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

"Faithfulness before Greatness" by Daniel Kokubun

Faithfulness Before Greatness

Psalms 101:6

Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me:
he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Who doesn't want to be great? No matter what the field of interest no body wants to be a failure. And deeper still no one want to be average. Who is it that we lift up in society? Those men and women that rise above the status quo. Those who are proficient in their field. The favorite sports plays are of last second shots as the buzzer is sounding in the background, the grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth, and the winning touchdown pass in overtime. The favorite biographies are of men and women who faced adversity and overcame tragedy in their moment of opportunity. Greatness. So many desire the title, but do not realize what it takes to achieve that quality.

There was a young boy who at an early age in life was captured and taken hostage to another country. His parents were most likely killed in the attack with the destruction of the town he called home. Miles away from home in an unfamiliar land this young boy, scared, nervous, and probably intimidated, made a crucial decision in his life. He decided to engage his faith that he had been taught as a boy. His name was Daniel. You will find as you read the book of Daniel the journey of a boy who develops into one of the most famous Bible characters we read about today. Daniel goes through cultural changes, kingdom shifts, and incredible pressures in his years of captivity. We find a glimpse of his greatness in Daniel 6:10. The Bible states, "...he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Daniel had developed a walk with God through the years....

There was another young boy many years before Daniel. He was the youngest son in the family. His older brothers were all men of war and they were his heroes. Growing up, everyone had to do their share in the home to keep things running. Coming from a big family, there were many responsibilities that had to be taken care of. This young boy was assigned to be the shepherd. He was to tend to his father's sheep in the pasture. What a design by God, for it was there that David developed a walk with God. David grew up to be the greatest king that Israel has had. When you read the Psalms you can't help but feel the intimate relationship that David had with God. So what made him so great?

Sin had filled the earth. In short time from Adam and Eve's sin darkness had corrupted the entire human race. God was going to destroy the earth because of its wickedness, but there was a man who found God's favor. This man came from an amazing family. He may have very well known Adam himself, for Adam was his great great great great great great....grandfather. Noah discovered something early in his life. He discovered how to walk with God. The Bible says in Genesis 6:9, "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." Because of Noah you and I are alive today! I'd call that great!
So what's the point? So these men "walked with God"? I submit to you that David had no idea that he would be king when he started consistently doing right. Daniel had no idea that he would have to stand for right. Noah when he went out to pray didn't know that he wold be building an ark to save the planet. You see it was the consistent doing of right that enabled them to do amazing things. Let me make a couple of observations.

1. Greatness doesn't come randomly to anyone. No one wakes up one day and all off a sudden they're great. So many times we as individuals live in a fast paced, microwave society where everything has to happen now. May I say that greatness doesn't just appear, but is developed.

2. Greatness is in doing the simple fundamental things regularly. Longevity is becoming more and more a lost quality among men. Where are those people who hold a position at a company for decades? Men want quick fame and quick recognition without putting in the time to deserve such grandeur. It is the ball player that shoots hundreds of free throws in practice that when the game is on the line will hit that shot. No body sees the practice, but the one shot will be remembered. No body sees you read your Bible or pray on a daily basis, but when someone has a need and you have the answer you will impact that person. No one saw the thousands of times Daniel prayed, but after the lion's den, the whole country was to worship Jehovah God.

3. Greatness is not attained by pursuit of grandeur, but rather by faithful, unsolicited service. Notice that neither Daniel, David, nor Noah were looking to be great. They were simply doing what they were supposed to do, being where they were supposed to be, and living how they were supposed to live. God is the one who promoted them. You cannot attain greatness on your own. In fact, greatness is not even a prize to be won. It is a byproduct of humble service to God. You see God deserves all the glory for everything in our lives.

4. Greatness is not ours to glory in, but it is God who deserves our praise. If it were not for God working in your life, there would be no "greatness" as man terms it. God is looking for the faithful man that he can use to do his work. He is looking for a humble man who realizes that everything that he becomes is because of an almighty, merciful God who decided to use them. What an honor to be used of God. It is He who gets all glory and praise. So many times we abuse what little success that God allows us to have for our own glory. What a shame.

5. Greatness is really defined then as God using you in supernatural ways for his glory. I so want to be used by God, but God is looking for faithful men who will do the simple things consistently. Faithful means being full of faith. God designated a whole chapter in the Bible of faithful people in Hebrews 11. What makes them so special? They were found faithful by God so that He could use them in supernatural ways.

Let us strive to be faithful in our service to Christ so that He might find us able to be used of Him. What an incredible honor and opportunity!

December Prayer Letter for the Hubbard family

December 2011

Dear Praying Friends,

I write to you from the plane on my way home from Ghana, West Africa. Three men and I journeyed to Kumasi to see our Ghana Team. The purpose of our trip was to observe the work that has been established there and get a visual example of what we hope to accomplish in Peru. What a trip! Packed full with activity, we preached in public schools, met with pastors, saw churches that were started, observed their college in session, and met with the team members. We spent ten days learning as much as possible. What a privilege it was to go there and see their work.

Bro. Ted Speer and his team are doing a phenomenal job. If I may share with you, we
were able to go out personal soul winning and preach in a village and a school. We were able to preach to hundreds of children, with many of them raising their hands to
receive Christ as Saviour. The Ghanaians are so hungry for the Truth. After our time spent there, though, we are happy to arrive home to be with our families once again. I also reflect on the tremendous team that God has assembled. What a privilege to get to go to Peru with topnotch people.

I ask you to continue to pray for us and our team while on deputation. Our team members, Junior and Jessica Martin, were in a terrible car accident last month. Their car flipped three times, ejecting Jessica from the vehicle and severely breaking Junior's ankle. This is the second family to be involved in a serious car accident.
God divinely protected both families from serious injury. Please continue to pray for His protection as the Peru Team travels thousands of miles across this great country.

Christy is nearing the end of this pregnancy. Pray for a safe delivery and His perfect timing.

On an ending note, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you enjoy spending time with family and friends. I thank you for your sacrificial giving and investment in our future ministry. Now having visualized our team in Ghana, I know that God has something great ahead of us. I love you and appreciate you.
May God bless you richly.

For His glory,

Dan Hubbard

Martinez family Prayer letter for December

December 2011

Dear Praying Friends,

We hope your holidays were a joy as you celebrated Christmas and the bringing in of the New Year. My family and I were able to be home for a few weeks for a relaxing Christmas break with relatives. December is a wonderful time of the year to remember our Saviour and His purpose for coming to earth. Although we should be in thought of this all year round, it is still nice to have a day to go all out and celebrate. Another joy of December was marrying Chrystal 8 years ago this month. We celebrated our anniversary on the 13th.

Our meetings in December were phenomenal. We attended one missions conference in Lakeland, Florida, with Pastor Jose Ramirez at the Iglesia Bautista Maranatha. It is always great to be in a church that upholds the Great Commission as their greatest priority. Pastor Ramirez and his members are examples of this. They are working on building a new building for their church. They have purchased property but still need more funds to build on that property. Please be in prayer with us as we pray for them to soon have this need met.

It was a great blessing to return to the Believers Baptist Church in Elberton, Georgia, with Pastor Dotson. We were with Pastor Dotson back in July. Upon our return, we learned that he is now battling lung cancer. It seems that he is not letting this slow him down, however, so please keep him in prayer. Also while in Georgia, we visited a few other great churches. Thank you to each pastor and church that allowed us to visit in December. We are grateful for the opportunity you gave us to share with you our burden for Peru.

While home for the holidays, I visited my old bus route I had in college, hoping to find some of my old bus kids. I was unable to locate them; however, I ran into a man by the name of Jorge. I went through the plan of salvation with him, but towards the end he chose not to trust Christ. Although Jorge did not get saved, one thing is for sure, a seed was planted.

Thank you to all our supporting churches for your support and extra support you gave us in December. We greatly appreciate your generosity. Please continue to pray for our family and team, especially for the Martin family, as they are still recovering from the accident back in November.

The Martinez Family

A Merry Heart by Jessica Martin

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…”

Weeeeeee’re Baaaaaaaaack! Oh, how deputation has missed us! :) After having to cancel all of our meetings in December & most in January, we were able to have our first meeting since the accident. Ok… so it was only about 40 minutes from our house, but we did it! I don’t know if we will ever get back to being out on 7 or 8 week trips, in different churches Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but we are starting again to take steps toward Peru. I’m not gonna lie… it felt pretty good.

We really enjoyed the meeting. The pastor & his sweet wife were so understanding and kind. We had so much fun! We laughed & joked with all of the bus kids and church folks. I smiled the whole time. I knew this because my cheeks were killing me after the service! I have a couple of fractures in my cheek bones and let me tell you ~ I felt ‘em. Alot. We were on our way to lunch with the pastor and I was digging through my Mary Poppins type purse (I’ve got everything in there! ) for some tylenol, when my mom {who had come to help us} began to tease me about smiling too much. Junior joined in and just as they were ganging up on me, I made sure to note: “Well, this doesn’t say alot about the two of you. If I haven’t had pain like this before today, it must mean neither of you make me smile and you’re not funny. At all.”

I was kidding. Sort of. But it got me to thinking. We truly have had alot of fun together since the accident. Now you have to understand, alot of things might seem as average happenings to most people, but there were alot of pills involved so we thought they were absolutely hilarious! You also have to factor in, that for the first few weeks, we didn’t get out much. Well, not at all really. So, that might have something to do with why we now think the other is the funniest person alive. Crazy… maybe. But it made for lots of fun times.

At the hospital in Nevada, the therapist gave Junior what he calls “the grabber”. It’s a metal thing-a-majig {technical term} with a button that moves a hook on the end to pick stuff up for him. One day, I was walking by his chair, and he pinched me with the grabber. I went to snatch it out of his hand when I lost my balance and fell into the chair. The recliner then completely flipped us both backwards ~ go ahead. *insert fat joke here* . We were both on the ground, laughing so hard. Junior even had tears in his eyes. Actually, that might’ve been from his leg with pieces of metal sticking out of it now being suspended in air… nah! It was definitely from laughing!

Everywhere we go shopping, I love watching Junior use the electric scooters. I seriously just laughed right now thinking about it! I have lost feeling in part of my lip from where it was sown back together, and without fail, every time I take a drink, it doesn’t all make it in! I spill on myself every day. At least this has made me drink lots more water! Must. Save. The Clothes. Junior does a great old man impression as he tries to get through the crowds at church on his walker. We have all of these inside jokes now. We have bonded on a whole new level. We are constantly cracking each other up ~ even though laughing hurts my ribs, it’s totally worth it!

We have been spoiled, too! Thank you to all of our really awesome friends that came to visit us and brought a happy spirit with you. Thank you to every person which sent us a gift! The Edible Arrangements, flowers {especially all the gorgeous ROSES }, homemade goodies, chocolates {my weakness }, more flowers, gift cards, teddy bears… we were overwhelmed with your tokens of love. Thank you to everyone who sent a card. Words are powerful. All of your kind written words made us smile. Same for all of you that called or sent messages, texts, & e-mails. You all have lightened our hearts, brought joy, and made our hearts oh so merry.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to paint the picture that we are always all smiles and the pain just brings a laugh a minute. That would not be honest. We have our moments of frustration. There have been many tears. But I am so glad we are able to laugh. That smiles are common. That a joyful current always flows even if the moment happens to be sad or filled with pain. I believe it has helped us heal. It may not have fixed my husband’s ankle or mended my cuts and bruises, but it has aided in putting back together what was injured on the inside. Sometimes that is the hardest to heal. God is so smart to tell us about the medicine that no doctor here could ever give us.

“The JOY of the LORD is my strength…”

Attitude Is Everything.

~ Jessica

Rader Family Prayer Letter

December 2011

Dear Praying Friends,

I stand amazed of how greatly God has used my wife and me this year. During the month of December alone, we were able to win over 40 people to Christ. We visited two churches this month and I was able to take an incredible trip to Ghana, West Africa. Although my wife did not have the opportunity to go, she did enjoy time spent with her family in North Carolina and going soul winning with her dad. I want to say a special thank you to the churches who gave offerings specifically to help finance this trip to Ghana.

You may ask yourself, “Why would a missionary to Peru need to visit a mission team in Ghana?” The answer is one word, “Preparation.” The four of us Team Peru men who made the trip are so glad that we made this trip before getting started in Peru. We got to see first-hand and study the success that Dr. Ted Speer and his team are experiencing. They are not only training pastors to start churches, but also training pastors to train other pastors to start churches. Team Ghana has had a part in starting at least 23 churches and 4 Bible studies in the past 15 months.

While in Ghana, we were privileged to visit just one of Dr. Speer‟s trained pastors, Collins. Collins, who has only been pastoring for one year, has started four additional churches in the past six months and is currently training 3 more pastors. He is still training these men as they pastor, but WOW!! Isn‟t that AWESOME!! Five churches in one year! Do I believe that we can train men in Peru to start five churches in two years? YES! It is being done in one year! The wisdom we obtained from this trip far exceeds the cost of the airline tickets. We learned their team dynamics, modular college training, and much more. Not only did we increase in wisdom, but also our faith was greatly increased.

We also had the opportunity to preach to over 800 people in the public schools and at a village service. The majority of those to whom we preached decided to trust Christ as their only hope for eternity, but it was impossible to count them. One afternoon I was witnessing to 3 children, and by the time I was done, a crowd had gathered. Over 30 were saved that afternoon. The trip was very productive and profitable.

The Tuesday after Christmas, Team Peru had a meeting. We discussed the Ghana trip, the upcoming year, and much more. Team Peru is truly ready to „get at it‟! We ask that you will be ready with us in prayer. Pray with us. Fast with us. We ask that you will go to God and ask in faith believing.

My wife and I want to thank you for helping to make our ministry possible. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support. May God bless you as you reach your mission field. Happy New Year!

In Christ,
Mark, Sarah, Savannah, and Paul Rader (on the way)

Foust Family Prayer Letter

December 2011

Dear Supporting Churches and Praying Friends,

What an exciting time we’ve had since our last letter. It’s hard to believe we could fit so much in to such a short amount of time. We started November with a great conference in Durham, North Carolina. We had a beautiful drive down and a refreshing time with Pastor Finley and his family. We were so blessed and challenged by this great church that works all year long preparing for their missions conference.

At the “Missionary Christmas,” we got loaded with gifts that we could never imagine buying for ourselves. All we could say was, “WOW!” One of the greatest sights of the week was the “Missionary Parade.” Each of the missionary families supported by their church was represented by a child carrying a sign with the family name and field of service. It was for me a great visual of the global impact for Christ one church of faithful people is having.

We loved being way down South in Thaxton, Mississippi, at Watchmen Baptist Church. What a great time we had soul winning with faithful people truly excited about what God is doing.

We enjoyed our last Thanksgiving Stateside with my family and were encouraged by visiting missions-minded churches nearby. What a privilege to see so many churches increasing their vision for world missions.

We enjoyed a great service with Calvary Baptist in Canton, Illinois. Please pray for Audrey, the pastor’s granddaughter, as she continues to heal form heart surgery.

I was asked to accompany a ten-day training trip to see our team’s work in Ghana, West Africa. I was touched by how happy the team members are serving the Lord in what I saw as very difficult conditions. The team could only talk of their love and respect for each other and excitement at the growth in their disciples and converts. I was struck by how well-trained their national soul winners were and the thrill with which the college students learn the Bible. Bro. Isaac accompanied me soul winning and was a passionate soul winner and excellent translator. We saw three people trust Christ that day. During our time there, we had the privilege of preaching in public schools and conducting a village service, with hundreds raising their hands for salvation.

We ended our travels before the holidays at Community Baptist of Smiths Creek, Michigan. We were thrilled as the church voted to take us on before I said anything. I wanted to sit down quietly before I opened my mouth and messed it up. We would like to thank Fellowship Baptist Church in Durham, International Baptist Church in New York, Watchmen Baptist Church in Mississippi, and Valley Baptist Church in Arizona, as well as Mrs. Hines-Stringer, for their new support and gifts.

God is blessing wonderfully. There is no way letters could contain it all. Our ministry would not be possible without your faithful support. We have enjoyed meeting you all and hope our paths cross again.

His for souls,

Zach, Karin, Zachary, Caleb, and Logan Foust

December Prayer Letter for Junior and Jessica Martin

December 30, 2011

Dear Praying Friends,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope that each and everyone of you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season. There is something truly wonderful about this time of year. Our Christmas tree is up, the lights are glowing, a chill is in the air, our home smells of gingerbread, and family is coming together. Too much food has been eaten, and the gifts have been open all because the greatest gift was given to the world over 2,000 years ago! “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15) The reason for this season, the reason for us going to Peru, the reason for our very being is what Jesus did for us. Amen!

Jessica and I had a wonderful Christmas. Realizing this would be our last Christmas with our family for a long time, we had much anticipation going into this season. I am grateful that we were able to be home this month and spend a lot of time with our friends and loved ones. I hope each of you were able to enjoy your Christmas as much as we did!

December has been a very slow month. God definitely wanted to teach me patience! Canceling all of our meetings and being home for the entire month have taught me a lot. My “stir-craziness” has given me an appreciation for my health and the “little things” in our daily routine. All in all, God knew exactly what we needed, and this has been a good month of rest and recovery. Since our last letter, we have many updates concerning our recovery. All of Jessica’s stitches and staples have been removed, and she is doing much better. She is still battling some pain as she waits for her cheek and ribs to heal properly. I underwent my second and, Lord willing, last surgery on my leg two weeks ago. I have two plates and fourteen screws in my leg and am currently in a protective boot. I will be starting therapy just after the first of the year and will still be non-weight-bearing probably through the end of February. I am very thankful to my dear wife, who although has her own injuries, has been such a help to me and my inmobility. I am so glad I married well!

Please continue to pray that we will be able to complete our deputation in a timely manner. I know that we are in God’s perfect will and on His timetable. At this time, we have canceled all but three meetings in January. My prayer is that we will be able to begin traveling consistently toward the end of January. Obviously, we are very anxious to finish deputation and get to Peru. We continue to grow closer to our goal, and I am grateful to all of our faithful supporters and especially those who have partnered with us this month: Harvest Baptist Church in Pennsylvannia and Central Valley Baptist Church in California.

For the last several years, I always looked forward to giving my “State of the Ministry” address for my bus routes, in which I would recap the year and present my vision for the upcoming year. The year 2011 has been an amazing year! As we started this journey last December, I had no idea what we were in for. God has superceded all of my expectations! It is hard to believe that in 2011 we drove 45,758 miles, flew 9,020 miles, and shared our vision with 106 churches. It makes me tired just thinking about it! In addition, God allowed 24 churches and individuals to believe in us, allowing us to reach 80% of our needed support. God is so good! And if that is not enough to praise God about, we were able to see a total of 157 people put their faith in Christ throughout our travels! The year 2011 has been amazing, and 2012 is going to be even better!!

I have several goals and prayer requests for 2012. I would love to have our support raised by the end of April. We have rescheduled many of our canceled meetings, and currently will be traveling into April. This should still allow us to reach our financial goal. Secondly, our goal is to make our move to Lima in early June. This will ensure that our health is where it needs to be, as well as give us the time needed for some intense training and to care for paperwork, shipping, and loose ends at home. Thirdly, please continue to pray for our medical bills. God has been so good to us, and I know He will continue to provide. We are working very closely with our insurance company and waiting for a response from the insurance of the other driver. Please pray that this is resolved very soon, as we have many bills already, and they will continue to grow due to my therapy. God has already answered one prayer by helping us with a new vehicle! We now have a well-maintained van that is being leased to us by a family in our church. This is a huge answer to prayer because we will not have to resell it before leaving the country and we will be able to use our insurance check toward other expenses.

Thank you again to everyone who has prayed and sent gifts, love offerings, cards, and letters. God’s people are so gracious. We are so happy to be where we are in life. I can hardly wait to see how God will continue to “wow” us in this coming year. Happy New Year!

Your ambassadors to Peru,

Junior and Jessica Martin
Romans 9:3

"The Small Stuff" by Jessica Martin

The phone went silent. No more ringing, text message alerts, facebook notifications, or e-mail tones. All I could hear was the even sound of my husband’s breathing and the squeak of the nurses shoes as they roamed the tiled hallway outside Junior’s room. I squirmed in the chair as Junior’s IV of medicine clicked and pumped. My eyes squinted in the dimness of the pre-dawn lit room. I suddenly was gripped with fear. I felt alone. The silence of the hospital room was more deafening than the roar of the crash.

Where was He? Where was the God who so sweetly carried me on angel’s wings as I was thrown from the car? Where was my Friend whose arms shielded me from the shattered glass and held me as I lay on the highway? Had He performed His miracle to prove Himself mighty to the world and forgotten about me? Why had silence fallen with no one coming to tell me I was a living miracle anymore? Had I done something wrong? Or was I just being used as a display of God’s power?

Boy, how the devil waits for those vulnerable moments of quiet to weasel his way into questioning God. That’s his oldest, dirtiest trick ~ But it works and that’s why he keeps using it. You see, there was no way I was going to hear his whispers of deceit over the grace and mercy screaming God’s goodness during the accident. No. He waited for the quiet. The darkness before dawn. The solitude. Unfortunately for him, my God is in the small stuff.

Let me use another’s story to illustrate. Elijah, one of the greatest men of God to ever live (he actually never died but that’s a different story…), I think gets a pretty bad rap sometimes when people tell his story of running away from Queen Jezebel. Maybe it’s just me, but I totally get him. God had just used him to call down fire from heaven. He made the prophets of Baal look like the followers of the fake god they truly were. He did it alone. No one in Israel stood with him and God. Elijah waited for hours as 450 men mocked him and called out to Baal. The people fell on their faces after the LORD showed Himself mighty through Elijah. Then Elijah prayed and it rained in Israel. He must’ve been exhausted, emotionally drained… completely spent.

The first news that reached his ears was that the queen was grateful for the rain he prayed back to Israel… NOPE. Or that she wanted to thank him for bringing back the power, favor, and worship of the one true God… definitely NOT. Actually, she was not going to rest until she hunted him down and killed him. So Elijah ran and this is where he just threw up his hands and said that’s enough for me. He probably thought: “Where is He? Where is the God that strongly defeated my enemies? Has He performed His miracle just to win back the fickle heart of Israel and forgotten about me?” About this time, Elijah sunk beneath a juniper tree and asked to die.

God didn’t listen to his request. He said no. Instead, He sent an angel & fed him. Twice. The second time was such good nourishment, Elijah lived 40 days off of it. Elijah still felt the need to hide which he did inside a cave. So God decided to ask Elijah what he was doing. Elijah explained that he had stuck up for Him all alone and now his life was threatened. He felt forsaken. That’s when God decided to pass by. When He did, it created a strong wind so mighty in power that it caused a rock slide down the mountains. But the LORD wasn’t IN the wind. God sent an earthquake that about shook Elijah out of his hiding place. Still Elijah didn’t budge. The LORD wasn’t IN the earthquake. Then came fire from the LORD – just as Elijah had called down to defeat Baal. Even the familiar miracle didn’t calm Elijah’s fear for the LORD wasn’t IN the fire.

Wait! What was that?!? A Voice?!? Elijah strained his ears and leaned closer to the mouth of the cave. There it was again! The Voice didn’t thunder. It wasn’t fiery with anger. It was still. It was small. But the LORD was IN the Voice. And that made all the difference. Instantaneously, Elijah’s fear was gone! He felt love, confidence, grace, mercy, inspiration, and great awe. The Voice brought him out of his cave of fear, depression, loneliness, and questioning. Only because the LORD was IN it.

Now back to a hospital room in Indiana where I was looking for a cave to hide in. Hide from the fear of having to cancel our meetings, the mounting medical bills, ~ from all the things looking to kill my joy. To Hide with my new best friends: self-pity, despair, and loneliness. Then I heard it. A Voice. I know that Voice! It’s the SAME One I heard in the thunder and quaking of the crash, only now it was still ~ bringing assurance & confidence. It was small. Small enough to wrap around my heart or hold my little hand. Just what I needed now that the miracles had been performed.

God loves being in the small stuff. He lives with me in the nitty gritty details of daily living. Just like He fed Elijah, He will care for my needs. I’m not just a pawn in His quest for glory (although He would be worthy to be used up for) ~ that is not Who He is. He gives us miracles as signs and wonders to keep our wandering hearts close to Him or to point lost souls to Him, but He loves the small stuff. We never give Him credit for the non-flashy stuff. We were made, not to hold the staff to part Red Seas, but to walk with Him. Talk with Him. The simple stuff. We think if its not fire from heaven or earth splitting quakes, then the Almighty God of the universe must not be in it. Yet, this is the God that instead of coming to rule and reign over His creation, came as a lowly Jewish carpenter and DIED a horrible, cruel death to save it. The small stuff…

Now when the devil starts to whisper that God doesn’t care, there comes a Voice. It doesn’t bellow or rage. It just speaks. And the Presence IN that Voice stops the devil in his tracks, makes him choke on his ugly words, and causes him to flee.

I can’t wait for the day when I actually hear that Voice. I hear Him speak the words, “I love you” with my ears. But truthfully, I hear it every day. In the verses I read in my devotions, the meals He always provides, the friends that He puts in my life, the secret requests only He knows about and answers, the roses He sends me… there are so many ways, if only I wasn’t listening for the sound of a rushing mighty wind, or the roar of a fire. If only I was tuned into the Voice. I just need to be still and pay attention to the small stuff…

He’s IN that.

~ Jessica

"But the Greatest of These Is..." by Jessica Martin

I didn’t want to wake up. I was warm and happy. I felt safe and protected. Someone nudged me and whispered to open my eyes. I shrugged it off and burrowed deeper into His arms. I liked it right where I was. He whispered, “Open your eyes. This is how it will be for now. It’s ok. You have to open your eyes now. It will all be ok. I promise.”

The stars were so bright. The inky black sky made them sparkle. I could see my breath form a cloud in the icy air. I blinked a few times. There was a stranger holding my hand. He yelled to his friend that I was awake. She came rushing over and they both started asking me question after question. I smiled. I wasn’t sure how it had happened, but I knew there had been a crash, I was hurt, but I was going to be ok. I needed these two good Samaritans to know the same Peace I had. No matter how grim it seemed or how bad I looked to them, God had opened my eyes. I was going to be ok…

As I lay on the road, asking my new friends their names & where they were from, a truck driver had stopped to help my husband. Junior couldn’t walk because of his broken ankle, so the truck driver pushed through the glass and metal to find my cell phone so Junior could call family. Junior got ahold of my mom and brother ~ who put it on Facebook, and immediately people all over the country and the world started praying for us ~ all while I was on my back on the side of Interstate 80 in the Nevada desert.

As I was placed in the helicopter, more people started praying as the news spread. I hummed Scripture songs the whole flight. Others fell to their knees in their homes as I was wheeled into the trauma center for scans to find the internal injuries they were sure were there. As others brought my name before God’s throne of matchless grace, the trauma doctor peered over my neck brace, looked into my eyes, and said, “You are a miracle! No internal bleeding! No head trauma!”

A sheet was pulled over my stomach as the surgeon told me not to look at it. In state after state, heads bowed and hushed tones whisphered my name to heaven. The surgeon looked confused and told me, “Your stomach is shredded, but no internal organs were cut. No surgery required. We can just staple you back together. I hope you know that you should not be here. You should not be ok. You are one lucky lady.”

Goodness and mercy followed me my whole hospital stay. I am healing and waiting at the airport to fly home to Chicago as I type. God looks to and fro throughout the earth and looks for ways to show Himself mighty and what a mighty miracle He gave us! All of the grace poured into what was broken, the peace that passed all understanding, the Joy that gave me strength for each mile. But the greatest of all of these is.
.. LOVE.

I didn’t need to hear beautiful poems or challenging short stories. I needed sincere, sweet, genuine words. LOVE is kind. I didn’t need someone who could explain the mystery of why this was happening with all their understanding & knowledge. I needed someone who figured out how they could help me and met my needs no matter the inconvenience to them. LOVE seeketh not her own. I didn’t need someone who’s faith was so strong they could come, lay hands on my abdomen, and heal me with no scars. I needed someone who would cry with me sometimes, trust with me that there was a purpose for this, push me to keep on through the pain, and point me to the big picture. LOVE beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things… I needed LOVE.

And, wow! Did He love on me!!! He sent me YOU! Thank you, each and every one of you! If you prayed for us, even just one prayer! If you sent me kind words, met a need we had, lifted our spirits, pushed us to keep believing ~ you have CHARITY. You don’t have to be gifted to have charity. You don’t have to be popular, you can love without ever being noticed. Charity is unassuming, in the shadows, unnoticed, background work, not flashy, hard, selfless, and unthanked. It will gain you no notoriety, no fame. But it is the most needed thing in this world and sadly, the most lacking.

There abides in this world those with strong, convicting, polarizing, attention-getting faith, unshakeable, soul-stirring, world- reknown hope, but in God’s book, the greatest of these is those who love.

Thank you to everyone who loved me through many different ways through this time in our lives. I may never get to say thank you properly or as you rightly deserve. Thank you for being my friends. Thank you for being people of charity.

In this world, YOU are the greatest of these…

I love you!

~ Jessica

Martin family prayer letter for November

Dear Praying Friends, December 3, 2011

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20

For our family, November has always been a month for thankfulness. We truly have so much to be thankful for, from our health to our country, our friends and family, and each and every little thing we so easily take for granted. I think about God’s grace, love, mercy, provision, power, and presence; and any attempt to say “thank you” seems so insufficient. God is so very good to us, so much better than we deserve.

Thankful for Deputation: We are thankful for where our travels took us in November. We began the month already in California and spent most of our time traveling between central and southern California. In addition, we had meetings in New Mexico and Arizona as well. What amazing people and churches! Overall, we were able to be in eight different churches.

Thankful for Soul Winning: What a privilege we have to share the Gospel! I am so thankful that God not only loved us enough to give us salvation, but He allows us to share that salvation with others. Over this last month, we were able to see 16 people accept that gift of salvation. God is so good! One quick story: While in central California, Jessica and I were out knocking on doors. We came across a Spanish lady named Carmen. After talking to her for a few minutes, Jessica began to witness to her in Spanish. As they went through the Bible, Jessica explained that Christ had died for her and that salvation was a free gift. As Carmen read the verses with her, she said, “Que bonita (how beautiful)!” A few moments later, she accepted that gift! Praise the Lord!

Thankful for Friends: We are so thankful for the many friends we have made and for those who have partnered with us while on deputation. This has become so especially apparent to us this month. God has knit our hearts with so many choice people across the country. Just this month we were able to meet many precious people from Lima. Our hearts instantly connected! We are especially thankful for the 20 people and churches who have helped us reach 70% of our support in just 11 short months.

Thankful for Protection: There is no doubt in my mind that God has something very special awaiting us in Peru, and He has constantly been watching over our team. As many of you may already know, on November 20, we began to make our way back to Indiana for Thanksgiving. While on I-80 passing through Fernley, Nevada, we were involved in an auto accident. Our vehicle rolled multiple times, and Jessica was thrown from the car. We were both transported to a hospital in Reno, Nevada. Jessica was bruised severely, fractured six ribs, received eight stitches in her lip, and over 80 staples around her side and abdomen. I shattered my ankle and underwent surgery that night. I am so very thankful that things were no worse than they were. God definitely overshadowed us. We spent three days in the hospital; and, with some help from our church and family, were able to fly back home to continue recovery. I am also thankful for the folks of the Sierra View Baptist Church of Reno who came to our rescue! Pastor and Mrs. Eric Tastet, the Traynors, and the Allens spoiled us and took such good care of us during the time we were there. Words cannot express our gratitude toward everyone who has been so kind to us during this time.

Thankful for Prayer: Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We have a long recovery ahead of us and will be home all of December. I will have surgery again in a few days, and then I will be off my leg for six more weeks. Jessica had all of her staples removed but must wait for her ribs to heal naturally. Fortunately, we were not doing a ton of traveling this month, so we have only had to cancel five meetings. Please pray that our injuries heal quickly so that we can hit the road again on January 1. We are so close to the end of our deputation and so eager to get down to Peru. I can only hope this doesn’t set back our departure.

We are so thankful to all of you who sent cards, made phone calls, sent gifts, and remembered us in your prayers. We are perfectly sheltered in God’s will, and in due time we will see how God will use this for good in our lives. Until then, we will keep on pressing for the mark. There is nothing better than serving Jesus!

Your ambassadors to Peru,

Junior and Jessica Martin
Romans 9:3

Leadership Qualities

Leadership Qualities - Humility

I Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

One of the greatest qualities and necesary traits of a leader is humility. Peter is teaching two groups of people in this passage about leadership. First he is speaking to the elders. The word elder refers to one of the three names that we find in the New Testament referring to a Pastor. Three titles (all referring to the same position) are:

1) Pastor
2) Elder
3) Bishop

I would like to focus on the word elder. In this case, I believe Peter is referring to leadership in general. Allow me to note that the word “elder” is not referring to a person’s age but his position of leadership and his maturity. It speaks of a leader that he should be wise, seasoned, and mature in his leadership. Peter reminds them that they should be a good example to the flock.

Now, notice in verse 5, Peter addresses the younger or the young men. Once again, I believe he is not referring to those that are young (although, it does apply) but rather is referring to those “young” in experience and maturity of leadership.

Look at verse 6. He says that a younger man will be exalted in due time. The younger man will be exalted from “younger” to “elder” or rather from follower to leader. God does the exalting when a young man is ready.

Now, what makes a “young” man ready to become an elder?

Look at verse 5. He says that a younger man should submit. Submission to leadership is a sign of humility.
Then, he says to be clothed with humility.

This is an interesting statement made by Peter. When writing this, I believe that Peter had a mental picture of an example of being clothed with humility. I believe it is the key to becoming a Biblical leader.

Look at the following passage.

John 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

I believe the wording is specific. I believe that he had girded himself. (Clothed with humility)

Basically he was saying, you can wipe your feet on me.

Please continue.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

He was the elder giving an example to the younger men, soon to be exalted to “elder.”

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Of course, Christ was exalted. We see him in Revelation chapter 1 with a golden girdle.
He upgraded. He has been exalted.

Now let me make this practical.

The ministry or “working with people” can be very “dirty.” For the young men to become leaders they should watch the example of the leaders. How well can you let people wipe their feet on you?

That is being clothed with humility so that one can be exalted from being a younger to an elder or from being a follower to a leader.

The day of “exaltation” will be the day that you can clothe yourself in humility and allow others to clean their feet on you.

I am reminded of a story that Bro. Schaap told about a conversation that he had with Bro. Hyles. After Bro. Hyles told Bro. Schaap of how a certain church member had treated him recently, Bro. Schaap made the statement:

“People treat you like a door mat; they just wipe their feet on you.”

Bro. Hyles responded, “Yes, isn’t great?”

Perhaps that’s why Bro. Hyles was one of the greatest leaders of all time and why he was exalted to be such a great “elder.”

Do you wish to be a greater leader? Greatness lies in being “clothed in humility.” Our example of being clothed in humility is John 13 when Jesus allowed the disciples to clean their feet on him. The ministry is allowing “people to wipe their feet on you”.

The ministry is serving. The greater the leader means that you serve more people.

-Dan Hubbard