February 5, 2008

Number 5

MISSION UPDATES

Pacific Islands

We have a great challenge before us out in the Pacific Islands.  The challenge is:  22 countries and territories between Hawaii and Australia.  These 22 countries are made of 30,000 islands and approximately 6 million people.  Our challenge is, “To get the seed out of the barn” (Haggai 2:19).

There are many things that all of us can do to get the seed out of the barn in the Pacific countries:  1) We can all pray about getting the gospel into all these countries (Mt. 28:19, 20); 2) We can all pray for the Lord to send out laborers into His harvest (Mt. 9:38); 3) Some can go (Rom. 10:15); 4) Some can send (Rom. 10:15).  When those willing to send and those willing to go come together, we can accomplish the work of evangelizing these last seven countries and territories in the Pacific. 

We are so thankful to the Lord for many opportunities for sharing the gospel with the masses in the Pacific Islands.  Over the years, we have used many methods:  tracts, Bible correspondence courses, booklets, doing personal work on the streets, in the open-air market places, house to house.  In addition, we have used personal Bible studies, TV, Newspaper and radio work.  We are thankful to the Lord for all these different methods that we can use to spread the gospel of Christ to the masses and to individuals.

– Robert and Mary Martin

Massena, New York

Our grandson, Jedrek Adam Kashorek, (born to Josh and Kim Kashorek on August 25, 2007) has really been a gift from God for us.  If anyone wants to hear more about our grandchild, just give us a call.

We have other births to share as well.  Connie Pitts was introduced to the congregation here by her friend, Lelia Powers, who came to the Lord herself only two years ago.  Alens Abelard is son-in-law to Melvin LaShomb who was baptized last December.  Alens is from Haiti and began attending about six months ago with his wife, Erin, and their two small daughters.  Coming from Haiti, Alens has many stories to tell about experiences with voodooism that most of us Americans would have a hard time relating to.

We continue to study weekly with Debbie Bero from the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation, and occasionally one of her relatives sits in.  Debbie has some serious health problems stemming from diabetes, which have limited her mobility.  Debbie also is always full of questions, so I know she continues to grow.  Please pray that this study would open new doors for us on the reservation.  Please pray for Tracy L.  She definitely has a servant heart.  She has been present at our last three baptisms and volunteers to wash and dry the towels and garments afterward.  Each week she has questions on how to handle particular life situations in ways that will please God.  Pray that she will be able to make the commitment to belong exclusively to Christ sometime soon.

            We treasure you prayers and your participation in this work.  Please continue to pray for open doors for our ministry here.                                                                                                                            —John and Denise Kashorek

21^st Century Global Missions

We take this opportunity to thank you, our donors and friends, for your continued loyal support financially and especially your prayers.  Everywhere we go reporting to churches, brethren tell us they are praying for us.  Because of your support to 21^st Century Global Missions, you are making a difference in the lives of people in these foreign countries.  The students you are helping train are spreading the gospel and churches are being established.  We look forward to another year of service as we work together to glorify our Lord.          – J. C. Enlow

Georgia Outreach

The campaign at Lakeland was a great success from every standpoint:  1,140 doors were knocked; 67 Bible studies were engaged, 88 Bible correspondence courses set up, and four precious souls were baptized.  Several others are continuing to study after the close of the campaign. 

For the past five years, efforts have been underway to revive the work at Swainsboro.  Our Georgia Outreach team has bee involved with the upkeep and renovation of the property, as well as searching for financial support.  Students from Faulkner University enrolled several in correspondence courses.  Last spring, Ronnie and Sue Ulrey expressed a desire to move to Swainsboro from their home near Chattanooga.  They have many years of experience, and an average of 15 to 20 is now meeting regularly at Swainsboro.                                – Robert W. Gray