The Owens Family to Bulgaria
We have had an excellent, exciting and very busy couple of months. On April 13th I underwent surgery to repair 3 hernias. The surgery was successful and I have recovered smoothly. God has been blessing with souls saved, baptized and added to the church. The spiritual growth of our young converts has been nothing short of amazing. I can’t think of a more exciting time ever in our 18 years as missionaries in Bulgaria. There were 14 people that received Jesus as their Savior since our last letter, seven of which followed the Lord in baptism!
We have found property for the church in Fakulteta that looks promising. However, we are still waiting as the owners had some hold ups with documents and we are in the midst of the orthodox Easter (May 2) holiday season. At this time of year it seems that every other day is a holiday and no government offices are working. Anyway, we are hoping to hear from the owners soon and finalize the purchase. Pray that all their documents are in order. A big thanks to all those who have helped with the purchase. The funds we have raised so far should cover the property cost, however I am slightly concerned about the closing cost and notary fees. Please pray there will be no surprises.
Last year we canceled our annual missions conference as our speaker could not get here and the city was completely closed down. This year we have decided to go ahead with the conference, May 16-19, 2021. We have no guest speaker, but myself and three of our young men will all take turns preaching the evening services. Pray that God’s will be done!
Thank-you very much for your prayers for the following young couples God has allowed us to reach. Martin and Aleksandra; Mladen and Ani; Trajcho and Emi; Yanko and Katya; Tsetsi and Kristina; Toni and Gabi; Trajcho and Tanya; Isak and Toni; and Tsvetko and Maria. Your prayers are seen through their lives. Thank-you for your faithful support.
Serving for Jesus,
The Owens Family
PO Box 1861
Pacifica, CA 94044
Ph#: 410-202-8845
Email: owensbulgaria@gmail.com
We have had an excellent, exciting and very busy couple of months. On April 13th I underwent surgery to repair 3 hernias. The surgery was successful and I have recovered smoothly. God has been blessing with souls saved, baptized and added to the church. The spiritual growth of our young converts has been nothing short of amazing. I can’t think of a more exciting time ever in our 18 years as missionaries in Bulgaria. There were 14 people that received Jesus as their Savior since our last letter, seven of which followed the Lord in baptism!
We have found property for the church in Fakulteta that looks promising. However, we are still waiting as the owners had some hold ups with documents and we are in the midst of the orthodox Easter (May 2) holiday season. At this time of year it seems that every other day is a holiday and no government offices are working. Anyway, we are hoping to hear from the owners soon and finalize the purchase. Pray that all their documents are in order. A big thanks to all those who have helped with the purchase. The funds we have raised so far should cover the property cost, however I am slightly concerned about the closing cost and notary fees. Please pray there will be no surprises.
Last year we canceled our annual missions conference as our speaker could not get here and the city was completely closed down. This year we have decided to go ahead with the conference, May 16-19, 2021. We have no guest speaker, but myself and three of our young men will all take turns preaching the evening services. Pray that God’s will be done!
Thank-you very much for your prayers for the following young couples God has allowed us to reach. Martin and Aleksandra; Mladen and Ani; Trajcho and Emi; Yanko and Katya; Tsetsi and Kristina; Toni and Gabi; Trajcho and Tanya; Isak and Toni; and Tsvetko and Maria. Your prayers are seen through their lives. Thank-you for your faithful support.
Serving for Jesus,
The Owens Family
PO Box 1861
Pacifica, CA 94044
Ph#: 410-202-8845
Email: owensbulgaria@gmail.com
The Holmes Family to Nigeria
In March, our ministry was happy to welcome a guest preacher for the first time since January of last year. Pastor Dan Callaghan of First Baptist Church of Yuba City, California, preached Truth Baptist Church’s 6th Spirit Renewal Meeting. The revival services included a greatly needed and well-attended Saturday teaching, soul-winning, and testimony time; Grace & Glory Baptist hosted the Sunday evening preaching hour, and the combined service received many of our Truth Baptist Church members and college students. Having kept in touch with Bro. Dan since we were bus workers together in Bible college, I was glad for our whole family and many of our co-laborers to finally have the chance to fellowship with my good friend.
This seems to be the smoothest transition back to the field we have ever experienced. We want to thank God for blessing our return, and we also wish to give credit to our church leaders and college staff members for skillfully handling all of our ministries. A special thanks goes to Missionary Pat Hamburg, who stayed in our home during our time in the U.S., welcomed us with wonderful meals during the first few adjustment days, and generously put time and money into numerous thoughtful projects that put a smile on my wife’s face.
Four days after our arrival in February, Merci Cepeda and Kristin Muldrow landed in Abuja for a nearly six-week visit. Our oldest son and daughter, Joseph and Victoria, were traveling partners with them in Louisiana on a Bible Club Blitz team for a few weeks last summer. Merci and Kristin conducted Bible Clubs, helped in children’s church and Sunday school classes, sang specials, participated in our school ministry, brought gifts for a visit to an orphanage, and helped to fund a widows’ meeting hosted by one of our deacons. Two weeks of their trip were spent at A Place of Hope Africa, a large orphanage in the East.
I had imagined that adding the second floor for our seminary dormitory would be the only big project for this year, but the Lord has seen fit to put the following additional new works on our ministry plate over the last twelve months: a continuing television ministry with Christian Media International, a fully sponsored Prisoner Discipleship Ministry, a new day school at Truth Baptist Church, the Friends of the Deaf Ministry that just celebrated its first anniversary in April, and the growth of our last church plant (Liberty Baptist Church of Azunu), which Truth Baptist Church has adopted as its own like no other new church before. We are blessed beyond imagination!
Believing God, Mark Holmes
Mark Holmes Family
507 State Street Hammond, IN 46320
In March, our ministry was happy to welcome a guest preacher for the first time since January of last year. Pastor Dan Callaghan of First Baptist Church of Yuba City, California, preached Truth Baptist Church’s 6th Spirit Renewal Meeting. The revival services included a greatly needed and well-attended Saturday teaching, soul-winning, and testimony time; Grace & Glory Baptist hosted the Sunday evening preaching hour, and the combined service received many of our Truth Baptist Church members and college students. Having kept in touch with Bro. Dan since we were bus workers together in Bible college, I was glad for our whole family and many of our co-laborers to finally have the chance to fellowship with my good friend.
This seems to be the smoothest transition back to the field we have ever experienced. We want to thank God for blessing our return, and we also wish to give credit to our church leaders and college staff members for skillfully handling all of our ministries. A special thanks goes to Missionary Pat Hamburg, who stayed in our home during our time in the U.S., welcomed us with wonderful meals during the first few adjustment days, and generously put time and money into numerous thoughtful projects that put a smile on my wife’s face.
Four days after our arrival in February, Merci Cepeda and Kristin Muldrow landed in Abuja for a nearly six-week visit. Our oldest son and daughter, Joseph and Victoria, were traveling partners with them in Louisiana on a Bible Club Blitz team for a few weeks last summer. Merci and Kristin conducted Bible Clubs, helped in children’s church and Sunday school classes, sang specials, participated in our school ministry, brought gifts for a visit to an orphanage, and helped to fund a widows’ meeting hosted by one of our deacons. Two weeks of their trip were spent at A Place of Hope Africa, a large orphanage in the East.
I had imagined that adding the second floor for our seminary dormitory would be the only big project for this year, but the Lord has seen fit to put the following additional new works on our ministry plate over the last twelve months: a continuing television ministry with Christian Media International, a fully sponsored Prisoner Discipleship Ministry, a new day school at Truth Baptist Church, the Friends of the Deaf Ministry that just celebrated its first anniversary in April, and the growth of our last church plant (Liberty Baptist Church of Azunu), which Truth Baptist Church has adopted as its own like no other new church before. We are blessed beyond imagination!
Believing God, Mark Holmes
Mark Holmes Family
507 State Street Hammond, IN 46320
The Tolson Family to China and Taiwan
Last month, as I was writing our prayer letter, there was news that the epidemic situation in Taiwan had entered community transmission. Up to that point, Taiwan had been blessed during this pandemic, with the virus almost being non-existent on the island. Unfortunately, that news was true, and a semi-lockdown soon followed with restrictions on churches, schools closing, no in-person dining, and a limit on how many people can meet together inside and out, etc. In fact, it was announced that “Persons who violate the ban on large gatherings and religious activities, or enter venues that are supposed to be closed, will face fines of between NT$60,000 ($2,166) and NT$300,000 ($10,832).”
This semi-lockdown slowed down hosting more events and doing more evangelism this month. Before the semi-lockdown: we had a successful Mother’s Day service with several visitors and a family event afterward; we had just launched a new English corner event for young people; we had a guest preacher from our teammate’s, John Walz, ministry; also, we had just started and seen results from an advertising campaign in the housing complex behind the church. But then everything had to be stopped or moved online, which hasn’t proved to be very fruitful thus far for outreach ministry.
The church plant quickly pivoted to online for our Sunday morning services. We are thankful that all of our regular attendees have been able to stay connected through this means as we worship, give, pray, preach and fellowship online. Also, my wife and another Sunday school teacher from the church have made Sunday school available to the children by recording a video for them to watch online. On Sunday afternoon, our family took craft supplies and goodies to their apartments for them to do and enjoy. The families then took pictures of their kids doing Sunday school “at home,” which was a huge encouragement. Even though it is not the ideal situation, we are thankful we can still make an impact.
We know many of our supporters have been through similar situations over the past year, so you understand our situation. Please pray for us as we do what we can to keep ministering to our people during such a hard time. We are trying to be creative and use the resources at hand to make an impact during “today.” And when “tomorrow” comes, we will decide what to do then! We desire to adapt for a season cautiously, yet longing to physically assemble again and take action when ready. We are continuing to raise funds for a church building. We have raised a little more than 12% of the projected cost. If this is a project you would like to give towards, you can give online, www.TaiwanMinistry.org, or by sending a check to Vision Baptist Missions, PO Box 442, Alpharetta, GA 30009, with a note in the memo: “Tolson - Victory Building Fund.” We labor abundantly by the grace of God and for the glory of God—the One who loves us more than we ever dreamed, even though we are more sinful than we ever imagined. Furthermore, we don’t travel on this amazing journey without the help of God’s people. Thank you for giving, praying, following, serving, and being a part of our “China Ministry” team. We are especially fond of you! Let us continue pressing forward toward the mark and keep fighting the good fight. May we strive every day to know Jesus, be happy in Him, and make Him known!
In His Joyful Service, Mark Tolson
The Tolson Family to China Vision Baptist Missions
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Email: mark@chinaministry.org
470-278-7415
Last month, as I was writing our prayer letter, there was news that the epidemic situation in Taiwan had entered community transmission. Up to that point, Taiwan had been blessed during this pandemic, with the virus almost being non-existent on the island. Unfortunately, that news was true, and a semi-lockdown soon followed with restrictions on churches, schools closing, no in-person dining, and a limit on how many people can meet together inside and out, etc. In fact, it was announced that “Persons who violate the ban on large gatherings and religious activities, or enter venues that are supposed to be closed, will face fines of between NT$60,000 ($2,166) and NT$300,000 ($10,832).”
This semi-lockdown slowed down hosting more events and doing more evangelism this month. Before the semi-lockdown: we had a successful Mother’s Day service with several visitors and a family event afterward; we had just launched a new English corner event for young people; we had a guest preacher from our teammate’s, John Walz, ministry; also, we had just started and seen results from an advertising campaign in the housing complex behind the church. But then everything had to be stopped or moved online, which hasn’t proved to be very fruitful thus far for outreach ministry.
The church plant quickly pivoted to online for our Sunday morning services. We are thankful that all of our regular attendees have been able to stay connected through this means as we worship, give, pray, preach and fellowship online. Also, my wife and another Sunday school teacher from the church have made Sunday school available to the children by recording a video for them to watch online. On Sunday afternoon, our family took craft supplies and goodies to their apartments for them to do and enjoy. The families then took pictures of their kids doing Sunday school “at home,” which was a huge encouragement. Even though it is not the ideal situation, we are thankful we can still make an impact.
We know many of our supporters have been through similar situations over the past year, so you understand our situation. Please pray for us as we do what we can to keep ministering to our people during such a hard time. We are trying to be creative and use the resources at hand to make an impact during “today.” And when “tomorrow” comes, we will decide what to do then! We desire to adapt for a season cautiously, yet longing to physically assemble again and take action when ready. We are continuing to raise funds for a church building. We have raised a little more than 12% of the projected cost. If this is a project you would like to give towards, you can give online, www.TaiwanMinistry.org, or by sending a check to Vision Baptist Missions, PO Box 442, Alpharetta, GA 30009, with a note in the memo: “Tolson - Victory Building Fund.” We labor abundantly by the grace of God and for the glory of God—the One who loves us more than we ever dreamed, even though we are more sinful than we ever imagined. Furthermore, we don’t travel on this amazing journey without the help of God’s people. Thank you for giving, praying, following, serving, and being a part of our “China Ministry” team. We are especially fond of you! Let us continue pressing forward toward the mark and keep fighting the good fight. May we strive every day to know Jesus, be happy in Him, and make Him known!
In His Joyful Service, Mark Tolson
The Tolson Family to China Vision Baptist Missions
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Email: mark@chinaministry.org
470-278-7415
The Williams Family to England
Leading up to Easter, 10,000 Gospel tracts, themed “Jesus Changes Everything,” were sent out through the mail. The church prayed and served Christ together, and God blessed the services. During the normal schedule, the morning service would be at 11:00; we desired to make the services accessible to more people, so we had two services that morning at 9:00 and 11:00. God brought a family back that we hadn’t seen in years and a visiting family to the church services. The Gospel was preached, and Jesus was exalted! Pray for those who visited, those who returned to church, and those who chose to watch online. As the Gospel was given, our hearts’ desire is that they would get saved and grow in Christ.
Twenty-one years ago, God brought a pastor named Corey Bane into my life. In June 2000 during a revival meeting, God knit my heart to this pastor. For 21 years now, our relationship has only deepened and strengthened. Eight years ago, God moved Pastor Corey Bane to Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church (SBBC) in Martinsburg, West Virginia. In the following months, we would become part of that church’s missions family, as they would become our sending church, like Antioch was the Apostle Paul’s sending church in Acts. The reason for our change was the strong relationship we have with Pastor Bane.
God has moved my pastor and his wife Caryn to call Holly and me and ask us to consider two positions at SBBC. Pastor Bane asked me to become his assistant pastor, working directly with him. They offered Holly the opportunity to work with Mrs. Bane in the music ministry.
In a recent church service, we read Psalm 138. The first part of Verse 8, “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me,” gripped my heart. This became my prayer and my heart. I bathed my heart and mind in God’s Word, prayed day and night, fasted, and sought counsel from a multitude of counsellors. God was and is “perfecting that which concerneth us.”
While bathing my heart in the Word of God, praying, fasting, going nights without sleeping, and much counselling, God brought my heart and mind to Psalm 1 repeatedly. The thought of God planting us by the rivers of water and bringing forth fruit in due season kept coming back to me. This happened in Scripture, conversations, sermons, and from so many unexpected sources. I couldn’t get away from it. God had planted a seed in my heart 21 years ago when he knit my heart to Pastor Bane, and now He is bringing it to fruition. After months of Bible reading and study, prayer, fasting, many hours of counselling, and seeing God lead my wife’s heart in unity with mine, God led me to a very clear decision. God is leading me to become the assistant pastor of Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church in Martinsburg, West Virginia. I have accepted the position God has been cultivating in my heart for 21 years. This is not something I sought, nor did I expect. However, looking back, I see how God has shaped and “perfected” in my life. This is God’s will for me and my family.
On June 23, my family and I will return to the States to prepare for and begin the ministry our Lord has directed us to at SBBC. Please pray for God’s wisdom for us as we make this transition.
Skelmersdale Baptist Church has organized a pulpit committee, and godly men are seeking God’s direction for the next pastor. The church is established, and God will lead the right man at the right time to the pastorate. Please continue praying for them as they continue the Gospel ministry there.
Thank you to our supporters who have faithfully supported our ministry for years. The Gospel has been preached, souls have been saved, believers have been baptized, churches have been started, and disciples have been trained. We have been faithful to the work God gave us. Heaven will tell what God has done through your gracious enabling of God’s ministry.
May God bless you, your family, and your ministries.
The Williams Family to England
2251 Williamsport Pike
Martinsburg, WV 25404
Email: williamstoengland.com
Leading up to Easter, 10,000 Gospel tracts, themed “Jesus Changes Everything,” were sent out through the mail. The church prayed and served Christ together, and God blessed the services. During the normal schedule, the morning service would be at 11:00; we desired to make the services accessible to more people, so we had two services that morning at 9:00 and 11:00. God brought a family back that we hadn’t seen in years and a visiting family to the church services. The Gospel was preached, and Jesus was exalted! Pray for those who visited, those who returned to church, and those who chose to watch online. As the Gospel was given, our hearts’ desire is that they would get saved and grow in Christ.
Twenty-one years ago, God brought a pastor named Corey Bane into my life. In June 2000 during a revival meeting, God knit my heart to this pastor. For 21 years now, our relationship has only deepened and strengthened. Eight years ago, God moved Pastor Corey Bane to Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church (SBBC) in Martinsburg, West Virginia. In the following months, we would become part of that church’s missions family, as they would become our sending church, like Antioch was the Apostle Paul’s sending church in Acts. The reason for our change was the strong relationship we have with Pastor Bane.
God has moved my pastor and his wife Caryn to call Holly and me and ask us to consider two positions at SBBC. Pastor Bane asked me to become his assistant pastor, working directly with him. They offered Holly the opportunity to work with Mrs. Bane in the music ministry.
In a recent church service, we read Psalm 138. The first part of Verse 8, “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me,” gripped my heart. This became my prayer and my heart. I bathed my heart and mind in God’s Word, prayed day and night, fasted, and sought counsel from a multitude of counsellors. God was and is “perfecting that which concerneth us.”
While bathing my heart in the Word of God, praying, fasting, going nights without sleeping, and much counselling, God brought my heart and mind to Psalm 1 repeatedly. The thought of God planting us by the rivers of water and bringing forth fruit in due season kept coming back to me. This happened in Scripture, conversations, sermons, and from so many unexpected sources. I couldn’t get away from it. God had planted a seed in my heart 21 years ago when he knit my heart to Pastor Bane, and now He is bringing it to fruition. After months of Bible reading and study, prayer, fasting, many hours of counselling, and seeing God lead my wife’s heart in unity with mine, God led me to a very clear decision. God is leading me to become the assistant pastor of Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church in Martinsburg, West Virginia. I have accepted the position God has been cultivating in my heart for 21 years. This is not something I sought, nor did I expect. However, looking back, I see how God has shaped and “perfected” in my life. This is God’s will for me and my family.
On June 23, my family and I will return to the States to prepare for and begin the ministry our Lord has directed us to at SBBC. Please pray for God’s wisdom for us as we make this transition.
Skelmersdale Baptist Church has organized a pulpit committee, and godly men are seeking God’s direction for the next pastor. The church is established, and God will lead the right man at the right time to the pastorate. Please continue praying for them as they continue the Gospel ministry there.
Thank you to our supporters who have faithfully supported our ministry for years. The Gospel has been preached, souls have been saved, believers have been baptized, churches have been started, and disciples have been trained. We have been faithful to the work God gave us. Heaven will tell what God has done through your gracious enabling of God’s ministry.
May God bless you, your family, and your ministries.
The Williams Family to England
2251 Williamsport Pike
Martinsburg, WV 25404
Email: williamstoengland.com
