Thank you for your prayers. My husband's appointments went well and we returned home safe and sound. The good news is that the damage done to his heart before his third surgery has been completely healed, mostly because he runs 4-5 days a week. Praise the Lord!
The tumors have all remained the same--stable--except for the largest of the tumors. There are no new tumors. The largest of the tumors is in the lumbar spine and it has increased slightly (.3 of a cm). The endocrinologist recommended a therapy that will strengthen the bone so that it can handle the tumor a little better. He received the therapy before we left the clinic yesterday. The therapy has caused him to become very sick with flu-like symptoms so today he has felt miserable. It is possible he will feel this way up to two weeks. Please pray the symptoms will end right away. He has so much to work on and care for these days, it is frustrating to him to not feel well.
He will need to return to Mayo Clinic in June right before we leave for Peru. There is an oncologist at Mayo who is actively studying several endocrine cancers, including paraganglioma. He is experimenting with treatments that may be beneficial in future when Bro. Dan's cancer becomes more aggressive. His endocrinologist wants Bro. Dan to meet this oncologist to discuss options. She also wants him to see a radiologist to discuss radiating the spot in the spine. Neither of us wish for that since he had such a bad experience when they radiated his arm, which caused the need for the third surgery. Please pray for wisdom for these doctors as they look at Bro. Dan's case.
We sure appreciate your prayer. The Lord has His divine plan and that is what we desire more than anything. Thanks for your care! Love you!
~Christy Hubbard
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
What have we been up to?
THE SZABATINS: For the second straight weekend we have had a great time in Pennsylvania. Last weekend we were at heritage baptist Church in Jeannette, PA with Pastor Bob Ross. This is one of our supporting churches in that had us back to bring an update. I taught Sunday School and preached in the evening service. In the morning service I had the opportunity to lead a 14 year old boy by the name of Randy to the Lord.
This Sunday we were at Bible Baptist Church in Tyrone, PA with Pastor Ken Patterson. I taught Sunday School and preached in both services. A young man who had attended this church his whole life came forward in the morning service and got saved. Two years ago this church was down to 9 members and had been without a Pastor for three years. This Sunday while I was there they had 105 in the morning service and 58 in the evening service.
Both these churches we wonderful to us and made us feel at home and have become like family to us. The Patterson's daughter (Kimmy) is at Hyles Anderson College and is good friends with our daughter Danica-Lee. In fact Kimmy is going to be one of DL's brides maids.
THE MISKOVICS: We had a wonderful time at Amazing Grace Baptist Church this weekend! The Kokobuns, one of the families on our team was with us and we really enjoyed being with them too! Bro. Daniel made us proud as he got a chance to share his heart's passion for the young people Peru. Mark also did a great job telling the folks about our burden for the lost.
THE FOUSTS: Had a great week in the sunny south! Spent last Sunday with Brian and Melissa Odham in Hickory, NC after finishing a great conference with Bro. Hamilton in Cedar Grove,NC. The Odhams are doing a great job and we loved spending some time with them. Zach got to see a young man saved there while soulwinning. There were also two saved in the evening service. Zach preached Sunday morning and evening. On Monday we spent the day with the Odham family fishing, shopping and just catching up. They are such good friends!
Then it was a long drive to Florida where we were in a missions conference with Grace Baptist Temple in Brandon, FL. Bro. Tommy Thompson hosted a wonderful conference and we were privileged to hear Bro Scotty Drake preach each night and Sunday morning as well. Zach preached on Sunday evening. Had some great results in the conference, God is definitely working in this church. Today we applied for the boys' passports! Exciting days for us! Then yesterday we enjoyed a great service this evening at Providence Baptist Church in Bushnell, FL. Bro. Maddox preached a great sermon and we got to present the work in Peru.
THE MARTINS: We have enjoyed a wonderful time in the Detroit area. It has been a joy to be able to spend some time with many old friends and some of Jessica's family. Last week, we were able to be part of a 5 month old church! I love church plants! Our good friend Bob Morrissey started the Tri-County Baptist Church in Madison Heights, MI back in October. God is blessing there in a great way. It was great to share our burden for Peru and missions in general with so many new converts!
Yesterday, we started a missions conference at Antioch Baptist Church in Warren, MI. This is the church that Jessica grew up in. We had a wonderful Sunday preaching in Jr. Church, presenting Peru, and preaching in the evening service. There is such a wonderful spirit here! Pastor Doug Brandenburg just became pastor here about 1 year ago. It is so encouraging to see how God is using him here. It is going to be a great week!
This Sunday we were at Bible Baptist Church in Tyrone, PA with Pastor Ken Patterson. I taught Sunday School and preached in both services. A young man who had attended this church his whole life came forward in the morning service and got saved. Two years ago this church was down to 9 members and had been without a Pastor for three years. This Sunday while I was there they had 105 in the morning service and 58 in the evening service.
Both these churches we wonderful to us and made us feel at home and have become like family to us. The Patterson's daughter (Kimmy) is at Hyles Anderson College and is good friends with our daughter Danica-Lee. In fact Kimmy is going to be one of DL's brides maids.
THE MISKOVICS: We had a wonderful time at Amazing Grace Baptist Church this weekend! The Kokobuns, one of the families on our team was with us and we really enjoyed being with them too! Bro. Daniel made us proud as he got a chance to share his heart's passion for the young people Peru. Mark also did a great job telling the folks about our burden for the lost.
THE FOUSTS: Had a great week in the sunny south! Spent last Sunday with Brian and Melissa Odham in Hickory, NC after finishing a great conference with Bro. Hamilton in Cedar Grove,NC. The Odhams are doing a great job and we loved spending some time with them. Zach got to see a young man saved there while soulwinning. There were also two saved in the evening service. Zach preached Sunday morning and evening. On Monday we spent the day with the Odham family fishing, shopping and just catching up. They are such good friends!
Then it was a long drive to Florida where we were in a missions conference with Grace Baptist Temple in Brandon, FL. Bro. Tommy Thompson hosted a wonderful conference and we were privileged to hear Bro Scotty Drake preach each night and Sunday morning as well. Zach preached on Sunday evening. Had some great results in the conference, God is definitely working in this church. Today we applied for the boys' passports! Exciting days for us! Then yesterday we enjoyed a great service this evening at Providence Baptist Church in Bushnell, FL. Bro. Maddox preached a great sermon and we got to present the work in Peru.
THE MARTINS: We have enjoyed a wonderful time in the Detroit area. It has been a joy to be able to spend some time with many old friends and some of Jessica's family. Last week, we were able to be part of a 5 month old church! I love church plants! Our good friend Bob Morrissey started the Tri-County Baptist Church in Madison Heights, MI back in October. God is blessing there in a great way. It was great to share our burden for Peru and missions in general with so many new converts!
Yesterday, we started a missions conference at Antioch Baptist Church in Warren, MI. This is the church that Jessica grew up in. We had a wonderful Sunday preaching in Jr. Church, presenting Peru, and preaching in the evening service. There is such a wonderful spirit here! Pastor Doug Brandenburg just became pastor here about 1 year ago. It is so encouraging to see how God is using him here. It is going to be a great week!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Update from the Foust family
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Update from the Kokubun Family
Dear Friends,
God has been extremely gracious in our travels these past few weeks. The last week of February we drove from Georgia to New Mexico where we were blessed at Gospel Light Baptist Church's Missions Conference. It was really a complete conference where we saw souls saved, baptized, and a young man called to preach. It still amazes me the friends that we get to make as we travel. We had a great time meeting other missionaries and enjoyed learning about God working in their lives just as He has ours.
We found our selves heading back cross country on the next Monday to be in a Mission Conference in North Carolina by Wednesday. We are very grateful for God's protection as we traveled literally a couple thousand miles in the past two weeks.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We are praying for you.
Serving Him,
Daniel Kokubun
Team Peru
God has been extremely gracious in our travels these past few weeks. The last week of February we drove from Georgia to New Mexico where we were blessed at Gospel Light Baptist Church's Missions Conference. It was really a complete conference where we saw souls saved, baptized, and a young man called to preach. It still amazes me the friends that we get to make as we travel. We had a great time meeting other missionaries and enjoyed learning about God working in their lives just as He has ours.
We found our selves heading back cross country on the next Monday to be in a Mission Conference in North Carolina by Wednesday. We are very grateful for God's protection as we traveled literally a couple thousand miles in the past two weeks.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We are praying for you.
Serving Him,
Daniel Kokubun
Team Peru
Monday, March 12, 2012
February Prayer Letter for the Martin Family
March 1, 2012
Dear Praying Friends,
In Denver, Colorado, the snow is gently falling on the mountains as I sit in front of the fireplace in our cabin sipping coffee working on my laptop. The ministry sure is rough! God is so very gracious. We arrived here yesterday and are excited for this conference. March is very busy, and I am glad we get to start in beautiful Colorado.
February was quite productive for us. We didn’t do a lot of traveling, but were still able to be in three different churches in Kentucky and Georgia. One of our meetings was a conference in which we were with five of our fellow team families. It was a sweet reunion. I never tire of spending time with the people that are part of our team. It is a privilege to serve God with them. To make things even better, it was a Spanish missions conference. I am always encouraged to see growing Spanish works. Pastor Arjona is doing an incredible work, and I hope we were as much of a blessing to him as he was to us.
The best news came two days ago. After returning from this trip, I will be able to begin to wean myself off my crutches! Praise the Lord! As I sat in the doctor’s office, he said, “Prayer works! I know that my talents come from above and beyond that Someone else does all the healing.” To God be the glory! I can see a full recovery very soon.
In addition to our travels, we were also able to spend some time with many of our teenagers at home. The Teen Missionary Society is a group of our “bus teen girls” who have a burden for missions and correspond with our missionaries around the world. I am so proud of these young ladies! We enjoyed spending some time teaching and investing in these girls.
As I mentioned in our last letter, three men from our team spent two weeks in Lima the beginning of this month. It was a very productive trip. During this time, they were able to begin looking at housing as well as property in the district we will be working in. It is so exciting to see houses and apartments and think that soon it maybe our home. As far as the church, please pray that God will give us wisdom as the time quickly approaches. Also, we are now officially recognized by the Peruvian government. They are ready and waiting for us! The Iglesia Bautista Internacional has been registered and all the paperwork has been filed. Amen!
It thrills us to see all the pieces come together. I see the pictures of people walking down the street and know that they are the people God has called us to. I look at an apartment and see our belongings there, I view a store front or a plot of land and see a church building there. This past Sunday, we were waiting for church to start and Jessica said, “Just 15 more Sundays and we’ll be in Peru.” It is almost surreal to think about. Thank you to the many of you who have partnered with us and especially our newest supporters the Providence Baptist Church in Indiana and Twin City Baptist Church in Maine. This brings us to 86 % of our support. The end is in sight!
I am also thankful for the things that God brings into our path. Although my leg and the weather has not made soulwinning very easy, God has opened many doors. Going to therapy three times a week has given me many people to share both what God is doing through us and the Gospel. Just last week, I was able to lead Michelle, a 21 year old therapy student at DePaul University, to Christ! Please pray for several others to whom the seed has been sewn. I know God will give the increase. Besides Michelle, God allowed us to see five other people accept Christ this month.
Thank you for your continued prayers. God is prospering all along the way. God bless you!
Your ambassadors to Peru,
Junior and Jessica Martin
Romans 9:3
Thursday, March 8, 2012
February Prayer Letter from the Kokubuns
Dear Friends,
Another busy time is finished as we close the month of February. With three mission conferences, several services, and over 4,000 more miles on our car, God has been gracious in His blessings and safety.
On our first Sunday in Michigan, I received a text right after the morning service. It was from a member of Second Baptist Church in Ponca City, OK. It read like this, "Larry got baptized today!" Hallelujah! The young man who I had lead to the Lord the last week in January had been baptized and joined the church!
Several times this month my wife and I have had the opportunity to go soul winning with young people from Michigan to North Carolina seeing many people saved in our visiting.
We had the opportunity to participate at a spanish missions conference in Douglasville, GA. Several of the other team families were there along with many other missionaries. It was interesting to say the least with the language barrier. (I still have lots of Spanish to learn!) Nevertheless, we enjoyed our fellowship with the sweet Hispanic congregation. Our hearts were changed and challenged as we saw their hearts for the Lord and His work.
On Saturday of that week we went soul winning with their church people. My wife and I began knocking doors on our designated street. I heard a squealing of tires from the next block over. Making our way over to the sound, we saw a black Monte Carlo burning its tires. Apparently the young man in the car was showing off to his brother who was standing on the porch. As the car drove off, my wife and I approached the young man on the porch. There was a feeling of relief as Darius greeted us in English! Minutes later Darius bowed his head and accepted Jesus as his Saviour!
Our team leader, Bro. Dan Hubbard, along with several of the other men from our team made a trip earlier this month to Lima, Peru. They went with the intent of finding and possibly purchasing properties for the church. Legally they needed to get permission and file paper work to start our first church. He is now officially "president" of Iglesia Bautista Internacìonal. They did find several properties, but will not purchase them until we launch in June.
I would ask you to pray for travel safety as we still have many miles to go before the end of our deputation trail. Also
pray that God would give the team wisdom as we prepare to leave the country.
Again thank you for all your continued support. Words cannot describe the joy and encouragement you are to us. We pray for you and your church on a regular basis. Thanks for all you are doing for our Lord and Savior.
Serving Him,
Daniel and Heather Kokubun
Another busy time is finished as we close the month of February. With three mission conferences, several services, and over 4,000 more miles on our car, God has been gracious in His blessings and safety.
On our first Sunday in Michigan, I received a text right after the morning service. It was from a member of Second Baptist Church in Ponca City, OK. It read like this, "Larry got baptized today!" Hallelujah! The young man who I had lead to the Lord the last week in January had been baptized and joined the church!
Several times this month my wife and I have had the opportunity to go soul winning with young people from Michigan to North Carolina seeing many people saved in our visiting.
We had the opportunity to participate at a spanish missions conference in Douglasville, GA. Several of the other team families were there along with many other missionaries. It was interesting to say the least with the language barrier. (I still have lots of Spanish to learn!) Nevertheless, we enjoyed our fellowship with the sweet Hispanic congregation. Our hearts were changed and challenged as we saw their hearts for the Lord and His work.
On Saturday of that week we went soul winning with their church people. My wife and I began knocking doors on our designated street. I heard a squealing of tires from the next block over. Making our way over to the sound, we saw a black Monte Carlo burning its tires. Apparently the young man in the car was showing off to his brother who was standing on the porch. As the car drove off, my wife and I approached the young man on the porch. There was a feeling of relief as Darius greeted us in English! Minutes later Darius bowed his head and accepted Jesus as his Saviour!
Our team leader, Bro. Dan Hubbard, along with several of the other men from our team made a trip earlier this month to Lima, Peru. They went with the intent of finding and possibly purchasing properties for the church. Legally they needed to get permission and file paper work to start our first church. He is now officially "president" of Iglesia Bautista Internacìonal. They did find several properties, but will not purchase them until we launch in June.
I would ask you to pray for travel safety as we still have many miles to go before the end of our deputation trail. Also
pray that God would give the team wisdom as we prepare to leave the country.
Again thank you for all your continued support. Words cannot describe the joy and encouragement you are to us. We pray for you and your church on a regular basis. Thanks for all you are doing for our Lord and Savior.
Serving Him,
Daniel and Heather Kokubun
Monday, February 27, 2012
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
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
Saturday, February 25, 2012
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
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
Friday, February 24, 2012
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
Thursday, February 23, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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
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
Monday, February 20, 2012
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
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
Monday, February 13, 2012
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!
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!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
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
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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
Monday, January 23, 2012
"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!
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!
Friday, January 20, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
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
Saturday, January 14, 2012
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)
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)
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