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

 


^