Greetings all - time for another format change (perhaps?)! Actually, this is a trial run of a new format I would like to introduce. It might just help in organising our prayer times a little better. It’s not a new concept because many people and organisations use the prayer calendar like prayer letter format. It’s only new for the Aussie Outpost. Anyhow, if you’re able to send some feedback on the new format I’d appreciate it and love to hear from you.
One of the reasons for the new format is that I’m going back to the once-a-month frequency for the prayer letter - at least for the time being anyhow. The reason is that I’m about to take on a new role at work as a manager and this will bite into my time considerably. That’s true of at least the transition period anyhow - until I at least am able to re-organise my time to suit.
SUNDAY 1/02/2004: Ireland
Reformation IrelandDo remember the important work of Reformation Ireland. Recently Richard Bennett visited Ireland and ministered around Ireland and meetings were well attended, including a good number of Roman Catholics.
Visit: http://www.reformationireland.com/
Visit: http://www.spring-ni.com/
MONDAY 2/02/2004: Australia
Australian Reformed Baptist OutpostPlease remember the work of the Aussie Outpost. What is our mission? That is a good question, but one difficult to answer as it is a multi-faceted ministry. The best idea is to probably visit our web site and have a look around.
Visit: http://particularbaptist.com/index.html
There is a great interest in the wider church as this prayer letter bears testimony to. A number of associated ministries at the Aussie Outpost seek to be of support to the wider church, including creating a web presence for several churches and organisations, the Outpost BookAid ministry, etc. At the moment Aussie Outpost is struggling to meet the growing ministry opportunities in other countries through a lack of funding (if you can help please contact me - nrbcpastorkev@yahoo.com.au).
TUESDAY 3/02/2004: Ukraine
Grace Baptist ChurchThe Ukraine is one of the former Soviet republics of Eastern Europe. The population is about 48 million, with some 1 million Christians. One of the Reformed Baptist churches in the Ukraine is Grace Baptist Church in Zhytomyr. Vitaly Balin pastors the Grace Baptist Church.
Visit: http://particularbaptist.com/Grace/index.html
WEDNESDAY 4/02/2004: Philippines
Reformed Baptist Bible ChurchYou may remember the Reformed Baptist Bible Church of Santa Rosa, Laguna, in the Philippines from earlier days of the wider church prayer letter. Marlon Dalin pastors the church. You may also remember the church building project. Well it is a joy to report that the building is up and though not completed as of yet, the church can now use it.
The church is continuing to grow and seeing visitors come from time to time. Some have been staying and joining the church. Quite a number of Bible Studies have been established. Pastor Dalin has his share of struggles with eye problems and the Moonwalk Community Bible Church has been able to assist the church in Santa Rosa.
THURSDAY 5/02/2004: Ghana
Bible Baptist ChurchNoah Quarshie pastors the Bible Baptist Church. There are about 70 people that attend the church each week. On Sunday January 4, 2004, four people were baptised by pastor Quarshie.
The church has a kids club that has about 50 kids attending and also a weekly radio programme that reaches out to 2 million people in the region. Please remember the work in northern Ghana (Padjai) as posted in the individual email a few weeks ago.
Pastor Quarshie’s wife is Adelaide and they have two children, Deborah 20 (currently studying in the USA) and Enoch 18. Deborah is studying in the USA. Following is a portion of an email sent to me from brother Quarshie:
Dear Brethren,
Greetings from Ghana in our Lord Jesus Christ's name.
I got a phone call from my daughter Debbie last week Thursday and yesterday Monday about her fees at Pensacola Christian College, The total fee is $3162 plus $300 for books. I was hoping the school will honour the scholarship of $1000 as a missionary/pastor's daughter but that is not forthcoming. a church in Harrisburg, Pa. has send $200 towards her fees, that leaves $3262. so we need help to pay this. she will be working from this semester to the future bills should be much lower because they are going to apply the pay to the future fees. we will help with her pocket money.
Will you pray with us and let us know if you can help. the deadline for the payment according to the school is the 17th of this Month which is this Saturday.
Pray also for the school concrete project we need $9000 to finish it to be able to use the first floor.
Thank you partner for your love and concern for the work here in Ghana.
In His Grace for His Glory,
Noah Quarshie (pastor)There are a number of Reformed Baptist Churches that form the Association of Sovereign Grace Baptist Churches International - Ghana. Please remember the work of these churches in Ghana, as well as the Bible Baptist Church itself.
Visit: http://particularbaptist.com/wider/ghana.html
FRIDAY 6/02/2004: Chile
The Harbaugh Family - RancaguaEach month those on the Wider Church Prayer Letter mailing list get a copy of prayer points regarding the work in Chile. There is a web site where some photos of the work can be viewed (see below). Ray tells me that a family site may be coming in the future, so look out for that if you are actively praying for Ray and Carol and the work in Chile.
Visit: http://www.prowebsitemanagement.com/pictures/index.html
SATURDAY 7/02/2004: New Zealand
Reformed Baptist ChurchesThere are several Reformed Baptist churches in New Zealand and these share a common website with information on each congregation and a monthly PDF newsletter with news and prayer points. For all the information on the work in New Zealand visit the link below.
Visit: http://www.rbc.org.nz/
SUNDAY 8/02/2004: United States
Grace Reformed Baptist Church - OregonPlease remember the Grace Baptist Church of Vernonia, Oregon in the United States. The small church has seen a number of families leave over this last year, yet the church remains committed to the Doctrines of Grace and the 1689 Confession of Faith. Please remember Pastor ‘DJ’ Dickey as he ministers at Grace.
Also remember DJ’s son Stephen as he again battles possible serious illness. It is not yet known if cancer has returned, but it is a trying time for all concerned.
MONDAY 9/02/2004: India
Biblical Baptist Church - KarnatakaIn news from India opposition continues to mount against Christians with believers being beaten for seeking to reach out to India’s Hindus’. Even Bibles have been burnt in large
It is great to report that some funds have been provided for the Biblical Baptist Church in India which has allowed work to be done on both windows and doors in the new meeting place. More funds are needed to complete the work. Please consider assisting the church.
Further good news is the progress of the gospel in the area, with several meetings held that have been well attended and a number of professions of faith made. Pastor Billa Nelson has been spending some time preaching in the Karnataka region. Ministries throughout the states of Karnataka, Goa and Andhra Pradesh are struggling financially and funds are needed to allow the important work of evangelism and church planting to continue. Please consider supporting the work in India.
In other news little Harrison Billa has now become part of the Babu family. Please pray that the new addition to the family will be saved sooner than later. His father already has plans for his involvement in the Indian ministry - but salvation must come first of course.
TUESDAY 10/02/2004: India
WEDNESDAY 11/02/2004: Turkey
Please pray for believers in Turkey, a country that seems to be on the frontline as far as terrorist attacks are concerned. With militant Islam on the rise in Turkey Christians are facing increasing persecution from Muslims. Christianity is seen as an enemy of Islam by a militant Islam.
THURSDAY 12/02/2004: Egypt
Christians are facing a particularly tough time in Egypt. A number of Christians have been arrested and beaten by the police. This is because they have ‘apostatised’ from Islam by converting to Christianity. There is actually no law outlawing such conversions in Egypt, yet police often arrest such believers in an attempt to force them back to Islam. Believers are being tortured and even dying as a result of injuries sustained.
Muslims have also attacked Christians in Egypt as militant Islam grows in popularity in Egypt. Believers have been beaten, homes burned and church buildings demolished. Muslims in the army have been taking part in the attacks.
FRIDAY 13/02/2004: Uganda
The African country of Uganda has a population of some 21 million people. The country enjoys freedom of religion, yet sadly a large percentage of the population is Roman Catholic and those that are Evangelical are largely nominal. Clearly there is a need for growth in true Christianity and spirituality in Uganda. There is also a need for Bibles and Bible translation work among the various tribal groups.
After the terrible years of dictatorship in the seventies the country had hoped to see a complete end of such troubles. The country still faces an unknown future with a terrible civil war now raging in the country.
SATURDAY 14/02/2004: Eritrea
Believers are continuing to suffer persecution in Eritrea, with believers being arrested for taking part in Christian meetings. There are currently over 200 Evangelicals being held in Eritrea for not renouncing their Christian faith.
Most of the youths that were being held in the shipping container for refusing to recant Christianity have now been released. A small number are still being held for not signing papers rejecting Christianity. It is unclear as to whether the released people actually signed the papers.
SUNDAY 15/02/2004: Turkmenistan
The Central Asian republic of Turkmenistan is seeking to bring down new harsh laws against Christians. One of the new laws is that all people in the country must co-ordinate contact with foreigners through the government. Christian meetings have been forcibly broken up and church buildings demolished.
Islam and the Russian Orthodox Church dominate Turkmenistan. 90% of the 5 million people are Muslims. Missionary activity is not allowed in the country, even though officially there is freedom of religion.
MONDAY 16/02/2004: Laos and Vietnam
Persecution continues in Vietnam as that country’s government seeks to destroy Christianity. Severe persecution has included one believer being crucified (with rope) and beaten. Other believers have been beaten and church meetings disbanded.
Across the border in Laos Christians face a similar threat, with the government seemingly determined to destroy Christianity. Believers are being heavily fined and other villagers have been given permission to shoot Christians.
TUESDAY 17/02/2004: Mexico
Terrible persecution has affected the life and ministry of Pastor Severiano Flores who works among the Triqui people in Mexico. These people are considered the most dangerous and violent of the Mexican tribes. Pastor Flores has planted a number of churches in this region. In doing so the Flores’ family has suffered great persecution. Recently Pastor Flores’ wife was killed in a particularly violent attack, having had her throat cut. She died in front of her children. There are six children in the family. Please pray for Pastor Flores and his children as they come to terms with the loss of their wife and mother.
Also in Mexico, in Hidalgo State, believers have been prevented from meeting in the town of Cuatecometl. Believers have been forbidden to worship in Cuatecometl or to go to neighbouring churches by the local authorities, acting under the influence of the Roman Catholic Church. Some men have been jailed for short periods and believers have been threatened with the seizure of their homes and land.
In Chiapas State some seven pastors have been murdered and many more believers arrested.
In the region of Chamula some 30 000 believers have been forced out of the area by Roman Catholic adherents. Over 100 believers have been killed in the violence in and around the area of Chamula, including a pastor in late October. The Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are also very active in Mexico.
More Information: http://www.wrfnet.org/news/news.asp?id=873
Another pastor was gunned down recently on his way to a prayer meeting. There seems little actual interest in bringing those responsible for persecution against Christians to justice.
There is a Reformed Baptist church in Mexico City, the Iglesia Bautista de la Gracia Verdad. The church is seeking to reach out to those in the area and the pastor also is reaching out to Cuba.
WEDNESDAY 18/02/2004: Israel
Voice in the WildernessPlease remember our brother Antony Simon who is currently serving with the Israeli army in the troublesome area of Ramallah. Our brother asks for prayer regarding his safety and for opportunities to witness.
Voice in the Wilderness Ministries is continuing to reach out to people via their tours of historic sites in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The ministry is thinking of a Summer Outreach campaign in August 2004 and asking if there are any brethren who would be interested in assisting them. For more info contact Antony at antony@inter.net.il.
An outreach ministry at Tel Aviv may, Lord-willing, develop into a new church in the future. Please pray for this work and for Alex who leads the work there.
If you would like information on how to support the work in Israel financially please contact me (Kevin) and I’ll pass on details, or you could contact Antony at the email address already given.
Visit: http://yeshua4israel.com
THURSDAY 19/02/2004: Philippines
Moonwalk Community Bible ChurchMoonwalk continues to enjoy the blessings of the Lord with more people joining the church throughout the year and more still to come. Pastor Steven Hofmaier is currently preaching through Romans 12 and Pastor Rolly teaching through Acts at the Sunday School and teaching on Growing in Grace on Sunday afternoons.
Moonwalk currently holds some 9 Bible Studies in the community and will soon have another 5 going also. Praise the Lord for His many blessings! Moonwalk also assists other churches nearby and also help the Santa Rosa Church pastored by our brother Pastor Marlon Dalin (you may remember the church and our brother from earlier wider church prayer letters). Pastor Dalin is continuing to have troubles with his eyes.
FRIDAY 20/02/2004: Germany
Heilbronn Reformed Baptist ChurchThe German services have a regular attendance of about 50-60 people, with a number being interested in becoming members. With the growth in the church there continues to be a need for a larger building. Please pray concerning this. The church currently rents.
The church is also seeking to begin a new work in a nearby town, with the hope of a new church being planted.
SATURDAY 21/02/2004: Kenya
The Underhill FamilyPlease pray for the various churches in Kenya as they face a variety of problems, many of which are quite serious and threaten their Christian testimony. The church is also considering another elder and 3 deacons - please pray that the right people are chosen.
Pray for the young church pastored by Daniel Masesi in Machakos. This group begun a few years ago with people who have been saved through open air preaching. The group has now become a constituted church. Another place for a church plant is Korr, with this currently being considered.
SUNDAY 22/02/2004: Brazil
Rich DenhamIn good news from Brazil a new Reformed Baptist Fellowship over the Internet has begun bringing together Reformed Baptists from all over Brazil and also from other Portuguese speaking countries.
There are some 300 pastors on the waiting list for the adopt-a-pastor programme. The idea is to send a good Reformed book each month to the adopted pastor. For more details please contact me and I can pass on information regarding the project.
MONDAY 23/02/2004: Wales
Bill Lollar and his family will be moving to Wales in June 2004 to begin a church-planting ministry in the south of Wales, north of Cardiff. For more information on the ministry of Grace to Wales visit the Grace Church Planting website.
Visit: http://www.gracechurchplanting.com/
TUESDAY 24/02/2004: Mauritius
Jason DeutschIn the city of Vacoas in the country of Mauritius a small church began in November 2002. It started with a congregation of about ten and has now grown to over 40 people! The majority of these people are keen to attend every Bible Study that the church puts on. The church continues to grow - praise the Lord!
WEDNESDAY 25/02/2004: Namibia
Eastside Baptist Church - WindhoekThe Eastside Baptist Church in Windhoek, Namibia, is pastored by Joachim Rieck (wife - Marcelle). The pastor’s children are Jonathon (13), Martin (10) and Kezia (8). Both Jonathon and Martin profess to be Christians.
The other elders at Eastside are Colin Gibb, Pieter Slabber and Eric Tordiffe. These three were recently ordained after a trial period of two years.
Some 24 new members have been added to the church over the 2003 period. The third Namibia Grace Conference saw some 25 pastors attend from all over southern Africa. Some 1900 Bible were also delivered to Angola in 2003.
THURSDAY 26/02/2004: Zambia
Lusaka Baptist Church and Kabwata Baptist ChurchReformed Baptist work in Zambia had a non-reformed beginning. The Lusaka Baptist Church was begun in July 1960 and did not adopt the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith until 1992. The church currently has a membership of over 300 people and continues to grow. With this many people the church has the pleasing problem of running out of space in it’s building for church meetings. It is currently pastored by Nigel Lacey.
Lusaka is involved in a lot of evangelistic work and church plants, including plants in Livingstone (Southern Province), Mongu (Western Province), Lundazi (Eastern Province), Mpika (Northern Province) and two works within Lusaka itself.
Visit: http://www.lusakabaptist.org
The Kabwata Baptist Church was a plant of the Lusaka Baptist Church in May 1981 and it to has come to embrace the Reformed Baptist faith as expressed in the 1689 confession of faith. The church is currently pastored by Conrad Mbewe.
Visit: http://www.kbc.org.zm/
FRIDAY 27/02/2004: Malaysia
The Reformed Baptist Churches of MalaysiaContinue to remember the Reformed Baptist Churches of Malaysia. The situation is Malaysia has not always been favourable to Evangelical Christians. More information can be found at the website of the Reformed Baptist Churches.
Visit: http://www.rbcm.net/Index.html
SATURDAY 28/02/2004: Malta
Trinity Evangelical ChurchPlease remember the Trinity Evangelical Church of Malta. It is pastored by Paul Mizzi. His brother, Joe Mizzi, runs the ‘Just for Catholics’ ministry. The ‘Just for Catholics’ newsletter is often posted the Aussie Outpost Mail Group.
Visit: http://www.tecmalta.org
SUNDAY 29/02/2004: Singapore
Shalom Reformed Baptist ChurchThe Shalom Church began in 1979 and has now grown to a large ministry in Singapore. It is involved in important outreach ministry throughout the region by way of it’s bookshop, etc.
Visit: http://www.shalomrb.com/
MONDAY 30/01/2004: Central America
Remember to pray for Reformed Christians in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. A growing number of pastors from various backgrounds, including Baptist and Pentecostal, are embracing the Reformed faith. Please remember the pastors of this region and their efforts to feed the flocks placed under their care, as well as evangelistic efforts being attempted by their churches.
TUESDAY 31/01/2004: Latvia
Reformed believers have been found in Latvia since the 17th century, though the country is dominated by Roman Catholicism. Having suffered under the tyranny of both Hitler and Communism, Reformed Christians were almost completely wiped out in Latvia. Now there are at least five Reformed congregations in Latvia.
In the capital Riga a Reformed Theological Seminary is now in operation. However, Reformed believers in Latvia are struggling with limited resources, with some churches not even having songbooks.
VISIT US ONLINE
Please visit The Aussie Reformed Baptist Outpost online at:
http://particularbaptist.com/index.htmlThe Outpost Wider Church Awareness Site can be found at:
http://particularbaptist.com/wider/widerindex.htmlFor email contact and further information regarding aid to the various ministries mentioned in the prayer letter, Kevin can be contacted at:
nrbcpastorkev@yahoo.com.auIf you are of Reformed Baptist persuasion and would like to add news of your church or work, or add requests for prayer to this prayer letter, please contact Kevin on the above Email address.
For 'snail mail,' write to 'The Aussie Reformed Baptist Outpost, 27 Middle Street, Cardiff South, NSW, Australia, 2285.
We thank all sources of information that have made this prayer letter possible and ask the church at large to commit to praying for one another. Brethren, please pray for us.
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