For the week of April 28, 2008
Vol. 12 No. 17

"In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.” —Proverbs 16:6


Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico

MEXICO

Bethany Dean has dedicated a large portion of her time to reaching an unreached people group, the Mazahuans, through a local church ministry. Last month, Bethany learned that she had two types of typhoid and two types of parasites, along with anemia. She has been taking medications and changing her diet and is now feeling better.


Eastern Europe

SLOVAKIA

Jerry and Sue Hamann. Training on the Way has been completed for this school year. Please pray for the students and teachers. It has been a good first year for the program. They have already started to prepare for the next school year which will begin the last weekend of September. Please pray that the Lord will guide their preparation and that they will see more people involved in the program next year.


Europe

ENGLAND

Mike and June Bradley have restarted a Christian club at Walton High School. About 15-18 students attend each week. Mike has also had opportunities to speak at an assembly at a middle school and a primary school. A couple that was close to divorce has received help. Pray for the husband’s salvation.

PORTUGAL

Gil and Denise Thomas have been in the US for their daughter’s (Andrea’s) surgery. She is still experiencing symptoms during her recovery, and the doctor thinks that she has multiple arrhythmia problems. Gil returned to Portugal on April 22 to meet with people to effect a smooth transition in ministries there, including leadership of the Portugal team, church planting ministries, and other ministries. He will be returning to the States at the end of May. Beginning in June, they will be reporting to their churches.


Far East

JAPAN

Tom and Paula Carr. Ikuko N. plans to begin attending an English Bible study with Paula in May. Pray that Kumiko will again be able to join in the study as well and that both of these ladies would come to know the Lord. Pray that Mr. Katanosaka will return to church and that his interest in spiritual things would continue to grow and result in his salvation. Pray also for Naoko's sister, Yasuko, and her mother, Mrs. O, who have not been in church for three weeks. Pray that Yasuko would give clear evidence of her faith in Christ if she truly has believed.

Sue Hahn has moved to Kumamoto. Pray for new, fruitful contacts. Pray for the continued growth of the folks she has left behind at Kagoshima. The Hayato Baptist Church is in need of land and a bigger church building.

Courtney Lancaster. Two unsaved ladies recently attended the singles group. Eight girls are faithfully coming to Girls Group each week. Aya (10 years old) began studying to prepare for baptism, but she hasn't been able to meet with Ako lately. Please pray that they would be able to continue this study and Aya would continue to grow in her faith.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Bill and Lori Smith had 291 campers this month. There were many who trusted Christ as Savior. They had a celebration for the ministry of Rich and Marcia Ernst who will be retiring after 37 years in PNG. Many of the pastors and church people came to share their thanks for the investment this special couple has made in their lives.

PHILIPPINES

Craig and Elaine Kennedy. Craig met with 10 potential missions students in a city 10-12 hours north of Manila. It is his hope that these students will get involved in Creative Access Mission’s training in the future in Laoag City. He will attend the Theological Education Biennial Summit that meets just before the National Biennial conference of the Association of Fundamental Baptist Churches of the Philippines on April 30 through May 4. Dale Marshfield and Chris Hindal with Gospel Literature Services will be speakers at the Conference. Elaine completed the chronological Bible stories and hopes to show it to Chris Hindal as a potential GLS project for Asia.

SINGAPORE

Jim and Karen Blumenstock (furlough). The latest news from Singapore is that the move of Asia Baptist Theological Seminary to Chiang Mai, Thailand, is going forward. Jim has been accepted to the Free University of Amsterdam for a research program that will eventually lead to a Ph.D. They would be in Amsterdam for about nine months. For this to happen, they need inexpensive housing in Amsterdam and funds to cover education expenses. They have 92 percent of their support. Pray for patience as they wait on the adoption process and pray that the adoption will fit in well with their future plans.


South America

BRAZIL

Dave and Patty Zemmer. Dave has been involved with the monthly men’s ministry meetings as well as teaching two all-day seminars for training in biblical counseling. Patty is teaching a Bible study on child discipline based on the book, Don’t Make Me Count to Three, and has been involved in many counseling hours. The Lord has directed them to leave their ministry in Barreiras. They will arrive in the US on April 29 for furlough. Pray for Pastor Jonathas and Eliane as they carry the load of responsibility for Barreiras along with the leadership team. They are seeking the Lord’s will for their next ministry when they return from furlough in January, 2009.

Joe and Meta Arthur. Meta’s daily MS medicine is now being provided free of charge by the Brazilian healthcare system. Pray that their sons will find summer jobs in the US during their break from college. Andrew’s physical limitations are foremost in their minds. Meta is planning to travel back to the US to help the boys get settled somewhere. The seminary in Brazil hopes to have approved blueprints and funds to start building by the end of this month. Joe is studying the Bible with their neighbor, Alberto. He continues to show interest in God’s Word; pray for his salvation.

CHILE

Pedro and Stephanie Garcia’s son, Owen, was hospitalized last week due to breathing difficulties and low oxygen levels. The doctors feel that he is mostly likely asthmatic. Please pray for his health and for family wisdom as they learn to treat his condition.

COLOMBIA

Johnny and Susan Bolin’s church has voted to begin giving full-time support to a member that is preparing for missions. Felix Pínzón will be working in various ministries of their church and and a new church that missionary Tim Bilbrey is starting in a nearby town. Johnny has been giving biblical counsel to an American couple for the last few weeks. Please pray for this family.


Home Office

The Doctrine Committee of ABWE Ministries, Inc. approved Johnny Bolin as Director of Bogota Baptist Seminary.