April, 2007

GOD'S PRINCIPLE: SOWING - REAPING

During all of our 38 years of overseas ministry we have sowed into the lives of those preparing for ministry or those desiring to sharpen their ministry tools. It is exciting to see the fruit of this sowing. In many of the places we go to teach, we are working under former students who are now directors or deans of Bible colleges.

One such place is Eastern European Bible College in Oradea, ROMANIA. The director was our student in the Master's program at Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium. This is the fourth year we have taught in his college, which is housed in a "transformed" former shoe factory.

We had wonderful opportunities to minister in churches, youth meeting, college chapel, and a special Ladies' Day service (not only for mothers) in which we shared the pulpit with our interpreter.

Bible College Director Florin Ghiurau showed us a precious book hand-typed with six carbons during communist rule—the only way books were available. He also told us he had never tasted a banana before communism fell!

Prayer Requests:
  1. Direction for graduates of the Bible schools and seminary where we have taught recently-Romania & Philippines
  2. Continued direction for our teen-aged grandchildren: Chad, Devin, Jessica, Kaitlyn
  3. Safety & anointing as we drive and share in many churches in US April through July

MORE SOWING AND REAPING IN THE PHILIPPINES

We would like to share with you a couple more examples of sowing and reaping that we had the privilege of being involved with before leaving the Philippines in early March.

Inner City Baguio - our former student, Jerry, pioneered and pastors Baguio Mission Center near the crowded market in a rented auditorium. We were thrilled to see scores of children singing, worshiping, and participating in a special program - including many street children who survive by selling plastic bags in the market, carrying bags for shoppers, or begging.

This young teen-ager testified about how he was a "market" child who came to know the Lord through this church's outreach. Today he is a radiant Christian and helping to reach the many hundreds of street children in Baguio with the message of Jesus' love.

Many of our students and graduates of Asia Pacific Theological Seminary are involved in church planting. We walked the trail and participated in the 3rd Anniversary of a mountain tribal congregation. Most of the building has been done by members of the congregation. It is not finished, but it is a wonderful tribute to the faithfulness of God and His people.

Two years ago we met these people as they worshiped under an awning higher up the mountain! The land beside the church is used to grow some crops which are sold to help support the ministry.

Everett preached and Evelyn prayed over the pastoral and lay leadership. The founding pastor, Ely, is "little, but mighty" in faith. She works all week at APTS, helps very poor families get started in little businesses in the city, and oversees this church and 3 or 4 daughter churches.

She has prepared this pastor and wife to take over the leadership of this church to give her more time to expand the ministry in the daughter churches.

THANK YOU for all the beautiful birthday cards. We're trying to forget, but it's nice you remember!

THANKS, too, for your faithful prayers and financial support. We truly are partners in the work of the Kingdom. May God bless and reward you as only HE can!