Gospel Baptist Church Missions

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Opposites

       "It was the best of times, It was the worst of times; It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness "1. When Charles Dickens wrote "A Tale of Two Cities", he probably had no idea he would be talking of the world 150 years in the future. For his sobering, polar opposite description fits our times quite well.
        This Missions Minute hopefully will encourage you to keep plugging away while there is still time. So here we go... best of times....
1-World Vision (GBC supports 2 children), reported at the end of 2017 there were nearly 4 million sponsored children. That means they now have Jesus Christ taught, clean water and an education.
2-Winston-Salem Rescue Mission: 1,700 men received medical/dental care last year and 76 men left the Mission to lead meaningful, productive lives.
3-From Brazil, South America... Jon Harmon has been doing some interim pastoring and the church they planted recently had it's 2 year anniversary.4-Child Evangelism Fellowship delivered the Gospel to over 20.4 million children around the globe. Eternity will show the avenues that the gospel took through these young lives.5-Ed and Annita Hoagland in Mexico are already requesting prayers for their summer crusades. Lift them up!!
"It was the worst of times." Now seeing that God is always in control and what we deem bad is often a blessing... let's look at some other missionary situations that we at GBC have a supporting, praying hand in.
1- Lomax and Linda Skinner (Germany), are now in the US due to health concerns. Tests are now pending for Lomax concerning a cardiac issue.
2- Malachi Boys Home had a severe late November storm, which destroyed a transformer. This resulted in no phone lines, internet, security cameras or water. Director Aaron Patton called it " a small mishap." Our missionaries continually display the mindset of" it's a small thing, we have a bigger mission to do."
3- and after 8 years leading the Campus Crusade Ministry at NC State, Kyle Hipp has left to pursue a different career. However, he will continue to lead a weekly Bible study there on campus.
4-Trans World Radio reports a devastating fire and loss of equipment at their transmitter in NC. No bodily injury but extensive damage occurred. 
         Pretty soon there will be another Super Bowl played. So what?... there is another one every year. Far, far more critical to us is our Savior's soon return. Rev. 3:20 says, " Behold, I stand at the door". Give all the Glory to God, and know He is close!

 - Bob I. // Missions Director


1 A Tale of Two Cities/ Charles Dickens 1859

2 CDC and Prevention/ Global Health 20 Dec 2017


Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Here We Go... Again

So, here we are at a crossroads once again, that being the end of one and the beginning of another year. I truly pray it was a blessed and safe journey. However, it is not time for us to sit back and rest... at least not for too long. 
I know... I know... "but it’s cold outside"... "it’s football playoff time"... "I have soooo much credit card debit from the holidays falling on me". All are real and widespread reasons to go on hiatus from mission work. However, our work is not finished or are we even called on to slow down. So, let us tighten our belts and give fervent, effectual prayers to our God for strength and guidance this year. 
Quick updates: Pray for our missionaries (of which there are four) in the Philippines and one in Papua New Guinea. End of year 2017 Typhon "Tenbin" assaulted the Philippines Dec. 22nd and took at least 240 lives. As well, Bibles International (BI; Jim and Jenna Wright), which is now in 16 different countries and 43 people groups. The Wright's are still in the US as of this writing. Bibles International has made progress in 2017 with 6 translations reaching 1st editing as well as 1 audio scripture, 5 scripture portions and 2 literacy printings. Slow going but steady going. Now, focusing on the other side of the world; this time Bangladesh and our friend John Sircar. John writes about a pressing need for funds to build a conference center (aka shelter). Due to the bad weather it is almost impossible to preach sometimes. The Khami Tribe would be the recipients of this shelter. Can you help? 
Moving on to the Dark Continent of Africa now... remember the Elmer's in South Africa and their on going Bible studies. They report only children attend but there is hope that it will blossom into a full community outreach. 

Ever hear someone say, " So little time but so much to do?" That will always be on us but we serve a Risen, all-powerful God who sustains. Let us not get so tired or distracted that we forget why we really are here. To worship and honor our God and Savior! To God be the Glory! 

- Bob I. // Missions Director