Update: Cup of Cold Water

Yesterday, we did the final packing of the container to ship overseas to Africa!  Below are a few pictures of the work going into the process of packing the container.  Thanks to all of those who donated towards this project and to our wonderful volunteers who helped us load and unload truckloads of supplies and load and pack the container.  The chaplains and their families will be so blessed by you all!

 

Just some of the pallets we got to load!

Lumber for repairs

Victor helping us load the container with help from Clyde, a volunteer

Clyde and Justin; palletizing

Justin and Emily; team-work!

Edward, Emily, and volunteer Justin; container's almost full!

CONNECTIONS

In Southern Sudan, there are women that have experienced deep suffering.  Far Reaching Ministries seeks, first, to share the message of salvation with these women, via a program called Rabuna Fi.  The name is Arabic for “God is here”, and through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit, these women are discovering just that.  They are finding peace and hope in Jesus Christ.

Women with little, or no, education come to Rabuna Fi and are offered an opportunity to truly study the Word of God.  As a discipleship program, Rabuna Fi gives them the chance to grow spiritually.  However, there is also a need to provide for their families.  That’s why the ladies create and sell handcrafted gifts that allow them to tend to their family’s physical and financial needs.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to South Sudan and spend time with the ladies of Rabuna Fi.  In the commons area, I watched as they diligently worked - making necklaces.  Other women checked the completed necklaces for quality and then paid for them.  I noticed their children playing, nearby, and realized that I was getting a unique chance to peek into the world they live in.

Watching this process, it dawned on me that (even though we had never met) I knew all these women!  Their names were familiar to me.  You see, I handle the files of craft receipts from Rabuna Fi when they are sent to the FRM office.  Suddenly, all the names on those receipts had faces… and smiles… and children!  They were no longer only names on receipts, but active and mature believers – involved in community outreach, themselves.  They want, so much, for others to know the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

We invite you to visit our office and see the handmade crafts from the ladies of Rabuna Fi. When you visit, think of them.  If you are too far away to visit our office, you can still support our sisters by hosting a Rabuna Fi party.  A party kit includes everything you need to share, from your own corner of the world, what God is doing in Africa.  For more information, you can reach us at 951-677-4474.  

Please come visit us at:

38615 Calistoga Drive, Suite 100

Murrieta, California

Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. 

 Hope to see you soon!

HIMSELF By AB Simpson

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.

     by A. B. Simpson

One of our co-workers read this and was blessed, so we thought we'd share.  

Enjoy! 

 

Wes Bentley will be speaking at Calvary Chapel Cost Mesa

Wes Bentley will be teaching at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa on Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 7:00 PM (PST). 

If you’re in Southern California, we would love to see you there!  If you’re out of state, you can watch the live steam at www.calvarychapelcostamesa.com/media/watch-live.

Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

3800 South Fairview Street

Santa Ana, CA 92704

www.calvarychapelcostamesa.com  

Jamie McKinley: Thanksgiving in Kenya

I always love this time of the year.  I have so many great memories of how my mother would just open her house to anyone who needed a Thanksgiving meal.  The Lord just blessed her with a heart to share the joy of the season with anyone who might not have a home or family to be with.  Thanksgiving in a foreign country is not the same for sure.  First of all there isn't always the traditional foods available, it is NOT considered a holiday, but we as missionaries have learned to make things from scratch or creatively experiment with things to make it seem like tradition. This Thanksgiving I was so blessed to celebrate it twice.  On Thanksgiving day I spent the day with my mission family here in Kenya and met new missionaries as well.  It was a big feast and full of great fellowship that lasted until late.

 

That week before Thanksgiving I had been talking with a fellow member of the worship/sound ministry and we were talking about what family traditions or memories we loved.  It was then I talked about Thanksgiving and he (of course as a Kenyan) had never celebrated it and didn't know what it was about.  I explained the best memories I had and why I enjoy going back for furlough at Christmas time.  Well every saturday we have worship practice all day and normally have a small lunch of chapatis and avocados with tea.  Well this last Saturday we celebrated Thanksgiving as family in Christ.  The whole worship team, sound, and a few other brothers joined me as we had a thanksgiving lunch at church.   They tried all the food I brought and to my surprise enjoyed all of it.  It was such a great NEW memory, explaining the holiday and then going around the table and each of us giving thanks to God for what He has done this year. 

 

Hope your Thanksgiving was sweet time with loved ones.  I am so thankful to be a part of God's family, no matter where I am in the world I am always with family and it is such a blessing to be a part of His Agape love and united in His great family.  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.  Psalm 75:1

 

 

 

 

 

God's Economy

"So many things should have gone wrong

but, miracle of miracles…”  

 Those were the words I heard over the phone.  The Lord had moved the heart of one woman in Hawaii to help provide a church for the women of Loa. Having little shelter from the elements, it could be a place where they could go to be fed God’s word and worship.  Her act of obedience was to organize a garage sale.

Despite a forecast of thunderstorms, the Lord honored with a beautiful day.  His provision continued.  Free advertising, in the form of signs for two other yard sales in the area, directed people to where their purchases would store up treasures in Heaven.

Her sister told her of an article she read that suggested garage sales typically bring in between a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $1000. She asked, “Lord, a $1,000!”  He honored and showed Himself faithful to exceed.  The final total was $1,001!

In true loaves and fish fashion, there was abundance.  The needy that came to purchase clothes were provided for, and an abundance of extra items were donated to the homeless ministry.  They will, in turn, bless others.

Abba, thank you.  All I need do is hear your voice and follow where your Spirit leads.  Your provision for others is not dependent on me, but I praise your Name that you allow me to be a part of the unfolding of your grace and spreading of your gospel.

If you would like to help provide for the ladies of Rabuna Fi, plan on visiting the boutique located in at 

38615 Calistoga Dr., Murrieta, CA through December 21st. 

 Every dollar you spend in the boutique will be used to bless the ladies of Rabuna Fi!

MINISTRY PRAYER POINTS

Thank you for your hearts to intercede on behalf of the ministry.  We are so blessed by your participation in what the Lord is doing.  Here are the most recent prayer requests.

SOUTH SUDAN

• The Nubian Chaplains have now been in combat nineteen months.  Please pray that God would strengthen them to fight the battle.
• Please pray for the ladies of Rabuna Fi from Nimule, Sudan and CC Nimule’s youth group.  They are going through an eight week inductive bible study.  We are hoping to train them as trainers so they can go out and duplicate what they have learned.  Pray that these believers would grow into maturity, bearing much fruit.

KENYA

Zavala Family: Nairobi, Mombasa, DR Congo

• Please pray that God would guide in finding safe & affordable housing for the Zavala Family and FRM guesthouse.
• Please pray for healing of Twinkle's chronic headaches due to TMJ dislocation.

Natasha Chilikina:Nairobi

• Ask the Lord to give Natasha wisdom on how to care for Laylee.
• Please pray for the pastors who are coming through Kampala on their way to Sudan. Pray that the Lord would take care of every detail.
• Please pray for her daughter, Masha.  Please pray that she would see how many lies of the enemy she is believing.  Ask the Lord to soften her heart to receive Christ’ love.

Rees Family: Thika

• Pray for Gilbert Kibe who has been ordained as a new pastor.
• Pray for Gilbert's work schedule and spending time at the church during the week.
• Pray for Gilbert's wife Esther to be blessed with every spiritual blessing as a pastor's wife.
• Pray for the safe delivery of their daughter in December.
• Pray for continued safety for Tom.  Pray that the Lord would provide wisdom and discernment as he and Gilbert work together in love and unity.

UGANDA

• Please pray for the sale of our Kampala guesthouse.

Carlson Family: Kampala

• Pray that ethnic conflict would be stifled, and that politicians would refuse to exploit tribal rivalries ahead of Kenya’s elections in March 2013.
• Pray that God would provide 100% of Frontline's (CCK's ministry to street children and families) 2013 budget through the ACTnow campaign being launched November 28th with Brandon and Jen Hatmaker.
• Ask God to bless this weekend's services as they continue the series Ego Eimi with I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life (John 14.1-14).

Kanyike Family: Kampala (City Centre, FRM Guest House)

• Please pray for the Lord to cause all the necessary steps to take place for them to have Christmas with their family.
• Please pray for their ministries while they are away.
• Please pray for Brian's interviews with immigration, and that they would find favor with the immigration officer.

Eastham Family:Kampala

• Pray that the ladies from Calvary Chapel Kampala will continue to come to Bible study and hear God speak to them personally.
• Pray for the church leadership to make good budget decisions and plans for 2013.
• Pray for Walter’s son who had a broken arm a few months ago - it is not healing correctly.
• Pray that Katherine’s work permit is approved quickly so she will not have to pay for a special pass.  Katherine will help the church reach out to Kampala’s street kids.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY

G***** Family

• Pray that God would continue to provide and guide as He has blessed them greatly already!

RUSSIA

Mark Piester

• Please continue to pray for the upcoming trip to Russia.  There are still some financial holes that need to be filled.
• Regarding Luba Cherednichenko: praise the Lord as He provided the finances that Luba needed for the medical treatment for her heart condition.
• Pray that Luba will be able to get into the medical treatment facility in November.
• Pray for Sasha and Luba as they prepare for the Christmas outreaches to 280 children in five orphanages and a youth prison in their region.
• Regarding the Potatoes for Grandmother project: pray for the planning, purchase and distribution taking place in the coming months in the cities of Vladimir, Rybinsk and Urozhainaya. Pray that the Lord will use these food parcels to minister to the elderly
• Pray for the planning and finances needed for the upcoming Christmas celebration outreaches to orphans and children. They are praying for the Lord’s provision for about 500 gifts for these children.
• Pray also for a possible winter camp for 30 children to be held in Rybinsk at the first of the year.
• Pray for the planning for Mark’s upcoming winter trip to Russia. He will be departing the States on December 26th and will return home on January 21, 2013.

SOUTH AFRICA

Scott Family

• Please pray for the Scott's as they continue with the church plant. God has been sending more and more people their way. Pray that the Lord would guide them on how to wisely minister to the people. 
• Please pray for the continued covering of the Holy Spirit on the Scott's ministry. There have been extreme spiritual attacks over the past three weeks. Pray that the Lord would guide them through all of it. 
• Please pray for the Table View, West Coast, and Blouberg areas where they are ministering. Pray that the Lord would put people they can minister to in their paths. 
• Please pray for the continued fruit of the Scotts’ newspaper outreach. Pray that the testimonies that are in the paper would reach people at their heart level. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict people of their sin and lead them to repentance. 
• Praise the Lord! Bob had the opportunity to lead 12 elementary students to the Lord last week! Bob does three outreaches weekly at different schools, working with middle school and elementary school kids. The gospel message was given and 12 kids received it with joy. 
• Suzanne is due on Jan. 3rd, 2013. Please pray for a safe delivery and that the doctors are prepared for whatever may come. Please pray for their son, Bobby, to be prepared to have a sister. Pray that his heart would be soft and loving towards the new addition. 

ASIA

E**** Family

• Please lift up the logistics for the E*** family as they celebrate Thanksgiving with the O*** group.    
• Please ask the Lord for more workers to bring the Truth to the people of China. 
• Please continue to pray for the holiday events which will point people towards Christ.  This time of the year is fruitful for ministry!
• Please lift P*** and his family.  Ask the Lord to provide a market for his journals.
• Please keep T***’s folks lifted as they volunteer in NJ and NY during the Sandy cleanup. 
• Please keep K*** and J*** lifted as they seek direction in Japan. 
• Please lift those in the International Fellowship as they work out the ins and outs of living and thriving here. 
• Please lift up G***, A*** and the kids as they start their Saturday night study in Paduva. There is a ton of pressure coming to bear on them. 
• Please also lift up their friend L*** who has been put through the wringer with her family, their health and hers since she’s gone back to the states. 
• Also please lift up the Harvey family in Kosovo and The Kliebes as they head back to the states from Kenya. 
• Please continue to lift Tom and Cheryl.  Tom is back in Kenya and Cheryl is still on the mend in the US.
• Thank you for keeping this family lifted!

CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS

• Pray for those who were so dramatically affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Pray for many opportunities for Christ to be shared as lives are put back together.  Pray Jesus would be their center.
• Please pray for all our missionaries separated by many miles from their families during the holidays.  Ask the Lord to provide His peace and affirmation that their crucified lives are given for something of much greater value. 
• Please pray for the Celebration Life Festival and Crusade in St. Joseph, MO.  Pray that God would send forth His Holy Spirit to work in unison with the spoken word and that Isaiah chapter 61 would be fulfilled in abundance.
• Please pray for Pastor Jim and Carol Garlow.  Please ask the Lord to stop the growth of the tumors.  Praise God for His hand over her during the procedure she had!
• Please pray for Barb D., for continued healing and for more opportunities to witness to the Lord's faithful love and mercy.
• Please pray for Lisa, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Pray that God would show Himself absolutely faithful as she walks through this.

To Africa, and Back, On Less Than a Tank of Gas!

The work of the ladies of Rabuna Fi is available here in Murrieta, California and just in time for Christmas.  For a limited time, we have transformed a portion of our US Headquarters into a boutique filled with craft items from South Sudan, Kenya and Northern Uganda.  The handiwork of the women of Rabuna Fi is reflected in bags and purses, jewelry sets, rings, bookmarks, pashminas, skirts and journals.

Visit Africa in the bold colors and designs of Kitenge fabric purses and bags.  Glimpse a textile tradition from Uganda in our journals that are covered in bark cloth and embellished with embroidery by the ladies of Rabuna Fi.  

No need to apply for a passport!   

For a quick shopping expedition to Africa, visit:

38615 Calistoga Drive Suite 100

Murrieta, California

Our office is open Monday thru Friday, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. 

Any questions?  You can reach us at 951-677-4474

Hope to see you soon!