Farver - October 2010
As usual the last couple months have been very busy. It is easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out in the process of raising support. Yet, as I reflect on the happenings of the last two months God's blessings and provisions are abundantly visible! So, we continue to find rest and comfort in God, our refuge and hope! In September and October we traveled repeatedly to Northwestern Iowa, to Illinois, and finished off with a church right here in Des Moines. We started off going to Grace E-Free Church in Denison, Iowa. The following week we were in LeMars Iowa at LeMars Bible Church where we took part in their Mission’s Conference. The very next weekend we were back North in Onawa, Iowa where we were part of Onawa E-Free's Mission’s Conference. After that, we traveled Southeast to Quincy Illinois where we shared with Calvary Baptist Church. Finally, last weekend we shared with Trinity Baptist Church on the South side of Des Moines. Every one of these Churches were welcoming and encouraging to us as we shared our passion and vision for Mango. So we say thank you to the Churches and pastors who have allowed us to share! We are so grateful for the friendships we have made in our travels (this is definitely one of the best parts of pre-field ministry)!
We are also excited to report that we recently received word that Fellowship Baptist Church in Mt. Zion, Illinois (near Decatur) is taking us on for support! This is a great answer to prayer and brings our monthly support level to almost 52%. Another answer to prayer recently was meeting Glenn and Carol Ginder. The Ginder’s were missionaries in Malaysia for many years working with Muslims. They are now back in the Des Moines area and willing to teach us and plug us into Muslim ministry here! Things in Mango continue to progress well, and building will pick up even more with the end of the rainy season. One of the latest projects was the installation of a swimming pool on the Hospital compound. The pool was donated and installed by a company here in the states. It will provide much needed relief from the heat for building teams, missionaries and missionary kids for years to come. Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support! It is a blessing and comfort to know that we are greatly supported by so many faithful friends and family. May God bless you all!
Voelker – November 2010
We’ve asked you to pray with us this school year for our new Nepalese student in the elementary. Uttam needs to learn more English in order to be able to get passing grades and in order to begin to understand God’s love for him. Please continue to pray with us for Uttam’s language development as well as for his academic and spiritual growth.
We rarely have contact with the parents of our five Nepalese students. They do not normally attend any school events or programs. Recently, however, Uttam’s father along with several uncles, and grandparents visiting Portugal came to see the school. Grandfather is a Hindu priest in Nepal. The three high school girls recently shared this in girl’s Bible Study; “Our parents sent us to this school so we could get a good English education and learn manners, but we know that God had other plans.” Imagine the impact these believers can have if God leads them to return to Nepal, a country that is very difficult for foreign missionaries to enter! Soon, in an attempt to have some contact and influence on these parents, our entire group of missionaries hopes to share a meal in one of the seven Asian restaurants these families own. Pray that this will lead to opportunities to share Christ’s love with the parents of our students. One more Nepalese student may soon join our elementary student body.
Milord (pronounced Mee-Lord) is an eleventh grade Nepalese student. He trusted Christ as an elementary student at another Christian school and joined us at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy when his family moved closer to our side of Lisbon. Milord is the only one of the students from Hindu families who has been allowed to attend youth group at Igreja Baptista de Ramada. Recently Milord made the very important decision to follow the Lord in believers baptism. Missionary Ken Lowe went with him when he told his mother that he was a Christian and wished to be baptized. Soon he will be telling his father about this decision. So far his sister and female cousins have not been allowed to attend an evangelical church. Please pray for our students who do not have Christian parents enforcing the truths they are learning at school.
In closing we would like to ask you to pray for the Thomas family who are in their fifth year of ministry in Portugal. They learned on Friday that their one year old daughter has a cancerous tumor on her kidney. More tests will be completed this week to determine the extent of the cancer before recommending treatment that will probably include chemotherapy and surgery to remove her kidney. Please pray for parents, Jeff and Jenny Thomas, and for Maddie, Ellen and Noah, Elisabeth’s older siblings who are all students in our school. Pray that God will continue to give peace and hope to the family and that He will be glorified as they continue to trust Him through this difficult season.
Thank you so much for your partnership as we continue to minister at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy and at Igreja Baptista de Loures. We could not be here without your prayer and financial support.
Believing He is able, Cal and Joyce Voelker
Pray for:
Elisabeth Thomas and her entire family
Uttam to trust Christ and succeed in school
Milord’s baptism on November 7th
Usha, Benjina and Mikky to be allowed to attend church
For our students from Christian fami-lies (Koreans, Germans, Brazilians, Ca-nadians, Americans) to grow in their faith and desire to share Christ with others.
Boyd - October 2010
Setbacks and Blessings
I wrote our last prayer letter when everything was looking good. We were just starting a new Grupo de Impacto and had seen some positive results. Well, since then we hit a brick wall in the ministry here.
We had started a new group in the Medinas’ house, but after a good initial turnout, the attendance dwindled down to nothing. We have decided to suspend the group in their house for a few weeks while we regroup in that neighborhood.
In the group in the Carters’ house, we had seen what we thought was a good core group. That group dwindled down to two adults. Needless to say we were pretty discouraged.
At that point we were feeling somewhat like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We were questioning ourselves and our ministry, but we weren’t questioning God. We realized that God wanted to teach us more humility. And we began to pray more.
A month after hitting that wall, we can say that God has been working in lives and in our ministry plans here.
This last week we opened a new Grupo de Impacto in our home. We had eight adults from our neighborhood come out for our first meeting. The exciting thing is that all of the adult guests except one were invited by Eduardo. He continues to grow spiritually and desire to share the gospel with many of his friends.
One of the rooms of Eduardo’s house burned up, which turned out to be a great blessing. Huh? Yes, as a result, his wife, Maria del Carmen, and his older son Eduardo Jr. have begun attending our group. In fact, I’ve started a Bible study with Eduardo Jr., who suffers from severe fear issues. The first time he came to my house he was trembling, but I’ve become his new friend, and he’s really enjoyed our Bible study. Please pray that God would free him from the greatest fear, which is to face God at the final judgment without Christ (Hebrews 10:31). God has also allowed me to start a new Bible study with a whole family in Taganga. They have been very excited about the study. Please pray for Howard, Stefania, Nelson, and Gladys.
Perhaps the most interesting development in our plans has been the new goal to launch with public Sunday services on December 5th. We had not wanted to pursue that goal for a while because we didn’t feel ready. But God has used the setbacks to help us see that Sunday services will help us spiritually and culturally as well. We have talked to a local Christian musician who is going to be helping us with the music. Now we just need to purchase the needed startup equipment and determine where we will start meeting. At this point we are considering the upstairs hall of our office building, where we think that at least 30 people would fit. We just need to talk to Joaquin, the owner of the office, to see if that would work.
Making contacts in Santa Marta
When we came to Santa Marta in February, we didn’t know a single person. By God’s grace we’ve been able to make contacts with many people here. How have we made these contacts? 
The best way has been by simply being friendly. The other day we were in Homemart (like Lowe’s), and I made a comment to a lady about how cute her two-year old was. That led to meeting her brother-in-law and her husband. They invited us over to their place, and we began a new friendship with them. Another great place to make friends has been at the small pool where Lucas and Eliana have swimming lessons. I just befriended Jesús and Carmen through our conversations at the pool. In each of these cases, we’ve had a chance to share the gospel with these people, praying that God would bring them to salvation.
Our coworkers
Our coworkers here in Santa Marta have been doing pretty well. Alfredo’s health has improved, and he is in the United States this week for a conference on expository preaching. We thank God for both the Medina and Carter families. We would definitely struggle without them here. We rejoice to see how we are so different but so unified in our ministry vision and friendship. We also want to thank you for your partnership in the ministry here in Colombia. Without your faithful prayers and giving we would not be here.
Kids’ corner
Our kids have started up their new school year. Lucas is in 4th grade, Eliana in 2nd grade, and Marcos in “preschool” (okay, he actually just plays with his “busy box” or gets into trouble). They have been enjoying this year’s Sonlight curriculum, with its emphasis on American history. Both of the older kids have improved their swimming greatly, and Lucas wants to start back up with Taekwondo in November. Marcos has entered a difficult (ornery) stage but still shines through with moments of great cuteness (like when he joyfully learned the word “hot dog” last week). Holly’s pregnancy continues to go well. Please pray for our kids’ spiritual and social development.
Serving Jesus in Santa Marta,
Jonathan, Holly, Lucas, Eliana, and Marcos Boyd
Voelker - September 2010
See You At The Pole is an international event held on September 21st where students meet around their school's flag pole and pray for their school, community and country. Several GLCA students planned the event on their own and most of our student body participated. The interesting thing is that we don't actually have a flag pole. Very few public buildings do. That did not stop us from gathering on the school's large veranda to join hands and hearts in worship and prayer. It was a moving experience as we listened to students praying in small groups. Most prayed in English but some chose to pray in their first language, be that Korean, Portuguese, Nepalese or German. We sensed His presence in a special way. Tears came to my eyes as I tried to sing standing across the circle from. Benjina who would not have chosen to participate in such an event before her salvation last Spring. Benjina is the fruit of your prayers. God is changing her heart and working on others. Later that morning I walked past the music classroom and saw the 3rd and 4th graders with bowed heads as their music teacher opened class in prayer. Again God's Spirit tugged at my heart. Uttam is a new Nepalese student who barely understands any English. I am sure he has no idea why we bow our heads in prayer or what we are saying when we talk to our God. What will God choose to do in Uttam's young heart and life this year? Please pray with us for his understanding of English to grow so that he can learn and grow academically and spiritually.
Two single teachers and a teacher's wife are leading a group of High School girls in a weekly Bible study. Participation in the study is growing and girls are opening up, sharing their stories and growing in their understanding of God's Word. Pray that lives will be changed through this investment of time and energy on the part of the leaders.
Please pray for Carlos Martins, a Deaf man who has come to our church four weeks in a row. He seems to have a hunger to understand God's truth and a burden for the many Deaf here who know nothing of God's love. We are not sure if Carlos is saved but are continuing to pray for spiritual understanding. Another Deaf man (also not sure if he is saved), lives about an hour and a half from Lisbon. Sergio has a hunger to understand the Scriptures and wants to become Portugal's first Deaf Baptist pastor. However, for both of these and for most Deaf, the Bible is very difficult to understand. Pray for David and Sarah Booth and myself as we seek God's wisdom in how to best minister to the spiritual needs of the Deaf. I began the fourth level of Lingua Gestual Portuguesa this morning. Class was pretty intense and a bit over my head but I have a good teacher and think that I will be stretched and learn a lot.
Cal's enjoying teaching five classes this school year, one of which is Marriage and Family. He has invited several young couples in to share their stories so that the students are not just hearing from him or from the textbook. Students are asking good questions about friendships and relationships. After class one day, a Nepalese student talked privately with Cal. "My parents have already arranged for a husband for me and I don't know what to do. Should I obey my parents and honor their wishes when God says I should not be unequally yoked with a marriage partner?" She went on to share that custom would only permit her to date and marry another Nepalese from her family's class or above. Though there are a number of Nepalese young people here, she does not know any who are believers except one male cousin.
Thank you so much for your partnership as we continue to minister at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy and at Igreja Baptista de Loures. We could not be here without your prayer and financial support. A recent email from a friend was signed "A Work In Progress." It was a great reminder to me that we are all His workmanship. Please join us in praying Philippians 1:6 for ourselves, our school staff, our students and our church family.
Running the Race,
Cal and Joyce Voelker
Matthews – September 2010
Our hero… (and a bit more)
While we are on furlough, our friend Andrew is visiting from Australia. During the visit, we have taken the opportunity to do some tourist things in Iowa. One thing that we decided to do was to go on a tour of the State Capital Building in Des Moines. I will be honest, it was great. We encourage anyone to take the tour, it is an amazing building with fascinating history. The person who made the tour enjoyable and educational was our tour guide, Peg.
Peg was passionate, excited and knowledgeable of all areas of the building. Also, she gave credit to the architects, financiers and builders by name. One gentleman she referred to throughout the tour was, Robert Finkbune. She would even state his name with the title of ‘Our Hero, Robert Finkbine.’ His name was memorable, because she acknowledged him at least ten times with the same title, ‘Our Hero, Robert Finkbine.’ The realisation that hit me was I grew up in Iowa, I had been to the Capital Building many times, but I had never heard his name before that day. Yet, Peg shared his name as a noted historical figure that should never be forgotten. To my shame, by the next day, I had forgotten his name and had to call the tour company to get the information. ‘A Hero of Iowa, but one who was easily forgotten.’
Even with all of the new education of Iowa history, the challenge Peg gave me was in her communication style. She said she gives the tour numerous times a day, month & year. Yet, I would assume that she would be just as passionate about the building and her ‘Hero, Robert Finkbine.’ Peg challenged me to communicate with the same level of passion about ’Our Hero, Jesus Christ.’ We have the privilege of talking with many people every day, month and year about Jesus, but do I share with the same enthusiasm & passion as Peg did about Mr. Finkbine? Do any of us? It was a good challenge during a time like furlough. I would pray we would communicate with this message passionately, even on our most exhausting days.
Robert Finkbine died in 1901 and he did leave leave a legacy. Interesting, as I study history and the Bible, the Finkbine legacy will eventually fade and will be a blip on your local Wikipedia page. A vapour that will eventually be forgotten.
Yet, our ‘Hero, Jesus’ lives on. His legacy will never die. We do live to share about ‘Our Hero, Jesus, Our Saviour, Our Lord, & Our King.’ He is the one who we serve and desire to share with anyone who will listen, His saving message. I hope I can be as passionate, excited and knowledgeable about all he has done, is dong and will do for us all. Praise His name.
Thanks for the challenge Peg.
A bit more…
Praises:
1) We have had supporters increase their support and new support come in during our time here.
2) The visit from Andrew has been a blessing for us from ‘home.’ We needed the Australian infusion into our lives to spur us on for the coming month.
3) An offer for computers to be sent to Australia. We are still waiting on assistance with the shipping.
We have had for some specifics on our prayer requests:
-$200 monthly increase for support – This is due to a change in our schooling situation for 2011 and some adjustments in support from specific churches.
- Shipping of 2-3 computers to Australia
- We still are praying for 4 new laptops for city ministry (Mac or PC)
-1 new laptop & 1 new desktop for family needs – Ours are in need of replacing at home
-Direction and funding with church plant in Sydney; we have the opportunity for new church plants in 2011 – Our goal is to raise $5000 for this fund.
-Funds for furlough – This has been a bit more expensive than we realised, but the Lord has provided in his mighty way
-We would like to purchase a small vehicle to assist in travel needs for future ministry. (ex. Toyota Corrolla)
That is it for now, but there will be more to come. Thank you for your prayers and support.
The adventure continues…
The Matthews family
Kristi Walker – September 2010
Dear Prayer Supporters,
I have two special requests to share with you quickly regarding the next few days:
1. This weekend is our annual church retreat. My home/sending church - Heritage Baptist Church in Clarks Summit, PA - is here to minister to us this weekend. Pray that God will work in a mighty way in hearts and lives tonight, tomorrow and Sunday as we sit under the teaching of the Word of God. Not everyone attending the retreat is a believer, so pray for eyes and hearts to be opened! Also, we are baptizing 7 young people (teenagers and pre-teens) tomorrow (Saturday) in a lake, and several unbelieving family members will be there to witness the baptisms. We are so excited about this! I will send out an update next week and include a couple of pictures. :-)
2. This Wednesday, for the first time ever (that I am aware of), high school students in Berlin will be participating in "See You at the Pole" (http://www.syatp.com/). A young lady in the 10th grade stepped forward and volunteered to be the student initiator for this event. Students at John F. Kennedy School will meet in front of the high school at 7:30am to pray for their school, the city of Berlin, and the nation of Germany! We will also be hosting a 6:30 prayer breakfast before SYATP at a local coffee shop across the street from the JFK school. Pray that many students will be motivated to participate and that they will have boldness and courage to PRAY as their fellow students watch and enter the school all around them.
Thank you for your participation in the ministry in Berlin through prayer. We need it and appreciate it!
Kristi
Edmondson - September 2010
Dear Friends,
The last time you heard from us, Deb and I were preparing to leave Boston for organizational meetings in Iowa. Since that time we have spent a week with Baptist Mid-Mission's missionaries, reported to six supporting churches, attended our son David's wedding to Janelle Campbell, said goodbye to our daughter, Linda, as she headed off for college (Maranatha Baptist Bible College), and finally, said goodbye to Dave and Janelle as they moved to South Carolina. Yikes, no wonder we are feeling a little bit emotionally and physically spent. :)
In the mean time, the task of ministering the gospel to the world by ministering to the world in Boston continues to make progress. Throughout August our fellowship was somewhat scattered, so it was comforting to be together again this last Sunday. What a blessing it is to have mature Christians, young Christians, and seekers joining together on Sunday mornings to learn about how to know and walk with God.
Jay's (baptized last month) parents visited our services Sunday. It was an honor to not only become acquainted with Jay's parents, but to also have the privilege of communicating the gospel to them. When we minister to our international friends in Boston, we often have the opportunity to minister to their homeland, as well. We are now hearing of family members who are responding to the Christian testimony of our young disciples and are, themselves, responding to the gospel and becoming followers of Christ. The gospel is moving from Boston to other parts of the world.
Our weekend furniture give-away is a very recent illustration of the global nature of city ministry. When one of our international friends came by to pick up the furniture she had chosen, she informed us that she had already told her mother in China about it. Her mother couldn't believe we would just give it away. Our friend then said, "You know, this kind of thing just doesn't happen in China." She also asked if we did this because of our belief in Christianity. I said, "Yes, God puts it in our hearts to show His love to people." She said, " You know I am Buddhist. I used to believe that I should only follow this one religion. But because of this kindness, I want to look into Christianity." We are praying for this student, as well as her mother back home.
This coming weekend is another busy time in Boston, including a baptism (our intern, Andy, will be baptizing Alex), the Moon Festival (an important Chinese celebration) which we are hosting, and a missions conference in the area in which Bill will be attending and speaking on Saturday and Sunday night.
Prayer Requests
1. We have a number of Bible studies that need to be organized for the fall including evangelistic, infant discipleship, baptismal, and more mature discipleship studies. Please pray that all would be organized and happening by the end of next week.
2. Bill is finishing up course work for his class on Eastern Orthodoxy (Deb is helping with fifty pages of typing). This needs to all be done by Monday of next week.
3. There are two families considering joining the ministry team in Boston. Please pray that God's will becomes clear.
4. We have lost two supporting churches this last year--one ceased to exist and another decided to move in a different direction with their mission dollars. This means that we are losing $420.00 of our monthly support. This is a matter for earnest prayer.
5. Pray particularly for Cody and his family. They came to a summer program, and we are praying specifically that we will be able to share the gospel clearly with them, and that they will become members of the fellowship.
Praise the Lord
1. The Lord provided all that was needed for the basement renovation and for the ministry home air conditioners.
2. We are having a third baptism in a little over a month.
3. The Lord has helped us establish several evangelistic and discipleship studies.
4. A community group recently asked Bill to pray at a community event, stating that they wanted "the spiritual leader of the community” to pray. Although these individuals do not attend the fellowship, it is evident that progress is being made.
5. Jay brought his parents to church and they heard the gospel.
6. Tina (baptized last month) will be playing the keyboard for us this Sunday.
7. Bill is receiving excellent opportunities to present global-city-church planting in seminaries, Bible colleges, leadership conferences, and missionary conferences. These opportunities are coming without solicitation on our part.
The Son always shines in Boston,
Bill and Deb Edmondson
Beckman – August 2010
Dear Praying Friends,
We are coming down the home stretch of summer . . . well, actually you are. For us September will bring of the same hot weather and rain. We hope you have been able to enjoy every minute of your summer.
We enjoyed our three plus weeks in America immensely. We were able to relax a little bit, spend time with family, go to BMM's Annual Conference and witness Nate's oldest niece's wedding ceremony. All good times.
Being in America caused some time of reflection in a couple of different ways also. First was with Madison, Nate's niece. There was a day, it seems many years ago, that Nate enjoyed something like "favorite uncle" status. Madison and I used to have a very close bond. Time and distance have changed that a little bit. The love is still there, but as I witnessed her giving her vows to her new husband I was reminded of the cost of being a missionary. The second instance came after we were able to visit with the pastor of our sending church in Ohio. Our pastor, Bradley Quick, is fighting a serious battle with cancer. It was very special to be able to spend an hour with him. Then, after we arrived back in Thailand we received word that the doctors are giving Pastor Quick two months or less to live. Apart from a special act of God, that visit we had with Pastor Quick will be our last this side of Heaven.
In the times like what I have just described the question does come up in my heart whether this is all worth it. The answer is, "Of course." If
we focus on just this life, this life will likely be pretty disappointing. Relationships change all the time, even with special nieces. And even though we do not spend a lot of time talking about it, we all have a date with the destiny that we do not like: The day when we will leave this earth. Apart from Christ's glorious rapturing us up in the clouds we will have our day. The point seems to be to use this life in doing something that has eternal value. The life lived giving glory to God is absolutely worth it, and I am not just talking about foreign missions.
The ministry here goes on. We are trying to prepare ourselves for the upcoming return of our coworkers to America for six months. Hey, if you know anyone who has a joyful spirit, is a team player, and PLAYS THE PIANO, please send him or her over to hang around us in Thailand for the
next six months. Hannah Scott is our piano player, and her shoes will not be filled while she is gone. Maam plays the guitar a little bit, so we will try to make do as best we can, unless of course you know somebody who can help us out.
Our attendance at church has been down a little bit lately. The tough part of it is that no one has intentionally stopped coming, but jobs and school classes require them to be away. The neat thing is that our teen and adult classes have seen some increase during the week. Last week a sister church had a women's retreat and we had two unsaved ladies attend with our church ladies. They both said they enjoyed the retreat. Please pray for people to come to Christ through these ministries.
One ministry that has increased in opportunities to present Christ is our prison ministry. Previously, we were used in teaching English classes, and at the end of our English classes we teach the bible. Over the past year we have seen a few solid decisions for Christ through this ministry. However, upon our return we were informed of a new opportunity in the prison. We are being given opportunities to teach three and four hour seminars on subjects such as "Morals That Guide Our Lives," "How To Be A Leader," "Developing Your Character," and "Getting Along With Your Coworkers." Not only are the opportunities new, but so are the students. Last week I taught the lesson on morals to a group of 60 men. Next week
it will be to 150 men on the subject of developing your character. We have the freedom to share Christ in the sessions, and I am developing my lessons around the Gospel. Very exciting! Today I was able to follow up with about 15 of the 60 men from last week and seven of them indicated
that they would like to study the bible with us more. Pray for these sessions. Pray for the preparation and delivery of the lessons. We are not given a lot of advanced notice as to what and when we will have these opportunities, but when they are given we will accept.
A few other requests for which we ask for prayer are these: Pray for upcoming camps in October. We will have one English camp and one youth camp. Pray for good attendance in both, and for decisions for Christ to be made. Pray for Maam as she starts home schooling both Hudson and
Ryann. Pray for the Hudson and Ryann too.:) Pray for us to be faithful in following up on people who have not been able to attend church in a while. Pray for the spiritual growth of our people. We love them dearly and want to see them grow in the Lord. We provide opportunities during
the week for anyone who wants to, to study the bible more. Some are involved, others are not. This is normal in every church, but it is more noticeable in our tiny church. And the truth of the matter is our church will experience growth as its people pick up the ball and run with it. We need to be winning and training, and then see our people do winning and training. Please continue to pray for us in these things.
Finally, we praise the Lord for His continued goodness to us in taking care of our physical needs. Even as the dollar drops, increases in support and new support have come, and our financial support level remains strong. Praise the Lord with us.
Thanks For Your Friendship,
Nate, Maam, Ryann and Hudson Beckman
Baptist Mid-Missions, Thailand
Kristi Walker – May 2010
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
...and not because things go the way we want, but because we are loved by God!
In my last update, I asked you to pray for several things. I want to update you on a few of those requests.
Help with the youth ministry
I asked you to pray that Richard & Julia Rudolph might be able to come back to Berlin and help me temporarily with the teens if it’s God’s will. Apparently, it’s not God’s will for them at this time. I’m trusting God with this answer, knowing that His ways are higher than mine!
Specific teenagers
I also asked you to pray for three specific teenagers.
- A young man named Lukas accepted Christ a month ago. He is sharing his testimony in youth group this Saturday! This is always a big step for a kid and I’m excited for him to have this experience.
- Lawrence is the teen boy who accepted Christ this past summer and is now undergoing a crisis of faith. He is still struggling. Please keep praying! God is obviously at work.
- Please continue also praying for Negin. God has not yet given us an assurance of her present spiritual state. Her mom (an unbeliever) is attending our ladies Bible study tomorrow morning. Perhaps God will work in another family member’s heart, making living for Christ easier for Negin . . . If you want to pray BIG, ask God to save this entire family. How amazing would it be to see a family of Iranian Muslims come to Christ!
Answered prayer!
Another request I gave you was for my parents’ trip to Berlin. As many of you know, they faced many hurdles getting here due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland which closed all of Europe’s airspace for several days. We believe it was a miraculous answer to prayer that my parents were on the very first international flight into Berlin’s Tegel Airport once the airways reopened.
God had big plans for my parents once they arrived. My dad taught a week-long youth ministry course at Word of Life Germany and then a city-wide youth leader training seminar. It’s so cool to see God use my dad to inspire youth workers internationally! His passion for the next generation is contagious.
My mom spoke at our annual ladies’ retreat and 2 women accepted Christ as Savior! Praise God with us for the salvations of Justina (from Ghana) and Chantall (from South Africa)!
Unexpected Blessing
This past Monday, I hailed a taxi to take me to the airport to pick up a BBC student coming over on a missions trip. The taxi driver and I had a 30-minute conversation in English on the way to the airport. He told me that he and his wife want to improve their English for an upcoming vacation to Florida. I invited him to attend our church to speak English with people and listen to an English sermon. This excited him greatly. He let me out at the airport promising me that he and his wife would be there Sunday. AND THEY WERE!!!! This Sunday, my taxi driver and his wife attended CrossWay. J It was so exciting to see them there. Pray for Thomas and Ilona (pronounced E-lona). I doubt they are believers. They also expressed interest in possibly attending an adult Bible study. Life’s greatest blessings are unexpected.
Salvations
God has given our church the opportunity of seeing 4 people come to Christ in the last 4 months: Anna (from Milan, Italy), Lukas (half German, half American), Justina (from Ghana) and Chantall (from South Africa). I also had an opportunity last week to take a 13-year-old girl out to lunch and talk with her about salvation. She told me she’s ready to accept Christ. I felt she may need a little more time, so I asked her to read the first three chapters of John and find the answer to the question Nicodemus asked Jesus in chapter three. She is meeting with another youth leader this week for a follow-up conversation. Pray for Arielle’s salvation. She is “1/3 German, 1/3 American and 1/3 Lebanese” (her words). She speaks Arabic at home. It’s so amazing to minister in a place with people from all over the world!
Finally, please continue praying for Sheldon Markel as he raises support with EBM to come help with the youth ministry in 2011. I’m personally very excited about getting him over here to bring in some new creativity and energy.
It’s a wonderful Life – an abundant Life!
- Kristi
Up-coming Events
Here are a few upcoming events to keep in mind as you pray for the ministry in Berlin:
June 5 CrossWay Church voting on deacons (first time ever!)
June 19 Final youth event/outreach before summer break
July 19-23 English-speaking Day Camp (for children)
July 26-30 Teen Camp
*The attached pictures are of 1) the attendees at the youth leader training seminar my dad spoke at, and 2) my mom sitting with ladies from Ghana, Italy, Honduras and the Philippines at our ladies' retreat.
Togo Team Update - April 11th
The following is an update from Jessie Miller:
Abe called to let us know they made it to Mango in about 9 1/2 hours. The trip was extremely hot. Air in van only worked part of the time. The roads were better than expected but the drivers were dangerous! They had dinner with the missionaries at the guest house and then joined them for their church service there. While in the service the electricity went out, thus went the fans! It took a while to get the generator going so they could have some air circulation. He said he was standing on the porch out back and there are nicer houses than he expected around them. Outside of the village there are many more grass huts. They start work early tomorrow morning and he said it is beastly hot. They are all just dripping with sweat! One of the air condtioners is out in their bedroom so pray that they could get it fixed! They are all tired but ready to get to work he said. Found out Tylers' suitcase with tools in it was lost. Praise the Lord not his clothes!!