What a terrible tragedy has befallen many countries around the Indian Ocean during the last days of 2004. The effects of the Tsunami disaster are sure to resonate around the world for many years to come. As I prepare this prayer calendar in the last days of January 2005, already a month since the disaster, 1000 bodies a day are still being found in the devastated Aceh province of Indonesia.
Throughout this prayer letter you will find small references to the tragedy that has affected so many countries. Please remember these people, not only in prayer but with financial assistance as well where possible. Remember, Christians have been caught up in this tragedy as well.
A Christian ministry that is seeking to assist in the disaster effort is Asia Harvest.
For more on Asia Harvest and on how to assist, visit the web site at:
http://www.asiaharvest.orgMy contact address is as follows and hopefully I can get to the emails before they mount to too many: nrbcpastorkev@yahoo.com.au
01/02/2005: Philippines
Cubao Reformed Baptist ChurchFrom February 1 to February 3, the Cubao Reformed Baptist Church will be holding a Pastors’ Conference. Phil Arthur (UK), Ian Densham (UK) and Noel Espinosa (Philippines) will be the speakers at the conference.
Chile
Ray and Carol HarbaughRay and Carol Harbaugh are currently in neighbouring Uruguay attending a missionary conference. The trip back home will be a 24-hour road trip.
02/02/2005: Mexico
Guadalajara - Steve and Robin Henry, David and Tommi SittonRecent arrivals in Mexico, Steve and Robin Henry are seeking to learn Spanish at the Harvest Language Centre in Guadalajara.
In 2005 there are plans to minister at La Barra de la Cruz, San Isidro de Chacalapa and among the Coicoyan tribe. Ministry will also continue in Media Luna, La Posa, the Island of Men, and in other locations around the Port of Mezquital.
The Coicoyan tribe is an unreached and gospel-resistant tribe from the Oaxaca region. Of the 25 000 people in the tribe there is only one known Christian, which highlights the need for evangelism among the people of this tribe.
The Henrys’ have settled into the King of Kings Bible Church (Rey de Reyes Iglesia Biblica), which is a church of about 125 people.
Steve and Robin are renting a room in the home of a Mexican family in Guadalajara, a city of 3 million people. Sharing the home with this family is assisting them both in their language studies. Also of help is the fact that all the family is saved.
Eduardo Manzano
A reformed missions conference is to be held in March in an area of Mexico not far from San Diego (California). There are no Reformed Baptist churches in this area of Mexico. Eduardo has asked that we pray for Mexicans to be raised up for the world’s mission fields, including Mexico
03/02/2005: Spain
Barcelona - Matt and Nuria LeightonMatt Leighton teaches in the Colegio Biblico de la Gracia in Barcelona. He is currently teaching New Testament to students. He is also involved with Steve Phillips in improving the college overall. Please pray for this important work in this predominantly Roman Catholic country.
Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago
A mission work is attempting to reach out to the many Roman Catholics in the South American countries of Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago. The team is led by Tom Torrisi.
In Venezuela the mission will visit a number of cities, towns and villages. A number of tracts and Bibles will be distributed during this time.In Trinidad and Tobago the Reformed Evangelical Church is associated with the mission effort. The web site of the church is listed below.
Visit the Reformed Evangelical Church web site at:
http://www.refevanchurch.org/
04/02/2005: United States of America
Oklahoma - Oklahoma City - Heartland Baptist ChurchThe Heartland Baptist Church of Oklahoma City began in September 2003. The church is already looking at beginning a new church in Norman, south of Oklahoma City, which has a population of 100 000. Already there are a number of families in Norman that are keen to support the new work once it begins.
Indianapolis - Sovereign Grace Reformed Baptist Church - Pastors Michael O’Neil and Bill Mercer
The Sovereign Grace Reformed Baptist Church began meeting in June 2003. They meet in the local YMCA facility in Brownsburg, Indianapolis.
For more information visit:
http://www.sovereigngracerb.org
Ghana
Grace Baptist Mission - Pastor Noah QuarshieThe School Building Project is now underway, though more funding is needed. Please pray about this and if you are able to support the ministry financially please do so. All the information about the work can be found at the web site below.
Visit the web site at:
http://www.gracebaptistmissionghana.org
05/02/2005: Malawi
Zomba - Maxson FamilyFrank Maxson has been able to visit several churches throughout Malawi and preach. Pray about these opportunities and that they would be for good.
More Information:
Email: maxson@malawi.net
Indonesia
Aceh and Nias IslandThe west Indonesian regions of Aceh and Nias Island were devastated by the recent Tsunami disaster that has affect a large are of the Indian Ocean. The death count for this region grows daily and the last figure I heard was of some 300 000 dead in this region alone. Away from the scene of devastation it seems impossible to imagine a disaster of this scale. Yet to the survivors of the disaster it is an everyday reality. Please remember these suffering people.
Remember also the efforts of the various aid agencies and relief missions operating in the area. The largest relief efforts in Aceh are being led by the Australian and the United States military, with support from so many other countries and agencies. It must be difficult work, especially given the large numbers of bodies still being recovered each day (about 1000).
On Nias Island Christian pastors were also killed in the disaster, which will have a major effect on the Christian churches of the area. This is sure to be repeated throughout the disaster zone.
06/02/2005: Russia
Grace Church - Irkutsk - Pastor Mochalov Sergey AleksandrovichThe Grace Church is made up of about 100 people. They are trying to save money to build their own building, which has stopped due to a lack of funds. There are also difficulties reaching many of the churches of the region that Sergey seeks to assist because the car he has is in poor condition.
One of the churches, in the city of Angarsk, has now appointed a new pastor. Please pray for the Angarsk Church in this matter. Litavrin Sergey is the man who has been called to lead the church, a man committed to the doctrines of grace. Apparently there are many Arminians in the church. Please pray for the work of reformation here. There are some 170 people in the church.
In Irkutsk another pastor is seriously considering the doctrines of grace. He is currently an Arminian. Sergey has been able to share the truth with him and lend him some good books.
Pastor Aleksandrovich has passed on the following information relating to the work in Siberia, Russia:
These churches in Siberia, profess doctrines of a Grace: Church city of Tulun - 22 member, Church city of Kujtun - 14 members, Church city of Nizhneudinsk - 43 member, Church city of Jangel ' - 19 members, church city of Alekseevsk - 17 members, Church of city of Sajansk - 28 members, Church of city of Svirsk - 29 members, Church of city of Bohan (Buryatiya) - 14 members, the Pastor of church city of Cheremhovo (it(he) learns(teaches) church to doctrines of a Grace) - 84 members, 3 Church of Baptists city of Irkutsk (there I the pastor) - 90 members, 4 Church of Baptists city of Irkutsk - 28 members, Church of city of Shelehov - 130 members.
The church in Nizhneudinska is experiencing some conflict over Arminianism and Calvinism. Please pray for that church and it’s pastor.
07/02/2005: India
Do remember our brethren in India. Here in the so-called west we are not so much aware of the difficulties of being Christians. In India however, being a Christian has become a dangerous thing to be. There are moves there to outlaw conversion to Christianity and those who have converted to Christianity face great hostility and persecution from their families and Hindu fanatics.
In recent months believers have been beaten, forced to leave their homes and seen Bibles and other materials burnt.
Of course there is also the aftermath of the terrible Tsunami disaster. So many thousands have been killed in India and many, many more are now homeless, having lost everything they owned. Christians are of course not immune from these disasters and therefore we need to remember our brethren who have been affected. Reformed believers are known to have perished in the disaster, with many others having lost homes and livelihoods.
The Sovereign Grace Church in New Zealand has set up a Tsunami Relief Fund to assist believers in the affected areas of Sri Lanka and southern India. Pastor Bala of Sovereign Grace Church has many personal contacts with pastors and believers in these areas. He is in a unique position to be able to assist the brethren there.
If you are able to help you can send cheques to:
"Sovereign Grace Church" and send it earmarked "Tsunami Relief Fund".
Sovereign Grace ChurchP O Box 62 159
Sylvia Park, Auckland 1006
New ZealandFor further information on the fund please contact Warrick Snowball, a deacon of the Sovereign Grace Church. He can be contacted at:
warsnow@clear.net.co.nz
Andhra Pradesh - Gilbert Dawson
Gilbert Dawson is a brother working in the area of Andhra Pradesh in India. He like many of us has been branded a heretic and called a Lucifer for holding to the doctrines of grace. Earlier support has been lost, as Brother Gilbert has been labelled a heretic for his testimony. Yet he is a faithful brother seeking to win the lost for Christ.
Brother Dawson labours in a field in which Hinduism is becoming more militant. Please remember India and the work of Brother Dawson.
08/02/2005: Sri Lanka
Please remember our Christian brethren in Sri Lanka. Many Christians have been affected in this country by the Tsunami disaster. The Tsunami hit while many were attending church services in coastal regions.
Though many Christians were spared, they have still been greatly affected through the loss of their livelihoods. The needs are great.
The Sovereign Grace Church in New Zealand has set up a Tsunami Relief Fund to assist believers in the affected areas of Sri Lanka and southern India. Pastor Bala of Sovereign Grace Church has many personal contacts with pastors and believers in these areas. He is in a unique position to be able to assist the brethren there.
If you are able to help you can send cheques to:
"Sovereign Grace Church" and send it earmarked "Tsunami Relief Fund".
Sovereign Grace ChurchP O Box 62 159
Sylvia Park, Auckland 1006
New ZealandFor further information on the fund please contact Warrick Snowball, a deacon of the Sovereign Grace Church. He can be contacted at:
warsnow@clear.net.co.nz
09/02/2005: Papua New Guinea
Wabuku - M’liss SperoM’liss Spero continues working hard at trying to learn both the language and culture of the native people. She is having difficulty gaining help from those around her in learning the language. She is seeking to work with the Wabuku people.
M’liss Spero’s co-worker, Aaron Dewidder has been very ill. He has had some back surgery and is recovering from both the operation and his illness. Please pray for him.
More Information:
http://www.shilohcommunitychurch.org/mliss/
10/02/2005: Australia
Mark and Kylie Battese (and daughter Madison)Please pray for Kylie. She is a young mother and wife recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of inoperable cancer. Treatment has begun and halfway through the treatment the tumour has been reduced by half.
Both Kylie and Mark are very positive believers, firmly resting in the grace of God, being both fully aware of His sovereign power and being happily resigned to His will whichever way it may lead. None-the-less it is a difficult time for this young family.
11/02/2005: India
Many have been affected in India by the recent Tsunami event. Though most of the deaths have occurred in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, many have also been killed in India. Many people still living have lost everything. Please remember the people of India and the churches of India as they seek to provide support and to reach out to the suffering.
Compassion International have seen several of their mission efforts affected in India. One entire housing project for 400 people was washed away. Fathers of a number of ‘compassion supported children’ were also killed by the Tsunami.
Karnataka - Biblical Baptist Church - Billa Nelson
The church in Karnataka still seeks further support for the building project in India. Apparently there has been little work since 2000.
News from the Biblical Baptist Church indicates that 8 members of the church were killed in the Tsunami disaster, with others missing. A number of families have lost everything. The church is seeking to assist families as much as possible.
Mumbai - Providence Evangelical Bible Seminary - Jason and Jemima Deutsch
There will be four graduates from the seminary in February 2005. One of these will be Salai Mang Za Thleng who will be returning to his home country of Burma and the church there.
12/02/2005: Germany
Reports from Germany indicate that a number of people have to an understanding of the doctrines of grace but have nowhere to go for church.
Heilbronn Baptist Church - Pastor Audey Shepard
The church is continuing to grow with more people attending and membership is continuing to increase. There have also been several baptisms. American families associated with the military are contacting the church also, seeking a place to worship while based overseas.
13 people are now attending the recently begun German Seminary. This ministry is important as the church seeks to plant more church in the Heilbronn region.
The church is continuing to pass out many, many tract and continues with street preaching around the city.
For more information visit:
http://www.fbc-hn.com/
13/02/2005: Philippines
Cubao Reformed Baptist ChurchThe need for larger premises is ongoing as the ministry continues to grow. The Drop-in Ministry is now attended by over 120 people and the Youth Ministry by 70 people. The gospel is presented in both these ministries.
Visit the web site at:
http://www.info.com.ph/~btellis/welcome.htm
14/02/2005: Philippines
Santa Rosa - Reformed Baptist Bible Church - Pastor Marlon DalinPastor Dalin has pastored the Reformed Baptist Bible Church in Santa Rosa for about 15 years. He was converted in April 1985. He is married to Sally and has three children - Sarah (18), John Lon (16) and John Gaius (11). They live in a rented flat. Please pray for the conversion of Sarah, John Lon and John Gaius.
The church in Santa Rosa was established on March 22, 1987 and now has 18 members, with a further two believers applying for membership. Some 60 people attend on a regular basis each Lord’s Day. The Church also has a Sunday School ministry.
Aussie Outpost has been a supporter of this work for several years now, with some funds having been given to assist in the construction/purchase of the church building several years ago (Northlakes Reformed Baptist Church - NRBC). Please continue to support this work through your prayers.
15/02/2005: Kenya
As we pray for our brethren in Kenya we also need to remember that Kenya is currently being devastated by a tremendous famine. Over 2 million people now need emergency assistance. There have also been many people affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami event in late 2004.
Nairobi - Keith and Priscilla Underhill
The church in Kenya has had opportunity to witness to many Sudanese refugees. Opportunities for further ministry to the Sudanese people are being investigated, including the possibility of training believers for ministry. There are hopes of a lasting peace in Sudan and that these new believers may be able to go back to their country with the gospel. However, recent news suggests the peace will not last.
The Underhills’ are also seeking wisdom to know just how to assist the many who are suffering greatly as a result of the drought and famine in Kenya. It is difficult to know who are attending the church just to receive physical assistance during this time of hardship in Kenya.
Large numbers continue to attend the churches, with a number now seeking baptism. In Kamketo 32 people were recently baptised and added to the church. There are some five churches in the region with about 80 members in total. Elders need to be appointed to these churches. Please pray about this. There is also a need for a church building. There are difficulties with access to many of these churches.
Efforts are still being made to reach out to the Rendille people. These are a group of people who have very little opportunity currently to hear the gospel. The possibility of planting a church at Kijiji is being looked into.
16/02/2005: Australia
Australian Reformed Baptist OutpostPlease remember the work of Aussie Outpost. Work on the site has now resumed, with more content being added regularly.
I now have the printer I’ve needed to start the work of producing literature for distribution. This will involve getting an edition of ‘The Reformed Pastor’ by Richard Baxter ready for printing and distributing it. The next challenge here will be getting the funds together in order to get copies out to both Ghana and India initially. Please pray about this, as the costs will probably be more than I can bear alone.
Visit the web site at:
http://particularbaptist.com/index.html
17/02/2005: South Africa
Florianville Baptist Church - Kimberley - Einfeldts’The Einfeldts’ are continuing to learn Afrikaans, which is the main language in South Africa. Please remember them in prayer as they seek to learn this language, which when learnt will be of great assistance in their ministry.
The Einfeldts’ are pursuing a number of ministry options in their work with Ambassadors International. Please remember to pray for them and the work there. They are keen to work among the young people and are quite involved in teaching life skills and morality to them. They are also involved with an orphans ministry. They are hoping to have the use of an empty building for both ministries - please pray about this. Also pray about possible land for another ministry to orphans.
The Einfeldts are also teaching life skills in several schools, some with disappointing outcomes. There are opportunities for this ministry in other schools also. Please pray about this as well. They are especially keen on educating teenagers about sexual abstinence and abortion from a Christian perspective.
More Information:
http://www.einfeldtfamily.org
18/02/2005: Spain
Barcelona - Vilassar de Mar - David and Elisabet BarceloThe work is progressing in Barcelona with the church growing in many ways, including growth in numbers. The church is active in many ministry opportunities including that of church planting.
19/02/2005: Croatia
The Brackett FamilyThere have been opportunities to minister in other areas of Croatia including Zadar, Sirac and Prelog, as well as ministering through the publication of a book, the ‘Gospel According to Rome,’ by James McCarthy. There have been two recent conversions, with one person now preparing for baptism.
The Bracketts’ wait for permanent visas is now over - they have them!
Kris is now the Assistant Dean in the Theological Bible Seminary. He also continues to teach in the seminary. He recently taught in Bosnia.
20/02/2005: Japan
Shimonoseki - Shimonoseki Christ Bible Church - Brian and Yoko BroaddusThere have been some baptisms recently and photos of the baptisms can be found on the web site (see below).
There is still a need for more financial support. If you are able to help please pass on details of your interest and this will be passed on to Brian Broaddus.
More Information:
http://www.pioneersjapan.org
21/02/2005: Ivory Coast
Gagnoa - EuropresseThe situation in the Ivory Coast has again deteriorated, as many will know from the news. The French military has now been engaged in the civil way destroying the Ivorian airforce recently.
Pastor Paul N’Goran of the church in Gagnoa is continuing to minister in the Ivory Coast, some 250 miles from the capital. It is proving difficult because of the civil unrest, but much of the violence is away from this area of the country. Please remember to pray for the believers in these trying times.
22/02/2005: Botswana
The Reformed Baptist churches of Zambia are seeking to plant a church in Botswana. To do this the Zambian churches requires the funding to do so. Kapambwe Nsenduluka, a Zambian, currently travels to Botswana while he awaits a residence permit. He is meeting weekly with a core group of 25 people who desire to see a Reformed Baptist Church established.
23/02/2005: Malta
Trinity Evangelical Church - Pastor Paul MizziPlease remember our brethren in Malta at the Trinity Evangelical Church. Remember the work of the associated ministry ‘Just for Catholics’ as well. Pastor Paul Mizzi’s brother, Joe Mizzi, runs ‘Just for Catholics.’
Visit the web sites at:
http://www.tecmalta.org/
http://www.justforcatholics.org/
24/02/2005: New Zealand
There are a number of Reformed Baptist churches in New Zealand. All the latest information on these churches is available on the web at the address given below. Please remember our brethren in New Zealand.
Visit the web site:
http://www.rbc.org.nz/directory.html
25/02/2005: Zambia
Lusaka - Lusaka Baptist Church - Pastor Nigel LaceyThe Lusaka Baptist Church is continuing to reach out around the country including in the centres of Livingstone (Southern Province), Mongu (Western Province), Lundazi (Eastern Province), Mpika (Northern Province) and two projects within Lusaka. Each of these has a full-time missionary pastor. Please remember the fantastic work Of Lusaka Baptist Church.
Visit the web site at:
http://www.lusakabaptist.org/
26/02/2005: China
The Chinese government has continued to crack down on the house church movement in China. This movement has millions of members. Some 11 pastors have been arrested recently and sent to labour camps where they are to be ‘re-educated.’
Eritrea
The government has been conducting a campaign of persecution against believers in the African nation of Eritrea. Some 400 people have been arrested, many of them children (because they had a Bible).
27/02/2005: Zambia
Kabwata Baptist Church - Pastor MbeweKabwata Baptist Church is continuing to grow strongly, with many being joined to the membership and seeking baptism. The Lord is blessing the work in many ways. Visit the web site at the URL below for all the recent news of this work.
There are other churches also at work in the surrounding area and the information on these can also be found on the web site.
Visit the web site at:
http://www.kbc.org.zm/
28/02/2005: Ukraine
Grace Baptist Church - Pastor Vitaly BalinPlease remember to pray for Pastor Balin and his family after the recent loss of his 23-year-old son. His son’s wife and young child are now living with the Balin family.
Also remember the situation in Ukraine following the unrest of the last few months.
Chile
Rancagua - Ray and Carol HarbaughThe church has a regular attendance of 40 people. The latest reports I have from Rancagua have some 14 people preparing for baptism there. Among these are three of the Harbaugh children. The baptisms are to take place in March. Please pray for these people and for their Christian witness.
Some may remember the monthly prayer letters of Ray and Carol Harbaugh. These are to resume in February, as I understand it.
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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