We waited an extra week to send our monthly update so that we could write about an awesome Sunday and provide some pictures of the same. We knew this would be an exciting and meaningful day, but it was much more than we expected.
This past Sunday, we again visited the church in Baniera to participate in a special Sunday of baptism, communion and church fellowship. This is the church who in spite of being without a pastor for 4 years, has started 4 sister churches. They are zealous for the true God as was shown by the 69 believers who followed the Lord in believer’s baptism (in a water hole shared with goats and cattle).
This was followed by singing, a message from God’s Word and communion, with people looking through the windows since not everyone would fit inside this small church. Area churches joined in this special day of celebration, bringing their choirs and singing songs written especially for this occasion. This part of the service was held outside as there was absolutely no room in this small church inside to move around. These believers are anxiously awaiting their new building which will be built soon with funds provided by some of you.
What an exciting testimony to this country who is now observing Ramadan. In spite of temperatures around 110 and often adverse medical conditions, they are fasting (some not even swallowing their own saliva), fearful of the consequences if they don’t. Please pray that we will recognize the opportunities that God provides for us to witness to His grace and mercy.
This gracious God is continuing to meet our needs. We praise Him because of a new church in Ohio who has joined our financial support team, bringing us closer to our goal of full support. You have been an encouragement to us as we stepped out in faith in coming to the field before our support was completely raised so that we could be here for the start of school. As the new year is bringing some changes in our support level, we’re thankful for each one of you who continues to pray for our support needs as well as other requests we send your way.
Once again, thank you for your ministry to us and to the Lord.