Welcome to the December 2002 'Aussie Outpost Wider Church Prayer Letter.' This edition is packed with information and prayer points, so there is no shortage of things to be praying for this coming month.
Again I would ask you to seriously consider giving of your self to others. I don't mean just in monetary terms alone, though there are great needs out there as this prayer letter continues to make clear. Especially noticeable in this regard are the number of works that need money to be able to build meeting places or improve what they already have. Many in the west take such facilities for granted, but they are not easily come by in the poorer countries.
Giving of yourself can and does include putting aside time to pray for the brethren around the world. Please remember to do so as the Lord is often pleased to work through the prayers of His people.
You can also give of yourself by taking time out to contact other believers from around the world, by email, letter or even a personal visit. These things can be a great encouragement to others.
INDIA
Biblical Baptist ChurchIn October the church held a Children's Bible School for both children from the church and the surrounding community. 106 children attended the Bible School regularly, including children from both Hindu and Muslim backgrounds.
On October 11 a women's conference was held.
The church hopes to have roofing work on the new building completed in December of this year.
Please remember Pastor Billa's wife Ruth also. On November 4, Ruth collapsed and was rushed to hospital. She was soon in a coma. An operation followed and she is now recovering. The medical bills were a great expense to Billa and the family.
BUDAPEST - HUNGARY
An Evangelical church in Hungary has been experiencing encouraging growth. Interestingly the growth occurred through the younger people coming first, then moving on through older generations.
CUBA
There are reports of a revival in Cuba. Home churches and prayer cell groups are springing up by the hundreds throughout the country.
Cuba has also allowed the preaching of the gospel in prisons.
PALAU
Palau is a group of islands north of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and New Guinea. The 19 000 population is dependent upon US aid.
The islands have freedom of religion, with 50% being Roman Catholic and 20% Evangelical. Sadly there is a large percentage of nominal Christians.
Needs include Bible translation.
COLOMBIA - BOGOTA
Stan and Bev LineGrowth in the churches at La Alborada, Las Villas and Castilla continues to be very slow. Their are currently a number of candidates for baptism. Please pray for these.
On December 31 Stan is withdrawing from the presbytery, leaving administration to Guillermo and Antonio. Stan and Bev will continue as members, but Stan will soon be retiring.
The library for pastors has continued it's monthly reading meetings.
Please continue to pray for Outreach efforts at Patio Bonito, Bosa, Suba and Portales del Norte.
INDIA
In Tamil Nadu State violence against Christians is continuing to increase. Recent legislation outlaws Christian conversion. Churches have been burnt and there are Hindu protests against Christianity.
In Orissa State, Hindus recently beat four Christian families and raped the young girls.
CHILE - RANCAGUA
Ray and Carol HarbaughThe church had been seeking a building to rent and this has now been found. The building has plenty of room and is located on a main street of Rancagua. Hernan and Ingrid will be renting a home to the right of the building.
In a recent missionary trip to Northern Chile, the Harbaugh's caught up with fellow missionary George Black in Copiapo. He was 95 on November 3rd. He has been a missionary in Chile since 1940.
For recent pictures visit:
www.prowebsitemanagement.com/pictures/index.html
LIBYA
14 students on trial for converting to Christianity in Libya have all been sentenced to death.
VERNONIA - OREGON - USA
Grace Reformed Baptist ChurchThe Dickey's have been caught up with building a new house (finish in Feb, 2003), tending to DJ's mother-in-law with a broken hip (aged 94) and the usual work of ministry.
The young people of Grace are working through a course on Christian Apologetics. Some may soon be baptized.
DJ is currently preaching through Hebrews in the mornings.
Remember Jason Weller in prayer also. He will be undergoing Cleft Palette correction surgery in December.
BHUTAN
Forty believers arrested in September have been tortured because of their faith. Authorities are seeking to finish off Christianity in Bhutan. Bhutan is a Buddhist Kingdom.
BELARUS
New legislation requiring the censorship of all religious material, that would outlaw unregistered religious activity and ban foreigners from leading religious organizations, etc, is yet to be signed and brought into law by the president.
SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE TOWN
Grace Baptist Church - Rod and Sara PerkinsFour have recently been saved at Grace Baptist Church. Another 13 who attend remain unsaved. Please pray for these. There were several baptisms in November.
The church is seeking a new building to rent as more room is needed. The church is saving to build on it's own land also. If you would like to assist the church to build, money can be sent to help the church at:
(Grace Baptist Tableview Building Fund)
'Evangelical Baptist Missions'
PO Box 2225
Kokomo IN 46904Pastor Chris Bester of the First Baptist Church in Kokstad, South Africa, died of cancer in November. Please pray for his family (wife Nerina and four children) and church.
UZBEKISTAN
Mir Church in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, in northern Uzbekistan, is having trouble gaining registration with the government. The church and pastor (Konstantin Kmit) may face charges of illegal proselytism of Muslims. The church was raided in May.
SOUTH AFRICA - BETHESDA INTERNATIONAL
Rene and Sonia EinfeldtRene and Sonia arrive in South Africa on January 17, 2003. Also arriving will be Al and Nancy Teed, and the Zakariasen family. Sonia is having troubles with her passport.
National house parents are to take over the running of the Genesis and Exodus orphan homes in January. Please pray regarding this transition.
GERMANY - KIEL
Rex and Leslie SlateRex recently began a Bible Study in Kiel, Germany, on Friday evenings. After a month of meetings, 7 adults and 5 children are attending. Please pray for the Norjots. Mrs Norjot is a believer, but her husband and children are not. Swetlena who professes to be saved (appears to be only religious) has also been attending.
LAOS
In July the government of Laos officially recognized the Lao Evangelical Churches. This will allow believers of this denomination to meet and worship. However it is still illegal to evangelize. Believers from other denominations are yet to be recognized, with their groups still considered illegal.
PAKISTAN
In mid-October Islamic terrorists again attacked Christian institutions in Pakistan, killing at least 7 people.
NEW ZEALAND - WELLINGTON REFORMED BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
The Wellington work is now 'up in the air' due to changing circumstances with all involved with the fellowship. Some are moving, some have employment changes, etc. Please pray for the future direction of the group. There are some 600 000 people in Wellington.
Pray also for the wider work in New Zealand, with Reformed Baptist Churches moving toward a co-operative association.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Colin and Diane LordThe Lord's now have 97% of their support level and are preparing to arrive in New Guinea on January 7 for cultural and language orientation.
Financial support can be sent to:
'Colin and Diane Lord'
Wycliffe Bible Translators
PO Box 628200
Orlando, Florida, 32862-8200
PANAMA
3 million people, largely Roman Catholic (75%) live in Panama. 20% are Evangelical. There is freedom of religion.
The gospel is spreading throughout Panama, especially among the native people of the country, with churches being established among them.
Pray points include the missionaries being sent out from Panama and the witness of Christians in Panama by their living.
PHILIPPINES
Cubao Reformed Baptist ChurchCubao has had 15 regular visitors. These are former members of a Pentecostal denomination. Please pray for their transition to the Reformed faith.
Three churches in the Philippines have withdrawn from the Pentecostal denomination because of doctrinal reasons. These churches are experiencing hardship since embracing Calvinism.
The second semester of the Grace Ministerial Academy has seen the enrollment of 37 students.
ISRAEL - VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS
Antony SimonPlease continue to pray concerning the Friday evangelistic tours to Ein Kerem and Jerusalem (Old City).
Antony joined the army on November 24. He will be with it until December 25. He will serve at Shekem, which is one of the current hotspots in Israel. Please pray for his safety, as well as for opportunities to witness. Remember his wife Donna and the children while he is away also.
IVORY COAST
The civil war is continuing in the Ivory Coast after the failed coup of a couple of months ago. This is making it difficult and virtually impossible for missionary activity to continue for the time being.
The missionary school that we have mentioned in past prayer letters is currently occupied by French troops.
GHANA - GRACE BAPTIST MISSION
Noah QuarshieTen churches in Ghana are seeking to form an association for fellowship and to further church planting efforts. Please pray for wisdom in this.
Funds are needed to complete the building project and to meet Ghana's building standards.
INDONESIA
The Islamic terrorist group, Laskar Jihad, has disbanded. This group is largely responsible for the violence in Ambon, Maluka and central Sulawesi. They claim that their work is done. However, suspicion remains over the group's real motives at this time.
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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