January Prayer Letter for the Fousts

February 2012

Dear Praying Friends and Supporting Churches,

The year 2012 brings with it many exciting events for the Foust family. January was a very busy month for us. On January 1, we were pleased to present the work in St. Charles, Michigan, at the First Baptist Church. The pastor of this church is Bro. Darrold English, who was Karin’s Christian school principal when she was in second grade! We were so excited to see all that God is doing there and to see the church family excited about starting new churches in their area. The church was also excited about
missions, and we were thrilled when they expressed their desire to support us in Peru. Praise the Lord for people like Bro. English who stay faithful for decades serving the Lord.

We then took a trip out West to California. We began our journey by visiting the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Holts Summit, Missouri, pastored by Bro. Craig Burcham. This was a packed-out church with dedicated Christians who are interested in missions and in reaching their own community with the Gospel. We spent an enjoyable and inspiring Sunday with them and then continued on out West. We took a few days off as a family to enjoy the Grand Canyon. What an amazing display of God’s power in
creation! While in California we were able to visit five churches, with great meetings, souls saved, support raised, and beautiful weather enjoyed! Thank you to all the pastors and church families who took such good care of us while we were on our Western trip.

Then it was a 30-hour, mad-dash drive back to Chicago in order for me to fly out immediately with Bro. Hubbard to Lima, Peru. The purpose of this trip was to establish a religious organization legally in Peru. This was accomplished largely due to the help of Bro. Javier Lira, a lawyer from Lima who was an amazing blessing and help on the trip. Additionally, we hoped to secure some property for the church and families in Lima. While we were not able to purchase property on this trip, we did make some great contacts and have several very good leads on properties. Please pray with us that God would help us to find exactly His will in this matter.

Many of you will remember Clara, the lady who was saved when we were in Peru in August and who wishes us to start a church in her home in Chorrillos. While in Lima, I visited her, and she is still looking forward to this with great anticipation! Lord willing, our family will begin a church in her home in June of this year. Please pray about this. Also, I met a lawyer in Lima who trains the military and police at the military college in Chorrillos. This lawyer trusted Christ as his Saviour. When I expressed interest in ministering to the police in some way, this man said that he was interested in introducing us to certain
commandants and generals in order that we might start a ministry to the military and police when we arrive. Please pray with us about this possibility, as well.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and continued support. While we depend upon God to supply our needs, we know that it is through the prayers and support of His people that we can continue on in His service.

His for souls,

Zach, Karin, Zachary, Caleb, and Logan Foust

Spanish Update via the Kokubuns

Queridos Hermanos,

Saludos de Carolina de Norte! Dimos gracias a Dios por su proteccion sobre estas ultimas semanas. La semana pasada viajemos de Michigan hasta Georgia. Tieniemos una buena semana en Georgia en una conferencia de misiones hispaño. Daniel tuvo el privilegio a enseñar 8 veses, el enseño a niños, jovenes, y adultos tambien. Heather tambien enseño a las mujeres y a las señoritas. Dios nos enseñemos mucho en este conferencia, incluyendo mas español. :) Era una grande bendicion estar con 6 familias mas de nuesto equipo. Disfrutemos mucho nuestro tiempo conciendo mas a ellos y a sus familias.

Durante la conferencia fuimos a ganar almas dos veses. Daniel vio a uno salvo en el dia Sabado, y dimos gracias a Dios por este alma que ya va a entrar a cielo.

En la semana que viene, vamos a ir a Georgia otro ves por una iglesia alli, y Miercoles empesamos en una conferencia de misiones en Nuevo Mexico. Pedimos sus oraciones por este viaje, porque vamos estar viajando mucho.

Que Dios les bendigan.

Sus sirvidores en Cristo,

Daniel y Heather Kokubun

January Prayer Letter from the Hubbards

Dear Praying Friends,

Having just returned from a 15-day trip to Peru, it is my thrill to report that we have our official paperwork to the establishment of our Religious Association in the country of Peru. This is a monumental step that needed to be accomplished before we could establish the International Baptist Church of Lima. It is a process that usually takes several months to finish; however, with God’s “mountain moving” power, we were able to go from start to finish in just 15 days! Glory to God!

With this paperwork we are now a registered entity that can open a bank account, rent or buy property, and conduct services in Peru. I took three men with me on this trip; two of them were team members and one was a lawyer, Bro. Javier Lira, who
had worked many years in Lima. God used Bro. Lira to guide us through the legal process and brought us to just the right people to allow us to accomplish our task. What a gifted man and what a blessing to have his guidance.

In addition to that, we looked at many properties. We have many excellent prospects. We are waiting for God’s leading to the exact location that will allow us to base our team and begin our first church. Please join me praying for God’s leading.

While there, we were able to acclimate ourselves much more to the people, customs, food, and traffic. It was an experience to drive in Lima. We were able to take a trip two hours north of Lima to see a property that would make an
excellent “satellite” ministry. I tried the cuy, which is guinea pig. The Peruvians love it. It tastes just like chicken. 

I left Peru feeling that I was leaving my home. Truly God has knitted my heart to the people already. We were able to share the Gospel with many as we moved about looking at property and talking with governmental personnel. I’m still overwhelmed by the openness of the people and their desire to have what we will bring through our team.

We are five months from launching. With each passing day, I find the longing to be in Peru doing God’s will growing. I find myself more often than not “daydreaming” and visualizing a church and a training center that impacts hundreds and thousands of Peruvians to serve the Lord. Thank you for seeing with me, by faith, the ministry that we wish to realize. Thank you for your investment. As of right now, people are awaiting our return.

I appreciate and covet your prayers. I believe more than ever that God is going to do the impossible in South America. I’m thrilled that you have decided to be a part. I love you and thank you.

For His glory,

Dan Hubbard

January Prayer Letter for the Martinez Family

January 2012 Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends,

Winter is one of our favorite seasons, with snow and a cup of hot chocolate. We have yet to see snow because we have spent most of our winter down South on deputation in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. We were able to see 3 people saved in January and visit 7 churches, one of which was a missions conference with Pastor Armendariz at Iglesia Bautista Biblica el Faro in Haines City, Florida.

We have been on deputation now for eight months. God has been very good to us in keeping us safe and meeting all our needs and more. In the past eight months, we have visited 60 churches, seen many people saved, and seen our support grow. We are grateful to Pastor Dotson and the people of Believers Baptist Church in Elberton, Georgia, for recently taking us on for support.

One of our highlights in January was the opportunity to be with Pastor Charles Hughes at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Old Fort, North Carolina. Due to Pastor Hughes having surgery, he gave me the opportunity to preach for him the Sunday morning and evening services. During the invitation of the morning service, a teenager named Mitchell raised his hand for salvation. After
witnessing to Mitchell, he bowed his head and received Christ as his Saviour. I was very honored by the opportunity to: (1) help Pastor Hughes and (2) see Mitchell get saved.

We give God the glory for all the wonderful blessings we have been given by each church we visit, each person we meet, and each person we see saved. My family and I would also love to be a blessing to you and pray for you. Please remember to send us any
prayer requests you, your family, or your church may have.

Thank you for your prayers for our family and team. Our team is planning to get to Peru this coming summer. We are all very excited about the plans God has for us. We know He will do great things because He is doing great things even now. Thank you
for your support; it is not taken for granted. May God bless you.

The Martinez Family

Kokubun Family Update

This past week we found ourselves in sunny Georgia. After a long drive down from Michigan on Wednesday, we enjoyed getting to participate in Iglesia Baptista Sublime Gracia. Needless to say it was very interesting as I attempted to communicate all week with the Spanish speaking people. We had a great time staying with the song leader and his wife. I was extremely humbled and overwhelmed by their kindness.

By the end of the week I had picked up a much better understanding of the Spanish language. God allowed me to speak 8 different times to their children, teens, and adults. God truly blessed.

During the weeks visitation time I was able to see on young man ask Jesus Christ as his Savior.

Most of the other team families were present at the conference as well as ourselves. We had a wonderful time fellowshipping and bonding. God truly has put our team together for just this time.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We think of you and your church often.

Daniel Kokubun

January Prayer Letter for the Rader Family

Dear Praying Friends,

The month of January has been a wonderful start to a new year and a sign of great things to come. We presented our work in 6 churches in 4 different states with 9 preaching opportunities. 4 of the 6 churches have promised to start supporting us.

My wife and I had the privilege of leading 16 souls to Christ through personal soul-winning. One afternoon while out soul-winning, we knocked on our first door and were invited in by Ladaysha to explain the gospel. Her mother Geneva was in the living room and began to listen intently as well. No sooner had we begun when her Uncle Wesley showed up and joined us. A few moments later, Tammara came in and sat with ears and heart wide open. An hour later, all four trusted Christ as their Saviour. As we were leaving, we met two young men out in the yard and after another half hour, Eric trusted Christ for eternity in heaven. We only made it to one house that afternoon, but WOW! How fun to see the Lord at work!

We enjoyed many blessings in January. One of them was celebrating our Savannah’s fourth birthday. She is such a treasure in our lives. She is very excited about the fast approaching arrival of her baby brother Paul and is all set to fulfill her role of big sister. Please continue to pray for the remainder of Sarah’s pregnancy and for a safe delivery. Her due date is March 10th.

We do know that you are praying. We hit a deer one evening driving through Alabama, and by God’s grace and mercy no one was hurt. The van continues to run well. The only damage was a broken headlight assembly and some denting along the side of the van. The deer may disagree, but God is merciful!

Thank you again to the many churches we visited this month for your many gifts and fellowship. Thank you to the churches that have decided to start supporting us. Thank you to all for your support, love, and prayers. It is an honor to strive with you in reaching this world for Christ which our Father so loved. God bless you.

His for souls, Mark, Sarah, Savannah,and Baby Paul Rader

Weekly Team Update Part 1

Every single week is exciting and busy for all the members of our team. We would like to keep you abreast of the things God allows us to do week by week. Please remember to keep each of our nine families in your prayers as we continue deputation.

THE RADER FAMILY:
The Raders have had Georgia on their mind! Last Wednesday, Bro. Mark was able to preach and share his burden for Peru at the Grace Baptist Church of Eatonton, GA. On Sunday, the Raders were able to be in two different churches, Iglesia Bautista Fundamental in Doraville and the University Baptist Church of Atlanta. Bro. Mark preached twice and saw one person accept Christ as their Saviour! Amen!

THE FOUST FAMILY:
Bro. Zach spent most of last week in Lima, Peru. This was the end of a very productive trip locating housing for our team and potential property for our church and school. What a blessing to see the pieces coming together. Their plane was delayed but they were stable able to arrive in Chicago on Friday around noon. The very next morning, they left for Marietta, GA. On Sunday, they attended the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Marietta. Bro. Zach gave his testimony in Sunday School and had the privilege of leading an English speaking man, named Gator to Christ. A lady visiting the church with her family also received Christ! Bro. Zach preached the Sunday evening service and had a great response by the people.
After the service, and fellowship at Waffle House, they hit the road and headed to Pigeon Forge, TN. They arrived there at 3 am! Why...because they are hard-core!

THE AVILA FAMILY:
Bro. Abe was also part of the delegation that went down to Lima. He spent most of the time there working on necessary paperwork for all of our team, as well as getting us registered with the Peruvian government. Now it is official! The Iglesia Bautista Internacional de Lima (International Baptist Church of Lima) is an official entity! We are so grateful for his hard work and how God prospered their trip.

THE MARTIN FAMILY:
Finally, on a less climatic note, the Martins spent the entire week at home! Getting some much needed recovery, they spent the week working on some projects and preparing to hit the road again next week. They spent the weekend at First Baptist Church of Hammond enjoying the last week of a five week missions emphasis.

Thank you for praying for our team. Stay tuned tomorrow for a report on the second half of our team!

January 2012 Prayer Letter for the Martins

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings from 30,000 feet! As I write this letter, we are flying home from beautiful San Diego. When we left it was 77 degrees and sunny! However, I know that snow plus reality await us back in Chicago. For now, though, I’m going to enjoy this beautiful day.

Thank you for your continued prayers regarding our recovery. So many of you have e-mailed us or sent cards and letters. We feel so loved! Here’s a quick update. Jessica is doing much better. Her ribs seem to have just about completely healed. Her pain is very minimal and does not occur nearly as often as before. She has been cleared to resume normal activities and exercises. Amen! My leg is coming along slowly but as expected. I currently have therapy three times a week and am still non-weight-bearing. Lord willing, I will be able to start bearing weight in mid-February. I should be cleared to climb Machu Pichu by June!

January has been a good yet interesting month. It has been nice to spend some needed time at home. We have not only been able to spend some time with family; but we have also been able to get some needed work done, such as itemizing and packing our belongings, selling furniture, and studying Spanish. We were even able to see five precious people trust Christ.

Although we had to cancel four meetings this month, we were still able to be in two churches—both brand-new works! So exciting! One Sunday we were able to be in Lowell, Indiana, with Pastor Caleb Hon. Pastor Hon started his church just over one year ago. We were with them for their record-breaking Sunday, and break records they did! It is such an encouragement to see this church flourishing the way it is.

We also attended a missions conference in Yuma, Arizona, with my dear friend, Pastor Chad Matheny. Pastor Matheny pastors a church started by Dr. Joe Elwell just 2½ years ago. Over the last six months, they have more than doubled in attendance! Praise the Lord! It is such a blessing to see how God is using both him and his church to reach both Yuma and the world.

Starting churches is truly my passion. I have spent much time recently with church planters and in newly started churches. With each new church I see, the fire in my soul burns hotter. How I long to see churches continue to pop up across America and all of Peru.

Lord willing, that desire will come to fruition in June. I am thankful to the many of you who are making our dream a reality through your prayers and financial support. I would especially like to thank the Northeast Baptist Church in Connecticut for partnering with us this month. Each one of you have a huge part in the work which God has called us to, and because of you, we are at 82% of our needed support.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We have two weeks of meetings in February and an incredibly busy March. Pray that we will be able to attend all of these meetings to ensure we have all of our support by May. Also, remember my wife, as she not only deals with her own physical issues but must also help me with mine. On another note, three of our men are currently in Peru beginning our application process and searching for property and housing. Please pray that God continues to guide and open doors for them. I can’t wait to share some exciting reports with you in our next letter!

Your ambassadors to Peru,

Junior and Jessica Martin
Romans 9:3

Kokubun Prayer Letter for January 2012

Dear Friends, Life in the plains of Oklahoma has truly been a blessing. From presenting our burden in new churches to being overwhelmed by kindness to being encouraged by like-passions, January has been an uplifting, delightful venture. Sunday evening, the crowd has been dismissed to go home. My wife and I were in the lobby waiting for the pastor go to get done with his Sunday School meeting before going out to eat. Walking around the lobby we stumbled on the most amazing hallway. The corridor that led to the church offices was lined with missionary prayer letters and prayer cards. As we walked the hall we read name after name and country after country of missionaries all around the world. We begin to count. Strangely enough only two of the names we counted did we recognize. Over 100 missionaries were posted on their walls. We were reminded and encouraged by not only the number of other men of God preaching across the world, but also the like passions of a preacher for the Great Commission. Wednesday evening we found ourselves meeting-less. We attended my wife's home church that night. As we took our places in the pew, another young man walked in and sat across from us. My wife grabbed my arm and said, "I know him. His name is Larry. He used to come in where I worked all the time when he was little." When the pastor dismissed for prayer time I made my way over to him. My wife following suit saw two teenage girls in the row in front of him and introduced herself. We prayed for a short time. After the final "Amen" was said, I got to talk to Larry. He told me about his Dad who had cancer and was in the hospital. He shared how he wanted to turn his life around. I had the great opportunity to lead Larry to the Lord that night. I introduced him to pastor, and we got him started on some discipleship materials. I told Larry that I would pick him up that Saturday to check up on his discipleship assignments over lunch. Come to find out, my wife got to lead one of the teenage girls to the Lord at the same time I was witnessing to Larry! Amazing how God works. I got a call the next evening from the Pastor's wife. It was about Larry. I could tell something was wrong. She told the Larry's dad had passed away that morning. I quickly changed and rushed over to the house. Cars lined the street as I pulled up to Larry's home. I couldn't help but think about not 24 hours earlier Larry changed his destiny as his father entered his. Saturday I was able to connect Larry with the the youth Sunday school teacher. Please pray for him in his new journey as a Christian. We have really enjoyed getting to make new friends across the country. Pray for us. February is jammed packed with meetings and conferences. We look forward to seeing you again. Thank your for your prayers and support. It is not taken for granted. For better information for your people we have started a blog site so they can easily keep up with what is going on in their missionary's lives. The site is kokubunkonnection.blogspot.com. Hope you enjoy encouraging testimonies, stories, and prayer request. Serving Him, Daniel and Heather Kokubun