NewsNow! > 5/9/2008
Marlin and Sue Weaver Conclude Ministry at the Chateau de St. Albain
Marlin & Sue Weaver, GBIM staff, France, have packed up their belongings and are temporarily living at the Chateau until their departure. They have invited the missionary team and friends to a farewell reception to be held at the Chateau on May 17th.
GBIM extends warmest thanks Marlin & Sue for being a part of the France team and for serving faithfully for the past 24 years. They’ll be settling in Lititz, PA where Marlin will be part of the church staff.
Pam Crane has finished four months of French studies at the Alliance Française in Lyon. On May 1st she moved into the Weavers’ former house next door to the Chateau and will serve as the Chateau cook.
Jay & Debbie Hocking have made their transition back to the Chateau and continue to ask prayer for more teammates for the Chateau work.
Please pray for wisdom in integrating the chateau into national directorship.
Pray for continued widespread and fruitful outreach of the Chateau into the European community.
Go Team in Okinawa
Yuki Kinjo is a GBIM Japanese National Ministry Partner serving on Okinawa along with his family. A GO Team went to Okinawa May 6th and will stay through the 14th. They will help with the Children's Club and help with tutoring English conversations.
Pray that many hearts would be opened to Jesus and come to salvation.
Pray for a lasting impact on the Go team for future ministry.
High Schoolers From Hagerstown, Maryland to Visit Mexico City
Bess Farrell and Brenda Welling, GBIM staff in Mexico City, ask for your prayers as they host, May 12-19, for the third year in a row, a group of high schoolers from Hagerstown, Maryland.
Bess writes, “Pray that, as they work alongside us in ministry, this would be a fruitful time in their lives, as they look at cross-cultural ministry up-close. Pray that God would lead us in putting together their itinerary so that their experience here would be life-changing, both for them, as well as for those to whom they minister.”
Mboi Andre Pursues Eastern Evangelism
Recently an article was posted here giving news of Dadje and his team evangelistic efforts in eastern Chad. Now Mboi Andre, Grace Brethren evangelist, sends a report from the Central African Republic. The goal of Mboi is for his evangelists to pursue a parallel eastward thrust with Dadje – so that someday they will meet in a remote eastern village.
He writes: “The evangelists left Bambari April 14th. They will be spending three months in several distant locations in the eastern part of CAR. Please pray for them as they do this ministry and ask that God would open doors to the hearts of the people they meet.
Name -- Ministry Area
Antoine-- Mobaye
Yangara-- Mobaye
Degaule-- Dimbi
Kakonguere-- Dimbi
Keanzoui-- Bakouma
Besselde-- Bakouma
Yanendji-- Nzako
Regosse-- Nzako
Thanks for your partnership in this noble ministry for His kingdom.
Your co worker in the harvest
Andre MBOI
Bob and Iris Piatt Return from Russia
After nearly a decade of living and serving in Russia, Bob & Iris Piatt are returning to their Ohio home. They touched many lives with their kindness and generosity throughout their ministry. Their teammates will miss them.
Please pray for safety as they travel back to the States
Please pray for their transition back into the American culture
GBIM Hosts Annual Luncheon
More than 150 attended the Grace Brethren International Missions annual "Retiree and Volunteer Luncheon”, which has become one of the highlights of the GBIM year. The affair was held at Westminster Hall in Winona Lake, Indiana on May 1st.
Retired missionaries were honored, and those present represented an aggregate of more than 600 years of missionary service around the globe. Entertainment was provided by the "No-Name Men's Quartet" from Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.
Dave Guiles, GBIM executive director, gave news of GBIM outreach around the world, casting vision for what, by God’s grace, will be major projects in coming years. Former GBIM executive director, Jack Zielasko, closed in prayer at the conclusion of the time together.
PICTURES
Luncheon Crowd
Terri Carter and Valerie Crumbley at drinks table
Dave Guiles
Burgundy, France Churches Celebrate
Today the GB churches of Burgundy France are celebrating the 300th anniversary of Brethren history, at the Chateau de St. Albain. The Brethren/ Anabaptist movement started in Germany and spread to the United Sates and other countries because of persecution, then returned to Europe about 50 years ago.
Dave and Suzie Hobert request prayer for the believers as they learn and appreciate more their history and the sacrifices that were made. Although France enjoys religious freedom, the evangelical movement remains small (less than 1 %) and is often perceived as a cult.
Kevin and Jill Kane in States for the Summer
The Kanes, GBIM staff Cambodia, plan to be in the States until August 21st, visiting family members and supporting churches.
They will have the pleasure of attending their daughter Jenny’s wedding and also the graduation of their son Jeremy and his wife Kelly. They will also be putting their home on the market. Please pray for the details of these events and the sale of their home.
Please pray for the good attendance at the English classes held at the Ministry Center, that those coming would also attend the Bible Study.
Please pray for the full schedule of the Good's, that they would have time for all they need to do.
Please pray for the Steve and Deb Wise as they minister in Phnom Penh.
GBIM Hosts Annual Luncheon
On May 1 GBIM will host their annual Retiree and Volunteer Luncheon in Westminster Hall in Winona Lake, Indiana. This is a time when GBIM honors retirees, volunteers and former missionaries and shares with them what all is going on with the mission. GBIM expects about 150 people to attend the luncheon.
Pray that God would be glorified and that all who attend would better know how to pray for GBIM and be a part of what God is doing through GBIM.
Dadje and Accompanying Evangelists Press on to the Eastern Reaches of Chad
A report from Dadje for the evangelistic trip to Kyabé, Guéra, and Salamat April 4-20th.
"We left Moundou on the 4th and arrived at Kyabé (about 200 miles from Moundou) on the 5th accompanied by God's blessing.
Once in Kyabé we formed 6 teams, 2 for Guéra, 1 for the Salamat and 3 for Kyabé.
The 6 teams had one major goal which was to convert the unreached, and also to build shelters in each locality where converts were made. We did this because we were working in regions where it is necessary to accompany the preaching of the Gospel with good works.
We thank Almighty God because He worked on our behalf. We saw a total of 13 cell groups begun, 8 of which were planted in villages which had been totally unreached, and we were the first to proclaim the Gospel to them. We also saw four cells revived, bringing the total to 17 groups. We built 15 shelters for meeting places.
We were well received in these villages. We had thought that we were going to be confronted with problems, but God changed the problems into blessings. It was a miracle for us.
In these villages people carry everything on camel back, by horse or donkey. There are no roads. The people are like nomads, as you can see in the photos.
We returned to Roro with 8 new men to begin training. Twelve more will be trained there at the end of May. It is a long way to get out there, and we thank God for His protection on us during our travels.
I would ask all of our brothers and sisters to pray for us, for we have need of your prayer support for our ministry in the East.
Photos
Dadje with villagers
Burden-bearing donkeys
Camels as transportation
Pamplona GBC in Philippines has Two Outreaches
The Pamplona GBC is only 6 months old, but already they have 2 different outreaches, and many of these new friends have already received Christ.
Their goal is that these outreaches might become daughter churches someday. Ted Ruiz shares, “I sat in on last week's weekly discipleship meeting at Pamplona GBC. It was a blessing to hear many of the 20 leaders share what they learned from their daily Quiet Times, and how God continues to motivate them to reach out to others with the Good News of Christ. These are just simple folk --- farmers, fishermen, vendors ~ with BIG Hearts for God!
Please pray for ongoing penetration of the Gospel into the hearts of the people in Pamplona
Pray for the 20 leaders to remain strong in their faith and godly living
Surfers’ Surf Camp in Porto, Portugal
The first ever Christian Surfers surf camp will be held this weekend, April 25-27th in Porto, Portugal. There are over 80 participants signed up, ready to surf and consider God's place in their lives.
This is an exciting opportunity to see what God will do in the lives of young men and women. Sam Schwartz, GBIM staff in Porto writes, “We are encouraged that two young Portuguese men are heading up this initiative.”
Please pray for good surfing weather
Pray that the Holy Spirit would work in the hearts of many
Pray for the continued cooperation between the Portuguese and English speaking (Riverside) churches as they seek to become one church in two languages. There is both numerical and spiritual progress in the Community of Grace, including three new families who have joined this year.
Pray for the baptismal service scheduled next month (May 11th) in a combined service of Community of Grace and Riverside churches. This will be the second service in the last 12 months.
Pray for the work with teens in both the Portuguese and English speaking churches. They are being combined into one group since all the teens speak Portuguese fluently.
Workshop Held in Baiboukoum, Chad for Sunday School Teachers
Twenty five students from 12 different GB churches along with five instructors met to enhance their teaching skills. Karina Corrales, GBIM staff, writes from Moundou, “This time I noticed a great deal of diversity among the students. Some of them had many years of SS experience, and others were very young with no experience in teaching children.
“Most of the teaching was in French, with occasional translations to Laka and Mbum. It was encouraging to see that at least five of these young people were very enthusiastic throughout the week, participating, asking and answering questions. It was obvious that they wanted to learn, and I thank the Lord for that.
“More good news is that I met up with Evariste, a young man who took the course last September. He has begun two Bible classes for children in two neighborhoods in his village. To hear this filled me with so much joy because no one told him to do this. God put the desire and the vision in his heart! Praise the Lord and may He call other “Evarists” to do the same, reaching the children with the Word of God and His love.
All the students paid their own enrollment fee, not covering all expenses, but helping them value the teaching received). We are grateful to our Lord for His faithfulness in providing the resources to make this workshop happen, through generous *donors. Thirteen of the 25 students purchased a Bible, subsidized by offerings from donors as well. We thank each donor very much for their contribution, to advance God’s ministry in Chad.”
* These workshops are made possible through the GBIM Ministry Grant Program.
Please pray for the next workshop in Kelo, June 15-22
Pray for the final weekly classes in Moundou in May for Sunday school teachers, for good attendance at the classes.
Pictures
Karina
Certificate ceremony
Evariste receiving certificate last September
PHILIPPINES - . Rice, Food Prices Keep Rising
Rice is the #1 food staple for ALL Filipinos. It is the main part of their meal 3 times a day. Rice prices have almost DOUBLED in the past month! People are panic-buying, hoarding food staples and protesting at the Presidential Palace. The poor are suffering beyond belief.
Ted Ruiz, GBIM staff Philippines writes, Rice is being imported from several countries. The Government sends temporary relief --- people fight and grab for each sack of food and rice handed out. The cause for this sudden change is uncertain. The problems may stem from the booming China economy or from the unstable U.S. economy. The Philippines' economy is intricately tied to both of these. The Peso / Dollar rate has been stable at about P41 to $1 for about two months now, thankfully.
This country needs our prayers!
Lynn Schrock Passed Home April 19, 2008
GBIM extends condolences to the Lynn Schrock family and requests prayer for them at the passing of Lynn last Saturday, April 19, 2008. Lynn and Lois Schrock were missionaries to Argentina with GBIM 1945-1970.
Lynn graduated from the missionary course at Moody Bible Institute in April, 1942. It was while at MBI he felt the calling to the mission field. During Founders Week in 1942 in January he met the love of his life, Lois Evelyn Buikema.
In September of 1942 he entered Grace Theological Seminary and on September 4, 1943 Lynn and Lois were married. On March 22, 1945 he was graduated Cum laude and gave the Baccalaureate Address for the Seminary Graduation. He also was the class president for his Senior year.
In 1945 Lynn & Lois were accepted by the Grace Brethren Foreign Missionary Society as missionaries to Argentina where they served for 25 years. Twins, Norman Edward and Rebecca Ann (Becky), were born to them in 1946, and 7 years later Mark Stephen was born.
While in Rio Cuarto, Lynn started the Bible Institute and the Radio Program. During his twenty-five years he served 15 of them as Field Superintendent. He spent his last 11 years in Argentina in Corhe establishing a new church and continuing his teaching at the Bible Institute and directing the mission field.
In order to avoid the government military regulation of mandatory military service for all young men at age 18, the Schrock family left Argentina in 1969.
In July of 1970 they were called to pastor the church in San Diego, California. They were there for 15 years, after which they retired and lived at the Missionary Village of Bradenton in Bradenton, Florida. During this time they helped in the starting of a new Grace Brethren Church in Bradenton.
While in Bradenton Lynn wrote a commentary on the Book of Galatians in Spanish which was published by CLIE. He also wrote a commentary on the remaining Pauline epistles as well as on the book of Hebrews.
They moved to California in August of 2006, for health reasons, in order to be near their children.
Lynn is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois; his twins, Norman (& wife, Claudia) & Becky (widow), and his youngest son, Mark (& wife, Debby), 7 grand-children, and 5 great-grand-children.
Joan Justiniano recovering from surgery
Ralph and Joan Justiniano, GBIM staff Japan, are presently on USA assignment. Joan had surgery on Monday, April 21st to remove a swollen node mass under her right arm, and for testing of the tissue. Please pray for a smooth recovery for Joan.
Chad GBIM team Praises God for Big Answers to Prayer
Bob Steiger, GBIM Chad, reports, “It’s awesome to see what God has done with the ministry in Chad in spite of the political unrest, price gouging, and corruption. He is good all the time. Here are some BIG answers:
The medical container from Germany has finally been shipped after waiting almost 2 years
The arrival on the field of the truck which was shipped from the factory in late November, and was “lost” for almost 4 months
The Bessao Middle School project has been completed
The Roro dispensary in the east of the country is nearing completion
Ten new churches now have metal roofs before rainy season hits
Plus many other answers to prayer
Please pray that Bob would have strength and energy to finish many projects and personal goals before his term ends in late August.
Continue to pray for peace in Chad and the CAR
Picture
Two trucks on the Mission Station In Moundou Chad
Eileen Miller to undergo Heart Surgery
Please be in prayer for Eileen Miller, now living in Bradenton, Florida, who will undergo open heart surgery next week on Wednesday April 23rd. Jeanette Mason, Eileen’s daughter, sends news that surgeons plan to replace the aortic valve and also do a bypass. She writes, “This is critical and we are very concerned. We would like to get the word out so that many could be praying for her.” Eddie and Eileen Miller served with GBIM in Brazil from 1950-1992.
Prague Group to Translate Creation Materials
George Swain, GBIM staff in the Czech Republic, announced plans for a translation project. In the Czech Republic there is very little material written about the Old Testament and creation. New translations of the Old Testament are still in process that will make the Biblical text more understandable. Along with that, there is very little translated that talks about the Biblical view of creation.
“P” has contact with Creation Research Ministries (Ken Ham). He suggested that our group translate some of their tracts and perhaps a book into the Czech language. Several will work on the translation and others will proof read the translations. Most Czechs believe that the creation issue is the key question for Czechs to deal with in coming to know Christ.
Please pray for wisdom for the translators
Pray that this project would bind the group closely together
Pray that many would come to know Christ through this effort
Cambodia Team Changes Ministry Focus
Recently Kent Good, GBIM staff Cambodia, visited each of the 40 villages where GBIM's Cambodian Ministry Partners (CMPs) are
working, in order to evaluate the ministry. The results were sobering - in a majority of locations, adult participation is down considerably from that of even 2 or 3 years ago.
This new reality has led the Cambodia team to change its ministry focus toward reaching and discipling primarily people 25 yrs old and under. They are already encouraged with progress being made among this younger target audience.
Becky Good has been busy preparing teaching materials (visualized Bible verses, review games and worksheets) for the CMPs to use to reinforce their Bible teaching to an audience primarily composed of children, teens and illiterate adults. Little by little, progress is being made.
Please pray for more & more progress for the kingdom of God.
Pray especially that men would be reached with the Gospel.
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