Dear Pastor and Church,
We need prayer for a Bible Institute in Athens. Two months ago we helped start a Bible Institute in Athens for Persian-speaking refugees. From the 150 refugees that our team works with each week, there were 15 who enrolled and a high of 19 in our first class. We have outlined a curriculum, provided class notes, contacted competent teachers who will come and teach the classes; but we need translators who can translate the teachers’ notes and assist them in class. Please pray for our Iranian Leadership Team, that the Lord will give them wisdom as they lead this Institute to prepare the refugees to be effective witness for Christ in the Persian World.
We need prayer for our “Reformission” Campaign in the United Kingdom. Recently, we held an evangelism and church-planting conference at the White House in Cannock, England. We had around 40 attendees who were church leaders from a cross-section of the country. We believe that the churches in Great Britain need to re-form themselves for twenty-first century missions in a multicultural and Islamizing environment. Pray as we travel to the churches to share a revitalization strategy with them. Perhaps you have heard of the many churches here without pastors and of the churches that are closing their doors; pray for revival and the revitalization of the Lord’s work in this region. If churches do not revive they will not survive, and Islam will become the next religious power in this part of the western world.
We need prayer for our health. Ken has just had a hip replacement and is recovering nicely, but Carrie has contracted shingles and is having some blood pressure problems. We have been reminded of what happens where the kingdom of darkness is being threatened: missionaries suffer. Thank you for praying.
Your Servants for His Sake,
Ken & Carrie Liles
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Update from the Paul Dedeyan family - missionaries to France
Dear Friends,
November was very special to us in France, for we were able to baptize five people! - Colette, Gisette, Bibi, Jordane, and Nicholas. The first three are ladies, the last two 10- and 11-year old children. Nicholas, who accepted Christ this summer at camp, is living as a foster child in the home of some of our members. Although it is sad that his parents’ situation has made it necessary for him to live elsewhere, God used it for good by placing him in a Christian home, where he could be exposed to the Bible. He has always shown a keen interest in God’s Word, which is now coming to fruition.
Jordane’s baptism was special to us in that she is of the fourth generation of the Minard family whom I have baptized! Her great-grandfather, Marcel, built our baptistry before he was saved. We were privileged to lead Marcel and his wife, Micheline, to Christ and baptize them in 1974. Later their son Lionel and his wife Patricia accepted Christ, and I baptized them -- then their daughter Celine and eventually her husband Laurent, and now their daughter Jordane. It was a thrill for me to realize that - it is such a blessing to us and a lesson in perseverance.
In December, the church’s Christmas program was particularly delightful, as we were able to take advantage of our new, spacious sanctuary to proclaim again the real meaning of Christmas. A few days later we flew to Texas to spend Christmas with our family there, a rare privilege for us, and to visit with some of our supporters. We’ll be in the States for seven weeks, the longest we have ever been out of France since moving there in 1971. We have some responsible Christians taking care of things in our absence, but still no pastor to take over the leadership. Please continue to pray the Lord will send us a national pastor, or a missionary who will be ready to take over the work in Champigny.
Again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support. We wish each of you a blessed year in 2010, in which we will draw always nearer to our Lord and learn from Him.
Yours in Christ,
Paul & Alexis Dedeyan
November was very special to us in France, for we were able to baptize five people! - Colette, Gisette, Bibi, Jordane, and Nicholas. The first three are ladies, the last two 10- and 11-year old children. Nicholas, who accepted Christ this summer at camp, is living as a foster child in the home of some of our members. Although it is sad that his parents’ situation has made it necessary for him to live elsewhere, God used it for good by placing him in a Christian home, where he could be exposed to the Bible. He has always shown a keen interest in God’s Word, which is now coming to fruition.
Jordane’s baptism was special to us in that she is of the fourth generation of the Minard family whom I have baptized! Her great-grandfather, Marcel, built our baptistry before he was saved. We were privileged to lead Marcel and his wife, Micheline, to Christ and baptize them in 1974. Later their son Lionel and his wife Patricia accepted Christ, and I baptized them -- then their daughter Celine and eventually her husband Laurent, and now their daughter Jordane. It was a thrill for me to realize that - it is such a blessing to us and a lesson in perseverance.
In December, the church’s Christmas program was particularly delightful, as we were able to take advantage of our new, spacious sanctuary to proclaim again the real meaning of Christmas. A few days later we flew to Texas to spend Christmas with our family there, a rare privilege for us, and to visit with some of our supporters. We’ll be in the States for seven weeks, the longest we have ever been out of France since moving there in 1971. We have some responsible Christians taking care of things in our absence, but still no pastor to take over the leadership. Please continue to pray the Lord will send us a national pastor, or a missionary who will be ready to take over the work in Champigny.
Again, thank you for your faithful prayers and support. We wish each of you a blessed year in 2010, in which we will draw always nearer to our Lord and learn from Him.
Yours in Christ,
Paul & Alexis Dedeyan
Friday, January 8, 2010
Update from the Jim Eberhard family - missionaries to Kenya
Hamjambo (Hello),
We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from sunny Nairobi, 70 degrees, green grass, and beautiful flowers await you if you would like to join us for our first Christmas in Kenya.
Pastor Benard invited me and Sybil to teach and play with the children at their fun day. We rode boats, took a ride on the horses and camels, visited a cave, sang songs, played games, and taught the Bible. Owen raised his hand after the message to receive Christ. Sybil had two little ones that were saved. Pastor Benard counseled with them. Praise the Lord for the children who receive the message and accept the Savior. Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me. Owen attends Fellowship Baptist in Kigami.
Malea has spent three weeks as a counselor at camp Lukenya. She had the opportunity to lead Leah to Jesus and got to pray with many more.
December may be the last month of the year, but is the first month of our language training. Learning greetings, adverbs, verbs, nouns, conjugating sentences in Kiswahili are the focus of our daily activities. Language school is well under way. Praise the Lord for our friend, Keith in Kansas, who paid for our first month of language school! This is a $500 monthly expense outside the budget. God prompted him to give and he obeyed, not knowing it was the exact amount we needed to start language training. We thank God for all those whom God prompts to participate in the ministry to reach Kenyan’s for Christ. THANK YOU and PRAISE THE LORD for your faithfulness.
Prayer Requests: Our three teenagers Malea, Larissa, and Javan as they spend their first Christmas away from family and familiar surroundings; Our retention of the studies in Kiswahili; Ole and Konnerup, as they and their 19 boxes made it safely to Kenya.
In His Service,
Jim & Sybil
We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from sunny Nairobi, 70 degrees, green grass, and beautiful flowers await you if you would like to join us for our first Christmas in Kenya.
Pastor Benard invited me and Sybil to teach and play with the children at their fun day. We rode boats, took a ride on the horses and camels, visited a cave, sang songs, played games, and taught the Bible. Owen raised his hand after the message to receive Christ. Sybil had two little ones that were saved. Pastor Benard counseled with them. Praise the Lord for the children who receive the message and accept the Savior. Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me. Owen attends Fellowship Baptist in Kigami.
Malea has spent three weeks as a counselor at camp Lukenya. She had the opportunity to lead Leah to Jesus and got to pray with many more.
December may be the last month of the year, but is the first month of our language training. Learning greetings, adverbs, verbs, nouns, conjugating sentences in Kiswahili are the focus of our daily activities. Language school is well under way. Praise the Lord for our friend, Keith in Kansas, who paid for our first month of language school! This is a $500 monthly expense outside the budget. God prompted him to give and he obeyed, not knowing it was the exact amount we needed to start language training. We thank God for all those whom God prompts to participate in the ministry to reach Kenyan’s for Christ. THANK YOU and PRAISE THE LORD for your faithfulness.
Prayer Requests: Our three teenagers Malea, Larissa, and Javan as they spend their first Christmas away from family and familiar surroundings; Our retention of the studies in Kiswahili; Ole and Konnerup, as they and their 19 boxes made it safely to Kenya.
In His Service,
Jim & Sybil
Update from the Del Hooge family - missionaries to Philippines
Dear Friends,
The days fly past in quick succession. It hardly seems possible that we are again at the end of another year of serving here in the Philippines. The year has been filled with joys, as well as disappointments. We can only thank the Lord for His continued grace in granting us strength.
I was looking back over the accomplishments and was amazed at the number of times we were able to minister and touch people’s lives. By my calculations this past year I spoke more than 270 times in places all over the Philippines as well as China and Australia. We have seen over 1,000 come to know the Lord in our BLESS outreaches through local churches and their missions. Here in the home church we have baptized many who have been saved in the establishment of a new congregation here in the south of Metro Manila.
Here at the school we have a security guard who has been watching what is going on for some time. He was always somewhat “sour faced” since he attended a local cult church which is strong against our biblical faith. However, a few weeks ago he asked for an appointment with the national pastor who preaches every Sunday afternoon. The next day there was a BIG smile on his face. He followed the Lord in Baptism the following week.
We had the opportunity to again visit with those who are starting daily discipleship ministries with their children (sometimes called a Christian school) in China. Over 120 delegates attended from over 20 schools. We were again challenged at their determination to give a biblical foundation to their children’s lives even though it goes against the laws of their land. They are taking a strong stand to give a biblical world-view to the next generation as best they can.
In our Missions Conference we had two new missionaries. One is going to Tibet, the other to Vietnam. These men have the ability to go where we cannot go. They learn the language quickly. They assimilate into the culture and soon appear as a native. They are an extension from you through the missionary work here. Both are graduates from the Christian schools and were impacted by the lives of missionaries they studied about in school.
This past Thanksgiving we had the joy of a surprise visit with our children in Springfield for only 10 days. It was a “time to remember” for all. The surprise on their faces was worth the long trip. It was a joy to be there for two of the grandchildren’s birthdays. We are so proud of our kids and grandkids.
Your prayers and support keep us on the field where many are learning of God’s grace and salvation. Thank you so much.
Del & Lora Hooge
The days fly past in quick succession. It hardly seems possible that we are again at the end of another year of serving here in the Philippines. The year has been filled with joys, as well as disappointments. We can only thank the Lord for His continued grace in granting us strength.
I was looking back over the accomplishments and was amazed at the number of times we were able to minister and touch people’s lives. By my calculations this past year I spoke more than 270 times in places all over the Philippines as well as China and Australia. We have seen over 1,000 come to know the Lord in our BLESS outreaches through local churches and their missions. Here in the home church we have baptized many who have been saved in the establishment of a new congregation here in the south of Metro Manila.
Here at the school we have a security guard who has been watching what is going on for some time. He was always somewhat “sour faced” since he attended a local cult church which is strong against our biblical faith. However, a few weeks ago he asked for an appointment with the national pastor who preaches every Sunday afternoon. The next day there was a BIG smile on his face. He followed the Lord in Baptism the following week.
We had the opportunity to again visit with those who are starting daily discipleship ministries with their children (sometimes called a Christian school) in China. Over 120 delegates attended from over 20 schools. We were again challenged at their determination to give a biblical foundation to their children’s lives even though it goes against the laws of their land. They are taking a strong stand to give a biblical world-view to the next generation as best they can.
In our Missions Conference we had two new missionaries. One is going to Tibet, the other to Vietnam. These men have the ability to go where we cannot go. They learn the language quickly. They assimilate into the culture and soon appear as a native. They are an extension from you through the missionary work here. Both are graduates from the Christian schools and were impacted by the lives of missionaries they studied about in school.
This past Thanksgiving we had the joy of a surprise visit with our children in Springfield for only 10 days. It was a “time to remember” for all. The surprise on their faces was worth the long trip. It was a joy to be there for two of the grandchildren’s birthdays. We are so proud of our kids and grandkids.
Your prayers and support keep us on the field where many are learning of God’s grace and salvation. Thank you so much.
Del & Lora Hooge
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Update from the Jim and Laura Hutchinson family - missionaries to Russia
Dear Prayer Partners,
Please pray for Pastor Vladimir, our Russian pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Moscow. He recently suffered a mild stroke. Please be in prayer for his wife, Vera, and their children.
What do you do when only 2 people arrive at Tuesday evening Bible study? You preach the Work, of course! We had a great discussion about salvation and eternal life that night. I spoke with Nikolai about his need for a Savior. At the end of the evening he was ready to trust Christ as his personal Savior. but he was nervous about praying in public. I reminded him that prayer is simply a conversation between him and God. Then I told him that I had been there before, so I knew exactly how he felt and that there was nothing to be afraid of. The next thing I knew, Nilolai was praying the sweetest prayer expressing his faith in Christ and full reliance on Him. Talk about an exciting evening! Please pray for Nikolai as he deals with the temptations that abound in every day life.
We have just recently become aware of pending legislation that is being pushed through Russian congress. The following are some of the restrictions that would be imposed:
1. Children under the age of 14 would not be allowed to attend church without express written permission of parents.
2. Missionaries would be restricted to preach/teach only within Baptist church buildings with a letter of permission from sending and receiving organization for the specific dates he is to preach.
3. Baptist churches would not be allowed to offer English classes, VBS, or any other social work.
4. Even Baptist church members witnessing to someone inside a public building would become a crime.
Each year our church celebrates “Zhatva”, the Russian equivalent to thanksgiving. It was a wonderful evening of celebrating God’s blessings and provisions with our church members and several guests. Our theme for this year’s celebrations was “In Christ Alone”. I preached a message entitled “How Great Is Our God” highlighting some of the amazing ways that God shows His majesty while still being a very personal God.
Our family wishes you a Blessed Thanksgiving! We are thankful for you, our partners in ministry, who pray or us and enable us to continue to serve in Russia.
For His Glory,
Jim Hutchinson
Please pray for Pastor Vladimir, our Russian pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Moscow. He recently suffered a mild stroke. Please be in prayer for his wife, Vera, and their children.
What do you do when only 2 people arrive at Tuesday evening Bible study? You preach the Work, of course! We had a great discussion about salvation and eternal life that night. I spoke with Nikolai about his need for a Savior. At the end of the evening he was ready to trust Christ as his personal Savior. but he was nervous about praying in public. I reminded him that prayer is simply a conversation between him and God. Then I told him that I had been there before, so I knew exactly how he felt and that there was nothing to be afraid of. The next thing I knew, Nilolai was praying the sweetest prayer expressing his faith in Christ and full reliance on Him. Talk about an exciting evening! Please pray for Nikolai as he deals with the temptations that abound in every day life.
We have just recently become aware of pending legislation that is being pushed through Russian congress. The following are some of the restrictions that would be imposed:
1. Children under the age of 14 would not be allowed to attend church without express written permission of parents.
2. Missionaries would be restricted to preach/teach only within Baptist church buildings with a letter of permission from sending and receiving organization for the specific dates he is to preach.
3. Baptist churches would not be allowed to offer English classes, VBS, or any other social work.
4. Even Baptist church members witnessing to someone inside a public building would become a crime.
Each year our church celebrates “Zhatva”, the Russian equivalent to thanksgiving. It was a wonderful evening of celebrating God’s blessings and provisions with our church members and several guests. Our theme for this year’s celebrations was “In Christ Alone”. I preached a message entitled “How Great Is Our God” highlighting some of the amazing ways that God shows His majesty while still being a very personal God.
Our family wishes you a Blessed Thanksgiving! We are thankful for you, our partners in ministry, who pray or us and enable us to continue to serve in Russia.
For His Glory,
Jim Hutchinson
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Update from the Jason Heath family - missionaries BBF Builders
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings from the Great North - We are presently working on a project in Minot, North Dakota. We are remodeling an old building for Dakota Baptist Church. We are excited to be here and to be part of this growing ministry. We are also enjoying the cooler weather. We left Peotone, IL, in the beginning of July and we travelled to Wyoming, Colorado, and Oklahoma for deputation. We had a great time at these churches and had time to relax a little between meetings in the nice mountain air. We then went home to Arkansas to clean out the house so we could close on it. Well, we came close, and a problem came up that was out of our control, and we did not close. The Lord is in control of this situation and we praise Him for the closed doors too. I thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for the sale of our house.
We also had a busy June as we travelled to Florida for more deputation meetings and to work on a project at Winter Haven Baptist Church with some other Builders. I will be flying to Texas at the end of the month for deputation at two churches and then will return here to North Dakota to finish this project. After we complete this project here, we will travel to Colorado for a missions conference and then back to Texas to share our ministy and then to Uniontown, PA, to work on a new building there for Bethel Baptist Church.
Continue to pray for our travels as we continue to raise support and work on projects. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
God Bless,
Jason & Kimberly Heath
Greetings from the Great North - We are presently working on a project in Minot, North Dakota. We are remodeling an old building for Dakota Baptist Church. We are excited to be here and to be part of this growing ministry. We are also enjoying the cooler weather. We left Peotone, IL, in the beginning of July and we travelled to Wyoming, Colorado, and Oklahoma for deputation. We had a great time at these churches and had time to relax a little between meetings in the nice mountain air. We then went home to Arkansas to clean out the house so we could close on it. Well, we came close, and a problem came up that was out of our control, and we did not close. The Lord is in control of this situation and we praise Him for the closed doors too. I thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for the sale of our house.
We also had a busy June as we travelled to Florida for more deputation meetings and to work on a project at Winter Haven Baptist Church with some other Builders. I will be flying to Texas at the end of the month for deputation at two churches and then will return here to North Dakota to finish this project. After we complete this project here, we will travel to Colorado for a missions conference and then back to Texas to share our ministy and then to Uniontown, PA, to work on a new building there for Bethel Baptist Church.
Continue to pray for our travels as we continue to raise support and work on projects. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
God Bless,
Jason & Kimberly Heath
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Update from the Gary Phillips family - missionaries to the Philippines
Dear Friends,
We have good news! Gary came through the stem cell transplant, and at this time, has beaten cancer! The first week was very rough from the chemo and he ended up being in the hospital for 8 days. After that, the new cells started engrafting and he was given the green light to leave earlier than the expected 21 days. We feel this is truly a miracle and are grateful for all the prayers.
We have moved back to Oklahoma to be with family while Gary continues to recover. He will go back to the Mayo Clinic the end of July for the 100 day checkup. Our prayer is that he will be cleared and we can start making arrangements to return to the Philippines in December. We came to the states last December 07 for a furlough to raise extra funds to pay off two church buildings in the Philippines. Gary's unexpected illness made us cancel dates and put aside furlough plans. Now that Gary is through with treatments, we would like to schedule dates for Aug. - Dec.
Our work in the Philippines is doing well. We have a great staff and faithful members that have continued on in our absence. In May, Bethel Baptist held their annual DVBS, culminating with a program on Mother's Day. We saw 27 children accept the Lord as their Savior, and during the program on Sunday, one mother got saved! We are anxious to return and continue on with the ministry that God has called us to do.
Prayer Requests:
Financial help: We need $1,500 for our move back to Oklahoma.
Continued healing for Gary.
Ministries in the Philippines. That God would continue to bless our staff and faithful members and we would see more souls saved.
Thank you so much for your faithful support and prayers! We appreciate all you do for us!
Gary and Jeanie Phillips
We have good news! Gary came through the stem cell transplant, and at this time, has beaten cancer! The first week was very rough from the chemo and he ended up being in the hospital for 8 days. After that, the new cells started engrafting and he was given the green light to leave earlier than the expected 21 days. We feel this is truly a miracle and are grateful for all the prayers.
We have moved back to Oklahoma to be with family while Gary continues to recover. He will go back to the Mayo Clinic the end of July for the 100 day checkup. Our prayer is that he will be cleared and we can start making arrangements to return to the Philippines in December. We came to the states last December 07 for a furlough to raise extra funds to pay off two church buildings in the Philippines. Gary's unexpected illness made us cancel dates and put aside furlough plans. Now that Gary is through with treatments, we would like to schedule dates for Aug. - Dec.
Our work in the Philippines is doing well. We have a great staff and faithful members that have continued on in our absence. In May, Bethel Baptist held their annual DVBS, culminating with a program on Mother's Day. We saw 27 children accept the Lord as their Savior, and during the program on Sunday, one mother got saved! We are anxious to return and continue on with the ministry that God has called us to do.
Prayer Requests:
Financial help: We need $1,500 for our move back to Oklahoma.
Continued healing for Gary.
Ministries in the Philippines. That God would continue to bless our staff and faithful members and we would see more souls saved.
Thank you so much for your faithful support and prayers! We appreciate all you do for us!
Gary and Jeanie Phillips
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