Forever Thankful

As you read this, take time to kneel down and give thanks to God. We have much to be thankful for and this season showcases what we have had bestowed on us. Such as Veteran's Day just passed, the plentiful harvest symbolized by Thanksgiving Day festivities and the quiet, humble manger scene of Christmas. Truly... let us be thankful. 

Despite the happy, joyous times here and still approaching, let us never forget the work ahead of us. From the mission world perspective, there should not be a "holiday" from going forward. We know without saying that the mission world is everywhere. Look at the shoebox outreach that just concluded, the Christmas cantata and the live nativity...all are local mission outreaches. Please take part.

Yet, where would we be if we don't raise up the Anderson's in Romania (GBC church family), Lee Nall with friends of Israel or Nancy Myer? All are faithful, loyal mission workers whom we call our own. Give thanks to God for their steady service.

As a veteran, I am always honored by GBC and it's respect for our service members. While in the army, I had to write "warning orders" for my team members. We have our spiritual warning orders; that we still have work to do both here and abroad. What follows is the marching orders; the "go out in the world and spread the gospel" order. So as we conduct our thanksgiving season prayers for His blessings, remember the job ahead. Keep praying that God protects, supplies and nourishes our field missionaries. Remember, GBC supports 16+ in the US and 40 elsewhere around the world.

 - Bob I. // Missions Director

Big Numbers

       Ever have a good, loyal dog who whenever you'd call would come to you and be ready? The analogy I'm developing here is the one of God's calling of us and we are instantly ready to go and do. The physical end of going is difficult at times but should never be the stopper of our service. For what if the missionaries who are called let physical obstruction get in the way? Nothing would ever get done for one thing and could we really claim God's reassurance of Philippians 4:13… "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"?

       The task ahead of us is a daunting one. As of this writing there are over 7.1 billion people in the world. A paltry 318 million live in the U.S. Most US citizens have at least heard of Jesus Christ. Yet, in the world, there about 6,700 unreached people groups (UPG). These are people who have no idea or zero information on the One who died for them. The UPG's translates in pure numbers to over 3.1 billion souls. It's staggering if you let the weight of the numbers roll over you. 

        So what do we do? First, listen to your Master and go to Him. Pray for guidance and learn just what you can do here in NC or Jamaica or India or Zambia, Africa. Our field missionaries covet prayer and crave encouragement. As well; give. Not just dollars but time and moral support. Talk to our visiting missionaries when they are in and tell them you are behind them. Then, thank our God when he blesses us with opportunities. He will provide.

        Infomercial time: Jacob Gaddala in India told me where they are working is largely Hindu but they do not persecute the Christians. However, info gleaned from a newsletter from India states that the government (mostly Hindu), wishes to eradicate Christianity by the year 2021. Remember, this is a so-called democratic nation.

        Keeping this in mind; do not despair. Matthew 19:21 reads… "with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible". For herein lies the end point. God is in control…all glory and honor to God! (statistics: "the Traveling team) 2017.

Bob I. // Missions Director

Attack It

Do not allow the title of this Missions Minute to alarm you. It is not a call to arms, to a shooting war or even a contest bent on conquering something. Rather it's about how we should live out our "mission focused" lives. Be aggressive. We need to keep pushing on despite being tired and worn out. So, just where am I going with this?

Well, just ask Chuck Berrier what Miami looked like after "Irma" visited. As well, ask John Sircar how was Bangladesh after heavy rain last month that killed hundreds. Chuck is planning on going back to Florida and Dr. Sircar keeps going "aggressive" as he writes their revival will still take place soon…."aggressive".

More weather related news: Mexico City and the 7.1 earthquake recently has not slowed down the Hoaglands. Ed and Annita came through it safely save for some structural damage. The good news through all of this is that about 175 people accepted Christ during the packed services after the quake. All of this despite 2 major quakes and aftershocks. Instead of moaning about their plight, the Hoagland’s have pushed out to areas not visited before and aided the people in need. That is a great example of using circumstances as God allows events to occur to further the Gospel. Again, a form of aggressive behavior but not for destruction.

Moving on….Dexter Kirby on the island of St. Vincent/Grenadines states that they now have a pre-school open and are seeking God's direction in regard to another church planting. Pray for Dexter as he writes crime is rampant on the island.

Please remember the mission boards that assist, equip and train our field missionaries daily. By last estimate, it takes about 20 soldiers to get 1 combat soldier to the field equipped and supplied. It takes even more than that to place and keep a missionary on the field. For we are battling against the devil for the souls of men…. let’s fight like we mean it. Forever to God be the Glory!!

Bob I.  //  Missions Director

Why Ask Why?

Do we have to know the why, wherefore and which way on everything? The only real "why" we need to know is why did Jesus come down from glory and allow himself to be a sacrifice. A humbling question… and thus we search out people who ask that question and show them the answer… "because He first loved us". 1John 4:19.

Mission Family News

  2. Trans World Radio (Gow's Monte Carlo) - TWR's radio program "The Way of Righteousness" was nearing translation completion of several more new dialects of West Africa. It explains the stories of the Bible leading up to salvation in Jesus.

  3. Our newest World Vision child is Rolvin Esquivel in Guatemala. He is 8 yrs. old and lives in a rather poor area of the country. Pray and remember him in regard to health issues.

  4. Anderson's (Romania)- As of writing I do not have a recent update on the Anderson's daughter Chloe, and her health concerns. However, English evangelism camp was successful. Stay tuned for what God has planned in Romania. Remember the Anderson's are from our church!

  5. A little side note from Louise Champlin. She and her daughter Debbie returned to visit the Congo, Africa; they should be in South Africa now for several weeks with family and then heading home. Pray for travel safety. 

    So, why the things we do? The Lao people in Southeast Asia are over 3 million strong. Most are poor, illiterate farmers or fisherman. Buddhism is strong in this country. They need Jesus Christ as he died for them as well as for you and me. That's WHY we do what we do. Don't stop giving, sending or praying… but especially don't stop giving God all the glory!

Bob I. // Missions Director

Why Stop?

Hot enough for you yet? I doubt if it has stopped any of us from going on vacation or relaxing in the evening. The physical world often can dictate our course of action and the physical comes in all sizes and variations. I've mentioned in prior Missions Minutes that all of the missionaries GBC supports have the same or similar physical maladies and problems. But that is not what this article is about; rather it shall focus on the affliction we are all prone to, that being discouragement.

Hey, did you know that Babe Ruth struck out twice as many times as he hit a home run? Had discouragement won out, his name would never have been in the record books. True… just a game you say. So lets look at GBC missionaries Ed and Annita Hoagland in Mexico. Despite financial and scheduling disputes, their 2017 Summer Evangelistic Event saw over 2,000 attend with 180 being saved. Now there are 180 people who 1 day will certainly be happy the Hoagland's did not let difficulties stop them.

Closer to home here at GBC; ask Pastor Jason if it has been difficult and hectic while organizing the Jamaican Mission trip. (As you read this Missions Minute today remember the team as they are on the field right now.) The task at hand can be intimidating yet God see's us through. For Satan would like nothing better than to make us quit our mission/race which we are all in… "go home, it's hopeless"… "stop, you’re tired"… "I don't have any money for missions". Persevere.

Persevere like Louise Champlin. She is still going strong and moves with a purpose… God's purpose. By the way, she is 89 years old. For those of you who do not know Louise; she is the wife of the late missionary Darrell Champlin. GBC has supported them for many years now while serving in Suriname, South America and the Congo. Darrell "graduated " home August, 2015. Did Louse back off and stop? Quite the opposite actually. She and her daughter, Debbie, shall be heading to the Congo for several weeks next month. I will endeavor to keep you informed as to her work and travels. Pray diligently for the Champlin’s and our very own Mission Team in Jamaica. More to come on Louise Champlin and her life serving our God and Savior.

Let not let petty (or large) events discourage or stop us from serving on the mission field we have been called to. Always, always give God the Glory!

Mission Update: GBC actively supports 2 World Vision children. Brayan Riquelmer Cax Mach in Guatemala has moved away to further his schooling. World Vision informs me that they view this as a good sign. We should all be encouraged as this equips him better for the future. We have been a part of this young man's start in life. Remember him. GBC already has another child we will be supporting; a 9 year old boy assigned to us by World Vision. Pray we are a positive influence on his life!!

 - Bob I. // Missions Director