Previous News
Dean & Sheba Padayhag are back in South Africa and are busy getting settled in a new home, a new marriage and a new ministry of church planting in Kempton Park, a suburb of Johannesburg. They have already experienced several breakdowns in the old Fiat Uno they bought. Meanwhile, coworker William's pickup was stolen right in front of their apartment and recovered a few blocks away. In spite of these setbacks, they have managed to establish a regular Bible study in the area. Read more here.
Ariel & Faith Mahilum with daughter Pauline arrived safely at Phnom Phenn airport on June 13. Ariel writes, "We are now in Kampong Chhnang, Northern Cambodia. We will stay here for a week then we will transfer to Zoe's place in Takeo Province, South Cambodia." The Mahilums are church planters in the Philippines and missionary candidates with TCM. Their journey is the final project of their mission training course which they began a year ago in the Philippines.
Genesis & Verna Maraat together with their two children Andrea and Josiah were robbed at gunpoint in their home in Eldoret, Kenya where they are planting a Grace Church. Genesis opened his gate at about 1:45pm on Thursday, March 23, to take his children to school after lunch. Two men with guns rushed in the gate and demanded the keys to his Toyota Corolla. They then entered the house, tied up Genesis and, after numerous threats, came away with 30,000 shillings, cell phones, video camera and other items worth $2500. The two men then took the Corolla and made their getaway. [Update 3/25: The police were able to recover the Corolla in good condition. Meanwhile, Genesis is looking for a house with more security. Pray for the whole family as the Lord heals them from this financial and emotional loss.]
At the African Grace Leaders Conference in Zambia in 2004 it was decided to work toward an All Africa Grace Fellowship. Since then, Stephens Thobela, Peter Kagwi, Sky Lombe and Kennedy Simtowe have met several times to bring this dream to fruition. Plans include a constitution, conferences, a continental publication and a joint Grace college. The leaders of the AAGF will meet once again in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 19. According to Thobela, “The purpose being to finalize plans for the launch of this organization, which will be part of the biannual Grace event in the African calendar.” TCM continues to promote this Fellowship.
The original TCM structure in the Philippines was the Bible school building in Lupagan near Ozamis City on the major island of Mindanao. It was built in 1959 by pioneer TCM missionaries Vernon Anderson and Joseph Watkins. The building, part of International Grace Bible Institute, has been a major tool in training hundreds of pastors, Bible women, church planters and missionaries. During nearly 50 years of service it has been extended, renovated and repaired. Two years ago we found out that the building is no longer structurally sound and must be replaced. We praise the Lord that he has used American and Filipino believers to raise $50,000 to replace this building from the foundation up. Plans are now being drawn.
Congratulations to Dean & Sheba Padayhag who married on December 3, 2005 in Manila. Their courtship was conducted entirely over the internet between South Africa and the Philippines. Dean & Sheba interviewed for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila on March 16. Praise the Lord that they were accepted to visit TCM headquarters and their supporting churches in the U.S. on their way back to South Africa. The latest word is that they will arrive in the U.S. sometime between April 5-8. Contact TCM if you would like to schedule a visit. [Dean & Sheba arrived in Indianapolis on April 5. Pray that their visa can be extended for another month.]
Associate Director Joseph Watkins traveled in the Philippines January 17 to February 5 accompanied by John LaVier, Jr., Dean Reinheimer and Kevin Sadler. They visited several churches and conducted leadership and doctrinal seminars on the I.G.B.I. campuses in Bataan, Ozamis and Tagum. John LaVier of Indianapolis said he was encouraged by the growth of the churches and enthusiasm for evangelism shown by the pastors. He said the speakers managed to stay healthy throughout the trip and had numerous opportunities to preach, teach and visit with the Grace believers in the Philippines. Joe Watkins attributes the strength of the Grace churches in the Philippines to their firm foundation on the Word of God and their zeal to follow the Apostle Paul in reaching the lost as he followed Christ. More