The Tolson Family to China
Stories of God at Work | A Church on Its Knees in the Midst of an Outbreak
The Wuhan Coronavirus has wreaked havoc in China. At this point it is reported that over 1,000 people have already died from the virus. Many places in China are under quarantine or told not to go in public places nor can they assemble in large groups. One pastor said he was told he couldn’t have more than 3 people at his location at one time. Another pastor told me that since they can’t meet together physically, that the church set up a prayer meeting because of the virus. Every day at 9 AM and 7 PM, at these two prayer times, the church prays together. He then went on to describe it, “The prayer meetings have lasted for almost two weeks now. Family members of brothers and sisters in the church also attend the prayer meetings. The youngest is 8 years old. Together we read God’s Word, sing praises, encourage one another, and believe in God’s promises and will. We also pray for the world to repent…” How encouraging is it to know that in the midst of such a trial, the believers there are standing strong…on their knees! Lets join them in prayer as we #prayforchina together!
New Church Plant | Victory Baptist Church, New Taipei City, Taiwan
As we finish our setup and make the final preparations for our upcoming church plant, we are excited about what the Lord is going to do. We have rented a building, paid the deposit, one month’s rent and the realtor’s fee. We won’t be able to use the building for services until the 20th of this month, but we are excited to hopefully be holding regular services by the end of this month. Our flyers and tracts are designed and being printed. Our next immediate material needs for this church plant are: (1) Door—the location is a new store-front and we have to install the glass door; (2) Chairs—we need 30-50 chairs or stools; (3) Signage—we have two signs above the location that we can use for church advertisement.
Spiritually, we need you to pray for the following: (1) Family—our church planting team consists of the Lord and my family of seven. Pray that we can stay unified in the Lord as we enter this stage of spiritual warfare. Pray for the health of our family. (2) Evangelism—Lord willing, I will be spending a lot of time out inviting people and trying to share the gospel with the local people. Pray for boldness and for hearts to be prepared and Holy Ghost conviction as the gospel is spread forth. We can do nothing without the Lord. It is His church. (3) Language—pray for clarity in the language as I preach, my wife teaches and as we share the Word of God in the Chinese language. (4) Men—our goal is to train young men for the ministry, thus pray that God will give us a harvest of young men who are willing to be trained up in the Lord and serve Him full-time. (5) God’s Glory—pray with us that in all things we will glorify God and that the planting of this church will give God more glory as lost sinners turn from their wicked ways to saving-faith in Him through Jesus.
Prayer Requests & Praises | Finished Setup Debt Free, Visa and Residence
• Praise! Special Need Update: The Lord answered our prayers and by the end of last month, we were setup with the necessities and debt free! All of our expenses since leaving America, landing in China and then our unexpected relocation to Taiwan has been paid for. Thank you for your sacrificial, generous, and joyful giving. We can truly say, “Where God guides, He provides!”
• Continue to pray for our missionary visas and residence to get approved here in Taiwan. The process is a lot more cumbersome than I thought at first. We will be taking a visa run this week to South Korea and seeing about taking the next step in this process.
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. We are especially fond of you! 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 Wuhan Coronavirus has wreaked havoc in China. At this point it is reported that over 1,000 people have already died from the virus. Many places in China are under quarantine or told not to go in public places nor can they assemble in large groups. One pastor said he was told he couldn’t have more than 3 people at his location at one time. Another pastor told me that since they can’t meet together physically, that the church set up a prayer meeting because of the virus. Every day at 9 AM and 7 PM, at these two prayer times, the church prays together. He then went on to describe it, “The prayer meetings have lasted for almost two weeks now. Family members of brothers and sisters in the church also attend the prayer meetings. The youngest is 8 years old. Together we read God’s Word, sing praises, encourage one another, and believe in God’s promises and will. We also pray for the world to repent…” How encouraging is it to know that in the midst of such a trial, the believers there are standing strong…on their knees! Lets join them in prayer as we #prayforchina together!
New Church Plant | Victory Baptist Church, New Taipei City, Taiwan
As we finish our setup and make the final preparations for our upcoming church plant, we are excited about what the Lord is going to do. We have rented a building, paid the deposit, one month’s rent and the realtor’s fee. We won’t be able to use the building for services until the 20th of this month, but we are excited to hopefully be holding regular services by the end of this month. Our flyers and tracts are designed and being printed. Our next immediate material needs for this church plant are: (1) Door—the location is a new store-front and we have to install the glass door; (2) Chairs—we need 30-50 chairs or stools; (3) Signage—we have two signs above the location that we can use for church advertisement.
Spiritually, we need you to pray for the following: (1) Family—our church planting team consists of the Lord and my family of seven. Pray that we can stay unified in the Lord as we enter this stage of spiritual warfare. Pray for the health of our family. (2) Evangelism—Lord willing, I will be spending a lot of time out inviting people and trying to share the gospel with the local people. Pray for boldness and for hearts to be prepared and Holy Ghost conviction as the gospel is spread forth. We can do nothing without the Lord. It is His church. (3) Language—pray for clarity in the language as I preach, my wife teaches and as we share the Word of God in the Chinese language. (4) Men—our goal is to train young men for the ministry, thus pray that God will give us a harvest of young men who are willing to be trained up in the Lord and serve Him full-time. (5) God’s Glory—pray with us that in all things we will glorify God and that the planting of this church will give God more glory as lost sinners turn from their wicked ways to saving-faith in Him through Jesus.
Prayer Requests & Praises | Finished Setup Debt Free, Visa and Residence
• Praise! Special Need Update: The Lord answered our prayers and by the end of last month, we were setup with the necessities and debt free! All of our expenses since leaving America, landing in China and then our unexpected relocation to Taiwan has been paid for. Thank you for your sacrificial, generous, and joyful giving. We can truly say, “Where God guides, He provides!”
• Continue to pray for our missionary visas and residence to get approved here in Taiwan. The process is a lot more cumbersome than I thought at first. We will be taking a visa run this week to South Korea and seeing about taking the next step in this process.
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. We are especially fond of you! 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 Schwer Family to Mexico
Dear Church and praying friends,
As I write this, we are currently waiting for paperwork to clear so we can deliver Scripture. The trailer is loaded with 632,490 (John/Romans, New Testaments, Whole Bibles, and tracts) these will be delivered at churches in the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit and are being delivered in Memory of Brothers Sam and Benjamin Eley, and Abigail Goodman. May the Lord be glorified thru this. We have already shipped 3,000 Bibles to Guadalajara for Victory Baptist Press. With this delivery we have delivered 1,057,543 pieces of Scripture for the year 2020 already. We were able to pickup a trailer from Calico Trailers in Quitman Arkansas that allows us to carry in one load what use to take 4 loads. Glory!!! Another load is scheduled for June to Cuahuila Mexico. We will be heading to Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas the last 3 weeks of March, and will be picking up a van from Liberty Baptist Church for the work in Nogales.
God has opened a huge door in allowing us to reach out to the leadership in Nogales, Sonora. We are partnering with Seedline International (Bro Keith Davidson) in special John/Romans and Police Bibles that we will be distributing and setting up Bible studies in various departments. All I can say is God is good.
Mission in San Ignacio Sonora:
We are very excited about what God is doing at the mission. Work on the buildings has begun. Buildings have been wired, sheet rock for the main building and children’s room has been hung. The walls have been finished out. Painting and tiling come next. When these are complete, then we begin work on the building we are going to turn into an orphanage. Thank you to Victory Independent Baptist church for the funds to be able to do this work. Not only has physical work been happening but most importantly Spiritual work also. Services at the mission are on every Thursday and Saturday, before the Saturday service we have free English classes for the community. Recently we had a special outreach to our community and had over 80 people show up (a town of approx. 300) and 12 made a profession of faith in Jesus. It was a day of rejoicing for sure. Plans have been made for another outreach in April, and Vacation Bible Schools in San Ignacio and Nogales in July.
If you would like to come help us at the mission or go on a trip delivering Scripture, help is always needed. God is doing some amazing things here and we are praying for help here in Mexico, please pray God sends someone soon. Don’t forget you can follow us on our YouTube channel or Facebook to get videos and pictures of what is happening.
Please be in prayer for our safety and continued funds to be able to deliver God’s Word to those who desperately need it. We realize that none of this could be done without God’s people praying and supporting this ministry. I want to say THANK YOU.
Your Missionary to Western Mexico
Bro. Gary Schwer
PO Box 1342
Apache Junction, AZ 85117
Ph#: 480-415-1688
Email: hatb2003@gmail.com
As I write this, we are currently waiting for paperwork to clear so we can deliver Scripture. The trailer is loaded with 632,490 (John/Romans, New Testaments, Whole Bibles, and tracts) these will be delivered at churches in the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit and are being delivered in Memory of Brothers Sam and Benjamin Eley, and Abigail Goodman. May the Lord be glorified thru this. We have already shipped 3,000 Bibles to Guadalajara for Victory Baptist Press. With this delivery we have delivered 1,057,543 pieces of Scripture for the year 2020 already. We were able to pickup a trailer from Calico Trailers in Quitman Arkansas that allows us to carry in one load what use to take 4 loads. Glory!!! Another load is scheduled for June to Cuahuila Mexico. We will be heading to Arkansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas the last 3 weeks of March, and will be picking up a van from Liberty Baptist Church for the work in Nogales.
God has opened a huge door in allowing us to reach out to the leadership in Nogales, Sonora. We are partnering with Seedline International (Bro Keith Davidson) in special John/Romans and Police Bibles that we will be distributing and setting up Bible studies in various departments. All I can say is God is good.
Mission in San Ignacio Sonora:
We are very excited about what God is doing at the mission. Work on the buildings has begun. Buildings have been wired, sheet rock for the main building and children’s room has been hung. The walls have been finished out. Painting and tiling come next. When these are complete, then we begin work on the building we are going to turn into an orphanage. Thank you to Victory Independent Baptist church for the funds to be able to do this work. Not only has physical work been happening but most importantly Spiritual work also. Services at the mission are on every Thursday and Saturday, before the Saturday service we have free English classes for the community. Recently we had a special outreach to our community and had over 80 people show up (a town of approx. 300) and 12 made a profession of faith in Jesus. It was a day of rejoicing for sure. Plans have been made for another outreach in April, and Vacation Bible Schools in San Ignacio and Nogales in July.
If you would like to come help us at the mission or go on a trip delivering Scripture, help is always needed. God is doing some amazing things here and we are praying for help here in Mexico, please pray God sends someone soon. Don’t forget you can follow us on our YouTube channel or Facebook to get videos and pictures of what is happening.
Please be in prayer for our safety and continued funds to be able to deliver God’s Word to those who desperately need it. We realize that none of this could be done without God’s people praying and supporting this ministry. I want to say THANK YOU.
Your Missionary to Western Mexico
Bro. Gary Schwer
PO Box 1342
Apache Junction, AZ 85117
Ph#: 480-415-1688
Email: hatb2003@gmail.com
Sam Ward to Croatia
Dear Praying Friends,
Greetings from the beautiful mission field of Croatia! On February 28th I will fly to the US to spend about 5-1/2 months on furlough. I will enjoy spending some time with my parents in west Texas, preaching on street corners, conducting my Roadside Gospel Sign ministry, and visiting churches. Please pray I can have an impact for Christ in the short time I am there.
I do not currently have a telephone number that can be reached from the States, so if you would like to contact me about visiting your church, please use this email address sam3673@gmail.com. When I get stateside and obtain a US telephone number I will publicize it.
It sure has been good to see what is happening in our Gypsy village church over the past couple of months. We have had a number of regular attenders each week, and yesterday we had a completely packed house - standing room only! In addition, we’ve regularly had the joy of seeing someone receive Christ as their Saviour, and yesterday we had four come forward for salvation! God is at work in the village and we believe He is going to continue to do a mighty work there. I’m so glad I get to see it happen.
We’ve seen some new believers added to the church in Varaždin as well. Bro Johnny baptized four this past Sunday night. What a blessing it is to see people get gloriously saved and then follow Christ in believer’s baptism - some even while fearing reprisals from family members.
Our Bible translation project is about to hit a new milestone. Our first edition was printed in 2018, and now our second edition is heading to the printer. The first printing was a smaller quantity, but this time we will be receiving an entire container full – approximately 30,000 Bibles! This will give us enough to freely pass them out in the streets. I can’t wait! This Bible is an excellent translation of the King James Bible, and we consistently receive positive feedback from many who have received one through the mail over the past two years. A good Bible should never be taken for granted!
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 beautiful mission field of Croatia! On February 28th I will fly to the US to spend about 5-1/2 months on furlough. I will enjoy spending some time with my parents in west Texas, preaching on street corners, conducting my Roadside Gospel Sign ministry, and visiting churches. Please pray I can have an impact for Christ in the short time I am there.
I do not currently have a telephone number that can be reached from the States, so if you would like to contact me about visiting your church, please use this email address sam3673@gmail.com. When I get stateside and obtain a US telephone number I will publicize it.
It sure has been good to see what is happening in our Gypsy village church over the past couple of months. We have had a number of regular attenders each week, and yesterday we had a completely packed house - standing room only! In addition, we’ve regularly had the joy of seeing someone receive Christ as their Saviour, and yesterday we had four come forward for salvation! God is at work in the village and we believe He is going to continue to do a mighty work there. I’m so glad I get to see it happen.
We’ve seen some new believers added to the church in Varaždin as well. Bro Johnny baptized four this past Sunday night. What a blessing it is to see people get gloriously saved and then follow Christ in believer’s baptism - some even while fearing reprisals from family members.
Our Bible translation project is about to hit a new milestone. Our first edition was printed in 2018, and now our second edition is heading to the printer. The first printing was a smaller quantity, but this time we will be receiving an entire container full – approximately 30,000 Bibles! This will give us enough to freely pass them out in the streets. I can’t wait! This Bible is an excellent translation of the King James Bible, and we consistently receive positive feedback from many who have received one through the mail over the past two years. A good Bible should never be taken for granted!
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
Bob DeWitt – Golden Land Baptist Missions
Dear Pastors, co-workers, and dear friends:
I am home and working from my own office. I returned from Old Burma on February 3. I am pleased to tell you that again we have seen a wonderful harvest of souls. While there I purchased two new church properties, and I met with many preachers who have committed to come to our next major conference.
Yes, in the Chin State of Myanmar, bordering India, there are many hundreds of Baptist churches and some other congregations. Most of these were started by, or as a direct result of the influence of, ABC missionaries from Adoniram Judson and company forward. I believe God has always desired to use the Chin people as the Evangelists of Old Burma. But, because of bitterness toward the Burmese Army, poverty, and encroaching false doctrine, they have resorted to worldliness and lost whatever power they formerly had. Some have adopted hyper-Calvinism. Some are introducing charismatic doctrine and practices in a fleshly attempt to save their starchy and robotic ministries. Sound familiar? As is happening here, Satan is systematically draining the power from the country’s Christians and churches in order to keep from losing his strongholds of idolatry there.
Indeed, many of these churches resemble Protestant churches rather than Baptist. Every Sunday they recite the Nicene Creed, sing the Doxology, and preach from the far right side of the platform. Some have ceased to believe and practice a regenerated membership. Some of them ”baptize” by sprinkling.
BUT, THESE MEN ARE HUNGRY AND GOD HAS GIVEN ME INFLUENCE WITH THEM. I have asked them to come to our December Baptist Heritage Conference and Gospel Crusade. More than 350 have signed up. Others will join me as we teach sound doctrine, Baptist History and Distinctives. I met personally with many of these preachers. And, when I told them that Baptist people have never been Protestant, they reacted with such surprise that it shocked me.
PROGRAM: I want to provide their transportation, lodging, two meals each day, and give them good books for their libraries. Each morning, between 8:30 am and noon, we will have our Baptist Heritage meetings. Then, after lunch we will take these men to the streets of the city for scripture distribution and practical lessons on soul winning. (Their response to this proposal was, “We need to get back to that!”) After soul winning we will have supper together and go to the “Big Top” for our nightly evangelistic services. We believe, as happened this past November, thousands will attend and many will be saved.
THERE IS MUCH EXCITEMENT, not only in Chin State but, all over Myanmar. But I must raise at least $50,000 before then. Friends, I believe God! I believe that He will use God’s people here to bring revival there. In so doing, maybe it will even spark a hunger and thirst here.
WILL YOU HELP my people in Myanmar? I am hoping that our soul-conscious churches here will see the need, catch the vision, and take special offerings.
I will be traveling here in the States through October to raise funds. One of our finest Myanmar preachers, PETER VAN SIANG LIAN, will be with me for the next three months. He has two churches, a boarding school, and Bible Institute. He is a graduate of a fundamental Baptist college in India and is a great blessing to me. He and I would like to visit your church and/or conference.
BaGyi Bob
Dr. Bob DeWitt
Golden Land Baptist Missions
Lighthouse Baptist Church
Horseheads, NY USA
I am home and working from my own office. I returned from Old Burma on February 3. I am pleased to tell you that again we have seen a wonderful harvest of souls. While there I purchased two new church properties, and I met with many preachers who have committed to come to our next major conference.
Yes, in the Chin State of Myanmar, bordering India, there are many hundreds of Baptist churches and some other congregations. Most of these were started by, or as a direct result of the influence of, ABC missionaries from Adoniram Judson and company forward. I believe God has always desired to use the Chin people as the Evangelists of Old Burma. But, because of bitterness toward the Burmese Army, poverty, and encroaching false doctrine, they have resorted to worldliness and lost whatever power they formerly had. Some have adopted hyper-Calvinism. Some are introducing charismatic doctrine and practices in a fleshly attempt to save their starchy and robotic ministries. Sound familiar? As is happening here, Satan is systematically draining the power from the country’s Christians and churches in order to keep from losing his strongholds of idolatry there.
Indeed, many of these churches resemble Protestant churches rather than Baptist. Every Sunday they recite the Nicene Creed, sing the Doxology, and preach from the far right side of the platform. Some have ceased to believe and practice a regenerated membership. Some of them ”baptize” by sprinkling.
BUT, THESE MEN ARE HUNGRY AND GOD HAS GIVEN ME INFLUENCE WITH THEM. I have asked them to come to our December Baptist Heritage Conference and Gospel Crusade. More than 350 have signed up. Others will join me as we teach sound doctrine, Baptist History and Distinctives. I met personally with many of these preachers. And, when I told them that Baptist people have never been Protestant, they reacted with such surprise that it shocked me.
PROGRAM: I want to provide their transportation, lodging, two meals each day, and give them good books for their libraries. Each morning, between 8:30 am and noon, we will have our Baptist Heritage meetings. Then, after lunch we will take these men to the streets of the city for scripture distribution and practical lessons on soul winning. (Their response to this proposal was, “We need to get back to that!”) After soul winning we will have supper together and go to the “Big Top” for our nightly evangelistic services. We believe, as happened this past November, thousands will attend and many will be saved.
THERE IS MUCH EXCITEMENT, not only in Chin State but, all over Myanmar. But I must raise at least $50,000 before then. Friends, I believe God! I believe that He will use God’s people here to bring revival there. In so doing, maybe it will even spark a hunger and thirst here.
WILL YOU HELP my people in Myanmar? I am hoping that our soul-conscious churches here will see the need, catch the vision, and take special offerings.
I will be traveling here in the States through October to raise funds. One of our finest Myanmar preachers, PETER VAN SIANG LIAN, will be with me for the next three months. He has two churches, a boarding school, and Bible Institute. He is a graduate of a fundamental Baptist college in India and is a great blessing to me. He and I would like to visit your church and/or conference.
BaGyi Bob
Dr. Bob DeWitt
Golden Land Baptist Missions
Lighthouse Baptist Church
Horseheads, NY USA
The Wallace Family to Mexico
Dear Pastors, Friends & Family,
We are excited what the Lord is doing here in Mexico City: saving souls, building His church, and allowing us to baptize and teach them. We are thankful for your prayers and support. It’s a blessing we’ll get to see many of you during our upcoming furlough starting later this year.
We had a recent visit by a pastor who saw the needs first-hand and conditions we see daily. Recently while preaching in the open-air market, a young man named Miguel got saved when I shared the gospel with him. A funny thing happened after Miguel’s conversion. He asked if I could watch his “display.” With a big smile, he took my tracts and started passing them out. What a blessing it is to see the change the gospel makes in people and for them to immediately be willing to share the truth that changed their life.
Last month on a Saturday, Mary and I knocked on the door of Adriana. I witnessed to her and she said, “I know I don’t deserve heaven, but I want to repent and accept Jesus as my Savior to be saved.” She was just about to pray with us when she stopped and was a bit startled. She said, “Wait. Before I do this - my daughter, Sudith, is 17-years-old, and she desperately needs to hear what you told me.” Adriana called for Sudith and we presented the gospel to her, too. We asked, “What would you like to do with what you just heard?” She said, “I want to receive Jesus as my Savior” and she did. Actually, they both did. Adriana’s only regret she shared with us before we left was that she wished her husband would have been home to hear about the gospel, as he desperately needed God’s help. We were so surprised to see Adriana, Sudith, as well as Adriana’s husband, Alfonso, and son come to church that next day on their own, and after sharing the gospel with Alfonso, he was gloriously saved.
Mary’s dad, who is 91, took a downward turn in health. He had double pneumonia, an infection, bad water retention, his body temperature was below 93 degrees, and his heart rate dropped dangerously low. The doctors and family asked for Mary to come be with her dad. After being there a week, Mary thought it was best if I come too, as he wasn’t improving. Thankfully after some time, he was able to go home, but Mary’s dad is still in need of prayer for his health. Also, please pray for Mary’s entire family, as our 22-year-old nephew passed away due to a sudden accident. All of this happened during our time in Alabama, and once I arrived on a Monday, that very next day I felt terribly sick. I went to the urgent care walk-in clinic, and the doctor immediately sent me to the emergency room where they told me I would have surgery early the following morning. Wednesday they removed my gall bladder, and after recovering for a few days, we flew back to Mexico for less than 24 hours. The Sunday services were held, and we left early Monday to drive to pick up tracts, Bible, and clothing on the Texas border. We waited 4 hours on the international bridge between Texas and Mexico, and during that time, a few Americans were murdered while others were robbed and carjacked. On our way back into Mexico, we picked up Christmas Joy Gift Bags that were shipped to a location a few hours south of the Mexican border. These were provided by Bro. Paul Deem’s Directline Ministries. After arriving back home Saturday night, we had a big community event on Sunday, preaching the gospel and passing out the gift bags.
In December I went to the main Catholic church in Mexico City on the country’s biggest holiday - the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe’s Day. I passed out tracts to the thousand who made pilgrimages from all over Mexico and even other countries. Many came on their hands and knees, while others came walking barefoot. Oh that they would realize that Mary can’t help, and that only Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient if they would only repent and accept Him as Savior. Thankfully we have seen many reject their religion and accept Jesus and His truth.
Our regular prayer requests remain important for our health and safety. Our volcano, Popocatepetl, has been violently active the last couple months causing the pollution to be much worse. I had an MRI last week to determine the extent of the damage to the two ruptured disks in my back and I started a series of physical therapy to loosen the tension in my back muscles and to strengthen them, help alleviate some of the pain and delay surgery, or maybe with the miraculous touch of the Great Physician, prevent back surgery altogether. Mary continues her physcial therapy for the problems with her muscles. Mary celebrated her birthday last week. Though we are thankful for doctors & modern medicine, we are so thankful to God that Mary is still here serving along side me 19 years after the doctors told Mary she probably had only a short time to live after her aggressive and rare cancer.
We want to thank you all for your prayers, support and encouragement. Because of you all, there is more rejoicing in heaven because of souls saved here (Luke 15:10). Our people are learning to have a burden for souls. Apart from going out as a church to knock doors and witness, our people like sharing blessings at church when the Lord allows them to be used during the week to see people saved.
Again last Saturday we had a large group of church members out soul-winning. We saw three saved that day. Mary and I were out together as a team when we came to the door of Yurena. At first she said she believed the Bible, but that she didn’t believe in Hell. Like many here, she had probably been exposed to the false doctrine of Jehovah Witnesses. After showing her what the Bible actually said about sin, judgement, hell and salvation through Jesus Christ, she bowed her head and repented calling upon the Saviour, being born again.
A while back I had asked you to pray for a man named Rodrigo to be saved. He helped last year with the steel framing welding work in our building expansion project. We invited him to church repeatedly but he never came. We began to witness to him while he worked at church, but he would only receive a little of the gospel before he changed the subject. Amazingly about a month ago he came to Sunday school, but he left half way through the class. We had always been very kind to him and I truly believe he saw the testimony of Jesus in us. He kept telling me that he would like for his family that lives in the state of Aguascalientes about five hours away, to meet us, “his friends.” Yesterday Rodrigo came to church and brought his daughter, Nina, who was visiting him. They stayed for the whole service and afterwards they asked to talk to Mary & I privately. There, we shared the gospel, and they both got saved. Afterwards Nina said, “I feel so different and such a peace now that I have Jesus in my heart.” You can see the joy of Jesus in her face, too.
Rodrigo was one of a couple people that I have prayed a lot for, for salvation. The other is our mechanic. He is a rough guy and former cartel memberd who has killed several people and spent time in federal prison in Mexico. I would really like to see him saved before we leave for furlough.
Most of the fruit of salvations we see are out “in the highways and hedges” publicly as the Lord commanded us (Luke 14:23). But as we pray for visitors together as a church several times a week, God usually sends at least one first-time visitor. We also pray for the gospel to be preached with love & power and for visitors to be convicted by God’s Word & His Spirit and be saved, which is often the case. Mexico City, with over 37 millions people, grows by over 1,000 per day. Many come from other parts of Mexico to look for work here. That was the case with an unusually tall Mexican man named Florentino yesterday. He had previously been exposed to the false Mormon doctrine. But he arrived in Mexico City Saturday from Tijuana and yesterday, his first day here, he came to our church and got the truth, and was born again.
We were back at the schools again this week passing out tracts and witnessing. Mary and I teamed up as usual. Though these are schools, they are still dangerous areas so we always try to stay together. There are so many children in Mexico City that the schools have to be used twice a day - once as a morning school for half the students and later in the afternoon for the other half of students. Our church people line up passing out tracts as parents of the morning session wait for their children to dismiss. Then after they are gone, we remain to pass out tracts to those who bring their children for the second session of the day for the afternoon/evening.
Mary met a lady outside the school this week named Aurora who had her wares set up to sell on the sidewalk. Mary sat down with her and graciously began to share the truth about her sin, and destiny without Christ. Aurora later bowed her head repenting, trusting Christ as Savior. Afterwards she was so very glad.
Not only do we go “door to door” weekly, but also near the schools we go “car to car”. We get there a little early and stay a little after the crowd leaves. During this time we are able pass out tracts to cars stuck in traffic in front of the school. When we pass out tracts, often people read them on the spot, even in the public transportation. One of the two that were saved on Wednesday is an older man named Luis Jesus.
Saturday, too, was a good day as a church as we were out again in the open air markets. That day I spoke to Daniel, a 19-year-old young man, as he sat inside his 5’ x 10’ metal stand. He attends a church but had no idea of his destiny. Through the Word of God I presented, he was able to see he was on the ‘wrong path’ and he repented, accepting Jesus and was saved.
We had first time visitors again yesterday morning and evening. The couple in the morning, Ignacio Salvador & Maria Elena were recently saved in California but had to return to Mexico. They were looking and praying for a church when we met them passing out tracts last week. They were so excited, came, and really enjoyed it, planning to attend faithfully. The family of visitors last night came from an hour away and also plan to attend regularly.
After church yesterday, we went to the open air markets again as a church. Florentine who was saved at our church just a week ago, was out with us happily passing out gospel tracts. Isabell and her son David are very faithful to church & soul-winning and were some of the many helping us yesterday. Brother Heriberto also lives about an hour away but is faithful to church and witnessing activities like yesterday. As any pastor, I love preaching at church, but I also love preaching in public here in Mexico as there are so many opportunities to take the church to the people. Angel, Isabel’s other son who is 12-years-old, preached for the first time in the markets yesterday. We plan to take our teens to a youth conference next month and trust that the Lord will continue working in their lives calling some to preach as He has already. We have several teenagers that love to preach, and do a good job, as do many of our men. It is a blessing seeing God develop preachers of the gospel in our church, old and young.
We really appreciate being able to stay connected with you all through these updates. We are “...your servants for Jesus’s sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5.
Bro. Mike Wallace & Family in Mexico City
PO Box 908
Donna, TX 78537
Ph#: 330-419-0520
Email: www.mexico-missionaries.com
We are excited what the Lord is doing here in Mexico City: saving souls, building His church, and allowing us to baptize and teach them. We are thankful for your prayers and support. It’s a blessing we’ll get to see many of you during our upcoming furlough starting later this year.
We had a recent visit by a pastor who saw the needs first-hand and conditions we see daily. Recently while preaching in the open-air market, a young man named Miguel got saved when I shared the gospel with him. A funny thing happened after Miguel’s conversion. He asked if I could watch his “display.” With a big smile, he took my tracts and started passing them out. What a blessing it is to see the change the gospel makes in people and for them to immediately be willing to share the truth that changed their life.
Last month on a Saturday, Mary and I knocked on the door of Adriana. I witnessed to her and she said, “I know I don’t deserve heaven, but I want to repent and accept Jesus as my Savior to be saved.” She was just about to pray with us when she stopped and was a bit startled. She said, “Wait. Before I do this - my daughter, Sudith, is 17-years-old, and she desperately needs to hear what you told me.” Adriana called for Sudith and we presented the gospel to her, too. We asked, “What would you like to do with what you just heard?” She said, “I want to receive Jesus as my Savior” and she did. Actually, they both did. Adriana’s only regret she shared with us before we left was that she wished her husband would have been home to hear about the gospel, as he desperately needed God’s help. We were so surprised to see Adriana, Sudith, as well as Adriana’s husband, Alfonso, and son come to church that next day on their own, and after sharing the gospel with Alfonso, he was gloriously saved.
Mary’s dad, who is 91, took a downward turn in health. He had double pneumonia, an infection, bad water retention, his body temperature was below 93 degrees, and his heart rate dropped dangerously low. The doctors and family asked for Mary to come be with her dad. After being there a week, Mary thought it was best if I come too, as he wasn’t improving. Thankfully after some time, he was able to go home, but Mary’s dad is still in need of prayer for his health. Also, please pray for Mary’s entire family, as our 22-year-old nephew passed away due to a sudden accident. All of this happened during our time in Alabama, and once I arrived on a Monday, that very next day I felt terribly sick. I went to the urgent care walk-in clinic, and the doctor immediately sent me to the emergency room where they told me I would have surgery early the following morning. Wednesday they removed my gall bladder, and after recovering for a few days, we flew back to Mexico for less than 24 hours. The Sunday services were held, and we left early Monday to drive to pick up tracts, Bible, and clothing on the Texas border. We waited 4 hours on the international bridge between Texas and Mexico, and during that time, a few Americans were murdered while others were robbed and carjacked. On our way back into Mexico, we picked up Christmas Joy Gift Bags that were shipped to a location a few hours south of the Mexican border. These were provided by Bro. Paul Deem’s Directline Ministries. After arriving back home Saturday night, we had a big community event on Sunday, preaching the gospel and passing out the gift bags.
In December I went to the main Catholic church in Mexico City on the country’s biggest holiday - the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe’s Day. I passed out tracts to the thousand who made pilgrimages from all over Mexico and even other countries. Many came on their hands and knees, while others came walking barefoot. Oh that they would realize that Mary can’t help, and that only Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient if they would only repent and accept Him as Savior. Thankfully we have seen many reject their religion and accept Jesus and His truth.
Our regular prayer requests remain important for our health and safety. Our volcano, Popocatepetl, has been violently active the last couple months causing the pollution to be much worse. I had an MRI last week to determine the extent of the damage to the two ruptured disks in my back and I started a series of physical therapy to loosen the tension in my back muscles and to strengthen them, help alleviate some of the pain and delay surgery, or maybe with the miraculous touch of the Great Physician, prevent back surgery altogether. Mary continues her physcial therapy for the problems with her muscles. Mary celebrated her birthday last week. Though we are thankful for doctors & modern medicine, we are so thankful to God that Mary is still here serving along side me 19 years after the doctors told Mary she probably had only a short time to live after her aggressive and rare cancer.
We want to thank you all for your prayers, support and encouragement. Because of you all, there is more rejoicing in heaven because of souls saved here (Luke 15:10). Our people are learning to have a burden for souls. Apart from going out as a church to knock doors and witness, our people like sharing blessings at church when the Lord allows them to be used during the week to see people saved.
Again last Saturday we had a large group of church members out soul-winning. We saw three saved that day. Mary and I were out together as a team when we came to the door of Yurena. At first she said she believed the Bible, but that she didn’t believe in Hell. Like many here, she had probably been exposed to the false doctrine of Jehovah Witnesses. After showing her what the Bible actually said about sin, judgement, hell and salvation through Jesus Christ, she bowed her head and repented calling upon the Saviour, being born again.
A while back I had asked you to pray for a man named Rodrigo to be saved. He helped last year with the steel framing welding work in our building expansion project. We invited him to church repeatedly but he never came. We began to witness to him while he worked at church, but he would only receive a little of the gospel before he changed the subject. Amazingly about a month ago he came to Sunday school, but he left half way through the class. We had always been very kind to him and I truly believe he saw the testimony of Jesus in us. He kept telling me that he would like for his family that lives in the state of Aguascalientes about five hours away, to meet us, “his friends.” Yesterday Rodrigo came to church and brought his daughter, Nina, who was visiting him. They stayed for the whole service and afterwards they asked to talk to Mary & I privately. There, we shared the gospel, and they both got saved. Afterwards Nina said, “I feel so different and such a peace now that I have Jesus in my heart.” You can see the joy of Jesus in her face, too.
Rodrigo was one of a couple people that I have prayed a lot for, for salvation. The other is our mechanic. He is a rough guy and former cartel memberd who has killed several people and spent time in federal prison in Mexico. I would really like to see him saved before we leave for furlough.
Most of the fruit of salvations we see are out “in the highways and hedges” publicly as the Lord commanded us (Luke 14:23). But as we pray for visitors together as a church several times a week, God usually sends at least one first-time visitor. We also pray for the gospel to be preached with love & power and for visitors to be convicted by God’s Word & His Spirit and be saved, which is often the case. Mexico City, with over 37 millions people, grows by over 1,000 per day. Many come from other parts of Mexico to look for work here. That was the case with an unusually tall Mexican man named Florentino yesterday. He had previously been exposed to the false Mormon doctrine. But he arrived in Mexico City Saturday from Tijuana and yesterday, his first day here, he came to our church and got the truth, and was born again.
We were back at the schools again this week passing out tracts and witnessing. Mary and I teamed up as usual. Though these are schools, they are still dangerous areas so we always try to stay together. There are so many children in Mexico City that the schools have to be used twice a day - once as a morning school for half the students and later in the afternoon for the other half of students. Our church people line up passing out tracts as parents of the morning session wait for their children to dismiss. Then after they are gone, we remain to pass out tracts to those who bring their children for the second session of the day for the afternoon/evening.
Mary met a lady outside the school this week named Aurora who had her wares set up to sell on the sidewalk. Mary sat down with her and graciously began to share the truth about her sin, and destiny without Christ. Aurora later bowed her head repenting, trusting Christ as Savior. Afterwards she was so very glad.
Not only do we go “door to door” weekly, but also near the schools we go “car to car”. We get there a little early and stay a little after the crowd leaves. During this time we are able pass out tracts to cars stuck in traffic in front of the school. When we pass out tracts, often people read them on the spot, even in the public transportation. One of the two that were saved on Wednesday is an older man named Luis Jesus.
Saturday, too, was a good day as a church as we were out again in the open air markets. That day I spoke to Daniel, a 19-year-old young man, as he sat inside his 5’ x 10’ metal stand. He attends a church but had no idea of his destiny. Through the Word of God I presented, he was able to see he was on the ‘wrong path’ and he repented, accepting Jesus and was saved.
We had first time visitors again yesterday morning and evening. The couple in the morning, Ignacio Salvador & Maria Elena were recently saved in California but had to return to Mexico. They were looking and praying for a church when we met them passing out tracts last week. They were so excited, came, and really enjoyed it, planning to attend faithfully. The family of visitors last night came from an hour away and also plan to attend regularly.
After church yesterday, we went to the open air markets again as a church. Florentine who was saved at our church just a week ago, was out with us happily passing out gospel tracts. Isabell and her son David are very faithful to church & soul-winning and were some of the many helping us yesterday. Brother Heriberto also lives about an hour away but is faithful to church and witnessing activities like yesterday. As any pastor, I love preaching at church, but I also love preaching in public here in Mexico as there are so many opportunities to take the church to the people. Angel, Isabel’s other son who is 12-years-old, preached for the first time in the markets yesterday. We plan to take our teens to a youth conference next month and trust that the Lord will continue working in their lives calling some to preach as He has already. We have several teenagers that love to preach, and do a good job, as do many of our men. It is a blessing seeing God develop preachers of the gospel in our church, old and young.
We really appreciate being able to stay connected with you all through these updates. We are “...your servants for Jesus’s sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5.
Bro. Mike Wallace & Family in Mexico City
PO Box 908
Donna, TX 78537
Ph#: 330-419-0520
Email: www.mexico-missionaries.com
The Miyashita Family to Japan
Dear Pastors and Prayer Partners,
We held a special Valentine’s Day event at the church to create another opportunity to invite people to church and share the Gospel. You may remember that I have been volunteering at a local high school since December. We hadn’t seen anything come from it for a while, but a young lady and her mother came to church for the first time through that connection. What a great day to hear about God’s love demonstrated through Jesus Christ on the cross! Sunday night, we also had a new first-time visitor. He was a man in his forties. He said that he had driven past the church many times and was interested in learning more and responded positively during the invitation. Please be praying for Mr. Yamaguchi!
During our first term here in Japan, we have been intentional about visiting another work at least quarterly to learn what others are doing to spread the Gospel. Since this past weekend we visited another church to glean from their experiences. We also got to see a little bit of the city of Kyoto (the old capitol city of Japan). The architecture is very beautiful but a gloomy reminder of how deep the roots of Japanese traditional religions are.
As we look forward to wrapping up February and beginning the month of March, our second son’s due date is now less than 4 weeks away! Please continue to pray for Rosie she finishes up her first year of language school while pregnant!
Additionally, we’re inviting folks to a sushi event this coming Sunday night at the first church plant as well as beginning a new series called “The Bible and my money” at the second church plant this coming Sunday. Prayers appreciated!
On the first Sunday night of March, we held another meal event at the church. We had a total of 17 adults and 7 kids that evening for the service. For several of those people, it was the first time in their life that they had been to a church service!
Thank you to those of you who have reached out to us about our safety concerning the coronavirus outbreak. While people and businesses are taking extra precautions, most daily life is normal. The national government asked schools to close, and some have complied. However, students still have held their graduation ceremonies (the academic calendar is different here, so people typically end the school year in March and begin the school year in April). While there have been a few inconveniences, people are starting to question all the fuss. We hope that by the time our next prayer letter comes out, things will be completely settled down.
Yours for Japan,
James, Rosie, Silas, and ???
James Miyashita
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Ph#: 470-278-7415
Email: james@reachingjapan.com
We held a special Valentine’s Day event at the church to create another opportunity to invite people to church and share the Gospel. You may remember that I have been volunteering at a local high school since December. We hadn’t seen anything come from it for a while, but a young lady and her mother came to church for the first time through that connection. What a great day to hear about God’s love demonstrated through Jesus Christ on the cross! Sunday night, we also had a new first-time visitor. He was a man in his forties. He said that he had driven past the church many times and was interested in learning more and responded positively during the invitation. Please be praying for Mr. Yamaguchi!
During our first term here in Japan, we have been intentional about visiting another work at least quarterly to learn what others are doing to spread the Gospel. Since this past weekend we visited another church to glean from their experiences. We also got to see a little bit of the city of Kyoto (the old capitol city of Japan). The architecture is very beautiful but a gloomy reminder of how deep the roots of Japanese traditional religions are.
As we look forward to wrapping up February and beginning the month of March, our second son’s due date is now less than 4 weeks away! Please continue to pray for Rosie she finishes up her first year of language school while pregnant!
Additionally, we’re inviting folks to a sushi event this coming Sunday night at the first church plant as well as beginning a new series called “The Bible and my money” at the second church plant this coming Sunday. Prayers appreciated!
On the first Sunday night of March, we held another meal event at the church. We had a total of 17 adults and 7 kids that evening for the service. For several of those people, it was the first time in their life that they had been to a church service!
Thank you to those of you who have reached out to us about our safety concerning the coronavirus outbreak. While people and businesses are taking extra precautions, most daily life is normal. The national government asked schools to close, and some have complied. However, students still have held their graduation ceremonies (the academic calendar is different here, so people typically end the school year in March and begin the school year in April). While there have been a few inconveniences, people are starting to question all the fuss. We hope that by the time our next prayer letter comes out, things will be completely settled down.
Yours for Japan,
James, Rosie, Silas, and ???
James Miyashita
PO Box 442
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Ph#: 470-278-7415
Email: james@reachingjapan.com
