Missionary Update: The Tates on Furlough from Kenya [February 2014]
The Tate Family has served the Lord in Kitale, Kenya since January 2008. Their main ministry is indigenous church planting.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to start this update by extending my thankful gratitude to all of the many churches that I have visited already during this furlough/home assignment time. We have been all around in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and some in Indiana.
We still have a few more churches yet to visit. Every church we have visited so far has been so warm, so welcoming, so loving and for all of this I am extremely grateful. It is good to know that all these great people in all these great churches are praying for us while we are in Kenya. I can’t tell you how many times I have visited a church and someone comes up to me and says “I pray for you every day”. Just today I had a lady come up to me and said, “I pray for you two times every day”. I was so amazed and so appreciative of her prayers that I semi-jokingly said, “Well, then you need to take two of my prayer cards”. She semi-jokingly replied that one card would be enough. But please believe me when I say how much we need and covet these prayers. Another thing that I really appreciate when I have been visiting the churches is the interaction and questions that I get at nearly every church. The intelligent questions and informed interaction tells me that people are interested in what we are doing and involved in fulfilling the commission that Jesus gave to his churches to reach all the nations of the world. Do you know what else the questions and interaction accomplish? They make me have to think through things that I might not have thought through completely already. I’m not saying I haven’t myself thought about these things, but the questions and comments make me have to think harder about certain elements of my ministry and try and figure out how we will need to change and evolve more in the future. God’s people are such a blessing. The hospitality and kindness that I experience at every church lets me know how much you all love your missionaries. And one more point I will mention is all the differences I see in the churches I visit. I love the diversity. I’ve visited large churches and small churches. I’ve visited city churches and country churches. Some churches use more contemporary music and some more traditional. Some church buildings are old and some are new. But all have been friendly and loving. All are interested in missions. And all are occupied with preaching and teaching the gospel. Knowing that you all are diligently praying for us missionaries I also diligently pray that God would bless all of these churches and that they would be beacons of light in their own communities. May God empower each of you to fulfill the great commission here in your own hometowns.
We are now only one and a half months away from returning to Kenya. This brings me mixed emotions. I want to return and commence our third term and get going on our ministry. But I’m not yet ready to leave my beloved United States. I’m not yet ready to leave Emily here behind. I’m not yet ready to leave my home church. And, jokingly, I’m not yet ready to leave the pizza, Big Macs, and donuts. I’m not even ready yet to leave the snow and ice. But Kenya awaits and we begin to set our hearts on returning to the place where God has placed us to minister. Pray that God would prepare our hearts and minds for this return.
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)
rojuta[at]gmail.com
Visit their blog!
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Missionary Update: The Stantons in Peru [February 2014]
Sheridan and Anita Stanton have served the Lord in Peru since 1983. Their main ministry is church planting and they have helped establish churches all over the country. Sheridan also works to train pastors and Anita works with the ladies’ ministry and developing children’s material.
February 9, 2014
Dear friends,
It was a sad time for us when we heard the news of the passing of our dear brother in Christ, Glenn Archer. This dear pastor has been a personal friend of ours and a faithful soldier of the cross with over 50 years of ministry. Brother Archer loves missions and missionaries and served for over 35 years as a director of Baptist Faith Mission. Though he will be greatly missed here we know he is rejoicing at this time in the presence of Jesus. Please pray for his dear wife, Judy, and his children and grandchildren as they make life adjustments without him.
Also ask your prayers for three families from one of our mountain churches. They are in mourning at this time because a car their loved ones were traveling in went over a cliff yesterday (Saturday 8th) and killed them all. The three from Paucar that died were members of the Paucar Baptist church but they were not family to any of our folks here at the Calvary Mission/Church here in Huánuco. We do ask that you pray for the families of these three saints of God now in His presence.
Anita and I are grateful to God because He has answered our pray for someone to come and teach the men of our church here how to hang drywall. Brother Jim Miller is bringing a friend with him that knows how to do this. So now we are in a push to have everything ready by the time they get here. I could not be more proud of our church members. They have come out faithfully each day the past week and the work has advanced at an amazing pace. Many of the ladies showed up every day and carried bricks and sand up to the second floor where the work is going on. Several of the men and I have done most of the masonry work. I have even become pretty good at “tying rebar” for the columns. It has been such a blessing to work with others brothers and sisters in Christ with such harmony and good attitudes. At the pace we are going it looks as though we will be ready for your “drywall lesson” on the 18th of March. Please pray that we have no accidents while we work in the weeks ahead. Also, please pray about helping us out with an offering for this building project. The folks here have sacrificed a lot and are giving their time for the construction. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Anita’s Thursday Bible class is doing great. The ladies finished the book they were studying and when asked if they wanted to continue they unanimously said yes. They love the Lord, His Word and they love Anita! She really enjoys teaching them. My Monday night Theology class for our area pastors continues to do well also. It is a joy to be able to “dive into the depths” of many theological teachings with these dedicated men of God. After the construction of the Calvary Mission building is finished I hope to have more time to dedicate to preparing other classes for our Bible Institute. The older we get the time seems to fly by much faster!
Thank you and may God continue to bless you all. Until next month.
Being “In Christ” by God’s grace,
Sheridan and Anita Stanton
Apartado Postal 140
Huanuco, Peru
South America
(614) 500-8823 – Internet Number
sestantonperu[at]hotmail.com – Sheridan
arstantonperu[at]gmail.com – Anita
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Missionary Update: Mike & Beverly Creiglow in Brazil [February 2014]
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together for 40 years. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
February 9, 2014
Dear Brethren,
Here is just a quick note to keep you praying. There really isn’t much striking news this month. There has been plenty of work, but of the routine kind that isn’t much “to write home about”.
This has been the rainiest January of my 51 Januaries in Brazil. Of the first five Sundays we had major rain on four of them. Attendance has taken a big hit. Last Sunday morning the rain started at 4:00AM and didn’t end until Monday. We had only 126 in the morning. One Sunday night we had only 327. In January we usually have several days of sunshine. We have some big rubber trees here on the property. When the sun comes out in January the pods pop loudly, like a gunshot, and shoot their seeds far and wide. That didn’t happen this year. Our yard turned into a swamp and the grass is struggling to survive! The crowds are down at church, but the river is up, so tomorrow early I will head up river.
We have had several more professions of faith, requests for baptism and church letters.
This past month has been wall to wall meetings with ministry leaders. We are trying to get organized for the year. This is boring to report, but it is what I have been doing.
This week I just barely managed to squeeze in the recording of one TV program. Here is something for you to pray about. Our cameras are ancient. They no longer record directly to tape. We can only use them in the studio recording to hard drive. We can not use them in the field at all. One of them was purchased in 1998! One that was bought in 2000 quit completely. Dad donated his prosumer 3 years ago to replace it. This year we will have to replace both cameras and that needs to be sooner, not later. Pray that we will be able to come up with the money. We have been on the local station for 24 years now. Many people who would never set foot inside our church or even let us into their homes watch “Momento da Graça” every Saturday and Sunday morning.
Also, I have been doing some much needed work here at the house. I built the carport this month.
We held our first general pastors/missionaries meeting of the year this weekend, too.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com
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Missionary Update: John and Alta Hatcher in Brazil [February 2014]
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence.
February 7, 2014
Dear Friends and Brethren,
About two months ago our son David and his wife, Pennie, took Alta and I on a cruise of eight days on the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. I was there during the Second World War as a seaman and it was just as beautiful as the first time I saw it.
During the cruise I had asked the Lord to open opportunities to witness of the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. One morning we were up on deck and I asked a young man what were his thoughts about Jesus the Savior.
“I am an atheist,” was his answer.
“Sir, two minutes after you die, you will not be an atheist,” was my reply. Why? Because the Bible tells of one who was an atheist or lived as one. In the sixteenth chapter of Luke, verses 16-31, we have the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. If the rich man was not an atheist, he lived like one. Lazarus died and was carried by the angels to Heaven (Abraham’s bosom). The rich man died and was buried; in hell he lifted up his eyes and saw Lazarus in Heaven. When it was not possible for Lazarus to bring a drop of water for his burning tongue, he asked him to be sent back to tell his five brothers about Jesus.
I quickly told the young man about Lazarus and the rich man. I pray for his salvation each time I remember him. If God brings him to your mind, pray for him, also.
WHAT WE LEARN FROM THIS IMPORTANT STORY
- A person must hear the Gospel of Jesus to be able to believe.
- Each person who believes that Jesus died for them will be saved.
- After Death there is no second chance to be saved.
- He who dies in Christ will have eternal Joy.
- He who dies without the Lord will have eternal suffering.
- The most important task we have as Christians is to tell people that Jesus saves.
- With Jesus in our hearts, we should have at least as much zeal to tell the lost about Jesus as the rich man had as he suffered in Hell.
Sincerely yours in Jesus’ Name,
John and Alta Hatcher
Caixa Postal 112
Urai, PR, Brazil 86280-000
jhatcher[at]uol.com.br
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Missionary Update: The Radfords on Furlough from Kenya [February 2014]
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
February 5, 2014
This prayer letter will share some things that have been on my heart recently in regards to the harvest, as we will see from the book of Matthew.
It is hard to believe that we are already into February 2014, as time is passing so fast. It is also hard to believe that our second daughter, Camille, will be turning three years old later this month. McKenna will be six years old in April. Where has the time gone? It seems like they were just babies. Time really does fly.
Recently, as I have studied the Scriptures and examined myself in regards to the harvest, I have been very challenged. Our Lord cares so much for the harvest and those that need to be reached, yet so many times it is easy to develop a cold heart and a forgetful heart in regards to my responsibilities.
Please consider the following challenging verses from Matthew 9:36-38.
“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.”
Let us notice a few things from these verses. The Lord was moved with compassion toward the multitudes. Why? Because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. When I read these verses, I have to ask myself, Do I have a heart of compassion for the lost? For the multitudes? Do I truly see them as the Lord did, as sheep having no shepherd?
Do I truly pray for the harvest the way that I should? How will I get involved in the harvest? Would I truly “sign up” to be involved in the harvest, even if it meant many difficulties, burdens, challenges, etc? These are questions that I have had to ask myself when I read these verses. I hope and pray that I would. How we need to remind ourselves of verses such as these and see the heart of the Lord. I believe if we truly examine these verses, we will be personally involved in the harvest in some way, whether that is by praying, giving, or going. How is the Lord leading you to be involved in the harvest field? Will we truly have a heart of availabilty? One of my favorite Scriptures is Isaiah 6:8, which says ” Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
I pray we would respond, “Here am I; send me.” May the Lord bless you all this month and through the rest of 2014. Thank you so much for being mindful of the harvest in Kitale, and for your prayers and your sacrificial giving. We could not do this without your support and prayers. Each of you are such a blessing to us.
315 College Street
Youngsville, PA 16371
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Missionary Update: John Mark & Judy Hatcher in France [February 2014]
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
February 5, 2014
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We feel for you who are having a harsh winter in the USA. The weather here has been milder than usual for this time of the year. Thank you for your participation in the proclamation of the Gospel here in France.
All of the Bible studies and meetings are going well. I am including a picture of a ladies Bible study that meets in the home of Wendy Hinzman on Thursdays at noon. The tall young lady on the right is a member of our congregation who is a chiropractor. Her office is near Wendy’s house so the ladies meet there during her lunch break on Thursdays. They have Bible study and then eat their sack lunches together for a time of fellowship. All of the ladies in this Bible study are believers. We are encouraged by the growth that we see in them. Everyone in this Bible study also serves in ministries to children and some are involved in reaching students and other outreaches.
During the month of February we encouraged folks to read a book of the Bible they had never read before or had not read for some time. The interesting thing is that some who did the reading have not made professions of faith. Our hope is that they will soon trust the Lord and express this faith by following the Lord in baptism.
These ladies in France hold a Bible Study every Thursday at noon on their lunch break.
We have had a youth meeting since our last letter and another one is scheduled for this coming Saturday. The Lord continues to bless this means of outreach as those who come return and bring friends. Our the Bible discussion for the next meeting is “The Two Great Commands”.
The most recent Bible study in the city of Mazere (a one hour drive to the South) was packed out. Four people who do not usually come were there. Two of the four were fellows that were in our Bible study in the past. One, who is nicknamed “Jeff” has really grown in the Lord and is now holding two Bibles studies weekly. The two other special guests were individuals who have been saved as they studied the Bible with Jeff. One was saved two years ago and the other just six months ago. It was really encouraging to see God at work through Jeff whom we had discipled earlier. Jeff wanted to bring the two individuals so they could see how we do the Bible studies. We certainly want to follow the Apostle Paul’s admonition to Timothy “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” We are happy when we see evidence that it is taking place.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy Archer and her family. Glenn’s move to glory will certainly leave a void in our hearts, but we are thankful for the fact that He is no longer suffering as he did during the past months. May the Lord’s Spirit comfort all of those who are touched by Glenn’s absence.
Your fellow laborers,
John and Judy
John and Judy Hatcher
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Mission Sheet: January 2014 [PDF & Flip-Through]
Your January 2014 Mission Sheet is now available in PDF format. Follow the link below to view it!
BFM Mission Sheet – January 2014
You can also flip-through at the following link:
BFM January 2014 Mission Sheets [Flip-Through Version]
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Can you hang drywall? You’re invited to Peru!
DRYWALLERS NEEDED FOR PERU BUILDING PROJECT
Can you hang drywall?
Would you be willing to take an opportunity to use your gifts and skills to serve the Lord on a building project in Peru?
Sheridan Stanton is helping the newly-planted Calvary Baptist Mission in Huanuco, Peru, to construct a church building. They are in need of both financial funds and construction laborers to finish the project.
We are looking for a ‘Bezalel’ or ‘Aholiab’ [see Exodus 31.1-6] who will give your Spirit-given abilities to the Lord for this building.
Specifically, their most pressing need right now is drywallers to help the Peruvians finish the inside construction. The Peruvians are very hard-working and skilled craftsmen in the building methods they are used to – but they are not used to hanging drywall.
So, Sheridan is asking for volunteer drywall-hangers to come down from the States and work with them on this project for a week and train the Peruvians as they work with you.
Jim Miller is organizing a team to go to Huanuco the week of March 16-24. The estimated costs for the travel expenses are less than $1,500.00 – but once you are there, Sheridan and Anita will host and treat you better than royalty.
Are you willing to pay your own way to Peru and give your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12.1) in this mission service? “…If any man minister (serve), let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4.11)
You will need to call Jim Miller at (423)384-1776 [or email him: jharold1941@gmail.com] for all the details, but the broad plan is this: you will arrive in Lima, Peru, on Sunday evening, 16 March. Jim and other craftsmen will meet up with you there in Lima, and you will make your way to Huanuco to work on the construction project. Then, you will be returning to Lima to fly back home on Monday, 24 March.
“And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3.23-24)
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