Prayer Letter from Ingrid Giles

Hello Everyone!

I'm writing this letter to you from my parents home in Phoenix, Arizona!  I'm so thankful to be here catching up on my rest and spending time with my family.  Let me try and retrace some of my steps with you so you can be in on my strange journey and the workings of God in my life.

This summer has been turbulent, difficult, challenging, and interesting!  In the course of God's will and plan for all of us, I found myself alone in Jerez.  My good friends and team leaders, the Shierkolks, all left for their various summer travels in the States, India, and the Ukraine.  (Busy people!)  My brother Danny and his family moved on to new and different places and responsibilities.  I could no longer financially afford to live in the giant house we once shared, so a family in our church offered to rent me one of their houses.  That way, I would still be on my own, but under their cultural wing, so to speak.  So, I began the tedious chore of packing up the house that our family has rented -- and filled up! -- for 10 years, and moved into this new little house. 

Problem #1:   The new house was not as ready as they had led me to believe....  There was no plumbing, no electricity, no paint, and the list goes on.  So, I began sleeping nights on the floor of a martial arts studio that a friend from church rents and uses to teach taekwondo classes.  She and her four children are currently quasi homeless, so she and I, her four children, and my dog all slept piled together on a rug on the floor!  

Problem #2:   While all of this was going on, and I was working 12 hour days, I was trying to make arrangements to leave the country.  It really isn't prudent for me to live alone and "carry" the church while the Shierkolks are away.  So, in line with their counsel, I began getting my legal papers in order for leaving Mexico.   It got complicated and time passed....

Problem #3:  Just as I got my papers in order and all of my stuff crammed willy nilly into the new house, I received word that I could get a little girl to adopt in two days!  Most of you know that this is one of the desires of my heart, and I had never been this close to getting a baby before!  If I took the child, I probably couldn't leave Mexico for three years, but how could I say no to a needy little child that could have been mine that very week???

Solution:  I locked myself in my house and told the Lord that I wasn't going to leave the house until He told me what to do!  I began to pray with all of my heart, and in a few hours I got a clear answer.  The Lord said "Leave the country immediately."  So, I ordered Internet tickets, left my dog with this same friend, and flew into Phoenix the next day!  Surprise, Mom and Dad!  I will be in the States a couple of months, resting, visiting family and friends, and hopefully will be able to see some of you.

Prayer requests:  I intend to submit my application to AFLC World Missions for full term status while I am in the States.  Please pray that God's will will unfold in my life, in this regard and in every other way!  Please pray that my dog will stay alive and healthy while I'm gone.  And please pray for this same friend and her children.  This is Claudia Arcos, for whom I have asked you to pray many times.  She is growing spiritually by leaps and bounds, but her life is difficult.  Pray that she and her children will be protected from all harm, will somehow get a decent house to live in, and that all five will continue to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus!

Thank you all so much for praying for me and for supporting me financially.  Please keep it up!  I depend on both your prayers and financial support.  I want to assure you that I am careful with your money, and a conscientious Sunday School curriculum translator and discipler.  I hope that if and when the Mission accepts me -- and in the meantime -- you will stay on as my supporters!  I'll keep you posted.

Ingrid Giles

Ukraine Mission Team Arrives Home

The Ukraine Student Missions Team arrived home safely Monday evening.  Thank you for praying for their safety.

The second team is in training now and will leave for India on Thursday.  Please remember them also in your prayers. 

If you would like email updates, you can sign up to receive the AFLC World Missions Director’s Travel Updates below.

Kalispell Mission Team has Exciting Rescue

(Source: Carriage Towne News)By Caleb Soptelean, Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, Mont.

July 03--Five Kalispell-area residents saved a man's life early Wednesday morning while returning from a mission trip to Tucson, Ariz.

Pastor Steve Snipstead of Faith Free Lutheran Church said the five were driving from Spokane International Airport to Kalispell when they spotted a smoking vehicle just east of St. Regis on I-90. The car had been driven into a tree, Snipstead said.

The five, which included three teens and two adults, got out of their vehicle to help. Kayla Kjos, 25, was first to the car. She saw the man inside move.

The other four got him out with some difficulty after he caught on fire.

The two front doors of the vehicle were damaged and wouldn't open, Snipstead said. After the man's shirt and hair caught on fire, members of the group were able to smother the flames with a blanket that was in the back seat.

Mike Druesdow unbuckled the victim and pushed back the front seat, Snipstead said. The group then pulled the man, 54-year-old Larry Drake, through a rear door to safety.

"It was just a race against the flames," Snipstead said. The group administered first aid to Drake until a quick response unit arrived on scene. He was flown to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle.

"I'm really proud of this team. They did everything right," said Snipstead, who has pastored the church since 1987.

In addition to Kjos and Druesdow, others on the mission team were Cheri Nelson, Ashley Sonju and Amy Snipstead.

Update from Darwin Jackson

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth. God does nothing but in answer to prayer." John Wesley

Pastor Antonio is still not feeling so good, even though he doesn't complain about it. This weekend he is staying up in Tucson to get a bunch of studies done. Do pray the figure out what's bothering him. I will be taking his place in the service.

Our Sunday School out in Mascarenas is doing good. We started with three little kids that we had never even seen before. The second Sunday, eight, then nine. One mother who came to one of our house churches last Sunday said she was going to send her six kids this Sunday. Pray that we might be able to recruit some of the youth in Buenos Aires to help us with this work. If you would like to pray for our kids by name I'll list the ones we have up to now; Andrea, Jose Luis, Areli, Mariela, Alberto, Elda, Quediala, Jesus Enrique and Daniel.

We presented the Gospel to a young Jehovah's witness mother on Sunday (Adriana), as well as three men as we ventured down a new street we hadn't visited before. One of the men (Santiago), came to the service afterward. Then we found out that all three are going to go the the U.S. illegally. I believe even the one running them listened to us for a bit. I am pretty strait forward with them about obeying the law is obeying God, and visa versa. Pray with us for these men that God will bring conviction and faith in the Lord Jesus.

Thank you for "not caring a straw" whether we be "laymen" and praying we "will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth. God does nothing but in answer to prayer." Your fellow workers,
Darwin, Mary Ann, Gracie and Cesar.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Ukraine Student Missions Trip

Working Hard!

There has been hardly any communication from Ukraine because the team is very hard pressed to find internet access.  Apparently Sam and Jon had a few minutes to send out a note or two at a McDonalds.

All we know is that they are all doing fine and the VBS is going well!

Praise the Lord that things are going smoothly and please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Praying for Missions Trips

People from AFLC World Missions regularly take trips to our mission field.  Their greatest need is to have people pray for them.  Would you be willing to pray for those traveling?  If so we will send you email updates so that you can pray purposefully.  Just fill in and submit the sign up box below.

Pastor and Karen Palmer will be traveling to India with an AFLC Student Missions trip next week.  Please remember them in your prayers.

Update from Dr. Monseth

We are thoroughly enjoying our days in Jinja! 

It was a thrill to be a part of training sessions in Budagaija on Monday and to hear the wonderful response of the sixteen pastors present to what they were receiving during their Monday classes. 

Praise the Lord!

Ukraine! – From Student Missions Blog

They have arrived!  Our team of 10 has arrived in Lviv.  They had a very smooth trip - everything went well.  As I am typing this they are hanging out at Tomasz and Miriam's home, playing with Hannah and enjoying some of their youth!

The team has done a little bit of sightseeing - unfortunately their internet usage will be very sporadic and there may not be much chance to upload photos or update this blog very often.

Apparently it is fairly hot there - although not as hot as it has been here in MN!  The train ride was good, they had two passport checks. :)  They were very glad they had beds to use on the train!

Jon and Sam were able to visit Pavel in the Children's Hospital.  Pavel is a regular in the Chmiels' updates and one of their dedicated youth.  Please keep him and his kidney issues in your prayers.

The team asks for your prayers as they prepare for the VBS.  They are starting on Monday and seem excited to begin!

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Check the Student Missions Blog for more photos and stories!!

Monseths Arrive in Uganda

Dr. Francis and Ellen Monseth arrived safely in Uganda.  They will be staying at the Jores for the next three weeks.   

The Monseths  traveled to Uganda to meet their recently born grandchild Jeremiah.  They will also be staying with the family while Nate travels to attend his brother Ben’s wedding. 

The Monseths plan to return on August 5th.

Note: Picture is from a former trip to Uganda.

Student Mission Trip Off to Ukraine

The AFLC Student Missions trip has left for the Ukraine.  Please pray for the students they are: Rachel Tanner, Hanna Twedt, Ruth Gunderson, Katlynn Dahl, Megan Schierkolk, Sam Nelson, Sam Menge, Zach Gann, Caleb Peterson and Jon Langness. 

They will be ministering to students in Lviv, Ukraine.  Pray that God would give them safety, wisdom, protection from the evil one and spiritual power as they share His Word.

Jonni Sliver’s Newsletter

The Miriam Infant Home opened in 1990 in Campo Mourao, Parana in the south of Brazil. Beginning with one orphaned baby, originally it the ministry was specifically for babies and small children needing a safe place and, many times, a new family. Over the last 20 years hundreds of children have received the tender love of the Father, healing for their bodies and ministry to the wounds to their young hearts.

Some things have changed - new laws require . . .  To read entire newsletter click here.

Please Can You Assist Me?

Several weeks ago I was walking in town when a friend of mine rode up on a motorcycle.  He works as a ‘motorcycle taxi’ driver who drives customers to their destinations.  He had heard the Bible stories that we had recorded in his language (Lango) from Bosco, our night watchman, who has been recording the stories into his mother tongue.

“Those stories are VERY good!  Can you please assist me so that I can get my own Mega Voice so I can hear the stories from the Bible?”  I did not have any more Mega Voice audio players to give him, but after discovering that his mobile phone has a memory card slot, I suggested that we put the stories on his phone.

I saw him again this week and I asked him if he has been listening to the Bible stories.  He said, “Every night before I go to bed I have to listen to those stories.”

The Word of God is powerful to bring people to salvation.  As the Word of God says, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? … Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:14b, 17).  We are here in Uganda so that people might hear the Word of God and be saved.

Nate Jore

Note:  Photo is a stock photo of a typical motorcycle taxi in Uganda.

Jacksons Update

"Pray, and let God worry." Martin Luther

We had an absolutely wonderful trip up to Wisconsin for Hunky Dory. Even though we only had a day or so of sunshine, the Son shone on all of us. We shared at the AFLC conference and seen many many of our dear friends that we hadn't seen in years. Mary Ann had hoped to make a couple of stops on the way home, but after we got pelted by golf ball sized hail, breaking all the plastic vents on our little camper, and denting in all over, plus the tornado warning in every county around us, she decided she'd rather go strait home.

Sunday out visiting in the neighborhood and we (Alfonso and I) ran into a lady who acted like she knew me. It turns out that she visited the rescue mission  last week and heard me preach. We have visited her house before and talked with a young man by the name of Victor. Pray that we might be able to win Dehlia and Victor to Jesus and to the Church.
We have a whole bunch of kids that seem to be interested in Sunday School with Alfonso and I. No one has been working with the kids for a long time now, so they are hungry. We are hoping this my renew the adults interest in their relationship with Jesus and give us an "in" with unbelieving parents.

Continue to pray for peace along the border. I guess the cartel are threatening our police officers here in Nogales with sniper fire if they interfere with their drug running etc.

Pray for our brother Pastor Antonio. I guess he still isn't feeling so good as far as his health is concerned.

Thank you all for praying, leaving the burden with God, so that He can worry about it. Your fellow workers,

Darwin, Mary Ann, Gracie and Cesar Jackson

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Visit our blog spot at: http://jacksonsfellowworkers.blogspot.com

Schierkolk’s Latest Newsletter

“It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray aright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently, believingly, continue in prayer until we obtain an answer.”

George Mueller

Marta believed in Santa Claus when she was little. She would wait for Christmas with great anticipation, believing that if she was a good girl she
would get a present. Her hope would be renewed every year only to be followed by great disappointment. Each year the only present she
received in her stocking was peanuts and the only conclusion she could come to was that she had been bad. Marta grew to really dislike Christmas.

No wonder then that years later when the Jehovah’s Witnesses . . .  (to read entire newsletter click here)

Schirkolks Arrive in Texas

We received word late last night that the Schierkolks arrived safely in Texas. Thank you for praying.

Please pray for Todd's visa to India to come quickly.

Schierkolk’s – Weather Breaks/Passports Arrive

Our passports arrived today at around 1:00pm!  And the hurricane has passed though there was "massive flooding" in Monterrey, Mexico according to the Weather Channel and the threat of flooding is still significant.  We will be leaving Saturday morning and we continue to covet your prayers.

In Christ,

Todd and Barb Schierkolk

Update from Kvales

Thank you for your continued prayers for us in order that more languages waiting for God’s Word may have it.

You may view our latest newsletter for details of our current involvement and family happenings (click here).  While we remain committed to supporting Bible translation through Steve’s role in Information Technology at Wycliffe USA, we can’t help but wonder as we read point three below whether Steve should use his sign language skills in the need for language surveyors.  Please pray with us while we prayerfully consider God’s will regarding this over the next 9-10 months.  Your feedback regarding this would be appreciated as well as letting us know how we can be praying for you.  Bless you!

Worthy is the Lamb, Steve & Glenda Kvale Family

AFLC missionaries on loan to Wycliffe Bible Translators

---oOo---

Language Survey – The Need

Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful (1 Corinthians 14:6, NLT).

In order to accomplish Vision 2025,* Bible translation personnel must first assess the language situation of thousands of people groups. Language survey helps determine whether a people group needs their own Bible translation and what language or dialect would be best suited for their needs. It is estimated that more than 2,200 languages need to be surveyed, and currently, there are only about 90 language surveyors operating worldwide.

• In the area of language survey, there are job openings for about 40 new and 60 experienced surveyors. Ask God to lead more people to do the critical work of language survey and lay the foundations for future translation programs.

• As there are more open assignments for experienced surveyors than for new ones, pray for a greater number of surveyors who are willing to commit to more than one term.

• Some of the remaining languages without Scripture are signed languages. Pray for surveyors who can specialize in the survey of signed languages. Pray for the development of new survey techniques to better serve Deaf communities.

*To see Bible translation program started in every language that needs one by the year 2025.

Jesse Long Signing Off from Tanzania

One last update from Tanzanian soil: I am heading to the airport!

I covet your prayers as I travel and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in the very near future.

Thank you again for your prayers and support over the past 4 years.  Everything has wrapped up so nice and I just couldn’t be more happy with the work that has been accomplished.  God bless you all!!

Sincerely,

Jesse Long

Arusha, Tanzania

Jeremiah Jore Born in Uganda

Jeremiah Daniel Jore was born on June 29.  He weighed  7 lb. 13 oz.  Jeremiah has a full head of dark hair.  Check back for pictures of him soon.