Welcome to this month's 'NRBC Wider Church Prayer Letter.' There are always things to pray for, at least that's what we always say. Yet when it comes to praying how often do you wonder just what to actual pray about? This newsletter is to assist you in praying for the wider church. As you will see by reading the prayer letter there is plenty to pray about.
One way this prayer letter may be of assistance is to use it in conjunction with a diary. When you get the prayer letter, settle down with a diary and enter one or two heads from the prayer letter to a day. This way you won't forget to pray for the wider church. Use your diary for daily Bible reading schedules also and get used to using it. This way you won't forget your daily personal worship times and you will find it much easier to stay committed to the task. I use a daily planner on the computer for just this very purpose and find it an essential tool for my own walk before the Lord.
There are of course various modifications of this idea, all of which can be of tremendous assistance in your own daily personal worship. If you are struggling with this component of your daily walk, why not give something like this a try? Be sure that you settle on something or some way of keeping up these daily disciplines and do remember the wider church. Brethren, pray for one another.
INDIA
The Biblical Baptist Church in Bhadravati in Karnataka India began in 1958. Its associated Baptist Bible Institute was formed in 2000. The church is a Reformed Baptist church committed to evangelism everyday, with gospel distribution in the surrounding towns, villages and hospitals. Many are being saved throughout the area.
There are now 4 village house churches, 5 Sunday Schools, 4 womens fellowships, 2 youth groups, Wednesday Bible Study and prayer, and Friday night fasting and prayer. The church is also involved in various social ministries, including the support of the handicapped, orphans and widows, and also seeking opportunity to be involved in an orphanage, mobile health clinics, children's Bible schools and more church plants throughout 170 surrounding villages and towns.
The church has had opportunity to minister to what is known as 'Cobblers Colony,' some 18km from the church. This area is given over to drunkenness, idols and witchcraft. Yet in March door-to-door work was able to be done and was well received.
But all this ministry requires financing and this the church desperately needs in order to continue their work. Work on the new church building has ceased and has been stopped for 15 months. There are needs for funding in all areas of the church's ministry. There is a need for transportation. Brethren, by all means pray for this church and its ministry, but please consider giving of your wealth also.
The church began with four families and has now grown to over 67 families, 4 house churches and 3 pastors. Remember these brethren.
MONACO
Monaco has a population of about 30 000 people, with Roman Catholicism being the state religion. Though there is freedom of religion, the small number of churches find evangelism difficult, for this is frowned upon by the government.
MOZAMBIQUE
Religious freedom has finally come to Mozambique after years of suppression under Marxism. This country is located in south-east Africa and is bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. 19 million people live in Mozambique, with some forty different language groups.
Many problems are facing this African nation, including its poor economy, drought and starvation, Aids, etc.
Some 15% of the population is said to be Evangelical, with many people currently being saved. With this growth comes the need for more Bibles, literature and pastors.
PHRAE CITY - THAILAND
Gene and Mary Long minister among the Yellow Leaf people in Thailand. Their co-workers of ten years, Friedhard and Inge Lipsius, will soon be leaving the work. This of course will add to the Long's workload.
Electricity will soon be arriving at the mission center, allowing for many more modern conveniences. However, this may also open the way for new temptations. Please pray that only positive things will result from the arrival of electricity.
REFORMATION IRELAND
Richard Bennett of the Berean Beacon (www.bereanbeacon.org/) will be visiting Ireland between September 8-15. During his visit a rally is planned for central Dublin on Saturday September 14. At this rally Richard Bennett will address 'the ever changing world situation where the Roman church continues to be a prime mover.' Please pray for this visit and for possible contacts formed as a result of this rally.
Prior to his visit to Ireland, Richard plans to visit Poland from August 22.
Visit Reformation Ireland online at:
USA - NEESES
The Calvary Baptist Church in Neeses, South Carolina is currently seeking a senior pastor. Please pray that a suitable man is found for the job.
ECUADOR
David's recent trip among the highland Quichua people in southern Ecuador went well. Continuing ministry throughout Ecuador is hindered by a lack of a good vehicle. Please remember 'The Sill's Vehicle Fund. To assist David and the ministry work in Ecuador, please send any donations marked with David's name and the purpose of it to:
Global Outreach International
PO Box 1, Tupelo, 38802.You may also want to have a look at the web site at:
Ecuador has one church for every 78 000 people, with 500 pastors for 2000 churches among the 5 4000 000 highland Quichuas. Some of these pastors have the oversight of 8-12 churches.
ZAMBIA - KABWATA BAPTIST CHURCH
The Kabwata church began in 1981 and continues to be a very evangelistic church. It is heavily involved in door-to-door work. Please pray for the work as it continues.
REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA
Please pray for the Reformed Baptist churches of Malaysia. Remember that these churches have faced persecution in the recent past. There are a number of Reformed Baptist churches in Malaysia. The churches may be visited online at:
GERMANY
The Heilbronn church asks for prayer as the church seeks to spread the gospel throughout Germany. During the Summer months gospel tracts are spread throughout the city. On the first Saturday of the month a book table is set up and open air preaching carried out. The church prints some 20 000 to 30 000 tracts at a time.
CHINA
The house church movement in China is currently facing a major crisis. The Eastern Lightening Cult has kidnapped 36 house church leaders, effectively leaving the movement leader-less. The kidnapping practice of the cult is in order to 'convert' the victims to the cult. Stategies used by the cult include seduction of males, propaganda, brain washing, bone breaking, beatings, torture, drugging and even murder. There are some 100 000 cult members.
The cult believes that Jesus has already returned as a 30 year old woman living in China's Henan Province.
Also of concern here is that the house church movement is seeking to work with the Chinese government to eliminate the cult.
MONGOLIA
Mongolia has a population of some 2.5 million people. About 50% are Buddhist, Shamanist or Islamic. 40% are classified as non-religious.
Mongolia has allowed Christian activity for the last 15 years. There are now several thousand Christians in the country.
Continuing needs in Mongolia are Bible printing and distribution, and also evangelism.
OREGON - USA
The Grace Reformed Baptist Church pastored by 'DJ' Dickey is located in Vernonia, Oregon. It is a small logging community north-west of Portland. The church currently has 27 members and needs another needs another elder. Please pray that the Lord would be pleased to raise up another elder in the church.
DJ's son is being treated with chemotherapy for cancer. Stephen is having associated health problems that is putting his chemotherapy treatment in jeopardy.
DJ asks that if anyone is able to drop Stephen a note of encouragement, it would be appreciated.
COLOMBIA
The situation in Colombia continues to worsen, with serious security problems.
Missionaries Stan and Beverly Line have found it impossible to travel to some areas and churches because of the unrest.
Colombian rebels (FARC) have been busy forcing Protestant churches to close down, claiming that they are supporting the government.
The three congregations in La Alborada, Las Villas and Castilla have seen a growing number of visitors. There are also a number of baptismal candidates. A prayer point here is concern over signs of conversion.
RUSSIA
Grace to Russia is seeking to provide good literature to Christians throughout Russia. Some of the churches here have no pastors and men because of the former Soviet persecution.
CHILE
The church in Chile pastored by missionary Ray Harbaugh is looking for a new meeting place. The actual location for the church is also unsure.
MOROCCO
Morocco is a country of 30 million, mainly Islamic people on the north-west coast of Africa. Islam is the official state religion, but other religions are tolerated. However evangelism of Muslims is forbidden.
Christians are persecuted in Morocco, mainly by Islamic family members.
Pray for continued evangelistic efforts here and for efforts to translate and print the Bible into the Berber languages.
NEW ZEALAND
Please continue to pray for the Wellington Reformed Baptist Fellowship mentioned in the previous prayer letter. They are currently considering becoming an official church.
Pray also for the Tauranga Reformed Baptist Church. This small church has two families only.
INDONESIA
Indonesian authorities have recently arrested the leader of the Laskar Jihad terrorist movement, responsible for the recent attacks on Christians in Indonesia. However, the violence is continuing.
Please pray that the Christians will refrain from retaliatory strikes against their enemies.
IRAN
An Iranian Christian couple (Mahmoud and Atefeh Erfani) who have been saved for 21 years fled Iran in 1999 with their three daughters. They face execution at home for 'apostasy.' Currently they are in Central Turkey, but look likely to be returned to Iran after attempts to gain refugee status in Canada failed. Atefeh has MS and is in a wheelchair. This is believed to be the reason why refugee status was denied to the family, for it would be a cost burden to the Canadian tax payer. Please pray for this family and for a place to which they can go freely.
UKRAINE
Vitaly has recently told me of a person recently converted in the church (Grace Baptist Church) there. Please pray for the ministry in this the Ukrainian city of Zhytomyer.
VIETNAM
Persecution is still raging in this country, with Christians denied the right to assamble, to speak and to exist. Recently the government announced over the radio that all Christians would be eliminated by the end of 2002.
STEVE HAMMOND
A couple of months ago we told readers of Steve Hammond's stand in the Southern Baptist Convention on reformed truths. Steve was going to leave the denomination to attend a Reformed Baptist church, with the view to future ministry among Reformed Baptists. Steve is still seeking work in Texas, as well as a place to call home with his family.
The church that Steve and the family intend to go to can be visited online at:
AUSTRALIA - NORTHLAKE'S REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH
NRBC has been facing a difficult time of late, having now been greatly reduced in numbers. People have left due to doctrinal differences. We have decided that we will continue as a church.
We continue to reach out into the surrounding community, seeking the elect still in darkness. Letterbox drops are continuing. Please pray that the Lord would build His church here.
Please pray for Bill also. He remains in Carey Bay Nursing Home. Confusion still exists over his profession of faith. It was thought that Bill was near death in the last week or so.
ISRAEL - GRACE AND TRUTH
The Grace and Truth Church has around 400 members. Its new building project continues to be stalled after the recent court case due to a lack of funds. Further complicating the building project is the appeal launched by the Orthodox Jews against the church, meaning that more funds will be required for law costs. Please pray about this situation.
Recently a sister-in-law to one of the church members and her two-and-a-half year old daughter (Roni) were seriously injured in a terrorist bombing.
The church has also started a fund to assist those affected by the continuing Middle East conflict.
For the latest news visit:
SOUTH AFRICA - BETHESDA OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL
Rene and Sonia Einfeldt are due back in South Africa in November, following the death of Rene's father in early April.
Rene and Sonia are currently introducing churches in the US to Bethesda Outreach International, a new ministry of Evangelical Baptist Missions. Rene and Sonia are sent out by the First Baptist Church of Randolph, New York. A couple of Reformed Baptist Churches in South Africa support the work.
The mission seeks to help AIDS orphans in South Africa. Thousands of children have become orphaned in South Africa because of AIDS. The chief aim is to bring the good news of the gospel to these children while providing crucial physical help. Orphan homes are part of the strategy to meet the needs of these children. Please pray for the work and the salvation of the children.
BOOK - ROMAN CATHOLICISM
A book which may be of interest to readers is one by Mary Ann Collins, a former Roman Catholic nun. The book is called 'The Spirit of Roman Catholicism - What Lies Behind the Modern Public Image?' The book can be found online at:
For Australian readers without an Internet connection, NRBC can send you a copy if you write to us at the address on the back of the prayer letter.
MALTA - TRINITY EVANGELICAL CHURCH
Please remember to pray for pastor Paul Mizzi and his wife Michelle. Remember also Paul's brother Joe, who is the webmaster of Trinity's website. While visiting the website, look up Joe's 'Just Fro Catholics' site:
PHILIPPINES
The Cubao Reformed Baptist Church continues to reach out to the surrounding community by way of its usual services, open air meetings, Bible Studies, tracts, hospital visitation, etc. Please pray for this work and for the pastor, Mon Mucapagal.
Classes begin once again in the Grace Ministerial Academy on June 19. Please remember the academy in prayer. Pray also that more men would become students of the academy.
SAUDI ARABIA
Christians are continuing to be harassed and arrested in Saudi Arabia. Christians are beginning to become frightened about meeting together.
MONTSERRAT
This small island nation is located in the Caribbean, with a current population of around 7 500. Two thirds of the population were evacuated in 1995 due to a volcanic erruption. The capital city is still uninhabitable.
Montserrat enjoys freedom of religion, with 25% of the population classified as Evangelical. There is a large percentage of Anglicans, with many being nominal Christians.
AUSTRALIA - GRACE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
Grace Baptist Fellowship is located in Queensland's Rockhampton. It is an unregistered house church holding to the London Baptist Confession of Faith.
Grace is a small group pastored by Dick Donaldson. Please pray for this group and its witness there. Dick is the sole pastor and is in his nineties.
NIGERIA
Recently 2 Muslim converts were given three days to recant their conversion or face the death penalty. Two days later, the judge having clarified the law, said he could not enforce the death penalty.
Meanwhile, various Muslim groups in southern Nigerian states who have sought to have Sharia Law instituted in their regions will push ahead with it in spite of their state governments.
PHILIPPINES - REFORMED BAPTIST BIBLE CHURCH
The church in Santa Rosa has reached its 15th anniversary. The church continues to face difficulty regarding a permanent meeting place. The church is currently in temporary premises. Please pray that the church's financial needs will be met, enabling the church to both purchase land and build a meeting place.
The church continues to reach out to the surrounding community through its usual services, Bible Studies and Sunday School. Please pray for the salvation of the elect.
VISIT US ONLINE
Our Wider Church Awareness Site can be found at: http://particularbaptist.com/wider/widerindex.html
For email contact, Kevin can be addressed 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 Northlake's Reformed Baptist Church, 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.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, please contact Kevin at nrbcpastorkev@yahoo.com.au. Please clearly indicate what you wish to do. Other NRBC newsletters and magazines, each having a free email subscription can be found via our home page.
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10/10/2006
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