We are excited to welcome Joshua Dan Pillman into our family. Thank you to each of you who prayed for a safe delivery and birth. We thank the Lord for His goodness and mercy and that the birth went so well.
Because of Jesus,
Justo, Patricia, Nathanael, Hannah, and Joshua
To reply to this email, please write to pillmanfamily@gmail.com
Hello friends,
It has been a while since I have updated you all on my life and ministry, and there is much to update. So, here I go - I’ll try to be brief and clear.
I have been in the USA for over a month already. First, I was in Alaska with my brother Andrew and my two brothers-in-law and my dad to celebrate my dad’s 60th Birthday; then I came to Minnesota where I am now. My fiancé, Ednay, is studying at AFLBS and is enjoying it very much even though it is very challenging because of the language barrier.
In September Ednay and I met with the AFLC Mission committee. We were accepted as AFLC missionary candidates and we are now going through the required paperwork. In December we will either receive a missionary call and begin raising support for the mission field or we will be given some more prerequisites of the AFLC as we prepare for the mission field wherever that may be. Ednay and I are open to a wide range of possible ministry options and are following the leading of the Holy Spirit one step at a time as He reveals to us “this is the way, walk in it” (Is. 30:21).
I have spent the past three weeks working on a farm in Stephen MN. Two weeks were spent harvesting sugar beets and one week harvesting soybeans and washing and winterizing farm equipment. I also had the opportunity of sharing at the Free Lutheran Church in Alma with Rev. Dennis Grey.
Now I am back in the Twin Cities metro area. I am blessed to be living in the basement of Dale and Gretta Westvig’s home in Chanhassen, MN. I am currently looking for work. I will be in MN until the 14th of December when Ednay and I will go back to Brazil for four big events - her sister’s wedding, Christmas, my cousin’s wedding and Children's Camp at the ARCA. We plan on returning in January for Nay to attend the spring semester of Bible School. I don’t know how circumstances may change our plans, but as far as we know that’s the plan. Ideally by this time next year I will be married and on the mission field serving long term.
Please pray for us as the days go by and decisions are made. Pray for the clear direction of the Holy Spirit. Pray for spiritual discernment for me. Pray for daily opportunities to preach the Gospel and share God’s love with people anywhere and everywhere. Pray for Ednay as she deals with the homesickness, the new language, new culture, the ever-cooling weather and me.
Thank you for being involved in my life. May the outrageous love of God bring you joy and peace today and always.
In His service,
Mafu Abel
P.S. If you are in my area and can make some time for us to get together sometime, please make it happen because I would love to see you! If you would like me to share with your church about missions I'd be happy to do that as well.
Contact me:
e-mail: mafuabel@gmail.com
Phone: 612-666-7746
Facebook: Mafú David Abel
Mail: AFLC World Missions 3110 E. Medicine Lake Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55441
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the tack of testifying to the good news of God's grace." Acts 20:2
“It is finished.” These are the words spoken by Jesus on the cross, in John 19, right before he died. And this tells us that Jesus had fulfilled the will of the Father. It tells us that his work of atonement was now complete.
Because this is true, have you ever wondered why we’re still here? If Jesus has atoned for our sins, why are we still living in this world? If our salvation is complete, why must we continue to live in a world of sin? If our sins have been cleansed, why can’t we go to paradise now?
I think this is addressed well in 2 Peter 3:9, where he writes: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
We see in this passage that God is patient. And, although we might like to experience his eternal kingdom sooner rather than later, this is yet another demonstration of God’s grace. He’s patient because he does not want any to perish. He’s patient because he wants all to reach repentance.
In displaying his patience, God is giving people the opportunity to turn from their sin. He’s giving them the opportunity to receive the salvation he’s provided for them. And this is where the role of the church ties in. This is where we see the purpose of missions.
As the church, we’ve been called by God to proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15). We’ve been called by God to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). As those who have received the grace of God, we’re to share his heart. We too are to desire the salvation of all. And we’re to make the most of every moment that others might have the opportunity to hear the gospel and trust in Jesus.
The question for us, then, is this: Do we share the heart of God? Do we truly desire the salvation of all people? Are we making the most of every moment, that others might have the opportunity to receive his salvation?
I, for one, am eternally thankful for the patience of God. Were he not patient, I would not share in his blessings. However, because he is long-suffering, I was given the opportunity to hear the gospel and to trust in him.
I now want others to have the same opportunity. Even though it would be wonderful to live in the presence of God right at this very moment, even though it would be delightful were I now free from this world of sin, I desire that others receive the same blessing. I am willing to endure what I must that others might not perish.
I pray that, as a church, this would be a desire shared by us all. I pray that, because of the great blessing we’ve received, we’ll patiently endure. I pray that we’ll endure that we might carry out the call entrusted to us by our Lord. And I pray that, in this way, he’ll use us to draw many to faith that they also might share in the blessings he’s provided.
~ Kent Sperry
Due to the growing threat of the Ebola Virus Disease in Sierra Leone, Lutheran Bible Translators evacuated our team. Our family left on August 3, and we anticipate being in the USA for 6-12 months until the epidemic is controlled. We continue in our Scripture engagement (Josh) and translation (Ruthie) roles in a limited capacity
while also picking up some projects for Lutheran Bible Translators HQ. Please pray for our friends and colleagues in Sierra Leone. We appreciate you, Team.
Prayer points:
-So grateful to get Kirstie’s
Mexican passport!
-Thankful for a great VBS this
summer. Praying for the kids to
come to Kids’ Club as well.
-Grateful for your continued
prayers for our family spread out
in the U.S. and Mexico.
As you think about your view of God, was it first shaped by the Word of
God? Maybe like most people, your view of God was shaped in your mind
based on relationships in your life or rules you had to follow or what love
looked like to you. Some of that was hopefully a healthy setting for you
and, sadly, sometimes many of us experience things that are very far from
the character of God and then we allow Satan to attach that thinking or
experience to our view of God. Until people come into our path that help
peel away our misconceptions, interpretations, or conditioning with
satisfying morsels of truth, we can walk around labeling God, ourselves
and others until we have created a rut under the soles of our feet.
It rains and then we try to figure out how to escape the muddy mess
the enemy loves to continually mucky-up. The grace of God is so
beyond us. His Holy Spirit very capably renews our minds through: the truth of His Word we read for ourselves, those who will share it with us, and those who will pray for us and with us. We can do the same for others. We pray for those without God’s Word or truth bearers near-by. God’s true character is so satisfying!
September 2014 brings us to anticipation of the Fall New Testament
celebrations unveiled and testimonials that humble us.
September for our family, brings us to: Lenaya turning 16 and
driving! Neli beginning her Senior year and graduating! Steve
and Glenda beginning their 25th year of marriage and eight years
serving with Wycliffe-USA! He holds our every moment in time!
IT Begins Rollout of New Software System
As Wycliffe continues to work to both sustain and increase the number of missionaries, financial resources and intercessors committed to the work of Bible translation, many of the software systems required to administer these resources have reached a tipping point of obsolescence and instability. Good stewardship now requires that they be replaced. The opportunity for increased efficiency, reduced costs and capacity growth
promises great dividends.
Beginning this month, our IT department will begin to implement
features of a new software system called Workday. The first phase of
the software rollout will take approximately nine to 12 months to implement, with the first benefits realized by our Human Resources
team. Workday will serve our staff by assisting with benefits, tax and
payroll information, performance reviews, expense tracking and even
timekeeping. The system is cloud-based and offers a mobile application
for staff convenience.
Your prayers will be appreciated as this phase begins and how Steve
is utilized for this project over the next year. Praying through roadblocks,
scheduling conflicts, technical difficulties and communication
set-backs is key. We also pray and trust the Lord for wisdom, unity,
blending of one another’s professional assets and the desire to glorify
God in it all. We are very excited about enabling global connections!
Prayer Requests
• For the Tolaki people of Indonesia as they become more familiar
with God’s Word in their own language since February 2014 and shed misconception about God, who He is and also shed strongholds of darkness.
• For the Wycliffe IT team as they meet each morning to pray regarding
the up-coming projects and all that needs God’s guiding hand and affirming Spirit.
• For continued stamina for Steve, and health & safety for all of us.
• For Jason in goals, dreams, work, and exact place to live.
• For Neli in her Senior year of High School, choices & peace.
• For Lenaya in 10th grade & 16!
• For VBS kids wanting more of Jesus in their lives.
• For Glenda in the victories of joy each day and the compassion
she shares for wounded women.
Praises
• Praise God for the Tolaki NT going forth and the hymns of
praise they are singing!
• Praise God for truth that heals.
• Praise God for decisions made on the next software project.
• Praise God for prayer warriors we sadly lost recently. May their
testimonies live in our hearts.
It’s the Girls Turn
In the last two months we have seen two groups of sib-lings return to their families, two teen-agers run away (both returned to their families) and one young lady came for two days, on her way to a recuperation program for drug addicts (you can imagine she brought a little excitement to the house). During the last year we have almost constantly had 20 or more children in the house, and in August we had 25; suddenly we had 7! Can you imagine the silence?
The quiet only lasted a little while. Before I sent out the September letter three ones joined us: Yasmin (4 years old), Stefani (3 years old) and Mateus (1 year). It actually took us a little while to find out the children’s whole story.
Misconception, Interpretation, or Conditioning?
As you think about your view of God, was it first shaped by the Word of God? Maybe like most people, your view of God was shaped in your mind based on relationships in your life or rules you had to follow or what love
looked like to you. Some of that was hopefully a healthy setting for you
and, sadly, sometimes many of us experience things that are very far from
the character of God and then we allow Satan to attach that thinking or
experience to our view of God. Until people come into our path that help
peel away our misconceptions, interpretations, or conditioning with
satisfying morsels of truth, we can walk around labeling God, ourselves
and others until we have created a rut under the soles of our feet. It rains and then we try to figure out how to escape the muddy mess the enemy loves to continually mucky-up. The grace of God is so beyond us. His Holy Spirit very capably renews our minds through: the truth of His Word we read for ourselves, those who will share it with us, and those who will pray for us and with us. We can do the same for others. We pray for those without God’s Word or truth bearers near-by. God’s true character is so satisfying!
Dear Prayer Team,
Just a few weeks ago, we began our 2014-2015 school year. This year God has given us six returning students to begin our first ever second course. These students have already been to (International Bible School-Petrodolina) and completed our first course. We are thankful to have them back as they continue to be shaped and molded by God’s Word and Spirit. God has also given us three new students for the first course, making a total of nine students. Our plan was to have two simultaneous full-time courses. However, we decided with only three students in the first course and our limited staff resources, we couldn’t make it work. As a result, Course 1 students are taking primarily Course 2 material. There were also be breakout courses throughout the year just for Course 1, which cover essential classes. This adjustment has led to some difficult planning, simply because the design and intent between Course 1 and Course 2 is great. However, despite this, the classroom dynamics are outstanding as returning students provide leadership and an example for our new students. Please continue to pray that this time in their lives would not just be about knowledge, but that they would be open to God’s powerful working in their lives.
1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:1-14 (ESV)
As Jesus’ disciples were admiring the beautiful buildings of the temple, Jesus warned them of the trouble that would come upon them and upon others who would trust in Him. When? That was the question that the disciples had for Jesus. When will this happen? We know that the temple was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. We also know that there have been false prophets and false christs from the beginning of the Christian Church. Unfortunately, these false teachers will be around until the Day of Judgment. “See that no one leads you astray,” is how Jesus warned them. That was not exactly the specific answer they sought.
Anything else? Yes, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.” If those first disciples lived in our day they might have asked where their “better life now” and “trust in Jesus and your problems will go away” fit in. It seems like it will get more and more difficult, not easier. Should I just give up now? Will my local congregation really make a difference? Jesus challenged them (and us!) in verse 13, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” I don’t think I can. In fact, I know I can’t! No, you can’t. Not in your own strength. But Jesus sent us His Holy Spirit who will help and empower us.
If we don’t know when the end will come, and if we know that it will be more difficult before Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead, maybe that awareness will help us focus on our priorities. What are will called to do until the end? We know this from verse 14: “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Of course every Christian and every Christian congregation is to love their neighbor, show mercy on those who are suffering, and have compassion for those who are suffering. But that is not the Gospel. I am not the Gospel. You are not the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that is to be shared with everyone: Jesus, the very Son of God, lived a perfect live, suffered, and died on a cross to pay for my sins and for the sins of the world. Sometimes our deeds of mercy, done in love, will give us an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. The Holy Spirit brings about repentance (a change of mind about sin) through the law of God—the wages of sin is death—we are convinced that we, too, are sinners and cannot save ourselves. Then the Holy Spirit creates faith through the gospel when we hear the comfort and assurance that your sins are forgiven you for Jesus’ sake. Each of our congregations will have some way of showing Christian love to those who are hurting. But each congregation is also to focus on evangelism—sharing the gospel with those who do not know Jesus, and discipleship—helping Christians grow in their faith in Jesus and the trustworthiness of the written Scriptures.
As the AFLC, we want our missionary endeavors to show Christian love and mercy. But also to help with getting God’s Word in the language of the people, to begin new free and living Lutheran congregations where people will be built up in Word and sacrament ministry, and training for pastors, teachers, and those who will bring the good news of Jesus to those who are needing to hear it. Pray for and support those already sent. Pray that God would raise up more to be sent. Until the Lord’s return, the Church’s task is an unfinished one. May the Lord continue to empower His Church to finish her task of making disciples of all the ethnic groups of the world.
Our new video on Mexico has just been released. Click on it and enjoy!
