LATEST UPDATE

     "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).

     The key words in this verse are "shine as lights in the world."  Having just returned from our recent mission trip, the main focus was on evangelism in a closed country.  Although many nations claim the freedom of religion, one cannot express or witness openly.  It is a step-by-step process in sharing the Gospel.  

     How does one witness in a closed or restricted country?  This is an important question because all believers are in closed or restricted areas to the Gospel.  The modern world wants nothing to do with the Lord or His Church.  

     When we have questions, it is best to find answers in the Word of God.  The Bible gives us four specific ways to share the Word.  The first is private witnessing.  Nicodemus came to Jesus by night to inquire (John 3).  Jesus tells him that he must be born again.  This is the easiest type of witnessing.  The second is personal (John 4).  Jesus leads the Samaritan Woman in a general conversation to the Living Water.  The third is public witnessing, planting seeds and watering them (2 Corinthians 3:4-7).  Our concern is witnessing by sowing the Word; in due time, God will bring the increase.  Too often, we put the focus on results when we should leave this in the hands of God.  And four is persecution (1 Peter 4:13-16).  There are times that we may have to endure persecution and stand firm for the truth.  

     It is important to weigh each situation to see which method is most appropriate.  God promises that there will be fruit.  

 

Ladies' Fellowship

     It was after our arrival that we learned and to our surprise that Carrie, my wife, would be leading the Ladies' Bible Study Group.  We thank God for her opportunity to minister and share with this group.  God always blesses His Word.  Here are her words:

 

     "Our recent trip overseas was a most blessed time.  We spent time with individuals of First Bethany Baptist Church members.  Due to the fact that we didn't receive an itinerary until we arrived, we didn't realize that I would be ministering to the women's group (LIDYIANITES).  Sunday morning, I was asked to give scripture answering the question:  HOW CAN CHRISTIANS STAND FIRM IN A NON-CHRISTIAN CULTURE?  The main idea is that only Christians who are biblically grounded will have power to do so and we must be actively involved in our faith.  Biblically grounded Christians will better understand the current world condition (2 Timothy 3:13-17 and then 2 Timothy 2:15-19 plus many other scriptures tell us how to live faithfully for Christ (1 Peter 5:6-11; Ephesians 1:10-18; Matthew 25:21 as well as many others.  In conclusion, continue Bible study, biblically sound church worship, and hold fast until the end.  

 

Key Ministries

     Although our ministry was brief and limited, God gave us many, many blessings.  As we have ministered around the world many times, we do not know the full impact of our work for the Lord.  Our emphasis is to be faithful to His will and purpose and let Him bring the increase.  We thank God that God gives us the love and commitment to witness for Him.  Our trip to our destination was twenty hours total time, but coming back was close to forty hours for arrival at the airport, flights, and layovers.  It certainly was good to get home and have a good night's sleep.

     The First Bethany Baptist Church is where we had opportunity to minister.  Pastor Jireh and his wife, Queenie, are faithfully serving the Lord in the midst of this foreign culture.  Again, we had opportunity to meet and spend time with the several members on a daily basis.  And God gave us several opportunities to share the Word, encourage believers, and have group fellowship with them.  Many of their members were on vacations, so the attendances were down.  We thank the Lord for another opportunity to serve Him in a foreign land.

     We had opportunity to do a Leadership Seminar on witnessing, preach in the church service, share in the Men's Fellowship Group, and give a short word at the Sports' Day.  My wife and I went with the church on a Safari, a very enjoyable and new experience for us.  

 

Thank You

     It is your special love, care and concern in the work of the Lord that is making the difference in both this ministry and the world.  Without your partnership, it would be impossible to support national pastors, broadcast the Word of God each week, share the Gospel in other lands, and meet humanitarian needs.

     Thank you so much for your faithful prayers, commitment, and partnership in glorifying the Lord and building His Church.  The blessings and rewards are eternal.  

 

Focus on the Future

     In His earthly ministry and eternal work, our Lord is always looking toward the future.  The same holds true when we are ministering for our Lord.  This Summer, the main focus will be on the 2026 radio broadcasts.  It is our desire to always offer a quality program; therefore, we spend much time in preparation and recording.  

     Our second six-month support for the national pastors is due in July.

     In our next newsletter, we will begin emphasizing the Christmas Project for the children.  God has put His special blessings upon this ministry. 

 

Prayer Corner

     Thank you for your prayers and support for the trip.

     Continue to keep LWI, the Board, Executive Director, plans, and finances in your prayers.

     Pray for the world and its need for Christ.

     Keep the radio ministry and listeners before the Lord.

     Ask the Lord to give us the funds to support pastors and meet humanitarian needs.

     Let us uphold one another in prayer and unspoken requests.