The Wallace Family
to Mexico City
Dear Pastors, Friends & Family,
We were able to finish more benches and are beginning to fill them. Apart from the spiritual things God accomplished last week, we also had a good time with Mexican Independence Day festivities in our church.
Our church celebrated its 3rd anniversary. We had a Mexican missionary named Juan Martinez to Panama at our church with his family and had a missions-emphasis weekend. Saturday we went out soul-winning and had about forty present. We passed out 7,500 pieces of gospel literature and had four souls saved while out knocking doors. A new lady in our church named Lydia brought her husband, Elijah, yesterday but only for the meal. He said he would never come to a church but technically this wasn’t a church service so he came. I encouraged him to come Sunday and he did come yesterday and got saved. We also had a baptism yesterday of a young lady named Lorena.
The commitments to our Faith Promise Missions went well and I believe we will easily be able to add Bro. Martinez as one of the Mexican missionaries our church supports. When he left yesterday, he and his family were going to take a bus to the metro/subway, then another three buses to make it home. I knew it would take them several hours traveling with luggage and kids, so I offered to get him an Uber taxi. He didn’t want to accept because it would cost much more, though it would be a lot more comfortable and quicker, but I called the Uber anyway. The taxi driver named Fredrico picked them up at our church. Being stuck in traffic for a while on the way home, Brother Juan began to witnessing to Fredrico and when they arrived to their destination, Fredrico bowed his head and repented, asking God to save him. I feel the Lord led our church to support another good missionary. Actually, your support of us means this soul saved also goes to your account.
That is God’s plan for churches to support missionaries to start churches but for those same missionary churches to support missions. As our church here, Hope Baptist Church, supports missions, God blesses it and makes it strong, just like your churches are blessed and strengthened as you support missions. We are excited after our furlough to start a new church and with God’s help, make it strong by obeying God’s will in faithfully preaching & witnessing, and supporting more missionaries, and then repeating the process again and again here in Mexico City, if the Lord tarries.
Please pray for Mary as she has suffered for a few months with severe muscle pain in her back, neck and right arm & hand. She has five weeks of physical therapy scheduled with three therapies per week. Also pray for two of our children - Hannah & Joseph. Hannah’s husband, Mark Martinez, is a youth pastor in Colorado and our son Joseph is a youth pastor in Mississippi. Mark feels led to start a church in Boulder, Colorado and plans to start their deputation in a few months. Our son Joseph along with his wife and two children plan to move to Colorado in a few months to help them.
Mary and I will leave for the border at 2:00am and should arrive around 5:00pm. We have to do this every 6 months for Mary to buy 6 months of a special medication she needs as a result of her cancer years ago. The medication can’t be obtained in Mexico. Apart from the severe muscle pain she has experienced the last few months, she has recently developed an internal problem affecting her kidneys and is causing her pain. She had an MRI and other tests this week and is waiting for the doctor to schedule an exploratory procedure. We also use this trip to see our doctors & dentists and to pick up ministry supplies (Bibles, etc.) for Mexico.
Pray that our van runs well and for our safety as there are very real dangers due to the cartel along the route, especially the last few hours before reaching the border. One blessing is that the Fellowship Tract League agreed to ship me a van-load of tracts for free to the Texas border and I only have to pay for the UPS shipping costs. Our van will be heavily loaded with at least 85 cases of gospel literature (if I can get it all to fit), and other supplies, so pray also for our safety as we return to Mexico City, and also that Mexican customs allows us to enter without any restrictions or tariffs, since once before I had to unload everything, open every box, pay taxes, and reload everything.
On our trip to the border, we were stopped three separate times by the police. Thankfully they were legitimate and not the cartel as has happened to us before.
Between services yesterday we took a group of church folks to the open markets to street-preach, witness, pass out tracts, just five minutes from our apartment. Seven of our men lined up on median between the traffic to preach to the people entering and leaving the tianguis (open air markets). There were hundreds of people present and we passed out lots of tracts. We even had an 18-year-old young man, just about to enter the Mexican military, saved yesterday.
Thank the Lord for gospel literature to help reach the millions in this mega-metropolis that still so desperately needs our Savior.
Bro. Mike Wallace & Family in Mexico City
PO Box 908
Donna, TX 78537
Ph#: 330-419-0520
Email: www.mexico-missionaries.com
We were able to finish more benches and are beginning to fill them. Apart from the spiritual things God accomplished last week, we also had a good time with Mexican Independence Day festivities in our church.
Our church celebrated its 3rd anniversary. We had a Mexican missionary named Juan Martinez to Panama at our church with his family and had a missions-emphasis weekend. Saturday we went out soul-winning and had about forty present. We passed out 7,500 pieces of gospel literature and had four souls saved while out knocking doors. A new lady in our church named Lydia brought her husband, Elijah, yesterday but only for the meal. He said he would never come to a church but technically this wasn’t a church service so he came. I encouraged him to come Sunday and he did come yesterday and got saved. We also had a baptism yesterday of a young lady named Lorena.
The commitments to our Faith Promise Missions went well and I believe we will easily be able to add Bro. Martinez as one of the Mexican missionaries our church supports. When he left yesterday, he and his family were going to take a bus to the metro/subway, then another three buses to make it home. I knew it would take them several hours traveling with luggage and kids, so I offered to get him an Uber taxi. He didn’t want to accept because it would cost much more, though it would be a lot more comfortable and quicker, but I called the Uber anyway. The taxi driver named Fredrico picked them up at our church. Being stuck in traffic for a while on the way home, Brother Juan began to witnessing to Fredrico and when they arrived to their destination, Fredrico bowed his head and repented, asking God to save him. I feel the Lord led our church to support another good missionary. Actually, your support of us means this soul saved also goes to your account.
That is God’s plan for churches to support missionaries to start churches but for those same missionary churches to support missions. As our church here, Hope Baptist Church, supports missions, God blesses it and makes it strong, just like your churches are blessed and strengthened as you support missions. We are excited after our furlough to start a new church and with God’s help, make it strong by obeying God’s will in faithfully preaching & witnessing, and supporting more missionaries, and then repeating the process again and again here in Mexico City, if the Lord tarries.
Please pray for Mary as she has suffered for a few months with severe muscle pain in her back, neck and right arm & hand. She has five weeks of physical therapy scheduled with three therapies per week. Also pray for two of our children - Hannah & Joseph. Hannah’s husband, Mark Martinez, is a youth pastor in Colorado and our son Joseph is a youth pastor in Mississippi. Mark feels led to start a church in Boulder, Colorado and plans to start their deputation in a few months. Our son Joseph along with his wife and two children plan to move to Colorado in a few months to help them.
Mary and I will leave for the border at 2:00am and should arrive around 5:00pm. We have to do this every 6 months for Mary to buy 6 months of a special medication she needs as a result of her cancer years ago. The medication can’t be obtained in Mexico. Apart from the severe muscle pain she has experienced the last few months, she has recently developed an internal problem affecting her kidneys and is causing her pain. She had an MRI and other tests this week and is waiting for the doctor to schedule an exploratory procedure. We also use this trip to see our doctors & dentists and to pick up ministry supplies (Bibles, etc.) for Mexico.
Pray that our van runs well and for our safety as there are very real dangers due to the cartel along the route, especially the last few hours before reaching the border. One blessing is that the Fellowship Tract League agreed to ship me a van-load of tracts for free to the Texas border and I only have to pay for the UPS shipping costs. Our van will be heavily loaded with at least 85 cases of gospel literature (if I can get it all to fit), and other supplies, so pray also for our safety as we return to Mexico City, and also that Mexican customs allows us to enter without any restrictions or tariffs, since once before I had to unload everything, open every box, pay taxes, and reload everything.
On our trip to the border, we were stopped three separate times by the police. Thankfully they were legitimate and not the cartel as has happened to us before.
Between services yesterday we took a group of church folks to the open markets to street-preach, witness, pass out tracts, just five minutes from our apartment. Seven of our men lined up on median between the traffic to preach to the people entering and leaving the tianguis (open air markets). There were hundreds of people present and we passed out lots of tracts. We even had an 18-year-old young man, just about to enter the Mexican military, saved yesterday.
Thank the Lord for gospel literature to help reach the millions in this mega-metropolis that still so desperately needs our Savior.
Bro. Mike Wallace & Family in Mexico City
PO Box 908
Donna, TX 78537
Ph#: 330-419-0520
Email: www.mexico-missionaries.com
The Noel Shrivnauth Family to Guyana
Dear Friends,
From July to August, our church in Guyana saw 104 saved and 11 baptized. We thank God for people being faithful while we were on furlough. Furlough 2019 is officially over for us. We arrived safely in Guyana on September the 3rd. However, we had to dodge Hurricane Dorian as we flew to Miami. We were delayed about one and a half hours, but everything went smoothly. After we got back to Guyana my wife and daughter got feverishly ill. Not only that, but we had no power, water, phone service or internet. I took it to mean, “Welcome back to the mission field.” Thankfully the utilities, phone and internet service are back on and my family is recovering. The Devil is mad that we are back. That is okay. He can stay mad. Everything is all right in my Father’s house. We will continue to pull brands out of the fire that were destined for hell - Zech.3:1-2.
We are thankful to all the gracious people, sweet friends and wonderful churches that helped us and refreshed our souls while on furlough. May the Lord reward you kindly and abundantly for your love to us. We pray in some small part that we were a blessing to you.
Total miles driven for the four and a half months of our furlough were 22,743. Thank God for no breakdowns or accidents. We covered churches from New York to Arkansas and from Pennsylvania to Tennessee and Florida -- 42 meetings. Twelve of those were new meetings. Thank God for five new supporting churches. It was a fabulous furlough and we saw several people saved along the way.
There is much work to do now that we are back on the field. Please continue to keep us zealously in your prayers, and thank you for your financial support. Please pray as we plan on hiring several people on staff to train them in the ministry and soul winning. These are people who we identify as servants and who are committed to the things of the Lord. Also pray that God would call others to ministry whom we can train. We started Burning Bush Bible Institute many years ago to train people for the work of the Lord. You can help us by coming to teach modular courses. If you have a knack for teaching and you would like to help, please contact us. You can either send curriculum or bring it yourself to teach. Video curriculum is desired, but book form will work as well.
Finally, pray for our family’s health, safety and three older children in the US. Our son Rydal and daughter Gretel are at Bible colleges. Our oldest, Natalie, and her husband, Joshua, and our two cute granddaughters are on deputation and headed for South Africa as missionaries.
It is because of the Lord’s mercies and your giving that we are standing on the winning side. We shall continue to press forward for Christ until His soon coming glorious return.
In Christ Jesus the Anchor holds,
The Shrivnauth family
Noel, Charlene, Rydal, Gretel, Elsie, and Nolan
PO Box 9
Harrison, TN 37341
Ph #: 570-837-3693
Email: singwenoel@gmail.com
From July to August, our church in Guyana saw 104 saved and 11 baptized. We thank God for people being faithful while we were on furlough. Furlough 2019 is officially over for us. We arrived safely in Guyana on September the 3rd. However, we had to dodge Hurricane Dorian as we flew to Miami. We were delayed about one and a half hours, but everything went smoothly. After we got back to Guyana my wife and daughter got feverishly ill. Not only that, but we had no power, water, phone service or internet. I took it to mean, “Welcome back to the mission field.” Thankfully the utilities, phone and internet service are back on and my family is recovering. The Devil is mad that we are back. That is okay. He can stay mad. Everything is all right in my Father’s house. We will continue to pull brands out of the fire that were destined for hell - Zech.3:1-2.
We are thankful to all the gracious people, sweet friends and wonderful churches that helped us and refreshed our souls while on furlough. May the Lord reward you kindly and abundantly for your love to us. We pray in some small part that we were a blessing to you.
Total miles driven for the four and a half months of our furlough were 22,743. Thank God for no breakdowns or accidents. We covered churches from New York to Arkansas and from Pennsylvania to Tennessee and Florida -- 42 meetings. Twelve of those were new meetings. Thank God for five new supporting churches. It was a fabulous furlough and we saw several people saved along the way.
There is much work to do now that we are back on the field. Please continue to keep us zealously in your prayers, and thank you for your financial support. Please pray as we plan on hiring several people on staff to train them in the ministry and soul winning. These are people who we identify as servants and who are committed to the things of the Lord. Also pray that God would call others to ministry whom we can train. We started Burning Bush Bible Institute many years ago to train people for the work of the Lord. You can help us by coming to teach modular courses. If you have a knack for teaching and you would like to help, please contact us. You can either send curriculum or bring it yourself to teach. Video curriculum is desired, but book form will work as well.
Finally, pray for our family’s health, safety and three older children in the US. Our son Rydal and daughter Gretel are at Bible colleges. Our oldest, Natalie, and her husband, Joshua, and our two cute granddaughters are on deputation and headed for South Africa as missionaries.
It is because of the Lord’s mercies and your giving that we are standing on the winning side. We shall continue to press forward for Christ until His soon coming glorious return.
In Christ Jesus the Anchor holds,
The Shrivnauth family
Noel, Charlene, Rydal, Gretel, Elsie, and Nolan
PO Box 9
Harrison, TN 37341
Ph #: 570-837-3693
Email: singwenoel@gmail.com
The Brian George Family to Argentina
July - August 2019 Newsletter
Dear Good News From A Far Country,
Just a few weeks back, I was able to sell our car that we’d had for three years! We had to repair it often along the way; it broke down many times. It was at the mechanic shop every other week, and we invested way too much money into keeping it running. Someone found out it was for sale and came to my house this morning! I showed the new buyer the windshield that was cracked, the concerns with the radiator overheating, and the worn-out, smooth tires. I did not think he would buy it . . . but he did! I’m glad that it was sold as is and that I did not need to fix it up! Just a week ago, I was able to purchase a 2018 Volkswagen Virtus. The local dealership gave me credit! Praise the Lord!
I preach in a maximum-security prison every Wednesday! The jail has close to 1,200 inmates, divided into 10 sections. We work in the area that has just 30 men who are in for murder or violent crimes—some of the worst cases in the prison. The men are not forced to come hear the preaching! On this particular Wednesday, 10 men sat down for the open-air service. We had song time, prayer time, counseling time, and preaching time! There were 5 other men standing around in the area listening to the preaching, including the prison guards! I talked about the rich man and Lazarus! Four men responded and got saved! Praise the Lord! We also have 5 of these men going through discipleship training throughout the week. Praise the Lord for this ministry! We also pass out free Bibles and Gospel tracts! I would like to thank the individuals who donated for the Bibles, the discipleship materials, and the Gospel tracts!
During the last three weeks, my wife has been sick a lot, feeling weak, along with a lot of discomfort! We became concerned since she was not getting better! We visited a doctor here in Tucuman and only found some minor concerns after some tests. We decided that she needed to go to the USA to see a specialist! My sweetheart left on August 13 and will be staying in Washington, Iowa, for the next five weeks!
Liesl was able to see a specialist. The report from the doctor was not good. She is having problems with her thyroid, and has candidiasis, as well as Epstein Barr virus. The doctor did the necessary tests and found out that she was a lot worse compared to previous tests. The good news is that she will be on a strict diet and nutritional supplements for the next few months. We have a lot of faith that she will get her health back! Please pray for the extra funds needed for airplane tickets, traveling in the USA, and for the nutritional supplements needed for her health! Please pray for a complete recovery! She is my better half, and I dearly miss her!
I just preached to close to 300 people here at Bethel Baptist Church! We had 3 saved, 6 first-time visitors, 1 baptized, 6 called to full-time Christian service, and many decisions made at the altar. I preached on the subject of Hell! We got fired up to reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Here to serve,
Brian R. George
Dear Good News From A Far Country,
Just a few weeks back, I was able to sell our car that we’d had for three years! We had to repair it often along the way; it broke down many times. It was at the mechanic shop every other week, and we invested way too much money into keeping it running. Someone found out it was for sale and came to my house this morning! I showed the new buyer the windshield that was cracked, the concerns with the radiator overheating, and the worn-out, smooth tires. I did not think he would buy it . . . but he did! I’m glad that it was sold as is and that I did not need to fix it up! Just a week ago, I was able to purchase a 2018 Volkswagen Virtus. The local dealership gave me credit! Praise the Lord!
I preach in a maximum-security prison every Wednesday! The jail has close to 1,200 inmates, divided into 10 sections. We work in the area that has just 30 men who are in for murder or violent crimes—some of the worst cases in the prison. The men are not forced to come hear the preaching! On this particular Wednesday, 10 men sat down for the open-air service. We had song time, prayer time, counseling time, and preaching time! There were 5 other men standing around in the area listening to the preaching, including the prison guards! I talked about the rich man and Lazarus! Four men responded and got saved! Praise the Lord! We also have 5 of these men going through discipleship training throughout the week. Praise the Lord for this ministry! We also pass out free Bibles and Gospel tracts! I would like to thank the individuals who donated for the Bibles, the discipleship materials, and the Gospel tracts!
During the last three weeks, my wife has been sick a lot, feeling weak, along with a lot of discomfort! We became concerned since she was not getting better! We visited a doctor here in Tucuman and only found some minor concerns after some tests. We decided that she needed to go to the USA to see a specialist! My sweetheart left on August 13 and will be staying in Washington, Iowa, for the next five weeks!
Liesl was able to see a specialist. The report from the doctor was not good. She is having problems with her thyroid, and has candidiasis, as well as Epstein Barr virus. The doctor did the necessary tests and found out that she was a lot worse compared to previous tests. The good news is that she will be on a strict diet and nutritional supplements for the next few months. We have a lot of faith that she will get her health back! Please pray for the extra funds needed for airplane tickets, traveling in the USA, and for the nutritional supplements needed for her health! Please pray for a complete recovery! She is my better half, and I dearly miss her!
I just preached to close to 300 people here at Bethel Baptist Church! We had 3 saved, 6 first-time visitors, 1 baptized, 6 called to full-time Christian service, and many decisions made at the altar. I preached on the subject of Hell! We got fired up to reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Here to serve,
Brian R. George
The Holt Family – Missionaries to Chile
We often hear that furlough is a time of rest for missionaries. That’s never been the case for our family, and we wouldn’t want it to be. We praise the Lord for opportunities to serve while stateside. This month, Lori and I had the opportunity to be in California to participate in a family camp for Iglesia Bautista Fe (Spanish ministry of Faith Baptist of Canoga Park). This church has been a faithful supporter for 17 years! Although we enjoy preaching and teaching in English, there is nothing like being with the Latino people and ministering to them in Spanish. This ministry is 37 years old. As we watched three generations pose together for family pictures at the end of camp, our hearts were moved to think about all the Lord can and will do in Chile as the years and decades pass.
We are 8 months into our furlough and we have seen how God is allowing us to complete the objectives He laid on our hearts. One important goal was to raise more monthly support for the growing ministry in Chile. We have been in Chile since 2005, and our support has not increased at the same rate as the cost of living. I have been traveling extensively and have been in over 80 churches thus far to present the ministry. Praise the Lord we are seeing some new support come in, and we ask you to pray with us that more churches will begin to partner with us to fund the new church planting projects in Chile in the years to come.
This month in Liberty Baptist Church, Felipe taught his first Bible principle in a church service. He and his wife are a precious young couple praying about full-time Christian service. God is continuing to raise up laborers out of this young church plant. Please pray for Liberty and consider giving toward a permanent facility so this church can grow. Every square foot is currently in use. All donations can be sent to our support address with a memo “Liberty Land Fund - Chile”.
In 2005, we launched our first church in Santiago, Chile. From there, God has raised up a team that has planted 10 churches and is currently training more than 50 young men and women for ministry.
In 2020, with God’s help, we will start 3 new churches. Another dozen young preachers will be ready to plant a church within the next few years. The ministry is growing, and we praise the Lord for all He is doing!
The logistics and challenges of growth can often seem daunting. This is why we need you! You can help us plant more churches in Chile. We need a team of prayer warriors standing along our side as we move forward on the frontlines.
Thank you for helping us reach Chile and beyond with the gospel!
Jason Holt
Vision Baptist Missions
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Email: holt@biblicalmissions.com
We are 8 months into our furlough and we have seen how God is allowing us to complete the objectives He laid on our hearts. One important goal was to raise more monthly support for the growing ministry in Chile. We have been in Chile since 2005, and our support has not increased at the same rate as the cost of living. I have been traveling extensively and have been in over 80 churches thus far to present the ministry. Praise the Lord we are seeing some new support come in, and we ask you to pray with us that more churches will begin to partner with us to fund the new church planting projects in Chile in the years to come.
This month in Liberty Baptist Church, Felipe taught his first Bible principle in a church service. He and his wife are a precious young couple praying about full-time Christian service. God is continuing to raise up laborers out of this young church plant. Please pray for Liberty and consider giving toward a permanent facility so this church can grow. Every square foot is currently in use. All donations can be sent to our support address with a memo “Liberty Land Fund - Chile”.
In 2005, we launched our first church in Santiago, Chile. From there, God has raised up a team that has planted 10 churches and is currently training more than 50 young men and women for ministry.
In 2020, with God’s help, we will start 3 new churches. Another dozen young preachers will be ready to plant a church within the next few years. The ministry is growing, and we praise the Lord for all He is doing!
The logistics and challenges of growth can often seem daunting. This is why we need you! You can help us plant more churches in Chile. We need a team of prayer warriors standing along our side as we move forward on the frontlines.
Thank you for helping us reach Chile and beyond with the gospel!
Jason Holt
Vision Baptist Missions
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Email: holt@biblicalmissions.com
The Schwer Family to Mexico
September - October 2019
I am currently in a motel in Indiana. We had to leave Mexico because we ran out of Scripture and are traveling to Missouri, Indiana, South Carolina, and Mississippi picking up and scheduling deliveries for Mexico. So far this year we have delivered right at 2 million pieces of Scripture to over 10 states in Mexico. This Scripture goes out as fast as we deliver it to churches who are busy evangelizing their area. Our longest trip in the last 30 days has been to the state of Chiapas down by the Guatemala border (4,700 miles round trip). This helped to supply 25 churches in the area. We praise God for allowing you and I to be part of evangelizing and helping to disciple believers in Mexico who desperately need God’s Word. Please continue to pray with us for supplies and funds to get God’s Word into the hands of those who have never had their own Bible.
We are moving to San Ignacio when we get back, a small village about 10 miles from Magdalena where we currently live, and help to restart a small church there headed up by nationals. We are very excited to be part of what God will do here.
Make sure you schedule a visit to come on a mission trip whether it’s a small or large group. Please come and experience the mission field. It always seems to impact those who do. We are scheduling a big outreach in Magdalena. There will be hundreds of people coming for a religious festival and we will be there to witness and give them the Gospel.
Again thank you for all your prayers and continued support for the lost here in Mexico. You can see updates of pictures and videos on our Facebook page @handsacrossborder.
Your Friend,
Bro Gary Schwer
Romans 1:17
PO Box 1342
Apache Junction, AZ 85117
Ph#: 480-415-1688
Email: hatb2003@gmail.com
I am currently in a motel in Indiana. We had to leave Mexico because we ran out of Scripture and are traveling to Missouri, Indiana, South Carolina, and Mississippi picking up and scheduling deliveries for Mexico. So far this year we have delivered right at 2 million pieces of Scripture to over 10 states in Mexico. This Scripture goes out as fast as we deliver it to churches who are busy evangelizing their area. Our longest trip in the last 30 days has been to the state of Chiapas down by the Guatemala border (4,700 miles round trip). This helped to supply 25 churches in the area. We praise God for allowing you and I to be part of evangelizing and helping to disciple believers in Mexico who desperately need God’s Word. Please continue to pray with us for supplies and funds to get God’s Word into the hands of those who have never had their own Bible.
We are moving to San Ignacio when we get back, a small village about 10 miles from Magdalena where we currently live, and help to restart a small church there headed up by nationals. We are very excited to be part of what God will do here.
Make sure you schedule a visit to come on a mission trip whether it’s a small or large group. Please come and experience the mission field. It always seems to impact those who do. We are scheduling a big outreach in Magdalena. There will be hundreds of people coming for a religious festival and we will be there to witness and give them the Gospel.
Again thank you for all your prayers and continued support for the lost here in Mexico. You can see updates of pictures and videos on our Facebook page @handsacrossborder.
Your Friend,
Bro Gary Schwer
Romans 1:17
PO Box 1342
Apache Junction, AZ 85117
Ph#: 480-415-1688
Email: hatb2003@gmail.com
The Owens Family to Bulgaria
Dear pastor and friends,
I have been dealing with some issues with my blood pressure that doctors have been unable to figure out. In July I woke up one morning again with severe pain in my back, chest and arm similar to what I experienced before, but this time on my right side. After an MRI the neurologist sent me to see a neurosurgeon who took one look at the MRI and said, “surgery”. A disc and spur in my upper thoracic spine is pressing my spinal cord causing me severe pain and sleepless nights. I have not slept a full night for the past 2 months. We decided that I should fly back to the states, since I would get better care covered by our insurance. So, now I am in California waiting for doctors to make a decision on whether to operate and when. The neurosurgeon said that the surgery was complicated because of the rare location on my thoracic spine close to the heart. The surgery would be invasive, going in from both the front and the back and would have to be done together with a cardiothoracic surgeon. They are trying alternative methods to release the pressure on my spinal cord to try to avoid the surgery. I am hoping to get some relief so that I can fly back to Bulgaria as soon as possible.
Praise the Lord. God knows what He is doing and has sent the right people our way at exactly the right moment. I can’t explain my excitement over what he has done in the life of one of our young people who was saved and baptized in our church nearly 10 years ago. Martin has stepped up in my absence and has preached both the morning service and taught the Sunday school for the past 2 weeks. He has done a great job and we are in daily contact. Jeff Shergalis, another missionary, is overseeing things and preaching our Wednesday evening and Sunday night services. He has his own service on Sunday morning.
Your prayers are being heard. Please continue to pray for our churches in Bulgaria, but specifically for Martin and Aleksandra. Pray also for the growth of the following young couples who have been attending: Mladen and Ani; Toni and Gabi; Isus and Isaya; and Trajcho and Tanya.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support and to those who have sent extra help for our expenses. If you would like additional information please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 650-204-1686.
Serving for Jesus,
The Owens Family
PO Box 1861
Pacifica, CA 94044
Ph#: 410-202-8845
Email: owensbulgaria@gmail.com
I have been dealing with some issues with my blood pressure that doctors have been unable to figure out. In July I woke up one morning again with severe pain in my back, chest and arm similar to what I experienced before, but this time on my right side. After an MRI the neurologist sent me to see a neurosurgeon who took one look at the MRI and said, “surgery”. A disc and spur in my upper thoracic spine is pressing my spinal cord causing me severe pain and sleepless nights. I have not slept a full night for the past 2 months. We decided that I should fly back to the states, since I would get better care covered by our insurance. So, now I am in California waiting for doctors to make a decision on whether to operate and when. The neurosurgeon said that the surgery was complicated because of the rare location on my thoracic spine close to the heart. The surgery would be invasive, going in from both the front and the back and would have to be done together with a cardiothoracic surgeon. They are trying alternative methods to release the pressure on my spinal cord to try to avoid the surgery. I am hoping to get some relief so that I can fly back to Bulgaria as soon as possible.
Praise the Lord. God knows what He is doing and has sent the right people our way at exactly the right moment. I can’t explain my excitement over what he has done in the life of one of our young people who was saved and baptized in our church nearly 10 years ago. Martin has stepped up in my absence and has preached both the morning service and taught the Sunday school for the past 2 weeks. He has done a great job and we are in daily contact. Jeff Shergalis, another missionary, is overseeing things and preaching our Wednesday evening and Sunday night services. He has his own service on Sunday morning.
Your prayers are being heard. Please continue to pray for our churches in Bulgaria, but specifically for Martin and Aleksandra. Pray also for the growth of the following young couples who have been attending: Mladen and Ani; Toni and Gabi; Isus and Isaya; and Trajcho and Tanya.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support and to those who have sent extra help for our expenses. If you would like additional information please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 650-204-1686.
Serving for Jesus,
The Owens Family
PO Box 1861
Pacifica, CA 94044
Ph#: 410-202-8845
Email: owensbulgaria@gmail.com
Garry Way to Israel
I left July 29 for a meeting with my friend, Pastor Rusty Hammer, in Independence, Kansas. This was my second year to preach a three day Israel Conference. Attendance was outstanding and I always enjoy being around this church family. From there I drove to Marion, Iowa, to spend a few days with my friend, Pastor Cecil Ballard. We had a good day soul winning on Saturday with the folks from Grace Baptist. Sunday afternoon, August 5, I drove to Football Camp to see my three grandsons and my son. It was a good week of preaching with more than 650 decisions made by the 200+ young men and even some of the adults. I highly recommend Midwest Christian Boys Football Camp in Dwight, Illinois, a ministry of First Baptist Church, Pastor Dan Woodward.
I was in First Baptist Church of Kenmore, Ohio, Pastor Joe Grimaldi, on Sunday morning, August 11, and Community Baptist Temple in Akron, Ohio, Pastor Mark O’Donnell, on Sunday night. Monday, August 12, I drove to Monroeville, New Jersey to stay at Camp Aura, a ministry of Calvary Bible Baptist Church of Willingboro, New Jersey, Pastor Aaron McCullough. Pastor McCullough has once again graciously allowed me to stay in a cabin at their Youth Church Camp free of charge which is a tremendous blessing.
I did have one hiccup shortly after arriving in New Jersey. Saturday, August 17, I pulled into a convenience store to get some fuel for my truck. One of the attendants asked me how much and I said, “Fill it up with diesel.” (they still do that in New Jersey) A few minutes later I realized he was putting regular gasoline in my diesel! WOW! The store paid for the tow to the Ford dealership and everything went downhill from there. Of course, it was Monday before they could take a look at it. The convenience store insurance company contacted me also on Monday. They wanted an estimate which I sent them Monday afternoon. They said it was too high and needed to be reviewed and it would take 48 hours which should have put us at Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. I finally got a rental car on Friday afternoon, August 23. I was finally able to get my truck on Tuesday, August 27, and had to put the $2192.22 bill on my credit card and will wait for the reimbursement.
It has been frustrating to say the least and as the Apostle Paul said, “...we are perplexed, but not in despair...” I know it will work out one way or another. Thank you for your responses to my email and more so for your prayers. My heart was warmed at the words of encouragement from my family and friends. My family is amazing and so are my pastor and missionary friends.
God worked again in mysterious ways. Since I didn’t have a vehicle for a week, Pastor McCullough loaned me his truck for a visit Sunday morning, August 18, to Harbor Baptist Church in Hainesport, New Jersey. I had met Pastor Dennis Higgins, Sr. on a trip to Israel twelve years ago, but had not seen him since. I didn’t have an appointment but just dropped in to get reacquainted. He had me give a short testimony then spoke to the church about taking us on for support because they were not supporting a mission work in Israel. After the services one of the associates got our sending church information for support and then handed me an envelope with a generous love offering in it. AMAZING!
Friday night, August 23, we stopped in to visit our friend, Bro. Burton Gates, Liberty Baptist Church, Philadelphia, for one night of their Mission Conference. Bro. Mike Coupe, a new friend, was there presenting his Caribbean ministry. Bro. Gates let us give a short testimony about the work in Israel. This church is located right in the middle of a rough neighborhood (and that is an understatement.) Bro. Lou Baldwin was the special speaker and did a wonderful job as usual.
Sunday, August 25, we were in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, with Pastor Kevin Cavanaugh of Valley Baptist Church, and on Sunday night in Selinsgrove, PA, with Pastor Rob Rines of Victory Baptist Church. This was my first time to meet these pastors.
Wednesday, August 28, we stopped in to visit Open Bible Baptist Church of Williamstown, NJ, Pastor George Riddell. Please pray for Pastor Riddell who has some serious health issues. They have a beautiful facility and the prayer meeting time was wonderful. He preached a great message on the church and missions.
Sunday morning, September 1, we were at the historical Third Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pastor Christian Penachetti. This church was founded in 1809 only blocks from downtown Philadelphia. Sunday night we were with First Baptist Church, Howell, New Jersey, Pastor William Gaul. Both churches indicated they were going to take us on for support. We have made some new friends on this trip and are excited to see what God is doing in the Northeast.
We are headed for West Virginia and North Carolina to present the ministry and then HOME! I left home on July 29 and it will be good to be home for a few days. We picked up three new supporting churches so we only need 27 more to be able to move to Israel next fall. Don’t forget to pray about our long term VISAs - these are absolutely critical to the work in Israel.
Sincerely,
Gary Way
Evangelist Gary Way
Email: drgdonway@sbcglobal.net
I was in First Baptist Church of Kenmore, Ohio, Pastor Joe Grimaldi, on Sunday morning, August 11, and Community Baptist Temple in Akron, Ohio, Pastor Mark O’Donnell, on Sunday night. Monday, August 12, I drove to Monroeville, New Jersey to stay at Camp Aura, a ministry of Calvary Bible Baptist Church of Willingboro, New Jersey, Pastor Aaron McCullough. Pastor McCullough has once again graciously allowed me to stay in a cabin at their Youth Church Camp free of charge which is a tremendous blessing.
I did have one hiccup shortly after arriving in New Jersey. Saturday, August 17, I pulled into a convenience store to get some fuel for my truck. One of the attendants asked me how much and I said, “Fill it up with diesel.” (they still do that in New Jersey) A few minutes later I realized he was putting regular gasoline in my diesel! WOW! The store paid for the tow to the Ford dealership and everything went downhill from there. Of course, it was Monday before they could take a look at it. The convenience store insurance company contacted me also on Monday. They wanted an estimate which I sent them Monday afternoon. They said it was too high and needed to be reviewed and it would take 48 hours which should have put us at Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. I finally got a rental car on Friday afternoon, August 23. I was finally able to get my truck on Tuesday, August 27, and had to put the $2192.22 bill on my credit card and will wait for the reimbursement.
It has been frustrating to say the least and as the Apostle Paul said, “...we are perplexed, but not in despair...” I know it will work out one way or another. Thank you for your responses to my email and more so for your prayers. My heart was warmed at the words of encouragement from my family and friends. My family is amazing and so are my pastor and missionary friends.
God worked again in mysterious ways. Since I didn’t have a vehicle for a week, Pastor McCullough loaned me his truck for a visit Sunday morning, August 18, to Harbor Baptist Church in Hainesport, New Jersey. I had met Pastor Dennis Higgins, Sr. on a trip to Israel twelve years ago, but had not seen him since. I didn’t have an appointment but just dropped in to get reacquainted. He had me give a short testimony then spoke to the church about taking us on for support because they were not supporting a mission work in Israel. After the services one of the associates got our sending church information for support and then handed me an envelope with a generous love offering in it. AMAZING!
Friday night, August 23, we stopped in to visit our friend, Bro. Burton Gates, Liberty Baptist Church, Philadelphia, for one night of their Mission Conference. Bro. Mike Coupe, a new friend, was there presenting his Caribbean ministry. Bro. Gates let us give a short testimony about the work in Israel. This church is located right in the middle of a rough neighborhood (and that is an understatement.) Bro. Lou Baldwin was the special speaker and did a wonderful job as usual.
Sunday, August 25, we were in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, with Pastor Kevin Cavanaugh of Valley Baptist Church, and on Sunday night in Selinsgrove, PA, with Pastor Rob Rines of Victory Baptist Church. This was my first time to meet these pastors.
Wednesday, August 28, we stopped in to visit Open Bible Baptist Church of Williamstown, NJ, Pastor George Riddell. Please pray for Pastor Riddell who has some serious health issues. They have a beautiful facility and the prayer meeting time was wonderful. He preached a great message on the church and missions.
Sunday morning, September 1, we were at the historical Third Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pastor Christian Penachetti. This church was founded in 1809 only blocks from downtown Philadelphia. Sunday night we were with First Baptist Church, Howell, New Jersey, Pastor William Gaul. Both churches indicated they were going to take us on for support. We have made some new friends on this trip and are excited to see what God is doing in the Northeast.
We are headed for West Virginia and North Carolina to present the ministry and then HOME! I left home on July 29 and it will be good to be home for a few days. We picked up three new supporting churches so we only need 27 more to be able to move to Israel next fall. Don’t forget to pray about our long term VISAs - these are absolutely critical to the work in Israel.
Sincerely,
Gary Way
Evangelist Gary Way
Email: drgdonway@sbcglobal.net
Sam Ward to Croatia
ear Praying Friends,
Greetings from the mission field of Croatia! I continue to rejoice in the goodness of God. He provided all the funds needed to purchase the building in the Gypsy village and we have already been using it for several weeks. A big “Thank You!” to all who had a part in that, whether prayerfully or financially! It is certainly much nicer than the shipping container we’ve been using for years. We have a lot more space for kids and a more peaceful, secure place to meet.
We began a new service in the village for adults on Wednesday nights and we arepraying for and expect ing God to do great things in this dark place. Please pray with us for a mighty work of God. The need is great, but our God is greater!
I will be heading to Debrecen Hungary to spend two months filling in for a missionary friend who is going on furlough. His original plans for someone to fill in for him fell through, and I am glad to have the opportunity to help him. This will be a challenge for me on many levels. Please pray that God will use me to be a help and a blessing to the church while I am there.
In August I participated in another Medical Missions Outreach clinic - this time in Moldova. It was a blessing to see a place I had never seen before and meet some missionaries, the Fords, doing a good work for God. The clinic brought in about 800 people seeking medical or optical help, and the Fords and their church people were faithful to speak with each one about the Gospel. What a great way to spend a working vacation!
I am still working on plans for a short furlough for 2020, hoping to be in the US from February to July. (Believe it or not, my TENTH anniversary on the field is March 2020!) The actual dates of the furlough will depend on how the schedule comes together. My goals will be to present the work in some new churches in view of increasing support, and to visit some supporting churches that I haven’t been to in a while. If you would like me to come by, please let me know!
Thank you so much for your support, whether financial, or through prayer and encouragement. Without you, this would not be possible. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing.
Sam Ward
2212 N David Dr
Arlington, TX 76012
Ph #: 817-460-7940
Email: Sam.ward@godsavecroatia.com
Greetings from the mission field of Croatia! I continue to rejoice in the goodness of God. He provided all the funds needed to purchase the building in the Gypsy village and we have already been using it for several weeks. A big “Thank You!” to all who had a part in that, whether prayerfully or financially! It is certainly much nicer than the shipping container we’ve been using for years. We have a lot more space for kids and a more peaceful, secure place to meet.
We began a new service in the village for adults on Wednesday nights and we arepraying for and expect ing God to do great things in this dark place. Please pray with us for a mighty work of God. The need is great, but our God is greater!
I will be heading to Debrecen Hungary to spend two months filling in for a missionary friend who is going on furlough. His original plans for someone to fill in for him fell through, and I am glad to have the opportunity to help him. This will be a challenge for me on many levels. Please pray that God will use me to be a help and a blessing to the church while I am there.
In August I participated in another Medical Missions Outreach clinic - this time in Moldova. It was a blessing to see a place I had never seen before and meet some missionaries, the Fords, doing a good work for God. The clinic brought in about 800 people seeking medical or optical help, and the Fords and their church people were faithful to speak with each one about the Gospel. What a great way to spend a working vacation!
I am still working on plans for a short furlough for 2020, hoping to be in the US from February to July. (Believe it or not, my TENTH anniversary on the field is March 2020!) The actual dates of the furlough will depend on how the schedule comes together. My goals will be to present the work in some new churches in view of increasing support, and to visit some supporting churches that I haven’t been to in a while. If you would like me to come by, please let me know!
Thank you so much for your support, whether financial, or through prayer and encouragement. Without you, this would not be possible. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing.
Sam Ward
2212 N David Dr
Arlington, TX 76012
Ph #: 817-460-7940
Email: Sam.ward@godsavecroatia.com
Mark Holmes Family
Our 100th prayer letter recaps a time full of activity and with the most visitors we’ve ever welcomed into the home that God allowed us to build over six years ago. July began with an anticipated space of break time, as most of our seminary students were serving in other churches until the first week of August. There were several days we were advised to stay at home because of protests being held in various parts of the city. Before our streak of three youth camps in four weeks, we welcomed two MKs (missionary kids), Miss Carissa Maskey and her brother Justin, to spend some time with our family.
My son Brian traveled with me as we conducted our 3rd Student Missions Institute for Training in Evangelism (SMITE) in Ogbomoso on the last week of July. After that successful camp, Evangelist Tunde Ajayi led several young people in Ibadan with SMITE experience to do a Blitz, where Bible Clubs are conducted both morning and afternoon, food is served for those leading the clubs, and a testimony and preaching time is arranged each evening. During that same week, our seminary had an orientation for a fresh semester; we welcomed six new students.
Jonathan (the music minister of our sending church) and Amber Carr arrived for our Abuja camp (Jonathan also taught for a day at the college). They were soon joined by a returning visitor, Tim Meyer, of Grandview Pines Baptist Church, along with Mrs. April Decker and her oldest daughter Lydia. The 9th Annual SMITE for Abuja was unique in several ways: Bro. Jonathan was a wonderful keynote speaker, we planned a tribute to celebrate the memory of Pastor Jared Decker (who had preached SMITE six times), a moving recap video (designed by Bro. Tim) was shown at the closing service after graduation, and we had split sessions for young men and young ladies for the first time to allow us to utilize lessons from our lady American guests.
On the day after the Abuja SMITE, Bro. Meyer and the Deckers went to Ogbomoso to visit the Safe Harbor Children’s Home for the weekend, while our staff and I traveled to Port Harcourt for our final and biggest Nigerian SMITE of 2019. Miss Carissa and Mrs. April once again did split sessions during the week, and we all enjoyed the fellowship with the missionary Maskey family.
Calabar was the target for the second Blitz after the Port Harcourt camp, as Bro. Tunde combined the resources of two churches to conduct Bible Clubs for five more days. Lastly, I traveled to preach at Independent Baptist Church of Ijokodo-Ibadan on the last Sunday of August to bring an encouraging conclusion to their week when they annually hold a pastors’ conference.
In 3 SMITEs, we had a total of 373 young people registered from 58 churches (a new record); they conducted 74 clubs that enrolled nearly 4,000 children to hear the Gospel. Add to that 2 Blitzes that involved over 100 SMITE-experienced young people in 39 clubs; they had 1,317 children enrolled, with nearly 650 being dealt with personally for salvation. These numbers do not even include the Ghana and Kenya camps that take place in April and November. These figures are just the beginning, for every one of the churches represented received Bible Club materials so that the trained young people can use them throughout the year to reach children with the Gospel in their home areas.
Believing God,
Mark Holmes,
507 State Street
Hammond, IN 46320
contact@fbmi.org
My son Brian traveled with me as we conducted our 3rd Student Missions Institute for Training in Evangelism (SMITE) in Ogbomoso on the last week of July. After that successful camp, Evangelist Tunde Ajayi led several young people in Ibadan with SMITE experience to do a Blitz, where Bible Clubs are conducted both morning and afternoon, food is served for those leading the clubs, and a testimony and preaching time is arranged each evening. During that same week, our seminary had an orientation for a fresh semester; we welcomed six new students.
Jonathan (the music minister of our sending church) and Amber Carr arrived for our Abuja camp (Jonathan also taught for a day at the college). They were soon joined by a returning visitor, Tim Meyer, of Grandview Pines Baptist Church, along with Mrs. April Decker and her oldest daughter Lydia. The 9th Annual SMITE for Abuja was unique in several ways: Bro. Jonathan was a wonderful keynote speaker, we planned a tribute to celebrate the memory of Pastor Jared Decker (who had preached SMITE six times), a moving recap video (designed by Bro. Tim) was shown at the closing service after graduation, and we had split sessions for young men and young ladies for the first time to allow us to utilize lessons from our lady American guests.
On the day after the Abuja SMITE, Bro. Meyer and the Deckers went to Ogbomoso to visit the Safe Harbor Children’s Home for the weekend, while our staff and I traveled to Port Harcourt for our final and biggest Nigerian SMITE of 2019. Miss Carissa and Mrs. April once again did split sessions during the week, and we all enjoyed the fellowship with the missionary Maskey family.
Calabar was the target for the second Blitz after the Port Harcourt camp, as Bro. Tunde combined the resources of two churches to conduct Bible Clubs for five more days. Lastly, I traveled to preach at Independent Baptist Church of Ijokodo-Ibadan on the last Sunday of August to bring an encouraging conclusion to their week when they annually hold a pastors’ conference.
In 3 SMITEs, we had a total of 373 young people registered from 58 churches (a new record); they conducted 74 clubs that enrolled nearly 4,000 children to hear the Gospel. Add to that 2 Blitzes that involved over 100 SMITE-experienced young people in 39 clubs; they had 1,317 children enrolled, with nearly 650 being dealt with personally for salvation. These numbers do not even include the Ghana and Kenya camps that take place in April and November. These figures are just the beginning, for every one of the churches represented received Bible Club materials so that the trained young people can use them throughout the year to reach children with the Gospel in their home areas.
Believing God,
Mark Holmes,
507 State Street
Hammond, IN 46320
contact@fbmi.org
The Tolson Family to China
Several years ago, I was put in contact with an American English teacher in China married to a Chinese woman. He had a heart for God and desired to make an impact for Christ in China. He was fluent in the Chinese language, but he needed more practical ministry training. As we talked, I encouraged him to take a giant leap of faith: to follow the same path of training that I had taken. And he did! He moved back to America and trained at our home church. Now he is on deputation heading back to China as a church planting missionary. Just this past month, I was honored to preach and pray at his ordination service. I can’t wait to see what God does through this man of God and his family.
We have raised nearly $5,400 of the $10,000 needed in our Church Planting Fund—which helps covers the cost of our next church plant. We have also raised nearly $13,900 of the $20,000 needed for our Reentry Setup Fund—which helps cover the financial cost of returning to China and resetting up life there. Altogether we have reached 64% of our total goal. If you haven’t already, would you consider a one-time love offering of any amount to help us reach these needs as we plan to return to China by the end of this month?
Please continue to pray for our visas to be granted quickly. The company we are using made an error and we have to wait until after the current Chinese holidays before we can finish the process. This could delay our return by a couple of weeks. We are still asking the Lord to allow us to return on October 28th, but we know it is all in His hands and timing.
Praise the Lord for all of our supporting churches. We are at 99% of our target monthly support amount. This means that we should meet budget before we return to the field. But as many of you know, a budget is just that, an estimate of our expenditures over a period of time, and like anything else in life, there are hidden costs or things we didn’t think of. Thus, even though we will, Lord willing, reach full support based on our budget, any support above and beyond will still be needed, used accordingly, and greatly appreciated. And we know that we don’t trust in money or things, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Since our last prayer letter, we have had meetings in FL and OH It has given me the time to catch up on things that needed to be done for our return to China. We know that we couldn’t do anything without the help of God’s people. Thank you for giving, praying, serving, and being a part of our “China Ministry” team. Let us continue pressing forward and keep fighting the good fight. May we strive every day to know Jesus, to be happy in the Him, and to make Him known!
In His Joyful Service,
Mark Tolson
Vision Baptist Missions
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Email: mark@chinaministry.org
We have raised nearly $5,400 of the $10,000 needed in our Church Planting Fund—which helps covers the cost of our next church plant. We have also raised nearly $13,900 of the $20,000 needed for our Reentry Setup Fund—which helps cover the financial cost of returning to China and resetting up life there. Altogether we have reached 64% of our total goal. If you haven’t already, would you consider a one-time love offering of any amount to help us reach these needs as we plan to return to China by the end of this month?
Please continue to pray for our visas to be granted quickly. The company we are using made an error and we have to wait until after the current Chinese holidays before we can finish the process. This could delay our return by a couple of weeks. We are still asking the Lord to allow us to return on October 28th, but we know it is all in His hands and timing.
Praise the Lord for all of our supporting churches. We are at 99% of our target monthly support amount. This means that we should meet budget before we return to the field. But as many of you know, a budget is just that, an estimate of our expenditures over a period of time, and like anything else in life, there are hidden costs or things we didn’t think of. Thus, even though we will, Lord willing, reach full support based on our budget, any support above and beyond will still be needed, used accordingly, and greatly appreciated. And we know that we don’t trust in money or things, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Since our last prayer letter, we have had meetings in FL and OH It has given me the time to catch up on things that needed to be done for our return to China. We know that we couldn’t do anything without the help of God’s people. Thank you for giving, praying, serving, and being a part of our “China Ministry” team. Let us continue pressing forward and keep fighting the good fight. May we strive every day to know Jesus, to be happy in the Him, and to make Him known!
In His Joyful Service,
Mark Tolson
Vision Baptist Missions
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Email: mark@chinaministry.org
The Navatos to the U.S. Military
Dear Pastor and Prayer Partners,
Proverbs 25:25 “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”
Our apologies for the delay of this prayer letter update. We are grateful to all of you! Praise the LORD JESUS CHRIST for HIS grace! We don’t deserve it. From the Soul Winning & Visitation, to the several hospital visits; from the monthly Men’s Prayer & Bible Breakfasts, to the Ladies Bible Dinner Fellowships & Potluck; from the ministering to the men of GOD and their families that visited us such as Missionary Bigan Inkaye to Missionary Jeffrey Wright, to Missionary Rocky Meredith, to Brother Daniel Kim; from the 13-week Bible Pre-Marital Counseling, to the preparation of Maranatha Baptist Academy (MBA) for the new school year; from the week-long of MBA Teachers Training in the summer, to the MBA Parents & Teachers Conference; from our 3-year Bible College Diploma course Faith Bible Institute (FBI); to our Friend Day & 51st Anniversary Sunday preparation, to GOD be the glory!
JESUS still saves! We report to you 16 souls prayed to receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR! Six surrendered to Believer’s Baptism! We have been praying for months for a big day Sunday. The LORD gave us 90 visitors on the 51st anniversary of Maranatha Baptist Church (MBC), and Friend Day Sunday! One got saved, another one surrendered to be baptized, and got baptized the following Sunday! Then another one received assurance of salvation.
JESUS still answers prayers! The greatest need of any missionary is prayer. Please pray for the continuous spiritual and numerical growth of MBC, MBA, and FBI. The LORD sent us new members who recently joined MBC by their statement of faith, and also Scriptural baptism. What a blessing!
Your missionaries to the US Military in Japan,
Ed & Elvie Navato
PO Box 9
Harrison, TN 37341
Email: nav2japan@gmail.com
Proverbs 25:25 “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”
Our apologies for the delay of this prayer letter update. We are grateful to all of you! Praise the LORD JESUS CHRIST for HIS grace! We don’t deserve it. From the Soul Winning & Visitation, to the several hospital visits; from the monthly Men’s Prayer & Bible Breakfasts, to the Ladies Bible Dinner Fellowships & Potluck; from the ministering to the men of GOD and their families that visited us such as Missionary Bigan Inkaye to Missionary Jeffrey Wright, to Missionary Rocky Meredith, to Brother Daniel Kim; from the 13-week Bible Pre-Marital Counseling, to the preparation of Maranatha Baptist Academy (MBA) for the new school year; from the week-long of MBA Teachers Training in the summer, to the MBA Parents & Teachers Conference; from our 3-year Bible College Diploma course Faith Bible Institute (FBI); to our Friend Day & 51st Anniversary Sunday preparation, to GOD be the glory!
JESUS still saves! We report to you 16 souls prayed to receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR! Six surrendered to Believer’s Baptism! We have been praying for months for a big day Sunday. The LORD gave us 90 visitors on the 51st anniversary of Maranatha Baptist Church (MBC), and Friend Day Sunday! One got saved, another one surrendered to be baptized, and got baptized the following Sunday! Then another one received assurance of salvation.
JESUS still answers prayers! The greatest need of any missionary is prayer. Please pray for the continuous spiritual and numerical growth of MBC, MBA, and FBI. The LORD sent us new members who recently joined MBC by their statement of faith, and also Scriptural baptism. What a blessing!
Your missionaries to the US Military in Japan,
Ed & Elvie Navato
PO Box 9
Harrison, TN 37341
Email: nav2japan@gmail.com
James Miyashita Family – Missionaries to Japan
ear Pastors and Prayer Partners,
Today, is Silas’ first birthday! We are simply amazed at how quickly he has grown up before our eyes. He is walking more each day. Of course, he is also getting into all kinds of stuff too. We praise the Lord for the wonderful year He has given us with Silas. Please join us in praying for him to get saved.
We mentioned that a couple of Bible studies were starting. I am excited to tell you that we will be continuing tomorrow. Please pray for the Lord to work!
Praises
• Ongoing Bible Studies
• Healthy First year with Silas after a rough start in NICU
Prayer Requests
• Rosie’s Japanese studies
• Hope Baptist Church and the Hill Family
• Bible Studies
• Ten Hundred Thousand Churches
Thank you for praying for us as we went to get our Japanese driver’s licenses. The process ended up not taking as long as we had anticipated, and we were able to pass both the written and driving portions of the exam. Even though many people (including Rosie’s language school teacher) say it is difficult to pass on the first try, we now have our licenses!
Also, thank you for your continued prayers for the mid-week Bible studies. The study answers three questions: 1) Where did I come from? 2) Why am I here? and 3) Where am I going? We have covered creation as well as sin, and tomorrow we will be looking at how Jesus died in our place and so anybody who believes on Him can be saved! Please pray for the Holy Spirit to convict so we can see both of these guys get saved!
We have been asking you to pray for a college student named Takafumi. When I recently asked him if he would trust Christ, his response reminded me of the words in Acts 17:32: “We will hear thee again of this matter.” We are sad because we know his “not now” means he rejected Jesus. However, there is another guy in his 30’s named Takeshi who first came about a month ago. I have met with him and Takafumi a couple times for Bible study that looked at important things like creation, fall, redemption, repentance and restoration. After the fourth study, I was very direct with Takeshi. “Will you believe on Jesus?” “I will believe,” he replied!
This past weekend, there as an event downtown Niigata (kind of like a fall festival). As were out passing out tracts, we ran into Yuko (the lady who been helped Rosie with Japanese). She recently had not been to church at all, and it was quite a surprise. Even though she said that she has been busy, she came the next day to church. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
The Miyashita Family
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Ph#: 470-278-7415
Email: james@reachingjapan.com
Today, is Silas’ first birthday! We are simply amazed at how quickly he has grown up before our eyes. He is walking more each day. Of course, he is also getting into all kinds of stuff too. We praise the Lord for the wonderful year He has given us with Silas. Please join us in praying for him to get saved.
We mentioned that a couple of Bible studies were starting. I am excited to tell you that we will be continuing tomorrow. Please pray for the Lord to work!
Praises
• Ongoing Bible Studies
• Healthy First year with Silas after a rough start in NICU
Prayer Requests
• Rosie’s Japanese studies
• Hope Baptist Church and the Hill Family
• Bible Studies
• Ten Hundred Thousand Churches
Thank you for praying for us as we went to get our Japanese driver’s licenses. The process ended up not taking as long as we had anticipated, and we were able to pass both the written and driving portions of the exam. Even though many people (including Rosie’s language school teacher) say it is difficult to pass on the first try, we now have our licenses!
Also, thank you for your continued prayers for the mid-week Bible studies. The study answers three questions: 1) Where did I come from? 2) Why am I here? and 3) Where am I going? We have covered creation as well as sin, and tomorrow we will be looking at how Jesus died in our place and so anybody who believes on Him can be saved! Please pray for the Holy Spirit to convict so we can see both of these guys get saved!
We have been asking you to pray for a college student named Takafumi. When I recently asked him if he would trust Christ, his response reminded me of the words in Acts 17:32: “We will hear thee again of this matter.” We are sad because we know his “not now” means he rejected Jesus. However, there is another guy in his 30’s named Takeshi who first came about a month ago. I have met with him and Takafumi a couple times for Bible study that looked at important things like creation, fall, redemption, repentance and restoration. After the fourth study, I was very direct with Takeshi. “Will you believe on Jesus?” “I will believe,” he replied!
This past weekend, there as an event downtown Niigata (kind of like a fall festival). As were out passing out tracts, we ran into Yuko (the lady who been helped Rosie with Japanese). She recently had not been to church at all, and it was quite a surprise. Even though she said that she has been busy, she came the next day to church. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
The Miyashita Family
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Ph#: 470-278-7415
Email: james@reachingjapan.com
