2012 BFM WINTER CONFERENCE
2012 BFM WINTER CONFERENCE
JANUARY 15-18
Hosted by Park Ridge Baptist Church, Gotha FL [Orlando-area]
Benton Glover, Pastor | bentonglover@aol.com | 407.719.9861
THEME: “…the Lord has called us for to preach the Gospel unto them” Acts 16.10
We encourage each church to pay the travel and motel expenses for at least your pastor and his wife to attend our Conferences – and also others if they can come. Attendance and participation in our Conferences is essential to increasing our mutual interest, investment, and involvement in our missionaries’ ministries. We use the occasions of our Conferences to inspire and encourage one another from the Word of God and also to provide the latest updates and reports relating to our missionaries’ activities and needs. We all need this mutual stirring up of one another to this love and good works. Please come and join us.
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“How can I give to the Thanksgiving Offering?”
“HOW CAN I GIVE TO THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING?”
We encourage every Giving Friend to make a personal offering to the Thanksgiving Offering. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE – we keep our Thanksgiving Offering open all year long. NO OFFERING IS INSIGNIFICANT. All of our offerings together – of whatever amount – make up the total and make it work.
• SOME CHURCHES DESIGNATE AN AMOUNT TO BE GIVEN FROM THEIR CHURCH TREASURY. Of course, these gifts come from the offerings the church members have given.
• SOME CHURCHES ALSO GIVE THEIR MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADD PERSONAL OFFERINGS TO WHAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO GIVE FROM THEIR TREASURY – increasing their church’s total offering by those gifts.
• IF YOU ARE ALREADY GIVING A PERSONAL GIFT TO THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING, PLEASE GIVE AS GENEROUS AN OFFERING AS YOU CAN. Many of you already give hundreds and even thousands of dollars in personal gifts to the Thanksgiving Offering – either directly to BFM or through your church’s offering. It would not be what it is without your gift.
• IF YOU ARE NOT PRESENTLY GIVING A PERSONAL OFFERING TO THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING, WOULD YOU COMMIT TO BEGIN? Pray and ask the Lord how He wants you to purpose in your own heart. Then follow His prompting. Can you give the equivalent of $1 a day for the year? Can you give the equivalent of $1 per week for the year? The important step is TO BEGIN GIVING.
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Thanksgiving Offering – November appeal
2011-12 THANKSGIVING OFFERING | GOAL: $100,000.00
PLEASE GIVE AS GENEROUS AN OFFERING AS THE LORD ENABLES YOU TO GIVE.
PRAY – PURPOSE – PLAN – PREPARE – PERFORM
[Please read 2 Corinthians, chapters 8-9]
We started emphasizing our need to stabilize our monthly General Fund giving back during the 2008 Spring Conference. We called it MONTHLY GENERAL FUND SOLVENCY. Our goal was – and is – to increase our monthly General Fund giving to supply at least the $44,000.00 we need each month just to provide our missionaries with their salaries, standard expense accounts, hospitalization premiums, and Mission Sheets correspondence with you, their faithful supporters. We call those commitments ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE TRANSACTIONS [EMT, for short], or TIER 1 disbursements.
We knew when we introduced that emphasis that it might jeopardize some of our giving to the Thanksgiving Offering. We hoped and prayed it would not, but we knew that possibility existed. We still continue to pray to God – and appeal to you – that we maintain equal and simultaneous focus on both our MONTHLY GENERAL FUND SOLVENCY and our THANKSGIVING OFFERING.
We also need a very generous Thanksgiving Offering to supply all the other “TIER 2” disbursements we have committed to our missionaries from the General Fund. Those disbursements amount to an additional monthly average of $5000-6000 per month.
I have just received and processed our offerings from October. Our giving to the General Fund during October was down significantly. I have just done the preliminary calculations for our missionaries’ monthly deposits. I will need to make an additional deduction of $10,545.55 from what I would ordinarily deposit to their accounts. I will do that by deducting an amount that is proportionate to the offerings they receive designated to them by name.
We deeply regret having to do this – but the funds to supply the commitments we have made to them are not in the checking account. We will barely make it through the next two months with the few dollars we have remaining from last year’s Thanksgiving Offering.
WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE GIVING WHAT IS BEING GIVEN – and we bless and thank God for each one of you and for each one of your offerings. We know that we are appealing to the same ones who are doing the present giving. And, we also know that many of you are struggling to make all your own ends meet…and not too successfully, either. We pray for you – that our God will provide all your needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.
• PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY TO GOD TO GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO GIVE. Review “AN APPEAL TO PRAY IN CONCERT” from the September issue of the Mission Sheets – and on this FaithWorks page, September archives.
• PLEASE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER THAT, HUMANLY SPEAKING, WE ARE ALL OUR MISSIONARIES HAVE TO SUPPORT THEM. Every missionary needs a committed and faithful support base. There are many good, Godly, and faithful missionaries serving our Lord all around the world – and every one of them needs sufficient support. THE MISSIONARIES SERVING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BFM HAVE NO OTHER SUPPORTERS BUT US. We must be faithful to them.
• PLEASE CONTINUE TO GIVE TO THE GLORY OF GOD. Keep your focus on God’s Glory and pleasure! God is glorified when His Gospel is preached to all the nations and peoples of the world. Jesus Christ receives love, worship, and honor when sinners are saved and brought to God. God is pleased when we share His heart to tell everyone in the world about His Glory. God’s pleasure and joy is “Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!” [Psalm 67.4]
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October 2011 Newsletters
MIKE AND BEV CREIGLOW | October 2011
mdcreig@hotmail.com
Caixa Postal 24 69980 | Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre Brazil
1012 Balsam Drive | Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 277-3716 | (859) 494-2845
October 8, 2011
Dear Brethren, Beverly and I have had a great time visiting friends, churches and just plain resting. We have travelled over 6000 miles, seen a lot of the United States and, best of all, made new friends.
In Colorado we met Ole, Dawn Ann Johnson and her mom. We were impressed with this family. In fact Dawn Ann’s mother has been on several mission trips to Brazil. On her last visit to a favela in Rio she was actually dodging bullets. I’m not telling how old she was at the time she was being shot at!
Later we visited Ole’s brother Jim in Reno. He asked me to present the mission work to his men’s group. This group of Christian businessmen has been meeting for over 25 years! What an encouragement. After the brief visit with Jim and Cris Johnson they offered us their cabin in the Sierra Nevadas for a few days of rest. We got to see lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery. One day I took off on a hike of over 6 miles. Along the way I got to see a mountain lake. The hike took me to the summit of a 7400 foot mountain. Eureka Peak overlooking Eureka Lake. What a view! There was snow up there, too: in September. I was all alone on the trail and mountain. It was a wonderful time of prayer.
We got to visit Berean Baptist Church again after 5 years. This is a great independent Baptist church in the middle of a spiritual wilderness. Pastor Mark Smith is quite isolated, but is still doing a great job. One of the members shared with me that they are in the middle of the largest concentration of witchcraft in the nation. This is northern California. Really tough circumstances.
Bev and I dropped down to the central valley where we visited Sonrise Baptist Church. This was a first. This church is so similar to our church down home. I sat on the front row and the tears poured down as I waited to get up and preach. Pastor Otis Ledbetter has been there for 25 years. That tells you lot.
My very good, lifelong friend, Sherman Smith is executive pastor at Sonrise. After our visit with the church we spent a few days with Sherman and Kathy over in Monterey. We talked all day and most of every night, trying to get caught up. Very refreshing.
Before I go on, let me ask you to pray for the churches in California. They are really struggling financially. You are too, I know, but times are REALLY hard out there.
Bev and I took the scenic route back east. The breathtaking beauty of God’s creation made me shake my head, cry and praise Him all along the way.
News from home is good. More folks saved and good attendance. On Sunday nights they have been blocking off the street and putting up a screen outside for the overflow crowd. The rainy season has started early this year though, so pray that we can finish our annex SOON.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ, Mike Creiglow
JOHN AND ALTA HATCHER | October 2011
jhatcher@uol.com.br
October 1, 2011
Dear Friends – this has been a good month. Praise the Lord! Alta’s eyes continue perfectly since her two cataract operations. She is looking at her husband of sixty-four years through new eyes. She thinks he looks a little older than before the new eyes.
TWO NEW BAPTIST CHURCHES FOUNDED IN THE STATE OF SAO PAULO AND THREE PASTORS ORDAINED TO THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. On September 25, the Faith Baptist Church in Marilia founded two new churches and ordained three pastors in the same service. Gilbert Stefano is the pastor of the Faith Baptist Church. He was one of the very first persons to be saved in the work we began in Cornelio Procopio. His lovely wife was saved in the work we began in Galia.
One of the new churches is in the city of Pompeia and the other is in the city of Oriente. Each church had about fifteen charter members. About three hundred people attended the service of founding and ordaining.
Needless to say, it was a blessing to two oldies, close to closing up shop, to see how God continues to bless His Word and Work. On Sunday morning, we had morning service in Assai. We then drove four hours to Marilia where we stayed at the home of Maria. Other than a little ‘hangover’ from the drive, we made the trip without incident, Praise the Lord!
On Monday afternoon, we drove to Garca and spent three days with Kathy and Odali. It is always great to spend a little time with our children whom we seldom see.
THE WORK IN URAI – Recently, two young couples have been baptized into the fellowship of the Urai Baptist Church. Each couple is around thirty years old. One family has three beautiful little girls and the other couple has a handsome robust boy. Both of the men are studying in the Seminary in Cornelio. There are seven from Urai who are studying in the seminary.
WORK ON THE NEW BUILDING IS STOPPED IN ASSAI. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE MAN TO FINISH HIS PART OF THE CONTRACT.
Your servants, John and Alta Hatcher
JOHN AND JUDY HATCHER | October 2011
JMHatcher@aol.com
Dear Fellow Laborers,
Another month had gone by quickly. We hope that you are enjoying the blessings of the Lord as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter. The changes remind us that there is a season for everything in this world God has given us. Our responsibility in the Kingdom of God is very similar to gardening. There is a lot of digging, sowing, watering and weeding before we see the produce.
The Youth meeting last week went quite well. There were 10 young people present. We have usually had 10-12 each time, but not always the same ones. Of those who come, not one has made a profession of faith. We are glad that they come and listen, that most return and that many ask a lot of questions. Two boys who had never been before were here for this meeting.
They are sons of a lady with whom Judy has Bible study. Two other young men, who had been before with friends, returned and we were able to meet their mothers. The mothers expressed gratitude for our interest in helping adolescents. None of these young men have ever been to regular services. Plowing and planting is most of what we do.
I just answered two people by email who live in Spain. One is a lady from our congregation who with her husband, started a business in Barcelona. We are helping her prepare a lesson for teaching children where she lives. The other person lives in a town north of Barcelona and had written to share that she was able to lead a young Muslim lady to the Lord. This young lady is in her Catalan (language of the Barcelona region) class. A lot of our work is helping believers grow in the Lord and pass on what they have received. I guess that is sort of like fertilizing and watering. We garden, God gives life and growth. And he (Jesus) said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. (Mark 4:26-28)
Yesterday, I met with a handful of faithful Baptist pastors who are working in places scattered across southern France. We see each other twice a year to encourage one another and work on a joint project of Bible expositions. The meeting took place in a small town about one hour north of us. The testimony of Pierre, the pastor of the Baptist church that hosted our meeting is worth sharing. He just retired as a mail carrier. He had been a member of this little church for about a dozen years when the former pastor stepped down because of bad health. They asked him to pastor, and he is doing a great job.
Years ago, when he was about 20 years old. His good childhood friend was arrested in Mauritania. A catholic priest visited the jail and gave the young man a New Testament. Reading the New Testament, he trusted Christ. Unexpectedly, 11 days later he was released and thrown out of the country. He went to Senegal and ran into some Pentecostal Christians who got the money together to pay the young man’s way back home in the Paris area of France. Pierre was impressed by what God had done in his friend’s life and realized that he himself was throwing his life away. He found a Bible and read it convinced that it would lead him to salvation…and it did! Shortly thereafter, he started serving in the local church and was discipled by an American Baptist missionary. After years of working in with La Poste, he was transferred to this town where he found a church plant by a missionary and just went on serving the Lord. He hasn’t stopped and is doing a great job.
God get’s His work done using you and others like you. Keep on serving and growing.
Until next month, John and Judy Hatcher
AJ AND BARBARA HENSLEY | October 2011
ajcaragua@gmail.com
Dear friends and family,
It has turned into a very warm time here in Caragua. It is not yet summer but the days are hot and the nights are comfortable. As our summer approaches, it will be getting HOT. But we cannot complain because our Lord is AWESOME. When it is hot, we want it to cool down; and when it is cool, we wish it were warmer. Oh well, let’s quit complaining and keep on keeping on.
We have had some exciting days lately. One of the mission points that we helped start 5 years ago has been organized into the Baptist Church in Nativity da Serrha. How AWESOME is that. The pastor there is Pastor George and his wife is Alda, Keep them in your prayers. Pastor George was one of the first students in our seminary here in Caragua, and I had the pleasure to be one of his professors. In addition he was one of the two ministers that was ordained in our previous work, Igreja Batista Nova Vida. Several men from the States were here to participate in this ordination service. The other pastor that was ordained was our son-in-law Pastor Walmir. He is now pastoring in Sales Oliveira which is about 7 hours from Caragua.
We have had several baptisms in our Church. Our membership is steadily growing and we are approaching 80 members. On Sunday nights we are now having around 130 people in attendance. AWESOME how the Lord is bringing people in. We are having new members classes and we now have 5 more waiting for baptism. That is not counting the 3 that were baptised yesterday.
We are constantly working on the building we are using for our Church services. We are now looking at the wall in front of the Church and the sidewalks. They are in need of repair. If this were in the States, the building inspectors would have already made us do the work. So now it is time to get to it.
I know that sometimes you can beat on old horse to death, but I need to tell you about our transportation needs; a BUS is becoming more crucial all the time. Our van has been making two and sometimes three trips to pick up people for every service, and this week it just quit. I guess it just got tired. The problem is the motor. We are having to re-work the motor and that, as some of you know, is not cheap. This last few weeks have been a challenge, members helping others and everyone pitching in to help out with the transportion needs. This past week we were able to get a bus for both services on Sunday. God is great, AWESOME, all the time. We hope to get the van back this week and the repairs will be about $3000.00 (not definite yet). Pray with about our transportation needs.
We have a big holiday coming up this month. Here it is called Children’s Day and it is comparable to Christmas back in the States. It will be lots of work – Bible stories, games, candy, food – well, you get the picture: work, work, and more work. But it will all be worth it if only just one child comes to know the Lord as Savior. We are planning for 200 children for 6 hours telling them about our Lord and Savior. Pray for this day.
Construction on the dormitory is at a standstill because of lack of money. But we are still looking to the future for things to change.
We are praying for all who help us here financially. We realize the financial hardships being suffered back home. And we wish to say ‘Thanks’ for your faithfulness in the midst of these hardships. We continue to ask for your prayers for the works here. And what we wish to say is “many thanks” for all u “awesome people”.
We are planning to come home for Christmas and stay until the last of March, so if we can come to visit you we would love to. Pastors, e-mail us and we will fill our calendar with your requests.
When we come back to Brasil, we wish that some of you could come with us. Know that you are as welcome as a summer rain.
In His service, Aj and Barb
NATHAN AND CARRIE RADFORD | October 2011
naterad@yahoo.com
P. O. Box 4150 | Kitale, Kenya 30200
| October 7, 2011
Dear praying friends, Another month has come and gone, and we are now at the end of the year 2011. We are now back in Kenya, and specifically, in Kitale. We appreciate so much each one who prayed for our safety as we traveled back to Kenya. We had a long trip back to Kenya, and our daughters did very well with the traveling, given the distance, time changes, etc. It was hard to say goodbye to friends and family that we love, and please know that each of you are so special to us and we love to hear from you. Life on the mission field has many challenges, and your prayers, encouragement, and friendships mean so much to us. We would ask for your continued prayers, as we are adjusting back to Kenya and life here. We would ask for your continued prayers for us in many ways this upcoming term. We would ask you to please pray for our health, as it is a daily struggle to stay healthy. Also, for safety traveling, for good friendships with others, and for the Lord to lead and guide us. We want to be where He wants us to be. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 32:8, which says “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” What a tremendous verse of encouragement this is from the Word of God. We would covet your prayers in the above areas. Also, please pray for our visitors who will be coming in the next few days from the States. Please pray for safety as they travel, for good ministry opportunities as they are here, and that we would be a blessing to them, as well as the people of Kenya. We are so looking forward to their arrival and would ask you to pray for our time as we serve the Lord together in Kitale. Please also pray for the ministries that the Lord has for us here in Kitale. Please pray for my wife, as she plans to continue serving in the district hospital, for the annex prison ministry, and for church planting this term with my friend and partner, Mr. Roger Tate. We are excited to see what the Lord will do, and are excited to be part of His work here in Kenya. There is so much work to be done for the Lord, and we must pray that the Lord would send laborers into His harvest field. Matthew 9:36-38 states “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” What challenging verses these are, and a reminder for us to be involved in the harvest, whether through praying, giving, or going. We will be sure to keep you updated. Thanks so much to each one of you for your prayers, interest, support, and encouragement. You all mean so much to us, and we thank God for you. Please note our new mailing address. Until next month, Nathan and Carrie Radford
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BOBBY AND CHARLENE WACASER | October 2011
robertmw@brturbo.com.br
Rua Manoel Valdomiro de Macedo, 2281 | 81170-150 Curitiba, PR Brasil
Ph: (813) 436-9980
October 13, 2011
Dear Friends, The construction on our new church plant continues. The plaster needed to make ready to place the windows has been done. We will have to wait, though, to install our doors after our floor is poured. You may still contribute toward that phase by giving $2 per square foot. Our leadership team embraced the challenge of paying to complete the bathrooms with funds above and beyond their regular offerings.
This weekend, October 15th, we will be holding an evangelistic event for married couples with the folks in this unreached community. This is our third of the year and they have been well attended. We are expecting encouraging results.
We had an amazing month of opportunities for our all four of our Projeto Vida teams. Two teams traveled to the distant state of Minas Gerais, Brazil where they had exceptional responses. Together the four teams were privileged to present the gospel to 20,074 persons during the month. We are amazingly blessed with this privilege and do not want to ever take it for granted. This type of ministry is only possible because the Lord opens the doors. The workers and their leaders show exemplary attitudes of dedication and humility and spiritual maturity. As a result, there were over 850 responses to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. The two teams that stayed in state worked in the metropolitan area of the capital helping to launch new church plants in unreached towns. The reception there was also very positive and we hope to see a new congregation growing as those who were converted are baptized and discipled.
I’m still in need of football players who want to use their talents and gifts for God’s glory. Our Brazilian semi-professional league is a great avenue for demonstrating why God gives such abilities. The attention that a good player would draw would provide wide open doors of opportunity to share one’s faith and testimony. If you know of a young man who would like such an opportunity and truly knows the Lord, please contact me at the contact info above.
In Christ’s love, Bobby, Charlene and Brennen Wacaser
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September 2011 Newsletters
MIKE AND BEV CREIGLOW | September 2011
mdcreig@hotmail.com
Caixa Postal 24 69980 | Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre Brazil
Michael D. Creiglow | 1012 Balsam Drive | Lexington, KY 40504
September 2, 2011
Dear Brethren,
Last month we had our kids and grandkids in from Brazil. My daughter Monica lives here in Lexington. My son Adam, who lives in California, was able to come over for a week. This is the first time we have had the whole family together in over 9 years. What a fun time. What a blessing. After Adam went back to California I sorta went into an emotional tailspin. Then after Dauro’s and Andrew’s families returned to Brazil, it really hit me hard again. This kind of thing doesn’t usually bother me, but this time it was rough. Probably being so far away from home makes it harder.
One day the grandkids were out in the back yard (here at the mission house in Lexington) and Heloisa noticed that Caleb was over in the corner on his knees. Heloisa is Andrew’s oldest daughter and Caleb is Crissy’s oldest. She asked him what was going on. He was down on his knees praying and crying. He said, “I just don’t deserve all the great things that God has done for me.” He then came in, sat with me in the armchair and we talked. He made his profession of faith. Then he went in to share this great news with his dad and mom (Dauro and Crissy, my youngest daughter). What a party we had that day.
Also during one of our family devotions, Alec was touched to be a better son and servant. We were talking about the parable of the two sons whose father called them to work in the field. Alec was really touched by this story. It is so good to see the kids and grandkids with such servant’s hearts. Alec is Andrew’s boy. He has been saved a little over a year.
We have had some great visits to churches over the past few weeks. Bible Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, KY and Pastor Don Stayton are always such and encouragement to us. They are winning souls right and left.
Dad went with us on our visit to Bible Baptist Church, Harrisburg, IL, where our own Art Donley is pastor. Great visit. Very faithful supporters for many years.
Last Sunday we were with Berry Baptist Church and Pastor Carl Morton. Here is a small country church, but boy are they into missions. I had never been to the church, but it was just like walking into home. The numbers don’t matter, but here are some things to think about. Their attendance was 10% of the population of the town of Berry. Not many churches can say that. I know that even when we have our biggest crowds down home it is still only about 2% of the total population. Also the offering they gave us was about $10.00 for every man, woman and child present. That is impressive. I have been to churches with 1000 members, but I have never received a $10,000.00 offering from any of them. So to God be the glory for churches like Berry Baptist Church.
This week is our annual missions conference in Cruzeiro do Sul. It starts tonight and all of our missionaries and pastors should be there. I wish I could be there, but Bev and I still have 2 months here in the US.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ, Mike Creiglow
JOHN AND ALTA HATCHER | September 2011
jhatcher@uol.com.br
September 1, 2011
Dear Fellow-Workers, With thanksgiving to God we greet you once more from Brazil. It has been fifty-six years since we arrived here. There is no way to tell you how much this country has changed in every way. It is only the Hand of the Lord that keeps this entire country completely open to the preaching of the Gospel.
Economically, the country has developed beyond imagination. For example, Manaus, where we worked for twenty years and where Paul and David and their families still work, had about 60,000 people in 1955. There were about fifteen cars in the city. Today, the city has a population of two millions and there is a ratio of one automobile for every three persons. There is a freedom of religion unequalled. Naturally, this opens the door for every kind of false teaching both in the name of Christianity as well as voodoo and sects.
The work of Baptist Faith Missions has continued to expand through the years. Local seminaries in our churches are continuing to train servants for the Lord’s work.
August 27th – I just got back from my walk of two-tenths of a mile. I try to walk three or four times a week. It is a walk to find persons to whom I can tell the story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This morning, I was able to talk to a man and his thirteen year old son. They were from a nearby farm and had parked their tractor with a cattle trailer. They listened with attention and the see was sown. We pray the Lord to bless it and bring this father, son, and family to faith in Jesus.
ASSAI – Alta and I still make the trip to Assai each Sunday morning for Bible study in the home of Maria da Souza. The construction of the new building is still stopped, waiting for the man to finish the prefabricated structure. Last Sunday, the son of Maria and his wife and two children were there. He has been healed of cancer, but is still in very weakened condition. He is not saved. Her other son came a little late for service, but his little daughter was there.
URAI – There are seven persons who are studying in the seminary. Two are married and the others are the age of wanting to marry. They are dedicated Christians who are actively serving the Lord.
Alta and I are doing well for two oldies. Sometimes it is not as easy as it looks. Alta’s eyes are doing well and she is thankful to be able to see so well. We thank all of you who have prayed for her. We are thankful for how God has blessed the work of BFM here in Brazil. Remember the territory of Brazil is larger than the 48 continental US states. BFM has work in over half of the States of Brazil. last week, David said that there was a man and wife in the Chapada Church (3000 miles from us). He was from Garca and told David he first learned of his need of salvation when John Hatcher picked him up for Sunday School in a Kombi. Let us keep sowing. No seed can produce if it is not sown. Remember, seed does not sow itself!
Thanking you in His Name, John and Alta Hatcher
P.S. – August 29 – Yesterday, August 28, in Assai, we had three new children: eight year old twin girls, Giovanni and Jacqueline, and their six year old sister, Valquiri. Thjey are next door neighbors to Maria’s house where we have Bible study. her six year old granddaughter, Mirela, had visited and invited them to Sunday School as soon as they moved in. When we arrived on Sunday, she said, “I am going to get my friends.” In five minutes, she was back with her three charming friends. That could be a good example for going and doing likewise!
JOHN AND JUDY HATCHER | September 2011
JMHatcher@aol.com
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
My heart is overflowing with praise and gratitude. Yesterday was the cherry on the icing of a wonderful month of seeing God at work. He is always at work, but sometimes it is more evident to us than at other times.
Abigail and Nathalie, our two oldest grandchildren professed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through baptism during our morning service. Some time ago they had trusted Christ on separate occasions. They are the children or our son Philip and his wife Amanda, who serve the Lord with us here. They invited many of their friends and we had a record breaking crowd. The place was packed and we did not have enough chairs! Think about putting 51 individuals in your living room. In the words of Amanda, their mother, “What an encouraging day yesterday! Proof God IS working in the hearts of my children…and also in the hearts of many friends (atheist and Catholic) who came to witness the baptism.”
Two of the visitors were a brother and sister. He is 18 years old and she is 15 years old. I mentioned in the past that I joined and sing in a community choir in order to build relationships and witness about Christ. During a break in practice this past Thursday, a lady, who along with her husband sings in the choir, came to speak to me. She asked, “Aren’t you a baptist pastor?” After my affirmative answer, she continued, “My fifteen year old daughter, Juliette, has gone to catechism classes and is very interested but does not agree with the Catholic Church. She tried out a Protestant Church and does not like them either. I told her that you were a Baptist pastor and she looked up Baptist on the internet and she has decided that she is in agreement with what the Baptist teach.” She then asked about our services and Bible classes.
On Sunday, the young lady came. Since the parents had other commitments, her 18 year old brother brought her. It was a perfect day for someone attending for the first time. Philip, had one of the men read Colossians 2:6-15, then proclaimed the gospel and explained baptism. Juliette and her brother asked many questions before and after the service.
This is the first time that we have had baptism at our primary location, our home. Previously, we have had the baptisms at various locations using the pools of people who were willing to let us use them for this purpose. Philip bought a small above ground pool that we set up beside our house for this baptism. The girls personally invited their friends to come to their baptism. Their friends took these invitations seriously and we had about 20 first time unsaved persons who came. The parents came and brought their children. It was their first time to witness baptism by immersion. What a wonderful chance to present the Good News of Jesus Christ! I am weeping with joy. Those who came asked questions and made favorable comments and some indicated and interest in returning.
Having the baptism at the place where we have services enables people to get acquainted with where we meet and it breaks the ice for their return.
There have been many other opportunities and blessings, but I must stop and leave space for others in The Mission Sheets.
In France for Christ, John and Judy Hatcher
NATHAN AND CARRIE RADFORD | September 2011
naterad@yahoo.com
September 8, 2011
Dear praying friends,
It is another day and opportunity to serve the Lord, and the Lord has allowed us more time to serve Him. What a wonderful God we serve, and how easy it is to forget the blessings that we have. Even this very day is a blessing. A verse I like is Psalm 118:24, which states “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
It is hard to believe that this is the last prayer letter that we will be sending from the United States before leaving for Kenya next week, Lord willing. Our time on furlough has passed so quickly. We have enjoyed seeing friends, family, and supporters, and now as we prepare to leave again, our hearts are both happy and sad. Happy to be returning to our home and work in Kenya, but sad to be saying goodbye for another couple of years. Please pray for us this next week, as there is much to do when preparing to leave for an extended period of time. We have been as organized as we can be, but there are always last minute details to take care of before leaving. This update will share current prayer requests as well as plans for next term, Lord willing.
Please pray especially for our family, as traveling with two little children across the world will be a challenge. Please pray that we make all our flight connections, that everything would proceed well during the trip, and that we would all stay healthy, both here in the United States and also in Kenya. We work very hard to stay healthy, and this is one of the main prayer requests that we have. Also, please pray that we would stay faithful to serve the Lord, even though there are many challenges. It can become very challenging serving the Lord, but what a responsibility there is to remain faithful to the Lord and His work. I Corinthians 4:2 says “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
Please pray for us and all the cultural adjustments that we will soon be experiencing, especially for our two young daughters. This can be overwhelming for little ones, and would appreciate your prayers for them. Please also pray for the ministries, such as the hospital ministry, annex prison ministry, and also church planting ministry this upcoming term. Please pray for my wife as she seeks to continue on with the hospital ministry. Please also pray for me, the prisoners, and the chaplains at the Annex prison. Please pray that many prisoners would trust Christ as their Savior, then seek to follow Him and grow spiritually, even after they are released. Please also pray that the relationship with the prison officials would continue on well. Please also pray for church planting this upcoming term. At this time there is not much specific information to report, as I have been away for several months, so I seek to give more detailed reports upon returning, Lord willing. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us or sacrificially given to the ministries. You are a big blessing to us and the people of Kenya.
I am privileged to be working with a friend and partner this upcoming term, Mr. Roger Tate. We would appreciate prayers for wisdom from the Lord as we serve Him in Kitale, Kenya. What a blessing it is to be able to work with him in church planting, and I am looking forward to it. Please pray for both of us, that we would have wisdom and discernment from the Lord, and also for our families, as we serve the Lord. James 1:5 states “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Thanks again to each one who prays for us, sends us encouraging letters, emails, or cards, or sacrificially gives to the work of the Lord in Kenya. You are each so special to us and a vital part of the work. William Carey, the famous missionary, once said “I will go down, if you will hold the ropes.” We thank the Lord so much for each one of you who “hold the ropes” for us and the work in Kenya. We thank the Lord for you and your mindfulness of missions. We will be sure to keep you updated and Lord willing will send an update next month from Kenya, East Africa. Please note our new mailing address. God bless each of you so much.
SHERIDAN AND ANITA STANTON | September 2011
sestantonperu@hotmail.com – Sheridan | arstantonperu@gmail.com – Anita
Mailing Address: Apartado Postal 140 |Huanuco, Perú | South América
Vonage phone: 615-562-0529
September 8, 2011
Dear friends and family, I remember having Pastor and Mrs. Doug King from Arcadia, Florida visiting with us here in Peru ten years ago. We watched the 9/11 terrorists’ attacks on the Spanish CNN network with Pastor King asking me to translate everything. It’s funny how we can remember our most important life changing events. I still remember where I was when I put my trust in Christ Jesus as my Savior, my wedding, the birth of my two children, surrendering to God’s call to full time ministry. These events help define who I am as a person; I am a child of God, a husband, a father, a missionary and an American! Our prayers continue to be with all of the men and women that lost a husband, wife, father, mother or child. Our country needs more prayers and less pompous political posturing and promises. May God bless our great nation once again!
As to the Calvary Baptist Mission here in Huánuco, we have baptized more young men into the church; one is a medical Doctor. This work has been such an encouragement for Anita and me because God continues to manifest His power and presence in this young mission-church. In spite of all the setbacks and difficulties this work continues to grow. The property we thought we had acquired – turns out that the Title Search came back with some serious legal issues. The poor lady that owns the property is illiterate and does not seem to understand the legal issues involved; we have parted ways with her on good terms. However, we are now back to square one looking for a piece of property where we can build a simple meeting house for the church. We still have all the money for property purchase and even funds to get the first floor under roof. The Lord surely has a much better piece of property waiting for us. We would appreciate your prayers.
The Monday Night Pastor’s Class is up and going once again. Attendance has been good. Every once in a while a church or individual from the States sends me some materials or funds to buy materials for these pastors. While in the States during my father’s funeral the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Dickson, Tennessee donated fifty sets of Bible Index Tabs in Spanish. The pastors were very excited and grateful to receive these gifts. The very next Monday night they came to class with very nice, gold-trimmed index tabs on their bibles. The rest of these gifts will be distributed during my next modular class of the Bible Institute.
Anita is recovering from a serious bout with the flu. She has been one sick lady for over a week now. She does seem to be getting better at this time, but she is still weak and has a bad cough. We would appreciate your prayers for her health. I still take a regimen of expensive medications since the mini-stroke last year but I continue to feel good and enjoy good health. We thank you all for your continued prayers on our behalf. Please make note of our new phone number above and also Anita’s new e-mail address. We now use a Magic-Jack phone with a Tennessee phone number; just dial like you would call a number in Tennessee and we will answer here in the mountains of Peru. Technology is truly amazing!
Thanks again to each of you for you love, prayers and financial support. May God continue to bless each of you as you remain faithful to HIM, and may God bless America as we remember and learn the lessons from the terrorists’ attacks of September 11, 2001. Until next month.
In HIM by HIS grace, Sheridan and Anita Stanton
ROGER AND JULIE TATE | September 2011
rojuta@gmail.com
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this month’s newsletter I would like to relate an experience that I had. The reason I want to relate this experience is two-fold. First, it is typical of the kinds of things I face while I’m ministering here. Second, because it is typical it completely breaks my heart because it keeps the Kenyan people mired in sin and depravity and keeps them from fully following the Lord Jesus Christ.
The experience started by a simple visit to the post office. I went to check my box. I thought I would be in and out within 30 seconds. I ended up staying there for two hours. On my way out of the post office I was approached by a couple of men who told me they were from a marketing firm and they were giving away free toothbrushes. I told them I didn’t need a toothbrush but they persisted. They proceeded to show me that each toothbrush had a sticker on it and on the back of the sticker would be the prize that I would win just for taking the toothbrush. If I won a prize I would only have to pay them 300 shillings (about $3.50). There were 15 possible prizes I could win all the way from dvd players, televisions, cash, cell phones, to other high priced prizes. If I didn’t win I would receive a free t-shirt and cap as a consolation and I wouldn’t have to pay anything. I knew immediately it was a scam, I just didn’t know yet how they profited from it. Normally I would just walk away, but somehow the Spirit of the Lord impressed upon me to stay and talk with these men and by the time we were done talking, the whole group of con-men (there were 7-8 in all) were gathered around me to hear what I was telling them.
The conversation must have been from the Lord because to call a Kenyan a liar or a thief is about the worst thing you can say. However, I didn’t call them this. By the end they were all admitting this among themselves and had confessed the whole scam to me. The scam went like this. They could buy cheap toothbrushes for 10-15 shillings each (12-17 cents). Then they bought a bunch of “prizes”. Actually, they only bought one prize – a cell phone antennae, which they could purchase for less than 50 shillings (55 cents). Then they put stickers on the toothbrushes and EVERY toothbrush was a winner. Except, EVERY toothbrush won the person (you guessed it) a brand new cell phone antennae. Thus, what every “winner” got was a free 10 shilling toothbrush and a cell phone antennae worth 50 shillings. And all they had to pay for this (as a registration fee) was a low 300 shillings. I was very surprised when they confessed this to me because no Kenyan likes to be caught in his scam. But, confess they did, and after I showed them many Scripture verses they were all confessing to me that they were liars, con-men and thieves.
These men (and women) were finally confessing that what they were doing was dishonest and cheating. But here are the major problems here in Kenya. First, these men completely justified all of their actions because: (1) every business man does this, (2) it is the only way they can make a living, (3) there are no repercussions for their actions, and (4) it was what they were taught in school. They could see nothing wrong with what they were doing. The bigger problem is that each one of these men claimed to be (in their own words), “Saved Christians and followers of Jesus”. One man was even a “pastor”. Do you see why this breaks my heart and makes me hurt so much for the Kenyan people? Here are “Christians”, “Pastors,” and university educated men who are totally scamming the people and robbing them of what little money they have. And doing it all without feeling any remorse whatsoever. This kind of action happens all the time from the highest of government officials down to the lying beggar. And nobody sees anything wrong with it. I grieve for the Kenyan people who need the grace of God to lead them to Jesus where they will find redemption and remission of sins. In your praying this month pray for Petero (Peter), Musa (Moses), Yakobo (Jacob), Danson, Priska, and Purity – These are the names of the four young con-men and the two young con-women that I have spent so much time witnessing to. Pray that the Word of God would change their hearts and, in turn, lead them to lead their fellow Kenyans to the Lord Jesus Christ as well.
Until next month, beloved. May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God in East Africa, Roger & Julie Tate (and Emily, Amy, & Josiah)
BOBBY AND CHARLENE WACASER | September 2011
robertmw@brturbo.com.br
Manoel Valdomiro de Macedo, 2281 | 81170-150 Curitiba, PR Brasil
Ph: (813) 436-9980
September 14, 2011
Manoel Valdomiro de Macedo, 2281
81170-150 Curitiba, PR Brasil
Ph: (813) 436-9980
E-mail: robertmw@brturbo.com.br
Dear Friends,
When we began the construction of our building for our new church plant, two of our volunteer leaders quit their paying jobs to work fulltime on the project with no pay. We worked on the building for 3 months, until our funds ran out. At that time they needed to get back into the paying market so they began looking for jobs again. We are thankful to God because both of these young men, Luiz and Valter, got much better jobs than they had previously, each with almost double the salaries they made before. They still come out after hours and on weekends when we need them since we are back into the construction process again. What great people to work with, and what a great Lord to provide in this way! We have our windows and doors paid for. Thanks to you who so graciously contributed to this project. If you feel like you got left out, then we are now going to work toward finishing our concrete floor. There are 3200 square feet in our building and we need $6400, or $2 per square foot. How many square feet would you like to help us pour?
Two of the Project Life evangelistic teams were out on the highways this month and the other two worked in the metropolitan area surrounding the capital. In all, we had the opportunity to share the gospel with over 12,000 people in the public schools and city squares. One of our bus motors blew up, and so we had to sell one of our vans to pay to repair it. It is back running again, we are happy to report.
In the past I have reported on a very exciting ministry opportunity that involves sports. Many of you know that in Brazil soccer is called “futebol” or football, like in Europe. But the sport of football, as Americans know it, is rapidly becoming popular in Brazil now. Professional teams are forming steadily and I have been invited by one of the head coaches to partner with the league to develop a strong relationship with Christian Athletes and coaches from the USA. If you are a decent football player and/or coach and would like to be used of the Lord to touch many people for Christ, this is one fantastic window of opportunity. I recently read Tim Tebow’s book, Through My Eyes and was thrilled to see how God is using that young man for His glory. If you know of any young men who aspire to use their football ability to share the gospel, even on a short term project, please ask them to contact me.
Thank you so much for your love, prayers, support and concern for us. May the Lord richly bless you.
In Christ’s love, Bobby, Charlene and Brennen Wacaser
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2011-12 Thanksgiving Offering Goal: $100,000.00
2011-12 THANKSGIVING OFFERING | GOAL: $100,000.00
PLEASE GIVE AS GENEROUS AN OFFERING AS THE LORD ENABLES YOU TO GIVE.
PRAY – PURPOSE – PLAN – PREPARE – PERFORM
[Please read 2 Corinthians, chapters 8-9]
This goal is for NEXT YEAR’S THANKSGIVING OFFERING. We begin receiving contributions for the NEXT YEAR’S Thanksgiving Offering during November of the current year. We want to thank all of you who continued to give to last year’s Thanksgiving Offering all during 2010. We thank God for each of you who contributed to make it what it was.
IT CANNOT BE “EITHER / OR”
BETWEEN THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING
AND OUR MONTHLY GENERAL FUND OFFERINGS –
IT MUST BE “BOTH / AND”
WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT A VERY GENEROUS THANKSGIVING OFFERING – AS WELL AS INCREASING AND MAINTAINING OUR OFFERINGS TO THE MONTHLY GENERAL FUND. As of now, the first of October, we MAY have enough of last year’s Thanksgiving Offering to carry us through the next three months.
BUT – BEGINNING THIS MONTH, WE WILL HAVE TO DEDUCT PROPORTIONATE PORTIONS FROM EACH OF OUR MISSIONARIES’ MONTHLY DEPOSITS TO MAKE UP FOR THE DEFICITS BETWEEN THE MONTHLY GENERAL FUND SUPPLIES AND THE “TIER 1 / ESSENTIAL MONTHLY TRANSACTIONS” DISBURSEMENTS WE HAVE COMMITTED TO THEM EACH MONTH.
“GENERAL FUND SOLVENCY” – Every month, we have committed a total of $44,074.43 to our missionaries in what we call “Essential Monthly Transactions” [EMT]. I know I have reported this many times before, but here it is again: $20,426.00, salaries; $10,950.00, standard expense allowances; $11,075.93, hospitalization insurance premiums; $1,622.50, Mission Sheets printing and distribution. These are stubborn numbers and amounts – and we crunch them every day of every month to try to make them work.
WE MUST SUPPLY THESE NEEDS FROM OUR MONTHLY GENERAL FUND GIVING. If we do not receive enough funds in our monthly General Fund offerings, then we must necessarily proportionately reduce each missionary’s monthly deposit for that month to make it equal what we do have.
THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS – Then, there are numerous other commitments, benefits, and support services we provide for them ALSO from the General Fund throughout the course of the year. But, those disbursements must be supplied from our Thanksgiving Offering. However, we will need to consider reducing or even eliminating some of these commitments during 2012 if we do not have enough funds to supply them throughout the course of the year.
ALL GENERAL FUND GIVING IS DOWN AT LEAST 8%
FROM THE SAME GIVING PERIOD DURING 2010 [January-September].
Please ask the Lord of the Harvest how HE wants you to respond to this need. Please go back also and re-read, meditate on, and pray over last month’s appeal, “AN APPEAL TO PRAY”. May I quote John Bunyan again: “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”
MAY GOD GIVE US GRACE TO GIVE WITH HILARITY!
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AUGUST NEWSLETTERS
ODALI AND KATHY BARROS | AUGUST 2011
odali_kathy@hotmail.com
Greetings Dear folk! It is hard when you get used to using a computer for everything. Not having one to use without being broken more than working. We finally decided we better get a new one before we lost all that we had on the old one. We should be set for a good while.
We are doing great. We took some time off and went on vacation. We had not had a vacation for some four years. Since our boys like the beach, we went down to Caraguatatuba where my brother Epitacio is pastor. Even though I was on vacation I preached 3 times at the church that he pastors.
We are making new plans for our church here in Garça. We will be working with Pastor Gilberto who is pastor is Marilia. There are several mission points that are going through some difficult situations, mostly in need for pastors. Also pastor Gilberto and I have visited several cites in a one hour radius that still do not have Baptist churches.
We have bought a lot in Marilia and have already built a house for a pastor to live in. We will be starting a building there next. Also one of the plans there is to open a Bible institute. This lot only 1.5 miles from the 4 universities in Marilia. We are praying that God will prepare some that would love to work with the college students. There are over 30.000 students that attend these colleges. This is a tremendous opportunity.
We will be moving our services to the building where we used to have the school. Since we have so many kids on Sunday morning and we will be working with Sunday school classes where we can move the kids into the classrooms more easily. We will be fixing some things like painting, changing some doors and things like that. We have been working on getting the library ready to open. But we will have to make a change and move it to a smaller room and leave the bigger room for the auditorium for the services. We hope that we can have all this ready in the next 2 weeks.
Pray for us, and all our new plans. Thanks for your prayers and support.
Odali and Kathy
JOHN AND ALTA HATCHER | AUGUST 2011
jhatcher@uol.com.br
August 2, 2011
Dear Friends and Fellow Workers,
Alta and I are doing well. The cataract surgeries on Alta’s eyes have healed perfectly and she is doing fine and seeing well.
Alta and I go to Assai every Sunday morning and finally, the man has started the prefabricated structure. He has erected the eight steel uprights and trusses which will form the outside skeleton and support for the building. We hope he will soon have the cross beams and roof on so we can start the walls. Pray for the city of Assai.
Please continue to pray for us. We thank the Lord for each of you who have been our stay and support for all our years here in Brazil.
In His Name, John and Alta Hatcher
JOHN AND JUDY HATCHER | AUGUST 2011
JMHatcher@aol.com
August 9, 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Last month I did not get a letter to you. We were on our way over the mountains to Barcelona when I realized that I had not written before leaving home. I didn’t have the opportunity to get online to send a letter while in this part of Spain. However, this trip was blessed by the Lord. The primary purpose of going to Barcelona was to visit Amelia and her husband. She was the first person to make a profession of faith here. Her husband claimed to be an atheist.
We wanted to encourage her and have a chance to witness to him again. They moved to Barcelona last year to start a business. When members move from here, it is often God’s way of planting the seed of Gospel somewhere else. If we do well our God given task of making disciples, they will be prepared to also make disciples. We can not be every where, but God is everywhere He plants His children. Besides being able to encourage Amelia, we were also able to talk to Thierry, her husband about spiritual matters. He was much more receptive than he had been previously.
Just a few days before going to Barcelona we received an email from Leila, a lady who had been saved through the ministry of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Manaus, Brazil. This is the church where my brother, Paul Hatcher serves. It is a very missionary minded church. Paul is supported through Baptist Faith Missions. He serves on the team with you as we do. Seven years ago, Leila moved to Spain. She witnessed to a young man who trusted Christ. He asked her to marry him. They have two daughters and through the witness of this family a couple of other young men have been saved. She contacted us because she wanted to know what they could do to help us in the Lord’s work. They live in a town just north of Barcelona.
We told Leila and Jose that we would stop by to meet them on our way back from Barcelona. They insisted that we spend the night. What a blessing it was to hear them tell about their desire to reach others and what they are doing. We met one of the young men besides Jose to who has trusted Christ. They want us to return shortly to baptize them. We were also able to help Leila get materials for sharing the Gospel with children. God’s children grow where they are planted. If they have been discipled, they reproduce. This is God’s plan as revealed in the New Testament. It is our job.
We have also had many other opportunities. One of them has been contact with a young man who is Muslim. He is the father of a child in the same class as Camille, one of our granddaughters. Amanda, our daughter-in-law, has befriended the mother of this child. In conversation with Amanda this lady asked if Amanda knew anyone who could help her husband, and engineer, with his English. She suggested that he contact me. This young man is a devout follower of Islam, but has been open to talk about spiritual matters.
Our regular meetings and Bible studies our going well. A lady from the choir I sing in has attended some on Sundays and this has been an encouragement. She is the first of several from the choir who have said they would come to have actually done so. We hope that she will trust the Lord and will be the first of many to do so.
Thank you for your faith support and keep growing and bearing fruit where God has planted you. Let us know if there is something that we can do to encourage you.
In France for Christ,
John and Judy
AJ AND BARBARA HENSLEY | AUGUST 2011
ajcaragua@gmail.com
Hi friends and family,
This month has been very exciting and busy one for us. We have had groups from two Churches and they came two days apart. The group from Warner Robbins Ga. did a vacation Bible School at the home of our member Gloria. The exciting thing about this is that some of these teenagers had helped in the construction of Gloria’s house. They also participated in the Tuesday night meeting that is held in Gloria’s home. In preparation for the Bible School we canvassed the neighborhood door to door to let the children know when we were going to be there. During this door to door visiting we were able to present the Gospel to various people. We were invited to do some work in one of the public schools and were fed by the kitchen workers and ate with the teachers and the principal. This group scraped the walls, sanded the walls and then painted in two classrooms. From there we went to the Vocational School where tile was laid and other jobs were done. The next group from Gardenside Baptist Church in Lexington Ky. was able to do a Bible School in the same public school where the others had painted. So one opened the doors for the other. Even though the students were on winter break the principal invited them back to participate and also their parents. The Principal is new to this school and she wanted to get the parents involved and get to know them and she used us as a tool. It worked for her and for us too. She also brought her twin boys. A great time was had by all!!! This group also painted in this public school. We went from the public school to the Vocational School where tile was laid and walls painted along with planning for a electrical class in the future. Opportunities are unlimited when you come to do whatever God has for you to do.
We made many new friends at the school and I have been invited to start an English class for the teachers and workers. Among the new friends we have made are the principals twin boys that are teenagers. The family is catholic and we were surprised when the boys began to attend our youth meetings on Saturday night. And then even more excited when they started to come the Church every Sunday. AWESOME what God does and lets you be apart of. This is a small miracle but it is a miracle.
To top off the month we had a baptism last Sunday and two were baptized. There are several attending new converts class and soon we will enter into the waters of baptism again. Praise be to God who gives the harvest. We are still deep in the planning for the Pastors conference here in November. Our Church in conjunction with Second Baptist Church in Warner Robbins Ga. will be sponsoring our first Pastors Conference. We will be inviting pastors from across Brasil to attend so that we can encourage them in their ministry. Pray for this conference with us as we desire to reach Brasil for Christ. And what better way than to encourage Brasillian pastors in the work.
As we are writing this letter our son Bryan called to tell us that our long time friend and brother in Christ, Fred Hearn, has gone to be with the Lord. I remembered that when we were just coming to Brasil to help other missionaries Fred and Pat made the trip with us. Pray for this family in their loss.
Our vehicles are giving us good service but at the same time are costing much in the mechanic shop. It is imperative to keep the van running because it is our churches only means of transporting the people that don’t have cars nor money to come by public transport. I have begun to have to make two trips on Sunday morning and on Sunday night as we are having many people coming. Praise the Lord for this. That brings me say that we need a buss. Please put this on your prayer list and if you can help with an offering to purchase a bus that would be AWESOME.
We have had many visitors this month but that does not mean that we are not looking for you. The bed is turned down and I can get new mints for the pillow as the other groups have eaten the last ones.
In His service,
Aj and Barbara
NATHAN AND CARRIE RADFORD | AUGUST 2011
naterad@yahoo.com
315 College Street | Youngsville, PA 16371
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM | P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
Dear praying friends,
August 2, 2011
Another month has come and passed so quickly, and Lord willing, it will be time soon to be getting ready to depart for Kenya, East Africa to return to the work of the Lord there. It seems like we just left the country to return to the United States, and now we are just a few weeks from leaving to return to Kenya. It has been a busy furlough, and we are thankful for each opportunity we have had to meet people, visit supporters, and spend time with friends and family. This update will share the current prayer requests that we have, and we would covet your prayers.
What a privilege we have to be able to pray. We can pray, asking the Lord for wisdom, guidance, and direction for our lives. We can pray and praise the Lord for Who He is. We can also pray to the Lord and leave our burdens with Him. I read a statement recently that I really thought applicable. It said “Prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders.” This reminds me of well known passages of Scripture, such as 1 Peter 5:7, which says “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Also, Psalm 55:22, which says “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” What a great God we serve, and what a privilege it is to pray.
Please pray for us as a family, that the Lord would keep us healthy for the remainder of our time in the United States. It is always a struggle to keep two little children healthy, and we thank the Lord that so far, they have done very well in regards to health. Please pray that we would get everything done before leaving for Kenya, as many details arise before leaving. Please also pray for us as we say goodbye to friends and family, as this is one of the most difficult aspects of missionary life. Pray that we would adjust well back to the culture in Kenya, as there will definitely be adjustments there as well. Please also pray that we would follow the Lord’s leading and guidance through this upcoming term and the challenges of missionary life. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 48:14, which states “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” Pray that the Lord would take care of us mentally, physically, financially, relationally, etc. Each day serving in Kenya is a step of faith, and there are many challenges in day to day living. Please also pray for the ministries, that the Lord would provide those who desire to be independent and to trust the Lord and His provisions for them.
Faith and trusting the Lord is necessary for each of us, wherever God calls us to serve Him. Many times it is difficult to walk by faith, as so often we like to have the answers in our time, rather than trusting the Lord for His plan and timing. Hebrews 11:6 says “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” We will give more details of the ministries once we return and get updated, and we ask you to pray for us as we plan to leave for Kenya September 13th, Lord willing. May God bless each of you for your prayers, interest, encouragement, and sacrificial giving. You are each such a blessing to us and we thank God for you.
Until next month, Nathan and Carrie Radford
SHERIDAN AND ANITA STANTON | AUGUST 2011
Mailing Address: Apartado Postal 140 |Huanuco, Perú | South América
Vonage phone: 859-514-0929
August 10, 2011
Dear friends and family, In my last letter I reported spending some time with my ailing father, Ralph Stanton. On the 21st of June, Anita and I kissed dad goodbye and headed back to Peru. Two days later on Thursday morning, 23rd of June, Dad went home to glory; four weeks shy of his eighty-fourth birthday. Anita and I were at the Lima, Peru airport waiting for our flight back to Huánuco when we received the call about his death. After receiving the news about dad we immediately made plans to return to the States for his funeral. I spoke for the family at the memorial service and it truly was a “celebration of life”; a good long life of love, laughter and singing for the Lord. Dad will be missed by all who knew him. We thank those that were present at the memorial service, those that sent flowers and cards and those that sent financial gifts to help defer our traveling expenses. We spent a few weeks with Mom to help her get adjusted to this new phase of her life; a life without Dad. Predictably she has “good days and bad days”; please pray for her as the Lord brings her to mind
We arrived back home to Huánuco on the 15th of July, and immediately occupied ourselves once again in the Lord’s work here; a work in which we are privileged to participate. The Calvary Baptist Mission is doing very well; attendance remains high (four were added to the church while we were gone), and a healthy spirit of cooperation continues to prevail as we are in the “waiting” period of construction; waiting for the plans and permits to be approved. I have built numerous church buildings in Peru over the past twenty-eight years but I have never been more enthusiastic about a building project than this one. Innovative design allowing for easy, future expansion, combined with cost effective construction and a lot of donated but organized labor are just a few of the reasons why I am excited about this project. Pictures will be forthcoming as we move forward in the first phase of this undertaking. Prayers for safety, good progress, and prudent use of resources will be appreciated.
The Monday night bible class for pastors was postponed while Anita and I were in the States. I will be starting it back up in a few weeks. In addition to this, many of the dear folks from our five churches here in Huánuco have been asking me to start a basic bible class for the lay people of our churches. Hopefully this will be a reality before too long. I would really appreciate your prayers that I will be a good steward of the time God has given me. With, construction, sermon preparation, Bible classes to prepare, writing a doctoral thesis, counseling, and traveling, the time just seems to disappear before each day is done. It seems the older I am the more work there is to do! Please pray! Thanks.
I conducted a Seminar on Administration of a Baptist Church the 27th thru the 30th of July for the Faith Baptist Church in the coastal town of Huaral, north of Lima. Alberto Ramirez is the young pastor of this church that we helped start several years ago while living in Lima. The church is growing and busy in their own construction project; new and larger Sunday school rooms. Even while teaching a seminar we had one young man give his life to Christ, a lady asking for baptism (after an understanding of the importance of the Lord’s church), and several repenting of their neglect of their responsibilities to the church. It was a good meeting and hopefully the teaching will bear abundant fruit in the future of this faithful young congregation.
All of the fourteen, Peruvian national missionaries that Anita and I support have sent good reports for the month. Collectively about eighteen souls were saved during the past month as a result of these ministries. Donations given to “new work” or “as needed” funds go to help these fourteen missionary families and the works God has given them to do. Thank you for enabling us to support them.
As usual, my monthly report is getting too long so let me close it by saying once again how thankful Anita and I are for you love, prayers and support. We pray God might shower HIS richest blessings on each of you. Until next month.
In HIM by HIS grace, Sheridan and Anita Stanton
ROGER AND JULIE TATE | AUGUST 2011
rojuta@gmail.com
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are finally back in Kitale and so, of course, that is what the majority of this update will be about. It is good to be back in the town where we have already been ministering and where we will continue to minister this term. Although we have been gone many months we returned to find Kitale just the same. It takes a while for anything to change in Kitale. About the only thing that has changed is that the prices of things have gone up. The prices of staple foods for Kenyans like corn, rice and sugar have really skyrocketed which causes much struggle for the Kenyans who were already struggling to live in the first place (OK, I just lost my train of thought as my 16 year old daughter just walked into my office and we talked for an hour. I need to take advantage of those moments as often as they happen as in three weeks she will return to boarding school at Rift Valley Academy and I will miss her terribly). Anyway, many Kenyans are struggling. The area to the north of us is especially struggling. That area is usually dry and they are always facing famine. This year might be worse than usual and considering 1) the roads are bad getting there 2) gangs and thugs patrol the roads and steal relief food and 3) the Kenyan government is doing little to help alleviate the situation it means that there are people who are starving to death just a couple hundred miles of where we live. Other people are coming into Kenya from surrounding countries like Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia also trying to find help and finding none available. It’s quite sad actually. Fortunately, the situation in Kitale is not that bad and the people are able to cope with the higher prices. Other things affect us, though. Julie had a tire blow out a couple of days ago and it when I replaced it today it cost $244. That’s for just ONE tire!
This past month has been spent mostly trying to settle back in. We lived in our current house for only three weeks before we left for furlough and so it was difficult trying to remember how this particular house works. I had to buy a new refrigerator, get the car working, renew the insurance, and get numerous other problems worked out. I also had to get the internet working again. If any of you remember an update I wrote about a year and a half ago you will remember why I was dreading this task. It took three months of begging, pleading and threatening the internet company to do their job before they succeeded in getting the internet working at my house. I was anticipating similar resistance this time as well. However, I went in to the office, walked out fifteen minutes later, drove home and tested my internet. IT WAS ALREADY WORKING! I was truly amazed. Mixed into all this I have tried to study a little Swahili, communicate again with the Kenyan people, get used to power outages, and pray for God to continue to lead and guide in how he wants us to conduct future ministry. I still look forward to what I think he will do this term as we plan to start churches that are independent, self-reliant, self-governing and reproductive. May God bless his children in Kenya.
Until next month, beloved, May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God in East Africa, Roger & Julie Tate (and Emily, Amy, & Josiah)
BOBBY AND CHARLENE WACASER | AUGUST 2011
robertmw@brturbo.com.br
Manoel Valdomiro de Macedo, 2281 | 81170-150 Curitiba, PR Brasil
Ph: (813) 436-9980
August 10, 2011
Dear Friends,
I’m certain that God accomplished an innumerable amount of His plans through the latest financial meltdown (the week after the debt ceiling debacle), but we were thrilled with how clearly He showed us His providential reign over all things, even world markets. When I accessed the internet to check my e-mail messages, I was confronted with a flood of international headlines of financial chaos. Every major market that day had dropped severely, the US Dow/Jones being one of the worst. And it was precisely on this day that we got a message that God had wonderfully blessed a couple of believers in Christ and they felt led to contribute generously to our new church plant. It was no coincidence that this message came at just such a time. I had been teaching and preaching to our people how that, as God’s children, we do not look to circumstances to gauge our faith, but we look to God’s promises regardless of circumstances. With the aforementioned funds, we will be able to purchase our windows and doors and even begin the finish work on our building. We are extremely grateful to the Lord for both supplying the funds through this dear couple and for laying it upon their hearts to do so.
Last month I shared that we were hosting over 30 prospective missionary volunteers in our missions school. Shortly after their classroom teaching and training, most of them set out with Projeto Vida, our bus/motorhome teams into the interior to minister in several cities and towns. During the month they were able to share the gospel in public schools and squares to over 8000 people. There were many who responded to the gospel invitation given at each public meeting. We are thankful for those who came to Christ as Savior and Lord and also for the zeal that these missionary trainees have gained from their experience of being used of the Lord.
A few weeks back, one of our ministry team members (Valter is his name), my son, Brennen, and I took a man and his son on a mountain hike nearby. We live less than an hour away from some of the most beautiful mountains in the country. We use these hiking experiences to accomplish at least two purposes: 1) stay in shape, 2) provide a setting to invite un-churched families on outings where we will spend several hours together getting to know them and opening opportunities to share the gospel with them. This strategy has proved very helpful and we usually have other opportunities develop as a result of the friendship that is begun on the hikes. I will ask you to pray for Marco and his son, Guilherme, who accompanied us on our latest hike. Marco has already asked me what days and at what time we have church services without my even mentioning an invitation to come. I’m praying that he will soon become my brother in Christ.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support this past month. God has certainly heard and has blessed. We are grateful.
In Christ’s love, Bobby, Charlene and Brennen Wacaser
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September Appeal for Thanksgiving Offering
2011-12 THANKSGIVING OFFERING | GOAL: $100,000.00
PLEASE GIVE AS GENEROUS AN OFFERING AS THE LORD ENABLES YOU TO GIVE.
PRAY – PURPOSE – PLAN – PREPARE – PERFORM
[Please read 2 Corinthians, chapters 8-9]
Our updated TOTAL for last year’s THANKSGIVING OFFERING is $63,709.02.
As of the end of August, we have approximately $12,000.00 remaining from those funds to carry us through the last four months of 2011. We have been disbursing an average of $6,360.00 per month for the first 8 months of this year. So, you can do the simple math: we have approximately 2 months’ worth of last year’s Thanksgiving Offering remaining.
ALL GENERAL FUND GIVING IS DOWN 8% FROM THE SAME GIVING PERIOD DURING 2010 [January-August].
Please ask the Lord of the Harvest how HE wants you to respond to this need.
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