25 August 2013

Making today count ~ by Vicky Bentley


When I saw this posted on my friend’s facebook I wondered what would happen if all of us purposed today to go a step further. Kindness isn’t enough…what if we extravagantly and intentionally show Christ’s kindness AND His love…imagine how powerful that could be?

We don’t realize the intensity and influence of stress on everyday life is getting heavier and harder as the days grow more evil. The world brazenly rejects God grieving His Spirit and refusing to accept His mercy. Friend or foe of the Lord Jesus Christ, now more than ever, they need to know they are loved and have an eternal destiny ~ if we don’t tell them who will?

You may be thinking, “My plate is already full!” believe me, I hear you…but we have HELP and HOPE as close as a prayer. Taking all our burdens and laying them by faith at the feet of Jesus not only frees us but also makes our actions that much more genuine and effectual! Make today count for the kingdom, I have to say it again ~ if we don’t love them who will?

12 August 2013

Matthew 18:19

SOUTH SUDAN
  • Pray for the revival outreach Wes is leading in Juba this October.
  • Praying for the plumbing parts to safely reach Nimule. They still need a solar pump and various fittings. Keith Coggin is coming to oversee the connections.
  • Pray that the senior staff in Nimule would continue to grow in their leadership skills, communication (as a team and with the Corporate Office), and protection over their families.
    • Michael Alahai: Senior Pastor, CC Nimule
    • Tobia Abuchan: Senior Pastor, MC Pageri
    • Lino Manyoul: Project Administrator
    • Joseph Otieno: Administrative Assistant
  • Pray for Rabuna Fi in Loa. Pray that the ladies would let go of the traditions contrary to God’s word, be a light in their communities, learn new income-generating activities, and that the literacy classes would be effective.
  • Pray for Rabuna Fi in Nimule. Pray that the Lord would give wisdom to Vicky and support for and from trained leaders and prayer groups
  • Pray for the youth ministry at CC Nimule. Pray for purity, honesty among themselves, revival in each young person and their families.
  • Pray for the Sanctuary of Grace launch into South Sudan. Pray for anointing over Lisa as she drafts up the complete curriculum and for favor with the Ministry of Education. Also pray for open doors at the teacher training college in Kerapi.


ASIA
E**** Family
  • Praise Report: The missionaries are back in the country the Lord has called them to years ago.
  • Please pray as they seek the Lord’s voice on the next step.
  • Please continue to pray for the adoption as things appear complicated. Pray for the family as they rest in Him for the outcome. Ask Him to make legal the family He has already provided.


FRANCE
Stone Family
  • The Stones were just invited to attend Creation Fest this year in England, and Annie will be preaching five times to the women! Please pray that God would use her greatly as she speaks to hundreds of ladies over the week. Pray for Him to give her vision, passion and strength. 
  • Please pray as the whole family will have various jobs to do at Creation Fest. Pray for a fresh filling of the Spirit on all of them during the week-long festival/outreach. 
  • Continued prayer for the launch of La Pépinière at CC Nice. There is still much to do (secure visas for students, class schedules), and registration for French students is still open. 
  • Shawn is starting a student’s ministry at CC Nice (for 12-15-year-olds). Pray that the Lord would give him a vision and raise up a young assistant(s). 
  • Please pray for the kids to make friends is the new city. 


Ireland
Langley Family
  • Please pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of the students and teachers who are at the School of Ministry this semester.
  • Please pray that more Irish people would attend the School of Ministry and get trained up for service.
  • Please pray that Calvary Waterford would find the best place for Sunday worship – whatever place God has in mind.
  • Praise Report: Great turnout and success of the kids' camp (VBS) that Carrie and several volunteers from the church put on at the community center in the small village of Passage East where the Langleys live. About 20 kids attended each day, and they are excited for next year’s VBS.


KENYA
Zavala Family: Nairobi, Mombasa, DR Congo
  • Please pray for the team from Harvest Chapel that will be coming out in August to do short term ministry with the team in Nairobi and Mombasa.
  • Please pray that the Lord would open doors to find secure, affordable, suitable houses for the FRM guest house and for the Zavala family.
  • Prayer that the Lord would heal Bianca's ringworm infection in her torso and Sophia's asthma.


Jamie McKinley: Nairobi
  • Praise Report: Masoka (Pastor Asukulu Ibrahim's wife) from CC Barraka, had surgery and is recovering. Pray that the Lord would continue to heal her and provide the proper medical care.
  • Pray that the Lord would give wisdom to Jamie and Phyllis as they teach the Women’s Bible Studies. Pray that the women attending would have a hunger for the Word and live Christ-centered life.
  • Pray for the Harvest Chapel team as they prepare to come out. Pray that God would give them wisdom as they work on details and seek the His vision for the trip. Also pray that He would provide for the needs of each team member.
  • Pray for Jamie and Jane as they teach a small group discipleship class for young girls once a month. Pray that the Lord would give wisdom to Jamie and Jane, and use them as vessels of love to encourage and bless the girls who have difficult home lives.
  • Pray for CC Nairobi’s weekly evangelism. Pray that the Lord would use the members to shine the light of Christ in dark places.  Pray that those who have come to Christ through the outreaches would grow in His Word and come for fellowship.
  • Pray that the Lord would give Jamie wisdom and peace as she waits upon Him and His will in each area of her life.
  • Pray that the Lord would provide a new, affordable, and safe location for the team to live in.


Natasha Chilikina: Nairobi
  • Praise Report: Natasha’s mom expressed a desire to be baptized, and Wes is going to baptize her August 3. Pray for Natasha as she organizes the event, and pray for Natasha’s father to be saved, as well.
  • Pray that Wes and Edward would be able to challenge and encourage the saints at Calvary Chapel Vladimir during their time there.
  • Pray for Masha’s pregnancy and for her to see clearly that Jesus loves her and wants her back in the fellowship of His light.
  • Pray for Natasha’s visa to be approved to come to the United States.
  • Pray for the Lord to guide and lead the preparation for the Women's Retreat.
  • Pray that the Lord would grant an invitation for Jamie to visit the church in Russia. Pray that He would take care of every detail.
  •  

Rees Family: Thika
  • Please continue to pray daily for them to know God’s perfect will each step of the way.


Ruth Deam: Karen
  • Please pray for the prison ministry as they meet to discuss visiting the women’s prison church at least once a month for the Sunday service where Ruth will be teaching. Please pray for God’s will and direction.


MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY
G***** Family
  • Praise the Lord, K*** has made it back safety from her appointment for her passport and visa.
  • Please pray that they will have her passport and visa by the end of August.


RUSSIA
  • Pray for the Women’s Conference at Calvary Chapel Vladimir. It will be held August 23-25.

Mark Piester
  • Praise Report: 42 children yielded their lives to the Lord at two camps held this summer in Rybinsk and Urozhainaya.
  • Pray for the last camp of the season: July 31-August 10. Pray that the 25 children attending will give their lives to the Lord. 


Russia Team
  • Some people on the team are ill. Pray for their quick recovery and strengthened health.
  • Pray for the outreach that are doing. Many are coming to know about God, and many have accepted Him as Lord.
  • Pray for safety as they travel and move around to different cities.


SOUTH AFRICA
Scott Family:
  • Please pray for the Scotts’ health; their kids have had colds and ear infections.
  • Please pray for the church plant, that God would continue to oversee everything that is going on. Pray that God would draw people by His Spirit and in His timing.
  • Please pray for those men who are in leadership training. Pray that God would lead them.


UGANDA
  • Please ask the Lord to send the perfect buyer for the Kampala guesthouse.
  • Pray for Rabuna Fi in Masindi. Pray for unity, loyalty, and boldness; pray for anointing over Richard and Suzan Angoma as leaders, visionaries, and administrators.
  •  

Kanyike Family: Kampala
  • Praise report: The Kanyikes were able to find someone who could recover most of what was on their hard drive.
  • Praise Report: Jill's dad had a successful surgery, and it was not cancer!
  • Please pray that the Kanyike family would be healthy and that all their visitors would stay healthy.
  • Pray for safety in Kampala as there are still protests and riots happening.
  • Pray for Jill as her new Bible study begins on Saturday.
  • Pray for Brian and Jill as they begin a monthly leader and staff fellowship and prayer meeting at their home. The first meeting is this Thursday.


Eastham Family: Kampala
  • Pray for the Easthams’ stress management and relief. They are experiencing a lot more trials this year.
  • Pray for the church to have a projector to display the worship songs for the satellite campus in Kololo.
  • Pray that the new church in Bunga will start well and thrive.

05 August 2013

Faithful in Prayer

Sometimes we are privileged to see the answer to the things we pray for.  Natasha has been a missionary with Far Reaching Miniseries in Nairobi, Kenya for the past five years. She has been praying for her mother’s salvation a very long time. While Natasha was home in Russia on a brief furlough, she was blessed to see her mother accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior!

God answered Natasha's prayers in the best way possible. It was an even sweeter gift because Wes Bentley was in Russia working on the Home for a Grandmother project, and he was able to baptize Natasha's mother.  Praise God that the body of Christ can celebrate this amazing thing together! This moment shows us that when we are faithful in prayer, God will answer. 

01 August 2013

“I have seen the Power of God..."

I was talking with one of our chaplains from the Nuba Mountains about how he knows that God is real. Our chaplain, Joffer, is a high ranking solider, who works closely with the commanders in the Nubas. His reputation is known throughout all the army. Joffer is known as a man of God – trustworthy and fearless. He has earned the respect of the commanders because of his dedication to his Heavenly Father. Many of the commanders in the area are Muslim, but they know that Joffer’s God has true power, so they ask Joffer to pray for them before they go into battle.

Joffer went on to say, “There are many ways that I know God is real. His love for me explains it all. I would not be here if it was not for Him watching over me. I was at a meeting with four commanders, planning for the battle. All of a sudden we started getting bombed by Antonovs and rockets. A bomb landed between us five soldiers, but it did not explode. We took off running to get our men to safety. When we thought the bombing was over, the five of us regrouped. Another bomb dropped in between us again! It did not explode, so we ran as fast as we could. When we got about 50 feet away, the bomb finally exploded but none of us were injured. The next day, six of us met to talk about the battle. For a third time, a bomb landed in between us, but this time it did explode. Even though six of us where around the bomb, only one man was injured in the explosion. This is how I know God was real. When all these men should have been killed, including myself, only one man was injured. God was faithful to my prayers for protection. How do I know God is real? Because I am here today. I have seen the power of God, and He is mighty!” 

19 July 2013

Please Join Us in Prayer

Thank you for joining us in ministry through prayer!  Here are the latest requests.

SOUTH SUDAN
  • Pray for this 9th class of chaplains who just graduated and whose deployment will move them directly to the front lines where there is heavy conflict.  Ask the Lord to take all that they have learned and now make it practical and useful, for His glory and the saving of many people.   
  • Please pray for the stabilization of South Sudan.  The oil reserve areas are still under attack from the north, not allowing the south to properly grow its economy and care for its people.

MISSIONARIES SERVING IN A CLOSED ASIAN COUNTRY
  • Praise God!  He supplied a visa!
  • Please keep this missionary lifted.  After a decade of serving in very difficult circumstances, he has a lot to say about what he has observed and what is happening in the country which wh served.  Ask the Lord to provide the words and platform for what He would have shared.

KENYA
Zavala Family: Nairobi, Mombasa, DR Congo
  • Please pray for healing for the Zavala family from coughs & colds.
  • Praise God for yesterday's evangelism outreach.  There was a big turnout, please pray that "seeds fell in good ground", and those who got born again would commit their lives to the Lord.
  • Please pray for the team from Harvest team that will be coming out in August to do short term ministry with the team in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Natasha Chilikina: Nairobi
  • Pray that the ladies would grow in their maturity in Christ.
  • Pray for wisdom in how to minister to the worship team.

Rees Family: Thika
  • Please pray that Helen will come to know Jesus and receive His Word as truth.
  • Please pray for a special move of God’s Spirit on Gloucester and Wales.
  • Thank you to all who were such a great blessing to the Rees’.

Ruth Deam: Karen
  • Please pray for Ruth’s sister’s mother in law who has heart complications and is getting worse day by day.  Also lift up a friend who has inoperable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for Maxwell, his parents are not doing well, especially his mom, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Please pray for strength, comfort and as the Lord leads.
  • Please pray for Prison ministry, they are meeting regarding visiting the women’s prison church at least once a month for Sunday service where Ruth will be teaching. Please pray for Gods’ will and direction.
  • Please pray for also for provision for a reliable vehicle that is a blessing to the ministry.

UGANDA
  • Please ask the Lord to send the perfect buyer for the Kampala guesthouse.

Kanyike Family: Kampala
  • Please pray for the team of 15 which recently returned to states, many are recovering from malaria and other illnesses.
  • Pray for safety as violent theft is on the rise especially involving foreigners.
  • Praise report that the protests have ended!
  • Please continue to pray for safety and health for all the missionaries and visitors.
  • Please pray for the administrative work that needs to be done to be accomplished; there have been many issues this month with power and the repair of a broken step up transformer which caused us to get a bit behind.
  • Please pray for Brian as he pastors at CCK.
  • Pray for Brian and Jill as they begin premarital counseling with a new couple.
  • Pray for Jill as she prepares for a new study she will be teaching beginning in August.
  • Pray for all the ministries taking place at CCK.
  • Thank you for faithfully praying for the ministry in Uganda and the Kanyike family.

Eastham Family: Kampala
  • Pray for their stress management and relief.  Their second year living in Uganda is much more stressful than the first.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY
G***** Family
  • Pray that God would have His hand upon K***’s appointment.
  • Pray for safe travel to and from the necessary appointments.  Praise God, He is faithful and they need not worry.
  • Keep them in prayer as they finish up the necessary steps before taking the interview.

RUSSIA
Mark Piester
  • Please continue to pray for God's provision for the upcoming summer camps. Praise God, for the Lord's provision for more than half of the necessary funds have been received to date. We trust that the Lord will fully fund the camps once again this year.  Ask the Lord for much fruit from the presentation of Christ’s love.

MAURITIUS
Ceaser Family
  • Pray for approval of their four year work and residence permit from the Mauritian Government. They are waiting for a positive response from the Ministry of Labour now that their file is complete. Pray for favor and a positive decision for them to receive our work and residence permits for Mauritius.
  • Ask for God’s continued provision for the ministry; to be good stewards in order to build up our reserve fund that has been diminished due to the increased expenses related to their pioneering work on Mauritius.
  • Pray for opportunities to share the love of Christ with people they meet. 
  • Ask God to be in all the administrative work that Eric is carrying out in regards to the permits, and developing the carpentry and food service courses for CHARIS.
  • Pray for the neighbors’ from Sierra Leone; four women from the same family who are being ministered to by Sheila. Pray for wisdom on how to best share her faith with them.
  • Pray for Mary, an Eritrean woman whose foot injury and physical condition hinders her from work; is learning crocheting in order to make a living.

ASIA
E**** Family
  • Please keep T*** lifted.  Things are very difficult for her.  Pray that with all that goes on around her, her eyes will never waiver from her Savior.
  • Please continue to pray for the adoption.  Things appear more complicated; pray for the family as they rest in Him for the outcome.  Ask Him to make legal the family He has already provided. 
  • Pray for the needed fingerprints and for the adoption packet to be approved and complete to go to C*** by August. 
  • Please also pray for the additional documentation being mailed which includes irreplaceable documentation that they need.
  • Praise the Lord with them for T*** new contract and all the additional and advanced classes she was asked to teach.

CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS
  • Praise God!  He took care of all the details and provided a tremendous increase on the efforts of the yard sale!
  • Please continue to pray for Sheri, that the Lord would heal her from her seizures.  Ask the Lord to give the Doctor’s wisdom and discernment on the best course of action in treating her.  Pray that she and her husband would have His wisdom as they walk through these trials.
  • Ask the Lord to be in the transport of the latest container to South Sudan.  Pray that it would arrive with perfect timing. 
  • Please continue to pray for the family of Carol Garlow, as they adjust to this season.  Grieving is a process.

11 July 2013

UNDETERRED


Several months ago, I remember a short-term missionary asking me why Far Reaching Ministries (FRM) had an armored SUV with bullet-proof glass.

“This is Africa,” I explained.  “This place can blow up at any time.  It’s inherently unstable.”

Well, this past month has given me a taste of just how unstable.  Several weeks ago, the mayor was beaten up by the police and tear gas was fired twice. 

Next, Kampala’s shopkeepers closed their stores to protest a government fee on imported goods.  The shopkeepers said they were determined to keep their shops closed until the government eliminated or softened the import fee.

When we arrived at church Tuesday morning, we found the building locked.  I wasn’t expecting that.  The church staff ended up going over to a local café and prayed there.  It was very encouraging to see the church staff undeterred by the day’s events.



On Wednesday morning, I called the building manager to find out if he could open the church for us.  He told me, “The situation is not so good.  We will not open the building.”

Since Ugandans tended to understate things, I knew this meant things were pretty bad.  Later that morning, the U.S. Embassy issued a security warning about “planned demonstrations.”  So, I texted church staff not to come in and about 700 church members telling them our evening worship service had been cancelled.

The police presence in downtown was about double the usual amount.  Things were generally quiet except for when the riot police walked by.  It seemed like things were safe enough to return to the church building, so a few of us walked over and talked the building manager into letting us in for about an hour.  It took some talking to him because he was under strict orders not to let anybody in.

Once inside, we rushed to make preparations for Sunday’s worship services and the children’s ministry classes.  Afterwards, I treated the church staff to a goat and rice lunch at Uhuru, the same restaurant that was practically engulfed in tear gas the week before.  I couldn’t thank them enough for their great dedication and courage.

Next, we planned how we were going to prepare for Sunday’s worship services should the building be closed for the remainder of the week. 

By the grace of God, we remain UNDETERRED.  We are convicted by our mission from God… to spread the Good News in Kampala!

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  2 Corinthians 4:17-18.

Undeterred from Kampala,
John Eastham

To support the Eastham family, go to: www.supportFRM.org
(include Eastham under comments)

Far Reaching Ministries
North American Headquarters
38615 Calistoga Drive
Suite 100
Murrieta, CA 92563
Office: +1 (951) 677-4474

03 July 2013

Please Join us in Prayer

SOUTH SUDAN

  • Pray for this 9th class of chaplains who just graduated.  Many will be sent directly to the front lines--areas experiencing heavy conflict.  Ask the Lord to equip them for ministry in these hard and dangerous conditions.    
  • Pray against the rhetoric and posturing from the government of north Sudan.  Their threats to the international community and the deceptions they are perpetuating have the potential to further escalate the war and send it deeper into South Sudan. 

MISSIONARIES SERVING IN A CLOSED ASIAN COUNTRY
  • Please pray for the missionary who is in need of a visa.  Ask the Lord to provide as only He can.
  • Praise our King! Despite the emotional roller coaster this family has been on, their faith is being manifest, and His grace apparent!  They are grateful for the prayer covering!
  • Please pray for those involved in the ministry that was closed down.  Pray that they would have patience in the wait as He calls them to be still.  Praise God, He has provided a clear sense that He is in the midst of these unexpected events. 

KENYA
Natasha Chilikina: Nairobi
  • Pray for Natasha, as she finishes teaching the book of Revelation.
  • Pray that the ladies would grow in their maturity in Christ.
  • Pray for wisdom in how to minister to the worship team.

Jamie McKinley: Nairobi
  • Pray for the health of the team, as many are getting colds and sickness.  Pray for the Lord's healing and protection physically as they serve.
  • Pray for Lois, a woman in Kibera, who just lost a loved one (the father of her children), that the Lord would comfort her and give her peace. Pray that the Lord would show her His love and she would grow closer to Him through this.
  • Pray that God would give wisdom to the team as they seek the Lord's vision for the trip and work on the details.
  • Pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of those they will minister to.
  • Pray for the Titus group (youth girl discipleship), that Jayne and Jamie would have wisdom as they teach and disciple these young ladies.  Pray that they would be committed and that God would grow them into godly women with hearts on fire for Him.

Rees Family: Thika
  • Pray for Tom and Cheryl as they grieve the loss of her mom. 
  • Pray for family unity and healing and forgiveness for family members. 
  • Pray blessing for Cheryl’s sister Cristy who is displaying their prayer cards in her hair salon.  Ask the Lord to move the hearts of those He has called to join them in prayer to take one of the cards.
  • Ask the Lord to bless Tom’s Mom who will be having a special time at her home with her class from church and also friends and neighbors, so Tom can give a bible study and share about the new work they will be doing in the UK.
  • Pray blessing for Patti, an airline stewardess, who has opened her home to the Rees’ if they need a place to stay as they work on their visas and prepare to leave for England.

Ruth Deam: Karen
  • Please pray for Ruth’s sister’s mother in law who has heart complications and is getting worse day by day.  Also lift up a friend who has inoperable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for Maxwell, his parents are not doing well, especially his mom, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Please pray for strength, comfort and as the Lord leads.
  • Please pray for Prison ministry, they are meeting regarding visiting the women’s prison church at least once a month for Sunday service where Ruth will be teaching. Please pray for Gods’ will and direction.
  • Please pray for also for provision for a reliable vehicle that is a blessing to the ministry.
UGANDA
  • Please ask the Lord to send the perfect buyer for the Kampala guesthouse.

Kanyike Family: Kampala
  • Please pray for safety during this time of protests and riots in Kampala.
  • Pray for health for all the missionaries and visitors. Pray for Brian and Jill as they are both fighting off stomach viruses.
  • Pray for all of the people who were baptized recently at Calvary Chapel Kampala.
  • Pray for Brian and Jill to accomplish the many tasks and ministries they have this week as well as to be hospitable and show the love of Christ to all the visitors to the guest house.
  • Thank you for praying for the ministry in Uganda and for the Kanyike family.

Eastham Family: Kampala
  • Pray for their guard, Walter, and his wife to overcome their marital problems.
  • Pray for guidance about getting a bigger car.
  • Praise God that the church is beginning to turning around financially.  There is much further to go, but God is guiding the leadership to sound decision making.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY
G***** Family
  • God is truly a God that blesses.   In their weakness, He continues to provide for them. He has guided them to the hospital that K*** must go to for the medical examination.
  • Pray for safe travel to and from the necessary appointments.  Praise God, He is faithful and they need not worry.
  • Keep them in prayer as they finish up the necessary steps before taking the interview.

RUSSIA
Mark Piester
  • Pray for Sasha and Luba and their church as they minister to the elderly and poor families through the FRM Sponsorship program. One sponsored family with 6 children (ages 15 to 2 years) lost their mother in a tragic death last month. These children have regularly attended Sunday school at their church. The children have been temporarily placed in an orphanage because their father has not been able to cope with the loss and is currently hospitalized. Pray for the family and Sasha and Luba as they seek ways to bring comfort and minister to the family during this time of loss.
  • Continue to pray for God's provision for the funding of the upcoming summer camps. Praise God, for the Lord's provision for more than half of the necessary funds have been received to date. We trust that the Lord will fully fund the camps once again this year. 

SOUTH AFRICA
Scott Family:  Cape Town
  • Please pray for the Scott's health as they have just entered winter. It has been an extremely hard winter with snow falling only a couple of hours from where they live. 
  • Please pray that the Lord's work would continue unhindered by the enemy. Pray for hearts to be opened and for the Word of the Lord to go forth. 
  • Please pray for Suzanne as she is staying home most days with their kids. Pray for wisdom in raising Godly and loving children. 
  • Please continue to pray for the church plant. God is definitely moving and doing something awesome there. 
  • Please pray against the spiritual warfare. It seems at times the church is confronted around every corner of ministry. Pray that they would all grow though this time of trials and persecutions. Pray that the strength of the Lord would be their guide.

ASIA
E**** Family
  • Pray for the needed fingerprints and for the adoption packet to be approved and complete to go to C*** by August. 
  • Please also pray for the additional documentation being mailed which includes irreplaceable documentation that they need.
  • Praise the Lord with them for T*** new contract and all the additional and advanced classes she was asked to teach.
  • Please also keep R*** and S*** lifted.  S****’s parents are really struggling.  With the E**** family’s recent flurry of activity and things not going so well at home, they are really being knocked for a loop.  Please also lift all those that marking time until August when they can start putting thing back together. 
  • Please keep T*** lifted up.  Its finals season, crunch time for teachers and students alike.  She is buried, though she has help with their son.

CLOSE TO OUR HEART
  • Please continue to pray for the family of Carol Garlow, as they adjust to this season.  Grieving is a process.
  • Pray for Susana.  She is 58, has lung disease, and is also going through breast cancer and trying to keep her job while in chemo and radiation. Pray that the Lord would bring people alongside her to help with any and everything she needs. 
  • Please pray for the group from Calvary Chapel South Shore that is doing a yard sale to help provide a church building for Loa.  Ask the Lord to bless their planning and provide all they need.
  • Please continue to pray for Sheri.  Ask the Lord to intervene and eliminate the seizures.  Pray that the reduction to part time work would help.
  • Please pray for Sherrell.  Ask the Lord to provide her with complete healing.  Pray for the doctors to know how to prevent the recurring health issues that she is having.


02 July 2013

Listening to the Spirit

On Thursday morning, a political opposition leader (the president’s nemesis) appeared in downtown Kampala and started addressing a crowd.  The police considered this an “unsanctioned rally,” so they arrested the opposition leader and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.  Gun shots may also have been fired.


                                                
This all took place about two blocks from the church.  Additionally, the police shot tear gas on two streets that were even closer to the church.  I was able to take this photo on my phone.

I walk through this area all the time and could have easily been there this morning.  Toward the left of the photo is a restaurant called Uhuru.  I was there yesterday eating rice and goat meat for lunch.  In the middle of the photo is Pioneer Mall.  I walked through there twice yesterday on church business.  The church staff parks their cars in its parking lot every day.  All this is a little too close for comfort.

Last night, while I was praying with the family, I prayed for, among other things, safety.  As soon as I mentioned safety, I wondered why I asked God for that.  I normally don’t pray for safety.  Now, I know it was the Holy Spirit guiding my prayer for today.  May the Lord bless and keep us…

John Eastham
Serving with his family in Kampala, Uganda.

We received this additional information from another of our missionaries serving in Kampala.   “It has been almost a straight week and a half of protests and rioting. Today all the shops downtown are closed in protest. They have threatened to burn any shop that does not join in on the protest.”  Imagine how this would change your way of life.  Please continue to pray for the families who serve in Kampala.  

To support the Eastham family, go to: www.supportFRM.org
(include Eastham under comments)

Far Reaching Ministries
North American Headquarters
38615 Calistoga Drive
Suite 100
Murrieta, CA 92563
Office: +1 (951) 677-4474

24 June 2013

Sacrifice

As I sit and write this, my heart is heavy. Over the course of the last six months we have had three sets of visitors from the United States. Our friends and family came to see us for 2-3 week visits each. It is wonderful to have that connection but at the end of it all it can leave one with a weighty heart. 

Having children is a blessing. And for grandparents, the blessing is multiplied.

We live over 8,000 miles away from our children’s grandparents. To have them come and visit is truly wonderful. To see the way they interact with our children is nothing short of marvelous. They love their grandkids and want to fit as much in as they can as they know their time with them is extremely limited. This is the case for most people as their families come for a visit and then go home. But, with most people, home is not across an ocean or involve sitting on a plane for the better part of 24 hours. I know that both the grandkids and the grandparents love the time together, but I also know that the grandparents often times wonder if our kids will remember them. Will they remember the blessed times they had together? Will they remember that they came and saw them for their second birthday? We are blessed with families that understand the calling that God has put on our lives but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t want to live next door to us to see our kids on a daily basis.


This is one the many ways that we have had to count the cost of serving the Lord overseas. Though God has called us to service here, it doesn’t mean that our hearts are not torn from time to time seeing our loved ones so far away. We live in a country that is foreign to us. We are around people that have no idea what it is like where we came from or what we really go through on a daily basis. There are times that you just want to quickly ask your mom or dad something but then you realize they are at work or sleeping because of the time difference. I don’t think that one can ever get used to these moments, but they become an act of surrender in serving the Lord.                                            


Grace and Peace,

Bob, Suzanne, Bobby and Maisey Scott
Cape Town, South Africa

To support Bob & Suzanne, go to: www.supportFRM.org
(include Scott under comments)

Far Reaching Ministries
North American Headquarters
38615 Calistoga Drive
Suite 100
Murrieta, CA 92563
Office: +1 (951) 677-4474


21 June 2013

He's Too Young to Die

When we think of death, our minds automatically think of someone old or stricken with a disease. The pain involved with death is great but how joyous it should be for us as Christians. How happy we should be to see our beloved go to be with our Heavenly Father. 

At what age is death acceptable? 70? 80? 

What about the reasons for death? 

Is it acceptable if you are old or with an incurables illness? We think of such temporal things. Have we forgotten about the martyrs or those who are willing to go into dangerous places to share the good news?  “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” (Romans 10:15) 

The picture above is of one of our brothers. He is graduating from our chaplain Bible school later this month. His heart is to take the gospel to his people, even though death is likely possible. His age is young but his strength is in the Lord. “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (Mark 10:15) 

Death has no perfect age – it has no preference; it wishes to inspire terror, to draw you away from the Father. “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” (Acts 2:24) “Oh death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) 

Death no longer has a hold over us! 
What will you be willing to do with your new freedom? 
Are you too young to die?

Chase Amaya
Intern
Far Reaching Ministries

20 June 2013

STAND, FIGHT and DIE!

As I sit here, at our training compound in South Sudan, the men are busy with preparations for graduation. After a long and hard year at our chaplain training school, the men are filled with excitement for the long awaited day. After graduation the men will be deployed to their respective positions. Some of the men will be going straight to the front lines of the war here in South Sudan, but every single one will be on the front lines of the spiritual battle for souls. The men know that this war (both physical and spiritual) will be very costly and the blood shed will be great.

For most of us, fighting one war (against our flesh) is hard enough; it takes every last ounce of strength we have. How convicting is it to stand with men who are fighting not just for their own soul, but for everybody they come in contact with. Our men live by a code of conduct that we all should follow. “If the enemy comes, we will STAND, we will FIGHT, and we will DIE! But we will not surrender you to the wicked!” This code was made when we witnessed the Government of Sudan (GoS), the LRA, and other rebel groups coming into villages and killing every woman and child. We teach our men that we stand on that line until every woman and child is evacuated to safety, and we will DIE protecting the innocent and helpless.  

Our men are ready to die to the desires of their flesh and are willing to die to ensure life for others. Matthew 16:25 says, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” When you are faced with this choice, what will you do? Are you ready to die, so that you have eternal life? John 5:13 says, “Greater love has not one than this, that one lay his life down for his friend.”

Are we willing to love to the point of death? A time to die…a chance to live.

Chase Amaya

Intern

Far Reaching Ministries

17 June 2013

A Light in the War Against Darkness

We know they are out there, the unsung heroes of the faith who are willing to set aside their own desires and offer all they have in obedience to the Lord.  Once in a while, we get a glimpse of these warriors for the Kingdom.  Most recently, we witnessed this on Friday.

Brian and his family had read the newsletter about the suffering Syrian Christians and the portion about the young boy who gave his $5 to help children in need instead of buying candy, particularly touched his heart.  He told his mom that he wanted to give his savings to the Syrian church.  She called Friday morning and made the donation for him.  As we communicated back and forth, more information came to light.  Brian had also received a gift card for his birthday that he desired to cash out so that he could give even more. 

Brian is ten.  He also volunteers here with us in the office.  He again stands with us, committing now both time and treasures for the Kingdom, shining as a light in this war against darkness. 

But there is more to this story!  Brian had been struggling on and off for about a year with serious health concerns.  Last November, whatever was attacking his body came on full force.  He couldn’t even function as a normal, healthy, active kid any more.  He had no energy to even go outside and play.  He couldn’t do his normal daily activities, including school.  He had aching pain from head to toe: severe headaches, punishing joint pain, extreme fatigue, and sensitivity to light.  He was in constant pain, sometimes falling to the ground because of the intensity of how badly he was suffering.  He still had a heart to help his family with the dishes and had to support himself by leaning on the sink.  His condition perplexed the doctors that his family sought out in desperation for help.  They came to believe that Brian had some rare lifelong disease.  In the midst of this, the whole family poured themselves into prayer, including his little brother who prayed, “Jesus, heal my brother, I want to play with him.”  And, the Lord did!  All of Brian’s symptoms are gone!  

What has been Brian’s response?   He wanted to know when he could return to volunteer at Far Reaching Ministries, and as you have also read, he is now investing his treasures as well.

………………………………………………………………….

Hearing Brian’s story is compelling.  He is acting on the moving of the Holy Spirit at an age when most of us only thought about friends, playing, video games and sleep-overs.  We are all moved by stories of that nearness with the Father, of those who hear and choose to respond seamlessly.  But really, this story can belong to any one of us, because the source is not us, it’s the Holy Spirit.  The book of Ephesians tells us we are each God’s masterpiece, His poema, uniquely created with a plan, prepared in advance for us.  (2:10, 4:12)


Don’t miss what God created you for!  We all get one short life.  There are no do-overs, nor second chances.  Glorify the Father with every breath….

14 June 2013

Thank You for Praying

SOUTH SUDAN
  • Pray for this 9th class of chaplains who are preparing to graduate.  Many of these brave men will be going directly to the front lines. 
  • Pray for the teams traveling to South Sudan to work with these men before graduation.  Ask the Lord to use them mightily as they pour into the lives of the chaplains.
  • Pray against the rhetoric and posturing from the government of north Sudan.  Their threats to the international community and the deceptions they are perpetuating have the potential to further escalate the war and send it deeper into South Sudan. 

MISSIONARIES SERVING IN A CLOSED ASIAN COUNTRY
  • Please pray for those involved in the ministry that was closed down.  Pray that they would have patience in the wait as He calls them to be still.  Praise God, He has provided a clear sense that He is in the midst of these unexpected events. 
  • Please pray for all those that had such a sudden displacement, whose plans and expectations took such a radical turn.  Ask the Lord to pour His presence and direction out on them as they discover what He has next.

KENYA
  • Zavala Family: Nairobi, Mombasa, DR Congo
  • Please pray that the water meter in the house would get fixed soon.
  • Please pray for healing for Twinkle's migraines, neck & back pain.
  • Please pray for Damaris Kemunto, a single mom of 3 kids, who is anemic and has been in poor health for many months.

Natasha Chilikina: Nairobi
  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to them through the Bible study of the book of Revelation.
  • Pray that the worship team will become even more united through this time of stretching by the Holy Spirit.
  • Continue to pray for salvation for her daughter and her father.
  • Please pray that God would provide for a new computer for Natasha.

Jamie McKinley:  Nairobi
  • Pray for the health of the team, as many are getting colds and sickness.  Pray for the Lord's healing and protection physically as they serve.
  • Pray for Lois, a woman in Kibera, who just lost a loved one (the father of her children), that the Lord would comfort her and give her peace. Pray that the Lord would just show her His love and she would grow closer to Him through this.
  • Pray for the Calvary Chapel High Desert team as they prepare to come out on a STM to the DR Congo and Nairobi. Pray that God would give wisdom to the team as they seek the Lord's vision for the trip and work on the details.  Pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of those they will minister to.
  • Pray for the Titus group (youth girl discipleship) that Jayne and Jamie would have wisdom as they teach and disciple these young ladies.  Pray that they would be committed and that God would grow them into godly women with a heart on fire for Him.

Rees Family: Thika
  • Pray for Tom and Cheryl as they grieve the loss of her mom. 
  • Pray for family unity and healing and forgiveness for family members. 
  • Ask the Lord to be in all the details for their trip to the UK.  Pray that He would pack for them, and minister to them as they to go.  They will travel first to Gloucester, then Wales to pray for the new church plant in the UK and then York for their daughter’s wedding on June 22nd.
  • Pray blessing for Cheryl’s sister Cristy who is displaying their prayer cards in her hair salon.  Ask the Lord to move the hearts of those He has called to join them in prayer to take one of the cards.
  • Ask the Lord to bless Tom’s Mom who will be having a special time at her home with her class from church and also friends and neighbors, so Tom can give a bible study and share about the new work they will be doing in the UK.
  • Pray blessing for Patti, an airline stewardess, who has opened her home to the Rees’ if they need a place to stay as they work on their visas and prepare to leave for England.

UGANDA
  • Please ask the Lord to send the perfect buyer for the Kampala guesthouse.
  • Kanyike Family: Kampala
  • Please pray for Susan Angoma as she processes the sudden loss of her father.
  • Please continue to pray for health and safety of all missionaries and visitors at the guest house.
  • Please pray for Brian as he is returning this week from the senior pastor’s conference and jumps right into teaching. Pray he will recover quickly from jet lag.
  • Pray for the ministries at Calvary Chapel Kampala and the guest house. Pray for the Lord's guidance in all things.
  • Thank you for praying for the ministry in Uganda and for the Kanyike family.

Eastham Family: Kampala
  • Pray that the funds are available to buy a bigger car.
  • Pray that God guides John and the leadership through the church’s difficult financial times and gives them a vision for His plans.
  • Ask the Lord to give John and the church leadership discernment about renting an additional floor for the church.  Doing this would be a big step of faith in a difficult financial period.
  • Pray for their guard, Walter, and his wife to overcome their marital problems.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY
G***** Family
  • Praise God for seeing them through this hard part of their lives.
  • Praise God!  He has consistently been providing the monetary support they've needed during this time.
  • Ask God to guide them to the right physician/hospital before the interview date arrives.
  • Ask God to continue to be in control of the situation and that they would not seek to finish this work of the spirit in their flesh.

RUSSIA
Mark Piester
  • Pray for Sasha and Luba and their church as they minister to the elderly and poor families through the FRM Sponsorship program. One sponsored family with 6 children (ages 15 to 2 years) lost their mother in a tragic death last month. These children have regularly attended Sunday school at their church. The children have been temporarily placed in an orphanage because their father has not been able to cope with the loss and is currently hospitalized. Pray for the family and Sasha and Luba as they seek ways to bring comfort and minister to the family during this time of loss.
  • Continue to pray for God's provision for the funding of the upcoming summer camps. Praise God,  for the Lord's provision for more than half of the necessary funds have been received to date. We trust that the Lord will fully fund the camps once again this year.

Baranov Family: CC Vladimir
  • Please pray with them that many Russian people would hear the true Gospel this year and truly humble their hearts before the Lord. They ask you to stand with them in prayer for Vladimir, churches in the Vladimir region and for the new land Ivanovo.
  • Please pray for their churches to stay strong in sound doctrine and in practical righteousness as the Lord is teaching them. Please pray for more workers.
  • Pasha asks you to pray that they can have some able, experienced, and willing teachers come and do good retreats or seminars for their families.

SOUTH AFRICA
Scott Family:  Cape Town
  • Please pray for the Scott's health as they have just entered winter. It has been an extremely hard winter with snow falling only a couple of hours from where they live. 
  • Please pray that the Lord's work would continue unhindered by the enemy. Pray for hearts to be opened and for the Word of the Lord to go forth. 
  • Please pray for Suzanne as she is staying home most days with their kids. Pray for wisdom in raising Godly and loving children. 
  • Please continue to pray for the church plant. God is definitely moving and doing something awesome there. 
  • Please pray against the spiritual warfare. It seems at times the church is confronted around every corner of ministry. Pray that they would all grow though this time of trials and persecutions. Pray that the strength of the Lord would be their guide.

ASIA
E**** Family
  • Please lift their relationship with the Lord.  Pray that circumstances are no influence on hearing from the Lord. Pray for their heart’s desire, that they would clearly hear his voice and be obedient.
  • Please lift up T***C***’s relationship with the Lord.  Ask the Lord to make Himself so real that T***C*** is not moved.
  • Please keep the adoption lifted. 
  • Please continue to pray for Mr. Missionary’s visa situation
  • Please lift that the Lord’s will be done.  Pray that they would get their hearts desire, which is for the world to see Christ in them, and Jesus beside them as they travel through this storm, able to say, “Never the less Lord, not our will but yours be done.” 

CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS
  • Please pray for the attorneys with The National Center for Law & Policy, as they return to court on June 24 & 25 with a statement of decision expected on the 26th.   They are asking the court to order the Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) to comply with religious freedom provisions of the California constitution as well as to offer students the minimum amount of physical education minutes.  
  • Please continue to pray for the family of Carol Garlow, as they adjust to this season.  Grieving is a process.
  • Pray for Susana.  She is 58, has lung disease, and is also going through breast cancer and trying to keep her job while in chemo and radiation. Pray that the Lord would bring people alongside her to help with any and everything she needs. 
  • Please pray for the group from Calvary Chapel South Shore that is doing a yard sale to help provide a church building for Loa.  Ask the Lord to bless their planning and provide all they need.
  • Please continue to pray for Sheri.  Ask the Lord to intervene and eliminate the seizures.  Pray that the reduction to part time work would help.
  •  Please pray for Sherrell.  Ask the Lord to provide her with complete healing.  Pray for the doctors to know how to prevent the reoccurring health issues that she is having.