zimbabwe Elections sent out yesterday was incorrect. The date should have been SATURDAY, 29 MARCH and NOT Sunday 30 March. Herewith the request for the correct date Urgent Prayer Request for Zimbabwe Elections: Saturday, 29 March 2008 Most of us know about the serious situation in Zimbabwe and the suffering of its people. We as Christians around the world need to stand before God’s throne to pray for grace and mercy for that nation. It is clear that only a divine intervention can bring change in that nation. Let us pray with hope and faith when we pray – “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Heb.11:6) Please let us not under estimate the situation in Zimbabwe. There is a very real potential that violence can break out and that will cause much bloodshed. There is ample evidence from history that God changed nations in answer to prayer. We have seen this in Kenya recently, in South Africa in 1994, then in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Hungary, Sudan and many others. · Let us pray for every form of corruption and tampering with the votes to be exposed. · Let us pray for God’s peace to reign in the nation from now untill the elections on Sunday and also afterwards. · Pray that God will fulfil his purposes with that nation. · Pray that the church in Zimbabwe will take their place before the throne of grace and that God will help them at His right time. · Pray for economic and social restoration of the whole country. · Pray for the church to move forward in unity and much wisdom and that they will understand their times and know what to do. · In 1 Tim.2:1-4 we are taught that we must pray for governments and all in positions of authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and it pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
Be sure to join us in the coming weeks as we cotinue our "Greek Anatomy" teaching series by looking at the profound impact God's amazing grace can have on our lives:
March 30, 2008 - Sustaining Grace
April 6, 2008 - Restoring Grace
April 13, 2008 - Offering Grace
April 20, 2008 - Liberating Grace
April 27, 2008 - Transforming Grace
www.journeymetro.com
Did you know that over 300 Journey Growth Members participated in one of our 10 special Easter
Servant Evangelism projects last week? As a Church we were able to show God's love in a practical and meaningful way to over 300,000 people in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City by giving out free granola bars and invites to Easter Sunday.Check out our website at:
www.journeymetro.com
Did you know that over 300 Journey Growth Members participated in one of our 10 special Easter
Servant Evangelism projects last week? As a Church we were able to show God's love in a practical and meaningful way to over 300,000 people in Mahattan, Brookly, and Jersey City by giving out free granola bars and invites to Easter Sunday.Check out our website at:
www.journeymetro.com
We Value You
"People Matter to God"
We Value Jesus
"Jesus Matters to Our Daily Lives"
We Value Relevance
"Changing Methods...Unchanging Message"
We Value Groups
"Meeting in Smaller Groups to Experience
Life Change and Develop Friendship"
I really appreciate your prayers for me while I was on my sick bed. For three days, I couldn't talk and had pains all over my body but today with your prayers and the precious Blood of THE LAMB, Jesus Christ, I'm tottally healed and back to work. Still remmember me in your prayers for full restoration of my strength.
God bless.
I took ill since last Friday.
I am still having pains on my joints and atimes feel
dizziness with little head-ache.
I will appreciate if you remember me in your prayers
for total healing and renewal of my strength.
Thank you.
Albert Oduyemi
Dear Praying Friend of the Children, DID YOU KNOW? 1. Since 1999 the CEF Mailbox Club* (MBC)(Warrenton, MO) has sent out over 3.7 million lessons - teaching and discipoing over 325,000 children (and many adults too)! 2. Through the MBC there have been recorded 25,000 professions of faith! 3. 80% of the 33 million elementary-aged public school children do not attend church or paritcipate in any church program! 4. George Barna research indicates whatever a child believes by the time he is 13 is, in most cases, what he will die believing! PRAISE THE LORD WITH US: 1. For our new office volunteer - Vickie - please pray for her as she continues to undergo her cancer treatments. 2. For the 1200 elementary-aged school children attending our 63 Good News Clubs* - 29 have made professions of faith since September 1st! 3. Phil and 14 others from his Long Island church have arrived safely and are doing teacher training and children's ministries in Nicaragua this week. PLEASE PRAY FOR US: 1. Many churches and colleges are receiving our Summer Missionary 2008 brochures - please pray that the brochures would be read and responded to by God's choice of summer staff for us. You can e-mail us the name(s) and address(es) of college student(s) you would like us to send brochure(s) to. 2. As Betsy Maddox and Phil Ormsby prepare to take over as interim co-directors upon my retirement on August 13th. 3. Next Teaching Children Effectively Level One course - April 18-26 - at the New York Chinese Alliance Church in Manhattan - pray for God's choice of students. 4. Planning for the Lancaster Bible College Spring Break Team - March 14-19. 5. Good News Club Teacher Training in Brooklyn on Saturday - February 23rd. 6. Finances continue to be very slow in 2008 - expenses continue to rise. 7. For the children at the Soundview Community Center in the Bronx - that they would be able to effectively apply our current theme song on Good News Club day - Work On Your Attitudes! Next club is February 28th. Your prayers provide the power for us to keep moving ahead with the Good News to the children - thank you! For the children, Pastor Mike Rev. Michael D. Velardo
Executive Director
Child Evangelism Fellowship* Greater New York City Area
PO Box 140220, Staten Island, NY 10314-0220
Office: 718-727-4313
Beeper: 800-901-6232
Listen! The Lord is calling to the city...
Micah 6:9
 | Quotes | Feb 20, '08 10:56 PM
for everyone |
"When we don't have enough faith, we try to take over and do things for ourselves. We fail to realize that each circumstance in our lives is there so that Jesus can help us grow in faith in Him, not in ourselves". Bonnie Ricks
| Quotes | Feb 20, '08 10:54 PM
for everyone |
"The degree of your submission to the authority over you will determine the authority you will control." Antonio Adeyeye, Associate Pastor, Abundant Life Ministry
| |  | February 19-25, 2008
www.journeymetro.com | 
| 1 - THIS SUNDAY: REAL MAN'S DAY @ THE JOURNEY
Sunday, February 24 * 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, or 6:30pm What does a Real Man look like? Join us this Sunday, February 24 for Real Man's Day at The Journey as we look at what the Bible says about being a man that pleases God. You’ll be surprised and challenged! This is the perfect Sunday to invite your male friends to The Journey.
Plus - This Sunday we will be giving away a Real Man's Prize Pack worth over $300 to one guy at each Manhattan service. Hint: It involves sports and games! So don't miss out on this great opportunity to bring your friends to The Journey! The Journey-Midtown meets at The Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom.The Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom is located at 311 W. 34th St. (between 8th and 9th Ave.) on the 7th Floor. >>For Directions, location and more visit . . .
* Manhattan: http://www.journeymetro.com/midtown/sunday/ | | | 2 - GROWTH GROUP'S JUST STARTED, BUT THERE'S STILL ROOM FOR YOU
Sign-up online today!
You can find out what 1,000 other Journey attenders already know - that joining a Growth Group is the best way to grow spiritually and meet new people this spring. Growth Groups are The Journey’s groups of 12-15 people who get together each week in a convenient location to grow and have fun together. It’s a great way to meet new people while growing in your faith. There are over 70 groups to choose from meeting in locations all over the Metro New York area almost every day of the week! In addition, there are a variety of topics and types of groups to choose from (athletic, men’s, women’s, artists, professionals, college, etc.). Don't wait! In order to ensure that you get are able to join the growth group of your choice, sign-up today! | | | 3 - BAPTISM @ THE JOURNEY - THIS SUNDAY!
Sunday, February 24 * 3:30pm You're invited to celebrate Baptism with The Journey, this Sunday, February 24. And if you are a follower of Christ, but have never been baptized, this Sunday's Baptism is the perfect opportunitiy to go public with your faith. Here are the details: - Sunday, February 24 @ 3:30pm
- East 7th Street Baptist Church (205 E 7th Street - between Avenues B & C)
RSVP online, or email Pastor Kerrick for more information. | | | 4 - WOMEN'S MOVIE PLAY GROUP
Friday, February 22 * 7:00pm
You're invited to join the ladies from The Journey for a Women Only Movie Play Group on Friday, February 22 in Times Square. We will go see the new movie "Definitely, Maybe" and grab some dinner afterward. Register online or email Dawn Thompson for more information. | | | 5 - STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT THE JOURNEY Would you like to work as a part of The Journey's dynamic staff? The Journey has part-time and full-time staff positions available and is currently looking for a few key people to help us continue to expand our reach to the people of New York City. Positions are availlable for worship leaders, video editors, Sunday coordinators, Journey Kidz and more. Learn more about open positions at The Journey. | | 
| 6 - IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE IN MUSIC AND MEDIA The Journey is looking for talented drummers and musicians to help provide top-quality music at the Journey's Sunday worship service. If you play an instrument, especially drums, bass, guitar or keys, then email Pastor Jason to find out how you can start using your talents at The Journey. Also, there are immediate opportunities to serve with the media/production areas of lights, video, sound and stage coordination. Previous experience helpful, but not necessary. You don't have to be an artist to serve with media/production, but if you want to help make the Sunday service a great expereience, there's a place for you! >>Email Pastor Jason to get invovled. | | | 7 - EMBRACING MY CITY - EXTENDED THROUGH FEBRUARY 29 There are only 2 days left to give to the Embracing My City Special Offering (ends on January 31). With just 2 days remaining, have now is the time to give to the Embracing My City offering. This special sacrificial offering will benefit four ministry initiatives: - The new Journey-Brooklyn location
- US and World Missions
- The Journey Counseling Center
- The 2008 Benevolence Fund.
As always, all gifts to the Embracing My City offering are tax-deductible. >>To find out more about this offering, visit http://www.journeymetro.com/emc
>>To contribute today, visit http://www.journeymetro.com/giving and be sure to ear mark your gift "Embracing My City" | For a full listing of all events happening this week:
http://www.journeymetro.com/events See you this Sunday! The Journey
One Church: Six Services: Three Locations
* Manhattan: http://www.journeymetro.com/midtown
* Jersey City: http://www.journeymetro.com/jc
* Brooklyn: http://www.journeymetro.com/brooklyn FULL TIME AND PART TIME STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE
For a full list of our positions, please visit http://www.journeymetro.com/midtown/resources/jobs. | |
Welcoming to the Sexual Resolution teaching series to The Journey. During this series, we will be searching for clarity in the midst of gender confusion by discussing topics like what the Bible has to say about our sexuality and gender roles.In addition, we'll be looking at the characteristics of a godly woman and a godly man, how to overcome temptation and live a life of purity and what the Bible has to say about being a great parent. To remind you all, The Journey exists to give you the best opportunity to become a fully developing follower of Jesus by: * Inviting you to an intimate relationship with God, * Connecting you in healthy relationships with other Christians, * Guiding you toward an authentic commitment to God, * Involving you in life-changing ministry and mission in our City, and the World that you may, * Honor God completely. www.journeymetro.com
Read Rev. 21: 27 & matthew 25:31-46 We cannot enter heaven unless heaven first of all enters us. A little boy watched as his father packed his suitcase for traveling. "Oh, I have not taken my visa yet", said the father. What is a visa? asked the boy. It is a permit to enter the Country. Without it, I will not be alowed entry, his father informed him. The same rule applies in heaven. The angels will check if you have a visa. This however, is not a matter of holding a piece of paper. It has to do with how you have lived your life here on earth. Are you qualified?
There are three kinds of people: 1) Those who make things happen. 2) Those who watch what happens. 3) Those who wonders what happens In 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:1 which says, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. "For who knows the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?". But we have the mind of Christ........ The book reveals clearly that a believer may be one of the 3 kinds of men. 1) A Spiritual man, living in his spirit under the anointing of the Holy Spirit - Romans 8:4 & Gal. 5:25 2) A Soulish man - natural man, living in his soul under the direction of the soul, the natural life. - and 3) A Fleshy - (Canal) and fleshly man, being of the flesh and living in the flesh under the influence of the nature of the flesh. The Lord desires that all His believers take His grace to be the first kind of man - a Spiritual man. As we have been called by God into the fellowship of Christ (1 Cor.1:9), we are one Spirit with Him and we can experience and enjoy Him only when we live in our spirit under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Remember Gal. 5:25, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
| | | February 12 - February 18, 2008
www.journeymetro. com |
| 1 - THIS SUNDAY: WOMAN'S DAY @ THE JOURNEY
Sunday, February 17 * 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, or 6:30pm This Sunday, February 17 is Woman's Day at The Journey as we continue our new series by uncovering the essential practices of a Godly Woman. This is the perfect Sunday to invite your female friends for great music, relevant teaching, and a few small surprises! The Journey-Midtown meets at The Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom.The Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom is located at 311 W. 34th St. (between 8th and 9th Ave.) on the 7th Floor. >>For Directions, location and more visit . . .
* Manhattan: http://www.journeym etro.com/ midtown/sunday/ | | | 2 - GROWTH GROUP'S JUST STARTED, BUT THERE'S STILL ROOM FOR YOU
Sign-up online today!
You can find out what 1,000 other Journey attenders already know - that joining a Growth Group is the best way to grow spiritually and meet new people this spring. Growth Groups are The Journey’s groups of 12-15 people who get together each week in a convenient location to grow and have fun together. It’s a great way to meet new people while growing in your faith. There are over 70 groups to choose from meeting in locations all over the Metro New York area almost every day of the week! In addition, there are a variety of topics and types of groups to choose from (athletic, men’s, women’s, artists, professionals, college, etc.). Don't wait! In order to ensure that you get are able to join the growth group of your choice, sign-up today! | | | 3 - MOVIE PLAY GROUP - JUMPER
Friday, February 15 * 7:00pm
Are you trying to meet some new friends at The Journey? This Friday night meet some new people and catch a great movie at the "Jumper" movie play group. After the movie we'll grab some cofffee and chat about the movie. Here are the details: - Friday, February 15 @ 7:00pm
- Times Square
RSVP today, or email Pastor Ed Short with questions! | | | 4 - STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT THE JOURNEY Would you like to work as a part of The Journey's dynamic staff? The Journey has part-time and full-time staff positions available and is currently looking for a few key people to help us continue to expand our reach to the people of New York City. Positions are availlable for worship leaders, video editors, Sunday coordinators, Journey Kidz and more. Learn more about open positions at The Journey. | |
| 5 - IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE IN MUSIC AND MEDIA The Journey is looking for talented drummers and musicians to help provide top-quality music at the Journey's Sunday worship service. If you play an instrument, especially drums, bass, guitar or keys, then email Pastor Jason to find out how you can start using your talents at The Journey. Also, there are immediate opportunities to serve with the media/production areas of lights, video, sound and stage coordination. Previous experience helpful, but not necessary. You don't have to be an artist to serve with media/production, but if you want to help make the Sunday service a great expereience, there's a place for you! >>Email Pastor Jason to get invovled. | | | 5 - EMBRACING MY CITY - EXTENDED THROUGH FEBRUARY 29 There are only 2 days left to give to the Embracing My City Special Offering (ends on January 31). With just 2 days remaining, have now is the time to give to the Embracing My City offering. This special sacrificial offering will benefit four ministry initiatives: - The new Journey-Brooklyn location
- US and World Missions
- The Journey Counseling Center
- The 2008 Benevolence Fund.
As always, all gifts to the Embracing My City offering are tax-deductible. >>To find out more about this offering, visit http://www.journeym etro.com/ emc
>>To contribute today, visit http://www.journeym etro.com/ giving and be sure to ear mark your gift "Embracing My City" | For a full listing of all events happening this week:
http://www.journeym etro.com/ events See you this Sunday! The Journey
One Church: Six Services: Three Locations
* Manhattan: http://www.journeym etro.com/ midtown
* Jersey City: http://www.journeym etro.com/ jc
* Brooklyn: http://www.journeym etro.com/ brooklyn FULL TIME AND PART TIME STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE
For a full list of our positions, please visit http://www.journeym etro.com/ midtown/resource s/jobs. | |
Global Prayer Digest, February 4, 2008
Muslim Mbororo Fulani of Nigeria and Cameroon
Nearly three million Mbororo Fulani people do not know the Savior who
gave His life for them. Scattered mostly in Nigeria and Cameroon,
these semi-nomadic people fiercely reject anything they perceive as
contrary to their lifestyle of roaming with their cattle herds. This
includes education, (they are 90 percent illiterate), and permanent
homes.
They are widely regarded as troublesome impediments to the large
cattle ranchers. One businessman and member of a ruling party central
committee has established two large cattle ranches, forcing the
Mbororo tribal people from their historic grazing land. They were
given no compensation. Their illiteracy and intense independence have
placed them on unequal footing with greedy people like these who take
advantage of them. International rights groups report that members of
this Fulani subgroup are being detained and tortured when they resist
such injustice.
Pray that justice will reign for the Mbororo Fulani people. Pray that
these Sunni Muslim people will soon open themselves to the love and
salvation of the Shepherd who understands what it means to be hated,
tortured, oppressed, and even killed. Pray that spiritual walls would
be broken down and Christian groups working among them might have a
bountiful and abundant harvest of Mbororo souls won to the Lord Jesus
Christ.-PE
"'You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore
I will punish you for all your sins'" (Amos 3:2).
Because Israel was entrusted with great blessings, her mandate was
equally great: to bless all the families of the earth. When the
chosen nation rebelled in selfishness and idolatry, her punishment
was correspondingly severe. But is it not the same for us? Jesus
declared, "From everyone who has been entrusted with much, much more
will be asked" (Luke 12:48). We who know Jesus Christ and who have
the means to take the blessings of the gospel to the ends of the
earth are obligated by our opportunities to do so.
Gracious God, we thank You for our blessings, and we acknowledge the
responsibility they place upon us. Keep us from the sins of
selfishness and self-indulgence.
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