Updates on 3 Missionaries

After a prolonged furlough here in the US, the Schierkolks have arrived safely back in Mexico.  They left on  Jan 23rd after spending some time at the Pastors/Spouses retreat at the ARC.   At the opening worship, the family was called forward and we prayed for them and their safe trip and continued ministry in Mexico.  Please continue to pray for them during this transition.

Pastor Kevin Olson is now in Uganda working with Pastor Jore and the Ambassador Institute students there.  Please keep him in your prayers as he does this important ministry!

And finally, Jacob O’Flanagan has returned to spend approximately 9 months in Brazil.  He will be working in Campo Mourau.  Pray for his ministry as well.  We are grateful for our short term missionaries who bring so much needed help to the mission field and give of themselves so freely.  

Update on Matthew Abel Who Is In Brazil for Ministry

Today is Monday January 21st and I am in Brazil! For some of you this is the first mission update/letter that you are receiving and for some of you it is the 2nd, 3rd or 4th.

I arrived home late last Wednesday Night (Jan. 16th) and hit the ground running. I am home after being away for 6 years and am excited about reconnecting with the community that I grew up in. I see this year ahead as an amazing opportunity to testify about God's work in my life and influence a group of people whom I have easy access to.

There has been much work to help with immediately upon my arrival since Bible camp begins tomorrow! Today our Counselor staff arrives and everything will have to be arranged and set up for camp. My mother, Becky, is off to do the shopping and pick up the cook (my godmother) as I write this letter.

Please be in prayer for this week of Bible Camp, there are already over 50 children registered, which means that there will probably be more kids attending than the 70 we were expecting! Bible Camp is a great evangelistic opportunity as we preach the Gospel and teach children to know the Bible and to Love Jesus in a SUPER fun and safe environment. Our counselor staff is hand picked and great! Pray that they would be tactful and loving ministers of grace here at Camp. Many are stretched and challenged with new experiences in telling stories, acting in dramas and leading groups. Please pray for safety and good weather also.

After the craziness of the Bible camp rush is done I will be sitting down with missionaries Paul and Becky Abel for us to evaluate and strategize about how to best invest my time and energy. Unfortunately there are more opportunities in ministry for me here than I can possibly do, and I will have to narrow my options in order to properly invest and have a lasting impact here while keeping my sanity.

I am very blessed and am expectant about what God is doing and what He will do. I have dreams, plans and radical idealism about the future and I will be glad to continue to share the blessings and the needs with you all as this develops.
  
Duty calls. -Thank you for your prayers!

Please continue to pray for: 
Holy Spirit Power 
My Transition Back 
The decision-making about ministry 
The existing church body here and its ministries 
The process of reconnecting with old friends who are far from the Lord 
Whatever the Holy Spirit Places on Your Heart

Remembering 2012 at the Miriam Infant Home

Editor’s note:  This is part 2 of a two part series:

As you will remember from last month, it wouldn’t be a good idea to change the name of the Miriam  Infant Home. At the peak of the housing boom we had 23 children in the house and 5 children 2 and under (6 with Daniel, house mom Odete’s new baby). The majority of the children came from three families; and it was precious that 11 children from those three homes spent Christmas with extended family members who really wanted to receive them. Two of the home situations appear to be promising; the third is more questionable, but we are praying and visiting! 

Two of our latest arrivals in 2012 have a special place in my heart. On Sunday, the 16th Pr. Altair preached on prayer and God spoke very directly to me about being proactive; praying for the children that He would bring to the Miriam Home before they arrived. The next day Vilma arrived. She is sixteen years old, and Odete and I already knew her. She was Odete’s roommate when she had Daniel and I had visited her when I went to see Odete and baby. Suddenly, this young mom was on our doorstep, with her four month old baby, Alex. He was so thin and so weak, he barely cried or kicked—it seemed like he only had enough strength to lay there and breath. Vilma and her baby came to us because she was overwhelmed. She wanted to take care of her baby but didn’t know how. Her mother had been helping her but the beginning of December her mother passed away. Neighbors contacted the authorities, concerned for the baby and according to the documents Vilma and Alex came to receive support and something of child care education. But the real reason they came is that God loves them and wants to be a part of their lives! We have had precious opportunities to pray over Alex, to talk to and pray with Vilma, and to reach out to Joao, Alex’ father.  We don’t know what the Lord has planned for this young family, but we know that here in the Miriam Home they received new hope!

You can read the rest of Jonni’s newsletter here!

Remembering 2012 at the Miriam Infant Home

Editor’s note:  This is the first in a two part series as Jonni Sliver remembers all the children and adults who have been a part of the Miriam Infant Home last year.  Stay tuned for part 2 tomorrow:

The beginning of a new year is exciting! There are twelve whole months to look back and an entirely new year of hope in front.

In the Miriam Home we have a lot to look back on. We have seen struggling families strengthened and broken families restored. We have seen wounded children being received by grandparents, aunts and uncles, finding new hope within their own families. We have seen substitute families step in andoffer the love our children’s own families denied them. In 2012 we received 68 children from 38 families. As often as was possible we worked with the families, seeking to bring God’s healing, not only to the little ones who came to us, but to the whole family they would eventually go back to.

But it isn’t numbers that fills our hearts with joy, it is the faces behind the numbers! Like Cleber, who arrived in December of 2011. This precious, now seven year old, had been truly and completely abandoned. During the whole year he was with us his mother not only didn’t come to visit, she never even called to ask how he was. But the Lord’s promises are faithful and true. He took this lonely child and brought him into a loving new family!Claudineia and Juliano (members of the Free Lutheran Church in Bateais, Curitiba) met Cleber last February when they came as counselors for youth retreat during Carnival and within days had taken their first steps in the long process of adoption. Their love and persistence in facing all of the red tape ministered to Cleber’s wounded heart, and it was thrilling  to see him jump for joy when his mom and dad came to collect him just two weeks ago.

For several months the Miriam Infant Home was turned into the House of Princesses, as we had at one point seven teen-age girls in the house (and amazingly, without civil war!). It thrills my heart to say that Larissa, Paola, Vitoria, Noeme, Vanessa and Franciele are all with members of their family and so far all have adapted well.

There are some special prayer requests and more of Jonni’s newsletter that won’t be posted here.

Kvale Connection-December Newsletter

Editor’s note:  This is part 2 of a 2 part series:

Our Travels to Missouri

We were humbled at the invitation to come to MO in September and meet with  this prayer group in Springfield, MO, that meets monthly to pray for Bible translation work. It was so encouraging and personally challenging as we witness more of the work of the Holy Sprit gathering pray-ers.  We also visited with Pastor Rich & Kay Ramsbacher, had the privilege of meeting Verona Jacobson, playing music for her, reading Scripture in her room, and praying.

In Stover, MO, we met (3) Pastor Tom & Judy Turra sharing in their vision for ministry with the congregation there.

Family Time in MO

To our surprise this ministry trip became a refreshing time for our family.  People blessed us with tickets for area sight seeing, we enjoyed the beauty of the Ozark Mountains, and drove to see the St. Louis Arch, which you can see Steve so excited he had to hug the arch! :) Eunice Will hosts the monthly prayer group and a weekly women’s Bible study Glenda was blessed and challenged in. Kay left a birthday cake in our fridge for Lenaya’s 14th birthday. Sweet!

Our Vacation

Strange going to Las Vegas, but we took Glenda’s mom to see the homes and lives of Glenda’s brother and sister there. We shared Thanksgiving, walked the beautiful area of the Hoover Dam for hours, and were very humbled experiencing the ministry to the homeless there.

You can read the Kvale’s prayer concerns here.

West Africa Countdown-22 Days!

We're (Josh, Ruthie, and Elijah Wagner) getting our shots and packing our bags! We have tickets for a 3-month orientation in Ghana, starting January 30th. During this time Josh will also travel to Sierra Leone and scope out our situation and where we'll be living.

Some have been helping us prepare by sending us items from our Amazon Wishlist: Wagners in Sierra Leone. Here's a picture of Elijah's new bug-net bed!

 

After orientation we will return to the Midwest to finish raising support. We will only be free to go to Sierra Leone when our monthly support reaches 100%. 

WAGNER HOUSEHOLD SETUP & VEHICLE FUNDS - $15,000 & $20,000.  Poor infrastructure and bad roads necessitate these funds for first–term missionaries. Please designate these gifts separately from monthly support.

We praise God for all the people we met and stayed with on our 7,000–mile road trip. Elijah (5 mos.) has now seen 12 states, including Alaska—an emergency hospital trip. Ruthie’s dad, Bob Lee (serving there with Margaret), is well now; thanks for your prayers. Shout–out to Josh’s grandparents, the Hopwoods! We are basking in the comfort of their home until we leave.  Oh, and Ruthie passed her comprehensive exams, finishing her master’s degree. Praise the Lord! If you’re in the Minnesota area we’d love to see you. Until next time...

❤ Josh, Ruthie, & Elijah

Personal Time With God

Happy New Year from Ukraine! We trust that the Lord’s presence is very near you as you start out this new year, and tread into new depths of His plan for your life. As we look forward to the year ahead, we find strength in knowing that He is always near, and always faithful. There are exciting plans ahead (a summer furlough!), continued development with the Bible School, the graduation of our first class of students, and yet struggles in which we trust the Lord to work peace and unity. Thank you for your prayers, which the Lord certainly hears and answers. May God bless you with His grace and peace.

In Jesus' Love,
Andy and Monica, Moriah, Isaiah and Josiah

Before the Bible School students left for Christmas break, we asked our students to share what God had been doing in their lives. Below are excerpts from the students’ responses to the topic, “personal time with God.”

"After three months at the Bible School, I can say that my personal time with God grew. I learned to be more open to prayer, learned to talk to God so that I was not as afraid to speak as before. I learned to pray always and everywhere. Now I can pray while talking to other people, or walking down the street while in the bus or anything like that. And I stopped being afraid to ask God for personal needs, because before, when I was afraid to do it, I thought that God had so much to do and my petty issues were not worth his attention. Even in the last few days, God has shown me that He is boss, and there is no other way. Now God shows me who He really is. He and I were reacquainted, and I discovered many things. Six months ago I could not imagine how my life could change so much. The soul-searching for me was important. Now, those things and people that were so important to me have lost value. The Bible has become part of my daily life. "

"My communication with God is constant. Wherever I am, I pray, and whenever I want. Prayer for me has no memorized phrases or "fancy” words. Prayer is a conversation with a friend or mentor. When I'm sad - I talk to him; when I'm happy - thank Him. He always stays with me, I feel it with all my guts. Unfortunately, reading the Bible I do not have much time, but with the ability to read wonderful verses in class, I learn more and later I can continue to reflect on them. But I would still like to pay more attention to the Word of God. "

"During the time I spent in Bible school, it has changed my attitude to the Bible. I saw how important the authority of Scripture is, and how Scripture itself is applicable to life. It is striking to me, that after being a Christian for many years, I was not so much looking for answers in the Bible. It is great that God is working with our priorities in the end, gives people the awareness of the importance of what He has commanded us. Prayer became an integral part of my life. It is important to turn to God in prayer not only when there are some problems and we need God's intervention, but in general, to thank God for what He is doing in our lives every day. I am glad that there is value in prayer. I believe and hope that when I go home, my prayer life will continue to be full and complete, and will make time for prayer. "

"When I first arrived, I seemed plunged into a different world. I found it strange that we always pray before eating, and that we prayed each morning before class. The first time I hung around at the small group, first visited the Bible hour. When we went to Novogradovka, I first learned that the church has a children's center, which ministers to many children. The first time I went to Sunday school, youth ministry. I did not know at first what to do in my spare time. Even when I was asked simply to pray out loud, I started panicking. I have never prayed out loud, very rarely prayed before meals.

I guess, for me, the biggest plus is that I have started to read the Bible, not only in preparation for classes, but just to know more about God. When we had a street evangelism practice in Odessa, we spoke with people on the street and asked them about Jesus. There was a case when a woman and I started a conversation about God, and we have a long talk about it. If someone had told me before, that I can do that, I would have just laughed at the man.

I began praying more, reading the Bible in my spare time, and thinking more about God. Now I can quietly pray out loud. "

"Here, my life has become more relaxed, I have a chance to communicate more with God. I began to feel in need of prayer more and more. It became more genuine, more diverse, more regular. Before going to bed, I read the Old Testament. Six months ago, I did not read the Bible, and did not pray often due to the bustle of life. During the three months of training in Bible school things started to change. "

Submitted by 2012-2013 Bible School Students

To be continued…

Editor’s note:  You can read the rest of the Coyles’ newsletter here, including their prayer requests and some great family photos.

Kvale Connection December Newsletter

Editor’s note:  There was so much good stuff in this newsletter, that we will post in 2 parts!  Part 1 is today…Part 2 will be posted tomorrow:

Celebrating the Word!

Twice a year, in the Spring and in the Fall, there is a special celebration of completed translation projects for the previous six months.  Held in the Taboli room at the Wycliffe USA headquarters in Orlando, FL, festive and worshipful music, local and international guests, and a special speaker in linguistic missions highlights the celebration as well as the presentation of the New Testaments and Bibles in print. Feelings of inexpressible joy and reverence come over us when we have a chance after the presentation to view and examine the Scriptures in other languages knowing its transforming power is beyond what we can comprehend or imagine! Testimonies are endless and tears flow with gratitude for this gift from God. This year, the number of languages needing translation decreased from 2,040 to 1,967! Below 2,000! Glory to God!!

HDI Translation

This Sunday School in Marshall, MN, with their Bible Celebration Sunday, focused on the HDI translation project of Nigeria and Cameroon, raising enough change to print 66 copies! 

Several readers mentioned how the HDI Peoples story in our September Prayer Letter really impacted them. Please keep praying for the anticipated December 2013 completion of this Scripture.

(Top) The HDI church.

(Bottom) Danqwa Peirre, current president of the HDI translation committee, with Lee Bramlett, translation advisor to the committee.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”  Ephesians 3:20

We are so thankful that our search for a home is finally over - we just moved into a new home! After living out of suitcases during a great part of our 1 year furlough,  returning to Brazil in May, we continued to do so as we stayed in rooms at the Bible School in Campo Mourão. It feels so good to retire our suitcases and ‘hang our hats’ for a while!

While in Campo Mourão, we got to know the students quite well and were able to have some positive influence on their lives as well as other families living around there. Michelle got close to the girls in the Miriam Infant Home and also able to be a Christian influence since they come from very messed up homes. She enjoyed the free roam of a spacious campus and friendships everywhere. However, we now need to get back to a normal routine.

Here in Maringa, where we have our church family, we want to focus on seeing some new action take place here.  Please pray that we will make the right decisions concerning how to take the church to the next level: whether to rent a small hall temporarily or to begin building a church on the property we already have for that.  Jonathan will continue to teach a class each week at the Bible School and oversee the Bible Camp ministry in Campo Mourão.

Please pray also for the many new changes that will be taking place in Campo Mourão:

1) for the students that just graduated from Bible School (Jonathan preached at their graduation this week)

2) the installing of a new Academic Director for the Bible School,

3) for future students preparing to join our Bible School next school year (March),

4) for the replacing of our faithful caretaker (Sr. Antonio) at the Bible Camp grounds with a capable couple,

5) for safe travels back and forth from Maringa to Campo Mourão (for Jonathan),

In the US: 6) Also pray for our two oldest – April & Thomas who are studying in the Twin Cities (for safety, health, provision & spiritual growth).

Jonathan traveled to Vitoria to help celebrate the church’s Anniversary and completion of their remodeling efforts, Nov. 22nd – 26th.  It was a fruitful weekend for the church there.

November was indeed a month for Thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done! The main blessing being finding and moving into a house! But many other prayers have also been answered! God is so good!!! Now we focus on CHRISTmas and all that goes on during this season! We will have a Christmas Program in our home for our church family!

Once again we want to thank our Lord for you who uphold us in your prayers and in your financial gifts, to enable His work to go on in this part of the world!  Thank you!!!

Jonathan and Tamba Abel

Brazilian Coworker Killed

Dear Friends,

I have VERY SAD news to announce to you this morning.  Last night in Campo Mourão our dear Silvana, daughter of Terezinha, was assassinated by two drive-away criminals on a motorcycle. 

Silvana and her boyfriend, Leno, were delivering pop to the Miriam Infant Home for a Christmas party that was supposed to be today. It happened  at 9:00 p.m. on the street corner by the Lar Paraná church.  It was still light out and there were people on the streets yet.  The police believe that the criminals shot at a mistaken target. Leno is in critical condition in the hospital after undergoing surgery.  Please pray for him and his recuperation. 

Of course, we are all overwhelmed with sadness and we are asking you to pray for this very dear family as they walk through this valley.  Dona Tereza has been a main stay at our Bible School “forever” and Silvio is a key person in all that happens in the AFLC in Brazil. They need our love and prayers at this time. 

Sorry to be a bearer of “sad news” at this time of year when we like to announce the “good news.”

Our love to you, Paul and Becky

Note: Photo is of Silvana cooking at the AFLC Brazil Bible School.

Waves

I don’t know that you would call it a tsunami, but we have definitely seen some major waves landing on the shores of the Miriam Home! They began three weeks ago, just days after Larissa and Paola returned to their homes; the familiar white car from the juvenile authorities arrived with Joao (8 years old) his sister Heloisa (6) and the baby of the family Mateus (3). They came to us from a nearby town when their mother was arrested (their father is already in jail). The first days here were difficult, the abrupt separation from their mom was traumatic, but in a few days they began to settle in and feel more at home.

The second wave hit just while Joao and company were adapting. This time it was a family of four: William (9) his sisters Talita (8) and Tainara (3) and their smallest  brother (though not youngest) Maicon (5). The children arrived because they had been left locked in a room in aboarding house while their mother was out with friends. Their father works as a laborer on a farm and is only able to come home every two weeks. The first days in the Miriam Home were challenging for this gang too, but for different reasons. Maicon spent his first night, not in the home, but with Pr. Silvio in the emergency room because of severe stomach pains. After hours the doctors decided he had a severe case of intestinal parasites, and because he had been eating very little for a long time, the good meal he had at night brought on a crises.

The same day William’s group joined we received a much smaller wave, just two precious little girls. Ana Louisa (4) and Ana Laura (four months) from a near by town. These two girls nearly broke our hearts. They are lovely children, but they are being raised by a single mother who had just been arrested. Ana Louisa was with us for less 24 hours. Her father was contacted and came to claim her. Baby Ana Laura has a different father. We don’t know if he knows about his little girl, because we don’t know his name. At four months of age Ana Laura had not even been registered yet. Something that a mother normally does in the first week was done by our social assistant soon after Ana arrived in the Miriam Home. During her first week Ana stayed with Aunty Odette (one of our house moms who is just finishing up her maternity leave. Ana Laura is almost exactly the same size as her baby boy, Daniel), getting a little more focused attention, but she is now in her crib in the Miriam Home, the youngest reining princess.

Editor’s note:  To read about yet another WAVE, as Jonni describes it, click here.  You can read more news as well!

Missions Devotional

by Paul Handsaker

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11

As one reads this verse we are reminded that God has plans for every person’s life and He knows the path we will take. For the believer God further tells us that His plans are for our welfare, to give us a future and a hope. What a wonderful promise this is to know that God is in control. I believe this promise is for our personal lives as well as any ministry endeavors that are a part of our lives. This may include our local congregation and beyond into mission work in the greater church at large. Yet knowing that God has plans for our lives sometimes we struggle to discern the path we should take. We are faced with decisions: does God want me to be a Sunday School teacher this year, should I serve on this ministry board, should I change jobs that may require a move for my family, if I move what will my new church family be. Ministries also struggle with decisions as well, what is the best way to accomplish our mission, should we expand our ministry, do we engage in a building project, do we engage more workers, how will our financial needs be met.

I remember a time when my family was struggling with vocation issues, should we stay farming or should we move on, we even considered moving to Atlanta. It was hard to know what to do. It is at times of uncertainty that it would be wonderful to wake to find a note that said this is what you should do, signed God. But it is never this easy We have to seek the Lord in prayer, search the scriptures and he will give us peace about an issue we are considering, For me when I experience a sense of peace I know that I am living in God’s plan for my life.

The other side of our path in life is the danger of complacency in our personal lives or within established ministries. The routine of our everyday lives, the established path we have taken, the projects we have been doing, can lead us to lose sight of new opportunities, a turn in the road, and we began to function on autopilot. Some time ago two pilots were cruising on auto pilot and suddenly found themselves over Wisconsin when they were to have landed in Minneapolis. Oops, although nothing serious came of this lapse, the plane was late and the pilots were disciplined. So it is with our spiritual lives, even though God has plans for us, we need to be alert, listening and ready for action, not just moving forward on autopilot. Granted in the routine of our lives, the busyness of every day, the routine of established ministries there is a danger that we will begin to travel on autopilot. God has been challenging me to be more alert, to listen as God prompts, to ponder the Word to make sure that God is not calling me to change directions, to reevaluate what I have been doing. Have I been living on auto pilot, have I missed an opportunity, is God wanting me to change directions, am I walking in the plan He has for me?

Jores–We Made It!

It’s good to be back at our home in Jinja. Thanks for praying for our trip!

To read more about the transition for our family, click on this link to our blog:

http://thejorefamily.wordpress.com/

Nate, Rhoda and family

Heading Home

The last time we wrote, we had recently arrived back in the States for our 6-month furlough. Our heads are spinning just a bit after a whirlwind of months filled with traveling, visiting and speaking at churches, spending time with family & friends, shopping & organizing what we need to bring back for this next 2 1/2 year term in Uganda, & continuing with schooling the kids.

Amidst the craziness, we have found time to be still, to reflect, to process and to vision about what's next. God has been very near to us, & has spoken to our hearts. When we came back in May, we were tired. Our vision and passion for the work in Uganda was dim. Our Father has breathed new life into us in a beautiful way, through His presence, through His Word, and through so many of you who took the time to speak into our lives and to communicate your love for us. We are so grateful  for each of you. We look forward to sharing with you soon about what specifically God has been teaching us and laying on our hearts.

We are eager & excited to return to Uganda in just a few days now. Our flight leaves on Wednesday, November 28th. Would you pray for us?

Thank you, friends.

With grateful and full hearts,
Nate & Rhoda
Elijah, Judah, Hannah, Jeremiah & Julia

Editor’s note:  Here is how you can pray for the Jores:

* Safe travels back to Uganda

* Health

* Unity and peace in our home as we make our way through another transition

* The time and ability to reconnect well with our friends in Uganda

* For each member of our family to know the Father's love for us & to extend His love and His grace to each other

* Protection from attacks from the evil one

* That God would be glorified through our family

The Jore’s Blog

Jore Family News

Heading Home The last time we wrote, we had recently arrived back in the States for our 6-month furlough. Our heads are spinning just a bit after a whirlwind of months filled with traveling, visiting and speaking at churches, spending time with family & friends, shopping & organizing what we need to bring back for this next 2 1/2 year term in Uganda, & continuing with schooling the kids. Amidst the craziness, we have found time to be still, to reflect, to process and to vision about what's next. God has been very near to us, & has spoken to our hearts. When we came back in May, we were tired. Our vision and passion for the work in Uganda was dim. Our Father has breathed new life into us in a beautiful way, through His presence, through His Word, and through so many of you who took the time to speak into our lives and to communicate your love for us. We are so grateful  for each of you. We look forward to sharing with you soon about what specifically God has been teaching us and laying on our hearts. We are eager & excited to return to Uganda in just a few days now. Our flight leaves on Wednesday, November 28th. Would you pray for us? Thank you, friends. With grateful and full hearts, Nate & Rhoda Elijah, Judah, Hannah, Jeremiah & Julia

Prayer Requests: * Safe travels back to Uganda * Health * Unity and peace in our home as we make our way through another transition * The time and ability to reconnect well with our friends in Uganda * For each member of our family to know the Father's love for us & to extend His love and His grace to each other * Protection from attacks from the evil one * That God would be glorified through our family     So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

Ambassador Institute Visits Ecuador

Precious family and friends,

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Cor. 9:15

As the holidays near, we remember each of you with fondness and feel just a little wistful for home. But we are also thrilled to be here and see how God is at work!

At the beginning of November, we were honored to have Pastor Kevin Olson with the Ambassador Institute visit us for ten days. He shared with the Paz de Dios church on how to orally share the stories of the Bible. We are confidant that God will use this new training to further equip the saints here to effectively share the Gospel with others. The work of discipleship also continues, and we continue to pray for God’s blessing as Justo and these young people study His Word.

In other news, we are excited to share our news that Patricia is expecting again. Our baby is due in early June. Please pray for her recovery from the morning sickness and that she can pick back up the duties of the household. Several of our family members will be visiting us over the next couple months. We look forward to welcoming them to Ecuador !

Editor’s Note:  You can read the rest of the newsletter here.

Meet Bogdan

Editor’s note:  We hope you have enjoyed getting to know the first  group of students studying at the Bible School in the Ukraine.  Please continue to pray for them in this new venture.

Hi! My name is Bogdan, I am 20. I am from Odessa.I started coming to Sunday school when I was 4, and I met God being rather young. So my childhood was rather bright. I actively participated in Sunday School activities, took part in different Christian performances,I liked that very much and I tried to serve God through this. Then I attended the youth group where I met Alexander Gross. He was responsible for the youth work then and also was the director of the Christian camp “Gloria.” Once the camp needed the person who would be responsible for technical stuff, video, sound, etc. in the camp. I tried this position and succeeded. I was doing this for several years and last year I was suggested to become the group leader. Here I understood that I have the lack of knowledge and experience but still have a great wish. And God responded to my need and now I am a student of the Bible School. I am grateful to God and also to Alexander for the opportunity to study here.

World Relief

AFLC World Missions partners with World Relief to provide relief and the gospel to the needy around the world.  Any gifts can be send directly to the AFLC World Missions office with your regular giving.  Below is a Thanksgiving/Christmas message from World Relief to the AFLC.

“Many people are suffering, and they do not have anyone to care for them…But, there is still hope. And that hope is the church.” – Marcel Serubungo This season, we celebrate what God is doing through His Church. This season we celebrate Peace – personified in Jesus Christ. Join us to support and encourage the Congolese Church as they bring reconciliation and healing to their neighbors, communities, and country. First, please PRAY for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Pray for Peace and Security in the North Kivu and the DRC in general. Pray for the expansion of World Relief’s Peace-Building Program in the whole eastern part of the DRC. Pray for the victims of war who are most vulnerable. Pray for the Local Church in the DRC and Village Peace Committees to have the capacity to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. Second, please take a Thanksgiving or Christmas offering for our work in the DRC. You can find a video, a bulletin insert, and background information on the situation in the DRC and World Relief’s work there online at www.worldrelief.org/holiday-campaign. Thank you for standing for the vulnerable. Together, we can make a difference! Gratefully, Don Golden

Meet Anna and Eugeniy

Editor’s note:  Here are 2 more students from the Bible School in the Ukraine.

My name is Anna. I am 18. I am from Odessa. I finished school this year. In the congregation I am a teacher of Sunday School, specifically the age group of 6 to 8 years old. I decided to study in the Bible School to improve my knowledge for the teaching of children. Also I want to develop myself and learn how to serve people. My favorite Bible verse is: «But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.» (1 Cor 2:9).

Hi! My name is Eugeniy. I am 27 and I am from Kiev. I started my way with God 7 years ago and then I had no understanding that life could be different, that it could be full and have hope, love and joy. The first church where God led me was the protestant church of evangelical Christians, it was very strong in Bible study and practical Christian life. It was a very good but very difficult time for me. My heart changed every day, God changed my mind and from time to time it was just unbearable. After 4.5 years God led me into Kiev Lutheran youth congregation. I can’t say that it was a right time but God opened the door and showed the way. After some time I became an active member of the youth group and the part of the choir for 1.5 years. The wish to study in the Bible school appeared immediately as soon as I got to know about the Bible school itself. Of course, I had a lot of worries connected with the move to the different city, but now I understand that it was a good choice which I hope will influence my future. From the school I hope that I will become stronger in faith, get new knowledge, and as a result to be able to pass this knowledge to others and to help them to come to God.

Meet Artem and Maria

Editor’s note:  Here are 2 more students studying at the Bible School in the Ukraine:

My name is Artem. I am 30. I came from Kiev. From 2000 till 2004 I was a member of charismatic church “The Rock”, where I was responsible for worship (guitar, singing). From the beginning of 2012 I have been a member of Christian Lutheran Church of Kiev. In the congregation I sing in a choir. I got to know about the opportunity to study in the Bible school a month before it started. I understood immediately that I wanted to go very much. I hope that during my study I would be able to strengthen my relationship with God, to know His holy Word, and to become stronger in Christian faith. Also, I hope that the church will help mw to find my way and serve God.

My name is Maria. I am 23. I came here to study from the Kiev congregation. In my congregation I was singing in the Christian choir. I heard about the opportunity to study in the Bible school during the Christian festival “Gloria Fest 2012”. I liked the idea from the very beginning, as my dream is to serve God in my life. During this year I want to deepen my knowledge about God, get the practical skills to serve people, and the most important, to grow spiritually and to become stronger in faith.  This is still difficult for me to understand what God wants me to do in future, but I know that this year will be very special for me.