June 2, 2009

Number22

VIEWPOINT

Mission Updates

Pacific Islands

We are beginning a new work in the country of New Caledonia. New Caledonia is located in the Southwest Pacific and is a part of the Melanesian islands.  It is an overseas territory of France, made up of a main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty islands of Mare', Ouve'a, Lifou, Tiga, and Isle of Pines.  Two flags fly in the country of New Caledonia:  the French flag because it is a territory of France and the Kanak flag which represents the indigenous native Melanesian people of the islands of New Caledonia.  The population of New Caledonia is 240,404.  The indigenous Melanesian Kanaks make up 44.6% of the population, Europeans 34.5% (mainly French, German, British), Polynesians 11.8% (Wallis & Futuna). The official language is French although English is spoken and used.  There are 30 different Melanesian languages used by the indigenous Kanaks.  One-quarter of the world’s nickel is found in New Caledonia.  The nickel is mined, processed, and shipped overseas.  We have targeted this country and with the help of the Lord and others it is our desire to take the gospel and plant the Lord’s church in this country.   – Robert and Mary Martin

21^st Century Global Missions

God is so good! He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  He certainly has not left the side of our brother J.C. Enlow since his hunting accident, which happened on the morning of December 22, 2008. As he was starting down the deer stand, he fell 14 feet or so to the ground.   He was taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham.  The next few days were critical.  He had three surgeries within that time span.  In the next few weeks he endured an induced coma, pneumonia, septicemia, low blood pressure, and fever.

But then something happened that only God in His providential care can cause to happen.  He began to gradually get better! This was enabled by the bountiful prayers of many concerned individuals and churches; the dedication and professionalism of a fantastic staff in the trauma intensive care unit at UAB Hospital; the undying support of a helpmeet, family, and friends; and the steadfast love of an all-wise and knowing Heavenly Father.  When the family arrived back home in Fulton one month later, a banner prepared by his granddaughter, Leigh Anne proclaimed:  WELCOME HOME – MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.  Those were the days that he missed while in the hospital. It was a homecoming to remember! 

 — Steven Shappley

Georgia Outreach

We enjoyed once more an annual trip to Lakeland in Lanier County. While the house to house canvassing and teaching team was reduced to minimum size some very good contacts were made.  One fine lady, a Hindu, studied with us and attended the services twice during the campaign.  Her family owns a number of business establishments in both Lowndes and Lanier County.  The Lakeland elders and their wives are attempting to continue contact and studies with this family, as well with a number of others who enrolled in "home studies."  Brian Jarvis, minister of the Central Church in Valdosta, did the preaching during the meeting. It was my privilege to direct the song service.  – Robert W. Gray

Massena , New York

We continue to work to find ways to reach out effectively to new souls in this area.  Our effort with “house church” meetings is off to a slow start.  I feel that this approach can be effective in the long run, but Satan is opposing us each step of the way.  We have made several attempts at meeting Sunday evenings in our own home, but by the time we make our afternoon meetings, and then furnish rides for most of the would-be attendees, the task becomes something that Denise and I are just not physically able to do.  It is better if we concentrate on supplying the needs of those meeting elsewhere.  We have made our primary effort a focus on developing a “house church” that meets at 3:00 PM at Debbie Bero’s home on the Akwesasne Reservation.  This has run wonderfully on several occasions, with six to nine of our regular members in attendance.  Two of her sons have participated on separate occasions, and one of her friends on one occasion.  Her family and grandchildren have witnessed our efforts curiously from the other room.  This is a very active home.  We do feel like this effort can be successful at opening doors, but health problems have plagued Debbie and we have not met for the last three weeks.  Debbie (our hostess) has diabetes and now is struggling with a fractured pelvis.  We plan to persist and see what the Lord will do.     —John and Denise Kashorek