Let the Scripts and Computers Be Friends

Editor’s note:  The following is part of the Kvale’s newest updates.  You can find the entire newsletter here.

by Ling Lam

Currently, many non-Roman scripts still cannot be processed by computers, and have to depend on hand-written transcriptions for cultural heritage. In order to facilitate Bible translation and distribute God’s Word widely, IT personnel are making use of their knowledge, experience and interest by participating in the Non-Roman Script Initiative (NRSI). NRSI helps language communities use their own scripts to know the world and to know God. More about NRSI.

Our daughters, Neli & Lenaya, have 10th and 8th grade behind them. :)  On to rock picking season and more!

Thank you for your prayers and condolences during this season of grief and celebration with the Home-going of Glenda’s mom.  She suffered a sudden stroke on Monday of last week and entered the eternal presence of our Lord Jesus on Thursday, July 27^th.

Our prayer letters were submitted, printed, and mailed in early June and we are just now getting this out to our email partners in prayer including this turn of events.  It has been a joy and challenge caring for mom over the last two years and we have learned so much.  Perspective on many things now in this new season of adjusting will only help us seek God more and hear His voice with more certainty.  His mercies are new every morning and His peace surpasses all understanding.

We are trusting God to guide and provide as we give attention to details after her passing and see what His will is for our family outside of the usual ministry schedule and involvements.  Steve is filling in for a few pastors with sermons this summer and continues his full-time ministry hours with Wycliffe Bible Translators from our home in Balaton, MN. Steve and daughters are blessed to be at FLY right now and we pray as the Lord moves in the hearts of young and older alike during this encouraging week of ministry.

We gather for Eleanor Aaberg’s (mom’s) funeral with her pastor, Rev. Todd Klemme, at Minnewaska Free Lutheran Church of Starbuck, MN, on Friday, July 12^th at 1 PM.  Thanks for your continued prayers and love that surround us.  His peace reigns.

Steve & Glenda Kvale Family, AFLC Missionaries on Loan, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Wycliffe USA, IT Support

Missionary’s Mother Passes Away

Glenda Kvale’s mother Eleanor passes away yesterday, June 27th,  at 12:45 pm.  Her funeral will be held later in July.

Steve and Glenda express their thanks for your prayers and encouragement during this time.  Steve stated, “We have felt overwhelmed and still very supported through this ordeal.  We will miss her very much yet rejoice that she is home with the Lord.”

Steve and Glenda are AFLC missionaries on loan to Wycliffe.

Missions Update

Have you been wondering what God is doing through AFLC World Missions around the world?  Check this video out.

AFLC Missions Cookbook

Wouldn’t it be fun to give more to our mission groups? Well now you can.
Kathy & I want to put together an AFLC International Cook Book.
We will be gathering recipes from our missionaries, AFLC camps and our local congregations.

But we need your help! Will you please get this information out to your
Congregation, women’s ministries, friends of the AFLC etc. or help us find that “Go to person in your church who will take on this project with us”
If each congregation submits recipes and purchases only 10 cookbooks we will raise approximately $20,000 for these ministries that need our help and support so badly.  Individually this is an impossible task, but together we can easily reach this goal.

Recipes can be submitted to aflccookbook@gmail.com or mailed
to

Wendy Kupser
W8423 Cty. Rd. KK
Ellsworth, WI 54011

Orders can be placed individually or by each congregation. If
your congregation sends in one group order however that would
be much easier and would have less potential error.

Payments are cash or check only. Checks should be made out to:
AFLC Missions—memo cookbook missions
Please mail all orders to the same address above.
We sincerely appreciate your help!
In His Service,
Kathy Bandy 763-241-0774
Wendy Kupser 651-261-6466

For more information click here to go the the AFLC World Missions website.

New Member on the World Missions Committee

Pastor Craig Wentzel served two terms on the World Mission Committee.  During that time he was chairman for several years.  We thank God for his leadership.

Pastor Craig Johnson was elected to fill Pastor Wentzel’s position on the Committee.  In addition to being the editor of the Lutheran Ambassador, Pastor Johnson has traveled to our mission fields in Brazil and India.  We welcome his wisdom to the Committee.

Schierkolk’s Traveling

The Schierkolks will be traveling the first of next week.  Please remember them in prayer. 

Todd will be driving to the boarder to license their vehicle so that it can remain in Mexico with their new visa status. 

Barb and Kirstie will be flying out of Mexico.  Kirstie will be traveling to the Free Lutheran Youth Convention and then on a Student Missions Trip.  Barb will visit her family, it has been almost a year since her father passed into glory.

Pray for Pillman’s Visa

Justo and Patricia Pillman were denied their visa renewal last week.  Their current visa is up on June 27.  Up until that time there is a possibility they can still get the missionary visa. 

If there is no progress they plan to travel by car to Peru where they will spend the night and then return using a 90 day tourist visa.  This will give them time to pursue other long term visa solutions.

Please pray for the Pillmans that God would work out this situation to His glory. 

Give Thanks to the Lord

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this - those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.  Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.  He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds from men, for He statisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalms 107: 1-9

Michelle's prayer

God answered a prayer for our Michelle. She had been praying almost daily for a dog, even asked that God would bring the dog to our door.  Well, when Jonathan opened our electric gate, in runs in this small, black pup - all the way into our living room  to Michelle.   We searched for possible owners, but ended up convinced it had been mistreated and abandoned.  In our care it has had 2 surgeries to repair it’s broken jaw and teeth. Now ‘Cookie’ is a lively part of our family.

 

The Evangelistic Tent Meeting with Ruby on accordion and Jonathan leading worship.

Tom just graduated from AFLBS and is with the  Joshua Team on the road doing VBS ministries at AFLC churches.

Editor’s note:  For more information you can read the entire newsletter from Jonathan and Tamba Abel here.

 

Summer Ambassador Inquiry-Part 5

Editor’s note: This is the 5th and final part of a multiple part series from the Summer Ambassador Institute Newsletter. You can read part 1 here, part 2 here, part 3 here, and part 4 here.

Ecuador

There will be some significant adjustments to the Pillman and the
Paccha families this summer. Both Justo and Patricia Pillman and Darwin and Kirsten Paccha are expecting their second child this summer.  In the midst of that transition, Darwin will be busy getting ready to start the new school, Aletheia, this September.  They are praying 10 students to start this first year with.

You can see a YouTube video in English for the school here.

Curriculum Second Edition

The six books of the Oral Bible Study curriculum have been edited into a new second edition. The purpose of this second edition was to ensure clear references to Jesus in all of the lessons, to strengthen the Law and Gospel distinctions and to enhance the references to Lutheran doctrine.

Orality Training

Several churches in the AFLC have effectively used the oral style of training for adult studies, youth group, confirmation and even children’s ministry. If there is an interest in using an
oral style of training in your church, contact Pastor Kevin Olson at the following e-mail or address:

Ambassador Institute
3110 E. Medicine Lake Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55441

Ambassador Institute Website

(763) 412-2029
kevino@aflc.org

You can have your own PDF copy of this Summer Inquiry here.

Summer Ambassador Inquiry-Part 3

Editor’s note:  This is part 3 of a multiple part series from the Summer Ambassador Institute Newsletter.  You can read part 1 here, and part 2 here.

A life Changed

Tracy was born into a wealthy Muslim home in Jinja, Uganda. Her father was well known in all of Uganda because of the mosques that he had built and the support that he had given. In her home they followed Islam strictly, praying and reading the Quran all the time. Her father had several wives and he died when Tracy was young. Her mother left her to be raised by her step-mothers, so she grew up without a father and always looking for the love of a mother. Life was hard in those early years.

Her half brothers and sisters also mistreated her, since she didn’t have anyone to stand up in her defense. When it came to paying school fees, she was the last to receive money for tuition and didn’t learn how to read. In 6th grade, at age twelve, she was raped by her step-brother and became pregnant and delivered a boy, Zion, at age thirteen. Life had been hard living under her stepmothers but it became even more difficult as a single mother, with no income, food or home of her own, with a baby to care for.

A Catholic priest offered to pay for her tuition at a food production course that required at least a 10th grade education. By the grace of God, she was accepted into the course. After that, she was hired by a Christian missionary family to help with the cooking and work around home. They promised to pay for her college education, but after many years, they told her that they had lied. At that moment she felt like it would be better to go back to Islam, but the Holy Spirit kept encouraging her and assuring her that she had a greater destiny. Soon after that, she met Nate and Rhoda Jore and began a relationship with them and helped them.  That was the first time that she saw what real Christians were like.

Stay tuned for information about India tomorrow.

Summer Ambassador Inquiry-Part 2

Editor’s Note:  This is part 2 of a multiple part series om the newest Ambassador Institute news.  You can find part 1 here.

Uganda

Nate and Rhoda Jore are making adjustments in their work.

• In January, four Ugandans started overseeing the ministry.
• In February, Luke Erickson joined Micah Berger as a Short-Term Assistant.
• In March, they held a teachers training class for 25
  graduates who would like to teach others.
• In April, they held a prayer and fasting overnight with the ministry team.
• In May, Andrew Olson joins the Short-Term Assistants to work with the translation of the curriculum into Luganda.
• In June, Luke Erickson returns and Katelyn Gudim and
  Courtney Jacobson arrive as Short-Term Assistants.
• In July, the Youth Ministry Student Missions Team will be
  arriving with Brandon Marschner and 9 other students for two
  weeks.
• In August, Andrew will be returning home to attend seminary.
• In October, Lydia Schierkolk and Ruth Peterson will be arriving
  as Short-Term Assistants for 9 months.

All of that, besides working with the ministry team, the teachers, the new classes and their own five kids. There will be some adjustments, but by God’s grace things continue to move forward. Please pray for these opportunities.

One of the projects for the summer will be the translation of the curriculum into other languages. As the training has grown, there have been multiple requests to translate the curriculum,
including Luo and Swahili.

Tracy always had a desire to know God and had attended church but didn’t really have any knowledge of the Bible. When the new Ambassador Institute class was started in Jinja, she was quick to join and faithful to attend. The stories of the Bible were coming alive to her and she was learning how the prophecies of the Old Testament were fulfilled in the New Testament. She learned that the prophecy of God to the serpent in Genesis 3 was fulfilled
on the cross and although Jesus was crucified, Satan was defeated! Previously, she would read the Bible and not understand anything, but in the classes, the Bible started to make sense and have meaning like it never had before. She says, “Now I understand the Word of God. I understand what it means to me. I understand how much God loves and cares for us. I understand the love of Christ.  Now I can explain the Bible to people.”

Tracy compares her life to that of Joseph in Genesis. Her life has not been easy. She was nothing, but now she knows that she is a daughter of the King. She shares the stories of the Bible at home and is watching God change them. Recently, her husband, Jacob began leading a Bible study in their home. They have joy and peace that they have not had in the past. Communication, forgiveness and love has begun to grow in their home. She has been able to leave the burdens of life with the Lord rather than trying to carry them on her own.  She says, “It begins by giving God the first place in our hearts, in our homes and in our relationships.”

This past January, Tracy completed the two-year Ambassador Institute training. Now she is an exciting part of the ministry team.

Stay tuned for more about Tracy tomorrow!

God Is Good!

Editor’s note:  The following is part of the Coyle’s Newsletter for May which can be found here in it’s entirety.  The photo below is the 2013 Graduating Class with EEMN Director Bill Moberly.

As we sought to begin the International Bible School-Petrodolina, you prayed. As nine students enrolled into the first year program, you prayed. Through the ups and downs of this past year, you prayed. Dear friends, we now get to share with you new and exciting news. The Lutheran Church here in Ukraine has unanimously passed an agreement with EEMN regarding the future growth and development of the school. This agreement outlines details regarding the formation of a school board, curriculum development, and the building of an official Bible School building. We are thankful for our Presidium as they prayerfully and carefully went through this agreement along with EEMN director Pastor Bill Moberly. We would like to include a brief excerpt from the Moberlys’ recent update.

“Bill also had an important meeting with the GELCU Bishop and Presidium midweek. The goal was passing a new agreement establishing the International Bible School Board of Directors, which opens the door to actively planning for the next needed building, and planning for a second year of Bible School. Our board, the Coyles and our partners in Ukraine would not have imagined a unanimous vote by the Presidium three months ago, but that is what happened on Thursday, May 16! Bill is on the Board, and will take part in the first Bible School Board meeting, sign the agreement, and start planning for 2013-2014 school year when we return to Ukraine June 19.”

We are praising God that he has opened the door for further development with this school. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers. 

Summer Furlough
It is hard to believe that we will be returning to the States for the summer in just a few days. We plan to leave Odessa May 23, overnighting in Vienna, and then landing in Minneapolis at 5pm on Friday. We are thrilled at the possibility of seeing many of you, and sharing with you what God has done as well as the vision for the future development of the International Bible School-Petrodolina. Please pray for us as we travel and as we culturally re-adjust. Pray also that these news months can be a physically and spiritually refreshing time for our family.

In His Grace,
Andy, Monica, Moriah, Isaiah and Josiah

“I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;  I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;  your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”  Psalm 57:9-10

Summer Ambassador Inquiry-Part 1

Editor’s Note:  For the next several days, we will be posting information from the Summer Ambassador Inquiry Newsletter.

Adjustments

• In Brazil, there is a new leader of the school.
• In Ecuador, training will happen in cell group Bible Studies.
• In Ukraine, an additional year will be added to the training.
• In India, the Chirala class can now meet in the new building.
• In Uganda, there are 25 new teachers to be trained and new
  classes to start.

Missions require flexibility and constant adjustments, it is the way forward. We just finished editing the second edition of the six semester curriculum. Now, the edits need to be translated into the five languages. We also need to fill the position that Dr. Monseth held on the Ambassador Institute board.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Dr. Monseth will be missed in so many ways. He served on the Ambassador Institute board since it began in 2007. He was involved in editing the curriculum, setting policies and monthly input at the committee meetings. He was also Pastor Kevin Olson’s advisor for the PhD in International Development from William Carey International University. The Lord used him to change lives.

God’s Supply

We were very close to our budget in 2012 and we pray that the Lord will continue to provide according to His riches. Several individuals support the ministry monthly with automatic payments.

One side project has been the sale of computer laptops and other miscellaneous computer equipment that we receive. Dell Latitude D630 laptops are available for $100, if you or your church needs one give us a call or e-mail. We seek to help ministries through this project.

Stay Tuned for more tomorrow!

Travel to India

A number of people are traveling to India for ministry and the dedication of their new building.  Those traveling include AFLC President Eldon and Faith Nelson, AFLC Canada President Al Pinno, World Mission Director Del and Karen Palmer, former World Mission Director Gene Enderlein, and Ambassador Institute Department Head Kevin and Pam Olson.

Please be in prayer for those traveling.  Pray for effective ministry, health and travel.

The Palmers will travel on to Uganda before returning for the AFLC Annual Conference.

Vacation Bible School Projects

Many Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible School's have a mission emphasis as a part of their program.  Below,  you will find several ideas that will engage students in missions.  You'll also find resources you can download or view to help you share the project with the students.

India and Uganda

Many people around the world learn best orally.  Sometimes there are very few books and especially Bibles in their native language.  We have been using a device called the MegaVoice to help them learn God's Word in their mother tongue.  The Scriptures and Bible lessons are placed on the solar powered MegaVoice and they memorize the Word of God from the device.

Each MegaVoice costs approximately $30.00.  Challenge your Sunday school or VBS to give as many as they can.

Click here to watch a video about Mega Voice

Sanitary Toilet for Church and Parsonage in India

Recently on a trip to India we visited a village just after the rain.  We were informed that the rain causes much sickness because the sewage and drinking water mix.  After the church service we were shown the toilet facilities for the church and parsonage.  They consisted of a small area with a tarp around it for privacy.  We were told, "This is an example of the type of thing that causes sickness."  Then they asked if we would pray for the funds to build a sanitary toilet for the church and parsonage.

A sanitary toilet for this church will cost $850.00

View our newly released video on the AFLC work in India by clicking here.

Miriam Infant Home in Brazil

The Miriam Infant Home in Brazil takes care of children that have been displaced from their homes.  While in the home they experience Christian love and hear about Jesus.

Industrial Washer and Dryer
The home is in need of an industrial clothes washer and dryer.  These machines will help keep the clothes and bedding clean for the children.  The total cost for these two items is $2,500.00

Kitchen Equipment
The home is also in need of kitchen equipment to cook food for the children.  The cost for the needed pots and utensils is $500.00.

Click here to view a video which includes a segment on the Miriam Infant Home.

Mexico

One of our ministries in Mexico reaches out to children.  At Christmas time we like to give the children Christmas boxes to show the love of Christ.  This Christmas boxes include printed material that explains the Gospel.  Each box costs $5.00.  We have set a goal of 100 boxes for this Christmas.

To watch a video of the Schierkolks ministry in Mexico which includes segments on their ministry to children click here.

Bibles

The Word of God, specifically the Gospel is the primary means that God uses to create and strengthen faith in peoples lives. Therefore, it is important that people have the World of God in their language to read and ponder. Every one of our mission fields can benefit from Bibles to give to people who do not have them.

Sunday Schools and VBS's have been motivated to give Bibles to people who don't have them. Pick out a country and encourage your students to give the Word of God to those who don't have it.

Ambassadors for Christ’s Sake-Part 2

Here is part 2 of the latest news from Paul and Becky Abel.

Our summer camp season was wonderful!  Following a month of heavy rains God blessed us with a week of sunny weather for the children to enjoy camp at the ARCA. Once again we had a great group of counselors investing in young lives.  "Bible Explorers - Discovering Treasures in the Word of God" was our theme for the week.  It was fun to have Matthew home for camps this year.  A couple of weeks later we had our annual youth camp with youth from churches all around our state and even a group from Vitoria, 1000 miles away. The rain didn't stay away this time, but we were thankful for the great attitude of the campers and the wonderful way God used the theme "Come and Live" to draw people to Himself.

 We have had some projects completed at the ARCA in 2013. We are happy to have new metal frame bunk beds in all the rooms.  We also purchased the house where Carlos and Yara used to live to remodel for families and speakers to use. Paul supervised the building of three concrete stairways for easier access that came in really handy for our Passion Play this year.  God blessed us with perfect weather for the 3 nights of the outdoor presentations. We had about 1300 people in attendance.  Getting ready for the play we had several fund raisers which are great for building community.

 

Another big event that Becky was in the forefront of planning was the Annual Women's Congress.  This year we had 160 participants, and we had it at a big conference center right on the beach. Fun!

In the midst of all the busyness of the big events we had a BIG SCARE when Yara had a terrible motorcycle accident on March 5.  She was thrown from her bike and suffered an accident that only 80% of victims survive.  She has successfully made it through two high risk pelvic surgeries and is held together by external metal rods.  She also broke both wrists (another surgery) and four ribs and has a terrible wound on her right thigh which is healing up nicely now.  Yara has been flat on her back needing constant care for these past seven weeks. About ten days ago we found out that she had the beginnings of pneumonia, too.  We've done lots of running and lots of praying. It's been neat to see people come together to help in so many different ways.  She still needs our prayers so we ask you to join us in remembering her before the throne of grace. Wednesday I will be taking her in for more x-rays and a visit with the surgeons to see how she is progressing.

We had some great family times during this year as well.  You may remember that we were all together for Andrew and Alexi's wedding.  We see the girls at least once a week and enjoy having the grandkids here whenever it works out. They love coming to the farm and riding horse.
 

Although we haven't had much time to prepare yet, we are planning to come to the U.S. on furlough this summer, arriving the beginning of June and returning to Brazil October 3. As soon as our schedule is in place I'll send it out.  We hope to see as many of you as possible.  Once again we thank you so much for standing with us in prayer and financial support. Together we are making a difference in the world as we allow God to use us for His glory.

In His precious name, 
Paul and Becky

Editor’s note:  If you missed Part 1, you can read it here!  You can read the entire newsletter here on the World Mission Page of the AFLC site.

Ambassadors for Christ’s Sake

Editor’s note:  This is the first in a 2-part series on the news from Paul and Becky Abel.  Stay tuned tomorrow for part 2!

The God of our salvation who has blessed us abundantly is the One who renews our strength day by day to do His will.  Only He knows the real story of our life and ministry here in Brazil.  If you would spend a few days with us you might get a glimpse of the many facets and responsibilities involved in our missionary outreach in this place. We are ever-grateful for the trust our supporters have invested in us during these 28 years on the mission field.  By faith you have believed that God is using our lives to bless others and lead them in the ways of eternal life.

Sometimes the immensity of the task and the demands of knowing so many people and being involved in so many ministries tire us out.  We have had one big event after another to plan and execute besides all the daily responsibilities of the local church ministries.  I could easily write volumes about the happenings of each week, so it seems next to impossible to relate what's happened in these past months. I just have not been able to get down to writing and communicating with you. We're so glad that your prayers and support have not been as "spotty" as my letter-writing!  You can have a little idea of some of our activities by taking a look at a few photos I will include here.  Our prayer is that we may be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in each situation as we testify of the love of Jesus and reach out to help people be reconciled to God.  We are ambassadors for Christ's sake as God makes his appeal through us -   2 Corinthians 5:20.

Perhaps our biggest joy is having our son Matthew home again as a short-term missionary. He has been a great asset to us here.  Hopefully, you have read his updates (he's been better at writing than I have been).  We are also so thankful that son Andrew was able to make a quick trip to Brazil to help us with the Passion Play again this year (we actually wonder if we could do without him).     We now have another short term helper with us for four months, Britton Unverzagt.  These three young men have made our work more fun and more effective.  We have realized again how much we have missed our children in doing ministry since they left home.  It's been a special blessing to have our sons back for a time.

Paul and I enjoyed travelling to some Free Lutheran churches in other cities to encourage the members and do courses for couples and youth.  We were in Campo Grande in September, Iguaçu Falls in December and Vitoria in February. We also went to Campo Mourão for graduation and a meeting with the other missionaries. We are pictured below with Jonni Sliver, and Jonathan and Tamba Abel.

This year we have a student at the seminary in Campo Mourão who is doing very well after successfully completing drug rehabilitation last year in Curitiba. Alex is pictured (2nd from the right) with some of the Bible School students and Pastor Iran (far left).

What is God’s Chosen Path?

Editor’s Note:  The Wagner’s 3-month training time is drawing to a close.  Please continue to pray for them as they return and finish raising their funds.  Their plans are to go to Sierra Leone in October to work full time.  You can read their full newsletter here.

Anteré! (Good afternoon!) Greetings from Ghana, where we’re attending a 3-month Africa Training Course held by experienced LBT missionaries. We are so grateful to LBT and these missionaries for investing so much to help our transition to life and ministry in Sierra Leone later this year.

We have had opportunities here (that we wouldn’t normally) to observe varied beliefs and practices, like visiting a traditional diviner:

He humbly sat there, telling us of his practice and beliefs, claiming that he “feared no one but God and only wished well upon others.” He’s a diviner, a fortuneteller and counselor, and others like him can be found in nearly every community across West Africa. Animists (spirit worshippers), Muslims, and even Christians come to him in concern or desperation. “What should I do?!” “Why is my wife not bearing children? I will soon be told to take another.” “Why was my harvest unsuccessful? Who has cursed me?” “Please, make this person fall in love with me.”

Divination is a practice of African traditional religion, but this man also claims to be a Muslim. He attends the village mosque daily and uses the Quran (Koran) for guidance to help people, Muslim or not. He was taught and trained by his father and has already begun teaching his son. He believes he’s following God’s chosen path for him and feels honored to be able to help so many in need.  Please pray that the truth of God’s word and of Christ would light this man’s life and the lives of those in need.

❤ Josh, Ruthie, & Elijah

On the “Home” Front

After four months with a very full house, the Miriam Home has calmed down. From the beginning of November to the end of February we averaged 24 children in the Miriam Home at any given moment. These months are Brazil’s summer vacation for school, so we had a lot of children full of energy and with too much time on their hands - you can imagine that everyone was pitching in to keep order!

In March the family situations for a lot of the children were resolved and the kids started leaving, until right now we have just seven children in the house (another extreme - this time lower than normal).

After a 1:12 house mom to child ratio (or 1:24 at night!) 1:3 seems pretty mild, but there is a special blessing in this   quieter moment. All of the children presently in the house are here because their families are more complicated and it will be a while before they join family members or are     released for adoption. The blessing here is that we have a lot longer to be able to pray over and minister to these young lives.

Let me introduce you to our gang, starting with the youngest.  Emily and Nicholas have been with us for several months, and both have blossomed since they arrived. Emily came to us because of extreme abuse and arrived terrified of everyone. As time passed she grew to trust, first the house moms, then the rest of the staff and the other children. She has shown herself to be a loving, very bright, precious little girl. At two and a half she is growing more and more confidant. We are praying that our little angel will carry no memory of what happened before she came to the Miriam Home and that the Lord will open the doors for her to be adopted in to the family He has chosen for her.

Nicholas is the same age as Emily, and has been here since November. He is with us because his mother has a serious drinking addiction. Though she says she loves her little boy, she loves drinking more and would leave Nicholas for whole days at a time. It has now been more than two months since she has come to visit him or even call to see how he is doing, Praise the Lord, Nicholas knows he is important us!

Editor’s note:  You can read about the other children who are currently at the Infant Home here.

He Is Risen!

He is risen.   He is risen indeed!

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. " 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Christianity centers itself upon the very public, observable death and resurrection of Christ. Christianity is not a secret, mysterious, or phantom knowledge like most other belief systems. Christianity is not simply a series of teachings. No, Christianity IS Jesus. We celebrate the God of the universe entering into our real time and space. We celebrate an actual public event that belongs to the record of History. We celebrate the Resurrection. This is what separates Christianity from all other belief systems.

How glorious is it that we can base our faith on something objective and historical. Despite our emotions and the subjective spiritual games we play with ourselves, we are instructed to look to the cross of Christ. There, we find our deepest problem -sin- being taken care of. There, we find God’s clear message of love and forgiveness. There, we find hope for the present and the future.

He is risen. He is risen indeed!

Our Lord’s resurrection is the truth and hope we are able to rejoice in not only in this season, but throughout all of our days. This is the truth that sustains us in, and carries us through our difficulties. This is the truth that continually reminds us of forgiveness. This is the truth that set before us the glorious reality of eternal communion and restoration with Christ.  May the truth and reality of Christ’s resurrection create and strengthen faith in your hearts and minds.

In His Grace,
Andy, Monica, Moriah, Isaiah and Josiah

Editor’s note:  To read the entire newsletter, please click here.

Kvale Connection Prayer Letter-March

Being invited to share at a local AWANA kids Bible club for their mission night stirred many things in us. It is interesting that when we are to plants seeds in the lives of young children eager for more of God, what challenges start to set attempted roadblocks. With discouragement, illness, setbacks, and stress knocking at our door, nevertheless, we made our date with these great kids and leaders! Sharing about all the different things people do to be a part of the translation process and hearing from the kids about their zeal and curiosity concerning missions made it a memorable and motivating night that wrenches our hearts with passion for God’s Word and compassion for His people, His children.

None of us know the future, whether today, tomorrow, next week or next year. And whether child or adult, we all have dreams, goals or things we hope for. He alone knows the number of our days and how much more valuable is our time and investment while spent with His guidance and direction. How much more urgent it is to get God’s Word out there where it has never yet been with its transforming power. Let us persevere in child-like faith!

So despite the roadblocks of any kind, the celebrating continues!

Glenda’s mother, Eleanor Aaberg (87) is busting her road block to pieces with a grin at what the Doc says was a miraculous recovery.  Praise God!

Editor's Note: You can read the Kvale’s prayer concerns as well as a wonderful story from Wycliffe Bible Translators here.

Bible Training Ministry in the Ukraine

Editor’s Note:  The Coyles asked for specific prayers concerning the ministry of the Bible school and here is their update on that:

We would like to update you as to what has been happening here the past few days. First of all, thank you so much for praying. We received many emails expressing your prayer support. I gladly relayed those messages to my co-workers; we were all grateful. Despite some difficult issues and high tension this past week, His peace was very near.

As of right now, there are no concrete answers. An extension was granted for further consideration until April 10. There was some negativity towards the documents, but as the meetings continued we heard more positive reports. Over the course of the next few weeks, additions and subtractions will be made, and the final document will be presented to both sides for agreement or rejection. Our Bible School team is generally more positive now as we look to the future. We sense that God will work this out that way He wants.

Prayer needs:
- Pray for the leadership of the host church (DELKU) as they analyze and work on the agreement.
- Pray for our Bible School leadership
- Pray that a fair agreement can be made between EEMN and DELKU for a solid foundation
- Pray for peace-making and unity in the midst of the details
- Pray that God's will would be done.

In His Grace,
Andy, Monica, Moriah, Isaiah and Josiah

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." Colossians 4:3

March Missions Devotional

The following devotional was written by Glenn Mork

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

As we enter into the regional and state championships of high school sports, we are reminded of the intense competition. High school students train, compete and prepare for what seems like the ultimate prize, State Championship!

As our children were growing up, the pressure to prepare, practice and compete on Sundays was almost overwhelming. Choices were made to avoid teams that required practice and participation in games on Sunday mornings.

As our society further distances itself from the Triune God and the church, our future generation is steadily focusing on the wrong race. There are so many distractions. It’s so tempting to focus on the less important things in life. High school sports can be a wonderful experience. It can be a time of building character. It’s like so many other things in life. If our focus and drive are for the wrong reasons, the end results can be disastrous.

College costs rise at an alarming rate, many college loans are running at 11% interest. Taxes are on the rise and the cost of living is increasing much faster than our wages. Excel in high school sports, practice, practice and more intense practice. Strive for college scholarships and win the prize. Go on to college, prepare, practice and compete, strive for the prize, NCAA Championship!

Reality check, a very small percentage of high school students will ever get the prize. Even if they do, it’s a prize that will fade away. Yet, as parents, we strive. The more focused we get, the less focused we become. Sundays become more about sports and less about God.

Heavenly Father, give us strength and courage to strive for the race Paul is talking about. Help us Lord to focus on the race for eternal life! Help us Lord to speak your Word in such a way that youth will come to know you as Lord and Savior. Help us Lord to equip our youth with Your Word, Your thoughts and Your guidance as they share the gospel with their friends.

We give thanks to you Lord for the AFLC Bible School and Seminary, the students, the faculty and staff. May no-one grow weary, may no-one grow faint as we strive to fulfill your great commission.

We give thanks to you, Lord, for those you have called and sent out. We ask for your wisdom, your strength and your blessings to be upon them. We thank you Lord for those yet to be called.

May we continually be mindful of your call upon our lives, knowing that You have a time and a season for all that You do. Help us Lord, to remain attentive to You. Help us Lord to run the race well. Help us Lord to be trainers of our youth as all of us train for the eternal prize.

Wagner Updates

March 14:  Please pray for our family especially during these next two weeks. Josh took a 13hr-bus ride early this morning to Accra and will fly to Sierra Leone in the morning (for 10 days). He's going to meet partners and scope out our living situation for later this year. Elijah and I are staying back in Ghana and already miss him terribly. Please pray for protection, good health, and comfort during this important time for us.

Day 42/90: Last week our orientation shifted from a classroom setting led by a Ghanaian man and Polish Father to seminars held in LBT missionaries' homes. The seminars are focused on practical living skills and dealing with issues common in the life of a missionary. Some of the many topics include:
- cooking & meal planning
- medical care
- shopping in local markets
- how to work with househelp
- dealing with corruption/bribery
- working with national partners
- spiritual warfare
- dealing with stressors
- crisis management
- driving
- African Friends and Money Matters (read this and you'll know better how to pray for us!)
- and much more!

March 24:  Josh is still in Sierra Leone until Tuesday (March 26). Right now he's actually in Makeni - where we hope to live! He's been able to meet the translation team there and even check out some housing options. He's been sharing some pictures with me via dropbox, but I don't know what they're of yet, so stay tuned... This is all very exciting for us, if you can't tell.

Thanks for your ongoing prayer support, team!
Ruthie and Joshua Wagner

Editor’s note:  You can also follow along with updates for the Wagners on their Facebook page here.

The Cross of Christ and His Righteousness

In honor of Men’s Day (a Ukrainian holiday), the Bible School ladies made personalized t-shirts as gifts for the men.

A few weeks ago in one of my Romans classes, we were studying chapter five. I was highlighting verse eight which says, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (ESV).” The simple connection that I was making was the inseparability between the love of God and the cross. So often we hear of God’s love, yet we don’t hear of the ugliness of the cross. Well, in the middle of class an unexpected blessing occurred to drive this point home. The Russian text for this verse (of which I had previously not consulted, which was the reason for this little surprise) creates a rather beautiful and profound picture. In our English Bibles, we read “God shows, or God demonstrates his love.” The Russian Bible uses the word, “доказывает” which means to prove, or gives evidence. It’s a much stronger word than to say He simply “shows.” Isn’t that a cool picture? God proves or gives evidence of his love at the cross of Christ.

How do we know that God loves us? Do we search for an experience? Do we look into our hearts? No, and definitely no! How do we know that God loves us? We look to the historical, objective event of the cross of Christ. There, in real time and space, we find God dealing with our sin problem. There, in real time and space, we find the merciful, passionate, and immensely intense love of God on display.

This is the simple truth that I need to hear every day. This is the simple truth that we have the privilege and responsibility to communicate with our students. Thank you so much for praying and supporting this very important work of transforming lives, one at a time.

We want to share with you another small sample of what God is doing here. What you will read was written by a Bible School student in response to the question, “What is the most important thing that you have learned about yourself?”

”I have realized that I am 100% sinner, but also 100% holy before God because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. I must remember that I am a sinner, because when I see someone's faults, in my heart there is condemnation. When I think that I'm better than someone else, pride is the result. But I must remember that I am a saint. When it comes to judgment, thoughts like, "You're too evil, God will not forgive you," occur. I need to remember that I am a saint in the eyes of God, not because of my works, but through the righteousness of Jesus.
I have realized that I am weak and powerless against sin, and the only way to deal with it is to be open to God, to confess my sins to Him, and allow Him to change me.

I have also realized how important it is under any circumstances to seek God and praise Him. When I went to school, I imagined it as a place where it would be very easy to devote myself to God, seek His will, pray often, read the Bible, and that I will have no distractions. But I have now seen that the problem is not in the environment, but in me. I am just too lazy to pray, read the Bible, just as life is full of temptations. As it is written, "Behold, now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation." Our nature is such that we are always waiting for something in the future, some favorable circumstances, but we are already in the circumstances. The Lord has placed us at the right time and the right place, and has done everything that we find Him.”

In His Grace,
Andy, Monica, Moriah, Isaiah and Josiah

Editor’s note:  To find out how you can pray for the Coyles, please click here.

News from the Coyles

Dear Prayer Partners, This is a big week (specifically Tuesday and Wednesday) for us here in Odessa. The Bible School Staff are meeting with the National Church Council to present three important documents related to the present and future stability of the Bible School. Unfortunately, right now in the church there are huge personality conflicts and our Bible School Director, Pastor Alexander Gross, is facing strong opposition. Please pray for Pastor Alexander, that God would strengthen and guide him, and and bring comfort to him and his family. Please pray for Pastor Ole and I as we make specific presentations on Wednesday. Please pray also for the Lord's favor and grace in these decisions. In His Grace, Andy, Monica, Moriah, Isaiah and Josiah

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." Colossians 4:3