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Ghana
Joe Norton
JoAnn (wife)
1712 Wanda Way
Arlington, TX 76001
(817) 465-4933
jlnorton@attbi.com
Report Ghana Trip 2005
Joe Norton
May 10-June 9
It has been inspirational to observe the growth of the work in Ghana since 1993 when the Fairview congregation in northern Louisiana began sponsoring the work. At that time there were 14 congregations in Ghana, and today that number has grown to about 90. The truth first moved into Ghana shortly before Bro. James Orten made a contact with a brother there in the early 1980s. He and others made trips to teach and to encourage the brethren to stand for the truth. Bro. Billy Orten made his first trip in 1993, and I made my first trip with him in July 1995.
Carrying the financial burden for this work since 1993 have been congregations in the Farmerville, LA, area. The Fairview congregation oversaw the work from 1993 until the establishment of the new D’Arbonne congregation in Farmerville in November 1999. D’Arbonne has continued to oversee the work. Other congregations and brethren have helped, especially in the financing of a few buildings; but the D’Arbonne brethren have carried the financial load. They have built many spiritual treasurers by their intense interest in the work and by their financial commitment to its success. 
The Lord’s blessing has been upon the work. Not only are there now about 90 congregations in Ghana, but the work spread to the neighboring country of Togo in June 2001 and then on to Benin last year. Accompanying me on the trip this year was Bro. Wayne McKamie, who assisted in conducting three-day studies in four regions of the country, using the theme of Leadership in the Lord’s Church. Dividing the country by geography and language, we invited every faithful preacher and two leaders from each congregation in Ghana to attend. More than 200 preachers and church leaders attended the sessions. This was Wayne’s second trip to Ghana, having gone also in 2000. In addition to conducting the studies, we visited and spoke at many congregations on the way to the studies. 
One of the most heart-warming experiences in the work is that some of the people we met with this year are the same ones we met with in 1995; and I have seen some of these same people every year during this ten-year period. This fact is encouraging, realizing we have brethren who are remaining steadfast in the faith and that we are not dealing with those who come only for “the loaves and fishes.” Purposes of the studies this year were to build upon that strength of stability and to help move the brotherhood forward to a greater knowledge of God’s word. We plan to build on that goal in the coming years, if the Lord wills. We ask your prayers for our brethren in Ghana that they may continue to increase in faith and in number.
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive

Malawi
Bunner, Richard
   Martha
(wife)
   6900 Meier Lane
   Liberty Township,  OH  45011 USA
    richardbunner@gmail.com

Richard Bunner's 2013 Malawi Report:
(In PDF format)
Edwards, Douglas J.
    Debbie
(wife)

    P.O. Box 573
    Blantyre,  Malawi  Africa
    011-265-1-675-709 / Office: 011-265-1-673-229

    churchofchrist@broadbandmw.com
21 Street Church of Christ
   Duane Cutter

    8301 S.W. 84th
    Oklahoma City, OK 73169
    1-405-745-2581
    d_m_cutter@juno.com
Reports from Doug Edward are in Adobe Reader format and available by clicking on the following dated links:
 
01-2008
02-2008
03-2008
04-2008
12-2007
11-2007
10-2007
09-2007
08-2007
07-2007
06-2007
05-2007
04-2007
03-2007
02-2007
11-2006
10-2006
09-2006
08-2006
07-2006
06-2006
05-2006
04-2006
03-2006
02-2006
01-2006
12-2005
11-2005
10-2005
09-2005
08-2005
07-2005
 
NorthWest 21st Street Church of Christ
3440 NW 21st
Oklahoma City, OK  73107
 
December 5, 2007
Dear Brethren,
 
The Malawi work is truly a wonderful work.  Much of the new expansion of the work in Africa started from an outgrowth of the dedicated brethren in Malawi.  An example of this is the tremendous works in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.  Today there is reported to be well over 3,000 congregations in these countries. 
 
Today we are very concerned about the security for Doug and Debbie Edwards in Blantyre.  The property in Blantyre is a little over three acres in size.  The church building as well as the residence in which Doug and Debbie reside is on this property.  A number of years ago, Bill Davis had a chain link fence installed around part of the property.  The chain link fence has been there ever since, during the years that Jim and Marlene Franklin were there and while Doug and Debbie have been there.  It has been breached countless number of times and has been patched repeatedly, many times while Jim and Marlene were there as well as when Doug and Debbie have been there. The fence was breached by cutting the wires over a dozen times while Jim lived there. Out of these twelve times there were at least three major robberies which took place.  Two times the intruders had machete knives and one time at least they came into the house carrying AK47 guns.  The time the thieves used the AK47 guns there was a total of eight intruders in the group.  They held the guards hostage and threatened to kill them.  By the mercy of God, they did not.  At the time they broke into the house, Jim and Marlene were locked in the bedroom area in the back part of the house and thankfully the thieves did not break into that part of the house.   They took a TV, two VCRs, a radio, a CD player and other small items.  On one other occasion, the robbers used a machete knife and they attempted to break into the house, but they were scared away probably by the guards.  In other parts of town, when robberies have occurred, many times they have also murdered the homeowners.  We have been blessed as this has not occurred with our missionaries or hired guards.  Of course, no matter what kind of barrier is put up, there is no guarantee it will not be breached, however the more difficult you can make it and the more time consuming it becomes, the less likely the thieves are to choose that property. 
    
In the interest of security and the value of the lives of our wonderful missionaries who sacrifice their time and their efforts, both now and in the future, Twenty-first Street congregation believes that if a wall is installed around the entire property, it would be less likely to be breached than a chain link fence.  A wall, if properly installed would require less maintenance than a chain link fence and over time could very well pay for itself, as well as possibly save lives.  The wall we are proposing would be eight feet tall with razor wire to make climbing over the wall difficult and dangerous to an intruder.  When Jim was over there the quote for the wall with the necessary gates was somewhere around $60,000.  With the increase in the cost of materials since the original quote, the cost will be some more than this. 
 
Please pray for the continued growth of the work and the continued safety of Doug and Debbie as well as other missionaries on that continent.  The thought of a major break-in with the possibility of the loss of lives would be devastating to all of us in this country who love them, as well as to the work itself.  It might prove difficult to find replacement missionary families who were willing to go, should the unthinkable happen.  Because of these considerations and the safety of future missionaries, the brethren at the Twenty-first St. Congregation feel very obligated to make this appeal. 
 
We are requesting funds so we can start the project as soon as possible.
Make your checks payable to:  Doug Edwards and note “for the fence.”
 
Send them to: Doug Edwards
                       % Duane Cutter
                      8301 SW 84th
                      Oklahoma City, OK 73169
 
For questions, contact:
          Cliff Arney – 405-685-5437
           Duane Cutter – 405-745-2581   or   D_M_Cutter@Juno.com
 
In Christ,
The Twenty-first Street Brethren
 
Allen Bailey                     Duane Cutter                   Adam Dean
Daniel Dean                     Randy Butler                   Terry Scott
Cecil Weeks                    Monty Cox                     Cliff Arney
David Dean                     Jeremy Scott                   Stephen Scott
Darrell Crawford             Dean Hopkins                 Steve Smith
Jack Gibson                    David Womack               Bob Elmore
Tim Hall     
 
 
James (Jim) Franklin, Jr.
169 Kuhn Avenue
Lebanon, MO 65536
September 26, 2005
 
To: Brethren who have supported and encouraged the work in Malawi.

RE:   My Final Malawi Report

Dear Brethren,

I take this opportunity, first, to thank God for allowing me to be a part of that great work in Africa, and, second, to thank each of you for having expressed confidence in me to do the work that I was sent to do. I am most grateful, not only for your prayers—prayers that, in my humble opinion, have been answered—but for the financial support for both myself and the African brethren, whether it was for relief or for financial support for the African preachers who deserve it because of their dedication to the Cause of Christ.

This is a report that I have not looked forward to writing. It is to be my last in regard to my activity as the responsible preacher working with the Malawi brotherhood.

I realize I am somewhat late in sending this report to you. I’ll not give you all my excuses for the delay. I respectfully request that you please forgive me for what may appear to be a lack of appreciation. I assure you that all that has been done, both for the work in Africa and Marlene’s and my personal requirements, is appreciated more than mere words can express.

Making preparations to leave Malawi was quite involved and time consuming. The last three months in the country were hectic. Becoming a resident of Malawi was an experience within itself. But, leaving the country in good graces with the Government is yet another experience. In order to “immigrate” back to the States, I had to go through several drawn out procedures to secure “clearance” to make the move.

Then there is the culture of the Malawian people that was necessary to honor. In order not to offend the brotherhood, I scheduled meetings in every area of the country just so that I could “take my leave” of the brethren. These meetings were arranged for the express purpose of our saying goodbye to one another. Attending such meetings was not an easy task for me. Nor was it all that easy for the brethren. After fourteen years, we had developed a mutual respect for one another, built a solid, close relationship, and bonded together in sincere brotherly love. Not knowing whether we would see one another again on God’s earth made our meetings sad occasions. Yes, there were times when there were, unashamedly, tears.

Of course, I shared the good news with the Malawian brethren that the American brotherhood was still interested in their spiritual development and was sending Doug Edwards to take my place. I assured the brotherhood that Doug was well qualified to teach them the Scriptures and that he, like me, was personally interested in them as well. Doug, along with his son Jonathan, was able to accompany me the last week of my meetings that were located in the extreme part of the Northern Region of the country. This trip provided the opportunity, not only for me to say goodbye, but to introduce Doug to the brethren in that area.

Brethren, the Lord has blessed His work in Malawi and the bordering area of Mozambique beyond our wildest expectations! Without a doubt, the Lord has heard and answered the many prayers of the faithful here in America who not only prayed for the African work but sent financial support as well. Without your fulfilling God’s ordained responsibility for the Church to bear the responsibility of supporting the preaching of the Gospel throughout the earth, many people (literally numbering in the thousands) would have suffered the loss of their souls. I write as a first-hand witness of the success of the work; there is much fruit laid up for you in your heavenly account.

Just a brief comment for those who may wonder why I left Malawi. Know for a fact, I was not asked to leave Africa by the Africans. To the contrary, they asked me to stay until I died. Neither Little Rock nor the brethren who supplied the finances to ensure the success of the work asked me to return home to the States. The decision to return was my own. When I made the decision to return home, it was not that I had become discouraged or dissatisfied with the work or with the African brethren with whom I labored. Leaving Africa became one of the most, if not the most, difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life. My body, not my spirit or enthusiasm, was growing tired from the continuing heavy work load; and it needed some rest for a while. My heart remains in Malawi with the multitudes of sincere, loving, caring Christian brethren and will be until I die. It is my prayer that God be with them all and bless them abundantly with all they require, both now and forever. May he look favorably upon the brotherhood, as well as the people of Malawi, and by His providence gather an abundant harvest.

It is not possible for me to name every one of you congregations and individuals in this report who have contributed so much to the success of the work in Malawi over the years. Nevertheless, I do express my sincere appreciation to the Mabelvale Pike Congregation in Little Rock that never displayed a lack of confidence in me to accomplish the objective for which I was sent. A special thanks I give to Maurice Chandler through whom I communicated with Little Rock and the brotherhood.

Also, I am indebted to the Northwest Twenty-first Street Congregation in Oklahoma City, that, though not directly responsible for my support, never abandoned the work even though Little Rock accepted the direct responsibility. They were always willing and ready to render unselfish assistance when it was needed.

In addition, we are indebted to the Chapel Grove Congregation in Tennessee. These brethren lifted a great burden off Little Rock's and my shoulders. They have made sacrifices to bear the responsibility of seeing to it that the brotherhood in Malawi and Mozambique have an adequate supply of grape juice so that the brethren would be able to conduct scriptural worship every Lord's Day. We thank all of you who joined with them in this noble effort.

Also, I wish to personally thank David Risener for his contribution to the effort here in Malawi and Mozambique. By means of his internet program, he has brought the efforts for the Cause of Christ in Africa directly into the homes of a large number of people in our brotherhood. Many brethren became acquainted with, and responded to, the needs in Africa as a direct result of his posting our reports on the Web.

The responsibility for coordinating the work between the brotherhood in the States and Malawi has now been relinquished by Little Rock and assumed by the Green Oaks congregation in Arlington, Texas. Our prayer to God on their behalf is that He ever be with them to strengthen and encourage them in this great undertaking. Their support of Doug and the work will not be in vain!

In conclusion, please keep in mind that the need for evangelism in Africa is ongoing. Will you please, if it is possible to do so, continue your support of that great work? When we stand before our Lord Jesus Christ in the Judgment, it will be then that you will realize to the fullest, the significance of your support. The Lord Himself will be satisfied with you for having carried out the "Great Commission." You will be so thrilled when one by one you greet those whom you have helped to secure their salvation as they too take their place with you on the right hand of the Savior. "Oh what a Day, A glorious Day that will be!"

With brotherly love and appreciation for all you have done,

Jim Franklin
marjim12@jobe.net
Marlene and Jim Franklin receiving a farewell gift from the church leaders in Blantyre, Malawi.
Farewell meeting for Jim Franklin with brethren at the Musa congregation, Thyolo District, Malawi on April 21, 2005
Farewell meeting for Jim Franklin at the Muluma congregation Zomba DFistrict, Malawi on April 28, 2005.
I am on the far left and Marlene is the third from the right. These are the dear ones who accompanied us to Chileka Airport, Blantyre, Malawi to see us off on June 29, 2005.
--Jim Franklin

  
Malawi Work Report
Click HERE for Adobe Presentation
July 2005
 
Malawi Work Report
February 4, 2005
By Jim Franklin

HUNGER
 
Compared to last year, the problem of hunger among our brethren is far less severe. There are two contributing factors: (1) the crops were reasonably good in most areas of the country, and (2) the World Food Program has been supplying a limited amount of relief where required.

Hunger is not a national crisis this year as was the case this time last year. However, there are some areas where crops failed due to insufficient rain. And, there are some people whose crops did not produce, not because there was no rain, but for lack of fertilizer. The soil in the densely populated areas of Malawi, especially here in the Southern Region, has been “burned out” due to over use. Every thing has been taken out of the soil to the extent that it cannot produce anything anymore without fertilizer.

Since there is no national hunger crisis, at least not at the moment, we have put stricter measures in place insofar as distributions for relief are concerned. Poverty is rampant here. To be sure, it hurts to see our brethren living under such conditions. It is not easy for them, to say the least. But, our objective cannot be to alleviate those appalling conditions. We could not even if we were to try. So, we have made it a policy to limit assistance only to those where it can be determined that their hunger is due to circumstances beyond their control, whether this is in a given drought area, or as individuals who are victim of circumstances.

I have not been making appeals for relief as we have some in reserve, and there are brethren who continue to send funds from time to time. So far, this has been adequate to supply the need.

Brethren, having to deal with the problem of hunger and poverty is the most challenging thing I have encountered in my life. Until one has to face the situation himself, he would never have an idea of what it is like to deal with it, nor how heartbreaking it can be.

SPIRITUAL ASPECT

I know that to report that “the work continues to make progress” is often repeated, and makes for dull reading. But, the truth is--it is the truth--truth without the flowery descriptions. Of course, facts help to make reading such a report a little easier and more interesting.

PROGRESS--INDIVIDUAL CONVERSIONS. We have reports of 2,880 baptisms having taken place this past year, 2004, in the Southern Region. We have not received the totals from the Central and Northern Regions. But, we know there have been many.

PROGRESS--CONGREGATIONAL GROWTH. I do not have totals for the entire year of 2004, but we registered 161. Our fellow preachers continue to convert entire congregations who have been established and associated with the “cups“ brethren. The following congregations have renounced their former positions and have taken their stand for the truth and thus becoming members of our brotherhood.

10 congregations in the Blantyre and Chiradzulu Districts (These are located near Blantyre city).

5 congregations in Mulanje District near Luchenza.

3 congregations in Nsanje District on the East Bank of the Shire River near Chiromo.

In addition to these congregations, there are 2 from denominations which have been converted. All the members of these congregations were properly baptized and formed newly established congregations of the Church of Christ.

There seems to be no end to the potential for growth in Malawi. Instead, it looks more promising than ever. May the Lord continue to bless!

MOZAMBIQUE

The work is alive and growing in Mozambique. By the grace of God, we will soon have someone living there to work with those brethren and assist them in spreading the Gospel. I will not say anymore than this and allow others to make their own reports: the Fieldstone congregation in Missouri has accepted the responsibility of coordinating the work, and Bill Davis has consented to move there and work directly with the brethren. THIS IS AN ANSWER TO PRAYERS. May the Lord richly bless Mozambique with equal success to that of Malawi from where the Gospel was brought into the country.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who support Malawi, both by prayers and with financial assistance without which we could not function.

May the Lord richly reward and bless you with all you require, both now and forever.

In Him,

Jim Franklin
P.O. Box 573 Blantyre, Malawi
chchristbtml@sdnp.org.mw
 
December 2004 Malawi Report
By Jim Franklin
Submitted: Saturday February 05, 2005 09:24 PM
For me, the year 2004 will be unforgettable. The things which affected me and this work actually began on December 12, 2003. This is when I fell and broke my left femur. I was down for two months--the first six weeks flat on my back! I was permitted to move around with crutches the next couple of weeks before the cast came off. The day after the cast came off, a kidney stone put me in the Mwaiwathu Hospital where I had to undergo surgery to remove the stone because it would not pass into the bladder. Down again! Marlene and I were able to go to Johannesburg for our annual medical check-ups in May. What I thought was to be a normal eye examination and a new prescription for glasses did not turn out that way. I ended up having cataract surgery on both eyes. After being released by the doctor to travel, Marlene and I returned to Blantyre. I had to return to Johannesburg for a follow up examination of my eyes in August. This time, being in that 30% group that needs to have it done after cataract surgery, laser surgery was required on both eyes. Well, as you can imagine, these personal problems affected my preaching schedule. Even so, the year has not been a total loss. Some good has been accomplished.

In order to accommodate the “old man,” meetings were cut down to three per week instead of four and five. However, I am very happy to report that attendance has been exceptionally good in most every meeting. I think that not being so exhausted physically has made it possible for me to put more of myself and feelings into the teaching. Responses indicate this. On the 17th and 18th of December, Davidson and I had meetings in Lilongwe District. In addition to a number of confessions for sin in the first meeting on the 17th, there were four responses for baptisms. There were six village chiefs attending this meeting.

Our meeting on the 18th was quite some distance from the meeting which we held on the 17th. There were also six village chiefs attending this meeting. When the invitation was given at the end of the lesson, if memory serves me well, there were 11 brethren who made confessions for sin. Immediately after the service ended, Davidson and I headed to Blantyre so that we would be able to keep another appointment the next day in the southern region. We had no more than returned home when a telephone call came from Bro. Foster Magwira with some good news. Just after our departure, a group of men who were not members of the Church, six of them, met with Bro. Magwira and Bro. Katona and told them that they had decided that they wanted to be baptized, and that they did not want to put it off. I had preached a sermon entitled, “So Near, and Yet So Far.” Apparently it had done its job in pricking their hearts.

In addition to our conducting meetings for congregations, we have been having some special meetings among the preachers and church leaders throughout the country encouraging improvement in our approach to taking care of matters pertaining to our responsibilities to the congregations as preachers and leaders. These are being well attended. Hopefully, these meetings will accomplish the objective of making improvements.

As most brethren back home know, Doug Edwards will be replacing me here in Malawi, if God be willing, Doug and Debbie are tentatively scheduled to arrive here the latter part of May. I will stay long enough to make the transition as easy and efficiently as possible. My work permit expires the 2nd of July, but unless something unforeseeable arises, this will be enough time to accomplish the transfer.

After a number of years of dealing with the Government of Mozambique, we not only have been registered with the government, but the process of getting a preacher into the country is currently in progress. Mr. Job Chambal, the Director of Religious Affairs in the Ministry of Justice, in Maputo, called me this past week to inform me that all the information I had submitted to him on behalf of the Mozambiquan brethren requesting him to permit Bro. Bill Davis to enter the country as their missionary has been forwarded on to the Mozambiquan Embassy in Washington DC for processing. The Lord continues to bless the work in this area of Africa!

Brethren, Mozambique is a very large country with practically unlimited opportunities to spread the Gospel. Bill and Daisy are assuming a tremendous responsibility! They are going to need help! Financial! In addition, they will need your prayers for both the physical and spiritual strength to do the work. I tell you, I admire Bill for his willingness to accept the invitation to pioneer this new venture into yet another country. Brethren, let us not ignore the challenge and give Bill the support he needs. Please do not wait for someone to bear the responsibility. If you are not aware of it, the Fieldstone Congregation in Vanzant, Missouri, has accepted the lead responsibility of sponsoring the work. How blessed we are to have a congregation who is willing to get so deeply involved in a foreign mission effort! I do not think Fieldstone would object to me asking all of you who are not now currently involved in mission work to join with them in the support of this great work. Why not contact the leaders of the congregation and see what you can do to help? When you stand before the Lord Jesus Christ on the Day of Judgment, you’ll be so very glad you did! Think of the numbers of souls you will have helped to have made it possible for them to be on the Lord’s right hand!

Of course, the work is very far from being dead in Malawi! So, we do not want to forget the needs we still require in order to continue this huge work. Please, give Doug the support and encouragement he will need to continue to strengthen and edify these wonderful people. May the Lord bless you all. ----P.O. Box 573, Blantyre, Malawi chchristbtml@sdnp.org.mw
 
 
Report on Trip to Malawi, Africa
August 3 through 17 ~ 2003
  
Persons making the trip and this report:
 
            Maurice Chandler           Little Rock, Arkansas
            Tom Crouch                   Arlington, Texas
            Duane Cutter                 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
            Jerry Cutter                   Crescent, Oklahoma
            Phillip Patton                 Jasper, Tennessee
 
Dates of trip: Departed from the States on August 1, arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa about
                        noon on Sunday, August 3
                       
                        Returned from Lilongwe on the afternoon of August 17 and arrived in the States
                        in the afternoon of August 18
 
Purpose of our trip:
 
We were invited to Malawi by Brother Jim Franklin, evangelist, who has lived and worked in Malawi for the last twelve years and by the Little Rock congregation. The stated purpose of our visit was to gain a better understanding of the needs of our fellow Christians from a spiritual standpoint and to provide our recommendations for the future American involvement in Malawi.
 
In order to gain an understanding of the current status and assist us in making recommendations for the future, we received input in the following primary ways:
 
1.         Brother Jim Franklin reviewed with us the history of American involvement in working with
            the congregations in Malawi, his direct involvement by living in Malawi for the last twelve
            years, and his views concerning future needs.
2.         We met with forty-four preachers and church leaders representing all areas of Malawi.
            We asked them various questions about their spiritual needs and their views about the
            involvement of American evangelists in Malawi. They also had met before our meeting
            with them and prepared a lengthy report enumerating their views of American involvement and their needs.
3.         We visited twelve areas in Malawi for worship services. The locations were strategically
            selected to cover a significant portion of the country. The estimated attendance at these
            worship services ranged from around 150 to an estimated 2000 people. The average
            attendance for the twelve meetings was approximately 800 people. There were
            approximately 800 congregations represented at these meetings.
4.         There were many personal and group meetings with two key brethren in Malawi -
            Brethren Davidson Kasambwe and Stephen Kasenda - to get their views.
5.         Personal observations and limited conversations with various other preachers and church
            leaders.
 
Current situation:
 
There is a current need for American evangelists in Malawi. All input we received was very
emphatic that the brethren there want and need our assistance. The brotherhood in Malawi has
grown quite dramatically over the last few years and, as a result, there is a great need for teaching and training. For example, there were approximately 3000 baptismal certificates issued in 2002. We have found that there is very little literature, including Bibles and songbooks, available for Christians to use for themselves and to provide to non-Christians. While most (and maybe all) native preachers and church leaders have Bibles, it appears very few other members have Bibles. Bible helps for study which we take for granted, e.g., concordances, word studies, lexicons, commentaries, Bible software, etc., are nonexistent. While our Malawian brethren are some of the greatest singers in the world, very few of them have songbooks. Tracts and study guides are not available currently.
 
Concerning the physical status of our brethren, even though this was not the focus of our trip,
there are also many needs. As many are aware, there has been great famine in Malawi over the
last two years. The American brotherhood has responded bountifully in their time of need and
there is great appreciation on the part of our brethren in Malawi. From our observation in our
travels, our visits covering most geographic areas and our discussions with the Malawian
preachers and church leaders, it appears the famine has abated and there is no significant
current need. As they related to us, hunger will always be present with them. We were told
that in many areas the soil is lacking in fertility and is in need of fertilizer to produce good
crops. Fertilizer is quite expensive and therefore not available to the vast majority of them.
 
Many preachers have no personal means of transportation. Several of them are in need of
bicycles and a few really need motorcycles to cover the large area in which they work for the
Church. Tires and tubes for bicycles are always a great need.
 
As most are aware, there has been great discord among the Malawian brethren, especially dating
back to the early 1990's. Also, dating back into the 1950's, a large group of churches associated
with Brother E. C. Severe no longer worked with us. We are very happy to report that most of
these divisions and discords among brethren have been resolved, and there is a unified effort for
the Cause of Christ in Malawi.
 
Recommendations for the future:
 
While the work of the congregations in Malawi is primarily indigenous based, the brethren there
believe the assistance of American evangelists is very necessary. We believe the major overriding goal for American involvement in Malawi should be to assist in the spiritual growth of the Malawian brethren to a point where American evangelists will no longer need to live in Malawi on a full-time basis. Based on our discussions and observations, the general consensus is that goals be developed to accomplish this. Therefore, our recommendations for the future have this major goal as our underlying guidance.
 
1.         American evangelists in Malawi
 
                        Brother Jim Franklin plans to remain in Malawi no longer than when his current
                        visa expires in July, 2005. All input we received has led us to the conclusion
                        that at least two American evangelists are needed in Malawi as soon as
                        possible.
 
                        We recommend that another evangelist be sent to Malawi as soon as practical
                        to assist Brother Franklin until his departure. This will allow such person to
                        become familiar with the work and the brethren and to get acclimated to life in
                        this country.
 
                        Another evangelist should be sent also. If there should be three evangelists in
                        Malawi for awhile, this would be great as there is much to be done and the size
                        of the Malawian brotherhood is quite large, several times larger than in America.
                        In fact, there were many requests for having three evangelists in Malawi.
 
                        At such time as there are no longer American evangelists living in Malawi on a
                        full-time basis, there may be occasions when it will be very beneficial for
                        evangelists and church leaders to visit Malawi for short periods of time, say one
                        to three months, to conduct special studies and training of native preachers and
                        church leaders.
 
                        We recommend that the major focal point of American evangelists' involvement
                        in Malawi be in the spiritual teaching and training of native evangelists and
                        church leaders. Initially, we feel a concentrated training effort should be focused
                        on the most qualified, promising leaders representing all areas of Malawi and
                        possibly including some leaders from Mozambique. These men should also
                        receive training in how to teach other preachers and church leaders. The goal
                        would be to teach and train men who will be better equipped to teach and train
                        others, etc.
 
2.         Literature
 
            a.         Bibles are desperately needed. These can be purchased in the native Chichewa
                        language for around $ 4.00 or a little less. This price is much too high for a vast
                        majority of Malawian Christians. In order for all Christians to have a Bible, we
                        recommend Bibles be made available for purchase at a lesser amount, such as
                        $ 1.00. Christians who can afford this could then purchase a Bible, congregations
                        could buy some Bibles for Christians who could not pay the purchase price, and
                        Christians who could pay more might purchase some for those who cannot pay.
                        This will involve thousands of dollars from the American brotherhood to subsidize
                        the cost of the Bibles.
 
            b.         Songbooks are also in great need. This is not a critical area since our Malawian
                        brethren seem to know many songs by heart. We recommend songbooks also
                        be made available for purchase by those who can afford to buy them. We
                        understand the cost of a songbook is a little over one dollar. In order to get a
                        supply of songbooks to make available, some upfront funds may be required.
 
            c.         Virtually no literature is available in the Chichewa language. While a few
                        preachers and church leaders speak English, to our knowledge they do not have
                        any Bible helps in English. Tracts and special study literature on various
                        subjects have been requested to increase their knowledge level in order to
                        defend against false doctrines and to teach non-Christians. Some of the subjects
                        requested include:
                                    The Lord's Supper - necessity of one loaf and one cup
                                    The beginning of the Church of Christ
                                    What a denomination is and why the Church of Christ is different
                                    Doctrinal differences between the Church of Christ and various
                                                denominations such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Baptists
                                   
                        We recommend the following literature be provided in the native languages
                                    (some might also be made available in English):
 
                                    1.)  Selected existing tracts
                                    2.)  Writing of additional study materials of particular interest by the native preachers
                                    3.)  Bible study guides to be used by American evangelists in teaching
                                                and training native preachers and church leaders
                                    4.)  Bible study aids such as concordances, lexicons, dictionaries, etc.
                                                Initially, these are likely only available in English based on the
                                                King James Version of the Bible. These aids should be made
                                                available to those who have the KJV and can read English.
 
3.         Distribution of grape juice
 
            The country of Malawi does not grow grapes. Grape juice is not available in Malawi in
            quantities needed for all the congregations. American brethren have been providing the
            financial resources to see that grape juice is available for our Malawian brethren. The
            distribution of the grape juice is a major difficulty. Currently, Brother Franklin is making the
            distribution which involves a great amount of his time.
 
            We recommend that alternative methods of distribution be investigated thoroughly.
 
Conclusion:
 
We enjoyed our trip immensely and the Christian fellowship of each other and our brothers and
sisters in Malawi. We all feel very strongly that the future of this great work depends on the
spiritual development of this very large brotherhood. The numerical growth of the Church in
Malawi has been nothing short of phenomenal.
 
The first part of the Great Commission is being accomplished. Now it is time to fulfill the second
part - " . . . teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." This is a
tremendous responsibility that is placed in the hands of the Church. Thousands have been
baptized and converted from digression and denominationalism, resulting in the largest number
of spiritual babes in Christ in the world and so few to feed them.
 
In the future, it is going to require evangelists and possibly church leaders to be willing to move to
Malawi to assist in this great work. Financial assistance from the American brotherhood will be
required to finance the cost of additional evangelists in Malawi; for literature such as Bibles,
tracts, Bible study materials, and songbooks; for grape juice and for certain physical needs. The
spiritual field in Africa is truly white unto harvest, more than anywhere in the world, and we hope
the American brotherhood will respond bountifully for their spiritual needs just as it has for their
physical needs in the time of famine.
 
It truly was an honor for each of us to make this trip to Malawi and to make this report to you of
the tremendous spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ in Malawi and surrounding countries. If anyone reading this report desires any additional information, please feel free to contact us.
 
Mabelvale Pike Church of Christ
P.O. Box 191865
Little Rock, AR 72219
Contact Persons
Maurice Chandler, 501-562-1169
Tom Crouch, 817-457-2301
Duane Cutter, 405-745-2581
Jerry Cutter, 405-969-2440
Phillip Patton, 423-942-0378
Pictures from Trip
--------------
Our Trip to Malawi, Africa
Submitted by Paul Nichols and Gayland Osburn
November 2002
This is the fiftieth year since our brotherhood sent the first evangelist to a foreign field to do mission work. In celebration of this event, we were invited to conduct a gospel meeting at Wendewende Village, Malawi where this work first began.
In 1952 Paul and Wilma Nichols were sent to this remote place to answer a call from E. C. Severe requesting spiritual help for the people of Nyasaland, British Central Africa. At the time, Paul and Wilma were in their twenties and had been married only a short time. After a six and a half week trip from America by ship and by train, they arrived in Wendewende Village at night. The house they moved into had been vacated by an African family. It had a grass roof and dirt floors, and the beds were army cots. The lights were kerosene and gasoline.
The people of Nyasaland were taught the Bible plan of salvation, Christian living, and a host of other Bible subjects. Scriptural worship was established and people began to obey the gospel.
In 1958 the Gayland Osburn family and the Nichols family saw the need to revisit and to advance the spread of the gospel in Nyasaland, and the Church sent them to do this work. Since that time many evangelists from the States have worked in this small country, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. Thousands of people have been baptized and the number of Churches has grown to well over one thousand.
In 1964 the country gained its independence and was renamed “Malawi.”
On Monday, October 7, 2002, Paul Nichols, Gayland Osburn, Terry Osburn, and Matt Nichols left the United States for the meeting and the celebration at Wendewende. We arrived in Malawi on October 9th and were met at the Chileka Airport by Jim Franklin, Bill and Daisy Davis, and some of the African brethren. Bill and Daisy came from Zimbabwe, where they now live and work. We enjoyed a wonderful reunion with these dedicated Christians from the United States who are doing the Lord’s work in foreign countries and with these African brethren who are so dedicated to the cause of Christ. We went directly to Jim’s house where we were welcomed by Marlene, Jim’s wife. The Franklin home became our headquarters, where special preparations were made to accommodate us.
The meeting was held in the church building that was built when the Nichols and Osburn families lived at Wendewende over forty years ago. The crowd at the meeting was estimated to be upwards of a thousand people. Four countries were represented, and nearly two hundred preachers were present. One of the highlights bringing the greatest joy was the reconciliation of brethren who had been estranged and out of fellowship for over forty years. This long-time division resulted from misbehavior of some of the leadership, and Americans of the multiple cups persuasion stepped in and gained the confidence of some of the brethren after we had returned to the States. However, we are told that the worship was never changed from the way the people were taught on our first missionary trip—they continued to worship with one cup in the observance of the communion.
A number of things contributed to the healing of the division. Over a period of time several different men did what they could to encourage this end. As a result, we were told that about seventy five Churches in Malawi and about fifty in Mozambique, along with Bennett Severe and many other preachers would now be working with Jim and the brotherhood represented by him.
Brethren Kasambwe and Steven Kasenda did a wonderful job translating for us and were ready whenever we needed them. They both seem to be very dedicated.
There were thirty-eight confessions of fault while we were in Malawi, including some at the worship service at Blantyre on the Lord’s Day.
While in Malawi, we saw records naming the thousands of brethren who received help from the hunger funds sent by the brethren in the States. We also saw dozens of cartons of grape juice stored at the church building to be distributed to Churches in order to facilitate the communion. Jim personally delivers the grape juice to the preachers who order it, and they are accountable for its proper use. The preachers see to it that the various congregations in their area receive what they need.
Jim’s Nissan, which has been driven on many thousands of miles of very rough road, was at the garage for repairs. For transportation, he rented a pickup for the time we were in Malawi. The hospitality of the Franklins was unsurpassed and we are sincerely grateful.
We arrived home feeling very happy and blessed to have had this opportunity to visit the Lord’s work in Malawi after so many years and to see the progress that has been made. Brethren, it is the fastest growing work of the Lord in the world.
Matt and Terry contributed much to the success of this trip and we are glad they went. Whenever we needed them, they were there for the work and for our personal assistance, and are eyewitnesses to the things described in this report.
Support is badly needed for many of the preachers in Malawi. They are in need of help so they can do the Lord’s work, and so they can feed and clothe their own families. There are many congregations here in the States that could easily afford $100–$500 per month; this small amount would be a tremendous help in meeting the needs of these poor people. Some of these preachers will ride a bicycle for a day or two at a time or walk miles to get to places to preach the gospel. How many of us in this country would do that?
More workers need to be sent to Africa to help reap the ripe harvest there. The serious dangers found in some of the other African countries are not a threat in Malawi. It is a very peaceful nation, and the people are friendly and happy. The citizens of Malawi are religious by nature and very receptive to the gospel. It is a wonderful and rewarding work. Think about it.
Paul and Gayland
To view pictures of Paul's and Gayland's recent trip, click on the following link:
http://www.newtestamentchurch.org/friends/Pictures/Africa/Trip/10-2002.htm
 
June 2002—Worsening Conditions in Malawi
For those who may be interested in keeping up with the worsening conditions of hunger in southern Africa, you can get details from BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) on the internet. Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been hit pretty hard by the drought. However, it is Malawi that is suffering the worst conditions of them all. At the present time, there is a little food in some areas. But, the harvest has been very inadequate and the people will soon be without again. We are hoping that countries with good reserves, like the USA, will send grain immediately to relieve the people in Africa. If they don't, there will be more deaths for sure.
As noted in the first report, we kept in reserve K470,997.68 to assist brethren who may have suffered more because of the continuing severe conditions in their particular areas. The following is a report that will bring you up to date.
On May 8, 2002, we assisted three congregations in the Mwanza District. The number of people were 293. The amount of money distributed was K24,905.00.
On May 9, 2002, assistance was give to two congregations in the Thyolo District. There were 256 people to whom was given a total of K21,760.00.
On May 16, 2002, we gave assistance to one congregation in Balaka District. The total number receiving assistance was 84. The amount of money was K7,140.00.
On May 20, 2002, three congregations in the Kasungu District received assistance for 351 people. They received a total of K29,905.00.
On May 20, 2002, we supplied assistance for 15 congregations in the Mchinji District. This was their first time to receive help. There was a total of 2,477 people who received a combined total of K210,545.00.
On May 21, 2002, we had a preacher, Bro. Galima, to be released from the hospital in Thyolo after having been in there a number of weeks. During his time in the hospital, his mother, wife and elder brother all died. We assisted him with K1,500.00 to buy much needed food for his children and himself.
On May 24, 2002, we gave assistance to the widow of the late Bro. Nkhundiza, a preacher who started the work in Nsanje District. She too was suffering. Her eldest son to whom she had to look for help is ill.
The totals are as follows:
Number of congregations = 24 congregations received assistance.
Number of people in these 24 congregations receiving assistance = 3,310 individuals
Total amount of assistance to the 3,310 individuals = K264,350.00
Special assistance = 2 families
Total amount of special assistance = K3,000.00
Total amount given out for relief = K267,350.00
We began with a total of K470,997.68 in the bank here in Malawi. (We still have $581.64 in the bank in Little Rock). As of this date we have used an additional K267,350.00 which leaves us with a balance of K203,647.68 (This is equivalent to $2,897.45 US dollars) to use for those who are suffering the most.
Please keep in mind that the average exchange rate for the exchange of the funds for relief we received was 70.2853. Exchanges were made for us by the National Bank of  Malawi who paid rates in keeping with the procedures and exchange rates set by the National Reserve Bank of Malawi.
Should anyone have any questions, or points they would like to have cleared up, then do not hesitate to contact me. I'll do my very best to answer all inquires.
Again, may the Lord richly bless everyone who has contributed to assisting our needy brethren here in Malawi and Mozambique. We thank you for your prayers as well.
Yours With You in His Service,
Jim Franklin
 
June 2002—Relief Given to Brethren in Malawi
From: Jerry L. Cutter
Route 1, Box 139
Crescent, OK 73028
Dear Brethren,
This is a report concerning my recent trip to Malawi and Zimbabwe, Africa. The trip lasted four and a half weeks, with three full weeks in Malawi and one in Zimbabwe. I left the U.S. on April 19th and returned the evening of May 20th. I went again into these two countries as a visitor to preach the gospel and study with the brethren. Also, I went with the permission of the brethren in Little Rock, who oversee the work in Malawi. I first went to Malawi in 1964 with my family (38 years ago), where we continued through 1966. Later, in January of 1971 my family and I returned to Africa, this time living in Zimbabwe. At that time, we worked in both Zimbabwe and Malawi for about three years. Since living in Africa, I have visited the work many times; I visited last in Zimbabwe in 1995 and last in Malawi about twelve years ago. So this trip was sort of a homecoming to me, to say the least.
While in Malawi, I stayed in the home of Jim and Marlene Franklin. They were kind to me and the hospitality was warm and generous. The Franklins have lived and worked in Malawi for 11 years. Jim was not able to travel and work with me because of a recent and very serious surgery. His surgery took place in early April in South Africa; and after intensive care and a hospital stay, he returned to Malawi to be confined to his home by the doctor for at least six weeks. I am happy to report that his surgery was successful and his pain and discomfort have been relieved. Previous to his surgery, during the month of March and while in extreme pain, Jim oversaw the dispensing of the relief sent from America for the poor and starving brethren in Malawi, brought on by an extreme drought. Jim worked day after day, while still recovering, to get the report out. As for the handling of the relief sent from America, it was done scripturally and professionally.
A complete accounting is in place and all bank and other receipts are on file. Also, all of you involved in this relief effort are to be commended and you can be sure the brethren in Malawi know where it came from and thank both the good Lord and you from the bottom of their hearts. I arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Sunday morning, April 21st. The Church in Lilongwe delayed services for my arrival. Brethren Bill Davis, from Zimbabwe, Davidson Kasambwe and Stephen Kasenda met me at the airport. From there we went directly to the services, where I began teaching within about an hour from the time of my arrival. From Lilongwe we traveled the same day to Blantyre, some four hard hours down the road, where the Franklins live.
Bill Davis was my co-worker and driver for my whole stay in Africa. Bill is a long-time friend of mine, and it was a pleasure to work with him. Bill has lived in Africa for well over twenty years, including twelve continuous years in Malawi. He also has lived in South Africa and Zimbabwe. After my first week in Malawi, Bill and I shared in the preaching, preaching to thousands of people in and out of the Church. During my stay in Malawi, we spoke to well over nine thousand people. Outside of America, the Malawi work, which extends into Mozambique, is one of the largest works among Churches of Christ in the world. Our meetings, much like the 4th of July meetings here in America, included twenty-two areas; members from many churches from the surrounding areas attended. They ranged in size from 150 to over 1,500, depending on the area. Bill kept track of the number of people, preachers and congregations in attendance. Some three hundred preachers from Malawi and Mozambique attended, and over five hundred congregations were represented.
Where possible, we preached in two areas a day; but on some of the distant areas, we were limited to one a day. Our longest trip in one day began at 4:30 in the morning and concluded after dark that night, covering over five hundred miles. Our time was limited, so we had no time to visit with any local preachers or brethren. I did not go to discuss any problems anyway, or pass out any money, or do anything else but preach the gospel. 
For the last week of my stay, Bill and I worked in Zimbabwe. We made a wide swing, involving over a thousand miles, into some remote areas where we preached daily, but to much smaller crowds than in Malawi. As in Malawi, there are some very dedicated and hard-working preachers and local Church leaders in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a much larger country than Malawi; however, both have about the same population. Hence, the Churches are more widely scattered in Zimbabwe.
A last comment or two, remember that when we speak of the Church in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, we are not speaking of a local congregation, as would be the case in America. We are speaking of a brotherhood in each of these countries. The Church (brotherhood) in these countries is large and is made up of old and strong Churches, with many newer and weaker ones, also.
It is believed that there are more than 1,000 congregations in Malawi and Mozambique. There are about 120 in Zimbabwe. The work in Africa also includes several other countries, such as South Africa, Zambia and Ghana. I highly commend you brethren who support any of these great works. Please continue to help in spreading the gospel to all nations. From our brotherhood's efforts, the work has spread onto every continent in the last fifty years. If you can financially help the work, even a little, I know it would be greatly appreciated. For Malawi, this can be done by contacting the brethren in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Let's all continue to work and pray and do all we can, in whatever time we have left, to spread the truth of the gospel into all the world. May the Lord bless and keep us all, and may any good that is ever done be for His glory and honor.
Yours in Him,
Jerry Cutter
 
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive

Tanzania

Keith Thomson
kmcdthomson@yahoo.com.au

Allen Mkita
allenj164@hotmail.co.uk

Tanzanian Field Report
Keith’s Report
05-04-2012
We have had another very good month here in Arusha, Tanzania. The Lord has kept us very busy and blessed us in so many ways. We have had the wonderful joy of having Katy Burns live with us, we have also had wonderful visits from Mike and Beth Criswell and Clint De France. We have had a number of baptisms and the brethren remain united and happy in the Lord.

We had to say goodbye to Katy as her time with us has finished, she is now on her way to 3 months in Europe with a stop over in Dubai for a few day. We have so enjoyed having her live with us and we are missing her so much already. It is really a big thing for someone to give up 3 months of their life to give their service to others. I know that Katy was deeply loved and respected by everyone here. She made some lasting friendships and had a huge impact while she was here. All the church members really appreciated her out going and loving nature, she will be sorely missed by all.

We had the joy of welcoming, first, Mike and Beth Criswell and then a few days later, Clint De France. Mike and Clint had come over here to help me with Leadership studies and fortunately, Beth was able to come too. We had a wonderful time during the two weeks of their stay here. We had a house full of laughs, many Bible studies and some very good gospel meetings during their stay.

Anne particularly enjoyed having Beth here this time. Last year she had a hard time coping with the “smart alec” guys in the house, with her the only girl. This time with both Katy and Beth to back her up, the girls more than held their own. One of the things Anne organized while they were here was a ladies afternoon tea with sisters from all the near congregations. They all had a good time together, chatting, playing games and just having fun. Beth and Katy helped Anne and Hossiana, Allen Mkita’s wife, did a wonderful job translating.

We had originally planned to have a 4 day Leadership Study at the Philips church building here in Arusha. We were going to invite preachers and those interested in leadership in the church to come, stay and the church building and study with us for the 4 day. However, due to unforeseen problems with my work fund budget we were not able to follow that plan. Instead we decided on small, more localized studies. As things worked out, this plan proved far better than the original one. We had a leadership study here in town the first day, then we went out to different congregations for the next three days. The local congregations organized everything, including food for all those present and we had a great time of learning and fellowship. Mike and Clint again did a wonderful job of teaching and all present were edified.

The days were made up of four sessions with short breaks between each. Questions were invited from the men present and I was really pleased by the standard of questions asked. Lunch was served, having been prepared by the local sisters earlier, and we all enjoyed each others company very much. A number of brethren asked if we could make these day long sessions a regular part of our calendar and I was very happy to agree with that.

As well as our wonderful day long studies, we also had some very good studies in different areas of Arusha. We had these studies with different preachers translating for us. Dominic Owaga and Allen Mkita do a very good job with this. We are fortunate to be in an area where people are happy to study the Bible with you. This does not mean that converting people is easy, but is is a lot easier getting to “first base”. Being able to start a Bible study increases the chances of these people getting to know the truth and obeying the truth.

We studied in the Sombertini area of Arusha where Dominic works. Allen agreed to come with us and so we were able to have two studies going at one time. These studies went very well and we even had impromptu study on the porch of a shop. Clint did a very good job with this, answering the questions thrown at him very well. At the end of the day a young man who had been with us throughout the studies and who Dominic had been studying with, said he needed to be baptised. Alex’s baptisms was the fitting end to a very good day.

We had another day of studies around the Phillips church building. The last study we had started with a man who wanted to sit under a tree, soon two other young men joined us. After a while the first man left us to go to work. The two young men, Marko and Joseph continued to ask many questions and finished but saying they had to be baptised. Of course we were very pleased with their decision and they have both been attending services regularly since then.

On the last Sunday that our guest were here we had two more baptisms. Charles and Mary’s two eldest children stated they wanted to be baptized. I had know that Rebecca was thinking about baptism for a long time, and I was very pleased that Jonas also wanted to obey the gospel. We were originally planning for both Mike and Clint to speak at out Sunday morning service, but we changed that to Clint speaking during worship and Mike giving a lesson on the rive bank before the baptism.

Many more things happened during the month and our visitors stay that I am not able to record here. If you want to learn more about their stay have a look at my bog, http://tanzanian-jottings.blogspot.com/

My deepest thanks and gratitude go out to all that have helped and continue to help with this work. The kingdom is increasing and the Lord’s name is being blessed. I am very happy to be working with you. God bless you all.
In Christ’s service.

Keith Thomson.


Life in Arusha

The rains have started here in Northern Tanzania. This is a good thing, because although this part of the country has supposedly two rainy season; the short rains in November/ December, and the long rains in April to June, they failed last year. This has led to a number of problems in the country.

The most obvious problem is the lack of crops. We were fortunate that while the short rains failed and long rains were very light, they came at just the right times so the farmers were able to harvest small crops. The second problem that has affected he country in the lack of electricity. The majority of power in Tanzania comes from hydro-electric plants. With the light rains last year the dams have been very low. As a result the electricity has been severely rationed. We would have 18 hours without power and then it would be put on for 6 hours late at night and some days no power at all.

Now the rains had started (the rains came very early, about three weeks ago) we are having electricity each day with only the occasional break. The crops are now in the ground and growing well - the people are very happy.

Getting around has changed too. The dust has stopped and now we have to deal with the slippery mud. There have been many times I have been very happy I have been able to engage 4X4 as the truck started going sideways!

So life goes on here in Arusha - it is always an adventure.

The work continues

I am very pleased with how the work is progressing. We are having many studies - with new people and those who have been attending, but not obeyed the gospel yet. The Leadership studies have been progressing on a weekly basis with a good numbers of brothers coming each week, some from quite a distance away.

We have also had a number of baptisms in the different congregations. Two Fridays ago I had the privilege of being up in Nkoaranga when Mama Willy, the wife of one of the members there, made the decision to obey the gospel. I was particularly pleased with this for a whole number of reasons. Strangely enough, even though there has been good growth in that congregation, up until this baptism all the members were men! Mama Willy is the first sister in the church in Nkoaranga. She is a quiet, serious lady that, I think, will encourage the other wives of members and other women to follow her example and obey the gospel.

We also had a another baptism at Sombetini last week. I went to assist Dominic Owaga with his work on Thursday afternoon. The first study had been arranged the previous week to be at a little school room where one of the members, Asiri, works. When we got there it looked like school was still in. The children had heard that we were coming and were so excited that they didn’t want to go home, so there they stayed (very well behaved) throughout the study.

The study went well, two people had come to the study, a young man named Evans and an older lady who owned the building where the school was based. We were studying the authority of the scriptures, they listen well and we arranged to meet the next week. Goodbyes were said to the children and we started on our way.

A little down the road, Dominic remembered that he needed to discuss something with Asiri about the next Lord’s day, so we went back and Dominic went looking for him.

After a while they returned, Dominic, Asri and Evans. They told me that Evans wanted to be baptised, but he wanted to study first. So, it was back to the school building again and we studied about sin, redemption, obedience and salvation.

I was very impressed about the seriousness with which Evans studied. He read the scriptures carefully and answered any questions I had thoughtfully. By the end of the study he said he was ready for baptism and wanted to be immersed right then!

Asiri said he knew of a place near by, so stopping at his house for some fresh clothes for Evans to use, we headed off. I have found that “near by” is a relative term here in Tanzania, but after a while we headed off the road and into a old disused coffee field. There was a stream that ran through at and here, said Asiri, we would find a place suitable for baptism.

The place selected was near to were cattle were watered and we had a audience of herders for the baptism. There was not much water and Asiri was called upon to assist in keeping his feet down, but Evans was immersed in that little stream into Christ - a new son of God was born.

We were all very happy and Evans accompanied us for the rest of the day as we continued studying with people. You can see a video of this baptism at http://youtu.be/24PurEgTPGo

Visitors

We had some more visitors here this month. Khleber Branch from Oklahoma and Norma Curtis from Oregon worshipped with us on the last two Sundays in October. They had arranged a safari to Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe with Khleber’s brother and his wife. This is the second time Khleber and Norma have visited us. They came to Australia in 2010 on a similar trip.

The brethren here were very impressed that these faithful sisters arranged their whole trip so that they would not forsake the assembly - a wonderful example for us all! The Christians here fell in love with these wonderful sisters and when they left last Sunday there were hugs, tears and gifts.

It was very nice spending time with our dear friends, we were able to take them to a nice lodge for lunch the first Sunday and then last Saturday we had a very nice dinner with them. They left Sunday afternoon to continue their safari in South Africa and then onto Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Keith Thomson
kmcdthomson@yahoo.com.au

       Monthly Reports...

10-2010
09-2010

       Click Here:  Website
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Togo
Joe Norton
jlnorton@comcast.net
Togo, West Africa
1-30-04
By Joe Norton
In his wonderful epistle to the Romans, Paul powerfully proclaimed it is the gospel that is God’s power to save—the gospel is God’s dynamite in a crooked and perverse world. No where in the world is that power more obvious than in the tiny strip of land called Togo in West Africa. That the Lord is blessing His work in Togo was made even more obvious when Larry Bradford of the Harrisonville, MO, congregation and I visited there in late December 2003 and early January.

This work, having begun only two and one-half years ago, had grown to 14 congregations by January 2004; and since our return, word has come to us that six more congregations have either been established or have been converted to scriptural worship. This work began as the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Two of the preachers who have been working in western Ghana (the neighboring country) for many years had contacts in Togo with some good people who were pentecostal in nature but had formed a private denomination in which they danced and played drums in worship, etc. They were interested in what the Bible teaches, so they invited these preachers to bring us over to have studies with them. That was in June 2001; Mark Elliott, Jr. from the D’Arbonne congregation in Farmerville, LA, and I conducted a series of studies with them on the basics of obeying God and worshiping Him scripturally. From there, the work began, and the Lord has blessed it abundantly. Several strong leaders and a few good preachers have been trained, and they are working diligently to spread the gospel in that entire country. We have continued to assist them by visiting the Churches and conducting studies.

By June 2002, there were five congregations; and by the fall of that year the leadership at Harrisonville, MO, agreed to take over the sponsorship of that work, relieving the Farmerville brethren of that responsibility and allowing them to concentrate their efforts in Ghana. In March 2003, two brethren from Harrisonville—Bro. Larry Bradford and Bro. Mark Lewis—and I went to Togo to meet the brethren and to conduct studies. By then there were nine congregations.

The Harrisonville brethren are to be highly commended for their intense interest in that work and for their commitment to provide what is needed so that it can continue. Any work, especially a new one, requires adequate funding if it is to be successful. The Harrisonville brethren have dedicated themselves financially and emotionally to seeing that this work not only gets off the ground but that it has a solid foundation for success—only, of course, with the Lord’s blessing. They moved the two native preachers from Ghana to Togo for at least two years to teach the Churches and train leaders and preachers. The rest is history. Those two brethren, along with five to ten leaders and preachers in Togo, have worked tirelessly; and the Lord has blessed their efforts abundantly—already more than 20 congregations. Our fervent prayer is that He will continue to bless the efforts put forth in Togo and that the fruit produced there will bring praise to Him.

Zambia
Roger Boone
Judy (wife)
Rachel - 12  (daughter)
Sara - 10  (daughter)
Rebekah - 6  (daughter)
Aaron - 3  (son)
P.O. Box 37073, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
 
Duane Permenter
011-260-290-215
duane@dnlpermenter.com
Bill Davis
011-263-474-1180
bhdavis@mweb.co.zw
Roger & Judy Boone
530-295-0910
boone@internet49.com

----
Impressions From a Zambia Visit
Written by:  Don Kelly
11-18-03
 
I (Don Kelly) recently spent 17 days with Duane and Laurie Permenter in Zambia learning about this great work for our Lord  and sharing information about Drip Irrigation farming.  Drip Irrigation farming is a very practical method of growing vegetables during the 6 month dry season as it requires only 15 gallons of water per day per 100 feet of vegetables.  My experiences with the Zambian Christians touched me deeply.
 
These people love The Word of God!  Here are some examples.  Two men filling Duane Permenter’s generator with fuel saw Bibles in his trailer and asked if they could buy some.  Duane sold them for 5,000 Kwacha each (approx $1 USA).  Bibles are mostly sold, seldom given away, to emphasize the value of this great book and to discourage reselling for a profit.  The recipients are each treated individually in this decision.  The money from these sales is put back into the work.  Two other men came before we left the gas station and wanted Bibles.  We could not sell any more else we would not have enough for the gospel meeting at Siamikobo.  Young men at every gospel meeting in Zambia desperately want Bibles, especially NKJV English.  Individual sacrifices are made daily.  20 plus people walked for 2 days to attend a gospel meeting at Mpulungu last September.  Lishiko services last Saturday started at 10am and ran til 4:30am Sunday morning!   Brother WM Gambwe then walked 1.5 hours to attend services at his home congregation at Kafue, then returned by car to the Lishiko meeting with no sleep.  Yes, these Christians love The Word of God!
 
Many more Bibles are needed in Zambia: in English, Tonga, Chewa & Bemba languages.  How can anyone learn The Word of God without a Bible?  These God fearing people can not afford the full price of a Bible.  They must sacrifice to pay even one dollar.  The cost for English NKJV Hardcover Bibles (easiest for Zambians to understand) landed in Zambia from the USA is approximately $5.00 each compared to about $8.00 if purchased in Zambia. The local language Bibles cost $3.00-7.00 each and they are best purchased in Zambia or Malawi.
 
Many more Songbooks are needed in ZambiaDuane Fancher in Irving, TX; Judy Boone in Placerville, CA; and Duane Permenter are working together on printing of a Tonga songbook and they will soon meet this need.  The Zambians want to learn English better by singing English songs.  If you have old English songbooks you would like to give to Zambia Christians, please call Don Kelly for help in shipping them via “M-Bags”.   Chewa  & Bemba  language songbooks are needed at a price of  $1.00 to $2.00 each, purchased in Malawi or Zambia.
 
Drip Irrigation help is needed in Zambia.   Thirty-one  “Single Family Drip Irrigation Survival Kits” have been installed in Zambia and the recipients trained in their use.  They were also trained in Composting & Crop Rotation.  Additionally, Bill and Daisy Davis came to Lusaka for the annual Kaunda Square gospel meeting.   While in Lusaka Bill and Daisy were also trained on drip irrigation and they took 6 kits back to Zimbabwe for testing there.  The early responses in these training sessions have been nothing short of exuberant.  Duty Simango of Lusaka said, “Why have you waited so long to bring this to Zambia?”    Zambia has 6 months of too much rain, then 6 months of almost no rain.  Since April of this year there was no rain in Lusaka until ¼ inch on October 18th.   During the dry season, a $10.00 drip irrigation kit (includes a locally purchased plastic bucket and vegetable seeds) can provide the means for growing 100 feet of vegetable rows using only 15 gallons of water per day.  This can give the opportunity to eat during the dry season when the wet season crop fails or falls short.  You can help the Zambians help themselves. 
 
Summary of needs in Zambia:
 
$11,000 for Bibles and Songbooks.   Please send this money to Edwin Morris (see below) with the checks made out to Duane Permenter and noted for Bibles or songbooks.   Edwin will get the money to Duane so he can purchase the non-English Bibles in Zambia or Malawi.  English Bibles will be purchased in the USA and shipped to Zambia.
 
$20,000 for Drip Irrigation kits.   We are asking individuals, rather than congregations, to support this need.   Please send this money to Don Kelly (see below) with checks made out to Watermatics.   The kits will be ordered in early February (as many as we have money to buy) so they will be available in Zambia in April at the start of the dry season.   One to four kits will be provided to each needy Christian family based on their needs and our ability to supply.   A financial report will be provided to all who contribute to this effort.
 
There are many more ways you can help the great works in these countries.  Please email our Brothers & Sisters working there and volunteer to help them as much as possible.  They are doing great works under very difficult physical situations and they need our encouragement and support.   Do what you can do!
 
Contact info:
Edwin Morris                       405-751-4253           edwin.morris@sbcglobal.net
601 NW 141Street
Edmond,  OK  73013
Duane Permenter               011-260-290-215     duane@dnlpermenter.com
Bill Davis                              011-263-474-1180  bhdavis@mweb.co.zw
Roger & Judy Boone        530-295-0910           boone@internet49.com
Watermatics                         315-788-0891           www.chapinlivingwaters.org
 
Written by:  Don Kelly, 735 Kingsgate Road, Yukon, OK
                   405-354-2954, kellyd37usa@netscape.net
 
---------
Note from editor:  What a wonderful report about Zambia and the great idea of the "Drip Irrigation" system to help brethren ease the devastation of hunger in, at times, a dry and thirsty land.  -David Risener

Jame 2:16-17  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?   Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. {alone: Gr. by itself}
 
----
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive

 
Australia
Armadale (Western Australia)
Keith Thompson
Anne (wife)
Jamie (son)
5 Carringal Place
Armadale, WA 61120
Australia
894973610
 
Friday April 23, 2004 01:26 AM
I am happy to send a report on the work in Armadale Western Australia. Armadale is a southern suburb of the capital city of the state of Western Australia. It is said that Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world, so I guess I could say that the Armadale congregation is the most isolated congregation in the world. To our knowledge, there is no other faithful Church in the country, but rather than discouraging us, it increases our determination to proclaim the gospel of Christ.

We have just finished our 3rd annual gospel meeting. Jerry Cutter spoke for us, and did a wonderful job teaching and edifying all. The meeting went for a whole week - Sunday to Sunday - and we had visitors most of the time. It is a wonderful experience when all the brethren can meet together every night of the week. All of us have been lifted spiritually, if a little tired physically. We thank Jerry for his love of the Lord and His work, and his continuing support for the congregation here in Armadale.

Glen Osburn also came over for the meeting, and we really appreciate the time he spent in private studies and meeting with individuals. His knowledge and love of the word is an inspiration to all of the brethren.

We are planning to hold another meeting next year starting 10th April. I know many brethren have talked about visiting Australia - this would be a perfect time to do so.

I would like to thank the brethren for all the care and concern they have shown the work here in Australia, and would ask for the continuing prayers of all the brethren.

Keith Thomson
kmcdthomson@yahoo.com.au
No current report
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive
 

Cambodia


Crawford, Dennis Patrick
1826 East 32nd Street #k
Tacoma,  WA  98404 USA
1-253-396-0290  home
bibletruths@hotmail.com


Edwards, Jonathan M
3011 Scott Mill Road
Carrollton,  TX  75007 USA
1-214-578-1444  home
ifollowchrist@gmail.com

2015
July Report
June Report

August Report


Cambodia Work Report – Summer 2013

 

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: “to whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.” (Romans 15:20-21)

 

Cambodia is a new “vineyard” that has now been worked in for only one year. To sum it up, in the summer of 2012, Savorn Him, Bradley Ballard, and I made the initial trip and contact; a church was established in Steung Trang with three Christians. In February 2013, Savorn, Dennis Crawford (of the Pacific WA congregation), and evangelist Michael Bolton (now of the Kennewick WA congregation) made a second trip where the initial Christians were encouraged, and other souls were saved. Three churches are now in existence. (Bradley and I are employed as school teachers and could not attend as it was during the school year.)

 

For this 2013 summer trip, Savorn, Bradley and I returned. Our plan was two-fold; first, we wanted to edify and encourage these three very new and very young churches. Second, Bradley and I plan to move with our families to the capital, Phnom Penh, next summer (2014, Lord willing). We needed to investigate living in Phnom Penh and working here. (We plan to live as school teachers, modeling an “Acquilla and Priscilla” lifestyle to the brethren).

 

We arrived on Friday night, June 21 at 10PM. Jet lag kept us down most of Saturday. Sunday morning we woke up early and left for the Baray congregation (#1 on the map). There, brother Song Seng leads the worship with his family (wife, daughter, two sons) and a few more sisters in Christ. We spent a day in worship and bible study. Monday we went out and visited a sister in Christ and brother Seng preached to a crowd of about ten who were unbelievers. Monday evening we returned to Phnom Penh. We investigated the city on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, June 27, we travelled to Phnom Sampov (#2 on map), outside the regional capital of Battambang. We spent Friday through Sunday there with many bible studies with unbelievers, also studying with the two Christians there (brother Dara and sister Phoung). We returned on the Monday morning bus to Phnom Penh (a seven hour trip). We investigated the city on Tuesday through Thursday. On Friday, July 5th, we left for Steung Trang (#3 on map) the last of three churches. Here, brother Dara (a different man from the previous Dara) and his son Narat lead the church (including his wife, second son, and another sister in Christ). We had several fruitful studies, encountered a promising lead with a Cambodian denomination when we were invited to preach to them, and enjoyed worship at the Steung Trang church of Christ for our final Sunday. We flew out Sunday night, July 7 at 11:20PM.

 

Our studies with Christians were focused once more on salvation and general bible study. Some either proved themselves in need of further study or requested it outright. We used the conversions chart method of highlighting the examples in the book of Acts to demonstrate the necessity of all parts of faith: believing, repenting, confession, and baptism. We role played where I pretended to be a Buddhist and they had to convert me using scripture as their guide. We studied baptism in great detail. Christians were encouraged and learned how to teach others to be saved. With unbelievers, we focused on the judgment to come (Acts 24:25), and how only the Christian faith prepared people for life after death. We also taught how Buddhism was inadequate to the task and that Jesus was the only way (John 14:6). No baptisms to report, but we can say that the brethren were edified and encouraged, stronger than they were before. We consider the mission very successful.

 

Our time in Phnom Penh showed us a great deal of what our families have to look forward to next June, Lord willing. We investigated the following information:


·        Translation/Interpretation/Language services

·        Bible Stores and distribution

·        Printing and book making

·        Living Quarters (apartments and villas)

·        Traveling methods (around town and across the country)

·        Job Prospects

·        Health Services

·        Lifestyle options for families

 

The Cambodian churches face some real challenges. This trip was very healthy, but also eye opening to these challenges ahead. First, there are money issues already sprouting up in one place concerning support. Second, general ignorance and lack of formal education leaves many illiterate or reading on a comprehension level of an elementary school student. This makes bible study and bible reading difficult. Third, there is a common mindset of those in Luke 14:15-24 (The parable of the wedding feast and excuses for not coming). Many are too busy, working seven days a week, or concerned only about themselves. Many men have left Cambodia to work in Thailand or live in Phnom Penh, leaving only women and children in the provinces. Fourth, we do not speak Khmer (the native language) and living here will prove a challenge with hiring translators; it will be expensive to hire for bible studies and worship.

 

Knowing these challenges, we press on like Caleb and Joshua. We have seen this “promised land” and it is good. These challenges are very intimidating, but we serve a God who helps us overcome! Specifically concerning money, we plan for this work to be as self-sufficient as possible. If any Cambodian (or American) brother petitions you or your congregation for money for preachers, church building, etc. please contact the Denton County church of Christ for inquiry. As the overseeing church, we care deeply for these “babes in Christ”, both for their well-being and spiritual maturity. Instead of having “too many chefs stirring the pot”, we simply ask that anyone interested in helping get in touch with us instead of helping immediately when petitioned by either Cambodian or American individuals.

 

God is at work in Cambodia, and we are grateful to be a part of this new vineyard. We are grateful to our translator and faithful brother Savorn for his invaluable skills and heart. Without him, we would have been lost many times. We are grateful to brothers Dennis Crawford and Michael Bolton, who not only have studied and labored here, but continue to encourage, pray, and maintain relationships from afar. We are grateful to the congregations that assisted us in the expenses of this trip. Their generous spirit is to be commended.

 

If your congregation is interested in assisting this new and great work, please contact me or any leader at the Denton County church of Christ. We will have plenty of moving expenses including airfare, vaccinations, materials, and items to be shipped, etc. While we hope to teach school and provide for our families, there will be a need to have a “moving fund” and “emergency exit fund” to help get us started. We petition your congregation to consider reaching out to us about ways to help. We also hope to plan some trips before the summer move. We will be in touch about those opportunities as they draw closer, if you are interested in supporting those.

 

We look forward to the months ahead, as we stay in contact and encourage from afar. If God wills, we would like for another trip to happen in the winter months of this year. Lord willing, we are excited and ready to move next June.  We petition your prayers for our employment opportunities, the safety of our families, and most importantly, for the maturity and growth of the churches of Christ in Cambodia. May God bless you.

 

Jonathan Edwards – 3011 Scott Mill Road, Carrollton, TX 75005 – (214) 578-1444 – ifollowchrist@gmail.com



4-2-2013

Dear brethren,

We wish to proclaim among the brotherhood of the wonderful news of a “great and effectual door” (1 Cor. 16:9) that is opening to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the country of Cambodia. With reports going out from our dear brothers Dennis Crawford and Michael Bolton, the congregation of the Lord’s Church at Denton County would like to take some time to share with you about this chapter in the Lord’s Church.

Our leadership has had a goal for foreign evangelism since our establishment in 2008. After years of prayer and searching, we decided on Cambodia. Our reasons were: poverty, war, lack of education, and hopelessness. Much like many African countries were the gospel has had great return, we felt like the poor and the weary often answer the Lord’s call to greater effect. We slowly began to ask around about evangelists with experience in foreign travel to see how we might scout such a country. While contacting Brian Burns of Goshen, OH, he also received an inquiry from brothers Dennis Crawford and Savorn Him of the Washington area concerning Cambodia. He put them in touch with me.

In January 2012, I flew to Washington to meet these brethren. Their zeal and compassion are great. The brotherhood would be well served if more had their faith and commitment to spreading the gospel. After resolving with the Pacific congregation that the Denton County Church of Christ would oversee the work in Cambodia from the American side, we made plans for a summer trip. In June 2012, Savorn, Bradley Ballard, and I flew to Cambodia for a three week scouting trip. (Savorn is Cambodian by birth and origin, he moved to America later in life). With Savorn as our translator we proclaimed the Kingdom of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ to many.

While denominations have a foothold there, it is not like many countries where we have tried to gain ground in the past. The Khmer Rouge, a communist regime, wiped out religion in the 1970’s and 80’s, and only in the past twenty years have religious groups been able to practice freely and safely. Imagine that, instead of over a hundred years of denominationalism, only combating against twenty! Not all have heard the gospel, or even of God; so our studies varied from the plan of redemption to how to worship God in spirit and truth. Praise be to God, the people listened and the seed was planted. Three souls obeyed the gospel in the town of Steung Trung, establishing the Lord’s Church in Cambodia. We planted the seed elsewhere, hoping and praying for a fruitful return.

In February, 2013, we received word that Savorn Him wanted to return to Cambodia. Brother Dennis Crawford wished to accompany him as well. We sent evangelist Michael Bolton of Paris, TX along as well. Bradley and I are both school teachers by trade, and would not be available to go in February. Their trip was an overwhelming success. Capitalizing on the planted seed in many of the bible studies from the summer trip, eleven more souls obeyed the gospel, and now there are three congregations established. We cannot thank Savorn Him, Dennis Crawford, and Michael Bolton enough for the fine work they did.

As to the future, we have been reserved to share all our goals as sometimes plans may change, but we feel like the time is now to let you, the Lord’s people, see our vision for the future in Cambodia. We first wish to declare that God is in control and that He will be the Great Decider of our plans. Knowing this, our plan for the next few years is thus:

Lord willing, Savorn, Bradley, and I will return in the summer of 2013 to visit these three established congregations and strengthen them, as well as a strong evangelistic push in Phnom Penh, the capital. In the winter of 2013 or early 2014, Michael Bolton will return to edify and strengthen the Churches. In summer of next year (about a year and two months from now), Bradley and his sweet wife Brandi, along with my wife Marissa, our children, and I, will move to Cambodia for a two year work. Our goal in those two years is to help strengthen the Churches and make them mature, faithful, rightly able to divide the word, and self-sufficient. We hope not to see an explosion of congregations across the country, but an explosion of maturity and wisdom among those who are baptized. While we hope and pray for growth in numbers, we also hope that the leaders and the Churches native to Cambodia will carry out that mission.

We write this report to encourage you as God’s people that the gospel message still rings true today! We also wish to introduce this new work for your prayers and your interest. We hope for Cambodia to be a country in which the Church grows and matures without an overwhelming influence by Americans. We hope that after our two years of living there that our presence will no longer be needed on a permanent basis, but rather temporary with periodic returns to visit much like evangelists do in the Philippines, India, and countries in Africa. If we were to overwhelm this new work with American dollars and persons, it would only decrease Cambodian Christians ability and desire to mature and take ownership of the work.

We ask, therefore, that if you ever have questions or interest concerning Cambodia, that you contact us. We will do our best to answer any question and assist in any interest you have. If a time ever comes where Cambodians write letters requesting support for a preacher or a building, please let us know as well. Our hope is to show like in the book of Acts, that when the Church is established, the autonomy and responsibility belongs to that congregation.

As the congregation of the Lord’s Church that is overseeing the American travels and guiding these new babes in Christ, we call on you to rejoice with us, pray with us, and be aware of the wonderful news of this newest chapter in the history of the Lord’s Church.

Jonathan Edwards – 3011 Scott Mill Road. Carrollton, TX 75007 – (214)578-1444 – ifollowchrist@gmail.com


Cambodian Work Report
By Dennis Crawford
bibletruths@hotmail.com

Thursday 28 March 2013
Leaving early to travel to brother Dara Ken's congregation at Sturng-Trong.
We arrived about noon. Studied with brother Dara on the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Discussed ways to reach the lost in his area, as there was no one wanting to study. There seems to be no mass communication method such as mail [they have it, but it is not reliable]. Loudspeakers seem to be the predominant method used [The Buddists use one so large the whole town must hear it whenever they use it]. Social contact seems be the best method right now, although Radio and T.V. also might be valid options. In the larger cities there are also newspapers.

Friday 29 March 2013
Studied some more with brother Dara on the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Left Bible tracts on “Words of Life” in Kimhr and some pocket New Testaments in Kimhr. No Bible studies with any local residents were made.

Saturday 30 March 2013
Caught an early [5:30 AM] van [15/21 adult passengers + kids and luggage] to brother Song-Sing's place at Barite, Baray Kampong thom. We arrived about 9AM. About 9:30 Savorn and brother Song were talking about the Bible and Jesus Christ to a man, who turned out to be the head man over a Muslim Mosque in the next town. Brother Song knows him through another Muslim friend he has, who is the president of the entire country of Cambodian Muslims. Is the Lord working here, or what?

Around 11:30AM a couple of young ladies arrived [Som-Setha and her girl-friend who's name we didn't get],who we had studied with the last time we were in this area --- from the village of Sdaach, about an hour and a half on back roads from Barite.
We studied with them [the entire Sing family and brother Savorn and I] until about 4PM. Setha made the decision to be baptized, even after being informed of the necessity of assembling on the 1st day of each week with the brethren, which could be quite a hardship on her to get there. Her friend wanted to study with her husband before making a decision.

At 4:15PM Saturday 30 March 2013 brother Savorn Him baptized Som-Setha by full submersion in water, for the forgiveness of her sins in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit into the spiritual body of Christ, His church [Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38, 47; 8:26-39; Romans 6:3-5; etc]

Sunday 31 March 2013
At 7:30 AM the church at Barite, Cambodia assembled for worship. The same children and adults that attended the service the last time we were here [3 weeks ago] with one addition, sister Som-Setha was there to observe her first Lord's Supper, which was scripturally observed. I gave the lesson on sin, in particular Acts 15:29, on ”abstaining from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.” [Also Matthew 4:1-11; Exodus 20:3-7; Leviticus 17:11-14; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 6:10-18; etc]. I believe Acts 15:29 is especially important, considering the Cambodian/Asian culture.

After services we caught a bus back to Phnom Penh. Arrived about 4PM. On the bus ride back Savorn sat by a man from the area he grew up in, and began studing the Bible with Him, He [didn't get his name] was very excited to hear about the God that created the world, and wanted to read more, so Brother Savorn gave him his Bible and a “Words of Life” tract as we deboarded the bus. [I'm sure he also has his name and cell number].

Monday 01 April 2013
Savorn and his nephew, Keam-Pisith, went to visit his step-daughter's [Srey-mom] dad on the coast, and was back by lunch time. He talked with him about the Gospel, but he was not interested. Left hin a “Words of Life” tract. We spent the rest of the day getting ready to leave Phenom Phen airport in the morning.

Tuesday 02 April 2013
Left Phnom Penh airport at 12:45 PM. Arrived Sea Tac in Seattle at about 7PM. Ordered another case of Kimhr Bibles [16] before I left, so they would be available, if needed by any of the congregations there.

~~~
Baptism of Setha-Som at Barite congregation in Baray Kampong Throm, Cambodia, by Savorn Him on 30 March 2013.





Great Britain
Wimbledon / London  ( England )
James Orten
9005 N 134th East Avenue
Owasso,  OK  74055
918-274-3797
jdorten@aol.com
Report on the Work in London, England
2-15-04
Brother James Orten recently returned from a trip to Britain to visit with a congregation in the Wimbledon section of London that worships just as we do.  Wimbledon is a nice southern suburb of London that is famous for its international tennis matches.  Brother Orten said this group of about 20 adults meets in a nice conference room in the YMCA.  When these brethren do not have Sunday night services, they meet with the oldest Church of Christ in the city, which is in the Kentish Town section of London.  Brother Orten was able to preach at Kentish Town on Sunday evening.  He reports, "These are folks I have known for a long time.  They worship as we do except that they break the bread.  Billy and I studied with the main brother in Kentish Town back in 1988 when we were on our way to Ghana. The Wimbledon brethren think Kentish Town may be amenable to change on breaking of bread."
 The following is a brief history of the Church at Wimbledon as reported by Brother Orten.
 "As I understand it, these folks have been in contact with American brethren for many years.  The senior couple in the group was converted from Catholicism about 25 years ago by an American preacher of the group we call ‘digressive.'  Through the years, they soured on that group because of what they perceived as looseness on Biblical matters.  About ten years ago they got in contact with a brother who is no-exception on the marriage question.  They still have contact with him occasionally and appreciate his conservative views.  Much more recently they contacted us via the website operated by David Risener.  Then about seven months ago, on their own as far as I know, they changed their communion to one cup and one unbroken loaf.  I don't think they ever had Sunday School.  At the time of their change, they removed their listing from a digressive church website and asked David to list them on NewTestamentChurch.org.  The church is led by the senior couple mentioned above, and they are strong and devout.  There are several young couples and single adults.  The husband of one of the young couples is a new teacher.  One of the young adults is a regular reporter for a London newspaper."
 Brother Orten was well-received by these brethren and urged to come back and work with them on a short-term basis.  He found them to be enthusiastic about personal spiritual growth and the need for good, strong teaching in the Church.  One of the young women acknowledged she had not been faithful and made a commitment to change her life toward the Lord.  Several of the young adults also were very enthusiastic after hearing a sermon on spiritual growth.
 The Wimbledon congregation is now listed in the &ID=1038&State=Other Countries&Area=London">Church Directory on NewTestamentChurch.org.  There is also a link to Wimbledon's website, which contains directions to their meeting place.  You are urged to worship with this faithful congregation when you are in the London, England, area.
In His Service,

David Risener
P. O. Box 57
Sulphur, OK 73086
817-710-4291 voice
817-473-6164 fax
gospel@NewTestamentChurch.org
http://www.NewTestamentChurch.org
 

History of Work [not currently available]


 

 Latin America
 
Ballard, Randy
    14811 Shadway Drive
    Houston,  TX  77084 USA
    1-281-656-2612  home
    randyballard@sbcglobal.net

    Member of: Fairbanks Church of Christ
 

Final report on recent trip to South America

Brother David,
 
Thanks for sharing these things with folks on the email list.  Below is my final report on the recent trip to South America:
 
Surprisingly I am writing this from my own home!  I say surprisingly because we were not scheduled to return until Monday, but on Friday afternoon we received word that Brother Juan's father was in the hospital in Mexico following a heart attack and was in very serious condition.  There is only one flight per day on Continental from Quito Ecuador to Houston, and if we didn't come home today we would have had to wait until Monday.  We decided to come home so that he could make arrangements to travel to be with his father.  Thankfully, we have heard that his condition is greatly improved!
 
In my last report we were about to leave Cajamarca for Lima, where we spent several days.  On Saturday night Pablo Paredes, a neighbor of one of the sisters in the church there, obeyed the gospel.  Brother Pablo is 90 years of age!  On Sunday morning the husband of that same sister was baptized, so we rejoice with the Alamedes congregation as they welcome these new members to their family.  These were the seventh and eighth baptisms since our trip last October.
 
Sunday afternoon Brother Juan preached at the Zancudo Alto congregation in Lima.  A sister there had requested that he teach on the Lord's Supper as she had invited some relatives who worship with individual cups.  We found out later that night that eight baptized members of those families had been convinced of the truth and will be meeting with the Zancudo congregation! 
 
We had intended to go to a town in the Amazon jungle called Tarapoto and visit a group of Christians there, but an uprising of indigenous people was under way and a number of people were killed.  Flights were even suspended for a couple of days.  I called the American Embassy and they strongly advised me against travelling there.  In fact, they told me it was in their restricted zone and if I were kidnapped they would not be able to do anything to help.  So we decided to postpone that trip until another time. 
Perhaps that was for the best as we wound up studying with several denominational folks in Lima and good progress was made with a couple of them. 
 
On Wednesday we left for Ecuador and spent a couple of days in Portoviejo and Ambato.  In each place we had the privilege of meeting with several of the members as well as outsiders, and we discussed the work with preachers in the area, answering questions and offering suggestions.
 
The brethren in Ibarra, which was our final stop, had planned a study involving members of three congregations for Saturday afternoon, and rather than cancel that in our absence they decided to carry on and conduct it themselves.  We will probably try to return in the next few months to give more time to that area.
 
A final request: In Ambato we studied with a young lady, 29 years of age, who has epilepsy.  She is very bright and was easily convinced of the gospel, but she is discouraged and feels alone due to her illness.  I got her mailing address (she doesn't have email) and promised to find some folks to write her.  If you would be able to write or send a card let me know and I'll send her information to you privately. 
 
Thanks for your prayers for the work of the church all over the world.  I am humbled to have had the privilege to witness first hand some of the good things that are happening.  May the Lord bless His people everywhere.
 
Randy
 
PS It sure is good to be home!!!
 

 

South America Report
6-11-2009

I just wanted to send a quick update on our trip.  Juan Rodriguez and I arrived in Lima Peru Monday evening and flew to Cajamarca the next morning.  This is a place we visited back in October and met a lot of good folks.  One group was meeting in a home several miles outside of town and were Pentecostal.  We visited back then about numerous subjects (ie mechanical instruments, the Lord´s Supper, etc).  The young man who moved here from Lima in January, Angelo Morales, has also been working with them.  Some of their members had been baptized scripturally many years ago but wandered off into denominationalism.  Others had not been scripturally baptized.  Last night the man who owns the house where they meet was baptized, along with his wife.  He is 73 years of age.  What a joyful sight to behold!!  They now have a sign on their house that reads, in Spanish of course, the church of Christ meets here.

 
Another young man here was a Pentecostal preacher and worked at the local radio station.  He became convinced of the truth by listening to some of the sermons preached on the air by Brother Angelo.  The station management refused to let Angelo preach any more on the radio and fired the other young man.  That fellow was Ronal, the brother of the cab driver we met last year.  Today HE was baptized for the remission of his sins, so the church here is beginning to grow.  We visited in the home of the taxi driver, Julio, today and met his family.  They have also been attending the worship services but have not yet obeyed the gospel.  We have great hopes that they will very soon.
 
We will be leaving for Lima in the next few minutes (they just told me the cab is waiting outside now) but please remember this work when you pray.  We are also seeking a congregation that would be willing to help with some of their expenses.  Angelo receives $450 per month in support and he pays $60 per month to rent a building to meet in.  He has printed his own tracts and song books.  We also met with the NEW management at the radio station and arranged for him to have a one hour program every Sunday for about $35 per month.  As you can see, $100 or so would go a long way here.  Please let us know if you can help.
 
Hasta luego,
 
Randy

 

 
 
Rodríguez Jr., Juan
Nellie Rachel, daughter
Juan III, son
Joshua, son
Daniel, son
2104 Guaymas Ave.
Laredo, Texas 78046
(956) 729-8638
   juanjr2005@sbcglobal.net
 
TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA
ECUADOR AND PERU

May 17-28, 2007

Brother Wayne McKamie and this writer went to South America, to visit the congregations in Ecuador and Peru. We met in the Mexico City airport on May 17th and went directly to the Copa Airlines counter to get our boarding passes to fly to Ecuador. The lady asked me for my visa to get into Ecuador. I told her that I would get it in Ecuador, as I have been getting it that way in past trips to Ecuador. But she said no, the laws have changed and you need to get a visa before going to Ecuador. She says you need to go to the Embassy of Ecuador in Mexico City and get one, but you have to do it tomorrow because today they are closed. She said, but don’t worry it is very simple, you may get it tomorrow and come back at this same time and you can board the same flight, at this time, going to Ecuador.

I don’t know what she meant by “very simple”, because it was not very simple. We had to make calls everywhere, and calls to the Embassy to get the information, go to a public Internet service and get the information from their Web page. We had to get pictures made, ask the brethren in McAlester to send me a letter stating my support, copies of my passport, bank statements from my account in the States, etc, etc. The next day we were in line at 6:45 a. m., waiting for the Embassy to open at 9:00 a. m. to get a number and apply for a visa. Thanks to the good Lord we got the Visa that same day, Friday 18th. We called Copa Airlines telling them that we were ready to travel to Ecuador Saturday morning, but they told us that our reservation for the whole trip had been cancelled, and that if we wanted to make the trip they had to reschedule our trip, and that we had to pay $ 200.00 dollars fine for changing the date of departure. (That was OK, as we had changed the day). And that we had to change the day of returning back from Lima to Mexico City from the 28 to the 29. And of course we had to pay another $ 200.00 for that change in Lima. And then we would have to pay in Mexico City another $ 200.00 for our connecting flights back home. Can you imagine, having to pay $ 600.00 extra!

Well, we got on the phone and for almost two hours, I talked to different people from Copa Airlines trying to convince them that they were wrong, that their system was wrong. Three ladies hung me up until finally I talked to the supervisor and explained him our mission and the reason for our traveling to South America. He told me that he realize that the system or policy of the company was unjust and not fair, but those were the rules, but that he would do his best to help us. Well, he helped us all the way, as they did not charged for the change of day in Mexico City and he sent us from Guayaquil to Panama City and from Panama City to Lima on first class. And he kept the day that we were supposed to leave Lima for Mexico City. The Lord helped us through this good man!

Ok, finally on Saturday morning, May 19, we left Mexico City and arrived at the Quito Airport in Ecuador at 3:00 p. m. We got a taxi to take us to the bus terminal in Quito to get a bus to take us to Ambato, about two and a half hours ride. We went to the hotel and called brother SegundoVillacis, the preacher in Ambato, to let him know that we had finally arrived in Ambato.

On Sunday, we worshiped with the brethren in Ambato. We had a good service and Brother McKamie preached a great sermon to encourage our brethren. Brother Villacis is blind but he does a good work with the small congregation. But he really needs somebody to help him as he is limited because of his blindness. But at least there is a faithful congregation in Ambato, where the work in Ecuador started several years ago.

After services, we went back to Quito, as we had to go to the Embassy from Peru in Quito, on Monday. (Oh no, another Embassy, no more please!)

Sunday night, we met with Brother Eloy Alfonso Moreno from Ibarra, Ecuador, at the hotel where we were staying. We were planning to visit him in his town, Ibarra. But we had not time to do it because of the visas problem. So we called him to meet us at the hotel. I remember that we had another interviews with Brother Motta and Villacis, several years ago, in this same hotel.

Brother Eloy Alfonso was converted from digression several months ago and is now meeting in his home at Ibarra. He helped to establish the church in Portoviejo, along with brother Motta, when they were with the cups. Brother Moreno has a lot of Bible knowledge, is very active, and wants to preach full time in Ibarra, Ecuador. Brother Motta recommends him as a good preacher.

On Monday, we went to the Embassy of Peru and after a day’s hard work at the Embassy we got my visa to get into Peru. Again, we had traveled before to these countries and we could get the visa upon arrival. But the laws have changed and we did not know about it!

After we got the visa, we went to a travel agency to purchase our tickets to fly from Quito to Manta in Ecuador, to visit the brethren in Portoviejo. We paid a little extra so that we can be sure and secure our flight for the next day at 6:00 a. m.

On Tuesday, we got up real early to be on time for our flight for Manta. We were on line at 5:00 a. m. just to found out that we had no reservation for that flight. They told us that we had to be put on waiting list. We argue and argue but we were put on the waiting list. Finally we board the plane. I remembered Brother Waymond B. Coleman from San Antonio, who would say that he would get things done but always the “hard way”. We arrived at Portoviejo and visited with the brethren in that city. There are basically two families left in this place. They have a real nice building, chairs, pulpit, and these two families, but they really need somebody to go and work with them. There is a brother, Victor Quiroz who wants to preach, but he needs a lot of training. We had a good service with the church in this place. I presented the lesson and they were encouraged to continue faithful. They are meeting regularly.

After services, we took a bus to Guayaquil, in Ecuador, about 3 and a half hours ride. There are a lot of curves on the road, and about half an hour after we left Portoviejo Brother McKamie felt bad because of the curves, with upset stomach and vomiting. I felt terrible, but I guess he felt worst. Finally he went to sleep and felt better. We arrived at Guayaquil at 9:30 p. m. and went directly to the hotel and to bed, as we had to leave real early for Peru.

On Wednesday morning we left for Lima, Peru. We arrived at the airport in Lima at 2:30 p. m. Brother Motta, his son Hernando and a young brother Heaven, were waiting for us. We took a taxi and went to a hotel that Brother Motta had chosen for us. But it was in a bad neighborhood, we had to climb the stairs to the 4th floor, and it did not have a bathroom in the room. So we decided to go and look for the hotel where we stayed two years ago. After resting for a few minutes, we got ready to make the trip, of one hour, to the building as they had services at 6:00 p. m. I had the privilege of presenting the topic. We had a nice crowd with several visitors. Even the taxi driver attended services. After services he took us back to the hotel and we had the opportunity of preaching him on the way, for an hour!

Thursday morning we went to visit with brother Motta in his home. He has a real fine family. He has a good wife and good kids. According to him, he is the problem! Ha! He had been sick with some kind of nervous problem, but he is doing better. He is a great asset to the work in Lima. He is very active and a good preacher! He is doing a good work with one of the churches in Lima. They have built a nice building and have a real nice group of people. They meet in an area called Alameda.

After lunch with them, we went to visit some people; one of them was a young man with terminal cancer. We studied with him and his mother. She attended services that night. That night brother Mckamie presented the lesson. We had a great service! After services, wee took another taxi back to the hotel and preached to this young taxi driver. He was our driver for the rest of the trip.

Friday morning we went to visit the other congregation in Lima, Zancudo Alto, where brother Anyelo and his father Pedro Morales are in charged of the congregation. We visited in their home and had lunch with them. Anyelo is a very active young man and dedicated to the cause of Christ. They have a good congregation. In the afternoon we visited with sister Maribel and her family. She is a very dedicated Christian woman who has a large family, most of them members of the church. They have been in the church since we started it several years ago. Brother McKamie preached that night. We had a nice crowd of people. On the way back to the hotel, we preached again to the taxi driver. Brother Juan, a Colombian member of the church, had to go with us to kind of protect us, on our way to the hotel. When we will get to certain parts of town, the taxi driver had to lock all doors and roll up the windows and drive with care because of the danger of being robbed.

Saturday morning, we went back to Zancudo Alto to visit people and study with several members that had gathered at the Morales home. I did the preaching that night. We had another good crowd and good service.

On Sunday, we preached at both places, Alameda and Zancudo Alto. We had a complete day!

On Monday morning, we took the taxi to the airport but stopped at Brother Motta’s home to eat a bowel of soup. We board our plane back to Mexico City and arrived there at 11:30 p. m. The next morning we took our planes back to our homes. Well, Brother McKamie flew to Houston and then to Waco. And I flew back to Nuevo Laredo, where I took a bus to Monterrey, as we had a meeting with the church at Santa Catarina, to help them with a problem that they were facing. Some were trying to introduce classes for the children and women. The Lord helped us and they understood that there is no teaching in the Word of God for classes for children or to divide the assembly. After the meeting, I spent the night with Brother Sergio Correa and his family and the next day, Wednesday, I left Monterrey to Nuevo Laredo to get my car and drove all the way to San Antonio.

We had a great trip to South America! The Lord blessed us in this trip! We trust that much good was accomplished. As Brother McKamie said it: “On this trip, we were able to preach publicly, from house to house, and from taxi to taxi”.

We want to thank very, very much, the church in McAlester, Oklahoma and Brother Bill Verner for helping us with the expenses of this trip.

Pictures:  Click HERE

In His service,

Juan Rodriguez Jr.
Wayne McKamie
 
----
 
Cuba
Rodríguez Jr., Juan
Nellie Rachel, daughter
Juan III, son
Joshua, son
Daniel, son
2104 Guaymas Ave.
Laredo, Texas 78046
(956) 729-8638
juanjr@globalpc.net
 
REPORT ON THE TRIP TO CUBA
January 17-29, 2005
By Juan Rodriguez Jr.
 
On January 17, Brother Leobardo Gaytán, member of the San Pedro congregation in the Monterrey area, and this writer left for Mexico City to spend the night and meet with Bro. Jaime Contreras, preacher in Mexico City, to leave the next day to visit the churches and preachers in Cuba. On Monday night we had a meeting with the three preachers in Mexico City, as they were having some doctrinal problems concerning the marriage situation. We studied with them for three hours and solved the problems.
 
On Tuesday morning Brethren Jaime Contreras, Leobardo Gaytan and this writer left for the Island. We got to La Havana, where Bro. Orlando Dago, preacher at Puerta de Golpe congregation, and Juan Carlos, a taxi driver, were waiting for us. We traveled to Pinar del Rio for two hours where we spent the night. Before going to the hotel we stopped at Puerta de Golpe and had supper with Bro. Orlando Dago and his family.
 
The Lord blessed our trip! We were able to visit 15 congregations and visit all of the preachers in Cuba. There were 6 baptisms and two more that were going to be baptized when we left for the airport. We were able to take them 120 bottles of grape juice and their support. We lost almost $ 200.00 in the exchange rate. The Cuban Government decided that they were not going to use dollars in the Island. So, once you get to the airport you must exchange your dollars for their money – “convertible dollar”, but you have to pay 10% for that. We had a Study with the 16 preachers in the Guantanamo province, in the city of Baracoa. We believe that the work was strengthened by our visit and we are happy to say that the work in Cuba continues to go forward, in spite of the oppositions of the devil, and the conditions in the Island. Each preacher is doing his best to preach the Gospel. Of course they have their problems and needs like any other work on the earth, but they are on the right track. We lost one preacher; he went back to the cups. We had to stop his support. Now, I will explain how we use our time in the Island:
 
On Wednesday 19, we spent the whole day studying with the three preachers in the Pinar del Rio province: Orlando Dago, Osmani Planas and Jesus Marrero. We discussed about the work in their area and made plans for the good of the work. We also were able to visit two congregations: Finca Tirado and Puerta de Golpe. At night we had services at Puerta de Golpe. We had a good crowd. I preached “The New Birth”.
 
On Thursday 20, we rented a car and left on our trip to visit the congregations on the East part of the Island. Bro. Osmani Planas was able to go with us on this trip. We drove 6 hours and got to the Ciego de Avila province, where Bro. Reynaldo Planche lives. We visited with him and his family and made plans to go and visit the brethren at Ceballos, a congregation in a rural area, about 30 minutes out of the city of Ciego de Avila.
 
On Friday 21, we all went to visit the brethren at Ceballos and had a good service. Bro. Jaime Contreras preached a good sermon. The Lord blessed our efforts and we baptized two ladies. We went to a little dam and asked permission to baptize them. We all rejoiced and sang songs of praise to the Lord! From Ceballos we went to eat lunch with Bro. Reynaldo and his family and on the afternoon we continued our trip. We spend the night in a place called Bayamo. It was getting late and we were tired.
 
On Saturday 22, we traveled to Jiguani, in the province of Granma, about one hour form Bayamo. In Jiguani, there were three preachers waiting for us: Enrique Mora, Javier Pelegrino and Ramon Mongui. In this area there are four congregations: Jiguani-Centro, Jiguani Arriba, Jiguani-Abajo and Baire. We visited the preachers and went to visit the congregations.  In this place we lost one preacher. He went back to the cups, and was teaching the congregations in this area to go back to the digressive worship. We studied with them and decided to stop support to this preacher. From Jiguani we drove to Santiago de Cuba, about 2 hours, to spend the night.
 
On Sunday 23, we drove to Palma Soriano, about one hour from Santiago de Cuba to worship with the brethren. In this area there are 5 congregations: Reparto 8 de Marzo, Nito Ortega, Irijoa, Bam Bam, and Reparto 13 de Marzo. There are 5 preachers: Rafael Leiva, Raul Romero, Primitivo Garcia, Luis Verdercia and Jose Raul. We all worshiped at Nito Ortega at 10:00 a.m. Jaime did the preaching. From there we went to Bam Bam to another service at 12:00 p.m. I preached and three decided to be baptized. We all went to the river and Bro. Raul Romero baptized them. After lunch, Jaime and Leobardo went to Reparto 8 de Marzo to meet with the brethren there. Osmani, Luis, Raul and I went to Santiago de Cuba to meet with the newly established congregation. This congregation was established back in November 2004. Brethren Luis and Raul are taking money from the contribution in their congregations in Palma Soriano to come to this city to preach the gospel, and now there is a faithful congregation in this city. There are six members in this place. This was the old capital of Cuba. It is a big city! After services in Santiago de Cuba we went back to Palma Soriano to pick up Jaime and Leobardo and drove back to Santiago to spend the night. It was a long day; we were tired but happy!
 
On Monday 24, we drove to Baracoa, in the extreme of the Island, about 6 hours. We got to the home of Bro. Juan Carlos Samon in Baracoa at 6:00 p.m. We had supper with them, planned the work for the next day and went to look for a room to spend the night. There was not lights in the city and we could not find a room. Finally we found one, but Osmani could not stay with us, as he is Cuban and they are not allowed to stay where tourists stay. So, we had to look for another place for him. Finally he spent the night with Bro. Juan Carlos.
 
On Tuesday 25, we had the Preachers’ Study with 16 preachers in this area. We had a good Study. I presented the topic “the Work of an Evangelist”. It was well received and there were a lot of questions. It was a great meeting. Sure was good to see a lot of preachers willing to carry out the great commission to the lost. In this area there are 16 congregations: In the cities of Guantanamo and Baracoa, and around this city and up in the mountains of Baracoa. At night we had services at one of the congregations in the city of Baracoa. Bro. Jaime did the preaching. Again lights went out and he had to preach with the aid of a very little petroleum lamp.
 
On Wednesday 26, we left Baracoa early in the morning to go back to Pinar del Rio. On the way back, we stopped at Palma Soriano and had lunch with them. We also stopped at Jiguani, to visit the brethren there. In this place, we studied with one lady and she was baptized by Bro. Jaime. She will be meeting in Jiguani-Centro. We left Jiguani and drove to Camaguey to spend the night. This place is kind of half way between Baracoa and Pinar del Rio.
 
On Thursday 27, we left early morning and drove to Ciego de Avila, where we visited Bro. Reynaldo Planche again. We had a good visit and continued our trip across the Island. We finally got back to Pinar del Rio at 8:00 p.m., just in time to return the car and receive our deposit and go to services at Finca Tirado, where Bro. Jesus Marrero is the preacher. We had a good service, two came forward to be baptized. Bro. Jesus Marrero is doing a great work in this area. He established this congregation in March 2004, and baptized 10 people during last year. He also baptized three more at Ovas, another congregation in this area. We had supper with them and went to the hotel to get ready for the next day to leave the island.
 
On Friday 28, we got up real early and packed everything and met with the taxi driver, Juan Carlos. He took us to Puerta de Golpe, to say goodbye to the preachers in this area. Again Bro. Orlando Dago went with us to the airport in La Havana. We took our flight at 3:30 p.m. and got back to Mexico City at 6:30 p.m. From the airport we went to the hotel to spend the night.
 
On Saturday 29, we took our flight back to Saltillo at 9:45 a.m. and were in our home at 11:30 a.m.
 
We want to thank the Almighty for allowing us to work in His vineyard, and for helping us in this trip. We also thank the brethren who make possible this work and supported us to make the trip (McAlester, Oklahoma and Irving, Texas). May the Lord richly bless them is our prayer. The work in Cuba needs our help. They need song books, Bibles, printed material, grape juice, support for preachers. Please let us help them! We are planning to go back in June of this year to take them grape juice and visit them again. Please pray for the work in Cuba!
 
 
Trip to Cuba

June 30-July 12, my brother Elías and I went back to Cuba and were able to visit the work in the Island. And we are happy to report that the Lord is blessing the work in Cuba. There are now 30 congregations and 32 preachers. There were 10 baptisms during the trip. We are now working in six of the provinces in Cuba. But, like in any new work, there are many needs. One of the main needs is to be registered with the Cuban Government, in order to be a legal Church in the Island. They also need tracts, Bibles, songbooks, grape juice, etc. But we pray that the Lord will provide. We are very grateful to the Irving, Texas congregation for coordinating this work and for their financial help, but the work is growing more than what we expected that we need your help. If you are interested in supporting the work in Cuba, please let us know. You may write to Bro. Bruce Bailey of the Irving congregation or me.
 

 
New cong. in Baracoa.

 
Congregation at
Baracoa, Guantanamo,
CUBA. Bro. Juan
Carlos Samon is the
Preacher in this cong.
Group of Baptist (8)
that were baptized
during the trip, at
Jiguani, Granma.
-------
First Preachers' Study in Cuba
July 2002
We held the first Preachers’ Study in Cuba on June 13–14, 2002. We preached for eight congregation. There were ten baptisms during the trip, and three congregations were converted from the cups. There are now sixteen congregations in Cuba! We thank the Irving congregation for sponsoring this work. Pray for the work in Cuba.
The following link contains pictures from Cuba:
http://www.newtestamentchurch.org/friends/Pictures/Cuba/6-20-02/Trip.htm
Juan Rodriguez, Jr.
 
The Work in Cuba: 3rd Trip to the Island
January 2002
December 4–14, my brother Elías and I went to Cuba. We were able to visit the preachers in the Pinar del Rio and Guantanamo provinces. We also had the opportunity to visit with five new preachers in another province, Granma. We studied with them and they decided to accept what the Bible teaches on the Lord's Supper and other subjects. These men represent three more congregations that were converted. One has 75 members, Dos Palmas, another 25, Jicotea; and the other 15 members, Jiguani. So, at the present there are thirteen congregations in the Island with nineteen preachers and leaders, and we are now working in three of the fourteen provinces of Cuba. The Lord has really blessed that work. We had the opportunity to study and visit with all of the preachers and six congregations during our trip. We were able to baptize five people into Christ, one at Baracoa, and four at Puerta de Golpe. The work is going well and is progressing despite opposition from the digressives and the oppressive economic situation of the country. We are really happy that the Irving, Texas congregation is sponsoring this work and is supporting all of the preachers (except for three that are being supported by Bro. Burd from San Diego).
We want to thank the congregations at Atwater, California and Irving, Texas for helping us with the expenses of this last trip. Elias was a great help during the trip. He is a hard worker and wants to go exactly by what the Book says. I really enjoyed traveling with him. One of the urgent needs is grape juice for the Lord's Supper. We are not able to get it into Cuba. We have talked to the Cuban Embassy and they are supposed to help us on this problem. The Church also needs tracts, song books, and Bibles. The only problem is to know how to ship it into the Island. Please pray so that the Lord supplies these needs.
We are planning to go back sometime in May or June. We are thinking of having a Preachers' Study with all of the preachers at one place. I think that at this stage of the work it is necessary to study with all of them and try to seek unity among all of the Churches. They need a lot of teaching on many subjects. But they are very sincere and want to do what it is right. Please pray for this work!
In His service,
Juan Rodríguez Jr.
 
History of Work [not currently available]
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Dominican Republic
Murl R. Helwig (contact)
7446 Saddlewood St.
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 523-1864
mrgqik@aol.com
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive
 

Ecuador
Ecuador Report 12-19-03
  • Jonathan Bunner
       Mary Cruz (wife)
       Apartado Postal #18-01-241

       Ambato, Ecuador
       011-593-342-0096
Dear Brethren,

It is hard to believe that Marycruz, Sarai, Abraham, and I have been in Ecuador for a year. On December the 10th we celebrated our first anniversary here in Ambato.. Time really does fly!

In a year four families were converted from the "cups" church and three people were baptized. In January brother Segundo Villacis was converted from the cups group and along with him came his radio program. He and his program have been a great help for the work in Ambato. I admire brother Villacis because he is blind yet every morning he does the radio program live from 5 am to 6 am. Besides brother Villacis, brothers Segundo Chiliquinga and Vicente Villafuerte and their families were converted from the cups church. All three of these men are good teachers and have been an excellent help to me and the work in Ambato. Also in January brother Hernando Motta, who is a full time preacher, was converted from the cups church. Brothers Juan Rodriquez, Mike Criswell, my father, and I met brother Motta in Quito in November of 2002. We studied with him and he took some time to think about what we had studied, and in January made his stand with us. Brother Motta is now starting a new work in Machala, Ecuador.

Here in Ambato we have Bible studies with 33 people. The interesting part is none of these 33 adults are Christians. Of the 33 adults, only 11 have attended worship service at least once. The number of people with whom we have been studying for more than six months is 17. These 33 people come from different religious beliefs, and some do not practice any religion. For example, we have studies with Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Pentecostals, and one Nazarene preacher.

We just finished our first gospel meeting in Ambato. Brother Juan Rodriquez from Mexico did an excellent job preaching God's Word. Brother Juan preached on Friday December the fifth through Sunday the seventh. The meeting was very uplifting to me and all the brethren here in Ambato. We had visitors from the community and a brother from the "cups" church visit us on Saturday. We were very happy that brother Juan, Irma and Amy could come to Ambato. After the gospel meeting, brother Juan stayed in Ambato a few days to help us in our weekly home studies. He was a great help to us in Ambato.

On Thursday, the 11th of December, Juan's family and mine left Ambato for Machala, which is an 8 to 9 hour bus ride. (Machala is 45 minutes from the border with Peru and is the banana capital of the world). That same evening we held a Bible study with three young people who attend a Pentecostal organization. Juan presented an excellent study for them to meditate on. Brother Motta invited other people to a Bible study, but they did not accept his invitation. On Sunday morning our three families worshipped in Machala.

While in Machala we worked hard to get the homepage going once again. Thankfully, Brother Motta's oldest son helped us to get that back online. For several months the homepage was offline, but is back for good.

Please feel free to visit the homepage:
www.iglesiadecristolatina.com
...Even if you do not speak or understand Spanish, there are several pictures of the work in Ecuador, Peru, Cuba, and Mexico. We are blessed to have several homepages all working together to spread the gospel to a lost world. Thanks to David Risener and many other brethren, the truth is finally reaching places that were neglected before. Two years ago we did not know of any faithful congregations in South America and now there are at least three congregations. Keep up the good work!

We pray that 2004 will bring more lost souls to the truth. Please pray for us in Ecuador and the work all over the world. May God bless you!

In Him,
Jonathan Bunner


 
--------------
Rodríguez Jr., Juan
Nellie Rachel, daughter
Juan III, son
Joshua, son
Daniel, son
2104 Guaymas Ave.
Laredo, Texas 78046
(956) 729-8638
juanjr@globalpc.net
VISIT TO THE CHURCHES IN ECUADOR:
February 14-17, 2003

On February 14, we arrived to Quito, Ecuador at 11:30 p. m. from Cali,Colombia, where Bro. Jaime Contreras, preacher in Mexico city, and this writer had been for two days studying the word of God, with several families that had invited us several months ago. The word of God was sowed and we trust in the Lord the it will bring forth fruit according to His will!

Bro. Motta and his wife Rocio were waiting for us at the airport and from there they took us to the hotel and later they invited us to go to their home to drink some Colombian coffee for Jaime and some tea for me. We talked till 1:30 a. m. and they took us to the hotel.

On Saturday morning we had a real good study with the family of Carlos and Teresita, members of the cups church in Quito. We studied about the Lord’s Supper and they understood very well what the Bible teaches on this subject. So they decided to meet with us on Sunday, at Bro. Motta`s home, as the cups church had disfellowshiped him. Sister Teresita was very sick with bronquitis and I had to give her three shots, Saturday, Sunday and on Monday
morning.

After lunch we took Jaime and Bro. Motta`s family to the monument "the middle of the world", in the outskirts of Quito. It was interesting to put one foot on the North Hemisphere and other foot on the south Hemisphere.

After this, we continue studying and talking with Bro. Motta and his family, to encourage them to continue faithful and be strong against the attacks of the "conservative brethren". We believe that our visit was a great help to them. We made plans for the next day, the Lord’s Day and we went to hotel.

Sunday was a beautiful day as we were able to worship in Spirit and in truth, in Bro. Motta`s home with his family and the family of Carlos and Teresita. We had a real good service. I had the privilege to preach for them! The Church of the Lord is in Quito! We give Him the honor and glory!

As soon as finished the morning service, we left for Ambato to visit the brethren in that city. After their morning service, they had planned a meal with the Church and were waiting for us. It was good to be with the brethren in Ambato and a great pleasure to see our dear Jonathan and Marycruz and their family. We miss them in Mexico! It was good to see the complete Ortiz
family to continue faithful, and others that we had met in other trips. And even new brethren that have been converted recently.

After the meal the brethren wanted to have another service. So Bro. Motta and Jaime did the preaching.

Jonathan and Marycruz are doing an excellent work in Ambato. He has his hands full. And if Bro. Motta moves to Peru, Jonathan is willing to go to Quito every Sunday to take care of the brethren there, until we can send another preacher. During our trip to Peru with Bro. Motta, Jonathan went to Quito to preach on Sunday.

Bro. Jonathan is preaching on the radio every Saturday, for two hours, from 6:00 to 8:00 a. m. in the morning. Bro. Segundo Villacis Torah is in charged of this program on the radio. He preaches every day from 5:00 - 8:00 a. m. This brother is a Lawyer and is blind but it is working hard for the Lord, preaching on the radio and helping Jonathan. He was converted from the cups.

>From the meeting place we went to visit with Jonathan and Marycruz, in their home, had a cup of tea and left for Quito after dark. On the way to Quito we had a flat. We finally arrived to Quito, very tired but happy as we had enjoyed the Lord’s Day with the brethren in Quito and Ambato. The next day we left for Peru.

May the Lord continue to bless the Work in Ecuador and please pray for our dear brethren Jonathan and Marycruz and their little ones!
---------------
Billy Dickinson (contact)
2850 N. Oakland
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 864-8879
bddickinson@juno.com
New Congregation Established
July 2002
We are pleased to announce the establishment of a congregation in Ecuador that worships according to the Bible pattern. On July 13, three precious souls were baptized into Christ due to evangelistic efforts by Juan Rodriguez, Jr., Danny Crooks, and Paul Ortiz. Paul Ortiz, a native of Ecuador, is a student at Southern Missouri State University. Paul lives with one of our members, Danny Crooks, and he obeyed the gospel in August of 2001. When some of Paul's family showed interest in knowing more about the Lord's Church, we asked Juan to correspond with them, and he did.
Believing that we had received a modern-day "Macedonian call" (Acts 16:9), we began to lay plans for a mission effort. The Northside congregation in Springfield, MO asked Paul and Danny to make the trip because Paul would provide contacts with family and friends, and Danny is fluent in the Spanish language. We had no doubt that Juan was the right preacher for the job, and we were convinced that Danny and Paul would aid him in this work.
Paul arrived in Ecuador on July 1, while Danny's arrival was on July 5. They worshiped for the first time in Paul's parents' house on Sunday, the 7th. In total, there were eight people present. This was a good beginning. Juan flew in on July 9, and the next evening they had their first home study. Paul's parents invited some people over to study the Scriptures and 30 people showed up! After renting a building across the street from the bakery owned by Paul's mother, they began to hold services from July 11-14. Danny wrote the following in an email to me: "We went to the local radio station to see about getting some commercial spots to advertise the meeting and they sent us directly into the room with the guy who was doing the news live. Juan gave him a copy of the announcement that he immediately read on the air and without any notice, put Juan on the radio to interview him about the Church and what subjects will be discussed during the meeting. Turns out (without any of us knowing beforehand) that Paul's Dad is the station's accountant and because of that, they would let us put the announcements on the air and let Juan talk live on the radio." They also advertised the meeting in the paper with great results. Thursday night, 16 adults were present. Friday night, the number grew to 25. Saturday night, 35 people were in attendance. Sunday morning, 22 adults were present. The best news is that Paul's mother, one of his sisters, and his 84-year-old grandmother obeyed the gospel on July 13. Please pray for these babes in Christ and that this will be the first of many congregations in Ecuador! Juan and Danny have returned home while Paul is still there.
Paul is scheduled to return to the States on July 30. The following is our tentative plan for the near future: Randy Tidmore has agreed to go the first part of August and will be with them the first two Sundays of that month. Then, Juan Rodriguez, Jr. will return on the third weekend of August. He plans to have a preacher from Mexico with him who will move to Ambato and work with the new congregation for an extended time. Brethren, we are expecting and praying for great things in Ecuador. There seems to be unlimited potential for growth in that part of the world. Juan also had contact with a cups church in the area, and a man from that congregation worshiped with our brethren last Sunday (July 21). Please pray for this new work! If there are congregations that might be interested in helping financially (if that should become necessary), we would like to hear from you.
Billy Dickinson
 
History of the Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive
 

 
El Salvador
Tony Melton
Norma (wife)
Joshua (son)
James (son)
P.O. Box 1241
West Chester, OH 45071
(513) 860-3308
tonym81@hotmail.com
El Salvador Report
January 2002
The work in El Salvador began after we were contacted in Honduras by a brother from the Salinas congregation in California. This brother is from El Salvador. He had family members who were associated with the digressive church in and near San Martin. After visiting, San Martin, and visiting with these people, we decided that God had opened a door of opportunity for us. Brother Jose Molina moved there in early 1995.
Many members came out of digression and others obeyed the gospel while Jose worked there. Now seven Churches are meeting there. All the congregations worship in Spanish. If you want to know more about the work, please contact Tony Melton or Raymond Fox.
Tony Melton
 
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive
 

Guatemala
Tony Melton
Norma (wife)
Joshua (son)
James (son)
P.O. Box 1241
West Chester, OH 45071
(513) 860-3308
tonym81@hotmail.com
Guatemala Report
January 2002
After receiving a lead from one brother in El Salvador, we visited Escuintla Guatemala. After arriving, we were put in contact with a leader of a digressive congregation. He allowed us to meet and preach in his congregation one Wednesday night. After hearing about our differences on the Lord’s supper, one leader, who was visiting that night, stood up and said that he had believed in using one cup for years. That night the leaders told us that they were interested in following the Bible pattern. During the next few months, we continued to speak with them by telephone, and decided that this would be a great opportunity to take to truth to that country.
The work in Guatemala began around May 1998 when Juan Aguilar moved to Guatemala and began working with the congregation in Escuintla. Since then he has had several baptism and five other congregations come out of digression with one later returning. We now know of four faithful congregation meeting there.
All the congregations speak in Spanish, and none are able to communicate in English. If you would like to know more about the work, please contact Tony Melton.
Tony Melton
 
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive
 

Honduras
Tony Melton
Norma (wife)
Joshua (son)
James (son)
P.O. Box 1241
West Chester, OH 45071
(513) 860-3308
Honduras Work Report
January 2002
On December 17, I returned from a visit to Honduras. The brethren there are all doing well and send their greetings to the Churches here in the United States.
After arriving in Honduras on Thursday, December sixth, the brethren asked me to preach at services that night; then on Friday we visited several members, some of which were out of duty. We endeavored to encourage them to return to Christ. Also, I was blessed with the opportunity to preach the gospel while visiting.
Saturday, we traveled three hours to Julticalpa, a city in eastern Honduras, and visited with the brethren. While there, we attended the wedding of Angel Lagos, the preacher who works there. That night after the wedding, we traveled on to the city of Catacamas, and spent the night, and on Sunday we met with the Church. We had a good crowd with visitors, and the brethren asked me to preach. We left after lunch, and arrived back to Tegucigalpa late on Sunday afternoon.
On Monday, we spent the whole day buying food and preparing for the Preachers’ Study. Two preachers came from El Salvador, two preachers and one leader came from Guatemala and eight preachers came from Honduras along with several leaders. This was one of the best studies we have had. We heard 13 topics presented on important Bible subjects. The topics were very well delivered, and the question-and-answer sessions were very productive. I could see lots of growth and spiritual maturity among the preachers. The study lasted until late Thursday evening, and then all the preachers stayed for the worship service in Tegucigalpa.
I spent the next three days visiting with the brethren. Then on Sunday I was able to preach at both congregations in Tegucigalpa, and visit in the homes of three families.
This trip was very encouraging to me, because I was able to visit and study with the preachers. I appreciate the Church in Joplin, Missouri and the other congregations who helped make this trip possible. May God bless you all. Please pray for the work in Central America.
Tony Melton
 
History of Work [not currently available]


 
 India

Jim Rogers
 
5962 Deerfield Road
Milford, OH 45150
1-513-722-9499

Brian Burns
 
6891 Goshen Road
Goshen, OH 45122
1-513-722-0728
 

Tony Melton
P.O. Box 2681
McKinney,  TX  75070
1-972-736-6964

2007 Report on Trip to India

Videos of Trip:  Lazarus Interview  |  Prayer Shed & Baptism Tub  |  Elizabeth Names A New Baby

 
Greetings to all,
      
Having just had another opportunity to visit the brethren in India, I am happy to report that there is much good work being done, and good results are being seen. The work is truly prospering as God blesses their labors…with more than 50 congregations now worshipping according to the New Testament pattern.
 
This trip was a chance to see firsthand what changes have occurred since my last report (in 2004), so I was especially interested to see progress on the issues I mentioned back then: preacher’s support (from their own finances as well as U.S. help), meeting places, baptisteries, Bibles, & long-term faithfulness in the face of Hindu opposition.
 
We were excited to see 34 people baptized while we were there, demonstrating the diligence with which the message is being spread. More encouraging is the knowledge that these are not exceptional events - baptisms don’t occur only while we are visiting, but are something that continues all year long.
 
On this trip, I was especially blessed to have my youngest daughter, Elizabeth, join us. After I visited back in 2004, she began corresponding with the daughter of one of the Indian preachers and determined to one day visit India in person. She was able to save enough money to join us on the trip this time, so she not only got to see a country and culture halfway around the world, but also meet her “pen pal,” Neal (daughter of preacher Luke mentioned in my 2004 report).  Brother Lazarus told us the brethren let him know she was a blessing and encouragement to many sisters in showing her love by traveling so far to meet them, but I think it was definitely a two-way street as she received a special blessing from the wonderful people of India! In fact, she was asked to choose the name for one dear sister’s new baby, truly a wonderful honor!
 
As I mentioned, the work has grown to more than 50 congregations spread over a relatively large area. The state of Andhra Pradesh was the beginning point, but now there are also congregations in the neighboring states of Karnataka and Orissa. Given road conditions in many places, it is best to measure distances in hours rather than kilometers or miles. From the main “metropolis” city of Hyderabad/Secunderabad (population about 5 million) it’s about 10-12 hours south by train to Bangalore, where a congregation now meets. On the other extreme there are congregations out of Hyderabad about 10 hours in the other direction. So, a “travel time” distance of about 20-24 hours separates these brethren.
 
This growth into new states is a mixed blessing – bringing challenges as well as opportunities. The biggest challenge within the country, believe it or not, is language. In Andhra Pradesh the principal language is Telugu, whereas in the neighboring state of Orissa it is a completely unrelated language called “Oriya.”  In the state of Karnataka it is “Kannada,” which is related to Telugu but with significant differences.  There are, in fact, some 22 languages spoken throughout India, and many of them are so unrelated to each other as to make communication between fellow Indians nearly impossible unless they each know a common second language!
 
This presents some unique challenges, as illustrated by the preacher’s Bible study we participated in for 3 days at Secunderabad. When a visiting preacher from Orissa state (brother Hanok Nayak) was asked to conduct one of the services, he could only do so by speaking English and having someone translate into Telugu for him! In other words, the language barrier makes it very difficult to communicate between states within their own country.
 
As a result, the level of cooperation between brethren in neighboring states will likely be somewhat limited. In effect, it means that as the Gospel spreads from state to state the overall work in India will tend to become several “regional” works only loosely related to each other. This will be a good problem to have, though!
 
What we saw this trip was an encouraging level of cooperation among the brethren, with those from great distances still sharing in the work whenever necessary. As I alluded to earlier, for 3 days we participated in a series of studies on various topics. Preachers from many places made the trip to Secunderabad for them, and we even had some preachers from the multiple cups congregations attend all three days.
 
One of my favorite memories of this trip happened on the 3rd night, while I happened to be teaching. About 15 minutes into my talk the electricity went out all over the neighborhood and we were plunged into the dark. Brian and Tony (being seasoned veterans and prepared for such things) each quickly pulled out a flashlight, so I borrowed one and continued preaching by sharing the light with my translator, brother Rajasekhar. At that point, several preachers let it be known they were upset they could no longer take notes and would miss what I was saying, while others pulled out their cell phones and took notes by the glow of the display! Such devotion to the Word was truly exciting to see, though at the time I thought only of how difficult preaching by flashlight can be!
 
As I inquired about men so devoted as to take notes by cell phone light, I found that many are only able to preach part-time since they must work at other jobs to feed their families. As in the U.S., everyone’s situation is slightly different.  I did find that some are now being partially supported by their local congregations, which is wonderful to see. Even if only a very small amount, it is an encouraging step in the direction of congregational maturity. We’ve been emphasizing for several years the importance of becoming financially independent from the U.S. for preacher’s support, and the brethren are diligently working towards that goal.
 
They still need financial help and will for a while to come. Many congregations are still growing in number but are not yet able to support a preacher on their own. We look for a day in the future when that will no longer be the case!
 
Upon investigation what we found repeatedly were cases where the preachers were holding down a job and still doing what they could to preach the gospel in their area. In that economy, $25-$50 per month is a great help to supplement one’s income in areas outside the large cities. Right now, there simply is not enough money committed to helping these brethren for everyone to receive even a little support, so there are many who receive no U.S. help at all.
 
If you or your congregation is in a position to offer support to these men for a limited period of time, it would be put to good use!
 
As I mentioned in my 2004 report, these brethren have a unique challenge due to the tremendous influence of Hinduism in their culture. Just like the city of Athens from Acts, the presence of idols everywhere is simply overwhelming.
 
In the past year that misguided devotion has begun to manifest itself in violent ways. Nationally, there is a political movement opposed to any attempt at converting Hindus. In some states of India, they’ve actually pushed through laws making it illegal to evangelize within so many meters of a Hindu temple (which seem to be everywhere), or for a person to convert from Hinduism without first getting government permission! While these laws are being attacked in court, the cases will drag on for some years, I suspect. This means our brethren must be extra careful as they share the Word of God.
 
In the past year these anti-Christian people have waxed bold in some areas further north of Andhra Pradesh, attacking denominational church members and preachers, destroying places of worship, having preachers jailed for “forced conversions of Hindus,” and the list goes on. Even one of our own preachers (brother Hanok mentioned earlier) was attacked last year in Orissa state by some Hindus, and hospitalized as a result. The persecution possibilities are very real for our brethren in such places, and still they preach the word.
 
Brother Lazarus responded to the question of persecution by quoting Jesus, that we all must be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” So, they spread the Gospel in a way that tries to keep the peace while being effective with the truth – concentrating on home studies with friends and relatives of existing members. So far, the violence has spared our brethren for the most part, but please, keep them in your prayers!
 
Also, as we’ve mentioned before, many Hindus have the mistaken idea that baptism washes away sins in a literal sense - leaving them behind in and polluting the water. So, in their ignorance they have consistently tried to block access to any water source that might later be used by themselves or their animals.
 
A plan to ease that situation by constructing what the brethren refer to as “baptism tubs” has begun to bear fruit. These are basically concrete tanks about 2 ½ feet deep, built wide and long enough for two people to climb into for baptizing. Wells must be drilled for the water supply since there is no running water in most places. Several of these are being constructed as funds are available, in locations where they can be a shared resource for those congregations within reasonable driving distance. As we traveled the country we saw several recently constructed ones put to good use. It was easy to see what a blessing they are and how grateful the brethren are to have them available. It not only prevents the possibility of offending any Hindus (always a sensitive issue) but makes the most efficient use of available funds to benefit as many as possible. More of these are needed, though, as funding permits.
 
A continuing need is for what they call “prayer sheds”. This is a general term meaning any structure designed to get them out of the weather. Part of the year, brethren can meet outdoors if necessary. When the monsoon season comes it gets pretty difficult to worship since most live in homes that cannot accommodate much of a crowd inside. Other congregations have constructed thatched roof structures that are fine part of the year but leak in the rain, leaving the dirt floors covered in mud or standing water. There is therefore a need in many places for a permanent, weather-proof shelter for worship.
 
Most permanent structures in India are made from concrete and brick – wood is simply not available for building construction. A typical prayer shed will have concrete and/or brick walls with a corrugated roof made from some sort of asbestos-based material. The floors may be compacted dirt or poured concrete. Windows are usually without glass, but allow air to circulate. The people will sit on the floor so chairs are unnecessary. Usually, individual brethren at each congregation contribute their own labor to the task to save on the cost.
Even with all that, by local standards, they are not cheap; so getting a prayer shed constructed is a challenge. If anyone is interested in partnering with one or more congregations to help them get a prayer shed constructed, this is an opportunity to help! I have found the brethren to be very conscientious about using whatever funds they are given, and commend their needs to your prayerful generosity.
 
The question now is what can be done to help the Indian work for the long term? This is a great and growing work that we must be diligent to support. While we at the Goshen congregation believe the wisest course is to avoid creating artificial reliance on “foreign aid” from American brethren, we recognize the reality that confronts us. The next few years looks to be a period of time where our help is essential to them, as they are simply unable to provide certain things on their own. The congregations continue to grow, but are not yet able to be “self-supporting” financially. Their various needs (preacher support, baptism tubs, prayer sheds, communion sets, etc.) have already exceeded our ability to supply over the next few years.
 
The brethren in India share with us a common goal of establishing a brotherhood of fellowship within their own country that can meet each other’s needs, but that time is yet in the future. Until then, if anyone is able to help, please contact one of us for more information. The brethren in India send their greetings and covet your prayers for blessings on their labors.
 
In Him,
 
Jim Rogers
5962 Deerfield Road
Milford, OH 45150
jim.rogers@thomson.com
 
Brian Burns
6891 Goshen Road
Goshen, OH 45122
bsrbsb@juno.com
 
Tony Melton
P.O. Box 1211
Princeton, TX 75407
Tonym81@hotmail.com
 
 
 


-------------

Saganty Lazarus

saganty@rediffmail.com

Here is a forward of the November 2006 work report on the work in AP India from brother Lazarus. Please continue to pray for this great work, and prayerfully consider helping if you can.  There are now over 35 congregations in this area in India, and several in other areas in need of financial help for the preaching brethren.
 
In the love of Christ,
Dennis Crawford
 
**************
Greetings in the name of Jesus we are all doing well and conveying thanks for your prayers and help.  I would like to bring the progress of the church work in India.
1. We are very happy to inform you that we had very good preachers meeting in the last week.  Many preachers from different places attended this and discussed some of the books in the New Testament like 1,2 Thessalonians and Galatians.  We had also discussed some of the needs and development of the church work in India.
2. By the grace of God and Power of Gospel one soul baptized into Christ.  Please pray for the spiritual growth of this new sister Venkata Ravamma about 65 years old.
3. I had received good church meetings report from our preaching brethren Aseervadam (Vinukonda), Rajasekhar (Kadium), George (Karbataka), Immanuel (Gangannapalem) and Rambabu (Chintalapudi).  There are some Baptisms also in these places.
4. The two preaching brethren at Cherlapalli(Vandanam) and Pathamaguluru (Suresh paul) informed us the prayer shed construction work is going on.  Please pray for this work.
5. One of our preacher brother Elisha conducted a big Gospel meeting on the occasion of his daughter Sarah's Birth day and around 100 people attended this meeting and we had an opportunity to preach the Gospel to many.
6. We have been planning to have Gospel meetings and preachers Bible studies at Chintalapudi, Patha maguluru, Chimmiribanda villages, please pray for these coming meetings.
7. Please pray for the sick brethren Chinna, Prakasam, and Aseervadam.

8. Our preaching brethren expressed a need for a monthly magazine so that every one can be informed the coming meetings and will have some articles printed and will inform the places villages, towns, states in India that we have churches and to reach many houses with the word of Truth.  Please pray for this work for the coming new year-2007.

Once again thanks for your prayers and encouragement.  All our preaching brethren conveying their prayers and greetings.  Greet all the saints in the church.  Please pray for me and for my family and the church at Secunderabad.
Your brother,
SAGANTY LAZARUS

April 2004 Trip to India
Jim Rogers ~ Brian Burns ~ Doug Edwards

Complete Set of Pictures Below Report
Also Report from Saganty Lazarus (from India) at Bottom of this Page
Greetings to all, 
The work in India continues to grow in spite of the tremendous difficulties faced by the members there. The Goshen congregation has been involved in this work for 4 years now, but this was my first opportunity to see it myself. Brothers Brian Burns and Doug Edwards had made three previous trips, and I was glad the brethren thought it wise for me, a local teacher at Goshen, to join them this time. This trip opened my eyes to the many blessings we in the U.S. take for granted, and reinforced a desire to help these brethren in any way possible.
I especially wanted to meet brother Lazarus, our original contact in India, and see firsthand what conditions are like there. I came away with a strong feeling of respect for brother Lazarus – he is truly a blessing to the work. His dedication to the cause of Christ is beyond question, his tireless work ethic commendable, and his knowledge in the scriptures excellent. I was able to record two short messages of greeting from him. [See Pictures:  “Lazarus and Wife”,  View Video:  “Lazarus Greeting #1” and “Lazarus Greeting #2”]
Since we don’t hear much in the news about India, I thought I would present a little background about it. This is one of the most populous countries on earth, with more than a billion people. The current work is centered in the southeastern part of the country in a state called “Andhra Pradesh” (Ahn-dra  Prah-desh). This state alone has a population of more than 75 million people. The average income for a well-educated person is only around $200 per month, with a “day laborer” earning about half that. Poverty is a real problem here, though I was surprised at how few people came up to us begging for money. I think that most were too busy working to beg! [See Pictures: “Poverty”, “Working Poor”, “Harvesting Chili Peppers”, “Selling Beans”, “Selling Bananas”, and “Carrying Wood”]
In a country so vast, it isn’t surprising to find that many different languages are spoken. The official language of Andhra Pradesh is Telugu (Tel-uh-goo). Their largest city is really a metropolis of two cities, Hyderabad and Secunderabad, with a combined population of more than 5 million people.
These brethren have a daunting challenge due to the tremendous influence of Hinduism in their culture. Just like the city of Athens from Luke’s account in Acts, the presence of idols in every nook and cranny is simply overwhelming. One cannot behold it without being overwhelmed like Paul, as “his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” Such misguided devotion to a stone carving is truly sad to see.  [See Pictures:  “Idol #1”, “Elephant Idol”, “Snake Idol”, and “Bull Idol”]
There is also a strong Islamic presence in this part of India, which has led to conflict and violence between Hindus and Muslims over the years. The mixture of the two makes for an interesting visit. For example, the Hindus won’t eat beef but the Muslims have no problem with it. The dominant political party currently supports the construction and maintenance of temples and mosques, but offers no support whatsoever for Christianity.
Thus, the official government position offers no assistance to spreading the gospel, while actually proving a hindrance at times. For example, it is difficult to enter the country on anything other than a “tourist” visa, which limits the ability of foreigners to evangelize openly. We have therefore been forced to limit our visits to meetings with the existing brethren and whoever may attend those worship services.
Many of the existing converts to Christ are women whose husbands will ‘tolerate’ their wife’s defection from Hinduism, but will not support it in any way. We saw women come to worship and leave before services had concluded because their husbands had forbidden them to be gone more than a certain amount of time. Their dedication to attending worship services in spite of the difficulties made me think shamefully of how often in the states we must admonish our members about regular attendance! [See Pictures:  “Cherla Palli Inside”, “Begumpet”, and “Surya Nagar”]
Although there is no way to know for sure, it seems likely that these same women have a difficult time contributing financially to their congregations since their Hindu husbands forbid it. Combined with the poverty many of them also live with, it is difficult for the congregations to support preachers who labor among them. As a result, most of the preachers have regular jobs to support themselves and do their preaching work as time permits. To address this issue, we emphasized the importance of personal giving as a means to congregational self-reliance in the future. Still, there is a difficult road ahead for these congregations to become truly self-supporting.
In spite of these obstacles, the work continues to grow numerically and spiritually. Their spiritual strength is demonstrated in the commitment they have shown in the past year. For example, during Brian and Doug’s last trip (in 2003) there were 43 baptized in a village named “Nadigadda.” During this trip, we had opportunity to visit that place again.  We happily found that 38 of the original members are still faithfully meeting. An additional 3 were baptized from that village while we were there, as well as more than 40 others from a nearby village. For the past year, the brethren at Nadigadda have been meeting under a large tree in the village and have need of a permanent, sheltered meeting place.  [See Pictures:  “Nadigadda Baptizing #1” and “Nadigadda Baptizing #2”]
Given their young spiritual age and their Hindu background, there is much need for basic Bible knowledge among these babes in Christ. These are people for whom the story of Daniel & Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, or even the story of Ahab and Elijah, is a new thing. There is much work still ahead to ‘grow the Church’ and truly ground these young Christians in the faith. Doug was able to spend some time offering guidance to the leaders as to how best to get that done, but more guidance is needed.
Numerically, the Church has grown as well. There are now 11 faithful congregations meeting throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh. The number of members in each congregation varies from around 20 to more than 50, but while we were there visitors from the community were common due to the good influence of the brethren. Most places we visited had attendance in excess of 60, with crowds over 100 not unusual. Part of such interest is probably due to the fact that Americans were visiting, but it was obvious from the reactions we received that there truly is an interest among these people in hearing the word of God preached! [See Pictures:  “Nadigadda” and “Krothaluru”]
Another exciting development is the growing awareness among several “cups” congregations in Andhra Pradesh that these new faithful congregations even exist. Those people had never heard the one-cup position before, and this new awareness has provided opportunities to discuss the issue with them. Several of our brethren have studied with interested members and found them receptive to adopting the New Testament pattern when it is shown to them. We are hopeful that within the next year there will be some positive news to report regarding this possibility.
There have also been some problems along the way. For example, in one of the congregations in the Hyderabad metro area they encountered a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” This was a man who joined their assembly and became a leader among the group. He later introduced various innovations in the worship, which led to a split in the group. About half of the 40 members embraced the error and left. Lazarus has been studying with several families in hopes of restoring them to the fold. The work of Satan is truly untiring!
Some of the continuing needs for the work are Bibles and songbooks in the native Telugu language. We were able to purchase locally 50 Bibles for distribution throughout the various congregations. We were also able to see the good use that recently-purchased songbooks were being put to; such things are scarce, and people treated them with respect similar to their Bibles. I was also interested to see that their ‘songbook’ contains words only. You see, they sing in unison only and learn each new song by hearing the melody sung to them a few times.
Due to scheduling issues with me, it was necessary for us to travel while the Indian national elections were being held. They don’t have them all the same day as we do in the U.S., but will hold them in stages one day a week over several weeks. Because of fears about violence related to those elections, Lazarus planned our itinerary to make sure we were far away from where the elections were being held each week. This proved to be a good idea – in one village we had visited, political violence erupted a few days afterwards and people from one political party killed a man from a rival party! As it was, with the Lord’s blessings we traveled extensively and without incident, visiting several congregations and holding services each evening.
Towards the end of the trip we were back in Hyderabad and had a chance to worship with the 3 congregations that are there. We also got to see the progress being made on construction of the Church building. Completion of the structure is expected within 3 months. It has been well-designed, making efficient use of all available space. The location was well-chosen, too. It is within a block of a regular bus stop, so travel to worship will be easier for the many who have no other means of travel than walking or riding the bus. I came away from an inspection of the place with the satisfaction that the Lord’s money has been well spent in this effort. [See Pictures:  “Building #1” and “Building #2”]
Of course, the major blessing of the construction is already in use – there is a baptistry available on site. In the past, the Hindus caused problems if they saw anyone baptizing in local water sources (ponds or watering troughs), believing that somehow the ‘sins washed away’ were polluting the water! Having a baptistry available at the Church building site has completely solved that problem. [See Pictures:  “Building #3”]
After this trip, I have a great respect for the brethren laboring in India. Altogether, 54 people were baptized while we were there, demonstrating the diligence with which the message is being spread. While traveling from place to place and seeing the dedication of the Lord’s people in spite of their many adversities, I kept recalling the passage in Acts where Paul saw the vision of the Macedonian crying “come over and help us!” for these brethren are seeking the same thing.
They are not asking for handouts, they are asking for help. These brethren are doing what they can, but need our assistance to meet those challenges that are too great for their financial means. One of the preachers, brother Luke, put it to us like this on our last day there, “we are very poor, and ask for help like a brother asking a brother. Understand that we are committed first to the Lord’s work, and will continue in it no matter what, but any help that our brothers in the U.S. can give will be put to good use.” After seeing for myself what they are doing with the resources they currently have, I believe their dedication is beyond dispute.  [See Pictures:  “Preachers” and “Luke & Family”]
The question now is merely, what can be done to help the work for the long term? If anyone is interested in helping, contact one of us for more information.  A congregation may want to help support brother Lazarus or the other preachers. This year brother Lazarus asked if 6 of the preachers might be helped $30 each (as a one-time amount). We were able to help them with $50 instead, which lifted their spirits greatly. Ongoing support for these men of any amount would be an encouragement to them. Other continuing needs are the purchase of Bibles and assistance with building construction in Secunderabad or one of the small villages. It would also be a great blessing if ten or more congregations would commit to helping finance the annual work trip each spring.
Brethren, this is a great and growing work that we must be diligent in. The brethren in India send their greetings, and covet your prayers for blessings on their labors.
In Him,
Jim Rogers
5962 Deerfield Road
Milford, OH 45150
jim.rogers@thomson.com
Brian Burns
6891 Goshen Road
Goshen, OH 45122
bsrbsb@juno.com
INDIA WORK REPORT-APRIL 18th TO 27th,2004
Tue, 04 May 2004 12:35:18 -0400
Dear beloved brethren,

Greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. My name is SAGANTY LAZARUS working as a Preacher in The Church of Christ, Surya Nagar colony, Old-Alwal, Sec-Bad, INDIA.

In the month of April our beloved brethren BRIAN BURNS, JIM ROGERS (from Goshen Church of Christ) and DOUG EDWARDS (from Norman Church of Christ) came to INDIA on 17th early morning hours. We were very happy to see, greet and welcome them to Our country INDIA at the Sec-Bad Airport for the work of the Lord in INDIA. This is their 4th visit.

In this trip we had General Elections and Hot Summer. But by the Grace and Love of God good things happened during this critical time. We are always thankful to our LORD for His peace.

Our meetings started on 18th onwards and continued up to 27th. We have conducted Bible studies, Gospel meetings, Preachers Bible studies and also visited some houses, visited Hospital and Question hour with some preachers. We have traveled around 1500Kms and attended meetings in around 15 villages and Our brethren proclaimed Gospel to many people in different parts of our country and By the Saving Power of Gospel 55 souls were added to the Lord’s Body in INDIA this time and many Christians are encouraged and some restored. Once again I am very much thankful to our brethren for sharing the Gospel in INDIA with great interest and zeal for the Lord and His Church. We are thankful to God for such talented brethren. This time we are blessed with preaching and teaching of another brother JIM ROGERS.

We have received wonderful lessons from our brethren about Life of Christ, Church, Old and New Testaments, God’s plan of Salvation, Giving, Lord’s supper, Second coming of Christ and After Death what?, etc. Some people raised some questions regarding these topics and some took the copies of the lessons so that they can teach the same in their congregations. We all really rejoiced in the Lord with teaching and preaching and fellowship and help of our brethren. We invited Church people, preachers, people and preachers from denominations and other friends, relatives and other people from different places to hear the word of God.

I can openly say that the resulting fruit of this great work in INDIA is because of the efforts of Our three brethren from US and translators, hard work of Local preachers and the kind help and love and prayers of Goshen congregation, Norman congregation and other congregations in USA. I am also thankful to the individuals who prayed and helped for this work.

Dear brethren, congregations are growing and becoming strong spiritually. Two more new congregations were established in two places, KROTHALURU and UPPALAPADU, in this trip. Please pray for the Newly converted people. There are some needs requested by the congregations and preachers. Please pray for them and their needs.

There is a great burden and responsibility laid on our Indian preachers as the work spreading into new places. Please pray and encourage our 7 co-preachers who working with me in different places for the Lord’s Vineyard day and night. Please continue your prayers for us to followup the work.

Finally, our three brethren spent some time with the preachers and encouraged them to be strong in preaching and in teaching.

Our meetings ended on 27th afternoon Bible study with Love feast.

All Glory and Power goes to our God. Please pray, encourage and help for the Lord’s work in INDIA.

Your brother,
SAGANTY LAZARUS
saganty@rediffmail.com
 

Mexico
Rodríguez Jr., Juan
Nellie Rachel, daughter
Juan III, son
Joshua, son
Daniel, son
2104 Guaymas Ave.
Laredo, Texas 78046
phone direct dialing:
01152- (867)-715-63-75
juanjr@globalpc.net
CAMPECHE TRIP AND STUDY
                                                May 19-25, 2004
By Juan Rodríguez Jr.
 
Dear Brethren:
 
It was a privilege to travel to Campeche, Campeche to participate in the IV Study in the Yucatán Peninsula at Campeche. Bro. McKamie was able to travel with me and work together in the Study. He was a tremendous help in many ways. We really enjoyed the trip and the Study!
 
Brother McKamie and I met at the airport in Mexico City and after much trouble, as they had cancelled our flight and wanted to send us until the next day, we finally made it o Campeche almost at 1:00 a. m. Brethren Jaime Luna and Bartolo Tut were waiting for us in the airport and took us to town to look for a hotel. We checked at least seven or eight hotels and they were all full. The State Police were having a convention in town and took most of the hotels. Finally we found a hotel and spent the first night (just few hours).
 
The next day we started the Study at 9:00 a. m. We studied for two full days. Two topics in the morning, then we had lunch. Two topics in the afternoon and then we had supper. Eight topics in total: Unity, The Preacher and his work, Discipline, The Collection, The Hair, The work of the Woman in the Church, Music in the church, and Immodest dress. The preachers suggested these topics. We had all of the preachers in the Yucatan present, except one, Brother Abel Trujillo from Suchiapa, Chiapas. There were present Bre. Eduardo Heredia from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas; Esau Trujillo from Ocozingo, Chiapas; Jose Eguan from Seybaplaya; Santiago Heredia from Campeche-Samula; Quintin Morales from Campeche-China (This was the hosting congregation); Bartolo Tut from Castamay, Cam.; Jaime Luna from Campeche-China; Julio Heredia from Merida, Yucatan; Armando Heredia from Cancun, Q. Roo; and several leaders of the various congregations in the Campeche area. We had at least 20 preachers and leaders in attendance. We had good participation from the preachers in attendance. It was a great meeting!
 
The next Study will be at Cancún in November, during the Thanksgiving holidays, if any of you are able to come to Cancún. If not, it will be held the first week of November.
 
We were able to distribute 80 songbooks and 61 Bibles, along with copies of the studies presented, and several tracts about the Lord’s Supper and Sunday School. The church at Stockton, California paid for the Bibles and Bro. McKamie’s trip. We also bought 40 sacks of food for the needy members of the congregations in Campeche. The congregation in McAlester helped with the sacks of food! The Deer Park Congregation in Pasadena, Texas helped with my expenses.
 
The Lord has really blessed the work in this area. Since Bro. Jaime Luna moved to Campeche there have been 19 baptisms, at the different congregations in the Campeche area. A new congregation has been started at Colonia Siglo XXI in Campeche. Brother Jose Adan Morales is the preacher in this place. Also, a congregation of 8 members from the cups was converted recently. We had talked to Bro. Roman Rodriguez about the true worship in Mérida last year, and he promised to study with the congregation. Now they have accepted the Truth. They worship at Colonia Jardines in Campeche. Bro. Marco Antonio Marin is preaching in this place.
 
Even though the Lord has blessed the work in this area, the devil has been working hard to destroy it. Brethren Santiago Heredia and Jaime Luna had some problems between them. Most of all misunderstandings about the work and personal matters, to the point that the work was in danger. The Lord helped us to deal with these problems and help to resolve them. Now they are working together and happy! Please pray for them as they labor for the kingdom.
 
Bro. Javier Rodriguez is moving to Champoton, Campeche, between Campeche and the Island of El Carmen. He is going to attempt to start a congregation in this place and at the same time will take care of the congregation at the Island of El Carmen. The congregation in the Island continues to be there, but it needs a lot of work to make it grow and correct a lot of problems. We trust that Brother Javier can do this.
 
During the trip, we were able to preach at Seybaplaya on Saturday night. One young man was baptized at 9:30 p. m. Bro. Jaime Luna did the baptizing. After services we all went to the ocean and with the truck’s lights and a little lantern we baptized Eliazar Eguan into Christ. On Sunday morning we worshiped at the new congregation at Siglo XXI. One lady came forward wanting to be baptized. After services we went to preach at Castamay, Campeche, where Bro. Bartolo is the preacher, and after services in this place we went to the ocean to baptize this lady, now our Sister, Aide. I was privileged to baptize her!
 
On Monday, we talked to Brethren Jaime and Santiago and at night we had a good worship service at the new congregation at Colonia Jardines. We preached about the Lord’s Day. Also, after services, we had a time for questions and answers from all of the preachers present.
 
On Tuesday, we left Campeche at noon for Mexico City. Once we got to Mexico City we found out that the plane of Continental had left already and Bro. Mckamie had lost his flight. The people at the travel agency did not allow enough time between the two flights. So Bro. Wayne had to spend the night with Jaime Contreras in Mexico City and left for his home the next day. I arrived to Saltillo at 9:00 p. m.
 
We want to thank Bro. Mckamie for coming to help us in Mexico. We also want to thank the congregation at Deer Park in Pasadena for overseeing this work, and the congregations that support the preachers in the Peninsula of Yucatan, the Mayan World. Please continue to help this great work!
 
Tel. Casa (867) 715-63-75
Tel. Cel. (867) 735-76-74
 
Preachers Study in Yucatan

July 17-21, we had our second Preachers study in the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mérida, Yucatán. The work in Mexico has expanded to this area in the southeastern part of the Republic. The Country of Mexico is so big that sometimes going to a new area seems like you are going to another country. From Nuevo Laredo, where I live, it takes three full days to drive to the peninsula. There are now 11 congregations and 9 preachers. Brethren Jaime Luna Jr. and Juan III went with me in this trip. They were a great help during the trip and the Study with the preachers. The congregation in Merida and Brother Julio Heredia did a great job in hosting the meeting. Our next meeting with these preachers will be in Ocosingo, Chiapas, during the month of November of this year. Several of these preachers have been converted from “the cups” and they need a lot of teaching, in certain areas. The Deer Park congregation in Houston, Texas is overseeing this work. We appreciate very much their help and leadership! 
 
Preachers' Study in
Merida, Yucatan
Congregation in
Merida, Yucatán
 

VIII YOUNG SPEAKERS MEETING

July 23-27, we had our VIII Young Speaker Meeting in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. It was great meeting! There were large crowds, good preaching and good singing. It was a great joy to see a lot of our young people coming to a meeting such as this. Brethren Juan III, Jonathan Correa and Samuel Esparza Jr. were in charge of the meeting and did a great job! There were ten young people who preached during the meeting! Brother Sergio Correa and the San Pedro congregation did a superb job in hosting the meeting. This is one of the strongest congregations in Mexico. During the mornings there were studies for the young people, in the afternoons different activities for them and at night we had the worship service. We really enjoyed the meeting! After the meeting, many of our young are very active in their home congregations, participating in many activities and helping the local congregations. We thank God for our young! 
  
 
Young people in
Bro. Leobardo’ home.
Young people who
preached during the meeting!
 

Trip to Mexico City

August 1-4, we made a quick trip to Mexico City. We had to go and pick up the deeds of the Church’s property in that city. I had the opportunity to preach at the Maria Isabel congregation on Sunday. Bro. Jaime Contreras is the preacher in this grand city of over 20 million people, and preaches at two congregations: Minas and Maria Isabel. He is doing a good job! There is another congregation in this city, Tlahuac, where Bro. Abel Salinas is preaching.
 

Gospel Meeting in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas

August 6-10, we were in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas in a meeting with the congregation in this place. It was a great meeting. There were 3 baptisms during the meeting! Bro. Samuel Esparza Jr. is doing a good job with the two congregations in this area: Lazaro Cardenas and Cd. Victoria. He has baptized several since he move to work with this congregation in January of this year. He and his wife Jesenia are the proud parents of a baby boy, who was born September 21.

 
 
 
Bro. Samuel Esparza Jr.
Congregation at Cd. Victoria
 

Gospel meeting in Saltillo, Coahuila – Virreyes

August 13-17, we were in a meeting in Saltillo, Coahuila-Virreyes. We had large crowds every service. Bro. Jaime Luna Jr. is the preacher in this place. He also preaches at a village Guadalupe Victoria, an hour South of Saltillo. This is one of the oldest congregations in Mexico and it has several men serving as leaders. In this congregation we have the Annual Preacher Study every year. We thank God for this congregation!
 

Monthly meetings in the Northern Area

We have been having this kind of meetings for almost seven years. Members from several congregations get together one Saturday each month to worship God and to study His word. After the Study we all eat together and spend the afternoon visiting with each other. This activity has really helped all of us as members in this area. This writer has been in charge of this meeting and is the main speaker in these meetings. August 30th, we had one of these meetings at the Santa Catarina congregation. The subject was: “What Does the Church needs today?” We had large crowds and great singing! September 27, we had our monthly meeting in the Villa de García congregation. The subject was: Establishing elders in the congregations”. Bro. Jaime Luna Jr. presented this topic and did an excellent job. Our next meeting will be in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, our home congregation, November 8th.
 

XXVII PREACHERS STUDY IN MEXICO

September 10-12, 2003 we had our XXVII Study in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. It was a great Study! We had some 50 preachers and leaders from México and Texas. There were seven preachers from the States: Wayne McKamie, Tony Melton, Randy Tidmore, Brian Burns, Brendan Wallace, Carlis McKamie and Bro. Bill Verner.
 
For three full days we studied 12 different topics: What Does the Bible says about lying, What constitutes an assembly of the Church, Should a Christian celebrate Christmas? Is it right for Christians to vote or participate in Politics?, What is the Way to support a Preacher?, Calling and Election, What are the Biblical uses of the Church treasure?, Are we predestinated?, What does the Rapture and the Millennium mean?, What Does the Church needs today?, Is the Doctrine true that says: once saved always saved?, and It is a sin for a Christian to Marry an unbeliever? We thank God for the men who presented these topics. This material will be a tremendous help to us in Mexico!
 
The Virreyes Congregation in Saltillo did a great job in hosting the Study. They opened their homes to all of us. There were homes that we did not use but they were open for us. Sisters Nohemi Luna, Josefina Ramirez, Petra and a sister from Zacatecas prepared food for us for three days.
 
We want to express our appreciation to the congregations at Farmerville, (Fairview), Louisiana, McGregor, Texas and Brother Bill Verner for their support to hold the Study in Mexico. Without your help we could not have accomplished what we have. Thanks, many thanks, from the bottom our hearts! The next Study will be September 15-17, 2004!
 
 
 


After the Study, we went to visit our brethren in the villages, in the Saltillo area. We were able to visit Guadalupe Victoria, El Mezquite, Los Muchachos, San Juan del Retiro, and Las Mangas congregations. Two Sisters from San Antonio, Texas: Golda Burns and Lorene Fowler made quilts and blankets to give to the needy widows and old members of these congregations. Thanks, many thanks!
 
From the villages we went to Visit the congregations in Zacatecas, San Francisco del Rincon, San Roque de Montes, San Luis Potosi and Matehuala
 
It was a joy to visit our brethren in these places! Brother Samuel Esparza M. and his wife Nohemi are the proud grandparents of a baby boy, son of their daughter Erika in San Francisco del Rincon. In San Luis Potosi we visited Bro. Daniel Alvarado and his wife Julia. There we saw their daughter “Toñita” who is sick, since she was born. She is now 5 years old but cannot breath by herself and she needs to have a tube in her throat. She cannot hold her head; she needs something around her neck. We pray for them and Bro. Verner is going to help them. We also visited with Bro. Filiberto Martinez and his family in Matehuala. They are planning to start building their meeting place.
 
On the way back, we had problems with our van on the highway between Saltillo and Monterrey, but we finally made it back home. Really enjoyed the Study and the Trip!

Please continue to help the Work in Mexico and to pray for us!

In His service,
Juan Rodríguez Jr.
juanjr@globalpc.net
~~~ Pictures ~~~
 
-------------------
“REPORT ON THE TRIP TO CHIAPAS, MEXICO”
June 13-16, 2003
 On June 13, we left on a trip to the south of Mexico, my son Juan III and I, to visit the newly established congregation in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of the State of Chiapas.
 During the month of February Bro. Eduardo Heredia, a graduated preacher from the Church of Christ that uses “cups” in the Lord’s supper, was converted in Campeche, Campeche. Since that time he has been working hard to convert the congregation, where he was meeting, to the true worship. But he has been rejected and ridiculed, to the point that he had to leave the congregation and start meeting in his home with his family.
 We were invited to visit them since the month of March, but because of lack of time we could not visit them before. On Friday 13th, we arrived at the airport in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas at 1:30 p. m., where Bro. Eduardo was waiting for us. We went to his home where we had a good meal with his family. After that he took us to a hotel downtown and we started to work. We visited three leaders of the cups church and studied what the Bible says about the Lord’s supper. Two of them accepted and one rejected the teachings.
 That night we went to visit Bro. Abel Trujillo in his home in Suchiapa, Chiapas, about 30 minutes from Tuxtla Gutierrez.  Bro. Abel has been using one cup in the Lord’s Supper for the last 5 years. He came up to that conclusion by studying the Holy Scriptures by himself. He preaches to a small group of 6 members in this little town. We visited for a while and made plans to go to Ocosingo, Chiapas, to visit his brother Esau Trujillo, the next morning.
 Early the next morning, Saturday at 6:00 a. m., Bro. Eduardo and Bro. Abel came to the hotel to pick us up and go to Ocosingo. We took a taxi to San Cristobal de las Casas, about one hour and a half, with a lot of curves, high mountains, but a beautiful scenery: Green, everything is green, tall pine trees, real cool. We got to San Cristobal de las Casas and took another taxi to Ocosingo, about two and a half hours. (according to the taxi drivers in this road there are 95 “topes”, bumps to make you slow down; and 365 curves). We got to Ocosingo around 10:00 a. m., where Bro. Esau and his wife were waiting for us. This brother Esau had written me a letter back in 1994, requesting information on the Lord’s Supper, and asking for Bibles, but because of the uprising of the gerrilla at that time, we lost contact with him until now that we finally meet. These brethren have been using one cup in the Lord’s supper for 5 years. They studied the Bible by themselves and were convinced that this is what the Bible says. They are a congregation of 30 members and they have their own building. We had lunch with and went back to Tuxtla Gutierrez.
 It is really wonderful, that when people take the Bible, the word of God, and do just what it says, they are going to use one bread and one cup; because this is what it says. It is necessary to have the ruses of Satan to start using breads and cups and many other strange things to the Word.
 On Sunday morning we met for worship in the home of Bro. Eduardo and his family and other brethren. Juan III was in charged of the singing and I was invited to preach. Sure was a beautiful reunion!
We had lunch with them and then we left for this town called Guadalupe Victoria, Villa Flores, Chiapas, where we had been invited to present the lesson about the Lord’s supper. All of the congregation of 15 members was convinced except for one brother. They are going to study for themselves and decide what to do. We will inform you of the results later. We ate some tamales from Chiapas, very good, there came a big, big rain that even the electricity went out; but finally we were able to go back to Tuxtla in the middle of the rain. We left Bro. Abel and Suchiapa and we continue our trip to Tuxtla. We were very tired but happy for the opportunity to work for the Lord!
 The next day, we went to downtown, took several pictures and walk around the main plaza, and waited for Bro. Eduardo to pick us up and take us to the airport. We left Tuxtla Gutierrez at 3:45  and arrive at Saltillo at 8:00 p. m. the next day we continue our trip back home to Nuevo Laredo.
 Thanks to the good Lord, there are now three congregations established in the State of Chiapas: Tuxtla Gutierrez, Ocosingo, and Suchiapa. And with good possibilities that another one will be converted in the near future. For God be the honor and glory!
 Really enjoyed the trip with my son Juan III. He was a big help during the trip.
 We appreciate the support to make this trip to Bro. William Verner. And the congregation responsible for this work is the Deer Park Church of Christ in Pasadena, Texas. Please pray for this new work and for this writer and his family! Please visit us in our web page:
www.iglesiadecristolatina.com
We are leaving fro Cuba, June 30-July 12. We are going to visit most of the congregations and preachers, specially the new ones.  Please pray for us in this trip.
Juan Rodríguez Jr.
juanjr@globalpc.net

phone direct dialing:
01152- (867)-715-63-75
-----------------
Preachers' Study
October 2001
The Preachers' Study in Mexico was excellent this year.  There were about 50 preachers and leaders present.   The theme for the study was "The Home As God Wants It."  The preachers did a superb job in presenting their topics.  We really appreciate the brethren in Saltillo, Mexico, for making this study possible.  Also, we appreciate the tireless efforts of brother Wayne McKamie and Juan Rodriguez Jr. who arranged the study, and for brother Bill Verner who constantly helps in the Latin work.
Brethren, please remember the work in Mexico in your prayers.  May God bless all those who are diligently laboring in His kingdom.
Tony Melton
tmelton@cinci.rr.com
 
Our Trip to  Cuba
July  2001
Dear Brethren:
June 20-29, we had the privilege of going back to Cuba, to visit the newly established work there. In this trip Bro. Juan Castellanos, a leader of the San Pedro congregation in Monterrey-San Pedro, was able to go with Jaime Contreras and this writer. He was able to stay with us the first part of the trip, as he had to returned to his job. He was a great help to us! We are happy to say that the Lord blessed our visit to the Island. We were able to visit the first congregation that was converted during our first trip back in January, PUERTA DE GOLPE. This congregation has 25 members. Bro. Orlando Dago preaches in this congregation. When they were converted from digression, there were 15 members but since that time they have baptized 6 and others have been restored. We also were able to visit the new congregation that was established back in May, BAHIA HONDA. At that time they baptized six and established the congregation. During our visit Bro. Jesus Marrero, the preacher there, baptized 2 and I baptized 3. So there are 11 members now in this new congregation. These two congregations are in the province of Pinar Del Río.
From there we traveled to the other extreme of the Island, to the Guantanamo province in the west side, about two days traveling. We rented a car and a man helped us to drive during our stay in Cuba. Bro. Dago had made arrangements for us to visit a cups preacher, Bro. Juan Carlos Samón. This brother was waiting for us and had invited 8 more preachers to study with us. We studied with them about the Lord's Supper for a whole day. They understood what the Bible says, were convinced and promised to study with their congregations about this subject. They said that they wanted to study with the members in private, and convince them before they start using one cup, so that there were no division among the congregations. They said that there are some members that they are waiting for something to use as an excuse to divide or cause problems. We saw the wisdom of that procedure and encouraged them to study with their members and to start worshiping scripturally as soon as possible.
We studied with 9 preachers and leaders which represented 8 congregations and about 170 members. These preachers are very humble men, well educated, and hard workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. They want to do what the Bible says.
After we got back, two congregations: SAN LUIS, 15 members, and EL MOSQUITERO, 12 members decided to worship according to the pattern, and on July 1st, they used one cup in the Lord's supper. Bro. Wilmer Lobaina preaches at the San Luis congregation and Bro. Aroldo Lobaina at the El Mosquitero congregation.
Since we got back from Cuba, we have been in contact with these preachers by phone calls and emails. We've been encouraging them to obey what the Bible says, and last Wednesday, July 25th, Bro. Juan Carlos called me and tells me that on July 22, two more congregations started to worship scripturally: NARANJAL DEL TOA, 41 members and EL PINO DE DUABA, 10 members. Bro. Jose Luis Samón preaches at Naranjal del Toa and Bro. Alexis Rodriguez preaches at El Pino de Duaba.
So, at this time, there are six faithful congregations in Cuba with some 114 members. For all this we rejoice and give God the honor and glory!
During our trip we were able to talk to an official of the Government about registering the Church in Cuba. According to him it will take some time before we can get the registration, but he was willing to give us a temporary permit. So at this time, at least, the brethren in the province of Pinar del Rio have a temporary permit to worship. They require that we have a building and other things that we can meet with time, Lord willing.
We want to thank, from the bottom of our heart, the congregations and individuals that helped us to make this trip possible and are helping the Cuba Work: Irving, Texas; Springfield, Mo., Atwater, Calif. and Yuba City, Calif. Bro. Bill Verner helped us during our first trip. Bro. Donald French has helped us in getting support from the California Churches. And Bro. Robert Burd from San Diego, California is sending $
100.00 per month for the work in Cuba. May the Almighty richly bless you for your good works, is our prayer. You can be confident that your support is bringing much fruit for the Lord in Cuba.
We are planning to go back to Cuba the last week of November or the first week in December. If possible we want to visit them three times per year. We feel that the brethren there need a lot of teaching in many subjects.
If you have any questions or comments about this great work, please feel free to call or write this writer. Please continue to help us and to pray for the work in Cuba.
In His service,
Juan Rodriguez Jr.
 
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive


Peru
 
Rodríguez Jr., Juan
Nellie Rachel, daughter
Juan III, son
Joshua, son
Daniel, son
2104 Guaymas Ave.
Laredo, Texas 78046
(956) 729-8638
juanjr@globalpc.net
 
REPORT ON THE TRIP TO PERU
March 11-22, 2004
Dear Brethren:
First of all I want to apologize for not sending this report before, but have been awfully busy and out of town. Forgive me for this. I will do better in the future, Lord willing.
Brother Jaime Contreras and this writer left Mexico City, March 11th, for Lima, Peru. Brethren Julio Valverde, Hernando Motta and other members of the Lima congregation were waiting for us at the airport. We arrived at 11:30 p. m. after a long trip. But it was good to be back in Peru. The next day we met with Bre. Julio and Motta and several leaders to plan the work for the next 11 days. That same afternoon we studied with several members of the congregation at Ingenieria.
The next day, Saturday, we held a home study at the home of  Mrs. Sully at a new location in Lima. Several people were present during the Study. The next week we came back to this home to hold a worship service with more people that this lady had invited. Plans are to continue to study with these people, hoping to establish a congregation in this place. Several of these people attended services the next Lord’s Day at Ingenieria, where the church is established. That same afternoon, we studied with Bro. Augusto Yance, a cups preacher that was almost converted to use one cup and no-Sunday school. We made an appointment for the following week, to study with him and his family.
On Sunday morning we worshiped at Ingenieria, where Bro. Motta is the preacher. I had the privilege of presenting the lesson. In the afternoon, we worshiped at the other congregation in Lima, at 2 de Agosto, where Bro. Julio Valverde is the preacher. I preached at this place too. After services we went to study and sing songs with the relatives of Omar, a member of the church. A long day, but very productive in the Lord’s work!
March 15-19, we held a training session program with the leaders of the two congregations: Ingenieria and 2 de Agosto. This was during the mornings. Bro. Jaime Contreras help us teaching the rudiments of music and I presented doctrinal subjects and how to prepare and deliver lessons, lead songs, wait on the Lord’s table, etc.
In the afternoons, we studied every day with different people: Catholic, Pentecostal, cups and classes. And at night we held two Gospel meetings at 2 de Agosto, Monday 15th through Wednesday 17th. And at Mariategui, Thursday 18th through Sunday 21st. This congregation at Mariategui was converted from the cups and classes, during the week that we were in Peru. We studied with Bro. Augusto Yance and his family on Tuesday 16, and after a long discussion with his son in law, who is a leader of the cups congregation, him and his family were converted, and invited us to hold them a meeting March 18-21st. His son in law got so upset that he left the house very mad with Bro. Augusto.
Saturday 20th was a great day! We may call it the day of reaping, as 3 young people were baptized, one restored and 9 converted from the cups and classes persuasion. We started the day going to the beach to baptized two of Bro. Motta’s sons: Carolina and Mauricio, and Gustavo, a young man that we had been studying with all week. After the baptisms we went to eat and  in the afternoon we studied with two cups families of 8 members. Several of these young people attended our training sessions during the week and wanted us to study with their parents in their home. After a long study, they all accepted the Truth and were converted! It was a great joy. We rejoice and cried for their conversion. And at night, during services, one more young man, Paolo, was converted from the cups; and Hernando Jr. was restored. What a day!!!!
On Sunday 21, we worshiped at four congregations: Ingenieria, 2 de Agosto, and the two newly converted congregations, during the trip, Mariategui – 8 members, and Motupe – 4 members, where Bro. Augusto Yance is the preacher. I preached at two congregations: Mariategui and Motupe and Jaime Contreras at Ingenieria and 2 de Agosto. After services we met again with the preachers and leaders of the congregations at Bro. Motta’s home to discuss about the work in Peru and to make plans and to pray for the work and for our trip the next morning at 6:00 a. m.
Now Bro. Hernando Motta is preaching at Ingenieria, Bro. Julio Valverde at 2 de Agosto, and Augusto Yance at Mariategui and Motupe. And they are doing a great work!
On Monday morning, we got up at 3:30 a. m. to be at the airport at 4:00 and leave at 6:00 a. m. We arrive at Mexico City at 3:30 p. m. and I waited my flight for Saltillo at 6:00 to be in Saltillo at 8:30 p. m. We were very tired, but very, very happy!!!!
So, the Lord blessed our trip to Peru, as three were baptized and 9 converted from the cups, besides 2 small congregations of 8 and 4 members were converted with their preacher, Brother Augusto Yance. Now there are 4 congregations in Lima, Peru. We give God the honor and glory! And we thank you very much for your support and prayers!
If you have any questions about this trip or about the work in Peru, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
In His service,
Juan Rodríguez Jr.
P. O. Box 430027
Laredo, Texas 78043-0027
Phone Direct Dialing: 011-52-(867) 715-63-75
juanjr2003@prodigy.net.mx


TRIP TO PERU!

February 17-25, 2003

February 17, Bro. Jaime Contreras, Bro. Hernando Motta and this writer left on a missionary trip to Lima, Peru. Bro. Motta had traveled several times to Peru, when he was with the cups. So he invited us to go to Lima to study with a brother Julio Valverde and other cups brethren. Bro. Randy Tidmore from El Paso, Texas also gave us several contacts in Peru, and among them was this brother Julio Valverde.

On Monday 17, we arrived to Lima, at 5:30 p. m. Brehtren Julio Valverde, Alexander Contreras and a young man Marco Yhon Espiritu were waiting for us at the airport. They took us to the hotel and then we went to visit Bro. Julio’s family. It is a big family but they attend to different
denominations. Some of them are members of the Church of Christ, as they were baptized several years ago.

The following days we were very busy. During the mornings we studied with brethren Julio Valverde, Alexander Contreras, Roberto Pedroza, and Pablo Calzada, members of the cups church in Lima. We studied about the Lord’s Supper, Sunday school, Women speaking during service, etc., etc., subject that they needed to know. It was also a good teaching session for Bro. Motta. We also studied with two young men: Marco Yhon Espiritu and Jesus. They were not members of the Church.

In the afternoons we were making copies of the studies and the material that we wanted to leave with them. We made copies of a songbook that we had and printed several. We made invitations for the short Gospel meeting, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We made a seal for the Church. We bought Bibles; we pass out tracts and knock doors.

At night, we had two home studies in the home of Juan Espinoza, Tuesday and Wednesday. We studied with several families, there were 14 people present every night. They are Pentecostals and are good prospects.

On Thursday night we went to the home of Bro. Emilio Larzundi, to study about the Lord’s Supper. They are members of the "conservative" group in Lima. They are very nice and sincere, very good workers in their Church, but they rejected what we presented to them, because of the danger of aids and tuberculosis. We left them material on the subject and they promised to study it.

From Friday to Sunday we had our weekend meeting. The Lord blessed our efforts and one young man, Marco Yhon Espiritu was baptized on Saturday morning. It was a great joy to go to the beach in Lima to baptized this young man that we had been studying with him during the whole week. On Friday, Bro. Julio Valverde had accepted that he had been worshipping in error and had asked us to pray for him. And on Sunday morning, brethren Alexander Contreras and Roberto Pedroza came forward accepting their doctrinal error and requesting to pray for them too. And on Monday night, just before we left Peru, Bro. Pablo Calzada took his stand for the Truth and we prayed for him. we rejoiced with the angels in heaven for these results! To God be the honor and glory! During the meeting we had good attendance: Friday 15 adults, Saturday 14 Adults, Sunday morning 20 adults and Sunday night 16 adults!

The Church of the Lord has been established in Lima, Peru!!!!!!!!!!!

Bro. Julio Valverde and the brethren that have been converted from the cups, Alexander Contreras, Roberto Pedroza and Pablo Calzada will be working with this congregation. Bro. Julio Valverde will be the preacher in this place. He is a graduate from the Sunset School of preaching in Lubbock, Texas. He also studied in San Antonio, Texas. He is bachelor and is 57 years old. He speaks some English and teaches private classes and helps in an orphan home for very little money. He needs to be supported. He needs your help and the Church in Lima needs this man.

Please pray for this new work! The North Area Church of Christ from Springfield, Missouri is sponsoring this work in Ecuador and Perú, and we thank God for their vision to evangelize South America!

We want to thank publicly the Churches that made this trip possible! Also we want to thank our families, wives and children, for their unconditional support so that we be able to take the gospel to the lost, in other countries. Without their support and understanding this could not have been possible. May the Almighty bless our brethren and our families!!!!!!!!!

In His service,
Juan Rodríguez Jr.

Venezuela
Murl R. Helwig (contact)
7446 Saddlewood St.
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 523-1864
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive
 

Philippines

&ID=269&State=Kansas&Area=Wichita"> Heartland Church of Christ
321 S 162nd West
Goddard, KS 67052

June, 2012 Mission Trip to Mindanao, Philippines

            Two separate trips to the island of Mindanao, Philippines have been completed this summer with great success for the Glory of God.

            Brother Glenn Ballard completed one trip to part of Mindanao and the Visayan Islands.  And Mike Whitworth and Bret Jones from Wichita traveled through over half of Mindanao on the other one.  This report is about the second trip mentioned.

First of all we give glory and thanksgiving to God, our Father, for the wonderful results and safety in travel all throughout the trip.

We also want to give a huge gratitude to the Churches and individuals in the U. S. who funded this trip.  It was a blessing for us and a great encouragement to our brethren there for us to go all that distance and travel within to be with them.

The purpose and goal of this trip was to actually visually see as many places of worship and meet as many Christians there as we possibly could.  There were also three half-day preacher studies and eight half-day gospel meetings held during the 13 days we were there on the ground.  And we actually visited over 60 congregations. 

Our thanks again go out to our Father who added some 71 people to His church through obedience to baptism while we were there.  And there have been close to half that many baptized in just this first week after our return.

Mindanao is an odd shaped island with a mass of land with approximately the same amount of square miles as the state of Indiana.  So it is not a large area.  But it is difficult to get around in.  Even though the area is not large, it is estimated that there are over 200 faithful congregations meeting at this time with growth being accomplished at a steady rate.  Some of these congregations have been in existence for more than 15 years as a result of the Church being established many years ago in the north island of the Philippines, Luzon, where Manila is.  But the vast majority of these congregations in Mindanao and the Visayas began as a result of one man in 2001 or 02 contacting the web site of Gospel @Newtestamentchurch.org kept by David Risener here in the U. S.

That one man, Nestor Naldo, who is now very ill due to six strokes, began to spread the news of true worship to others until it has spread throughout the island.  We discovered how these men even knew who to contact from other areas.  Most of the preachers now are converted from denominations and had classmates from whatever Bible colleges they received their degrees from.  Once they found out the truth, they contacted these former classmates and converted them as well.  Thus, the work has grown.

The majority of congregations are in the south part of the island where Nestor Naldo lived.  But the church has spread north where we spent 8 of our 13 days visiting relatively new churches most of which have been established within the last 3 to 6 years.  We had not visited any of these areas in previous trips over the years.  It was very encouraging to see the faithfulness, joy in working for the Lord that these people and preachers displayed.

We rented a van and driver who took us and four native preachers all over the covered area.  Two of the evangelist, Vicente Vallar and Ireneo Talangin organized the whole trip for us prior to our going.  They did an outstanding job.  We had sent them and a handful of other evangelists to the north over the last 3 years to follow leads and help established churches to stay strong.  The other two preachers who traveled with us were Elmer Panes and Julito Ditan.  All four of these have been preaching in the Church of Christ there for several years. 

The Church as a whole in Mindanao is young and experiences typical growing pangs, but as a whole, is doing very well.  We at the congregation is Wichita have been extremely blessed to be a part of this work for the Lord for the last nine years. 

The work has grown so much that we could and would accept any type of assistance from any who might be interested in taking over part of the work area or who could help support preachers.

If you have any questions regarding this report or the work there, please contact Mike Whitworth of the Heartland Church of Christ in Wichita, KS.  The cell phone number is 316-617-2028.

May God continue to bless His work wherever in the world the harvest is ready.  Matt 28: 19-20.               

Regards,

Mike Whitworth and Bret Jones
mlwhitwor@aol.com

Athens Church of Christ, Athens, TX
  Glenn Ballard

     Rebecca (wife)
    11291 F.M. 346
    Flint, TX 75762 USA
    1-903-894-3391 home
    1-903-312-0371 h-cell
    gballard@brookhill.org
July 2007 Report from Philippines by Glenn Ballard

I am writing tonight, Thursday, July 19, from Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. We have just returned to our hotel at 9:30 pm after observing a moonlit baptizing in the Davao Gulf. I had the privilege of preaching tonight at the Boulevard congregation here in Davao City where brother Wilfredo Canas and his son Melchor Canas are the preachers. After the service, two persons, a young man and a young woman, expressed their desire to be baptized so about 16 of us walked through the market to the place where we could rent a jeepney (Filipino mass transit) and we rode together to the public dock where the brethren do their baptizing. It was the same place that I had the privilege of baptizing Camilo Samson just last night. Anyway, it was memorable to be riding down Quezon Blvd in Davao City in a jeepney singing "Oh Happy Day" at the top of our lungs. Brother Melchor Canas did the baptizing and we sang another verse and prayed before heading back to the Canas home where services are also conducted. Since we began our work in Ormoc City on the island of Leyte last Wednesday, we have been blessed to be a part of 16 baptisms. Our studies in Ormoc and in Davao City have been very well attended and we shared very emotional fairwells with the brethren in both places. Tomorrow morning we will leave our hotel at 6:30 a.m to journey north to the town of Laak and then will visit the churches in the vicinity of Carmen before returning to Davao late in the evening. This will be the first time I have visited the churches in these areas. On Saturday we will spend the day visiting and preaching in several new congregations in the greater Davao City area. This is a metropolis of several million people and since last year four new congregations have been started bringing the total to seven in this major city. On Sunday, Jimmy Vannoy will preach in three of the congregations in Davao City while Randy and I will travel to Bacungan and to Kidapawan City to preach for congregations where we have not visited before. We are tired but full of joy for a very successful journey, and a little homesick. Pray for us as we wrap up our mission and head home next Monday. Special thank you to all the congregations that have a part in supporting this work.

Brotherly love,

Glenn Ballard


*************
&ID=269&State=Kansas&Area=Wichita"> Heartland Church of Christ
321 S 162nd West
Goddard, KS 67052
 
Recent Baptisms!
(These baptisms are taking place by local native preachers... if you can help support a preacher in Mindanao, Philippines, please help the Gospel effort)  Contact Mike Whitworth mlwhitwor@aol.com or Glenn Ballard gballard@brookhill.org
 
Brgy Basag T'boli South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines 11-29-05     7 Baptized
 
Sitio Tagaytay Brgy, New Aklan Glan Malungon Saranggani Province, Mindanao, Philippines  11-28,29-05  37 Baptized
 
This is an isolated, huge mountainous area where the preachers had to ride horseback from 11am to 6pm just to get to a side of a mountian where the Gospel Meeting took place.  The 2 day meeting had 165 adults in attendance even though both days had heavy rains.
 
Brgy,Banawag Kababcan North Cotabato Province, Mindanao, Philippines  11-26,27-05  14 Baptized
 
Dona Soledad General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines  11-23-05   8 Baptized
 
St. Cruz Church of Christ, Mindanao, Philippines  2 Baptized
 
Barili Poblacion, Mindanao, Philippines  25 Baptized
 
Esperanza Sultan Kudarat Province, Mindanao, Philippines  5 Baptized
 
Lamlifew, Mindanao, Philippines  6 Baptized
 
Salafan, General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines  2 Baptized
 
Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao, Philippines  71 Baptized
 
Margus Glan, Sarangani Province, Mindanao, Philippines  2 Baptized
 
Soledal Purok 17, Malogong, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines  8 Baptized
 
Sitio Atbilang, Brgy. Aflek, T’boli, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines  3 Baptized
 
Dona Soledad F1D2, Mindanao, Philippines  21 Baptized
 
Bago,  Mindanao, Philippines  7 Baptized
 
Purok Pag-Assa Davao Sur,  Mindanao, Philippines  3 Baptized
 
Also... West Bengal, India  reported 11-25-05  7 Baptized
 
Purok 7 Congregation Laguilayan, Isulan Sultan Kudarat Minadanao Philippines
The Philippines:
 ~ History ~
Mindanao:
 ~ Maps ~
--------------------
History of Work
 

 
Russia
 
Kazakhstan Work
Fox, Raymond

753 Saucito Ave.
Salinas, CA 93906 USA
831-443-6238
Salinas, CA, Congregation
fmly4jc@sbcglobal.net
Reporter: Carney Briggs
carneyb@sbcglobal.net
209-854-3429
Leads In Kazakhstan (former USSR)
1/31/2005 8:22:04 AM:
Raymond has had some fantastic leads while in Kazakhstan. He has had an opportunity to work with educators, designing curriculum to help troubled youths. This is what he had to say about one of the couples involved: "Our talks with Oleg (from the human rights group) and Svetlana his wife have been fastastic. Oleg has changed a lot of his thinking just by getting new information about what Jesus taught. Some of his ideas reflecting eastern religion have come from some articles he has read from the internet. But he sees now how unreliable the information of those articles is. He believes in God, in the resurrection of Jesus and the miracles. I think his main problem is with organized religion. But he is beginning to see that the church of Christ is not like most organized religions. We are really trying to practice the Christian life and do not have all the rituals and traditions of other religions. We have talked every day and for the last two evenings in their flat with Svetlana. Last night Svetlana invited two women who are teachers and long time friends of hers to come for dinner and conversation but we really did not talk about religion until they left. It was great to meet them and we had a great first time visit. Last night Svetlana talked about having wanted to come to God so she could become better physically since she has been sick. But she now sees this is not a sufficient reason. So we talked about sin and spiritual healing from sin. At the end Oleg raised some questions about reincarnation but we are going to talk about them today. Today we plan to go for a drive outside of town and then meet again in the evening. Keep praying!" Raymond strongly believes that Oleg and his wife are very close to becoming dedicated Christians. Please pray for them!
 
 
Moscow, Tambov, Michurinsk
Raymond Fox (contact)
753 Saucito Ave.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 443-6238
October 2001
Trip to Moscow and Penza
I just returned from a trip to Moscow and Penza, Russia and am very thankful to the Lord that the trip was successful in many ways. Before reporting on the condition of the work in Moscow, I would like to say a few words about the meetings in Penza.
First we conducted lectures every evening for two weeks on subjects the Penza brothers and sisters asked me to teach on. They requested studies on family issues such as choosing a mate, marriage, the roles of husbands and wives, and the discipline of children. So we spent the first week addressing these themes in addition to answering some other questions they had on individual topics such as ways to encourage congregational unity and the issue of social drinking. We devoted the second week to evangelistic themes focusing on realizing a living relationship with Jesus Christ. The Penza brethren invited many people to attend the lectures and as a result of their efforts we had several visitors. We were very thankful that one woman, a friend of a member of the congregation, was baptized at the end of the week. The Penza congregation is growing in number and maturing spiritually. They have capable leaders who are devoted students of God’s word.
For the past year or so the Moscow congregation has experienced serious difficulties due to the instability of the man who has been the main leader, Sergei. Due to Sergei’s dominant spirit and his insistence on promoting and practicing his opinions that do not have authority in the Scriptures, many people have left the congregation to attend denominations. However three young people in their twenties, Sasha, Vladoslav, and Natasha, have struggled to remain faithful to the word of God throughout Sergei’s vacillations. Now these three have determined that the only way to continue to honor the authority of Jesus and his word is to establish a new congregation without the leadership of Sergei. I must say I deeply respect them for their faithfulness to Christ and their enthusiasm for the gospel. They have been tried with fire and have proven to be pure. To assist them in their purpose I spent a week studying with them about the responsibilities and practicalities of establishing a congregation. Vitali Syrkin, who had traveled with me to Moscow from the Penza congregation, provided invaluable help translating during these studies. This past Sunday, October 28, was to be their first Sunday meeting together. Sergei was present at one of our studies and had nothing to say in opposition to the plan of beginning a new congregation. Apparently he plans to find a denomination that agrees with his ideas.
If you plan to visit Russia and pass through Moscow on your way to another congregation, please consider stopping to meet with these young Christians. Their focus and enthusiasm will inspire you. Vladoslav has a car and may be able to pick you up at the airport. Vladoslav and Sasha presently share a two bedroom apartment but they would like to find a furnished apartment with three bedrooms in order to have a room ready for preachers who visit Moscow. It would be best for you to arrange to have your interpreter meet you in Moscow so that you can spend some time studying and worshipping with them. Vitali from the Penza congregation also plans to travel to Moscow when possible in order to study and worship with them. Lord willing I will return to Moscow the first week of February to hold a series of evangelistic meetings with them. Please pray for this work.
Yours in Him,
Raymond Fox
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

Penza
Vitali Syrkine
David Gilley (contact)
2701 NW 19th
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 943-1463
September–December 2000
This is a report about different activities of the Penza Church for September–December 2000. I am glad to say that we, as a Church, have continued to grow in number and in our faith in Jesus Christ as our only Lord and Savior.
Our activities were mainly focused on the work in our congregation so that each brother and sister could grow in knowledge of the Word of God and be able to share the Gospel with other people who have not come to God yet. Volodya, a leader of the Church, Nikolai, one of the first members of the Church and the eldest man in our congregation, and I prepared sermons on different topics that were considered to be extremely important and most often requested by the brothers and sisters.
I spoke on all elements of Sunday worship, trying to deepen our insight into the Bible in regards to such questions as Why We Get Together on Sunday, Why We Have the Lord’s Supper Every Sunday, Why We Sing Psalms and Hymns Without Adding Instrumental Music; Why We Give Our Contribution on Sundays and How Much We Are Supposed to Give. Though the majority is familiar with these subjects, it was beneficial for us to have a deeper insight and understanding; and it was necessary therefore to compare the Old Testament and the New Testament.
We continue having our Bible studies every Wednesday. I want to state that more people show interest in these Bible Studies and are habitually coming every Wednesday. It is sad to say that Volodya had to temporarily stop his lessons on Colossians due to his being busy with his small daughter. So we have studied 2 Timothy and started the epistle of Paul to Titus. We are blessed with our newborn Sister Irina who is a musician and who helps us learn new Christian songs every Wednesday, a practice we began with Jimmy Cutter and Jillian during their recent one-week stay in Penza.
As always, we devote much time to our work with congregations outside Penza. It has become a good habit to visit our sisters and brothers in Saransk every month as the Church is small in number and therefore needs encouragement and help in any way.
Moreover, we maintain contact with the Christians in Ekaterinovka Village and I am happy to say that the family is doing much better now as Vasily, the head of the family, has stopped drinking and has a permanent job now. We plan to visit them but meanwhile we just correspond with them on a regular basis.
I went to Moscow in September, October (with Raymond Fox), and December. It was really my pleasure and I felt encouraged to be with the Christians in Moscow, especially in December. I spoke on the necessity and importance for each Christian to participate in the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. To my mind, the Church was doing better after our visit in October. In December I found my brothers and sisters uplifted and strong in following our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church in Moscow has a computer now which makes it easier and considerably cheaper to keep contact by email with Sergey and Olga.
We were very happy to have Raymond Fox with us for two weeks in October 2000. First of all, I would like to say some words about our preparations for Raymond’s visit as it was a nice experience for all of us. We started to make preparations well in advance. At Raymond’s request, I asked the brothers and sisters to make a list of all their questions and so in a week we had a list containing more than 20 different questions on different aspects of the Bible. Furthermore, we decided that each of us would invite at least one of our relatives or friends. We also put ads in our local newspapers and printed announcements that were spread out in different areas of the town. Raymond presented a very interesting series of lectures in which he did his best to give answers to almost all our questions, uniting his talks under one theme, "Christ in Us." I admired how all those different topics (e.g., the Worship, What We Must Do to Be Saved, Why We Suffer, Why People Interpret the Bible in Different Ways etc) were nicely presented and logically connected under the common theme, "Christ in Us." As a result, two people were baptized during the meeting and other guests were challenged to think about Jesus as their own Savior. Some of the visitors, particularly Irina, Nelya, Valentina, and Nina were later baptized by Volodya on December 10, 2000. Moreover, on his way to Penza, Raymond stayed in Moscow for awhile and discovered that the Church in Moscow needed help as some Christians had quit the Church due to being confused on some Bible matters. Thus he also decided to shorten his stay in Penza in order to spend a couple of days in Moscow on his way home during which he spoke to several Christians and studied the Bible with them. Raymond also had a lengthy talk with Sergey about his responsibilities as the leader of the congregation. We are very grateful to the Lord for the encouragement the Church received from these visits to Penza and Moscow. We have expressed our sincere desire to have Raymond return to Penza once a year.
We were also happy to have Jimmy Cutter and Jillian in Penza. We had not seen Jillian for several years after Jimmy’s family left Penza in May 1995 and all of us were glad to see her again. Jimmy and Jillian stayed in Penza for a week and we met every night to listen to Jimmy’s preaching. He spoke on different attributes of love (1st Corinthians 13:4-7). Jillian invited her Russian friends to attend the Bible studies; thus we had a great number of visitors. I know that Jimmy will make a more detailed report on his work in Penza and we would be glad to read it too.
We bought Bibles and Bibles for children and gave the books to the Christians’ children and grandchildren as our New Year gifts. We also had a very nice tea-party the last day of 2000.
On behalf of the Church in Penza, I would like to express our appreciation to those preachers and their families who come to Russia and devote their time, efforts, knowledge, and love to the work in Russia and, particularly, in Penza. We expect that other American preachers would like to join this great work and come to Penzaplease know that each will be welcome in Penza.
We are thankful to all the Christians in the U.S.A. and other places for your spiritual and financial support you have been kindly rendering to us for several years.
My personal thanks to those Christian families who support my activities with their words of encouragement, books, phone calls, emails, prayers, and money for our trips. My special thanks to the Church in Moore, OK. Please know that many of our aforesaid activities would not have been possible without your help. God bless you always!
With Christian Love,
Vitali Syrkine
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

Saransk
Keith Thompson (contact)
Anne (wife)
  Jamie (son)
c/o John Halls
P.O. Box 152
Armadale W.A.
6112
Australia
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

Tula
George Battey (contact)
Peggy (wife)
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

 
USA
Alabama (Dothan)
Kevin Presley
Rt. 2 Box 166
Kinston, AL 36453
(334)898-1301
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

Alabama (Opp)
Greg Fleming
221 Nevins Street
Kinston, AL 36453
(334) 565-3747
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

California (Covina)
Josh Miller
P.O. Box 764
Glendora,  CA  91740
Reporting Period: From: 08-2001 To: 02-2002
Updation Plan: Most likely, no future reports are planned for this work.
Report: Update February, 2002 Phil and Rachel (the couple that I met from the Covina Farmer's Market)attended the Covina church again when I gave a lesson on the fruit of the Spirit, and we visited together and had another Bible study after the service. They may come again this next Lord's Day. I was pleased that Angie also came to the service that day, and hope to study more with her as well. I have also been studying with a lady named Guillermina, whom I met when door knocking for the Wayne McKamie meeting last year. She speaks very little English but the Lord has helped me with my Spanish, and we have been able to have studies out of the Reina-Valera Bible (the Spanish equivalent of the King James version). I am continuing to work with Andy Alarcon (baptized in April of 2001) to help him to grow in Christ. By God's grace he has really grown in his Christian walk, and has been glorifying God in the midst of ongoing hardships in his life. Andy is a real encouragement to me. I had another uplifting first Sunday with the Hawthorne congregation, which has already grown since my last visit, as some of the people that they were reaching out to have put on Christ in baptism. In Christian love, Josh Miller Quarterly Update December 2001 August I have really good news to share from the month of August - we have a new brother and sister in Christ! We met Amber Brown, sixteen years old, through the Glendora Farmer's Market outreach. After we studied about the Deity of Christ, the gospel, and Biblical repentance, Amber stated that she was baptized as a baby. During our next study we watched a video about Bible conversions and looked at some additional passages on baptism, and Amber recognized her need to obey the gospel. I took her confession and immersed her into Christ, and when she came up out of the water she joyfully declared, "I'm saved!" Just three days later Don McCord baptized Norman Smith, the boyfriend of the young lady that I baptized in June. Please pray for his new walk in Christ. Because of how well the Glendora Farmer's Market outreach went, we also started manning a booth at the Covina Farmer's Market, which is held on Friday nights. September/October George has been very ill for years, and seemed to be taking a turn for the worst. Though he had previously been closed to the gospel, in a recent conversation he expressed an interest in salvation. After many key Scriptures were shared with him I took his confession of faith and baptized him on October 8. I freely admit that door knocking is my least favorite form of outreach, and believe that the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons have caused many people to be defensive at the door. However, I've recently felt convicted that I need to make more of an effort to reach out to my neighbors. I got to have a Bible study with a couple of Azusa Pacific University students (a religious school) at the first door that I knocked on (in a while), and have gotten to meet some neighbors that will hopefully be willing to study in the future. I was honored to preach at the Labor Day meeting in Lodi, which I believe was the biggest crowd that I've ever preached to. I got to meet many wonderful brothers and sisters and was very encouraged by the preaching, worship, and fellowship. Sadly, the Glendora Farmer's Market closed for the year on September 6, but the Covina Farmer's Market has remained open, and the outreach there has been going well. In fact, we have made so many contacts from both farmer's markets that I have had to put the college outreaches on hold in order to follow up with all of them, but the campus outreach will resume this month(October), Lord willing. I have been asked to preach on the first Sunday of each month at the Hawthorne Church of Christ, a small congregation meeting near the Los Angeles airport that has a sincere desire to grow. They are a fired up assembly of Christians and I enjoy the time that I spend with them. Don McCord was back for a while from his summer meetings, so we have been able to have some edifying times of Bible study and prayer in September. It is a blessing to have one on one time with a great brother like Don. November On November 2 I went door knocking with a number of young people from the congregation, inviting the residents to the Wayne McKamie meeting. We were disappointed that none of them showed up to the meeting but we have the names and addresses of people who seemed at least semi-open to studying the Bible. I was pleased that my friend Robert, whom I met at the gym, came to one night of the meeting. Robert also came to church once when I preached and we discussed different Biblical matters, including New Testatment baptism, and why we commune with one loaf and one cup. Please pray that he will be open to having a regular Bible study. The preaching of Wayne McKamie was excellent, and one brother responded to the invitation by making a confession of faults. I have been able to meet semi-regularly with Ron, whom I met from the Covina Farmer's Market outreach. He is a member of a Church of God that believes in Saturday worship and keeping a yearly Passover; please also pray for my studies with him. I still have plenty of follow up to do with contacts from the Farmer's Markets, neighbors, and residents near the Covina church buidling. I am still seeking out open college students (in the campus outreach), but they are focused on finals at this time, and then there will be a winter break through the rest of December. It is sad that while some students appear to have a certain level of curiosity about God's word, very few seem to be making it the number one priority in their lives (and the ones that I've met who are have been tragically indoctrinated with false teachings). Please pray that God will give the increase from these efforts to share the truth with college students. Don McCord and I have been having studies on different Biblical issues with some of the sisters on Wednesday nights before the evening services; these have been informative and edifying. Don and I have also been having one on one Bible studies and discussions on ministry related matters which have been very helpful. In Christian love, Josh Miller

History of Work [not currently available]
 

California (San Diego)
Asunción Rodríguez (Elías)
603 E 19th Street, #D
National City, CA  91950
619-474-1796
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

California (Tehachapi)
Brian Elliott (contact)
661-833-6818
Gerald R. Barrett (contact)
22150 Old Well Road
Tehachapi, CA 93561
(661) 822- 4970
Sunday March 27, 2005 10:57 PM
Time is so fleeting. It doesn't seem like it's been so long since we last gave a report on the work in Tehachapi. We've had a few changes since our last report. Alan and Melissa Herrin have since moved to Maryland and are meeting in their home with another family. We believe they are doing a good work in that area. Alan and Melissa are very zealous workers for the Lord. Their address and telephone number is 5011 Mallard Lane, Frederick, MD 21703(Phone #) 301-696-2012. They would love for you to attend services with them if you can. Won't you consider worshipping with them when you are in the area. We have had several leads and have invited them to the worship services and have had Bible studies with with some. Ryan Terwilliger and Jimmy Downum have continued to bring wonderful lessons to the brethren here. We are approaching our fifth year here and they have from the beginning helped us on a monthly basis for which we thank God for them. Brian Elliott and his family (of Bakersfield, Ca.) and Charles Oriaro and his family (of Orange, Ca.) continue also to bring us wonderful lessons from God's word. You would do well to contact these men if you need someone to preach the Gospel. They are very able brethren. Joe Barrett, Matthew Barrett and Dave Payne continue to be a great asset in the work and worship here in this community. The congregation here is at peace and continues to work in the cause of Christ. We solicit your prayers for the on going work here.  If any are passing through the Tehachapi area won't you please stop by and worship with us. May God bless the faithful wherever they are working in the Cause. Gerald Barrett
History of Work [not currently available]
">Reports Archive
 

Kansas  (Lawrence)
Denton, Tony E.
Thursday July 03, 2003  07:02 PM

Since the work here in Lawrence, Kansas, is the best work in which I've ever been involved, and since David Risener encouraged me to send in a report for the website, here it is.

Summarily, we've had 17 conversions connected with this work since we moved here six years ago. The longest I had ever been anywhere before was 3.5 years. I think this goes to show that one of the reasons why some works (especially in America) don't go as well as we wish is because we quit too quickly.

I send a report to every congregation which supports the work here on a quarterly basis; and the fourth one (the annual report in December) is perused and signed by the male members as well.

I hope the following (out-of-the-ordinary type of) report encourages you concerning American works and perhaps even causes more support of such great works. Blessings to you and the work in your respective areas.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

June 23rd, 2003

Dearest Brethren:

I'm delighted to send you this (second quarterly) report, because this has been a very good year so far! Instead of going through the routine outlined report, I thought I'd provide you with some great highlights of recent weeks. Thank you for reading these reports; I especially love to hear about the congregations who read them out loud.

Do you remember how that in our last (March) report I mentioned that we were at a high point in the work, having various studies going on and having just baptized another person? Well, we're still at a high point because our 16th and 17th Converts were just baptized yesterday! But before I talk about them, let me tell you a little about our 15th Convert of the last report.

He's what I call "a firecracker." I think he's the most enthusiastic new Christian I've ever had the privilege of converting; for examples: (1) he wants to be (and has been) at every service of the Church to learn all he can and to worship and thank God--he truly appreciates what God has done for him; (2) he insists on studying with me at least three hours a week; (3) at this early stage and even if he went alone, he attended every service of a week-long meeting about 40 miles away (except when we had services here); (4) he already has a lead for us in one of his life-long friends that he has brought to Church here, as well as to the meeting I just mentioned, and to the baptisms yesterday; (5) he's already very involved in evangelism and anything else he can be involved in, such as painting our building; and (6) he's purposely trying to come up with ways to rub his enthusiasm off on others whom he recognizes as not having the same fire he does; he wants them to see what he does--that they should be so thankful to God that they can never do enough. Now to our new couple:

A husband-and-wife team that I've been studying with obeyed the Gospel yesterday! The wife is the sister of the husband of the last married couple I baptized 18 months ago. (Don't you just love how new blood opens doors for more new blood?) Just as with the couple baptized 18 months ago, this new couple has been very thankful that we came into their lives. They really enjoy studying the Bible, and we hope and pray that they will, in turn, open yet other doors of opportunity via the children and friends; after all, such is partly why we're in our present high point in the work here.

Further: ...I have a few online studies going with folks around here as well as with folks who don't live around here. For example, a cups/classes fellow in Mississippi who found my website visited our congregation when he came to visit friends; he did so realizing that we're different, wanting to see it for himself, and asking for more information. Since then we've been corresponding online, and he has mentioned the idea of speaking to his congregation concerning having me come to Mississippi to present our positions publicly (not in a debate format, but a discourse/question-and-answer format).

Well, I could share more with you, but I hope this is satisfying to you, relative to the idea that your prayers, concern, and support are not going for naught here in Lawrence, Kansas. If you want more information, please feel free to contact one of the leaders here as listed below, and, Lord willing, we (as has been our custom) will send you an annual report from the congregation itself.

Blessings to You and on the Work in Your Area,
Tony Denton

Illinois

Chad Cranfield
  13272 State Hwy 96
  Pleasant Hill IL 62366 USA
  615-306-3016

  rachlvschad_ro@yahoo.com
  Mozier Church of Christ

Reporting Period: 01-2011 to 08-2011
Report:

I am thankful for the opportunity to write this report for the congregation here in Mozier, IL. We have had three baptized into the Lord and been able to get five fallen back into the fold. The work here continues on with studies in the community and some interest starting to show. We thank the Lord daily for such a harvest. We have had two meetings this year, Bro Reggie Kinser in April, and Bro Duane Permenter the first part of August. Both went well with wonderfull preaching and uplifting the congregation. Pray for the work here, that if the Lord wills it may prosper. Yours in Christ, Chad Cranfield


Oklahoma (Blanchard)
Glen Osburn
Rt. 4, Box 918
Blanchard, OK 73010 USA
405-392-4400
New Congregation
It's time to begin! April 19–22 has been scheduled for the "Grand Opening" meeting of the Whispering Pines congregation. Please come join us as we celebrate the completion of our facilities, and the beginning of our work. Worship will begin at 7:30pm on Thursday & Friday, and 6pm on Saturday. Sunday worship will begin at 10am & 4pm. For maps or other information, email Glen Osburn: glenreba@email.com
Glen
 

Oregon (Salem)
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

Texas (Corsicana)
Jimmy Vannoy
105 Sunset Circle, Corsicana, TX 75110
903-872-5419
No current report
 
History of Work [not currently available]
 

Texas (El Paso)
Randall (Randy) M. Tidmore
10681 Birthstone Drive
El Paso, TX 79935
(915) 590-5774
History of Work [not currently available]



Texas (Houston)
Daniel B Rodrguez
11145 Opatmy Meadows Land
Houston, TX  77064  USA
(713) 359-6187
danieljoanna15@gmail.com
   http://iglesiadecristoenfairbanks.jimdo.com/

October Report 2012
Houston Spanish Ministry
October 2012 Report-WORD.doc
Microsoft Word Document [789.0 KB]
Download
History of Work [not currently available]

 
Via the Internet
NewTestamentChurch.org
David Risener
PO Box 57
Sulphur, OK
580-993-0531

Letter Address to Contributors Who Support this Evangelistic Effort
07-15-2014

Dear Contributor,

Most of my reports are posted at NewTestamentChurch.org website and can be printed for the congregation to view. This time, I am also mailing a card to each contributor. I don't do this often because reports are available on the website and many of you have told me to spend my time in communications with our evangelistic efforts because you can read the progress reports on the site. However, please contact me anytime if you ever need additional information.

Since the beginning of this effort we have had over Nine Million visits to our site (avg 1,314/day). The site mainly consist of Bible Study Articles/Material, Sermon Outlines, Gospel Videos, Gospel Audios, Bible Correspondent Courses and Bible translations. Most of these pages have a "Contact Us" link and has the potential to generate soul saving leads. You are welcome to view the Evangelist Efforts page on our site where I have provided a description of my normal daily tasks.

Sometimes "normal" turns into many other responsibilities that I need to attend to, such as a disaster or foreign preacher problems.

The following are a few things that might be of interest to you: (1.) From time to time I receive a request from a family in the U.S. asking my help in locating a Christian couple to adopt a child. I play a small part in the introductions, but am extremely happy when a Christian home is found for a child. (2.) We have helped connect U.S. Christians with needy Christian families in different 3rd world countries. Example: A family in the U.S. helps provide for the physical needs of a child from a Christian family in another country. For about $25/mo a U.S. Christian can take on most of the needs the family is having major difficulties providing a child. In this report there is a picture of such a needy family. A U.S. family wanted to support one child for $25/mo. Once they obtained more information about the needs of this special family, who had 3 precious children (see front cover picture), the loving U.S. members decided to support all three. (It thrills my soul to see such compassion one Christian family to another.) (3.) From time to time a disaster devastates the lives of some of our Brethren. Not only do we email prayer requests for our fellow Brothers and Sister in distress, but at times we also gather money to supply necessities. An example of this is the recent Typhoons that hit the Philippines where 20 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. Two of our children and three adult Christians lost their lives and several members were hospitalized. Many Christian homes were totally demolished. To the best of my knowledge the needs of the Brethren there were lovingly provided by Christians/Congregations here in the United States (see cover page pictures). (4.) I continue to work, to the best of my ability to find support for faithful preachers here and abroad. IF you can help with this, I will provide you additional info and references. (5.) In regards to directly spreading the Gospel there are major and timely Communications taking place in India, Countries in Africa, Philippines, U.S., and South America. There are also New Contacts we are in communications with in Indonesia, Japan, China, Turkey, Germany, and Cuba. If you are interested in volunteering to study with some of these contacts, please let me know.

Because of your support, these tasks continue. I cannot express enough the constant need for your support and I thank you greatly for all the past contributions. A financial report is also posted for contributors in the password protected area of our site. With your help, Souls are being Saved, Needy Brethren are being cared for, and Spiritual Babes in Christ are provided Edifications and Encouragement. Please pray that this work continues and my spiritual, mental and physical health withstands the work before me.

In His Service, David Risener ~ Gospel@NT-C.org ~ 580-993-0531

PS... Comments Also Available (Example): I am happy to work with the leads from Newtestamentchurch.org. We have been contacting these people and inviting them to our studies to know and learn more. By this site we are able to reach and contact many in India. Thanks to Brother David Risener for his efforts. We hope in future may reach many people by this web work- Saganty Lazarus, INDIA 6-7-14
  • To View Pictures of Support Provided to Philippine Brethren During  the Typhoons and Earthquake
    CLICK HERE
     

    David Risener's
    Average Daily Schedule
    Results of two-week work study
    • Check Emails each day (40++ good emails)
    • Try to take care of pressing emails (15+)
      • Prioritize incoming emails
    • Non-members (questions, studies, etc.) ...1 hour to several hrs.
    • Work on Members who need immediate help
    • Work on pages that are down
    • Gospel Meetings, Baptisms, Prayer requests, etc.
    • Personal response ...10 to 20 emails
    • Emails forwarded to counselors for response / study ...2 to 4 emails
    • Post Announcements / Notices / Evangelistic Field Reports, etc.
    • Approve new members (leads) ...10 min. to 1 hr.
    • Prioritize outgoing emails, other than replies to the above
    • Encourage those taking Bible Correspondence Courses (short notes)
    • Encourage those who have not responded to answers / studies, etc.
    • On-going correspondence with non-members ...30 min. to several hrs.
    • On-going correspondence with worldwide evangelistic efforts ...1 to 4 hrs.
    • General correspondence with members ...15 min. to several hrs.
    • Bible research / study time ...30 min. to several hrs.
    • Technical research / study time ...15 min. to several hrs.
    • Follow-up phone calls on all above items, as needed
    • Computer Maintenance (Most things, self / some things, outside sources)
      • Computer Programming (mostly coordinating programs & some emergency & minor fixes)
      • Updates of Software (Mostly done by me)
      • Updates of Database (Mostly done by me)
      • Check all systems, links, stats, logs, backups (daily), and re-calculate hyperlinks (Done by me)
      • Updates of Security Programs (Mostly done by others)
      • Search Engine Notifications (Mostly done by me)
      • Update and/or review bookkeeping entries
      • Misc (mailings, training others, designing - art work)
        • My part in all of the above can average from1 hr. to all day plus the time in explaining and overseeing others doing work on the website and correspondence.


      

    Report
    By David Risener

    The Almighty God is Blessing many, the Kingdom is spreading and God is giving a wonderful increase.  It is an honor for His Children here on earth to be a part of God’s Great Plan.  The past year (2010) has been rewarding for this World-Wide Internet Evangelistic Effort.

    Last year I requested that anyone affected or knew of those who has been affected by this evangelistic effort and have been baptized for the remission of their sins, to please share their picture/s with us (if picture/s were taken).

     We have tried to document those events in which our website was involved.   This was to help our contributors understand (and actually “see”) how their financial support is making a difference (the Great Commission in action).  To God be the glory.

     We received pictures from well over 2,000 baptism reported from all over the world.  Many of those pictures are on a greeting card we mailed out to our faithful supporters.  Here is how we calculated the figures:

    1.      The pictures were only from baptisms in which NewTestamentChurch.org (and you as supporters) had been involved.

    a.      The majority of pictures were confirmed through (saved) email correspondence and my knowledge of those sending the pictures.  Most are documented with names and dates.

                                                                  i.      There are a few pictures where I could not verify the date or name of the person being baptized.

    b.     Different countries have different customs and some don’t take many pictures of baptisms.   

     Although we have provided many leads where baptisms took place, we received very few pictures from South America, Russia and, the United States.  Even in areas where many of the pictures were taken, it is estimated that only a third of baptisms in those locations had pictures taken because of those present not having a cameras. 

                                                                  i.     Many expressed their disappointment at not having cameras with which to capture the event. Fortunately some third world countries rely on cell phones (some with built-in cameras) and were able to supply us with many photoes!

    2.      Because of many (saved-documented) conversations from various parts of the world, I have little doubt that the pictures we received were less than a third of the baptisms with which we were involved!

    Below are 3 decoupaged pictures of baptisms that took place in 2010 where NewTestament.org was involved.  These 3 decoupaged pictures were placed on a card mailed to our supporters.  Below these pictures are a huge number of individual pictures of baptisms in which our website also took part.  Below that area are a few pictures already sent in for 2011 and a couple examples of emails I received this year.

    Our purpose in showing these pictures is not to boast of ourselves because to God be the Glory.  “…But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (2Cor 13:18)  Our purpose is to document the results and successes of this website and show contributors the Christian conversion of so many people around the world. 

    This is a huge opportunity to “teach all nations” about the Word of God.  I am confident supporters are already aware that this work takes time and money, but still we are in need.  If you need one or more of our baptism pictures greeting card/s for yourself or you desire to help recruit other supporters for this effort, please email gospel@nt-c.org

    Some have suggested if each current supporter could recruit just one other $25/mo individual contributor or another congregation who can financially help and with the Lord’s blessing, we could truly increase greatly even over our wonderful accomplishments of 2010.

    Any evangelistic effort can cause a chain of effects to take place.  For example... Brother Joe studies with a family who are non-members of the Church and that family is baptized...  that family has relatives and friends who see the truth and some of them are baptized... one of the friends becomes a preacher, works in a foreign country, baptized many others... and the chain grows and grows!!!

     Due to a lack of funds for maintenance our server recently suffered a system failure and we were out a substantial amount of time and money.  Thankfully a congregation supplied the financial support to get us back up and running.  But we lost valuable time and an estimated 80+ leads. We were running around $1,250 in the red each month. Unfortunately our monthly cost have now increased by another $480 plus we have suffered deaths of several contributors.

    Now we are running approximately $1,915.00 in the red each month.  In addition, we have an immediate need for programming, software and security updates.   This is not a normal site, but is one of the largest public websites on the Internet housing a major amount of articles, Interactive Bible Courses, forums, communication features and data.

     Many large corporations don’t come close to having a 45GB SQL database (different folder than shown above) and a 102.97GB daily backup system. We need this capacity to develop and spread the Gospel as effectively as possible.    The additional (one time) cost for updating our system after a congregation in March 2011 got us back up and running is $2,150.  I don’t know of another opportunity producing the results we have been blessed with at such a relatively low budget!   If you can help, and we hope you can, it would be most appreciated!  Please contact David Risener with your offer:  gospel@newtestamentchurch.org






     

    May 2010
    David Risener's Evangelistic Efforts Report
    NewTestamentChurch.org
    ***Please consider Supporting this effort |
    gospel@nt-c.org ***


    God has blessed all of us greatly in allowing us to be a part of His Great Plan. The year 2009 was rewarding in many aspects of the World-Wide Internet Evangelistic Effort.

    In 2009 the Internet work was blessed by God with a wonderful increase; the Kingdom truly is spreading.  We are still making contacts in areas where, to our knowledge, no Churches exist.  Many times it seems that not only a contact is converted, but also his family, friends, and community.  The most productive way of attracting converts is in their quest for the truth.  We provide a common sense approach to Spiritual content through publications on what one must do to become a Child of God. People, throughout the world, have turned to our site to read sound doctrine, gleaned from the Holy Scriptures.  After contact is made... I ask brethren (volunteers) to set up studies. From there, others may also get involved.  This procedure has lead to hundreds of baptisms throughout the world.  The Lord usually allows those new converts to spread the Good News, the cause and effect grows and God continues to give the increase.

    Not only are these leads coming in from third-world countries, but also from industrialized parts of the world.  It is a difficult task to sift through the con men and their attempts for greedy gain to find an honest person seeking the truth.  Many of you might be surprised at some of the requests that come in to our website.  Many of the denominational and digressive organizations have been taken for hundreds of thousands of dollars and left with many heartbreaks.  Due diligence is a must in separating the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Sometimes after doing all you can, every now and then a bad apple will slip through the process.  Even in the U.S. there are people who play such hurtful games.  I feel it is important to mention this so brethren will be "wise as serpents and gentle as doves" and do as many beneficial things as possible with the Lord's treasury.  Many of these con men are very well versed in the scriptures (remember Satan's knowledge of the scriptures).  Although some will ask for money right up front, others more skilled as wolves in sheep's clothing will not ask for money until they gain your trust.  As individuals, please consider asking a preacher or member who is working in an area before sending money to a stranger who states they are considering becoming a member or are already a brother and in need money.  Most evangelists will tell you not to send money to those people but to allow those who are evangelizing that area to make recommendations about helping those in need.

    Enough said about bad apples.  It is soooo rewarding when you do find a diamond in the rough and, after sifting through all the dirt and grime, finding such a prize is so very much worth it.  Just one soul is of great price in the eyes of our Lord, and to be a part of God's Great Plan in saving such a soul is beyond words.  The greatest commission in this world God has placed in our hands, and to be a part of the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ is such an honor.


    Updates and New Programs

    ****
    New ~ 3 Forums...

    Two of our three forums are now available on the NewTestamentChurch.org website:

    (1) General Public will be available soon
    (2) Members Q&A (available in Members' Area)
    (3) Strong Meat Forum for veteran studies (available in Members' Area)

    Each of these forums have a unique purpose.

                1.    General Public  In times past, such communications through our email study sevices have converted a good number of those in the world to the Church.  Once this forum is available, all brethren are encouraged to help and present scriptures and Bible examples to this section.  If any member has a question that could benefit non-members, they can ask it here.  (Please keep in mind that this is a public forum and it would be best for the teachings to come from male members, however there will be times that non-members, both male and female, will take us to task on issues and it is this forum's design to help provide Bible answers to everyone.)

    There are hundreds of past questions/answers in our database that will, Lord willing, be added to this section as time permits.  All topics (archived and current) will be in a searchable topic format.  The General Public Q&A Forum should be available within 30 days.

    GENERAL PUBLIC  Q&A  FORUM

    Rules  
    1. This section is open to the General Public (including non-members of the Church)  Each question and  response will be reviewed by moderator/s before posting for public viewing.   Most postings should be completed in less than 24 hours.
    2. You are allowed to submit any reasonable, courteously worded questions regarding Christian living, overcoming temptation, salvation and related issues.
    3. You have the option to identify yourself or remain anonymous to the general public. Pseudonyms may be used.
    4. All answers will be Bible based. Should there be any conflict a moderator is here to help.  He will try to keep discussions on point.
    5. Be Christ like - respect others and be patient with their ideas.  We may not always agree, but we should always show respect to each other.

     

                2.   Members Q&A   Deals with questions and answers by members only and is in the password protected area of our website.  Here any member can ask questions and any male members is encouraged to give a Bible response.  Since we do not believe bad language or condescending statements are likely to be make in the members area, the questions will be automatically posted to this forum section without moderator's approval.  However, a moderator can delete any inappropriate question or comment.  This area is for every member, both young and old, both new and veterans in the faith, therefore please ask questions accordingly.  Please keep in mind that not everyone may be on the same level of Bible knowledge as you are and all need a kind and respectful answer when seeking the truth.  Although there most likely will be a few misfits looking to cause conflicts, it is the website believe that most are truly seeking the truth, need guidance and deserve an experienced and loving hand.

    MEMBERS  Q&A  FORUM

    Rules
    1. This is a Members' ONLY section... available to all members and only for member entries and viewing.
    2. On each submission, you have the option to identify yourself or remain anonymous in the members' forum.  Pseudonyms may be used.
    3. All answers will be Bible based. Should there be any conflict a moderator is here to help.  He will try to keep discussions on point.
    4. Be Christ like - respect others and be patient with their ideas.  We may not always agree with someone but we should always show respect to each other.

     

                3.   Strong Meat  Deals with veterans of the faith who are willing to share difficult topics/questions/answers.  This website feels there is a great need for a forum where one can be sheltered from ridicule when truly seeking answers on any topic.  Also such topics need not to be displayed among non-believers and those young in the faith.  Questions can be ask anonymously and answers can be given in the same way. It likely can be confirmed that each of us will have a idea on some topic different from the rest of us.  Hopefully we all agree on the Plan of Salvation and the items of worship... and therein lies our reasonable universal fellowship one with another.  A self-governing congregation has additional Biblical fellowship guidelines within the autonomy structure.  But after those requirements are addressed, there must be an understanding that none of us are perfect, none of us knows it all and all of us will differ in some way of thinking, even from congregation to congregation.  With proper love and the realization that we all fall short... discussions on such topics can at least help us better understand each other and should wake some of us up to a clearer knowledge of God's truths.  If mature members approach this Strong Meat forum with the idea that we all are seeking the truth, and always be willing to re-examine our personal ideas in view of sound doctrine... we all can grow in the knowledge of our Creator.  Moderators will have the option to warn the unruly, and ban any member who does not abide by reasonable rules.  This can be of great benefit for those seeking the truth and the moderators all agree that we will not allow harsh or condescending attitudes to prevail. Scriptural "Strong Meat" has spiritual attributes to make us unite and become even stronger, wiser and better equipped soldiers in God's mighty army rightly exercising His Word in our lives.

    STRONG MEAT FORUM

    Rules
    1. This FORUM is for those who are mature in the faith, feel comfortable with the basics and are waiting to grow in the knowledge of deeper subjects of God's Word.
    2. On each submission, you have the option to identify yourself or remain anonymous.
    3. Most topics we all agree on, yet there will always be a few subjects that fellow brethren will not agree on.   This forum was created to provide an opportunity to study out issues that may be controversial to some, but it is a place where an issue can be addressed WITHOUT a person being ridiculed for their honest belief.  We firmly trust that we all are willing to yield to sound Bible doctrine verses dogmatic personal views (once shown the truth).  It is understood, however, that on some issues we may never reach full agreement.  If it is an area of worship and /or false teaching which pertains to our salvation, the moderators will have the option of adding final comments before having the topic archived for future viewing.
    4. Please do not join any section of this Strong Meat forum without a firm commitment to humbly help others and willingly consider, with an open mind, all sides of an issue.
    5. Be Christ like - respect others and be patient with their ideas.  We may not always agree, but we should always show respect to each other.


    A special "THANK YOU" to those who have volunteered to be moderators for these forums:  George Cook, Ronny Wade, Sean McCallister, Brett Hickey, Carl Johnson, Randy Ballard, Johnny Elmore, Stan Elmore, Robert Kornegay, James Kees, Greg Gay, Mark Bailey, Richard Bunner, Bill Fergerson.  If you would like to volunteer as a moderator, contact:  gospel@nt-c.org  However, you do not have to be a moderator to add substantially to the above forums, please... all members be a part of this educational effort..

    ****
    New ~ Preacher Bio Section...

    We now have a Preacher Bio/History section were a preacher of the Gospel can present information/ history about himself with pictures.  He can also upload his personal sermons, articles, etc for members to view.  At this time this Preacher Bio page is in the member's only area, but we are working on a special (simple) password so guest can view the information also, for example; when a preacher or congregation gives someone a business card.
     

    We need a family member or friend of the preacher to help with this section.  Most preachers are hesitant writing about themselves and it appears that it is always best to have 3rd party help in anyone's bio.  So we need someone close to help get the facts together and enter the info in the member's profile page under the special "Preacher" section.  Pictures must not exceed the max size.  If you are unable to reduce pictures, please email them to gospel@nt-c.org and I will resize them for you.  This section should be very useful to young men considering becoming a preacher.  It contains such info as: "My Suggestions For Young Men Considering Becoming A Faithful Gospel Preacher:"  If the world stands, hopefully the preacher's information, sermons, outlines and articles will live on even when the preacher is gone.  His profile/sermons, etc., will then be displayed in the "Preachers in the Past" section.  This is a rather unique presentation because most articles once published are then tossed by the side, but these article will be archived for future generations and the preacher's studies, experiences, counsels will live on.  It is recognized that no preacher is infallible, but men of God who spend a live time in serving others do have a great legacy to share.


    ****
    New Automated Gospel Meetings Form...

    It is now much easier for me to approve Gospel Meeting announcements.  The form helps place the meetings in correct dated order without any manual transaction.


    ****
    The Prayer Request section is still one of the most popular areas for members and has been a major help for out of duty people seeing the love of the brotherhood and coming back into the fold.  I would like to personally thank everyone who sends out cards, emails, calls, etc for those in need of our prayers... This is a wonderful service that everyone can do and be blessed in their good deeds.


    I keep a list of congregations that are interested in working in new foreign evangelistic efforts.  We try to send leads to those congregations that are interested in new efforts and also send leads to already existing foreign works.  Any congregation that is interested in such a worthwhile opportunity, please email me at gospel@nt-c.org   Also, for any complaints, please contact me and I will do my best to resolve, and if that is not possible, you may send your concerns to my home congregation... The 14th Street Church of Christ, Sulphur, OK | Don Stehr ~ Don-Stehr@nt-c.org ~ 580-622-5556.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the New Hope Congregation in Brookhaven, MS for their temporary oversight during my move to Sulphur, Oklahoma. Their love for the spreading of the Gospel is truly appreciated and the support and prayers they have added to this effort goes far beyond the extra mile.

    I have always looked up to the congregation in Sulphur and appreciate them taking me into their fold.  They have made me a part of them and have uplifted me spiritually... and their gracious hospitality, making me such things as hand made quilts, afghans, hand painted pictures, food to eat, etc... they are the true accents of brotherly love.

    ****
    The Need...

    Please consider a monthly contribution for this effort which has reached many parts of this world with good results.  At this time, I humbly submit, that I don't know of any effort that is more productive (the Lord has blessed this evangelistic effort abundantly).  I also don't know of such a effort that is more cost effective. In 2009 many new congregations have been established and souls turned to God. If you are already a contributor (thank you... you are helping spread the Gospel throughout the world!) IF you can increase your monthly support, please consider doing so. With the Lord's blessing and reasonable support much more can be accomplished.

    Any congregation or private individual who is interested in helping this Internet Gospel effort, we need your prayers and financial help.  Please consider contacting  gospel@nt-c.org and offer to help.  We are running about $1,050 each month in the red.  This does not mean we are bankrupt, but we simply can not do all the evangelistic tasks we have budgeted.  Financial records on a password-protected page are available for any contributor to view.  The funding of this evangelistic effort is done scripturally.   Congregations that support me in this effort can print the most current reports off of our site.  Most supporting congregations have stated they easily see the results of this work I am doing and understand my communication time is limited and should be directed to the work at hand.  I have over 100 private individuals ($10.00+ ea month) and several congregations financially supporting this effort, and communicating with each of them individually on a regular basis is not practical and would hinder this effort. However, I will try to make myself available to any supporting congregation requesting a meeting.  I would like to thank soooo many individuals who have encouraged and supported this effort for years. Over the years, it has been very rare to have a member or congregation stop their support. However we have lost a fair amount of contributions because of several deaths and their financial support stops. Again, words fail me in expressing my thanksgiving for the encouragement and prayers from all of you. I will close with a Bible verse... Let us all stand together and... "Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

    In His Service,

    David Risener
    PO Box 57
    Sulphur, OK
    580-368-2040
    Reports Archive
     

    iglesiadecristo.org
    Randall M. Tidmore
    Cynthia Tidmore (wife)
    10681 Birthstone Drive
    El Paso, TX 79935
    915-590-5774 voice
    hermano@iglesiadecristo.org

    April 7, 2003
    Report From:
    Asunción (Elías) Rodríguez
    &

    Randy Tidmore
    randy@iglesiadecristo.org
     
    Internet contact leads to the salvation of 16 souls and the establishment of a new congregation in Puerto Escondido, México
    On September 3, 2002, we received two requests for the Bible study on the book of Acts that we offer via e-mail on the Spanish web page for the Church. The contacts were basically normal. How God would use that initial contact later on never occurred to us, at that time.
    After finishing that course, these contacts began studying the other two courses that we offer. In the comment or question area at the end of one lesson, one wrote, “My family and I, along with three other families have decided to leave our denominational churches and through studying the Bible, and these courses, we are going to start a biblical Church.”
    Obviously that excited us! We began to correspond directly with them, aside from the courses, encouraging them to do so. We let them know that we would like to visit them and encourage them personally. They accepted our invitation and we made plans to go. We received financial help to make the trip. We bought our tickets, and left on March 25th for “Puerto Escondido, México.” We flew into Oaxaca, where we spent the night, and then we took a 7-hour bus ride (a motion sickness marathon) to Puerto Escondido the following day.
    Three of the group came to our hotel to meet us that evening. We made plans to start Bible studies with them the next morning, 27th, at 10:30 am.
    They picked us up at the hotel and took us to the home for the first Bible study. We had a great Bible study with two families, four adults. Several topics were covered, as they had MANY good questions, but mainly we covered the true plan of salvation. God blessed His word and all four were baptized, and the true Church of Christ was established in Puerto Escondido.
    Later that day, we began the second Bible study in the same home, but with others who were not able to attend the first one. Again the study was long and covered many topics, but mainly the plan of salvation. God again blessed His word and eight more souls were saved and added to the Church.
    We conducted studies every day, some with the new members and some with other people that the new brethren invited. We knew that our time with the new congregation was short, so we spent as much time in studies as was possible, 12 to 13 hours daily. The Lord continued to bless His word and to His honor and glory, a total of 16 souls were saved and added to the Church.
    We left copies of the material we used in the studies. We presented studies on scriptural worship. We did everything we could to prepare them for carrying on the worship and work of the Church for themselves. It is our desire and plan to return within three to four months to continue teaching and training. We remain in contact with them, for sure.
    These new brethren are so appreciative of the efforts of everyone involved who made it possible for them to hear the truth. They are extremely happy. They are determined to follow the biblical pattern in all they do.
    It was a trip that we will not forget. We were so filled with joy that at times it seemed we would explode! With the desire to share this joy with as many of our brethren as possible, we send this report forth. To God alone be ALL the glory and honor, but we share in the rejoicing of the angels and all the brethren.
    Please keep this new congregation in your prayers.
    It was our honor, privilege, and joy to be sent as God’s servants to take His glorious and powerful gospel to the good folks in that part of the world. It was an exhausting trip, but how sweet was the exhaustion! Above all, we thank God for allowing us to see these things first hand, and we thank all the brethren who made the trip possible.
    In His service,
    Asunción (Elías) Rodríguez
    Randall (Randy) Tidmore
    randy@iglesiadecristo.org
    ----------------
    History of Work
    Reports Archive


     
    Preachers Needed!


    California   (El Centro)
     
    The El Centro California congregation is looking for a full or part time preacher to work within the community and the congregation starting in July 2008. El Centro is a desert community located 125 miles East of San Diego, 60 miles West of Yuma, Arizona and 20 miles North of Mexicali, Mexico. El Centro has long been considered the first established church in California and that heritage is very important to all of us. We currently have approximately 25 members, most of which are life long Christians. Two thirds of the population of our County is Hispanic. Knowledge of Spanish is not necessary but would be a true asset. Please contact Charles Lechner for more information, 760-353-8749 or cdlechn@netzero.net
    ---------------
     
    Texas
     
    The Church of Christ in Beaumont Texas has been gradually decreasing in size over the last several years. Some have quit; others have moved away, and within the last year two elderly members have died. The congregation now consists of only two members. Other congregations in the region are joining forces to help them, and we would like to encourage any family who may be contemplating a move to consider this area.

    Beaumont is about 85 miles from downtown Houston and is a thriving metropolitan area. The population is around 115,000, and employment opportunities appear to be abundant. We have already placed newspaper ads offering Bible Correspondence courses and are actively seeking leads for studies. Depending upon the response we receive, a full time evangelist may be sought to work in this area.

    If your family would consider relocating to Southeast Texas, and would like to be instrumental in the Lord’s work, we would be happy to assist you by supplying information and any other support that we can. Please contact:

    Randy Ballard
    281-656-2612
    randyballard@sbcglobal.net
     
    ---------------
     
    Washington (Spokane)
     
    We are in need of a preacher or an evangelist in working the Spokane, Washington Area. We worship in Medical Lake. (14 miles from Spokane). We cannot provide support. If there is anyone interested in helping us, please let us know. We are two families here. The number of people is six (five of them Christians). Interested parties may call Juergen "JD" Duetsch at (509) 299-3007.
    P.S. You may go to our website at: www.newtestamentchurch.org\A\Medical-Lake